Meanwhile, as Naoto unexpectedly encountered Tio once again, who was being accompanied by one of Professor Epstein's three disciples, Professor Schmidt, a different scene could be taking place around the same time. Somewhere within the land of Zemuria, but not quite accessible by normal means.
In a particular phase space only few have access to.
The Celestial Globe.
This place was the main meeting spot Ouroboros used, which lies beneath the surface of Ouroboros. No matter where one member of Ouroboros resided on the continent, they could come here and converse. There was only one requirement to enter this place. One needed an invitation by one who granted access here. Whether that be through the Grandmaster herself, or her proxy, Enforcer No. 0, Campanella the Fool. The Anguis had assigned pillars they could access, and therefore, also bring Enforcers here. Most of the time, it was Campanella who used this place to report the current happenings of Ouroboros's plans.
Presently, Campanella has been tasked to observe Ouroboros's newest potential Enforcer who has been assigned the fourth seat, who was none other than Liberl's own Crown Prince, Naoto von Auslese. The Grandmaster has assigned him Enforcer No. IV, The Emperor. Such a fitting seat for a soon-to-be literal emperor, no? Well, not quite the exact same name, considering Liberl is a monarchy, but it fits the picture. While it has not been officially accepted, the Grandmaster tasked Naoto with his first mission not too long ago, securing Krueger's safety, even though she wasn't an active member.
Unlike the Anguis, Enforcers can come and go as they please. If they want to leave the organization, they absolutely could. It would be up to Naoto should he officially accept the position. The mission he partook in was a success.
However, unexpected to most Enforcers, the Grandmaster set forth a condition to Naoto, to which he was unsure about accepting yet. If he rose into the The Emperor seat, he wouldn't bear the moniker of Liberl's flag. No, it would be what was long lost through history. The one that had been wiped off the face of the continent during the War of the Lions, to which were once known as the eyes and ears of Erebonia's Imperial Family. It is what drives the possibility of Naoto forming a connection with the Vermillion Knight, Testa-Rossa. House Phoenix.
However, at this point in time, bearing that name has not reached a decision. Regardless, the Celestial Globe could be seen as occupied. Someone had arrived. It was, of course, Campanella. And unlike the rest, Campanella often comes here physically, not through some phantom image, or through one of the Anguis Pillars. It looks like he wasn't alone either. The moment Campanella arrived, he bowed as a green-haired girl smiled at him.
Still, no exchange was said yet. After seeing a blue and pink-haired man standing beside the girl, Campanella's gaze turned toward the large pedestal that was elevated beyond the main platform. Only one person ever uses this particular platform within all of Ouroboros. It was none other than the Grandmaster herself. Apart from the two figures Campanella saw upon his arrival, there were a couple more, who had their appearances presently obscured. It was hard to see them.
Regardless, the Grandmaster spoke out, and began to address everyone present.
"I thank you all for taking the time to visit this place amongst your busy schedules. It looks like our latest mission was a success. I received a personal message from the Severing Chains that no danger befell her.", The Grandmaster spoke, welcoming everyone present in the Celestial Globe. Hearing that, Campanella's eyes lit up.
"So the Severing Chains decided to reach out herself, did she? All's well that ends well. This means the fourth seat has sealed the deal, hasn't it?", Campanella asked.
"Indeed. The seat of The Emperor will be given to Liberl's Crown Prince, regardless of whether the position is accepted or not. The two of us will continue collaborating for the time being.", The Grandmaster answered. "And while I do not bear grudges should the Enforcers start fighting amongst themselves, if it ever goes as far as to hinder the Plan that has been set forth by my design, it will leave us no choice but to take action."
After the Grandmaster said that, the green-haired girl nodded. She seemed very familiar, somehow.
"Yeah. The Oathbreaker didn't even bat an eye to the one who caused this entire mess. On the outside, it appeared like an attack from the Garden of Thorns, but that fool sought something he couldn't grasp, and it led to his death. Thanks to that, the Garden of Swords is in shambles.", The green-haired girl said, speaking in a casual tone despite the presence of the Grandmaster.
"I couldn't care less about that piece of shit. He couldn't even hold a candle to my flames. What interests me is that do we know whether His Highness will react to any of this?", The man asked, appearing lazy.
"Haha. As much as I would love to see that, it is probably best for His Royal Highness to not know the outcome of this mission. The Gardens' Factories will continue to produce assassins, as it has been designed to do. A rank system is in place there, so whoever the Overseer was doesn't matter. That position will get replaced like any other position. I say that, but if we do decide to take action from here on, it wouldn't be hard to take it over.", Campanella said, and grinned. "After all, the Fourth Pillar left that place autonomous. I doubt he'd mind."
