Lass couldn't dwell on the events that took place within the hall and dropped back down to meet the others. Fortunately, it seemed that the fighting had stopped as the enemy had dropped their weapons, and the allies all seemed to be celebrating.

"We did it! Awesome!" Ikarisa and Terna clapped.

"Down with Kagh! Long live Terna!", the army screamed out loud.

Anya put a smug on her face. "Heh. Why celebrate over the inevitable? With me behind the wheel, it was guaranteed to be a victory!"

"Lass, you did it! Kagh's grunts started scrambling all over the place! And those crystals and the earthquake...the destroyed building too! I bet you won the epic fight right?!?!", Terna excitedly jumped up and down.

"I...yea. I did put up a fight. I wouldn't call it that myself, but sure...it was epic...", Lass looked away.

Ikarisa jumped on Lass. "Lass, think fast!"

"Hey, ease out you dummy. I'm a bit sore from all this...but I guess you really did have fun didn't you?"

“You bet! I had all the fun!", she kissed him in the cheek. "Never though that war would have a musical side to it!"

Lass nodded. "Yea, yea...", he then paused, "Wait did she just..."

Mellistar cut in. "Hey! Cut it out! No time for your lackluster love ploy now. Move it."

"I knew it! You two are in for each other!", Anya wrapped her arms around both Lass and Ikarisa.

"Anya, I swear.", Lass looked away. "You need to stop reading the research books and read the room."

"Good thing we're outside then, isn't it? Wait a minute. Hey, big guy-", Anya's words where interrupted as Lass moved away.

"I'm fine. Let's just get going. Wait...what's that voice?", Lass took a glance at the crowd, trying to locate where the voice was coming from.

"Get out of my way you wimp, before I break you in half! Come on move along, Paladin coming through, that's right!", the voice closed in.

"Wait a minute...Magi? The hell is she here for?", Lass tried to hide himself.

"Hey lover-boy, what's going on?! Seems like you've thrown quite the party!", Magi gave lass a slap in the back.

"Weren't you supposed to be dismissed to some tropical paradise?", Lass rolled his eyes.

"I was. That's the frustrating part.", Magi said with a sigh.

"Oh miss Haysta? Welcome to Delpha! We just won the bat-", Magi stopped Terna's words.

"Yea-yea, I know. Information travels fast when you threaten to beat the shit out of soldiers...I came here to check for this myself but I see you've already sorted things out. Was quite worried when Haty told me about what actually went down in Delpha. So unnaturally, I stopped my ass from going to a heavenly beach, and instead headed towards here. And it looks like you're alive. That's good!", Magi gave a thumbs up.

"Define good.", Lass facepalmed. "Also, I take it you've been here before? Hence you knowing Terna?"

"Yeah, she used to be a part of the Reingard embassy! But...Haty? Who...is that?", Terna wondered.

"Would you believe me if I told you that...", Lass took a good look at Magi, "...this, is the new Reingards Paladin, who also gave the king a nickname? Hell I even-gah!", Lass got smacked by Magi.

Magi then smiled menacingly, "Damn straight I am! Any problems?"

"Hey, no more fighting for the day! We won! No need for more conflict!", Ikarisa angrily said.

"You bet Risa! Wasn't easy, but everyone sure was grateful for having me by their side! Victory was nothing but a certainty!", Anya said with a smug.

"Definitely! You're the best Anya!", Terna jumped up.

"Heh. Told ya!", Anya pumped her chest full of air.

"How large does your stupidity even get? Or is it just your inflated ego?", Yuno took a pitiful look at Anya.

Anya got irritated. "Yeah, I'm not gonna hold back. Screw this!", she tried to hit Yuno with her fist.

"Heh!", Yuno avoided the punch.

Her then devastating blow, missing it's initial target, had found a new one.

"Gah! Mutt, what the hell?! Can everyone lay their hands off me already?!"

"Not my fault big guy! This little pervert here-", Yuno cut in.

