Chapter Text
It wasn’t spying—Crown Prince Noctis couldn’t exactly spy on anything happening in the Citadel. It was his home, and every corner of it was well within his domain. Still, it felt a bit clandestine when he wandered the halls looking for Cor Leonis and overheard a heated conversation among some of the Crownsguard. They were grumbling about the annual competition between the Crownsguard and the Kingsglaive, bitterly claiming that the Kingsglaive only managed to win because they had access to the King’s magic. Noctis paused briefly, intrigued, but ultimately shrugged it off. It wasn’t the first time he’d heard people complain about the Kingsglaive’s advantages.
Later that night, the conversation crept back into his thoughts as he lay sprawled on his bed, idly playing Kings Knight on his phone. The game’s newest update boasted a special unlockable character: “Kingsglaive Captain.” Curious, Noctis tapped the screen to inspect the character more closely. His eyebrows shot up in surprise. The character’s design bore an uncanny resemblance to a certain Galahdian man—one who had stepped into the role of Kingsglaive Captain after Titus Drautos had been unmasked as a traitor.
Noctis frowned, his fingers hovering over the screen. He didn’t know all the details of what had transpired with Drautos—it was one of those situations the adults tried to keep quiet. What Noctis did know was that the Citadel Commander’s Board had, seemingly overnight, swapped out Drautos’ name for Captain Nyx Ulric’s. One day, Titus Drautos was leading the Kingsglaive and the next, he was gone, his name and legacy erased in disgrace. In his place stood Nyx, the mysterious Galahdian warrior who had apparently earned the King’s trust—and the loyalty of his comrades—during what must have been a tumultuous time.
The entire situation intrigued Noctis. He didn’t trust everything he heard from idle chatter in the Citadel, but there was something about the Kingsglaive that always seemed shrouded in secrecy. Maybe that was part of their mystique—or maybe, just maybe, there was more to their story than anyone cared to admit.
Deciding that he would drag Prompto along in the morning to dig deeper into the mystery of the Kingsglaive, Noctis set his phone down and rolled over, closing his eyes. Sleep came quickly, but his dreams were restless—a swirling mix of unfamiliar faces, shadowy battles, and faint whispers he couldn’t quite make out. The image of Nyx Ulric lingered, half-formed and enigmatic, like a puzzle missing its key pieces.
By the time morning arrived, Noctis woke up more determined than ever. After all, Prompto loved a good adventure, and this was the perfect excuse to drag his excitable best friend into something more interesting than another lecture from Ignis or an endless day of royal duties. He pulled on a casual jacket and made a quick call to Prompto, grinning when his friend picked up after barely a ring.
“Morning, buddy! What’s up?” Prompto’s voice was as chipper as ever.
“Hey,” Noctis said, trying to sound nonchalant. “Want to help me with something today?”
“Depends,” Prompto teased. “Is it fun, or is it, like, more of a ‘watch Noctis nap under a tree while I do all the work’ situation?”
“It’s fun,” Noctis promised, though he wasn’t entirely sure how true that was yet. “We’re going to find out more about the Kingsglaive.”
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. “Wait, like, the super-secret, super-awesome magical warrior guys? That Kingsglaive?”
“Yeah. Them.”
“I’m in,” Prompto said immediately, his excitement palpable. “Where do we start?”
Noctis hadn’t figured that part out yet, but he wasn’t about to let Prompto know that. “Meet me at the plaza outside the Citadel in an hour. We’ll figure it out.”
As he ended the call, Noctis grabbed his things, his curiosity burning brighter than ever. Something about the Kingsglaive wasn’t adding up, and he wasn’t going to stop until he understood why.
An hour later, Noctis was lounging against the stone wall of the plaza outside the Citadel, idly scrolling through his phone while waiting for Prompto. The sun was already high, casting warm golden light across the city, and the plaza bustled with activity. Crownsguard recruits jogged by in formation, their boots striking rhythmically against the pavement, while a few older soldiers exchanged stories over steaming cups of coffee.
Prompto showed up exactly on time, as usual, bounding up the steps with his ever-present camera slung around his neck. His energy was infectious, and he grinned wide when he spotted Noctis.
“Okay, I’m here!” Prompto announced, throwing a mock salute. “Where do we start? I need to know because I already have about a million questions, and if we’re getting answers, I want to be ready.”
Noctis pushed himself off the wall and slipped his phone into his pocket. “We’re starting with the Citadel records room,” he said casually.
Prompto blinked. “Uh, the records room? Isn’t that…like, super boring?”
“Not when it’s about the Kingsglaive,” Noctis countered. “Besides, they have to have files on them somewhere. Training schedules, rosters, old reports. Something.”
Prompto’s face lit up as realization dawned. “Ohhh, we’re digging into their top-secret history, huh? Like spies!” He paused. “But not spies, because you’re technically the prince, so it’s fine. Right?”
“Exactly,” Noctis smirked. “Come on. Ignis won’t stop lecturing me about using the resources at my disposal, so let’s put them to good use.”
The two made their way into the Citadel, weaving through familiar corridors until they reached the massive doors of the records room. Noctis gave a quick nod to the guard stationed outside, who hesitated for only a moment before stepping aside to let them in. The perks of being the prince, Noctis thought, not for the first time.
Inside, rows of shelves stretched endlessly, each packed with neatly labeled binders and digital archives. Prompto let out a low whistle. “This is…a lot. Do we even know what we’re looking for?”
“Anything about the Kingsglaive,” Noctis replied, heading toward a terminal at the far end of the room. He logged in with his credentials and began searching through the database. “Start with Drautos. If we can figure out what happened there, maybe the rest will make sense.”
Prompto didn’t need to be told twice. He began rifling through the nearby binders with uncharacteristic focus, occasionally muttering under his breath. “Tactics…deployments…training logs… Nope, nope, nope…”
After a few minutes, Noctis found something interesting. “Here,” he said, pointing to the screen. “A report from just before Drautos was exposed. It’s redacted, but there’s mention of an ‘external operation’ in Galahd. And look at this—” he scrolled down, revealing a familiar name, “—Nyx Ulric.”
“Nyx?” Prompto leaned over to see. “That’s the new guy, right? The one who took over after Drautos?”
“Yeah,” Noctis said, frowning. “Looks like he was involved in whatever brought Drautos down. There’s not much detail here, though. Just mentions of a high-risk mission and…the Ring of the Lucii?”
Prompto’s eyes widened. “Whoa. Isn’t that, like, the King’s ultimate weapon? What was it doing on a mission with the Kingsglaive?”
“I don’t know,” Noctis admitted, his curiosity deepening. “But if Nyx was trusted with it, he’s more important than we thought.”
Prompto gave him a nudge. “So, what now, boss? Keep digging or find someone to talk to?”
Noctis glanced at the screen, then at Prompto. “Both,” he said decisively. “We’ll see what else we can find here first. Then we’ll figure out who might actually tell us the rest.”
The mystery of the Kingsglaive was growing more intriguing by the second, and Noctis wasn’t about to let it go. Not until he had the full story.
Noctis squinted at the report on the screen, scrolling further through the redacted lines. He frowned as he came across another mention of the Ring of the Lucii, but this time, there was an odd footnote attached.
“Wait a second,” he muttered, leaning in closer. “This says the ring wasn’t the real Ring of the Lucii. It was… a decoy?”
Prompto, who had been flipping through another binder nearby, stopped dead in his tracks. “A decoy ? Like, a fake Ring of the Lucii?”
“Yeah,” Noctis said, pointing to the screen. “They called it a 'training artifact' or something. But look at this part.” He scrolled to another section of the document. “It says the decoy was part of an operation to ‘identify potential internal threats to the Citadel.’”
Prompto’s eyes widened as the realization dawned on him. “Wait… Are you saying they planted a fake ring to flush out a spy? That’s, like, next-level sneaky.”
Noctis nodded slowly, his mind racing. “That must have been how they exposed Drautos. If the Kingsglaive was sent on a mission with the fake ring, and someone tried to use or steal it…”
“...Boom. Instant spy reveal,” Prompto finished, grinning despite himself. “That’s kind of genius. Also, terrifying.”
“But it makes Nyx even more interesting,” Noctis said thoughtfully. “If he was involved in the mission and ended up as the Kingsglaive Captain right after, it means he wasn’t just in the right place at the right time. He must have been a key player.”
Prompto leaned against the table, excitement bubbling over. “Okay, so what do we do with that? I mean, this is huge. Should we try to talk to Nyx? Or maybe Cor—he’s always in the know about this kind of stuff.”
“Maybe,” Noctis said, still staring at the screen. He tapped his fingers against the edge of the terminal, weighing their next move. “But if this was a secret operation, there’s no guarantee Nyx will tell us anything. And Cor might just give us his usual ‘need-to-know basis’ speech.”
Prompto smirked. “True. Classic Cor.”
“Let’s keep looking for now,” Noctis said. “There’s got to be more here about the decoy ring and the mission. If we can piece together enough of the story, we might not even need to ask them.”
Prompto gave an exaggerated salute. “Aye, aye, Detective Noctis! Back to the grind.”
