Narrator: Three different cards sit on this table. One telling the same story, the other two hinting at several differences. Let us take a peek at the first one, and see what it shows...
Edelgard: We somehow managed to escape.
Hubert: This is one of the Imperial army's provisional camps. Here we can organize our forces.
Edelgard: Before we go any further, I want all of you to really ask yourselves if you're certain you wish to join us. As expected, Flayn has chosen to leave our ranks.
Caspar: When I saw our professor running off, I ran about as fast as I could to catch up.
Petra: Caspar. Death finds those who run without thinking. You gave no thought to the war fog. (to Edelgard) My grandfather was the leader of Brigid, and I hope for us to be allies with the Empire. I will be staying.
Bernadetta: W-Was this a good idea? Did I make the right choice? Oh, but my family is part of the Empire, and our professor is here...
Caspar: You're fine here with us, Bernie. Though it's true that certain houses were against the Imperial princess...
Ferdinand: I assume you are referring to my family. I must believe that the conclusion I came to was the correct one. (to Edelgard) You are the emperor now... I am the only one left who is qualified to guide you at this point.
Linhardt: I'm only here because I know it would be troublesome to stand against you.
Dorothea: I'm not just here for you, Edie. I'm here to follow our dear professor. Of course, I don't have any territory to offer... so Hubie may not even want me here.
Hubert: The greater our numbers, the better. Your reasons for being here are of no consequence.
Edelgard: I think I understand where you are coming from. But now, I wish to hear of your resolve. Like you, I have risen to meet my destiny. I cut this path, and I will see it through to the end. Following me is akin to pointing a sword to the goddess herself. One misstep, and we fall to ruin. You have now witnessed the archbishop's true self. She is a cruel beast. Those who rule this world use that beast's power to fabricate miracles, all to control those who blindly believe in the goddess. They conceal the truth and force their lies on the nobility. They mercilessly annihilate anyone who defies them. I know this because I have lived it. After what you have seen, is there any room for doubt? The Church of Seiros has great influence and power. Their control over the lords of the Kingdom and the Alliance is nearly absolute. We are the only ones who can stop this indomitable enemy that has plagued our world for ages. We fight for humanity! For all of Fódlan! If you dare walk this path with me, take your first step. It's now or never!
(The sound of the entire class stepping forward is heard)
Edelgard: Thank you, my friends. We are the true face of the Empire, and we will triumph!
Hubert: That was incredible, Lady Edelgard.
Edelgard: Thank you. Honestly, I'm relieved. They really chose to follow me... I was resolved to move forward alone if I had to, but in my heart I hoped it wouldn't come to that.
Hubert: So long as I am here, you will never be alone. Please do not forget that. And...it would seem that the professor also has a key role to play in this.
Edelgard: You're right. Now, I must speak with our teacher. Please, make preparations. The messenger should be here shortly.
Hubert: Consider it done.
(Scene transition)
Edelgard: Professor, may I speak with you?
Zayto: Of course.
Edelgard: I appreciate it. I...
Zayto: What's wrong?
Edelgard: I'm just...anxious. It feels like the weight of this burden is crushing me. At this very moment, on my orders, I'm starting a war. An army far larger than the one that attacked the Holy Tomb last month will soon be locked in battle. Long-devised strategies are unfolding across Fódlan. Leaders are deciding their loyalties and preparing to fight... So many generals and soldiers will die. It's inevitable that civilians will get caught up in the chaos as well. There will be countless casualties. With a single command, the flames of war will rage across all corners of this realm. And I am the one who is giving the order.
Zayto: This is the path you chose, isn't it?
Edelgard: Yes, it is. There is no turning back. No matter how much blood flows at my feet, I will not relent. We must break the bonds that the depraved church has placed on Fódlan. These sacrifices will allow us to create a future where we never need sacrifice again. It may seem contradictory, but it's the only way. Heh. Listen to me. I made up my mind long ago. Yet here I am, seeking your approval. Tell me the truth, my teacher. Are you happy with your decision to stand by my side. Unlike me, you can still walk away from all of this. This path leads to the death of the archbishop and the servants of the church. Can you live with that?
Zayto: I chose this path too.
Edelgard: I never thought... I'm sorry. It was a foolish question. I believe in you, professor. And you believed in me. With that knowledge, I have the strength to keep fighting. Let's go... There's something I need to say to Hubert.
(scene transition)
Hubert: Your Majesty, the latest report indicates that our main army is advancing as planned. Also, the preparations for your manifesto are almost complete.
Aiyon: Manifesto?
Edelgard: We will distributing our manifesto to every lord within Fódlan. We will expose the dark side of the Church of Seiros and the foul practices of the nobles from the Kingdom and the Alliance. We will force the people of Fódlan to open their eyes to the truth and relinquish any remaining conviction to unite against the empire. Certain nobles have already offered their support.
