By the time the group landed in Romalia, Pope Vittorio was already organizing Holy Knights to defend the city. "Thank you for getting here so quickly," he said upon seeing everyone. "As you've no doubt already seen, we are in grave danger." "Your Eminence," said Louise, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry we were of no help in Aquileia." "There's no need to feel shame," the Pope reassured the young mage. "The beast appeared suddenly and attacked without warning, with little time for evacuation. The city was lost long before you arrived."
"This dragon," Tiffa ponders. "Is this the thing you've been worried about? The world-ending crisis you once spoke of?" The Pope nodded gravely, "In all likelihood, it is. Ancient documents I studied referred to a certain creature which nearly incinerated the world. It's been theorized by scholars more apt than I, that it was a dragon of immense size and power. However, physical evidence was never found until now."
He gazes out in the direction his Knights are flying, "It must be stopped at all costs. The time has come for the Users of Void to unite. So much has been lost already, we can't afford further sacrifices." The Pope turned, looking towards Louise. "Fortunately, we have a plan," he said. "Ms. Valliére, your Explosion spell will be the key component to ending this." "Right," she affirmed. "Our reports indicate the Dragon has a repelling barrier emitted by the miasma," the Pope continued. "However, if I cast Dispell, I will be able to nullify it. This way, you can strike with full power."
He turns to Tiffa, "Ms. Westwood, you'll subdue the Dragon's subordinates with your Oblivion spell and protect the Knights." "Y-yes! I understand," said Tiffa. Finally, the Pope turned to Saito, "And Sir Saito, there is something I must ask if you as well." Saito looked up, "Yes?" "I would like to use your Lífþrasir powers," he said. Tiffa and Louise looked over in shock at the request, knowing what it could do to the boy's life.
Saito paused, as if weighing his options before finally responding, "I'll do it." "Wait! Saito, you should really think more about this," said Louise. Tiffa's eyes began to tear up, "If you use that power, you could..." The Pope looked at the two women, "It would seem I don't need to fully explain the extent of his powers. Somehow you all learned of it." He turned back to Saito, "Indeed, Lífþrasir's power does increase the effectiveness of Void Magic, but overuse will shorten your own lifespan... Knowing this, I'd understand if-"
Saito shook his head, "I get how important this is. You can use my power, just... try not to use too much, ok?" The Pope bowed to him, "I thank you, from the bottom of my heart." Louise looked hesitantly at the Pope, "Please, I can't lose him. Not again..." He nodded sincerely to the mage, "I understand your concern. It's highly unlikely that Lífþrasir's power will be diminished in several uses, however it will drain with each consecutive use. So we must make this plan succeed in one try."
Tiffa looked somewhat relieved by the Pope's words, but Louise was still worried. "So when is this all happening?" Asked Saito. "Soon. I've made preparations at the Orchie Valley," he replied. "Let's all head over, and I'll explain my plan in its entirety."
Soon enough, everybody was in place and the Pope's strategy was underway. Holy Knights waiting at the top of the Valley, launched a series of spells to trap the Ancient Dragon under a pile of rock and rubble. That succeeding, the smaller dragons immediately flew in to defend their new leader. Tiffa stood by, casting her Oblivion at the enemy dragons, releasing them from the Ancient Dragon's control. They quickly regained their senses and flew off, leaving the true target open to attack. "Now!!" Called Louise, flying down on Sylphid to pick up Tiffa.
This was the moment everyone was waiting for. Julio flew in on his dragon, the Pope and Saito riding behind him. Once in range, Julio brought his dragon to a stop and the Pope began to chant a spell, his hand glowing with a golden light. The Dragon roared in pain, as parts of its scales began to peel away and disappear. Saito could hardly believe his eyes, it was working!
"I see, it's a spell of Disintegration," said Derf, popping up from his sheath. "Originally, the spell was Recovery," Julio replied, turning back to face Saito. "But it has the opposite effect on evil entities, having an even greater impact than normal attacks." "Indeed, this is my Void Magic," the Pope added. "Saito, the time has come. Would you please?" "Right," the boy affirmed, standing up behind the Pope and placing his hands on his back. "Like this?" He asked.
Immediately, the runes on Saito's chest began to glow a bright purple through his coat and the Pope's spell began to have an even greater effect on the Dragon. The golden glow was much brighter and the disintegration seemed to be accelerating. The Ancient Dragon roared, completely enraged but unable to strike back.
"Ancestors of Brimir! Lend us your powers!" Called out the Pope, as he focused his spell further. Saito began to feel the strain of the spell having an effect on him, his knees felt weak and it was getting harder to stand upright. "Partner, are you alright?" Asked Derf, concerned for the boy. Saito grit his teeth, "I'm fine! Just get it done! Hurry!!!" The Pope heard this and extended his hand, as if pushing back the Dragon with an unseen force.
"It's nearly finished!" Said the Pope, "Just hold out a little longer!" "Saito, hang on!" Called Julio, looking back at his friend. "Once the signal is given, Louise can cast her Explosion and it'll be over for good!" But just as it seemed the Dragon was all but vanquished, it stopped struggling and focused its glare on the trio. "What's that?" Asked Julio. In the middle of the Dragon's head, a third yellow eye had emerged. As if on cue, Julio's dragon became ensnared by an even stronger miasma. It started to fly forward, bringing the humans closer to the giant beast.
"I can't control it!" Julio yelled, trying in vain to make his dragon fly up. The Ancient Dragon opened its great mouth and charged up a blast of power. "Partner, draw me!!!" Called Derf, Saito quickly did so and charged to the front of the group. Just in time, as the Dragon unleashed an enormous stream of fire. There was so much power, Saito struggled to stay in place and not let it move him. Derf was absorbing it all, but something was wrong and it began to crack.
"Partner," said Derf. "I'm sorry. It's too much power, I can't hold anymore..." "Derf?" Saito looked at the hilt of the sword. "Heh, when I first met you, ya looked so out of place," it continued. "But now look at ya, you've grown into a fine young man. I'm proud to have been your Partner." "W-wait, Derf! Just hold on!" Saito called to his sword, as it absorbed the last of the fire blast. The cracks spread along the blade and into the hilt. "I just wish... I coulda seen how things went... with the girl. See ya, Partner..." And with that, the sword burst into pieces.
The force knocked Saito off the dragon and he fell towards the ground. Between the strain of Lífþrasir's power and the sudden shock of losing Derf, he began to lose consciousness. The last thing he saw before passing out was the sight of Sylphid diving down towards him, Louise riding her back with a hand outstretched to grab him.