Four years had passed since Sephiroth led the Skypieans in their "return to the moon."
Archaeological excavations of the lunar ruins, reverse engineering of their technology, and infrastructure development had all made considerable progress.
At the very least, "Bilca" had gone from "underground ruins" to something resembling an "underground city."
The "Temple district" stood at the heart of the lunar underground city of Bilca.
The layout of this complex bore some resemblance to the ecclesiastical Sanctuary in Birka.
In one corner of the Temple stood an elevator platform steeped in the style of Heaven's Gate.
This was a special passage reserved for the Temple, providing access to the Lunar Spaceport.
Similar elevator platforms had been built at transportation hubs throughout the underground city, all under heavy guard.
At that moment, the Temple's elevator activated, and the doors of its lavishly decorated, religiously styled cabin opened.
Two figures stepped out.
"Lord High God!" × N
The guardian knights stationed at the elevator had received advance notice from the spaceport. The High God had returned.
They lined up on either side to welcome him, saluting in unison in a pose that looked like they were "dedicating their hearts."
"...Carry on with your duties. There's no need to follow."
Sephiroth stepped out of the cabin, followed by Monet, who wore a pure white Acolyte's robe.
Aside from an exquisite adamantine collar engraved with Roman-style laurel leaves around her neck, Monet wore no other restraints.
Of course, the collar's inner lining contained seastone, and at its very center was a divine emblem of three tomoe arranged in a circle.
"Yes, my lord-" × N
Only after hearing the High God's words did the knights return to their normal bearing.
At first, they had been a little puzzled. The High God had visited only three