Right now, two particular people who have likely started their training as assassins have joined one of the Factories. A boy who goes by Swin Abel, and a girl who goes by Nadia Rayne. These two characters would first get teased in one of Trails books that appeared in Cold Steel IV, a book that went by Three and Nine. From there, these two characters would debut in Reverie, becoming playable. By then, they had successfully fled the Factory they were assigned to, but their past quickly caught up with them, and they had to deal with the aftermath during Reverie. That's still around seven to eight years into the future. There's still time. Both of them are still young now. Killing off the man who called himself The Emperor now serves little purpose.
Certain things are set in stone. If this green-haired girl decides to take action, it likely won't impact the grand scope of things. She is of course KeA, who is still awake from The Cradle. KeA really does have terrifying powers. Not only is she a creation of the alchemists who hailed from the Dark Ages and the Middle Ages, she eventually becomes a treasure that rivals the Sept-Terrions. KeA becomes the Sept-Terrion of Zero, being able to shape reality as she sees fit.
In other words, KeA is called the Zero Child. A being capable of perceiving all foreseeable outcomes. And yet, for some reason, Naoto's existence only treads along one line of causality, which caused KeA to wake up on multiple occasions now. She knows the destined time is fast approaching, but if she attempted to reset everything now, she wouldn't know if what she is presently experiencing will continue to exist. She didn't know whether Naoto would appear on another line of causality. KeA was afraid.
Afraid to use her powers to such a degree. At the very least, KeA knows what will come to happen in a few years time that takes place during Zero and Azure. She can only sit back and observe for the time being, until she falls asleep back into The Cradle. With that said, KeA was mostly here to see the state of things, and go to places that interest her. Under McBurn's guidance. So far, nothing major has any impact from KeA moving around like this. With that in mind, the Grandmaster continued to speak.
"As I have stated, it matters not as long as it doesn't hinder the Gospel Plan we have laid out.", The Grandmaster responded. Her gaze then fell upon one of the obscured figures, before it revealed a silver-haired man with lavender eyes. A powerful-looking sword could be seen at his waist. "However, has the person of current interest made any movement?"
"It has. I have been in contact with an officer of Liberl's Royal Army, outside the radius of His Royal Highness's scope. They have already expressed interest in creating an Intelligence Division. It should come to fruition in a couple years' time.", The silver-haired man said, who was, of course, Loewe. Enforcer No. II, Leonhardt the Bladelord. After him was Enforcer No. III, Lucrezeia the Golden Butterfly. The very same woman Naoto had met before he received his Emergency Quest. Enforcer No. I belonged to McBurn, the Almighty Conflagration, while Enforcer No. 0 belonged to Campanella the Fool.
"Very good.", The grandmaster responded with a firm nod. She then looked back at Campanella. "I take it our newest Enforcer has successfully made her way into Liberl?"
"She has, Grandmaster. The Angel of Slaughter has expressed keen desire to remain by His Royal Highness's side. At the same time, she knows the role she was given. She is presently scouting the locations of the Second Seal. For the time being, her assigned post will be the Tetracyclic Towers, to which have been untouched for decades. Until now, that is, haha!", Campanella replied with a grin.
"All is going according to plan then.", The Grandmaster said, nodding. The Gospel Plan was beginning to take shape already. Her gaze then shifted toward another one of the obscured figures. She saw three people this time. "It shouldn't be long for Enforcer No. VI, Enforcer No. VIII, and Enforcer No. X to take action. Please wait for a final confirmation from Enforcer No. XV before you three move into position."
Hearing that, it soon focused on a man who hid his eyes behind some cool-looking black shades. He looked quite powerful, and exposed part of his chest. It was packed with muscle, and it is clear he is a martial artist.
"Heh. I'm already gettin' an itch to fight. Haven't seen that self-proclaimed rival of mine in a hot minute either. I wouldn't mind beatin' his ass again.", The man said, gripping one of his fists.
After that, it moved to a beautiful woman. She giggled as she spoke.
"You always like to fight when you get a chance to, don't you, Walter?", The woman said. Her voice alone appeared very alluring. "As for me, I cannot wait to meet my dearest little sister again. It's been far too long."
"Now now, Luciola. We cannot rush perfection. It won't do us any good without all of us present at those four towers. Otherwise, it will be incomplete. That is something I cannot accept. If any of you head there now, I will strike you down where you stand.", Another man said. It appeared upright and noble, but also had a hint of playfulness.
"Haha. It is true. We cannot rush this. There is still a way off, but it is good to see you all so eager to participate in the Gospel Plan.", Campanella responded. "Still, the Angel of Slaughter has already made her way into Liberl. This is a good first step. Once all four towers are ready to be taken, only then will you move out."
"Fine, fine. But I better expect a damn good fight about this so-called plan of yours.", The first man said. He didn't even wait for anyone for him to vanish from sight, using the signature teleportation skill to leave. All members of Ouroboros can do it.
"Hehe. I know what must be done. Just don't act surprised if I decide to pay a visit to Liberl ahead of schedule, alright?", The alluring woman said with a playful smile. Shortly after, she too vanished. That only left the upright fellow. Campanella soon turned to look at him.
