WAXF Script
< Act 4-7 >
[The act opens on a shot of the castle.]
[NARRATION (Clarissa)]: A week has passed in the blink of an eye, with no sign of Charlton or Edna, nor any trace of Princess Katrina within the castle or Elensia City.
[It changes to a view of the city.]
[NARRATION (Clarissa)]: Alexia and Labyrinthia have been helping to organize restoration efforts throughout Elesius. There's already a sense that, little by little, hope is returning to the people.
[The screen turns black.]
[NARRATION (Clarissa)]: And then...
-Council Chamber-
Alexia: What's going on? You wouldn't call us all together if it wasn't something important.
Clarissa: Yes. It's about our future.
Alexia: ...?
Clarissa: The troubles in Elensia City and the surrounding villages seem to be settling down...
Alexia: That's right--thanks to everyone's hard work.
Clarissa: So, Alexia... I think it's time to start searching for Princess Katrina!
Alexia: --!
Alexia: ...
Alexia: ...Thank you, Clarissa. I'm touched to hear you say that. But...
Labyrinthia: I understand that you're concerned about your position, Your Highness.
Labyrinthia: You probably feel that you should be putting the welfare of the nation and its people ahead of Princess Katrina... Is that correct, Your Highness?
Alexia: ...
Labyrinthia: However, have you looked at it this way?
Labyrinthia: Charlton and Edna are surely plotting their resurgence as we speak. That is a problem that concerns everyone in Elesius.
Labyrinthia: And they will probably attempt to use Princess Katrina when they make their move.
[Alexia brings her hand to her chin and closes her eyes in thought.]
Alexia: That...that's true, but royalty is supposed to treat the people as family. I can't just ignore their plight...
Clarissa: But Princess Katrina is your sister. She really IS your family!
Levin: Everyone here wants to save Princess Katrina. It's not just you, Your Highness.
Alexia: ...
[She hangs her head.]
Alexia: I...I'm so happy to hear that, but... I have a responsibility to the people...
[Clarissa puts her fists on her hips and pouts.]
Clarissa: Geez, what happened to the decisive, resolute Alexia that we all used to know?!
Alexia: ...
Clarissa: Fine, I'll decide!
Clarissa: Everyone, hurry up and get packing! We're going to track down Charlton and rescue Princess Katrina!
[The rest of the party smiles.]
Felius: Understood.
Labyrinthia: Of course.
Levin: No problem!
Ragnar: As you say...
Alexia: But...what are you all...
Clarissa: I'm the comamnder of Chevalet Blanc! The troops have to listen to whatever I say. And that includes you, Alexia--stop moping around and get packing!
Alexia: Such audacity! Bossing around the leader of an entire country...
Alexia: Don't forget, Clarissa... One day peace will return to Elesius, and after Chevalet Blanc is disbanded...
Clarissa: I know, I know. I'll remember.
Clarissa: But for now, hurry it up, Alexia! Princess Katrina is waiting!
[Alexia finally smiles.]
Alexia: Thank you...thank you all.
Clarissa: When I was playing the fake princess, I realized my tiny hands couldn't possibly carry something as great as the future of Elesius.
Clarissa: That was a shock... It really got me down...
Clarissa: But that was just my being vain in the first place.
Clarissa: And when I figured that out, I started looking for things that I really could hold...
Clarissa: It's clear to me now that the only things these tiny hands can truly hold are other tiny hands.
Clarissa: That's why I want to take Princess Katrina's hand, pull her away from Charlton and Edna, and lead her back to you.
Clarissa: I want to do whatever I can for her.
[The player is brought to the city menu.]
(Shop)
Shop Clerk: Welcome. And what might you be looking for?
Shop Clerk (Talk): We stock both weapons and armor of every sort, so by all means, have a look.
---
City Resident: Even though the kingdom is at peace for the time being, I haven't been able to shake this worried feeling since Captain Eisen disappeared...
---
Shop Owner: The house of Blunt holds a lowly position among the Elesian nobility. That family has always seemed to produce men like Charlton.
I suppose it's the Council members who're to blame for nominating him as their chariman, though...
(Synth. Shop)
Forger Sonnetica: Welcome, welcome! I'm determined to carry on Master Tippet's style and techniques to make this the greatest synthesis hub in the kindgom.
Forger Sonnetica (Talk): Welcome back. I'm going to fuse my items with the aura of peace that has settled on Elesius. Now, let me show you the power of synthesis!!
---
Royal Knight: Young Levin's finally become a man... I tell you, something really changed in Captain Eisen when Levin was born.
We couldn't believe our eyes that first time he came down to the barracks with that grin all over his face.
Until then, I didn't think the Captain even knew what a smile was.
---
Royal Knight: With the Council in a deadlock, none of the members are able to make use of their authority. Even the civil defense force has been completely disbanded.
And still, Charlton, Edna, and Captain Eisen remain unaccounted for.
(Pub)
Lemarchand the Waitress: Welcome, welcome!! Every shop in the capital is buzzing with excitement over Princess Alexia's return.
Lemarchand the Waitress (Talk): I wouldn't waste my time with those that've been drinking, Princess, if I were you.
They're pretty well into their cups at this point, and liable to say things they shouldn't.
---
Famm the Drifter: Heh heh *hic*... Hey now, Miss Princess, this is no kinda place for young ladies, is it?
Somebody's gonna end up playin' peek-a-boo with ya if ya don't watch out!!
...Well, what do we have here? If it isn't the little leader of our Founding Knights? I give a wicked massage if you're interested, sweetie!
---
Hazel the Drifter: I was wrestling with it for a while, but I'm glad I decided not to join the Martial Guard in the end. I mean, who wants to play for the losing team?
(Streets)
Royal Knight: I heard that Charlton intended to restore the Elesius of old by putting Princess Katrina on the throne and replacing the Royal Knights with the Martial Guard.
The war had ended by the time I was born, but was that time of battle really our kingdom's proudest age?
Was it really worth all he did to try and bring back the Elesius of the past?
---
Marone the Drifter: Many of the Drifters have left Elesius behind in search of the next battlefield.
I think I'll stay around here a little longer, though.
Guess I'm just getting tired of fighting...
---
Guardian Priest: When a medium uses her body to give form to a Guardian, she also possessed the power to destroy the Guardian she has channeled.
However, any medium who sought willfully to kill the Guardian, and banish it forever from existence, would visit upon herself the same fate.
[When the player leaves the city, we're taken to an underground location. Charlton and Edna are standing on a glowing red-orange rune.]
Charlton: Kanda...Es-trata...Amantos...Ear-grets...Kanda...!
[He casts a spell and several undead spawn in the room.]
Edna: Eeeeeeeek!
Charlton: Leave this circle, and you will be eaten. These minions attack anything they see.
Edna: They...they're all over the city...
Charlton: That's right. But with this Ex Mortes I have in my hands, I can control them.
I will use this army of dead to attack the capital... This time, on my terms!
Edna: Aaaaaaaah...!
[Two of the undead are hit by something invisible and disappear. Katrina comes into the room, levitating above the ground.]
Charlton: Princess...Katrina...
Katrina: Come now, Charlton. Herding all those dead around... Are you planning to become king of the underworld?
Charlton: ...
Katrina: The dead are quite boring... I've found it's the moment just before death that's the most exciting.
[Back on the world map, all the links sans the one between Elensia and Twilight Valley are restored, and Lefas Corner is marked with a yellow !.]
-Hanigar-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Bigelow: Hey hey, welcome. Ah, what a feeling it was when I heard Chevalet Blanc liberated Elesius Castle.
Shopkeeper Bigelow (Talk): I hope the kingdom will go back to its old, peaceful self now... Hopefully you can pull it off, Lady Alexia.
---
Namby-Pamcy Clerk: You're looking for Lady Katrina? She's still missing, then? I haven't heard any rumors about her around here, unfortunately...
(Synth. Shop)
Foreman Phil: Welcome. Do you need something synthesized?
Foreman Phil (Talk): Come to think of it, there was a Drifter a while back who I forged a weapon for. In place of payment, he told me about a hidden treasure.
When I asked why he'd tell me something like that, he said he was leaving Elesius immediately and had no time to go fetch the treasure himself...
