(Rain and Lasswell are riding an airship.)
Rain: Ah, the night sky. The stars, the moonlight...the flying monsters.
Lasswell: Could you focus, Rain? I'd prefer to avoid a crash landing, if it's all the same to you.
(A battle commences. Afterwards...)
Rain: Something doesn't feel right...
Lasswell: Indeed. Puny beasts like these keep a wide berth of airships.
(After second battle.)
Lasswell: Was that the last of them?
???: Please...
Rain: ...Hm?
???: Please... Help me...
Rain: ...A girl's voice? But we're in the middle of the clouds...!
(A crystal appears in the sky. Inside it is a young woman with blond hair.)
Rain: Is that...a crystal?
???: Please... You must...help me... Hurry...to the Earth Shrine. The crystal...will be shattered... You are...our only hope. Without you...this world...will be lost...
Lasswell: Do my eyes deceive me...?
(Rain backs away from the railing.)
Lasswell: Rain! Have you taken leave of your senses? We have orders!
Rain: ...And I haven't forgotten them. But I can't ignore a plea for help.
(Rain gives the thumbs-up sign.)
Rain: As a knight of Grandshelt, I'll do my duty!
Lasswell: ...You haven't changed a bit since we were kids, huh?
Rain: And you know me better than anyone. Which is why I know you'll come with me.
(They enter the airship's cockpit.)
Lasswell: New orders, men! We make for the Earth Shrine!
Rain: The change in course may be sudden, but rest assured our cause is true. Onward!
(The airship has landed close to the Earth Shrine.)
Rain: Wait here, men. Lasswell and I will investigate.
Grandshelt Soldier: B-but,...sir!
Rain: We know not what dangers lurk inside. I need you here, to keep our vessel safe.
Grandshelt soldier: Aye! As you command, sir!
(Rain and Lasswell make their way to the Earth Shrine entrance. It's pretty beat up.)
Rain: So this is the Earth Shrine...
Lasswell: Rain. Are you sure this is wise? The two of us going in alone...
Rain: I can't risk my men's lives for some flight of fancy, now can I?
Lasswell: ...But you would risk your own. Which suggests that you believe that was more than an illusion we saw.
Rain: All I can say is that illusion or not, that girl's tears looked real enough to me.
(Rain goes into the shrine.)
Lasswell: Rain! At the very least, could you wait for me!?
(Lasswell hurries after him.)
Lasswell: Everything seems in order... To my eyes, at least.
Rain: ...Then you may want to have your eyes checked, friend.
(A monster appears!)
Lasswell: Monsters!? Inside the shrine!? What of the barrier!? Has it been broken?
Rain: The fiend standing before us seems to be nodding "yes".
Lasswell: Take care not to cut yourself on that sharp wit, Rain.
Rain: At any rate, it would seem our girl in the sky spoke true. ...Lasswell. Where can we find the crystal?
Lasswell: In the shrine's innermost chamber.
Lasswell: You have hidden wisdom, Rain. We are needed here, just as you said.
Rain: See, Lasswell? It's just like I always say...You can always trust a pretty face!
Lasswell: Hmph. It is terribly well-hidden wisdom, isn't it.
(Battle commences. After the first wave...)
Lasswell: Rain, stay focused. No one would deny you're one of Grandshelt's finest. But physical prowess only goes so far. You must develop discipline. I tire of always having to keep an eye on you.
Rain: I would have thought that right now you'd be keeping both eyes on our foes.
Lasswell: O-of course I am! What kind of fool do you take me for!?
(Second wave of battle commences. Afterward...)
Lasswell: Rain. For once in your life, listen to me. All the knights of Grandshelt look up to you. Your words, your demeanor.. You must lead by example. I don't like to dictate your behavior... It will be a relief for both if us when I no longer have to.
Rain: Who said I wanted to be a role model? If you care care so much, you be the shining example!
(Battle progresses to the next wave but doesn't commence yet.)
Lasswell: Rain. You are the most talented in our order. You know this as well as I. But this willfulness.. This apathy! Everything you do convinces me I must watch you like a hawk.
Rain: Could anything I do convince you to watch our foes instead?
(Battle commences. Afterwards, they progress to the boss battle!)
Rain: Maybe this one will actually put up a fight.
Lasswell: We must watch our foe's movements closely..and choose our tactics wisely.
(Battle commences against the Belmodar. Afterwards...)
Rain: Phew! That one actually made me break a sweat.
Lasswell: Indeed.
Rain: But our path is now clear. To the chamber of the crystal!
(A figure in black armor stands before the crystal. Rain and Lasswell rush in.)
Lasswell: Who goes there!? Step away from the crystal!
???: If ignorance is a sin, then your sins are grevious indeed.
Rain: What's that supposed to mean!?
(The figure summons a ball of darkness!)
???: Seven long centuries of sin...And now it is time you atoned.
Lasswell: Atone...? What is this madness?
Rain: Lasswell! Watch out!
(The figure hurls the ball towards Rain and Lasswell, driving them back.)
???: ...And so it begins. My hammer of vengeance shall crush this eternity of lies.
(The crystal is shattered!)
Rain: N-no...stop...!
(The girl in the crystal appears and speaks.)
???: Take this power...the power of visions. The power...to stave off the darkness.
(She revives Rain and Lasswell.)
