Navia slammed her foot onto the Aquabus, abruptly slowing it down. She then leaped into the air, a bright golden light enveloping her form before coalescing around her claymore.
The blade expanded rapidly, growing wider and larger.
Finally, after gathering her momentum, Navia swung her sword and cleaved the onrushing water dragon in two with a single strike.
"Bravo!"
"Miss Navia is truly remarkable!"
Yet Navia's expression grew even more serious. The opponent's attack had been devastating, and she noticed a corrosive sizzle where the liquid splashed, hinting at its corrosive nature.
This was a formidable opponent, but not invincible!
Navia's aura suddenly surged, as if an inexhaustible flame were erupting from her body. It spiraled around her claymore, engulfing the entire water dragon and vaporizing it completely.
"The most intense episode yet!"
The members of Spina di Rosula erupted in excitement at the sight. Weapons in hand, they leaped from the Aquabus one by one, eager to join Navia in attacking the enemy.
Meanwhile, the Marechaussee Phantom agents finally snapped out of their shock. Stunned by the sudden resurgence of Navia's Fire Elemental Power, they quickly regained their composure and frantically maneuvered the Aquabus to a halt.
Marcel was utterly bewildered.
Wait, who is this man?!
Why is she acting like he's here to silence me permanently?
I don't even recognize him!
Having gained a slight advantage, Navia gasped for breath, the previous attack having taken a considerable toll on her stamina. She had only recently mastered the Pyro Element and struggled to control it effectively, let alone combine it with another Elemental Power.
Still, Navia was certain her opponent was equally drained. Their earlier assault had far surpassed the capabilities of ordinary Vision users; she had only witnessed such power in her Teacher during their clash that night.
Well, specifically during that night's encounter.
But she was completely different now!
With that thought, Navia planted her foot firmly and launched herself toward the shadowy figure like a cannonball.
As she closed the distance, Navia finally saw her opponent's face: a man in his forties, weathered and worn, though faint traces of youthful handsomeness lingered around his eyes and jawline.
He wore a long black robe that nearly concealed his entire body, and his clenched fist protruded from the sleeve. A black box was strapped to his wrist, emanating intense elemental energy.
Wait, where's his Vision?!
Navia froze, momentarily stunned by the absence of a Vision.
Seizing the opportunity, the opponent seemed to manipulate the black box on his wrist, perhaps rotating it slightly. Then, he raised his arm and waved it in Navia's direction as if fanning the air.
Suddenly, a violent gust of wind slammed into Navia's left side, sending her flying off course like a kite with a severed string. She watched in horror as she plummeted toward the sea.
Gritting her teeth, Navia knew all too well that if she failed to hold the line, the rest of her companions would likely meet a grim fate.
But... no Vision? Two types of Elemental Power? What exactly is he?
As these questions raced through her mind, Navia swiftly conjured a Pyro Impact on her other side. The powerful propulsion sent her hurtling back toward the battle, only to find the enemy already engaged with the members of Spina di Rosula.
"He's strong! Prioritize your own safety and stall until Miss Navia returns!" Melus shouted, brandishing his one-handed sword as he fearlessly charged toward the enemy.
But after only two steps, a sharp sense of danger jolted through him. Without time to think, Melus instinctively threw himself sideways to avoid an unseen attack.
The instant Melus moved aside, the puddle where he had been standing suddenly coalesced into countless ice spikes. They tore through his pant leg, and had he hesitated even a fraction of a second longer, he would have been impaled like a porcupine.
A third Elemental Power?!
Navia's face contorted in disbelief, but she had no time to dwell on it. Before the enemy could harm anyone else, she tightened her grip on her claymore and unleashed another devastating strike.
Sensing the commotion behind him, the enemy turned. A column of water erupted skyward, freezing into solid ice just before it struck Navia.
With a fierce roar, Navia pushed her body to its limits once more. The flames engulfing her converged on the claymore, now as broad as a door panel thanks to the Geo Element's power. With all her might, she brought the blade crashing down on the icy pillar.
A thunderous roar echoed endlessly as the scene unfolded, leaving everyone breathless. Wreathed in crimson flames, Navia first cleaved the ice pillar in half with a single blow. Then, pouring every ounce of her strength into a forward thrust, she shattered the remaining ice into countless shards. Undeterred, she charged straight through the shower of crystalline fragments toward her opponent.
