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Part IV: The Perils of a Journey



I'm glad we could start off today with a little lesson about seraph cuisine. This skit can trigger as long as Mikleo makes a Fruit Frappe at some point. And Alisha is still in the party, of course.



We also have a few more inn skits before we move on, including discussion about companions on the great road of life, the inn's grilled sweetfish (you have to order it from the menu), a lesson Velvet and company learned thousands of years ago about what turtlez are, and, once you've performed Fusion 10 times, a skit with Lailah that opens up her Fusion Support Talent. This one works curiously. It allows you to use the Fusion system for free, but at the cost of Fusion Points that are, of course, gradually accumulated by wandering around. These pop fairly frequently, but the thing is, the more powerful items you're crafting with, the more points you'll consume. It's um...well, you'll probably only care *that* much about this skill towards the end of the game, since early on, as is typical for JRPGs, you'll be wanting as many gameplay perks as you can manage before you can start getting decent equipment.

As for the next plot beat, we need to find that pastor Alisha talked about last time. Luckily, he's just hanging out in that alley where we met that kid hellion back in Part II. Holy man


Thank you so much, Father Breunor. Thanks to you, my son's legs have healed considerably.
No need to thank me. It is your diligent prayer that has made the difference. Be steadfast and pure in mind and spirit as you continue to pray for the health of your son--
*offers donation*
Hm?
A contribution to the sanctuary.
I told you before, madamn, I'm afraid I can't possibly...
Please, accept it! There's something I've realized. Merely praying for help is an offense to the seraphim. It is a selfish act for personal gain.
Who told you such a thing?
Well... No one in particular...
You'll need money to pay for your son's treatment, won't you? Use this towards that end instead. For the sake of your son--
My son feels the same as I do! Everyone says the same thing! His wounds were punishment for his selfish prayers!
*gasp*
And... There are even those who spread vicious rumors about myself and you, Father Breunor. Please... I beg of you, accept this so that we might be saved!
... Very well, I shall humbly accept your gift as a token of you and your son's gratitude.
Oh, thank you so much! Now, perhaps these rumors will finally come to an end. May you receive the blessing of the seraphim, father. *walks off*
Right, the blessing. Guess I'll buy a drink. Princess?!
I'm here to ask a favor.
Of me? What could I...
We would like to ask you to enshrine and look after a new seraph in our town's sanctuary. This is a request from the Shepherd.
The Shepherd?! You mean this boy is the... F-Forgive me.
You are not to be blamed. It is the fault of the royal family that so many have strayed from the noble path.
Excuse me, if I may. It's nice to meet you. My name's Sorey.
Huh?

I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused by pulling the Sacred Blade so carelessly. I know I'm still a fledgling Shepherd who hasn't gotten used to things yet, but I promise I will do my best!
*sits down similarly* Y-Yes, of course! I-It's quite all right! Please, do not prostrate yourself so!

Actually, what Sorey is doing is more popularly known in Japan as a seiza, which doesn't mean anything in particular, it's just the art of properly sitting down, but it seems to me, given the context of this scene, that it's halfway between just normal Japanese sitting down and dogeza, which involves sitting like Sorey is and putting your head down on the floor as an act of, well, prostration, as Bruenor would put it. Dogeza is traditionally used as like, the highest level of apology / asking who you're talking to for a *massive* favor, which does go along pretty well with what's happening here.

Thank you.
Hahahah. This request comes from me as well. *sits down similarly to Sorey* Please, help me so that I in turn may help this...inexperienced but pure-of-heart Shepherd!
Of course. I am honored that I may possibly be of service to ones such as yourselves. Though I am frail of body, I shall perform the task at hand with the entirety of my spirit!
I'm glad. *falls over* Aww man, my foot's asleep!
Seriously?
*hearty chuckle, everyone stands up*
Well then, Father Breunor. When you're ready I will come visit you again.
As you wish. Do be careful!


Well, it worked, didn't it? So we have the vessel, now we need a suitable water seraph to serve as the Lord of the Land, which means we need to start looking. For obvious reasons, Mikleo is not gonna do it, since the Lord needs to stay rooted to a particular sanctuary, you see. But before we start looking outside of Ladylake, let's stop by the sanctuary for a save point skit. This one's an interesting one.