Rain: Who...who are you?
???: Live. Live...and save this world.
(She teleports the two out of the shrine.)
Lasswell: What in the world just happened?
Rain: The power...of visions?
Grandshelt Soldier: Aaaaagggh!
(The two run back to the airship.)
Rain: These wounds! Be strong, man!
Soldier: Unggh.. The man...in armor... He was...too...strong for us...
Rain: O-open your eyes! We'll find a healer! Just..stay with us!
Lasswell: Enough, Rain... He's gone.
Rain: Curses...! How could it all go so wrong...
Lasswell: We must return to the castle and make a full report... And see that our brothers get a proper burial.
Rain: ...You're right, Lasswell. Let's go.
Lasswell: Rain... Are you all right?
Rain: ...Yeah. Once we're out of these woods, we should head straight for Mitra Village.
Lasswell: Before we do, Rain...there is something I should tell you. It's about the power of visions...a power that is now ours. The memories and emotions of people, housed inside crystals... These are visions. By summoning forth the visions of heroes of ages past and worlds distant... We can call upon their strength in battle. But enough words. It is best you see this power for yourself. Go ahead, Rain. Try to summon a vision.
(Rain does so.)
Lasswell: I believe that qualifies as a success. It would seem we have gained a strong ally.
Rain: Summoning visions... I never knew such a power existed...
Lasswell: Indeed. But take heed: summoning a vision is only the first step. With this, the visions of heroes you summon will lend us their strength. This power is not ours by chance or whim. We must use it wisely, and to the fullest.
Rain: Lasswell... Just how do you know so much about this. Visions,and summoning and all...
Lasswell: Sir Raegen taught me well. Yes, Rain... Your father.
Rain: That old codger? But why would he...?
Lasswell: Codger!? That is no way to speak of your father, Rain! Sir Raegen was one of Grandshelt's finest. A knight of true honor!
Rain: (...) Honor...indeed.
Lasswell: When Sir Raegen at first spoke to me of visions, I could scarce understand why he wanted me to know. Perhaps he foresaw that we would one day wield this power..
Rain: (grumble) But where did he learn about these visions in the first place...? Never mind. Worrying about such matters won't help us now. We should get to Mitra, then hurry onward to make out report.
Lasswell: Monsters here, too? What a treat.
Rain: Something isn't right, Lasswell. The madness in their eyes...
Lasswell: Do you think it's because of what happened to the crystal?
Rain: That's precisely what I'm afraid of.
(Battle commences. After the first wave is complete...)
Rain: Are we almost to Mitra?
Lasswell: About halfway, by my measure.
Rain: Only halfway? My legs cry for mercy...they can tasks no more! We've no choice, Lasswell. You're going to have to carry me the rest of the way.
Lasswell: ...Or I could just leave you here.
(The second wave starts. After it is done..)
Rain: Curses! Is there no end to them?
Lasswell: Stay focused, Rain! If we fall here, the sacrifices of our men will have been for naught!
Rain: I know, Lasswell... I know. We must prevail. For them...and for our world.
(Third wave commences. Scene ends after victory.)
Lasswell: You've grown comfortable battling alongside visions. It would seem you're ready for the next lesson: fusing them to augment their strength.
Rain: Let me guess... More super-secret knowledge from my old man.
Lasswell: ... Indeed. Sir Raegen taught me much.
Rain: ...What a joke. He taught you all this and never said a word to me, his own son?
Lasswell: Would you have listened if he had?
Rain: ...Point taken. (Note: this line us attributed to Lasswell but makes more sense as Rain's line.)
(A boss battle commences! Afterwards...)
Rain: Fancy finding an ochu in these parts.
Lasswell: if this, too, is a consequence of the shattered crystal, it bodes ill for our journey.
Rain: Mitra's not far from here. We should hurry.
(A villager gets a ! over his head and approaches Rain and Lasswell as they enter the town of Mitra.)
Villager: I saw that, you two. You took care of that pesky ochu for us, didn't you? Come with me, there's something I'd like to show you.
(Rain and Lasswell go with the villager to the forge.)
Villager: The name's Gylbart. I run the forge here in Mitra.
Rain: The forge?
Gylbart: Aye, the forge. You're standing in it. This is where you can slap together new weapons and abilities, assuming you have the recipes and components you need. The forge is yours to use as you'd like. Consider it a thank-you for getting rid of that ochu.
(The crafting tutorial appears.)
Gylbart: I'll give you some things you can start practicing with. Give it a try sometime.
(You get the recipe and components to make a Bronze Knife.)
Lasswell: That was quite generous of him.
Rain: It was. If we can make our own weapons, our way back to the castle should be a lit easier to tackle.
Lasswell: The way still lies ahead of us, though. Which path do we take?
Rain: I've been thinking about that myself. The shortest route would be the one that goes through Dalnakya Cavern...but...
(There's a flash of light! The two run towards the Farplane stone, which suddenly appeared.)
Lasswell: This wasn't here a moment ago, was it!? What do you think it is? It looks as if it's causing some sort of distortion!
(There's another flash as the two disappear.)
(Rain and Lasswell find themselves in the Farplane. An ! appears over their heads as they look around.)
Lasswell: What in the...what is this place?
