A few weeks later, You stand with your allies in the Church of Seiros after having cleaned the monastery. It was a lengthy, difficult task, but You believe that the monastery is finally suitable to be your base for the time being.
Roy: Restoring the monastery certainly didn't take anywhere near as long as I would have expected it to… Not that I'm complaining, of course.
Herwig: It's nice to finally have this place back in good condition… The only signs of damages left are in the cathedral.
Reese: Unfortunately, there's not exactly much we can do when it comes to restoring the fallen statue… We'll have to wait until after the war ends for that.
Adrian: It's tragic, but it's not like any of us really know what to do with statues like that to begin with, especially when they've been completely destroyed like that.
Nesreen: At least we have a bit more of a plan in mind than we did before. I'm willing to take that as a victory given how much we've been fumbling in the dark for the last five years.
Niko: On that note, I was able to get in contact with Derric. He says that he and the rest of the Knights of Seiros are going to head in our direction soon.
Jill: In that case, we should definitely make preparations to meet them. We're going to need all the help we can get.
Aisa: I am glad to know that the Knights of Seiros are going to be able to come help us soon… I have no doubt that we will have much to talk about.
Niko: Captain Torryn says that she wants to take out a fort not far from here while she's on the way. She suggested that we meet there for a coordinated attack.
Adrian: That would certainly play to our favor. After all, if we can get rid of a fortress while reuniting with them, that's one less weight on our shoulders.
Jill: In that case, we can start coming up with a more concrete plan to meet them there. I agree that it would be for the best for us to try and take care of that fortress while we can.
Reese: Perfect. If we have a plan under our belt, then we can start making preparations and gathering supplies.
Herwig: That's going to be much easier said than done, I'm afraid. The war has caused countless shortages on all fronts.
Aisa: I will ensure that we find a way to work around it. That may not count for much, but I know that we must at least try.
Nesreen: We can think about that later. For now, there are a bunch of other people that have come to join us here at the monastery, and I think we should greet them.
Roy: That's right. Former students have decided to come and see us here, and I think we should do what we can to ensure that they feel as welcome as possible despite the changes to the monastery.
Aisa: Of course. Thank you again for all that you are doing here… And I wish you nothing but the best. I will begin planning for our next battle as soon as possible. Until then, feel free to enjoy the monastery's amenities. After all the work you have done to bring this place back to its natural order, you deserve that much.
The rest of the people in the room file out at Aisa's words, and You linger for another moment before turning to face Aisa. You say that You have a question for her.
Aisa: Yes? What is it?
You say that You remembered five years ago that she was looking after Janae. You ask if she knows anything about Janae or Evenor's current locations.
Aisa: As a matter of fact… I do.
Your eyes go wide with shock.
Aisa: Early this morning, I had Janae moved here into the monastery… She is currently staying in the infirmary. She has remained asleep for the last five years. My magic has sustained her to ensure that she recovers from her previous injuries… Though I would have expected her to have awakened by now, she has not stirred.
You look down and thank her for looking after Janae, though your voice is laced with sorrow.
Aisa: I did what I could to keep her safe… It was the least I could try after the monastery fell. Still, I have faith that Janae will awaken soon. She is a strong woman, and her care for you and the world around her is strong. When she does rise from her slumber… I have no doubt that she will wish to speak with you.
You say that You will do what You can for Janae when she wakes.
Aisa: I am glad to hear it… Unfortunately, I have no ideas as to where Evenor could have gone. I have no doubt that we will be crossing blades with her sooner or later though… After all, she is involved with the heart of Malice, and in order to free this land of war, we must defeat her.
You nod your understanding, uncertain as to how You are meant to feel.
Aisa: If you would like, you may come by the infirmary later to see her. I will be there looking over her, and I believe that she may benefit from your company even in sleep. The choice is yours to make though.
You tell her that You will be there and thank her once more.
Aisa: I am simply doing what I can to help the people here… It is the least I can offer.
You nod and walk out of the cathedral. You decide to look around the monastery and see who has made an appearance once more. Note: from here on out, character dialogue around the monastery will only take place if the character was recruited during Part One. Any characters not recruited will not be found on the map.
