As Vulcan and Eve left the White Trial's sanctuary, a heavy silence hung between them, weighed down by Eliza's decision. Eve's mind raced with thoughts of Eliza's uncertain fate, while Vulcan felt unease at the thought of his friend facing such a fate. Despite their best efforts to push the worries aside, the weight of Eliza's words lingered. Yet, with determination in their hearts, they pressed forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead on their path to Legis. Making their way back to Bard and the others, Eve's phone rang with an incoming call from Vaos. Answering it, she listened as Vaos confirmed whether Eliza had informed them of her decision. Once assured, Vaos promised to meet up with Eliza once he arrived at Silene Tomentosa, bringing a sense of relief to her unsettled mind.
During their conversation, Vaos asked about their plans, if they intended to proceed to the next and final town before Legis, Hyacinth. Eve confirmed to Vaos that both she and Vulcan were going to continue forward. She knew that staying any further would only delay their progress. While he would have preferred if Eve and Vulcan stayed with Eliza, Vaos understood their decision. He continued with his original plan to meet with Eliza at the White Trial sanctuary. After exchanging farewells with Vaos, Eve ended the call, feeling a mix of emotions within her. She sighed softly as they finally regrouped with Bard and the others.
"You're finally here- hmm? Where's Eliza?" Bard asked as he noticed she was missing.
"Uhmm, well, it's a bit complicated. Eliza had to stay back for reasons, but she'll catch up with us soon enough," Eve explained.
"I suppose I won't pry any further," Bard remarked with a thoughtful expression, glancing briefly at Eve before turning his attention back to everyone. "Very well, should we get going?"
"Yeah, we're almost at the goal, right? Only Hyacinth before Legis," Simon asked to confirm.
"Yes, that's correct," Bard confirmed, nodding in agreement. "Hyacinth is our next destination before we finally reach Legis," he said as everyone began to settle into the car.
"Hopefully, no Forbidden attack us this time around," Eve remarked casually.
"A Forbidden attacked you just now, while we were in Silene Tomentosa?" Bard asked.
"Yeah, Vulcan and I dealt with him, but he did manage to escape," Eve replied.
"I see..." Bard sighed, he wished they had informed him earlier, but now they were already leaving Silene Tomentosa, and there was little he could do about it.
As Bard continued to drive, Eve found her mind drifting back to the illusions cast by Forbidden Illusion. Despite her efforts to push the memories away, they persisted, haunting her thoughts and refusing to be shaken off. She wished she could have told Eliza sooner, yet that felt like an opportunity lost. Seeking comfort in Vulcan's company seemed plausible,the distance she felt between them prevented her from fully opening up.
Eve found herself lost in thought, she pondered what Eliza was doing. She wondered if Eliza started to train already or maybe was engaging in a moment of contemplation similar to her own. As the gentle hum of the car persisted, Eve found herself succumbing to exhaustion. She closed her eyes, feeling the steady rhythm of Vulcan's breathing beside her, and eventually drifted into a peaceful sleep, her head resting on his shoulder. As Eve slept peacefully on his shoulder, Vulcan couldn't shake off the thoughts about the mysterious shockwave that expelled from his body during their battle with Forbidden Illusion. Vulcan knew he didn't an Ornament, he wondered if it was merely a manifestation of a latent power or something else entirely. Despite his curiosity, he chose to let Eve rest undisturbed.
"Hey Bard, can I ask you something?" Vulcan asked.
"Of course, Vulcan. What's on your mind?" Bard replied, glancing briefly at Vulcan through the rearview mirror.
"As you know, Bard," Vulcan said, glancing at the rearview mirror to make sure he had his attention, "I don't have an Ornament. But is it possible for someone to unexpectedly develop one, even if they haven't showed any signs before?"
Bard thought about it for a moment before responding, "It's highly unusual, but not entirely unheard of. From what I know, there have been only four recorded cases where individuals have suddenly manifested an Ornament. So, while it's a very rare possibility, it's not impossible."
"I see. Well, you see, during the fight with Forbidden Illusion, my body expelled some sort of shockwave. It was like a surge of energy." Vulcan recounted the events.
"That's interesting. A shockwave, you say? That could be a result of your Ornament manifesting, perhaps?" Bard speculated, trying to offer an explanation.
"You could be right. I'm not sure," Vulcan said, leaning back in his seat, wondering the possibility.
