Layer 1, Scyphozia.

Despite its layers of danger, it is a place where both the Divers and the Ignition Union have somehow managed to establish outposts and continuously expand their territory. Although the two factions have different end goals, their methods share one thing in common: research.

While the Divers excel in "knowledge," the Ignition Union is unrivaled in "recklessness." Under the genius mind of Klaris, the Divers invented the Light Hook, allowing for safe expeditions into Layer 2 in search of further understanding. Meanwhile, the Ignition Union has no concept of "safety." At Chariot Spire, the Ignition Deepdriller has remained standing for nearly a decade, acting as a one-way path straight into the Frontier Furnace.

"...and ever since the Diver Incident, it became the only way down. You understand the importance of this, right, Marcellus?"

Marcellus nodded at Kiana's words. Thanks to her guidance, the group of fivehad reached a nearby whirlpool. They were lucky-the whirlpools leading to the Depths don't always appear.

This time, Fitz joined the expedition, refusing to stay in the Overworld and determined to follow Marcellus wherever he went.

Now, having set foot in a place that once belonged to the Celtor aspect of the Central Luminant, Setareh could finally grasp its bleakness. Sunlight had once, but no longer does or will ever again, shine on this barren land. Once a homeland to many, it is now a dead city, a perfect lair for grotesque creatures.

It is even said that the guards of Celtor still carry their obsession with defending the city. Even after death has drained their souls and vitality, their bodies remain stationed at the gates-to protect the place that should have been their home. Fitz said nothing, but her distant gaze spoke volumes.

"Don't worry. We're not going into the city. At least, not yet," Alm said, patting Marcellus's shoulder.

"Want to check out the Castle of Light? See what they've built?"

"No."

Marcellus wasn't afraid. Not an exaggeration-if he wanted to, he could make another Diver Incident happen. But now, after learning everything from his brother, the Divers had taken a different place in his list of enemies. Unless there were no other choices, he would rather not get involved with them again.

"Hmph. Doesn't matter. Seems like this lady doesn't want to go there anyway."

Unlike Marcellus, Fitz also didn't want to go to the Castle of Light-not out of guilt, but trauma. She knew, regardless of who was right or wrong, the person beside her had massacred the Divers before her very eyes. And even if they were brothers, he had still slain Elliot Ivanel.

It's not that she didn't want to go. She just didn't want the memories to come back. She didn't want to feel those things again.

Marcellus jolted slightly when he felt a tug on his sleeve. He sighed, patting Fitz's head to reassure her. And to reassure himself too-that he was no longer the same.

"All right, stay close. According to the map, the Chariot Spire is to the northeast... and we're in the west?"

Kiana frowned slightly.

"Sorry, everyone. Looks like... we really do have to go into the city."

"Can't we go around it?" Setareh asked, but Kiana shook her head.

"No. The northern and southern edges of the city don't have land. If you fall to the bottom of the Depths-you die."

But death here is a vague concept. The "vanishing" from the Overworld is different from "death" in the Depths. Souls of those who die above descend into the Depths, but those who die down here-body and soul-are pulled out of existence.

Many have tried to use the power of Yun'Shul, ruler of the Depths and the one who connects with human souls, to bring the dead back-via the Idol of Yun'shul.

All attempts have failed. Yun'Shul governs only what remains in the Depths; he cannot repair a soul already broken.

"...Or if you'd rather, the Castle of Light is still northwest."

Marcellus fell silent. Entering the city... or the Castle of Light. A choice more difficult than any before.

"I'll go to the Castle. I'll go."

The voice belonged to Fitz. Though she still clung to Marcellus's sleeve, her tone was strangely calm.

"You sure? I understand your past."

Kiana Ermine pointed to the Blindseer symbol on the band wrapped around her eyes.

"You can't hide your past from a Blindseer."

"Or a Visionshaper," Alm added. "But I won't peek, I promise."

Kiana shoved him aside.

"You don't have to go to the Castle. I can keep you safe in Celtor."

"No. I believe in myself."

Sooner or later, Fitz would have to face her past. So she chose to do it while someone she loved was still by her side. Marcellus-the one who created that past-would now help her end it.

"I..."

Marcellus hesitated. Worst case, he might have to kill again to protect them. Because he didn't know-and had never known-how to retreat. He could negotiate, sure, but if the Divers at the Castle of Light rejected peace... he wouldn't blame them.

That's right. He'd only blame himself.

"I'll help you, Marcellus. My voice still holds weight in the Castle of Light-it might ease things a little."

Kiana patted his shoulder. The Blindseers were responsible for bringing souls from the Depths back to the Overworld, so Divers had always respected them-at least in theory.

"I feel like I've taken too much from you already..."

"You? Polite? That's unlike you."

"Shut up, Alm."

Marcellus rubbed his forehead. He looked at Fitz, then at Setareh, then back at Fitz.

"All right."

He unwrapped his Crypt Blade, still sheathed in cloth, and handed it to Setareh.

"Hold this for me, will you?"

"...It's heavy."

Marcellus exhaled slowly.

"All right. Let's go."