You begin by returning to the cathedral, and You find Cedric standing inside. He is wearing white armor with silver highlights, giving him a noble and regal aura. He wears black gloves and a green cape. The Crest of Gloucester can be seen sewn into the fabric. A sword sheath hangs from his hip, and he rides a horse just as he did in the days five years prior.
Cedric: It's such a relief to see that you're still alive and well. There were many who lost faith in a reunion like this being possible after the Battle of Garreg Mach, but… I never gave up hope. It's good to see that my confidence wasn't misplaced. It's nice to see you again, Professor.
You also find Callisto in the cathedral. Her hair is tied into a low ponytail by a blue ribbon. She wears a dress with a blue bodice covered in silvery swirls. The dress' sleeves are loose and made of a transparent white fabric. She wears white shorts underneath a skirt of the same color that flows gracefully behind her. Blue and purple swirls are stitched into the hem, and purple shoes with ribbons attached wrap around her feet.
Callisto: Professor… It's so good to see you again. Look at how much we've all changed. I mean, the shift should be clear as day if you just stare for a moment… Even in the face of all this though, at least you're back. That's something I'm certainly willing to consider a victory.
You leave the cathedral and see another familiar face on the bridge leading to the rest of the monastery: Karim. He 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.
Karim: It's such a relief to see you here again… In a way, it's like things are back to the way they once were with everyone back at the monastery. I certainly wouldn't have expected that, but who am I to complain? The idea of things going back to normal is absolutely incredible…
You walk to the Officers Academy next, and once You arrive, You find Tuncay standing in the courtyard. They are wearing armor known for belonging to the Imperial army. The armor itself is silver with red highlights. A shield can be seen hanging from their arm, and a red band wraps around their waist. Upon closer examination, You see that the names Adil, Umut, and Ayberk are carved into the fabric.
Tuncay: The Battle of Garreg Mach took countless lives years ago… First it was the archbishop, and then Chess… I'm just glad you weren't counted among the ranks of the dead. Maybe we're all finally catching a break after all this time. It's good to have you back at long last.
You also find Adeline in the area, this time in the Golden Deer classroom. Her hair is halfway tied into a bun with a notable purple feather sticking out of it. She wears a dress with a black bodice and a purple skirt. Her tights are white, the same color as her gloves, and her shoes are a dark purple hue.
Adeline: I don't know what possessed me to come back here… I guess I've been sort of craving the good times that came with the monastery ever since we had to leave. You were responsible for all of that, so I'm glad that we're able to see each other again. Be sure to stay safe out there, okay?
You move to the training hall next, and You find Nora there. Her 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.
Nora: I would be lying if I said I was optimistic about you surviving that fight… It seemed perfectly intent on taking so many lives when it came to regular soldiers, though I suppose you're not regular… I mean, that hair color is far from being normal. I have to admit I'm impressed.
You leave the training hall and make for the lower floor of dorms. You find Adrian standing in the area.
Adrian: It's nice to have so many familiar faces back here at the monastery… I was afraid that we would never see so many of these people again, but here they are. Hopefully, we'll only grow more complete from here with the return of the Knights of Seiros. I imagine they'll be overjoyed to see all of us again, especially Lady Aisa.
You also see Roy in the area.
Roy: I've been trying to talk with Lady Aisa about everything that happened, but she hasn't wanted to open up yet… It's not entirely surprising, but it's still unfortunate. I just want to understand why she left for so long… Why did she abandon Fódlan and her people? Why… Why did she abandon me?
You walk towards the greenhouse and find Sofia standing outside. Her hair has grown longer and is tied back by a pink ribbon. She is wearing a white frilled shirt and dark trousers. She also wears brown boots with noticeable heels that give her a few extra inches of height. Her signature smile is on her lips.
Sofia: You have no idea how happy I am to see you here, Professor! The continent has been in pure chaos these past few years, but… At least you're still here. I've seen a lot of people lose their lives lately… It's terrible. In a way, I'm almost glad you didn't have to see how brutal everyone's become.
You enter the greenhouse properly and find Jill standing within.
Jill: It's going to take quite a while for us to get the greenhouse back under control. The plants have run rampant since we were last here… So be it. I'm sure there are at least a few useful things here to harvest for medicine. After all, we're going to need as much of it as we can get given how intense things are going to get from here.
