Shadow of Glory

Go to Avinoleum

Rover: (...?! That felt like a strong energy fluctuation from Cartethyia's Sonoro, the Inverted Tower...)

Rover: (Her frequency is unstable… I should go check on her.)

Rover: There are traces of a Resonance Energy discharge everywhere...

Abby: What a MESS! This place looks like it was just bombarded!

Abby: Yep, that's definitely Cartethyia's residual frequencies. Where did she go?

Go to the location where the burst of energy originated

Find Cartethyia

Rover: No response.

Rover: Can you tell where these traces lead, Abby?

Abby: Over there. But the traces are kinda messy. They feel unsteady too...

Rover: That way… That's the archipelago across from Ragunna.

Rover: The traces are still fresh. We should follow them to find Cartethyia before they fade.

Abby: Should we go now?

Rover: Yes. With the Threnodian's will gone, she wouldn't lose contact unless something's wrong. Really wrong.

Rover: But before we go…

Cantarella: Cartethyia is missing… I see.

Cantarella: It is indeed a rather urgent issue.

Cantarella: Go on, what is it you wish to ask of me?

Rover: I want to learn more about the archipelago before I set off to find her.

Cantarella: Ah, caution is indeed a virtue. Since you're in a hurry, I'll spare you the lengthy details.

Cantarella: That archipelago is called Septimont.

Cantarella: It's another city-state within Rinascita. Like us Ragunnesi, its people were guided by the Sentinel across vast seas to settle there.

Cantarella: But over time, Septimont and Ragunna's differences led to a rift. Each one forged its own path.

Rover: What kind of differences?

Cantarella: Even from a shared origin, the hearts and minds of people can diverge in unexpected ways.

Cantarella: Septimont is a city of warriors. Its creed is simple "All for glory, fear no death." They revere heroes, not the Divinity.

Cantarella: Under The Order's control, Ragunna enforces strict border controls for Septimontians, but Septimont places no such barriers for the Ragunnesi.

Cantarella: You could say that Septimont has a far more accepting attitude toward outlanders.

Cantarella: At present, Septimont is hosting the Great Agon, a cornerstone in the city's economy. Such a season draws visitors from far and wide.

Rover: Sounds like the perfect time to visit Septimont. Thank you, Cantarella.

Cantarella: You're the Fisalias' eternal ally... and of course, my esteemed guest. No need for formalities between us.

Ride the Wingray

Abby: Look! A wingray right here!

Abby: It can give us a lift.

Go to Septimont

Abby: Hmm, my heart's racing like crazy...

Rover: Do you feel sick?

Abby: Not really, I just have this uneasy feeling.

Rover: Uneasy? Did you sense something dangerous in Septimont?

Abby: I don't know how to put it. It's strange, like things are all tangled up somehow...

Reach Septimont

Rover: Abby, we've arrived. How do you feel now?

Rover: Abby?

Rover: (Nothing from my Tacet Mark. Is it sleeping? Or is it...)

Rover: (Cartethyia helped with Abby's symptoms before... I could really use her help now.)

Rover: (We share the same thread of Imperator's power. I could try using that to sense where she is.)

Rover: (What's that creature she's facing? A half-human, half-lion Tacet Discord? Or a special Echo?)

Rover: (She was here before.)

Rover: (I'll follow this same path and see if I can find someone to talk to.)

As your fingers touch the cold statue, the whispers of fallen heroes ring through your mind.

The clash of weapons mingles with battle cries and hearty laughter. Amid these sounds, the Hero's Legacy Armor murmurs its late master's eternal longing for glory...

Rover: (That armor might be an Echo.)

Rover: (An Echo... that awaits a true warrior.)

Split the Resonance of Past Battle

Rover: (It seems happy. Is it because I'm reminding it of past battles?)

Rover: (Looks like I've made my first friend here.)

Leave the cave

Rover: So… this is Septimont.

Cartethyia: The traces will guide you here, Rover.

Cartethyia: And, when the time comes, you'll bring this story to its rightful end.

Cartethyia: The scent of seawater... It's right ahead.

Go to the location of the experimental unit

Collapse the experimental unit

Go to the village to gather information

Rover: (There's a village up ahead. I'll go talk to some locals.)

Excited Villager: Ha, I knew it! The Blue Furies remain undefeated!

Excited Villager: Ah, folk always write 'em off, thinking they're just sailors or singers. That don't matter in the arena. It's all about pure strength.

Cautious Villager: Most of the teams in this year's finals aren't even backed by local nobles.

Excited Villager: So what? Worried about your bets? How many times do I have to—

Cautious Villager: Aye.

Excited Villager: Alright, alright... Oh, look here, a visitor! Welcome to Septimont!

Excited Villager: Ah, I've met some visitors from Huanglong before. Proper folk, polite as can be. They do tend to speak in riddles though!

Excited Villager: We just watched a live match. Too bad you missed it. Mattia from the Blue Furies gave the other team a right pounding!

Cautious Villager: Aye. Capitoline Hill's holding the Great Agon now in the city. Happens every four years. All of Septimont's talkin' about who'll be the next champion. You here for the games too?

Rover: No, I'm looking for someone.

Excited Villager: At this time? That might be tricky. Folks from all over Solaris are floodin' into Septimont lately!

Cautious Villager: ...Can't say I've seen anyone like that around.

Cautious Villager: Most Ragunnesi we see here are from the Troupe of Fools or the Montelli nobles. They're a bit more open to our ways of thinking about faith.

Cautious Villager: If she's wearing the Order's emblem, though, she'll have drawn some eyes.

Excited Villager: A half-human, half-lion creature wearin' armor and swingin' a poleaxe? That's gotta be the Guardian Echo of Septimont, our Lioness of Glory, Arsinosa!

Rover: Can you tell me more about this Guardian Echo?

Cautious Villager: Gladly! See, ever since our ancestors set foot on this land, we Septimontians have fought the harsh elements and the savage Tacet Discords.

Cautious Villager: Many brave souls came before us, their Reverberations settlin' in the stone that now stands as ArsinosaLioness of Glory. She was born from the battle's roar and the fierce bellows of pride.

Excited Villager: As the guardian of Septimont, Arsinosa usually only reveals herself during the Great Agon. To earn her blessing is the highest honor any Septimontian could hope for!

Rover: (But... why would Cartethyia take on Septimont's Guardian Echo?)

Excited Villager: If you want to see her, just wait for the finals. They'll be held in the Colosseum in the city. But don't dawdle, get a ticket now or you'll miss out!

Cautious Villager: As for that Order girl you're looking for, you might try askin' in the inns around the city...

Busy Septimotian: Clay! Edwin! Come give me a hand!

Cautious Villager: Ah, right, we best be off. If you want to see the fights, follow this path to the arena. The ticket booth's just up ahead.

Rover: (Its frequency is similar to the Echoes in Ragunna. Could it have originated from Imperator's power as well?)

Rover: (But it's unstable, as if something else is interfering... Strange, it's just like Abby said.)