Hubert: There are other nobles who oppose the church. We will condemn those who deserve condemnation and forgive those who deserve forgiveness. We have already purged some of the Imperial nobles who are morally rotten. My father among them. How unfortunate.
Edelgard: And soon we will invade and conquer Garreg Mach. Our main army has already departed the Imperial capital. They will arrive at the monastery in two weeks' time. There, we will join forces with them. As for us, I'd like your opinion on how we should be positioned within the army.
Zayto: We are the Imperial sword.
Hubert: Your majesty wishes to fight alongside the professor, correct? In that case, you will not be incorporated into the Empire's main army. Your squad can move freely about the battlefield under supervision of the Imperial forces... That would be most prudent.
Edelgard: Now that I'm the emperor, we can't let it slip that I'm following your command in battle, Professor.
Hubert: I fully object to the notion of you fighting on the front lines.
Edelgard: Hubert. We've already discussed this.
Hubert: My apologies... I overstepped.
Edelgard: Now that the details are settled, all that's left is come up with a name for ourselves. In honor at our time at the academy, how about we call ourselves the Black Eagle Strike Force?
Zayto: I love it.
Edelgard: I'm so happy you feel that way. I must confess that I spent all night thinking about it. I'll leave it to you to prepare the Black Eagle Strike Force for departure.
Zayto: As you wish, Milady.
(Later in the day)
Edelgard: We will join forces with the main army and attack Garreg Mach. It's a fortress built on steep ground, but it's never seen battle. That means we don't know much about it from a military perspective. But if we use all of the power at our disposal, we will capture it.
Aiyon: We have to try.
Edelgard: From a purely mathematical standpoint, we most certainly have the power to win. If the battle becomes a clash of beasts with inhuman strength... You will be our only hope. I believe in you. I'm relying on you to lead the Black Eagle Strike Force to victory.
Hubert: It is not up to Her Majesty to bring the students to our cause. That task falls to you. Those who have forsaken their homelands to join the Empire will be feeling...vulnerable. You are uniquely able to provide emotional support. Please use that gift to guide others down the path that Lady Edelgard has laid before us. I ask you to do this from the bottom of my heart.
Ferdinand: I asked Edelgard what happened to my father. He was dismissed as prime minister and is under arrest in the Imperial capital. He always was a greedy, arrogant man. Some would say that this is the fate he deserves. And yet I cannot help but feel indignant. After all his hard work for the Empire, to be disgraced like this! I am conflicted, Professor. I do not know what to do. As the next Duke Aegir, should I follow Edelgard into battle?
Linhardt: The most important nobles in the Empire are known for taking power from the previous emperor, my father included. I didn't think it possible that the Imperial princess could ascend the throne so easily. However, it seems that both my father and Caspar's are supporting Edelgard... Having both the Minister of Domestic Affairs and Minister of Military Affairs on your side gives you total control over the Empire's military and finances. They must have been making preparations for quite some time without anyone noticing...
Caspar: That could have gotten dangerous fast. If I stayed at the monastery, I would've had to fight my father! We aren't especially close, but he's not an opponent I'd want to face. I'd almost rather fight a monster! Anyway, it looks like he's going to be leading the western units. I wonder if we'll wind up fighting the Kingdom's army, and who decided to fight for the church...
Bernadetta: I don't even get my own room here! At least I had that at home. But speaking of home, Hubert told me something. He said my father was stripped of his title. I guess he did as he pleased and opposed Edelgard. Wait, does that mean my father's going to be home all the time now? On second thought, I think I'm fine right here.
Dorothea: Edelgard became emperor and raised an army, huh? Who knew the kid had it in her? I mean, yeah, of course, I knew she'd be emperor eventually, but... The more I think about it, the more surprised I am. I wonder who's going to win?
Javi: We will not lose.
Dorothea: Thinking about it makes me scared. We're fighting the Knights of Seiros! Still, I know you'll figure something out.
Petra: The Empire and Brigid were once warring with each other. But now, I have made the decision to be fighting with the Empire. It is a choice of irony, I feel. But I am having no regret. My belief is with you and with Edelgard.
Devon: I've been preparing to take this path. My own path-not my old man's, and not the boar's. Heh, now that I'm calling 'him' a boar makes me think Felix did have a point in calling 'him' that.
Ravi: I've gone and done it now, huh? What would my old man say if he knew I'd sided with the Empire? Heck, Mom's just as angry as he would be. His Highness must be angry. Dimitri gets super scary when he's like that. I wonder how I'm going to die... Ugh, my knees turn to jelly just thinking about it. No, I can't think that way. I promised to fight alongside you. I'm here until the end. Heh, listen to me. I'm terrified, but I feel so calm.