It pretty firmly dispenses with the notion that Lailah was, in any way, the Lady of the Lake we heard about in Berseria. Basically, a whole bunch of myths began to overlap and gradually combined into the current legend of the Lady of the Lake popular in Ladylake.



No inn skits right now, so we're headed to the Falkewin Hillside next. There wasn't anything explicitly pointing you here at this point in the plot, but it's been available ever since we first reached Lakehaven Heights but we simply had no need to go here until now. As good a lead as any. There's a monolith and some random treasures scattered around as goodies dotted around here, and as for the enemies...

(Marmot) It's a Marmot. It's quick with its attacks. It'd be best to use hidden artes.
(Eagle) Eagles attack while retreating.
So it's best to aim right after it attacks!


I triggered a Dangerous Encounter, thinking I'd be able to handle it. Bit off a bit more than I could chew, especially since I'm getting a very slow Escape meter. Had to do some pretty perilous dodging to make it out of here. Like in Berseria, you can't restart from random encounters, so I'd have to redo everything except the first skit of this update if I lost here.



Luckily, snacks do make excellent healing items.



Hm, this bridge has seen better days, and I don't think Mikster is strong enough to control this kind of river. The water spirit

What happened?
We're investigating the collapse of Griflet Bridge. The cause may be flooding from the rains.

Griflet is the name of an obscure Knight of the Round Table, a cousin to Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedivere. Bedivere is easily the most famous of these three names, since traditionally he is the knight who reluctantly returns Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake at the conclusion of Arthur's legend. Blood relations among Round Table knights were fairly common, including some of the most well-known knights, including, for example, Gawain, Gareth, and Agravaine, being related to Arthur through Morgause / Morgan.

And actually, I missed an Arthurian reference in Berseria. The Hero King Claudin was named after Claudin, the son of a petty Frankish king and enemy of Arthur named Claudas. Claudas was one among many enemies of Arthur from early in his reign, and after Arthur defeated him, Claudas fled to Rome while his son went to Britain to loyally serve his new liege. In a nice bit of synergy with his Berseria counterpart, who traveled the world with Artorius and Melchior, Claudin was among the companions of Galahad on the latter's quest to find and retrieve the Holy Grail.

*walks to the riverbank* It wasn't caused by rain.
The current is odd considering the water level.
I have a bad feeling about this.
*nods* You should evacuate.
Finally, someone's who's talking some sense.
Who are you?!
All right. Do as Sorey suggests.
Sorey? You can't possibly mean the Shepherd?!
If he is, maybe he can stop the floods!
You really think there's anything that can stop the water spirit's rampage?
Water spirit?
It's terrible. Destroyed the bridge in an instant. It's some sort of... Monster!
Silence! Enough with your nonsense!



Wh-What?!
The water spirit!
Run!
That's an order! Hurry!

*all the men scurry off*




So Uroborous, the snake famous for eternally devouring its own tail in various mythologies, is one of your first real fights and a decent challenge. It's fairly easy to lock it down early in the fight with Water!Sorey and spamming the normal combo with that armatus. It's also a good enemy to begin practicing sidestepping in earnest. As mentioned before, sidestepping is very advantageous in this game, because even just starting out, it restores a ton of SC and fills about a third of a single Blast Gauge circle. Very good stuff.



It begins to get a bit more complicated once it falls below 50% HP, whereupon it'll add in Rising Coil Attack to its repertoire. This attack comes out very quickly and does quite a bit of damage in a short radius all around it. It is possible to sidestep the whole thing by sliding left or right, but it's much safer to dodge backwards. Alisha and/or Lailah, if they do choose to attack, will more often than not just run straight into this attack, and it can be punishing even if you're pretty sure it's coming just because it comes out near instantly. I don't know if some freak coincidence just happened or Zesty just had odd enemy AI sometimes, but it used this attack three times in a row against me on my second attempt. I didn't even notice while I was playing. It also has uh...Uroborous, an HP regeneration skill. Bit of a strange thing to give such an early game boss, don't you think?

All that said, we're still in the early game, so it's definitely still not that complicated.


