Arthur stood quietly outside the teleportation gate, waiting for Curtis to return with the day's personnel and supplies. Beside him stood Sylvie who was waiting on a few items she had requested.

Seeing as she had now reached the integration stage, she wanted to practice the Indrath Clan's creation mana arts. Unfortunately for her, she knew nothing about them. When she was being trained in Epheotus her focus was in getting stronger and developing her aether arts. No one expected her to reach the integration this quickly, so she knew next to nothing about what she was capable of, meaning she intended on experimenting deep in the caves outside of town.

Virion walked up beside Arthur, a big happy grin on his face.

"Who would have guessed you'd still be this happy," Arthur commented.

"Can you blame me? My granddaughter is getting married in a few months, and you are completely on board with it. Ahh," he said with a satisfied smile." It seems I'm only destined to train members of my family."

Two nights ago Arthur and Tess told their families they were going to go along with the highly publicized wedding idea. Their only change was that it would be in two months and a few days. The reason for the few days was so that it could line up with the day they first met after Arthur rescued Tess when they were kids.

After a short congratulations and Virion explaining his and Alice's shared role in helping to plan the wedding, the old elf pulled out his two books, followed by a new third for making notes on everything that would happen. He then began by explaining a traditional Elven style wedding, then Alice explained a human style. Surprisingly there were many parallels between the two.

True to his male heritage that transcended race, Arthur agreed to just about everything Tess wanted. Although very few decisions were actually made, they had decided on a traditional eleven wedding ceremony that would be held in the capital of Elenoir, Zestier, and both would wear traditional even attire. No sooner than the decision on the attire was, Virion was pulling out a communication scroll and was contacting two of the finest fashion designers in Elenoir, and was arranging for them to come to the sanctuary.

"Well I still can't believe you're bringing clothing designers here. How did you even get the rest of the council to approve this?" Arthur questioned.

"Technically this whole wedding is doubling as a massive morale boost for the troops. I can't exactly risk putting you two in danger now."

"Since when was Elenoir dangerous?"

Virion's expression became serious. "After their troops made it to that village, I don't know if there's anywhere safe anymore. Plant mages scoured the forest to cover the Alacryan's tracks, but still..."

"They did something not even Sapin ever could," Arthur said, finishing his sentence.

"Right," Virion said with a nod. "Maybe I'm just being overly cautious."

"Probably, but it makes sense. I saw how things could have gone, that's why I doubled the patrols done by my unit. There won't be a repeat of that attack, and if they try I'll scare them off."

"I suppose someone capable of challenging an Asura would be pretty intimidating," Virion commented with a relaxed smile.

They remained silent for a few seconds before Virion spoke again.

"So, how's that friend of yours? I heard you paid him a visit the other night, and that another mana suppression collar is missing."

"There was a problem with the one he had, so I replaced it. It looks like those collars weren't meant to suppress someone so powerful."

"Can you keep everyone safe?"

"I asked Gideon to bring additional mana suppression artifacts, the best he could make. Hopefully a combination of several is the key."

"I hope so. I'm putting a lot of faith in you, I don't want this to come around and bite us later."

"It won't, and if things do start to get out of control, I'll deal with it myself."

"You know, you don't have to," Regis said from within his core. "You shouldn't have to kill your friend. If it comes down to it, I'll do it for you."

"Thanks, but if things get to that point then that just means Nico got out, and I can kill him."

"Prepare for incoming," a guard yelled out as he held a communication scroll in hand, having read the password from Curtis so he could return.

The teleportation gate then activated, and the first line of guards raised their shields, as archers and mages prepared from behind. It was hoped that this precaution would never actually be necessary, but they prepared for an enemy to come out just the same.

Curtis was the first to come out, giving the final signal that those who followed were allies. Next came several farmers, all either earth, water, or plant mages. They all carried bags of luggage, as well as pushed wheelbarrows with several tools and other needed supplies. One of the servants walked up to them and asked for them to follow him.

