Among the calm waves of his dream, Avernus heard a mellifluous voice, humming a tone.

The air and environment felt strange. Avernus struggled to open his eyes. Still sleepy, he soon found out he was at the beach.

"Rise and shine, big boy."

The sudden greeting startled him, nearly jumping up. He turned and saw Tia sitting behind him, with a crossed leg and watching him intently.

“Good morning,” Avernus mumbled.

"Oh? You expected someone else, your highness?" Tia teased.

Avernus brushed a hand over his face. "No, but I wasn't expecting to find myself lying on the sand."

Tia sighed at Avernus’s neglect of his sleep. "You keep forgetting you’re a human and need sleep. Even Velvet now knows how irresponsible you are. Although I think she enjoyed it, having a helpless Shepherd under her sharp claws.”

Avernus rubbed his forehead, trying to ward off his morning dizziness, "Tsk, stop with the teasing and tell me what happened already."

Tia mocked a smile. "You fell on her lap. Velvet stroked your hair from time to time, looking at the moon. She did that for a bit, then she left."

Avernus, imagining the scene, unintentionally smiled. “That’s not half-bad. Although Velvet did leave me at the end.”

Tiamat sneered at his ridiculous smiling face. “You should be happy with what you get. The way she is, I doubt anyone can get away with the things you do so easily.”

“Maybe she likes me.” Avernus presumed, his smile getting more prominent.

Tia decided to face him with reality. "Bad news, Avernus. Velvet does not care. She told me a few days ago that nothing supersedes her revenge. I was just worried that you might get hurt. You, humans, are all naive and stupid."

“Velvet is right,” Avernus agreed. “She was imprisoned for three years, doing nothing but devouring daemons. I admire her. If it were me, I probably would have gone insane.”

Tia’s eyes gleamed with curiosity about Velvet. "You never specifically told me what made you interested in that peasant girl who made you risk it all."

Avernus rose on his feet, staring into the horizon. The seagulls flew above, ocean churning on the shore, giving Avernus a nostalgic vibe. "When I first met Velvet, my first impression of her was a normal and simple village girl. Then, she showed compassion towards Laphi, towards Arthur, and for a time, even towards me. I envied them. For the first time, I was jealous of something others had. I wanted that freedom and their love. Those simple pleasures. People like her are now rare."

Avernus remembered the dreadful events of Advent again. "Velvet was sixteen, still young. She hadn't seen the world. But she was thoughtful and supportive of her family. Laphi, her brother, was so talented, a free soul who you'd never expect to find in that corner of the world. Those memories are painful, even to me. I thought for once in my damn life. I could save someone and not be a killer. But it’s the same thing again. It’s like a curse.”

"At least we have a chance,” Tia comforted him. “I know that you're living in the moment, kind of guy, but remember that women are manipulators and Velvet is a daemon, so that goes double for that girl. Act accordingly." Tia emphasized the last part.

“Don’t worry about me. I can handle it.”

“Good. Let’s get back to Van Eltia. We need to resume our search for Grimorih.” Tia suggested, gesturing at the town.

The duo made their way back to the ship.

Near the docks, they saw everyone already disembarked and ready. Eizen spotted them and scowled, crossing his arms over his chest. "There you are. I hope you rested enough because we have a long day ahead of us."

GROWL

Avernus's belly rumbled. He hadn't eaten for nearly two days. Luckily, they were still far away from them to hear it.

Avernus swallowed. "…Very well. Onward then.” He noticed Zaveid is approaching him in uncertainty. Tia saw him too and huffed in a mild annoyance. “That guy.”

Zaveid stopped beside them, looking sober and not hateful. “I thought about what you did, and even I disagree with that, I understand. And I shouldn’t have called you a killer.”

Avernus waved his hand dismissively. “I’m over it. It is fine.”

Tia raised a brow in skepticism. “What made you change your mind?”

Zaveid turned to Laphicet, and he nodded from afar. “Let’s say, small talk with a mutual friend filled me in. He told me how you take care of everyone, and I believed him.”

“Our mutual friend is a fine man. I’m not that good of character he endorsed me for.” Avernus said humbly.

Zaveid nodded in agreement. “That’s what I decided, but I want one thing back..” He extended his hand. “The Siegfried, If you may.”

“I still need it.” Avernus was ready and said it without hesitation.

Zaveid’s forehead wrinkled in disappointment. “You promised, remember?”

