Eliza stood in awe and confusion as Heine of the White Trial introduced himself. She felt a surge of curiosity, her mind racing with thoughts of the four heroes of the Void War: Aemanil, the chosen one of the True One; Glanvill, the chosen one of Order; Victoria, the chosen one of Miracle; and finally, Heine, the chosen one of Ulú. These legendary heroes had once stood as beacons of hope during the darkest days of the Void War, their names etched into history. As Heine's presence grew stronger, Eliza couldn't help but wonder what he could possibly want with her.
"Eliza Kinhana, your end in this play is grim. However, it will serve of great importance in the grand scheme of things. How fleeting, the classic tragedy in such a dark play, and with that a new stage shall be set." Heine's voice echoed.
"What do you mean my end is grim?" Eliza's voice trembled slightly.
"Your death."
"My death...?" Eliza repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
"The current stage is our Grand Guignol, your fate is inevitable, however, it is necessary to move onto the next stage."
"Surely there's a plot twist in the script, or maybe the script it's still being written? If so, then surely there exists a possibility for change," Eliza said, her tone now of desperation.
"How hopeful, but you aren't wrong even if those chances are slim, you don't have the power to defy fate."
"And why tell me this, if I'm powerless to alter the events? What's the point of letting me know?" Eliza asked.
"Because, I refuse to accept the script laid out before us. It is an abomination, a travesty of storytelling, and I'll be damned if I allow it to dictate the course of anyone's destiny. To hell with the author! I'll personally rewrite reality, however insignificant it might seem in the grand scheme of things; at least we'll be able to control our fates. And I believe, Eliza, that with your help, we can tear up this oppressive script and carve out a new path for everyone." Heine exclaimed loudly.
"Rewrite reality? And how do you expect me to do that?" Eliza asked, her voice a tone of skepticism.
"I'll help you avoid your death," Heine declared. "With that crucial change, the script written by fate will be forced to continue its course, yet we shall not be mere puppets dancing to its whims. Regardless of the events that unfold, we will seize control of our own fate and leave this Grand Guignol, moving onto the next stage."
"And tell me," Eliza leaned in slightly, her eyes narrowing with a newfound sense of determination, "what's beyond this current stage?"
"I don't know, the next stage is unknown even to me. However, I am certain that it holds the promise of something greater. "
"I guess I should get the important question out of the way, how will you help me? Will I become a part of the White Trial?" She sighed, anxious about Heine's response.
"No, it is not within the realm of possibility for you to become a part of the White Trial, that honor is reserved for those pure of heart, blissfully ignorant from right and wrong." He paused, "I will assist you by mastering your powers and just maybe, you'll avoid your fate."
"Are you going to train me now?" Eliza's questioned as she waited Heine's response.
"You must first bring yourself to where I am resting, within the sanctuary of the White Trial, it may prove to be a straightforward task, but gaining access will undoubtedly pose a greater challenge." Heine explained.
"I see. Very well, I'll make my way to visit you, Heine," Eliza conceded with a resigned sigh.
In the blink of an eye, Eliza found herself once again seated on the bench, as if transported back to the very moment she had departed. The world around her remained unchanged, as if the events that had just transpired were nothing more than a dream. Yet, deep within her core, Eliza could sense a subtle shift in the fabric of reality, a whisper of something otherworldly lingering in the air. As she sat there, grappling with the strangeness of it all.
As she sat there, the weight of Heine's words heavy in her mind, the mention of her own death, no how much she tried to forget, it refused to be ignored. Yet, within Eliza's heart there was a small glimmer of hope. The possibility of change that Heine said didn't make Eliza completely give up.
"How do I explain this to Eve and Vulcan?" Eliza sighed, her thoughts began to drift. "Ughh, there's also Vaos. He'd definitely freak out if I told him about this."
"I think it might be better if I keep this to myself for the time being," Eliza whispered, unsure about her decision. "I better send Eve a text, then go to this White Trial sanctuary." With a sigh, she stood up from the bench and began to walk.
As Mary and Bard finished shopping for supplies, it appeared that their serious discussion had ended just as they stepped outside from the grocery store. As they walked side by side, there was a awkward silence between them. The sounds of their footsteps seemingly growing louder against the pavement.