Bard let out a sigh, "Vulcan, I have a question for you. Are you familiar with Regione Novem?"
"Regione Novem is that science society, right?" Vulcan tried to recall.
"Yes, that's correct," Bard nodded. "You see, I work for Regione Novem, and the professor might be able to shed some light on this. If you're willing, I could arrange for the professor to examine you and provide some insights into what that shockwave was."
Surprised by Bard saying that he works for Regione Novem, Vulcan paused to consider the offer. "I wasn't expecting that," he admitted. "Uhmm, I'll have to think about that," he replied.
Bard nodded understandingly. "Of course, take your time to consider it. We're not in any rush. Oh, and I should mention this important detail: the professor has forcibly awakened Ornaments in people who were born without one. However, it's important to note that this process is completely different from an Ornament manifesting naturally."
"This professor seems to be smart. Who is he anyway?"
"The Director of Regione Novem, Professor Juno, she's the one who leads Regione Novem," Bard explained.
"Professor Juno, huh? That name sounds familiar," Vulcan remarked. "I'll have to actually give this some serious consideration."
"I should have mentioned this earlier, but Professor Juno has quite the attitude, so there's no guarantee she'll agree," Bard explained with a sigh.
"I see. Well, if I decide to go for it, I'll take my chances. Thanks for the heads up, Bard." Vulcan nodded, a faint smile on his face, before he turning his attention back to the passing scenery, lost in his thoughts.
Vaos continued on with his journey, the anticipation of reuniting with Eliza driving him forward as he finally arrived at Calla Lily. With each passing moment, he hasten his pace. However, Vaos knew that he had to avoid any unwanted attention, he made a effort to appear as any other man, making sure his presence went unnoticed. Yet, before he could meet with Eliza, he had to go see someone.
Vaos walked through the various areas surrounding the incident site, his keen eyes scanning every area in search of any sign of him. With each step, he remained vigilant, and before he could proceed to the next incident site, he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Vaos, is that you?" Vaos heard the familiar voice call out to him.
"Not so loud... Sidgroth," Vaos sighed as he turned around to see Sidgroth standing behind him.
"It is you, Vaos. What a pleasant surprise to stumble upon you here! What brings you to Calla Lily? It's been quite some time since our paths crossed," Sidgroth greeted with a warm smile.
"I wish our reunion could have occurred under more better circumstances. Sidgroth, I find myself in a bit of a rush, and I was hoping you could assist me with something." Vaos asked.
"Hmm, what might that be?" Sidgroth wondered aloud.
"Now that I think about it, you must be assisting the people here, correct?" Vaos said, realizing Sidgroth's likely involvement, helping in anyway he can due to the recent events. Given his compassionate nature.
"That's correct, indeed I am. I live here, so I can't just leave this place in chaos," Sidgroth confirmed with a nod.
"I see. Well, it was nice seeing you, but I better get going," Vaos said, offering a brief smile before turning around.
"Hold up, what was it that you wanted, Vaos?" Sidgroth asked.
"I'm going to the White Trial sanctuary, and I was hoping you might join me. You know how the White Trial sees me," Vaos replied earnestly.
"Aemanil never did like you... What are you planning to do there?" Sidgroth's expression turning serious.
"You see, one of my 'daughters' is there, and I have to make sure she's safe," Vaos explained.
"Daughter-!?" Sidgroth exclaimed in surprise, his eyes widening momentarily before he coughed to compose himself.
"I can't fully explain everything now, besides, I wouldn't want you to leave your responsibilities here for my own selfish reasons. You should stay and continue assisting everyone in need." Vaos said, understanding Sidgroth's presence here.
Sidgroth smiled warmly. "Thank you for being understanding, Vaos. You know, it's surprising to hear you have a daughter. You'll definitely have to explain everything later. Who knows, I might be able to offer some advice," he chuckled lightly.
"I'll definitely appreciate that," Vaos replied, smiling back.
"Before you head out, the White Crusader passed through here not too long ago," Sidgroth remarked with a thoughtful expression. "Who knows, maybe you'll run into him."
Vaos sighed deeply. "I certainly hope not. Thank you for the heads-up, Sidgroth. I better be going; hopefully, we can cross paths again soon."
With a nod of farewell, he turned and began to make his way toward his destination, Silene Tomentosa.