en
Act 5: The Hidden God
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 1: Memory of Sin
Oz
I feel like I'm floating...
I can't even tell up from down.

Oz
Am I asleep?

Oz
Somehow this feels so familiar...
I feel as though I know this darkness...

???
Embrace this defeat. Use it as fuel
to stand once more.

???
Steel yourself, and resist!

Oz
Is this... My voice? My voice...
From deep within.

???
Discipline, devotion, pride! How could it be
my fate to lose to you sheltered brats?!

Oz
My fixation on victory... The part of me
that sought power above all else...

???
That's right. If I take this, then surely...

Oz
But...why? Why did I desire power that
much?

Oz
I don't know.
I don't know...

Rolotia
Allow me to introduce myself. I am
Rolotia, Avatar of the Primordial of Time.

Theo
Primordial? You mean the ancient spirits
who protect Erden, right?

Theo
Wow... I had no idea you were someone
so amazing.

Rolotia
Direct meddling in matters here on Erden
is nothing to be proud of, I'm afraid.

Rolotia
And it takes all I have to stop time for
even a little while, like I did before.

Rizette
I think that's still pretty amazing, actually.

Rolotia
No, if anyone's amazing here, it's you all.
I know of your valorous deeds.

Rolotia
I know of the deeds of the Red Dragon
Knights' Commander, the hero Astrid...

Rolotia
And those of the Golden Crestbearer, the
slayer of Arcane. Yes, I know of Finn.

Rizette
...!

Ga'Luga
So you know everything we tried so hard
to keep secret.

Rolotia
Yes. That's why I want to be frank with
you on this matter.

Rolotia
The Aeon Lord Norza fell to you in battle,
and he fell into the abyss of death.

Rolotia
Oz is the soul that resides in that body.

Ga'Luga
So it is as we thought.

Elmina
You call that being frank? That's a pretty
roundabout explanation.

Elmina
It almost sounds like you're saying
Oz isn't Norza himself.

Rolotia
No, both his body and soul are the Norza
you defeated. That is certain.

Rolotia
...The Norza who lost to you, and fell
into the depths of the Underworld.

Rolotia
Perhaps because of his battle with Finn,
the power to cut Fate grew within him.

Astrid
Arc Rebellion...

Rolotia
Yes. My liege, Chronos, the Primordial of
Time, saw the potential within him.

Rolotia
The power to turn back a threat on par
with Arcane, should another appear.

Rolotia
Chronos halted Norza's death, and with
some help from other Primordials,

Rolotia
resurrected him as Oz.

Rolotia
But as a side effect, Oz forgot his time
as the Aeon Lord Norza.

Ga'Luga
So he simply...forgot all the blood on
his hands?

Theo
...I see.

Rizette
Theo? Why do you look so happy?

Theo
I'm just relieved.
Oz is...he's Oz, after all.

Rizette
Huh?

Theo
The sins he committed as Norza are
unforgivable. I know that.

Theo
But the Oz we know...he's innocent.
He's just Oz.

Theo
When he trained us all, when we all ate
dinner together...

Theo
And when we fought to protect each
other, that was all Oz. So, I'm relieved.

Astrid
But, Theo—

Oz
Ngh...

Theo
Oz! You're awake!

Oz
...Arc Rebellion knocked me out, huh?
Sorry for the trouble.

Astrid
...Don't worry about it. We knew there
would be backlash, after all.

Ga'Luga
...

Oz
(Huh? Everyone looks uncomfortable.
Like when we first met...)

Elmina
So...I know you just woke up and all,
but can we get moving?

Elmina
Viola still hasn't regained consciousness.
We need a place where she can recover.

Rizette
Right. The best way to deal with the guys
after Astrid is to hunt down their base.

Rizette
And we can't do that with an injured
person in our party. It's too dangerous.

Astrid
Right... Mee would definitely be angry
with me for that.

Rizette
Then let's find the nearest village.
We can give Viola a real bed to rest in—

Theo
Ah, shouldn't you disguise yourself first,
Rolotia?

Rolotia
O-oh, yes, of course!
Pardon me, everyone!

Theo
She turned into a clock! I bet you could
go anywhere like that. How handy!

Oz
Yeah, it seems handy, until you're the one
she's following. She never shuts up.

Theo
Well, you do take a lot of looking after...

Oz
You say something?

Astrid
Ahem!
Enough chatter. We're moving out.

Astrid
Dawn is still a long way off. There may
yet be ghosts around—be careful.

[S-Mission 5-1-1]

Optional
Astrid
...

Oz
...What?
If you have something to say, say it.

Astrid
I-it's nothing...

Oz
(None of her usual fire...)

Oz
(Damn it, Rolotia, what did you tell them
while I was asleep?)

Rizette
Wait.

Theo
Ri—Er, Captain?
What is it?

Rizette
I hear fighting...and that's blood I smell!
Quick, this way!

Astrid
If someone's being attacked, we must aid
them. Able fighters, with Rizette!

Rizette
Someone's being attacked by the ghosts!
Hey! We're here to help!

Trevyn
My thanks...! I know not who you are,
but allow me to offer my tha—

Trevyn
Wait...you?!

Oz
Focus up! Here they come!

[Mission 5-1-1]

Oz
That's all of them.
Alright, let's get mov—

Trevyn
Yooooou!

Oz
Huh?!

Astrid
Wait! This man aided you! Why would you
draw steel on him?!

Trevyn
You are the Hero, Astrid, yes? Why do
you travel with this man?!

Trevyn
Do you truly not know who he is?!

Trevyn
My comrades, slain to a man! My brethren,
slaughtered like animals!

Trevyn
By that...creature!
The Aeon Lord, Norza!

Oz
Nor...za...?

Astrid
That's—!

Trevyn
I will stay my blade no longer! The time of
my vengeance is at last at hand!

Trevyn
I am Trevyn! In the name of the ones I
loved and lost, I will have your head!

Trevyn
...Damn it all!
Why...why...?!

Trevyn
Everyone...forgive me!
Forgive...me...!

Oz
(I see. So that's what it was. In the past,
I was a murderer.)

Oz
(That's why they looked at me like that.
They know what I've done.)

Oz
(Then...well, there's no place for
someone like me at a Hero's side.)

Theo
Huh?
Oz, where are you going?!

Oz
I won't answer that.