Rover: (I can feel its source close to the city, but can't pin down where exactly.)

??: Boss, you're looking so serious!

Rover: And you are...?

Buling: Me? I'm a traveling Taoist from Mengzhou. Just call me Buling.

Buling: Exorcism, talisman divination, fortune-telling... you name it, I "bling" it! So Rover, you want to try your luck fah?

Rover: How did you know my name?

Buling: Heard about you from an old friend. You know Jianxin? Pretty sure you met her in Jinzhou. She trained with the same master before me.

Buling: We've got history. Last time I went up to the mountain to see her, she mentioned you.

Buling: So I hear you're looking for someone? Tsk, not so easy, not so easy. The feng shui in Rinascita is not good.

Buling: The Qi is trapped underwater, not good flow. No luck now, bad sign. You should be careful, Boss!

Buling: You show up and the stars change... I was betting on who could break the deadlock, so I'm glad I caught you first.

Go to the arena

(Optional) Ask Septimontians about their opinions of the Sentinel

Kind Septimontian: To us Septimontians, They are a strong comrade in arms. They are also the guide who led us to our new homeland.

Kind Septimontian: Like the Ragunnesi, our ancestors were displaced and forced to sail through stormy seas. But I think that was a test of our strength.

Kind Septimontian: It tempered our bodies and minds, teaching us that humanity itself is the true hero of Septimont. Only the strongest can stand beside the Sentinel and fight.

Kind Septimontian: Without the blood spilled and sweat shed, Septimont would've known no peace, no stability.

Kind Septimontian: But the Ragunnesi lost their way, treating the Sentinel like some kind of divinity. They forget it's the strength of people that counts.

Kind Septimontian: That's just cowardice. An easy escape.

Kind Septimontian: Here, if we build statues, it's to honor the heroes of the hunt.

Kind Septimontian: Hmm... though, I've heard things are changing over there in Ragunna lately...

(Optional) Ask Septimontians about their opinions of the Lioness of Glory

Senior Septimontian: You want to know about Arsinosa? She's the heart of our land.

Senior Septimontian: If you visit the downtown area on Capitoline Hill, you'll see it for yourself. The Gryphon statues are everywhere.

Senior Septimontian: They've been part of this archipelago since ancient times. We used to fight them, but we've always respected their strength and bravery.

Senior Septimontian: In Septimont, strong emotional frequencies tend to settle within things. That's how Arsinosa came to be.

Senior Septimontian: She was once just a Gryphon statue, but the people's burning desire for victory transformed her into Septimont's Iudicis Echo.

Senior Septimontian: It's a kind of... testament to our will!

Senior Septimontian: I've heard that the Sentinel came to Septimont not long after Arsinosa was born.

Senior Septimontian: It's said They even met her... I can't help but wonder what happened. As the Sentinel's fellow warriors, we Septimontians pay heed to Their actions.

Senior Septimontian: But after that, it was the last time the Sentinel came to Septimont.

Senior Septimontian: Maybe They saw we could handle things on our own and decided to entrust the city to our ancestors.

Senior Septimontian: If that's the case, it's a grand honor, don't you think?

Senior Septimontian: Ah, Arsinosa... she will stand watch over our land now and forever.

??: Sniff... Hm?

??: Not bad!

??: Think you can keep me from fighting?

??: Careful now...

??: We'll see who rips whose throat out first.

??: Alright, Emilio. Why don't you take your band of cowards and get out of my way before I decide to handle it myself?

??: Pulling dirty tricks before the Agon... did you think I wouldn't notice? Did you ever stop to think you nearly got an innocent person killed? Shame on you!

Emilio: Lupa… so you're really not gonna reconsider? Even with the finals just around the corner?

Lupa: Reconsider? Ha! You think I should keep playing along and stay blind to your match-fixing?

Lupa: I don't care what you do off the field, but in the arena, fairness isn't negotiable. If you can't get that, just keep wagging your tail for the house...

Lupa: You know, I once thought you were a decent Gladiator, and we fought well together. But look at you now. Pathetic.

Emilio: You—! You know nothing, Lupa.

Emilio: ...Not everyone has the same strength to survive in Septimont with a clean conscience.

Lupa: Sorry about that clown show. Don't judge Septimont by a few rats that can't hold their own in the dirt. They're not the norm here.

Lupa: Combat makes the greatest warriors. You're a fine example of that.

Rover: What happened just now? Did they try to ambush you?

Lupa: Heh... just about. That man, Emilio, used to be my partner. The Silvas were probably behind this.

Lupa: The House of Silva is nobility in Septimont. I share their name, though, I'm sure they've thrown me out since I stepped away from the team.

Rover: Is this tied to the match-fixing you mentioned?

Lupa: Yes. I knew something was off, but I didn't think they'd go this far. Maybe they threw some serious money at it.

Lupa: I thought the money I made them would've been enough. Oh well!

Lupa: I was thinking, you're not a local, are you? How about—

Lupa: We team up and fight together in the finals?

Rover: (That's Cartethyia's frequency... but how?)

Lupa: Huh? Rover, is that your way of saying yes?

Rover: I'm sorry. Lupa, have you ever met a Ragunnesi girl by the name of Cartethyia?

Lupa: Cartethyia... No, never heard of her. What's going on with her?

Rover: She's missing. I'm looking for her.

Rover: I tracked her to Septimont, and… it seems she confronted Arsinosa.

Lupa: Arsinosa is the symbol of our spirit, the great Echo guarding Septimont for centuries. Besides the current Ephor, Augusta, nobody has ever faced her directly.

Lupa: I don't know if this Cartethyia of yours is strong enough to take on Arsinosa. If she did, it would be the talk of Septimont.

Rover: I see… no leads yet, then.

Lupa: Well, that's why you should join me in the Agon. When Arsinosa shows up in the finals, you might find the answers you're looking for.

Lupa: The champion gets noble recognition, a hefty bonus, and some secret perks. If we win, you can take it all.

Lupa: If that doesn't interest you, then the attention that comes with being a champion will help you find the information you need on her.

Rover: True. But what's in it for you?

Lupa: Me? I just want to see the look on their cheating faces when they realize I've beaten them at their own game!

Lupa: They're probably betting against me in secret. Ha, doesn't matter. Once we win, they'll lose it all. Serves 'em right.

Lupa: If there's no punishment for crossing the line, then what's the point of a line at all?

Lupa: I don't know what other tricks my dear family has planned, but you? You're an outlander. Strong, too. No ties to their schemes.

Lupa: That's why I look forward to walking this path with you. Can't wait to see what kind of Gladiator you'll be!

Rover: (Arsinosa and the unusual frequency I felt from Lupa are the only leads I've got…)

Rover: (Lupa denies ever meeting Cartethyia, but maybe she didn't realize... or she's hiding something.)

Lupa: That's the spirit! Well then... I'll be counting on you, my fellow warrior.

Lupa: Now, let's go register our team!