"How are things on your end, Bleublanc?", Campanella asked.
"Aha, woe is me. I am very much enjoying my time spent in a lonesome cell, locked away in a dark and scary prison.", The man replied, letting out a rather unique laugh. "But I digress. I am merely biding my time here in the solace of my own beauty. It has given me much time to think about the next act I want to perform. All you need to do is say the word and we Enforcers will move to our assigned spots."
After the man said that, he began to distort into an illusion of sorts, unlike the normal Ouroboros skill. He was adept in illusions. A trickster. It didn't take long for him to leave the Celestial Globe. Seeing the three of them leave like that, Campanella nodded his head in acknowledgement. His interest then changed toward the three remaining figures. Loewe, McBurn, and KeA.
"With them gone, have you settled in nicely, Lady KeA?", Campanella decided to ask, keeping his tone respectful.
"I have. It's been a great opportunity exploring the facilities you all have, even if it is just a temporary settlement. I fear my worries are going to continue, so I may not have much time left to continue in this state of observation. I may be returning to my Cradle too.", KeA responded, feeling a tad bit reluctant.
"I take it you are satisfied with what you have seen.", Campanella responded, musing to himself. He had seen KeA's powers in action once or twice, but not to any heavy extent like rewriting causality. That first step will likely happen at the end of Zero as shown in the games.
"For the most part. I sadly cannot be privy into too much detail, despite our agreed cooperation. There will be a time to part, as I have feared. I and I fear it will be soon.", KeA said, still feeling sad, regardless of whether she will go back into The Cradle.
"Hmm. If it can't be helped, then it can't be helped. You've been helping us keep that pact with those alchemists of old. As for that other task you've been working on, it sounds like you've managed to receive it?", Campanella asked, gaining interest. Hearing that, KeA nodded her head with a smile. Before long, she pulled out a small sphere of sorts. It looked quite high-tech, but at the same time, quite old. It was similar to a current Combat Orbment, but its design was much larger than a simple pocket watch.
KeA held it out with her hand, and spoke.
"I did manage to retrieve it, all thanks to McBurn here assisting me. The Second Genesis has been secured.", KeA answered. "Even if somehow I vanish, I am sure Naoto will be safer as long as he holds onto this device. I did a little bit of magic t o it, and extracted the Second Genesis's core. Before the day is over, I presume he will be greeted with a little surprise~", KeA continued, revealing a playful smile. "In the form of a Master Quartz. It would seem Naoto has knowledge of the future, or has a way to peer into it. The method I have not reached a conclusion on."
KeA finished explaining to what she has been doing being the curtain in recent times. Turns out, she received the Second Genesis! KeA then looked back at Campanella.
"I take it that you can hand it off to Naoto?", KeA asked.
"Of course we can pass it to His Royal Highness, Lady KeA. With him successfully returning from his mission, he is currently having that engineer working on finishing that Combat Orbment as we speak. The Enigma II, I think is what they called it? It shouldn't be an issue.", Campanella responded, agreeing with KeA.
"Good.", KeA happily said. She then turned toward the Grandmaster. "I fear this may be the last time we will get to see each other, Grandmaster. I feel a faint spell coming my way. I don't know when exactly, but I will continue moving around until it is time to return to The Cradle."
"Very well.", The Grandmaster replied. "Considering this has not interfered with the Gospel Plan, we will continue with our schedule.", The Grandmaster continued, before looking at McBurn. "Make sure no harm comes to the Zero Child."
"Yeah, yeah, I got you, Grandmaster.", McBurn replied, letting out a yawn. He didn't like being a babysitter, but it still allowed him to fight on occasion, so he wasn't completely bored. Not like he was against it either.
Shortly after, KeA passed the Second Genesis into Campanella's hands, making sure it was safe and sound. Before long, it would end up in Naoto's hands. After that, the two left. Loewe watched all of this happen in silence.
"I take it I don't need to spell it out what you've seen here, right, Loewe?", Campanella asked, with a grin.
"It is not my matter to intervene with. Lady KeA, such an interesting being. It is a shame we could not interact more.", Loewe responded, keeping his answer short. "I will continue lurking around the Royal Army until I've secured a good piece to work with. I shall bid my farewell for now."
From there, Loewe vanished, only to leave behind Campanella and the Grandmaster. Before long, the Intelligence Division will be formed in secret within Liberl, under the guidance of Colonel Richard.
Campanella didn't have any other business here within the Celestial Globe, so he politely bid her farewell, and vanished. Unbeknownst to everyone, there was one last obscured figure who remained off to the far side. A faint grin appeared on their lips before they bid farewell to the Grandmaster.
Once that happened, the session in the Celestial Globe ended. It was now empty. To when it would be used next, only time would tell.
The Grandmaster spoke out with some parting words before she vanished too.
"Someone who has the knowledge of the future...", The Grandmaster uttered.