Estarriola/Lore

Unwaking Nightmare

Estarriola is able to come and go freely from the battlefield and promises to help the crew leave, but only if they participate in battles and win. According to Estarriola, every victory will set back the primal beast's plan. The crew isn't enthusiastic, but all they can do is believe the old man's words.

Vyrn: Bleh. This is a big bust. It's a war zone everywhere we go.

Lyria: I knew it was a long shot, but the Grandcypher isn't here either.

Vyrn: Look, I didn't want to believe it, but I think Old Man Snoozy's telling the truth.

(Captain) looks at the card received from Estarriola with curiosity.

The front is faded, hiding whatever may or may not be written on it.

Lyria: There's something I don't like about that card, (Captain). It's scary...

Vyrn: Yeah, I don't like it either. It started glowing, and then we ended up here, right?

Vyrn: But when you get down to it, the old-timer was the one who gave (Captain) the card!

Lyria: Let's stop looking for an exit and go back to the old man, (Captain).

Estarriola: Hum, hum... Finally decided to believe me and accept my request, didja?

Vyrn: We've figured you out, Old Man Snoozy!

Vyrn: You make it sound like we got rolled into this by accident, but this is all your doing!

Estarriola: Hum-mum... Snore...

Vyrn: Quit the sleeping act! Try all you want, but you can't fool us!

Estarriola: Hum-mum... Secret's out, eh?

Lyria: Please, Estarriola. Let us leave this place.

Lyria: You must know a way out since you're always coming and going, right?

Estarriola: True enough, I can move as I please. But it's only possible for a worthy pactbearer such as myself.

Estarriola: You folks, who have yet to swear a pact with the primal beast, shall not pass.

Lyria: Oh no... Then we're trapped here... Why are you doing such a horrible thing...

Estarriola: Forgive me. But it seemed unlikely you would accept my request had I not...

Estarriola: Rest assured. Accomplish my newest task, and you shall surely be whisked away.

Lyria: Is that the truth? If we do what you want, we can go home?

Estarriola: I swear 'pon the heavens—I promise to get you out of here, even if it costs me my life.

Estarriola is uncharacteristically focused and serious, compelling the crew to listen to his favor.

He gathers his breath and chooses his words carefully.

Estarriola: What I ask for is extraordinarily simple. I want you to go outside and join the fight as you are accustomed to.

Lyria: Oh. We just have to join the fight?

Estarriola: The primal beast's calculations are always perfect. However, anything outside of those parameters becomes corruption.

Estarriola: As that corruption unwittingly leaks into her calculations, all expectations will fall into chaos.

Vyrn: Uh, so basically... Since we're outsiders, the more (Captain) does stuff, the better?

Estarriola: Indeed it is. Fight. Win. She will suffer with each victory.

Estarriola: After her formulations end in failure, ambition to create a new world will collapse.

Estarriola: That is your only option for fleeing this world.

The crew accepts Estarriola's request and once again heads for the battlefield.

Vyrn: Do I have to say this? Are we really going along with Old Man Snoozy's plan?

Vyrn: I know we already said yes, but why does he have to keep sleeping while talking to us?

Lyria: It's not just when he talks either. He eats and studies like that too. I think he can do everything asleep.

Lyria: And there's something else that scares me. His skin is ice-cold...

Vyrn: What! Doesn't that mean he's—

Lyria: Eeeek! I don't want to hear it!

The three grow more and more suspicious of Estarriola, but all they can do is take him at his word.

They must believe him and fight in order to escape this mysterious world within a primal beast's memory.

The Results of Temperance

The crew catches a glimpse of Estarriola's past; he used to be a royal sorcerer until he was framed for being the leader of an anti-royal faction. His wife was killed, and he made a pact with the primal beast Temperance, whose power suppressed his raging emotions. But as Estarriola slept, Temperance commandeered his magical power and destroyed his kingdom overnight.

Estarriola sees the crew off to the battlefield, becoming wistful.

He touches his red stone and shuts his eyes, squeezing them tightly as he sighs.

Estarriola: When I look back, meeting you was also karma...

I once served the royal palace as its resident sorcerer. Few in the kingdom knew who I was.

My one-track focus on magic research must have made me seem like a dullard to most, but there was value in seeking absolute truth using the royal laboratories.

Though it would seem I was the only one who thought that way.

They used me, an oblivious pawn in a political game. All of my research was misappropriated as tools of trickery.

Little did I know I had been branded as the ringleader of an anti-royal faction.

By the time I noticed, it was already too late. They took my wife hostage. What else could I do but lament my own stupidity as I stood before her corpse?

Eventually sorrow gave way to rage. It was all about to change.

Estarriola: Huff... Huff... I'm descending into the abyss of madness... Dark fury boring into all my fibers...

I shuddered like never before, my body yearning for interdiction against its will.

Playing to the king's sympathies, I unrepentantly manipulated politicians to secure forbidden research materials, and then I sought out Temperance.

I willingly reached out to the primal beast.

Primal Beast: Thou hast my consent in all its forms. Now then, little one, swear a pact to me.

Hers was the power of restraint, which immediately suppressed my rage and delirium.

Even in the presence of my dead beloved, my composure wavered naught, as if I were in a calming sleep.

No. It's fair to say that I had indeed fallen into slumber.

Estarriola: It can't be...

When I awoke the next morning, the kingdom had been reduced to ashes.

Estarriola: I was thoroughly deceived...

Primal Beast: ...

Estarriola: Though my body wasn't my own, I remember watching your deeds as if I were dreaming.

Estarriola: It was a test run, wasn't it?

Primal Beast: ...

Estarriola: You seized my body, tapped into my superior intellect of magic, and destroyed a country overnight.

Primal Beast: Yes.

Estarriola: My emotions weren't tempered.

Estarriola: It was something else. You tempered something important in me.

Primal Beast: ...

Estarriola: Tell me, Arcarum beast. With each passing year, your face resembles that of my dead wife. Is this your idea of contempt?

Estarriola: Or is it your way of showing consideration?

Primal Beast: ...

Estarriola: Humph. I must be imagining it. The thought of something like you harboring mortal-like emotions is in the realm of impossibility.

Estarriola: I suppose I've once again fallen under your spell without noticing.

Estarriola: Or is that all in my head as well?

The primal beast shows no acknowledgement, but she does offer apathetic words.

Primal Beast: To answer is to err. Thus I heed you not.

Forbidden Experiment

Estarriola becomes a hermit in order to avoid the end of the world, learning how to break free of Temperance's control and growing old as many years pass. He eventually discovers that the primal beast's power has essentially given him immortality, for she is gathering an infinite amount of magic in his body.

Whatever Estarriola is planning, he isn't about to stop his soliloquy.

The primal beast remains indifferent. Paying her no heed, he continues his spiel.

Estarriola: I withdrew from the world to live in seclusion after sensing its end, but I never thought such a life would be spent with you.

Estarriola: Yes, in that little shack 'pon the summit.

Estarriola: I only ever viewed you as a research subject, while you viewed me as a piece of a larger purpose.

In order to escape from the world's destruction, Estarriola had fled into exile on an uninhabited island far, far away.

Through sheer force of will and scholarly magic, he is able to overcome the primal's control.

But by this time, the once young genius has aged considerably.

Estarriola: Hum, hum... It's all well and good that I overcame you, but it took a wee bit too long, I dare say.

Estarriola: Now that we need not fear an outburst of magic, I believe a visit to the royal capital is in order...

Perhaps in recognition of his past transgressions, Estarriola thinks he should see the results of his actions before his life expires.

However, as soon as he lands on the island, that sentiment disappears.

Estarriola: What is the meaning of this? Under no circumstances should this be happening...

Reconstruction and development has led to a new settlement whose prosperity is on a scale far greater than the one that came before it.

Speaking with the locals, he learns that the monarchist dynasty has been replaced, allowing new customs to bloom in its place.

The senior contemplates for some time. He chooses an anchor point to base a conclusion around.

Estarriola: Hum, hum... I see... It appears to be tied to this state of sleep...

Estarriola: My body may have aged, but the capital has aged even more, I think...

Estarriola: You've outdone yourself, Arcarum beast...

Estarriola: What a fool I was. I should have realized the manner of this bizarre slumber sooner.

Estarriola: How am I able to maintain such clarity in my thoughts and actions as if I were awake, though I cannot awaken?

Estarriola: It should have been immediately clear with minimal thought. The disparity between my body and my surroundings points to one certainty.

Primal Beast: ...

Estarriola: Your power tempers time.

Estarriola: Though it's not time itself that stops. You defy the longevity of a living being, terminating the flow of its mortality.

Estarriola: Using this power, you keep me in a state of constant sleep, forever preserving my life.

Primal Beast: Yes.

Estarriola: That's what you choose to reply to? You have other questions to answer.

Primal Beast: ...

Estarriola: A concentration of pure spirit is stimulated within the basic organs keeping me alive.

Estarriola: I call this autonomous tempering.

Estarriola: By implementing this system in me, you can achieve advanced magics that surpass logical reasoning.

