Approach him.

In the shroud of the dark stone wall, near the front gates and away from the party, lurks a man who'd still be wreathed in shadow even directly beneath the sunlight. When he sees you approach, he looks to you in a manner subtly different than is the norm. He's seen you as a rival since you first met, likely due to Breiah's influence, though perhaps also from a fantasy within his own mind, but he's the one who came to save you--or your people, and your home. Clearly he seeks no recognition, and you've seen nobody come this direction, though it's likely any who have were sent away.

He crosses his arms and averts his gloomy gaze. "You can't convince me to celebrate. There was so much destruction... Needless **** and perhaps even ****. And now I stand without direction, with my mind shrouded by uncertainty."

"I'm not here to convince you of anything, Eugene," you say.

"Hey!" He holds a hand up, casting a piercing stare directly back. "That is my name no longer."

"... All right, The Edge. As I was saying, I'm not here to make you do anything. I came over to thank you."

"The things I've done--I deserve no thanks. Your thoughts are misplaced."

"I need you to stop being edgy for a moment and listen to me. You came all the way here and helped protect Castle Phoenix. I have more experience with tsunderes than perhaps anyone ever, so you don't need to try and convince me that you don't care. I understand it's difficult, with your loyalties in question, but all I need you to do is accept my thanks. I'm sure you'll head off and do your own thing, but know that I owe you one."

Once again, he crosses one arm over the other and turns away. For a long moment, he ponders in silence. "I don't know what a tsundere is," he says quietly, and then his attention slowly shifts to eye you from the side. "But fine. I accept."

"You know your history, right? With Breiah, I mean? We found these papers--"

"I do. Please say no more."

"I understand."

"It was some time after Breiah first took me in, when I understood the importance of the demon blood which flowed in my veins."

"I thought you didn't want to talk about--"

"Did they use it for the ALICEs? Elok's new body? Both? I know my grandmother was the secret to Demon King Muian's success. The source of insectrin. So what does that make me? Perhaps doomed to forever wander, as a man cursed with a body made to hurt."

"I know it isn't the same, but when I was taken from my home, they experimented on my body. I was turned into a test build for the body he'd eventually make. If it wasn't for my allies pulling me back, I'd have walked into the light that one day, and joined his side against my will. Now I have to keep living with this strange physiology, one both linked and separated from classes, like a bizarre mix between Earth and Abso. When I look inside myself, the class title I was given is officially Demon King. I'll probably see that forever. Does that mean I'm some sort of abomination, cursed to become what they designed?"

Your words have clearly had an effect, as after you finish, he doesn't respond for some time. In his silence, he steps over to the wall itself and presses his flat palm against the cold bricks. While you're not sure how to respond, you give him a minute or two for his thoughts to process. Then at last, he speaks up, though he doesn't face you to do so.

"I can't believe it," he mutters to himself, so you're unsure if you're meant to reply. He continues. "Your backstory..."

"Pardon me?"

With widened eyes, he twists around at last. "You have a tragic backstory as well!" He places his hands against his head and paces back and forth. "I never even considered it. It has everything. Loss of home. Confusion of identity. Usage of the word demon. You were even worried about losing control! Truly amazing, Kyle Warren. Demon King. If you were also called The Edge, I wouldn't even think twice."

"Thanks, I think."

He reaches forward and grabs your wrist, giving it a firm shake. His excitement fades, however, and he finally calms as he stares you deeply in the eyes. "You've given me much to think about. As you guessed, I will be heading off to find my path, but I feel as if I'll have a guide with me along the way."

"So are we still rivals then?"

"No." He retreats back, bringing both hands back through his hair. "Frenemies."

"I've learned not to question things like this anymore."

"I'm going to get stronger, but not to defeat you. I want to reach your level, or even surpass it. Breiah is still out there, so I feel as if my story hasn't even met its climax. Neither has yours. Elok Daven was only a sword wielded by the true knight of shadows. She's long carved a path of darkness across these lands, even if hardly a soul knows her name. Watch your back. Stay safe. You're not allowed to perish."

"You too, Eu--The Edge. Don't be too reckless."

"Enjoy your celebration, Kyle. But don't get soft!" With a smile, he turns dramatically and marches towards the exit.

You look back to see Okawa casting a mighty spell to conjure a single, massive, winged beast, and much of the Circle is nearby. With The Edge departed, you make your way back over to see what's transpiring.