What?!
The hellion...turned into a seraph?!
It's the other way around. Hellions that are strong enough to manifest themselves are those that were once seraphim.
A seraph can become a hellion?!
*nods* And seraphim that have completely turned into hellions are known as... Dragons.
Dragons? Those really exist?!
*nods*
So then the legends were true.

The camera then focuses on the unconscious seraph we just pulled back from the brink, then in a fade to black he recovered.


So the wrecking of the bridge was all... All my fault. *turns toward the party* I'm so ashamed. If you hadn't been here to purify me, I don't know what would have happened. Thank you.
*nods* I'm really glad that we were able to save you... Um...
I am Uno, young Shepherd.
Sorey. Uno, in exchange for saving you, we would like to ask you a favor. Would you be willing to listen?
Hm?
I would ask you to bless Ladylake.
But as things currently stand in that town...
Lady Alisha, are you all right?
I'm fine. The waterspout has disappeared.
See, I told you she'd be fine! Nothing can hurt our princess when she's got the Shepherd at her side!
Weren't you the one shaking in his boots earlier?!
Still, the rain has suddenly stopped, and the currents have calmed significantly. This too must be the power of the Shepherd.
I always thought it was just a fairy tale. To think I'd see the friggin' Shepherd with my own eyes!
Hey! Watch your language in front of the Shepherd!
It looked to me like... Like the Shepherd just cut right through the waterspout! I doubt anyone will believe me though.
Who cares! I'd rather believe in the miracles of the Shepherd! Friggin' water spirit can kiss my hairy butt!
Hey! What happened to watching your language?! *everyone shares a chuckle*
So there are still people here who believe... Well, you did help me get back to my old self.
Then can you help?

Thank you, Uno!
And you must be the Prime Lord? You've picked a fine Shepherd.
I agree.
Let's go. Father Breunor is wating for us.


Indeed he is. There's nothing at all to be done on the way back to the church in Ladylake, so let's just go there, shall we? Sanctuary reborn


Ooh... Truly, this power is the stuff of miracles!
Hmm. Looks like he really can't sense us at all.
I shall worship this sacred water with all my being! Oh venerable Uno, I am yet inexperienced, but would that I could serve thee for all eternity!
Heh. But he is earnest, I'll at least give him that! *hops into the water*

What was that? I feel like a sort of wind just blew right through me.
The blessing has returned to this town.
*hops back out* This town is now under my domain. But in order to maintain the blessing, I will need cooperation from the people.
Indeed. There are all kinds of methods besides prayer that one can use to uphold the blessing.
Like?
For example... *explains in a fade to black*
I see. I'll be sure to give it a try!
This sure sounds like a pain to me.
I will do what little I can.
What's wrong?
I can still feel a powerful malevolence. *points toward the church entrance* And it's not far off. It's somewhere in town.
That's the royal palace.

??? So this is a conversation with the seraphim? A bunch of lunatics talking to themselves out loud?

You are?


Ah, our well-dressed stalker finally shows himself.

I am a messenger from Chancellor Bartow of the Hyland government. I have come to invite Sorey to a private dinner conference in light of his great suffering for the sake of Ladylake.
Have you been watching over Sorey?
Not at all. In fact, I was quite surprised. That the Princess of Hyland, as distant as her claim to the throne may be, would have relations with the Shepherd that are so...intimate. I'm sure this news will please your beloved subjects to no end, Your Highness.

He says "distant" but in Zestiria the X, Alisha's father is the king, so she is literally a princess, but it's more likely that this guy is trying to annoy her. I suppose it's also possible she has several siblings or the king does that she doesn't mention, but without further proof, that is just speculation. One of the random conversations the innkeeper in Ladylake can prompt you with says that the royal council really runs the country, the royal family being not much more than figureheads, which explains why he feels so free to speak such rubbish to her.

If you are insinuating that--
Alisha. Where to?
Rountabel Palace.
Very well. Tell Bartlow I accept his proposal.
*nods, walks off*
Please, you mustn't get involved with the Chancellors. I can feel it from them...
The malevolence does seem to be coming from them.
I apologize for being so weak.
Don't worry. It's true, we really do want to see what's going on at the palace.
It'll be our first time. You'll have to be our guide!
Just as you have been to me.



