Editing Sumo

[[File:Lester Wendel SwoM screenshot.png|thumb|Lester performing to a crowd in Wendel]]

Now entering the meeting point in Wendel, the party notices a [[Lester|bard]] performing to a crowd, singing a familiar song according to Sumo. As the people around him disband, a [[Devius|grey-haired man]] showers him with compliments, urging him to tell him his name. The minstrel is named Lester, saying he's on his way to Granz Castle. The strange man warns him about going there, saying that it could cost him his life. Intrigued by that remark, the party approaches the man, as he explains that minstrels are special, and that those with talent are invited to the castle. He then continues his speech by saying that Dark Lord is critical of Granz, and his songs won't be well received, before leaving. After making some errands, the party finally venture inside the cathedral, where Bogard and Cibba await. Bogard is happy to see Fuji alive and well, with Cibba commenting on those chosen by the Goddess not dying easily. Sumo introduces himself to the two Gemma Knights, with Sumo remembering Bogard from back when he was a kid. The old man apologizes for the tragic incident he caused to his family, but the boy reiterates that the fault is all on the Dark Lord. The boy is still surprised a Gemma Knight visited his house back then and is deeply honored to meet with Cibba as well. He then asks the sage if he is aware of the Sword of Mana's location, but the wiseman replies that the blade is part of the tale of Gemma. Both of the old men laughs at the idea that Sumo want to be a hero by getting his hands on the sacred blade, which angers both Sumo and Fuji, the latter trying to defend him. In a fit of rage, Sumo bolts out of the cathedral, getting face to face with an imperial airship. A panicked wendellan citizen announces that Realm forces are making an assault to the city, making the small gathering of people around the building scurry away. The Dark Lord makes his entrance, alongside Julius and a Realm Soldier, ordering them to enter the cathedral. Sumo tries to prevent them from entering, but is struck by both the lord's sword and Julius's dark magic, sending him flying backwards inside the structure. The violence of the impact shatters the Moon Mirror, with a tiny piece of it reflecting an ominous shadow coming out of Julius. Cibba swears he's seen Vandole from it, but is interrupted by the Dark Lord, ordering them to surrender the girl. Bogard tries to defy his orders, but Cibba reasons with him, explaining that they cannot risk the city to be nuked by the imperial army. Fuji surrenders and his held prisoner by his lordship.

Sumo finds himself asleep in a bed the morning after, Lester and Bogard at his side. The Gemma Knight reveals that the Dark Lord has taken Fuji to his airship, making the hero beating himself for failing to protect her. Bogard asks Lester to leave so he can discuss a plan to save the maiden together with Sumo and Cibba. Outside, Sumo is informed that the minstrel is going to [[Devius Manor]] in [[Jadd (Sword of Mana)|Jadd]], as it is a famous gathering place for bards. Devius takes the opportunity to ask Sumo to free all of his birds inside his home. Inside the cathedral, the sage mentions seeing the face of Vandole through Julius when the Moon Mirror shattered, implying that he is still behind all that happened. He also mentions the airship soon being docked at [[Westlake]], giving the team a chance of rescuing the girl when it lands there. To reach the lake, one first much to go through [[Gaia's Cave]], which is an entity with a mind of its own. The sage gives a light spirit to Sumo. He entrusts Bogard to visit Granz Castle in order to reach the airship, while he's off doing some research on Julius. The trio then head on their respective ways.