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Part III: The Power of a Hero



Well well, good morning.
Morning, you two.
You okay?
Better than before. What is this? What happened to me afterward?
You're at the inn in Ladylake. Alisha graciously took care of the arrangements.
You really were asleep for three days straight, you know.
Was I?
Now that Sorey has awoken, why don't we all take a walk around town?
I'm game.
All right, let's go.

Thank goodness!
Oh my, he's younger than I thought.
It's the Shepherd!
Literally an overnight celebrity.
Indeed he is.

After taking back control, you'll received the Divine Artifact: Fire, and Sorey's "Shepherd" title and Lailah's "Prime Lord" title, which means we already have our third party member in the saddle. Nice. Titles in this game are a bit simpler than they were in Berseria; the bonuses you get from them, such as stat increases, increase in potency the more that title is used in combat, eventually topping out. For example, Sorey's default title, Sword Harrier, increases the chance of stunning an enemy by 10% within the first..5 seconds of combat, I think? It's only for a short amount of time, but it's something.

Also, remember Divine Artifacts? We heard about them from a random malak near the end of Berseria, but for now, let's just say they're tools that allow for easy human/seraphim armatization. So while we can't armatize with Lailah just yet, can't be too far away, right? Yes, Lailah knows full well about armatization, but thankfully not a process as painful and forceful as Melchior's method.

If I remember right, if you have the special promotional God Eater 2 DLC for this game (bit of a strange situation, since the *original* God Eater 2 came out in 2013, while the updated re-release, God Eater 2: Rage Burst, came out in 2015, hence why the collab is in this game), then this is the first time you can go to a special challenge arena to fight a handful of Aragami, the standard enemies from God Eater. Let's just say that there's a good reason you need God Arcs to fight those things in the God Eater series, and Sorey's current "Shepherd" powers won't quite cut it right now, so you don't really have any business fighting this at the moment. You'll also receive a Julius Visconti outfit and haircut for Sorey (major character from 2), and a Nana Kouzuki outfit for Alisha (although Alisha's non-standard or color swap costumes are a strange situation, I'll explain later).

Appropriate music changes, too. The Julius costume switches the battle theme to Divine Punishment: Judgment Day and the Nana outfit changes the music to Wings of Tomorrow. The battle results theme also changes to the normal God Eater mission results screen. And finally, everyone can wear a God Arc Bracelet as an accessory. So yeah, for free DLC, it's pretty extensive. Always nice.

So the next step is to take a walk outside with Lailah and Mikleo. On your way out, the innkeeper will stop you and offer a free meal for the Shepherd. Ehhh, we'll see in a gameplay sense soon enough if that's true. Step-ping out...



Yes, our Lailah has some new duds. This time, it's Miki Hoshii, also from The iDOM@STER in her One for All costume. I should correct something from Part I, actually. Alisha was also wearing Chihaya's One for All costume, it's just the card I linked looks pretty similar to it, hence why I got confused. The attachment is, of course, a very small Miki.

There's almost no one out. I guess it's still pretty early in the morning.
Ugh...
You all right?
I just felt strange all of a sudden. Like a weird pressure was crushing down on my chest.
What?
You can sense it already? What you're feeling is the malevolence all around us. Now that you have become my vessel, you can sense it. This is proof that your body has already grown accustomed to my power.
You don't say. You mean there's really that much malevolence out there? Even beyond this city?
Indeed. And this is only a taste. As people start to crowd the streets, you'll feel it even more. Come this way.


This place is looking a lot less pristine, isn't it... You'll join Lailah on a short walk to a part of Ladylake I didn't go to last time, mostly because there was no reason to go there. Oh, there's a chest you can open, and a monolith, but that was pretty much it. Here, though, we actually have plot.



I believe all wooden chests, like the one on the right, are automatically unlocked, but in a rare feat of good sense by the world around us, bronze, silver, and gold chests are locked. So we'll need to find their respective keys, no doubt in sensible places. For now, that wood chest has an Amber Staff for Mikleo. Amber stuff is the next tier of items for everyone. Anyway, let's see what's on Lailah's mind. The most important thing


It truly is. But amidst this spectacular scenery, the town of Ladylake is being corrupted by malevolence.
Yeah. Now that I can sense it, I can feel the corruption everywhere. We can't let this go on.
It isn't just happening here in Ladylake, either. It's eating away at the entire world.

Yeah. In Elysia I could always feel Gramps' blessing. But here... Nothing.
But Lailah, this little walk of yours isn't just to reconfirm the situation in Ladylake with us, is it?
You've got something to tell us.
Yes. I touched on it before, but now I must clarify to you... The true purpose of the Shepherd.

That is the power of the Shepherd. However, that in and of itself is not the Shepherd's duty. What the Shepherd must quell is the source of all malevolence, the being who gives rise to the hellions:


Yes. This figure has been known by this name for countless centuries. Whenever hellions run rampant, this figure is always there. A Lord of Calamity, who begets hellions with the overwhelming amount of malevolence he possesses. Given enough time, a Lord of Calamity can even permanently alter the world itself. Such is the Calamity he brings.

Ahh, this name is still around, huh? Indeed it is. So Lailah talks about "countless centuries", but there's no confirmation she actually was around during the events of Berseria, so it could just be that Eleanor-as-Shepherd popularized the name and generation after generation just kept repeating it.

Now, there were some NPCs who hinted at Lailah. A desperate guy in Taliesin talked about the Lady of the Lake, but, while Lailah is certainly known by that title, it's simply not confirmed she's the only Lady of the Lake. Same with that one normin who wanted to hook up or something with a malak who loved puns, like Lailah does. It's all the more telling because what characters do return from Berseria (like Gramps, aka Zenrus, who wasn't in the story but was explicitly mentioned) are almost all using the same names they were using way back then, so Lailah not being named does stand out.

Wait. If I remember correctly, the Celestial Record said that a Shepherd hasn't appeared for the last 200 years.
And 200 years ago, there are records that the world was overcome by an unprecedented calamity. Could there be a connection?

This might lead some to believe that the Record is referring to Berseria, but for both spoiler and non-spoiler reasons, I'm quite sure that's not right. Chief among the non-spoilery reasons is that if Berseria did take place just 200 years ago, the world changed *insanely* fast after the cameras stopped rolling and all memories of those days were lost in a few generations. Just doesn't hold up.

Also, if Artorius really were the only Shepherd before now, then it contradicts the intro to this game, where it says numerous Shepherds have appeared in the past.

I understand. So, the Lord of Calamity is the source of all the malevolence, and it's the duty of the Shepherd to find and put a stop to him.
That's all well and good, but where is this guy?
For now, it is enough so long as you understand the duty of the Shepherd.
Huh?
The answers you seek are those you must discover for yourself, Sorey.

Stay true to yourself. Forget not your duty, but be not a slave to it either.
Answers of my own...
And to that end, Sorey: I know you want to ask about the effects the Lord of Calamity has on this world, and how earth-dwellers and seraphim go about their lives, but... I want you to discern these for yourself.
It's true that I'm completely clueless when it comes to just about everything in the world.
I want you [to] travel the world and discover all sorts of things. Only then can you take the answers you have found for yourself and make a stand against the Lord of Calamity.
Hmm.
It's not that tricky a concept. Pretty much boils down to, "Hey Sorey, let's take a trip around the world."
Yes!
Got it.
*teleports into Sorey*
Anyhow, can we start by investigating some food? Talk about calamity--I'm gonna pass out!
Shall we head back to the inn? I don't want to have to carry our Shepherd around.
Sure!


So that all was a lot to take in, but for now, this monolith actually has a very important, and nasty, gameplay tip for you. This here is among the reasons if you ever run into large groups of spellcasting random enemies, like I referred to in Berseria, you are walking a razor's edge between life and death. "Seraphic artes" are codeword for "Spells" in this game, and "Hidden Artes", as we saw in the first update, are basically elemental-themed special attacks. So there's a kinda-hidden attack triangle in this game. Seraphic Artes > Hidden Artes > Martial Artes > Seraphic Artes, in terms of having an advantage over the type below it.