"Shut it already, thief. And besides, I think you needed a smack in the head anyway, given how utterly confusing your bipolar disorder is!", he scolded Anya and looked at Lass.

"Wait, wait! You guys-", Ikarisa tried to stop them.

"Die.", both Lass and Anya jumped on Yuno.

"Don't...dang it.", Ikarisa facepalmed.

The crowd filled, cheerful scene was then filled with the screams of pain and anguish of Yuno, as he paid for his...distasteful desires.

"Is this how things...usually go down?", Terna took a step back.

"Yes.", Ikarisa and Magi said.

"That's...interesting.", Terna forced a smile.

"Anyhow.", Magi brushed the situation off. "I see the goddess came to contact with the bravery pin thingy...man that really bumps up her courage doesn't it?"

"Actually...Risa did this on her own! I held on to the pin!", Terna excitedly said.

"Hah.", Magi smiled while looking at Ikarisa. "Nice."

"I think it was alright...", Ikarisa started to fidget her hair.

"It was amazing! You're amazing Risa!", Terna hugged Ikarisa.

"What did I miss?", Lass approached Magi.

"Are you finally done screwing around, kid?", Magi folded her arms.

"The mutt will carry on for me.", Lass sheathed his sword.

"Whatever works out to let you free for a minute."

The soldiers then swiftly approached Terna, each formally greeting her with a salute.

"Ma'am! What's your first order after the assault?!"

"Huh?", Terna wondered, "Order? It's over! We won! There's nothing left to say, we can finally do whatever we want again!"

The soldier paused. "Umm. Ma'am. Everyone wants you to be the new head, since the execution of the higher ups in the town hall and the fall of the heretic Kagh!"

"Ooh...well that's...", Terna hesitated, "I dunno if I'm up for...leading and stuff. I'm an idol not a-", she got stopped by Magi.

"Great! You're gonna be the one to sign this, this and this." Magi laid the official documents in front of Terna. "I need to get them back to Haty so that he let's me go on my god damn vacation...at least I found a better location for it. The tropical beaches of the fairy kingdoms Jia, where there's a 5* hotel, exotic alcoholic drinks, hotties and god dammit, I can't wait, sign these right now!", Magi drooled.

"Uh...this is too sudden...", Terna said as she looked at the papers.

"It's alright. But until you decide, can I borrow Prince Charming over here?", Magi pointed at Lass.

"I could've killed her. I really could have...", Lass gritted his teeth.

"But you didn't~", Magi laughed, "But fine. I'll stop the teasing for now...it's a serious talk where I'm heading at anyway."

"Fine. You guys wait here for a minute. And do try to see what you're gonna do with the papers and such.", Lass said with a sigh.

"Sure thing Lass!", Ikarisa turned around, "So Terna...about the whole leadership thing."

"O-Oh. Right...so?"

"I've got a couple ideas that might work out to our favor!", Ikarisa smiled.

"Oh! I'm all ears!"

Leaving Ikarisa and Terna to talk things over, Magi then grabbed Lass and got down, away from all the commotion. Strolling along the city streets, it was easy for them to discuss all their private matters, the entirety of the civilians and authorities alike gathering in the main plaza to celebrate.

"Ah, so you met the new sword guardian did ya? Are they merged inside you right now?"

"Yeah. However, he get's out soon, as I had enough 'merging' for one day."

"Really? How so?"

"Whatever.", Lass looked away, "It's not like you wanted to talk about Yuno anyway, is it?"

"Not primarily. But he's also a subject I want to touch on. What I was primarily after was-", Magi got stopped by Lass.

"Let me guess. Melli?"

"You."

"Now that's new...you both obviously have history with each other. I'm always the middle man..."

"Lass...how are you? Are you feeling alright after that?"

"The outburst at the town hall? That wasn't on me. It was Mellis doing...he suddenly went full on berserk..."

"Body wise you look just fine, so I guess the healing factor came in again.", Magi checked Lass.

