You feel somewhat drowsy when You next open your eyes. You are in a place that You do not recognize, cloaked in darkness. You glance around, curious as to what could have gotten You there.

?: At long last… You awaken.

You follow your ears to see who spoke to You. Eventually, your gaze falls on a familiar yet different figure that stands nearby.

Seraphine: A lot has changed, wouldn't you say?

Seraphine has grown much taller since the last time You saw her, now nearly rivaling You in height. Her green hair is lengthy as it was before with pink and white ribbons braided into it. A golden tiara sits atop her head. She wears a purple dress with a pink cape that flows behind her legs. Mint green gloves cover her arms, and turquoise fabric wraps around both of her wrists to connect near her back. A golden belt is wrapped around her waist. You are taken aback by her shift in appearance compared to the last time You saw her.

Seraphine: I suppose I have grown up just as much as you have… Much has happened since we first used Divine Pulse on ourselves back at Garreg Mach…

You gasp and ask where the monastery is.

Seraphine: It's outside, if I had to guess… You've been dormant for a long time. I don't even know how much time has passed, if I'm honest… Look at yourself when you get the chance, alright? You're different.

You question her on what she means.

Seraphine: There's no time for that now. The rest of the world awaits you… I can't walk at your side anymore, but I will always be here. Never forget that.

The world begins to morph and fade away, and darkness covers your vision. When You next open your eyes, You find that You are somewhere else. You are on the ground, laying in gentle grass and looking up at the night sky. To the east, the first rays of sun are creeping over the horizon, marking the time of day as early morning. You slowly rise to your feet, the sound of rushing water filling your ears. You see a river nearby, and You walk towards it cautiously. When You arrive beside it, your eyes go wide as You see your reflection has changed. Your hair has changed from a deep teal to a bright mint color. Seraphine's voice echoes in your mind.

Seraphine: Yes… You have changed. I assume it was Divine Pulse that did this to you.

You look up and see what else is around You. It is clear that You are in a small town, but something about it feels familiar. Your gaze rises to see something on a nearby peak, and You recognize it as the monastery.

Seraphine: Go. Maybe your students are waiting for you there.

You immediately set off running, feeling Sirius at your side as You sprint towards Garreg Mach Monastery. Your heart pounds in your chest as You grow nearer to the building.

When You arrive, it is clear to see that the building has changed. No people can be seen anywhere, and overgrown plants are everywhere. You wonder what happened to the monastery while You were asleep.

Seraphine: I'm not sure… The last thing I remember before you fell asleep was the battle at the monastery. That was when war broke out… Perhaps it's still going on…

You continue to navigate through the monastery, and You see the Goddess Tower in the distance. As You get closer to it, You see a figure darting past the window. Suspicious, You begin to climb the stairs to see what awaits You on the top level.

A person can be seen looking out the window, and You watch her carefully. She has short blonde hair cut in a bob that perfectly frames her face. She wears a layer of black fabric underneath blue armor lined with gold. The details are beyond intricate, giving the impression that the person in question is beyond important. She has a blue cape hanging behind her, and the Crest of Blaiddyd is stitched into the fabric with silver thread. She smiles gently in your direction upon noticing that You have arrived.

Magnolia: Professor…! You're here!

You approach Magnolia cautiously, noticing how much she has changed. You ask how much time has passed.

Magnolia: Five years have come and gone since we last saw one another… What happened to you? Where have you been?

Your eyes go wide with surprise, and You explain that You have been asleep for a long time.

Magnolia: Asleep…? How peculiar… I'm not going to question you further since you seem uncertain of the details yourself, but… Since you've been gone for so long, I suppose that I should explain what all has happened in the past half decade… It's been a lot, to say the least.

You nod your agreement and step closer to her as she continues.

