During a brief lull in their battle against the boss Foxlamp Dragon at a massive, Mercury-filled Resource Point, Dia stepped back and nudged herself next to Ashe. She whispered, "Watcher, why don't you just apologize?"

"Even if I want to, I need to know what I actually did wrong first," Ashe replied, his voice laced with helplessness.

"But if you didn't do anything wrong, why is she this furious?"

Before Ashe could answer, the Foxlamp Dragon let out a final, mournful cry and collapsed, dropping three spirits and an Experience Orb. Among them was a Two-Winged Flow spirit, which served as the perfect replacement for Ashe's current One-Winged version. The other two, a Two-Winged Moonthread spirit and a Light Orb, were ideal for boosting the Swordswoman's strength.

When Ashe extended his hand to pass them over, Sonya snatched them away instantly, as though even a microsecond of physical contact with him might contaminate her.

From the sidelines, Dia shook her head repeatedly, her expression loudly broadcasting: See? I told you so. She clamped a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter, only turning away to pretend to loot when the Swordswoman shot a sharp glance in her direction.

Ashe was utterly baffled. He genuinely had no clue how he had crossed...