[Kratos likewise tenses a bit, but between Botta and Yuan -- both of whom are faster on the uptake and more prepared -- he doesn't otherwise move. Instead he hides his surprise beneath his usual impassivity and examines the -- it must be a summon spirit. And artificial summon spirit? Tethe'alla's technology has grown advanced.]

No. It's more complicated than that. I had intended to be travelling with Colette, but for various reasons that's no longer a viable option. There's some vital information and resources they're going to need before they approach the Tower of Salvation, and we need you to give it to them.

[His gaze slides toward Yuan.]

Yuan kidnapped me, so they won't trust him giving them the same information. It falls to you to be my go-between. The truth is too complicated to expect you to explain to them adequately, so we're going to move forward as if you're a sympathetic agent willing to carry messages for me while I'm imprisoned.