Register your team

Lupa: Hi there. Is team registration still open?

Boethia: May applause greet you. Yes, you can register... Oh wait, you're Contender Lupa!

Boethia: Do you... wish to register a new team? But aren't you...

Lupa: Plans changed. I'm no longer with the Bough of Legions. This is my new partner, Rover.

Boethia: Ah... I see. Allow me to register you again. Have you settled on a name for your new team?

Lupa: We Septimontians live alongside the waves, and I've always found their sound soothing. A perfect choice!

Lupa: Alright, the name is settled. We'd also like to apply for the special qualifier, please.

Lupa: The Gladiator's Agon happens year-round in Septimont. Training matches, exhibition games, open tournaments, you name it.

Lupa: But we're after the Agon of Champions, the biggest event held every four years. We also call it the Great Agon.

Lupa: There are two stages: a points-based prelim and an elimination round. The prelim is almost over. The eliminations are about to begin.

Lupa: I've earned enough points from the regular matches to qualify for the finals, but since you're a new contender, you'll need to win the special qualifier to make it.

Lupa: If we defeat higher-ranked opponents, we can secure a spot with fewer matches.

Rover: Just the two of us? Is it two-on-two?

Lupa: Exactly. It's one of the reforms the new Ephor made to the Agon. And of course, our Echo partners will be joining us in the arena too!

Lupa: Echoes aren't just companions to us, but proof of our strength. Hunting them, taming them, and learning to live with them is the first lesson every Septimontian learns.

Boethia: Registration completed. Happy hunting, contenders!

Lupa: Let's see how well we work together in the arena, my fellow warrior.

Win your first special qualifier

Hermilia: Happy hunting, Gladiators!

Hermilia: Very well. I'll be waiting for you here.

Hermilia: {Cus:Var,VarType=Global Key=main_team_name} versus Vulcan Mining.

Hermilia: Let the Agon begin!

Defeat Vulcan Mining

Lupa: We did it!

Lupa: That was perfection! Haven't felt this alive in ages.

Lupa: I could finally focus and savor every moment of the fight…

Rover: And these are...?

Lupa: Ta-das. These little ones love a good match and never miss a chance to cheer for the victors.

Lupa: They're more fired up than usual. Looks like your performance really won them over, Rover.

Rover: They're just as lively as the baby Gryphon I came across before.

Lupa: This city does know how to keep spirits high! Speaking of Gryphons, they've actually been here long before our ancestors even settled on this archipelago.

Lupa: Anyway, we've secured our first victory. The next match will be held further out.

Lupa: If we take down the top-ranked team there, we'll be… Huh?

Eager Spectator: CONTENDER LUPA! PLEASE SIGN FOR ME!

Flustered Spectator: I-it's you… in the flesh! Why-why would a star like you be in this arena?

Flustered Spectator: It's impossible to get a ticket for your matches... Ugh, I wish I'd known sooner that you'd be here!

Discerning Spectator: Did something happen with the Bough of Legions, Contender Lupa? Who's this new Gladiator you've got with you? Did you replace Contender Emilio?

Discerning Spectator: Oh, that's front-page material...

Lupa: I'm sorry. It's been too long since I've fought outside the Colosseum. Should've worn a helmet.

Lupa: Alright, everyone…

Lupa: Uh... I-I can handle this, but it'll take too long.

Lupa: We need to make a swift retreat.

Rover: Okay, but how?

Lupa: Easy. Just hold my hand and don't let go!

Leave the arena

Lupa: Hah... hah... Haha! Good, we made it out!

Lupa: I'll let the staff at the next arena know we're coming to avoid the same chaos there.

Lupa: Matches are the bread and butter for Gladiators. The famous ones rarely take on impromptu matches. That's what caused such a stir.

Lupa: But now… word about our new team is going to spread very quickly.

Go to the city

(Optional) Ride the Wingray

Rover: What was that smirk about?

Lupa: Oh, me? I just... sent word to certain people.

Lupa: Too much modesty is a double-edged sword, so I'll be frank. When it comes to bankability, I'm at the top of the game.

Lupa: That's how my family, the Silvas, have kept their position all these years. But the nobles here in Septimont are always hunting and contesting for more.

Lupa: Lions and wolves tear each other to pieces, while the hyenas lie in wait, eyes on their bellies. Everyone wants a taste of the juiciest meat.

Lupa: And with the illegal betting they're running... Once they hear I've left the old team, they'll all be scrambling to get a piece of the action.

Rover: Are you planning to muddy the waters?

Lupa: The waters are already so murky no one can tell who's stirring them.

Lupa: But it's still better now than it was before. The mess they made before the current Ephor took over was...

??: May applause greet you, Lupa.

Lupa: Ha... I see you've been waiting for me, Cartur.

Lupa: He was my manager back in the Bough of Legions. Has a gift for knowing exactly what to say to anyone, though that's his flaw, too.

Cartur: For a manager, isn't the skill of speech always a gift?

Cartur: Domina Julia Silva hoped you'd behave and return home. She bid that I reason with you at the earliest opportunity.

Cartur: But... it seems you've found yourself a new ally. I daresay her hopes are dashed.

Lupa: And? What's your point?

Cartur: How disappointing. Not even a hint of charm when there's no crowd around to impress.

Cartur: Feeling confident about this new team of yours? What do you think your chances are of winning the championship?

Lupa: With me and Rover? One hundred percent.

Lupa: Enough, Cartur. Spare me the games and empty chatter! I have one question for you...

Lupa: ...Are you involved in the Silvas' match-fixing?

Cartur: No. I do love money, but I don't stoop to that level to get it.

Lupa: Fair enough. You may leave now.

Cartur: Tut, tut, dangerous question, Lupa. Think carefully. The Silvas may have made you a star, but they can just as easily snuff that star out.

Cartur: I've never doubted your talent, but these are the rules of the game.

Lupa: I know the rules well enough.

Lupa: ...I just wonder if Domina Julia truly understands who's making the rules now, and where she stands in this game.

Enter the lower city

Rover: Is this Cartur also from House Silva?

Lupa: Not exactly. He's a free man, though he's handled Bough of Legions business for the past few years.

Lupa: Look, Rover. Once we cross the Hero's Way, we'll get to the Capitoline Hill district.

Lupa: For centuries, countless Gladiators have walked this very path to Colosseum Olymdos... just as we are now.

Go to the arena

Lupa: The next qualifier is just ahead. Once it's over, we can take the cable car to the upper city!

Lupa: On an autumn day, the view as you ascend and the breeze on your face can truly lift your spirits.

Win your second special qualifier

Valius: Happy hunting, Gladiators!

Valius: Of course. I'll be right here waiting.

Valius: {Cus:Var,VarType=Global Key=main_team_name} versus Blue Furies.

Valius: Let the Agon begin!

Defeat the Blue Furies

Rover: (Cartethyia... standing on the water?)