Astrid
Wait, Oz!

Ga'Luga
Do not follow carelessly! The Gru Grim's
assassins could be anywhere.

Astrid
Well...yes, but even so...

Astrid
(We need Arc Rebellion to fight the Gru
Grim, but...he is a murderer.)

Astrid
(What am I hesitating for? He's either a
good person or he's not, but...)

Theo
I'll go after him.

Astrid
Theo...

Theo
Once we find shelter for Viola, you should
go straight back to Rigland, Commander.

Theo
Please, let me handle tracking Oz.

Rizette
Then I volunteer, too!
I can't leave Theo on his own.

Astrid
...Understood.

Astrid
Rizette, Theo. I'm giving you new orders.
Track Oz, and don't lose him.

Theo & Riz
Yes, ma'am!

Elmina
(Hey, Theo. Take Rolotia, too. She can't
talk in front of that Trevyn guy...)

Elmina
(But she's been shaking like mad since
that whole thing happened.)

Theo
(Wow, yeah... Don't be afraid, Rolotia.
We'll protect you.)

Rolotia
(...Right. Thank you.)

[S-Mission 5-1-2]

Optional
Rolotia
These are Oz's footprints! I knew it was
a good idea to check out this old village.

Rizette
Huh... I don't know what it is, but this
place smells really weird.

Theo
Smells weird? You mean like Ossia's
disinfectant?

Rizette
No, it's definitely not that. But...
Somehow it smells a lot worse...

Rolotia
Someone's coming! Quick, you two!
Hide!

Villager
Let me go! Please, let me go!
What have I done to deserve this?!

Adherent
Be at ease. Your life is in no danger.

Fervent Follower
Ruma tyo... Sama tyo...

Theo
That chant...that's Gru Grim!
Is this village one of their bases?

Theo
Wait...what's that black stuff in the pool
there?

Rolotia
That black liquid...
T-that's—!

Villager
Waaaaah!

Theo
The cultist pushed him in!
Riz!

Rizette
Right! We have to save him!

Rolotia
Wait, you two!
Watch...

Villager
Ah... Aah...

Rizette
He got back up on his own?

Villager
Haha...ahaha! All that I am, I give to the
Magnificent! Ruma tyo! Sama tyo!

Fervent Follower
Gra fdavin...
Magra fdavin...!

Theo
He's like a totally different person.

Rolotia
That looks like a brainwashing ritual.
That liquid is likely imbued with magic.

Theo
I guess that's the weird ritual Elmina
told us about...

Rolotia
...Let's move on. We're totally
outnumbered here.

Rolotia
And without Oz, we have no way of
freeing these people.

Rizette
...Yeah. I hate to admit it... I really do.
But for now, we should focus on Oz.

Theo
Do you notice any clues, Captain?

Rizette
Give me a sec...

Rizette
Over there. I hear a swordfight!

Rolotia
Look! In the village square! It's Oz!

Theo
They're going into that mansion!

Adherent
Wait! You...how much have you seen?!
You must die!

Rizette
Get out of our way!

[Mission 5-1-2]

Rizette
They were pretty tough...but they're
no match for us!

Theo
But now the whole village knows we're
here.

Rizette
I would have liked to avoid notice, but
it's too late now. Be ready to fight!

[Mission 5-1-3]

[Mission 5-1-4]

[Mission 5-1-5]

Rizette
This is where Oz was going, right?

Rolotia
What a big mansion. It must be the
village center.

Theo
Hang on... I hear fighting!

Rizette
Let's get in there!

Several minutes earlier...

Kadu
Heh heh heh... I have you now, heathen!

Kadu
Rejoice! You have the honor to face Kadu,
the Seventh Apostle!

Oz
Seventh, huh... You're nothing compared
to the Seventh I knew.

Kadu
Silence!

[Mission 5-1-6]

Kadu
Damn you...damn you! I, Kadu, the Great
Seventh, will not lose to the likes of you!

Oz
Don't waste your final breaths, scum.
The Seventh, huh?

Oz
You talk big, for a substitute brought in
to fill Elmina's shoes.

Kadu
Heathen! I am a devoted Apostle of the
grand, the glorious Magnificent!

Kadu
Such filthy insult to my title is blasphemy
unto the Infallible Truth itself!

Oz
Why do none of you ever stop talking?

Oz
(That said, he's actually pretty strong. I
need to end this, and fast.)

Oz
Enough chatting. Time to die!

Oz
...Take this!

Merdain
Not so fast!

Oz
Wha...

Oz
(That strike was perfect! There shouldn't
have been any time to block! So how...?!)

Merdain
You seem taken aback.
Surprisingly expressive, aren't you?

Kadu
Merdain! How dare you interfere!

Merdain
You think you could have defeated him
on your own?

Kadu
Of course! The Magnificent is with me!

Theo
Oz! Heeeeey!

Oz
Theo?!

Oz
So you followed me? That's perfect.
I leave the rest to you!

Theo
The rest? Wait a minute...
Oz, are you—?!

Oz
Merdain, was it? You seem like a tough
one. I won't hold back!

Oz
I will cut the evil god's chains!
Arc... Rebelliooon!

Rolotia
That's it! Those two cultists should be—

Merdain
...
Is that all?

Theo
Huh? It didn't work?!

Rizette
Why not?!

Rolotia
I don't know, but this is really bad!

Rolotia
Oz! I can buy you a moment!
You have to run!

Oz
Rolotia?! What are you doing, coming out
in front of the enemy?!

Rolotia
We can't afford to lose you! Here goes!
Five! Four! Three!

Merdain
Pointless.

Rolotia
Two... Huh?

Rolotia
(When did he get so close?)

Rizette
Rolotiaaa!

Rolotia
(His blade...it's coming closer.)

Rolotia
(Oh, no...it's going to hit me. That's odd.
I'm the Avatar of Time, and yet...)

Rolotia
(It feels like there's no time for me to
dodge it...)

Oz
Rolotia!

Oz
Gaah!

Rolotia
Oz...?

Rolotia
Oz?!
You protected me...

Rolotia
You're wounded! Oh, you're wounded!
Why would you do that?! For me...?!

Oz
Quit whining. You really...never do shut
up... Nngh!

Rolotia
Oz?
Oz!!

Rizette
Theo.

Theo
Captain?