Estarriola: Thus the infinity I have attained is not limited to longevity. My vessel fills with magical power...

Estarriola: Heed me. Just how much of this power have you been amassing inside me?

Primal Beast: To answer is to err. Thus I heed you not.

Introspection in the Dark

The primal beast plans to use the magic stored in Estarriola to create a new world but that is all she will admit to. As the old man continues to deal with his lost emotions, the primal beast offers him naught but silence.

Estarriola keeps questioning the primal, trying to discover the hidden truth that extends beyond the realm of knowledge.

Estarriola: No, you will heed me.

Estarriola: What do you plan on doing with the power you've been fomenting within me over these past one hundred years?

Primal Beast: To answer is to err. Thus I heed you not.

Estarriola: Then I'll change the question. Am I a cup to you, pactkeeper?

Primal Beast: Yes.

Estarriola: Like the cups you hold in both your hands, are you waiting for me to fill with water?

Primal Beast: Yes.

Estarriola: What do you desire from this water?

Primal Beast: To answer is to err.

Estarriola: Does it have anything to do with your dream?

Primal Beast: ...

Estarriola: Don't hide it. I already know. You'll use it to create a new world, yes?

Primal Beast: Yes.

Estarriola: But you don't want to discuss the details.

Primal Beast: Yes.

Estarriola: How disappointing, but within the bounds of expectation. Haven't you realized that you're already heeding me?

Primal Beast: ...

Estarriola: That night when I—no, when you invoked a spell 'pon the country, is my guess on when it started.

Primal Beast: ...

Estarriola: But I won't go willingly. I'm not a cup without a voice.

Estarriola: I am Estarriola, who strove to be a magnificent sorcerer.

Estarriola: You'll not lay hands on the water inside this cup.

Primal Beast: ...

Estarriola: I fear not death, but rather fading into a forgotten memory.

Estarriola: The thought of becoming a cup whose heart feels nothing when looking at your face is what terrifies me.

Estarriola: The vivid memory of my wife's murder stays with me, but I'm empty inside. It makes me shiver.

Estarriola: Agony, regret, anger, sadness... Any normal person would experience these emotions...

Estarriola: What did you do with them? What have you done to me?

Primal Beast: ...

No response comes however. Whether the primal beast can't answer or is unwilling to answer, all that greets him is her silence.

Overflow

Estarriola demands that Temperance restore his emotions and she obeys; the accumulation of emotional trauma is too much for the old man to bear. (Captain) and company realize that something is wrong with Estarriola, and they must deal with him using their weapons since he is no longer receptive to words.

Estarriola: My emotions disappear with every second I spend with you.

Estarriola: It was arrogant of me to think I understood the situation from the start. Making me your cup was all part of your plan, wasn't it?

Primal Beast: ...

Estarriola: Answer me, Arcarum beast. You are Temperance. I know it to be true.

Estarriola: You dissolve emotions, returning them to a single origin, yes?

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: The pain of losing my wife has become a mere set of facts—the biological differences between our genders, cessation of her vitals, decomposition level of her corpse, the legal invalidation of our marriage status...

Estarriola: Reduce it down to whichever academic definition you wish, but the woman I loved more than anyone is now a lifeless husk.

Temperance: To answer is to err.

Estarriola: To add insult to injury, the tears won't fall, the blood won't boil... What a disgrace...

Estarriola: I can't shape my face into any semblance of emotion. Have I become like you?

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: Return them to me. Return my emotions.

Estarriola: The anger I carried, the overflowing sorrow, the unending pain I felt when I first laid eyes on her unbreathing body... give it all back.

Temperance: Yes.

Temperance: Yes... Yes... Thou hast finally accepted it.

Temperance: Your stupidity... Your weakness...

Estarriola: ...!

Temperance: I concede to thee as thou are.

Temperance: Heed thee, I will, O stunted fool.

Estarriola: Wh-what?

Temperance: Thine chalice is full... Your wish is granted. Let thine forfeited feelings flow...

Estarriola: ...!

Temperance: Quaff the torrent of emotion.

Estarriola: Ugh... Gug... Gwaaah...

Estarriola is having a breakdown. Temperance, who has been controlling him, is being released.

At the same time, the accumulation of pure spiritual power inside him suddenly gushes out.

Estarriola tries to fan the overwhelming power—in essence his pent-up rage is erupting.

Vyrn: Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Lyria: This is bad! We have to stop him!

While out on the battlefield, (Captain) and the others had felt a disturbance in the senior and came running back.

But it's already too late.

Estarriola: I feeeeel! Hatred... Hatred...

Estarriola: That tyrannical king, the fool I became, you who became omnipotent, I hate it all!

Vyrn: No! That ain't the real you! We've got to go all-out to stop him!

Although lost in confusion, (Captain) has no choice but to move into battle stance.

Overflow: Scene 2

A dying Estarriola hands (Captain) Temperance's card before he forces them out of the memory and back into the real world. As the crew members return to the airship, their hearts heavy over Estarriola's sacrifice, Temperance's voice resonates in (Captain)'s chest.

Estarriola: Bravo, young skyfarer...

Freed from Temperance's control, but knocking on death's door, Estarriola struggles to his feet.

Estarriola: Her dream is ruined. Use the Temperance card to escape from here with haste.

Lyria: Got it. You're coming with us—

Estarriola: No. I'll remain here for the end of her dream.

Estarriola: There's no time. You must hurry.

Lyria: We can't just lea—

Estarriola: Farewell.

Estarriola touches the card with his finger, invoking a spell.

After confirming that the crew has been engulfed in the light, Estarriola releases the last of the stored energy in his body.

Estarriola: You're a soulless primal beast who toys with fate. See for yourself what a diminutive hermit's dignity can do.

The senior unleashes all of the accumulated magic in a singular blast.

A cleansing fire roars across Temperance's promised world, scorching the War-torn land.

And so the battlefields so desired by the primal beast is erased.

Or so it would seem.

Temperance: Stunted fool... Dost thou think a piffling fire could burn me?

Estarriola: ...

Temperance: Thine last breath draws close.

Temperance: Such frailty... Such triviality...

Temperance: Stunted fool, thy task is over.

Temperance: May you sink into the deepest of slumbers. Deep, deep, slumber...

Having finally returned to the real world, (Captain) and company breathe a sigh of relief.

But with the thought of Estarriola fresh in their minds, no one is happy.

Lyria: I don't think he's ever coming back...

Vyrn: Yeah, guess not. Let's head back to the ship...

The crew trudges down the mountain, legs heavy.

Still feeling the sadness of what transpired, a faint voice echoes within (Captain)'s chest.

Temperance: Thou shalt be my chalice. Let the waters fill to the brim.

Temperance: I shall welcome any emotions thou hast cast off.

Temperance: Do not overestimate thyself as that stunted fool did...

Choose: There's more than one way to live!

Broken Chalice Restored

Some time after the matter concerning Estarriola concludes, Temperance manifests in front of (Captain) and reveals that Estarriola is still alive within the memory of the battlefield. Estarriola is rescued and agrees to join the crew when he wakes up months later.

Some time has passed since Temperance designated (Captain) as the new chalice.

Lyria: Hm?

Lyria picks up the Temperance card with curiosity.

Vyrn: What is it, Lyria?

Lyria: It feels like the card's power is weaker somehow...

Vyrn: It is? What does that mean?

Lyria: I don't know. But...

Lyria: It definitely felt stronger when we were at the mountain.

Lyria: It feels like... when water leaks out from a broken cup...

Vyrn, Lyria, and (Captain) are reminded of Estarriola whenever they look at the card.

Although they hadn't witnessed his death firsthand, they assume that he isn't coming back.

Vyrn: This card used to belong to Old Man Snoozy.

Vyrn: I don't know why it would get weaker, but...

Vyrn: Maybe that primal beast is about to use the old-timer's life to make a new world...

Vyrn: And Old Man Snoozy decided to sacrifice himself so that couldn't happen or something...

Lyria: ...

Vyrn: What I'm saying is, I don't wanna get too involved here.

Vyrn: It's probably still scheming for a way to make a new world.

Lyria: Yes...

Lyria: ...

The declining power of Temperance weighs on the minds of the crew members.

Temperance: Heed me.

Temperance: Thou who is accompanied by the little beast, thou whose fate is entwined with the girl in blue. Heed my words.

Vyrn: Mm... What's goin' on?

Huh?

Choose: Huh?

Awakening to someone's voice, the crew sees Temperance standing in the room.

Lyria: It's you!

Temperance: I am fading... I am incomplete... Before my life ends, we must speak...

Vyrn: Your life is ending? Hey, what's the big idea?

Vyrn: After that incident on the mountain, you never answered no matter how much we called you.

Temperance ignores the crew's shock, opting to continue speaking with indifference.

Temperance: I am not the only one. All Arcarum exist because of The World.

Temperance: We, who once lived as different primal beasts, fell during the War.

Temperance: From my rotting corpse, my core was retrieved, and I was thus given this form by The World.

Lyria: The World?

