[Rina]

Calm fills the air, but it was apparent the citizens are still uneasy from the rise of Absolutionists. Who to trust? Who was on which side? It was evening time, with the warlock and wizard trying to talk out the discord of the riot group ever since Absolution was torn down. Keeping silent of it wouldn't make it easier, for the two were directly involved in stopping what the Absolutionists wanted. It was a victory for Li, but at what cost? Not everyone is happy. It may be peaceful now, but there's no avoiding the tension.

"Sigh...dire times have hit the Sphere. Yes, the Absolution got salvaged for supplies, but was it really a victory?" "I want to believe it is. It's tough, but I'm sure we'll hold on. The town's throwing a fit over it, but it's up to us to spread the truth, no matter how stubborn they get." "And if they refuse to relent?" "Then...As much as I wouldn't like it, I would have to apprehend them myself. If they're the first to attack, then I have the right to defend for myself." The two had just left the cafe after some tea to try and relax. As heroes, one repeat and one rising, ensuring the peace is key, but with half the residents against them, there's no telling what can happen. With a familiar friend getting put on blast for replacing a deceitful chess-master, it's especially hard for Schezo. "Hey, Schezo, you don't need to keep your stress under wraps, okay? You've known Arle for as long as you can remember, and you don't have to shoulder it alone. If you need an ear, I'm right here." "Right...I tend to forget that." "I'm here to help out. Whether it means keeping the Sphere in order, or being a good friend."

It's good hearing that the two are getting along better and with their ideals in the right page. The two aim for a better quality of life in the Sphere, no matter how much people would disagree. But as long as there is no suitable other destination, this place will have to do until then.

Unfortunately...one person believes otherwise.

"That man is part of the problem of the Life Sphere, and he must be ousted."

*BANG!*

A gunshot pierced the silence. Panic ensued.

"Did someone get shot?"

"No, not like this! Why now!? You can't go out like this! He's saved us all!"

"Wait, isn't he one of the guys that took down Absolution?"

"What happened?!"

"Quick! Get him to the Hospital! Please!"

It's very apparent composure was out of the window. The square is in disarray at an attempted open assassination, the intent to instil fear to those against the Absolutionists. How far would they go to push their agenda...? Not even the leaders are safe...The heroes that ended Mephiles' deceitful reign were targets too. Among the crowd, one person was given way to tend to the victim of the shooting, a medic from Lightweather. Apologizes to the pushing and shoving were had, understandably so due to the urgency.

"I'm here! Can you tell me what happened?"

With a distraught look in his eyes, he turned to the medic and went straight to the point.

"My friend Schezo got shot!"