You wake up at the end of the moon, and You rise to your feet slowly. You feel as if something is wrong, but You are unable to describe quite what the strange sensation could mean. A frown appears on your face, and Seraphine begins to speak to You once again.
Seraphine: You can feel it too, can't you? Something is wrong… I don't know what it could possibly be, but there's something off about today. Listen… It sounds like there are people bustling around outside.
You leave your room and see that Falon is standing outside your door.
Falon: It's good to see that you're up, Professor! We've finally figured out where the assassins from a few moons ago have disappeared to, and we're about to set out.
You ask why she seems to be in such a rush.
Falon: Luciana got the information in just a little bit ago. The assassins are moving in the direction of the village where Magnolia's mother lives. As far as I can tell, it's going to be something nefarious.
Your eyes go wide, and You follow Falon to the front of the monastery. You find the other Blue Lions waiting there already, and Magnolia appears to be particularly stressed.
Magnolia: My apologies for all of this happening so suddenly, everyone. We have to get moving if we want to make sure that nothing bad happens. I wish that we had more time to prepare for all of this, but I'm afraid that simply isn't the case.
Luciana: We were right in believing that the assassins were going to be moving towards something bigger and greater… I believe that this is somehow involved with her position as queen.
Karim: It most certainly wouldn't surprise me if that was the case… The assassins seem to have some weird beef against you, Maggy. Well, not this specific group, but… I think that you know what I'm talking about.
Aestlyn: I hate to think that such danger is waiting for us… We should press on as soon as possible to make sure that your mother isn't placed in further danger, Magnolia. We don't know how this could end if we don't step in.
Kyle: I bet that they decided to throw the full brunt of their forces in this direction because of how sudden this attack is. They already learned to not underestimate us before, and they've learned from their past mistakes.
Nora: As much as I hate to admit it, Kyle is probably right. We're already at a massive disadvantage from the perspective of time, and we aren't sufficiently prepared for a battle of this magnitude.
Illona: That doesn't matter though. We haven't been given the chance to do all of this before now, and we have to take advantage of it. We've come this far, and we have to take care of them here and now before they cause any further issues for us.
Cassia: We're going to make sure that nothing bad happens today, Magnolia. That much you can consider a promise. We've already gathered our supplies to start marching, and while we were rather rushed, this should be sufficient.
Reese: We can't stand around here and talk for much longer. Come on. We have places to be, and this battle isn't going to win itself. I'm positive that the coming fight will be a difficult one, but we're going to press through regardless.
Falon: Alright, if everyone's here, then let's move. Don't worry, Magnolia; we're going to make sure that nothing bad happens. We'll stand by you until this battle ends. We'll win this fight no matter what.
Magnolia: Thank you, everyone… Come on. We have our mission, and we know how to do it. We march for Faerghus immediately.
You watch as the Blue Lions begin to move, and You trail after them as Seraphine speaks once again.
Seraphine: I guess that we were right when we thought that all of the peace was going to blow up in our faces sooner or later… I'm nervous for Magnolia's mother. I hope that we're able to get there in time. Magnolia seems to be even more on edge than usual, not that I can really blame her. Let's just get going so that we can make sure everything is okay.
You begin the journey through Faerghus territory, and You find yourself buzzing with anxiety the whole way there. You are unable to completely calm yourself, fearing what could come with the next battle. Still, You press on, knowing that You must win for the sake of Magnolia and her mother.
When You arrive at your destination, a small town within Faerghus territory, You see a group of Malice soldiers moving on the area. They certainly seem to fit the description and physical appearance of the group that attempted to lay siege to Chevalier territory two moons prior, and You recognize immediately that they are the ones that You must target to win the day.
Cassia: Here we are… There are more of them than I expected.
Kyle: I think that we're just going to have to get moving.
Nora: I agree. They aren't going to back down, so we'll charge through them.
Aestlyn: There are all sorts of little buildings in the area…
Reese: Then we'll do what we can to keep Malice forces away from all of them.
Illona: You heard him, everyone. Do what you can to make sure that they don't get into the nearby homes.
Karim: Got it. My weapons are thirsting for this fight to be over already.
Luciana: We'll need to clear them out as quickly as possible.
Falon: Sounds like a plan to me. We'll charge on your signal, Magnolia.
Magnolia: Then consider this my sign. Blue Lions, we move!
You turn your gaze to the battlefield and eye the many Malice soldiers that cover the area. You can see that they are all following the commands of a single figure, and You assume that this is the leader of the assassins. You long to find out more about them, but You know that such is not meant to be for the time being. Still, You begin your charge on the area regardless.
