After their long journey to retrieve the artifact, and managing to survive the confrontation with Nebula, the Kaikuji returned to Avalon Arsenal.

On the highest floor, the elevator doors slid open, welcoming the crew into an atmosphere vastly different from floors below. The collision of metal, the endless grind, and the scent of metal filling the air from the seventieth-floor were replaced by a peaceful silence.

They stepped out the elevator onto a plush red carpet that guided their steps entering the President's Office. Black wooden pillars rose from the floor, their surfaces polished to having a mirror-like sheen, and candlelights were placed to cast a soft glow through the entrance. As they proceeded, the carpet continued from the elevator to the imposing black metal desk that belonged to President Lorin V. Daystar, with the golden emblem of Daystar Industries high above. Behind it were windows stretched from floor to ceiling, framing a panoramic view of the cityscape.

To their right was the heliport, connected by a sturdy metal walkway. To their left, the other window offered a breathtaking visual of the entire city, glittering under the fading embers of the day.

Lorin sat behind his desk, head resting on his hand as he read through a document. They were at unease, unsure of what Lorin's reaction would be if they announced their decision about the artifact. Right now, right in the heart of Lorin's domain, every move felt like a gamble with their lives.

Hoisted on Midir's hips was the artifact, catching Lorin's eye immediately. "The difference between the two are barely discernible. Though, I see you all encountered trouble on the way." Lorin commented at everyone covered in their own blood...with the exception of Akihiro because the blood didn't belong to him.

Helios had his palm generating light on his torso speeding up his healing process as he contemplated on what to say, either he completely ignores Midir's advice and go berserk or bide his time. He hated that there was no other choice, he glanced at Akihiro knowing that if it was just them they'd cause Hell at Avalon Arsenal but alas...he had to think of those weaker than him. No, Helios has to accept the fact that on his own he is not invicible. Not anymore. "...Funny you mention that, we ran into Nebula."

Helios obviously didn’t mention the part of Shadow saying to not trust Lorin, he wanted to know what his cousin thought. Only thing that connect Lorin & Helios is the Daystar blood that runs through them, everything is else is different as can be. Lorin is more calculating while Helios goes in guns blazing while forming a plan on the spot.

"...If Fortuna is stronger than the one man army who came we across, we'd have to think of a really solid game plan."

Helios locks eyes with Midir assuming that Lorin has no idea about his origins.

"Luna is the only one with a defensive ability, Eris would be able to enhance her version of Shadow Manipulation but everyone else? We'd be toast if someone of my strength, Luna's defense, Chronos' speed and Apollo's recovery were merged into one...like that guy we ran into."

Helios lifts his hand out counting out the ability by raising his fingers. "Shadow Manipulation, Light Manipulation, Time Manipulation, Grenade...he mentioned the 5 Daystar children, meaning he has Wind & Lightning tucked in his reserves. And what's to say after today's battle he didn't get access to Zero's Flames and Kronos' Bio-Overhaul? That'd be at least 8 different abilities we'd have to deal with if we run into him again."

Lorin rose from and approached Helios, closing the distance until they stood face to face. The fabric of Lorin's blue coat and his belts hovered just inches above the floor, swaying slightly with his steps.

"Dealing with Nebula is no small matter," Lorin began. "But know this: those who are good at everything are exceptionally good at nothing. Versatility can be a double-edged sword. Someone who has honed their ability to its utmost potential, who knows their power inside-out to wield. The best chance you have to defeat him is to specialize, to be the absolute best at a single ability."

Lorin's blue eyes began to swallow Helios' sun-gold irises, an ocean consuming the light of the sun. Helios felt the weight of that gaze, a depth that seemed to draw him into the bottom of the ocean. He held his breath waiting for Lorin's answer. "I believe you know best about who amongst you perfectly fits that description."

Just then, the elevator dinged softly. The doors slid open, and Arienne stepped out, feeling like she'd taken this elevator a million times before. She walked through the corridor, and unlike usual, she led the group of people who followed. As she opened the door to the office, her expression went from boredom to surprise at the sight of familiar faces.

"Midir. It's been some time, do you still remember me?" She said with a small giggle. "Welcome back."

Eris, Selene, and Apollo stepped in behind Arienne. Lorin turned his attention to the newcomers. "Ah, the rest of the Daystar crew has arrived. Perfect timing, indeed. Now then, the artifact?"