“I did, and I will give it to you when the time is right,” Avernus said with confidence, not flinching an inch.

Zaveid groaned in a low voice, retracting his hand. “Very well. But I need it fast. You are lucky Aifread’s crew are nice to me.” He turned to Tia with a sudden grinning. She read what that player wanted to ask. “So, Miss, any plans-”

“Not a chance,” Tia knew what he was going to say and rejected him instantly on the spot.

Zaveid strengthened his chest, looking unshaken. “Well, if you changed your mind, you’d better act quickly. My dance cards will not remain free.”

As he left their side, Tia let out a soft moan. “We might complete our colourful group with this one.”

“I doubt he will stay,” Avernus predicted. “I hope he doesn't make problems if we have to face another one of the Abbey’s shenanigans.”

Avernus spotted Laphicet joining him. He opened and pulled something out of his pouch that was nicely wrapped up.

"Here! Velvet made it for you. She said you'd probably be hungry since you didn't come back to the ship last night." Laphicet offered.

Avernus’s eyes glinted and instantly took the pouch, unwrapping it. "Katsu sandwiches!”

Velvet walked to their side, watching him intently, and her face lit up slightly as she saw his eyes scanning the sandwiches in approvement. "No sweat. I didn't want you to fight on an empty stomach." Velvet insensitively replied as usual.

The team made their way into the city. Avernus started to consume sandwiches one by one quickly. He ripped them with each bite which looked kind of scary to Laphicet. Like a hungry dragon gashing at its helpless prey. Eleanor growled in anger. "Mind your manners, Avernus! I can't believe someone like you could eat like that in public!"

At first, he was indifferent, then he stared Eleanor in the eyes and added more facial expressions to the act just to frustrate her more.

"You're such a stubborn child! Hmph!"

"I don't care. I'm hungry, alright? I haven't eaten anything for the last couple of days. Don't judge me." Avernus answered Eleanor with food still in his mouth, making her even madder.

Laphicet laughed at them both. Avernus was unflinching to Eleanor’s scolding and seemed to stray even more from the path.

Eleanor turned to Laphicet. "Don't learn that from him, Laphicet. It's atrocious!"

Avernus rolled his eyes. "Whatever… Any news on Grimoirh?"

Rokurou shook his head in response, "No, still no leads."

"Magilou. When did you get that letter from her you mentioned?" Velvet asked.

"Hard to say. Must it have been… last year? A decade ago?" Magilou mockingly replied, which made nearly everyone furious.

Eizen crept up behind her, eyes starting to boil in anger. "Take this seriously, or I'll feed you to the sharks."

Magilou stopped, looking entitled and not scared. "Oh, what? I think I'd at least rate a Kraken."

Avernus devoured the last of the sandwiches, turning to Magilou. "You barely rate a Piranha, but it's nice to see them slowly consume you, alive."

“Not impressed a bit.” Magilou ridiculed.

Velvet shifted toward Magilou, ready to blast her blabbermouth away. Suddenly, her eyes caught a glimpse of two familiar figures walking in the distance. "It's them!"

Avernus, still sleepy, narrowed his eyes at them to understand what and who Velvet is pointing at. She grabbed his arm and pulled him behind one of the huts. "Hide."

Avernus recognized them."Those are the two kids that fought me in the Empyrean throne.”

"Teresa and Oscar,” Magilou introduced. “Also, Velvet is the cause of that guy's injury."

"Really? You didn't tell me.” Avernus murmured near Velvet’s ear.

“You did beat him pretty bad. You nearly killed Oscar.” Velvet reminded him, seemingly appraising him.

The team could hear them from their hiding spot. Eavesdropping was easy.

Teresa, the girl with the long blonde hair, stopped and with a smile, turning to Oscar, You will have the whole garrison under your command once you assume your new post. The final preparations are already complete."

"Thank you, sister. But to be honest, I worry that these shoes I'm filling might just be a bit too big for me."

Teresa smiled in response, encouraging Oscar. "You need not worry; Lord Astor has confidence in your strength and skills. Shepherd Artorius has high hopes for your deployment to Palamedes. Fear not. Just be yourself, and you'll do fine. Believe you're a leader, and you will be."

Avernus' hearing focused more precisely as he heard Lucian's name, "For a foreigner, Lucian rose in the ranks so quickly."

Tia chuckled. "Maybe he's filling the role you were supposed to do."

