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As this stage’s dialog differs between coming from the Gishin or Lux routes, this post will cover Rim’s timeline. Please see the previous post for Josh’s side where he comes back from Planet Lux. The vast majority is the same, but there are still differences.
There’s also a slight change to the chapter’s gameplay on Rim’s route only.
Let’s just get right into this.
Combined Route Chapter 35: The Meaning of “Ruin”
Chapter 33 if you went Space/Jupiter/Gishin. Chapter 34 if you went Space/Keilas/Gishin or Earth/Jupiter/Gishin. Chapter 36 if you went Earth/Keilas/Lux
Technically this is Chapter 34 in my run, but I’m listing this as 35 for consistency’s sake
[Ra Cailum, Bridge]
Ugh…
What’s going on?
We’re in the Earth Sphere! There’s no mistaking it, Amuro!
Hmm. A warp catapult is very handy.
Good grief… At least we’ve returned to Earth…
Yes. I’m worried about Ruina.
There’s also Battle 7 to worry about.
Hmm… I wonder if they ran into the Varauta or something. I hope they’ve finished investigating Lux and returned safely.
Mika, call the Bulge. I want to confirm the situation first.
Yes, Colonel.
[Ra Cailum, War Room]
Uwaaaa.
Look, it’s the Earth! It’s really the Earth!
Yeah… It’s the Earth. Our Earth. Dammit, I’m so happy I’m crying.
Dude, what?
The Earth is so pretty…
Yea, pretty!
Thank god… Earth seems to be fine…
I wish that was true.
Yeah, but we’re finally back.
Yes. We’ve actually returned.
To be honest, I’m surprised we made it back alive.
Same.
…
Everyone, you can get sentimental later.
That’s right. We need to let everyone know the danger the Ruina pose and do something about it right away.
Yeah… Hopefully we can make it in time.
Yeah…
[Ra Cailum, Bridge]
What did you say?
Impossible… Are you saying they’ve been attacking all over the surface?
That’s right. It started a little before we returned. Treize and the soldiers at the Cape Town base were also injured in an attack. Five OZ bases and several cities have already suffered devastating damage.
(Max is on the phone)
…We’re too late.
Commander Max, I’ll give you the details later, but we’ve defeated Zuul and obtained information that the Ruina and the “King of Ruin” are beings from another dimension and pose a great danger. We must do everything in our power to eliminate them.
I see… You too, huh? We heard the same thing from Gepplenitch. It seems that we’ve learned the same thing about this danger.
Gepplenitch?
Protodeviln.
What? What’s that all about?
We’ve reached a settlement with them.
What the fuck!?
I’ll give you the details later. We’ve just descended to Earth and are about to meet up with Treize and the Tower. I’m sorry that you’ve only just returned, but I need you to hurry up and come down here.
To Earth… Understood. We had some business to attend to and are sufficiently rested. We can begin operations immediately.
[Ra Cailum, Observation Room]
Everyone, we’ve got trouble!!
What’s wrong Roux? You look pale.
What happened?
Did something happen on Earth!?
It seems that the Ruina has launched a massive attack and everything’s gone to hell down there!
What!?
Yes. Commander Treize and his men were also attacked and injured.
Are you serious?
I just heard about it from Captain Amuro.
The hell…
Those bastards… Dammit!
Dammit, so we’re too late.
Don’t say that. Nothing’s been decided yet.
Also it seems Battle 7 has already returned. We’ll be joining them and reentering Earth soon.
Battle 7? So what happened over there?
It’s amazing, Kamille. Apparently they’ve made peace with the Protodeviln and their boss, Gepp-something has come to the Earth Sphere.
The hell!?
They made peace with the Protodeviln!?
You’ve got to be shitting me. How the hell could something like that happen?
It’s unbelievable.
Why would we lie? I don’t know the details yet, but it seems to be true.
That’s…amazing.
Yeah.
What? We went to great lengths to defeat Zuul and those demons. Also Prince Harlin and his men were going to start a Galactic Federation on Planet Gishin. I was hoping to surprise them.
Yeah, they surprised us instead.
So Roux, what’s going on down there?
There’s a lot of damage. I think we’ll learn more when we join up with Battle 7.
…I’m sorry. It seems that they reorganized their forces faster than I expected.
It’s not your fault, Ven.