So it will be, the castle is located near Alisha's estate, but first, let's talk about Lords of the Land. Instead of just being a lore thing, Lords of the Land claim dominion over a certain section of the game map and, once you've acquired a certain amount of Grade by fighting battles within that slice of the map, give you buffs. Let's check some of 'em out.



Buffs like these. Unfortunately we can't even read a description of them right now, but yes, just earn Grade and donate items to increase the Blessing Level to gain access. It should go without saying, but a Lord's buffs no longer apply once you leave their domain. I believe Uno covers Aroundight Forest, Galahad Ruins, Lakehaven Heights, and Vivia Subterranean Aqueduct. These are the only areas worth mentioning because they're the only places where you can potentially encounter enemies...maybe. Not sure about Aroundight, since there aren't any enemies there naturally. For now at least.

So, unfortunately, there's not much of relevance we can do with Uno right now, but there will be. Also after seeing the above scene, we get Alisha's color swap standard outfit costume, which is mostly blue and white instead of pink and white. I don't think the chancellors would appreciate Chihaya's outfit, unfortunately, so we'll have to switch to that for now.



But don't move too fast that you forget this skit.



Or that a new batch of inn skits has popped up. There's something queer about inn skits I discovered. As I mentioned, they're triggered by sleeping at an inn, but it also seems to depend what item you ordered to trigger them? For example, Grilled Sweetfish didn't trigger this skit about Alisha's name "Melphis Amekia" (it means "Alisha the Smiling"), but Pork and Potatoes did. A few others didn't trigger this skit, but Pork and Potatoes did, again. I dunno. Even inn skits can be weird in this game.

Anyway, there's also a skit about Lords of the Land. Lailah reveals that she's been hanging out in the sacred blade for the past 10 years, so it stands to reason that whatever prior business she had with Shepherds, it happened sometime before then.



It's certainly quite the establishment, isn't it?


What's this about?!
Forgive me, Lady Alisha. Lord Bartlow's orders were to allow Shepherd Sorey through; we didn't know he'd have a companion.
His Eminence, Lord Bartlow, is with a visitor at the moment. Please accompany me to the waiting room. This way.


Inside doesn't disappoint, either. That one guard walking away from us is who we have to follow into the eastern wing of the castle.



I suspect this might be a bit of setup, but that's just me...



Although this section would certainly be voiced in Berseria, it's not here, unfortunately. The bookcase near Mikleo is our next landmark, so let's check out the skit.



Uhh...hardly appropriate reading material for a royal residence, I should think. Shameful. And as for the database entry...

Rountabel Palace Bookshelves posted:

Bookshelves installed in the palace guest room, heaving with rare tomes. An undoubtedly classy bit of interior decorating.


Indeed... Now let's see what the party's thoughts on recent developments are.

We'd better relax while we still can. Things smell like they're going to get ugly. At least they've got some nice books here.
The chancellors surrounding the young king do not care for me much. They think my low standing in the line of succession should keep me out of political affairs. Forgive me. I didn't mean to push this on you.

Interestingly, this line directly contradicts Zestiria the X, where the king is a very old man and his feebleness allowed Bartlow and the council to run the country while he is not able. In the game, he's young. Usually the show embellishes the game a bit, expanding the world and fleshing out characters a bit, rarely do they contradict each other like this.

People involved in politics quickly become tainted... If only everyone could be as pure-hearted as Alisha.
Is that book...floating? Uh--Never mind. Forget I said anything.

Lord Bartlow is ready for you. To the Round Table Chamber, if you please.

Why?!
We were told that you were to receive different orders.
About Marlind?
Yes. Please stay here.
Alisha?
It's about a yet unfinished job. Sorry, but I'm staying behind after all.
This way. I shall guide you to the Round Table Chamber.

Definitely a bad sign. Of course, the Round Table Chamber and Rountabel Palace in general are named after Arthur's famous Round Table, the centerpiece of Camelot itself where Arthur and his knights sat at a large circular table to symbolize the equality between both Arthur and his knights, and the equality of the knights with each other, regardless of how long one had been serving Arthur and his kingdom or how many famed exploits a knight had achieved in their time. The origin of the Table is a bit uncertain. Sometimes it's created by Merlin in imitation of the Last Supper's table, with the empty 13th seat, Siege Perilous, representing Judas, and sometimes it was made for Uther Pendragon, Arthur's father, and kept by King Leodegrance after his ally's death, and given to Arthur upon his and Guinevere's wedding.