If I had to guess, I'd say that Drifter was a former member of the Martial Guard.
If you're interested, why not head for the Guardian Temple? I know it's not the most solid of leads, but hey, it could be fun to check out anyways.
---
Workman: Consumable items classified as "high-class" cannot be used unless a Gadgeteer has the "High-CLass Items" special skill.
I've had some customers synthesize items and equip them for battle, only to then realize that they can't even use them. So be careful!
It wouldn't make me feel very good to hear that someone got hurt because he couldn't use an item he had hand-crafted at this workshop...
---
Workman: There's no point in hoarding rare ingredients. They'll only help you once you've used them to strengthen your equipment.
(Bar)
Innkeeper Gaspar: Welcome.
Innkeeper Gaspar (Talk): This peace is something we earned for ourselves. We'd better take good care of it.
...I know it's a little late now, but I think I kinda understand how King Hrathnir must have felt.
---
Ore Miner: They haven't discovered any new tunnels lately... It's hard to face all those hard-working blacksmiths when they don't have any good deposits to work with.
(The Elder's)
Jeune the Elder: Welcome back! Hanigar is back to its calm, peaceful self. Please, make yourselves a home!
---
Housekeeper: I wonder if perhaps the kingdom you seek is different from the Elesius King Hrathnir dreamed of, Lady Alexia.
---
Elder's Granddaughter Toco: Hello, Lady Alexia. Hello, Clarissa of the Founding Knights.
-Port Atraige-
(Shop)
Merchant Olrof: When I first met you on the outskirts of this town, I never dreamed you'd accomplish all of this... But you've really done it, huh, Clarissa?
Merchant Olrof (Talk): Let me be the first to congratulate you! Judging by the look in your eyes, thought, you must still have some work to do, huh?
---
Store-Minder Vitalie: You know the most amazing thing about all this? The fact you repelled an entire nation's army with just this small handful of people.
---
Connie the Drifter: Hooray, hooray! Congratulations! Your struggle has really moved me, you know.
And I guess you have me to thank for it, huh? Why, if I hadn't reminded you to keep an eye on your equipment back when I first met you...
... Heh heh! Just messin' with ya.
Now all we have to do is find that missing princess, right?
(Synth. Shop)
Forger Robb: Yep! Fresh-baked synthesis, while you wait!
...I hope all this means we've got some more tranquil days ahead of us.
Forger Robb (Talk): Yep! I inherited this shop from my father before I met my lady.
---
Mixing Girl: You must have a pretty impressive collection of Item Scopes at this point, right? They say you can synthesize the ultimate item if you've got 12 of them!
Oooh, I'd just love to try mixing that up!
(Bar)
Carefree Bartender: Well, hello there. You think the dust's gonna start settling a bit now?
Carefree Bartender (Talk): Atraige is packed with Drifters yet again. The town used to be filled with newcomers... Now it's crowded with people leaving Elesius.
---
Battle Fanatic: When a battle turns into a chaotic melee, the Enigmancer skill "IFF" comes in real handy.
With that skill, your allies won't take damage from your own wide-range attacks, no matter how powerful they are.
Combine it with the Grappler's Originals, and you can send allies flying across the battlefields instead of having to march them forward. Neat, huh?
To put it another way, with this skill equipped, if someone screams when you hit him, he's an enemy... If he doesn't look like he's in pain, he's an ally.
If you have a party member you suspect of plotting behind your back, why not use this skill to find out for sure?
(Outskirts)
Heinz the Drifter: So is Lady Alexia going to be leading Elesius from now on, or what?
---
Foreign Merchant: There's no point stranding myself here forever. Maybe it's time I pack up and go...
---
Gossip Girl: "The head of the Council still lurks around the surface, lying in way for the moment to reappear."
...is what my dad told me. But then my mom yelled at him to quit saying such dark things...
-Poliasha-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Brown: Well, you've finally done it. I'm so happy to see peace return to Elesius...and myself still alive to enjoy it!
Shopkeeper Brown (Talk): The kingdom of Elesius is yours to lead, Princess... May your youthful power blaze a trail to our future.
---
Gilliam the Drifter: The Notaru has the extraordinary ability to turn back the hands of time. If you want to kill one, you'll have to finish 'im off before he used that power.
---
Foreign Traveler: The Martial Guard hasn't come back once. Chevalet Blanc really came through for us.
(Synth. Shop)
Muehlen the Forger: Ah, lovely to see you here. Ready for some serious synethesizing?
Muehlen the Forger (Talk): When you put horns and spikes on weapons and armor, they'll look so imposing that evil will actually shy away from you!
Now that Elesius is at peace, we'll need spiky equipment more than ever to keep everyone nice and safe! Got it?!
(Inn)
Ellen: You've really given us the world, haven't you? I always knew you folks had it in you!
Ellen (Talk): Oh, my, the Council chairman ran off on you?
He must be a pretty nimble guy, escaping at the last minute like that...
---
Jim the Drunk: All's well that ends well, right? And what better way to celebrate than with a drink? Shame I'm a little short on cash... Can you get this one?
---
Krelia: I don't know when it happened, but lately, I couldn't imagine living anywhere but in Poliasha...
(Plaza)
Brandon: The Council just abandoning the capital and running off...that strikes me as ominous.
They don't have the power to do anything else now, but I can't help but feel like they're up to something...
---
Fellman: Best of luck, Princess. All we need now is to find Lady Katrina, and everything will be back to normal.
-Richala Rose-
(Shop)
Orvan the Clerk: Hello there. Welcome to Richala Rose.
Orvan the Clerk (Talk): They say an Excavator can use the "Detector" ability to discover hidden items.
I had a customer the other day whining about an Item Scope he lost at Promise Hill... I wonder if he ever thought about using Detector to look for it?
You guys might wanna try using it, even in areas you've been to before. You never know what you might run into.
---
Bamburgh: You know the Tormenta Triad folks who attacked the Founding Day ceremony 14 years ago? Well, they were hired by the Royal Abbey, oddly enough.
If that's actually true, then I suppose Edna was the one pulling the strings behind that attack, huh?
(Synth. Shop)
Martilo III: Welcome! Tell me what you want, and I'll put everything I've got into it.
---
Vigorous Man: Hah hah! Take that, you damned Council! Oh, this is brilliant!
(Bar)
Drifting Barkeep: Nice to see you here. I guess you've got business elsewhere still, but let me just say "good work" to y'all, all right?
Drifting Barkeep (Talk): I've been staying here in Richala Rose for far too long... It's about time I pack up and go on a journey.
---
Daniel: Now it's time for us to put the spark back into Richala Rose, I suppose.
(Quarry)
Samille: You're--! Oh, no, don't worry. I'm done having it out with you guys.
I've finally cut ties with my partner. I went and found a real job in town, too. I'm living the straight life from now on, trust me.
-Crestabelde-
(Shop)
Jolly Shopkeeper: They say the kingdom's civil strife has finally begun to quiet down. This is cause for celebration!
And what better way to celebrate than doing some shopping at the Four Seasons Store?
Jolly Shopkeeper (Talk): The new part-timer I just hired sure works hard.
But that cute little smile of hers is simply too much, you know? Haw haw haw haw!
And having a cute girl in the store sure does help to draw in customers...
---
Part-Timer Guy: Welcome to our store... Eee hee hee.
...Huh? You say I look familiar?
No, no, I'm sure you must be mistaken. Eee hee hee...
---
Bummed Regular: Wha...? That girl isn't working today? Well, that was sure a wasted trip!
(Synth. Shop)
Winston the Forger: Hello there. If you'd like, I'd be happy to craft a blade for you as a souvenir.
An inscription of "I < 3 Elesius" has been quite popular with tourists lately. What do you think?
Winston the Forger: I guess it's weird for me to be saying it, but I'm surprised that all of these lousy souvenirs sell so well.
Travelers these days are getting crazier and crazier...
---
Traveler from the North: I came to Elesius for pleasure, but then, thanks to the civil strife, I ended up trapped here for well over a month.
Now that the border blockades are gone, I'll be going back home soon. Of course, I'll be sure to pick up some souvenirs before I leave.
I'm so thankful that my own country doesn't start wars with anyone!