Rover: (That abnormal sensation came over me again when my sword struck the contender's Echo. )

Rover: (All the Echoes in Septimont seem to exhibit unstable power. Something is definitely off.)

Rover: (But it seems like no one else has noticed.)

Whispering Spectator: Contender Lupa isn't in the Bough of Legions anymore... what a shame.

Doubtful Spectator: Just two days before the finals, as well! It's unfair to her former teammates and her fans.

Whispering Spectator: Is it about the money? She's changed teammates how many times now? As for that newcomer next to her...

Scornful Specatator: Without the Silvas' patronage, there's no way a gladiator from the outskirts could rise to fame so quickly.

Disgruntled Spectator: Quiet down. Where are you hearing these rumors? Open your eyes, Lupa has never once thrown a match!

Doubtful Spectator: Hmph, everyone thinks they know the real truth. But consider this, it's a fact I know to be true...

Rover: ...

Lupa: Let's go, my fellow warrior.

Lupa: It's all going as planned! Let's get you settled somewhere comfortable, then tomorrow, we head to the Colosseum Olymdos for the semi-finals.

Rover: I've been meaning to ask, is there a body of water in the city? I think Cartethyia might've passed through there.

Lupa: A body of water? Yes, but it's been abandoned for years. That elevator can take you to the upper city, though.

Lupa: If you want to try looking for her, we can start there!

Rover: Thanks. And…

Lupa: Yes?

Rover: Those people just now… they talked about match-fixing. Don't you want to challenge that?

Lupa: I didn't have time to gather enough proof before I left. Besides, this isn't the right moment.

Lupa: Hehe, I'm fine. High praise leads to harsh words. It's always like that.

Lupa: Honestly, I don't care what people say. This kind of thing happens every day in Septimont. If you can't handle it, you won't last.

Lupa: Tarnishing rivals' reputations is one of their usual tricks. I cut off their betting profits, so it's only natural they'd be upset.

Lupa: Besides, now I have a reliable warrior by my side. That's all that matters.

Lupa: No worrying about whether my teammate can keep up, no dealing with petty politics... just the thrill of the fight.

Lupa: Thank you for that, Rover.

Go to the tower

Rover: Why would the place you mentioned be abandoned?

Lupa: Because of the first Dark Tide in Ragunna… Oh, you know what a Dark Tide is, right?

Rover: Yes.

Lupa: Due to certain safety concerns at the time, the main city district was relocated further up the hill.

Take the elevator inside the tower

Go to the top of the tower

Lupa: Beware of the Kerasaurs lurking below. Those Tacet Discords will ambush anyone who falls into the water.

Rover: Are those the city's ruins down there?

Lupa: Yes, remnants of the Old District.

Lupa: We rarely use this route since it's too dangerous. But some thrill-seekers come here to hunt Tacet Discords.

Lupa: Speaking of which, this area is actually under Silva jurisdiction. I used to play here as a child.

Lupa: You said Cartethyia might've been here. Do you have an idea where she passed through?

Rover: I think… somewhere over there.

Lupa: Ah, that's where the statue of Tercules is.

Go to the body of water

Rover: This is the place. I'll look for Cartethyia's traces here.

Lupa: How?

Rover: Through... the connection we share.

Lupa: Alright then. I'll wait here. Good luck!

You call upon the power of Imperator, calling for the one who shares its essence.

The unique frequency pulses through your blade and spreads across the water in ripples. But the connection weakens, fading into the distance.

Cartethyia isn't here.

Lupa: Don't worry, we can follow the lead on Arsinosa.

Lupa: Tercules… His statues once stood tall on both sides of the street, watching over the heroes of Septimont as they set out to hunt.

Lupa: Back then, the chimes drifting up from the city were the finest sounds of glory.

Enter the upper city

Cartethyia: (Someone's still alive.)

Cartethyia: Are you okay? You seem like a local… are there any other survivors?

Nameless Girl: I'm managing. I-I can still move, but I'm exhausted. I've walked for so long, for so far... but I still can't leave this city.

Nameless Girl: The white Tidal Blight follows me wherever I go.

Cartethyia: (Tidal Blight… could she mean the Dark Tide?)

Cartethyia: What's your name?

Nameless Girl: I… don't remember.

Cartethyia: That's alright. Memories can be recovered, and so can your name. I've been through something similar myself, and someone helped me find my way back.

Cartethyia: I've only just arrived here. All of Septimont is cloaked in mist. Would you mind sharing with me what you still remember?

Nameless Girl: Who… are you?

Cartethyia: My name is Cartethyia. I'm Ragunna's…

Cartethyia: I'm a wandering knight from Ragunna.

Nameless Girl: A wandering knight… ah.

Cartethyia: Don't worry, I'll take care of them.

Cartethyia: Come forth, and face my blade.

Lupa: Welcome to my city, Gryphon's Fortress of Capitoline Hill!

Rover: Who are they...?

Lupa: Oh, some minor noble houses that didn't make it into the Agon.

Lupa: But in Septimont, strength and power go hand in hand. Nobles get more, but they better prove they're worth it and pull their weight for the city.

Lupa: The Agon isn't just about fortune. It's a way to find the capable. For nobles, the ability to command and control Echoes is a basic responsibility.

Lupa: If the heir of a noble house isn't strong enough, it signals that the house is unfit to hunt down Tacet Discords or protect Septimont.

Lupa: "Strength is everything." That's how it works. You've fought your battles too, or you wouldn't be here.

Lupa: For most Septimontians, the Agon isn't just an event. It's the training ground nobles and commoners alike have to fight in.

Lupa: The victors show no mercy to the defeated. People here despise weakness, worship strength, and crave glory.

Lupa: Where you come from don't matter. Prove yourself, and the crowd will scream your name. The spotlight's yours, the arena's your stage.

Lupa: But if you can't can't keep up, if you're not chosen... you'll be left in the shadows.

Go to the restaurant

Lupa: Come to think of it, we haven't had anything to eat since those two matches.

Lupa: Right, I know just the thing I want you to try!

Lupa: Oh, I can already smell it, can almost taste it...

Lupa: Fulvia! Two large platters please, with two bottles of Heartpour!

Surprised Septimontian: Ohh! It's Lupa!

Well-informed Septimontian: I heard she left the Bough of Legions...

Fulvia: That's enough, folks. You know the rules, no gossip outside the arena.

Fulvia: Just dig in!

Lupa: Still got that fire, huh, Fulvia?

Fulvia: You should talk. Finally cut ties with the Silvas, eh? With the way they handled the share of profits, you should've left sooner!

Lupa: Haha… well, back then a strong backer was exactly what I needed. Can't say it was all bad.

Fulvia: Can't keep a tavern running for long if you don't have a good eye.

Fulvia: By the way, Heartpour is sold out today. Guess the celebrity branding really worked.

Lupa: What? Oh, come on...

Rover: What's Heartpour?

Lupa: If my name's on it, you don't have to worry about quality. It's just that the taste... well, let's just say it's "meh" at best.