Also, speaking of the table, there's also no definitive list of who and who wasn't a Round Table member. Aside from some core members who are featured in nearly every version of the legend, figures like Gawain, Bedivere, Galahad, Lancelot, Percival, Tristan, Mordred, and Agravaine, the list can either include as few as a dozen members, and as many as hundreds of knights who came from as far afield as the Middle East. Merlin, although a very prominent figure, is not usually considered a Round Table knight himself. He is Arthur's personal advisor, you see.

Sadly, the royal council isn't up the nice stairs we saw earlier, which I assume leads to the castle's audience hall. We'll have to settle for the door between the two staircases to meet with the council. I'm sure this will be productive for all involved. A friendly proposition



Sorry to have kept you waiting, gentle Shepherd. Please, take a seat.
Poison pot pie.
Don't worry. I promise you it's not poisoned. We simply felt it would be best to be closer to you.

This is Professor Simon, administrator of the law in Hyland. And this is Archbishop Nathael, the highest ranking holy man in the kingdom.
And last, the man who manifests the will of the king himself: Bartlow.
I am Sorey. Thank you very much for your invitation. We have much to discuss. *sits down, begins eating*
Whoa, Sorey! I hope you don't trust them.
He does indeed have spunk. That, or perhaps he's just that much of a simpleton.
It's quite delicious! Though I would have liked to let Alisha taste it as well.
What is your relation with Lady Alisha, if I may ask?
We're just friends. She invited me to come to the outside world with her.
How about we drop this silly little game and have you tell us the real story, hm?
Hm?
They've suggesting that you and Alisha are using each other, hatching some sort of nefarious plot together.
I'm not using Alisha. The Shepherd does not do such things.
Oh, he doesn't? I couldn't say. I've never actually seen a Shepherd before.
So they doubt you. I figured as much.
Believe me or don't. I don't care.
Well, we DO care. it would be quite the scandal if the royal family had produced a false Shepherd to curry favor with the populace.
Careful.
And so you're asking for proof? That I am the real Shepherd?
Heh. Truth be told, it matters not whether you're real or just a boy in a silly outfit. The issue is that, regardless, the citizens are beginning to side with you.
It's the nature of the people to yearn for some dramatic sort of salvation, an easy way to have their every desire fulfilled.
True. The Shepherd in every era has always suffered greatly from the people's grandiose expectations.
The common man is but a fool and a cur. It's an unfortunate observation, but that is the reality of it.
But, in fact, it is for that very reason that we need you.
Me? Why me?
I will be perfectly frank with you. We are asking you to work under us... Shepherd Sorey. As the Shepherd who would protect Hyland, we want to reinvigorate the people. Boost their morale.
The rampant disaster have rather dampened the people's spirits lately. It's very unfortunate for the council.
Those ignorant fools! Right when we're on the brink of war with Rolance!
We will reward you handsomely, of course. *tosses bag of money across the table* This is your advance. If you're really all the rumors say, I hear that you're quite interested in ancient ruins, yes? Were you to side with us, surely this would be sufficient to facilitate your explorations and archival activities, would it not?
...
There's no point in siding with Princess Alisha.
The princess is to be transferred to the city of Marlind, where the epidemic yet thrives.
They're sending her to a plague town?!
Surely even our spirited princess will learn her limits after toiling in such a star-crossed locale.
Of course, if she herself were stricken with illness I suppose she would have bigger things to worry about. *chuckles heartily*
So then, Shepherd Sorey. There's nothing to even think about, is there?

*stands up* Darn. Guess they weren't the type you can sit down and talk with after all.
Probably better this way.
Proud words from a false Shepherd! You and Alisha will both learn the hard way what comes from crossing us!
*grins, begins walking out*
Wait! *reaches for a dinner bell*
What on earth is going on here?! What are armed guards doing in the palace?!
These are Lord Bartlow's orders.

Tch!
Lord Bartlow, what is the meaning of this? Stand down at once!
Nice castle, but we're done here. Let's go, Alisha. I can fulfill my dreams without your "help". And the same goes for Alisha.
Indeed it does!

Stand back, Alisha, or you'll get hurt!