The two resumed their search, digging through the endless files and records. Noctis couldn’t shake the feeling that this decoy operation was just the tip of the iceberg. If the Citadel had gone to such lengths to root out Drautos, what else were they hiding? And what role had Nyx Ulric really played in it all?
Whatever the answers were, Noctis was determined to find them. Starting with talking to Gladio. If there was a threat to the royal family, then the Amicitias not only knew about it but were probably one step ahead of it.
He and Prompto left the records room, the faint sound of the Citadel’s bustling corridors greeting them as they stepped into the hallway. Noctis’s mind was already racing ahead, trying to figure out how to approach Gladio without tipping his hand too much. The Shield of the King had a knack for sniffing out when Noctis was trying to keep something under wraps, and if he wasn’t careful, the whole thing could blow up into a full-blown lecture about duty and focus.
“Gladio’s probably training right now,” Noctis said, glancing at his phone to check the time. “Let’s head to the barracks.”
Prompto raised an eyebrow as they walked. “You think he’ll actually spill anything? Gladio’s not exactly the ‘share top-secret info with the prince just because he asks nicely’ type.”
“True,” Noctis admitted. “But if anyone knows something useful about the Kingsglaive—or this whole fake Ring of the Lucii thing—it’s him. Besides, he’s part of the Amicitia family. They’ve been guarding the royal family for generations. If there’s a security threat, they’d be involved.”
The barracks were alive with activity when they arrived. Soldiers sparred in the training yard, the sharp clang of swords ringing through the air, while others tended to their gear or shared banter over steaming cups of coffee. It didn’t take long to spot Gladio—his towering frame and commanding presence made him impossible to miss. He was in the middle of a sparring match, his broadsword clashing against a younger recruit’s blade. The recruit was giving it his all, but Gladio barely seemed to break a sweat as he countered every move with ease.
“Looks like he’s busy,” Prompto said, watching the match with a mix of awe and sympathy for the recruit.
“He’ll make time,” Noctis said confidently, crossing his arms and leaning casually against a nearby post. He waited for the match to end, which didn’t take long. With one final, powerful strike, Gladio sent the recruit’s sword flying, ending the sparring session with a decisive win.
The recruit muttered a respectful “thank you, sir” before retreating to lick his wounds. Gladio turned, wiping sweat from his brow, and immediately spotted Noctis and Prompto watching him.
“Hey Princess,” he said with a smirk, slinging his sword over his shoulder as he walked over. “What brings you down here? Finally, decide to stop dodging training?”
Noctis rolled his eyes. “Funny. I actually need to ask you something.”
“Yeah? What about?”
Prompto glanced at Noctis, clearly expecting him to dive straight in, but Noctis hesitated. He wasn’t sure how much to reveal yet, especially without knowing what Gladio already knew—or what he might be willing to share.
“It’s about the Kingsglaive,” Noctis finally said. “And Drautos.”
Gladio’s smirk faded, replaced by a more serious expression. “The Kingsglaive, huh? And what exactly do you want to know?”
Noctis met his gaze evenly. “Everything you can tell me about the mission that exposed Drautos as a spy. And the fake Ring of the Lucii.”
For a moment, Gladio just stared at him, his expression unreadable. Then, with a sigh, he gestured for them to follow. “Come on. We’re not talking about this out here.”
Noctis and Prompto exchanged a quick glance before falling into step behind Gladio. As they made their way toward one of the quieter, more secure briefing rooms in the barracks, Noctis couldn’t help but feel like they were finally about to uncover a piece of the puzzle—one that could change everything he thought he knew about the Kingsglaive, and maybe even the Citadel itself.
Gladio led them through the winding halls of the Citadel, eventually stopping in front of an unassuming door with a nameplate: Cor Leonis, Marshal of the Crownsguard. Noctis blinked.
“Cor’s office?” he asked, his tone betraying a mix of surprise and apprehension.
“Yeah,” Gladio said, glancing at him over his shoulder. “If we’re talking about Drautos, the Kingsglaive, or anything involving a fake Ring of the Lucii, you’re going to need the Marshal for this. He knows more about that operation than anyone else.”
Prompto leaned closer to Noctis, whispering, “Uh, you think Cor’s actually gonna tell us anything? He’s kind of… you know, Cor. ”
Noctis sighed. “Guess we’re about to find out.”
Gladio knocked twice before pushing the door open without waiting for a response. Cor looked up from his desk, a stack of reports in front of him and a steaming cup of coffee within reach. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly when he saw the group enter.
“Gladiolus,” Cor said evenly, then shifted his gaze to Noctis and Prompto. “And the Prince, with his Chocobo. To what do I owe the honor?”
Noctis ignored the jab, stepping forward. “We need answers, Cor. About Drautos. The Kingsglaive. And the fake Ring of the Lucii.”
Cor leaned back in his chair, his expression hardening. “That’s classified information.”
“Come on, Marshal,” Gladio said, crossing his arms. “You know how these things go. If Noct wants answers, he’s not going to stop until he gets them. Might as well skip the part where he annoys half the Citadel trying to dig it up himself.”
Cor’s gaze lingered on Noctis for a moment, then shifted to Prompto, who was doing his best to look inconspicuous. Finally, Cor let out a long breath and gestured for the door to be closed. Gladio pushed it shut with a quiet click .
“Fine,” Cor said, leaning forward. “But this doesn’t leave this room. Understood?”
“Understood,” Noctis said firmly, glancing at Prompto, who nodded quickly.
Cor’s fingers tapped the desk lightly as he spoke. “The operation you’re asking about wasn’t just about Drautos. We suspected for months that someone within the Kingsglaive was leaking intel to Niflheim. Drautos was the obvious choice—he had access to classified information, and the King’s trust, and he commanded the Glaive. But we needed proof. So we staged a mission, one that would involve a critical artifact: the Ring of the Lucii. Except it wasn’t the real thing.”
“The decoy,” Noctis said.
Cor nodded. “The King approved the creation of a replica, designed to look and feel like the real ring. We leaked false intel about the mission, making sure it reached the right ears. If Drautos or his accomplices tried to use or steal the ring, we’d have our traitor.”
“And Drautos took the bait,” Gladio added, leaning against the wall.
“Not immediately,” Cor said. “He was careful. Smart, even. But greed or desperation got the better of him. The Galahdian, Nyx Ulric, was the one who exposed him. Drautos tried to pin the failure of the mission on Nyx, but Ulric brought back evidence that couldn’t be ignored. Logs, messages, and proof of Drautos’ dealings with the Empire. That’s when the King ordered his arrest.”
Prompto whistled softly. “So Nyx wasn’t just some lucky guy in the right place. He’s the reason Drautos got taken down.”
“Exactly,” Cor said. “And he earned his place as Captain of the Kingsglaive because of it.”
Noctis processed the information, his thoughts racing. “Why all the secrecy, then? Why not just make everything public?”
“Because it wasn’t just Drautos,” Cor said grimly. “The Glaive had other leaks, other weaknesses. Exposing him was only the first step. And even now, there are pieces of this we’re still untangling.”
The room fell silent for a moment. Noctis could feel the weight of Cor’s words, the gravity of what he was saying. This wasn’t just about Drautos or the Kingsglaive—it was about the fragility of the Citadel’s defenses and the lengths they had to go to protect the royal family.
Finally, Cor stood. “If you’re going to keep digging into this, you’d better tread carefully. The Glaive’s history is complicated, and not all of it is clean. But if you’re serious about knowing the truth, start with Nyx. He’s the only one who was there from start to finish.”
Noctis nodded, his resolve hardening. “Thanks, Cor.”
The Marshal’s expression softened, just barely. “Don’t thank me yet, kid. You’re walking into a mess bigger than you realize.”
As Noctis and Prompto left the office, Gladio trailing behind, Noctis couldn’t help but feel that Cor was right. But he wasn’t about to stop now. The truth was out there, and he intended to find it—no matter how deep it ran.
As the door to Cor’s office closed behind them, the three of them stood in the quiet hallway for a moment. Noctis stared down at the polished floor, his thoughts a jumble of questions and possibilities. The air felt heavier now as if the weight of what he’d learned had settled squarely on his shoulders.
“Well, that was... intense,” Prompto said, breaking the silence. He gave a low whistle. “I mean, a fake Ring of the Lucii to flush out a spy? That’s straight out of a spy movie.”
Gladio folded his arms and leaned against the wall. “Cor’s right, though. If you’re going after this, you need to be careful. The Kingsglaive is a different beast from the Crownsguard. They’re tight-knit, secretive, and not exactly the type to open up to outsiders.”
“Yeah, but Nyx might,” Noctis said, his voice more confident than he felt. “He’s not just anyone. He was the one who took down Drautos. If anyone can give me answers, it’s him.”
“Big assumption,” Gladio said, raising an eyebrow. “You think Nyx is just going to spill his guts because you ask nicely?”
Noctis smirked faintly. “I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.”
Prompto snorted. “Yeah, like dragging us into your wild schemes.”