The thing is, this triangle also applies to enemies, as you might guess from the monolith. So, for example, if you get into a spellcasting enemy fight, and all your buddies decide to attack with Hidden Artes, you'll quickly find enemies firing off spells very very quickly into a fight, and this can very easily wipe you if you're relatively unlucky. You're really better off just avoiding those encounters as much as possible, but keep in mind that if that does happen, this is the reason why.



So herbs are a strange case in this game. Unlike Berseria, they don't respawn, so once you pick one, it won't get marked on the mini-map and it's gone forever after that. But, like in most Tales games, there is a way to get an infinite quantity of them. It's just...it's more...tedious than it is in Berseria? Something like that. Look, it's not worth grinding herbs via the method I'm talking about, but once we see it happen later this update, then it'll make more sense. Her habit


*hops out*
But I never imagined it'd be so important! It's kinda weird, but I can't say I'm not excited.
Heh... I think it's safe to say you're probably the most, uh, sheltered Shepherd in history.
You really think so? Hey Lailah, what kind of people were the other Shepherds?
Huh? *turns away* Oh! Sorry! I missed what you said.
So...what were the other Shepherds like?

Lailah?
Yes?
Hiding something?
Oh my! Isn't this lovely weather?
Looks like she doesn't want to talk.
Can I ask you why you won't answer?
I...I have forged an oath with myself. So long as I wield that oath, I may wield extraordinary powers. However the terms of the oath also prohibit...things.
So wait, does that mean there are certain things you can't discuss?
By powers I assume you mean the power of purification?
Oh wow! Look at the pretty butterfly!
You're kind of bad at this, aren't you.
Does it really matter? We're traveling the world to find these answers anyway, after all.
So we need to investigate each land's Shepherd myths?
Yes yes yes! That's 1000% correct!
Can other seraphim besides you wield the power of purification?
We should get back before Sorey collapses from hunger adn we have to sneak his body through the back alleys!

*hops back in*
Hahaha...
Let's get going.



You know, regardless of the fact we know other seraphim do have the power of purification, like Laphicet, I do have to hand it to Sorey and Mikleo here. They catch on pretty quickly Lailah very quickly and awkwardly directs the conversation away from topics she doesn't want to talk about when they pop up, and instead of pressing her on it, just go ahead and let her have her fun. She seems like a seraphim of fine character to me; I'm sure she wouldn't lead us to an unfortunate end because she doesn't instantly reveal everything she knows, which is...there's apparently a lot she's holding back right now.

But, just the fact she *does* seem to know something about previous Shepherds does tell us a bit about her life up to this point. If she didn't know anything, you would certainly be inclined to think she wouldn't need to put on that little performance piece, to borrow Alisha's term.



So while this first meal may be free, future ones will not. Well, they are still a business, even for the one who will save the world from the Lord of Calamity. Standard JRPG stuff, let's not concern ourselves with it. Hero's garb


Ha ha ha! You ate like a champ!
It was delicious! You sure you don't want me to pay for it?
Of course I am!
Thanks so much, sir!
*walks off* Oh, I have something for you. A gift from Lady Alisha.
Huh? What could it be?

Ah, perfect timing. Go get changed, you kinda smell.
Ha ha. All right, then.

*fade to black*


Oh my!

Sorey is, of course, supposed to be in an outfit with that cape/shawl thing over him, fancy gloves, and...well, we'll see it soon enough, after this scene.

Not bad!
How about it?
It looks fantastic on you, Lord Shepherd!
It really does! So dashing!
Oh man! I want one!
It's the garb of the Shepherd handed down from tradition in Ladylake. You wear it well.
So you CAN put lipstick on a pig.
Just admit it, Mikleo, you're jealous.
Yeah, you wish. So what's the letter all about?
Well, let's see...

Technically speaking, Sorey is reciting the whole thing to Mikleo and Lailah, but let's just put it in quotes, shall we?

"Dear Sorey, I was surprised that you fainted so suddenly. I hope your rest at the inn was rejuvinating. When I learned that you can communicate with seraphim, beings of divine nature who cannot be seen by ordinary people... When I saw you draw the Sacred Blade from the Lady of the Lake, and quell the riot at the festival before my eyes... My heart lept with joy the likes of which I've never known. The only thing I can think of to tell you a sincere, heartfelt thanks. I hope you do not find this strange. Though I do think that my true feelings do not come across well in a letter. I know that, as the Shepherd, you are soon to embark on a journey to save the world. But once you awake, I would like you to come and visit me at my home.

P.S. - Did you have a chance to try on the clothes I got for you? They're modeled after the traditional garb of the legendary Shepherd. I hope they are to your liking."

Well, it's uh...definitely the kind of letter Alisha would write.

My! What a kind-hearted young woman!
Yeah, seriously. I should be the one who's thanking her!
Why not do it in person, then?
Good idea. Let's move!


Now then. That's a little more like the Shepherd, isn't it?



It's not bad.



Neither is Mikleo, who apparently waited around reading books and...not much else for three days while Sorey recovered from after the festival. Apparently he's always been like this.



Also, this is the answer to what I was thinking about last time. So there you go. That's why people don't see floating clothes and accessories and stuff as seraphim move about in human society, which is not a frequent happening, in any case. As for how Mikleo knows this, and that items made by seraphim can be made visible (though also not common, seraphim who can do this), well...Sorey knows how Mikster all too well.



So, returning from Xillia 2, which was made just before this game, cooking is a fairly simple mechanic in this game. Unlike gathering ingredients and cooking yourself, you stop by inns and choose a meal to eat for certain buffs that last for a set number of battles, like this one.



As for why we're stopping here, well, another family of skits in this game also only trigger when you sleep at inns. Well, at least skits are fairly optional content. This is in stark contrast to some previous Tales games I could name, where resting at the right inns at the right times in the plot could initiate entire elaborate sidequests or events where you get cool costumes or what have you. I believe that inn skits in this game have certain cutoff points, but aside from some obvious reasons, like a character not being in the party for a skit they're in, I couldn't tell you when an inn skit becomes unavailable.

Oh, as for this skit, well, seraphim do not need human food, of course, but they have been known to partake of it, just for the sensation of it.



Ah yes, and now that the weapon/item shop is open, you can use Fusion. This is the other reason equipment grinding is a huge part of this game. Obviously you can't rely on an enemy dropping like 4 identical skills on one item, so this is how you can make those kinds of builds happen.



For example, this is what happens I try and fuse the Ancient Earrings Sorey started with, that Sorey still has eqiupped, and the Ancient Earrings I found in the game's first treasure chest, together. The latter had Roklin on it, so when I try to fuse them together, the nothing from Sorey's starting earrings and the earrings I got are added together, giving us Roklin. That's the nature of fusion for ya. Fusion also increases the base stats of the item, but to be honest this isn't even all of the fusion system in this game, which is a pretty elaborate gameplay mechanic and a huge source of stat bonuses, along with, of course, the usual leveling up. There's another big thing related to equipment that won't be introduced for a while, so again, just put it out of your mind. Mostly. In good time I'll explain. For now, fused items can go up to level 10, but that cap can go all the way up to level 99 with a little special sauce.



So while on the way back to Alisha's estate, Mikleo created this inedible sludge. If you're playing the game, you might have noticed Mikleo occasionally creating random consumables, and this is because of the Personal Skill he has equipped, which are a family of special skills, equipped from a menu, that give various buffs, that I think only trigger in the field. For example, all you need to do for Mikleo to make stuff is just to run around. Depending on his skill level, he'll create things more often / at better quality. Also, Sorey exclaiming they're close to a monolith or landmark or whatever isn't just random fluff. That's also because of a Personal Skill, and increased levels on this skill increase the detection range. I think the growth is influenced by Grade acquired in-battle, much as how equipment was mastered in Berseria. So fight well, and fight often, to level these skills up.

Oh, and including snacks / gels for HP recovery outside and inside battle, people with Snack Preparation can also create stat-increasing herbs, which is how you have an infinite source of them in-game. Obviously, running around and hoping you get these herbs get created, which are quite rare, is way more effort than necessary to beat this game, even on Chaos, the hardest difficulty (yep, again).