Rain: I've got it. It's obvious! It's a dream...it has to be! Give me your cheek, okay? I'll give it a good pinch.
Lasswell (irritated): Why me!? Pinch yourself, you fool!
(A flash of light, and the girl in the crystal appears. The two turn to look at her.)
???: This...is the Farplane. For those with the power of visions, a place of great trials...and great blessings.
(The Farplane tutorial appears: in the Farplane, you will find the Dimensional Vortex, from which you can access dungeons full of special quests that will pit you against powerful enemies.)
(The crystal disappears. Rain and Lasswell get (...) over their heads as they turn to look at each other.)
Rain: Great trials...and great blessings? So is this Farplane a good thing, or what?
Lasswell: A blessing in disguise, perhaps...let us proceed with caution.
Rain: Hey, if these trials will make us stronger, what are we waiting for?
Lasswell: At times, your optimism could almost be mistaken for stupidity...
Rain(🎵): Cut me some slack, Lasswell. Anyway, it seems like we can come here anytime, so let's go back for now.
(They teleport out of the Farplane.)
(Rain and Lasswell approach Dalnakya Cavern. They are alarmed to see a person laying by the side of the road.)
Rain: Hey! Are you all right!? Can you stand!?
Villager: Ungggh... My friends... My family... The goblins took them all.
Lasswell: Goblins raiding a human village? Preposterous! It would seem the consequences of the crystals are even more grevious than we feared...
Rain (...): Don't worry about your friends. We'll take it from here.
Lasswell: Rain..! Our kingdom itself is in peril. If we don't hurry back to the castle...
Rain: I know. I know where our duty lies, Lasswell. But don't we also have a duty to these people? Should we just leave them to their fate?
Lasswell(...): But...Rain! We are knights of Grandshelt. We have a duty to the greater good!
Rain: Is it chivalry to turn a blind eye to those suffering before your eyes? Does a knight of Grandshelt not live to serve the weak? You know this is so, Lasswell!
Lasswell (...): You have the right of it...this time. We will rescue the villagers from the goblins' den.
Rain (🎵): That's the Lasswell I know! A knight of honor if ever there was one!
Lasswell: I'm not doing this for your praise. If we're decided, let's get moving.
(They go into the cave.)
Lasswell: Rain, you really are a softy, aren't you?
Rain: Who's a bigger softy: the softy, or the softy who follows him?
Lasswell: P-preposterous! Do not liken me to yourself!
Rain: The villagers should be up ahead. Let's focus, shall we?
(The first wave of battle commences. Afterward...)
Lasswell: More goblins!
Rain: And in a goblin den of all places! What did you expect to find?
Lasswell: I expected to find goblins... And a bit less if your cheek, if you don't mind.
Rain: We're only halfway through, so brace yourself for more of both.
(Second wave of battle commences. Afterward...)
Lasswell: These goblins are definitely fiercer than the garden variety. But why would the crystal's destruction make monsters run wild?
Rain: Another homework assignment for you when we get to the castle, eh?
Lasswell: An assignment for us. And don't try to get out of it.
(They progress to the third wave but don't fight yet.)
Rain: Goblin is a cute-sounding word, isn't it? When you say it over and over.
Lasswell: What nonsense are you talking now?
Rain: Goblin, goblin! You see what I mean? It's got a happy sort of tone.
Lasswell: ....I'm not participating in this conversation.
(Third wave of battle commences. Afterwards, it progresses to the fourth wave.)
Rain: Not like Lasswell. That has a mean, hissing sort of sound, doesn't it? Lassssssswell. Lllassssswelll.
Lasswell: What!?
Rain: Why don't we give you a nickname? Lass...Lassie...Welly...Welbow! No, just Welly. Good old Welly.
Lasswell: I will not answer to...Welly.
(Fourth wave of battle starts. After, it progresses to fifth wave, which commences without dialogue. After fifth wave is vanquished...)
Rain: Who, Welly? Oh yes, I know Welly! I know Welly well. I know Welly...Welly well indeed.
Lasswell: I'll only warn you once. Stop this immediately. Or else you too shall bear a nickname... my sweet little Rainikins.
Rain: Nooo! I'll stop, I'll stop! Urgh...my whole skin crawled away.
(Battle advances to 6th wave.)
Rain: Is it just me or is there more of them than before?
Lasswell: It's not just you. And they're getting stronger. We must be nearing the inner caves.
Rain: I hope the villagers are okay...
(Sixth wave commences. Afterwards, it advances to the boss battle, which commences without dialogue. After the battle ends...)
Rain: All right! That should be the last of them!
Lasswell: ...And the villagers are safe as well. We should really be moving along. We've lost precious time, Rain. I would advise you not to be such a softy next time...if I thought you would listen.
Rain: See, Lasswell? You know me better than any one!
(Rain & Lasswell lead the villagers out of the cave.)
Villager: I'm free! Oh, thank the crystals! However can I repay you?
Rain: No need for that. We're just glad we could help.
Lasswell: I trust you can find your way home on your own. Duty calls us to the castle.
Villager(!): O-of course! There is.... just one small thing.
Villager: Not long ago, there was an eruption of light from Siren's Tower. I don't know what it was, but... I have a bad feeling, you know? You don't reckon the seal has been broken?
Rain: (...)
Lasswell: You cannot be serious... we cannot afford another diversion!