I know… But I should have been more careful.
…Can you pull the trigger? Against them I mean.
I think I can. That’s why I’m here.
Ven…
But… Will we end up fighting them as soon as we return to Earth? The same enemy that Zuul tried to destroy the Earth to stop…
Mars…
Could they really be something that Zuul considered that dangerous…
Hmm. They must be. Wait for us, Ignis… Ruina! We won’t let you do as you like. Right, Tetsuya?
Yeah… I know, Koji.
[Battle 7, Operations Room]
I see. So reconciliation with Zuul was impossible after all.
We tried our best, but Emperor Zuul refused to reason with us.
It’s unfortunate, but with Emperor Zuul’s way of thinking, this ending was inevitable. In the end, it worked out better for Earth and other planets.
Yeah… I agree.
In the end, we had no choice but to go to Planet Gishin and fight him. Zuul sacrificed Planet Gishin to attack us, but we were barely able to win.
Yes. Zuul has fallen. The Gishin Empire will split and collapse.
So Prince Harlin isn’t going to revive the Helios Empire, but instead create a Galactic Federation?
It’ll take time, but it seems he intends to gradually increase the number of member star systems. What about you?
We discovered Protoculture ruins on Lux. It revealed the Protodeviln’s origins.
They were powerful combat soldiers called Evil, created by the Protoculture to eliminate the Zentradi, and ended up being possessed by energy beings from another dimension. They couldn’t live without Spiritia, so they continued to absorb it from others.
So what happened?
It seems that Fire Bomber’s singing is what the Protoculture called Anima Spiritia. Thanks to that, the Protodeviln gained the ability to self-generate Spiritia and no longer needed to steal Spiritia from other lifeforms.
You should have heard their singing. It was amazing.
I was shocked. They were about to leave this universe, but he said he would give us advice about what we’re dealing with on Earth, so they came with us.
Earthlings, can you hear me?
(The Protodeviln are speaking via the monitor)
Geppelnitch… We were just talking about you.
So that’s Geppelnitch…
It’s confirmed. No doubt about it.
So that large attack from earlier…
They’re probably in the final stages of entering this world. We can think of this as using the deaths of countless people across the globe, as well as their despair, fear, hatred, and sorrow, as fuel.
Shit.
Truly astonishing beauty! I never thought that, out of the endless universes that are connected, they would appear in the same universe as us.
So what should we do?
I sense a fluctuation in space-time inside the Antarctic force field that you mentioned. That’s probably where their gate is. If we destroy it because they completely invade this world, maybe we can stop them.
We can stop them!?
But… We can’t break through the energy field.
We will neutralize it. We have gained infinite Spiritia through our “songs”, so it’ll be no problem for us to let you through.
Seriously!?
Thank you. Now we can get to their base.
Finally…
(We’re finally going back there…)
(Yes. We’re going back to where it all began…)
Looks like this is the only way to end this.
But I don’t know if it can be contained. You’re running out of time. The chances of success are like a babbling brook, just a short ride through time.
Aw man…
Before the darkness of ruin wipes everything out, we must turn this planet into stardust. The safety of the universe must be maintained.
You would destroy the Earth…
So what Zuul said was correct…
We won’t ever let the Earth be sacrificed. Even if it costs us our life!
Shogo, you…
Yes… He’s right. Just do everything you can to the best of your ability.
Antarctica…
[Phone ringing]
It’s me. What’s up?
Captain, the Tower just sent us a SOS request! A Ruina force is attacking them led by a Melior Esse!
The Tower!?
Treize is still there.
Everyone, prepare for battle. We’re entering the atmosphere. Captain Bright, I’m counting on you as well.
Roger that. I will return to the Ra Cailum immediately.
Damn you Ruina. I can’t take this anymore. I’m going to fight back. All units, launch!
Hahaha. Too fragile. Die in the arms of fear!
Ugh…
To the human named Treize Khushernada, come out.
What?
Why do they want Lord Treize…?
If I kill you, many people will lose their emotional support. Their fear and despair will grow larger. The power we gain will also increase.
Lord Treize!? Stop it! Even those that unit’s now repaired, if you die…
Lady, I will not hide. I believe that what people need is not absolute victory, but fighting spirit. That difference is important. In that case, even losers can be beautiful. However, this is only true if human history will continue on in the future. But in this battle to come, absolute victory is the only thing that will allow us humans and the Earth to persist. I will not back down. I will not be one of the losers.
