Manipulating them into arguing with themselves isn't any better than withholding our presence. At least Efreet will consider the request with all due objectivity, and can be trusted to make a solid decision.

[His mind will just be impossible to change if he chooses against them, and the ruins will probably be properly wiped off the map after the fact, if so. The seal would still be there; the ruins, and part of the mountain, wouldn't.

[So then. Yuan does intend to travel with them -- or at least be present for at least one of the seals. He isn't wrong about Undine. The both of them there will likely help more than hinder, so long as they're clear they come in peace. And Yuan -- is making some sense. Some. Kratos follows that sweep toward the others; and yes, they are all so very young.]

You think the spirits would appreciate it more to see us deflecting responsibility onto someone else with inaction?

[Kratos has been doing that for far too long. He intends to say more, but Sheena's interruption pulls him up short, so that he pauses, looking her way. Then he huffs, somewhere between amusement and chagrin.]

You're right. Yes; you're right. If they don't want us involved, it's their right to make that their condition. And if it's our conviction they want to test, that is their right as well.

[After everything the seraphim have done, it's the least they can offer.]