Lupa: Anyway, I'll get you a taste of Heartpour later. For now, let's enjoy the meal!

Lupa: So, fellow warrior, any stories to share? There is still much to learn about each other.

Fulvia: Hey Lupa, got a message from Old Appius. He said the new batch of restored footage just arrived, including those about Contender Mya.

Lupa: Oh thanks! I almost forgot with everything going on lately.

Rover: Restored footage?

Lupa: Recordings of major matches or famous contenders. Helpful for those who want to learn from them.

Lupa: Ephor Augusta's are the most popular. Four years ago, she became the champion and a household name by crushing every single opponent. From there, she worked her way up into the Ephor's seat.

Lupa: But I prefer watching Contender Mya's matches over any of the past champions.

Lupa: I think she's... got real heart.

Lupa: You can feel it, even through the recordings. The way she threw herself into every fight.

Rover: Do you think we'll face her in this Agon?

Lupa: Ha, not likely. She disappeared during a Great Agon years ago.

Lupa: Some say she got tangled up in illegal betting scandals. Others think the pressure from her manager drove her to leave Septimont... There are plenty of rumors, but no one knows what really happened.

Lupa: Still, it's frustrating! To just disappear halfway through...

Lupa: If you fail to make it to the end, people will see you as nothing.

Go to the Leonidas Hotel

Lupa: Don't mention it! The hotel owner sees us as future champions. Supporting us is an investment that'll pay off, of that I am certain.

Lupa: You know... gladiating means everything to me!

Lupa: I really, really love it... I know I'm lucky. I know what I want and I'm doing what I love.

Lupa: Well, sometimes, I feel a little... afraid.

Lupa: I was born for this. But the more I embrace it, the more I fear losing it.

Lupa: I can't help but wonder... What is it that fills me up when I'm under those lights? My passion for the fight? Or the favor it brings me?

Lupa: If one day I lost that favor... would I be more helpless, panicked, and heartbroken than those who never had it in the first place?

Lupa: You're right... I hope that love never fades. Not until I'm buried in the Vale of Glory.

Lupa: Tomorrow is the semi-finals. We'd best get some rest, Rover.

Lupa: Night, my fellow warrior.

Lupa: Solis never disappoints! Their dishes hit the spot every time! Now that our bellies are full, time to relax.

Lupa: To Leonidas Hotel! It's the best place for travelers in Septimont. I've got a long-term rental there myself.

Get some rest

Proceed

Rover: (Words? Lines of them, all around me...)

Rover: (...And music coming from above.)

Phrolova: This is but an illusion. One of the night, one of dreams. Not like the spectacle you saw in the glimmer of the Carnevale.

Phrolova: Here, I am not your foe, nor can we harm each other, should we so wish. Lay your blade to rest, if only for now. Tis' a pleasure to see you again, Rover, on this special stage.

Phrolova: Ah, so it is she you seek. It appears this special Resonator has you rather captivated.

Phrolova: Let's take our time. I would like our talk to be pleasant. No one will bother us here.

Phrolova: I have an associate who adores the heroic tales told throughout this land.

Phrolova: For this reason... the missing girl you seek and the anomaly you sensed in Septimont, they are indeed threads in his tapestry.

Phrolova: Every hero's tale begins with a trial.

Phrolova: Your wisdom and courage, your compassion and resolve, your hope and madness... Will they be strong enough to carry you through the trial? To make you the hero of this story?

Phrolova: Read it. I hope this story speaks to you. The answers you seek lie within these pages.

Phrolova: If we continue to meet as foes, the symphony grows monotonous. I confess I find it... rather uninspired.

Rover: I'll ask again, Phrolova. What are you doing here in Septimont, and why give me this?

Phrolova: I'm giving this story a little nudge.

Phrolova: As of now, you and that Blessed Maiden from the tower are deeply interwoven in the fate he has spun.

Rover: So you're not the only Overseer active in Rinascita.

Rover: Scar, your nameless ally, and you... The Fractsidus seems to revel in the company of those with twisted obsessions.

Phrolova: It's not as you imagine. You've already met my associate, you see. He trusts what he sees, not the words of others.

Rover: (I've already crossed paths with him since arriving in Rinascita…?)

Phrolova: As a creator, he always hopes his characters will craft twists and turns that he himself cannot foresee.

Phrolova: He believes that the closer one stands to the protagonist, the greater their influence over the tale.

Phrolova: But the true lead of this story has yet to emerge.

Phrolova: I gave you this play so you can see the ending. That Gladiator girl will be the harbinger of the Dark Tide in Septimont.

Rover: ...!

Phrolova: All glory will be consumed, and the pride of heroes will dissolve within a blackened maelstrom. Such is the finale "she" holds most dear.

Phrolova: This is a short story, Rover. One that only lasts three days. When the final match concludes, so too will this story.

Phrolova: You could claim the spotlight by ending her life before the curtain falls. Change the ending, and the tragedy is averted.

Phrolova: But should you falter, or worse, warn her of what's to come, the consequences will spiral far beyond anything you can imagine.

Rover: What you're proposing I do... Tell me, what reason do I have to trust a word you're saying, Phrolova?

Phrolova: You don't need to trust me. Let my words slip from your thoughts, if you wish. As I've already said, the story will unfold as my associate has written it.

Phrolova: The choice lies with you, Rover. It is a freedom we all hold.

Phrolova: Even the wildest imaginations draw from what already exists.

Phrolova: So it is with this story. It follows a template, and even its creator cannot escape its confines.

Phrolova: Choose wisely, Rover. Time is still on your side, for now.

Phrolova: I look forward to your performance in this grand finale.

Leave the hotel room

Talk to Lupa

Lupa: Morning, Rover!

Lupa: ...Hmm? You don't exactly look well rested.

Rover: (Phrolova may not have told the whole truth, but there's no denying the anomaly here in Septimont. And neither Lupa nor the others here seem to notice.)

Rover: (And that fleeting image… Lupa turning into that unfamiliar girl... I need more clues before making any decisions.)

Rover: I'm fine. Just a bad dream. Let's get going, our next stop is the Colosseum Olymdos, right?

Lupa: You got it! Let's get going!

Go to the Colosseum

(Optional) Enter by taking the elevator

Lupa: As expected, the Silvas chose to face us in the semi-finals. The news spreads quickly.

Rover: You knew this was coming?

Lupa: Of course. To them, it's a provocation... and to forfeit would be a disgrace.

Lupa: Domina Julia must be here. She wouldn't miss a moment like this.

Lupa: She's shrewd and exceptionally capable but arrogant to the core. She's convinced that she's always right.

Lupa: She doesn't believe in talking things through, thinks it's for the weak. So we'll show her we don't need rigged matches to win. We'll win with pure stength!

Augusta: Four years have passed, and I stand before you once more. Not as a Gladiator, but as a witness to the start of this grand event.

Augusta: You all know well that Gladiatorial combat is the lifeblood of our ancient and mighty city.