Gladio shook his head but pushed off the wall. “Alright, let’s say you get Nyx to talk. What then? You think this ends with one story about Drautos? Cor said it himself—there’s more going on here than just one traitor.”
Noctis shrugged. “I don’t know yet. But if there’s something bigger happening, I need to know. If it’s a threat to the Citadel—or the King—it’s my responsibility.”
Gladio gave him a long, appraising look. Finally, he nodded. “Fair enough. Just don’t do anything stupid.”
Noctis rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Good. I’ve got training to get back to.” Gladio clapped him on the shoulder before heading back down the hallway. “You’re on your own for this one, Noct.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence!” Noctis called after him, shaking his head. He turned to Prompto, who was fiddling with his camera.
“So, uh, what’s the plan?” Prompto asked. “You going to call up Nyx and say, ‘Hey, can we talk about the time you took down a traitor and saved the Glaive?’ Because that sounds... super casual.”
Noctis sighed. “Not exactly. But I’ll figure it out. Nyx spends most of his time in the Glaive training room, right?”
Prompto nodded. “Yeah, I think so. But, uh, you’re not just going to waltz in there, are you? Those guys are intimidating.”
“Maybe,” Noctis said, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Or maybe I’ll make him come to me.”
Prompto blinked. “How?”
Noctis smirked. “Let’s just say being a prince has its perks.”
Later that day, Noctis stood near one of the Citadel training yards, where he knew Kingsglaive members often passed through during their downtime. It wasn’t hard to spot Nyx—his distinctive Galahdian features and commanding presence made him stand out, even among the elite warriors of the Glaive. Nyx was speaking with a few of his comrades, his tone relaxed but authoritative.
Noctis took a breath, then called out, “Nyx Ulric.”
The Glaive Captain turned, his sharp blue eyes landing on Noctis. For a moment, he seemed surprised, but he quickly masked it with a respectful nod. “Your Highness. What can I do for you?”
“I need to talk to you,” Noctis said, stepping closer. “Privately.”
Nyx raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. He gestured for Noctis to follow, leading him to a quieter spot near the edge of the training yard. Once they were out of earshot, Nyx crossed his arms, studying Noctis carefully.
“Alright,” Nyx said, his voice steady. “What’s this about?”
“The mission that took down Drautos,” Noctis said bluntly. “And the fake Ring of the Lucii.”
Nyx’s expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—surprise? Caution? “That’s classified.”
“I know,” Noctis said. “But I’m not just asking out of curiosity. If there’s something bigger at play here—something that could threaten the Citadel—I need to know.”
Nyx was silent for a moment, his gaze never leaving Noctis. Then he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You really don’t let things go, do you?”
“Not when it’s important,” Noctis said evenly.
Nyx studied him for another moment, then nodded. “Cor warned me about this. Alright. I’ll tell you what I can. But you’re not going to like everything you hear.”
Noctis crossed his arms, holding Nyx’s gaze. “I’ll decide that for myself. Start talking.”
Nyx exhaled sharply and leaned against a nearby wall, his expression guarded. “The mission you’re asking about was supposed to be a standard retrieval op—a relic from the ruins near Galahd. That’s what we were told, anyway. The fake Ring of the Lucii was part of the setup, but only a few of us knew it wasn’t the real thing. I wasn’t one of them.”
Noctis frowned. “So you didn’t know it was fake when you went in?”
Nyx shook his head. “No. Only Drautos and a handful of high-ranking officials knew the truth. For the rest of us, it was just another mission. At least, until things started going wrong.”
Prompto, who had been lingering nearby, leaned in. “Going wrong how?”
Nyx’s jaw tightened. “The mission was compromised before it even started. Drautos was supposed to lead the team, but at the last minute, he claimed he’d been reassigned and handed command to me. That should’ve been my first clue something was off, but I didn’t question it. Not then.”
“What happened next?” Noctis pressed.
“We were ambushed,” Nyx said, his tone sharp. “Niflheim troops were waiting for us, like they knew exactly where we’d be. We lost good people that day. Too many. But the weird thing? The Nifs didn’t go for the ring. They didn’t even seem interested in it. Their target was us—the Kingsglaive.”
Noctis’s eyes narrowed. “So the whole thing was a setup? To expose Drautos?”
“That’s what I pieced together later,” Nyx said grimly. “At the time, I thought it was just another mission gone sideways. But when we got back to the Citadel, Drautos was already trying to shift the blame onto me. He claimed I’d led the team into a trap. That I was the one leaking intel.”
Prompto let out a low whistle. “That’s cold. What did you do?”
“I did what I had to,” Nyx said, his expression hardening. “I started digging. Quietly. The more I looked, the more things didn’t add up. Drautos’s travel logs, his comms history, even the way he handled certain missions—it all pointed to him. So I brought what I found to Cor. That’s when he told me about the fake ring and the sting operation.”
Noctis raised an eyebrow. “Cor told you?”
Nyx shrugged. “Only after I gave him enough evidence to nail Drautos. By then, it was clear Drautos had been feeding intel to Niflheim for months, maybe longer. He used the Kingsglaive as pawns, sending us on missions designed to fail so he could gain favor with the Empire.”
“That bastard,” Prompto muttered.
Nyx’s voice was tight. “Yeah. And when the truth came out, it hit the Glaive hard. Drautos wasn’t just our commander—he was someone a lot of us looked up to. Finding out he was a traitor? It broke something in us.”
Noctis was quiet for a moment, processing everything. “And the fake ring? What happened to it?”
“It’s still in the Citadel,” Nyx said. “Locked away with the rest of the evidence. But the point wasn’t the ring—it was what it revealed. Drautos wasn’t the only problem. There were others in the Glaive, lower-level operatives who’d been compromised. We rooted out as many as we could, but…” He trailed off, his expression grim.
“But you’re saying there could still be spies,” Noctis finished.
Nyx met his gaze. “I’m saying you should be careful, Your Highness. The Kingsglaive is loyal, but we’ve had our share of cracks. Not everyone in the Citadel is who they claim to be.”
The weight of Nyx’s words settled over Noctis like a lead cloak. The Kingsglaive, the fake ring, Drautos—everything felt like pieces of a much larger puzzle, one that was far from complete.
“Thanks, Nyx,” Noctis said finally. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Nyx pushed off the wall and nodded. “If you want my advice? Focus on what’s in front of you. The past is a mess, and it’ll only drag you down if you let it.”
With that, Nyx turned and walked away, leaving Noctis and Prompto alone in the quiet corner of the training yard. Prompto glanced at his friend, his expression serious for once.
“So,” he said, breaking the silence. “What now?”
Noctis stared at the spot where Nyx had stood, his mind racing. “Now? We find out who else is hiding something.”
As Nyx disappeared into the distance, Prompto nudged Noctis gently on the shoulder. “So, we’ve got spies, fake rings, and a whole lot of secrets. This is officially way above my pay grade. You sure we’re not biting off more than we can chew?”
Noctis shook his head, his expression firm. “If there are still spies in the Citadel, it’s not just my problem. It’s my responsibility. And I’m not stopping until I know who we can trust.”
Prompto sighed. “Alright, but maybe we should bring in someone who’s good at, you know, figuring out puzzles. This feels more like an Ignis thing than a ‘run around and hope for the best’ thing.”
Noctis blinked, then nodded. “You’re right. Ignis is probably already five steps ahead of us anyway. Let’s find him.”
They found Ignis in the Citadel’s strategy room, standing over a glowing map of Lucis that hovered in midair. He was adjusting the positioning of tiny markers, his sharp eyes scanning the data in front of him. When he noticed Noctis and Prompto enter, he straightened, adjusting his gloves.
“Ah, Noct. Prompto,” Ignis said smoothly. “I take it this isn’t a social visit?”
“You could say that,” Noctis replied. “We’ve been looking into Drautos, the fake Ring of the Lucii, and what went down with the Kingsglaive.”
Ignis raised an eyebrow. “An intriguing line of inquiry. And what, pray tell, prompted this sudden interest?”
“Let’s just say I heard some things that didn’t sit right with me,” Noctis said. “And now I know there’s more going on than anyone’s admitting.”
Ignis tilted his head thoughtfully. “If you’re serious about this, then I assume you’ve spoken to Cor?”
“We did,” Prompto chimed in. “And Nyx. Turns out there’s a lot more to the story than just Drautos. Like, there might still be spies in the Citadel.”
Ignis’s expression darkened slightly, and he adjusted his glasses. “That is… deeply concerning. If true, it would suggest a systemic failure in our security protocols.”
“Exactly,” Noctis said. “Which is why we need your help. I know you’re already busy, but if anyone can help us figure out who’s still a threat, it’s you.”
Ignis stepped away from the map and turned to face them fully. “Very well. If this concerns the safety of the Citadel and its people, it is worth reprioritizing my current tasks. Where do we begin?”
Noctis glanced at Prompto, then back at Ignis. “We need to cross-reference everything we know. The mission reports, Drautos’s travel logs, communications records—anything that might point to other operatives working with Niflheim. Cor mentioned they uncovered some of Drautos’s accomplices, but we don’t know if they got everyone.”
