When the next moon arrives, You rise to your feet in preparation for the day ahead. Seraphine manifests at your side, examining her hands once again.
Seraphine: Even now, none of this fully feels real… I didn't think that it was going to be possible for me to stand here at your side, but I suppose that we wound up getting lucky. Still, I'm not going to let my questions on this stop me. After all, we have a lot left to accomplish, and that's the reason for all of this.
You nod your agreement.
Seraphine: I still don't know where this path of ours is going to lead, but… We have to keep going. We owe that much to ourselves and those around us.
You say that You feel the same.
Seraphine: But for now, we can keep this as our little secret. After all, we don't want to get anyone else too upset or freaked out over all of this, do we? Let's just go to see the Knights of Seiros and see what our mission is going to be next.
You nod as Seraphine dissipates once more. You walk to the cardinals' room, finding the Knights of Seiros there as to be expected. Cordelia looks up to You after your arrival.
Cordelia: I'm glad that you're here, Professor. I was just telling everyone that I believe I've found our next destination in terms of combat. We're going to be heading to the Empire once again.
Piers: I'm still not sure if this is the best idea. We don't know if the emperor is going to take kindly to us infringing upon his territory.
Kaeta: If you ask me, he has much greater issues to deal with right now. For example, the rebels that are taking the Empire by storm.
Derric: It seems like each new report we get from the Empire points out the new benefits of the rebellion.
Rodain: I didn't realize that it was possible to cause such a stir with a small number of forces that nobody can even truly identify.
Wynne: Either way, we can say safely that it's good that we're going to be able to make more progress on our missions.
Yuliya: After all, if the Empire is distracted with these rebels of theirs, that means we can swoop in whenever or wherever we want.
Miriam: Then we know what our goal is going to be. All that remains now is for us to execute it in full.
Cassia: Unrelated to our mission though is the fact that we know that Malice is reaching its breaking point.
Cordelia: That is true. The Kingdom and Alliance are closer than ever before to triumphing over those who might oppose them, and that means that we're about to find full liberation in terms of the continent. You know, assuming that we'll be able to see the Empire's resistance force triumph over the current ruler of the territory.
Rodain: Maybe this will be the last push that we need in order to free the Empire from its current clutches.
Wynne: Our work has certainly been helpful in terms of liberating the Kingdom, so who's to say it won't work here?
Yuliya: If you don't mind my asking, I do have to wonder… Why is it that we're going here specifically?
Cordelia: The night that we got back from our last mission, I received a report from one of our scouts. There's a chance that Evenor Hepius has been moving once again, and we may have found her within the Empire's territory.
Your eyes go wide with surprise.
Miriam: Then our destination seems pretty damn obvious. She's been a thorn in our side all this time.
Cassia: I can't believe that we might finally be able to catch up with her… It's not a guarantee, but it is a chance.
Derric: If you ask me, that's just as important. We might be getting closer than ever to getting our hands on her now.
Piers: I simply hope that we're able to reach her in time before the ground starts to give out from beneath our feet.
Kaeta: We'll be fine. There has to be a reason that she's in the Empire, and even if we don't find her, we're bound to figure out why she's there.
Cordelia: The area that we'll be going to in question is somewhat far from the reaches of the rest of the continent. That means that we're going to be in an isolated area, which is all the more reason for us to be as prepared as possible. We don't know what we're going to be up against once we arrive.
Cassia: I can only hope that we don't come to blows with the emperor's forces. That would end in disaster, I'm sure.
Derric: The current emperor has only militarized the nation more since ascending to the throne, and that's a serious accomplishment given the Empire's history.
Piers: We got an accidental taste of what the Empire's army is capable of already, and we don't want to come close to dealing with that again if it can be avoided.
Kaeta: Then we'll be as careful as possible. We have to go and see what we can find if this means that we might finally capture Evenor Hepius.
Rodain: This is the closest that we've come to being able to uncover anything in ages… We have to do this regardless of how uncertain we might be.