Zoey: Um, Zayto... I'm OK with fighting whoever we need to, but I really don't want to battle my father... Oh, but I know that something is wrong with the church... And more than that, I believe in you, and I trust your word. You lead and I'll follow.
Dillon: To think that things would come to this. Even a few months ago, I never could've imagined it. I believe in you, Zayto, so I'm steeling myself. I can't promise that I'll be useful in battle, but I'm not running away from the fight.
Gemma: So, you've turned against the church to ally with the Empire too, huh? I never pressed him for details, but Captain Jeralt was always suspicious of Lady Rhea, wasn't he? I'm on your side, no matter what. I promised him I'd support you, and that's what I plan to do.
Ladislava: I believe this is the first time we have met. My name is Ladislava. I have the great honor of leading Lady Edelgard's personal guard. Her majesty is hard on others as she is on herself. She may seem composed, but that is only because she conceals her more passionate emotions. For that reason, she is often misunderstood. But now she has you by her side... I find that most reassuring. I look forward to working with you.
Randolph: I'm Randolph von Bergliez. I'm not very high in the ranks yet, but I'm more or less a general. Just like Caspar, I am from House Bergliez. My mother married into House Bergliez after I was born, so my position within the family is rather lowly... But I'm determined to make something of myself in this battle to bring glory to my part of the family, for the sake of my mother and sister!
Soldier: I have heard the name Lord Vestra mentioned among the purged noble families of the Empire. He's Hubert's father. But Hubert seems rather unconcerned about it... That alone is why we soldiers find Hubert quite frightening.
Soldier 2: The Black Eagle Strike Force, eh? I like it. It's really a twist of fate that brought me to this side of things, but I'm still proud to be here.
Soldier 3: I'm a soldier, but I had to think long and hard about this one. Since birth, I've believed in the teachings of Seiros without ever questioning them. But Her Majesty's words are true. To think that the archbishop can take on such a monstrous form...
Edelgard: We will soon arrive at Garreg Mach Monastery. Forcing a surrender here is extremely significant, both strategically and symbolically. Of course, this is personal as well. This is where we all came together to learn and grow. I have no intention of yielding to our former classmates, so I ask that you prepare yourselves for anything.
Linhardt: I'm not thinking about friends right now, and I'm certainly not prepared.
Caspar: Dang it, don't go around saying things that lower morale before we even get started! I'm ready! Let's go! Let's fight!
Dorothea: I have nothing to lose aside from my friends who are here with me. Does that answer satisfy you?
Petra: I have been ready for this since leaving my land of home. I will fight and win!
Bernadetta: How can you prepare to fight? Maybe I can prepare to prepare...
Ferdinand: There is no reason I cannot be prepared. It is my duty to stand up and battle!
Edelgard: Thank you all. Now, let's talk strategy.
Hubert: As the raiding force, we will attack the area nearest to the monastery. The Knights of Seiros certainly won't stand down after they catch sight of Her Majesty and the professor. At the same time, the remaining areas will be surrounded and annihilated by the main army. In other words, we are the decoy that must suppress the enemy's most elite soldiers.
Edelgard: We know more about the area near the monastery than anyone else in the Imperial army. Still, we must prepare for the worst. It's possible we will have to face the archbishop's true form-the Immaculate One. Fight with all you have, but don't be reckless. As promised, I will leave the command to the professor.
Zayto: We will not lose.
Hubert: Naturally. With both Her Majesty and yourself on our side, defeat is impossible.
Edelgard: This will be our first battle as the Black Eagle Strike Force. All the more reason to prevail!
(On the battlefield)
Seteth: Friends! Our opportunity for victory will come, but first we must see to our defenses!
Hubert: The city's defenders are trying to stall for time. We must crush them swiftly. We should be wary of ambushes as well.
Edelgard: Ladislava is being pushed on the left flank. We must push back with equal force.
(Dillon. Zoey, and Ollie join Ladislava)
Ladislava: Just what we need! I knew Her Majesty's allies would help us out.
(Ravi, Steel, Gem, and Amelia help Randolph while Gemma, Nate, and Zayto go for a frontal attack)
Knight of Seiros: Now! Hidden Soldiers, attack!
Nate: Striker Morpher charged! Striker Beast Blast! That oughta take care of them!
Flayn: Mr. Shaw, why?! Do you not see the cruelty of this?
Ravi: You could've seen things our way kid, I'm sorry.
Flayn: Must protect...Garreg Mach... I must protect...everyone...
Seteth: Retreat while you still can, Flayn! I beg you!
Flayn: Understood... Stay safe Fa-Brother!
(The Death Knight and Imperial Soldier appear in the place where Flayn was)
Death Knight: We will lend the Empire strength...
Zayto: Death Knight?!