And this is what AP does, which is what we've been getting after boss fights / finding monoliths. These are the "battle strategies" we've been hearing about, which is an odd way to put this menu. These are basically special buffs or cheats that can be enabled for a certain amount of AP , that can be turned off and on at your leisure, as long as you have the AP to cover it. I do need to explain these Auto Skills, because they seem powerful, but they also halve the Grade you acquire from battle if you have any of them equipped. Grade is actually very important in this game, so I can't recommend these skills unless you don't care or aren't very good at the game. Yet. Hopefully.

Snipe Charge is nicer. Guard for 1 second, and the "effect potential", which is, I assume, the chance of increasing status effects or stunning the enemy or whatever, is doubled. For 1 AP, can hardly go wrong.



Very helpfully, any entry marked with ??, the unlock conditions are already given to you.



Ah, the game calls them "Support Talents". Well, regardless, this is the menu for 'em. I vaguely recall that the max level for these skills is 30. For Treasure Detection, it also detects herbs, and to increase the range, increase the number of characters who have that Support Skill equipped and, as mentioned, just increase the level. You can press the Help button to get a better explanation of what the skill does, but for now, Snacks, as opposed to gels, actually affect the whole party, recover SC, and provide some extra effects. Very helpful.

Anyhow, that's enough gameplay mechanic discussion for now. Back to Alisha's estate in the nobles quarter. Bridge between worlds


Have you need of Lord Alisha? She's on the terrace as we speak.
Thanks. I'll see if I can find her.

Sorey! You came!
Alisha!
The Shepherd's garb looks wonderful on you!
Thanks!
Some fine lipstick on that pig.
Yes, Mikleo, we all know your opinion.
What? Pigs are nice.
I, uh, I take it there's a seraph present with you?
If I told you there was, would you believe me?
To be honest, up until the events that took place at the Sacred Blade Festival this year, I wouldn't have. But even from the moment we met, I could tell... How can I put it. There was something... Something different about you.
Ha ha ha...
Well she's right, you know.



Please, find it in your grace to forgive my rudeness up until now, Seraph Mikleo.
*blushes* Rudeness? You've never struck me as rude.

*gestures again* And this here is Lailah. She's the one everyone calls the Lady of the Lake.
*bows*
I truly believe in my heart that you were meant to become the Shepherd. Whereas I... I mean, all of us here in the city, can be standing right next to seraphim. And still not know.
That's not quite true.
She can't hear you.
:o Sorey. Try taking Alisha's hand in your own.
Huh? Oh, sure. Alisha, give me your hand.
*reaches out hand*
*grabs it* Like this?

Testing, testing. Check one, check two. Can you hear me? Hello?
Doesn't look like it.
Hmm... Okay, then. Sorey, try closing your eyes.
*does so*
Testing, testing! Alisha! Can you hear me now?
...
Still no good.
*nods* This time, close your eyes and also hold your breath!

Alisha?
I can hear it! Another woman's voice!
Really?
*nods*
Hrrrrgh!
Alisha. We seraphim are able to see right into the very hearts of humans. Remember to show gratitude to all things. It is in exchange for this gratitude that we offer our blessing. No matter the circumstances, never neglect the seraphim. Or your heart shall turn to malevolence, and this in turn shall bring calamity.
Fear not, Alisha. We have indeed seen your gratitude for ourselves.
*gasps*
Ah!
Sorey, one more time!
Isn't there a better way to do this?
I'm afraid this is the only method we have for now. Once you've grown more accustomed to my power and have amassed more experience as both a vessel and a Shepherd... I believe such a strict sensory block will not be required.
So, does that mean, once I do grow stronger as a Shepherd, everyone will be able to hear the seraphim?
As for Alisha, she already possessed a natural resonance since birth... Though nowhere near as much as you, Sorey.
I see. *turns toward Alisha* Looks like it's not that simple.
*lets go* Regardless, I was able to have a conversation with her. I now have no doubts that the seraphim do indeed live among us. *blushes* And that alone--
Gets you excited?
Yes!
*nods*
*takes out his book* The legends are no mere fairy tales. Okay! *walks off the terrace* Alisha! We're going to stay in town for a while yet. Let me know if you need anything! Take care.
I will. You too!
Um, Sorey?
Looks [like] our explorer is all fired up.


The worst.


What? How did you know what i was thinking about, Mikleo?
Didn't I tell you I wasn't going to let you go off by yourself? So what's the plan?
Let's have another look around town. There's got to be a clue around here somewhere.
Okay.
Heh heh heh.


SO, this is another branching point, kinda. I'll save you, Sorey, and Mikleo some time and say that we're headed back to that little area where Lailah talked about the Lord of Calamity to get to the waterways beneath Ladylake (that were mentioned in Berseria, and apparently how this city was gradually unflooded). Thing is, while the door to the next dungeon is fairly obvious, you'll quickly find your path blocked by a locked door. Guess what opens it? Alisha's Knife.

If you sold the knife, well, the Sparrowfeathers still have it, and you'll have to do a little something to get it back. Since we can't proceed without the knife, that's why there's a star on the mini-map right now in the marketplace. Of course, if you still have the knife, you can skip what's about to come and just head back to that little outcropping place to continue the plot. This way is more interesting / profitable, though.



If you stop by the inn, you can get a curious skit that's mostly talking about Sorey thinking back to Elysia (you can't go back there right now) and Mikleo poking fun, as usual, while Lailah had this comment after the two left. Curious...




Back in the market, Rose and Eguile are hanging out, strangely on the mark about us needing Alisha's Knife. Well, taking one of these jobs is how we get it back. Only one, by the way, so choose wisely. The first involves carrying stuff to the equipment shop while walking very slowly, the second involves talking to a guy in the outcropping area and coming back here, and the third one involves memorizing the hotel's menu a bit and giving Eguile the right answer. The first two jobs give you unique Valuables, if you're into that kinda thing, but we'll be going with Door #1 here.



Well, nobody ever said every moment of the Shepherd's life was all guts and glory.



Once back at the shop, just drop everything into the red chest and...that's it. Along the way, you might hear talk of a bridge getting washed away in the Falkewin Hillside, an alleged dragon at the Rayfalke Spiritcrest, and a plague in a place called Marlind. I sense impending plot threads, but that's not for a bit. Back with Eguile and Rose...




Yeah, so in keeping their good name, they let you have both the knife back and this Ten Gallon Hat, which is the real reason it's actually better to go ahead and sell Alisha's Knife earlier, since this is the only way to get this accessory. Not an amazing reward but hey, it's some goodwill and Sorey and Mikleo got to learn a bit about the human world. I'd say that makes us even. NOW we're finally ready to head back to that outcropping and get back to the story.


Watch it, there's someone suspicious afoot!
Is it a turtle hellion?!
The hellz you mean turtlez helion?! I'm just a turtlez!
Turtlez? So, wait a minute are they...seraphim?
Turtlez are turtlez! Can't you tell from lookin' at uz?!
Oh. Uh, sorry.
Oh brave new world that has such turtlez in it...
Ain't youz ever seen a turtlez before?
No.
What are ya, some bumpkinz?! Well lucky for youz guyz we turtlez are a forgiving bunch!
Well, thank you.
Ha ha. You guys sure are kind.
Of course! The big-heartednezz of the Turtlez is proportional to the size of our shellz.
And, what were you doing here?
I'm making mapz for our purposez.
Oh, maps!
Come to think of it, we don't have any decent maps. The one in the Celestial Record is quite old.
Youz guyz sure are recklezz! Sayz, can I sellz ya somez of my mapz? They're chock full of useful informationz!
Thanks, it's a big help.

After that, you'll get a chance to buy the Turtlez map for 100 gald, which is pretty cheap. These maps are important for filling in geographic information as well as a sidequest, and it's only 100 gald, so you can surely part with some coin, I think.



