Where Friendship Was Made

Look, the Blight Tide has ebbed away!

We did it, Endmin.

It's over... This long hunt that began in Valley IV has finally come to an end.

Mmm...

My fear wasn't of defeat... In fact, when she attacked the Main Pillar, I felt a measure of relief.

Mmh ... the Blight Tide has subsided, and the Xiranite Dam still stands strong.

And what of yourself?

Now that Nefarith has fallen, those Bonekrushers and Stockade turncoats are bound to disperse. It's only a matter of time.

Nefarith and Ardashir ... just why are they so obsessed with the Ætherside?

You've been directing the Xiranite alone, and you just fought a fierce battle... Tianshi Zhuang, you should get some rest.

Don't worry. This isn't the first time.

It's just that looking back at what happened feels chilling, especially after I let my guard down.

My only real fear was for Wuling and the harm it might suffer.

Tianshi Zhuang, are you hurt?

It's okay. I'm just ... a bit tired.

Hmm... Nefarith really was a powerful enemy.

Myself?

I knew you stood with me. So I believed ... "There would be a way".

Li Zhiyan... What happened to her?

The Captain's Originium Arts are incredibly strong ... but the strain on her body is equally unimaginable.

Defeating Ardashir at the Marker Stone would've cost you dearly. Even if you had won, what strength would you have had left to protect Wuling from Nefarith?

I agree. Arcane has no visible injuries.

Time flows differently within the scroll. It's hard to say how long the Captain fought.

You never change...

...So she's just exhausted and asleep...

From my perspective, the Captain's choice was sound. And you ultimately proved her right.

...Something isn't right.

Huh? You're right...

She overexerted herself with her Arts, but she's out of danger now.

When the Ink Spirit brought her out of the scroll, she was barely conscious.

Don't tell me ... Ardashir didn't even fight back inside the scroll? This is strange.

I've seen the Captain pushed to her limit only once. The Aggeloi remains that day could've covered the entire Wuling City.

Could Ardashir truly be...

Speculation is pointless. We can only wait for the Captain to wake up.

You have a point.

Endmin, let's move elsewhere. Arcane needs to rest.

Any damage here, Watchguard Liu?

Not a scratch! All those years of training really came through for us.

How about everyone else?

Oh, better than fine! Aunt Tian and the others have already got a mahjong game going.

Uh-huh. For people around here, chaos is hardly something to fear.

Hehe, what a lively bunch.

Oh, Tianshi Zhuang, once the damage assessment is complete, the captain will submit the full report to you.

Thank you.

Whew... Thank you for joining me on this inspection tour, everyone.

And with the AIC's support, Wuling should recover pretty soon.

I hope this brings some peace to Li Zhiyan...

Who's there?

One more thing. The Sui Regulator has learned about the battle at the Marker Stone. Reinforcements to Wuling are on the way.

Right. The Stockaders were left behind like pawns, while the Landbreakers withdrew in an orderly fashion.

An enemy commander likely remains active. However, further pursuit was not possible. We must return to the North Wuling Exclusion Zone immediately.

Given this involves the Endministrator and Project Xiranite, we must request that the Endministrator remain in Wuling for a few more days.

It's a relief to see the city holding up. Things look better than we thought.

Let's not talk about the Captain like she's already dead.

You are from the Yinglung Special Task Force...

Summit. Here to report to Tianshi Zhuang.

The Endfield Crisis Team's cleared to listen. Go ahead.

...The enemy forces were routed under our pursuit.

Seventeen leaders down, the rest captured — one of ours is escorting them to Hongshan now.

Among the enemy forces we engaged, most of the Cangzei Pirates surrendered, while the Landbreakers fought as they retreated. Most of the captives are also Cangzei Pi —

They are Stockaders.

No need to. As long as they stay away from Wuling, that's enough.

Your service is noted.

Involves the Endministrator and Project Xiranite? May I ask which Tianshi is being sent?

Only one person. And not a Tianshi.

She won't arrive in Wuling for a few days. However, she's already used the residual power within the Marker Stone Scroll to rescue the Captain.

Wha?! Li Zhiyan's fine?! Why didn't you say so from the start! This is huge!

How is it huge if she's fine?

Ahhh, the way you talk is killing me. Just tell me where she is.

Chen, ease up. Summit has just returned from the front lines...

Ahem... It seems you remain as concerned for her as ever...

Honestly, "fine" is an overstatement. Her life is not in danger, at least.

Please follow me.