This gate hadn't existed in the original timeline. Undoubtedly, it was a disturbance caused by the elusive Evora. Whether she had intensified the fire element in that part of the Enigma, or the location itself was the Sky Conquering Ruins causing elemental chaos, it merited investigation.
If fortune favored them and he captured the injured, hiding Evora, she would be eliminated immediately. Failing that, finding clues as before would suffice. At worst… plundering the Sky Conquering Ruins would be acceptable.
Ansel observed the teetering corpse, seemingly on the verge of collapse. "You've come with her message, seeking cooperation?"
"No. Valrhona warned me... not to cooperate with you... lest I die... horribly."
The corpse's response was sincere: "I merely hope... given your acquaintance... with Valrhona... that any conflicts... remain restrained."
"At the very least... I will surrender."
