Gilbert comes to Pholia and Hal's cell. He blasts Pholia with otherworldly energy, knocking her unconscious. Before he can turn his wicked power on Hal, Drang appears and saves the boy. Gilbert flees with Pholia.
Istavion Soldier
Ma'am! We've received word that the resistance forces have mobilized!
Istavion Soldier
They've likely neutralized the effects of Ganesha's aura!
Anissida
Understood. Good work.
Anissida
Depending on the circumstances, we may have to abandon the royal palace. Tell the forces to wait for further instruction without breaking ranks.
Anissida
The two children in the prison are our biggest priority, so strengthen their guard detail. Also make preparations to move them.
Istavion Soldier
Yes ma'am!
The soldier turns and runs off to inform the other troops.
Anissida
Impressive. It would've taken more than luck to take down a rampaging Ganesha.
Anissida
I would expect nothing less from that man's child and that merry little band of skyfarers.
Hailak
It seems Alliah and Baragona were too late themselves.
Hailak
Those two should've been able to stop them.
Anissida
You think? I wonder... What if they made it right on time, but they were still defeated?
Hailak
That's idiotic! Who could stop two of the Luminary Knights acting together?
Anissida
Maybe kids who've traversed a skydom. They're a crew originally from Phantagrande, you know.
Anissida
They gathered pieces of the sky map and crossed the Grim Basin.
Anissida
What if they actually have strength that rivals the Luminary Knights?
Hailak
I guess it's... not impossible.
Hailak
But, Anissida. We belong to the Istavion Kingdom, so you shouldn't say such careless things.
Anissida
Hah. I suppose you're right.
Anissida, momentarily satisfied, cracks her neck and changes the subject.
Anissida
That's enough chitchat for now. We've got work to do.
Anissida
Things are going to get hectic from here on out—better put some pep in your step!
Hailak
You realize we're about to fight the resistance, right? You shouldn't act so carefree about it.
Anissida
What do you mean? This is just me being me.
Anissida
If you haven't figured that out by now, then I guess we dance to the beat of different drums.
Hailak
I would rather not dance anywhere near you after you've had a few drinks around our superiors...
Anissida
Hmm? Are you saying I can't responsibly handle an adult beverage?
Hailak
I meant something more like you can't handle responsibility—but sure. Adult beverages. Let's get going already.
Meanwhile Pholia and Hal are in their cell listening intently to some action happening outside.
Pholia
Hmm. Seems like quite the commotion out there.
Hal
Do you think something's happened? Like a fire?
Hal
If so, we need to get rid of these chains...
Hal
We'd be able to move around our cell a little bit more... But we still wouldn't be able to leave the prison, would we?
A worried Hal tugs at the chains that bind Pholia and himself.
Pholia
Sniff, sniff...
Pholia
Hmm... I don't smell anything burning, so a fire would be unlikely.
Pholia
Actually...
She focuses her attention on the footsteps approaching the cell.
Pholia
It's something far, far more dangerous.
Gilbert
Rejoice, Pholia! You're going to be released. I finally have a purpose for your life, you see.
Gilbert
That great magic that's affected your body's growth... I'm going to use up every last drop of it.
Hal
Gilbert!
Pholia
Well, that seems more than a little sudden.
Pholia
Aren't I to be executed for my crimes?
Gilbert
That's what that old fool would do. I have much bigger plans for you.
Gilbert
And not even he'll be able to stop me with the Golden Knight in no shape to fight.
Pholia
Alliah? Is she still alive?
Gilbert
She's in no state to lift a sword, but her life is not in danger.
Pholia
Good...
Relief washing over her, Pholia grins.
But Gilbert notices her relax and continues in a sharper tone.
Gilbert
It seems that you're awfully worried about your sister; did you not hear what I said about you?
Pholia
I have been imprisoned here for the sole purpose of being executed. Whatever you say now, my life is already forfeit.
Gilbert
Then you should feel blessed. The way I'll kill you will be far more useful than a mere execution.
Gilbert
With as much magic power as you possess, it should be enough to operate the Great Wall.
Gilbert
I'll control the skies through the fear of divine retribution. And you'll be the fuel for that purpose.
Hal
Divine retribution? What are you talking about?
Pholia
Hmm... I see. It's become clear now.
Pholia
That's the reason the True King insisted on Nalhegrande, isn't it?
Pholia
The Great Wall—the final piece of the puzzle.
Pholia
The destruction of the Torhid Kingdom... You and the Scarlet Knight consistently interfering with the governing of Nalhegrande...