And this is our *actual* reason for going down in the waterways. Now that's some subtle storytelling right there. I guess they figured if you just poked around you'd find some thread leading you somewhere you haven't been before.


Yeah, I'm worried about anyone who isn't coming back.
Sorey...

Going right in... Into the depths


You can feel it, can't you?

I must say, your ability is indeed impeccable. It looks like you're acclimating to your power already, far faster than I'd even imagined.
I am?
The day when you will come into the true power of the Shepherd is not far off.
What kind of power is that?
*"trips"* Oof! Oh, sorry about that. You were saying?
Well, we'll find out soon enough.
Yup.



It's a hellion. Get back!
No way! I'm helping too!
I told you, Lailah and I have this. Get back!



So even though it's a rather unpleasant slime creature, and an early-game boss, this can be difficult, just because Sorey's attacks, none of them, will open this thing up to serious damage or expose it to a Power Combo. Instead, you'll need one of Lailah's Fire attacks to do that, which can be a somewhat difficult proposition, as the slime thing starts with some buddies that do decent damage on Hard and Lailah is not the fastest attacker. That said, it's not hard to clean out the little ones, but they can mob you quite easily.



61 combo in the third boss fight, eh? By the way, these Blessing Orbs are just a free boost to HP. The ones we've gotten, and will get, do stack with each other, of course.


He wouldn't believe it even if you told him.
You... Uh, you were...drowning!
I was? Thank goodness you showed up, then. I should head back and lie down for a bit. *stands up* I'm fine, I promise. I can get back by myself.
All right then! Now we can romp around the ruins without that weighing on our minds. Mikleo?
From now on, I'm fighting too.
But you don't have the power of purification!
So what are you asking me to do? Stand around behind you and twiddle my thumbs? I didn't come along just to be a liability for you!
Mikleo...
Lailah, is there any way I could use the power of purification as well?
There is one way. You could become a Sub Lord and place your power alongside mine. And like me, you would need to dwell inside Sorey, my vessel.
I'll do it.
No, hold on now! You need to think about this first!
I need to think about this? I don't recall a whole lot of thinking when you decided to become the Shepherd!
That was completely different! Is purifying hellions your life dream? I doubt it!
I am a seraph. Hellions are my natural enemy! Is it so strange that I should want to eliminate them?
I don't know. Do frogs try to eliminate snakes?
Am I a frog to you?!

*takes his hands off his shoulders* I'm not getting hysterical.
Mikleo!
Your liability will be waiting back at the inn. *leaves*
Sorey, we should go after him!
He said he's going back. Let him have his way.
...

But even so, you should know what you did was cruel. Surely you understand how Mikleo feels, don't you? I've decided!
Huh? About what?
Moving on ahead. Yes, this is a fine idea!
I don't even get what you're talking about.
Well, the ruins won't explore themselves! Though that would be grand!


So Lailah's default Support Talent is this, Health Maintenance. If someone's HP is in the red at the end of the fight, as her's was at the end of that slime battle, she'll restore a small part of it, as well as providing gradual HP recovery while running around. As with the other talents, this effect increases the more it's leveled up / the more characters have it equipped. It's not *that* amazing, in terms of what can be equipped, but it's definitely something.



Going back to the inn to properly heal, however, we get this random bit of lore. Uh, if you say so. Can't say I've heard of an "Origin Village" before. This trip was just to heal, by the way, so no skit this time. Returning to the waterway...


Can you figure out how to open it?
A door with no keyhole, marked with the crest of the Kingdom of Hyland... This is no door, is it... It's a seal!
A seal, is it?
When authorities find relics or artifacts that are politically inconvenient for the current regime... They tend to brand them "forbidden" and seal them away from prying eyes. And if the seal was placed there by the royal family, that would suggest the key is connected to them as well...
*gets excited*
Huh? What's up?
You certainly are quite the budding archaeologist.
Yeah. Ever since childhood, exploring ruins was pretty much the only hobby Mikleo and I ever had. That Mikleo. If I ever discovered anything, he'd run out the next day and discover something else.
And?
Oh, that's...about it.
Can you unlock the seal?
Oh, right. I think I'll examine the door a bit more.


So technically, these halves of the scene are in different parts, but that's only because you could come down here without Alisha's Knife and get up to this scene. But obviously, you'll go no further without it.


Just need the key now.

Just go into the inventory screen and use the knife.


Well, it certainly is a unique key. It looks just like a knife.
That's 'cause it is.


Well alright then. Before you move on, there's a monolith right near the door to the entrance of this deeper portion of the waterways, and, it's a good thing we're getting the sewer level out of the way early, right? This is a very simple dungeon, but you'd expect that from the first real one. First up...



Miki!Lailah's battle theme is relations. It was harder than I imagined to find a version of this song actually sung by Miki, so I had to use this clip from The iDOLM@STER: Stella Stage, a recent entry in the series that's a crossover between various iDOLM@STER sub-franchises. Very strange.


That was too easy!

Again, must be the idol quote, since that definitely doesn't look or sound anything like how Lailah acts. You can just tell after a certain point. After you first normal battle with Lailah, you get a little tutorial with seraphic artes. Again, they're what you would just call "spells" in another game, but a neat thing in this game is that if you're playing as the caster, you can hold down the spellcasting button after fully casting to hold the spell and switch targets until you're ready to fire.




So our first direct crossover between titles is...the Dark Turtlez being around. Would you expect anything else? He's a bit more chill now than when he threw down with Velvet and company. Guess his stay in the...Katz Pajamaz did him good, or whatever the hell was going on in that place. Let us never speak of it again. He's only selling Apple Gels right now, so not particularly worth it to shop now.



That looks pretty enticing. But don't move too fast that you forget Amber Paper for Lailah in the dead-end corner to Sorey's left. The sewer's secret



This is an altar to the Sacred Blade. It was constructed in the Era of Asgard.
Lailah, do you know about this--
*walks up to the altar*
Lailah?

Why do I get the feeling she's gonna do this a lot? Talking to her again...

This is where I formed the pact with the previous Shepherd.
Really... But then, why couldn't you tell us before?
You and Mikleo looked like you both were having so much fun. I didn't want to go and sour your explorer's spirit by spoiling the end. And, on top of that... I kept silent for your sake.
For my sake?
I want you to understand... You must not feel obligated to bear the world's burden on your shoulders alone.
Huh?
So, how does it feel, having reached these ruins? You don't feel as excited as you imagined you might be, right? By any chance, do you know why this is?
Um... I...well...
You do not wish for your friends to share the burden of your duty. Is that correct?
I guess I'm really that transparent, aren't I.
*lightly nods* This is a problem that always arises between the Shepherd and their seraphim friends, no matter the era. Sorey, you must understand how Mikleo feels, do you not?
Yeah.
Very well. There is nothing left for me to tell you.
Thank you, Lailah.
And now, allow me to show you the real reason I brought you all the way here. *grabs the jewel* I want to bestow this onto you.

They are called "iris gems" in the world of humans. But they are originally known as the Earthen Historia.
Iris gems... Earthen Historia...
So, can you see anything?
Huh? Like what?
The object you are holding allows those with resonance--that is, the ability to sense seraphim---to see the memories that are contained within. They should serve you well as guideposts in your search for the Lord of Calamity.
But... I can't see anything.
You can't? Hmm, that certainly is odd.
*pockets the gem, walks off* Let's head back. There's nothing more we can find out.
But--
Hey, we can come back anytime we need to.
Indeed. And with Mikleo, of course.

Remember the Earthen Historia? When we took our occasional jaunts to the Earthpulse in Berseria, we were, I guess, surrounded by the Earthen Historia in the form of orbs that exploded in front of the party, cascading them with memories of Artorius, mostly. The party speculated as to why that happened, but it was never explicitly confirmed in-universe. Here, I guess you can do the same thing as long as you have these iris gems, but sadly, it's not working right now.



Well, if this isn't a landmark, I don't know what is. For this description...

Altar of the Sacred Blade posted:

A gigantic stone altar that rests in the Vivia Subterranean Aqueduct. An artifact serving as testament to the dark history surrounding the Shepherds.


