"How many people would die while I arrive?"
Elio shook his head.
"No. I can't risk it. Not when I have the chance to end this now."
The winged salamander perched on his shoulder, as if backing his words.
"Besides, the earth deposit has a time limit too," he added, his voice softer, "what if these emblems are a trap from the Goddess? If letting time pass without killing the earth king has consequences we can't foresee?"
Lucien studied Elio at length, the frog on his head croaking softly. Finally, he sighed.
"Alright," he yielded, though concern didn't leave his face. "But Selene and I will stay on the bridge with our best soldiers. You won't do this alone."
"Lucien..."
"It's not negotiable," the Summoner's tone left no room for discussion. "If you're going to do this madness, at least you'll have backup."