(Pub)
Hotel Manager: Welcome. Please, enjoy the peace that has blessed Elesius in the comfort of our lovely hotel.
Hotel Manager (Talk): Might I suggest going to visit the Guardian Temple if you get the chance?
Our Guardian Temple was built hundreds of years ago, along with the royal capital of Elensia.
They say that until Elensia was built, the Rite of Divine Coalescence was held at the altar int eh center of the old royal capital.
---
Front Desk Clerk: Hello. Are you looking for the Council members that were driven out of the capital?
I haven't heard any rumors of suspicious people like that coming to our town... I'm sincerely sorry I can't be of more assistance.
---
Housekeeper: Our country's at peace, but so what? I'm still in this pigsty, washing sheets until my hands bleed!
It's unjust, I tell you! I want to sit at the front desk all warm and cozy too!
(Main St.)
Skilled Hunter: What could you need from me, the great hunter of the Jumbo Bearcat, the King of Beasts?
...?!
Hold it, hold it, no way, wait! You...you defeated the King of Monsters?!
...
...It's really true?
...
Hmph, well, no one's really sure who's the stronger of the King of Beasts and the King of Monsters, so...
This means you've finally come to the same level as me, huh...
Well then, as a show of respect, allow me to give you this...
-Obtained a Sheriff Star!-
---
Search Party Member: Oh, Your Highness, Princess Alexia! I still have yet to hear any news of Princess Katrina being found.
When Chevalet Blanc took control of the castle, Princess Katrina had already disappeared, correct?
And we haven't heard anything of the whereabouts of Sir Eisen or his Royal Knights, either... Where could everyone have gone?
-Santanica-
(Shop)
Trader Rudra: The Elesian civil war has ended, right? In that case, I don't mind cutting you a deal on some of those weapons and armor you've got.
Trader Rudra (Talk): I wonder if Princess Alexia will become the next Elesian queen after all...
If so, my first question for the new queen would be, "What's the reward for finding Princess Katrina?"
---
Talbott the Merchant: The former capital of Elesius...? I did go there once long ago. There was nothing left besides the remains of some buildings half-sunk in the sand, though.
What's more, it seemed to me that...the palce was shrouded in a sort of deathly haze. It sure didn't seem like anything that was from this world.
---
Housewife: Have you ever gotten so caught up in a clearance sale that you've bought your way too much of something you didn't even need to begin with?
I most certainly have! So go the trials of the housewife...
(Synth. Shop)
Forger Etra: Well now, do you like the idea of adding a little flair to your items after all? How about something with a cuddly animal motif? On the house, of course.
Forger Etra (Talk): ...So you're looking for Princess Katrina, are you?
Well, I'm a synthesizer, not a detective. Why should I have to listen to questions about a missing person?
If you aren't here for synthesis, I can't help you. Go on, get moving.
If it is synthesis you're here for though, you can stick around. Never too late to decorate your weapons with little animals, you know.
---
Haute the Drifter: Welcome. Can I interest you in some green-colored tea from the far east? It's a tad bitter at first, but the taste grows on you once you get used to it.
---
Upton the Drifter: Between you and me, I sometimes wonder if the boss has her head on straight...
We do have plenty of repeat customers thought, so maybe I'm the one with the screw loose...
(Pub)
Mellow Barkeep: I truly hope that Santanica and Elesius can mend their differences and become allies again.
Mellow Barkeep (Talk): There haven't been any sightings of Princess Katrina here in Santanica, I'm sorry to say.
Come to mention it, we haven't seen any sign of Council Chairman Charlton, Reverend Mother Edna, or Knights Captain Eisen here either.
---
Young Entrepreneur: After entering into their contract with the Council, that tribe of monster tamers seemed to vanish into thin air.
They're biding their time, waiting for the chance to finish Chevalet Blanc once and for all.
That bunch is dedicated to a fault. At this point, I doubt the Council still has the power left to keep up their end of the bargain.
---
Antiquarian: My job demands some knowledge of lost technology, but most people still blame it for everything wrong with this world.
Why can't people learn to accept something that already exists...?
(Outskirts)
Southern Merchant: It isn't like Elesius has a patent on the worship of the Guardians or anything.
In a land far, far away to the south there lives a small tribe known as the Baskar. Their faith focuses on teh Guardians too.
Both groups may worship the Guardians, but the doctrine of the Baskar is somewhat different.
They've chosen to live among nature just as it is, and even coexist with the Guardians themselves.
They sort of have that whole "return to the earth" thing going on.
---
Merchant's Assistant: The Dunes are growing larger year by year, which means that Filgaia is gradually becoming a wasteland.
Some day, the Dunes may even blanket this entire planet...
---
Nadine the Drifter: Monsters can pop up pretty much anywhere in the Dunes. That's why each sand skiff carries a few Drifters for protection.
Not that that'S going to be much help if you come across one of the big ones that can flip a skiff over like a coin, though.
-Lefas Corner-
(Shop)
Smiling Lady: Hello there. Today the sun's smiling down on Lefas Corner once more!
Smiling Lady (Talk): Have I seen Lady Katrina, you say? I don't expect I'd see very many princesses out here in the middle of the mountains.
...Oh yes, come to think of it, a group of people covered from head to toe in robes did pass through town a few days ago.
You can probably get more information about them at the pub.
---
Farmer Returning from the Fields: It seems the internal struggle in the kingdom's quieted down a bit. That's good news.
All right, then, maybe I'll go and do a little more work before settling down for the day.
(Synth. Shop)
Matthew the Forger: *Yawn* Hello. Oh, what a beautiful morning... Hey, Hottie, put the kettle on, wouldja?
Matthew the Forger (Talk): One of the villagers keeps telling me to go and fix the collapsed bridge, but it's so far away... I don't want to talk that far...
---
Matthew's Assistant: I'm not sure if I told you my name before or not. I'm Jottie. Hi.
If you meantion "the forger's assistant, Jottie" back in the capital, I'm sure a lot of people would still remember me.
---
Troubled Villager: Master, please... I'm begging you... Fix the bridge...
(Shrine)
Shrine Priestess: In the past, the princess mediums often stood on the battlefield as queens of Elesius.
Princess mediums could channel the power of the Guardians into their own bodies, and thus bring about the defeat of Elesius's enemies.
They were also aided by a weapon in which dwelled the power of the Guardians.
It's said that this weapon was akin to a giant javelin of blinding light, penetrating the enemies' defenses swiftly and from a long distance.
---
Traveling Scholar: As a scholar, I'm continuing the research of my teacher Alan into the mystery of the Legacy Ruins.
Thanks to a recent translation of the manuscript of a woman who lived in ancient times, we've learned some very astonishing information.
The Legacy Ruins are not buildings, or even a physical place...
The term actually refers to a method of saving the knowledge of a past civilization by breaking it up and carrying it in people's heads.
What's more, this technique was completed by the very woman who wrote the manuscript...
Each of us humans carries a small piece of a larger blueprint, if you will, within our genetic codes.
It would be impossible for a single person to acquire this information by his or herself...
However, after countless generations of humans mixing their genetic code...
When all who live on Filgaia are united as one, it will become possible to recover this blueprint.
If humanity breaks down its barriers and matures as a race, we will surely be able to recover the technology of this prehistoric civilization...
My teacher told me that this might be what the woman was thinking, at least.
How advanced their science but have been... Just thinking about it makes my head spin.
At the end of the manuscript, the woman wrote that if the "Legacy Ruins" of her dying civilization could be used by later generations, this might redeem them from their self-destructive nature.
She made the manuscript out to her daughter, whom she named after her hometown--a girl named Elw...
(Pub)
Bookworm Barkeep: Welcome. The kingdom's at peace, and now I can finally relax and read my books.
I can't really get into my books if I can't take my time reading, you know?
Bookworm Barkeep (Talk): Recently, I've been reading the Apocryphal Histories, which are all about the founding of the kingdom of Elesius.
Everything I've read in this book is absolutely unbelievable!
Whether it's true or not doesn't change the fact that whoever wrote it wanted to pass on this information to later generations.
This just makes me want to read it more fiercely!
---
Upset Young Man (Yellow !): Several Days ago, a group of men and women left town to go see the old capital of Schnell on the other side of the desert.