"But Why? What will he get out of it? And how did they contact the mainland?" Averns wondered.

Oscar shut his eyes. “Even after my failure at the Empyrean throne, I don’t think I deserve it. I was powerless to do anything about the daemon Velvet, and I was useless against her accomplice, Avernus.” Oscar was surrendering to his despair, and feelings of utter defeat hazed his eye. “He nearly killed you because of my failure!”

Teresa stepped closer and touched his face in assurance. “It wasn’t your fault. I was weak, but I’m going to be strong. The next time we see them, we will both prevail.” She retracted her hand and stepped back. "Watch out in your search for the relic. That daemon in Haria is stronger than we anticipated. We've even had some casualties..."

Rokurou turned to Avernus, "There's a daemon in Haria. It sounds like it's a pretty aggressive one, too."

"And there is a relic,” Avernus added.

Both of them grinned in anticipation. It seemed that they had found their entertainment for the day.

Velvet looked at them with approval, "The relic and the daemon may prove useful."

As the exorcists left the scene, Magilou moved closer to Eleanor and glared at her intently. "Still, what magical timing for Oscar to show up here at the very same hour we do."

Eleanor caught her accusing tone. “I understand your suspicion of me. But have you any proof?"

Velvet shared the same concern as Magilou. "None. But as an exorcist, you're certainly sympathetic to Abbey's cause."

Avernus crossed his arms. "Of course. She still believes in their plan. There is no reason for her not to be sympathetic. At least not yet."

Magilou grinned wickedly. "And soon, you may wish we were sympathetic."

Eleanor sensed their distrust and lowered her head, feeling miserable. Laphicet sensed her sadness and to her defence. "Eleanor hasn't been informing on us. I'm sure of it."

"And how would you know?” Magilou asked. “Are you watching her even when she's taking a bath?"

Laphicet suddenly blushed, his voice began to stutter, "No, I don't… I… I always stay outside when she's taking a bath."

Magilou continued her interrogation. "Then isn't it possible she's communicating with the Abbey in secret while you're not there?"

Avernus wasn't onboard for what Magilou was doing. "That's enough, Magilou." And shut her down.

Velvet walked towards Eleanor, gawking at her with skepticism, "You pledged to obey me until the day you die, correct?"

"…Yes, that I did," Eleanor answered truthfully.

The tension was high; everybody knew that Artorius ordered Eleanor to bring Laphicet to the Abbey, and they couldn't have got themselves to trust her. Nonetheless, she didn't show any sign of treason.

Avernus broke the tension. "We can argue about it later. Right now, we need to get on with the mission. If we fight among ourselves, you can consider that we've already lost the battle."

Tia agreed. "Avernus is right. When you two trade blows, only the Abbey wins."

Eizen nodded at Tia. "One less daemon and one less traitor for them to worry about."

Laphicet moved between Velvet and Eleanor. "And that daemon could be attacking Grimoirh!"

Velvet decided to let go of her skepticism and lead the group toward the outskirts.

Avernus, although, was focused on more exciting matters. "A relic. Whatever that thing is, we need to get it."

"Why?" Rokurou asked.

"It seems to be important to the Abbey. We need to deny them the chance, whatever it is. If Abbey wants it, then we need it-” Then, Avernus spotted Eizen glaring at him from the corner of his eyes. “What is it?” Avernus asked.

Eizen stopped, prompting others to do the same, and they turned to him in wonder. “Now we talked about Eleanor. I have to ask… Can you be trusted?”

Eizen’s gaze was entirely on Avernus, demanding answers.

“What is it that makes you think I’m not trustworthy?”

Eizen growled behind his teeth. "You were a shepherd, and now you're hunting the leader of an organization that is same as you. Moreover, you're helping the very beings you used to hunt. Some revenge story like Velvet won't be going to cut it anymore." Eizen narrowed his eyes on Avernus. “I can’t trust someone who betrayed his life’s creed.”

It looked like a standoff between them. Avernus grinned slightly. “Life’s creed? Then you don’t know what my creed truly is.”

Eizen seemed to be more interested, watching Avernus’s confident expression that didn’t flinch under his reaper gaze.

“My creed is fighting for myself. I chose my path, and I chose to be here. Being labelled as a shepherd was not my creed. I abandoned something I didn’t want to do.” Avernus narrowed his eyes at Eizen. “I left it because that was the right thing to do.”

Their staring contest continued for a moment before Eizen nodded his head in approval. “We’re good.”