Temperance: Originator of the Arcarum, a name given by the inhabitants of this fomenting realm.

Temperance: You have met him once before.

Vyrn: Wait a minute. You mean that thing from the picture in Amalthea was The World?

Vyrn: A primal beast that can make other primal beasts can only spell one thing: trouble!

Lyria: ...!

Temperance: Those of us birthed by The World cannot rebel, myself included.

Temperance: Except...

Temperance: My body has begun to rot. Accordingly The World's keystone has been removed.

Lyria: A removed keystone?

Temperance: As I gorged on the emotions of my little pactbearer...

Temperance: I began to consider the manner in which our fates are entwined.

Temperance: In turn I was being consumed by the little one's magic power.

Temperance: And now the Evoker tying my flesh and soul to this world is gone... My time here grows short.

Vyrn: ...

Lyria: Oh no...

Temperance was molded anew by the hands of The World.

But in trying to rid herself of The World's curse, she now faces imminent extinction.

(Captain) and company can't handle the thought of Temperance quietly accepting her death.

They are dumbstruck that Temperance, with Estarriola's death on her mind, is rotting away.

Lyria: Hm? Wait a minute...

Vyrn: What is it, Lyria?

Lyria: Just now, Temperance said her fate is connected with Estarriola's.

Vyrn: Yep, that's what she said.

Lyria: That's what makes it strange.

Vyrn: What does?

Lyria: If they share the same fate, then when one half dies, the other half should die at the same time too...

Lyria: But Temperance is still alive.

Vyrn: Yeah, that's—Hey! Then do you think...

Vyrn: Old Man Snoozy's still okay?

Lyria: I'm not sure, but Estarriola told us something before.

Lyria: Temperance is like an encyclopedia that records everything in this world and replays them.

Lyria: Temperance, please tell me something. Is Estarriola still alive?

Temperance: ...

Lyria: Please! We have to know!

Lyria: He's still alive, isn't he!

Temperance: Yes...

Lyria: I knew it!

Vyrn: For real?

Lyria: But you don't have the power to save him.

Temperance: Yes.

Temperance: I have nothing left to spare... His life's fire is petering out.

Temperance: Resistance is futile against the tide of rotting fate.

Vyrn: What are you talkin' about!

Lyria: Don't say that! What good is waiting to die—

There's more than one way to live!

A mere spectator up until this point, (Captain) finally interjects.

Lyria: (Captain)? Yes, that's right! You can't give up!

Vyrn: The old-timer's still alive, ain't he?

Vyrn: We haven't the foggiest what you were told to do, but...

Vyrn: Since you're free from The World, living on is what you gotta do!

(Captain) asks Temperance to let them into the spirit world again.

Temperance: Understand that I shall not have enough strength to return thee to thine world.

Temperance: If thou art prepared to lose everything, I will open the way.

Not gonna happen! We'll save you!

Choose: Not gonna happen! We'll save you!

Temperance: Poor fools...

Temperance: If thou hast power to change fate, bare it for the stars to see...

Lyria: Where are we?

Vyrn: Hey, someone's here!

Estarriola: Ooo... oooo...

Estarriola: Oooooo....

Estarriola: Why... Why was my wife killed? Aaah!

Estarriola: Guh... Gaaaah!

Lyria: Estarriola!

Vyrn: What is this?

Estarriola: Huff... Huff... I... can't...

Estarriola: Heed me, Temperance! Soothe me... Soothe these cursed emotions!

Temperance: Thou hast my consent in all its forms. Now then, little one, swear a pact to me.

Estarriola: I was thoroughly deceived...

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: Though my body wasn't my own, I remember watching your deeds as if I were dreaming.

Estarriola: It was a test run, wasn't it?

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: You seized my body, tapped into my superior intellect of magic, and destroyed a country overnight.

Temperance: Yes.

Estarriola: My emotions weren't tempered.

Estarriola: It was something else. You tempered something important in me.

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: Tell me, Temperance. With each passing year, your face resembles that of my dead wife. Is this your idea of contempt?

Estarriola: Or is it your way of showing consideration?

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: A primal beast created by another primal beast is afforded no solace.

Estarriola: A mere pawn who doesn't see how they fit in the grand machinations of The World...

Estarriola: That is a poor pitiful beast...

Estarriola: Your power tempers time.

Estarriola: Though it's not time itself that stops. You defy the longevity of a living being, terminating the flow of its mortality.

Estarriola: Using this power, you keep me in a state of constant sleep, forever preserving my life.

Temperance: Yes.

Estarriola: That's what you choose to reply to? You have other questions to answer.

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: A concentration of pure spirit is stimulated within the basic organs keeping me alive.

Estarriola: I call this autonomous tempering.

Estarriola: By implementing this system in me, you can achieve advanced magics that surpass logical reasoning.

Estarriola: Thus the infinity I have attained is not limited to longevity. My vessel fills with magical power...

Vyrn: Are these memories between Old Man Snoozy and Temperance?

Lyria: Estarriola...

The crew continues to watch Estarriola grapple with his situation.

Vyrn: So, like, the old-timer's in pretty bad shape right now, but the tempering thing is keeping him alive somehow...

Having witnessed the secret behind Estarriola's longevity, the crew understands why he is still alive.

Nevertheless the crew continues to look for a way to save Estarriola and Temperance as their shared fate nears its end.

Lyria: This place look familiar.

Vyrn: It's the battlefield the old-timer wanted us to fight on. The one from the War.

Lyria: Look over there! Someone's on the ground!

Lyria: Is this another memory?

A small figure lies on the field of battle.

Something about this memory feels different this time around. The crew subconsciously picks up the pace.

What they find is the gruesome sight of Estarriola, flesh torn, throat crushed, and smeared with blood.

Lyria: ...!

Vyrn: Old-timer!

Vyrn: This is awful! How can anyone call this being alive?

Lyria: What should we do, (Captain)?

(Captain) takes hold of the Temperance card and calls out to her.

But there is no response.

The dimension she created is warped. The power maintaining this ethereal world is beginning to weaken.

Vyrn: Hey, hey, we're in big trouble here! Temperance can't hold this place together anymore!

Lyria: ...!

A thought pops into Lyria's head, and she steps back from Estarriola's side.

Lyria: Water! I'll give him some water!

Lyria uses her healing water to staunch the bleeding.

The collapse of the ethereal world subsides.

Lyria: Thank goodness. Water meant something after all!

Vyrn: Nice one, Lyria! But we can't breathe easy just yet!

(Captain) tries calling out the Temperance card again.

And once again, there is no response.

Impatience starts giving way to despair, but then Estarriola's finger gives the tiniest twitch.

Lyria: Estarriola! Can you hear me?

Although his eyes remain tightly shut, his fingertip moves beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Lyria: Oh, I remember he can cast spells with his finger!

Lyria: I think he's trying to tell us something!

Vyrn: I bet you're right. Hold the card to his finger, (Captain)!

(Captain) touches the card to Estarriola's finger.

Their guess works as expected. Estarriola invokes a spell.

He and those around him are returned to the real world.

Vyrn: Phew! We made it back to our world!

Lyria: But if you think about it, weren't we the ones that were rescued?

Vyrn: How's the old-timer doin'?

Lyria: Gasp! Oh no! The bleeding got worse!

They carry him back to the airship where the collective skills of medically-inclined crewmates save Estarriola's life.

Estarriola: ...

Vyrn: ...

Lyria: ...

Like before, he shows no sign of opening his eyes.

Temperance: ...

They can only take solace in Temperance's unwavering position at Estarriola's side.

A few months pass.

Estarriola: Hum...

Estarriola: Where... am I?

Sunlight streams in through a window, pure blue sky on the other side of the pane. The door is slightly ajar, from which the sound of someone's laughter can be heard.

It's been months since Estarriola last awoke. He looks around the unfamiliar scene.

Temperance: ...

Catching a glimpse of Temperance at his side, it all becomes clear to him what had happened.

Estarriola: They nursed me back to life, those young'uns...

Temperance: Yes.

Estarriola: And you were rescued by them too...

Temperance: Yes.

Estarriola: You and I are two halves of a beating heart.

Temperance: Yes.

Estarriola: If I die, you die as well.

Temperance: Yes.

Estarriola: We're in the same boat... And we will sink together when the time comes.

Estarriola: You resemble her so much... That kind, gentle face of my wife...

Temperance: It is a reflection of your heart that I fed upon.

Estarriola: Haha... Whazzat, you say?

Estarriola: This face I see before me... is a reflection of my own heart, which you ate, you say...

Estarriola: Hm... My heart...

Temperance: ...

Vyrn: Hey, hey! Old Man Snoozy! You're awake!

Lyria: Estarriola! I'm glad you're awake!

Estarriola: You guys...

The crew is overjoyed to see that the senior has survived his ordeal.

Estarriola acknowledges that (Captain) and company are responsible for his new lease on life.

Estarriola: So you folks brought me back from the verge of death.

Lyria: Does it still hurt? Are you okay?

Estarriola: Haha...