Midir's eyes met Arienne's. Despite her apparent inactivity in productive potential for the crew, Arienne possessed a gift that no one else in the group has ever reached. Her Release technique, held the potential to change the very outcome of their battles whenever used. Midir understood the usefulness of her ability, the importance of its careful use which Eris and Akihiro were aware of.

"Your attempts of humor are poor. As for the artifact," Turning his gaze back to Lorin, Midir's presence brought attention as he prepared to deliver the news to the crew and those affiliated with Avalon. "We aren't giving it."

Lorin's eyes squinted, his head unsettlingly tilting ever so slightly, revealing his disapproval, evident so typically oblivious even Zero couldn't miss it. "...What?"

"We're taking it." Helios cut in. Selene brings Helios a new jacket as he puts it on basking in the electric candlelight, he turns around already facing the elevator. "We appreciate what you provided. However, I think it's best we go our separate ways. Our ideals don't match up with each other, even if we are related. We're no longer going to be allies from here on out." Selene's expression completely flipped as their new alliance immediately got dumped in the trash. She glances at both Helios & Lorin unsure in what to do, she whispers to Akihiro for help but he seems like he's on board with Helios, she finally glances at Midir & Eris hoping that one of the two would come to her aid. Eris rolls her eyes as she finally makes her way to the main group brushing past Helios & Akihiro as she takes place in the center.

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By the way she walks, it already seems she knew this was bound to happen eventually. Her red demonic eyes stares back at Helios's golden sun & Akihiro's own sleepless-silver before turning back to Lorin. "Despite his stupidity being well known, I have to agree with him. Though, to avoid the chaos, I have a suggestion. How about we wager it?"

Eris was right. Avalon had its entire guard, and their true strength in Lorin, Saturnus, and Merlin himself. With the infinite mana device, Merlin became an undefeatable opponent, his Life Manipulation creating an endless army of guards if a fight were to ensue. Avalon's victory would be guaranteed. But then there was Ivory. With Ivory's involvement, the outcome wasn't really certain. The conflict would damage long-lasting effects on both sides, especially in this location, but it was Lorin's home turf. He had the advantage.

Was the artifact worth the risk of destroying the entire building? No, Lorin had a better idea. One he knew Helios wouldn't refuse. This idea was worth playing. "Fine then. Let's play a game. Surely you want to gain some confidence in your strength after your unconcluded bout with Akihiro, Helios Sol Daystar. I'll participate in the coliseum. Not Avalon, not my servants, but only me." Everyone was shocked. Lorin, the man who never let a speck of dirt mar his outfit, was ready to get his hands dirty. "Me and you will have our own blood battle, for you breaking our contract of you working under me. Whoever wins will get the artifact. Do we have a deal?"

Before the group could converse amongst themselves, Helios turned around taking Lorin's bait.

"You & me? Finally, I have a chance to smack that smug rich boy look off your face. We have a deal."

Eris raises her eyebrows in annoyance, she knew they'd could handle Lorin as a group, but in a one on one situation? She doubts Helios could win, he gets extremely cocky in his fights leaving him extremely vulnerable to attacks.

But Helios didn't care, he just wanted to prove to Lorin that he's the best Daystar remaining and proving to his father that he's no longer the "black sheep" of the family.

"Then it's done."

Lorin sits back down and returns to his document. Helios was still under Lorin on paper, due to the contract. But that wasn't something to be dealt with for now.

"You all can stay the nights here until the week of the coliseum, or go somewhere else. It doesn't matter. You all can spend the last few hours of the day doing what you want."

"Oh... the colosseum is going to be so fun." Akihiro looked around, quickly realizing that among the group Arienne had brought, his mother was missing. "So where's--"

The elevator dinged behind them, and Ivory entered, her eyes noticeably but softly brightening as she saw the crew returned from their journey to retrieve the artifact. "Oh! You're all back."

Ivory hurried to Akihiro's side, her eyes widening in worry at the sight of his blood-soaked clothes. She let out a sigh of relief, but worry quickly returned to her after another thought.

"Phew! It's not yours-- Wait, you didn't kill anyone, did you?"

"Nope! I meatchecked someone until they ran away!"

"...Aki what the fuck are you on about?"

"Midir." Arienne stared blankly at everyone else before turning to him. "You wanna hang out tonight?" She winked sarcastically at him with a small smile.