Rizette
I'll draw his attention. You and Rolotia,
take Oz and run.

Theo
What are you saying?! I could never—

Rizette
Don't argue with me. This is an order
from your Captain.

Rizette
...Don't worry. I'll be right behind you.

Theo
...You'd better be, Riz!

Merdain
How brave of you. But do you really think
you can defeat me?

Rizette
I won't know unless I try. And I can at
least buy my friends time to escape!

Merdain
...An admirable statement.
But a false one.

Rizette
(He's so fast! I won't be able to block!)

Rizette
(I'm sorry...Theo...)

???
Hup!

Rizette
(Is that...a card?
Whatever it is, Merdain's backed off!)

???
You know, little lady, you really ought to
be more careful with yourself.

Rizette
Who's there?!

???
Me? Oh, I'm nobody special.

???
Just an old man passing by.

???
Why didst thou allow the Golden Crest
to reawaken?

???
Why was its eternal sleep interrupted?

Hypnos
If he had not been allowed to protect
the Crest may have fallen to the Void.

Hypnos
And...the boy shows potential. To protect
Erden. To be a beacon of hope...

???
Ridiculous.

???
Volcana. Whither go thou?

Volcana
A foolish question. If you will not act to
end this threat, then I will.

Volcana
Let us see just how much "potential"
he has.

Rolotia
Oz... Why did you do it, Oz?
Please, just wake up...

Rolotia
If...if I don't shut up, do you think he'll
wake up to yell at me? Oh, Oz...

Theo
Rolotia...

Theo
You keep calling out to him. I know he'll
hear you.

Theo
I'll work on treating his wound!

Rolotia
Thank you, Theo...

???
Pardon me. Sorry to interrupt.

Rizette
Theo!

Theo
Riz! Thank goodness you're alright!

Rizette
This man saved me, and we managed
to get away.

???
Let's not get too comfy, though. Those
two cultists are still out there.

Theo
That's fine... That's fine, so long as
Riz is safe.

Theo
Thank you very much, sir... Um. What
should we call you?

Cyrus
Cyrus, if you please. I just happened to
be passing by...

Cyrus
...And I can tell you already don't believe
me.

Rizette
I don't think anyone would just "happen to
pass by" through that village, no.

Cyrus
Yeah, that's a good point.
Well, if I had to explain...

Cyrus
I'd say I'm an ally of allies of justice...
Or something along those lines?

Chapter 2: Princess of Flames
Several days earlier
Elvenlent

Ludmilla
I am Ludmilla of the Red Dragon Knights!
We received word of an attack...

Finn
...Captain!

Ludmilla
Finn!
It is good to see you well.

Finn
Yeah. It was a close one, though.
I'm sorry for worrying you.

Ludmilla
I'm just glad to see you up and about.
I wish the others could be here, too...

Finn
Are they out on a separate mission, then?

Ludmilla
Yes. You will need to be filled in, but we
have no time for that. We have to move.

Callen
Move?
Move where?

Ludmilla
To the Red Dragon Knights' headquarters,
in Rigland.

Ludmilla
After this attack, remaining in Elvenlent
is a poor idea.

Ludmilla
Aside from Finn, none of my Knights were
able to provide any assistance.

Ludmilla
A change in location is the wisest choice,
for you and the village both.

Callen
...

Finn
Callen?
What's wrong?

Callen
Hmm? Oh, it's nothing.
Nothing at all.

Callen
I just wanted to complain a little about
the knights being late, that's all.

Callen
But the Marshal apologized before I
got to say anything, so all I can do is sulk.

Finn
Well, at least you're honest about it...

Ludmilla
It took time to rendezvous with the
Hymelian army. I truly am sorry.

Ludmilla
May I ask about the attack on the road?
I want to know what we are up against.

Rei
Sure. But if we're returning to Rigland,
could I ask a favor?

Ludmilla
A request?

Rei
Callen and I have finished searching the
minds of the captured attackers.

Rei
We'll keep them here in Elvenlent,
but for him...that's just not feasible.

Finn
Him?
Wait, you mean—!

Vesh
Fiiiiiiinn! Thy path is now mine! I will aid
thee to my final breath!

Finn
Vesh!
You're awake already?!

Ludmilla
W-who is this?

Finn
Vesh, the Thirteenth Gru Grim Apostle.
He led the attack on Elvenlent.

Vesh
The power of thy Golden Crest hath freed
my heart from its dark prison, Finn.

Vesh
Twas then I saw! 'Twas then I knew!
Finn, Bearer of the Golden Crest!

Vesh
The power to truly free Erden resides
within thee!

Finn
Truly...free Erden?

Vesh
I love the land that gave me life; and I will
protect her with all that I am!

Vesh
I will protect her greatest hope...the
Golden Crest! I will protect thee, Finn!

Rei
He's been...very insistent.
Can we take him along?

Finn
Can we, Captain?

Ludmilla
What do you think, Finn? Can this Vesh
be trusted?

Finn
Yes, ma'am. The Crest showed me his
heart when we fought the other day.

Finn
He's not a bad guy himself.
He was being manipulated.

Ludmilla
I see...perhaps Vesh can tell us more of
what we're up against.

Ludmilla
It's decided, then.
Vesh, will you accompany us?

Vesh
Gladly!
I will tell thee all that I know!

Ludmilla
Then get ready to move out. We're
returning to Rigland immediately.

Ludmilla
...Let's go, Finn.

Finn
Right!

Finn
There it is! I can see Rigland!

Ludmilla
We have finally made it through the forest.
Just a little longer now.

Finn
Yeah...

[S-Mission 5-2-1]

Optional
[Mission 5-2-1]

Vesh
Wait.
Give me thy luggage.

Rei
Huh? My bag?
That's not really necessary...

Vesh
Luggage should be carried by the strong.
The one known as Nagi told me so.

Vesh
Nagi hath taught me much in his kindness.
That thou resemblest a flower, and more.

Finn
Nagi, did you teach Vesh to hit on women?

Nagi
I taught him to converse in a gentlemanly
fashion with the fairer sex, that is all!

Callen
Don't fill his head with stupid ideas just
because he doesn't know to argue!

Ludmilla
...Heh.

Finn
Captain?
What is it?

Ludmilla
Ah, it just sunk in, I suppose. You've
truly returned...you've come back to us.