Miriam: Then our choice has been made, as if there was ever a doubt in the first place. We make for the Empire at the end of the moon.
Wynne: We'll have to start preparing so that we're ready for whatever we might wind up having to fight back against.
Yuliya: So be it. We have to figure out what Evenor has been up to all this time. She's gotten away from us before, but we can't let it happen again.
Cordelia: I'm glad that we all understand one another then. I'm looking forward to seeing what it is that we're able to find at the end of the moon. Stay prepared and sharp for the battle ahead. It isn't going to be easy, I'm sure, and I need all of you in fighting condition… Meeting dismissed.
The Knights of Seiros begin to leave the room, but You remain for a short while longer, turning to face Cordelia once You are left alone with her. You question her as to what happened with the report that she received.
Cordelia: It's just as I said; the report came in late after we last returned to the monastery. I was halfway tempted to tell you, but I could tell that you were exhausted at the time, so I decided to let you sleep. At least you know about it now, and it's going to drive us forward.
You thank her for her help in your search.
Cordelia: It's no issue at all, truly… We're both going to get the answers that we're looking for soon enough. Evenor Hepius is just the beginning… And hopefully, we'll be able to hear everything that we need soon. She can't run away forever.
You nod your agreement as You start to walk out of the room. Seraphine speaks to You from inside of your mind as You move to return to your room.
Seraphine: I don't want to get my hopes up after we've been let down so many times, but… What if this is it? I don't know what to say… I'm a bit nervous though, I have to admit… I know that nobody ever found anything new by staying within their comfort zone though, so we have no choice but to see what Evenor will tell us when we find her.
You say that You will do what You can to find answers, and Seraphine smiles.
Seraphine: I wouldn't expect anything less.
Seraphine's voice fades away as You begin to look around the monastery. You make your way to the Officers Academy first and find Florence in the courtyard.
Florence: The more that I hear about the mysterious rebellion being started in the Empire, the more curious I get… I wonder who could be behind all of this. Why would a revolutionary want to stay so anonymous? It's not what I would expect, but… Reality can be stranger than fiction sometimes.
You see Falon in the courtyard as well.
Falon: My mother sent me a letter to say that progress is being made in terms of freeing Faerghus from the grips of Malice. She's been cooperating with the queen, and it seems as if they're getting closer to reaching the point of success… We've been helping from here too, and I'm glad to know that… We're closer than ever to this real step of victory, and I can't wait.
You see Kyle in the Blue Lions' classroom.
Kyle: You know… Sometimes, I just want to be here for the sake of nostalgia. There's something so oddly comforting about being able to return here even after all that's happened. It's like visiting the past for a while… I never thought I would value past events this much, but here we are.
You go to the training hall next, finding Tuncay there.
Tuncay: I wonder if we're going to be meeting this mysterious revolutionary of ours soon, especially since we're going back to Empire territory. I'm sure that they're someone of note… The lack of a name only makes them more intriguing, wouldn't you say?
You also see Piers in the training hall.
Piers: I keep wondering what it is that Evenor Hepius has been up to all this time, though I suppose that's to be expected. She's been evading us for so long, but she won't be able to stay away forever. It's just a matter of time before we catch up to her… And justice along with us.
Finally, You cross paths with Miriam there.
Miriam: I've been wondering quite a bit when it comes to Janae McCreary, if I'm being honest with you. Nobody has seen her in so long, and it makes one wonder what could have happened for her to disappear… She and Lady Aisa truly do remain as our primary enigmas, hm?
You see Lev outside the training hall on the way to the lower floor of dorms.
Lev: Raithius seems to be close to being able to fully defeat the last few forces of Malice within the Alliance. I don't know how he can do all of this so quickly, but I guess that's his specialty… He always has a few strange cards up his sleeve no matter what's happening elsewhere in the world.
Near the dorms, You find Nesreen.