Pholia
It was all for the Great Wall, an ancient relic capable of wreaking divine retribution.
Gilbert
A weapon capable of crossing the skydoms. With its power, it's possible to control the entirety of the sky realm.
Gilbert
Don't you shudder at the thought of a weapon that can move through the sky, destroying islands with a single blast?
Gilbert
What need does one have for countries when power like this exists! It's pure fear! I will control all the skies!
Gilbert
People will be become equal in their fear of death. It will become the most equal world since creation...
Gilbert
And I will be the one to accomplish it! By seizing the Great Wall myself!
Gilbert, gathering sinister power into his palm, gives Pholia an elated smile.
Hal
Who... Who would wish for that kind of equality!
Gilbert
I'm not doing this because the masses wish for it; I'm doing this because I want to.
Pholia
Well, I for one don't believe you'll be ruling all the skies.
Pholia
If my execution pays for my sins and allows peace to return to Nalhegrande, then I'm prepared to die.
Pholia stares at Gilbert with a resolve equal to his own.
Pholia
However...
Pholia
If you think I'll just allow you to take my life as part of some selfish ambition, then—
Pholia
Ngh!
Gilbert
I assumed you would resist. I'll just have to knock you unconscious before transporting you.
Before Pholia can summon her power, Gilbert blasts her with Otherworld energy, knocking her out.
He then destroys her binds with the same energy, tucks her small frame under his arm, and turns to leave the cell.
Hal
...
Gilbert
Out of the way. There's no longer a need to restore the kingdom, so I've no use for you.
Gilbert
Don't throw your life away. If you don't move now, I'll move you with force.
Hal
Even so...
Hal
I won't let you take her.
Hal steels himself and stares directly into Gilbert's eyes.
Hal
That girl... We understood each other. She had the same worries as me.
Hal
I've been saved by so many people. That's how I've stayed alive this long.
Hal
So now...
Hal
It's my turn to save someone else!
Gilbert
...
Gilbert
Very well. You've made your choice. Farewell.
Hal
...!
Hal closes his eyes, preparing for the blast to take his life.
Hal
...?
But the pain never comes. Instead he hears a playful voice.
???
That was a beautiful sentiment, Hal! I dig the hero attitude.
Drang
Made all that running here worth it just so I could hear your speech.
Hal
Drang!
Orchid
Sorry we're late.
Orchid
We wanted to rescue you while Gran and the others were outside fighting.
Orchid
But this man beat us here. How regrettable.
Sturm
It's fine. We're here now, aren't we?
Sturm
We're all clear on the mission, right? Retrieve the girl and get out of the palace.
Drang
And we'll be able to do that because you bought us some time, Hal.
Drang
But things might get a little ugly now, so why don't you step back and let us take care of it?
Hal
Right. Thanks, Drang...
Hal smiles, comforted by the appearance of Drang and the others.
Gilbert, on the other hand, gives the intruders an irritated glare.
Gilbert
Tch... So many interruptions!
Sturm
...!
Instantaneously summoning an overwhelming amount of power, Gilbert blasts the immediate surroundings.
Sturm
Tch! Drang! You okay?
Drang
As right as rain! How about you, Sturm?
Drang manages to get his shield up in time, protecting the others with magic emanating from his spheres.
Sturm
I'm not injured, but he's getting away—after him!
Orchid
Right!
Drang
Hey, not so fast, you two!
Drang
Hey, not so fast, you two!
As his partners begin running after Gilbert, Drang turns to Hal.
Drang
Hal, how you feeling? No debris flew up and scratched you or anything?
Hal
...
Drang
Hal?
Hal
It's just as Gilbert said. He doesn't need me anymore.
Hal
So I'm safe now. You don't have to worry about me—just go after him.
Drang
What's this now? I mean, I was planning on backing up those two, but, uh...
Drang
You don't look so good, kid...
Sturm's Voice
Drang! The hell are you doing? Soldiers are coming out of nowhere! Get over here!
Hal
Sounds like they need you. You better hurry.
Drang
...
Drang
You stay here for the time being—at least until all of the commotion's died down.
Drang
If anything should happen while I'm gone, go seek out help from one of the soldiers.
Drang
If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on some of them disagreeing with Gilbert's recent actions.
Drang
In fact, most of the Istavion population probably still views you as an important figure for the future. They'll protect you for sure.
Hal
I understand. Now, you should hurry.
Drang
...
Urged on by Hal, Drang manages to fight back a sneaking suspicion that something might go wrong.
He exits the cell and races to catch up to his teammates, who are already in hot pursuit of Gilbert.
107: Mutating Darkness 
