This is...quite a strange cave.

I can't believe it's connected to that lair...

This is Ishgria. Should this really surprise you?

Heck, even Grand Gaia has its fair share of mysterious places.

Paris, don't pay him any mind.

He's just incapable of feeling emotions.

I don't mind it. I've slowly gotten used to dealing with unfortunate people.

You two are way outta line... One of these days I'm gonna give you a good whacking...

But whatever! We'll talk about that later!

That demon Melord has to be just ahead.

From outside, I saw some small castle-looking building, and...

...there's gotta be something in there.

Let's just hurry out of here.

Seria, look at this crystal. It's beautiful, but the light is a bit strange...

You're right. It doesn't look like a regular jewel...

Don't get too close to that crystal.

Who's there?!

......

You...

What happened to old man Owen?

Hm, I'm sure you already understand.

Taking on Owen as your opponent is not something for the sane to do.

Right about now, he should likely be encountering lesser demons and beasts while pursuing me.

And while that won't kill him, it should weaken him.

I intend to achieve my revenge before that.

Why are you telling us this?

You know that we are Summoners of the Akras Summoners' Hall, just like Lord Owen.

My hatred only extends to Owen and Grahdens.

I am capable of having mercy for peons such as yourselves.

Well, if all you can do is pity us, why bother to show up here?

I figured you were simply Owen's pawns, but...

...after seeing you at the Lightning Bridge, I realized you were also victims of his.

I simply thought I'd apologize for interrupting as you fought Melord.

......

You seem to be pretty honest for a guy who looks as suspicious as you.

......

There are always Summoners like yourself.

Tsk...

Well, whatever. Getting back to the crystal, what exactly is dangerous about it?

That crystal slowly grants demonic powers to those without them.

It gives demonic powers?! That's extremely dangerous!

Why would demons just leave this here?

For those living in Ishgria...

...almost all have that power since birth.

Therefore, it only has value to those from the outside.

Outsiders like myself, or Melord.

......

If you do not desire power that abandons your humanity, I would advise not staying here much longer.

However, if you desire to end up like myself, I shall not stop you.

I think I'll pass...

Hm, what honesty.

Well then, this is my final bit of advice.

Don't interfere as I kill Owen.

And what if we say no?

Then I'll have to kill you as well.

You think that'd be easy?

......

Do not make me kill any more Summoners than I have to.

...... He said he has no name, but who is he? It looks like he knows a lot about Summoners.

And not only does he seem to hate Lord Owen, but Lord Grahdens as well.

I suspect Lord Grahdens may know something.

Let's talk about that later. First, let's get out of here.

Though I think you weaklings...

...could use a bit of this demonic power.

That's rich coming from someone who already acts like a demon...

Lugina, was your brain left here at some point in your youth?

Seria, please stop. Just imagining that makes me uncomfortable...

Anyway, let's go, Hans.

...Hans.

You've been a bit quiet since we left the Disciple's Lair. Did something happen?

...... That's okay. If you don't want to talk, I won't ask.

Knowing you, I can probably guess what happened.

Paris, let's go!

Hans...

Don't let it get to you.

You do what you think is right.

You'll find your own way. I truly believe that.