Are these...ruins? It seems like they were originally a big city.

I guess Garrett was heading for somewhere just past here?

Yeah. There's no doubt... It's just past here.

......

Then let's hurry! We might still be able to catch up to him.

Before you do that, I'd appreciate it if you'd turn that one over to me.

Bertz.

I didn't anticipate that you would secure Mel.

I don't know what sort of mission brings you here...

...but I do know that the Summoners' Hall has no business with her. What will it take for you to hand her over?

We can't do that!

If we give her to you, you'll take her to the Federation, right?

I believe you already know this, but she and Garrett are plotting to resurrect a demon.

Surely, there is no reason for you to protect such a person?

......

B-But, that doesn't mean we can just abandon her to die!

Oh, honestly... Do you lot even know what she is?

Huh? What do you mean, "what she is?"

She's trained in Summoning and combat, but she's just a normal girl.

......

It seems that even with the powers of a goddess, you cannot discern the difference between humans and similar beings.

Using special technologies, Rahnas...and others in the Abel Faction created her.

Created her?! What do you mean?

Mel? Why don't you tell her?

......

It is...exactly as he says. Lord Rahnas and Garrett created me.

But that's... People can't just up and "create" people.

It seems that the technologies used in her creation came from Mordlim's territory in Rakshult...

...where Rahnas and the others discovered them.

Even within Ishgria, Rakshult featured particularly advanced mechanical and biological technologies, as you can see.

Moreover, she is a Unit able to blend in perfectly with humans.

That said, they apparently experienced countless failures prior to the success in creating her.

Mel...

It's probably only been a few years since she was "born."

Considering how rapidly she has matured physically...

...her life expectancy likely isn't too long, either.

......

No... Even if we save her, Mel will...?!

I see you already understand my point.

Only a few years left, no real future...

...and a hollow life lacking even Rahnas, the one person she believed in...

...that's what Mel has to live for.

There is no point in defending someone like her, or in us fighting each other.

Now that you understand, hand her over.

B-But...

Hah! Just listen to yourself! Can't believe I'm hearing this garbage from you.

How are you different from her? Huh?

You vanish before my eyes, then run off to serve at the Federation leadership's beck and call!

You say I'm the same as her? That's not funny, Lugina.

Who's laughing? You are the same.

Let's say you do capture Garrett and Mel, and put a stop to their plans.

But what then?

......

You're going to do as the Federation says? Become leader of a black ops division that takes the Abel Faction's place...

...and live your life as a puppet? Is that your plan?

Leader of a black ops division, huh? You're well informed, aren't you?

You shouldn't underestimate me, you know.

That means you probably also know my current situation.

You went for the true power of Summoning, then when that failed you put everything into just surviving?

Tsch, now who's not being funny?

......

Well...it seems you don't intend to hand her over peacefully.

You've got that right. We can't give her to the likes of you.

Very well. I will leave her with you for now.

For my part, I don't have time to waste with you lot right now.

Stopping Garrett takes priority.

Why...why is Bertz doing this?

......

You'll understand when we get farther ahead. Anyway, let's move!

O-Okay!