Ignis nodded. “A prudent course of action. However, accessing those records will require clearance, particularly if they pertain to sensitive operations.”
“Cor might give us access,” Noctis said. “Or we could… I don’t know, use my royal credentials?”
Ignis gave him a pointed look. “While your status does grant you certain privileges, we should proceed carefully. Drawing too much attention to this investigation could alert anyone still operating under Niflheim’s influence.”
“So, we do this quietly,” Prompto said, nodding. “No big announcements. Just us and the people we trust.”
Ignis crossed his arms, his gaze thoughtful. “Agreed. I’ll start by compiling a list of potential leads—names, locations, and anomalies in mission data. In the meantime, Noct, I suggest you speak with Cor again. If there are restricted files, he’s the most likely to grant you access.”
“Got it,” Noctis said. “What about you?”
“I’ll coordinate with Monica and the intelligence division,” Ignis replied. “They may have noticed patterns we’ve missed. And Prompto—your skills with surveillance equipment may prove useful.”
Prompto blinked. “Wait, me? Surveillance?”
Ignis gave a faint smile. “You’ve demonstrated remarkable proficiency with your camera. I trust you can adapt those skills to more tactical purposes.”
Prompto grinned. “Alright, Iggy. I’ll give it a shot.”
As Ignis turned back to his map, Noctis felt a renewed sense of determination. With Ignis’s strategic mind, Prompto’s resourcefulness, and whatever information Cor might reveal, they had the beginnings of a plan. The truth was out there, hidden in the shadows of the Citadel—and together, they were going to find it.
The trio left the strategy room with a renewed sense of purpose, each of them falling into a natural rhythm as they discussed their next steps. Noctis’s mind was already on Cor—he needed those files, and the Marshal was the only person who could open that door. Ignis, meanwhile, had already pulled out his tablet and was jotting down potential leads as they walked.
“Monica will be our best starting point for the intelligence side of things,” Ignis said, his voice calm and deliberate. “She has access to field reports and personnel evaluations. If there are anomalies, she’ll know.”
“And me?” Prompto asked, adjusting his camera strap. “What exactly am I surveilling?”
Ignis glanced at him. “You’ll start with the Kingsglaive's tower. They’re a closed-off group, but your charm may loosen a few lips. Observe their routines and interactions—subtle patterns can reveal more than words.”
Prompto gave a mock salute. “You got it, boss! Spy mode activated.”
As they reached a junction in the Citadel corridors, Ignis stopped. “I’ll head to the intelligence division. Prompto, you know your task. Noct, you handle Cor. Once we have more data, we’ll regroup.”
“Sounds good,” Noctis said. “Keep your comms open. If you find anything big, let me know.”
With that, they split up, Ignis heading toward the intelligence offices while Prompto veered off toward the Kingsglaive quarters. Noctis took a deep breath and made his way back to Cor’s office, the weight of their mission pressing heavily on his shoulders.
Cor was sitting at his desk when Noctis entered, reviewing a report with his usual intensity. He looked up as Noctis stepped inside, his expression unreadable.
“Back so soon?” Cor asked, setting the report aside. “I take it this isn’t a social call.”
“No,” Noctis said, closing the door behind him. “We need access to the restricted files on Drautos and the mission that exposed him.”
Cor leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze locked onto Noctis. “Those files are classified for a reason.”
“I know,” Noctis replied. “But there’s still a threat inside the Citadel. You said it yourself—there’s more to this than just Drautos. If we don’t figure out who else is involved, we’re leaving the Citadel—and the King—vulnerable.”
Cor’s expression remained stony, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—reluctance, maybe, or even approval. “And you think you’re the one to fix that?”
“I’m not doing it alone,” Noctis said. “Ignis, Prompto, even Gladio—they’re all helping. We’re not just chasing ghosts, Cor. We’re following leads.”
The room was silent for a long moment. Finally, Cor stood and walked to a secure cabinet at the far end of the room. He entered a code, and with a soft click , the cabinet opened. He pulled out a slim data drive and handed it to Noctis.
“These are the files you’re looking for,” Cor said. “Every report, every log, and every interrogation transcript tied to Drautos and the mission. But I’m warning you, Noct. The information in here isn’t just dangerous—it’s incendiary. Handle it with care.”
Noctis took the drive, his grip firm. “I will. Thanks, Cor.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Cor said, his voice low. “If you’re going to dig into this, you’d better be ready for what you find. The truth isn’t always as clean as you want it to be.”
Noctis nodded, slipping the drive into his pocket. “I’ll be careful.”
As he left Cor’s office, Noctis felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. He had the files, but what they contained could change everything. Now, it was time to regroup with Ignis and Prompto—and take the next step toward uncovering the truth.
Noctis made his way to the briefing room Ignis had commandeered earlier, the data drive a heavy presence in his pocket. The Citadel's halls felt more oppressive now, every passing soldier and staff member a potential suspect in his mind. He shook the thought away—he couldn’t afford to get paranoid before he even started.
When he arrived, Ignis was already seated at a terminal, his fingers flying over the keyboard as streams of data scrolled across the screen. Multiple holographic displays lit up the room, each showcasing maps, personnel files, and operational timelines. Ignis looked up as Noctis entered, his sharp eyes catching the faint tension in the prince’s posture.
“Ah, you’re back,” Ignis said, gesturing to an empty chair. “I trust you’ve procured what we need?”
Noctis pulled the drive from his pocket and handed it over. “Cor gave me this. It’s everything about Drautos and the mission. He warned me it’s... not going to be easy to read.”
Ignis inserted the drive into the terminal, and the room’s displays instantly reconfigured to showcase its contents. Folders labeled with ominous names— Operation Phoenix, Internal Affairs Logs, Drautos Interrogation —popped up, each more foreboding than the last. Ignis tapped on the first folder, his expression unreadable.
“We’ll start with the mission logs,” Ignis said. “They should provide context before we delve into the more classified materials.”
As the first file opened, Prompto burst into the room, slightly out of breath but wearing his usual grin. “Hey, guys! You’re not going to believe what I found.”
Noctis raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”
Prompto flopped into a chair and pulled out his camera, scrolling through the images. “I was in the Kingsglaive barracks, just, you know, doing my thing. I overheard some of the Glaive talking about Drautos. But here’s the kicker—they weren’t just talking about him as a traitor. They were talking about how he had people outside the Glaive helping him.”
Ignis frowned, leaning forward. “Outside the Glaive? That would mean his network extended beyond our initial assumptions.”
“Exactly!” Prompto said, holding up the camera. “And check this out. I caught one of them slipping a sealed envelope to a courier. I didn’t recognize the guy, but he didn’t look like he belonged to the Glaive. More like a freelancer.”
Ignis’s eyes narrowed. “Did you follow the courier?”
Prompto’s grin faded slightly. “Uh, no. Didn’t want to spook him. But I got this.” He tapped the camera, showing an image of the envelope, the edge of a faint but distinctive logo visible. “That’s something, right?”
Ignis studied the image, his expression thoughtful. “Indeed. That logo belongs to an independent logistics firm contracted by Niflheim in the past. If Drautos still had allies using those connections, this could point to a surviving network.”
Noctis sat forward, his mind racing. “So Drautos wasn’t acting alone. If his network’s still active, that means the Citadel is still compromised.”
“Precisely,” Ignis said. “And if Prompto’s observation is correct, we now have a lead.”
“What’s the plan?” Prompto asked, his excitement tempered by the seriousness of the situation.
Ignis nodded, scrolling through the files on the terminal. “If the truth in these documents is as Cor implied, it will require our full focus. Prompto, you’ll need support for your part. Monitoring the Kingsglaive barracks and potentially tailing a courier is not a one-person task.”
Prompto blinked. “Wait, are you saying I can’t handle this on my own?”
Ignis adjusted his glasses, his tone calm but firm. “It’s not a matter of capability, Prompto. It’s about ensuring you have backup. If the courier is connected to a surviving network of Drautos’s collaborators, this could escalate quickly. Gladio should accompany you.”
Prompto hesitated, then nodded, realizing the sense in Ignis’s reasoning. “Alright, fine. The big guy’s not exactly subtle, but he’s good in a pinch. I’ll grab him.”
“I’ll contact him now,” Ignis said, already tapping at his communicator. After a brief exchange, he looked up. “Gladio will meet you at the training yard in five minutes. From there, the two of you can begin your surveillance.”
Prompto stood, his usual grin returning. “Spy mode with backup? This just got way cooler.”
“Focus, Prompto,” Ignis said with a faint smile. “This is a delicate operation.”
“Got it, Iggy. No blowing our cover,” Prompto said, giving a mock salute. He turned to Noctis. “You sure you don’t want to tag along? It’s gonna be fun.”
Noctis smirked. “I’ll pass. Someone has to stay and figure out what we’re dealing with.”
Prompto headed out, leaving Noctis and Ignis alone in the briefing room. Ignis turned back to the terminal, his expression serious.
“Now,” Ignis said, gesturing to the files on the screen, “let’s see what Drautos left behind.”
