Back at Tower 1, Briar and her group are all set to continue walking down Tartarus.

They hear the Navi say, "Thunder Spear set to energy-saving mode. Reactivate with user's fingerprints, voice recognition, or a charge of magical energy.

"Oh, good. The spear was giving off so much energy that it was tricky to control with my levitation magic..." Vil says, "But it's much easier now in energy-saving mode." He then casts his magic, "There we go!" And soon able to use it to levitate the Spear.

Epel says, "Oh, Vil, let me carry the spear for you. I'm used to hauling stuff around with magic. I do it all the time back home."

"My, now you're volunteering to carry my things?" Vil responds, "What brought about this change of heart?"

"I wasn't that useful when we fought the Titan," Epel says, "So I figured a little heavy lifting was the least I could do..."

The two upperclassmen remain silent.

Vil scoffs and says, "Hmph. I'm insulted. You seriously think a little lifting would tire me out?"

"Ah, that's not what I meant..." Epel reacts.I just think you should conserve your magic as much as you can, for when we really need it!

Briar, Sereia, Trinket, and I aren't as useful in battle as you and Rook," Epel says, "So, y know...I just wanted to help out in other ways."

"That is true. I'm still new in controlling the magic I never really knew I had, so you can count on me to do some of the grunt work," Briar says.

"Trinket and I may be small, but we'll do our best to help you out," Sereia says.

Trinket nods in reply.

"Normally you're the first to the rush to the fore, despite my objections. Why the sudden crisis of confidence?" Vil responds.

Rook smiles, "Heh... He's recognizing his weaknesses. That's proof he's growing stronger. But Monsieur Pommette, girls, you need not fret so. You're already doing your part perfectly well."

"Rook's right," Vil agrees, "The last thing I need is for you to push yourself now, then pass out at an inopportune time later."

"Grk... Yes, sir," Epel replies, frustrated, but accepts it.

"Nonetheless, whenever I see Vil schlepping around heavy luggage..." Rook says, "I, too, get the urge to carry it for him! When we first enrolled, people would volunteer in droves to carry his bags when they heard he was going shopping at the school store or in town. And it wasn't just Pomefiore students. Sometimes people from other dorms would join them! Wherever Vil goes, a crowd follows, I suppose.

Vil rolls his eyes, "Please. Those people were just curious about a celebrity on campus. Most of them tired of it within a few months.

"I wouldn't say that. I'd argue that few of them could keep up with your strict self-discipline," Rook says.

Then Epel asks, "Ooh, is that how you two met? Did you carry Vil's things, Rook?"

"Hardly!" Vil quickly answers.

"So then, how did you two met...?" Sereia asks.

Vil then says, "Rook first approached me well after the starstruck spuds had gone their merry way. Nowadays I turn down most plays and film gigs with long commitments so I can focus on school... But in my freshman year, I kept up several jobs that l'd committed to prior to enrolling. One day, I was sitting on a bench in the courtyard, reading a script for my next play, when out of nowhere—"

Suddenly, they hear a loud, "SCREECH!"

That causes everyone to yelp

"Phantoms! And they're clearly larger than the ones we've encountered before," Rook says.

Epel cries out, "Sereia, get back!"

Sereia turns to see a large Phantom approaching them. The little doll girl yelps and runs up the stairs and gets behind Briar. Briar and the boys reach fast and fire their magic at them.