Gwyneth skimmed several books on Zetherian devices — both how to build them and how to use them before finally coming across books on the kingdom's history. Most of it seemed to be an expanded version of what Noa had explained. Unfortunately, there weren't any trivial details that were useful. One illustration did, however, catch her eye, though it didn't supply any information relevant to their quest.

The picture depicted Ballard and Ares clashing with swords. Ballard had long blonde hair kept in a ponytail like Elric. There were some resemblances, but not enough to even theorize the two were related. Ares on the other hand possessed black hair, palish skin, and unnatural purple eyes.

While Noa didn't have any special devices for pain, she did give Aston what she called a 'painkiller'. The group was fascinated by the name before their excitement died out realizing it was just medicine. Aston was sure to touch it before taking it in case he needed more in the future. Noa didn't like this idea, warning him of the dangers of overdosing.

Isla had become interested in the books Gwyneth had discarded, collecting a stack on the floor next to the couch. She had attempted to place a book on the table but received a threatening glare from Noa who encircled the batteries with her arms, pulling them closer to her; her gaze never leaving the half-Fae. In between the pages, she found a thin manual tucked in.

To construct your robotic friend, connect Figure A to Figure B securing with Bolt Y. Repeat step with Figure C and Figure D.

Isla looked at the next page which contained a diagram with these alphabetical 'figures'. Figure A and Figure B appeared to be arms while Figure C and Figure D were legs. All of it was tremendously fascinating to her. They're building a body! she thought.

Aston quickly grew bored. Both girls had their noses in books and Noa was spinning a battery on the table; her smile was slightly delusional to where it scared Aston. He shook it off and began tracing the wall behind them. There was a small crack, large enough to slide a hand through sideways. Peeking through revealed the dead of the night. Everything was eerily still; there was no breeze to be heard, no footsteps. Not even the song of crickets could be heard.

That wasn't the case for much longer, as two figures slowly came into view.

"Isn't that Elric and Cetri?" Aston turned to the others who immediately closed their books and rushed over to where he was standing.

"Where?" Gwyneth demanded, pushing him aside so she could see for herself. Not even bothering to wait for his response, she closed one eye and peered through the crack. Isla crouched down in front of her to see through a smaller crack beneath.

Within moments, the three were pushing furniture out of the way to open the beaten-down door, much to Noa's concern and dismay.

---

"Spark. So, this king isn't even concerned with the affairs of his own kingdom." Cetri crossed her arms. Gwyneth and Noa had filled the other two in. Cetri had listened with great intrigue, while something appeared to be weighing on Elric's mind.

"Enough about us; did either of you learn anything while gone?" Gwyneth asked, scooching closer to the edge of her seat.

"I had an encounter with one of the militia — the mute girl we had encountered before," Elric explained. "She appeared to want to fight at first. But as I unsheathed my sword, a battery was knocked out of my satchel. Her attitude quickly changed as she dropped her shield and beckoned me to follow," he paused as if hesitating to speak the next part.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Go on?" Isla urged politely, noticing the difficulty Elric was having.

"Despite her loyalty to the militia, her family was not spared." Elric shook his head. "They live in hiding where their daughter, Media, smuggles food, clothing, and other necessities to them. She lost the ability to speak long ago," he paused as if he were reliving the moment. I did offer them the one battery I had. If only I had more..." He clenched his fists, biting his lip in the process.

"Once we defeat the King of Zetheria their lives will be easier. Everyone's." Gwyneth placed a hand tentatively on top of Elric's closed fists. His hand was cold, his circulation had stopped from how tightly he clenched.

"If you're concerned about them, we can always make another visit." Isla smiled softly.

"Hate to break it to you, but there's still the militia you have to worry about." Noa crossed her arms, placing one leg at a time on the table. She quickly jolted up when one of the batteries rolled off.

"If— No, when we defeat the king, whatever lost technology inside is yours to keep. Take it and gather everyone you know to stop the militia," Gwyneth ordered.

"That's assuming the militia doesn't get to it first." Noa sighed.

Gwyneth frowned. She wished there was more she could do for the people of Zetheria. Even with Aston's magic, she didn't imagine the five or six of them would be able to take on every militia member in Zetheria — especially if they got ahold of the palace's technology. No, she would present this plight to her parents and see if there was ought they could do.

"Hey," Cetri spoke up. "I got a question. There was this statue I came across — a-and this painting too! The statue was of two guys fighting, but one of them had their heads cut off. Not by the guy they were fighting but by some clumsy bystander. Probably. Uh, a bystander in our time, not whenever this fight was taking place. You get the picture. Speaking of pictures, the one I found depicted the four elements, the sun and moon, and three figures. One of the figures had its head punched out though. Do any of you know who those three are?"

"The beheaded man from the statue and painting is likely Ares," Noa explained. "He's always been the antagonist of the legends, so it makes sense for some... strongly opinionated individuals to take their anger out on him. As for the other two... I'm not sure I'm familiar with this picture." Her eyebrows furrowed as she pulled her hair out of its ponytail and shook it out of place. "Maybe one of the others could be Ballard?"

Elric crossed his arms; his eyebrows narrowing in determination.

"Do you have a theory on it?" Gwyneth asked, concerned for her knight.

"Deities," Elric said. "The four Elemental Spirits are regarded as such in some depictions, and we know Cathrul worships the sun and moon. This Ballard guy... Even if he wasn't a deity, could he have existed alongside the others?"

Noa paused for a moment, contemplating Elric's theory. "Thinking about it, some legends do regard the founder as a god. Maybe you're onto something."

"Then the last pictured person would be..." Elric trailed off.

"The Almighty," Gwyneth answered. "It only makes sense for Aeceria's deity to be present as well."

Elric nodded. "Was the painting some sort of celebration of Halcyone's cultures and religions? Or is there something we're missing..." He mumbled the last part.

"Why feature a deity nobody likes?!" Isla interjected, hands flailing about nearly smacking Aston in the face.

"There's gotta be some Ares worshippers out there somewhere, right?" Cetri asked. "Just because the Zetherians didn't like him doesn't mean nobody else did."

"Nobody else..." Gwyneth trailed off. "Funny how his name isn't recorded anywhere other than Zetheria."

Noa yawned while stretching her arms behind her head. "It's getting late. If you guys got a date with the king tomorrow, you better rest up."

"Thank you again for your hospitality." Elric bowed his head courteously towards their host.

"You Aecerians are overly formal." Noa rolled her eyes. "It's fine. It was fun learning about you," she paused. "Oh, and don't assume you can get into the palace just by busting through the front door. You might make it past the royal soldiers, but you'll have your ass handed to you by the Fae. You'll need to use the tunnels. I'll show you where they are tomorrow."

Gwyneth nodded as she relaxed on the couch. But one thought lingered in her head.

They were doing the right thing — weren't they?