A person

Seeing him run out of the alleyway, the woman proceeded to turn her attention to Tommy, and slid to a halt. She then turned around, placing the lance upon her back before charging straight at him, her lance out and her shield in front of herself. ???: Intercepting greater threat. You shall be exterminated first.

SOMNUS FOREST As they continued on, Hera started to talk again. Hera: I have done some personal research into the condition of the slums...and I am correct in saying that his motives are indeed selfish, but there is no money involved; it is solely power he is after. What he wishes to do with that power, I do not know, but I know he is not alone in this endeavor of his. In fact, he has amassed quite an army since he has been tasked with keeping peace in the area, so mayhap there is a general contempt for the government within the people, the reason for which remains unknown to me; after all, the slums are the way they are because of the people which inhabit them. Hera: You are very eager to fight...but do you not fear what may hide within the darkness? The threat which lies within it is unknown to us! SLUMS OF CANDOR CITY Her attention caught by the voice yelling behind her, the woman twisted her torso slightly and raised her shield to block the swing coming at her, but found herself being pushed back slightly by the explosion, though she showed no other signs of damage. She withdrew her lance. ???: Multiple threats detected. Proceeding with extermination. She proceeded to charge at Mirfah, her shield in front of herself like an iron wall and her lance out like a deadly spike coming at him.

Idealis shook her head. Idealis: Didn't they say they were only investigating the situation? Investigation can take a while; it took me a while to get back when I did mine. We should at least have some trust in them! Hera sighed. Hera: I am only to do as I am assigned by His Majesty; going to the slums is something that must be done on my own time, Mistress Bathory. I also do not suggest splitting away from us in an attempt to find them as you may find yourselves in trouble, either within the forest or within the slums themselves. That being said... Hera started to walk faster, opening her tome as she did so. Hera: ...we should move quickly, lest we find ourselves trapped in an ambush. A dark, malevolent presence could be sensed by all nearby, causing a sense of dread to wash over the area.

The knight proceeded to approach him and slid her lance onto her back, using her now free hand to grab him by his head and lift him up. ???: Enemy neutralized. Proceeding with capture. She forcibly turned him around and removed her hand from his head only to wrap it around his hands on his back and begin pushing him towards an alleyway nearby.

She raised the lance up into the air as he grabbed it, then proceeded to swing him down at the ground with incredible power. The headband on her head expanded into something at least slightly more protective. ???: Neutralization in progress. Surrender now, and I shall only injure you.

Instead of backing down, a different guard approached him, wielding a heavy lance and shield and wearing very heavy armor. ???: Threat detected. Proceeding with neutralization. The guard raised her shield and lance, then charged straight for Tommy, aiming to impale him upon the tip.

Hera: I will not say that he did; however, it certainly looked that way on the surface. But, I believe his reasons were far more selfish, Mistress Mizu.

Idealis proceeded to reveal her katars in the sleeves of her coat. Idealis: As ready as I can be. Hera nodded as she continued to lead them. Hera: Good! Now, about that rebellion... Hera: ...there was already someone sent there to quell it, Mistress Mizu. A high-ranking member of the Royal Guard, Hakumen. However...both His Majesty and Her Majesty know that he is not performing his duty as required as there are still violent incidents occurring there on a daily basis at this point. It is almost as if he is doing something to exaggerate the situation far more than what it was previously.

The audience party would find themselves exiting the city as the guards in front of the gates proceeded to open them, allowing them into a darker forest, the sky seeming to be dimming. It was starting to transition into evening, but the forest made it seem like it was darker. BGM: Track 15 Hera quietly drew a tome and her runeblade. Hera: We are now out of earshot of the guards, so we may freely discuss the rebellion within the slums; however, do stay on your guard. This forest has been known for vicious attacks from the creatures that inhabit it.

Hera giggled once again. Hera: It is okay, Master Williamson! And it may be a while before I can properly refer to you as Shovel Knight, so, my apologies. And, may I say, your armor and weapon are things of amazement! Hera: Who could have known that a shovel could make for an effective weapon...

Hera started to move again. Hera: I have known from the very beginning. However, there is far more to the story than you are aware of, Mistress Mizu.

Hera came to a halt and turned around, putting an index finger to her mouth. She spoke in a low voice. Hera: If they hear you, you'll be arrested...we need to get out of the city before we can talk in-depth about this, Mistress Mizu. Once we are in safety, I suppose I should attempt to explain the circumstance. After all; you two are here for more than simply aiding the others, correct?

Hera: Class names? She mused over it for a moment, then came to a realization. Hera: A way to sort yourselves from one another, then...interesting. Hera: Though I am interested in learning more, I am afraid it will have to wait until after we arrive at the destination. But beyond that, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Master Emiya and Mistress Pendragon!