"Healing factor? God dammit, can't you be straight for once? I'm sick of you always showing up to give more questions than answers. And even if you did give answers, you'd tell them to Melli instead of me!"

Magi rolled her eyes, "Oi, pipe down kid. There's more at stake here. You included."

Lass for once did not lash back at Magi's attitude. He saw through her eyes...she was not playful, nor was she joking about anything anymore. A plain sight of dread and anxiety was all that filled the atmosphere.

"Dammit...sorry. Didn't mean for it to come out that way. That being said, I'd like to also talk to Mellistar if you-", Magi paused, "Holy shit."

Without them realizing in the first place, Mellistar was standing tall and proud right next to Lass. He managed to once again break free, his massless soul released into the ether.

"Hmph. He broke the chains.", Mellistar folded his arms.

"What the hell?! How?!", Lass stepped back.

"Really? That's the reaction I get? What a pity. Here I was occupying your soul and body for more than a decade, yet you're surprised to see this?"

Magi sighed, "Yeap...he did break the chains. Long time no see Melli. Though not in the flesh, the outline works just fine."

"Enough is enough", Lass stood his ground as he collected himself, "Since I've got you both here, I'll take full advantage of it. Start spewing answers...both of you! And don't even think about taking over my body so that I won't hear a thing, you got that Melli?!"

"You're stressed for no obvious reason. I came out like this, only to give you answers.", Mellistar leered at Magi.

"No need to look at me that way Melli. The situation is stretched enough as it is already. Kid. I'll give you answers, and so will Melli. But only a part of it...and before you say a thing, please just this once, realize the only reason why I'm telling you bit by bit is for your own good, ok?"

Lass folded his arms. "Anything is good enough at this point. Half the things I can do, my powers, my skills with weaponry...those memory flashes...just what the hell is going on?!

"Let's start with the basics. I myself exist for two main reasons. One is to guide and ease you in your powers. And the other is to restrain you from using them to a certain extend until you're ready to do so. You can call it a limiter for all you like...but in extreme cases such as the one in the town hall, the forest of spirits and the such, I have to intervene and take control. The drawback is that instead of being sentient like the flying midget, I'm instead living by leeching off your powers."

"Wait...so I was the one...", Lass almost fell over, "Those berserk instances are...they where me?!"

"Yes. Though I could tell you where laying it on me...understandable. But I have to burst your bubble now, before you move more stages down. The triggers that send you to an emotional distress where solely on you. And hence, the more emotions came out at once, the more inclined you where to using your powers. The more you used your powers, the more they corrupt you, send you to a fit of mindless rage, the more your mental state deteriorated, and now here we are."

"But...why now? How did you only manage to come out now?", Lass asked.

"Easy. Burst does not correlate to control. After bursting about three times, your body finally came to some level of symbiosis with your powers. The more control you have, the better things will be. Hence why you're at a stable enough point where I can become somewhat of a separate entity. The only reasoning behind it is that though we are entirely different, our 'powers' or as better known as unique Obsulyte Signatures are compatible. Else I would've been gone long ago."

"Are you handling the info thrown at you, or do you need a pen and a piece of paper?", Magi tried to lighten the mood.

"No...I understand. Anything else from your part, Melli?"

"One final thing. Your powers can kill you. Easily too. You work around a build up style, where you need to manage how and where you use your powers. Build up too much, you'll become more susceptible to bursting or corrupting, which though will obliterate your enemies, will also eat away at your body. Simply put: they are extraordinarily powerful, literally the most overwhelming abilities to ever exist, but the build up prevents our from using them consistently...until a certain point at least. Hence why, if you noticed up till now, you excel only in burst fights. Prolonged battles will make you more susceptible to bursting, hence where and why I need to interfere. That's it on my end. Now if you'll excuse me, this form is troublesome to retain...", Mellistar disappeared.

"All this time then...Magi. You must have something else to say, right? This is all...when did all this happen?! Why does it feel so familiar but...so distant. Why do I feel like I'm living a life not belonging to me?!"