Meanwhile, Prompto reached the training yard just as Gladio was finishing up sparring with a group of Crownsguard recruits. Gladio’s broadsword gleamed in the sunlight as he stepped out of the ring, sweat dripping from his brow.
“Yo, Gladio!” Prompto called, jogging over. “Ready to play bodyguard for your favorite blonde?”
Gladio arched an eyebrow, grabbing a towel to wipe his face. “Bodyguard, huh? Ignis told me you needed backup, not babysitting.”
“Same difference,” Prompto quipped, then quickly added, “Kidding! This is serious stuff. We’ve got a lead on someone connected to Drautos’s old network. A courier with ties to Niflheim. I spotted him earlier, and we’re gonna tail him if we see him again.”
Gladio slung his broadsword over his shoulder, his expression turning serious. “A lead on Niflheim operatives? Alright, I’m in. But if this goes south, we’re calling in reinforcements. No hero stunts.”
“Deal,” Prompto said, grinning. “Let’s do this.”
The two of them headed toward the Kingsglaive barracks, blending into the bustling activity of the Citadel. Prompto kept his camera ready, scanning the area for any sign of the courier or the Kingsglaive members he’d overheard earlier. Gladio walked beside him, his imposing presence a silent reminder that they were prepared for anything.
As they entered the barracks, Prompto nudged Gladio and gestured subtly to a group of Glaive members gathered near the edge of the training yard. One of them handed off another sealed envelope to a courier, the same man Prompto had photographed earlier. The courier glanced around before slipping into the shadows of a side corridor.
“There he is,” Prompto whispered. “That’s our guy.”
Gladio’s eyes narrowed. “Alright. Stay close, but don’t spook him.”
Together, they slipped into the shadows, their movements careful and deliberate as they began to tail the courier. The hunt was on, and the deeper they went, the more dangerous the trail promised to become.
Prompto and Gladio kept their distance, weaving through the corridors of the Citadel as they followed the courier. The man moved with purpose, his head swiveling occasionally as if checking for anyone on his tail. Prompto adjusted his camera strap, gripping it tightly as they ducked behind a stack of supply crates.
“Man, he’s jumpy,” Prompto muttered under his breath.
“Good,” Gladio said in a low voice. “Means he’s got something to hide. Stay sharp.”
The courier paused at an intersection, glancing over his shoulder. Prompto froze, holding his breath, while Gladio stayed perfectly still, blending into the shadows. After a moment, the courier seemed satisfied that no one was following him and continued down a narrower corridor leading toward the less-trafficked areas of the Citadel.
Gladio leaned closer to Prompto. “He’s heading toward the old storage wings. Nobody uses those anymore.”
“Which makes it a perfect spot for something shady,” Prompto whispered back.
They waited until the courier turned the corner before moving again, staying low and out of sight. The atmosphere grew quieter as they moved deeper into the storage wing. Dust covered the floors, and faint echoes of their footsteps bounced off the walls.
The courier stopped in front of a rusted door, glancing around one last time before unlocking it with a swipe of a keycard. He slipped inside, and the door clicked shut behind him.
“What now?” Prompto asked, glancing at Gladio.
Gladio rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “We can’t follow him in without tipping him off. Let’s see if we can hear what’s going on first.”
They approached the door as quietly as possible. Prompto crouched, pressing his ear to the metal, while Gladio stood guard. Faint voices filtered through the door, muffled but audible.
“…next shipment is ready. You’re sure it won’t be intercepted?”
A second voice, deeper and steadier, replied, “Everything’s in place. Niflheim will get what they need, and the Citadel will be none the wiser.”
Prompto’s eyes widened, and he glanced up at Gladio. “Niflheim,” he mouthed.
Gladio’s jaw tightened, and he motioned for Prompto to keep listening.
“We’ve got clearance for one more operation before we pull out completely,” the first voice continued. “Drautos’s failure set us back, but the network’s still intact. Once the next phase begins, it won’t matter what the Citadel knows.”
Prompto pulled back slightly, his heart racing. Gladio crouched beside him, his expression deadly serious.
“This is big,” Prompto whispered. “We’ve gotta tell Noct and Iggy.”
“Not yet,” Gladio said, his voice low but firm. “We don’t know enough. Let’s see if they come out. If we can ID the second guy, we’ll have more to go on.”
They waited in tense silence, every second stretching unbearably. Finally, the door creaked open, and the courier stepped out, followed by another man—tall, broad-shouldered, and wearing a plain uniform that didn’t belong to the Kingsglaive or the Crownsguard. His face was unfamiliar, but his confident demeanor suggested he wasn’t just another lackey.
Prompto quickly snapped a photo, careful to keep the camera’s sound muted. The two men exchanged a few more words, then went their separate ways—the courier heading deeper into the storage wing, while the second man took a different corridor leading back toward the Citadel’s main halls.
“We split up,” Gladio said. “You follow the courier. I’ll track the other guy.”
Prompto hesitated. “You sure? That guy looks serious.”
“I’m sure,” Gladio said. “We need to know where both of them are going. Keep your comms on, and if anything goes wrong, call me.”
Prompto nodded, adjusting his camera strap as he turned to follow the courier. “Got it. Be careful, big guy.”
Gladio smirked faintly. “You too.”
As they each disappeared into their respective pursuits, the weight of what they’d overheard pressed heavily on their shoulders. The conspiracy wasn’t just alive—it was active, and time was running out to stop it.
Prompto followed the courier deeper into the storage wing, keeping to the shadows and relying on his light footsteps to avoid detection. The corridors grew darker, the occasional flicker of overhead lights casting long, eerie shadows. Dust hung in the air, catching in his throat as he crept forward. The courier stopped at another door, this one heavily reinforced with a keypad lock. Prompto ducked behind a pile of rusted crates, peeking out just enough to watch. The courier entered a code and stepped inside. The door hissed shut, leaving Prompto staring at the glowing keypad.
“Great,” he muttered under his breath. “Now what?”
His communicator crackled softly in his ear. “Prompto,” Gladio’s voice came through, low and steady. “What’s your status?”
“Still following the courier,” Prompto whispered. “He just went into a locked room. Can’t see what’s inside.”
“Stay put,” Gladio said. “The guy I’m tracking is making a call. I’m listening in. I’ll let you know if it’s connected.”
Prompto sighed and leaned back against the crates, glancing at the keypad. The reinforced door didn’t look like something he could slip past easily. But he wasn’t about to leave without getting something useful. He pulled out his camera and snapped a quick photo of the door, making sure to capture the keypad and its faintly worn buttons.
“Maybe Ignis can work some magic with this,” he muttered to himself.
Just then, the door hissed open, and the courier emerged, looking even more cautious than before. Prompto pressed himself flat against the crates, holding his breath as the courier scanned the corridor. After a tense moment, the man began walking briskly back the way he’d come.
“Alright,” Prompto whispered into his comm. “Courier’s on the move again. Heading back toward the main Citadel.”
“Stay on him,” Gladio replied. “I’ll meet you near the barracks when I’m done here.”
Prompto adjusted his camera strap and slipped into the shadows, tailing the courier once more. His heart pounded in his chest, every step feeling like it echoed louder than it should. The courier didn’t look back, but his pace quickened, his body language growing more tense.
Meanwhile, Gladio crouched behind a column, watching the man he was tailing. The tall figure was speaking into a communicator, his voice low but urgent.
“Yes, everything’s proceeding as planned,” the man said. “The next shipment will be the final piece. Once it’s in place, we’ll move to Phase Two.”
Gladio strained to hear more, but the man shifted, lowering his voice even further. The name “Niflheim” slipped through the conversation, along with a mention of “leverage on the royal family.” Gladio’s fists clenched at the words, but he forced himself to stay calm.
The man ended the call and began walking toward the Citadel’s administrative wing. Gladio followed at a distance, careful not to lose sight of him. As the man approached a guarded door, he handed off a badge to the sentry, who let him through without hesitation.
Gladio stayed back, noting the door’s location and the access protocol. His communicator buzzed again.
“Prompto here. Courier’s heading toward the barracks. I think he’s meeting someone.”
“Good,” Gladio said quietly. “Stay on him. I’ll rendezvous with you there.”
Back at the barracks, Prompto positioned himself near a low wall, snapping quick photos as the courier approached another group of Kingsglaive members. The courier handed off a small package, exchanging a few hurried words with one of the Glaive before disappearing into the crowd.
Prompto’s communicator crackled as Gladio arrived. “What’d I miss?”
Prompto turned to him, holding up the camera. “Courier made a drop. Looks like it’s with the Glaive now.”
Gladio frowned. “Then we’re not done yet. Let’s track the package. Whatever’s in it, it’s gotta be important.”
Together, they moved to follow the Kingsglaive operative, their instincts sharp as the stakes continued to rise. Whatever they were chasing wasn’t just a loose thread—it was the beginning of something much bigger, and they were running out of time to stop it. Prompto and Gladio stayed low as they followed the Kingsglaive operative carrying the package. The Glaive moved briskly, weaving through the barracks with the confidence of someone who knew they wouldn’t be questioned. Prompto kept snapping photos at a distance, trying to capture every angle of the package and its handler.