Oh, I'll get right on top of that, Mikleo.


Lord Bartlow. We will forgive this transgression. In exchange, you will never threaten the Shepherd again. Am I being clear?
Impossible! He'll plunge the kingdom into upheaval! And if, by any chance, he were to fall into Rolance's hands...




I'd be more worried about your own neck if I were you.
Who are you?!
Scattered Bones.
Assassins!
Yes. That man approached us and tried to hire our guild to murder your princess here.
*gasp*
Are you saying Lord Bartlow was plotting to kill Alisha?
D-Don't be ridiculous!
He says we're liars. Should we kill him?
*gasps*
Enough!
I beg of you, please stop. The Kingdom of Hyland needs this man.
Heh heh, you're all you're made out to be. Listen and listen well, Bartlow. We do not kill against our own honor. Understood? *knocks him down*
Why?!
He's fine. They didn't kill him.
*kicks him lightly to confirm not-dead status*
*groans*
*sigh of relief*
Not your usual assassins, are you?
I'm impressed they snuck into the palace.
*gets up, staggers over to the table, rings bell* A-Apprehend them! They're the conspirators!
Not good.

Here's your reward. Follow us.


It's true, there's not much more shameful than the chamber where most of the government's work is done being raided by assassins after a bunch of palace guards were knocked around silly by the princess and a kid swinging a sword around.



We'll have to break through!
We can't! They might die if I use my power!
Hurry! This way!

So while the assassins run into the east wing, where our waiting room was, there are some minor goodies located in the west wing. Nothing major, so if you don't feel like it, you aren't missing much by not going there. I'm *pretty* sure this is the only time Rountabel Palace is available, though. In fact, this is the last time the plot demands we be in Ladylake at all, from what I remember.



Another room contains Chocolate Gelato and a Life Bottle so yeah...when I said "minor", I meant it. I will say, though, I liked the "escape" music here a surprising amount. When I was looking up who composed what songs on this soundtrack, I was like "This sure sounds like a song that could be in God Eater, composed by Go Shiina", and sure enough, guess who composed this one?

Sadly, the audience chamber door seems to be completely locked, so no going up there. Bummer. After returning to the east wing, you'll eventually follow the Scattered Bones to the end of a hallway and a kitchen area.


The rest we leave up to you.

What?!


Well...again, at least. The switch might kind of hard to see from that previous scene, but it's over by the washing...thing on the left. Press it and follow the path down the stairs...



And we're back here. You might be able to see the Dark Turtlez in the distance, he's selling Amber equipment if anyone needs to upgrade, and there's a monolith in a dead-end path nearby, so don't forget that either. VIvia does remain available until the end of the game, but this section, again, not sure. Pretty sure it does, but don't quote me on that.



An empty jail cell beneath the palace was in the Celestial Record? Well, if Sorey says, then that's how it is. As always, a skit, and a database entry.

Ancient Underground Dungeon posted:

A relic from the past that calls to mind the darkness behind the Hyland royal family. The shadows of the greed that once roiled within the palace still hang heavily upon this place.


Yes, the atmosphere around here is rather heavy, isn't it? As for the generic enemies around here...

(Lamia) A Lamia is what women who become hellions can turn into.
*sigh* I suppose that could happen to anyone with a black heart.
(Orc) Looks like a pig, but it must've been human before.
If even a seraph just eats and eats all day, that's what happens...

So malevolence and food, two things that can turn seraphim into hellions. Dire...

(Pig Heddin) A bodiless hellion?!
Made when a dead body is possessed by a hellion.
Guess the only thing we can do is purify it.

I mean, this thing IS a floating pig head. It's pretty far gone, honestly.



Of course, it should go without saying to check out all the empty cells for goodies, like this monolith, equipment, and herbs. It's not like these guys will be needing them. Getting to the star icon... Monster in the sewers





So I found this enemy *quite* a bit more difficult than I was anticipating for an early game boss, actually. We fought an Echidna in Berseria, and I explained its etymology there, basically a very deadly beast from Greek mythology, but here, it's a large Lamia-type enemy. First up, of course, deal with the flunkies. For whatever reason, I found Fire!Sorey works much better than Water does, particularly at doing damage to the boss. Since the normal Lamias like to gather around each other, it's pretty easy to destroy them quickly.