Augusta: "Seize power, and fight for victory."

Augusta: Once, we fought to survive on the seas. That same instinct courses through our veins today. The instinct to face fate head-on and defy it.

Augusta: Remember, those who cling to glory without the strength to defend it will see it slip through their fingers.

Augusta: Warriors! By the eternal sun, may your courage honor Septimont and prove your loyalty to its spirit!

Augusta: I look forward to the rise of new heroes in this Agon.

Augusta: Let the Agon begin.

Lupa: Come, my fellow warrior! Victory is ours for the taking!

Win the semi-final

Caia: Happy hunting, Gladiators!

Caia: I see. Please find me whenever you're ready.

Caia: {Cus:Var,VarType=Global Key=main_team_name} versus the Bough of Legions!

Caia: Let the Agon begin!

Defeat the Bough of Legions

Lupa: Let's settle this, Emilio, fair and square!

Lupa: Esteemed Ephor, I must bring a grave matter to your attention.

Lupa: In this very match, the Silvas stooped to underhanded tactics!

Augusta: Speak plainly, Gladiator.

Lupa: This spear… it was a gift from Domina Julia, head of House Silva, when I first joined the family.

Lupa: Back then, I trusted the Silvas completely, never once doubting their intentions. That is, until I chose to leave them not long ago.

Lupa: Now in today's arena, this spear spiraled out of control, nearly stabbing my own teammate!

Julia: Of course. And your proof?

Julia: Honorable Ephor, I guarantee this spear will withstand any scrutiny.

Julia: Lupa, you owe your fame and fortune to our patronage. Yet, you turned your back on us when we needed you the most.

Julia: Allow me to remind everyone, House Silva does not cower, nor fear defeat. In past Agons, we have constantly led in victories. Even if we lose today, we will not be expelled from Septimont.

Julia: So, tell me, Lupa, who is truly desperate to destroy whom? A lone Gladiator cut off from her family... or a house as powerful as mine?

??: Hmph, enough of this disgrace! Stop your performance, jester!

Lupa: That's Iuno, the Priestess of Septimont. She rarely leaves the Temple and only shows up accompanying Ephor Augusta.

Iuno: The heroic spirits of the moon and stars have long seen through it. These hollow lies taint Septimont's sacred arena.

Iuno: Guilty.

Iuno: Augusta, banish the Silvas from Septimont!

Lupa: The Priestess can foretell fate and has the power to make final calls here. Most people trust her judgment.

Lupa: But... Iuno is a bit extreme in our line of Priestesses. Not everyone agrees with her behavior, despite her capabilities.

Julia: ...!!

Iuno: Guilty. The Temple has spoken.

Augusta: Julia Silva, you know the weight of your actions.

Julia: I...

Augusta: I know your family once stood as the cornerstone of this city. Its pioneers, its founders, its protectors.

Augusta: For centuries, the Silvas fought bravely in the hunting grounds, defending Septimont from Tacet Discords.

Augusta: But today, you dishonor their legacy. Do not disgrace them further, Julia.

Augusta: Leave Septimont. Do not ever return.

Julia: ...As you command, Ephor.

Iuno: Your performance just now... That wasn't a complete disaster. At least, you show more promise than those idiots retreating to cling to their meager points.

Iuno: An outlander... Hmph. Fight well, both of you.

Iuno: Do not disappoint me or Augusta in tomorrow's final.

Go to the lounge

Lupa: It seems there's still some time before the other semi-final concludes. Let's head to the lounge for a break.

Cartur: Let me cut to the chase. The Silvas are finished.

Cartur: Ephor Augusta's swift decision sealed their fate. Don't tell me you had no part in this.

Lupa: ...Heh, who's to say? How could I predict Domina Julia would tamper with my spear?

Cartur: Regardless, House Silva has been banished. Even if they deceived you first, you still left their team without a word and violated your contract. You can't deny that.

Lupa: Skip to the end, Cartur. You're not here to catch up or spread gossip.

Cartur: Fine, then. I handled the Silvas' sponsorship of the Bough of Legions, and I can ensure the damage to your career is minimal. In return, I'll be your event manager for the next year.

Lupa: Deal. But we'll need new terms. I trust you'll draw up a contract that satisfies me, Cartur?

Cartur: Always ready to squeeze an opportunity, aren't you, Lupa?

Lupa: The Silvas lit the spark, but you turned a blind eye to what was happening. Don't fool yourself, Cartur. You're complicit in this, too.

Cartur: ...Fine. We'll do it your way.

Lupa: Wait. You didn't come to me just for money, did you?

Cartur: Ephor Augusta, the fiercest hunter in the grounds, our queen. If there's a storm brewing in Septimont, I intend to find the right place to take shelter.

Lupa: Finally, some peace. What a day!

Lupa: Ephor Augusta had a humble origin. Her path to power was paved in blood.

Lupa: Decades ago, corruption ran rampant in Septimont, far worse than it is now. Two Ephors met untimely ends back then.

Lupa: That's right! I owe you for helping me escape Julia's tricks.

Rover: (That fleeting frequency... It was similar to the Threnodian's. Could it really be linked to the Dark Tide Lupa will bring forth in Septimont, as Phrolova said?)

Rover: Lupa, can I see your spear?

Lupa: Here you are!

Rover: (Hmm, I can't feel that abnormal frequency anymore...)

Rover: Lupa, does Domina Julia believe in the Sentinel?

Lupa: Well. If anything, she despises the Acolytes in Ragunna. Her obsession with titles is for the glory that comes with them.

Lupa: She prides herself on being the "perfect Septimontian." It's highly unlikely she'd believe in the Sentinel.

Rover: ...I see.

Lupa: Sorry, lend me your shoulder for a moment... I'm a bit tired.

Rover: Go ahead.

Lupa: Well, that's settled! Looks like the other two teams have wrapped up their match. The semi-finals are over. Finally, we can leave and get some rest.

Excited Spectator: Contender Lupa! Congratulations on reaching the final! Oh, and-and you, Rover, your performance earlier was truly impressive!

Picky Reporter: Lupa, did you notice any signs of match-fixing involving House Silva before? About that...

Indignant Supporter: I told you long ago! The Bough of Legions has been exploiting their Gladiators! But no one dared to speak up!

Contemplating Bard: If you win the final, you'll have the whole of Solis raising their drinks to your name.

Lupa: Alright, alright, everyone! I'll chat with you later. But first, let's give my fellow warrior a moment to breathe, okay?

Lupa: He's new to Septimont. I'm sure none of you want to get carried away and leave a bad impression on an outlander, hm?

Lupa: Go. Find somewhere quiet to rest. I'll meet up with you once I've dealt with all this.

Find a quiet spot to ponder on the situation

(Optional) Leave by taking the elevator

Rover: (Lupa... It was the Threnodian and Dark Tide's frequencies I sensed in her weapon, if only for a brief moment.)

Rover: (She thought it was just the Silvas' dirty trick and didn't notice its connection with the Threnodian.)