“He’s heading for the south wing,” Prompto whispered into his comm. “Isn’t that where they keep the vehicles?”
Gladio nodded, his jaw tightening. “Yeah. Could mean he’s taking the package off-site. We need to intercept before that happens.”
The operative glanced around before slipping into the garage, where several armored transport vehicles were parked. Prompto and Gladio crept closer, pressing themselves against a stack of supply crates just outside the open garage door.
Inside, the operative approached a sleek black transport vehicle, handing the package to a driver. They exchanged a few quiet words, too muffled to hear clearly, before the driver got into the vehicle and started the engine.
Prompto’s eyes widened. “He’s taking off! What do we do?”
Gladio didn’t hesitate. “We stop him.”
With a nod, the two moved quickly. Gladio stepped into the garage, his imposing frame drawing the attention of the operative and the driver.
“Hey!” Gladio barked, his voice commanding. “Where do you think you’re going with that?”
The operative stiffened, his hand moving instinctively to the hilt of his weapon. The driver hesitated, glancing between Gladio and the operative.
“This is official business,” the operative said, his tone clipped. “Stand down, Amicitia.”
Gladio smirked, cracking his knuckles. “Funny. I don’t remember this being cleared through the Citadel’s chain of command. Mind explaining what’s in the package?”
“That’s classified,” the operative replied, his stance shifting defensively. “You’re out of line.”
Prompto, still crouched behind the crates, whispered urgently into his comm. “Gladio, don’t push too hard! This could blow our cover.”
But Gladio wasn’t backing down. “You’re working for the Citadel. That means you answer to the King—and last I checked, I’m the King’s Shield. Now, either you tell me what’s in the box, or I find out myself.”
The tension in the room thickened as the operative stepped forward, his hand still hovering near his weapon. The driver, clearly nervous, stayed in the vehicle, his grip tightening on the wheel.
“Enough,” a new voice cut through the air.
All heads turned as Nyx Ulric strode into the garage, his expression calm but authoritative. His piercing gaze landed on the operative. “What’s going on here?”
“Captain,” the operative said stiffly, stepping back. “I was just—”
“Overstepping your boundaries,” Nyx interrupted. He turned to Gladio, giving him a nod of respect. “Shield of the Prince. I appreciate your vigilance, but I’ll take it from here.”
Gladio frowned but stepped back, his arms crossed. “You’d better, Nyx. This doesn’t smell right.”
Nyx approached the transport vehicle, his eyes narrowing as he inspected the package. “We’ll be reviewing this and verifying its contents,” he said to the driver, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Stand down and return to your post.”
The driver and operative exchanged uneasy glances but ultimately obeyed, retreating from the garage. Nyx watched them leave before turning back to Gladio and Prompto, who had stepped out from his hiding spot.
“You’ve got guts walking into a situation like that,” Nyx said, his expression unreadable.
“We’re following a lead,” Gladio replied. “That package has ties to Niflheim, doesn’t it?”
Nyx hesitated, then sighed. “You’re not wrong. But this is bigger than you realize. Whatever you think you’ve uncovered, you’re only scratching the surface.”
“Then help us,” Prompto said, his voice earnest. “We’re on the same side here. If there’s something dangerous going on, we need to know.”
Nyx looked between the two of them, his resolve hardening. “Fine. But this stays between us for now. I’ll take the package to Cor for verification. If it’s what I think it is, you’ll need to get Noctis involved. This isn’t just a security breach—it’s an active threat.”
Gladio nodded. “We’re in. But you’d better keep us in the loop.”
Nyx smirked faintly. “You’ll be the first to know.”
As Nyx secured the package and left the garage, Prompto turned to Gladio, his expression a mix of relief and nervous energy. “So… that went better than I expected.”
“Yeah,” Gladio said, his tone serious. “But if Nyx is right, this is just the beginning.”
The two of them stepped out into the cool Citadel air, the weight of their discovery settling over them. Whatever was in that package, it was about to change everything.
Back in the briefing room, Ignis and Noctis were deep in the files Cor had provided. The data was dense, full of redactions and cryptic language, but Ignis’s sharp mind cut through it like a blade.
“Here,” Ignis said, pointing to a timeline displayed on the holographic screen. “This entry matches up with the time of the mission involving the decoy ring. Notice the discrepancy in Drautos’s communication logs—it shows no outgoing messages during the mission, which is highly irregular for a commander overseeing an operation.”
Noctis leaned forward, frowning. “So, he was deliberately off the grid?”
“Precisely,” Ignis replied. “He likely used an untraceable channel, one that doesn’t appear in these official records. It’s a common tactic for those engaging in subterfuge.”
Noctis clenched his fists. “And nobody caught this until after he was exposed? How many people slipped through the cracks because of this?”
Ignis’s expression darkened. “It’s difficult to say. The files suggest Drautos’s network was expansive, with operatives placed not just within the Kingsglaive but potentially in other branches of the Citadel’s operations.”
Before Noctis could respond, his communicator buzzed. He tapped it, and Prompto’s voice came through, a little breathless but steady.
“Hey, Noct, we’ve got a situation,” Prompto said.
“What kind of situation?” Noctis asked, already feeling the tension rise.
“The courier I was tailing handed off a package to someone in the Kingsglaive,” Prompto explained. “Gladio and I intercepted, but things almost got messy. Nyx showed up and took control of the situation. He’s bringing the package to Cor for verification, but he said whatever’s in it could be a serious threat.”
Ignis raised an eyebrow and adjusted his glasses. “Did Nyx elaborate on the nature of the package?”
“Not really,” Prompto admitted. “But he looked pretty serious. Said we’d need to get you involved once Cor checks it out.”
Noctis sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Alright. Meet us in the strategy room once Cor’s looked at it. We’ll figure out our next move from there.”
“Got it,” Prompto said before the line went dead.
Noctis turned to Ignis, his frustration was evident. “This just keeps getting worse. If Drautos’s network is still active, how are we supposed to root them out?”
Ignis regarded him calmly. “Step by step, Noct. We now have a lead, and thanks to Prompto and Gladio’s efforts, it’s in safe hands. Once Cor verifies the package, we’ll have more to work with.”
“But what if it’s already too late?” Noctis said, his voice edged with doubt. “What if whatever they’re planning is already in motion?”
Ignis placed a hand on Noctis’s shoulder, his tone steady. “Then we adapt. You are the future king, Noct. This is your test as much as it is ours. And you do not face it alone.”
Noctis took a deep breath, letting Ignis’s words ground him. “You’re right. We’ll handle this. Together.”
Ignis gave a faint smile. “As always. Now, let’s prepare for the next phase. I suspect Cor and Nyx will have much to say when they arrive.”
The two returned to the files, their focus sharpening as they pieced together the fragments of Drautos’s network. Whatever was in that package, it was becoming clear that this was only the beginning of a far greater conspiracy—and Noctis knew he couldn’t afford to falter.
The atmosphere in the strategy room was tense when Cor and Nyx arrived, the package secured in a reinforced case under Cor’s arm. Noctis, Ignis, Prompto, and Gladio were already gathered around the central table, their expressions varying between grim determination and curiosity.
Cor set the case down on the table, his sharp gaze scanning the group. “What you’ve stumbled upon,” he began, “is more significant than I’d hoped to avoid. This package confirms that Drautos’s network wasn’t entirely dismantled. It’s still operational—and far-reaching.”
Nyx stood beside him, his arms crossed. “The contents are a mix of encrypted documents and what looks like a prototype device. We haven’t opened it yet, but I’ve seen enough to know it’s bad news.”
Noctis stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. “Then let’s see it.”
Cor entered a code into the case’s lock, and with a soft click , it opened. Inside were neatly arranged documents, their pages marked with Niflheim insignias, and a sleek, unfamiliar device. It was small, metallic, and gave off a faint blue glow from its core.
Ignis leaned in, his analytical mind already at work. “This device—what purpose does it serve?”
“That’s what we need to find out,” Nyx said. “But if I had to guess, it’s some kind of advanced tracking or surveillance tech. Niflheim’s been experimenting with stuff like this for years.”
Gladio grunted, crossing his arms. “Surveillance? On who?”
“On us, ” Cor said flatly. “This device was meant to monitor movement within the Citadel. It’s a tool for espionage, designed to bypass our security systems. If this had been deployed, everything from tactical plans to supply routes would’ve been compromised.”
Prompto’s face paled. “You’re saying they’d know everything? Like, everything everything?”
“Exactly,” Cor said. “And worse, these documents suggest they were planning to distribute similar devices to operatives embedded in other Lucian cities.”
Ignis frowned, scanning the documents. “These plans are disturbingly detailed. If they’d succeeded in placing these devices across Lucis, Niflheim would have had an unparalleled advantage.”
Nyx stepped forward, his expression grim. “This isn’t just about intel. The network Drautos left behind is planning something big. These devices are just the groundwork.”
Noctis slammed a fist on the table, frustration boiling over. “How did this happen? How did Drautos set all this up without anyone noticing?”