Finn
Yeah...it's good to be back.

Ludmilla
Now is hardly the time to indulge in
fond memories, however.

Ludmilla
Callen, could you tell me all that you
recall of the attack on Elvenlent?

Callen
Of course. First, just for the record,
the attackers were Gru Grim cultists.

Callen
But as far as we can tell, they weren't
true believers.

Finn
What do you mean?

Callen
Lady Rei and I looked into the minds of
the attackers we captured in the battle.

Callen
All of them had some kind of impurity
inside them—something else's will.

Rei
A dark, twisted corruption. They were
likely brainwashed into the cult.

Ludmilla
Perhaps via the ritual Elmina mentioned...
What about you, Vesh?

Vesh
Yes. I, too, was corrupted by the cursed
dark of the Void.

Finn
How did you even end up fighting the Gru
Grim, anyway?

Vesh
I am an Avatar of the Primordial of the
Land. My mission was to observe them.

Callen
...Hang on. Sorry, what did you just say?
A Primordial?!

Finn
I see. So that's what you meant by
being "born of the land", huh?

Callen
Aren't you accepting this a little fast?!

Finn
It's just, I feel like this isn't the first time
I've met a spirit like this...probably?

Vesh
But I was careless, and I fell to one of
their number...

Nagi
It must have been a fearsome foe indeed
to lay you low, Sir Vesh!

Vesh
Indeed...though faint, I yet recall a name.
Merda—

Vesh
...Wait!

Finn
Huh? What is it?

Vesh
Something approacheth.
...Danger!

Ludmilla
Danger?

Hymelian A
Ah, the Red Dragon Knights!
We've been looking for you!

Ludmilla
That insignia...
You are Knights of Hymelia?

Hymelian A
Yes, ma'am! We're here to escort you
the rest of the way to Rigland.

Ludmilla
I see. You have my thanks.

Hymelian B
...An escort? We've received no word
of that.

Ludmilla
(The knights who came with us from
Elvenlent seem troubled...)

Vesh
Wait. Meanest thou to bring them with us?
I must object, and strongly.

Ludmilla
What?
What do you mean?

Vesh
Those soldiers are of the Primordial of
Fire. They seek to slay the Crestbearer.

Hymelian A
Wha—!
How rude! How could you say that?!

Ludmilla
Vesh! These soldiers are our allies.

Vesh
Trust in me, Ludmilla! I am an Avatar,
and a protector of the Golden Crest.

Vesh
There are Primordials who see the Gold
as a threat, and would see it extinguished.

Vesh
The hand of those Primordials is as clear
as day behind their actions.

Rei
Primordials who see the Golden Crest
as a threat...

Nagi
The protectors of Erden are not unified
in their opinions, 'twould seem.

Ludmilla
...Understood.

Ludmilla
Honored Knights of Hymelia, please
forgive our earlier rudeness.

Ludmilla
Your gracious offer is appreciated, but we
must, respectfully, decline.

Hymelian A
What?

Ludmilla
I mean no insult, nor do I doubt your
goodwill.

Ludmilla
But we are escorting a person of interest.
A smaller group will draw less attention.

Hymelian A
...If it weren't for that damn monster!

Hymelian A
Fine! Then you'll all just have to die here!
Knights, draw steel!

Ludmilla
So you turn on us immediately, then!

Hymelian B
W-what's going on? We don't have any
orders! What should we do?!

Ludmilla
The knights are wavering...if they ally with
the enemy, we could be overwhelmed.

Ludmilla
Red Dragon Knights! We make for the wall!

Ludmilla
Pandemonium Task Force, take the van!
Spear Formation!

Ludmilla
Full charge! Break through their ranks!

Finn
Right!
We'll make it through, no matter what!

[S-Mission 5-2-2]

Optional
[Mission 5-2-2]

Finn
Great! We're almost to the city walls!

Ludmilla
Once we make it inside, the Hymelians
will have to break off their attack!

???
I agree. Which is why I shan't allow you
to go any further.

Finn
...Who's this lady?

Ludmilla
Wha—! I don't believe it...
Finn, this is—!

???
Are you the Crimson Valkyrie? Your
subordinates seem more poorly trained

???
than I would have expected.

???
Or is this how you have taught them to
address royalty?

Ludmilla
My apologies...Your Royal Highness,
Princess Maxima of Hymelia.

Finn
Princess?!
Why's royalty on the battlefield?!

Maxima
Do you think a princess must be helpless?
I will thank you not to insult me like that.

Finn
Urk...
If looks could kill...

Vesh
Be careful. The air around this one fair
burneth with the Primordial's fire.

Maxima
As you say, I am the hand of Volcana.
I am here to kill the Golden Crestbearer.

Finn
(The Primordial of Fire...
Wants to kill me?!)

Callen
Huh, and here I thought all Hymelians
were cowards and sneaks, like your men.

Maxima
I detest all falsehoods. I must say that I do
not much care for provocations, either.

Maxima
Bring forth the Golden Crestbearer.
That is a command.

Ludmilla
...Unfortunately, I have no knowledge of
such an individual, Ma'am.

Maxima
Did I not just say that I detest falsehoods?
Surely you do not think me a fool.

Ludmilla
...

Nagi
Ah, such a beauteous lily...and all the
lovelier for its poisonous bite!

Finn
Nagi?!

Nagi
I, Nagi, will rush to any princess
who seeks me out!

Nagi
...Wink. ♪
Wink wink. ♪

Finn
(...That's the worst winking I've ever seen.
Is he trying to signal me or something?)

Finn
(Wait...is he trying to pass himself off as
the Golden Crestbearer?!)

Maxima
You? I see. I had not considered the
possibility the bearer would be a bikki.

Maxima
Now, then, Make your peace,
and perish!

Nagi
Oho! Please, my Lady, calm yourself.
Rage ill suits such a beautiful face!

Finn
Nagi! What should we do?!
We can't just sit here... Right?

Callen
Let's wait and see. He may have some
kind of plan.

Nagi
If only we had not met as enemies upon
this battlefield, my princess!

Nagi
Oh, to cross hearts instead of steel! To
exchange sweet words, instead of blows!

Nagi
We could share a fate, not of war...
But of love!

Maxima
...
L-love?

Maxima
What are you saying?! We only just
met! Know your place!

Finn
...That's his plan?!

