So this time it's a botanical garden...

The botanical garden is located between the first blast furnace and a river. I can also see what looks like landfills and cities ahead.

Honestly, what is the demon here intending to do with this land?

Hm, a demon interested in human technology.

As demons are born with immense power, they rarely show interest in such things.

In fact, humans only constructed and refined different technologies due to their own weaknesses.

So then, why is Mordlim, the demon ruler of this land, interested in these human-made things?

I am quite curious.

A demon interested in human technologies.

Ugh, doesn't seem like a demon Mora would hate. So then her goal must be...

Whatever, there are more important things to focus on than her movements right now.

Quit your blabbering! Now, let's get a move on.

There's no point in talking here.

We have to go before Lord Owen gets even further ahead!

...hmm.

Seria, you...

Hey, Hans.

When Seria gets older, do you think she'll end up like Owen?

Hans, don't answer that. There is no good answer...

What are you whispering about over there?!

Ho ho ho.

Hm, what's that?

Why are all these boulders tumbling down?

Tsk, this trap is probably Mirfah again!

Get a hold of yourself! They are but mere stones! Simply shatter them!

There are too many!

Darn it, everyone scatter and evacuate! We'll be slowed down if we move together!

Our target is the Weather Tower! Just get there however you can!

Tsk, I'm outta here!

Hans, don't loiter around. Move it, now!

Hans, I'm sure you'll be fine, but be careful!

Hm, is Mirfah nearby? No, I do not believe so...

Hm, it appears everyone has lost their nerve.

Well, you clearly won't be defeating anyone in this state.

Hey there, Hans.

Haha. There's no need for that troubled look.

Keeping up with you all has been a bit of a hassle, so...

I worked with Mirfah to have a little trap set up.

...... Well, I suppose that would explain the troubled look.

Of course, I did think this a bit bad on my part.

But I did truly believe you would all be fine.

And it does seem everyone has escaped safely, so...

......

Hans, this is where I get to my main point.

I heard a lot about Ishgria's Recon Squad from Mirfah.

I also think that the things Grahdens and the other Elder Summoners did earned them their hatred.

However, I figured gramps must have had his own reasons.

Ah, I told Mirfah about my own circumstances too.

At first I seemed to alarm him, but when I talked to him about things I've yet to share with you guys...

...then he became extremely kind.

He, well, despite how he looks, he's a good person at his core.

What's more, apparently he had a pretty adorable face long ago.

Haha. It's hard to imagine that now though.

He was the newest person in the Recon Squad...

...and he was treated well by the others. He spoke fondly of those times.

Well, his friends in the squad would be exactly why he has that hatred for the Summoners of Old.

That's why as far as I'm concerned, you should head back to Elgaia as soon as possible.

Because if you do, then Grahdens and Mirfah won't have to fight.

I've said it before, but I will do something about Tilith.

And the demons as well.

So, can you trust me and turn back?

......

Well, I suppose that is impossible.

Haha. I knew it, but I didn't think it'd hurt asking again.

......

Oh well. Everything will be fine as long as I accomplish my goal before you're done with yours.

Hey, Hans. What do you think about the Akras Summoners' Hall?

This may be just because Grahdens raised me, but...

...I thought it was a great organization.

It doesn't have any ties to countries or governments, and it employs people of all social statuses.

And more importantly, its purpose is to protect the powerless.

Of course, things obtained in Grand Gaia end up being somewhat exclusive...

...which has its economical benefits.

Still, I believe the essence of the Akras Summoners' Hall is to protect people.

And yet, there is still so much that I don't know.

You've noticed it too, right?

Grahdens is clearly hiding something.

On the one hand I feel like that doesn't matter, but...

After hearing about the Recon Squad from Mirfah...

...I began to think we really needed to hear everything from the Summoners of Old.

I don't think I can continue to risk my life without knowing anything.

......

Sorry, this conversation doesn't have much to do with my goals...

Well, Hans, I should be going.

I'll be sure to talk to you some more once my plans are ready.

So, don't you guys go venturing too far head.

Ever since Owen appeared...

...I've been worried about you guys making a little too much progress.

...... But I guess it's goodbye for now.

Trusting old friends... Isn't that grand.

I've wanted that for a long time. To meet my old friends...