Magnolia: Five years ago, the Battle of Garreg Mach took place… That was the last time anyone saw you, and… Most of us came to assume the worst when you were never found again. Everyone was sent scattering, and the monastery has fallen to ruin. Lady Aisa… She's gone missing as well. Today… We were all supposed to be here today. Regardless of class, we were going to reunite for the thousandth anniversary of the monastery's completion, but… Nobody's here to celebrate. Everyone has gone off to deal with the war. Malice forces have consumed the land, and I don't think we would be up for a party even if the fighting had ended. I've been ruling over Faerghus as the queen, but… Times aren't as easy as they once were.

You watch her in surprise.

Magnolia: Yeah… It's a lot. But what about you? What has been going on since we last crossed paths five years ago?

You say that You lost consciousness during the Battle of Garreg Mach only to wake up shortly before coming to the monastery.

Magnolia: I didn't think it was possible to sleep for so long without the influence of magic… Then again, I suppose that there's always been something a bit different about you.

You offer the possibility that perhaps your inherent arcane abilities were able to save your life.

Magnolia: Magic and the goddess could combine to form such an outcome… Your hair color has changed too. It used to be so much darker.

You tell her that it was like this when You first regained consciousness.

Magnolia: That must have happened as a result of the goddess' magic saving your life… It's the only explanation that makes sense to me, so I guess we'll just have to go with it for now.

You question her on what she plans to do from here.

Magnolia: First of all, we need to get you some food. If you really have been asleep for the past five years, then you must be exhausted… Of course, that's far more complicated than you would expect it to be because of the state of the monastery.

You ask her what she means.

Magnolia: Thieves and bandits have made this place their hideout. I had to sneak past a bunch of them in order to get up here. With Lady Aisa gone, there aren't any attendants that bothered to stick around. They were too afraid of the impending war to stay here, not that I can blame them. This place is a shell of its former self.

Your eyes go wide once more.

Magnolia: I can catch you up more on the state of the continent after we've gotten some food though. I suppose that I have a personal stake in this fight… I wish to reclaim the monastery from the thieves that have taken over. You can call it nostalgia if you wish, but… My mind is made up. Would you fight with me in the battle ahead?

You nod and say that You would be glad to.

Magnolia: Let's get ready then. This isn't going to be an easy fight, but I know we can handle it.

You leave behind the Goddess Tower, following Magnolia all the way. The space in front of the monastery appears before You, and it strikes You as familiar even after all this time. Plants have overgrown in your time away, and rubble is scattered about. You see bandits and thieves hiding in the shadows of dawn like Magnolia told You. Relief blossoms in your chest as You recognize how lucky You were to not encounter any of them on your quest into the monastery.

Magnolia: Times have changed since you were last here, but I still think that we're going to be able to do this. I'll trust your judgement as I did before. Just tell me what you want me to do, and I'll listen without hesitation.

The battle starts properly, and You and Magnolia beat back the thieves. She has grown stronger since You last saw her, truly fitting of her title as queen. You are making progress on defeating the bandits when voices reach your ears from a short distance away. You turn to see who is responsible for the noise.

Luciana: Magnolia! My apologies for taking longer than expected, but I'm here now!

This first figure is unfamiliar to You. She has lengthy brown hair that is tied away from her face by a golden comb at the back of her head. She is wearing a purple shirt with three-quarter sleeves and black riding trousers since she is mounted on a horse. Her dark boots are also made for riding, and she has elegant white gloves on her hands. A blue cape hangs from her shoulders with the Crest of Fraldarius stitched in with purple fabric. Two plates of silver armor sit on her shoulders. Her name is Luciana, though You are unaware of such a fact at present.

Aestlyn: I-I'm here too! We'll help you to sweep these thieves out of the monastery! Promise!

Aestlyn appears next to Luciana. Her hair is tied halfway up in a delicate style. She wears a dark blue shirt with white highlights and a black skirt with white ruffles. Her boots are tall and brown. A white cape falls from her shoulders, and her family's Crest of Noa is sewn into its surface.