But now it looks like we're ready to head out. After the skit, of course. After that, technically we have nothing more to do here, but we did slide down that long slide that we're not going back up, so we need to find another way to the surface.


This is an altar created in order to bring forth Shepherds. It does not open unless one can wield the flames of purification.
Wait a minute. Doesn't that mean that anyone who failed to become a Shepherd could never get out of here.
Indeed. It is a relic of a much crueler era.
I see.
You have already been bound to me, and are quickly becoming accustomed to my power. I expect you should be able to wield the flames of purification by now.
So... All I have to do, then, is light this torch?
Yes. But be wary. Those who could not become Shepherds may have perished here, but their emotions linger on. This malevolence hangs here like a miasma.
Meaning that hellions are lurking about, right?
Exactly. Proceed with caution.
Okay.


So this is your first Map Action, special abilities granted when you have an elemental seraphim joining your crew on a permanent basis, like Lailah has. She's not going anywhere, I can promise you that. Press the D-pad button in the corresponding direction to do something special, like this. I'm sure it'll blow your mind what we do with this now, but, as always, it can also be used to light plants on fire and such. In addition, if you strike an enemy with Fire, and future elements when they join later in the game, you can get a nice little advantage if you hit them with the right element.



Nobody likes slimes, no matter what the setting.



Oh, I guess it's not so hidden. Well, there you go. This all is very important to keep in mind if you're finding enemies like, instantly casting spells and you don't know why, because this pop-up comes very early in the game and won't trigger again. Some minor treasures later... Proof of the Shepherd


I had no idea. Do you feel any different? A new power manifesting, or a new sort of strength welling up inside you? Do you feel like at all?
Hmm, I don't feel any different.
So it really hasn't happened yet.

Sorey! We have to break on through!
Kay!


So you do have to fight this horde. While there are an infinite amount of them that can spawn, only about 12 of them can be on the field at once. Even on Hard, they're easy to defeat, but again, just the fact you don't have two more party members and not many artes, can make this difficult. I think this is just "Hold out long enough" since this fight ended for me while none of the slimes were getting KO'd.


What are you talking about?!
It is time you knew the true power of the Shepherd!
What?




I bear my true name.
Agh! This is...
Recite that name! Harness the power that flows from it, and let it become your armor! That is the true power of the Shepherd!









NOW we're talkin'.

This is armatization!
Wow... I can feel such incredible power! All right, time to finish this!


Ah, we will Sorey, but first, let's talk armatization. Just for a bit, let's ignore its story thing and just focus on the gameplay.

So, armatization is a major gameplay mechanic in this game and one of the big hooks of Zestiria's combat. So the Blast Gauge next to Sorey's battle icon determines if he can activate it or not. You need at least one to armatize, and it can be activated even if Sorey is KO'd, surprisingly enough. So if you need to get back in the fight, as Sorey, this is how you do it.

Next, actually fighting as an armatized Sorey. Armatization combines the HP, Attack, Arte Attack, Focus (SC recovery), skills, and BG total (which is why even 5 BG doesn't max out the gauge right now) of Sorey and the seraph he's armatized with. Sorey's standard attacks will also change considerably depending on which seraph you armatize with. Armatizing with Lailah, of course, gives you the big-ass flame sword that Sorey swings much slower, but much more powerfully, than his normal sword. Goes without saying that all his normal attacks now will be flavored by the element of the seraph he's armatized with. Also, although primarily an offensive tool, it can certainly be used defensively. If a seraph is a target of a spell, or is in a nasty spot otherwise, you can armatize and it will instantly teleport to where Sorey is, safely extracting it. All sorts of tactics like that.

Armatization can be compared on a fundamental level with Velvet's therion form during combat, but of course, there are important differences. Most important is that you are very far from invincible while armatized, but in exchange, it's not timed. As for this fight, this slimes will be absolutely destroyed by your new trick, so let's just skip ahead.

Oh, before we do, the song playing over this sequence is Sorey's second theme, Sorey's Theme: The Shepherd. As a very fun fact, thanks to my doing this thread in 2022, I can 100% report that for the 2021 Olympic games in Tokyo, this song was actually played by the orchestra there, among many other video game songs. Whatever else might be said about Zestiria, Sorey and Mikleo are enormously popular among the Japanese Tales fanbase, and Zestiria is actually one of the series' better-selling titles, so that's at least some explanation why. I admit I only heard this rendition of the song recently, but yep, there you go.


That was wonderfully done, Sorey! Armatization itself is proof of one's status as a Shepherd. It means you have mastered its power.
Still, that was way too close for comfort! Gaining that new power right at the last second there.
I'll say! I must admit even I was worried. But in the end you did an absolutely marvelous job!
Aww, shucks, c'mon, you're embarrassing me.
*laughs* By the way, since the hellions are safely defeated, what do you say you go ahead and remove the armatization?
How do I do that?
Huh?
I can't get it off.
What? Is that what's supposed to happen?
That's what I wanna know!
So... You can't read the Earthen Historia... You were able to unleash the power of armatization with amazing speed, and yet now you can't turn it off... Sorey, you're just a total mess! The Shepherd's a mess, I guess, I guess! *giggles*
C'mon, Lailah...
*zaps out*
Oh! There it goes.
I suppose, once the armatus has been invoked, you'll just have to wait until it dissolves. I'm sure in due time you'll be able to use it at will!
If you say so.


She does. So the armatizations all have their own movesets, and you can adjust them normally from the menu just like Sorey's regular artes line-up. Obviously, we don't have access to much, but I'll get the chance to show up what those two skills we have listed are soon enough.



Going into the nitty-gritty a bit. Armatization is very powerful, but it's definitely not suitable for every situation. For example, Lailah's armatization has, in general, the slowest attack line-up, but it's plenty powerful, so you'll mostly use it against similarly slow adversaries. You might get the wrong impression from this early part of the game that it's fairly niche with how slow the attacks are, but keep in mind we are only at half the usual party size right now, so the advantage of an ally covering your slow attacks can't really show right now.



For example, this is Divine Phoenix Blade. After a combo, hold down R2 on PS4, at least, and Sorey will stop for a bit and charge, then perform a massive, very powerful swing in about a 270 degree radius that can one-shot these slimes. That charge-up, though, is kind of crucial. Any attack from an enemy will cancel the charge, so you will need someone to cover you in more serious engagements.



That IS handy to know. Thanks monolith.



After a few more random battles, we're back at the entrance. Nice and short, just like how I like my sewer levels. Topside


So...what are your plans now?
Hmm, I doubt he's at the inn.
Oh, Mikleo? But he said he would wait for us back at the inn when he left.
So, the ruins below spread out all over the place, right? If that's the case, I'll bet Mikleo went off to search for another entrance. One that's not this one.
Huh? You mean Mikleo went into the ruins alone?! How dangerous! How downright reckless of him! The hellions here are spreading like wildfire! You saw firsthand what a force they are to be reckoned with! How can be so calm when your friend is in peril like this?
He'll be fine. I know he's not the type to let his guard down when he's faced with real danger. And I'm sure he knows full well that he has no ability to purify the hellions all by himself.
...
Don't worry.
You really do have the utmost faith in him, don't you?
Well, it's a love hate sorta thing.
I see. So Mikleo has a sort of rivalry going on with you, and thus he went alone to search for the ruins, rather than return to the inn... But you're sure he wouldn't do anything dangerous by himself. So then... What are your plans now, Sorey?
Man, you sure have a mean streak, you know that?
Oh, do I?
But anyways, first I have to return this to Alisha.
Oh, the knife you used to open the door.
We found this at the ruins where I first met her. It was probably handed down by the royal family. I'm sure it's very important. Before I begin my duty as a Shepherd, I feel like I should return it.
Indeed.
Lailah, you had something else to tell me, right? About what it is to be the Shepherd. I'd like to hear the rest of what you had to say.
It's true, I do. But first, to that same end, there are things I would like to ask Alisha as well.
Perfect. Let's head over to her manor then.
We might find Mikleo as well.
Oh... Yeah. He'll probably give up and wander back any time now.
Heeheehee! Now that WOULD be perfect.