"Now, now. Take a deep breath. You can ask me anything you want...however if I see it being too much, I won't be answering it."

Lass tried to collect himself, "Dirunon. Why does it...just the sound of it...I'm connected to it somehow, aren't I?"

"The King's Insignia. Only given to the renowned Durandal of Diruron, and is meant to only be passed and used by that individual alone. Yes, you are connected to Dirunon, directly too. However, most of the connection you may have of it, is not linked directly to the city, but rather the sequence of actions that caused the migration from the city itself. In other words, you can call yourself one of the elite three. The Durandal."

"So? What are the other two?"

Magi sighed, "The Durandal: Scion of Rebellion and Bearer of Hope. So long as they exist, light will never fade. The Surtr: Scion of Passion and Bearer of Flame. To dominate evil is to exist, to engulf it in the fire is to be. The Hekate: Scion of Compassion and Bearer of Welfare. So long they're present, so will all wounds fade. The 'Big Three' or 'Elite Three'. Before the extinction event on Dirunon, those where three of the highest and most respectable titles one can have in the entirety of Riza. Sound familiar?"

Lass paused as he looked away, trying to stay in control, "Way...too familiar. 'Three Knights, three lights. Lanterns lighting a path countless days and nights'. That was a phrase I once heard."

"Yea...Glady used to say that a lot after...that's it for that. Anything else?"

"I've dragged this on for too long, the others will get worried. But...one more thing from you. You and Mellistar. What exactly...happened?

Magi took a long and deep breath, before she focused directly on to Lass's face.

"Well...simply put, we were enemies. I mean...if you ask him, he will probably say we still are. But I personally don't see it that way anymore. The mindless bickering we once used to have is a thing of the past in my book. But when we where enemies, let's just say it was less than...pretty. Last conflict we had with each other about a decade ago changed my entire point of view for him. Doubt it did the same for him too but...I'm hopeful."

"What do you mean when you say 'conflict'?"

"Around the Great War finale, during one of the final phases for the Gods Army."

"So you were involved in the fall of it?"

"I did my part, not only for the sentience of the Sentinels, but out of spite for the 'gods' themselves. You see, I know you heard the story about the First War and how gods fought with their Valkyries versus Ikarisa and Dante, blah blah, victory attained by Ikarisa in the end. I too, also fought that war. And though they earned their freedom from the gods control, they were all pledged with curses and such...not to mention, they simply created new copies of Valkyries and Sentinels alike under their control again. And here's the final part I wanted to talk to you about. You know about Kagh, correct? I suppose he's dead by now?"

"Killed on the spot. I...I don't know why...", Lass looked at his hands.

"Don't stretch it. He was a Sentinel."

"He was what?! Does that mean that I...I did that to a Sentinel?!"

"Exactly. That's why your powers terrify even Mellistar. Kagh, long ago, made a deal with Kikaro, one of Ikarisa's brothers, to become a Sentinel. Considering how Kikaro died during the War Of Zero against the gods however, I'd think that he festered his powers somewhere else knowing his immanent demise. Then he simply waited for someone to cut a deal with them to accept it. And though the deal was successful given the sacrifices he needed to do, he never got the full picture. Yes, he earned power, but he lost his free will and was slowly driven to madness, much like all other non sentient Sentinels out here. Because Makaro and Kikaro descended from their shitty place above in Kaima, they chose to instantly drive all Sentinels under their control to madness...hence why we were destined to die. I don't know what their end goal is...but I can tell you this. With the death of Kagh, the only three remaining Sentinels are Drima, who has already broken free like I have, me and Izuko of Death. Do with that info what you will."

"Wait...wasn't there Decanee as well?", Lass asked.

"I'm...I'm sorry. Decanee died long, long ago. And if there's any to blame, it'll be me.", Magi, for once, put a sad look on her face.

"So even you Sentinels have to fight against each other? Brutal as it is-", Lass got stopped.

