Repairs to Divine kingdom were underway as things started to settle down. The citizens were tasked with repairing the Kingdom while the Angel corps were tasked to clean up the battlefields and burn the dead.
Paziel realized that his Kingdom's strength was inadequate. He talked with Charmeine to send her disciples into the storm for Zeus' inheritance. He decided to strengthen his Angel Corps by sending them to old sites of past civilizations. The two main ones that Blood Knight told him about was the Pyramids of Giza and Stone Hinge that were close to the Divine Kingdom.
Over in the Kingdom's area designated for old Renegades, Reiner was talking to Lucy.
"Lucy, how are you doing? Are you still in full control?"
"Uncle, it is becoming more difficult by the day."
Reiner looked at her pendant and frowned. He knew it was his duty to be her guardian, but he didn't want to lose his niece in the process. Lilith would eventually take over and become the only soul left.
"Do your best. Utilize your Mind Maze technique to defend your consciousness. Since it is not a technique, Lilith knows it will be your only defense against her."
"I know, but during the battle, I realized I need to be stronger and not rely on her power."
"The Angel Corps is investigating old ruins that might help you obtain some different techniques to become stronger." He then looked at his niece, wondering if becoming stronger was the correct answer.
"Yeah, I was thinking of heading south, to investigate the pyramids."
"Alright. I will gather a few trustworthy men and follow you there." Ever since her father died, Reiner dedicated every day to protect Lucy. The two of them had been secretly building a hidden force in case the winged humans overstepped into their business.
Over in the Storm Sect, news broke out that the Sect would be venturing into the raging hurricane storm that the Sect was named after. Charmeine told everyone that the sole purpose of the Sect was to find the inheritor of Zeus' legacy. After accepting Hiro into the Sect, He and Alice became the two best candidates to succeed.
All the disciples meditated deep into the night to get their mind and body into the perfect state. Tomorrow they would enter the storm to see if they are worthy enough.
Hiro spent the night with the Renegades. Paulus and Martta dragged Lucy to building many used as a bar. The Knights drank together merrily and reminisced of old times upon the ships. Since losing the fleet, the differences between the knights seemed to vanish, and they all became closer.
"Thunder Knight, do you know what happened to Team Ice?"
Hearing Tai Sun asks Hiro this question, everyone quit chatting and listened into the conversation. Even Reiner who was sitting off in the corner leaned in to hear. Since the Renegades disbanded gathering information was hard.
"The Angel Corps found only blood and an empty base. They assumed beast or one of the races killed the people there."
"All those poor people. We were supposed to protect them," Ka Ling said as she looked down at the ground.
Reiner then chimed in with the little bit he knew. "A soldier, in the Corps that went on that mission, told me that he didn't find any beast track marks. It looked like air crafts took them by surprise."
The atmosphere kind of became solemn at that moment until Lucy spoke up. She held up her drink and said, "In honor of the Ice Knight and his team!"
Hiro then said, "To the Renegades who lost their lives."
"To my brother and Lucy's father, our Commander."
The group all held up their drinks and cheered. They drank the rest of the alcohol they had and went back to their respective homes. Lucy, Hiro, and Reiner walked outside to get fresh air together.
"Hiro, you're heading into the storm tomorrow?"
"Yes. Are you heading with Team Zodiac to Stone Hinge?"
"No. We," she pointed to Reiner, "are headed to the desert."
"Safe travels, then."
"Be safe, Hiro."
As Hiro left, Lucy looked over at her Uncle. "I'm glad we got together one last time. Reiner," she paused for a second, "after this trip, I'm not coming back."
"Why? This is where all the knight are?"
"I want to return to Machu Pichu."
"Back to Panthera Knight? No." he said to her raising his voice. "You are in danger when you are with him."
"He is the reason; I'm still myself."
Reiner looked at his niece and shook his head. Why was the strongest warrior at her level in love with such a weak boy? Somehow she thinks this is what allows her to fight Lilith for control. Lucy looked back with a longing look. She missed Leo and all of their friends she made. Seeing like this, Reiner finally replied, "Fine, we can discuss this after the mission."
The thing he didn't want to tell her is the intelligence group from the Angel Corps said to him that the new race invading earth attacked the southern continent and destroyed Machu Pichu. The rock-humanoids and humans fled to Lankani City. Leo and the warrior Supay are still missing.
The night ended shortly, and the sun started to rise upon the Divine Kingdom. Many humans were already outside rebuilding the Kingdom. Airships from the Angel Corps flew off in two squadrons. One headed north and the other to the south. The Storm Sect decided to head to the massive storm in one single carrier. The fate of the Kingdom depended on the outcome of these expeditions and hopefully new inheritors.