...

Mysterious. Moving right along...


You really saved my butt back there! Thanks so much!
Oh, nah, it was nothing, really!
We owe you our thanks, as well! When this guy went missing, we thought he had just up and gone home already!
Whoa now, hang on a second. Aren't you the Shepherd? That outfit fits the description in all the rumors to a T!
Well, uh...
For real? This is the guy that pulled the sword? I figured you were something special, but this is more than I even bargained for! Gotta thank you proper for saving me! Wanna get some grub later?
Ha ha ha! To think I'd become buds with the great Shepherd himself! My wife and kid are gonna scream the roof off when they hear this! *everyone nods*
Well, I don't know if--

*various indications of revelry*

Great! See ya soon, Shepherd! *everyone walks off*
They certainly were a lively bunch!
Yeah, that's one way to put it. Everyone back home in Elysia is a little more...relaxed.
You spent your whole life in the village of the seraphim, right? With no other humans around for miles.
Until I met Alisha.
I see.

Well, that doesn't seem to have slowed Sorey down one bit, has it? Although we are headed back to Alisha's estate, why not the inn first?


Figured. He's both as solid and as stubborn as a rock. Let's go.
You really do know him so well, don't you. *turns toward the desk*
Coming?
Right away!


Ladylake sure did have a weird amount of optional content. One of Zestiria's merits is that you definitely can't call it completely linear or conventional, but if you were to ask me whether that was intentional or accidental, I'd have to say on accident. I really do believe that Ladylake was one of the first parts of the game they finished, and even in the later stages of development, it largely stayed the same. The way the world works


It's quite all right. I very much appreciate your diligence.
And you? Do you consider yourself prepared?
Yes. I shall do everything within my power that I can!
Your distinctive personality is a point I greatly admire as your teacher, but I am aware that it also tends to drive the chancellors up the wall. Don't push yourself too hard. I'll let you know if anything happens.
Yes. Oh, Sorey!
Oh, uh, hello there! Should I come back later?
Not at all. I was just leaving.
Oh! You're--
I thank you for your help at the Festival, Shepherd Sorey. I am Maltran, knight preceptor and adviser to the Royal Army of the Kingdom of Hyland. Please do all you can to help Alisha. She could use the support of a good friend.
Yes, of course.

*leaves*

Certainly a very brusque departure, wasn't it?

Wow. I gotta say, she's totally got it together.
I know, right? My dream is to be as cool as her. Let's walk while we chat. *begins walking to terrace in short playable section* You were investigating the ruins, correct?
Well, yes, that's true. *arrives at the terrace* This is for you.

Did you find this at the ruins near Elysia?
Yeah. I figured it was yours.
This is an important item that's been handed down in my family for generations. I thought I'd never see it again! Thank you so much.

*fake cough* Just don't mention the exact chain of custody that led to this moment, Sorey. I'm sure the Sparrowfeathers won't tell if you don't.


Um, I do apologize, but may we get down to the matter at hand?
Lady Lailah! Forgive me!
Wait, did you just...
I could hear her! I definitely heard Lailah's voice!
Well, this is quite a surprise. *hops out of Sorey* Hello?
...
I see. So it won't be that easy just yet.
Lailah?
I'll explain things, but first, take her hand again.
*nods* Lailah says she'll explain. Can you give me your hand again?
Sure.
*hops back into Sorey* Hello Alisha? Can you hear me?
Yes, yes I can! Loud and clear!
I haven't even held my breath yet.
At this point, you've grown much more accustomed to my power, to the exten tthat you can now do what you did before without dulling your other senses.
I don't feel any different, though.
That's good news! It means you don't have to go through all that hassle anymore to make her voice carry.
Heh... It was fun in a way, but... Good riddance.
Ahem... All right, very well then. Shall we begin?
Oh, right. Lailah needed to talk with you about something.
With me?
I would ask that you lend us your power, so that we may find the vessels and the Lords of the Land.
May I ask what those might be?


The seraphim and humans worked together?
If the vessel they dwelled in was pure of heart and harbored no malevolence, those seraphim with power would become "Lords of the Land". And through worship by the people, they gained the ability to expand the area of the "blessed domain", which repels the influence of malevolence. The sanctuaries were built to honor the Lords of the Land and keep the area around the sanctuary safe from malevolence. However, the sanctuary in this town has neither a Lord of the Land nor a vessel, let alone anyone who will properly pray to them.
Is that why there's so much bad stuff going down around here?
Yes. Even if the Shepherd purifies the malevolence, it will be impossible to maintain the land's protection without the blessings of the Lord of the Land.
I see... So you wanted to ask Alisha for helping in finding a suitable vessel for the Lord of the Land...
And, should they be found, if those of the sanctuary would properly worship them both, is that correct?
Precisely. Any ideas?
As for the sanctuary, I'm afraid almost all of the pious ones in my country have lost their sense of gratitude towards the seraphim.
No way...
However, there is a man named Breunor who has recently ascended to the priesthood. He is a good, sincere man who gave his time to help us prepare for the festival.
Would he help?
Yes, I believe so. Time is of the essence. I'll head for the sanctuary at once. *leaves as promsied*
Well, that was abrupt.
But she's not wrong, either. We must hurry.



What IS that white thing? It kinda looks like an envelope, and I *guess* It's returning Alisha's letter to her, which would be a little strange, and I don't think it's ever mentioned again. Well, we'll see. If it is, I completely forget why it would.

Anyway, we're headed right to the sanctuary again. Unless you have some pressing business elsewhere, of course. The Shepherd's second


It looks like Father Breunor is out around town on an errand.
So it goes. Any clue as to the vessel, at least?
Let's see, something free from malevolence... *joins hands with Sorey* In the Galahad Ruins north of here, there's a pure and clean waterfall. The Kings of Hyland traditionally bathe in its pristine holy water before their coronation ceremonies.
Water of utmost purity...that does sound like something that could be a vessel for a seraph.
Is something wrong?
Beasts have taken up residence in the ruins of late. Whatever was there was strong enough to kill all ten soldiers who came to drive them out.
Hellions?
Likely.
If we don't hurry, then the waterfall could be corrupted by the malevolence! I take it that's not all, is it?
The malevolence is strong in Ladylake. The holy water will absorb its influence before we have a chance to enshrine and worship it. Water in particular is delicate and easily corrupted by malevolence.
No way... Is there anything we can do?
Of course there is. But in that case, we will need the cooperation of a seraph of water. As a fire seraph, I'm afraid I am wholly mismatched.
A water seraph, huh?
Yes.
...
By the way, whatever became of Mikleo? I haven't heard his voice yet.
We...sorta had a fight.
It's a long story.
Anyways, to the Galahad Ruins! There's hellions to smack!
That's true. Let's do what we can, first and foremost.
sorey, please let me accompany you.
I would...but you don't have the power to battle hellions.
But--

If Alisha becomes your Squire, she can fight against the hellions as long as she is within your domain.
My Squire? But...
*hops out*

If you watch the cutscene, it sounds like Lailah should be saying something, her mouth is moving, and Sorey kinda reacts to it, but there's no audio or subtitles. If she's supposed to whispering something, well...can't see the point when Sorey can just tune Alisha out by letting go ahead of her hands. I'm gonna chalk it up to more of Zestiria's weirdness, frankly.

This sanctuary... No, make that all of the sanctuaries in Hyland... They have always been like this from the time I was born. A Hyland overrun with malevolence is the only Hyland I've ever known. I beg of you, Sorey. Please! Take me as your Squire! So that I may see my homeland free of malevolence!
Just like you'd always dreamed of. As you wish, Alisha. *turns toward Lailah* So then, how does this work?
After my incantation, give unto Alisha a true name in the ancient tongue.
Let's see...a true name for Alisha...

A new bud forms on the holy branch. Its flowers bring fruit. Its fruit begets seeds. The circle of destiny turns once more!

Give life unto the will of the Shepherd, and let it be proof of their bond. Thy true name as a Squire shall be:
Melphis Amekia!