Rain: But what if this is also because of the shattered crystal? And more importantly (♥) Siren's beauty is literally legendary! How can we pass up a chance to meet her in the flesh?
Lasswell (grumble): ...I suppose we do have a duty to investigate.... The seal, that is.
Rain (🎵): Oh, come off it, Lasswell! Don't be ashamed to admit you want to check her out, too.
Lasswell (irritated): I'll check you out with a fist to the head if you don't stop this at once!
(Rain and Lasswell enter Siren's Tower. Rain gets a (...) over his head and turns to speak to Lasswell.)
Rain: Lasswell... Do you feel that?
Lasswell: This does not bode well. I feel an unearthly power coming from the top of the tower.
Rain(🎵): Then what are we waiting for? Let's go and introduce ourselves!
Lasswell (!): You're actually serious, aren't you?
Rain(🎵): Of course I am! We don't want to be rude, right? Great beauties can have great tempers.
(Rain runs off. Lasswell grumbles.)
Lasswell: Why do I have a feeling this won't end well...?
(Lasswell follows after Rain.)
Lasswell: There were never monsters in this tower before... To think the effects of the shattered crystal have been felt this far...
Rain: But look on the bright side! A legendary beauty has returned to our world.
(Wave 1 of battle commences. It proceeds directly to wave 2 without further dialogue. After wave 2 is vanquished...)
Lasswell: Rain. You need to understand this. Siren is an esper. She's not a rose in bloom. She's more beast than human.
Rain: Oh, Lasswell. Is there no romance at all in that cold heart of yours? Monster or maiden, if she's beautiful... there's nothing to worry about!
Lasswell: Famous last words.
(Battle progresses to wave 3, but doesn't commence.)
Rain: Out of my way, fiends! We have a date with Siren!
Lasswell: They say Siren has the power to charm any man. But I never though I'd see someone fall under her spell before even meeting her.
Rain: Hm? Who are you talking about?
Lasswell: Just a starry-eyed fool I happen to know.
(Wave 3 commences, and progresses to wave 4 without dialogue. After wave 4 is killed...)
Rain: Talk about a tough climb.... But I must stay strong... I'm coming for you, my fairest!
Lasswell: I hate to burst your bubble, but you do realize your fairest is going to try to kill us?
Rain: Don't you get it, Lasswell? That's what makes it so romantic!
(Rain and Lasswell approach Siren.)
Rain: This is no ordinary foe we face... This is an esper. But still... We can't give up hope before the fight's begun!
Lasswell: ...Indeed. We are knights of Grandshelt. No matter how fearsome the foe, we must fight with courage and honor.
(Battle commences.)
Lasswell: Look sharp, Rain! Here she comes!
Rain: And she's every bit as beautiful as I imagined.... She looks like the type who likes her men strong and rugged. Know that that means, Lasswell? It's time to show her what we've got!
(After battle is over.)
Rain: My fairest! To look upon your face once more...
Lasswell: I'm just glad we're still standing. And we owe it to the power of visions.
Rain: ....And to that girl who gave us the power, huh?
Lasswell: Above all, we owe it to Sir Raegen. Without his knowledge, we would be lost.
Rain: If you say so....
???: Most impressive, brave ones.
(Rain and Lasswell get ! over their heads.)
???: I am Siren. I am that which you humans would call...an esper. To wield great power requires great power of one's own. Such is the way of the world. Oh, how long have I waited for a worthy opponent to withstand my power without giving in to fear. And so I share my power with you. Shirk not from this strength, and it shall illuminate the truth...
(Siren turns to stone. The power of Siren is now yours!)
Rain: An esper offering her powers to us....? Somebody pinch me!
Lasswell: We've been entrusted with a great gift. We must use it wisely.
Rain (♥): Don't you worry, Lasswell. I know how to handle strong women.
Lasswell: Let me guess.... You completely repulse them with your gawking before they even have a chance to draw near.
Rain (sweatdrop): You wound me, Lasswell. A crueler blow than any Siren dealt.
(The two approach Siren's statue.)
Rain: This is where we first met Siren....But it feels... different somehow.
(Siren becomes flesh once more!)
Rain (!): Siren!?
Siren: The time is nigh... The time for my powers to reach heights unimaginable... And so I ask of you... are you worthy of this power?
Rain: What's happening!?
Lasswell: Here she comes!
(Battle commences. Afterwards...)
Rain: Phew! Somehow, we came out on top...again.
Lasswell: And I thought her powers were great before.... Siren! What is the meaning of this?
Siren: By sharing our journey with humans, our powers evolve and grow.... You have grown besides me, brave ones. You have proven yourselves worthy of this power.... And so I offer it to you.
(Siren evolved!)
Rain: So espers mature and grow through their experiences... just like us.
Lasswell(...): And yet, if we seek to wield these heightened powers... we must prove ourselves worthy.
Rain: Simple enough, I'd say. And that's how I like it!
Lasswell: ....Tell me something I don't know. And yet, you speak true. There's no need to overthink matters. If we believe in our own strength, the espers will doubtless respond in kind.
(It's raining in the plains as Rain and Lasswell enter.)
Rain: At last...the plains of Dalnakya. Once we cross these, we'll only be a stone's throw from the castle.