Magnolia: It's good to see you two made it safely as well! Let's keep going in the fight, and we can talk more afterwards!

The fight drags on for a bit longer, and You hear two more voices as other figures come into view.

Nora: Would you look at that? Trouble found you when we turned away… Of course.

Nora's hair is longer than before and falls down her back in a braid. She is wearing a red shirt underneath white and gold armor, and her boots match the same pattern. A pink cape trails behind her. She wears black trousers and fingerless gloves.

Kyle: It falls to us to take care of the issue before it can grow worse then! Let's get to it!

Kyle's hair is tied in a ponytail, and he wears an ornate silver necklace around his neck. His white shirt is partially obscured by his dark blue jacket. His trousers are the same dark blue, and a green gem rests where his collar bones meet.

Magnolia: Nora! Kyle! It's nice to see you two here again!

Further into the fight, another pair appears on the scene.

Illona: Wow! There's, uh… A lot more going on here than I expected!

Illona has grown her hair out and tied it into a single ponytail at the back of her head. She is wearing a layered white and gray fur cape on one shoulder while the other arm bears a small amount of armor. Black fingerless gloves with purple ribbons are on her hands. Illona is wearing a purple bodice with a beaded sash around her waist. Matching beads surround her boots. Her leggings are black, though the lower segments are hidden by her purple laced boots. The top of her shoes are lined with gray. A quiver hangs from her waist.

Falon: Looks like you've fallen into trouble… We'll do what we can to help out.

Falon's red hair is tied into a ponytail, and she wears a fancy white blouse with expensive dark trousers. Her laced knee-high boots appear to be rather new as well. Despite the ornate clothing, there is an odd sense of sadness lurking in her eyes.

Magnolia: Thank you both so much! We can talk more after this is over!

Not long afterwards, a final group of figures appears on the battlefield.

Karim: Damn, getting here wasn't easy… At least we've arrived now!

Karim wears rather basic clothing consisting of a green shirt and black trousers. His boots are brown and made of firm leather. Armor litters his ensemble.

Reese: Trouble has come back, it seems… We really can't relax these days, huh?

Reese's hair is tied back in a ponytail, and he is wearing a white button-up shirt, though the top is left open to expose his chest. He is also wearing black trousers and a bright blue sheath for a dagger. A darker blue jacket is tied around his waist.

Cassia: Everyone is already here… Good. It's nice to know you're all still safe.

Cassia's hair is left down, and she wears a white shirt beneath an expensive blue corset. Her trousers are black while her boots are brown, and both are clearly made for riding animals. A loose blue bow is tied at her neck. Her once-permanent smile has disappeared.

Magnolia: Everyone's back together now…! Perfect! Let's finish this quickly so that we can talk about everything that's happened!

You continue to fight alongside the Blue Lions, taking the chance to talk to them along the way.

If You speak with Aestlyn, the following dialogue plays out.

Aestlyn: You have no idea how worried all of us were! Then again, I suppose that's to be expected given the circumstances… Let's talk later. We have a lot to discuss.

If You speak with Nora, the following dialogue plays out.

Nora: A lot has happened since we last crossed paths, Professor… That feels like the understatement of a lifetime though. I'm glad you're okay. That's what matters.

If You speak with Illona, the following dialogue plays out.

Illona: I can't believe that you're actually here! I was so sure that you had… Nevermind. Let's just take care of these thieves so that we can talk more.

If You speak with Kyle, the following dialogue plays out.

Kyle: You sure are a person of many talents… Cheating death appears to be your latest spectacle, and I couldn't be more impressed. You'll have to teach me that trick later.

If You speak with Karim, the following dialogue plays out.

Karim: You're back… It doesn't feel real that I'm saying that, but I'm still glad that I am. So much has changed since we were last together, but we're together now, and that's what matters.

If You speak with Cassia, the following dialogue plays out.

Cassia: I spent so much time searching for you, and while I do wish that I could have found you sooner, I'm glad that you're still alive… I was starting to lose hope.