Lord Treize…
Hahahahahaha. There you are, human! The hatred and regret you will feel when you die will be immense! Die and become our food!
Ignis of the Melior Esse. I will be your opponent. Treize Khushrenada is here!
Treize really is Him. The Tower is injured and Treize, no matter how cool, cannot face the Ruina by himself. Just hold out for a turn and make your way south (which I didn’t end up doing).
THE BOYS!? You’ve made it…
THE BOYS… Thank god…
Hmph… You’re here. I knew I could count on THE BOYS. The Tower has reached its limit. Yamazaki, retreat now.
Sir! Commander Treize.
You… Yes, it’s them. They’ve returned. Hahahahahaha. Excellent. That’s what makes this whole thing worthwhile! Come at me! Inflict your anger and hatred on me!
Looks like you’re just fine, Treize.
Treize, you may be well prepared, but if you die now, we’ll all be in trouble. Please stop being so reckless.
That’s right, Treize! You’re not going to die on your own! We still haven’t settled anything yet!
I see… My apologies.
All pilots, launch immediately! Hurry!
So that’s Ruina? A minion of the entity that Zuul tried to wipe out along with this planet…
Yes it is, Marg. If we don’t defeat them, neither the Earth nor Planet Gishin will be safe. I can’t let that happen!
(That enemy… It’s Ignis, Chris.)
(Yeah…)
…
Damn you… Let’s go, Koji!!
Yes!
Anger and hatred give them power. Control your emotions. Don’t forget that.
Even if you say that…
Just keep that in mind if you want to win. Believe in yourself. Believe in Mazinger. Believe in our power.
Gou…
Deploy 14 units. Treize is already using the Tallgeese II if you were planning on fielding that.
If you deploy Ventus…
Oh… So you’re still alive, failure.
Yes… I am a failure. But they saved me from disappearing. They offered me life and a meaning to my existence. So I will fight, Ignis. I’ll fight you and the “King of Ruin”.
What? Hahahahaha. What a joke. You’re just an eyesore. I’ll erase you as soon as possible!
Just a normal battle. The calm before the endgame storm. Buff up with the bard and fight Ignis’ troops like you normally would. Take advantage of the bases’ good terrain of course and try to deny the enemy from using their HP restoring properties. Watch out for Ignis’ MAP attack, but really at this point he shouldn’t be much of a threat to a well built squad.
When there are 10 enemies left on the map…
Is that them?
Yes… Among the fragile humans, they are those who have the power to resist us Ruina. This time, I will give them the fear and despair of death.
It’s him… The one who appeared in Antarctica.
That’s… Umbra.
So… That’s Umbra. …He’s the one who hurt bro.
Humans… Accept your destiny.
What?
…Tears of sorrow and red blood become a wonderful wine… Moans of pain and thunderous screams become beautiful music. Hearts crushed by despair are our nourishment. And so, with the hatred and fear of twins of millions of souls and the death and destruction of tens of millions of lives, the “King of Ruin” will come into this world. To lead all living things…to ruin.
We won’t let you do as you please! It’s us humans who will win!
It’s too late. It can’t be stopped now. With the destruction of this planet, we will open a way for the true arrival of the “King of Ruin”.
I wonder. In that case, just try to defeat us first. All units, concentrate your firepower on the Melior Esse! Strike back with everything you have!
So now not only do we have to deal with Umbra, but Glacies too. Glacies’ grunts are extremely hard to hit and they have their own combo attacks, so watch out. But just the same, they’re nothing compared to Zuul and Geppelnitch.
Now that all the bosses are here, here’s their pre-fight dialogues.
Tch, if they’re back, there’s no point in killing you alone. I’ll finish you off quickly.
Apologies, but I’m not going to lose here either. I’ll fight back with everything I have!
Dad… Watch me. I’ll fight. Not for revenge, but to protect everyone and the Earth…
What’s wrong, Koji Kabuto? Hahahaha. I can feel your hatred! Are you accepting the fate of ruin?
Shut up! We’ll stop this “King of Ruin” person!
Ignis…
It’s him… What’s wrong? Give me more anger! Hate me more! What’s wrong, Tetsuya Tsurugi!? Or will you accept a cruel death? Regardless, I’ll kill you!