They didn't look like tourists... What reason could they possible have for going out to those desolate ruins? There's nothing but old stones and dust out there!
With them was this woman with the loudest voice I've ever heard! She was ranting and raving about how terrible the food here was...
[As the party leaves Lefas Corner, a link between the town and a new location, Schnell Ruins, is formed. Schnell is marked with a red !. The party enters Schnell.]
Ragnar: A dead capital, indeed... It seems the rumors were true.
Felius: ...Watch out! Something's coming!
[On the other side of the map is a group of six undead.]
Labyrinthia: Is this a battle squadron or a funeral procession...? It's as if this city has declared war against the living...
[Charlton shows up, his minions stepping aside as he marches forward.]
Alexia: ...Charlton!
Levin: Well, if it isn't Public Enemy Number One, right off the bat!
[Charlton takes out his grimoire.]
Charlton: When surrounded by as much death as you find here, the art of necromancy grows ever more useful...
Shall we eend this, Chevalet Blanc? Let's see who holds the key to Elesius's future...you, or I.
Clarissa: If some grim reaper wannabe like you holds the key, then Elesius has no future! This battle is ours to win!
=D.E.R.=
Labyrinthia: Let's take a look at the Tactical Map we'll be fighting on.
Labyrinthia: We'll be starting here...
Labyrinthia: And the enemy line looks like this.
Labyrinthia: The tome in Charlton's hand is Ex Mortes...the book of the dead. I hear it is full of instructions on banned, uncensored forms of dark sorcery.
Much of it focuses on the undead arts... We will have to watch not only for resurrected fighters, but also for status ailments.
Labyrinthia: Only the light of life can illuminate the darkness of death. Let us sanctify this cesspool of corruption with whatever skills we can muster!
Charlton: Even if the unwashed masses fear for their future, they will not act until someone in power commands them to...not until they are affected personally.
If they cannot freely choose their own paths, what makes them any different from these living dead?!
I shall guide them, so they need not concern themselves with their future! That is my duty as a noble!
[The battle ends when all enemies are defeated. Charlton is crouched on the ground, but as soon as he stands, he summons more undead.]
Alexia: Is there no end to this...?!
[Suddenly, a flying object shoots across the screen and takes out four of the six undead, and a couple of Sanctify spells take out the remaining two. On the other end of the map, Eisen and his knights have appeared.]
Levin: Father...
Charlton: So you have reinforcements as well... It seems the time has come to withdraw. We'll settle this soon enough, Chevalet Blanc!
[Charlton jumps off a nearby ledge and makes his escape. Alexia steps forward.]
Alexia: Eisen...and the Royal Knights... Then you've returned to use at last?
Royal Knight Gordon: ...
Royal Knight Herschel: ...
[Eisen steps forward.]
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: We are no Royal Knights... We are merely a band of rebels. A rabble who dares to draw swords against the kingdom.
[He readies his shield as his knights stand ready to fight.]
Levin: --!
Alexia: What are you talking about?! There's no--
Levin: Princess Alexia... Don't bother. He's just too thick-headed...
Alexia: Levin! Not you, too...
Levin: Let's give him a beating he'll never forget. That's the only way he'll learn anything.
Alexia: Levin...
Levin: ...Got that, Ms. Wordsworth? I'll be counting on you.
Labyrinthia: Right... I'll consider myself counted, then. Let's go, everyone!
=D.E.R.=
Labyrinthia: Let's take a look at the Tactical Map we'll be fighting on.
Labyrinthia: We'll be starting here...
Labyrinthia: And the iron wall of the Elesius Royal Knights is facing us down once again.
Labyrinthia: I see nothing wrong with Levin's proposal. Let's give them a wallop they won't forget...
Labyrinthia: As before, we'll need to whittle down the knights' HP as close to zero as possible, robbing them of the ability to fight.
Labyrinthia: However, unlike last time...it doesn't appear that the knights are beaing manipulated by any outside power.
In other words, they've undoubtedly got a tactical plan in mind for this battle, just as we do.
Labyrinthia: ...
We must render them powerless--not kill them. Don't overdo it, people!
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: We are as an iron wall... A wall to block the path ahead. Let me see you break it down, Founding Knights!
[The battle ends when all enemies are in crisis status. Eisen screws his eyes shut and clenches his teeth.]
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: You let me live...? What'S wrong, Chevalet Blanc? Do you plan to overlook our crimes? We traitors could raise arms against Elesius again!
Levin: That's enough, Father! Quit being an idiot!
Levin: We don't have time to play along with your stupid little drama!
Royal Knight Louis: ...Captain...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...
[He untenses, but keeps his eyes closed.]
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: We may not have been in control of ourselves, but it doesn't change the fact that we raised arms against Her Highness Princess Alexia.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: We must answer for that crime. We must answer to Alexia's sword.
[Levin clenches his teeth angrily.]
Levin: This...? This is how you fight for your country?
[He raises his fists.]
Levin: All those years of boasting about the duties of House Brenton, and now your life is worth nothing?!
Levin: You think if you die, the slate will be wiped clean? You wish! A real man would want to live!
Levin: Don't you know how many people have died in this war?!
Levin: For a survivor to cheapen their deaths by throwing his own life away... You should be ashamed!
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...
[Levin lowers his fists and glowers at Eisen.]
Levin: Dammit. Is there no limit to your pigheadedness?!
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...Levin...
Alexia: Raise your head, Captain Eisen. And all your Royal Knights.
[Eisen opens his eyes.]
Alexia: As you say, raising arms against the royal family is a crime that cannot be ignored.
Alexia: An unpunished crime invites more crime, so indeed, amends must be made.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...
Alexia: Royal Knights Captain Eisen... And all men of the Royal Knights!
Alexia: Return to the capital immediately. Your bodies are to be the iron wall that guards Elesius.
No matter if it costs you your lives, you will protect the people of Elesius!
Alexia: That is the recompense I demand of the Royal Knights!
Royal Knight Gordon: --Your Highness!
Royal Knight Herschel: ...Princess Alexia...
Alexia: And at times of peace, when the capital is under no threat, you are to devote yourselves to your own health, training, and well-being.
Alexia: I do not want to see any cracks in Elesius's great iron wall. Understood?
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...
[Alexia smiles.]
Alexia: Take good care of our capital while we're away, Eisen.
Levin: ...Princess Alexia...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: As Captain of the ROyal Knights, I cannot find the words to respond...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: Therefore...
Royal Knights Captain EIsen: We shall respond by complying wholeheartedly with your orders, Your Highness.
Alexia: Thank you. That's the Eisen I know and love.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: Forgive my audacity, Princess Alexia... May I make a single request of Your Highness?
Alexia: What is it?
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: Please take Levin with you.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: Take my unworthy son, and let him serve you in my stead.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: He is young and green, but I am confident that one day he will prove himself worthy of House Brenton.
[Levin clenches his fists and blushes, flustered.]
Levin: Father?! What are you babbling about?! You're embarrassing me!
Alexia: The Levin I know is neither unworthy nor inexperienced. He is a valued companion who has earned my faith and trust.
Levin: ...Princess Alexia...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: As a father, there is no greater joy than to hear those words...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: You can entrust Elensia City to us.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: And we shall entrust the future of Elesius to you, Your Highness.
Alexia: I will not disappoint you. I swear it on the honor of the royal family.
[Both parties go on their own ways. The screen turns black, and Levin stands with his eyes closed, smirking, holding a hand to his chest.]
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: Thank you, Princess Alexia... And thank you, Father...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: The gratitude I cannot convey with my words, I will convey with my deeds.
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: We have to keep on living. But we can't do that without securing our future.
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: The longer the future I have ahead of me, the more time I'll have to ponder, and fret, and struggle over these questions. And eventually I'll find the answers!
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: And surely the answers I struggle over will hold more weight than the easy ones! Fretting and flailing are supposed to be a crucial part of the process...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: Or so I convinced myself. It sounded like a pretty grown-up way to think...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: But no matter how much I struggle with them, there are some answers that I just can't find...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: Which way to my true emotions lie? Which one do I prefer...?
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: For now, I shoulf focus on protecting my long future of pondering, fretting, and struggling... That's the cause to which I have pledged my sword!
[The screen turns black again and the player is prompted to save.]