Nesreen: Evenor Hepius remains an unfortunate case for all of us. I'm sure that she's going to face off against us in combat unless she undergoes a sudden change of heart, and even that won't be able to save her… Not after everything that she's done. There's just no saving people like her.
You go to the second floor of dorms next. There, You find Adeline.
Adeline: I have to wonder if I'm even going to be able to recognize Leicester when I go back to it again after all this time… I was never around my parents much, but I saw quite a bit of the Alliance during its Malice days. So much has changed so fast… It doesn't even seem real, truth be told.
You also find Illona in the hallway.
Illona: We might find Evenor soon, huh… I don't really know what to say about that but I guess that I'm still a bit… I don't know… Overwhelmed with all that's happened. It's hard to keep spirits high when it seems like the world is out for your blood, but I'm going to do what I can. I owe that much to myself and everyone else.
You make your way back downstairs and into the greenhouse, seeing Cedric there.
Cedric: Evenor Hepius… We never truly did get much out of her in terms of answers five years ago. She was responsible for some truly despicable acts, but the truth of her actions continues to elude us even after all this time. Just what has she done? ...Do we even want to find out?
You arrive at the fishing dock from there. You cross paths with Wynne upon reaching the location.
Wynne: You know, it's odd to think that the other continents are getting so close to being free of Malice. I mean, we've been fighting for so long, and we've been at a stalemate for ages. Maybe things could go back to normal again after all… Well, whatever normal is supposed to mean anymore, that is.
You also find Niko in the area.
Niko: You know, I'm not sure if this is something that we can count on right now, but… I heard rumors that Thaddeus Bazler is dead. The rebellion forces supposedly killed him recently… I hope that it's true though. That man doesn't deserve much of anything, including his own life.
You go to the dining hall next. There, You find Nora.
Nora: Another push into the Empire… I don't like the sound of this. We already provoked the emperor once. I trust Captain Torryn's judgement, but I fear the repercussions of pushing back against the emperor. I can only hope this doesn't come back to bite us at some point in the future.
You also find Adrian in the dining hall.
Adrian: The emperor seems to be under great stress as a result of everything that has already happened involving the Empire and the rebellion. I hope that we don't strike a nerve of his by accident when we start to march into that territory. That would hardly end well for any of us.
You go to the marketplace next. You find Zelhira there.
Zelhira: Thaddeus Bazler fell recently… That's what my father says, anyway. I can't believe that he's finally dead… He deserves to die for everything that he's done, don't get me wrong. It's just… Strange to think that he's finally no longer going to be a problem for any of us.
You also find Sofia in the area.
Sofia: I wonder if Raithius and Novalee are going to come in our direction to help us out with our current mission after they've finished with their current work. There's no guarantee, I know, but… I have to wonder. We could certainly use the extra soldiers in our current endeavor.
You cross paths with Yuliya last in the area.
Yuliya: Thaddeus Bazler is finally dead, is he? Good. The world could certainly serve to axe anybody who follows his ideals as well. He didn't deserve to live in the first place. Call me harsh all you want; I don't care. I'm just glad that man is in the ground where he's always belonged.
Your next destination is the stables, and You see Aquillus there.
Aquillus: The rebellion in the Empire has pushed far enough that my family's territory has been claimed by these resistance fighters. I can't help but wonder who was able to do all of this… I hope that we figure out the truth sooner or later. We deserve to hear the facts behind what has been happening.
You go to the knights' hall from there, seeing Rodain upon your arrival.
Rodain: I wonder what it is that we're going to find when we push into the Empire this moon… Certainly there's something of note there to have drawn Evenor out of the hole she's been hiding in. Will that wind up being relevant to us as well? We'll simply have to see when the time comes, I suppose.
You find Derric in the area as well.
Derric: Evenor Hepius has finally resurfaced… She undoubtedly has a group of soldiers on her side as well. I can't imagine that she would go around without a guard given the fact that we haven't even tried to hide the fact that we're chasing her. She's kidding herself if she thinks we're going to let her get away.
