Just as Eve was on the verge of passing out, before she could even open her eyes fully — a familiar warmth enveloped her. It was a sensation she knew well: the soothing embrace of Eliza's healing magic. Despite her injuries, Eve could already feel her strength returning. It was clear that Eliza's time spent with the White Trial hadn't been in vain — her mastery over healing magic had improved remarkably.
Eve winced but forced her eyes open. "What are you doing here, Eliza? Isn't your training with the White Trial still ongoing?" she asked, her voice hoarse but steady.
"Ehh, I was expecting a more dramatic reaction," Eliza teased, a playful smile on her lips.
Tears began to slip down Eve's face as silent sobs shook her body. Eliza was ready to make a playful remark, she instead let out a soft sigh and quietly wrapped her arms around Eve, holding her close.
"I can only imagine how rough it must've been," Eliza whispered gently. "Go on, let it out... before Vaos and Vulcan catch you like this," she added with a light tease at the end.
After a while, Eve finally managed to compose herself and explained the current situation to Eliza.
"I see," Eliza murmured, her expression turning serious. "So we don't have much time to waste, huh?"
"Exactly. That's why we need to move — now," Eve said as she pushed herself up, though her body still trembled with weakness.
Eliza let out a heavy sigh. "We can't just go running off like this. Look at you," she scolded lightly. "But I get it — we don't have the luxury to sit around either." She stepped beside Eve and offered her support. "Come on, Eve... we'll walk there. I'll keep healing you along the way." She put extra emphasis on the word walk, making her point clear.
Eve knew there was no point in arguing — even if she tried, she'd only lose to Eliza's stubbornness. Accepting it silently, the two of them moved through the forest at a steady, brisk pace.
As they stepped into the city, their eyes were immediately drawn to the WWP building in the distance. A faint sense of relief washed over Eve, knowing that Vulcan and Bard should be arriving by now to back up Vaos, The White Crusader, and Brian. Turning to Eliza, she finally asked the question that had been lingering in her mind.
"So, is your training with the White Trial already finished, Eliza?"
Eliza tilted her head slightly, a playful smile on her lips. "Weeell, not exactly. I had to make a choice and leave training earlier than planned — but I did promise Heine I'd return soon and pick up right where I left off. I even told him I'd come back stronger, so I'm actually looking forward to surprising that old man."
"The White Trial…" Eve whispered, her voice distant as she went deep into thought. She knew better than anyone — Heine was truly the best mentor Eliza could've asked for.
Eliza's voice pulled her back. "Hey, Eve, are you feeling any better? If not, I'll have to hit you with a stronger healing spell," she said, half-joking but still concerned.
Eve let out a soft sigh. "I'm feeling better, at least a lot better than before." She glanced at Eliza and smiled. "Your healing magic's gotten much stronger, Eliza."
"Now, now — you're going to make your sister blush if you keep flattering me like that," Eliza teased, pressing the tip of her tail playfully against Eve's cheek.
"Eve, do you think Vaos and The White Crusader have already destroyed that portal by now?" Eliza asked, stretching her arms lazily. "If so, we're probably just wasting our time heading there. Maybe we should go sightsee instead." Her tone was light, clearly joking.
Eve let out a chuckle. "Yeah, great idea. We'll do that — right after we confirm it's actually taken care of," she replied with sarcasm.
As they drew closer, the air grew heavier. The moments ahead could change everything. Yet, despite the uncertainty, Eliza remained composed. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a soul — one Heine had gave to her before she left.
Just as Eve opened her mouth to ask what Eliza was doing, she watched in surprise as Eliza swallowed the soul whole without hesitation. For a moment, Eve was at a complete loss for words — it was clear that Eliza had picked up a few strange habits during her time training under Heine.
"I'm sorry, did you want a bite?" Eliza asked in a sarcastic tone as she tilted her head playfully.
"N-No, I'm fine... thanks," Eve replied, still slightly unsettled by what she'd just witnessed.