The man's face remained utterly impassive, as if he were a cold, unfeeling machine. From the moment they first saw him, no one had ever witnessed a flicker of emotion on his face, nor had he uttered a single word.
Just as Navia's claymore was about to strike, the man raised his hand again. This time, Navia clearly saw the object he held: a black disc inscribed with the characters for "Anemo," "Pyro," "Hydro," "Dendro," and "Cryo." A pointer rested firmly on the "Pyro" segment.
Navia seemed to understand instantly. As predicted, an overwhelming surge of Pyro energy erupted from the man's body, followed by a burst of black flames that completely neutralized her attack.
Staggering back several steps, Navia found her clothes covered in the viscous black flames.
The sensation was profoundly unsettling, like being coated in some repulsive, gel-like substance.
Though such a description might seem ill-suited for flames, it perfectly captured Navia's visceral reaction.
The black flames relentlessly devoured her garments. Realizing this, Navia immediately channeled her own Pyro energy to counter them, but inexplicably found them resistant to her efforts.
After a fierce struggle, Navia finally managed to extinguish the black flames that had engulfed her. Her expression hardened as she fixed her gaze on the man standing not far away.
"Just what are you...?"
The man showed no sign of answering. Instead, he raised his arm towards Marcel, the pointer on the disc at his wrist shifting to the "Dendro" symbol.
A spear woven from vines rapidly materialized in his hand and shot towards Marcel with blinding speed.
Mid-flight, the vine spear suddenly exploded into several smaller spears, each moving even faster than before. These secondary projectiles continued towards Marcel's position, only to detonate again moments later...
Too late!
Navia lunged to intercept, but she was too far away, and her Pyro Element couldn't react quickly enough.
She couldn't let this attack land. Marcel deserved to die, but not here!
With a thunderous stomp, Navia summoned a massive stone pillar from the waterway. The pillar slammed into the Aquabus, flipping it sideways so its reinforced hull could absorb the full force of the oncoming barrage.
A deafening metallic roar erupted, piercing everyone's eardrums.
Despite the noise, the Spina di Rosula members continued their harassing attacks, providing cover for Navia as she prepared another assault.
Bullets and elemental bombs were blocked by a fiery barrier surrounding the man. Navia sensed his aura had weakened considerably since their initial confrontation. Though her own energy was dwindling, her numerous allies gave her the advantage.
With renewed determination, Navia charged forward, her claymore raised high, the Geo and Pyro Visions at her hip glowing brightly in unison.
Realizing even his probing attacks were being thwarted, the man cast one last, lingering glance at Navia before diving without hesitation into the sea.
Navia stopped at the water's edge, choosing not to pursue.
Part of her hesitation stemmed from uncertainty about securing a decisive victory. The other concern was whether other enemies might still target Marcel.
Their immediate priority was to reach the Opera Epiclese as quickly as possible.
"Is the Aquabus still operational?"
"I regret to inform you, Miss Navia, that it appears we'll have to proceed on foot from here."
The Marechaussee Phantom member wiped the sweat from his brow, still feeling the immense pressure Navia had exuded during the recent ordeal. (The Marechaussee Phantom was primarily composed of Melusines, though some humans were also members.)
He didn't suggest waiting for the next Aquabus. Knowing someone was likely to ambush them—and having already experienced one attack—staying put would be the height of foolishness.
Navia nodded. Her earlier actions had been unavoidable. To prevent Marcel from dying prematurely and protect the Marechaussee Phantom members on the Aquabus from injury, she hadn't been able to consider other options.
After a moment's thought, Navia swung her sword and hacked off a section of an Aquabus seat. She then instructed Silver to bind Marcel securely to the chair, making it easier to transport him.
The journey ahead was long, but with frequent rotations, their physically fit group could manage carrying the relatively light burden of Marcel.
Even in this new location, Marcel remained passive. Even if he had objections, they wouldn't matter now. Navia had become utterly incomprehensible to him.
Rational, decisive, and overwhelmingly powerful... Was this truly the same girl he'd known years ago, the one who used to cling to her father's protection and throw childish tantrums?
