Enter Furina

Kyle paced back and forth as he stood outside, waiting in front of the door. It had been a year since that eventful conversation with Focalors, a year filled with relentless efforts to find an alternative to her drastic plan. Despite all his attempts, no other solution could be found.

Focalors went ahead with her plan, convincing Neuvillette to become the new Iudex of Fontaine. His initial reluctance gave way to a sense of duty and attachment to the city he had grown to admire. With Neuvillette's authority and wisdom, Fontaine found a protector who could fill the void left by Egeria and eventually, Focalors.

Using the Hydro Archon's gnosis, Focalors created the Oratrice Mécanique d'Analyse Cardinale. This grand mechanism would convert the people's belief in justice into Indemnitium, a powerful energy source. The plan was intricate and precise, with the Oratrice gathering and storing enough energy to destroy the throne of the Hydro Archon, thereby releasing Neuvillette's dragon authority and ensuring the protection of Fontaine.

Kyle couldn't shake the feeling of dread that accompanied the plan. He knew that the destruction of the throne meant Focalors death, but she had assured him that she would still stay alive in another form. This promise was the only thing that brought a bit of relief to his heart.

Focalors had explained that she would separate her 'Divinity' from her body, storing it within the Oratrice. Her body, devoid of divine essence, would become the 'Human' part of her being, giving birth to an entirely new Focalors—a human who would take her place and fulfill the role of the Hydro Archon.

Kyle awaited outside the courtroom, his heart heavy with the weight of the impending transformation. The farewell he had bid to his dear friend was still fresh in his mind, the emotions raw and unfiltered. He paced back and forth, his mind a whirlwind of memories and fears.

To deceive the Heavenly Principles, this information could not be known by anyone. Focalors had already used her powers to blur the memories of everyone in Fontaine about her, with Kyle being the only exception.

"Uh... you can come in now," a voice called out from inside the courtroom.

Kyle's heart pounded as he opened the door. He saw Focalors standing there, looking the same as before, yet there was something subtly different about her.

"Focalors? Did everything go as planned? Are you fine?" Kyle asked, his voice filled with concern.

The figure before him smiled, though it was a smile tinged with uncertainty. "Umm, Kyle, right? She gave me the name Furina, I guess."

Yes, the figure standing in front of him was no longer the same Focalors that he had known for years. The innocent look in those eyes, the new mannerisms, and the soft voice—all these traits belonged to a completely new person.

"How much do you remember?" Kyle asked, trying to gauge the extent of her memory.

"Not a lot, I'm afraid. Just a little information about Fontaine, some people who seem to be important, and the instructions the other me left," Furina listed off.

"What instructions?" Kyle inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"She just told me to follow you and that you'd take care of the rest," Furina replied, giving an embarrassed smile, averting her eyes.

Kyle was bemused, watching the Focalors look-alike acting so differently. Focalors had always been aloof, her personality a mix of enigmatic and stern. Their relationship had always been a bit complicated to describe. While both of them were Egeria's students, their statuses were not remotely the same—after all, Focalors was a god.

Despite that, Kyle had somehow developed a relationship of equals with her. He often wondered how that came to be. Perhaps it was his charming appearance and personality? Or maybe it was his unwavering loyalty and dedication to Fontaine? His status as the Dueling Champion of Fontaine made him the direct subordinate and sword of the Hydro Archon, yet he never had the chance to perform his duty as such, either with Egeria or Focalors.

Making up his mind, Kyle unsheathed the rapier by his waist, 'The Splendor of Tranquil Waters,' the beautiful weapon he had received from Egeria on his knighting. The blade shimmered with an ethereal light, a testament to its divine origin.

He got down on one knee, brandishing the sword in his hands.

"Lady Furina," Kyle began, his voice steady and resolute, "I made a vow to protect Fontaine and its Archon. That vow extends to you now. I will guide you, support you, and ensure that Fontaine remains safe."

Furina's eyes widened at the sight of Kyle kneeling before her. She looked at the rapier, then back at him, her expression a mix of awe and uncertainty.

"Kyle, you don't have to—" she started, but Kyle interrupted gently.

"I do," he said firmly. "This is my duty, my honor. I swore an oath to Egeria and to Focalors. That oath now binds me to you. Fontaine needs its protector, and you need a guardian by your side."

Furina's eyes softened, and she took a step closer, her hand hovering over the shimmering blade. "Thank you, Kyle," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I don't know if I can live up to their legacy, but with you by my side, I believe I can try."