Vanna appeared in the light with her long silver hair, grey eyes sharp behind glasses, wearing the Memento Mori uniform.

Her expression was neutral as she softly said. "Hello, Reinhard, and Brunhilde. Is there something you need, or did something happen?"

"We need information." Reinhard said with a smile. "Has there ever been any sightings of a Star Jewel in Eastern Hesod before?"

Vanna's brows furrowed, confusion flickering across her face. "Why would you be curious about a Star Jewel… Unless there was mention of something similar to it?" She paused, then nodded. "Give me a second to look."

The projection showed her turning away, fingers moving through documents visible only to her.

The sounds of papers moving echoed out, while Reinhard turned to Brunhilde. "What do you think about the Chimeras?"

Brunhilde's expression grew contemplative. "It's the first time I've ever seen something like them. They looked like something Phineas would be interested in."

"Would Phineas do something like that?" Reinhard asked.

Brunhilde shook her head immediately. "Phineas wouldn't combine them, but would make them act out as he enjoys the individual personality of each of his actors. He would still use them, but create them? No, he wouldn't."

Reinhard hummed as he processed. "Did Phineas mention anything about the amalgamation in Mensis Town? I know he interacted with it for months before I killed it?"

Brunhilde slowly nodded as something dark showed on her expression. "Phineas mentioned that when he arrived at Phane City, but he never went into detail."

"Of course he didn't." Reinhard muttered.

Vanna's projection flickered back into focus, and her grey eyes locked onto Reinhard.

"There aren't any recorded sightings of a Star Jewel there." She said swiftly. "But there were rumors that it appeared in the City of Melo..." She paused, adjusting her glasses with one hand. "The issue is that there were rumors about the Star Jewel being practically everywhere."

Reinhard nodded, his blue eyes studying the projection. "So basically it's a 50/50 whether it's true or not."

Vanna nodded once. "Did something happen? Is there a rumor going around about it?"

Reinhard shook his head before launching into a summary. The Luminous Knights' presence, their search for the Star Jewel, Saint Lucian's involvement, the mission to destroy the darkness, and deal with Chimeras in Helios.

Vanna's eyes widened slightly before she clasped her hands together. "We did know the Saint had been going around in the Eastern Area, but we didn't expect it to be such a big deal… It's not like it's the first time he had visited there, but it was just for a meeting with the Seeker or recruitment."

"Should we help them find the Star Jewel and give it to them?" Reinhard asked.

Vanna closed her eyes as she tapped on something outside the projection's view, a rhythmic pattern suggesting deep thought. Several seconds passed in silence. Then she opened her eyes and nodded. "While the Star Jewel is extremely important... If we can recover the Eastern Area and banish the darkness away, then it's far more important than the Star Jewel."

Reinhard's eyes shined as a grin spread across his face. "The points for helping in this will be massive?"

Vanna's lips curved into a faint smile. "Far more than your last two missions. You would probably get around 300 points."

Reinhard's grin widened, his entire posture straightened with renewed energy. "Alright then."

Vanna hummed thoughtfully. "We will contact the Saint and make sure he understands your identity. This will make it easier to join in and not force you all under suspicion and be used as shields."

Reinhard's lips twitched while Brunhilde nodded firmly, though her voice carried indignation. "As if they could use Rein as a shield!"

"You all should talk with the townspeople." Vanna continued after her smirk widened. "From what I'm seeing, some people left the City of Melo and migrated into the village."

Reinhard nodded in understanding before the projection dispersed.

Then he and Brunhilde reentered the library. The interior felt cooler after the outside warmth, and the scent of old paper filled his lungs.

Marie stood between shelves, carefully examining a leather-bound tome. Joseph had three books spread across a table, comparing information. Amiya flipped through records while Janus stood near a window, staring at text but clearly not reading based on his unfocused expression.

Reinhard called them over with a gesture, and they gathered quickly, abandoning their searches.

He relayed that he contacted Vanna and told them what she said. No confirmed sightings, but rumors in Melo, the need to talk with people who'd migrated from there, the Information Institution is planning to contact Saint Lucian about their involvement.

Everyone blinked in surprise before they smiled, then Janus blinked.

Janus furrowed his brows. "I think we can ask Nigen. He's the oldest one here and probably should have some information..." He trailed off, then paused before his orange eyes widened slightly. "You said the Star Jewel gives off a golden light?"

Marie nodded with him, her platinum hair bouncing. "It does."

"I recall hearing dad mention something like that, in the City of Melo-"

Marie quickly interjected, leaning forward with obvious interest. "He knew people who lived there?"

Janus nodded. "He said his grandpa lived there before leaving when the Dark Silence came. But the stories and how they lived were written down and constantly told to each generation..."

Amiya sighed, her violet eyes holding understanding mixed with sadness. "As to not forget how great the Forerunner Empire was and how amazing life used to be."

Reinhard hummed as he crossed his arms. "What was the story then?"

Janus's expression grew distant, recalling lessons learned in childhood. "It was that the City Leader of Melo held a contest to see who could bring the greatest treasure. There were many entries, such as weapons, armors, jewels, and even food. But the one that stood out was a golden orb that not only illuminated the area but the entire city in gold." His expression shifted to one of fondness. "The ones who brought it were the scholarly group in Melo, who were quickly rewarded and praised for giving the leader a stunning experience."

Brunhilde furrowed her brows. "The golden light illumination does sound like it. But is there anything more?"

Janus furrowed his brows, speaking quietly now. "Apparently, the pillar that resided in the middle of Melo that was built and is said to have continued standing to this day..." He paused, gathering the memory. "It was wished into existence by the Star Jewel as a way to always keep a record of every person who has died in Melo. So that no matter where or how far they died, their memories and life would be remembered and praised."

Reinhard and the others' eyes widened in surprise that there existed a monument created by a Star Jewel power, standing for potentially centuries.

Amiya blinked before gently clapping her hand. "I remember now. One of the High Seekers told me that the golden pillar in Melo still hasn't been destroyed, damaged, or even touched by the roots. Apparently, they see it as proof that the Forerunners aren't gone forever and that their existence still lives."

Brunhilde nodded with a faint smile. "That does sound like the effects of a Star Jewel."

Janus's eyes shone with hope and excitement. "Then does that mean-"

"Going to Melo would be a good place to start," Brunhilde confirmed. "Even if it isn't there, we can look around to see if there are any clues. And maybe the Luminous Knights can get a clue from the Saint to have him turn his gaze to Melo. He might be able to perceive a golden light shining there."

Amiya nodded with a grin spreading across her face. "Let's go check with Uncle Nigen."

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