Echidna also has a short-range spell attack, Pyrogenic Ring, which it will frequently try to use below 50% HP. I already mentioned don't use Hidden Artes against Seraphic Artes, but I didn't mention last time that the normal attacks in armatized form are Hidden Artes. So, you know, do NOT use those if you don't want Echidna to very rapidly cast these spells. Unless you're attacking at range, of course.



This attack is the biggest reason I was having trouble with this fight. This attack comes out super quick and does some pretty good damage. There's really no particular way to anticipate it coming and reliably get out of the way of it. The best way I found to deal with this is to switch over to Water!Sorey and take advantage of that form's higher hit count to either prevent it from breaking free or stop it in the split second between that attack popping and the damage actually being dealt.

Oh yes, and switching between seraph forms is as easy as pressing the corresponding button on the D-pad next to Sorey's portrait. So up switches to Lailah and left to Mikleo. Couldn't be easier. When we get our second human in the party who can armatize, which will happen, she has similar ability to switch forms, and technically, although you can only have four allies on the field at one time, seraphim in reserve can switched to the frontline with this feature. So technically, you're always with a 6-person party, if you think about it.



Phew.


Hm?
This must be connected to the Sacred Blade ruins!
Because the torches and architecture are the same, huh?
If I may say so, this place is oddly nostalgic.
They both date from the same era. There's no way they'd keep the waterways separate.
We should be able to get out through the Sacred Blade ruins.
So the bustling city of Ladylake sits right on top of an enormous network of ruins.
You can find a reason to smile in any situation.
Is that weird? I'm just who I am, no matter what happens.
Well, fair enough. I'll give you that.
Don't encourage him, Alisha. Sorey needs to realize for himself what a weirdo he really is.
Anyone who hangs around with a weirdo must be pretty weird themselves, don't you think?
Looked in a mirror lately?


Walked right into that one, Mikleo.

Pots calling the kettle black, wouldn't you say?
*laughter*


A good time was had by all. There's just one more thing between here and getting out, lighting two torches. The first one is in the same room where you fought Echidna, the second one is right next to the door itself. Simple. This door leads back to the previous area of Vivia we were in, just a hop down to the main staircase into the sewers and we are officially done.


The sun's high up already.

*staggers forward*
Hey...
Y-Yeah. It was just so bright I got a little lightheaded.
Well, I'm a bit frazzled myself from lack of sleep. I'm sure my manor is being watched. Let's rest at the inn for now. We should dry our wet clothes as well or we'll catch a cold!
*cute sneeze* Good idea.

Yes, it is. The next step


Well, at least we got rid of the malevolence.
Incidentally, I suppose.
But even so, I'm glad. It feels like now there's nothing we've left undone.
You say that like it's your end.
In a way, it is. I have decided I'm going to Marlind.
That's a plague town! You can't really mean to obey them?!
Whatever twisted motives the chancellor may carry, the order is official. And besides... It doesn't change the fact that Marlind is suffering. I want to do everything I can, for the people of Hyland!
Alisha...
The council may laugh. But so be it.
All right. Then I'm going with you.
You can't get involved! I've already caused you so many problems.
But how do you plan on getting to Marlind? The bridge has washed away.
Well... I don't know.
Four heads are better than one.
And we have EXCELLENT foreheads.
Besides, we need that bridge too, after all.
Thank you...
No need to thank us. Dinner last night was off the chain!
All right, let's go check on the state of the bridge.



Well, let's not forget our manners, hm? This and the next skit apparently have a 50% chance of triggering when you sleep at the inn, but luckily, I was able to get them both quickly. How nice. Second one's about Alisha's armor. Apparently there's a lot more history there than you might guess.



And, whenever you can spare the time, a save point skit about the Scattered Bones. Well...it's an interesting theory, Lailah. They definitely don't seem like your usual assassins. At least for now, as long as we're seemingly on their good side. Once we get to Falkewin...


Excuse me.


Apparently, this is the reason why no work has been done. Even with no wrathful water spirit, the current is just too strong. There's also a nearby save point skit. Lailah doesn't seem too thrilled about the Shepherd acting as everyone's personal errand boy, no matter what the issue.