Edelgard: Don't worry. We're allies now... I understand you must have many questions, but they'll have to wait until after the battle.
Gilbert: If you side with the Empire... If you turn your sword on the church and the Kingdom... I care not who you are. I will end you just the same.
Zoey: I liked you better when we were allies, but...
Gilbert: In my master's name, I cannot allow myself to fall here... I must withdraw.
Seteth: You will survive this hardship! Just hold on!(To Zayto)Traitor! I will not forgive you for turning on Rhea!
Zayto: You're the one on the wrong side, you're the traitor to the faith!
Seteth: I cannot yield...
Rhea: Seteth, Flayn, Gilbert... You put your lives on the line to protect us. I would have preferred to have more time to prepare, but we cannot delay any longer. Come forth! Protect Garreg Mach Monastery from these despicable rebels!
(Two Golems appear at the drawbridge, with Robo Knight flanking them)
Robo Knight: I am Robo Knight: Protector of the Environment, Guardian of the Earth! And none shall pass through here!
(Four Church Soldiers position themselves in front of Rhea. Catherine and two more Church Soldiers take the left flank)
Catherine: I'll crush them all.
(Cyril and two more Church Soldiers take the right flank)
Cyril: Her enemies are my enemies.
(The Rangers regroup to take on the Golems)
Robo Knight: You have both betrayed your fellow Rangers and sullied the reputation of your fellow Knights of Rafkon, a crime, which, I can assure you, will be met with heavy punishments! Robo Blaster! Reaching full power, Applying maximum force! Knight Dynamic, Fire!
Zayto: Funny, I didn't think so! Smash Battle Armor, Smash Blast!
Robo Knight: Repairs required... Must recharge.
(With him and the Golems defeated, the Rangers move on to Catherine and Cyril)
Catherine: I trusted you. Lady Rhea trusted you. I won't let you live after what you've done.
Zayto: I never wished to do this, but your mistress has left me with no choice!
Catherine: Lady Rhea, I'm sorry. Please stay safe.
Rhea: All is well, Catherine. You must not die here.
Cyril: I'll protect Lady Rhea against anyone! Even if it's you, I'll fight ya as hard as I can!
Scott: Then come at us! Street Saber!
Cyril: Lady Rhea, I couldn't fight hard enough. I'm sorry...
Rhea: Cyril... Your sacrifice will not be in vain.
Zayto: Now it's your turn to fall!
Rhea: You... How dare you betray me... You worthless piece of garbage... I will punish you myself!
Zayto: I HAVE BEEN BLINDED BY YOUR DECEPTION, but that all ends TODAY!
Rhea: No matter your reasons, I cannot permit you to go on living any longer!
Edelgard: The feeling is mutual. I must put a stop to your reign of tyranny!
Rhea: You must know what a fool you are! The greatest of sins is to make an enemy of the goddess herself!
Edelgard: I have only made an enemy of the church, not of the faith.
Zayto: Your reign ends today, Rhea! Smash Blast!
Rhea: Raaaargh! I will not...allow Garreg Mach... or my mother to fall!(The scene fades into Rhea glows green as she transforms into the Immaculate One again, shouting as she does so (displayed as "Arrrrgh!"). The screen flashing white and transitioning to a CG image of her dragon form towering over Zayto)
The Immaculate One: You will not be forgiven!
Edelgard: Professor, look out!
(As Edelgard says the above, the sound of a laser attack is heard. The scene fades to black)
Imperial Soldier: The castle is crumbling! We must escape!
(Zayto dodges and uses the Freeze Battle Armor to try something else, but the Immaculate One will not allow it! The scene fades to Hubert as smoke passes him from the collapse of part of the monastery.)
Hubert: Professor, take cover!
Edelgard: Professor!
Narrator: In Imperial Year 1181, the new Adrestian emperor, Edelgard von Hresvelg, led a strategic assault against the monastery at Garreg Mach. Though her own losses were great, her foes had no choice but to surrender. Archbishop Rhea commanded the Knights of Seiros, leading from the front lines against the Imperial army. After a hard-fought battle, she was forced to retreat to Fhirdiad, the capital of Faerghus, where she must now plan her next move. With this single attack, the Adrestian Empire officially launched its offensive against the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus and the Leicester Alliance. The unification of Fódlan has begun.(We return to the cards, as the red one blows away to somewhere)Now, these next two cards tell the same story, but with different concepts. As you can almost see, one of these concepts is different from the rest, but still tells the same tale of war...
Audience Chamber | Daytime
Rhea: Unforgivable! I cannot believe that the Adrestian Empire would embark on such a violent course of action.
Seteth: The fault is my own. I failed to see the wickedness within Edelgard's heart.
Damon: Is she wicked?
