Gladion is in a funk after Matthias got away, and ends up feeling upset about the Covenant in general. While talking about being there for the Covenant’s creation, Articuno says a couple things that rub Gladion the wrong way and tries to jab at them about all the problems their creation has caused. In particular, he calls it a “radicalization engine” with no oversight and says he believes it’ll just start causing problems again after they leave.

Articuno accepts the criticism, and this appears to tip them over the edge of a decision they’ve been considering for some time regarding the systems they’ve safeguarded.

Surprised by this, Gladion decides to fill Articuno in on some of the information he’d been withholding about the plot, and particularly on Betel. They think they understand the motivations of this faction, relating it to the diminishing of Forlas’ saints.

Powehi manifests when Gladion accidentally lets some Shadow build up over the course of the conversation. Articuno is very pleased to have the chance to meet him. Powehi elaborates on the dangers of summoned humans for them, informs Gladion about the availability of Umbral moves to the Wayfarers, and suggests an investigation of Blackglass Caldera would reveal more about the dangers of summoned humans, and allow the Wayfarers to “see the truth of Victory” for themselves.

- Lyn