You make for the entrance hall next, finding Karim there.
Karim: I can't wait to face off against Evenor again. A lot has changed, but the fact remains that she needs to be put in her place for everything that she's done. I'm looking forward to showing off my full strength against her. She isn't going to know what hit her until it's too late.
You also find William in the area.
William: It seems as if everything is starting to move in our favor at long last. I never thought that we would find ourselves in this position, and yet… The war is going to end eventually, and it will be thanks to us that everything draws to a conclusion. I'm looking forward to it.
You cross paths with Wolfgang last but not least.
Wolfgang: Calypso says that she's going to be ready to rendezvous with us here at the monastery soon. Apparently, she's been working with Raithius and Novalee all this time, and they're planning on heading in our direction when their work is done. That's going to be one hell of a reunion, huh?
You go to the reception hall from there, seeing Cassia soon after You arrive.
Cassia: I'm concerned about how this encounter with Evenor Hepius is going to end… I have every confidence that we'll be able to take care of ourselves, but there's an inherent aspect of concern that comes with the fact that we're going into this situation to begin with. We have to be ready no matter what could come our way.
You find Kaeta there as well.
Kaeta: I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to finding Evenor and showing her just how sharp my weapons are. After what she did five years ago-and even before that-she deserves all of this and then some. I'm going to make sure that she doesn't get away with this. You can count on that.
You see Aestlyn on the bridge to the cathedral.
Aestlyn: I'm relieved to know that Magnolia hasn't been seeing as many issues in terms of assassination attempts as of late… The last thing that I want is for her to face extra roadblocks, especially ones that are so dangerous. She had better get through all of this in one piece… She has to.
In the cathedral proper, You find Hegias.
Hegias: Evenor is in Adrestia… In all honesty, I don't know what to think of this. I don't think that I will ever understand what I'm supposed to feel. Emotions can be difficult beasts, and this… I'm just going to have to do what I think is best when push comes to shove. My hesitation can't get in the way, no matter how hard this is going to be…
You see Callisto in the cathedral as well.
Callisto: You know, the story of a mysterious rebel trying to push through the Empire and reclaiming the territory for the people would make for a great show… Perhaps I can write it if we never hear the true identity behind this white knight of ours. It would be fun all around… Who cares about historical accuracy anyways? It'll be interesting, and that's what people look for most in a show.
With your business on the first floor of the monastery taken care of, You go downstairs to Abyss. You find Magnus in the library soon after You arrive.
Magnus: Evenor Hepius… What a despicable woman. I have always been intrigued by the idea of magic growing stronger, but this is a different beast entirely. If anything, it's frustrating that someone out there has so few morals when it comes to pushing the boundaries of power. I like to believe that I understand ethics on this front, but that woman… She's a different beast.
You see Ernst just outside the library from there.
Ernst: Crests are an interesting subject in my opinion, but they could never be worth causing so much damage to others… It's a matter of simple empathy, and Evenor doesn't understand any of that… And in the end, I suppose that's going to be what pushes her into her inevitable downfall.
You go to the Wilting Rose Inn and see Ansel next.
Ansel: Everyone has been all agitated since Evenor was spotted again. I suppose that I'm not the only one with some particularly strong feelings about her. I shouldn't be surprised. She's done quite a bit to harm others, hasn't she? This was bound to happen sooner or later…
You see Saias in the area too.
Saias: There are so many questions hanging in my mind surrounding Evenor… I can tell that I'm not the only one that applies to also. Others in Abyss are stressed by her as well, and I can only assume that the reasons are far from pleasant… When has that woman done anything for the greater good?
You make your way to Burrow Street next, finding Gabriel soon after your arrival.
Gabriel: Bazler is dead… That's what the rumors are claiming, at the very least. That means that I'm going to be able to head above Abyss whenever I so please… I don't think I'm ready yet. I'll see if I can handle doing that when the time comes, I suppose. For now, I'm happy down here.