[The act opens on a shot of the castle.]
[NARRATION (Clarissa)]: A week has passed in the blink of an eye, with no sign of Charlton or Edna, nor any trace of Princess Katrina within the castle or Elensia City.
[It changes to a view of the city.]
[NARRATION (Clarissa)]: Alexia and Labyrinthia have been helping to organize restoration efforts throughout Elesius. There's already a sense that, little by little, hope is returning to the people.
[The screen turns black.]
[NARRATION (Clarissa)]: And then...
-Council Chamber-
Alexia: What's going on? You wouldn't call us all together if it wasn't something important.
Clarissa: Yes. It's about our future.
Alexia: ...?
Clarissa: The troubles in Elensia City and the surrounding villages seem to be settling down...
Alexia: That's right--thanks to everyone's hard work.
Clarissa: So, Alexia... I think it's time to start searching for Princess Katrina!
Alexia: --!
Alexia: ...
Alexia: ...Thank you, Clarissa. I'm touched to hear you say that. But...
Labyrinthia: I understand that you're concerned about your position, Your Highness.
Labyrinthia: You probably feel that you should be putting the welfare of the nation and its people ahead of Princess Katrina... Is that correct, Your Highness?
Alexia: ...
Labyrinthia: However, have you looked at it this way?
Labyrinthia: Charlton and Edna are surely plotting their resurgence as we speak. That is a problem that concerns everyone in Elesius.
Labyrinthia: And they will probably attempt to use Princess Katrina when they make their move.
[Alexia brings her hand to her chin and closes her eyes in thought.]
Alexia: That...that's true, but royalty is supposed to treat the people as family. I can't just ignore their plight...
Clarissa: But Princess Katrina is your sister. She really IS your family!
Levin: Everyone here wants to save Princess Katrina. It's not just you, Your Highness.
Alexia: ...
[She hangs her head.]
Alexia: I...I'm so happy to hear that, but... I have a responsibility to the people...
[Clarissa puts her fists on her hips and pouts.]
Clarissa: Geez, what happened to the decisive, resolute Alexia that we all used to know?!
Alexia: ...
Clarissa: Fine, I'll decide!
Clarissa: Everyone, hurry up and get packing! We're going to track down Charlton and rescue Princess Katrina!
[The rest of the party smiles.]
Felius: Understood.
Labyrinthia: Of course.
Levin: No problem!
Ragnar: As you say...
Alexia: But...what are you all...
Clarissa: I'm the comamnder of Chevalet Blanc! The troops have to listen to whatever I say. And that includes you, Alexia--stop moping around and get packing!
Alexia: Such audacity! Bossing around the leader of an entire country...
Alexia: Don't forget, Clarissa... One day peace will return to Elesius, and after Chevalet Blanc is disbanded...
Clarissa: I know, I know. I'll remember.
Clarissa: But for now, hurry it up, Alexia! Princess Katrina is waiting!
[Alexia finally smiles.]
Alexia: Thank you...thank you all.
Clarissa: When I was playing the fake princess, I realized my tiny hands couldn't possibly carry something as great as the future of Elesius.
Clarissa: That was a shock... It really got me down...
Clarissa: But that was just my being vain in the first place.
Clarissa: And when I figured that out, I started looking for things that I really could hold...
Clarissa: It's clear to me now that the only things these tiny hands can truly hold are other tiny hands.
Clarissa: That's why I want to take Princess Katrina's hand, pull her away from Charlton and Edna, and lead her back to you.
Clarissa: I want to do whatever I can for her.
[The player is brought to the city menu.]
(Shop)
Shop Clerk: Welcome. And what might you be looking for?
Shop Clerk (Talk): We stock both weapons and armor of every sort, so by all means, have a look.
---
City Resident: Even though the kingdom is at peace for the time being, I haven't been able to shake this worried feeling since Captain Eisen disappeared...
---
Shop Owner: The house of Blunt holds a lowly position among the Elesian nobility. That family has always seemed to produce men like Charlton.
I suppose it's the Council members who're to blame for nominating him as their chariman, though...
(Synth. Shop)
Forger Sonnetica: Welcome, welcome! I'm determined to carry on Master Tippet's style and techniques to make this the greatest synthesis hub in the kindgom.
Forger Sonnetica (Talk): Welcome back. I'm going to fuse my items with the aura of peace that has settled on Elesius. Now, let me show you the power of synthesis!!
---
Royal Knight: Young Levin's finally become a man... I tell you, something really changed in Captain Eisen when Levin was born.
We couldn't believe our eyes that first time he came down to the barracks with that grin all over his face.
Until then, I didn't think the Captain even knew what a smile was.
---
Royal Knight: With the Council in a deadlock, none of the members are able to make use of their authority. Even the civil defense force has been completely disbanded.
And still, Charlton, Edna, and Captain Eisen remain unaccounted for.
(Pub)
Lemarchand the Waitress: Welcome, welcome!! Every shop in the capital is buzzing with excitement over Princess Alexia's return.
Lemarchand the Waitress (Talk): I wouldn't waste my time with those that've been drinking, Princess, if I were you.
They're pretty well into their cups at this point, and liable to say things they shouldn't.
---
Famm the Drifter: Heh heh *hic*... Hey now, Miss Princess, this is no kinda place for young ladies, is it?
Somebody's gonna end up playin' peek-a-boo with ya if ya don't watch out!!
...Well, what do we have here? If it isn't the little leader of our Founding Knights? I give a wicked massage if you're interested, sweetie!
---
Hazel the Drifter: I was wrestling with it for a while, but I'm glad I decided not to join the Martial Guard in the end. I mean, who wants to play for the losing team?
(Streets)
Royal Knight: I heard that Charlton intended to restore the Elesius of old by putting Princess Katrina on the throne and replacing the Royal Knights with the Martial Guard.
The war had ended by the time I was born, but was that time of battle really our kingdom's proudest age?
Was it really worth all he did to try and bring back the Elesius of the past?
---
Marone the Drifter: Many of the Drifters have left Elesius behind in search of the next battlefield.
I think I'll stay around here a little longer, though.
Guess I'm just getting tired of fighting...
---
Guardian Priest: When a medium uses her body to give form to a Guardian, she also possessed the power to destroy the Guardian she has channeled.
However, any medium who sought willfully to kill the Guardian, and banish it forever from existence, would visit upon herself the same fate.
[When the player leaves the city, we're taken to an underground location. Charlton and Edna are standing on a glowing red-orange rune.]
Charlton: Kanda...Es-trata...Amantos...Ear-grets...Kanda...!
[He casts a spell and several undead spawn in the room.]
Edna: Eeeeeeeek!
Charlton: Leave this circle, and you will be eaten. These minions attack anything they see.
Edna: They...they're all over the city...
Charlton: That's right. But with this Ex Mortes I have in my hands, I can control them.
I will use this army of dead to attack the capital... This time, on my terms!
Edna: Aaaaaaaah...!
[Two of the undead are hit by something invisible and disappear. Katrina comes into the room, levitating above the ground.]
Charlton: Princess...Katrina...
Katrina: Come now, Charlton. Herding all those dead around... Are you planning to become king of the underworld?
Charlton: ...
Katrina: The dead are quite boring... I've found it's the moment just before death that's the most exciting.
[Back on the world map, all the links sans the one between Elensia and Twilight Valley are restored, and Lefas Corner is marked with a yellow !.]
-Hanigar-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Bigelow: Hey hey, welcome. Ah, what a feeling it was when I heard Chevalet Blanc liberated Elesius Castle.
Shopkeeper Bigelow (Talk): I hope the kingdom will go back to its old, peaceful self now... Hopefully you can pull it off, Lady Alexia.
---
Namby-Pamcy Clerk: You're looking for Lady Katrina? She's still missing, then? I haven't heard any rumors about her around here, unfortunately...
(Synth. Shop)
Foreman Phil: Welcome. Do you need something synthesized?
Foreman Phil (Talk): Come to think of it, there was a Drifter a while back who I forged a weapon for. In place of payment, he told me about a hidden treasure.
When I asked why he'd tell me something like that, he said he was leaving Elesius immediately and had no time to go fetch the treasure himself...
If I had to guess, I'd say that Drifter was a former member of the Martial Guard.