Bard let out a sigh, "You know, Mary, you didn't have to act so secretive if you weren't hiding anything..."
"R-right, but Bard, I didn't know you were part of 'regione novem'. You've managed to keep that hidden pretty well," Mary admitted, changing assumptions she had about his background.
"What's really bothering me is what Lust meant by 'you being their ally'. You and I went through your belongings, yet we found nothing that suggest they might've left something that could be spreading void energy around us or anything that could act as a tracking device for them." Bard furrowed his brows in thought.
"I'm not sure either, I was just as surprised as you were when Lust made that claim." Mary admitted, there was a sense of uncertainty in her tone.
"Anyway, we should head back to the car, it's probably best if we don't stay in this town any longer, especially if we want to make it to Legis as soon as possible." Bard suggested as he sighed.
As Mary and Bard continued their walk towards the car, their tracks was abruptly stopped by a large man. His fade framing his spiky black hair, he wore a black shirt and pants, topped off with a scientist's coat. His presence loomed before them, a formidable obstacle in their path. Mary and Bard paused, however, Bard knew very well who this was.
"What are you doing here, Alvin?" Bard asked as he looked into eyes; expecting an explanation.
"Now, now, no reason to act so defensive," Alvin said smoothly, his tone emitting a disarming charm. "You know I'm merely acting on Juno's behalf." His words seeking to ease any concerns or suspicions Bard might have.
"Juno... I haven't heard from her in a long time, I assumed she just forgot about me."
"Only if we were so lucky," Alvin remarked, his tone with a touch of sarcasm. "However, Juno has been keeping a close eye on you, and she has a new task for you, Bard." Alvin added.
"And what this new task be?" Bard asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Your task is to deliver a Forbidden to her," Alvin explained. "She's rather unhappy with your lack of communication," he continued.
"I'm assuming she's already aware of our encounter with Metod and Forbidden Lust, then?"
"Very much so," Alvin confirmed. "She's already commenced an investigation into the incident with Metod. If she manages to trace Metod's origins, it could lead us to Priliorm's location." He paused briefly before continuing. "However, your primary task remains unchanged: you are tasked with bringing a Forbidden to her."
"And what are the consequences should I fail this task?" Bard questioned.
"If you fail, I'll have no choice but to bring you back to the base, where your punishment will be determined," Alvin explained, "Your new task shouldn't be too difficult, after all, you already have a companion who has a Forbidden within him."
Bard's eyes widened in surprise, "how did you—" his sentence left unfinished as he was interrupted.
"Ah, my apologies, I believe that may have been in poor taste. Truth be told, any Forbidden you bring to her will make her happy ," Alvin admitted with a sigh.
"Are you affiliated with Regione Novem, Mr. Alvin?" Mary asked, her tone laced with curiosity.
"Just Alvin is fine, and yes, I am, much like Bard here," Alvin responded.
"Then do you think we can some sort of mutualism, where we help each other?" Mary proposed.
"You could say we already do, given Bard's affiliation with Regione Novem," Alvin acknowledged Mary's proposal. "However, if you're referring to a more specific arrangement involving you and Simon, that's something I'll need to discuss with Juno," he said.
"I see, well, do you think you could ask her? We're willing to assist in capturing a Forbidden for her, and in return, we simply seek support in various matters," Mary suggested.
"You know, one of the royal families is already affiliated with Regione Novem, but another one? She'll definitely be interested in this," Alvin remarked. "Very well, I'll bring up this proposition with her, but don't expect her to agree so easily," he cautioned.
"Thank you for being willing to bring it to her attention, Alvin," Mary expressed her gratitude.
"I'll be in touch with you soon regarding Juno's response. In the meantime, I suggest you remain in close proximity to Silene Tomentosa," Alvin advised, using his phone he teleported away.
"I probably should have stopped you, but I believe there is some potential benefits in this," Bard reflected with a sigh.
"I hope he returns with an answer soon, like you said Bard, we can't stay here for long." Mary said.
"Let's just hope there's no Forbidden here..."