You make your way towards the fishing hole. Upon arriving, You find Florence. Her hair is tied into a braided bun that rests at the base of her neck. Her dress is a navy color, and she wears black tights beneath it. Silver armor dots her outfit, and a charm bracelet hangs from her wrist.
Florence: Look at this place… It's still the same monastery we knew so many years ago… And you're the same professor as well. After so much panic and instability, it's good to be able to root ourselves in something familiar. It's such a relief, I must admit…
You walk towards the dining hall next and see Aestlyn. 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 Nora is sewn into its surface.
Aestlyn: When I heard that you had returned, I simply had to see for myself. I've lost so much these past five years, and I didn't want to add your name to the list of the deceased… I'm just glad I don't have to anymore. You scared a lot of us back then… Try to be careful for the sake of your former students, okay?
You approach another person within the dining hall next: Wolfgang. Her hair is now white and cut close to her face in a bob. Her body is muscular and toned, and scars riddle her skin. She wears a gray shirt with rolled-up sleeves and black trousers. Her shoes are dark and gleam in the limited light of the monastery.
Wolfgang: Would you look at that? Not only are you here, but you're looking better than ever… Your hair sure has changed a lot though. I guess I'm not one to talk though. We're going to have to discuss that later when you aren't quite so busy. Let's just say that we have a lot to talk about, Professor.
You make for the marketplace next and find Falon in the area. Her 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.
Falon: You're alive… I'm so glad to hear that. Everything seemed to fall apart after you went missing, you know… The continent is at war, and each nation seems to be deteriorating faster than we can keep up, but… I'm trying to look at the positive side. At least you're still here with us. That's good… Very good.
You move to the stables from there and see William standing amidst the hay. His hair bears more spikes than You remember it having. He wears a silver breastplate over a yellow jacket with no sleeves. The Crest of Maurice is embroidered into the back. His gray trousers have a golden pattern of tilted squares, and he wears boots that reach his ankles.
William: Professor! It's nice to see that you're here again. I feel like it goes unspoken that all of us assumed the worst when we couldn't find you after the last battle, but… I guess this just goes to show you that you shouldn't believe everything at face value. It's good to have you back.
You move towards the knights' hall and see Herwig standing there.
Herwig: It'll be nice to have the Knights of Seiros on our side once more. We've been collaborating with them quite a bit these last five years to track down Lady Aisa, but now that we've found her, we should be able to help one another take much greater strides… It'll be nice to finally have the knights and Church cooperating once more in earnest. It's hard to believe so much time has passed since that was last the case.
You make for the reception hall and see Kyle there. His 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.
Kyle: I really am happy to see you here again… All we need are a few other faces, and then we've got a full class reunion. That's all you can really ask for, huh? I mean, times are rough right now, and I know seeing everyone again isn't possible… I'm trying to stay positive, I suppose…
You find Zelhira there next and decide to approach her. Her hair has become silvery blue, and her eyes are a piercing crimson. She is wearing dark brown lace-up boots that reach her thighs and a burgundy dress. Black tights cover her upper thighs. A dark red cape hangs around her shoulders with golden details at the edge. She completes the look with black fingerless gloves beneath silver gauntlets.
Zelhira: Your hair…! It's so much paler than it was before… What happened?
You say that You simply woke up with the shift.
Zelhira: I see… Good. I'm glad… Ugh, I feel like a mess. Everything has changed these past few years, but I'm happy you're still alive. I mean, we already lost Lady Aisa and Chris five years ago, and we really didn't need to add your name to that list… Even if your hair has changed, you're still the same person, and that's what matters most.
You ask Zelhira what she means.
Zelhira: It's nothing. Forget I said anything. I hope you're having a nice day now that we're back at the monastery.
Lastly, You find Lev in the area. His hair has become longer, and a green headband tied to the side holds it away from his face. He wears deep blue armor highlighted with silver and gold. The Crest of Daphnel is carved into a guard on his arm, and a green sash is tied around his waist.