If you're interested, why not head for the Guardian Temple? I know it's not the most solid of leads, but hey, it could be fun to check out anyways.
---
Workman: Consumable items classified as "high-class" cannot be used unless a Gadgeteer has the "High-CLass Items" special skill.
I've had some customers synthesize items and equip them for battle, only to then realize that they can't even use them. So be careful!
It wouldn't make me feel very good to hear that someone got hurt because he couldn't use an item he had hand-crafted at this workshop...
---
Workman: There's no point in hoarding rare ingredients. They'll only help you once you've used them to strengthen your equipment.
(Bar)
Innkeeper Gaspar: Welcome.
Innkeeper Gaspar (Talk): This peace is something we earned for ourselves. We'd better take good care of it.
...I know it's a little late now, but I think I kinda understand how King Hrathnir must have felt.
---
Ore Miner: They haven't discovered any new tunnels lately... It's hard to face all those hard-working blacksmiths when they don't have any good deposits to work with.
(The Elder's)
Jeune the Elder: Welcome back! Hanigar is back to its calm, peaceful self. Please, make yourselves a home!
---
Housekeeper: I wonder if perhaps the kingdom you seek is different from the Elesius King Hrathnir dreamed of, Lady Alexia.
---
Elder's Granddaughter Toco: Hello, Lady Alexia. Hello, Clarissa of the Founding Knights.
-Port Atraige-
(Shop)
Merchant Olrof: When I first met you on the outskirts of this town, I never dreamed you'd accomplish all of this... But you've really done it, huh, Clarissa?
Merchant Olrof (Talk): Let me be the first to congratulate you! Judging by the look in your eyes, thought, you must still have some work to do, huh?
---
Store-Minder Vitalie: You know the most amazing thing about all this? The fact you repelled an entire nation's army with just this small handful of people.
---
Connie the Drifter: Hooray, hooray! Congratulations! Your struggle has really moved me, you know.
And I guess you have me to thank for it, huh? Why, if I hadn't reminded you to keep an eye on your equipment back when I first met you...
... Heh heh! Just messin' with ya.
Now all we have to do is find that missing princess, right?
(Synth. Shop)
Forger Robb: Yep! Fresh-baked synthesis, while you wait!
...I hope all this means we've got some more tranquil days ahead of us.
Forger Robb (Talk): Yep! I inherited this shop from my father before I met my lady.
---
Mixing Girl: You must have a pretty impressive collection of Item Scopes at this point, right? They say you can synthesize the ultimate item if you've got 12 of them!
Oooh, I'd just love to try mixing that up!
(Bar)
Carefree Bartender: Well, hello there. You think the dust's gonna start settling a bit now?
Carefree Bartender (Talk): Atraige is packed with Drifters yet again. The town used to be filled with newcomers... Now it's crowded with people leaving Elesius.
---
Battle Fanatic: When a battle turns into a chaotic melee, the Enigmancer skill "IFF" comes in real handy.
With that skill, your allies won't take damage from your own wide-range attacks, no matter how powerful they are.
Combine it with the Grappler's Originals, and you can send allies flying across the battlefields instead of having to march them forward. Neat, huh?
To put it another way, with this skill equipped, if someone screams when you hit him, he's an enemy... If he doesn't look like he's in pain, he's an ally.
If you have a party member you suspect of plotting behind your back, why not use this skill to find out for sure?
(Outskirts)
Heinz the Drifter: So is Lady Alexia going to be leading Elesius from now on, or what?
---
Foreign Merchant: There's no point stranding myself here forever. Maybe it's time I pack up and go...
---
Gossip Girl: "The head of the Council still lurks around the surface, lying in way for the moment to reappear."
...is what my dad told me. But then my mom yelled at him to quit saying such dark things...
-Poliasha-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Brown: Well, you've finally done it. I'm so happy to see peace return to Elesius...and myself still alive to enjoy it!
Shopkeeper Brown (Talk): The kingdom of Elesius is yours to lead, Princess... May your youthful power blaze a trail to our future.
---
Gilliam the Drifter: The Notaru has the extraordinary ability to turn back the hands of time. If you want to kill one, you'll have to finish 'im off before he used that power.
---
Foreign Traveler: The Martial Guard hasn't come back once. Chevalet Blanc really came through for us.
(Synth. Shop)
Muehlen the Forger: Ah, lovely to see you here. Ready for some serious synethesizing?
Muehlen the Forger (Talk): When you put horns and spikes on weapons and armor, they'll look so imposing that evil will actually shy away from you!
Now that Elesius is at peace, we'll need spiky equipment more than ever to keep everyone nice and safe! Got it?!
(Inn)
Ellen: You've really given us the world, haven't you? I always knew you folks had it in you!
Ellen (Talk): Oh, my, the Council chairman ran off on you?
He must be a pretty nimble guy, escaping at the last minute like that...
---
Jim the Drunk: All's well that ends well, right? And what better way to celebrate than with a drink? Shame I'm a little short on cash... Can you get this one?
---
Krelia: I don't know when it happened, but lately, I couldn't imagine living anywhere but in Poliasha...
(Plaza)
Brandon: The Council just abandoning the capital and running off...that strikes me as ominous.
They don't have the power to do anything else now, but I can't help but feel like they're up to something...
---
Fellman: Best of luck, Princess. All we need now is to find Lady Katrina, and everything will be back to normal.
-Richala Rose-
(Shop)
Orvan the Clerk: Hello there. Welcome to Richala Rose.
Orvan the Clerk (Talk): They say an Excavator can use the "Detector" ability to discover hidden items.
I had a customer the other day whining about an Item Scope he lost at Promise Hill... I wonder if he ever thought about using Detector to look for it?
You guys might wanna try using it, even in areas you've been to before. You never know what you might run into.
---
Bamburgh: You know the Tormenta Triad folks who attacked the Founding Day ceremony 14 years ago? Well, they were hired by the Royal Abbey, oddly enough.
If that's actually true, then I suppose Edna was the one pulling the strings behind that attack, huh?
(Synth. Shop)
Martilo III: Welcome! Tell me what you want, and I'll put everything I've got into it.
---
Vigorous Man: Hah hah! Take that, you damned Council! Oh, this is brilliant!
(Bar)
Drifting Barkeep: Nice to see you here. I guess you've got business elsewhere still, but let me just say "good work" to y'all, all right?
Drifting Barkeep (Talk): I've been staying here in Richala Rose for far too long... It's about time I pack up and go on a journey.
---
Daniel: Now it's time for us to put the spark back into Richala Rose, I suppose.
(Quarry)
Samille: You're--! Oh, no, don't worry. I'm done having it out with you guys.
I've finally cut ties with my partner. I went and found a real job in town, too. I'm living the straight life from now on, trust me.
-Crestabelde-
(Shop)
Jolly Shopkeeper: They say the kingdom's civil strife has finally begun to quiet down. This is cause for celebration!
And what better way to celebrate than doing some shopping at the Four Seasons Store?
Jolly Shopkeeper (Talk): The new part-timer I just hired sure works hard.
But that cute little smile of hers is simply too much, you know? Haw haw haw haw!
And having a cute girl in the store sure does help to draw in customers...
---
Part-Timer Guy: Welcome to our store... Eee hee hee.
...Huh? You say I look familiar?
No, no, I'm sure you must be mistaken. Eee hee hee...
---
Bummed Regular: Wha...? That girl isn't working today? Well, that was sure a wasted trip!
(Synth. Shop)
Winston the Forger: Hello there. If you'd like, I'd be happy to craft a blade for you as a souvenir.
An inscription of "I < 3 Elesius" has been quite popular with tourists lately. What do you think?
Winston the Forger: I guess it's weird for me to be saying it, but I'm surprised that all of these lousy souvenirs sell so well.
Travelers these days are getting crazier and crazier...
---
Traveler from the North: I came to Elesius for pleasure, but then, thanks to the civil strife, I ended up trapped here for well over a month.
Now that the border blockades are gone, I'll be going back home soon. Of course, I'll be sure to pick up some souvenirs before I leave.
I'm so thankful that my own country doesn't start wars with anyone!
(Pub)
Hotel Manager: Welcome. Please, enjoy the peace that has blessed Elesius in the comfort of our lovely hotel.