"We never fought. She died with the words of a coward...my sister...she was the first of the Sentinels to break free out of the god's control. She did so with the help of the one who broke free before us all...Cecilia Elisia. They were both joining Ikarisa for the First War...but before it, she tried to do the same to me. She tried to free me but...but I...", a tear could be seen down Magi's face, "I ratted her out. She died before my very eyes as I received praise for pointing out a heretic for execution...and I stood there...I enjoyed it...and I'll never forget her final words, not so long as I get to be in this world, even though she told them to a blank sheet of a person I was back then. 'It's okay, really. Sis...even after you wake up, I don't want you to have doubts and regrets. Cecilia told me about a world kind and free, so I wish you get to find it too...no matter what you chose, I'll always be with you. And I will always...be besides you. I love you big sis! Pray for my safe journey, alright?'. All that...all with a smile on her face. She faced death...she face the one that had betrayed her...all with a smile...on her face.", Magi collected herself. "The consequences of that was the fact that both Makaro and Kikaro were alarmed about Ikarisa's plans, and prepared their assault...the result? Way more bloodshed that was initially planned, but victory for the good guys anyway. How classy."

A long moment of silence followed Magi's words, as Lass, for once, failed to answer back. He could only stare at Magi to realize the fact she was by no means something or someone he initially thought her to be. But he could rather empathize with her as an equal...not a Sentinel. Not a warrior. But a simple, breathing, living human being.

"Anyhow. This is drawn out and you've got work to do. I too need to collect my ass and head on over to my tropical paradise. I haven't seen vacation for 2 years now and I'm eager for some relaxation. Hit me up when you pass from there, alright?"

"'When' I pass? Not 'if'?"

"Oh you'd wish it was an 'if' buddy. Something tells me it's a certainty rather than an improbability. Now off you go! And remember...relax. Take it easy to at least enjoy the moment for yourself and don't overthink it. It will all fall into place soon...", Magi waved Lass goodbye.

"Sure...thank you Magi.", Lass started to head back.

Magi was once again, left alone to continue on her way, as Lass headed back to meet up with everyone. However, a surprise was waiting for her as she turned around.

"Heh...I thought you couldn't hold that form for long?", Magi chuckled.

"I can't. But I did have enough time to rest to do it again. So...your point of view changed back then?", Mellistar asked.

"It did. But for you...I suppose that never happened? It's fine either way..."

"You'd be correct. Even with the events that happened 10 years ago, my point of view never changed...until now."

"Well I'll be dammed...how so?", Magi asked in surprise.

"What you failed to show back then, you showed it now. Remember what had happened...that day, a child's life was taken away, despite it still breathing. It's that same child that made me despise you, that made me accept you."

"Yeah...I suppose he did. That kid sure has his way of bringing and clinging everyone together, doesn't he?"

"He does to others what he doesn't do to himself. Remember that till now, he could at least put some of the blame on me...but now that he has to bear it all..."

"He can bear it...he must. Thankfully, Ikarisa exists. Despite what you believe to be a spur of the moment, bravery struck idiot, it actually goes much deeper than it. It's apparent that he loves Ikarisa...that girl means to him more than what you think."

"She does. And because of it, there have been some...mixed messages. However I would lie if I said that I wasn't to blame, as I used his body and mind for some...alterior motives. But she means to him more than himself. Without her, he will go back to how he was...he will be drown in his self hate, regrets and doubts. He too knows that he loves her. He denies it deep down. He refuses to love the one he can hurt the most, hurting himself in the process. He has his doubts because he too, doesn't believe in himself more than he believes in others. Truly, do you think one can be at piece and stand for himself, when he solely depends on others to do so? What if they are taken away? What if they cease to exist? What then? Do we all just sit and watch as the world crumbles under his feet, and await death? You trained him physically. I trained him to my powers...his powers. But the only one who ever gave him a compass to life and it's meaning...", Mellistar sighted.

"Glady was gone too soon...but I promise you. What he failed to do in time, I will complete for him. This kid...I don't want to let him go. I won't let him fall like that. Not again..."