Happy to be your Squire, Sorey.
Happy to have one, Alisha.




And she's back after a couple updates. Like I said, don't get too excited about Alisha being here, because she will be leaving the party more or less permanently by the end of the first arc of the story, which is a way's away, so we will be seeing a decent amount of her. As I also said, Alisha's DLC costumes are a bit weird, in that they're "shared" with the actual main heroine of the game. Or rather, I should say, the most important female character, since Sorey is very, very firmly planted in the main character seat.

But, she is a full-fledged party member until then...kinda. Alisha, unfortunately, cannot armatize, though she's borrowing some of the power of the Shepherd to fight hellions. The game, I think, kinda teases she can, and that even carries over into her DLC, but nope. She never will be able to. In the game, at least. You'll have to wait until the final episode of Zestiria the X if you're so curious as to what she would look like armatized, since that's the only time she ever does.



But before we go, and after equipping the little Chihaya doll on her that I should have in Part I, we have a skit at the inn with Alisha. In this one, she reveals that the reason she was in the Elysia area was because she was searching for the "Origin Village", which we heard mention of from this innkeeper as allegedly a place where some heavy shit went down, if the tales are true. Alisha definitely got a reaction from Lailah after saying that name, and didn't we hear talk of a Camlann when we were going to Elysia proper the first time with Alisha? I certainly recall that.



This one, hmm... Well, this one's really up to you as to what feels better. Personally after playing Berseria I'm more used to always-on Free Run, but it's like playing a game with your left and right hands doing their usual, and then asking someone to switch what their two hands have always been doing for another playthrough. Might take some getting used to.



In a save point skit, Lailah fills Alisha in on what's up, but one hardly needs to doubt what Alisha's response to all this would be.



We're all counting on that. She actually did pull her spear out, too, this isn't just a flashy little thing to represent her determination.



Got into a fight. While this tutorial message is up, both allies and enemies are invincible, but annoyingly, you can still get staggered. Rejuvination is a spell that Sorey, armatized with Lailah, can cast with R2. It costs 1 BG to you, restores a large amount of the target's HP, takes only a second to cast, and even increases the target's max HP. Very powerful. Healing spells in this game will automatically target the party member with the lowest HP, but you can switch targets with the control stick.



For a more detailed explanation of Banish Blasting, which isn't just limited to Fire!Sorey's Divine Phoenix Blade.



It's been going alright, thanks for asking game. And yes, Zestiria, like Berseria, is a game where difficulty level affects a lot.



You may notice the previous screenshot was near the Lakehaven Heights landmark from last time, and the reason for that is because I wanted to go back to Elysia to get those landmarks I missed on this file. Sadly, though, for "I just can't mentally face it" reasons, Sorey won't go back. It's a shame. I'm pretty sure that if you miss that goats landmark before the time Alisha leaves the party at the start of the game, it's gone forever. Unless Elysia just magically becomes available again during this arc of the story while Alisha is still around, of course. Since the bird's nest skit just has Sorey in it, gonna guess that one stays open until whenever you wanna get around to it. Actually, it might just be the *skit* that doesn't trigger if you get Hyland Goats later. I dunno, we'll see. I do know we go back to Elysia during the story later, that's for sure.



Before we recruited Alisha into the party, this bridge was blocked by a couple knights for "monster extermination" reasons or somesuch. Now it is not, giving you access to the second half of the heights.



Was this reference fresh in 2015? Let's see... Know Your Meme, the most trusted source of information about such things, don't ya know, says the phrase originally used in the "Just accept it" context in 2015 on MySpace (in a webcomic drawn by the "Feels Good Man" guy), but it only really became well-known when it began to be used on...Something Awful. How about that? I guess the reference was just on the fringe of freshness in 2015. Probably.



In a few of these large, open field maps, you'll stumble across these walled, ruined villages. This is "Abandoned Kylfe", according to the nearby save point, and Alisha if you ask her about where we're going. There isn't anything of relevance here now, not even any treasure chests, but these villages are related to a sidequest that plays out over a fairly long portion of the game, from my memory of it.



Always good to know. Also, there's something I should tell you about this particular area of the world map, since, if you're on a New Game+, you can encounter it as early as now. See, in most Tales games where you can carry over equipment (so, Berseria very much not included), you'll usually select that option in the Grade Shop, and all those items will be back with you at the very start of the game. No muss, no fuss.

In one of Zestiria's genuinely cool curios, this feature is changed. Yes, there is a Grade Shop, but equipment works considerably differently if you want to carry it over between playthroughs. See, what the game does is that, on a New Game+, you'll encounter a very very special fight through a portal at right around this area of Lakehaven Heights. The portal is very obvious, but what is this fight about? Why, it's none other than a Party vs. Party duel for the right to get your old equipment. The cool thing about this fight is that the stats of your shadow adversaries can change, and it's the *entire* party, Alisha included, so it can potentially be a 6-7 melee, though, for fairness' sake, not all shadow enemies are on the field at the same time.

Now, the trick with this fight is that it can either be very easy or brutally hard. It just depends on the level of the equipment your previous playthrough party was equipped with at the end of the game, or at least, the save on a post-game roam you used to create that NG+ file. How it works exactly is...

Shadow battle posted:

Level = Item Level + Number of Fusions
HP = 100 * (Level + 40) * Level / 45 * 0.8)


What this boils down to is that the better your equipment, and the higher level your party was at the end of that playthrough, is how strong the shadows will be in this fight. So you can play the game like normal, then equip starter equipment from Ladylake on your party at the end of the game, and easily defeat the shadow party at about midway through your current playthrough, though obviously you'll only be inheriting crap. But yeah, it's definitely a unique way to do it in this series. There's good and bad things about being different.



Also of note around here is that purple wolf, which thankfully, doesn't aggro on you from a million miles away and runs faster than you. This enemy will almost certainly be too much for you to handle right now, so just ignore it. It's not going anywhere, much like the Code Red Daemons.



And here we are. That wasn't too bad. The Galahad Ruins are, of course, named after Sir Galahad, child of Lancelot and his accidental love Elaine of Corbenic, who Lancelot believed was Queen Guinevere, with whom he was having an affair. She had been "transformed" via a magical ring provided by Dame Brusen, because Elaine's father had been given a prophecy that the child born from the union of Lancelot and his daughter would be the knight destined to receive the Holy Grail, the object much desired by Arthur and his knights.

Galahad is actually a fairly late addition to the mythos, but his story goes that, upon reaching the medieval definition of maturity, Galahad had grown exactly to expectations, becoming a knight that indeed surpassed his father, both in martial ability and in Christian righteousness. If you'll forgive the crass analogy, he's basically a Mary Sue, with an utterly sublime character and good at everything, better than anyone who had been doing this "Knight" thing for years or even decades before his time, including exterminating demons and taking his place at the Round Table at the famed Siege Perilous, the seat fit only for the knight who would recover the Grail. The seat was so-named by Merlin because one sat in it very much at their peril. Anyone who wasn't Galahad met an unfortunate end soon after if they did sit there.

Well, his sitting at the table did indeed prompt a vision of the Grail, whereupon most every able knight at once set out to recover it, Arthur having somewhat mixed feelings about the endeavor. Of course, Galahad is eventually successful and ascends into Heaven soon after laying eyes on it.



I initially wanted to end this update right around when we left the sewers or so, but I was reading ahead a bit, and re-discovered the Galahad Ruins are a fairly short dungeon, with most of the action here taking place in the battle toward the end. Though, there were some highlights aside from treasure down dead-ends. First up, those grape cobbler barriers can be destroyed with Lailah's fire map action.



First up, more good stuff about combos in this game. Armatization is definitely something to be thoroughly used.



Leeches, to be exact. This is the only thing said, but to be fair, they are Leeches. That's about it, honestly. The first battle with hellions will give you this exchange afterwards.

This is a hellion...
You okay?
Sorry. I'm fine.

