Did it offer any insight into the nexuses? No, not really. We were led to understand from how it talked it seemed to be what was behind the elemental cycle.

There's some similarities to the insides of the Nexuses and the lower layers of the Temple, but mostly in their construction. Whoever built one built the other, but that was already something believed.

It mostly offered mysterious hints at other things, such as talking about something it called "The Design", as well as suggesting the existence of some other planet, and things in space, before locking down and going silent.

I admit I didn't really understand much of the report you all submitted on the Temple's machine. And I'm not really sure of anything still, hearing that from you.

I have to admit I've always thought it was possible the ancients were much more advanced than us. But that leads the question why they disappeared, and left these automatons endlessly doing rituals. It doesn't make sense.

But a machine that communicates with what I can only assume are other machines in space, let alone a machine that can carry on a conversation, is absolutely unheard of.

I remember hearing some things about Ion's attempts to go to space in the past. Is that still going, do you know?

I am merely Religious caste, and that's the domain of the Scientific caste, but I do remember from their last public report they were planning on getting a small machine into orbit within the next two years.

That was before I reported to all the castes on SHINE. I can't tell you if their priorities have shifted since. They wouldn't mention SHINE in any public report, and aren't due for one for another month or so.

Well, if there's some way I or my tribe can help, be sure to contact me in the future.

SHINE and the Temple are a mystery I'd like to see solved. I was the one that suggested the Rotoridginfram team be allowed to help research it. Understanding the Temple, the Nexuses, and the role the Cycle is supposed to fufill only helps us understand ourselves.

I have to admit this whole situation just doesn't feel right. Something important is missing in our understanding of this puzzle, and I don't like it.

Until all of this, we thought the cycle was just something natural that Alastere did. For it to be instead on the actions of a machine, silently following long-ago orders? Much more questions without answers for that.

But enough of the fatalistic talk for now! We have to clear the Air army out of the Fire Nexus, and finally get the ghost of the demon behind us.

Arntta, come with me, if you would. We need to get you practiced in using the Jewel's power to protect your friends and I from the extreme heat of the tunnels.

I'd rather not catch on fire, ever. Priest, always a pleasure. Don't forget my offer.