If Navia had displayed such brilliance back then, he would never have dared to target her, thus drawing Callas's attention—the very beginning of his downfall.
Marcel sighed inwardly before asking Navia, "What's our plan?"
"What was up with that guy earlier?"
Hearing Marcel's question, Navia frowned slightly.
"Marcel, are you still playing dumb with me?"
"Or are you so loyal to the faction you serve that you'd rather die than betray their secrets, even if they've abandoned you and sent someone to eliminate you?"
Marcel was stunned by Navia's words.
What? When did I pledge allegiance to some mysterious faction? How am I just hearing about this?!
"Miss Navia, I don't understand what you're saying..."
"There's no such thing as a mysterious faction, and I'm not working for anyone..."
Hearing Marcel's words, Navia gave him a long, searching look before saying, "I see."
You see my ass!
Judging by Navia's expression, Marcel was certain she didn't believe a word he said.
Marcel felt like throwing up. Not only had he been framed for killing a Maison Gardiennage officer, but now they were trying to pin him as a loyal lapdog of some shadowy organization?
"I'm telling you, there's no such thing as a mysterious faction!"
"You can condemn me, but don't fabricate baseless accusations!" Marcel snapped, his voice tinged with desperation.
Navia scoffed, her tone dismissive. "Is that so? But weren't you quite skilled at this routine before?"
"You know perfectly well whether that's true or not."
"They've already sent people to erase your traces. If you still cling to the hope that they'll rescue you, then take your secrets to the grave."
With that, Navia turned and strode away, tugging the rope in her hand. The other end was tied to Marcel's chair, which lurched forward with her movement, dragging him along like a leashed dog.
Humiliated, utterly humiliated.
"You might as well just kill me!"
The group merely chuckled mockingly at his outburst, ignoring him as they continued their journey, chatting idly among themselves.
At that moment, Marcel once again cursed his misfortune for not being a Fontainian. Had he been one, he would have had countless opportunities—both before and now—to end his life with the Primordial Sea Water.
Who was that man just now? Could he be an enemy Marcel had made over the years?
But if he'd provoked such a powerful foe, the grass on his grave would already be three feet high by now!
No matter how puzzled Marcel remained, he was eventually dragged all the way to the Opera Epiclese. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he was hauled inside the Opera House.
No further attacks by strangers occurred along the way, leading many to speculate that his assailant had retreated after meeting resistance.
When the audience at the Opera Epiclese saw Marcel's arrival, their faces didn't betray anger or hatred, but rather pure amusement.
Although Marcel's actions had been utterly heinous, with dozens of victims, they were targeted crimes. For the vast majority of spectators, he was merely a spectator at today's "Judgment."
They didn't care how heinous Marcel's crimes were; they were only interested in whether he had a tragic backstory or if some dramatic twist would unfold.
Navia was acutely aware of this. Unlike the trial of Marquis Relf, who had harmed countless citizens, this case offered no such catharsis.
It was precisely this realization that made Fontaine feel increasingly foreign to her.
Recalling Lofan's words—"They're all guilty"—Navia felt a suffocating weight pressing down on her heart.
Yet Lofan was right—this nation wasn't beyond redemption.
At least the one presiding over the court was tirelessly striving for Fontaine's betterment, even if he clung too rigidly to the rules.
Perhaps it was precisely his unwavering adherence to his inner principles that had earned him the position of Chief Justice.
In truth, Navia harbored no resentment toward Neuvillette or Clorinde.
But the mere sight of them inevitably brought back memories of her father's death, stirring unrest within her.
Now, however, it was all coming to an end.
Navia stepped up to the prosecutor's stand, her gaze sweeping across the audience below, who were already buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming Judgment. She couldn't help but feel a pang of pity.
Today, Furina overcame her inner fears and attended the Judgment.
Because the subject of this Judgment was closely related to the Prophecy, she couldn't afford to miss it.
Of course, Furina would never admit that Clorinde's presence alongside her today—and the sense of security she provided—was the real reason she'd come.
She was an Archon, after all! How could she possibly need protection from a mere mortal?!
The moment Furina appeared, she immediately pointed at Marcel and demanded loudly:
"Marcel, were you involved in the recent incidents in Fontaine?"
"And what about the case at the Poisson Garrison? Was that your doing too?"