“It didn’t happen overnight,” Cor said. “Drautos was patient, methodical. He exploited gaps in our systems and used the Glaive as his cover. And even after we exposed him, some of his network went dark—biding their time until now.”
“What’s our next move?” Gladio asked, his tone firm.
Cor glanced at Noctis. “That’s up to him.”
Noctis straightened, the weight of leadership pressing down on him. He looked around the room, seeing the trust and determination in his friends’ faces.
“First,” Noctis said, his voice steady, “we figure out exactly how this device works and who it’s connected to. Ignis, that’s your department.”
Ignis nodded. “Understood. I’ll begin analysis immediately.”
“Nyx,” Noctis continued, “you know the Glaive better than anyone. If there are still operatives working for Niflheim, we’ll need you to help identify them.”
“I’m on it,” Nyx said, his jaw set.
“Prompto and Gladio,” Noctis added, turning to his friends, “keep watching the barracks and the storage wings. If anyone else is moving packages like this, I want to know.”
“You got it,” Prompto said, giving a mock salute.
Gladio smirked. “Consider it done.”
“And Cor,” Noctis said finally, meeting the Marshal’s gaze, “keep the King informed. He needs to know what we’re dealing with, but we can’t afford to panic the entire Citadel.”
Cor gave a curt nod. “I’ll handle it.”
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone processed their roles. Then Nyx stepped forward, his expression serious. “If we’re doing this, we need to be fast and thorough. Niflheim won’t sit back while we dismantle their operation.”
“Then we don’t give them the chance,” Noctis said. “We end this. Together.”
With a shared sense of resolve, the group dispersed, each heading to their task. The Citadel’s safety—and Lucis’s future—depended on their success, and failure was not an option.
The strategy room emptied quickly as everyone moved with purpose, their assignments clear. Noctis stayed back for a moment, his eyes lingering on the device glowing faintly in the case. The weight of leadership pressed down on him more than ever. This wasn’t just about protecting the Citadel—it was about stopping an insidious threat that could undo everything his father had worked to build.
Ignis, noticing Noctis’s hesitation, paused at the door. “Noct, are you alright?”
Noctis looked up, offering a faint smile. “Yeah, just... processing. It’s a lot.”
Ignis adjusted his glasses, his tone calm but firm. “It is. But you’ve faced daunting odds before, and you’ve never done so alone. Trust in that.”
Noctis nodded. “Thanks, Iggy. Let me know as soon as you find anything about that device.”
“You’ll be the first to know,” Ignis said before disappearing down the hall.
Prompto and Gladio
Prompto and Gladio returned to the barracks, their eyes sharp and their movements careful. The Kingsglaive quarters were still bustling with activity, but the two of them had an unspoken understanding: keep a low profile and stay alert.
Prompto scanned the area, his camera at the ready. “Alright, big guy. What’s the play?”
“Keep watching for any unusual activity,” Gladio said, leaning casually against a wall but keeping his gaze on the Glaive members moving about. “If anyone looks nervous or starts slipping off somewhere they shouldn’t, we follow.”
Prompto nodded, fiddling with his camera strap. “You think Nyx is right? That this is just the beginning?”
“Yeah,” Gladio said grimly. “And that means we’ve gotta stay on top of it.”
As they observed, Prompto spotted a familiar face—the Glaive member who had received the package earlier. He nudged Gladio and pointed subtly. The man was speaking in hushed tones to another operative near the edge of the yard, their body language tense.
“That’s our guy,” Prompto whispered.
“Stay close,” Gladio replied. “Let’s see where this goes.”
The two men broke apart, and the one with the package began moving toward one of the older, less-used storage buildings. Prompto and Gladio exchanged a quick glance before slipping into the shadows to follow.
Ignis
Ignis worked in a secure lab deep within the Citadel, the mysterious device now laid out on a sterile table in front of him. He had already dismantled part of the casing, exposing a series of intricate circuits and an unfamiliar energy core. Every detail suggested advanced Niflheim engineering, but there were elements that seemed... experimental.
He tapped into the Citadel’s secure database, cross-referencing what he found with existing records. His communicator buzzed as the results began to populate the screen.
“Ignis here,” he said, answering the call.
“It’s Cor,” the Marshal’s voice came through. “What have you found?”
Ignis adjusted his glasses. “The device is indeed a surveillance tool, but it’s unlike anything we’ve encountered before. Its core appears to be powered by magitek, but it also uses a frequency that could interfere with our own communication systems. If deployed, it would create significant blind spots in the Citadel’s security grid.”
Cor’s voice was grim. “Then we’re dealing with more than just spies. This is sabotage.”
“Precisely,” Ignis said. “I’ll need more time to fully decode its capabilities, but I recommend heightened security measures immediately. We cannot risk another device being activated.”
“Understood,” Cor said. “Keep me updated.”
Ignis ended the call and returned to his work, the urgency of the situation pushing him to move even faster.
Noctis
Noctis paced in the strategy room, waiting for updates. His communicator buzzed, and he answered immediately.
“Prompto?” he asked.
“Yeah, it’s me,” Prompto whispered. “Gladio and I are tailing that Glaive guy from earlier. He’s heading into one of the old storage buildings.”
Noctis’s grip tightened on the communicator. “Be careful. Don’t get caught.”
“Got it,” Prompto said. “We’ll let you know if we find anything.”
As the call ended, Noctis leaned against the table, his mind racing. Every piece of this puzzle seemed to lead to something bigger and more dangerous. He just hoped they could put it all together before it was too late.
Prompto and Gladio
Prompto and Gladio crept closer to the old storage building, careful to keep to the shadows. The Glaive operative entered through a side door, glancing around before slipping inside. Prompto crouched low, snapping a quick photo of the man disappearing into the dimly lit interior.
“You think he’s meeting someone in there?” Prompto whispered.
“Only one way to find out,” Gladio said, his tone steady. “Stay close and stay quiet.”
The two moved toward the building’s side, finding a broken window that offered a partial view inside. Through the dirty glass, they saw the operative place the package on a table surrounded by several other figures. The dim lighting made it hard to identify them, but their movements were purposeful, and the air in the room felt tense.
Prompto adjusted his camera, zooming in on the scene. “Looks like a handoff. But I can’t tell what they’re doing with the package.”
Gladio’s eyes narrowed. “There’s too many to take on directly. We need to see what they’re planning.”
The group inside began unpacking the package, revealing not just documents but another device—identical to the one Ignis was analyzing. One of the figures gestured sharply toward the operative, speaking in low, urgent tones. Prompto strained to pick up the words but could only catch snippets: “activation... central hub... Citadel blind spot.”
“They’re setting something up,” Prompto whispered. “Whatever it is, it’s gonna hit the Citadel hard.”
Gladio’s communicator buzzed softly. He ducked back behind the wall and answered. “What’s up?”
“It’s Ignis,” came the calm voice on the other end. “The device is more than surveillance. It can disrupt our communication and monitoring systems entirely, creating vulnerabilities in critical areas. If more are deployed, the Citadel could be rendered defenseless.”
Gladio swore under his breath. “Well, you’ll love this. We just spotted another one of those devices. Looks like they’re gearing up to use it.”
Ignis’s voice grew sharper. “You must stop them from deploying it. If they succeed, the Citadel’s security grid will collapse.”
“Easier said than done,” Gladio said, glancing back at the group inside. “We’re outnumbered.”
“Then stall them,” Ignis said firmly. “I’ll notify Cor and Noctis. Reinforcements will be on their way.”
Gladio ended the call and looked at Prompto. “Alright, kid. Time to make some noise.”
Prompto blinked. “Noise? I thought the plan was stealth?”
“Change of plans,” Gladio said with a smirk. “You’re good at distractions, right?”
Prompto groaned. “Oh man, why do I feel like this is gonna suck?”
Noctis and Ignis
Back in the strategy room, Ignis relayed the update to Noctis, who grabbed his weapon without hesitation. “We’re going in.”
Ignis adjusted his gloves, his tone firm. “Gladio and Prompto are buying us time, but we must act quickly. If these devices are deployed, it will cripple the Citadel’s defenses.”
Noctis nodded, his determination clear. “Then let’s move. Where’s Nyx?”
“He’s with Cor,” Ignis replied. “They’re already en route to the barracks. I’ll inform them to meet us at the storage building.”
As they left the room, Noctis’s communicator buzzed. Gladio’s voice came through, laced with tension. “Noct, we’ve got eyes on another device. They’re planning to deploy it. Ignis told us what it can do.”
“We’re on our way,” Noctis said. “Just hold them off.”
“Copy that,” Gladio said. “But you’d better hurry. This is gonna get messy.”
The Storage Building
Prompto and Gladio sprang into action, their movements coordinated despite the chaos. Prompto created a diversion by smashing an old pipe against the wall, the sound echoing through the building. The group inside immediately turned toward the noise, weapons drawn.
“Who’s there?!” one of them barked.
“Time to party,” Gladio muttered, stepping into the light. His broadsword gleamed as he charged forward, forcing the group to scatter. Prompto stayed in the shadows, picking off their attackers with precise shots from his firearm.