You fight alongside the Blue Lions to charge through as many of your foes as possible, and You are around halfway through the battle when something begins to change. The commander of the forces steps forward, and the assassins' leader shows himself at long last. His name is Mavtol, and he possesses a threatening aura that unsettles You immediately.
Mavtol: Damn it… The queen is here? I didn't realize that we were going to be expecting company of such a nature.
Magnolia: So… You must be the leader of these forces. If you think that we're going to let you get away with all of this, then you would be sorely mistaken.
Mavtol: Tch… You're making a mistake by coming here. Do you have any idea what I'm capable of?
Magnolia: I could ask you the same thing in return, but I doubt that I'll get a meaningful answer out of it.
Mavtol: If that's how you want to be, then fine. I'd be happy to fight until the battle is done and you're dead in the ground!
Magnolia: Perhaps I'll simply have to return the favor then.
You continue to charge through the Malice forces, doing what You can to defend the nearby houses along the way. Eventually, only Mavtol remains, and You close in around him with the other Blue Lions.
If You initiate combat with Mavtol, the following dialogue plays out.
Mavtol: You must be the commander of these forces… You're nothing more than a child. I don't see how anyone so young could possibly stand a chance against someone like me. You're going to regret coming here as soon as this battle draws to a close and you fall victim to my blade. It's only a matter of time before you understand.
If Magnolia initiates combat with Mavtol, the following dialogue plays out.
Magnolia: I didn't expect to cross paths with someone like you here of all places.
Mavtol: I could say the same in return… I never anticipated finding the queen so far from Fhirdiad.
Magnolia: Don't lie to me. I know why you're here. You're trying to use my mother against me.
Mavtol: Ah, so you've figured it out…
Magnolia: It wasn't exactly difficult to see through your plans, you know. You're less secretive than you realize.
Mavtol: And yet, I almost got away with it.
Magnolia: I wouldn't be quite so cocky when the battle hasn't been finished yet. In fact, you seem to be at a disadvantage here.
Mavtol: You have no idea what I'm capable of.
Magnolia: In that case, allow me to find out here and now.
If Kyle initiates combat with Mavtol, the following dialogue plays out.
Kyle: You… Do you know who I am?
Mavtol: I believe I can put the pieces together rather easily… Not many people have hair that vibrantly bright.
Kyle: You murdered my parents, didn't you?
Mavtol: It was simply another job given to me by a client willing to shell out quite a bit of gold.
Kyle: What are you talking about?
Mavtol: Well, I say 'client' acting like there was only one of them… Oh, many people wanted your parents dead for their betrayal of the Faerghus noble class.
Kyle: What?!
Mavtol: They knew too much after they left behind the upper class, and nobody wanted to allow them to roam free for longer than they already had.
Kyle: You…!
Mavtol: If I had known that they had a child, I would have killed you too… But I suppose it matters little now. I can simply finish the job.
Kyle: You won't be doing anything of the sort.
Mavtol: Keep telling yourself that. It matters little to me. All that I care about is the battle to come.
Kyle: You won't win.
Mavtol: Allow us to simply see then.
If Karim initiates combat with Mavtol, the following dialogue plays out.
Karim: You were planning to come after Faren territory, weren't you, Sir Assassin?
Mavtol: Your glares are just as intense as I was led to believe.
Karim: You can't simply get away with something like that. I refuse to allow you to escape with all that you have done.
Mavtol: How noble of you to say… I don't think that you really have a choice in the matter. If I had been leading the charge into your territory or Chevalier lands, I would have won.
Karim: You underestimate what we're capable of.
Mavtol: You don't know what I've done… I've killed many people, and you won't be an exception.
Karim: Say that all you want. It won't change what comes.
Mavtol: Let's see then. Who will emerge victorious? I believe that we both already know the answer.
If Falon initiates combat with Mavtol, the following dialogue plays out.
Falon: You're the leader of the assassin group as a whole, aren't you?
Mavtol: And you're the heir to House Chevalier. Are we simply stating the obvious here?
Falon: You sent troops into my territory to try and knock it into nothingness.
Mavtol: What of it? I do what I am commanded to do.
Falon: You're nothing short of monstrous.
Mavtol: Call me all the rude names that you would like. It won't change the outcome of the fight to come.
Falon: I'm not going to allow you to escape.
Mavtol: I can't tell you anything that would influence your decision, and I'm fully aware of that… But I can say that there is something that you aren't seeing here.
Falon: What are you talking about?