Callen
I don't know why I expected anything
different...

Nagi
Come, my princess! Put away your blade
and take my hand, in love!

Maxima
So! You ply me with sweet words
in hopes of being spared?!

Nagi
Not at all! Your Spirit guided you here,
yes? This must be destiny's hand at work!

Maxima
To think the Golden Crestbearer was such
a knave... I will kill you, here and now!

Finn
Wait!
Don't do this, Nagi!

Nagi
Back, Sir Finn! This is a showdown of love
and fate between the Princess and myself!

Finn
Thank you, Nagi. But I can't just stand by
while a friend takes the fall for me.

Nagi
Sir Finn...

Maxima
...I see. So this youth is the true
Crestbearer, then.

Maxima
Boy. First I will kill you; then I will kill the
bikki who misled me with his nonsense.

Nagi
So my love failed to reach her...a shame.
But even so, I shall protect Sir Finn!

Vesh
As will I! Speaker of Flame, thy
covetous grasp shall not take him!

Ludmilla
Red Dragon Knights, advance! Push
for the wall and do not stop!

Maxima
Soldiers of Hymelia, attack! Slay any who
resist—Red Dragon Knight or no!

[Mission 5-2-3]

[Mission 5-2-4]

Finn
Nngh...there are so many of them!
We're losing momentum!

Maxima
You are skilled, but as the Princess, I cannot
suffer an enemy of the world to live.

Finn
Me, an enemy of the world?

Maxima
Too-great power threatens us all. The
Primordials see such power within you.

Maxima
You must realize this yourself. Please, if
you submit...I will make it painless.

Finn
...Sorry. I can't.

Finn
My friends believe in me, and at
least one Spirit does, too.

Finn
I know I'm not perfect, but I'll never stop
reaching out to the people who need me!

Finn
That's my responsibility. It's my duty...
And I'll see it through, no matter what!

Maxima
...What is it that drives you so?

Nagi
Well said, Sir Finn! Now—I will draw
their attention!

Vesh
By the will of the Earth, and mine own will,
I will protect thee. Fly, Finn! Onward!

Finn
Vesh! Nagi!
You can't stay here! You'll—!

Nagi
Do not underestimate me, Sir Finn! I do
hesitate to stand against the Lily, but...

Nagi
I owe you my life for Elvenlent—and you
are my dear comrade, as well!

Finn
...Okay. Stay safe! Promise me!

Maxima
I commend your bravery. But do you think
the two of you will be enough to stop me?

Nagi
We shall. Come, Princess of Flames...face
the surging torrent of my blade!

Vesh
Rrrraaaaaaaagh!

Ludmilla
Be safe, you two... Continue the advance!
We're almost to the wall!

[S-Mission 5-2-3]

Optional
[Mission 5-2-5]

[S-Mission 5-2-4]

Optional
Knight A
Hey, that's... Troops in Rigland colors!
They're under attack!

Knight B
Open the gate! Open the gate!

Finn
We made it...
Nagi, Vesh, please stay safe!

At the same time,
near Zibsetta...

Ga'Luga
I cannot land a scratch on him?!
I'm unworthy of my title of "Ga"...

???
Oh, you're done already? A little ambush
is enough to break you? That's sad.

???
Come on! Move your feet a little!

Viola
Aaaah!

Elmina
Viola! Hang on!

Viola
What is this?!
Why are you doing this?!

Astrid
Who are you?! That strength—
You can't be human!

???
Now, that's just hurtful. I'm a human,
just like you.

???
...Though I hate to be associated with
you in any way, of course.

Astrid
...

Darna
Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Darna.

Darna
I thought I'd say hello to the ones causing
such trouble, but...you're nothing special.

Darna
That's such a shame. You know, when you
get bored of a toy, you throw it out, hm?

Ga'Luga
A...toy?

Darna
That's right, a toy. And sorry, but you
don't interest me anymore.

Darna
So I'm going to throw you away now!

Astrid
Stop it! You're an Apostle, right?! So
you're after me, not them!

Elmina
Astrid, hang on!

Astrid
Take me with you, then. I will not resist.
But leave these people unharmed!

Darna
...
Astrid. Von. Draclow.

Astrid
W-what?

Darna
Hmm? Oh, nothing, nothing at all.
As you wish, then, my Lady.

Ga'Luga
Astrid...how am I supposed to face Mysha
if I let you do this?!

Astrid
Mee will understand.
I know she will.

Darna
I'll be taking your precious Hero, then.

Ga'Luga
Wai—
Gwaah?!

Darna
You don't learn, do you? You ought to be
weeping in gratitude that I spared you.

Elmina
Ga'Luga, stop it! If you're wounded
any more seriously—

Astrid
Stop this! I told you to leave them alone!

Darna
Then you make them stop,
before I do.

Astrid
I...

Ga'Luga
Damn it! I will not...allow this...!

Astrid
Ga'Luga, stand down!

Astrid
...Thank you all for everything.
May you be well.

Elmina
She's gone...

Viola
No...wait! Astrid!

Ga'Luga
Damn it...
Damn it aaaaaaaaall!!

Chapter 3: Death of a Red Dragon
Somewhere in the forest...

Astrid
Darna...why are you doing this?
Where are we going?

Darna
Shut up and keep walking.

Astrid
Wha—Don't I have the right to know what
is going to happen to me?!

Darna
You like to hear yourself yap. Doesn't the
guilt burn strong enough in your blood?

Astrid
My blood... You mean the blood of the
Draclow family?

Darna
You know of Tuatha Village, right?

Astrid
Tuatha? I've heard the name before...
Ah!

Astrid
The reports from the Pillar Room...
One of the villages that sent for aid...

Darna
One of the villages you left to die, yes.
Just a tiny little village, nothing special.

Darna
My father was the village chief. I watched
Aeon Lord Norza butcher him,

Darna
along with everyone else I knew.

Astrid
...I see.

Darna
Don't tell me you feel sorry for me? You
have no right, daughter of a murderer!

Astrid
...

Darna
I had one hope. I prayed to our old god...
the secret god of my people.

Astrid
You mean, the Gru Grim?

Darna
That's right.
The god of the Gru Grim

Darna
is sealed beneath Rubea's Tower
in Rigland.

Astrid
The old Knight Headquarters...?

Darna
To break the seal, you need the blood of
a Draclow. And I do mean that literally.