Tia moved protectively beside Avernus. “You stood your ground. I’m proud.”

Avernus gave her a silent glance before resuming their search.

As they searched for Grimoirh, they came across a shop. On the shelves, Laphicet spotted a series of Normin statues. "Hey! Those dolls look like Bienfu."

Avernus glanced at the dolls. He found them to be somewhat in a familiar shape.

Suddenly, the shop owner approached them. "That's a good observation. This is a doll of the Empyrean Amenoch. I've seen her with my own eyes. Real dignified, but not without a bit of a temper." He described.

"Why was she angry?" Velvet asked.

"The Abbey banned all professions of the Amenochian faith in Southgand, despite her popularity. That's probably the reason. I tried talking to her, but no matter what I said, she just kept sighing." The shopkeeper explained.

Magilou took a glimpse of Avernus as he was rubbing his forehead and shaking his head. She instantly knew that he wasn't lying when he said that he met her before. Magilou saw glints of recognition in Avernus’s eyes.

"Hah! Luck smiles upon us, weary adventurers! That listless goddess is none other than the old Grim!" Magilou said.

"So, where did you see her?" Velvet asked.

The shopkeeper pointed over to the exit gate. "I think it was down by Maclir Beach."

Magilou ran towards the gate, turning as she held her arms high. "Quickly, everyone, to the beach!"

They'd found the clue they were looking for. Velvet took the lead and went through the gates and into the beach area. The sun was already up high. The site had a strange geometry; the sand fronts were surrounded by large rocks, narrowing the traversable roads. The team members began to move away from each other to cover more ground, but they kept each other in their line of sight.

In the meantime, Zaveid came to Avernus’s side. “Can I make a request?”

Avernus glanced at him over the corner of his eyes, waiting.

Zaveid continued. "I know how you work, and I wanted to ask, can you spare any malakhim you come across as much as you can? They're not to blame for whatever is happening in this world. I don't trust those daemons or even Eizen with that, but Malakhims are being brainwashed, and you are the only one who could understand it if you're claiming to be who you are."

Zaveid was right; malakhims were being forced to follow the Abbey’s bidding. As a Shepherd, they were allies to him. Until that moment, He didn't care and wouldn't hesitate to kill either of them if they're going to get in his way.

Avernus considered Zaveid’s request and thought maybe he should've started to focus more on saving more lives, even if he had to take more risks. He raised his head and glanced at Velvet.

Maybe that would be good for her too.

In the meantime, Magilou crept up behind him. "Hey, Avernus. I was wondering about something."

“What?”

"… Is it permissible for the very two enemies that are destined to kill each other too, oh, what is the word I search for… aha, fraternize?"

“Huh?”

Magilou winked and grinned intently. “It seems most undisciplined for someone who claimed he wanted to end the daemon's threat to be involved with a daemon."

"One thing has nothing to do with the other, Magilou. This is a…a ridiculous question." Avernus answered with confidence.

"Is it?” Magilou wondered with doubt. “It seems you and Velvet are strangely becoming inseparable. Your hips almost want to stick like magnets.”

“That's a bit of an overstatement, don't you think?"

Magilou chuckled. “Being enraptured by her is not an understatement.”

Avernus knew what she was up to. "Velvet is our leader. I always look for her orders and guidance.”

Magilou stroked her chin, raising a brow. "Oh, I see. So what guidance did you find around her heaving chest or her swaying hips, hmm?"

“Are you jealous?” Avernus smirked, “Of her chest and hips?”

Magilou felt like a cold shower just washed her away. “What do you mean- Wait!” She pointed an accusing finger at him. “Are you telling me I lack in… assets?!”

Avernus shrugged and grinned as his counter strike riled Magilou up. “Don’t you worry. I know there are other men out there that like-”

Suddenly, he felt a chilling bite on his waits and his teeth clenched and his brows darted up. He gasped silently as his breath was taken away.

“Avernus,” Velvet whispered scoldingly as she grabbed his body with her therion arm, sucking the energy from him. “Watch where your eyes linger.”

Velvet let go of him, and goosebumps went away. Magilou giggled, watching his pale face. “Yeah. You should be more considerate. Laphicet is going to learn those from his pappy Avernus if you are not careful.”

Laphicet called Avernus to his side, gesturing over some rocks. Eleanor was there, looking over some creature that looked like a penguin hybrid and a colourful bird.