Mavtol: Your father's death… Let's just say that it didn't happen quite the way that you expected.
Falon: I don't know what you're on about, but I'm not going to let you stand there and spout lies about my father.
Mavtol: Alright, alright… Consider me done. I just wouldn't place your trust in everyone. You never know what they could be capable of.
Falon: Just stop talking and get out of my sight already.
If Derric initiates combat with Mavtol, the following dialogue plays out.
Derric: I have a question for you… Tell me, do we know of one another?
Mavtol: I certainly know who you are, but I don't think that's what you're asking of me.
Derric: And you would be right.
Mavtol: To answer your question though… You are right in saying that I know of you.
Derric: Of course… My birth parents were nobles who died in suspicious circumstances a long time ago. Let me guess… You were involved with that.
Mavtol: You're a bright one.
Derric: I can't allow you to press on for the sake of the people that you've hurt this way.
Mavtol: Hm… Tough talk given what I've done in the past.
Derric: I know what I'm saying, and you had best be aware of it as well. I solemnly swear that you will not survive to see the end of this battle.
Mavtol: Say what you would like. It matters little to me. Let's end this here and now, shall we? I have a job to finish.
Derric: As do I!
If Luciana initiates combat with Mavtol, the following dialogue plays out.
Luciana: I have my suspicions about you… If my thoughts are to be believed, then we've seen each other a few times before.
Mavtol: You recognize my face, do you?
Luciana: I didn't know your name, but I suppose that simply comes with the territory of you being an assassin.
Mavtol: You would be correct.
Luciana: You were in the Faerghus capital at a few points over the past five years… I remember your face from the times when you attacked Magnolia.
Mavtol: I had a few people pay me to eliminate the queen of Faerghus. She got in the way of quite a few of their plans.
Luciana: Is that the story that we're going with?
Mavtol: It's simply the truth. Many nobles want her gone because of her connections to Albinea, a territory that Faerghus' nobles believe to be their own. Others want her to die because of their own grabs for power. Many have reasons to hate the queen. Not all are as blindly loyal and noble as you are. Your own mother detested her back in the days of her life.
Luciana: My mother and I are different people.
Mavtol: I am fully aware of such… Your side of this war would be different if she was still alive.
Luciana: But here I am. I'll stand by my queen to the end, and I'll stop you no matter what it takes.
Mavtol: In that case, allow us to fight once again.
Luciana: You have escaped in the past, but that will not happen this time. I'll defeat you once and for all today, and that much is a promise on my life!
If anyone else initiates combat with Mavtol, the following dialogue plays out.
Mavtol: If you were smart, you wouldn't have come here… No matter. If you made this mistake, then it's my job to deliver consequences for it. This is your fault, and you have to be aware of such a truth already. Allow us to begin the battle for our lives.
When Mavtol is defeated, the following dialogue plays out.
Mavtol: A thousand successes lead to one failure… Tch… How upsetting… But you won't get far… None of you will…
After the battle draws to a conclusion, You stand with the Blue Lions in the area where Mavtol's forces were just a few minutes prior.
Kyle: At long last… My parents can be laid to rest.
Aestlyn: I'm relieved to hear that the assassins responsible for such atrocities are gone at long last.
Karim: I am too… We managed to save the village as well.
Cassia: We should survey the area for any runaway fighters, and we can check for damages along the way.
Nora: Seems like we should split up for that. We can move in groups of two or three to make sure that nobody gets ambushed.
Reese: Alright. Be sure to stay out of trouble, all of you. I don't want to see you in danger after all we've done.
Falon: We can meet back here after we've made sure that the area is safe once again.
Illona: I'm wishing you all luck.
You watch as the Blue Lions split up. Falon goes with Aestlyn, Illona leaves with Reese, Nora travels with Kyle, and Karim departs with Cassia. That leaves You to stay behind with Magnolia and Luciana, both of whom appear to be rather distracted from the aftermath of the fight.
Luciana: Magnolia, are you alright? I can tell that there's something on your mind.
Magnolia: I've been doing a lot of thinking since the battle started… It's an unfortunate truth, I'm afraid.
Luciana: Why don't we talk about it then?
Magnolia: I… I think we should.
Luciana: That man… Mavtol, I believe his name was… He was the one who snuck into Fhirdiad a few times to try and attack you. I wasn't sure until I saw his face in this battle, but I'm positive that it's him.
Magnolia: You're right… I had the sneaking suspicion that he was the one in question, but I wasn't sure of it until recently.
You ask what they are talking about.
Luciana: Ah, Professor… That's right. I suppose that you don't know since you haven't been around in the past five years.