Several more guards also exited, each pushing carts of supplies. Representatives from the existing guards, kitchen staff, and medics stepped forward and began taking the supplies that were theirs, bringing them back to their areas.

Next came the two fashion designers, each with an assistant who was pushing a full clothing cart, which were being covered by a large cloth. It was easy to identify them, as they were dressed flashy enough to pass as royals.

"Your highness," they both greeted Virion as they bowed. "It is an honor to be summoned by the royal family."

"Thank you both for coming so quickly." Virion then gestured to Arthur. "This is the groom and my future grandson, Arthur Leywin."

"It is an honor to meet you as well, your highness," they both said with a smile, bowing a little less than before.

Arthur only bowed his head in acknowledgment. It felt weird to him to be called "your highness", but he was trying to get used to it. Ever since word of the engagement got out in the castle all of the elf servants and guards started calling him that, while everyone else continued to call him General. Since technically both were accurate he accepted either one, but he knew after the wedding that every servant would have to refer to him as a royal from then on.

"Arthur has some official business to deal with to help with the war, so he'll be joining us a little later," Virion said, then gestured in the direction they needed to go. "So please follow me, I can't wait to see how my granddaughter looks in these dresses."

"So this is the ancient mage city."

Arthur looked to see Gideon walking over, with Emily right behind him, and two other assistants behind her.

"I must say," Gideon said as he arrived while looking around. "I'm rather disappointed."

"What were you expecting? Crystal or gold buildings? Flying carriages?" Arthur retorted.

"Flying carriages?" Gideons interest peaked. "Now that's a good idea, I don't suppose you already have a plan for that do you?"

Arthur just gave a deadpan expression.

"Guess not," Gideon replied dismissively. "Oh, I heard you went insane and decided you want to get married."

"That's right."

"Are you sure you want to do that?"

"Wow, most people would just say congratulations."

"Don't take it personally," Emily chimed in. "Deep down he's happy for you. He's just upset that you didn't tell him personally, and that he learned about it in the newspaper. I'm told it's been on the front page in literally every newspaper on the continent."

"I'm not jealous," he argued. "I've just seen how this goes. First it's all about his wife, every little thing he does is for her. Then your mind breaks and you two decide to have children." Gideon then grabbed Arthur by the head. "And it all goes downhill from there. Before you know it that beautiful mind of yours will be nothing more than mush."

"So does that mean you'll be at the wedding? It'll be in two months," Arthur asked.

Gideon sighed as he released him. "As long as the alcohol is free."

Arthur and Emily laughed a bit.

"Well, if you'll excuse me I need to set up the new training room," Emily said, then left with the two assistants.

"Tell me, what do you need a training room like that for down here anyways?" Gideon asked.

—————————————————————

Yesterday

"Generals, council members, this is a theory I've been working on for a while now, and I believe it's time it's put to the test," Arthur said to everyone.

"And what exactly is that?" Virion asked, eager to hear of his next plan from the future.

"A way to make the Lances stronger." Arthur took a pause for effect, as he gained everyone's attention. "Now as you all know, due to the artifacts, the Lances can't get any stronger. However, during my time undercover in Alacrya in the previous timeline, I was around multiple individuals for a period of time before the ceremony where they received their runes that allow them to use magic. Many of these individuals received higher ranked marks. Now I doubt many of you are grasping the significance of this so allow me to explain. There are four different ranks of marks, and these were kids and teenagers. Most of the ones that were around me received higher ranked ones, that I learned primarily only exceptional adults should be getting."

Seeing as many of them still didn't seem to really grasp what he was saying, he tried another example. "Ok, let's try a different perspective that you will understand. In the previous timeline Sylvie and myself did not reach the integration stage, and weren't close enough for us to reach it anytime soon. Yet this time I reached it after the battle at the wall, and Sylvie just a few days ago."