If You speak with Falon, the following dialogue plays out.

Falon: We were all so sure that you had died during the Battle of Garreg Mach… I guess this is what we get for doubting you, Professor. You always find new ways to impress.

If You speak with Reese, the following dialogue plays out.

Reese: Look at you, going out and raising hell all over again… I don't see why I should be shocked. It's good to have you back.

If You speak with Luciana, the following dialogue plays out.

Luciana: I don't believe we've met yet… You can call me Luciana. Let's speak more after the fight draws to a close, alright?

Eventually, You and the rest of the Blue Lions begin to close in on the thieves' commander, Damon.

If anyone initiates combat with Damon, the following dialogue plays out.

Damon: There wasn't supposed to be anybody here! Quit causing problems for us, will you?!

When Damon is defeated, the following dialogue plays out.

Damon: No… How could this happen…?!

After the battle, You stand with the rest of the fighters at the center of the battlefield.

Magnolia: It's so nice to see all of you here again… I was worried that I wouldn't get the chance to speak with you once more.

Reese: Not even a war was able to keep us from meeting up here… It's no party, but it's certainly something.

Falon: It's been ages since I've heard from some of you… It's nice to know that you're still alive.

Illona: You can stop looking at me, Falon… I'm fine, and I'm sorry if any of you believed otherwise.

Kyle: This is truly a lovely occasion. We should honor this somehow. Even if we're living in a war, we can still spare a few minutes to rest.

Karim: How about we head back into the monastery? We might as well look around our old stomping grounds a bit.

Cassia: Hm… I suppose that indulging in such nostalgia for a brief while wouldn't hurt anyone.

Luciana: It's been far too long since I was last here… It'll be nice to see the monastery in its full glory once again.

Aestlyn: I don't know what we're still standing around here for then. Let's head inside.

Nora: I believe that we've routed all the thieves, so we shouldn't have any issues with settling down inside.

You move into the monastery with the rest of the students. You explain to them what happened over the past five years as You stand in the cathedral.

Aestlyn: You really were asleep…? That's certainly not the explanation I saw coming.

Karim: It's weird, but… I guess that it isn't completely impossible if magic was involved.

Falon: If you've been asleep for so long, then I guess that you'll be wanting an explanation of what's been happening across the continent.

You nod your confirmation.

Cassia: First and foremost, the monastery was abandoned after the Battle of Garreg Mach. Nobody has come through the Officers Academy since you disappeared. We all had to focus our full attention on fighting the war.

Nora: The Knights of Seiros have assembled to try and find signs of Lady Aisa. She disappeared five years ago in the aftermath of the battle, but… I'm personally not optimistic. I think that she's long gone, and they're chasing phantoms at this point.

Kyle: Magnolia took over as the queen of Faerghus. She's been battling against Malice forces, but that's far easier said than done given the conflict taking place within the court. Trying to keep everyone relaxed while simultaneously attempting reform isn't easy.

Magnolia: You can certainly say that again… But I'm not the only one who has taken over a throne recently. Raithius is in charge of the Alliance these days, and he's doing his best to keep everything under control there.

Reese: Times have changed significantly, to say the least… The Empire hasn't been faring well either. The one responsible for the attack on the monastery five years ago, Argades von Doroftie, took over the throne without any opposition. He's been acting as the emperor ever since then.

Illona: Rumor has it that Chris was killed in the Battle of Garreg Mach… That's what Argades has been saying anyways. He doesn't want to even entertain the idea that she could have survived.

Luciana: That should cover the basics of what you've missed out on… Times have changed significantly in the past five years. Malice forces can be found everywhere, and we have to be careful of what lurks around every corner.

Magnolia: Coming here today was a risk in of itself… The continent isn't as safe as it used to be… But I think that there could be advantages to staying here long term.

Aestlyn: You're thinking from a tactical perspective, aren't you?