They eventually arrived at the WWP building, pausing for a moment to prepare themselves. However, the events unfolding inside remained a complete mystery to them.
Vulcan and Bard had arrived some time ago. After a brief discussion with the officers stationed at the scene, informing them that they were there to assist The White Crusader and Brian — the two were eventually granted permission to enter the labyrinth.
Despite not possessing an Ornament, even Vulcan could feel the suffocating pressure of Void energy in the air. His expression tensed as he muttered, "Must be the end of the line... everything's about to end soon, huh?"
Bard nodded, his gaze sharp but calm. "It seems so, Vulcan. This is where the portal should be. With any luck, The White Crusader and Brian have already taken care of it — and we won't have to lift a finger."
"Unfortunately for you two... you won't have that luxury," a voice echoed from the shadows. Alexander Gear stepped forward, emerging from the labyrinth, blocking their path.
Vulcan narrowed his eyes. "So it's true. You really were up to no good after all."
Alexander smiled unfazed. "That's how you see it. But, I'm about to change the world for the better." His voice calm yet cold. "Though I suppose there's no point wasting time on a philosophical debate. There's only one way this ends." His hand gripped his cane tightly.
"You could avoid the death penalty," Bard spoke, his tone sharp but measured. "Step aside and help us stop the Forbidden. It's not too late."
Alexander let out a quiet, almost amused exhale. "A tempting offer... but I've long accepted that death doesn't frighten me." His eyes darkened, voice steady. "Still, I'm polite enough to let you ready yourselves. Take your stances — this will be life or death."
As Vulcan and Bard braced themselves for their fight, deeper within the labyrinth, The White Crusader and Brian pressed forward. The air grew heavier with every step — The White Crusader could feel it, the portal was near. The sheer presence of it clawed at his senses. He was determined to destroy it, to end this threat once and for all.
Beside him, Brian kept pace, her mind sharp and her heart steady. She knew her role — assist however she could, but more than anything, she was driven by the need to protect the city of Legis. No matter the cost.
Suddenly, a group of Edward's mechanical creations — the Metod units — emerged from the shadows, blocking their path in an attempt to stall their advance. However, to The White Crusader, they posed little more than a fleeting nuisance. With swift, precise movements, he cleaved through each machine, his blade cutting them down as if they were made of paper.
"Brian, stay sharp. If they're sending these things after us, it means we must be getting close," The White Crusader said firmly, his gaze fixed ahead.
"Understood, White Crusader," Brian replied with unwavering resolve, tightening her grip on her weapon.
"Illusion turned out to be worthless in the end, slaughtered by that half-breed," Forbidden Energy sneered, stepping forward with Void energy already pulsing through his body. "No matter. The two of you will die right here, right now."
The White Crusader was already gripping his blade tightly. "Make my life easier and run while you still can," he warned coldly. "But don't fool yourself — even if you run, I will hunt you down and end you."
"Silence," Forbidden Energy snapped. "You've been a thorn in our side for far too long, White Crusader. I plan to end that nuisance — here and now."
The White Crusader raised his blade, steady and resolute. "Stay sharp, Brian. Our first real challenge is standing right in front of us."
Brian exhaled deeply, her eyes sharp with determination. "White Crusader, let me handle this Forbidden. This isn't about proving anything or playing hero — you know more about that portal than I do. If anyone can destroy it, it's you. From where I stand, the portal is the greater threat... this lowly monster can wait."
"You seem set on this choice..." The White Crusader paused for a moment, then gave a firm nod. "Very well. I trust you can handle this Forbidden. I leave it to you, and I wish you luck."
Without wasting another second, The White Crusader dashed forward, heading deeper into the labyrinth.
As Forbidden Energy prepared to intercept him, Brian moved swiftly, slamming the hilt of her scimitar into the Forbidden's side and sending him crashing against the wall.
Forbidden Energy pushed himself off the cracked wall, his eyes glowing with malice.
"You must have a death wish, very well... I'll make it quick."