Reinhard hummed thoughtfully after Honor left, the room feeling emptier without the Red Priest's imposing presence. He turned to Joseph, his light blue eyes serious. "Your goal is included as well, Joseph."

Marie nodded with a grin, her platinum hair bouncing with the motion. "After all, it's the reason we came here."

Joseph chuckled, clasping his hands together. "I know... Thank you. I thought we would have to give up before."

Marie's smile softened. "What we said about finding an alternative way wasn't far off. But it was naive to think it would be so simple without Veryn and Casseo telling us the Star Jewel was here."

Joseph nodded as his expression softened. "I need to thank them after all of this is done..." He paused, then laughed. "That being said, it's funny we're being involved in a second huge incident."

Reinhard's lips twitched.

He could already imagine the look Rosaria would give him after all of this was done. That particular expression combines disappointment, exasperation, and concern in equal measure.

Hopefully, I don't find myself in another coma or hospital this time. Reinhard thought. Or she really won't be allowing me to go out anymore.

Marie laughed before saying in a teasing tone. "Careful, or you'll make Rein even more embarrassed."

Joseph blinked, turning to Reinhard with curiosity. "Why is that? Did something happen, Rein?"

Marie crossed her arms over her stomach, barely containing her amusement. "Rosaria thinks Rein's luck is so crap that it's the reason we were drawn into such dangerous situations."

Joseph stared blankly at Marie for two seconds before bursting into laughter, his hand coming up to cover his mouth. He looked at Reinhard, who was pointedly looking off to the side, refusing to meet anyone's eyes.

"Well." Joseph said, once his laughter subsided, "I can't say she's wrong. Considering Marie and I did other missions during the months you were sleeping, and nothing this bad happened."

Marie nodded enthusiastically. "Now the first mission back together and we're already involved in First Class Beast Masters' matters~"

Reinhard sighed but didn't say anything. What could he say? The evidence was damning.

Marie snapped her fingers, expression shifting to a more serious focus. "We should inform Vanna of everything now."

"That's true." Reinhard agreed. "She should have also contacted the Saint by now. Let's go to our rooms."

The other two nodded before all three headed upstairs. The inn's second floor was quiet, most of the people were already asleep or preparing for tomorrow's evacuation.

They entered Marie's room, which was closest.

The space was a small single bed, a desk beneath a window, and a wardrobe in the corner. All three sat on the bed, the mattress dipping slightly under their combined weight.

Reinhard tapped the Herald Mark around his neck. The necklace, swirling orb with its miniature black hole center, glowed with light. A beam rushed outward, forming a projection in the air before them.

Vanna appeared in the holographic display. Her long silver hair was pulled back, her grey eyes sharp behind glasses despite what must be late hours at the academy. She wore her Memento Mori uniform with usual precision.

Marie waved in excitement. "Hey Vanna! How are you?"

Vanna sighed, the sound carrying through the projection. "There have been a lot of people on missions lately and calling in, but it's been fine. Now, is there a problem, or did you call to ask about the Saint?"

"We're here to report and ask if you contacted the Saint." Joseph said.

Vanna nodded once. "We were able to get in contact with him, and he agreed to have you come along. Now your report?"

Reinhard launched into an explanation, describing their journey through Eastern Hesod's forest. The discovery of Melo City's ruins, the battle with the Golden Warrior who'd guarded for two centuries, the spectral figures, and Dune Evernight's test, Marie claiming the Star Jewel.

He kept the report concise but thorough, hitting important details without unnecessary elaboration.

When he finished, Vanna sighed and asked, "How unlucky are you?"

Marie giggled, the sound defiant. "Oh come on, Vanna. We aren't unlucky at all. It's this awesome luck that allowed us to save Phane City, rescue little Anasha, and the Cup Inquisitors."

Joseph nodded, grinning widely. "It also helped us find the Star Jewel."

Vanna rubbed her head, fingers massaging temples like she was fighting off a headache. "But it also puts you in too much danger that is beyond your level..." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "Alright, be very careful and absolutely focus on your survival. While it would be a very important event and moment for the Dark Silence to be gone and Eastern Hesod to be freed. For Memento Mori, our students are always more important, no matter what."

Marie beamed, her light-gold eyes shining. "Ahh, I knew you loved us, Vanna."

Vanna's lips twitched, almost a smile, but not quite. Then her projection faded, the light dissolving until only lamplight from Marie's room remained.

Marie giggled while Joseph said. "Only you can break her stride and change her expressions."

Reinhard hummed agreement, and then he asked the question that had been bothering him, "You told Dune that we inherited the gift of the Forerunners... What did you mean?"

Joseph nodded quickly. "I was confused by that too... Did they bless or give you something?"

Marie shook her head, platinum hair swaying. "I didn't gain any additional strength. But when I touched the Star Jewel, I saw the memories of them, and I realized they had left behind something very precious." Her voice grew softer, more thoughtful. "What they left behind was the belief that the Dark Silence can be overcome and wishes for their people to continue living."

Reinhard's eyes widened before he muttered. "Huh... Truthfully, I'm still confused about the meaning of the Golden Age."

Marie laughed before smiling. "Me too. I can't really put it into words. But once you understand it, you feel a warmth in your chest..." She paused, considering. "I think you'll understand later. I'm sure of it."

Reinhard hummed. "Is it worth it to understand?"

Marie leaned back on the bed, her legs kicking up and down idly while staring at the ceiling, expression distant. "I think it is. Because I think if one day we were to pass or meet our end, I would want to leave behind a gift to those we're leaving." She turned her head, meeting Reinhard's eyes. "I'm sure Anna and Klein would love to be gifted with your belief and wishes that would help give them strength."

Reinhard blinked, the thought settled into him, and it wasn't uncomfortable. "Yeah... That would be nice. I wouldn't want them to be left with nothing..." He paused before nodding slowly, and then continued. "I suppose I can focus a bit more on understanding this."

Marie stretched her arms overhead. "I would say take your time because I technically cheated with the help of the Star Jewel."

Reinhard laughed as he shook his head. "Nah. I think even without the Star Jewel, you would have understood it soon enough. You're amazing like that."

"Rein!" Marie giggled, color rising in her cheeks despite her usual confidence.

Joseph smiled, watching their exchange, and then he asked, "So what did you see in the memories?"

Marie's eyes lit up immediately as she sat forward, enthusiasm radiating from her entire posture. "Oh! So much!"

She began telling them everything.

From the golden streets bustling with happy people, and the festivals where no one went hungry or was excluded. The construction projects where hundreds worked together, singing while the Golden Warriors marched through cheering crowds.

The silver ships are sailing to the Aya continent.

The storytellers and musicians preserve culture through art.

Then the darker memories, starting with the vegetation erupting without warning. Roots rising to terrified screams, then Night Terrors emerging from shadows.

The Golden Warriors are charging forward despite impossible odds, shouting that their Golden Age would never truly end.

Her voice carried passion, painting pictures with words. Reinhard and Joseph listened with faint smiles, occasionally asking questions, mostly just absorbing her experience.

Outside, night deepened.

Stars appeared overhead, small lights pushing back darkness, just like the Forerunners had tried doing two centuries ago.

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