Let's get back to the present, shall we?

Hekkeran finished docking at the capital of Re-Estize. The idea for the group was to get information in regards to the mountain regions, where the lizardmen tribes dwelled. In particular, Starlight wanted to know the reason why one of the tribes would need to resort to cannibalism just to survive. However, as she got off the train, she heard a cheerful voice calling out, "Sister!" She suddenly found herself glomped by a shorter girl with long, blonde hair. "Renner?," Starlight asked in shock, "What are you doing out of the palace? I thought you never leave."

"Who is this?," George asked as he disembarked. "This is my sister," Starlight explained, "Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself." "A pleasure," Renner said as she did a quick curtsy. "Anyway, about my earlier question," Starlight said. "It's not like she's out here alone," came another female voice. Approaching were six people, five women and one man. The man was young, but held himself like a soldier, and was dressed as such. One of the women was blonde and more relaxed, one was rather large and heavyset, and the other two seemed to be twins, rather short and dressed as ninjas. The last one wore a cloak and mask.

"I should introduce the others as well," Starlight said, "This young man is Climb, a brilliant young soldier of the kingdom." Climb nodded. "An honor, sir." "These other five are the members of the Adamantite group known as Blue Rose," Starlight explained. The blonde woman, the apparent leader, stepped forward. "Nice to meet you. I am Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra." The larger, muscular woman grinned. "Hey there, name's Gagaran." The mask woman nodded. "Evileye." "Name's Tia," one of the ninjas said. Her sister replied, "And I'm Tina."

"Starlight, there is something important we must discuss," Renner said, "But not at the palace. Too many prying eyes working for the nobility. I believe a brisk trip to the countryside would be in order." "I see...," Starlight noted. She looked to Hekkeran, who nodded. Soon enough, the group was riding to Carne Village. "The energy of the tracks is not yet fully charged," Renner noted, "I suspect that the various main stations have yet to be recognized."

"Yes, that's true," Starlight said, "But we've no way to make those stations official." "We do now," Renner said with a smile, presenting a large book. George checked the book with his Hamon. "There's a powerful energy to this book." "It's linked to the magic that runs through the Spirit Tracks," Renner explained, "Smaller wells can be found in various locations along the tracks. When connected to this book, the tracks become anchored, and magic flows freely from the wells to the main station."

"A copy of this book was held in the palace archives," Starlight noted, "Father held a decree that it was not to be touched. But just prior to the Spirit Tracks disappearing, the book was removed. Marquis Boullope cited it was because such a musty old book would ruin the rest of the archive, even though the book was as pristine as they day it was bound." George and Gyro gave each other a bemused look. "Yeah...," Gyro said, "That's totally not suspicious."

"Father was similarly suspicious of Boullope's intentions," Renner noted, "And commissioned an identical book to be created. Luckily, the knowledge of how to make it had been passed through many generations for just such an occasion." "That's why we need to find the magic wells at each station," Lakyus explained. "Those must the energy sources we're seeking," George realized. 'We're approaching Carne Village,' came Hekkeran's voice over the intercom.

The group looked out and got a surprise. "The wall got a lot bigger," George noted. "Are those goblins patrolling the outside?," Tia asked. "Yeah, they got recruited to defend the village," Gyro explained, "They're surprisingly friendly, so long as you come in peace." Once they explained the situation, Jugem led the group to the monument in the middle of the village. "According to the instructions in the original book," Renner said, "All one must do is take the ink well from the monument and stamp it on an empty spot in the book. This will let the two magics interact and do the rest of the work."

She took the stamp and placed it in the book, causing it to glow. The monument also started glowing, launching energy through the tracks. "There's one more thing to consider," George said, "The Ancient One said he had people working at the station because of how expansive the Spirit Tracks were getting. Most were killed but others might have escaped. What do you think happened to them?" "They may be wandering the realm trying to find help," Lakyus suggested, "We should mount a search for them, in case they are targeted."

Near the mountain region, Warrior Takemikazuchi was traveling with the mighty Cocytus, an insect-like warrior from Nazarick. "The lizardmen value strength above all else," Takemikazuchi noted, "We show them our own strength, and it will open the door for negotiation." "Of course, Master," Cocytus replied, "And in doing so, we can find out where the nearby temple is." He breathed in to check the air. "It seems rather cold for this region. Too cold, perhaps."

"It might be why there was a shortage of resources," Takemikazuchi noted, "But the Spirit Tracks have begun to expand into the lizardmen's territory. If there is a station nearby, they can use it to open trade with the human settlements, insuring another conflict between tribes does not occur." "What of the unnatural cold in the region?," Cocytus asked, "Simple magic? Or is a Stand user involved?" "Hard to say," Takemikazuchi replied, "There may be magic capable of causing such long-lasting effects, with the right rituals. On the other hand, I've heard of Stands powerful enough to create such extreme weather effects. We'll know soon enough."

"Barbro may well be the one behind these events," Renner said, "In spite of my recently passing a law that outlawed slavery. However, most of the Noble Faction backs the criminal element that loves to take advantage of such laws. And... They also support Barbro's claim to the throne." "Who?," George asked. "Our brother," Starlight explained, "Barbro Andrean Ierudo Ryle Vaiself. He's the First Prince and Heir Apparent to the throne, but he does less politically then the rest of us."

"What would his motive be?," Gyro asked. "He likely saw what the Ancient One intended and wanted the same thing," Renner noted, "But under his own terms, with him as the leader of the whole realm. And it would not be good for anyone." 'The question is,' George thought, 'Would he then set his sights on our world? Well, even if he succeeded in finding his way, he'd find his forces completely overwhelmed by modern technology, that is if they didn't freeze to death in Greenland's frigid environment. But I won't even let get that far. My Joestar blood would not permit that...'