I… No, We will win! In order to protect this planet, I won’t lose to you!
O Red blood… Burn. O flesh, rot.
Tch. Why you…
Ignis, being closer, becomes the first to fall.
Tch. They’re human, but they’re beyond stubborn. Ah well, you’re finished anyway. I’ll withdraw from here. If you can make it to us, I’ll fight you again! Hahahahaha!
Glacies is next.
Dammit… Don’t tell me… A mere human could destroy me? …”King of Ruin”, use my death, the annihilation of my existence, for your power…
Umbra is the last to fall. If he dies, the rest of the enemies will retreat, so make sure he’s last.
…I see, you’ll try to kill me too. But it’s useless. All are in this beautiful destruction…along with us! If we meet again, I will fight you. Farewell, doomed ones.
The enemy is retreating.
Okay…
Captain, there are no more enemies in the area.
Alright, the battle is over. All units are to return now.
Looks like we drove them back.
But the hard part is yet to come. Treize, let’s go to Antarctica.
I see… Looks like you’ve found a solution.
[Battle 7, Bridge]
…I see. The Protodeviln, huh?
Exactly. We can’t afford to waste any more time. We will enter Antarctica and win. This is the only way to protect Earth, no, the universe itself.
So the situation is that dire. Just in case, I’ll tell all of OZ to evacuate everyone on the planet. We must prepare as many colonies and the moon if possible.
…
Something on your mind?
That decision…. To think the decision that sent Battle 7 to Lux and the Ra Cailum to the Gishin Empire would have led to this outcome. The whims of the goddess of the Earth Sphere are fascinating.
What are you talking about, Commander?
Just think about it. Without the trip to Lux, we wouldn’t have received the Protodeviln’s help to break through the energy field. Without Emperor Zuul’s defeat, we would have been too busy dealing with that and Zuul would have used his power to destroy the Earth.
That’s just hindsight.
Exactly… In other words, the Goddess of Fate is counting on us. For us to fight and win. For the Earth Sphere and the future of humanity.
The future of humanity…
…
Hmph… What a stingy goddess. After all, there’s still barely a chance we can win. I’d wish for a better bet.
I agree. …It’s all or nothing. If we lose, the entire universe is doomed for ruin.
Roger, before that, there is the insurance policy called “Earth”.
Dorothy, don’t even consider that! If we sacrifice Earth, the rest of the universe might be saved, but…
So that’s what Ruina means… “Ruin”.
(ルイーナ (Ruina) vs 破滅 (Hametsu))
Come to think of it… Maybe that’s what Dr. Saotome, Stinger, and Cowen were talking about at the end.
Perhaps. Maybe they were aware that Antarctica was dangerous.
Anyway, what’s important now is that we prepare our forces to head to Antarctica. Why are you acting so relaxed?
She’s right. This planet is an important monument to us Zentran, who have finally acquired culture. It would be a pity to see it destroyed.
Yes… Regardless, we have only one path left to walk. I suggest that we head to Antarctica immediately.
It’s the only thing left. Let’s get ready.
[The monitor turns on]
Wait just a minute.
Eve? What’s going on?
We’ve detected an energy anomaly in one of the Ruina bases we found. It seems to be extremely dangerous. Bahamut has determined that this location must be dealt with before Antarctica.
What?
…This is bad. This is very bad.
Doctor, what is it?
How bad could it be?
Have you all forgotten? The state the Earth was in at the very beginning? Think about what happened.
At the very beginning…
Doctor, you couldn’t be referring to that?
Oh no…
The closed sky…
When the Earth disappeared…
Exactly.
I see… If that’s what they’re doing.. Then it’s very bad!
Why now? Why do this again?
Cliff! Explain it properly!
Don’t you understand!? They… No, for him, that state was convenient. Yes… It must have been.
What are you talking about?
I get it! It’s probably more suitable for interdimensional travel. It reduces the resistance and the amount of energy required. In other words… They’re trying to close off this planet again!
So that’s what that was for!
W-what!?
[The screen flashes. Geppelnitch teleports in]
What? …Geppelnitch?
What they say is correct. A fluctuation is beginning to occur in the space surrounding this planet. Its true invasion into this universe is about to begin.