Astrid
Blood...

Darna
You'll be the key to free my God, in place
of your dog of a father.

Astrid
...What my father did was unforgivable.
However!

Astrid
The Gru Grim are responsible for just as
much suffering! I will never aid you!

Darna
Pretty soon you won't have a say in the
matter. Not after a little dip in here.

Astrid
What? It looks like a normal pond...

Darna
And...there.

Astrid
Wha— What are you doing?!
Cutting yourself like that!

Astrid
Wait, the water... It's starting to turn
black?

Darna
It's been fun, Hero.
Goodbye.

Astrid
Ah—

Darna
This is the holy water used in our rites.
Be sure to really soak it in...

Darna
Pretty soon you'll be my puppet.

Darna
Time to atone for your family's sins, Hero!
Haha... Hahahaha!

Royal Capital Rigland
Red Dragon Knight Headquarters

Mysha
Finn! Oh, thank goodness you're awake.

Ludmilla
Reunions can wait. I am going to back up
Nagi. Finn, you stay here.

Mysha
...What's going on?

Finn
Well, you see...

Mysha
The Gru Grim and Hymelia... You've made
some big enemies, huh, Finn.

Finn
Yeah. I wanted to stay and fight alongside
Nagi and Vesh, but...

Rei
We had no choice. You have to rest
and prepare.

Mysha
Oh, right. I've been researching the Gru
Grim while I was recovering, and...

Mysha
I'll make a full report to the Marshal
soon, but can I run my findings by you?

Finn
Sure. I can't bear to just sit here doing
nothing.

Mysha
Haha, thanks. Well... I found a book of
ancient legends in the Pillar Room.

Mysha
According to the book, the Gru Grim
started as a cult in a small fishing village

Mysha
on the coast of Rigland. But it wasn't just
any little cult.

Mysha
Their god, Magnifo, was actually an evil
force that was sealed away long ago...

Mysha
Sealed right below Knight Headquarters
by a great Hero and her allies.

Finn
Below Headquarters?! It's right beneath
our feet?!

Mysha
No, the Headquarters from the time of the
founding—Rubea's Tower.

Finn
Oh, that tower in the Old Town...

Callen
But why did they seal it away?
Was it really that bad?

Mysha
It's not super clear, but the records say
Magnifo could corrupt people.

Mysha
The Hero sealed it away with her own
blood to ensure it could never rise again.

Callen
A hero involved with the Red Dragon
Knights...could it be?

Mysha
That's right, the founder of House
Draclow— Tori's ancestor Rubea.

Mysha
That explains why they're after her,
at least.

Ga'Luga
If that's true...

Elmina
Then things just took a turn for the
very, very bad.

Mysha
Ga'Luga?! Elmina! When did you—

Mysha
You're injured!

Ga'Luga
We were attacked by an Apostle called
Darna. He was...strong.

Ga'Luga
He defeated me, and...
He took Astrid.

Mysha
...

Mysha
He took her...which means she's still
alive, right?

Ga'Luga
Most likely.

Finn
(Even now, Mysha's trying to keep
everyone smiling... No, wait.)

Finn
(Her whole body is shaking. It's taking
all she has just to stay calm.)

Elmina
...There's more. The Gru Grim will be
attacking soon.

Finn
They will?! Why?

Callen
It must have something to do with that
talk of Magnifo and the Draclow founder.

Finn
If they kidnapped Astrid to break the seal,
then...

Mysha
There's only one place she can be—
Rubea's Tower!

Mysha
Come on, Finn. We need to save Tori
and stop this plan of theirs.

Mysha
It sounds like you'll be able to clear the
brainwashing on the Apostles, right?

Viola
...There was another person who could
save the Apostles, too, but...

Finn
Was?

Elmina
It's a long story. Rizette's looking into it,
but you're our only hope for now, Finn!

Finn
Rizette...

Finn
Okay. I'll do everything I can.

Finn
Now let's go save Astrid!

Mysha
We can get up onto the city wall here.
That's the fastest way to Old Town!

[S-Mission 5-3-1]

Optional
Finn
Hang on, what's that?!
Are those siege towers?!

Ga'Luga
Where did they get their filthy hands on
armaments like those?!

Elmina
The situation's not looking good...

Mysha
Look there! Marshal Ludmilla's squad
is turning back toward the wall!

Finn
She's got Nagi and Vesh with her! They'll
crush the cultists against the wall!

Mysha
Great! Let's keep moving, everyone.
We have to save Tori!

Outside the Wall
Several Minutes Before

Maxima
Is that all? Knights, put this bikki
and the Avatar in chains.

Nagi
To think you could defeat my blade...
You are as skilled as you are lovely!

Maxima
You should have struck to kill. You insult
me, holding back like that.

Maxima
Advance to the wall! Rigland will
surrender the Golden Crestbearer to us!

Vesh
Hold! Thou laborest under a delusion!
Thy Lady of Fire is wrong!

Maxima
...Take care what you say before me,
Avatar. Now, I ask you this.

Maxima
You stand idly by while a power that could
destroy Erden runs free and unchecked.

Maxima
And yet you claim to serve this world?
You claim to protect it?

Vesh
Fool! Thou seest not! To protect Finn
is to protect Erden herself!

Maxima
This is pointless. Which of us is the
deluded one, I wonder...

Vesh
I do this not upon my Spirit's command,
but because Finn saved my soul.

Maxima
Saved your soul?

Maxima
A being born of the Spirits, speaking of a
soul...what do you know of such things?

Vesh
True, I am but newly born. Were I mortal,
I would still be at my mother's teat.

Nagi
I see, so you are still a child, Sir Vesh!
Little wonder you believe all you're told!

Vesh
But in my short life, I have tasted despair,
as well as the joy of merciful salvation.

Vesh
To do what is right, to reach out to
those in need; that is who Finn is.

Vesh
And that is why he is worthy of the Gold:
A champion of Erden, in heart and deed!

Maxima
...

Maxima
I, too...was once taken with one who
shone with a similar radiance.

Maxima
But my Lady's will is absolute. I will burn
out this danger before it grows further.

Hymelian Soldier
Your Highness!
Movement from the Gru Grim!

Maxima
Report. Quickly.

Hymelian Soldier
The Gru Grim have assembled an army.
They seek to strike at Rigland!