Lasswell: It seems like just yesterday when we came here together. You, me... and Sir Raegen. (...) Of all his loyal retainers, His Majesty always trusted Sir Raegen above all others.
Rain (...): He may have been a great knight, but that didn't make him a great father. New marching orders from His Majesty? Off he'd go, without so much as a farewell. Then one day he disappeared for good. As if he hadn't already hurt Mother enough...
Lasswell: And yet deep down... you still believe. That Sir Raegen is alive out there...
Rain (...): You bet I do. There's no way I'm letting him die until I give him a good punch in the face. After all the pain he put Mother through... I owe the selfish old bastard that much.
(Rain runs off.)
Lasswell (...): How nice it must be... To have a father you care enough about to hate...
Lasswell: It seems we have company... again.
Rain: Monsters this close to the castle? Where are the guards?
Lasswell: I have a bad feeling about this. We should hurry.
(Battle 1 commences and goes straight into wave 2. After wave 2 is killed...)
Lasswell: Something isn't right. I fear for the castle...
Rain: If we hadn't taken that detour to Siren's Tower, we'd be there already.
Lasswell: Don't talk like a fool, Rain. You made the right decision. We must press on, and focus on the task at hand.
Rain: You're right, Lasswell. Forgive me.
(Battle progresses to wave 3 but doesn't commence.)
Lasswell: Curses! How are we supposed to get anywhere with all these distractions?
Rain: Calm yourself, Lasswell! Getting all worked up isn't going to get us there any faster.
Lasswell: I know.. I know... and yet!
Rain: I'm the hothead, remember? You're supposed to be reining me in.
Lasswell: That was the arrangement, wasn't it? Ahem... It won't happen again.
(Wave 3 commences and progress to wave 4 without further dialogue. After wave 4 is killed...)
Rain: Grandshelt's defenses are strong. The castle will not fall easily.
Lasswell: Yes... and that is our only consolation. My brothers... Pray hold strong until our return...!
(Battle progresses to wave 5 but doesn't commence yet.)
Lasswell: We're almost to the eastern gate!
Rain: Lasswell! From the castle! The stench of blood... and something burning!
Lasswell: And look here... monsters lurking in the shadows.
Rain: We've got this, Lasswell!
(Battle commences, and then progresses to the boss battle.)
Rain: Gaaaaaaah! Out of the way! Let us pass!
Lasswell: Hear me, vermin! You'll lay not one fiendish claw on our castle!
(The boss fight commences against a Zu. There is no additional dialogue after victory.)
(The scene opens to devastation. Rain and Lasswell approach the castle. As they do, a ! appears over their heads as they take everything in.)
Lasswell: Come, Rain! We'll take those foes and storm the gates!
(Lasswell begins to run to the gates.)
Rain: Wait, Lasswell! We haven't the time to waste on a horde like that. First we have to get inside and see that His Majesty is safe!
Lasswell (...): As much as it pains me to admit it... you have a point.
Rain: Fortunately for us, the gate still holds. We'll just have to enter the castle by another route.
Lasswell (lightbulb): The tunnels!
Rain: Exactly! They exit out to someplace north of the castle walls.
Lasswell: Then let's hurry there. The gate won't hold much longer.
Rain: Come on! We have to get to the throne room as quickly as we can!
Lasswell: These tunnels are like a maze. Don't lose your way.
Rain(🎵): Who do you think you're talking to? I know these tunnels like the back of my hand. I always snuck down here to escape from your tedious training regimes.
Lasswell(grumble): When we've made it through this, my first task will be to place a guard by the entrance around the clock.
Rain (!): Are you sure? That, uh... doesn't sound like a very efficient use of resources.
Rain: It's as if they're trying to keep us from going inside...
Lasswell: Ridiculous! Mere beasts can't reason like that.
(first wave commences, and leads to second wave which starts without dialogue. After 2nd wave is killed...)
Rain: Look at their movements. It's like they're being controlled by someone... or something. Where they appear, the timing of their attacks... It's almost... strategic.
Lasswell: You're suggesting there's someone pulling the strings?
Rain: I'd bet on it. The only question is... who?
(Battle progresses to 3rd wave but doesn't start yet.)
Lasswell: Does the gate still hold?
Rain: It's not just the gate that has kept Grandshelt Castle standing all these years... It's the strength of the knights who defend it... in service of their liege and their countrymen. Even if the gate falls, the castle will not. Our brothers-in-arms will see to that!
Lasswell: Let us hope so...
(Third wave commences, and progresses to a Boss Battle against a shark. After it is dead...)
Rain: I feel a strange sensation coming from below...
Lasswell: I feel it, too. This vague yet undeniable sense of foreboding...
Rain: I just hope we're not walking into a trap...
(Battle progresses to a fifth wave, but doesn't start.)
Lasswell: We're almost to the center. Steel yourself, Rain. This won't be an easy one.
Rain: I know, Lasswell... I know. Let's deal with them and get back to the surface... quickly.
(Fifth wave commences, then proceeds to another boss fight, this time against an Architeuth.
Rain: What the...!? Is this their leader or something!?
Lasswell: A giant... squid?
Rain: He's a long way from home. Let's send him back to the sea, Lasswell!
(Battle commences. After the boss is vanquished..)
Rain: Phew! Looks like that's all of them. The stairs ahead will take us to the castle.
