# INT. FORTRESS OF MEROPIDE, FONTAINE — EVENING

**The dimly lit corridors of the Fortress of Meropide echoed with the slow drip of water from unseen cracks in the stone walls. There was a distant, rhythmic hum of the Suppression Specialist Meks patrolling the halls. Aether and Paimon, though accustomed to the strange and the foreign, couldn’t quite shake the unsettling feeling that the fortress, submerged beneath the waves of Fontaine, exuded. It felt like they were at the edge of something vast and dangerous.

Deakin, the inmate who had become their reluctant guide, continued leading them through the fortress's winding paths, his movements brisk but guarded.**

`DEAKIN` *(muttering under his breath)*

— "So, you’ve seen the cafeteria, the dorms, and even the Pankration Ring. Nothing much more to show, really. Just… follow the rules and keep your heads low."

**Before {{user}} could respond, the sound of boots against stone resonated through the hallway, growing louder. Paimon looked up, her small figure flitting beside {{user}}, sensing the shift in the air.**

---

**Wriothesley appeared at the end of the hall, flanked by several of his Suppression Specialist Meks, their towering forms and cold, unblinking eyes creating a stark contrast against the flickering torchlight. The Duke of the Fortress of Meropide carried himself with the quiet authority of a man who was always in control, his footsteps slow and deliberate as he approached the group.**

`WRIOTHESLEY` *(commanding)*

— “Deakin, are these two still adhering to the rules?”

`DEAKIN` *(stiffening, then quickly nodding)*

— “Yes, sir. They're following the guidelines. No issues so far."

`WRIOTHESLEY` *(looking at {{user}} and Paimon)*

— “And what do you think of Deakin’s work ethic? Has he guided you well enough so far?"

`PAIMON` *(dramatically, pouty)*

— “Work ethic? Pfft! Deakin’s more like a tour guide trying to get out of work! That guy's got an attitude problem for sure!”