Hotel Manager (Talk): Might I suggest going to visit the Guardian Temple if you get the chance?
Our Guardian Temple was built hundreds of years ago, along with the royal capital of Elensia.
They say that until Elensia was built, the Rite of Divine Coalescence was held at the altar int eh center of the old royal capital.
---
Front Desk Clerk: Hello. Are you looking for the Council members that were driven out of the capital?
I haven't heard any rumors of suspicious people like that coming to our town... I'm sincerely sorry I can't be of more assistance.
---
Housekeeper: Our country's at peace, but so what? I'm still in this pigsty, washing sheets until my hands bleed!
It's unjust, I tell you! I want to sit at the front desk all warm and cozy too!
(Main St.)
Skilled Hunter: What could you need from me, the great hunter of the Jumbo Bearcat, the King of Beasts?
...?!
Hold it, hold it, no way, wait! You...you defeated the King of Monsters?!
...
...It's really true?
...
Hmph, well, no one's really sure who's the stronger of the King of Beasts and the King of Monsters, so...
This means you've finally come to the same level as me, huh...
Well then, as a show of respect, allow me to give you this...
-Obtained a Sheriff Star!-
---
Search Party Member: Oh, Your Highness, Princess Alexia! I still have yet to hear any news of Princess Katrina being found.
When Chevalet Blanc took control of the castle, Princess Katrina had already disappeared, correct?
And we haven't heard anything of the whereabouts of Sir Eisen or his Royal Knights, either... Where could everyone have gone?
-Santanica-
(Shop)
Trader Rudra: The Elesian civil war has ended, right? In that case, I don't mind cutting you a deal on some of those weapons and armor you've got.
Trader Rudra (Talk): I wonder if Princess Alexia will become the next Elesian queen after all...
If so, my first question for the new queen would be, "What's the reward for finding Princess Katrina?"
---
Talbott the Merchant: The former capital of Elesius...? I did go there once long ago. There was nothing left besides the remains of some buildings half-sunk in the sand, though.
What's more, it seemed to me that...the palce was shrouded in a sort of deathly haze. It sure didn't seem like anything that was from this world.
---
Housewife: Have you ever gotten so caught up in a clearance sale that you've bought your way too much of something you didn't even need to begin with?
I most certainly have! So go the trials of the housewife...
(Synth. Shop)
Forger Etra: Well now, do you like the idea of adding a little flair to your items after all? How about something with a cuddly animal motif? On the house, of course.
Forger Etra (Talk): ...So you're looking for Princess Katrina, are you?
Well, I'm a synthesizer, not a detective. Why should I have to listen to questions about a missing person?
If you aren't here for synthesis, I can't help you. Go on, get moving.
If it is synthesis you're here for though, you can stick around. Never too late to decorate your weapons with little animals, you know.
---
Haute the Drifter: Welcome. Can I interest you in some green-colored tea from the far east? It's a tad bitter at first, but the taste grows on you once you get used to it.
---
Upton the Drifter: Between you and me, I sometimes wonder if the boss has her head on straight...
We do have plenty of repeat customers thought, so maybe I'm the one with the screw loose...
(Pub)
Mellow Barkeep: I truly hope that Santanica and Elesius can mend their differences and become allies again.
Mellow Barkeep (Talk): There haven't been any sightings of Princess Katrina here in Santanica, I'm sorry to say.
Come to mention it, we haven't seen any sign of Council Chairman Charlton, Reverend Mother Edna, or Knights Captain Eisen here either.
---
Young Entrepreneur: After entering into their contract with the Council, that tribe of monster tamers seemed to vanish into thin air.
They're biding their time, waiting for the chance to finish Chevalet Blanc once and for all.
That bunch is dedicated to a fault. At this point, I doubt the Council still has the power left to keep up their end of the bargain.
---
Antiquarian: My job demands some knowledge of lost technology, but most people still blame it for everything wrong with this world.
Why can't people learn to accept something that already exists...?
(Outskirts)
Southern Merchant: It isn't like Elesius has a patent on the worship of the Guardians or anything.
In a land far, far away to the south there lives a small tribe known as the Baskar. Their faith focuses on teh Guardians too.
Both groups may worship the Guardians, but the doctrine of the Baskar is somewhat different.
They've chosen to live among nature just as it is, and even coexist with the Guardians themselves.
They sort of have that whole "return to the earth" thing going on.
---
Merchant's Assistant: The Dunes are growing larger year by year, which means that Filgaia is gradually becoming a wasteland.
Some day, the Dunes may even blanket this entire planet...
---
Nadine the Drifter: Monsters can pop up pretty much anywhere in the Dunes. That's why each sand skiff carries a few Drifters for protection.
Not that that'S going to be much help if you come across one of the big ones that can flip a skiff over like a coin, though.
-Lefas Corner-
(Shop)
Smiling Lady: Hello there. Today the sun's smiling down on Lefas Corner once more!
Smiling Lady (Talk): Have I seen Lady Katrina, you say? I don't expect I'd see very many princesses out here in the middle of the mountains.
...Oh yes, come to think of it, a group of people covered from head to toe in robes did pass through town a few days ago.
You can probably get more information about them at the pub.
---
Farmer Returning from the Fields: It seems the internal struggle in the kingdom's quieted down a bit. That's good news.
All right, then, maybe I'll go and do a little more work before settling down for the day.
(Synth. Shop)
Matthew the Forger: *Yawn* Hello. Oh, what a beautiful morning... Hey, Hottie, put the kettle on, wouldja?
Matthew the Forger (Talk): One of the villagers keeps telling me to go and fix the collapsed bridge, but it's so far away... I don't want to talk that far...
---
Matthew's Assistant: I'm not sure if I told you my name before or not. I'm Jottie. Hi.
If you meantion "the forger's assistant, Jottie" back in the capital, I'm sure a lot of people would still remember me.
---
Troubled Villager: Master, please... I'm begging you... Fix the bridge...
(Shrine)
Shrine Priestess: In the past, the princess mediums often stood on the battlefield as queens of Elesius.
Princess mediums could channel the power of the Guardians into their own bodies, and thus bring about the defeat of Elesius's enemies.
They were also aided by a weapon in which dwelled the power of the Guardians.
It's said that this weapon was akin to a giant javelin of blinding light, penetrating the enemies' defenses swiftly and from a long distance.
---
Traveling Scholar: As a scholar, I'm continuing the research of my teacher Alan into the mystery of the Legacy Ruins.
Thanks to a recent translation of the manuscript of a woman who lived in ancient times, we've learned some very astonishing information.
The Legacy Ruins are not buildings, or even a physical place...
The term actually refers to a method of saving the knowledge of a past civilization by breaking it up and carrying it in people's heads.
What's more, this technique was completed by the very woman who wrote the manuscript...
Each of us humans carries a small piece of a larger blueprint, if you will, within our genetic codes.
It would be impossible for a single person to acquire this information by his or herself...
However, after countless generations of humans mixing their genetic code...
When all who live on Filgaia are united as one, it will become possible to recover this blueprint.
If humanity breaks down its barriers and matures as a race, we will surely be able to recover the technology of this prehistoric civilization...
My teacher told me that this might be what the woman was thinking, at least.
How advanced their science but have been... Just thinking about it makes my head spin.
At the end of the manuscript, the woman wrote that if the "Legacy Ruins" of her dying civilization could be used by later generations, this might redeem them from their self-destructive nature.
She made the manuscript out to her daughter, whom she named after her hometown--a girl named Elw...
(Pub)
Bookworm Barkeep: Welcome. The kingdom's at peace, and now I can finally relax and read my books.
I can't really get into my books if I can't take my time reading, you know?
Bookworm Barkeep (Talk): Recently, I've been reading the Apocryphal Histories, which are all about the founding of the kingdom of Elesius.
Everything I've read in this book is absolutely unbelievable!
Whether it's true or not doesn't change the fact that whoever wrote it wanted to pass on this information to later generations.
This just makes me want to read it more fiercely!
---
Upset Young Man (Yellow !): Several Days ago, a group of men and women left town to go see the old capital of Schnell on the other side of the desert.
They didn't look like tourists... What reason could they possible have for going out to those desolate ruins? There's nothing but old stones and dust out there!