"They look like a momma and a poppa Pengyon! They are monogamous, faithful creatures. They never leave their mate. Isn't that romantic?" Eleanor said to herself, looking dreamy.

"So they lay eggs because they're like husband and wife,” Laphicet described.

But how do they make the eggs?"

Eleanor nearly panicked, and Velvet had no idea what to say. However, Avernus opened his mouth eagerly. "Well, to put it simply, when momma and poppa lov- "

The enormous pain in his right foot immediately cut him off. Velvet nearly crushed his foot under her steel boot. Eleanor quickly took the opportunity to change the subject.

"S-So, Laphicet! Here's an interesting fact! A single Pengyon egg contains dozens of smaller, orange eggs.!"

Avernus leaned near Velvet’s ear. "You're… crushing it…"

A drop of sweat fell from his brows. Avernus looked at Velvet from the corner of his eyes. She didn't look mad and even took part in their conversation while adding her weight to the pressure, blaming Eleanor for her interest in eating the eggs. He kept nodding as they conversed, but Velvet didn't raise her foot. After their talk ended, she flashed a furious glance.

"Dumbass." Velvet whispered as she finally pulled her foot away.

Avernus hissed in pain and felt admiration for her, showing protection for Laphicet. “I always knew; You’ve never changed, Velvet.”

After walking alongside the beach, they spotted a small creature sitting on a tree trunk. Definitely a Normin, Avernus recognized the small grey figure wearing a large hat. Velvet called out to her, loudly,

"You're Grimoirh, right? We've been looking for you. We need your help."

Velvet's angry and demanding tone prompted Grimoirh to lower her head in annoyance, hiding her face behind her large hat. Uninterested, she let out a long sigh. "Who are you?"

"I'm Velvet. And I know your witch friend and your Shepherd acquaintance."

Grimoirh immediately realized she meant Magilou but didn't know about the shepherd. She quickly glanced at the group to find that acquaintance. Her eyes fixed on Avernus.

Avernus raised his hand and slightly waved at her wordlessly.

"Oh, my. The hero has risen from the grave.” Grimorih said.

"Guess that’s the case.”

After sizing Avernus up, Grimorih turned her attention away.

Contrary to his expectation, Grimoirh didn't sound very surprised nor interested. Magilou and Bienfu then stepped forward and jumped right to the point. "We need help deciphering an ancient tome."

Grimoirh raised her head, looking slightly surprised. "You two, the outlandish pair. My goodness, Magilou. You of all people joining a team. I didn't know you had it in you."

"They keep me entertained, at least." Magilou pointed out.

"Well, I don't need entertainment."

Anger bubbled inside Velvet’s chest, and All of sudden, Velvet drew her sword, pointing it at Grimoirh's neck threateningly. "Maybe you need some convincing."

Grimoirh turned at Avernus, looking unimpressed, "You've got some fascinating but questionable companions with you."

Velvet frowned more as Grimoirh began to annoy her, "I'm serious!"

Grimorih stared into Velvet’s eyes and sensed her bluff and remained calm. "I bet you are."

After a moment of silence, Avernus came to her side, "Listen, Grimoirh, this is a serious matter. After all, I saved your lives that night. You owe me."

Grimorih was more than ready to counter him. "We picked up your lifeless body and gave it a proper burial in a casket. Consider that as repayment. Or you would've rather wanted that we left you for daemons and animals to feast upon, hmm? We’re square."

Avernus sensed that he was dealing with another version of Magilou and heaved a heavy sigh.

Grimoirh looked into Velvet's eyes, assessing who she was dealing with, "Your eyes tell me you're dangerous. Trouble follows you like a hawk tail a rabbit. And at my age, trouble is something I'd rather avoid."

"Then it appears that we've wasted our time," Eizen complained.

"A walk on the beach is never wasted… But sorry."

"Is deciphering a book too much to ask?" Zaveid asked.

"I haven't got here by helping troublesome bands, dear."

Laphicet slowly walked towards Grimoirh in uncertainty, but he was determined to have his turn and speak his mind. "Well, how did you learn to read the ancient tongue? Are there books for studying it?"

Grimoirh glanced at the young Malak, smiling in approval. "My my, are you thinking of learning it on your own?"

Laphicet gathered more courage to express himself more, "I love reading, and I want to learn more about history. Besides, we need what's in this book."

"You are passionate, child. I'll give you that."