Lasswell: I hope my lady is safe...
Rain: It's quiet... too quiet. We should be wary.
(The scene opens to the dead and wounded laying in the castle. Rain and Lasswell enter and look about.)
Soldier: Urgggh...
(Rain and Lasswell get ! over their heads and run to the soldier.)
Rain: Are you all right!? Steady on, man!
(The soldier gets up on one knee.)
Soldier: His Majesty.... insisted we save the women and children first... He remains trapped.... within....
Rain: Leave His Majesty to us. You get out of here while you still can.
Soldier: Forgive us... We have failed... our nation.... If the castle falls... it will be the end for Grandshelt....
Rain: Fear not, my good man.
Soldier: B-but...!
Rain: As long as our king and our people live, Grandshelt will never fall. And you can count on us to keep them safe, no matter what the cost! That is our duty, as knights of Grandshelt!
Lasswell: Yes, quite. Do not despair yet, my friend.
Soldier: Sir Rain, Sir Lasswell... thank you. I leave His Majesty's safety in your hands.
Lasswell: His Majesty is likely still in the throne room. We must move quickly.
Rain: Then what are we waiting for!?
(The two hurry off.)
Lasswell: Indeed. But how typical of our king..... To put his people's lives before his own... and to delay his own escape until the end. Such courage... such compassion. There can be no greater honor than to serve him.
Rain: You're right about that. We need to rescue him... and quickly.
(Wave 1 of battle commences. Afterward...)
Lasswell: But to think the invaders got this far... Just what manner of foe are we dealing with?
Rain: If you ask me... I'd say that creep in the dark armor has something to do with it.
Lasswell: If so, I fear we have our work cut out for us.
Rain: But now we have the power of visions on our side! Surely we'll triumph this time!
(Wave 2 commences, and finishes without further dialogue.)
Rain: The throne room's just ahead. Onward!
Lasswell: Your Majesty! Are you safe....!?
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and progresses to the boss fight against Flamesblade.)
Lasswell: Gah! What are these fiends!?
Rain: Watch out, Lasswell! These are no ordinary foes!
Lasswell: I know, but....! We have to protect my lady!
Rain: That's right! And that's why they're going down!
(Battle commences. Afterward, Rain and Lasswell enter the throne room to find the king laying on the floor!)
Lasswell: Your Majesty! Are you hurt!?
King of Grandshelt: Lasswell... and Rain. You've returned to us... I am unharmed, but my men...
(Rain steps away, looks around at the carnage, then looks down, shaking his head.)
King of Grandshelt: They fell... protecting me....
Lasswell: Forgive us, Majesty. If we had only returned sooner...
King of Grandshelt(...): Say no more. I am glad enough to see the two of you alive and well. Especially you, Rain. If anything ever happened to you, I could never face Raegen again.
Rain (...): Lasswell. We should lead His Majesty to safety. We'll regroup with the troops outside.
King of Grandshelt: Thank you both. I am sorry to be such a burden.
(The two approach the king and help him to his feet.)
King of Grandshelt: ...Oh, and Rain. I have something for you.
Rain: Something.... for me?
King of Grandshelt: A gift from your father. He asked me to deliver it to you when the time was right.... I do believe... that time has come.
(You obtained the recipe for magic keys!)
(The scene opens to the castle burning. Rain and Lasswell lead the King out of the castle.)
Rain: The castle... It's burning!
Lasswell: Curse it all...! How can this be?
Rain (!): Isn't that...!?
Lasswell: Yes... and it would seem he is no longer alone. We barely survived a fight with this one... What if they're all as strong as him?
(Rain and Lasswell draw their weapons as the black-clad armored man approaches.)
Rain: Brace yourself, Lasswell!
(The scene shakes as a hole appears in the castle grounds! The girl in the crystal appears!)
Rain (!): That girl!
Lasswell: It's the same girl that we saw on the airship. What is going on here?
King of Grandshelt: Could it be...? That which was sealed within the Earth Crystal.. was it... this girl?
(The black-armored man gets a (...) above his head.)
???: You again... And now hold the power of visions.
Rain: That's right. We won't fall so easily this time!
???: I gave you fair warning. Your ignorance is your sin.
Rain: Why is it that every time you open your mouth, I feel like punching someone in the face?
???: You stubborn weeds may grow to become thorns in my side, if I neglect to exterminate you now. So be it... Know that I am one of the Sworn Six of Paladia. The Veritas of the Dark!
(He summons a ball of darkness!)
Veritas of the Dark:
(He hurls the ball towards Rain and Lasswell! The girl in the crystal stops it, her crystal shattering in the process.)
???: This man is our last hope... We will not allow you to harm him!
Lasswell: Such power...!
Rain: Just who - or WHAT - is this girl!?
Veritas of the Dark: Bah... no matter. Our work here is done. The next crystal awaits.
(The girl flashes light as Veritas of the Dark strolls off. The scene shifts. The girl is draped in Rain's kilt and kneeling on the ground.)
Rain: You saved us, didn't you? .... Thank you.
Fina: I... am Fina...
Rain: Fina? Your name is Fina?
Fina: Yes... I think. But my name... is all I can remember.
Rain: She's... lost her memories? Is it because of us? Because she used that power to save us?
Lasswell: We should take both the girl and His Majesty to the medics at once.