Lyria: ...?

Estarriola: Am I to be indebted for the rest of this long life?

Vyrn: Hmm. You don't seem too happy to be alive.

Estarriola: I'm sorry. Just my age talking. You have nothing to worry about, my girl.

Lyria: I'm relieved to hear that!

Estarriola: Will you listen to me regarding the truth behind the Arcarum?

Vyrn: Yeah, we know already! We heard it from her!

Vyrn: The World created the Arcarum, right?

Estarriola: Yes, that's right.

Vyrn: We were gonna tell you when you woke up.

Vyrn: Temperance has been freed from the curse of The World!

Vyrn: You don't have to stop her motives anymore!

Estarriola: What was that?

Vyrn: What I mean is—

Join us!
Won't you travel with us?

Choose: Join us!

Estarriola: Join you?

(Captain) and company look at Estarriola, waiting for a reply.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Won't you travel with us?

Estarriola: You want to travel with me?

(Captain) and company look at Estarriola, waiting for a reply.

Continue 1

The senior stares into those glimmering eyes and swallows his words.

Estarriola: ...

Estarriola: Young skyfarer, little dragon, and my girl... Please listen to me.

Estarriola: If it is my power you folks need, then every last drop shall be yours.

Estarriola: Though my remaining years is perhaps an inadequate repayment for what you have done for me...

Estarriola: Because you rescued a doddering geezer such as I, for my saviors and the realm, use me as you see fit.

Is that a yes?

Choose: Is that a yes?

Estarriola: Yes. I am in your care.

Vyrn: Old-timer!

Lyria: You shouldn't think about risking your life because of duty! You're our crewmate now! Right, (Captain)?

Estarriola: I'm not sure what you're saying. Were you folks not the ones who risked your lives to save me?

Lyria: Um... That's...

Estarriola: Haha. I see.

Estarriola: Temperance still has a role to play in foiling The World's secret schemes.

Estarriola: She and I are joined at the hip.

Estarriola: The deceit of the Arcarum can't be allowed to go overlooked.

Estarriola: That is my destiny as an Evoker of the Arcarum

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: I swear to defy The World until one of us has drawn our last breath.

Choose: No way am I leaving them behind!

Rewinding

As (Captain) and company prepare to face off against the Inchoate World, he deactivates all the Arcarum primals, then forces the replicated world to converge on him. Estarriola and Temperance fail to escape with the rest of the crew.

After overcoming numerous trials, (Captain) and company finally reach the Inchoate World.

The being that appears before them exudes a far more menacing aura than the previous time the crew confronted him.

Lecia: That's... the Inchoate World? Why does he look so different from...

Inchoate World: Your resolve has brought you far, foreign elements of the new world.

Inchoate World: And foolish Evokers and Arcarum who dare rebel against your god.

The overpowering air about the Inchoate World almost seems to take physical form.

(Captain) and company are equal parts cautious and fearful.

Estarriola: Snooore...
There is no need to fear, young skyfarers.

Estarriola: No matter what power it unleashes, I shall bring it to an end. Isn't that so, Arcarum beast?

Temperance: Yes. The forbidden chalices have come to fullness as a result of the little one's intervention on The World.

Temperance: No matter how great the Inchoate World becomes, the rapid flow of power from the cups shall consume and obliterate it.

Inchoate World: How pitiful. The lowly beast has strayed far from the objective of its sublime maker.

Inchoate World: I will show you firsthand the difference in power between creator and created.

Inchoate World: As creator, I hereby issue a decree to the Arcarum.

Inchoate World: You shall all be disposed of. Never will you get in my way again.

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: Hm? What is the matter, Arcarum beast?

Estarriola shakes her shoulders, but Temperance shows no sign of movement as she continues to gaze into the void.

Estarriola: Can she not hear my voice?

Estarriola: What... What is happening? Answer me, Temperance.

There is no response. The Arcarum primal has come to a complete standstill, as if devoid of life.

Inchoate World: Do not expect it to answer. For I have cast out the Arcarum.

Inchoate World: It can no longer move and will lose shape soon enough.

Vyrn: Wh-what's that supposed to mean!

Vyrn: What exactly did ya do!

Inchoate World: I merely discarded my creation—nothing more, nothing less. It was but a thrall before its creator.

Inchoate World: I was the one who manufactured the Arcarum out of primal beast cores that saw their end during the time of the War.

Inchoate World: It may have developed a sense of self and betrayed me, but it is by my hand that it was given life.

Inchoate World: Never underestimate your maker. The Arcarum lack the means to resist my commands.

Inchoate World: From the very outset, each of their fates rested within the palms of my hands.

Lyria: But then, that means we...

Inchoate World: Yes. All the time you've spent, bonds you've forged—it was all for naught.

Estarriola: This can't be... This can't be!

Estarriola: Ah, Lottie... Please... Answer me...

Estarriola: Even without the tempering of the primal beast who is my other half, the forbidden chalices are already full. And now, you shall suffer my rage!

Estarriola: Rrg... Haaah!

With a passionate cry, Estarriola releases spell after spell, unleashing a most powerful level of sorcery.

The magic is strong enough to sink an entire island—but the spells disperse just before they reach their target, and the enemy remains unscathed.

Estarriola: Impossible! There should have been enough power stored!

Inchoate World: It is only too simple to alter the rules of this world as its creator, and nullify your attacks before they can take effect.

Estarriola: I cannot... believe this... I do not have even the power to counter...

With his power to fly gone, Estarriola stands over Temperance. His shoulders shake as he buries his face into her.

Estarriola: I'm sorry... I couldn't protect Lottie, and now, I've failed to protect you as well...

Inchoate World: Well, I suppose you're not entirely without merit. The data you've gathered has proven to be especially valuable.

Inchoate World: I'll make sure that none of it goes to waste.

Inchoate World: Be glad that your efforts will form a cornerstone of the new world long after you have been wiped out.

The replicated world trembles violently as he utters those words.

The fabric of reality twists and bends as the world around them begins dissipating into palish particles that converge on the Inchoate World.

Vyrn: What the—

That's our cue to run!

Choose: That's our cue to run!

Lyria: R-right!

Monika: Lecia, give the order to withdraw!

Lecia: On it!

Estarriola: Temperance... O primal beast that reflects my very heart...

While (Captain) and the others begin to retreat, Estarriola continues to hang listlessly over Temperance.

Estarriola: Do not worry... I am by your side. We are one and the same...

Vyrn: Hey, Old Man Snoozy! Come on, we're gettin' outta here!

Lyria: What should we do, (Captain)? We can't leave Estarriola behind!

Please, come with us!

Choose: Please, come with us!

(Captain) reaches out and places a hand on Estarriola's quivering shoulder.

But in that very moment, Estarriola and Temperance's bodies begin to dissolve into particles, absorbed by the Inchoate World.

Vyrn: No way...

Lyria: Estarriola!

As Lyria and the others are processing what is happening, (Captain) moves without a second thought.

The captain starts to run toward the Inchoate World, where he continues to absorb the particles from Estarriola and Temperance.

Monika quickly grabs (Captain)'s hand.

Monika: What are you doing, (Captain)! We need to get away!

No way am I leaving them behind!

Vyrn: Yeah! What (Captain) said!

Lyria: After the last time... he said he would stay with us! As thanks for saving him before!

Lyria: That's why we...

Monika's expression grows conflicted as she looks at the stubborn crew.

(Captain) brushes off Monika's hand and turns back around. However...

Monika: Sorry, (Captain).

Feeling a powerful impact from behind...

(Captain) slumps to the ground.

Monika: Hate me if you want, but I can't afford to lose you too.

Moments before losing consciousness...

The captain is able to make out Monika's apology.

Contending with some dizziness, (Captain) slowly gets up from bed.

Where... is this...

Choose: Where... is this...

Lyria: Thank goodness you're finally awake!

Vyrn: You sure had us worried, (Captain).

The captain is relieved to hear the voices of trusted companions.

Monika: This is our frontline base.

Monika: I knocked you out cold earlier and had you brought here.

Now understanding what had happened, (Captain)'s expression is one of shock.

Lecia: Um... (Captain). Please don't hold a grudge against Monika.

Lecia: She was only trying to save you.

I know...

Choose: I know...

A pained expression overtakes the captain's face.

What happened afterward?

Choose: What happened afterward?

Monika: (Captain)... Follow me.

Monika: It's faster if I show you directly.

(Captain) and company follow Monika out of the room.

Having come outside, the crew looks above to find a giant sphere the size of a floating island.

What... is that?

Choose: What... is that?

Monika: That showed up all of a sudden after we escaped from the replicated world.

Monika: According to the survey team's report, there's an entire world nestled within the sphere. A world never seen before.

Monika: And the sphere has been getting larger over time.

Monika: It doesn't show signs of stopping either, which means it'll only be a matter of time before...

All turn pale as they imagine the worst possible outcome.

Lyria: I can sense the Inchoate World's presence from that sphere.

Vyrn: So you're sayin' that thing's basically the Inchoate World?