Hearing Furina's rapid-fire accusations, Marcel felt like vomiting.
Look, I'll confess to my crimes—I know my previous sins are enough to get me killed several times over.
But please don't pile false charges on me! I'm not taking the blame for anyone else!
"Lady Furina," Marcel protested, "if you wish to accuse me of new crimes, please provide evidence. Otherwise, isn't this slander?"
"I've heard Lady Furina knows every law in Fontaine by heart. Could you tell me what the punishment is for false accusation?"
Marcel's words immediately made Furina's imposing aura falter. He then turned to Neuvillette.
"Chief Justice, could we expedite the court proceedings?"
"At this point, I have no excuses left. I will confess to everything I've done."
"Of course, I will never confess to anything I haven't done."
"Moreover, I'm thoroughly disgusted by the audience here. They have no comprehension of my suffering, only eagerly anticipating the next farce."
"Everyone, please maintain order in the court."
Neuvillette tapped his cane twice on the ground, his voice ringing with authority as he restored order.
"Monsieur Marcel, regarding your question, I must give you a negative answer."
"I regret to inform you that every Judgment has its predetermined duration. For now, please abide by the rules of this Judgment."
"And now, Lady Furina."
"A-ah? Me?"
Hearing Neuvillette call her name, Furina's face visibly showed surprise before she feigned composure, crossing her arms and asking, "Hmph, Neuvillette, if you have something to say to the God of Justice, speak your mind directly."
"Lady Furina, please refrain from making baseless accusations. Such conduct is unbecoming of the God of Justice."
"But Neuvillette, you know perfectly well about what happened before with the Prophecy..."
Furina grew agitated, but remembering the numerous spectators present, she decided to abandon the argument.
"Fine, I won't say another word!"
Sulkily, Furina retreated to her seat, glaring daggers at Neuvillette.
Neuvillette is truly insufferable! Not even a shred of courtesy!
Given the chance, I'll secretly devour his snacks. Ehe!
Ignoring Furina's conspicuously scheming gaze, Neuvillette straightened his posture and tapped his cane against the floor, producing a crisp, resonant clack.
"Court is now in session."
Under Chief Justice Neuvillette's supervision, and with all the evidence irrefutable, the despondent Marcel offered no concealment. He confessed to all his crimes, including his secret underwater laboratory and his true name.
However, when Neuvillette questioned him about the deaths of the Poisson Garrison officers, Marcel immediately denied any involvement. No way I'm taking the blame for something I didn't do!
Although Marcel contested some of the charges, these objections had little impact on the final verdict.
In the end, under the joint judgment of the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale and Neuvillette, Marcel would be held accountable for all his actions.
Marcel hadn't always been driven to such extremes. It was only after repeatedly seeking help from Maison Gardiennage officers and being met with ridicule and indifference that Marcel—or rather, Vacher—suffered a complete corruption of his heart.
Even after learning of Vacher's tragic past, the public felt no sympathy for him. Instead, they were merely shocked by his desperate and furious condemnation of the Judgment's injustice. The case had lived up to their expectations, proving as sensational as they had hoped.
For weeks to come, they would have ample material for gossip with friends and family.
Callas's name had been cleared, and everyone now knew the true culprit was the third person at the scene. Yet beyond a brief astonishment at this plot twist, it merely added another juicy detail to their conversations.
The truth itself mattered little to them, unless it directly affected their own interests.
Navia showed no anger at this indifference. She simply turned calmly to Melus and Silver, saying quietly, "It's over."
"Yes, it's over."
"Miss Navia, Monsieur Callas would surely be proud of your conduct today."
Navia nodded slightly, then added, "My father's name has been cleared, but the investigation into this case will not end here."
"I will unmask every one of Vacher's accomplices!"
Navia's expression darkened as she recalled the man she'd encountered on the road. Even now, she couldn't understand how someone without a Vision could wield so many Elemental Powers.
Suddenly, a gasp of horror erupted from the doorway.
Melus explained that Vacher had pleaded with Neuvillette for one final taste of Primordial Sea Water, hoping to reminisce about his deceased lover.
However, as Vacher, who had consumed the water, passed by the pool in front of the Opera Epiclese, he let out a bloodcurdling scream before collapsing to the ground, motionless, as if his soul had been drained away...