"Are you suggesting your presence influenced this?" Bairon asked, almost mockingly.

"Possibly. I have a theory to explain this. I believe prolonged exposure to dense concentrations of aether somehow reacts with mana cores to stimulate growth. My aether core is a highly dense concentration of aether, so it does make sense."

"Couldn't it just be aether in general?" Merial asked.

"I don't think so. The Alacryan ascenders have been diving into the relic tombs for hundreds of years, and the tombs have plenty of aether in them. If it was just aether I would have assumed that Agrona would have figured it out by now. The only conclusion I have is my core's dense concentration of aether over prolonged periods of time."

"So what's the plan to make Mica stronger?" She asked, a curious smile forming on her face.

"First I'd like a training room built like what we had at the floating castle. This way we can track the Lances progress. Next, considering the complete lack of mana here, plenty of mana restoring potions and beast cores so everyone's cores can recover quickly. Lastly, me sparing with the other Lances. If I'm right we may be able to bypass the artifacts restrictions."

"So you think you could get them to the integration stage with you?" Blaine asked, unable to hide his excitement.

"I doubt I'll be able to get them that far. But if I can get them to maybe Varay's level, they should be strong enough to be able to hold their own against a retainer."

—————————————————————-

"You know combat mages, always competing to get stronger," Arthur lied.

"Come on, let's get..." Arthur started, before Regis suddenly jumped from his body.

"WOAH!" Gideon yelled in shock from seeing a wolf jump out of Arthur's body. "What is that thing?"

"That is Regis, my sentient Asura weapon," Arthur answered as Regis stretched.

"Astounding," Gideon commented in complete wonder as he stepped closer. "So the Asura created this? Amazing, it looks so life-like," Gideon mused as he reached his hand out to touch him.

"I've also got sharp fangs. Touch me and you'll find out first hand." Regis growled.

Gideon quickly snapped his hand back.

"Don't mind him, the retainer mana in him makes him a bit testy," Sylvie commented.

"I'm not testy, I just don't want to be touched, poked, or proded by some mad scientist," Regis replied. "Just watch, I'll prove I'm not testy," he added, and walked off.

It only took a few seconds to realize where he was headed, and why he came out. Looking ahead Arthur and Sylvie saw Varay, Aya, and Kathyln had just walked through the gate.

Both Arthur and Sylvie panicked a little, but were relieved to see Curtis had come back and was escorting her away, probably to see their parents.

"Well if it isn't my two favorite beauties," Regis said as he arrived.

"What in the world are you?" Aya asked with her head tilted.

"That's Arthur's Asura weapon," Varay answered.

"My name is Regis, my sexy elf." He said as he did his best to bow.

"Well this is interesting," Aya replied with an amused tone.

"Invite me to your room tonight and I'll show you something interesting," Regis said flirtatiously while wagging his eyebrows.

"Don't mind him," Sylvie chimed in. "He was created using mana from an insane retainer."

"You know what! That's it!" Regis said as he turned around and glared at Sylvie. "You keep blaming Uto for my flirty behavior, and I'm tired of it!"

"You're defending a retainer?" Aya asked.

"No," regis said as he looked back. "I just believe in giving credit where credit is due." He then turned back to face Sylvie. "Here's a little lesson for you geko! I was created from the mana of four distinct sources, Warrior Princess, Uto, Princess Geko, and Mommy Geko. Now Uto was a lot of things, insane, psychotic, homicidal, and completely unfiltered, but horny he was not."

"Are you saying your, horny behavior comes from someone else?"

"That's right! Like I said, Uto wasn't a horny little bastard like me, and clearly Princess Geko and her mother aren't the culprits. That leaves only one!"

Everyone who heard that started looking at Arthur, who had wide eyes and bright red face from embarrassment.

"Arthur?" Aya asked with a flirty smile.

"That's right! Everyone's precious little Lance is in fact a complete horny dog! The only difference between him and me is he has self control," Regis announced.