You find Tsubasa not long after the fact.
Tsubasa: I think that the one thing keeping everyone held together down here in terms of morale is the fact that Bazler is dead. Well, that's what the rumors are claiming, but it's still helping everyone out significantly. Bazler has more sway down here than you would expect… But at least he's gone now. He deserves it.
You go to Chrysalis Row from there, seeing Grey in the room for the boys.
Grey: I've been doing what I can to try and lead the people of Abyss in Eli's absence, but he's always been better at this than me. I'm hoping that he returns soon, but until then, I'll do what I can to fill the gap that he left behind. I owe that much to everyone down here in Abyss.
Last but not least, You find Taiyin in the room where the girls of the Ashen Wolves stay.
Taiyin: I've been sleeping in here alone for quite some time, but it hasn't really seemed that aggravating until recently… I guess it's just starting to sink in how long Quinn has been gone with Eli… I hope that those two come back soon. Everyone really does miss them.
You make your way to the second floor of the monastery from there. You find Herwig in his office.
Herwig: The rumored fall of Thaddeus Bazler certainly comes as favorable news… I don't want to get my hopes up until we can know for sure that he's dead though. I'm praying that this winds up in our favor, but we won't be able to say for sure quite yet. We'll just have to see what comes of this, I suppose.
Reese can be found in his office as well.
Reese: I've been feeling drained to some degree ever since the war started, but I think that there's finally a reason or two for me to put a bit of a spring back in my step if we're going after Evenor. Anything to get us all to focus on the next day, you know? That's what matters most.
You see Jill in her room from there.
Jill: I imagine that Evenor is going to put up quite the fight when we do inevitably find her. She's going to have to deal with the consequences of her own actions when the time comes. She knows what she did… And that's something that she'll need to confront on her own terms.
Finally, You go to the cardinals' room, finding Cordelia inside.
Cordelia: Our charge into the Empire is hopefully going to yield us at least something in terms of new information regarding Evenor. I can only hope that we find ourselves clashing with her forces specifically as opposed to earning the ire of the Empire itself once again. We'll have to act fast and carefully this month. That much I can be sure of.
With your exploration of the monastery finished, You go back to your room for the night. Seraphine speaks to You upon your arrival, manifesting before You along the way.
Seraphine: We've been doing so much to try and find Evenor as of late, and it seems as if we may finally track her down to get the answers that we've been looking for all this time… I know that we shouldn't get our hopes up, but I can't help but wonder.
You say that You feel the same way, and You remark on how You hope that Evenor has an explanation as to why Seraphine is there on top of everything else.
Seraphine: From what brief flashes of memory we have, it's easy to presume that I was not there your entire life. Something distinct happened for me to appear for the first time, and from there, everything seemed to fall into its current position.
You nod your confirmation.
Seraphine: Evenor has to know something about that… I'm hesitant to see her again given all that we know and the fact that she lashed out and almost killed Janae five years ago, truth be told. She's the only one with the answers that we've been looking for, but it's still nerve-wracking. All of this just has me on edge, I suppose… I can only hope that it ends well for us.
You say that You will do what You can to find the answers that You seek.
Seraphine: I knew you were going to say that… But for now, there's nothing that we can do. We'll just have to be patient and hold on for a little while longer. That's our only option at the moment, but soon enough, we'll be able to do what we've been dreaming of. It's just a matter of time… Until then though, I wish you a good night.
You return the gesture to Seraphine as she fades away, her manifestation dissipating. You lay down from there, your eyes drooping shut. You can only hope that You are able to find the truth behind all of your lingering questions when You next cross paths with Evenor, though even this is not guaranteed. Your chest remains tied in a firm knot of uncertainty and concern as You finally drift off to sleep, hoping with everything that You have that what You find next satisfies the countless inquiries that have been racing through your mind all these months…
The air conditioning in my room broke fml
-Digital