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Hector didn’t know how crazy things were going to get over there, but he figured it wouldn’t be too difficult to keep that little promise. Just had to find a nice souvenir shop or something.

And this was Intar they were talking about. One of the three most powerful countries on the Eloan continent. With Jackson and his forces there protecting it, no less.

From a purely logical standpoint, Hector knew that there probably wouldn’t be much need for him and Roman to get involved in any fights. Their goal was just to reach Prince David and ensure his safety.

Whether that meant bringing him home or not... well, that was still to be decided. Hector had called him up just before setting out, and the man had made it clear that he still felt perfectly safe at Livingston.

<“Hoho. Are you worried about me, Lord Goffe?”>

“Uh. Yeah. You’re kind of important to the nation, your highness.”

<“Well, thank you. But your man Vito has taken good care of me. You chose well. Perhaps you should relax.”>

“Did you not hear me when I said that Bloodeye’s forces are invading via Sair?”

<“I did. But Sair is actually quite far, you know. Intar is not like Atreya. The distances involved just in trying to get from one city to another... they truly boggle the mind. And there is plenty of security around. You should not fuss over me. I am well-protected.”>

“Prince David... the more I hear you say that, the less convinced I am.”

<“How curious. Do you not trust my word?”>

“...Frankly, sir? No. I kinda don’t.”

And the prince had laughed. <“Oh my. Well, if you insist on paying me a visit, then I suppose I can’t stop you. Just know that it may be a wasted trip.”>

Which was another reason why Hector wanted to try using the Gate here, first. If it actually worked as hoped, then it would be much faster than a plane--and therefore, also quicker to return in case the trip really did turn out to be an unnecessary one.

It all depended on this old monument here, though.

Rathmore’s Gate.

As he drew close to it, Hector created a gap in his armor. He reached in and gripped the Kag there, as well as the Living Core.

The latter reacted to his touch. Waking up.

As usual, it was in a bad mood. Grouchy. But Hector also sensed curiosity in there. It wanted to know what they were doing. Where they were going.