Seteth: She plotted with ill-meaning strangers to achieve her own ambitions and defiled the Holy Tomb. If that is not wicked, what is?
Kendall: Then what is her objective?
Seteth: There is no question on that front. She clearly wishes to conquer all of Fódlan. And in order to achieve her own selfish ambitions, she plotted with ill-meaning strangers and defiled the Holy Tomb. Or perhaps her ambitions are even grander than we know. Perhaps she is planning to make herself a false deity by demonizing the Church of Seiros...
Rhea: Adrestia received its very name through a divine oracle. To injure the goddess is a sin most foul that shall not be forgiven nor forgotten. We must stop the Empire...and quickly.
(Shamir enters)
Shamir: I have returned, Rhea.
Rhea: Welcome back, Shamir. Were you able to discern the Empire's movements?
Shamir: Their main troops are marching towards Garreg Mach. It is said that they will join forces with Edelgard's army and arrive within two weeks.
Seteth: Two weeks? That is not enough time! It will require all of our efforts just to prepare our defenses before then. We must send notice to all surrounding villages at once. We must order the residents of Garreg Mach to flee for their lives.
Shamir: It will be done.
Cruger: There's not much time to prepare, and little time to think. If these foes want action, then I think we can give it to them!
Kendall: Oh… How did things get this bad?
Dimitri: ... I'll have that girl's head. Just you wait...
Damon: Maya, you both cannot go through with this!
Maya: Try and stop us!
Claude: The Empire is moving quickly. Edelgard must have been preparing for this for a while now. If you really think about it, she must have been planning for this even before you got the Sword of the Creator… Of course, she was always a step ahead of us. We were blinded by the ball and the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, and everything else… I refuse to go down like this, though. So let's do something about it. What do you say? It's you and me, Teach. We've got this.
Ivan: Half of the Empire's six great noble families have declared their support for Edelgard. Of the other three, Lord Vestra was assassinated. Hubert, his son, will succeed him. Bernadetta's father, Count Varley, is under house arrest. His wife is now supporting Edelgard. It is clear this foul maiden has done all she could and made as many friends as she could to prepare for this injustice! An injustice which we must put a stop to!
Will: The most important nobles in the Empire are known for taking power from the previous emperor, my father included. I didn't think it possible that the Imperial princess could ascend the throne so easily. However, it seems that both Linhardt's father and Caspar's are supporting Edelgard... Having both the Minister of Domestic Affairs and Minister of Military Affairs on your side gives you total control over the Empire's military and finances. They must have been making preparations for quite some time without anyone noticing... Tactless, if you ask me.
Dedue: His Highness calls for the head of Edelgard. For me, that is cause enough to fight.
Kendrix: You're truly all right with that?
Dedue: The hatred of His Highness is also my hatred. Any other feelings I may have are irrelevant. And if Edelgard was responsible in any way for the Tragedy of Duscur, that is something I cannot ignore. If that is the case, then she is my enemy.
Felix: You saw it too, didn't you? The boar's true nature. He's hidden his desire for revenge pretty well. But now it's stirred up. Well, regardless. That girl's starting an all-out war, isn't she? But an enemy is an enemy, no matter who they are. Don't let compassion for her get in your way.
Annette: Once the Imperial army reaches the monastery, we'll have no choice but to fight...
Ashe: What's going to happen to us?
Alyssa: Everything will be all right.
Ashe: I believe you. With the knights on our side, and especially with you, Professor, I know we can do this!
Sylvain: Things must be pretty crazy in Faerghus about now. My father must be beside himself. I don't get it. Why did Edelgard make enemies with the nobles?
Z: I have no idea.
Sylvain: Me either... Of course, even if we did get it, what do we do about it?
Mercedes: I guess we have no choice but to fight, have we? Oh, but why would Edelgard do something like this? I'm sure we'll be all right though, Professor. The goddess will keep us safe.
Ingrid: I've known His Highness since I was a child, but I've never seen that side of him before. He seemed like a completely different person than the one I know...
Lorenz: The Empire's aggression cannot stand. But if we are going to attack them now, we must be honest with ourselves about our chances of success. It goes without saying that I will fight the Imperial army with everything I have, for as long as I am able. But House Gloucester's territory is adjacent to Imperial lands. Let us proceed with caution.
Raphael: I hear the Alliance's territory will be in danger if we don't get rid of these Empire guys! If the Alliance is in danger, that means my sister's in danger too! There's no way I'm gonna allow that. It doesn't matter how many guys they throw at us, I'll beat 'em all! These muscles aren't just for show! But first, I gotta get some food.
Ignatz: You know, Professor, I'm glad that I came to the Officers Academy. I feel accepted here. I've learned so much. Honestly, I'm surprised at how much I've grown. So, I will not let the academy be destroyed. It's important to me, and I will protect it!