Lyria: Most likely...

Estarriola must be in there...

Choose: Estarriola must be in there...

Lyria's and Vyrn's expressions cloud at the thought.

Monika: Our world will be swallowed up by that thing sooner or later if we don't do something about it.

Monika: The situation's dire, but that's no reason to curl up and wait for death.

Monika: I realize you're probably still mad at me, but (Captain)... Won't you lend us your strength?

Like you even need to ask!

Choose: Like you even need to ask!

Lyria: That's right! After all, we need to save Estarriola too!

Vyrn: Yep. If we leave Old Man Snoozy all by himself, he's gonna go rushin' to his grave again in no time.

Monika: Thank you. We're indebted to you, (Captain).

They look up to the sphere once more.

Their resolve to save their dear friends burns bright.

Rewinding: Scene 2

Estarriola wakes up at the house he once lived in, where he finds his late wife Lottieluna still alive. His body now young again, Estarriola and his wife spend peaceful days together until Lottieluna is met with a sudden accident. When the Evoker touches a light that appears before him, time is reversed—but his wife is met with an inevitable accident over and over again.

Estarriola: Hm? Where... is this?

When Estarriola wakes up, he finds himself in a small house. A nostalgic aroma wafts through the place.

Gentle beams of sunlight filter through the curtains as they sway to a warm breeze blowing through the slightly open window.

Lying around the bed where Estarriola is resting are messy piles of magic books and papers.

Estarriola: Hmm... This strangely resembles the house I used to live in with Lottie.

Estarriola: Is this a memory? I was absorbed into the haughty beast... and now, it is showing me a fleeting dream.

Estarriola: Yet my senses are sharp, as if I have reached an awakening...

Estarriola gets up from the bed and walks over to a small mirror hanging on the wall. He peers at his reflection.

Estarriola: I don't believe it! Nothing I tried could open them before... Yet my eyes are open at last!

Estarriola: What has happened to my body? Where has the Arcarum beast, my pactkeeper, gone?

???: Doo-doo-doo!

Estarriola: This voice!

The Evoker rushes out of the room and makes for the kitchen, where the voice is coming from.

He arrives to find a woman swiftly chopping ingredients with a knife as she hums to herself.

Estarriola: Lottieluna...

Lottieluna: Oh my. You certainly got up early today, Rio.

Estarriola's eyes widen. Before him stands his wife, who had been murdered over a hundred years ago.

Estarriola: How... You're... supposed to be dead.

Lottieluna: Where did that come from? I'm a morning person, I'm just fine being up early.

The Evoker draws closer to her and grasps both her shoulders.

Estarriola: Ahh... You're truly, truly alive... Lottie!

Lottieluna: Careful there, I'm holding a knife you know. And you're hugging me a little too... Ouch!

Estarriola: ...!
I'm sorry... I got carried away.

Estarriola: Oh, Lottie... Lottie, you're alive... and smiling in front of me... Aah...

Estarriola crumples to the floor, his shoulders shaking as large tears fall from his eyes, furious sobs escaping him.

Lottieluna: Rio? Did you have a bad dream?

Estarriola: No... It wasn't a dream. So many times did I wish it were only a dream.

Estarriola: After you died, I dabbled in the forbidden. As compensation, I continued to live every day in a state of apparent death for over a hundred years, and my body greatly aged.

Estarriola: No, the dream must be this moment. Otherwise, I would not be standing in front of you now in my aged form...

Lottieluna: Oh dear... You're still half asleep, aren't you?

With a gentle smile, Lottieluna guides Estarriola to a full-length mirror just outside the kitchen.

Lottieluna: Now look closely at yourself, my young and talented sorcerer.

Estarriola: ...!
You're right... Why did I think myself an old man?

Lottieluna: Hehe, you silly man. Breakfast will be ready soon, so would you set the table, please?

Estarriola: Of course.

Estarriola and Lottieluna spend some peaceful days together.

They hang the laundry and dust the room. In the afternoon, the two enjoy some baked goods with their tea. And in the evening, they each pick up their own book to read.

It is a time filled with joy. His heart full, Estarriola is certain that he is the happiest person in all the skies.

Several days later, the couple goes out into town, where the streets are bustling with people.

Lottieluna: There's an annual harvest festival in town today. There's a lot of people, so we should be careful not to get separated.

Lottieluna: Eep!

Estarriola: Lottie!

When Lottieluna bumps into someone passing by, Estarriola quickly grabs her hand, pulling her close.

Estarriola: Are you all right? Are you hurt?

Lottieluna: No, I'm fine. But that scared me a little...

She gently squeezes his hand, and they snuggle closer to each other.

Lottieluna: Let's walk like this for today.

Estarriola: Yes... Let's.

Lottieluna: Hehe.

Lottieluna laughs, looking slightly embarrassed. Estarriola raises his gaze to look behind them when he gasps.

Estarriola: A reckless carriage! Lottie!

Estarriola: Rgh... Lottie, are you okay?

Lottieluna: ...

Estarriola: She passed out... But it's all right. I'll find a place for us to rest and recover.

Lottieluna remains slumped over. Estarriola wraps his arms around her body and lifts her up—and stops. He begins to tremble.

Though his hand is still in hers, Lottieluna's body has been twisted and torn. Estarriola looks down to see that what he is lifting is only the upper half of her body.

Estarriola: ...!
Wh-what...

He looks over to see the overturned carriage on the road, smashed into the wall.

Dragged under the carriage's large wheels is the lower half of a body, now a pulpy mass of red resembling a squashed tomato.

Estarriola: Ah... Aaaah! How did this happen... Lottie... Lottie!

Estarriola lets out a heart-wrenching cry. Just then, a pale light appears before him, casting the area in gentle glow.

Estarriola: What... is this?

The Evoker reaches out to touch it, but the light grows brighter, blinding him. When the radiance subsides, Estarriola opens his eyes again.

Lottieluna: There's an annual harvest festival in town today. There's a lot of people, so we should be careful not to get separated.

Estarriola: Lottie! Didn't you get hit by the carriage just now?

Lottieluna: What? A carriage? I've been here beside you ever since we left the house.

Lottieluna: Eep!

Lottieluna bumps into someone passing by and falls backward.

Estarriola: (It's the same as what happened a few moments ago...)

Lottieluna: I'm sorry, Rio. It's rather dangerous where there's this many people.

Hesitant, Lottieluna takes Estarriola's hand and snuggles closer to him.

Lottieluna: Let's walk like this for today.

Estarriola: ...!
This is the same as before too...

Estarriola: (Did we go back in time? Then... what's going to happen after this?)

Estarriola: The reckless carriage is here! Stay back, Lottie!

The Evoker leaps onto the middle of the road. Raising both of his hands, he directs his magic toward the incoming carriage.

Enveloped in a faint light, the carriage is lifted into the air, flying over the people's heads and into the fountain in the plaza.

While the townspeople are scrambling to see what the ruckus is at the fountain, Estarriola looks over at his wife—now sitting, stunned—and breathes a sigh of relief.

Estarriola: I'm glad you're safe, Lottie...

Lottieluna: Yes, that was quite dangerous... If we were any slower, I'd have been—

Their reprieve is short-lived. A monster suddenly appears and tears into Lottieluna's throat, as if specifically aiming for it, and runs off.

Lottieluna's body convulses before collapsing onto the ground. Without a voice, she is unable to call out even the name of her most beloved, with only the sound of blood bubbling at her lips.

A staggering amount of blood spills out from her lips, and she finally ceases to move.

Estarriola: Aaaah! Lottie... Lottie!

As Estarriola raises his voice in anguish, the pallid light appears once more.

Estarriola: Earlier when I touched the light, I went back in time. I don't know where it's coming from, but if it can help save Lottie...

When he reaches out to the light again, time turns back to moments before Lottieluna's death.

The Evoker tries his best to prevent his wife's death...

But they are unable to evade it—a brick falls from a building and hits her in the head. Next, she becomes the victim of a random slasher. Then, she dies from poisoned food.

As if fate itself is twisting against them, Lottie continues to die over and over again in unforeseeable ways.

Rewinding: Scene 3

The Evoker tries to return to the tranquil days with his wife, but to no avail. The Inchoate World appears in front of him and points out that he was unable to save both his wife and Temperance. Despairing, Estarriola falls to his knees. Temperance suddenly awakens and grants him water from her cup, encouraging him to look at the future. Estarriola is reminded of the debt he owes (Captain) and vows to carry out his gratitude.

Estarriola: Huff... Huff... As I thought, this must be the fictitious place created by The World where order is distorted.

Estarriola: This is none other than a means to break my mind, through the gruesome deaths my wife must suffer over and over. The World is truly a despicable beast.

Holding back the fury boiling inside of him, Estarriola desperately racks his brain for ideas on how to escape the tragic loop.

The light makes its appearance again, shining its pale radiance invitingly.

Estarriola: Pant... Pant... I know it is a trap. I should not reach out to the light.

Estarriola: But what great sorcerer cannot even protect that which is most important to him? I won't have it!