Mellistar chuckled. "Hence the reason of acceptance. I can finally see genuine interest and care from you. For 'Lass'. However...to fully accept you, you will have to prove to me, not with words, but with actions. Do you care for him? Do you love him for what he is? The person that he is? Or do you simply see him as a mean to repent for your sins? Someone who, if guided the way you yourself believe, can undo the wrongs you once did?"

Mellistar then slowly faded away, back into the ether and chasing after Lass's body. All while Magi was left to talk to herself...to be lost in her thoughts as she talked out loud.

"I love that kid what he is...who he is. No matter if you say that I forced myself to. Will he be the one to fix our wrongs? He will. Was that the reason I guided him? No. In his own accord...he will undo many wrongs. And despite my regrets...he will soon come across my wrongs. I can't do much else rather than watch for the time being...but even that, I will. Lass...stay safe."

Heading back to see the others, Lass was greeted with an unusual but familiar scenario of everyone waiting around.

"Next time be sure try and grab so that I have a legitimate reason to kill you, you perverted little shit!", Any furiously chocked Yuno.

"B-But..gnn..it's not my fault. And stop...calling me a god damn pervert, thief!", Yuno almost ran out of breath.

"Yeap...everything is normal."

On the other side, Terna was messing with Ikarisa's hair, both completely ignoring the conflict on their right.

"You have to tell me what you use on your hair! It's so silky smooth and vibrant!", Terna said as she combed Ikarisa's hair.

"But...I'm really not doing anything..."

"Is this the true power of the Goddess of Life?!", Terna got fascinated by Ikarisa's silky smooth hair.

Lass pondered for a moment, "Yeap...all looks...normal."

Anya noticed Lass, "Oh, big guy! Back for more? I took care of this pervert as you can see, but thanks for the initial assist!"

"Why haven't I used any of my powers to completely kill you yet?", Yuno sighed.

"Lass!" Ikarisa jumped at Lass, "So...umm. About that scenario for leadership..."

"What did you guys decide?"

"I will be leading Delpha city...now renamed to Eterna City. But I will do so from a distance...", Terna fidgeted her hair.

"Lass, everyone really adores Terna. They want her to be the city's new mayor in command and...they won't stop! But she has other plans and well...she will assign someone to look after the city while she's gone!"

"And before you say a thing, I've got a lot of things going for me! I know how to use herbs, I of course know how to cook and due to my idol career I've got economical backup!", Terna cut in.

"Let me guess. You're telling me this so that I can accept you in the team, right? I too, know how to cook, Ikarisa needs nothing at all to heal wounds and Anya is pretty much overloaded with cash. She also happens to spend said cash mindlessly left and right.", Lass looked at Anya.

"Only if it is to please you guys!", she winked.

"P-Please...I'm dying.", Yuno struggled to breathe.

"No, you shut it.", Anya tightened her grip.

Terna started to sweat, "I-I uh...I can enchant you with my singing! No one else can do that, right?!"

Lass smirked, "You know, if you wanna tag along, you can just do so. Not like you need a special invitation anyway."

"Really?! Oh wow! Thank you!", Terna hugged Ikarisa.

"You're the best Lass!"

"I have so many ideas for dresses, jewels and places we can visit! It'll be so fun!", Terna said.

"That being said...what about the city?", Lass asked Terna.

"Oh, that. I have personally appointed some assistants to help me with it while I'm away. If need be, we can always have a video conference for certain decisions!"

"Beats me, so long we won't have to circle back to fix everything up...that said, let's get some rest first. We will be leaving by tomorrow, so make the most of it."

Anya let go of Yuno, "I need a beer anyway."

"Oh...", Yuno coughed, "Your days are numbered!"

"This is shaping to be quite interesting at least...", Lass whispered.

"We will see what the future now holds, kid.", Mellistar echoed.

"Yes...we will."

His final words ominously echoed inside Lass’s head as he too wondered what they might truly mean for what lyes ahead…