Aya licked her lips as she puffed out her chest and looked at Arthur seductively.

"No no no," Regis said disapprovingly. "He's engaged and loyal to Tess. Remember that self control thing?" He then sat down as tall and proudly as he could. "I however, would love nothing more than to rock your world all night long."

Aya looked down at Regis with an eyebrow raised and a matching smirk.

"Big words, coming from someone with no genitals!" Arthur yelled back.

Some failed to contain their laughter, as others just walked away awkwardly. Regis just continued to sit there with his eyes wide and jaw hanging agape. Aya then patted Regis on the head.

"Sorry pooch," she said sympathetically, then walked off with Varay.

Sylvie walked up with a sack thrown over her shoulder.

"I have a feeling that there's not much I can say to make you feel better, but at the same time I kind of don't want to. You should have known better than to take a shot at Arthur like that," Sylvie said, sounding uncomfortable.

"Shut up Geko," Regis said in a defeated tone. "Let me just wallow in self pity for a bit."

—————————————————————-

"Well," Gideon said as they walked towards the town hall building. "That was interesting."

"Yeah, Regis is something else all right, but who knows where I'd be without him," Arthur replied as he remembered how much Regis was there for him in the past. "Anyway," Arthur said, changing the subject. "How was Darv?"

"Ugh, I never want to have to do a mission like that again. Just keep me in my lab working if you need something from me," Gideon grumbled, then his eyes lit up. "Although there was one perk. Fire salt!"

"Fire salt? I've never heard of it," Arthur lied.

He had heard about Gideon's research into the mineral after he returned, and saw how the mad scientist had actually created a single shot pistol with it. Although his pistol was now useless without the fire salt, it got Arthur thinking of potentially using the grains to create cannons and simple handheld firearms that could be used to fight the Alacryan's.

"It's something they mine down there and use for heat. I've got a few samples, and I think this could be used as a new fuel for the steam engine."

"Sounds interesting," Arthur replied with an approving nod, happy that his first idea was something of peace. "If you have any samples with you we could do a test or two before you have to leave."

"Unfortunately I only have one sample left, and I left it in my lab. I was planning on asking the council to secure more for me while I was here," Gideon replied.

After another minute or two they arrived at the town hall and entered the main chamber. Gideon immediately emptied several pens and large sheets of paper from his ring onto the table, and plopped down in one of the seats.

"Alright," Gideon said with excitement. "What world changing invention are we creating today?"

"We're not inventing anything today." Arthur removed a simulet from his dimensional rune, careful that Gideon thought it came from his ring. The last thing Arthur needed was for Gideon to become excited and get off task. "I need you to reverse engineer an Alacryan artifact."

Arthur handed the artifact over to Gideon, who examined it carefully.

"Well not what I was expecting," he said with a disappointed tone.

"Sorry, I know you were hoping we'd be inventing something, but this is very important, and I need the best artifactor in Dicathen working on this."

"Sweet talking me huh. Well this must be important then," he said as he examined the artifact. "Do you know what it does?"

"Long story. Before the ancient mages died out, they secured all of their knowledge in places the Alacryan's call relic tombs. The teleportation gates to travel between floors, as one of its

defense measures, will separate any groups that go through and send them to random floors. That artifact keeps the teams together."

"Wait, ancient mage tomb?" Gideon now looked excited. "So there are probably artifacts in there aren't there?"

"Probably."

"So that's how those bastards created such advanced artifacts. They've been learning from ancient mage artifacts!"

"Probably so. And since we now discovered there are two of these relic tombs in Dicathen, meaning you'll have a chance to study all sorts of artifacts once we start bringing them out. All we need is you to figure that thing out, and make as many more as you can."

Gideon stared at the simulet, his mouth practically waters with the prospect of being able to get his hands on ancient mage artifacts.

"Just leave it to me, I'll figure this thing out."