Further on, just past a star... Bow's altar


This bow is a Divine Artifact!
A what? Oh right, hold on. *grabs Alisha's hand again* So if this bow is a Divine Artifact, what does that mean?
A Divine Artifact determines the form the armatus will take. Essentially, it serves as a model for the armatus.
A model for the armatus?
Oh yeah, like Lailah's Sacred Blade!
The Sacred Blade of Ladylake is also a Divine Artifact.
Huh, and that's why your armatus is a sword. Hey, does this mean that I can use your Sacred Blade to armatize with other seraphim as well?
Well, that depends on the circumstances. First, as I mentioned earlier, just as I am the Prime Lord of you, the Shepherd, they would ahve to become my Sub Lord in turn.
What exactly is a "Sub Lord"?
Put simply, it is the title for one who assists Sorey while working under the influence of my power.
...
Consider the elemental property of the Divine Artifact. Each seraph has their own unique element that falls under their control. Mine, for instance, is fire.
So if the Divine Artifact all have their own elements, does that mean a seraph can't armatize with it if their element is different?
Indeed it does. It would appear this bow's element is water. And Mikleo is a water seraph.
Let's go.
Huh?!
Sorey does not wish to make Mikleo his Sub Lord.
Why not? It's no different than when I was made a Squire!
But you called on the Shepherd's power in order to achieve your dream, isn't that right?
Mikleo is different...



This is after everyone else left the room, which is a weird bit of timing, but anyway. We actually have seen this artifact before. Those two malakhim we chatted up just before the final dungeon in Berseria were actually straight-up holding this thing, even calling it at a Divine Artifact, so that terminology has existed in the malak / seraph world for a long time. I guess this is where it ended up.

Like with the giant ceremonial sword from the aqueducts, going back into that room will put another landmark onto your map, and a resulting pretty funny skit.




Namely, what Alisha takes this joke to mean, seriously. We wouldn't have her any other way, would we? The entry for this one...

Altar of the Bow posted:

An altar once dedicated to an ancient sacred bow. The bow appears to have been created as a Divine Artifact.


We could have guessed that... Anyway, there's, there's not much to the rest of the Galahad Ruins, aside from treasures you can find in dead-ends. Classic exploration stuff. For the snakes around here...

It's amazing how they can move without arms and legs!

Oh yeah, and speaking of enemies, Dangerous Encounters work the same way here as they did in Berseria. Harder fights but better rewards, basically. Just get two enemies close enough together in the field so a black aura appears underneath them to trigger one.



And yeah, as you'd expect, Divine Phoenix Blade and weak enemies is a perfect combination for taking out numerous enemies in a single hit.



See? This is how you get herbs in an infinite supply. Not...very efficient, but thanks Alisha. It's appreciated. There was actually a Saffron just around that corner in front of some rubble. She *knew*. Friends forever


Careful!
Yes!
What?!
W-Where?!
Above!

I can see it!
Don't! It's poisonous!
*stops Alisha with his hand* Stop! *Alisha and Sorey dodge an attack* Lailah, get back!
Okay!
Fethmus Mioma!


Damn. Resistant to Fire and lots of HP. We gotta do what we can, though.



... They say, as I'm immediately defeating one. I think you have to beat all three, and this isn't a timed conversation, but it's still funny the timing of "We can't beat them!" and I'm killing one right now.


There's still so many of them!
Dang!



Mikleo!

...ter?!
Lailah! Let me become your Sub Lord!
Are you sure about this?
Wait, hold on now!
You're right, I am as stubborn as a rock!
Huh?
I admit it, I'm hell-bent on becoming a Sub Lord. But there's something important that you don't understand!
I do understand! I just didn't want you to get involved!
Get over yourself. Do you really think this is your dream alone?

*blocks them* Sorey! Do as Mikleo says!
You can hear him too?


Now, Lailah!
Very well!

O ye born of the sacred currents of peace...
Mikleo! Lailah!
Here let our pact be forged, that my unquavering incandescence may be as thy purification! Shouldst thou accept this burden, recite aloud your--


Et cetera?!

Now for the armatus! Mikleo! Give Sorey your true name!
He already knows.
You bet I do!
Oh my!

Remember what the party was saying about a seraph's true name back in Berseria? Lailah sure does.

Here we go, Mikleo!
Let's end this!






And how. Water!Sorey is actually very powerful, with ranged attacks that pierce through targets, doing lots of stagger damage. Although this battle ended with Lailah and Alisha KO'd, don't misunderstand. It's a very powerful transformation. The Banish Blast charges up a massive arrow that, you guessed it, flies clear across the battlefield and pierces through anything it encounters. I find Fire!Sorey much better for dogfighting with a single powerful enemy, as you'd expect, but in almost every other circumstance, Water!Sorey is superior in terms of being able to crowd control and keep away from dangerous enemies while still doing damage.

After the battle...

Wow, that was amazing, you two!
*hops out*
Oh, were you able to remove it?
Now that you mention it, it just...came off.
I wonder why?
Does it--Does it really matter? Besides, this means that I can now use the armatus at will, right?
Lost those training wheels? Look at you!
Shut up!
Makes sense. So that's why he couldn't take it off before.
Mikleo, I wanted to say...
*shooshes him* Don't thank me. After all, I merely did this for my own dream.
*playful shove* I know that.
I feel oddly envious.
Agreed.
Alisha, don't tell me...

No way?! You can see seraphim now?
I think it just goes to show how strong you've already gotten.
*staggers slightly* Heh heh... Maybe we DO have a fighting chance against this Lord of Calamity!
Sorey...
Lailah, Mikleo... Please accept my sincerest gratitude for saving me.
It was nothing, I assure you. But you're welcome.
I thought we weren't supposed to be thanking you! *play fights with Mikster again*
Guess there's no need to worry.
All right, the waterfall is just up ahead!


So yes, unfortunately, we can only have either Lailah or Mikleo to armatize with, while Alisha most certainly is another human, she's not sufficiently acclimatized with seraphim to allow for armatization. So, while she can join the party on her own recognizance, we still have to choose between swords of bows as advanced combat forms.



Anyhow, there's a monolith in that nubby little dead-end alley to the right, that just says the first enemy defeated in combat has a x2 item drop chance, but other than that, not much. That sure looks like a waterfall to me, so it looks like we're at the end already. Pure water


Hey, Mikleo Do you think you can freeze this water?
Huh? Uh, yeah, don't see why not. *hops out*
Then freeze it and let us bring it back to the sanctuary. Ice is highly resistant to being corrupted by malevolence.
Very well. I'll give it a try.

Thank you very much. That should suffice.
Now, before this melts, we'd better take care of our other problem.




Lailah, what was that?
The Earthen Historia. It finally reacted to something.
So that was something real from the past!
Did you see that, Mikleo? He was writing the Celestial Record!
Yeah. That must have been the author.
There are more Earthen Historia where this came from. If we obtain them, surely we can obtain more information about the past.
Oh, man, this is too sweet! *gets excited*
This is only the beginning. Don't get so worked up, or you'll just wear yourself out.
Right. *falls backwards into unconsciousness*
Everyone: Sorey!
He's burning up!
This is a result of the pact we made with Mikleo. He'll get better after some rest at the inn.
I'll carry him back. If we want to cool him down, I guess I better make some more ice.

After prompting you to save...


He's definitely got natural ability as a Shepherd.
Mikleo...
Oh, thanks for helping with the letters, by the way. I caught up with everyone I needed to.
It's okay. I rather enjoy writing letters.
Mmmnnn... Nghhh...
Are you awake?
I-I must have fainted again... Sorry.
You gave me quite a backache.
Heheheh. You looked like you were floating. I told the innkeeper you were just doing some sort of magic trick.
Ha ha, well I never was any good at lying anyways. *gets out of bed*
Don't overexert yourself! You still need to rest!
I'll be fine. We gotta find the Lord of the Land and someone to pray at the sanctuary before the ice melts.
But...
The Shepherd has spoken. Is it not the duty of the Prime Lord, Sub Lord, and Squire to follow him?


Before we end today, another important seraph cuisine moment. Didn't want to end this update on a "waking up" scene. That I'll include as a skit next time...