Midir turned his gaze to Arienne, taking a moment to contemplate her offer. Currently, he had no matters; the chaos that would happen later won't involve him. For now, his path seemed to connect with hers.

"Sure."

They rode down the elevator together and left the building behind. By now, the last hints of sunlight faded as the only remnants of the day.

"What exactly do you have in mind?"

"Mmm, I guess just have fun. Wouldn't it be nice to relax a bit? Maybe take a nice walk around the area..."

Arienne, with her never incessant grin, did a little twirl. Her dress followed in her direction and so did her hair, though, she kept her eyes on Midir. "Maybe we could dance a bit. Do you dance, Midir?" Midir continued walking aimlessly, merely crossing crosswalks for the sake of going somewhere as he didn't bother looking at Arienne twirling behind him.

"I've never danced before. Not a thing for me, but why the sudden interest?"

"Oh Midir, you seem like the guy to know every waltz to have ever existed. Are you sure you've never danced?" Arienne looked up to him. "Put your hand on my waist. I'll put mine on your shoulder, then you'll take my hand and we'll dance. Just move your legs to the same pace that I put them to" She cut in front of Midir and offered her right hand for him to take.

Midir's eyes blinked from the hand outstretched to him, contemplating how he should react. He slowly took her hand in his own, hesitantly and almost cautiously, as though he was afraid to touch her. Once he does, he slowly places his own hand on her waist, and waits for her instructions. Arienne looked him straight into his eyes then looked down to guide his feet. She stepped back with her right foot. He stepped forward with his left. She stepped back with her left foot, he followed with his right. To her left, to his right. Her forward, him back. Her to the right, him to the left, till they were back in their starting spot.

"No need to be so tense, we're just having fun." She looked back up at him and smiled.

After the brief moment of clinging onto eachother for their movements, Midir lets out a soft exhale. His expression was stoic as usual but he seemed to look more relaxed when holding her, barely but noticeably strengthening his hold.

"You don't strike me as the type to dance with anyone. You should know why."

"I'm not; I dance on my own." She gently pressed her fingers into the back of his hand and slipped her left hand up to his neck. "Would you like to take the lead, see what you can do?"

"So I'm supposed to assume you got this level of coordination on your own?"

Midir goes from guided to guidance as he attempts to take the lead. His own dancing skills were nowhere near as good as Arienne's, but for a man who had supposedly never danced day in his life before today, it wasn't terrible. The clouds formed a silent blanket over the sky and began weeping, quickly turning to a horrid sob. Midir kept striding, so in the same way, Arienne followed his steps. It was a simple dance that Midir led with grace, despite having, what Arienne didn't believe to be, no experience. She continued to look into his eyes, peaking down occasionally to follow.

Even though the cold rain began to fall, the two didn't stop dancing, not really minding the falling water. And soon enough, both of them were fairly wet, although their movements only grew more fluid as the moment went on. The rest of the world was still unable to slip away, but Midir focused specially on guiding her, growing a little more confident with each step as they went. He didn't seem as closed-off from when they started, and keeping her gaze made him feel like he was making progress.

Ivory's smile faded, her expression going from the gentle worry of a mother to the depths of genuine concern as she watched Akihiro leave the building. A shadow of unease appeared on her face, obviously hinting at something taking space in her mind. Yet suddenly, her smile returned, a brightness of belief that everything would be okay, as she turned her sights to Selene and Eris.

"Well Arienne isn't here so... us three for a girls night?"

Eris' eyes widen in surprise, she wasn't expecting Ivory of all people to actually invite her. Now that she's thinking about it, the only other female ally she had were Rose & Amber. Rose has long since disappeared without a trace and Apollo gave up looking for her while Amber….well, she's just a monkey.

"...No thanks, if anything I'd like to use this time and scour the kitchen for food."

Before Eris can even get a good distance between them she senses an mana in her range before looking down and seeing that her feet are trapped where she stands as she turns around seeing Selene holding her hands out. "...You can't be serious."

"You have a lot in common with Sol, you're both stubborn to a fault. You’re gonna join us Aimi or so help me god."

Eris shakes her head before reluctantly joining the trio without anymore protest. Selene turns back to the other Ivory throwing a wink over her shoulder.

"Well…shall we get started, girls?"