Rover: (Phrolova said her associate can weave fate and stories. If that's true, it means his Forte can influence how things play out.)

Rover: (But it's unlikely he can freely bend the fabric of reality. The Fractsidus would've overrun Solaris long ago if he could. Either Septimont exists outside reality, or his ability has limits.)

Rover: (If this isn't the real world, I could take more drastic actions. But if it is, killing Lupa would be an act I could never take back.)

Rover: (The best approach is to stick to my original plan. Wait for Arsinosa to appear in the final. That's my lead to Cartethyia.)

Rover: (I also sensed Cartethyia's frequency on Lupa, too. If she's here, she's making moves, just like I am.)

Rover: (In the meantime, I need to figure out that Overseer's limits. The longer this lasts, the more anomalies are bound to show.)

Buling: Boss, why the long face huh? Something getting you down?

Rover: Buling? Why are you here?

Buling: I'm here for sightseeing! How could I miss the Great Agon? It's Septimont's signature event!

Buling: Ah, you are the one to break the deadlock.

Buling: You've noticed it, haven't you, Boss? Septimont is caught in some anomaly.

Rover: How much do you know about it? This is our second time meeting, Buling. That can't be a coincidence.

Buling: I can "feel" it, but I don't know where it's coming from. Every time I get close, it slips away like smoke.

Buling: But now, I'm sure of it. If I want out of this mess, I need to borrow some of your muscle.

Buling: Oyo, but Taoists have their rules, can't say too much. But helping you helps me... A little nudge is no big deal, right?

Buling: Here, take this. A little something from me to you. A good start for us. Anyway, it's on me. No charge.

Buling: Seeing isn't believing, but truth exists in the mirror of the world. Go ahead, see for yourself.

Doubtful Spectator: What do you think? The final's nearly here. Will Contender Mya claim the title?

Doubtful Spectator: She's done well so far, but her track record has been shaky...

Anxious Spectator: She'd better not slip up now!

Anxious Spectator: I've bet a fortune in the underground pits. If she loses, I-I...

Anxious Spectator: ...That John fellow promised she'd win no matter what.

Doubtful Spectator: John? Ah, Mya's manager.

Doubtful Spectator: Listen, she's got all sorts of talk 'round her, and the odds are crazy. But past champions have always been the noble bloods, haven't they?

Doubtful Spectator: Not to mention, she's originally from Ragunna...

Rover: Buling? Ah, she's gone again.

Rover: (I remember Lupa mentioning a Gladiator named Mya. She disappeared years ago during a Great Agon.)

Rover: (Phrolova said the story only lasts for three days and ends during the final. The Great Agon is at the heart of the story after all.)

Rover: (The bell on this mirror is jingling... The closer I move in that direction, the louder it gets. I'd better check it out.)

Locate the ringing sound

Use the Copper Mirror of Truth

Watch what the Copper Mirror reveals

Unsatisfied Instructor: John, how many more times must we go through this?

Unsatisfied Instructor: I know you can't bear to lose your golden goose, but Mya's completely lost it! That woman's crossed the line!

Manipulative Manager: Easy, easy. Haven't I already compensated you? Just bear with her a little longer.

Manipulative Manager: She's not losing it every time she steps into the arena, is she? She's just been under a lot of pressure.

Unsatisfied Instructor: Ha, she's not the only one under pressure! They're planning to bring Kerasaurs into the final! Do you realize how much money is at stake?

Unsatisfied Instructor: Tell me, how can I trust a fighter like her to win the final?

Manipulative Manager: I know Mya's... unraveling. The hallucinations, the hysteria... It's been a lot.

Unsatisfied Instructor: Did you know she cries in the lounge? Can you believe it, a Gladiator in the lounge, crying!

Unsatisfied Instructor: She can't even connect with the audience, including her fans. What use is being a great fighter if you can't hold the crowd?!

Manipulative Manager: We have no choice. The people of Septimont want to see her fight!

Manipulative Manager: If we take her out, the complaints will bury us.

Manipulative Manager: "The Star from Ragunna, the Champion of Septimont!" That headline alone prints money.

Locate the ringing sound

Use the Copper Mirror of Truth

Watch what the Copper Mirror reveals

Scornful Nobleman: That Gladiator girl, Mya, was it? I hear she's got quite the following.

Astute Noblewoman: Oh, absolutely. Everyone loves her... as long as she's winning.

Scornful Nobleman: Heh. Before the Great Agon, I remember her performance was abysmal. Hysteria, they said. Utterly unhinged.

Scornful Nobleman: For someone with her fighting skills, it's shocking how far she fell. Her "value" plummeted to rock bottom.

Scornful Nobleman: I thought she'd be done after that, but then that John dragged her out of the mud.

Astute Noblewoman: Oh yes, it's tragic, really. Poor Mya.

Astute Noblewoman: John will wring every last Credit out of her. How pitiful.

Astute Noblewoman: My dear Lucius, you've surely heard about the underground pits by now, yes?

Scornful Nobleman: Oh? What are you thinking?

Astute Noblewoman: The commoners who bear grudges against the Senate, the vultures circling for profit... Rage simmers within them, a keg waiting to ignite.

Astute Noblewoman: They're eager for chaos, bloodshed, and sacrifice. If we simply provide the spark, we'll make a fortune while eliminating untoward risks.

Scornful Nobleman: Ha! Delightful. Nothing like a bit of spectacle and strife to pass the time, is there?

Locate the ringing sound

Use the Copper Mirror of Truth

Mya: Relax, Mya. You can do this... Hold on.

Mya: It's alright... I'll be fine...

Mya: It... It hasn't been all bad. I've met people who supported me. They cheered me on since I first stepped into the arena...

Mya: But... I know my limits.

Mya: No matter how much I push myself, this is as far as I'll go.

Mya: I love this. Gladiating. Just stepping into the arena makes me feel... happy.

Mya: But here... I can't treat it like a hobby.

Mya: And... I want to be seen! To hear them cheer for me! Their laughter, their cheers... I wanna win! I wanna win so, so bad!

Mya: ...And I need the money.

Mya: ...

Mya: Oh, Divinity above, I hope I won't let anyone down. I need to be better. Much, much better...

Lupa: Rover!

Rover: (For an instant, I felt it. The Threnodian's frequency again.)

Lupa: I've finished talking with them, let's go back. Oh, almost forgot. This is for you!

Lupa: The Heartpour I wanted you to try before. Chilled is the best way to have it.

Cartethyia: You need to rest before continuing this investigation. Your strength is spent.

Nameless Girl: Thank you for your help these past few days.

Cartethyia: We're both from Rinascita. I'm here by the Sentinel's Will. This is simply my duty, for I was once blessed by the Sentinel.

Cartethyia: The blessings and freedoms They grant... I wish to share them with everyone across these islands.

Nameless Girl: The Tidal Blight is spreading faster. I'm afraid—

Cartethyia: It's okay. Do not let it break you. One thing is certain. This anomaly stems from a specific power. Some facilities and records have been rewound nearly two decades back.