Lev: Professor! It's so good to see you again. You have no idea how concerned all of us were… I was honestly convinced that the war had taken yet another innocent life. I… I've seen so many soldiers die in this conflict, and… I'm just glad that you weren't one of them. Please do your best to stay safe… For all of us.
You move towards the entrance hall next, finding Hegias there soon after your arrival. He has grown much paler, barely seeming human. You recognize his skin tone as matching Evenor's after a moment. His hair is longer and tied half-up at the back of his head. He wears white robes with red designs scattered about and matching trousers. He has a black necklace on, and matching black armor is scattered around his body.
Hegias: It took you a minute to recognize me, huh? That's understandable… A lot has changed for me in the past five years… But don't let me scare you or anything. I'm still the same person as before, even if I don't look like it… Oh, well. That doesn't matter much right now. I'm glad you're still alive.
The next person You cross paths with is Illona. She 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.
Illona: Professor! I didn't expect to see you here, but I'm glad I did.
You comment on how she seems more confident now.
Illona: I suppose you could say I am… I'm not as much of a nervous wreck as I was last time we saw each other. I told myself I would get better, and I have! Who would have guessed?
You compliment her on the shift.
Illona: Thanks. I really do appreciate it.
Finally, You approach and speak with Aquillus. His hair is tied into a ponytail at the back of his head. He wears a red shirt with white trousers beneath a black robe bearing the symbol of a double-headed eagle on the back. A golden locket hangs freely from his neck.
Aquillus: I shouldn't even be here, but… I simply had to take the chance to see if you survived. Try to keep my involvement here quiet if possible, alright? I'll explain everything later, but… I don't have the time right now. Please understand.
After finishing your rounds on the first level of the monastery, You descend to Abyss. Your first destination is the library, and You see Ernst inside. He is wearing navy armor over an all-black outfit. His ensemble bears silvery highlights. His right arm is encased in a silvery gauntlet, and a short blue cape falls over his shoulder.
Ernst: A lot has happened since we last had the chance to speak, huh? The world has shifted, and then there's your hair… The sudden change in color doesn't seem natural, so perhaps I can study it when we get the chance… Ah, I shouldn't let my curiosity get the better of me so soon. Forgive me.
You leave the library and enter the Wilting Rose Inn. There, You find Tsubasa. She is wearing the same purple scarf as before, though it has grown worn over the years. A bandanna of the same color ties back her hair. Her sleeveless black shirt matches the color of her leggings. She has tall white fingerless gloves on, and her boots are deep purple. A knife is strapped to her upper leg.
Tsubasa: Who would have guessed that we'd see someone like you here again? I know I certainly didn't see that coming, but to be fair… It's not like any of us could have predicted it. Life is hard to judge at this point. There's only one constant: death. It's merciless, and it follows you everywhere.
You also see Gabriel in the tavern. He is wearing a maroon cape over a black shirt. His pants are a blue color, and his boots are black and rather tall. Silver pads of armor rest on his shoulders and knees.
Gabriel: Hey… It's been so long since you last came down here. Last we all heard, graduation went wrong, and then… Yeah, enough of that. We're happy you're safe. That's the least that we can ask for given the hell that waits outside of Abyss. It's something.
You make for Burrow Street next and find Taiyin there. She is wearing a green vest over a white shirt with gray pants that hang loosely around her thighs. Her boots are black with golden laces. Her hair is tied into a low ponytail by a green ribbon, and gray gloves obscure her hands from view.
Taiyin: Ack! I didn't see you there… Wait… Professor? No, it can't be you… This is all ridiculous. I was so sure that you had died, but… I guess that life does throw unexpected twists at you from time to time, so I really shouldn't be all that shocked. Oh, well. Still, it's good to see you.
You see Grey a bit farther down the road. He wears a black jacket with red highlights over a hooded gray shirt. His trousers are black to match his shoes, and a gray piece of fabric is wrapped around his waist.
Grey: Professor… It's good to see you're still alive. So much has changed since you were last down here, but I suppose that's a given. So much can happen within the span of five years, especially when those years are spent at war. I guess we should be relieved you were even able to head back here… Small blessings, I suppose.
You move to Chrysalis Row and find Ansel standing outside the trash room. Rather than wearing a modified uniform like before, they now wear a simple brown vest over a white shirt. Their trousers are brown and rather basic, and red gauntlets can be seen on their hands.