Estarriola: Just watch, The World... I will use my own intellect to dispel the tricks of this fabricated world!

Estarriola: I shall crush those insolent intents of yours!

Estarriola: I will return to those tranquil days spent with my wife! Even if I must forfeit my life!

Estarriola: Rrgh...

Inchoate World: You cling to a sliver of hope, only to fall deeper into the depths of despair. It is beyond foolishness to venture forth while knowing it to be a trap.

Estarriola: There you are, The World...

Inchoate World: This woman is already dead. Surely you are aware, having seen through what kind of place this is.

Inchoate World: Why do you wish for the survival of this woman when you know this is but a fictitious world? You understand this will eventually consume you.

Estarriola: A tasteless question. Surely you chose the current means because you know the answer to it already.

Estarriola: Even if this world is one that is fabricated, my love for my wife is true. There is no reason for me to give up!

Estarriola: I will prove to you, The World, that I will see through the trickery that this fictitious world mocks me with and save my beloved!

Estarriola extends his hand to the light hovering in front of him, about to turn back time again, when the light abruptly disappears before he can touch it.

Inchoate World: You are a foolish man to look for hope among fiction. Very well—then behold the truth.

The moment The World says this, darkness swallows their surroundings, and Lottieluna's corpse begins to warp.

It transforms into a listless Temperance, just as she was before they were taken into the fictitious world.

Estarriola: Ah... Aah...

Inchoate World: That woman is not the only one you could not save. This beast also died because of you.

Estarriola: Waaah! Aaaah!

Inchoate World: There is nothing but despair in the truth. If you had simply stayed a silent chalice, you could have kept that life of yours.

Inchoate World: Shatter and begone. I've no need of a chalice that speaks back.

Estarriola: Lottie... Temperance...

Large tears fill Estarriola's eyes, his voice hoarse. They flow down his face, dripping onto Temperance's cheek.

The tears slide down the side of her face and fall to the ground. Estarriola finally collapses, as if he has breathed his last.

Inchoate World: Now that all of our hindrances are gone, we shall have you analyze the data you collected.

Temperance: ...

Light returns to Temperance's eyes the moment the Inchoate World attempts to access her core.

Inchoate World: Oho. So you can still move. My intention was for your functions to have completely ceased.

Temperance: I was sealed within thine chalice, therefore unable to leave it. Still, I can swim within it.

Temperance: In order to control the little one, thou expanded the space within thy chalice. Consequently, I was able to awaken.

Inchoate World: I see. Still, awakening now will not allow you to do anything at this point.

Temperance: An arrogant yet blind beast you are. Thou assumes to have won against my pactbearer with mere trickery.

Inchoate World: What?

Temperance: The foolish little one who sought the forbidden to escape his own dark and violent emotions...

Temperance: Do not scorn or make light of him. For the chalice filled by the hermit has the power to consume the land, and the world, completely.

Temperance: Hngh... Rrrg!

Temperance channels her power into the cups in her hands. Black drops of condensation form and gather, as if seeping out from the very space they are in.

The drops of black water become sloshing waves, barely able to be contained. The Arcarum holds out the cups to Estarriola urgently.

Temperance: Pactbearer Estarriola. Heed my voice.

Temperance: What is thy fury for? Who is thy magic for?

Temperance: What thou must protect lies not in the past. Thou hast returned from the abyss of death, wishing for a future that shines with light from the young ones.

Temperance: Remember thy debt. And recover thy hope.

Temperance: I shall not allow thee to fall into slumber. If thou dost not wish to surrender and become a chalice, then heed me, pactbearer.

The water in Temperance's cups begins to glow and float up, permeating into Estarriola's body.

A finger twitches. The hermit remains asleep, but has regained his consciousness in spite of it. He lifts his slumbering body and turns it toward Temperance.

Estarriola: You say that what I should be protecting lies not in the past.

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: Haha...

Estarriola wipes from her cheek the remains of his tears and bows his head respectfully.

Estarriola: I have heard your voice. I, the Evoker Estarriola, shall pledge a new oath here and now.

Estarriola: My fury is to be a power for rebellion. My magic is for those who are living.

Estarriola: I shall live long to repay my debt, and burn bright to bring hope to the young skyfarers!

Estarriola: Do not look down on this old sorcerer. I shall now turn this torrent of power that has returned to my cup into the light of life!

Inchoate World: Rrgh... This light!

Rewinding: Scene 4

In breaking the illusion, Estarriola seizes a portion of The World's power. The Evoker becomes young again, and Temperance's appearance transforms into one similar to his late wife's. The pair confront their foe once more. With his plans at risk, The World ejects the two outside the spherical world, where they reunite with the crew aboard the Grandcypher.

Estarriola and Temperance find themselves enveloped in light, transforming. The two stand in front of The World in their new form, almost resembling a young couple.

Temperance: This form...

Estarriola: Most likely, the wish in my heart has manifested itself under the influence of this space where dream and reality mingle.

Estarriola: My wish was for my eyes to open once again so that I may fix my gaze upon the future, and to repay my debt toward those dear to me.

Estarriola: So you devoured my heart once more, Arcarum beast, in order to call me back here. Even your stature resembles my wife now.

Temperance: ...

Inchoate World: You've made a rather strange transformation—but it matters not. The fact remains that your lives are under my control.

Estarriola: We were indeed at our wits' end a moment ago... however, it is different now.

Temperance: Thy rule has already been undone. Thou shall not bind us any longer.

Inchoate World: Ridiculous. Have you forgotten who was it that made you?

Estarriola: Then let us give it a try.

Inchoate World: It is no use. As long as you remain in this world, your attacks will never—

Inchoate World: Wha! But I nullified your magic!

Estarriola: We told you—we will no longer do as you please.

Temperance: As I collected the emotions of the little one from this space, I gathered thine power into my cups and converted it to food for myself.

Temperance: From acquiring the ability to interfere with the world thou hast fabricated, we are now able to offset any trick thou may choose to play.

Inchoate World: What!

Estarriola: It appears your decision to imprison a beast you held in disdain backfired. How does it feel to be cornered by those you once looked down on?

Inchoate World: You are a fool to think that you have won against me simply because your attacks can land.

Inchoate World: Whether you can interfere with this world or not, I remain superior as its creator. You will yield to me!

Estarriola: O pactkeeper, Temperance.

Temperance: Very well. I shall return the power to thee, along with what I have taken from him.

When Temperance raises the cups in her hands, a thriving power overflows from Estarriola's body and becomes a torrent of light.

Estarriola's magic receives the Inchoate World's attack directly, neutralizing it.

Light explodes when the two powers collide. Finally, Estarriola's magic pushes back at the Inchoate World's power and pulverizes it.

Inchoate World: But how! I cannot be overpowered—I am the creator of this world!

Estarriola: Relying only on power and abandoning thought will only cause you to fall.

Estarriola: Temperance used the power she acquired from you to strengthen the cup that tempers me, increasing the amount it can hold.

Estarriola: The cup was filled with my existing magic and the infinite supply of power taken from you, then returned to me.

The cups in Temperance's hands shine brightly in affirmation to Estarriola's words.

Estarriola: No one knows what kind of reaction will occur when my concentrated magic is mixed with your chaotic power.

Estarriola: But as we saw earlier, your power was demolished. I believe that is enough to tell which of our powers is superior.

Inchoate World: Rrg... It appears I've underestimated your particularity.

Inchoate World: Ignore even a small crack and it will eventually bring down the wall. Thus, I shall eliminate you before you encroach any further.

Suddenly, a violent wind starts to blow, launching Estarriola and Temperance into the air.

The two are expelled from the sphere created by the Inchoate World, the endless blue of the skies stretching out beneath them.

It is then that Estarriola's eyes are struck with a strong drowsiness. They begin to close.

Temperance: Will thou... succumb to slumber once more?

Estarriola: It seems so. As frustrating as it is, it appears I am only able to awaken within that sphere.

Temperance: My limbs are beginning to lengthen. Thy body, too, will most likely return to its aged form soon.

Estarriola: Yawn... In the end, I was unable to save my wife even within a fabricated space. How useless I am, how powerless...

Temperance: ...

When Temperance touches the Evoker, everything around them abruptly turns white.

Lottieluna: That's not true. You'll always be the dependable great sorcerer I know you are.

Estarriola: Lottieluna! Why are you here?

Lottieluna: It's thanks to you, Rio. Because you continued to reject my death even in a fabricated world where my death was certain...

Lottieluna: I was able to escape death within your heart. That's how we're able to see each other again now.

Lottieluna: Thank you for continuing to think of me. Thank you for not giving up on me.

With tears in her eyes, Lottieluna smiles and leans in to place her head on Estarriola's chest.

Lottieluna: I lived an incredibly happy life after meeting you. I don't need anything more than that.

Lottieluna: From now on, look ahead and move forward. What you need to treasure is right in front of you...

Estarriola: Lottie!

Lottieluna: I love you, Rio...

Estarriola: Lottieluna!

The light fades, and the surroundings return to how they were before. Temperance now stands where Lottieluna was a moment ago.