Magilou quivered her lips, trying to appeal to Grimorih’s good side. "Not to mention you want to be helpful to Velvet and Avernus, don't you?"

"My tuition isn't cheap, you know," Grimoirh said.

Avernus loosened up a bit. Having found a glimmer of hope, "I don't care, whatever it is, I'll pay for it."

"I won't teach him, Avernus. But I admire his dedication enough to read it for him. Now, where's this book?"

Laphicet was excited. He pulled the book from his pouch and ran towards Grimoirh. "Here you go, ma'am."

Girmoirh raised a brow. "You don't need to be so formal.”

Laphicet turned to Avernus as he held the book. Like someone who was waiting for permission from their parents. Avernus nodded as it was okay not to be formal with her. "Yes…ma'am. Er, uh—Not ma'am!"

Grimoirh narrowed her eyes at the nervous Laphicet, which made him even more anxious.

"Go easy on him, Grimoirh. I'm sure you can appreciate the extra respect that he's giving you." Avernus said.

Grimoirh accepted and opened the book. "Guess you love to play the big old guardian for everyone. Let's see what we're looking at here; The language of ancient Avarost… It had to be the hard one, of course. A lot of wear and tear, too. That’ll take some time."

"We're in a hurry. You need to wrap this up sooner. “ Velvet demanded.

"There is a village called Haria nearby. I think we can find somewhere comfortable to decipher the book."

Velvet was tense, and Avernus felt it. "Trust me. It is better to stay in a safe zone rather than sitting here under the sun. I don't want to endanger our only chance to discover the book's meaning while we're in the open."

Velvet agreed, nodding in response. "Fine. Haria village, then. Whatever gets the job done."

Grimoirh closed the book and jumped down the trunk, looking at Avernus intently, studying him."You're still the same considerate man that I remember."

Tia walked between them, prompting the little lady spirit to notice her. "Oh, you brought another guest."

With her usual confidence and egotistical expression, Tia slowly lowered her head and looked at Grimoirh, "Far-continent was never this diversified. I've met a lot of interesting malakhims during our journey. meeting another common spirit with a knack for ancient knowledge is refreshing."

Grimoirh was slightly bothered by Tia’s condescending tone, referring to her as a common spirit. The phrase that Normins hated most. But she felt something new and strange about Tia’s presence.

Eleanor quickly joined them, sliding in between. "I apologize if I’m rude, but I have to ask… You're not Amenoch the Empyrean, are you?"

Grimoirh nearly moaned at the idea,

"Of course, I'm not an Empyrean. I'm just a simple girl. It would be hard for anyone to worship an Empyrean like me, am I right?" Grimorih turned to Tia, waiting for an answer.

“Are you asking me?”

“You seem to be someone who's seen a lot. Still, you are in good shape but arrogant and proud at the same time. I guess perhaps you could fit an Empyrean description. Although I think it would be too much for some normal person like Avernus to handle an Empyrean all by himself."

Grimoirh seemed to be amusing to Tia. "Perhaps I'm. And let me tell you, Avernus is no ordinary person. He is a good asset.” Tia looked at Velvet, and she nodded in approval.

Avernus saw the two women agreeing and huffed in annoyance. "I'm so glad that I'm nothing but a useful asset to all of you."

Rokurou patted Avernus’s shoulder. "Beware of the women!"

Avernus growled in response, and the rest made their way towards the village.

After reaching Haria, contrary to their expectations, the small town had a friendly and serene atmosphere. They went straight for the inn and reserved a room for Grimoirh to decipher the book in peace.

As soon as they entered the room, Grimorih jumped on the table. "All right, time to start deciphering this scroll."

Avernus pulled a chair and joined her, turning to the rest of the team. "I'll be here helping her. You guys can go and wait outside so we can concentrate."

Laphicet eagerly darted to their side, face beaming with excitement. "Do you think maybe I could stay and watch?"

"Yeah, sure. I don't mind." Avernus agreed and looked at Grimoirh, waiting for her confirmation, but she had a stiff look on her face.

Laphicet pleaded. "I do want to study the ancient tongue. I promise I'll be quiet and not get in your way, teacher." As Laphicet requested, Grimoirh's eyes widened in surprise to hear him calling her a teacher. She then smiled,

"Hmm. I like that. I'll teach you how to read ancient Avarost."Laphicet nearly jumped in joy.