Rain: ...You're right. Let's go.
(The scene opens in front of the statue in the Royal Capital. Lasswell is talking to some soldiers. Rain is nowhere to be found.)
Lasswell: .. Then we leave His Majesty and the girl in your hands.
Grandshelt Captain: Yes, sir! We will ensure their safety.
Lasswell: Now where has Rain gotten to? I don't see him anywhere...
Grandshelt Captain: If you mean Commander Rain, he headed to the west gate some time ago...
Lasswell (...): That fool... Where does he think he's going at a vital time like this?
(Lasswell heads for the west gate.)
GRANDSHELT ISLES - PRESENCE OF THE YOUNG GIRL - FULAN PASS OPENING
(Rain is walking into Fulan Pass. Lasswell runs in after him.)
Lasswell: Rain! There you are! Why did you take off without me?
Rain (...): I'm going after them.. Those armor-clad bastards... The "Sworn Six of Paladia."
Lasswell (!): You reckless fool! Would you adandon your duties as a knight of the realm!? Yes, we may have evacuated the castle and exterminated the monsters... But now efforts to rebuild must begin. We must help those living in the castle and the town reclaim their normal lives.
(All this time Rain has had his back to Lasswell. He gets a (...) over his head and now turns to face him.)
Rain: I'm sorry, Lasswell. But... I just can't stand it. Carrying boards and patching walls when I know that we were powerless before that fiend Veritas.... I can't stand it! I've never felt like this before... I don't blame you if you're surprised. I'm surprised by it, too.
Lasswell (...): That Veritas... He seemed wary of the power of visions.
Rain: So maybe I can stop him. There are others who can help rebuild Grandshelt. You know that. But I've got to do this. You do understand, right, Lasswell?
Lasswell (...): When they left, they mentioned they would make for the next crystal. The closest crystal is the Wind Crystal. On the continent of Dirnado. We'll make for the Port of Lodin. We have to find a ship that is bound for Lanzelt soon.
Rain (!): Lasswell... You mean you'll come with me?
Lasswell: Of course. Someone has to stop you from getting killed. And I seem to be the only one available.
Rain (...): Thank you, Lasswell. Thank you.
(The two head off. Fina enters the scene and follows them.)
Lasswell: If we follow the highroad, we'll reach the port town of Lodin.
Rain: ...
Lasswell: Hm? Is something the matter?
Rain: It's nothing. Let's press on.
(Wave 1 of battle commences, and leads directly to wave 2 without dialogue. After wave 2 is vanquished...)
Lasswell: The Sworn Six of Paladia... Just who - or what - are they? Do they truly mean to destroy all the crystals? And if so... to what end?
Rain: We're caught in a web of mystery, my friend. And the threads of that web spell out one word: shenanigans.
(Battle progresses to wave 3 but doesn't commence yet.)
Rain: (What is she thinking?)
Lasswell: Hm? Did you say something, Rain?
Rain: What? No, nothing... (How long does she intend to follow us...?)
Lasswell: What is this mumbling!? If you have something to say, out with it!
(Wave 3 commences, and leads into wave 4 without dialogue. After wave 4 is over...)
Lasswell: Ah, I can guess what's troubling you. The matter of Fina... When all this is over, there is much I would ask her.
Rain: If only she were here! You could ask her in person.
Lasswell: That's... a strange thing to say.
(Battle progresses to wave 5 but doesn't commence yet.)
Rain: Our every step is dogged by evil! We must leave none of these fiends living.
Lasswell: Just when did you start taking this so seriously?
Rain: If we don't take them out, who will protect the girl?
Lasswell: The girl? What girl? Honestly, Rain, your head is in the clouds. Pay attention to your surroundings!
(Wave 5 commences. It leads into a boss fight against 5 cutpurses. After they are dead...)
Lasswell: There. We should be safe... for now.
Rain: Look! The Port of Lodin lies just ahead. Huzzah! Onward to Lodin! Onwaaaaaaaard!
Lasswell: Rain, we don't have an army. Who do you think you're shouting at?
(Rain and Lasswell make their way into Port City Lodin. They are followed by Fina, who stops just outside of town. She gets an (...) over her head as a monster approaches her from behind.)
Fina: Ahhhhhhhh!
(Rain and Lasswell get ! over their heads and turn back towards the city's entrance.)
Lasswell: Fina!? What are you doing here!?
Rain: Lasswell! We've got to help her!
(The two run back out of town and face the monster. Afterwards...)
Fina: Th-thank you both....
Lasswell: Rain. You knew she was following us?
Rain: Yeah. Ever since we left the castle.
Lasswell(grumble): Then why didn't you send her back?
Rain: I assumed she must have some reason for following us.
Fina: Um... Please! Take me with you! I swear I won't be any bother to you!
Lasswell(...): You are the girl who appeared to us in the sky, aren't you? I am grateful for the power of visions, but... We aren't going on a pleasure cruise. You have to be prepared for a hard road.
(Lasswell heads back into town.)
Rain: Hold on, Lasswell... At least give her a chance to explain....
(Rain and Fina follow Lasswell into town.)
Lasswell: Here. I've bought passage for us on the next ship leaving for Lydira.
(Rain takes the ticket. The two turn to look at Fina.)