Magnolia: I can explain before we go to see my mother, I suppose… There's quite a bit to this story, I'm afraid, but it's simple at the same time. How strange.
Luciana: I'm sure that you became aware of the previous king's actions during your time as a professor at the Officers Academy. Magnolia's father was murdered after he became known all over the continent for his brutal policies.
Magnolia: He hurt so many people in the war with Albinea. He was desperate for new territory, and he hurt those who came here to Faerghus seeking stability after fleeing their homeland. When he eventually died, it was because Albinean people lashed out against him and decided they wanted justice for what he had done.
Luciana: Exactly… Quite a bit has happened in the years since his death. Magnolia came to rule over Faerghus, and her heritage of Albinea has worked against her significantly.
Magnolia: Being the queen of Faerghus in the first place is a highly dangerous job, and it's not something that many people are willing to risk. It's risky in every sense of the word, but since my mother is Albinean, that only makes it harder for me. Those who support the war in Albinea want me gone because they believe that I'm beneath them.
Luciana: Magnolia… Magnolia has endured quite a few assassination attempts in the past five years. Many things have changed since she came to sit on the throne.
Magnolia: That man… I didn't realize it at first, but he was responsible for more than we suspected. He was also in charge of assassination attempts against my life. Luciana figured it out before I did, but he's the one who has attacked me multiple times to try and kill me, likely for the sake of the houses that are under the influence of Malice.
Luciana: Many things have changed in the past five years… It's truly a tragedy that we're in this situation.
Magnolia: I feel the same way, but… I'm not going to allow this to hurt me. I've remained firm no matter what, and I'm going to press on in such a way. I can't trust as easily as before, but that doesn't mean that my morals have changed. I'm going to continue fighting for peace all across the continent. That starts with battling against the people of Faerghus who see Albineans as beneath them. We need to free ourselves of such hatred if we want to find a brighter tomorrow for all people.
Luciana: We'll follow you regardless of what is to come, Magnolia. We all believe in your cause, and that's never going to change. No matter what the Malice forces do, we'll continue to follow in your footsteps and your words of a brighter tomorrow.
Magnolia: Thank you, Luciana… Everything changes here and now. I refuse to allow pain to rule over the continent any longer. Once this war is over, I'll do everything that I can in the name of those who have suffered from all manners of conflict. This is simply the beginning, but I won't stop until everything has been resolved.
Luciana: Of course. I'll be with you no matter what.
Magnolia: Luciana, you can go and search through the village with the others now. I want a moment alone with the professor, if that's alright.
Luciana: Understood.
Luciana leaves, and Magnolia turns to You.
Magnolia: I've been able to tell for quite some time that you've been worried about me, you know… It's been obvious in all of the ways that you've looked at me. I'm sorry for concerning you to such a degree.
You tell her that You are simply happy that she has told You the truth now.
Magnolia: I had a feeling you would say that… Forgive me for being so secretive in the first place though. I'm not exactly fond of trusting people easily these days. Much has happened in the time that you've been gone… People have come to detest me for many reasons, and I suppose that there was part of me that feared the same would happen with you. I was afraid that you were simply an ideal that had been lost with the war. The others were around consistently enough for me to understand how they functioned, but… You were gone. I never quite forgave myself for what happened at the Battle of Garreg Mach, you know. I was afraid of letting you in after I found out that you were alive.
You assure Magnolia that You hold nothing against her for what happened.
Magnolia: I understand that now… And I'm not going to be caught up in such thoughts ever again. I know where we both stand, and I'm proud to have you standing at my side throughout this war leading up to now. I can only hope that you will continue to stand by me from here on out.
You promise that your loyalty lies solely with her.
Magnolia: Thank you, Professor… I appreciate hearing that. I'm going to do everything that I can to bring this continent of peace, and I'll be looking forward to fighting alongside you as we prepare for the end of this conflict.
You tell her that You feel the same way.
Magnolia: From this moment forward, it'll be us against the rest of the world, and they aren't going to know what they're up against until it's too late.
Magnolia undergoes a class change from Lord Rider to Lord Knight.
Magnolia: I'm not going to allow my heart to turn to ice because of the past. We will be together from here on out, and I'm not going to be as frozen as I once was… Please, kneel before me. There is something I wish to do.
You follow her instructions and kneel. Magnolia shows her lance and taps it gently against your shoulders, and your class changes from Enlightened One to Godly Instrument as power surges through your body.