Cartethyia: We just need to find out why and who's responsible.

Cartethyia: The clock is ticking, but we still have a chance.

Nameless Girl: The mastermind behind this will be tricky to deal with.

Cartethyia: Don't worry. I'll handle it.

Cartethyia: Compared to the darkness that once whispered in my ears, a tangible enemy is easier to face.

Cartethyia: Besides, the Righteous One will notice this anomaly when he arrives. Our moves so far will guide him forward.

Nameless Girl: You really trust him, don't you?

Cartethyia: Yes, very much. We correct each other's mistakes and walk the path of salvation together.

Cartethyia: Trust in yourself too. One day, you will reclaim your name.

Cartethyia: As for those vile intentions lurking in the Dark Tide, we'll cut them off together.

Cartethyia: Now, shall we continue the investigation? Are you ready?

Nameless Girl: Absolutely.

Lupa: Ugh, this is so exhausting! Dealing with these headaches takes more energy than fighting in the arena.

Lupa: What is it? You're radiating worry.

Lupa: If it's about tomorrow's final, maybe you should relax a bit.

Rover: Lupa, can you tell me more about Mya?

Lupa: Sure, but why the sudden interest?

Rover: Just curious. I overheard some people talking about her earlier.

Lupa: Well, Contender Mya... I first heard about her from Domina Julia.

Lupa: Julia didn't like her. Probably because they once competed in the same Agon. Mya disappeared after claiming the title, leaving that Agon without an official champion.

Lupa: "An ignorant fool." That's how Julia described her. Back then, I'd just been "purchased" by the Silvas, and I got curious about the story.

Lupa: Turns out, Mya spent almost all her time out of the arena training. Beyond the barest of needs, she devoted herself to honing her craft.

Lupa: That kind of dedication wasn't... well-regarded in Septimont back then.

Lupa: Rumor has it she got caught in dirty match-fixing, cracked under the pressure, and ran.

Lupa: Well, maybe I just handle these things better, or maybe I just don't care about people's expectations.

Lupa: I'm not above the commercial events. It's how I made a name for myself, built my worth. As long as I'm in the arena, I'm happy.

Lupa: Applause comes and goes. But the things that matter... facilities, resources, opportunities, they don't come cheap.

Lupa: Septimont has its shadows, but some things still have to get done.

Lupa: I don't mind being used, as long as whoever I work with knows where the line is.

Lupa: I know it's easy to turn a blind eye to the dirty games, but that's just handing Septimont over to the vultures.

Lupa: The Silvas played dirty in the arena I hold dear. They trampled over a line that should never be crossed. So we're done.

Lupa: Look at it... How beautiful.

Lupa: To the great City of Septimont.

Leave the hotel room and go to the Colosseum

Lupa: Today's the final! Let's go!

Lupa: May victory be ours, and may you find the one you've been searching for.

Go to the Colosseum

(Optional) Enter by taking the elevator

Lupa: Rover, look over there! That's Arsinosa!

Rover: (So that's the Guardian Echo of Septimont...)

Rover: (...But there's something different about this Arsinosa compared to the one I saw confronting Cartethyia.)

Lupa: Oh... Hold on, I forgot to tell you something yesterday about Mya.

Lupa: The current two-on-two matchup was only introduced thanks to Augusta and her predecessor.

Lupa: Before that, the matches were... far more brutal.

Lupa: Gladiators were thrown into a chaotic free-for-all. To hype up the event, the organizers would unleash hordes of Tacet Discords into the arena. The last Gladiator standing was crowned the victor.

Lupa: At least, changes have been made since then!

Lupa: Refined by flames and tempests, all that endures eventually becomes part of Septimont's legacy.

Augusta: The day of the final is here.

Augusta: Arsinosa watches, and her significance is known to every Septimontian. It is etched in chronicles and sung in legends.

Augusta: If you seek the glory of Arsinosa's blessing, then fight with everything you have!

Augusta: Show me if any of you four possess the strength to earn the Guardian's recognition.

Lupa: Listen, Rover! Those cheers are for us! They wait for us to give them a fight to remember!

Lupa: Wonderful! Now it's hunting time, my fellow warrior!

Win the final

Caia: {Cus:Var,VarType=Global Key=main_team_name} versus Beasts Beneath!

Caia: Let the Agon begin!

Defeat Beasts Beneath

Rover: Strange. I feel that same tangled, colliding sensation again...

Rover: Lupa...?

Defeat all enemies

Defeat Arsinosa

Cartethyia: The guardian that once protected the glory of Septimont now reduced to this. Tragic.

Cartethyia: The formidable power once wielded to guard Septimont is now tainted by the Dark Tide.

Cartethyia: I will grant you release... and uncover the mastermind behind this chaos!

Lupa: What's wrong? You seem like you're... somewhere else.

Rover: Lupa, how did we win?

Lupa: Er... we defeated our opponents?

Rover: I see...

Rover: (The Bloody Agon I experienced definitely wasn't a dream. It was like the real world overlapped with the anomalous one.)

Rover: (I kept seeing Lupa and Mya overlap with each other as well.)

Augusta: Brilliant performance, warriors.

Augusta: Remember, this is more than just a title. It is a testament to your own strength and wisdom in overcoming your opponents. You've earned the right to claim it.

Augusta: This medal once belonged to a single champion, the last survivor standing in the ring.

Augusta: I divided it into two to remind you that...

Augusta: Just as we fight alongside Echoes, the glory of Septimont is upheld by heroes who support one another to remain steadfast.

Augusta: Fighting alone is commendable. However, true strength lies in protecting those beside you.

Augusta: The High Tide draws near. I want all warriors heading to the hunting grounds to remember this.

Iuno: Hmm? That's interesting.

Iuno: Augusta, look! Another two have earned Arsinosa's blessing.

Augusta: You've done incredibly well.

Lupa: As a Gladiator, it's a great honor to claim the title with you, Rover.

Lupa: Let's savor this moment of glory and joy!

Cartethyia: You plotted this tragedy.

Cristoforo: No, Madam. I wouldn't take all the credit.

Cristoforo: The architects of this tragedy were the Septimontians themselves. A collective murder so entertainingly woven. With blood on every hand, who's left to point a finger?

Cristoforo: But I must admit, I'm astonished you would endure all this for strangers and lands you've never set foot on.

Cartethyia: I don't need any grand reason to slay a villain like you. The Threnodian once sought to pull the entire Rinascita into the Dark Tide, but It failed.

Cartethyia: And so will you.

Cristoforo: Heh... Madam, surely you know you alone cannot undo my story.

Cartethyia: Alone? Rover will come here and find a way to finish this.

Cartethyia: And I will make your so-called perfect play spiral out of control.

Cartethyia: Silent, hollow words...

Cartethyia: The Dark Tide engulfing the City of Glory...

Cartethyia: All shall be swept away by the winds at the story's end!