Falon: Garreg Mach is at the center of the continent… With enough work, this place could be the perfect base of operations.

Nora: It offers us a perfect way to invade surrounding territories, and the mountains offer decent protection against all attacks that aren't perfectly organized.

Kyle: If we're going to be staying here though, we're going to need to clean up as much as possible…

Karim: Kyle's right there. This place is in shambles compared to how it once was, so it'll take quite a bit of extra effort to make sure we can actually work here.

Cassia: If we all work together, we should be able to pull it off.

Luciana: It would certainly aid our cause if we were able to bring the monastery back to its former glory…

Illona: Does everyone here want to keep fighting for this cause? I know that times are tough right now, and we wouldn't want to pressure anyone into it.

Reese: I made up my mind the second I came here. If I have the chance to fight alongside you all, then I'm in.

Aestlyn: I feel the same way.

Falon: I'll do what I can to end this conflict swiftly.

Kyle: I'd be happy to pitch in too.

Nora: It's about time that all of this madness ended.

Cassia: I've been collaborating with the Knights of Seiros recently, but I'm sure I would be able to resign there to come fight here.

Karim: I want Malice gone as soon as possible, so you can count me in.

Illona: There are lots of people who need to be protected, and I want to defend them. I'm in too.

Luciana: I wouldn't dream of abandoning this cause now.

Reese: Seems like we're all in agreement then.

Magnolia: For now, we should focus our attention to cleaning up the monastery. We can talk more once everything has been cleaned up, but the monastery is a serious work in progress. Luciana and I can take care of the necessary preparations to mobilize the Kingdom army. Let's meet back here in a few hours to discuss the matter once again.

The Blue Lions disperse at her words, but Magnolia and Luciana both linger for a moment longer. They both turn to face You.

Luciana: I suppose that now is the perfect time for me to introduce myself properly. My name is Luciana. I've been working as Magnolia's advisor these past few years. The Kingdom is a daunting place right now, and she requested my aid once she ascended to the throne.

Magnolia: Luciana was a student at the Officers Academy the year before we came to attend classes. She knows what she's doing, and I place my full trust in her.

You nod and tell Luciana that it's a pleasure to meet her.

Luciana: As to you. Magnolia and the other Blue Lions who have stood by her these past few years have told me a lot about you. They truly do care for you.

Magnolia: It's nice to see that you're back again… Is there anything that we can do to help you settle in?

You say that You have one question for them.

Magnolia: Go right ahead.

You ask if they have heard anything relating to Janae or Evenor.

Magnolia: No… Janae went missing after the Battle of Garreg Mach, and nobody has seen or heard from her since. Somebody must have taken her since no body was left behind. As for Evenor… Nothing there either. She's a mystery, and we have no idea where she is.

You nod sadly.

Magnolia: I understand why you're upset about that… We'll do what we can to find out more about them in the future. How does that sound?

You thank her for the offer.

Luciana: I'll try to put some attention to that as soon as possible. For the time being, we should get to cleaning up the monastery.

Magnolia: I agree. This place isn't in great shape, but… It's good for us. You should try to talk to everybody that's here too. We've all missed you terribly, and we had almost given up hope on you being alive at all. If you need something, all you need to do is say so. We aren't your students anymore, but we'll still do what we can to aid you as comrades and companions. Consider it a vow on the crown itself.

Magnolia and Luciana walk away. You close your eyes, seeing Seraphine in your mind when You do so.

Seraphine: So much has changed… I long for the way things once were, but… I know we can't go back to that. For now, we have a monastery to clean, don't we?

You nod and open your eyes once again, walking after Magnolia and Luciana. You do not know what the future will hold, but You can tell that the flames of war are raging on the horizon. You will fight for what You hold dear no matter what, even if the path ahead is shrouded in uncertainty and turmoil…


Part two is here (again)! This time, we've got the Blue Lions path! Woohoo!

-Digital