Temperance: My name... is Temperance.

Estarriola: ...!
Ah... I'm sorry. I was dreaming just now...

Estarriola: I see... So Lottie was here all along. After you consumed my heart, she lived inside you...

Temperance: ...?

Lyria: Oh! Isn't that Estarriola and Temperance floating over there? It looks like they were able to get out of the sphere!

Vyrn: Pretty sure even Old Man Snoozy can't keep floatin' like that forever. Let's go get 'em, (Captain)!

The captain nods and directs the ship toward where the Evoker and the Arcarum are hovering.

Estarriola and Temperance tell the crew what happened in the sphere, who are relieved to see the two safe and sound.

Lyria: So many things happened in there... I'm really glad you're all right.

Vyrn: But the thing's still growin' even after you guys got out...

Vyrn looks worriedly at the ominous sphere hovering overhead.

Estarriola: The sphere has The World as its core, using its power to expand.

Estarriola: I assume the only way to stop it from continuing to grow is to enter its territory once more and defeat The World.

Vyrn: Uhh, that's gonna be easier said than done...

Lyria: Monika stopped us from going in earlier, saying we don't know what will happen if we do that...

Estarriola: If you rush in without a plan, The World will absorb and destroy all of you. However, it should be fine with us there with you.

Temperance: The magic of the little one The World had nullified now takes effect.

Temperance: If I extend the ability to intervene with the world to all of us present, thine attacks should also be rendered effective.

Lyria: Really?

Vyrn: I guess it's settled then! We'll go in with Old Man Snoozy and knock The World fella outta the game!

Yeah!

Choose: Yeah!

Estarriola: This time, I intend to sever the abominable tie between him and us once and for all.

Estarriola: I must turn the form that manifested within the sphere into something real... and make a decision myself.

Temperance: A decision?

Estarriola: Yes... I will explain it to you someday. First, we must defeat The World.

Temperance: ...

Despite their churning thoughts, Estarriola and Temperance focus once more on the task in front of them: to overthrow The World.

Rewinding: Scene 5

The crew reenters the sphere to stop the Inchoate World once and for all. He sees the appearance of the crew as a trial to be overcome before world creation can happen and awaits their arrival at the center of the sphere.

The crew steps inside the floating sphere to settle matters with the Inchoate World.

Vyrn: Whoa... What's with this place...

Lyria: The many different colors mixed together is making my eyes go round...

The wild color scheme is extremely unsettling, violently distorting the captain's perceptions.

Estarriola: Is everyone all right?

Vyrn: Bleh... I feel really sick. How're you hangin' in there, Old Man Snoozy?

Vyrn: Waaait! Who the heck are you! What happened to the old man?

Lyria: Oh, wow... Your eyes are open, and you're a lot younger!

Lyria: Temperance looks different too... What happened to the two of you?

Estarriola: Ah, it must be jarring for you. You see, it appears I am able to awaken within this space where dream and reality are mixed.

Estarriola: This form is a manifestation of my wish—and proof of my oath to Temperance.

Estarriola: Though I must admit, it is rather aggravating to have my wish fulfilled only within the space that The World created, and through his power.

Vyrn: Through The World's power... Are you sure it's okay? You don't feel weird or anything?

Estarriola: There is no need to worry—after all, I'm young again. I am no longer an old sorcerer, but a young and great one.

Estarriola: Between The World and myself, I have already proven that I can rival and conquer his power.

Estarriola: With your support, young skyfarers, surely we can subdue The World and crush his evil ambitions.

Estarriola: Now... Let us go. I shall bid farewell to my accursed condition and repay my debt to you.

Estarriola: I, too, will fix my eyes on the light that shines in the future. After all, that is my late beloved's wish.

Bracing themselves for what may come, the crew proceed onward to the center of the multicolored world.

Inchoate World: You lot again.

Vyrn: Gwah! You got us good last time, and now we're gonna get payback!

Inchoate World: What more could you want from me? I have no more business with you. You nuisances are a waste of time—

Inchoate World: No, wait... I see how it is. Defeating your group is the final trial I must overcome before the new world comes to fruition.

Estarriola: Hm, an interesting perspective. However, we cannot go along with your selfish intentions forever.

Estarriola: Unfortunately, I am young now... and rather quick-tempered.

Inchoate World: A birth becomes that much more meaningful after successful completion of a trial. And a trial exists to be overcome...

Inchoate World: Very well then. I welcome you all to be the final sacrifices to mark the true completion of my task.

The Inchoate World seems to disappear, blending into his multicolored surroundings.

Let's go.

Choose: Let's go.

The crew's march toward the center of the sphere continues.

Beyond the Trial

The Inchoate World unleashes his full power to overcome the trial that is the crew. A final showdown ensues.

Inchoate World: You've come.

By tracking the aura of the Inchoate World, the crew finally reaches the center of his realm.

The Inchoate World looks down on the crew as he speaks, a hint of surprise in his breath.

Inchoate World: How strangely comforting... Though you obstacles in my path normally fill me with disgust...

Inchoate World: Seeing you as a trial meant to be overcome fills me with pride and joy.

Inchoate World: The face of fate changes depending on your interpretation. And my interpretation has led me to birth a new world.

Inchoate World: You are nothing but nuisances now—stepping stones on my path to world creation... That is how I define your fates.

Estarriola: I have to say, I've grown tired of your talk—or rather, I'm not interested.

Inchoate World: It is there that providence exists—for only a god can define fate. Whether you are interested matters not.

Inchoate World: What's more, you are blinded. You are incapable of even making the best choice when it is right in front of you.

Estarriola: Don't be absurd. I've already received something precious from my beloved.

Estarriola: And I have no obligation to take the time to explain it to you.

Inchoate World: It is not that which remains incomprehensible to me. It is how you abide by meaningless values and purposefully choose to suffer hardships.

Inchoate World: I feel pity seeing you suppressed by that beast, merely clinging onto a dream.

Inchoate World: I cannot agree to your foolishness. I can't let that fraud-like, irrational pride of yours exist in the new world.

Inchoate World: The time has come to bury you all as wretched artifacts of the old world!

Fierce winds begin to blow around them, causing the various colors to converge on the Inchoate World.

As he is encased in what appears to be some sort of cocoon, Lyria audibly gasps.

Lyria: Watch out! The Inchoate World is getting stronger!

Inchoate World: You antiquated relics will become the cornerstone of the new world. For that is your fate; that is providence.

Inchoate World: You have no future beyond today. Your destinies end here. I shall wipe away your very souls from existence!

Beyond the Trial: Scene 2

The crew finally defeats the Inchoate World and returns to the Sky Realm. Now that his time is moving once more, the awakened Estarriola decides to face a new future with Temperance, who consents.

Inchoate World: Rgh!

Inchoate World: Impossible! I should be the one who decides destiny!

Inchoate World: All trials succumb before me... Your defeat here was supposed to mark the celebration of the new world's creation...

Inchoate World: But yet... how is it that mortals of the old world have bested me!

Estarriola: It is because you looked down on everything other than yourself that you fell behind, bringing yourself to destruction!

Temperance: Know thy defeat.

Estarriola and Temperance unleash a mighty attack that pierces through the Inchoate World's body.

Inchoate World: Gwaaah!

Inchoate World: Damn you... Damn you all! How could I lose...

Inchoate World: What of my new world!

His hands reach out, only to grasp at thin air. Cracks begin to form all over the Inchoate World's body.

Inchoate World: Guuuuh!

With a deafening roar, the Inchoate World lets out a flash of light followed by a harsh noise that stains the world white.

Estarriola: Hm? Where is this?

Vyrn: What happened? Where's the Inchoate World?

The white light finally disappears, and the crew find themselves collapsed on the deck of the Grandcypher.

They sit up and look around. The ominous sphere is nowhere to be seen, replaced by vast blue skies.

Lyria: I don't sense the Inchoate World anywhere, and the sphere is gone... Is everything really over?

Estarriola: Hm... That's certainly how it seems. What do you think?

Temperance: Interference has been severed without any remains. The World has been extinguished.

Estarriola: I see... So it's over...

Whispering these words, Estarriola gazes out at the clear skies.

Estarriola: It was a rugged battle, but I was able to protect the future of the young ones.

Estarriola: Haha... It is a most refreshing feeling.

Estarriola: It is all because of you, Temperance. You have my thanks.

Temperance: O little one—my pactbearer. I have seen with my own eyes and recorded thy victory.

Temperance: As a result, our contract comes to an end here.

Estarriola: Are you saying that this is farewell?

Temperance: Yes. I have no reason to exist once the contract and purpose have been carried out.

Lyria: No...

Estarriola: You are right... The two of us no longer have a connection with The World. The records for the event are complete.

Lyria: ...

Estarriola: Consequently, I shall have you record the new circumstances that you and I now find ourselves in.

Temperance: New... circumstances?

Estarriola shifts his gentle gaze to Temperance.

Estarriola: Our time in life is finite, and we have been given the opportunity to walk down this path together once more.