Madison: I feel the same.
Ignatz: I feel braver just hearing you say that Professor. We're gonna win this, Professor!
Lysithea: So Edelgard, the one who calls herself the Flame Emperor, was connected to those strange beings. The Imperial army might be using even more terrifying methods than we know. You had better be cautious, Professor. Any amount of carelessness might prove to be our undoing.
Marianne: Can we really defeat someone who is willing to turn their back on the world just to uphold their own beliefs? I've spent my whole life running in fear, and now...I...
Mack: We can't win if you run.
Marianne: You're right. It's time to stop running. I'll fight with everything I've got!
Hilda: Professor, I guess it's easy for me to say this now. I'm so glad I'm from the Alliance. I had no idea Edelgard was so scary! And Dimitri seems totally different than before… I wouldn't bend a knee to either of them.
Chip: And how do you feel about Claude?
Hilda: Well, I definitely don't hate him. He rarely takes things seriously, but somehow… I just know we can always rely on him.
Leonie: What is Edelgard even trying to achieve? She wants to destroy the church so badly that she'll take on anyone who doesn't fall in line? I don't get it.
Ivan: Her ideals are in conflict with yours.
Leonie: I just can't believe she'd start a war over it. Not to mention using such nasty tactics to get her way. Could Captain Jeralt's death have also been a part of her plan? Don't you go and die on me, Mr. Ivan! Captain Jeralt would never forgive you.
Seteth: We must protect Garreg Mach. Defiling the Holy Tomb was a sacrilege. I will not allow such a thing to happen again. The archbishop has already given you a new responsibility. I want you to rise to that honor.
Catherine: Ugh. If I could go back to last month and throttle my carefree self! Now it turns out Edelgard is the Flame Emperor, and the new Adrestian emperor! And she's striking out against the monastery, with the full force of the Imperial army behind her. We gotta beat her at her own game! For our sake as well as Lady Rhea's...
Shamir: We're falling behind. I don't know that we can keep up with the new emperor. To think that she was able to raise an army of that size right under our noses... However hard we fight; I give us a 50 percent chance of winning. The enemy has too many advantages. We must make careful preparations.
Gilbert: There are always small power struggles, still... It has been hundreds of years since all of Fódlan was consumed by war. I didn't actually think it would come to this... I feel as though I'm not in my rightful place. I cannot protect the things I should... Professor. If I survive this war, I wish to return to my homeland... To the land of my king.
Manuela: The mastermind behind the attacks on the monastery was Edelgard? Wow. Doesn't make much sense though, does it? There would need to be all sorts of territories and groups tangled up in this sort of mess… Eh, I'm gonna stop. I don't really have the head for this political stuff. Mostly I'm worried about my old opera company. I wonder what's happening in the capital right now. I hope they're safe…
Cyril: It's my job to protect Lady Rhea. I've gotta do it. and I gotta do it as best I can. And if that means I gotta die for her, then I will. Ugh, how could Edelgard treat Lady Rhea like she's the bad guy? She's never been anything but nice to everybody! I just don't get it at all…
Reception Hall | Afternoon
Alois: Listen up, everyone! The Imperial army is upon us. If you can fight, pick up a weapon! Everyone else, hurry up and evacuate! We have the goddess's protection on our side. We have nothing to fear. Victory will be ours!
Catherine: Professor, are you ready?
Kendall: Almost.
Catherine: Well, hurry up. I don't need to tell you that the situation is dire. We have some support troops from the local nobles, but the army we're facing is immense. No matter how you look at it, we're at a disadvantage. To make matters worse, the enemy is being led by Edelgard. Do not underestimate how extraordinary her abilities are.
Dimitri: They're here. At long last.
Felix: It seems this will be a battle to remember. About time.
Ashe: I'll never give up, no matter how outnumbered we are. I'll fight to the very end!
Sylvain: Hm, I should have made a move on the Imperial princess before things got this far. It could have changed everything.
Mercedes: We have the goddess's divine protection on our side. All that's left to do is to try our best.
Annette: All we can do is fight as best as we can. Though...if I'm being honest, I'm really scared right now...
Ingrid: We can't just hand over the Kingdom and the monastery. We'll stop her, no matter what it takes!
Dedue: Your Highness, you do not seem...well.
Dimitri(In an insane tone, chuckles deliriously): Unwell, you say? What's gotten into you? Nothing could be further from the truth. I'm so happy I can hardly contain myself. My father, my stepmother, my dear friends? They want her head. They want her life! They've whispered as much to me. And the chance to answer their pleas has arrived, at long last!
Damon: You and Maya had better not act rashly. We're all in this together.
Dimitri(in a maniacal tone. Laughs dementedly): Of course, of course! But don't mistake my intentions. Edelgard will die by my hand, and mine alone.