Avernus knew that Tia would be a great asset to them, but at the same time, she was a malak that always did her own thing. "You are welcome to join. We can use some of your knowledge.”

"No, I'm sure you three got this.” Tia rejected as he expected.

The group left the room, and three began to skim through the beginning pages.

A long hour had passed. Laphicet was closely observing both Grimoirh and Avernus. They both began to show some signs of weariness. Avernus was holding his face between his two hands. "That is impossible. Every rearrangement I've done leads to something meaningless and stupid.”

Grimoirh had the same idea. "Yes, ancient Avarost is like a denied lover who refuses to move on."

Laphicet concentrated on the lines that both Avernus and Grimoirh were stuck at, "From what you taught me so far, it looks like it says "Sa, popo, mucho, sanchon."

Avernus reviewed the lines. "You're right, Laphicet, but you can't translate it word for word. Because as of now, it means, "The parent hates tomatoes, so the child hates eggplants." Those have nothing to do with Innominat unless it is pointed out that he's not from a family of vegetarians."

Laphicet chuckled at his seriousness. Grimoirh continued, "Their grammar is nothing like ours or anything modern at all. Sometimes you have to reorder the words, and even then, the meaning can require leaps of logic and flashes of intuition."

"Reordering? So, like… "Sansan… Pochopocho… Pochomusan, pochomusan." Can you read it that way?" Laphicet wondered.

Avernus was on the verge of lying on the table, exhausted. But after hearing what Laphicet said to them, he began to sit upright, and his eyes widened, waking up as he found something new. "He's right… If pochomusan is repeated here, then it can be the same for here and there… the title of the passage turns into…"

"The Nameless Empyrean." Grimoirh finished Avernus's sentence.

"Of course, Empyreo Innominatus… Outstanding Laphicet!" Avernus's praise made him cheerful. Now the unexpected guest turned out to be their saviour.

Outside, everyone was waiting impatiently for the results. Tia found Velvet near the beach, standing alone.

Tia joined her and stared over the horizon. “Thinking about someone?” Tia teased in her calm and soothing voice. “Maybe Avernus?”

Velvet glanced uncomfortably from the corner of her eye. “No.”

Tia didn’t seem to believe her. “I heard that your sister fell in love with Artorius. I wonder if it is the same for you.”

Velvet clenched her fist. “My sister made a mistake. I will not do the same.” Velvet felt Tia’s concern like a big sister worried for her younger brother. “I will not be around for much longer. You don't need to worry about me getting in Avernus’ way. I dug two graves when I started this quest. The place I'm headed is not meant for him."

"That's what scares me, Velvet,” Tia said. “ Avernus knows pretty well what your resolve is. He is probably stupid enough to fill the last one for you."

Velvet’s heart escaped a beat in anger and worries. "I will not let him! This is my fight and my decision! He has no right to choose for me!”

Tia smiled as she was satisfied with her genuine reaction. "You are right. Then make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid. Unlike you, he can have a future. The world needs people like him.”

Velvet’s heart was broken, but she agreed with her. "Let's see what they've found. I don't want to talk about it anymore."

The party gathered and entered the room. Avernus was sitting a bit far from them, crossing his arms and thinking deeply. Grimoirh and Laphicet were together, still having their heads deep in the book.

"Well, any results?" Velvet wondered.

Grimoirh serenely nodded and smiled, "Yes, thanks to the boy, we’ve found something. As it turns out, he has quite a knack for languages. As I told Avernus, having him around is a blessing."

"That's only because I've got the best teachers," Laphicet said.

Grimoirh slowly glanced at him and winked, teasing him. "Careful, honey-tongue, you'll give this old girl some ideas."

Velvet eyes narrowed at Grimoirh. Avernus noticed that and grinned at Velvet’s jealousy.

Laphicet was undoubtedly cute. Since Velvet started to care for the little guy, she had to fight other people for her territory anonymously. But Avernus was proud of him. He was at a tender age but the quality he had was far beyond any other malak.

"Now, child. I'm sure they're curious about the song we unearthed. Why don't you read it out loud?" Grimorih offered.

Laphicet picked up the book. "Eight-headed is the Lord of the Land/With seven mouths to devour malevolence. /Through pulses of earth doth base nature flow/As he awaits the time of awakening. /Four Empyreans may tear him asunder. /But so long as there is one receptive to divine power/ Therions shall be forever reborn. / Insight of the full crimson moon. / The Nameless Empyrean hath one heart. / The Nameless Empyrean hath one body."