Lasswell: ...You're still here, are you?
Fina: You and Rain are going after those six men clad in armor, aren't you? I....I also want to stop them.
Lasswell(...): I thought you had lost your memories. What reason could you have to undertake a challenge like this?
Fina(...): Just a feeling...burning in my heart. Something in me is screaming out...that those six must be stopped. And... I want to know. Who I am. What I was doing under the castle. Why I had such mysterious power.
Rain(...): I think it's fine, Lasswell. For Fina to come with us.
Fina: Rain...
Lasswell(grumble): Fine. Just... Don't come crying to me if you end up regretting this.
Rain(🎵): Ha! Glad to have you on board, Lasswell!
Fina: Rain... Thank you.
Rain: Then it looks like we'll be a trip from here on out. The more, the merrier. Right, Fina?
Fina: I hope so, Rain!
(The ship gets underway. Lasswell approaches Rain on the deck. Fina is elsewhere.)
Lasswell: ...Would you mind explaining to me exactly why you let Fina come along with us?
Rain: Why? Because I couldn't say no.. Not when a pretty girl asks me nicely. And besides that, we owe her. Fina gave us the power to call on visions.
Lasswell (...): Which is precisely why I am concerned. She is not an ordinary girl.
Rain(...): Well... She was sealed up beneath the castle, wasn't she? Must be a reason.
Lasswell: But the seal was undone... by those armored men. The fact that she has no memory of who she was means that she could have even been their ally, you know.
(Fina appears as Lasswell says this last sentence.)
Fina(🎵): Rain! Lasswell! So this is the sea...! It's the largest pond I've ever seen! And even with water as far as the eye can see, you can't drink a sip of it! It's saltier than you would believe!
(Rain and Lasswell get (...) over their heads.)
Rain: ...Yes, I know. You didn't?
Fina: Wh-what? You mean... everyone knows that? (...) I...I'm sure that I must have known it too, before I lost my memory!
(She runs off.)
Rain(...): No matter who she might have been, we can't just abandon her now, can we? (Rain gets a thumbs-up sign over his head.) Not if we are true Grandshelt knights.
Lasswell: Hmph.
Rain: Besides... having her along will brighten things up. Nothing more depressing than two men traveling alone.
Lasswell(...): You and your boundless optimism.
(Rain and Lasswell enter Inferno's Hollow.)
Lasswell: Rain. Are you sure you're ready for this? To battle an esper of this nature?
Rain: Would you feel better with more friends around?
Lasswell: ....Ifrit is more beast than esper. It is no beauty like Siren, nor can it be reasoned with.
Rain(!): Wait... seriously?
Lasswell(grumble): ...Did you learn none of the lessons required of aspiring knights?
Rain: Oh yeah... Those... I never could concentrate on those...
Lasswell(sweatdrop): ... And still you became a knight. Astounding. Truly astounding.
(The two head further in.)
Rain: This heat! I'm sweating buckets, Lasswell!
Lasswell: And what do you want me to do about it? If you can't take the heat, get out of the lava cave.
Rain: Could you at least take off your coat? It's making me sweat just looking at it.
Lasswell: Nonsense. We're all hot in here. Just.... deal with it.
(wave 1 commences and goes right to wave 2. After wave 2 is done....)
Rain: Ifrit commands the power of flames, right?
Lasswell: Indeed he does, for he is the esper of fire. It seems you took in some of your father's lessons after all!
Rain: So we're trudging through caverns of burning rock filled with hot lava... for the ultimate purpose of having scorching fireballs pelted at us.
Lasswell: What's your point, Rain?
Rain: I just think the coat's a bit much.
Lasswell: Enough about my coat!
(Rain and Lasswell approach Ifrit.)
Ifrit: Hrrr... Who dares.... interrupt my sleep....?
Rain: Oh, so you do talk! That'll make things easier. Ifrit, we need your power!
Ifrit: Hrrr.... I hear nothing.... Nothing! You there! If you can hear me, then strike me down together with these flames! Free me from the cursed fires and I will lend my power to your cause!
(Ifrit attacks! Afterwards....)
Ifrit: Ah... the eternal seal of fire... It is gone. Then as I promised, so will I do. I will be your strength.
(Ifrit turns to stone. You obtained the esper Ifrit!)
Rain: What a hot-tempered fellow...
Lasswell: Really, Rain? Must you? Ifrit was being sealed by those flames!
Rain: You're right.... That's just unsettling. Let's get out of here.
(The two leave.)
(Rain approaches Ifrit's statue.)
Rain: Hot as ever in here, isn't it?
Grrrrggghhhh......
(Rain gets a ! over his head and looks around.)
Rain: Ifrit?
(Ifrit turns to flesh!)
Ifrit: The power.... It burns through me... This cursed land... rouses me from slumber... Humans... you would break my bonds. Behold my all-engulfing flames! Face my fire and emerge unsinged, and my power shall be yours.
Rain: Fine... Then come!
(Ifrit attacks! Afterward....)
Rain: Hah.... hah... I thought we were about to end up as a couple of chunks of charcoal! You've grown even stronger, Ifrit.
Ifrit: Haah! The flames are now mine to wield. You led me to this new power.... Use it as you would.
(The esper Ifrit has evolved!)
Rain: My body feels so hot... Is this Ifrit's new power?