Ardbert pauses for a moment, his smile falling a bit, opens his mouth, then thinks better and closes it again. He shrugs, forcing a smile. It's easier for a moment as recent memories before this place remind him of where everything stands.

"It's not anymore. Things were looking pretty grim, and we had monsters just as powerful as daemons." He's gotten the general explanation from Era and Ardyn by now. "But we've gotten past the hump. ... beyond that, it's a conversation for another time... such as if we get bored enough to make ourselves miserable and despondent instead."