"Therions?" Velvet said to herself, her eyes suddenly locked with Avernus as he was watching her. He knew exactly what that meant. Their focus was disturbed by Grimoirh.

"Essentially, this ancient text you've found is an annotated volume of drawings and songs about Innominat and some other that we don't know."

"Then hurry up and just tell us what it means!" Velvet demanded, already nervous.

Avernus rubbed his tired eyes, "We've only been able to read the song lyrics.”

He then looked at Tia while she was still showing disinterest in that matter.

"I take it we're still in for a good long wait before it's thoroughly decrypted,” Magilou said.

Eleanor unexpectedly moved closer to the table, checking the book with great attention. "We can still learn a lot from lyrics alone. The common belief is that four Empyreans created this world: earth, water, wind, and fire. But they also call Innominat an Empyrean."

Avernus crossed his legs and stretched on the chair. "I never knew the name “Empyrean” before I started my journey. I can only relate them to the great spirits. They are not the entities responsible for the creation, but they smostly eem to be the guardians and governors. The unsettling matter is that even though Innominat is an Empyrean, he's not in the same league with the rest of them."

"Perhaps a war broke out between them that resulted in him being sealed away." Eleanor presumed.

Magilou leaned against the wooden wall. "But if there is someone to connect with this "divine power," the therions will keep spawning, and just like that, Innominat will be revived."

Avernus recognized Artorius’s connection with Innominat and understood his plan. "Then we can assume that Artorius fits that description, and he's trying to reawaken Innominat. Everything perfectly lines up."

"Then our job is to find these therions and cut off the entity's heads." As Velvet concluded, Rokurou began to look baffled,

"Where do we start looking for them?"

"The therions job is to feed Innominat through the earthpulse. The best place to do that is to position the therions at earthpulse points." Tia suggested.

Laphicet brought his beetle out of his pocket, "Remember the barrier that was keeping rhinostagros in the forest?

Avernus studied the creature closely. "So that thing is a therion? That explains why the Abbey was keeping it locked up. That goes with that Griffin monster at the royal villa."

Zaveid began to itch his head, "This is getting more complicated and nasty as it is. You mean that these therions all come in different shapes and forms?"

"So what? Are you disappointed?" Eizen asked.

"No, it's just why does it need seemmostlymonsters to feed him? If he's called an Empyrean, he sounds more sinister than benevolent." Zaveid pointed out.

A notion flashed inside Laphicet’s mind and pulled his significant compass out of his pouch. Its needle was going crazy, moving around. "I… I'm feeling the same thing as I did in Warg Forest!"

A white aura enveloped him as he tapped into his core. The needle stopped suddenly, pointing towards the south, "The needle's pointing in the direction of Amenoch's temple, Palamedes. Do I recall hearing that the Abbey took that over?" Magilou observed.

Avernus then remembered what Tabatha told him. "Palamedes… Tabatha told me that Kamoana and her mother travelled to that temple from Loegres."

With their goal set, Avernus turned to the group. "Rest up, people. Tomorrow morning, We'll be going to Palamedes."

Everyone looked at him with approval.

Velvet agreed." Better than sitting around waiting on the book. If nothing else, we'll find out what Laphicet is sensing."

As the group moved out, Avernus went to a table on the other side. He unpacked a series of engraved miniature but elegant tools as he sat and placed Siegfried beside the tools. He pierced his pointer finger, and a drop of blood fell on a small golden plate. Avernus whispered an ancient spell, and the engraving began to glow.

Unknown to him, everyone was watching. A small, silver and shiny-looking thing conjured on the plate. Avernus noticed their curiosity. "I'm making bullets for Siegfried. I can appreciate it if you leave me to my work. Go and get yourselves ready."

Rokurou pulled one of his short swords, checking the blade. "I think my swords need some sharpening. The sea weather is also bad for swords. Velvet, I suggest you let me check your wrist blade."

Velvet nodded, and everyone left the room except for Tia, Laphicet, and Grimoirh.

Tia joined Avernus and added some enchantment to the bullets. Laphicet moved beside him and picked one of those shiny rounds, examining it from close as it hummed with magic. "Bullets for Siegfried…"

"Yes. I advise examining your guardian papers, Laphicet, while you're still awake."

"Why?" asked Laphicet as their emerald gaze met one another. Avernus smirked intently.

"Because we're going to war."