Emet-Selch does react this time, head whipping around sharply at the mention of Hythlodaeus. His narrowed eyes bore into her own, searching for any hint of falsehood. Finding none, he looks away again.

He doesn't know what to think or feel about...all of this. Should he be glad that the origin of the Final Days has been dealt with? Should he resent that his people and the star he once knew will never return? Zodiark: gone; Hydaelyn left to watch over in His place (Yuja has said naught of Her fate). Try as he may, he can feel nothing but smouldering anger towards Her for what She did. Her light ripped apart everything he once knew and scattered it to the winds.

"And here you are, once again - supposedly - telling me of my future and I say: I refuse to believe it. Fandaniel may be a little touched in the head these days but he would never try to bring about the star's demise. We Ascians serve Zodiark, and Zodiark was created to forestall the star's doom. Yet you would suggest that he and his errant creation were the culprits from the very beginning? Bah!"

There's enough truth that he cannot simply dismiss her entire story out of hand. But for Fandaniel's creation to be the reason the Final Days came about? Preposterous.

"That 'test' of his for humanity is farcical as well. Man's measure cannot be taken fairly or impartially when fear rules their hearts."