Krile and Captain Stanson clenched their teeth in shock and repressed pity, and Krile rushed to her sister's side to help her to her knees.

"Ow ow ow ow... Aw man, that was awfully clumsy of me..." Krita moaned, covering her chin as it bled a little. Krile took out some cloths and bandages to treat the wound with Stanson's help. After Krita was certain she was okay, they stood back up.

"Well, we better get going," Krile said, then asked the knight, "Has my testimony been sufficient enough?"

"Yes. It wasn't necessary for you to endanger yourself, but I appreciate the effort all the same. Please take care of yourselves," Stanson said.

"Wait, what happened? What's going on here?" Krita asked. "I saw the core missing from the blastia, but I was stuck in line."

"Someone took the core right from under our noses while disguised as a repairman. I watched him the whole time and took chase. He surrendered the core to me but then escaped," her sister explained.

"Did he hurt you!? Are you okay!?"

"Do I look unwell to you?"

"Well, no..."

"Then everything is all right. The Stanson Brigade will handle things from here. More importantly, did you manage to sell everything?"

"Oh, that's right! Mr. Fardo accepted everything for 3000 gald! That's pretty good, don't you think?"

"I suppose that's sufficient enough until we reach Halure, or even Aspio. We could inquire the researchers as to whether or not they need any materials for their studies," Krile suggested.

"Good idea. Let's get moving before this heat murders us!" Krita exclaimed. "Aspio's caverns must be so nice and cool compared to this. Oh yeah, speaking of cooling down, do we have enough water for the trip?"

"I believe we used our last canteen before reaching Zaphias. Stocking up at the lower quarter's fountain would be prudent."

The twins bid farewell to Stanson and left the upper quarter, descending the slope that led to the middle quarter.