With them was this woman with the loudest voice I've ever heard! She was ranting and raving about how terrible the food here was...
[As the party leaves Lefas Corner, a link between the town and a new location, Schnell Ruins, is formed. Schnell is marked with a red !. The party enters Schnell.]
Ragnar: A dead capital, indeed... It seems the rumors were true.
Felius: ...Watch out! Something's coming!
[On the other side of the map is a group of six undead.]
Labyrinthia: Is this a battle squadron or a funeral procession...? It's as if this city has declared war against the living...
[Charlton shows up, his minions stepping aside as he marches forward.]
Alexia: ...Charlton!
Levin: Well, if it isn't Public Enemy Number One, right off the bat!
[Charlton takes out his grimoire.]
Charlton: When surrounded by as much death as you find here, the art of necromancy grows ever more useful...
Shall we eend this, Chevalet Blanc? Let's see who holds the key to Elesius's future...you, or I.
Clarissa: If some grim reaper wannabe like you holds the key, then Elesius has no future! This battle is ours to win!
=D.E.R.=
Labyrinthia: Let's take a look at the Tactical Map we'll be fighting on.
Labyrinthia: We'll be starting here...
Labyrinthia: And the enemy line looks like this.
Labyrinthia: The tome in Charlton's hand is Ex Mortes...the book of the dead. I hear it is full of instructions on banned, uncensored forms of dark sorcery.
Much of it focuses on the undead arts... We will have to watch not only for resurrected fighters, but also for status ailments.
Labyrinthia: Only the light of life can illuminate the darkness of death. Let us sanctify this cesspool of corruption with whatever skills we can muster!
Charlton: Even if the unwashed masses fear for their future, they will not act until someone in power commands them to...not until they are affected personally.
If they cannot freely choose their own paths, what makes them any different from these living dead?!
I shall guide them, so they need not concern themselves with their future! That is my duty as a noble!
[The battle ends when all enemies are defeated. Charlton is crouched on the ground, but as soon as he stands, he summons more undead.]
Alexia: Is there no end to this...?!
[Suddenly, a flying object shoots across the screen and takes out four of the six undead, and a couple of Sanctify spells take out the remaining two. On the other end of the map, Eisen and his knights have appeared.]
Levin: Father...
Charlton: So you have reinforcements as well... It seems the time has come to withdraw. We'll settle this soon enough, Chevalet Blanc!
[Charlton jumps off a nearby ledge and makes his escape. Alexia steps forward.]
Alexia: Eisen...and the Royal Knights... Then you've returned to use at last?
Royal Knight Gordon: ...
Royal Knight Herschel: ...
[Eisen steps forward.]
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: We are no Royal Knights... We are merely a band of rebels. A rabble who dares to draw swords against the kingdom.
[He readies his shield as his knights stand ready to fight.]
Levin: --!
Alexia: What are you talking about?! There's no--
Levin: Princess Alexia... Don't bother. He's just too thick-headed...
Alexia: Levin! Not you, too...
Levin: Let's give him a beating he'll never forget. That's the only way he'll learn anything.
Alexia: Levin...
Levin: ...Got that, Ms. Wordsworth? I'll be counting on you.
Labyrinthia: Right... I'll consider myself counted, then. Let's go, everyone!
=D.E.R.=
Labyrinthia: Let's take a look at the Tactical Map we'll be fighting on.
Labyrinthia: We'll be starting here...
Labyrinthia: And the iron wall of the Elesius Royal Knights is facing us down once again.
Labyrinthia: I see nothing wrong with Levin's proposal. Let's give them a wallop they won't forget...
Labyrinthia: As before, we'll need to whittle down the knights' HP as close to zero as possible, robbing them of the ability to fight.
Labyrinthia: However, unlike last time...it doesn't appear that the knights are beaing manipulated by any outside power.
In other words, they've undoubtedly got a tactical plan in mind for this battle, just as we do.
Labyrinthia: ...
We must render them powerless--not kill them. Don't overdo it, people!
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: We are as an iron wall... A wall to block the path ahead. Let me see you break it down, Founding Knights!
[The battle ends when all enemies are in crisis status. Eisen screws his eyes shut and clenches his teeth.]
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: You let me live...? What'S wrong, Chevalet Blanc? Do you plan to overlook our crimes? We traitors could raise arms against Elesius again!
Levin: That's enough, Father! Quit being an idiot!
Levin: We don't have time to play along with your stupid little drama!
Royal Knight Louis: ...Captain...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...
[He untenses, but keeps his eyes closed.]
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: We may not have been in control of ourselves, but it doesn't change the fact that we raised arms against Her Highness Princess Alexia.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: We must answer for that crime. We must answer to Alexia's sword.
[Levin clenches his teeth angrily.]
Levin: This...? This is how you fight for your country?
[He raises his fists.]
Levin: All those years of boasting about the duties of House Brenton, and now your life is worth nothing?!
Levin: You think if you die, the slate will be wiped clean? You wish! A real man would want to live!
Levin: Don't you know how many people have died in this war?!
Levin: For a survivor to cheapen their deaths by throwing his own life away... You should be ashamed!
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...
[Levin lowers his fists and glowers at Eisen.]
Levin: Dammit. Is there no limit to your pigheadedness?!
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...Levin...
Alexia: Raise your head, Captain Eisen. And all your Royal Knights.
[Eisen opens his eyes.]
Alexia: As you say, raising arms against the royal family is a crime that cannot be ignored.
Alexia: An unpunished crime invites more crime, so indeed, amends must be made.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...
Alexia: Royal Knights Captain Eisen... And all men of the Royal Knights!
Alexia: Return to the capital immediately. Your bodies are to be the iron wall that guards Elesius.
No matter if it costs you your lives, you will protect the people of Elesius!
Alexia: That is the recompense I demand of the Royal Knights!
Royal Knight Gordon: --Your Highness!
Royal Knight Herschel: ...Princess Alexia...
Alexia: And at times of peace, when the capital is under no threat, you are to devote yourselves to your own health, training, and well-being.
Alexia: I do not want to see any cracks in Elesius's great iron wall. Understood?
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: ...
[Alexia smiles.]
Alexia: Take good care of our capital while we're away, Eisen.
Levin: ...Princess Alexia...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: As Captain of the ROyal Knights, I cannot find the words to respond...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: Therefore...
Royal Knights Captain EIsen: We shall respond by complying wholeheartedly with your orders, Your Highness.
Alexia: Thank you. That's the Eisen I know and love.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: Forgive my audacity, Princess Alexia... May I make a single request of Your Highness?
Alexia: What is it?
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: Please take Levin with you.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: Take my unworthy son, and let him serve you in my stead.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: He is young and green, but I am confident that one day he will prove himself worthy of House Brenton.
[Levin clenches his fists and blushes, flustered.]
Levin: Father?! What are you babbling about?! You're embarrassing me!
Alexia: The Levin I know is neither unworthy nor inexperienced. He is a valued companion who has earned my faith and trust.
Levin: ...Princess Alexia...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: As a father, there is no greater joy than to hear those words...
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: You can entrust Elensia City to us.
Royal Knights Captain Eisen: And we shall entrust the future of Elesius to you, Your Highness.
Alexia: I will not disappoint you. I swear it on the honor of the royal family.
[Both parties go on their own ways. The screen turns black, and Levin stands with his eyes closed, smirking, holding a hand to his chest.]
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: Thank you, Princess Alexia... And thank you, Father...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: The gratitude I cannot convey with my words, I will convey with my deeds.
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: We have to keep on living. But we can't do that without securing our future.
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: The longer the future I have ahead of me, the more time I'll have to ponder, and fret, and struggle over these questions. And eventually I'll find the answers!
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: And surely the answers I struggle over will hold more weight than the easy ones! Fretting and flailing are supposed to be a crucial part of the process...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: Or so I convinced myself. It sounded like a pretty grown-up way to think...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: But no matter how much I struggle with them, there are some answers that I just can't find...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: Which way to my true emotions lie? Which one do I prefer...?
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: ...
[NARRATIVE (Levin)]: For now, I shoulf focus on protecting my long future of pondering, fretting, and struggling... That's the cause to which I have pledged my sword!
[The screen turns black again and the player is prompted to save.]