Hera: Ah, perhaps it is merely a case of mistaken identity, Master Mathis. The Royal Guard is not perfect, after all. The guards standing at the gates leading out to the northern bridge proceeded to open them for them, allowing them to proceed into the outdoors. BGM: Skyscape Probe Hera: It would not be the first time it has happened. Previously, a slum citizen managed to find his way into the castle after identifying himself as a deceased member of a high-ranking family before news of his death made its way to the castle. Perhaps you happen to have a silent observer following you who has done the same? Hera: Please excuse my formal behavior, Master Alexandria; it is a habit that I find very difficult to drop these days, but I shall try my best, Magnum! She giggled. Hera: Wow, I had never imagined that I would be fortunate enough to meet an idol-in-training in person! Hera just had to stop and curtsy. Hera: I, too, had dreams of becoming an idol, so it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mistress Bathory! Perhaps I may be able to learn something from you if you are to ever visit the castle during your free time! Hera curtsied for Seraph once again, this time out of respect. Hera: I must admit, it is quite rare to be able to witness angels in person, especially under my...condition, I suppose. Nevertheless, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Master Artwaltz!

Hera: A technology meant to revive spirits that were once thought to be lost, correct, Master Mathis? If so, then...

Idealis: Hmmm...if you say so. She turned her head to glance at Hera. Idealis: My name is Idealis Furtivus... It was pretty obvious that she was uncomfortable with sharing her name with anyone, even those she trusted. Hera was either completely oblivious to it or simply ignored it. Hera: Mistress Furtivus...now that is a name I would not expect! A fitting name, too! Idealis looked away nervously. Hera: Strange...might you have a brother, then?

Idealis took notice of Edward's behavior. Idealis: Something on your mind, Edward?

Hera: Mistress Mizu, a name fit for a woman of mystery! Hera: Master Mathis...have you, perchance, visited the castle previously? I recall someone with the same name visiting at an earlier time...

Hera: Master Thompson, a fine name for someone such as yourself!

Hera chuckled as she led the group out of the throne room and towards the north side of the castle. Hera: His Majesty most certainly would not mind your excitement! After all...he needs it at this point in time. But that is a story for another time, I suppose. Hera: Since I am leading you, I do not suppose you would be willing to give me your names, Masters and Mistresses? I feel obliged to refer to guests by the names they wish to have!

Seeing that the party was up for it, Idealis had decided against saying no. She nodded. Idealis: I shall do my best, then, your Majesty; something like this is a chance of a lifetime! It would be an absolute honor! The queen smiled. The king, however, spoke up. King Randolph: Since you are all in agreement, it may be best to notify the oracle of the news. Hera! A low, feminine voice came from one of the three rooms. ???: Yes, your Majesty? King Randolph: Guide these visitors to the oracle in Verve. ???: Right away, your Majesty! The middle door opened, revealing a face to go with the voice. The horned woman proceeded to curtsy with a warm smile. Hera: Greetings! I am the chief maid of the castle, Hera Nikitas, and I shall be your guide, Masters and Mistresses! King Randolph spoke up again. King Randolph: See to it that they safely arrive at Verve, Hera. Once you return, there are some...important matters...to discuss. Hera nodded her head quickly. Hera: A-ah, yes, yes, your Majesty! She walked beyond a guard standing at the side of the carpet, and headed towards the door out of the throne room. She turned her head to look at the group. Hera: Shall we? Idealis nodded, retrieving her coat from the guard she gave it to. The guard seemed to stare at her as she walked by, but she didn't notice. Idealis: Gladly!

The queen nodded her head slightly. Queen Rupina: Of course... She then pointed her staff at Nemesis. Queen Rupina: And your name? Nemesis bowed once again. There was no point in hiding the truth any longer. Nemesis: My name...is Idealis. Idealis Furtivus. Queen Rupina: And I assume that you, too, have lost something? Idealis nodded. Idealis: Yes, your Majesty. Unlike them, I did not lose my skills, but, rather, I have lost most of my belongings during the travel between my world and this one. The queen nodded her head slightly. Queen Rupina: Ah, do not fret; yours is a similar story to others. She diverted her attention back to everyone in front of them. Queen Rupina: There are many others who have had the same experience as those three, and they have also come here in the hopes of discovering the reason why they are here. Her face grew serious. BGM: 07. 降りてきた神秘 Queen Rupina: And, fortunately, we believe we have finally discovered the answer to that question. The answer lies within a kingdom to the north; there, resides a powerful oracle who has sensed that the world is in great danger, a danger that not even we are capable of handling alone. He was the one who has summoned everyone to our world. I must apologize in his stead; his decision was made entirely out of desperation, and though I am certain that your worlds are in no danger even if ours was to be destroyed, which is, unfortunately, inevitable, I believe he assumed that you would all be willing to aid us in protecting it. I understand if you are unwilling to; being dragged from your home planet without warning can be jarring, and the grief those close to you would experience must be unimaginable. I am certain that we can find a way to banish this threat without outside aid, but I suppose, since our enemy is unknown, we should attempt to gather as much aid as possible before a possible altercation. So, I ask you all; are you willing to join us in our quest to defend our world from that which threatens it?

The queen couldn't help but chuckle to herself, earning her a gentle nudge from the king. She regained her composure. Queen Rupina: And have you, perchance, lost something?

The Queen nodded. Queen Rupina: As expected. She then pointed her staff at Edward. Queen Rupina: What is your name?

Queen Rupina: Seth...have you, perchance, lost something during your unexpected trip to this world?