Interestingly, if you talk to this guy, you get a little voice conversation between the current party.

Well, that's certainly unpleasant.
But we can't blame them, either.
I suppose anyone would be scared of an epidemic.

River problems


Yes. I'm Sorey!
I am Neif, a representative of Marlind, the town on the other side of the river. Lord Sorey, I hear that you were able to stop the rampage of the water spirit. I cannot possibly thank you enough.
Aww, gosh, it was nothing!
*nods*
Hey, Mr. Neif? Was there something that you wanted to discuss with me?
Well, you see... Thanks to your heroic efforts in putting a stop to the water spirit...the currents have calmed considerably and we should be able to repair the bridge. But it's still taking too long. I have to make my way back and deliver this medicine at all costs!
Huh, I see. Then--
*hops out, shakes head*
I, uh...
No, I apologize. It was wrong for me to ask favors of you just because you're the Shepherd. The destruction of the bridge itself was a warning to those who have forgotten their gratitude toward the seraphim. I shall bear that in mind and devote my energies to aid in restoring the bridge.
*looks back at Lailah*
*shakes head*
I'm terribly sorry I couldn't help you.
Please, don't fret. Your very existence is a beacon of hope to us all. We should be thanking you for appearing in such dismal times.
I'll see if there's anything I can do on my end as well. I'm really sorry!
*nods, walks off*
He's a good man. He hasn't forgotten his sense of gratitude to the seraphim.
I really want to help him somehow, Lailah, is there nothing I can do to aid him?
I ask as well. If it's just Sorey and his Squire, Alisha, I should be able to use my powers to cross the river. We can take the medicine with us.
But if Sorey uses his power as a Shepherd to carry someone's goods... Then everyone else will want a turn to use him as their own personal delivery boy.
And we're not a freight company, you mean.

I mean, there's that, but there's also the larger issue of the duty of the Shepherd isn't going around and solving people's problems, technically.

Then maybe we can ask a ferry captain to...
*shakes head* But then that ferry captain would just wind up having to deal with the same issue.
...So you're saying we should start by addressing the root of the problem?
...
Meaning we should just help restore the bridge, huh. And in a way that won't cause people to rely too much on the Shepherd afterwards.
I wonder if we could maybe build the foundation for the bridge out of rock. Ask the earth seraph to help raise the riverbed or something.

Ask "an" earth seraph, he means. We haven't met any earth seraphim yet. In this game, at least.

That's definitely something only the Shepherd could do. And the repairs that followed afterwards could be left up to the people.
How about that?
Very well! That sounds good to me!

Let's tell Alisha. *goes over* Do you have a moment?
Hey. I'd like to discuss this further with you later. Be ready.
If you say so.
Trouble?
Well... I want to assist with the reconstruction too, for Marlind's sake. I asked, but...
*hops out* Not going as well as you'd hoped?
I'm not the sort to give up so easily. I just need more time to explain how I can be of service. Anyway. What did you want to talk about?
Yeah. I'm thinking we should talk to an earth seraph who lives on the Spiritcrest about helping with the reconstruction. They could change the riverbed to form the bridge's foundation.
You--You can do something like that?
It's definitely a possibility!
...*awkward pause* I would like to properly convince everyone that I can help here. Would it be a bother if I were to stay behind?
Nah. We should be fine. Do what you need to do.
We're counting on you, Alisha.
Right. Leave everything to me!
Then we're off to the Spiritcrest! See you in a bit!
i beg your pardon, but did you just say you were going to the Spiritcrest?
Is there a problem?
Rayfalke Spiritcrest is best avoided, if you value your life. There is a reason that mountain is so frequently mentioned in the legends of dragons. It is a place in which no man should set foot.
Legends of the dragons? I don't remember anything like that coming up in the Celestial Record.
*shakes head*

That's the legend found in every culture of the eight dragons who betrayed the seraphim and were banished to the underworld.
Hmm.
Our tales tell that one of those dragons still remains in Rayfalke Spiritcrest.
But the Celestial Record doesn't mention anything like that.
Perhaps not. It's hardly reasonable to think that all the legends in the world can be encompassed in a single tome.
I appreciate the warning. But even so, that's where I'm headed.
But...
I'll be fine. Lailah's never heard of that legend either.

Yes..."legend".