Hilda: She's back already? Talk about impatient!
Claude: If we don't stop them, the academy will be destroyed. Prepare for battle, everyone!
Lysithea: We will stop Edelgard's rampage!
Ignatz: Our opponent is formidable, but if we work together, we will not fail.
Raphael: Enough talking! Let's go!
Marianne: Dear Goddess… Please, protect us all…
Flayn: I shall fight with all that I have. It is an honor to fight alongside each of you!
Hilda: Professor, Claude… You'll lead the way, won't you? You won't let any of us fall, right?
Claude: I wanted to talk to Rhea first, but as expected, that won't be possible. What did she hope to accomplish at the Holy Tomb? What happened to you as a baby? There are still so many things I need to know. The same goes for the real origin of the Crest Stones and the Heroes' Relics. As for Seiros and Nemesis…just how much of their mythology is true?
Kendall: We know so little.
Claude: It's true. But lucky for me, I refuse to die with so much still unknown. Hey, Teach… All joking aside. Can we possibly survive this battle?
Kendall: We'll find a way.
Claude: That's all we can do, right? If we gave up, the god of fate wouldn't be happy. I'm a lot of things, but I'm not the kind of man to just roll over and die in a place like this. I have my own ambitions to see to. There are things…dreams…that I must see come to fruition. And I've been thinking. I want you to see those dreams realized as well. On top of all that, there are still so many secrets out there, just waiting to be uncovered. We can't let that stand, can we? So, Teach… No, scratch that. You're so much more. You're my ally and my friend. Teach… Friend… None of those words quite capture what you've come to mean to me. We may not be connected by blood, but I believe our bond goes deeper than that. Now that we know each other, our hearts are connected. Even if our paths diverge and we're forced to say good-bye… I know that we'll meet again. And so, for lack of a better word, I gratefully call you my friend, and I hold fast to the belief that this isn't it for us. No matter who or what you really are, I'll always be on your side. You can't count on much in this world, but you can count on that.
(On the battlefield)
Knight of Seiros: I have a report! The enemy is within the walls. They're about to break the defensive line!
Dedue: The archbishop and the defensive line both require our assistance. We must protect them until reinforcements get here.
Koda: Imperial soldiers, no human.
Cruger: Koda's right...It's Gruumm!
Dax and Shamir: And Moltor!
Nick: And my...(pauses and corrects himself)And Koragg!
Chase: Plus, Sledge!
Danny: And Toxica!
Emperor Gruumm: What's the matter, Doggie Cruger? Did Broodwing's performance not accurately give you the full report you wanted? You've lost your home world, so this shouldn't be any different.
Knight of Seiros: Report! The enemy has taken the entrances there the reinforcements were heading!
Claude: So long as we can recapture the east and west strongholds, we might be able to call in the reinforcements...
Toxica: You know, Lady Edelgard held you in such high esteem. In the end, however, it seems like you are nothing more than a slave to your goddess. Oh well, I suppose someone like you wouldn't know of what true power is anyway!
(Raphael and Hilda take her down, along with the Putrids)
Toxica: No, this was not the plan! Oh well, I can afford to fall back. We still have the advantage.
Dedue: One stronghold secured.
Koragg: You mortals cannot comprehend the power of the Master! Yet, this battlefield is too chaotic... for us to kill each other upon... Wolf Attack!
(Claude dodges, as he and Dedue take him and the Hidiacs down)
Koragg: The time is not right... I will wait for the next opportunity… But mark my words, next time will not end the same as this day!
Sledge: Ha, finally! A wonderful chance to earn some recognition! I'll be the one to take down the monastery! It may be too early for this, but I have no choice but to distinguish myself in this fight!
(Though outnumbered by the Vivix, Annette and Ignatz take down the bounty hunter)
Sledge: Argh! I'm finished. I'm loathed to say it, but I must retreat...
Moltor: Brave job so far, but your folly will be all for naught once I'm done!
(Felix, Lorenz, and Shamir lead the rest of the Blue Lions and Golden Deer in attacking him)
Shamir: Are you the commander of the Lava Lizards?
Moltor: And what if I am to accept your claim?
Shamir: Then you'll pay for what they did to my arm!
Moltor: Argh, I've fizzled out. But I will not be defeated by the likes of you, not by a long shot!
(Claude lands an arrow on Gruumm)
Morgana: I will not allow you to get any closer to my master! After all, my life was changed forever by him.. Now, I lay it on the line. If you're willing to take me on, prove it!
(Maya does so)
Morgana: No, I cannot...will not fall like this!
Charlie: Nice job. But if you think you kids can take us on, you seem to be more clueless than first realized.
Rachel: Besides, you're second-best.
Ivan: Second-rate.