Vesh
Curses!
Finn is in danger!

Vesh
Undo these chains, Maxima! Even one
such as thee must surely understand!

Vesh
Should the Gold fall to the Gru Grim, then
all is lost! Only death awaiteth!

Maxima
Be silent! You will not sway me!

Vesh
Maxima!

Maxima
...

Maxima
...Release them.

Nagi
Oh, my princess! Our words have reached
your heart after all!

Maxima
Only until the threat is past. The instant
the last cultist falls, we are foes again.

Maxima
Now...would you please say something to
the crimson demon charging this way?!

Nagi
Lady Ludmilla! You came for me!

Knight
Fetch more weapons! Hurry!
Don't let them get a foothold!

Luther
...Mm. I'm surprised shouts from the
surface can make it down this far.

Jailor A
Did you hear? They say these cultists
have siege towers. Siege towers!

Jailor B
I heard they're after Rubea's Tower.
Why there, of all places?

Jailor A
It's strange; they're not making any
moves toward the palace or Headquarters.

Jailor B
They're a bunch of maniacs. Who knows
what's going through their heads?

Luther
(Cultists...the old headquarters... I see.
They must be after Magnifo's seal.)

Luther
Pardon me, sir jailor.
Could I ask a favor?

Jailor A
L-Lord Luther?!
What is it?

Luther
I've injured my arm on a loose wallstone.
Could you help me treat the wound?

Jailor A
Hey... What should we do?

Jailor B
We can't let it get infected... Criminal or
no, I don't want him to suffer needlessly.

Jailor B
Understood.
Show us the wound, if you please, sir?

Luther
...Forgive me.

Jailor A
Gwah?!

Jailor B
Urrgh! Lord Luther...
What...

Luther
Just a little knock on the heads. You'll
have concussions, but nothing worse.

Luther
I apologize for using your loyalty against
you, but I have to go.

Luther
(Astrid. You are likely in grave danger
at this moment.)

Luther
(You must survive. As the Hero of this
world, the heir to the Draclow blood...)

Luther
(And...)

[S-Mission 5-3-2]

Optional
[Mission 5-3-1]

[Mission 5-3-2]

[S-Mission 5-3-3]

Optional
[Mission 5-3-3]

[S-Mission 5-3-4]

Optional
[Mission 5-3-4]

Kadu
Ha ha ha ha! Weak, weak, weak!
You Red Dragon Knights are so weak!

Knight
W-what is he?!

Kadu
Impudence!
Lower your head before me, knave!

Knight
Gaah!

Kadu
Behold the power of my Lord's blessing!
My domination is a tribute to his strength!

Kadu
Do you see now, Merdain?!
I alone am the chosen of our Lord!

Finn
Stop it!

Kadu
Oh?
So you are the Golden Crestbearer!

Kadu
I am the Seventh Apostle, Kadu! The
strongest servant of the Hidden God!

Elmina
The strongest? That's bull! You're just the
Seventh! Don't be so full of yourself!

Kadu
Wha— How dare you?!

Elmina
Ooh, and easy to rile, too.
Hit a sore spot, did I?

Kadu
Disrespectful wench! I'll show you
my power firsthand!

Kadu
Believers, to me! Show these heathens the
might of the one true God!

[Mission 5-3-5]

Elmina
Now, Finn!

Finn
Right! I'll cut out the curse that's attached
itself to Kadu's shadow!

Finn
...There!
Take thiiiiis!

Kadu
Gaaaaaaah!
My Lord...my Lord! Your love...your...!

Elmina
Okay, Kadu's unconscious!
Now we just need to mop up the rest!

Rei
Finn, are you alright?
Can you stand?

Finn
...I'm okay.
My head hurts, but less than last time.

Callen
It seems like you're getting used to
using the Golden Crest's power.

Finn
I think I'll get more comfortable with it
as I go...that's the feeling I get.

Mysha
Look, everyone!
It's Tori!

Darna
Hurry it up!
We don't have time for your dawdling!

Astrid
Yes,
Lord Darna.

Elmina
Something's weird with Astrid.
Was she brainwashed like an Apostle?

Finn
If she was, then I'll use the Crest to—

Merdain
That's far enough.

Finn
Who are you?!
Are you with the Gru Grim?!

Merdain
...My name is Merdain.
I'll be your opponent.

Finn
If you've been brainwashed too... Then
I'll set you free!

Finn
Golden Crest!
Grant me your power!

Finn
...Huh?

Callen
What's the matter, Finn?!

Finn
This guy, he's—
I don't see any connection to the Void!

Callen
What?! Then that means...

Merdain
I am not brainwashed. They call me an
Apostle, but I have no love for their god.

Merdain
I fight with the Gru Grim of my own will,
to do what must be done.

Maxima
Wait! It can't be...Merdain!
Merdain, is it truly you?

Merdain
...Maxima?

Callen
The Hymelian Princess! Are you after Finn
again?!

Vesh
Stay thy blades, doughty allies! Maxima
hath agreed to a temporary truce!

Nagi
The enemy of an enemy is a friend, I say!
And a stunningly lovely friend she is!

Finn
Vesh! Nagi!
Which means...

Ludmilla
I apologize for the wait, Finn.

Finn
Captain!

Merdain
Hmph. Like insects from the woodwork...

Maxima
Merdain...I was told you were dead!
What are you doing here?!

Merdain
...Stand aside, Maxima.

Maxima
No! I will not allow the Gru Grim to do
as they please!

Maxima
Answer me, Merdain. Why would you, of
all people, ally with these fiends?!

Merdain
I have nothing to say to you.

Maxima
Then...we have no choice but to draw
steel upon each other?

Nagi
I see you have history, but that does not
excuse making a lady look so sad!

Nagi
Come, Princess. Bury your face in my
chest and—

Mysha
Stow it, Nagi!
Finn, come on! We have to save Tori!

Vesh
We must hurry, or we will be too late.
I leave this to thee, Speaker of Flame!

Maxima
...Then I have no choice.

Maxima
As the Princess of Hymelia, and Speaker
of Volcana... I will stop you, Merdain!

Ga'Luga
Come on, Brother!

Finn
Yeah! Let's go!

Finn
We're here. Rubea's Tower.

Mysha
Tori must be down below!

Darna
The sealed door... The Hidden God,
Magnifo, sleeps just beyond.