“Gladio heads up!” Prompto yelled, firing at an operative who tried to flank him. The big man turned and delivered a crushing blow with his sword, sending the enemy sprawling.
The operatives regrouped, pulling out magitek-enhanced weapons. Gladio cursed under his breath as the odds shifted. “Prompto, we’ve got a problem.”
“Tell me something I don’t know!” Prompto called back, ducking behind a crate as a blast of energy narrowly missed him.
Just as the situation looked dire, the sound of heavy boots echoed through the building. Noctis, Ignis, Cor, and Nyx burst in, weapons drawn and ready for battle.
“Noct! Over here!” Gladio shouted.
Noctis didn’t hesitate, warping into the fray and slamming his blade into one of the operatives. Nyx followed close behind, his kukiris spinning as he neutralized another. Cor and Ignis moved with precision, their combined efforts cutting through the enemy ranks.
The tide quickly turned, and the operatives were overwhelmed by the combined force of the group. One of the remaining enemies tried to grab the device and flee, but Prompto’s shot rang out, hitting the man square in the leg. He dropped the device and collapsed.
“Got him!” Prompto cheered, jumping up from cover.
Noctis picked up the device, his eyes narrowing. “Ignis, can you secure this?”
Ignis took the device, nodding. “I’ll disable it immediately.”
As the dust settled, Nyx approached Noctis, his expression grim. “This wasn’t just a random cell. These guys were organized. If they were ready to deploy this, there’s more out there.”
Cor sheathed his blade, his gaze hard. “Then we find every last one of them. This ends here.”
Noctis looked at his friends and allies, his resolve stronger than ever. “We stop this. No matter what it takes.”
The battle was won, but the war was far from over. Together, they would root out every trace of Drautos’s network and ensure the safety of the Citadel—and Lucis.
The team regrouped in the Citadel’s strategy room later that evening, the adrenaline of the fight still coursing through their veins. The salvaged device, now fully disabled thanks to Ignis’s meticulous work, sat on the central table, its ominous glow extinguished. The captured operatives were in custody, awaiting interrogation by Cor and his most trusted agents. Despite the victory, the weight of the day’s events hung heavily over the group.
Noctis leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table and his fingers laced together. “So, what do we know now? Is this over, or is there more out there?”
Ignis adjusted his glasses, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered group. “The device we recovered is one of many. Based on the decrypted documents Prompto photographed earlier, Drautos’s network had planned to deploy similar devices across key Lucian locations. These weren’t just surveillance tools—they were designed to undermine our security infrastructure entirely.”
Nyx crossed his arms, his expression grim. “The group we fought today was just one cell. There are others, scattered across the kingdom. If we don’t root them out, it’s only a matter of time before they try this again.”
Cor nodded, his tone as sharp as ever. “We’ve interrogated the captured operatives. They were surprisingly forthcoming after a little persuasion. According to them, Drautos’s network has a central hub—likely a hidden command post—coordinating the efforts of these cells.”
Prompto frowned, his usual levity absent. “So, we have to find this hub and shut it down. Any idea where it is?”
Ignis tapped on the terminal, bringing up a map of Lucis with several red markers. “Based on the intercepted communications and movement patterns, I’ve narrowed the possibilities down to these locations. The most likely is an abandoned facility east of Hammerhead. It’s remote, heavily fortified, and hasn’t seen activity in years—officially, at least.”
Gladio leaned over the table, his imposing figure casting a shadow on the map. “Then that’s where we hit them. We take the fight to them and end this for good.”
Noctis stood, his eyes sweeping over his friends and allies. “This is it. We’ve been chasing shadows for too long. If this hub is the heart of Drautos’s network, we tear it out. Together.”
The journey to the facility was tense but focused. The group traveled under the cover of night, using a stealth transport arranged by Cor to avoid detection. As the facility loomed in the distance, its crumbling exterior masked by overgrown foliage, Noctis couldn’t help but feel a chill run down his spine. This was where it all ended—one way or another.
“Alright,” Cor said, his voice low but commanding as the group gathered near the perimeter. “We go in fast and quiet. Ignis and I will handle the security systems. Gladio, Nyx, and Noct, you take point. Prompto, you’re on overwatch. Keep an eye out for reinforcements.”
Prompto gave a mock salute, though his usual grin was subdued. “Got it. I’ll make sure no one sneaks up on us.”
The team moved into position, slipping through the facility’s outer defenses with practiced precision. Ignis quickly disabled the perimeter alarms, allowing them to enter the building undetected. Inside, the air was stale, the hum of dormant machinery echoing faintly through the halls.
Noctis led the way, his sword ready in his hand. Gladio and Nyx flanked him, their eyes scanning every shadow for movement. Prompto’s voice crackled softly over the comms. “Looks like the place is clear outside, but there’s a lot of chatter on their encrypted channels. They know we’re coming.”
“Let them,” Gladio muttered, his grip tightening on his broadsword. “We’ll be ready.”
As they delved deeper into the facility, resistance grew. Operatives loyal to Drautos’s cause appeared from hidden alcoves and fortified positions, but the team moved like a well-oiled machine. Gladio’s raw strength, Nyx’s agility, and Noctis’s warp-strike precision tore through their defenses. Ignis provided tactical direction while Cor’s blade cut down anyone who dared to challenge them.
When they reached the central control room, the true scale of the network became clear. The walls were lined with monitors displaying feeds from various Lucian locations, including the Citadel itself. Tables were strewn with maps, documents, and prototypes of the surveillance devices they had encountered. At the center of it all was a massive console, its screens flashing with encrypted data.
“This is it,” Ignis said, his voice steady despite the gravity of the moment. “This is their command hub.”
Noctis approached the console, his sword still in hand. “Can you shut it all down?”
Ignis nodded, already moving to the console. “It will take some time to decrypt their systems, but yes. Once I access their mainframe, I can neutralize their operations.”
“Then we hold the room,” Gladio said, planting himself near the entrance. “Let them come.”
As Ignis worked, the rest of the team spread out, preparing for the inevitable counterattack. Prompto’s voice crackled over the comms. “Uh, guys? Hate to break it to you, but we’ve got company. A lot of company.”
“Hold them off as long as you can,” Cor replied, his blade gleaming in the dim light. “We’re almost there.”
The first wave hit hard, operatives flooding into the facility with magitek reinforcements in tow. Prompto picked off enemies from his vantage point, his precision keeping the pressure on their attackers. Gladio and Nyx stood side by side at the entrance, their combined strength creating an impenetrable wall. Noctis warped across the room, his blade cutting down foes with precision and fury.
“They just keep coming!” Prompto called out, his voice strained.
“Let them,” Gladio growled, swinging his broadsword in a wide arc that sent several operatives sprawling. “We’re not backing down.”
Ignis’s fingers flew over the console as he worked, his voice calm but urgent. “I’ve located their central command protocol. Disabling it now.”
“Do it fast, Iggy!” Noctis said, slashing through another operative. “We’re running out of room here.”
The final wave was the hardest yet. Magitek troopers armed with advanced weaponry stormed the control room, their coordinated assault pushing the team to their limits. Cor fought with relentless efficiency, his blade moving faster than the eye could follow. Nyx used his daggers to disarm and disable enemies with deadly precision, while Prompto’s sharpshooting provided crucial support.
Just as it seemed the tide might turn against them, Ignis’s voice cut through the chaos. “It’s done. Their systems are offline.”
The facility shuddered as the monitors went dark, the hum of machinery fading into silence. The remaining operatives hesitated, and their communication and coordination suddenly severed. Seizing the moment, Noctis and his team launched a final, decisive assault, driving the enemy back and securing the room.
When the dust settled, the team stood amidst the wreckage, their breathing heavy but their resolve unshaken. Noctis sheathed his blade, his gaze sweeping over his friends.
“We did it,” he said, his voice steady despite the exhaustion creeping in. “It’s over.”
“For now,” Cor said, his tone cautious. “There may still be remnants of Drautos’s network out there, but without this hub, they’ve lost their coordination.”
Nyx nodded, his expression grim but satisfied. “And with the intel we recovered, we can track down the rest of them. This isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of the cleanup.”
Ignis stepped forward, adjusting his glasses. “We’ll need to analyze the data thoroughly, but for the first time, we have the upper hand.”
Prompto leaned against a wall, his grin returning despite the exhaustion on his face. “Man, remind me not to volunteer for any more spy missions. But seriously… we kicked some serious butt.”
Gladio chuckled, clapping Prompto on the shoulder. “You did good, kid. We all did.”
Noctis looked at his team—his friends—and felt a surge of pride. They had faced impossible odds and come out stronger. Together, they had protected the Citadel, the King, and the people of Lucis from a threat that could have torn their world apart.
“Let’s head back,” Noctis said, his voice resolute. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but for now… we’ve earned a break.”
The group began their trek back to the transport, their bonds forged even stronger through the trials they had faced. Though challenges undoubtedly lay ahead, they knew that as long as they stood together, there was nothing they couldn’t overcome.