Cliff: And second choice.
Claude: That may be true, but at least we're willing to help those who need it!
(He and Dimitri take them down)
Charlie: You can't do this to us! We're the A-Squad!
Claude: More like the Atrocious-Squad.(Jack and the S.P.D heroes can't help but laugh)
Broodwing: Not bad. But if you want to see the Troobian Emperor...(Lazor and Broodwing's other two associates arrive)Then I have to be your opponent!
(Shamir and Catherine bring him down)
Broodwing: No! You can't do this to me!
Catherine: Sounds like we just did.
Dimitri: You're late. I... We are all tired of waiting. Now, let's separate that sick head from your neck, shall we?
Emperor Gruumm: My grudge is not towards you, and I feel you have the same sentiment for me. But if you wish to vanquish me, then it's going to have to take all your rage to do so!
Dimitri: Don't push me!
Claude: Whoa, quite the guy, aren't you? Isn't this much force excessive? Thanks to you, my own long-held ambitions are nearly destroyed.
Emperor Gruumm: If you don't want them to be destroyed completely, I suggest you turn tail and flee. But then again, with your past, I wouldn't expect much.
Claude: What did you say?
Jack: Forget it you two, his skull always spouts out the same stuff!(He defeats the foe of his team. Just when it looks like victory is at hand, Venjix' forces, along with Void Knight's and the combined forces of Mutiny and Trakeena arrive with Mavro, whose technology confuses everyone)
Rhea: Is that...
Orion: Mavro.
Mavro: You fought well. But now, your fight is over.
Void Knight: CHARGE!
(Facing yet another assault, our heroes and the students struggle to fight back)
Mavro: Redker, send in our reserve troops! And give Lord Thales the signal!
Rhea: What... is this?!
Mavro: A chance to give up, while you still can, or you will regret defying us! We are coming to finish you! Hahahahaha!"
(In the distance near a town by the outer walls of the monastery, a large reserve of Xborgs are seen charging towards the monastery. On a cliff overlooking the approaching reserve, the Rangers look on. Just as they are about to unsheathe their weapons, preparing to fight, Rhea stops them. Kendall watches as she walks ahead. Rhea turns toward her heroes, smiling.)
Rhea: Everyone here, young and old, is in your hands.
(The conflicted heroes move their hands away from their weapons and reluctantly nods. Rhea turns back towards the approaching reserve. They runs back toward the monastery.)
Rhea: No. I will not allow another Red Canyon tragedy to happen here.
(Rhea transforms into the Immaculate One — a draconic being — and takes flight towards the reserve. Nick goes into his Titan form to assist. Meanwhile, Claude and Dimitri are seen fighting off straggling minions. Claude notices the approaching reserve while Dimitri busily fights on.)
Claude: What is going on?
(As Claude and Dimitri continue to fight, a group of students, guided by Kendall, are seen running away from the monastery. Meanwhile, the Immaculate One lands and proceeds to attack the reserve, forcing them to retreat. The town is destroyed in the process. While other minions are watching the battle unfold, one of them notices four Demonic Beasts charging towards the fight. The four Demonic Beasts pounce on the Immaculate One, knocking her and Nick down and pinning her against a monastery wall. Leo and Kendall, noticing the fight, rushes to the Immaculate One's aid and attacks one of the Beasts. As the Immaculate One knocks away the Beasts, part of the wall, which overlooks a large abyss, is destroyed with a Beast falling to its death below. The remaining Demonic Beasts are crushed by rubble in the ensuing collapse of the wall. A bewildered Immaculate One glances at the two.)
The Immaculate One: Why did you come?!
Leo: We were helping you.
Nick: I'd think that too, but... Thales!
Leo and Kendall: Thales?
(They glance back to see Thales and his soldiers watching him or her. Thales launches a ball of energy that knocks them back towards the now-exposed abyss. The ensuing explosion causes the two to fall into the abyss below. The Immaculate One lets out a horrified roar as Leo and Kendall fall into the darkness below, screaming.)
Mike: LEO! No...
Koda: KENDALL!
Narrator: In Imperial Year 1181, the New Adrestian Emperor, Edelgard von Hresvelg, led a strategic assault against the monastery at Garreg Mach. Though her own losses were great, her foes had no choice but to surrender. Archbishop Rhea commanded the Knights of Seiros, leading from the front lines against the Imperial Army. But amidst the chaos of battle, she vanished, and her whereabouts remain unknown. With this single attack, the Adrestian Empire officially launched its offensive against the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus and the Leicester Alliance. The unification of Fódlan has begun.(All three cards are now on a wall)And so too, has an endless struggle that neither the Rangers nor their enemies hoped to be a part of...
Author's Note: I had Edelgard for the CF route, and Mavro and Gruumm for the AM and VR routes.