Opera Epiclese.
The grand Judgment was drawing to a close.
"Lady Furina and Lady Focalors are found guilty of assaulting a common citizen in public. The sentence is three months of mandatory overtime."
Gasps erupted throughout the audience as the verdict was announced.
You've got guts, Teacher Ron! Real guts!
First, he'd sentenced Neuvillette, angering the Cult of the Dragon. Now, he'd sentenced Furina and Focalors, enraging their fans.
At this rate, there probably wasn't a single safe place left for him in all of Fontaine!
Beyond their shock, the crowd felt a deep sense of admiration for Ron.
Meanwhile, Furina and Focalors wore expressions of utter despair.
The previous punishments had already driven them to the brink. This new sentence felt like a death blow.
As soon as the Judgment concluded, Focalors couldn't hold back any longer. She quickly came up with an excuse to flee.
"I must go to the Fortress of Meropide to see Rene. I need to check on the progress of the body he's preparing for me."
"If I don't get a new vessel soon, this wisp of consciousness will dissipate!"
Surely they wouldn't force me to work overtime under these circumstances, Focalors thought.
But before Ron could respond, Furina erupted.
"You traitor! Are you really going to abandon me to work alone?!"
At that moment, Ron turned to Focalors.
"Regarding that, I've already spoken with Monsieur Rene. The body being prepared for Lady Focalors is still undergoing adjustments and will require more time."
"However, Monsieur Rene also informed me of your current condition. He said that if Lady Focalors returns to the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale to recuperate for a while, she will make a full recovery."
Hearing this, Focalors's eyes lit up.
At this point, even returning to the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale is fine, Focalors thought desperately. I absolutely cannot do this work anymore!
I've endured for centuries, so what's a few more months until Neuvillette gets out? It's nothing!
Just as Focalors was about to declare she would return to the Oratrice to recuperate, Ron spoke again.
"But rest assured, Lady Focalors. If you decide to recuperate in the Oratrice, we will have your work delivered to you there. That way, you won't have to worry about taking breaks. I'm sure working overtime for several consecutive months won't be a problem for you."
Focalors's body trembled violently at his words.
Is he even human?!
At that moment, Furina felt a wave of relief wash over her.
After all, the worst thing in the world wasn't having to work overtime for months—it was having to work overtime while Focalors got to relax.
Seeing Focalors's utterly defeated expression, Furina couldn't help but burst into laughter.
The sound of Furina's laughter was the last straw. Focalors snapped, and the two immediately began arguing, their fragile friendship capsizing in an instant.
Focalors blamed Furina for her terrible ideas, while Furina blamed Focalors for not reining her in.
The two argued back and forth, leaving everyone stunned. Seizing the opportunity, they continued their heated exchange while slowly backing toward the exit.
Just as they were about to leave the Opera Epiclese, two Maison Gardiennage officers appeared before them and spoke calmly.
"Your Excellencies, it's time to work."
Those words struck them like a death knell. Furina and Focalors immediately dropped their act.
"I quit being the Hydro Archon!"
"I absolutely can't do this job!"
With nothing left to lose, they abandoned all pretense of dignity and bolted past the officers toward the exit.
The officers, being ordinary humans, were caught completely off guard and could only watch as the two slipped past them.
As Furina and Focalors saw the dazzling sunlight outside the doors, it felt like a glimpse of their bright future. Overcome with excitement, they picked up their pace, their speed increasing severalfold.
Almost there! Almost there!
Just a little further to that place!
As the distance shrank, the smiles on their faces grew ever brighter.
Finally, they burst through the main doors and stepped outside the Opera Epiclese... and the smiles on their faces instantly froze.
Before them stood over thirty of the latest model Gardemeks!
Mind you, these weren't the old, weak Gardemeks you could mow down like grass. A single one of these was an ace-level combatant. Even with Furina and Focalors' combined strength, they'd be hard-pressed to defeat five, let alone over thirty.