Magnolia: I trust you completely, Professor, and I'm sorry that there was ever a doubt in the first place… From this moment forward, we will be fighting in the name of a future that we will share until time itself tears us apart. I have full faith in everything that we will be working towards.
You thank her for her aid.
Magnolia: It was my pleasure. Thank you for everything that you've done for me.
You see Magnolia glance over her shoulder in the direction of her mother's house.
Magnolia: I need to go speak with my mother. I want to make sure that she's alright. You can scan through the rest of the village for the time being. You might want to catch up with Luciana if you can. I'll see you again soon.
You nod as Magnolia walks away. Seraphine speaks to You once again.
Seraphine: I… I feel much stronger than before… I wonder what could be happening…
Seraphine manifests before You, but something about her is different. She is glittering with green just like usual, but she seems solid compared to her previous transparent state. You reach out your hand to touch her cheek and find yourself cupping warm skin rather than passing through her entirely.
Seraphine: Magnolia… She truly is capable of working miracles, wouldn't you say? I don't know how this is happening, but… I'm here. I'm truly here.
You say that You do not understand how this could have happened.
Seraphine: I'm afraid I don't know either… But it doesn't matter much to me. I'm here, and that's what I care about.
You nod your understanding.
Seraphine: Magnolia's odd behavior makes a lot of sense now… I'm grateful that she was willing to open up to us in such a way. We're going to stay by her until the war ends. I'll do what I can to fight with you both as well.
You confirm Seraphine's words and thank her for her offer.
Seraphine: But for now, I suppose that we should scan through the rest of the village. We have much left to do, wouldn't you say?
The next few hours pass in a blur as You move with the rest of the Blue Lions back to the monastery. You find yourself in the old classroom of the Blue Lions, and You find that it is still the same place that it was five years ago when You last taught in it.
Magnolia: I guess we were all taken by the whims of nostalgia, huh?
Falon: We're getting closer to the war being over. Can you blame us for wanting to think a bit about old times?
Magnolia: Of course not.
Reese: Seems like it's been a lifetime since we were last in here as a class… So much has changed.
Illona: But even through all of that, we're still together… We didn't have the five-year reunion that we were hoping for, but at least we're still here.
Cassia: The war has taken quite a bit from many of us, but I pray that it doesn't take away this beautiful bond we have.
Kyle: I'm going to be holding to that until the end of my life and beyond. That much I can promise you all.
Aestlyn: I feel the same way… I really don't know where I would be without the help of all of you.
Magnolia: Me neither…
Nora: We're not going to be leaving no matter what happens. If we can endure a war together, we can get through anything.
Karim: Of course. You know how we are. Nothing is going to get us down, not even the full force of Malice.
Luciana: One day… I know that the war will end one day, and when it does, we should come back here for a proper celebration.
Magnolia: We've endured so much… It almost doesn't feel real that we're all here.
Karim: Of course we're here, and we're going to be no matter what happens.
Nora: I agree… I'm certainly looking forward to the idea of a potential celebration though.
Kyle: When we survive this war, we're certainly going to need it.
Illona: But for now… I think that we should enjoy ourselves together with what we have.
Falon: That would be lovely. We've gone through so much as of late.
Aestlyn: A bit of reminiscence never hurt anyone, right?
Luciana: I would love to hear more about your academy days.
Reese: Memories are all that we have of the past… Why not?
Cassia: I'm sure it'll be lovely on all fronts.
You spend the next few hours, well into the late darkness of the night, spending time with the Blue Lions as You think back on how much things have changed. When You finally leave the classroom behind, You have an undeniable smile on your face, and You find that You never want such a beautiful sensation to disappear. When You finally return to your room, Seraphine speaks to You, manifesting at your side.
Seraphine: It feels like we're all a family… I don't think that I could have asked for a better group to bond with.
You nod and say that You feel the same.
Seraphine: When the war does end… One of these endless days… I'm sure it'll be perfect for all of us.
You tell her that You are looking forward to such as well.
Seraphine: We'll be happy together one day… And nothing will be able to stop us, not even the goddess herself.
Seraphine cups your face in her hands and presses her forehead against yours. You are both silent at first before Seraphine disappears, and You find yourself missing her warmth as soon as she vanishes. Even if she has only been able to appear physically for a short period of time, You feel as if You have been around her in such a way for your entire life.
You drift off into slumber soon afterwards, and You think about how beautiful peace will be after the war ends. You find yourself looking forward to the perfect time when You can enjoy yourself along with the Blue Lions without anything getting in your way. One day, the conflict will draw to a close, and You are unable to wait for the day when such a resplendent moment will arrive at long last…
Promo hours
-Digital