Back at Aethelgard Academy, the atmosphere was completely different.
There were no celebrations, no cheering crowds — only serious meetings held inside the main conference room.
"So, The First Artifact was actually three beings?" asked Sofia, still trying to process what she'd just heard.
"More than that," Dr. Aris replied, pulling up data on the big screen. "They're the collective consciousness of all Artifacts. The Trinity represents the three core aspects of Artifact existence."
Riko added more information from his tablet.
"Based on the energy analysis during the confrontation, we concluded:
– The Analyst represents Logic and Structure
– The Guardian represents Stability and Protection
– The Pioneer represents Innovation and Evolution."
Kaelan sat silently, staring at his own hands — still faintly glowing from time to time.
"They never meant to destroy us," he said quietly. "They were just... disappointed."
"Disappointed?" Marcus repeated.
Kaelan nodded. "They've been watching us for centuries. Seeing how we waste technology — how we treat Artifacts as tools instead of partners."
Dr. Aris gave a bitter smile.
"And Klaus's experiment on you... that must've been the last straw for them."
That night, in the quiet hangar, Kaelan received another "visit."
This time, the Trinity appeared as shimmering holographic projections.
"We've decided," said the Analyst. "Humanity will be given one last chance."
The Guardian continued, "You will serve as the bridge between humans and Artifacts."
"But remember," added the Pioneer, "this isn't about control — it's about understanding."
They showed Kaelan two visions —
one of a future where humans and Artifacts live in harmony,
and one where the Artifacts turn against humanity,
watching the very civilization they helped build crumble.
"The choice is yours, Kaelan," the Trinity said together before fading away.
Realizing they were leaving, Kaelan shouted with all his strength:
"WAIT! I just need to know one thing! WHY WERE THE ARTIFACTS CREATED IN THE FIRST PLACE?!
AND WHY AM I THE ONLY MAN WHO CAN USE GRIT?!
WHAT MAKES MY ARTIFACT DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS?!"
The three figures stopped for a moment.
They smiled — faintly, almost sadly.
Then one of them, the Guardian, stepped forward and spoke softly:
"You will understand... in time. The reason for all this — and the purpose behind it."
Before the Guardian could continue, the Analyst interrupted.
"To make it simple for you — based on your era's timeline:
Trinity > Trinity's Connection > Society > The One > Artifact.
What you're living in right now — this is the Artifact Era.
A time when machines can only be controlled by a limited few.
And what you're using now… it isn't exactly an Artifact.
But remember — just because something can speak doesn't mean it's one of us, the Trinity…"
Before more could be said, the Guardian cut in again.
"Enough. Staying too long in this era will damage it even more."
The Analyst fell silent.
Moments later, the Trinity disappeared once again.
Kaelan stood there, frozen — overwhelmed.
"There's so much information… I can't process it all! But one thing's certain…"
He turned toward Rustbucket, the machine that had become part of his very soul.
The spiral-shaped scar on his hand glowed softly as he reached out to it.
"We've got work to do," he whispered.
Rustbucket blinked its red light in response — warm, steady — as if it understood every word.
Then Kaelan paused.
"Wait… something's missing… what was it again?"
He climbed into the cockpit, searching around — and froze.
"Yenaa…! I should've asked Trinity if they could bring Yenaa back!"
His eyes lit up.
"Hmm… what if I use Rustbucket's power instead? Interesting…"
He smiled faintly.
"But maybe… not now. Too much has happened already."
From a distance, Sofia watched silently — she had just arrived.
Seeing Kaelan standing there, changed — no longer the lone pilot she once knew — something stirred in her chest.
For the first time, she didn't feel jealous.
She felt proud — proud to be part of his team.