"Monsieur Ron instructed us to wait here for Your Excellencies to report for duty."
"If you would please, Your Excellencies."
Hearing those words, Furina couldn't take the blow. Her body went limp, and she started to collapse toward Focalors.
Focalors, however, remained calm and simply pinched her waist.
"Gah!"
Furina pointed an accusing finger at Focalors, too furious to speak.
Focalors merely scoffed. Trying to feign illness? If I can't escape this, what makes you think you can?
Furina and Focalors glared at each other, the little boat of their friendship truly on the verge of capsizing.
However, as the Maison Gardiennage officers approached them again, both Furina and Focalors deflated like frostbitten eggplants, their eyes filled with profound despair.
Just then, an unusual commotion erupted from the crowd.
"Oh no! Mr. Ron has been kidnapped again!"
Hearing this, everyone present was utterly dumbfounded.
How long has it been since he left the Opera Epiclese? How does he attract so much trouble?!
Before Furina and Focalors could even rejoice at this news, an even more shocking report reached their ears.
"Just moments ago, the Cult of the Dragon launched a prison break at the Old Fortress of Meropide!"
This announcement plunged the scene into a brief, stunned silence, which was quickly shattered by a tidal wave of frantic discussion.
"What?! How dare they?!"
Furina and Focalors were utterly dumbfounded. They could never have imagined that this group would dare to attempt something as outrageous as a prison break.
Although the Cult of the Dragon's prison break meant Furina and Focalors' sentences would have to be re-evaluated, neither of them felt any joy. The implications of this event were far too severe.
Fontaine had descended into chaos once again...
-
Dehya and Faruzan finally returned, both unharmed, much to everyone's relief.
"I've thoroughly examined them," Faruzan reported. "The Akasha Terminals distributed by the Akademiya this time are virtually identical to the ones we're wearing."
"Furthermore, the Akademiya's claims about the new terminals having features like location tracking are completely false. It seems they fabricated those functions, likely to make users wary and hesitant."
"The only difference is that these terminals have been specially marked, probably as a way to distinguish between the infected and the healthy."
After hearing Faruzan's words, everyone fell into deep thought.
"So you're saying... the Akademiya didn't tamper with them at all this time?!" Paimon asked, surprised. "Did we misunderstand them?"
"I wouldn't go that far," Dr. Edward said, shaking his head. "I know the Akademiya's methods better than anyone. From what I've heard, they're already struggling to supply their own medicinal herbs, let alone allocate a portion for the Restricted Zone."
"Even with my own supplies added, it wouldn't be enough."
"But for now, I can't figure out what the Akademiya's true objective is."
The expressions on everyone's faces grew grim. They still hadn't uncovered the Akademiya's real purpose, and the uncertainty left them deeply anxious.
If there hadn't been bloodshed between the Akademiya and the Restricted Zone, they might have believed the Akademiya genuinely intended to resolve the situation peacefully this time. But now, that possibility seemed incredibly slim.
"What's the current situation in the Restricted Zone?"
Dehya pondered for a moment before asking the others.
Since she and Faruzan had only just returned, they weren't fully aware of the recent events in Sumeru City.
"Many people have already given in to the Akademiya's temptation and put on the newly issued Akasha Terminals," Dunyarzad explained. "So far, we haven't noticed anything unusual."
Hearing this, Dehya frowned deeply.
A heavy silence fell over the group as their thoughts reached an impasse.
After a long moment, Dr. Edward broke the stillness with a soft sigh.
"Alright, here's the plan. If everyone accepts the Akademiya's terms, it will be difficult to keep that batch of medicine hidden."
"Besides, if everyone leaves the Restricted Zone, distributing the medicine will become nearly impossible."
"Therefore, I've decided to distribute the medicine now. Even if the Akademiya is deceiving us, this will at least allow everyone to go home and see their families."
Dr. Edward paused, then continued.
"In the past, my focus was always on helping everyone hold out for as long as possible. I neglected to consider how everyone was feeling inside."