Ansel: Hey… Are you real? I've seen this sort of thing over and over in my head for ages, but it never happens legitimately.
You nod.
Ansel: I guess that counts for something. My wishes never speak back to me. Carry on as you were then. I'll still be here.
You peer into the boys' room and find Saias inside. His armor is jet black, and he wears a helmet atop his head, though the visor has been pushed up to allow you to view his face. A green scarf is wrapped around his neck loosely.
Saias: It's been so long since I've seen a new face down here… Far too long if you want my opinion. All of that aside, it's good to see you again.
You ask how he has been doing.
Saias: Alright, I suppose… Things have been a bit rough down here since Eli set off with Quinn a while back. Abyss is still recovering from losing him, but… If you were able to come back, I'm sure that they'll do the same.
Lastly, You walk into the Ashen Wolves' classroom and find Magnus. His hair has grown much longer, and he wears a pitch-black cape over his shoulders. His clothing beneath is purple and black, seeming to resemble a physical fighter more than his previous ensemble.
Magnus: You've returned… I wasn't sure if buying into the rumors was a good idea, but I guess I should have known better than to doubt myself… Everything fell apart after you left, but at least you're back. Maybe we can finally put things back together again.
With your business in Abyss resolved, You make your way to the second floor of the monastery. There, You move to the audience chamber, finding Nesreen inside.
Nesreen: After what happened five years ago, I never thought I would be back here… But I suppose the situation is always changing when it comes to the war. It's great to be back in Garreg Mach and to see Lady Aisa again, but… I don't know. There's just a lot on my mind right now.
You pass through the central hallway of the second floor and spot Reese in his office.
Reese: The Knights of Seiros have been doing good work over the course of the last five years. I trust them with whatever we're going to be doing next. I suppose we won't be able to make a plan until after we meet them though… Here's to hoping the ground isn't yanked from beneath our feet until then.
You make for the library next, and You see Niko standing within.
Niko: The library is in much nicer condition than I would have expected given our five years away… Not that I'm complaining, of course. I'll have to conduct a clean sweep of the area soon, but for now, I'm just glad to see this place in one piece. You have no idea how much of a relief that is.
Finally, You double back to enter the infirmary and speak with Aisa where she is watching over the unconscious Janae. Note: this event will take place at the end of the exploration segment if the player does not go to visit Aisa on their own.
Aisa: Ah, Professor… Welcome.
You look down and see Janae lying unconscious on the bed at the center of the infirmary. You ask about her condition.
Aisa: She is certainly doing better than she has previously… I was worried for her initially, but it seems as if she is recovering.
You nod and thank Aisa for doing so much to look after her.
Aisa: It is no issue at all… I have failed a great many people in these last five years. The least I could do was try to look after her.
You continue to watch Janae for a long moment. Aisa stares with You before speaking once more.
Aisa: I must apologize for everything that has happened to her… This never should have taken place to begin with.
You shake your head and tell her that it isn't her fault.
Aisa: I know… Still, you deserved better than this. Both you and Janae.
You say that You intend to learn more about Evenor to find justice for Jane.
Aisa: I never doubted it for even a moment… Your resolve is as strong as ever.
You nod and thank her once more for taking care of Janae.
Aisa: Of course. I will continue to do so until she awakens. You have my word.
With your sweep of the monastery finished, You decide to return to your room. The cleaning process has left You drained, and You sit on your bed as Seraphine speaks to You.
Seraphine: I'm glad to see that some of the students kept the promise we made five years ago… I'm glad we were able to make it, even if they assumed us dead the past half-decade. It's something, I guess… I wish everyone was here, but I suppose that's simply not possible. All we can do now is sleep. I get the feeling you're exhausted anyways.
You nod and lay down on the bed. You think of all that has happened over the past five years and how much everyone's lives have changed. You vow to finish the war that has caused so much grief as soon as You get the chance to do so for the people who are no longer alive to see the fighting end. Exhaustion claims You quickly, and You drift into a dreamless slumber…
I AM SO SORRY ABOUT THIS BEING LATE I'VE BEEN BUSY AS HELL
-Digital