Darna
Finally, the seal painted in filthy Draclow
blood will be washed away...

Darna
To manifest my Lord, and to avenge my
village...I will have your blood, Hero!

Luther
Gah!

Darna
Luther von Draclow?!
What are you doing here?!

Luther
A foolish question. Thwarting the wretched
machinations of a twisted cult; what else?

Darna
Twisted? Wretched?! You mock the faith
of the people you left to die!

Darna
How dare you!
How! Dare! You!

Luther
Guh! Gh...
Gaaaah!

Darna
Ha... You fool! You brought the key right
to me!

Darna
All I need is Draclow blood!
It doesn't need to be hers!

Darna
Die! Die, die, die!
Offer your blood to my Lord!

Luther
Gaaah!
Ngh...

Darna
Ha! Ahahaha! This is perfect! I'll gut you
and open the door with your blood!

Luther
D-do...as you like.

Luther
Astrid... Astrid!
Open your eyes, my daughter!

Astrid
...

Astrid
...
F-Father...?

Astrid
...Father!
You're hurt! What...

Luther
Good, you're awake at last...
My foolish daughter. Urgh...!

Astrid
Don't speak, Father. I have to tend to—

Luther
Listen to me, Astrid.

Luther
With the cycle broken, and the evil past...
Erden's unity threatens to shatter apart.

Luther
People are not as noble as you think.
They are easily swayed to good or evil...

Luther
The wayward...need a light to lead them.
A torchbearer...a Draclow...

Astrid
W-what is this? Fire?
A raging fire, flowing into me...!

Luther
...My daughter. Champion of Virtue.
You must lead...those who would stray.

Luther
You must...
Er...den...

Astrid
...Father? Don't close your eyes!
Stay with me!

Astrid
Father!
Fatheeeeeer!

Darna
It's open...the door is open! My Lord is
within! The God over all!

Darna
Hahahaha!
Ahahahahaha!

Darna
...Huh?

Darna
What is this...what is this?!
There's...there's...!

Darna
There's nothing here.

Astrid
Darnaaaaaa!

Darna
Gyaah!

Darna
Heh. Heheh. What's this? Wanting a bit
of revenge, are we?

Astrid
...I hate you. I acknowledge this.
But...

Astrid
This power I inherited from my father is
not for revenge, but for change!

Darna
For...change?

Astrid
This blaze will burn away my foolish past
self, and the tragic fate suffered by those

Astrid
I swore to protect! It will be the fire that
drives me ever onward into the future!

Astrid
A flame to stop you and all the Gru Grim!
The fire of rebirth!

Darna
What...what is this?!
I'm being pushed back!

Darna
Guuaaah!

Astrid
Is it...finished?
Oh, Father... I...

Mysha
Tori!

Astrid
Mee!
Everyone!

Ga'Luga
The seal on Magnifo!
It has been broken!

Elmina
But Darna's been beaten!
And there's nothing inside the chamber!

Darna
Nothing...nothing?
No...there's no way. How...

Darna
Oh. Now I see! Indeed, my Lord... Magnifo
has been released, as promised.

Darna
Right, right. Why did I assume a God
would be visible to the eye?

Darna
Haha.
Ahahaha.

Darna Magnifo
Ahahahahahaaaaa!

Astrid
Aaah!

Ga'Luga
He blew us all back with a single howl!
Such power!

Elmina
Look! Darna's transforming!

Mysha
The evil god's power is taking root in him!

Callen
Don't give up! He may be powerful, but
we've got an ace up our sleeves!

Callen
The Golden Crest that laid Arcane low!

Finn
Magnifo! I'll defeat you, and put a stop
to the Gru Grim once and for all!

Finn
Haaaaaa!

Darna
...Huh?

Darna
Huuuh? Magnifo's power...it's gone!

Darna Magnifo
...Ha! Just kidding.
You fool!

Finn
...Wait, but—
Gah!

Callen
Finn!

Finn
It's the same as with Merdain...
I can't see the connection!

Ga'Luga
But why?! He is clearly being influenced
by Magnifo!

Darna Magnifo
Haha! You know, I thought the same thing
myself! How about I enlighten you?

Darna Magnifo
You can't see a God. You can only
feel them, their love, with your heart!

Darna Magnifo
...You think a simple crest would change
so simple a truth?

Callen
That's...

Finn
You're right. I can't see Magnifo. But I
saw the deep, deep sadness within you.

Darna Magnifo
...The sadness within me?

Finn
You loved the people of your village. You
think, maybe you could have saved them...

Finn
I...know how that feels.
I've felt that kind of loss my—

Darna Magnifo
...Shut up.

Finn
Darna...

Darna Magnifo
Oh, that's right. It was you. You, with
the Crest. With the special power.

Finn
Me?

Darna Magnifo
You had the power, but you didn't save
them! You pathetic excuse for a hero!

Darna Magnifo
While you dragged your feet, my people
were torn apart by demons!

Callen
But—! That wasn't Finn's fault!

Darna Magnifo
Not his fault? Then what was it that
decided who lived and who died?!

Darna Magnifo
Yes, you saved many people. But why
wasn't my village among that number?

Darna Magnifo
Was it Fate?! Was it out of your hands?!
What killed all those people, if not you?!

Finn
...!

Darna Magnifo
What use is a savior who can't save us all?!
What we need is a God... Magnifo!

Darna Magnifo
Come to me, all of you! Come to Magnifo,
and be reborn!

Mysha
He's spitting out some kind of black fluid!

Astrid
What is that?! Get back...no!

Finn
Astrid!
I can't get... Aargh!

Callen
Astrid! Finn! No!
They've been swallowed up!

Vesh
Come, Callen!
We must retreat!

Callen
But... Finn! The others!

Vesh
Choose! Remain, and be lost; or flee, to
then strike back against the foe!

Callen
(I don't even have the Blue anymore. What
good can I do all by myself?)

Callen
(No. No, that's all wrong!)

Callen
(As long as one of us is free, there's a
chance! I have to save them...all of them!)

Callen
Let's go, Vesh!

Vesh
A wise choice!
...Hrrrrrrraaaaaaah!

Callen
I'm sorry, everyone. I promise I'll be back!
I'll save you all! Just wait!

Darna Magnifo
Hahahaha!
Aaaahahahahahahaha!

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