"Although this will use up our remaining scarce medicine, allowing everyone to see their families makes it worthwhile."
"Besides, this will also serve as a test for the Akademiya."
Even now, those who had agreed to the Akademiya's terms and donned the new Akasha Terminals still hadn't been allowed to leave the Restricted Zone. The Akademiya's excuse was that they needed a period of observation, so the medicine would not be distributed yet.
If Dr. Edward distributed the medicine now, the Akademiya's delaying tactics would no longer be effective. If they still refused to let the people in the Restricted Zone go home, their lies would be ruthlessly exposed.
This move would also prevent the Akademiya from seizing the medicine—likely the only thing they truly wanted. Without that leverage, the Akademiya's true intentions would become clearer.
"I agree with Dr. Edward's plan," Dehya said. "Even if this is just a trap set by the Akademiya, we must use the advantage of public opinion to ensure the people in the Restricted Zone can go home and see their families."
Dunyarzad nodded and shared her thoughts.
"Then let's settle on this for now."
Faruzan waved her hand, finalizing the decision.
"During this time, I will also wear the latest Akasha Terminal issued by the Akademiya. If any problems arise with this device, I'll be able to discover them quickly."
"Miss Faruzan shouldn't bear this risk alone. I'll wear the latest Akasha Terminal as well," Dr. Edward spoke up after Faruzan finished.
"No, Dr. Edward! That's too dangerous!" Faruzan sternly stopped him.
"Everyone here, including the people in the Restricted Zone, can afford to take risks—but you can't!"
"Both Eleazar and the 'COVID-19' you named require you to find a cure."
"Only with a cure can we save more people, so I firmly oppose you taking such a reckless risk!"
"Besides, if something happens to us, you might be the only one who can help."
Faruzan's words earned the support of the others.
"That's right, Dr. Edward. We all understand how you feel, but you really shouldn't take this risk," Paimon said, nodding in agreement.
"Don't worry, we won't let Madam Faruzan face this alone. The Traveler and I will also wear the latest Akasha Terminals from the Akademiya."
"I will too."
"Miss!"
Seeing Dunyarzad also volunteer to put herself in danger, Dehya's expression immediately turned grave.
"This is far too dangerous! Let me do it instead. I absolutely refuse to let you do this!"
"Dehya, my mind is made up. In times like these, every extra person adds strength and increases our chances of discovering the Akademiya's true intentions," Dunyarzad insisted, her resolve firm.
"No, Miss. This is non-negotiable. If you don't listen to me, I'll have to inform the Master and Madam," Dehya said sternly.
"If the Master and Madam find out, they might even retract their approval for you to fund the Sabzeruz Festival."
Dehya had struck Dunyarzad's weak spot. For a moment, she hesitated.
She knew Dehya wasn't bluffing. Her bodyguard was incredibly dedicated, and persuading her to change her mind wouldn't be easy.
"Miss Dunyarzad, perhaps you shouldn't get involved in this," Dr. Edward added.
"You're a civilian, and you're also a patient."
"As your attending physician, I also cannot approve of you taking this risk."
Dehya shot Dr. Edward a grateful look. Dunyarzad finally relented, sighing softly.
"Alright... In that case, you all must be careful."
"Good. Then it's settled," Faruzan declared.
"The Traveler, Paimon, Miss Dehya, and I will wear the latest Akasha Terminals from the Akademiya. Dr. Edward and Miss Dunyarzad will monitor our conditions closely. If you notice anything unusual, do your best to help us."
"Uh... Um, I just remembered I don't really have any combat abilities. Maybe I should join the support team too?"
Paimon shuddered when her name was called, suddenly recalling her own limitations and immediately trying to back out.
Lumine, seeing Paimon's cowardly display, grew exasperated. She snatched an Akasha Terminal from Faruzan's hand and forcibly equipped it on Paimon.
After making such a big promise, you want to desert at the last minute? Dream on!