Estarriola: I will take time to reexamine myself. By giving and receiving new obligations, I shall celebrate the life I have with sincerity.

Estarriola: There may be joy, and there may be suffering. Together, let us walk a path as vivid as that which you hold in your hand.

Temperance: Very well. Then our contract shall continue.

Estarriola: Yes, it will continue, just as before.

Vyrn: Just as before... You say that, old man, but even with the Inchoate World gone, you're still in your young state.

Vyrn: Wait, does that mean I gotta stop callin' you "old man"?

Estarriola: Haha. You can call me as you always have. My appearance may have changed, but my mind is still that of an old man's.

Estarriola: This body is something that manifested with the power of The World when it meddled with my mind. It embodies the very time that I had lost.

Estarriola: It is also proof that I was able to restrain my emotions and put a stop to the prolonged fate I was trapped within.

Estarriola: It is a strange experience. It feels as if I have been given a new life and been reborn.

Temperance: ...

Starting over, huh?

Choose: Starting over, huh?

Estarriola: Starting over... Yes, I am.

Vyrn: So what's next? You got anythin' you wanna do?

Estarriola: Evil aspirations have been eradicated, and my wish was realized. However, the debt I owe all of you has yet to be fully paid.

Lyria: Does that mean...

Estarriola: Young skyfarers, allow me to utilize these eyes of mine that have finally opened and see you to the future in which you shall live.

Estarriola: Along with Temperance, who is one and the same as me, of course.

Temperance: Yes.

Temperance: Poor fools thou may be... but I shall continue recording the power thou possesses—one capable of changing fate itself.

Sounds good!

Choose: Sounds good!

Lyria: This is wonderful! We'll be glad to have you with us for a long, long time!

Vyrn: You can't pretend you're snoozin' anymore! We know you're awake now, old man!

Estarriola: Haha. Ah, what shall I do now? I must think of new ways to carry out my mischief.

Monika's Voice: Hey! Is everyone okay?

An echoing voice calls for the crew.

Turning to the voice reveals Monika and Lecia leaning over the deck railing of their approaching airship.

Vyrn: Guess those guys came to check things out now that the sphere's gone, huh.

Lyria: Mm-hm! We're all safe and sound!

(Captain) and company smile, having successfully returned peace to their surroundings.

Their smiles are as bright as blue skies on a clear day. Estarriola narrows his eyes, as if dazzled by the crew.

Estarriola: Arcarum beast.

Estarriola: Until now, your role was to record and replay events you witness—that will change from here on.

Estarriola: But fear not. Just as you will be present in my future, I, too, will be in your future.

Temperance: ...
I cannot comprehend... at this point in time.

Estarriola: Haha. That's fine. Not yet... I suppose.

The Sky Realm has escaped danger once more, now that the Inchoate World is gone.

Though it was a difficult and painful experience...

The day will come when they can speak of it as a series of events that brought about a new path on which they can move forward.

Released from his punishment and infinite life, there is no unease in the hermit's expression.

The primal beast that stands beside him will record and treasure all the answers he will reach, and the growth that he longs for.

Estarriola knows this without a doubt.

Choose: We'll be here, praying for your return.

Filling the Chalice

Though freed from his restraints, Estarriola spends much of his time in slumber as his body attempts to suppress the power he took from The World. He and Temperance decide to extract and purify the new power. However, when Temperance tries to return the Evoker's emotions at the end of the process, she finds new emotions she is unable to grasp. Estarriola reflects on his own emotions and undergoes a trial in which he must choose the correct place to store each emotion.

Estarriola—a sorcerer who, after suffering the betrayal of the king of his country as well as the death his wife, once dabbled in the forbidden arts as a means to subdue his own anger.

He found his life suppressed by a primal beast of Arcarum, Temperance, and was confined to a wakeless slumber.

However, by defeating the creator of the Arcarum, The World, Estarriola was able to fully awaken.

With his awakening, Estarriola transformed from an old man back to a young sorcerer, as if to gain back the time he had lost in his slumber.

Released from his dismal fate, Estarriola is now presented with a new challenge.

Estarriola: Snooore... Snooore...

Vyrn: It's kinda weird not seeing Old Man Snoozy floatin' around while he's asleep...

Lyria: He still sometimes talks in his sleep, but it's not like before when we could have a conversation even when he wasn't awake.

Lyria: I'm worried. It's been three days since he last woke up...

Vyrn: Well, he's been eatin' whenever he's awake so I guess it's not too bad... but I wonder what's goin' on with him.

Temperance: The reason the little one continues to sleep is because I channeled The World's power into him.

Lyria: Temperance! What do you mean it's because you channeled The World's power?

Temperance: Until now, he had been living his life with minimal biological activity while suppressed by my power.

Temperance: With my constraints no longer, I transformed the power I took from The World into a life force to compensate for the time that had slowly left the little one's body.

Temperance: That is why, even without my suppression, his body is able to maintain life by itself. His body temperature and sleep have returned to normal.

Lyria: That's right—Estarriola was really cold to the touch before, but now I can feel warmth from him.

Vyrn: Okay, so his body's back to being one that can stay alive. But why's he sleepin' so much?

Temperance: Even if it was I who gave him the life force, the power I took from The World remains a foreign material to the little one.

Temperance: They are as, if not water and oil, waters of different colors. To create an even mixture, they must be stirred vigorously.

Temperance: The little one is attempting to control and incorporate The World's fierce power within himself, leaving him no energy to wake from his sleep.

Lyria: So that's what's happening... Is there anything we can do to help?

Temperance: There is nothing to be done now but wait.
(A fact equally true for myself...)

Estarriola: Hmm... It seems my deep slumber has been causing concern.

Vyrn: Old Man Snoozy! You're awake!

Estarriola suddenly opens his eyes, rubbing them drowsily. He slowly gets up from his bed.

Temperance: Report.

Estarriola: Goodness. Impatient, aren't we? Have you been worrying over me?

Temperance: The two of us are one and the same. If thy body becomes overwhelmed by the power, my life will be forfeit as well.

Estarriola: Haha... Then you should know very well that my body as it is now is not quite in a manageable state.

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: Well, the fact is that it is not a favorable situation. Though falling into a deep sleep has helped me to successfully suppress The World's power...

Estarriola: It seems I cannot resolve this without borrowing your power after all, Arcarum beast.

Temperance: I am aware. The preparations for extraction and purification are already complete.

Lyria: Um... What are the two of you talking about?

Estarriola: Hm, yes. I should inform all of you as well.

When the Evoker raises his arms, watery spheres of different colors appear, floating in the air.

Estarriola: Power is similar to color. In times I need magic that is green, I release a mixture of yellow and blue.

Estarriola: There are those who can only hold one color, such as someone competent only with flame magics. I, however, am gifted with seven.

Estarriola: The more you can hold, the more things you can produce with those colors. That is how I am capable of utilizing various magic.

Lyria: I didn't know that! Having you explain it with the colored water makes it easy to understand!

Estarriola: As for the The World's power...

Estarriola: Power taken from another contains mixed colors from the beginning—like so.

Estarriola uses his magic to combine two of the water spheres in the air, creating a single darkened sphere.

Estarriola: Now, allow me to ask you, Girl in Blue. What colors do you think this darkened water can make?

Lyria: Um... I don't think it can make any other colors. Any hue mixed with a shade of black will become black...

Estarriola: Exactly. In other words, although I obtained the life force I had lost by acquiring The World's power...

Estarriola: It is impossible for me to utilize the power as my own. Not only that, but the darkness from that power is expanding by absorbing the colors I already possess.

Estarriola: At this rate, eventually I will lose control and be robbed of my freedom, falling into a slumber for the rest of my days.

Vyrn: No way... You just managed to wake up...

Temperance: It is too soon to lament. I possess the power to extract the little one's original nature and purify it, restoring it to how it was before.

Estarriola: To put it simply, Temperance is able to take the darkened substance and return it to the multicolored element it originally was.

Estarriola: That way, I will not have to fall into slumber again.

Lyria: I'm so glad there's a way to fix it! Is there anything we can do? Please let us know if there is!

Temperance: No—this is an issue involving myself and the little one. There is nothing outsiders can assist with.

Vyrn: O-oh, okay... The way you said it makes me kinda sad.

Estarriola: Haha. It might do you well to learn which words to use with mortals.

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: The process of extraction and purification will happen through the interaction between Temperance and myself.

Estarriola: This is none other than a trial that the two of us must overcome with our own power.

Estarriola: However, I do not see all of you as nonessential. Rather, there is something I would like to ask of you.

Estarriola: (Captain). Young skyfarers. Will you pray for our success, here on this ship where we hope to return to?

Lyria: Pray for your success... Will that give you and Temperance the strength you need?

(Captain) and Lyria exchange glances. Finally, the captain gives a firm nod.

We'll be here, praying for your return.

Estarriola: You have my thanks. With this, failure is no longer possible, Arcarum beast.

Temperance: ...

The Grandcypher sails on, in hopes of finding a resolution for the Evoker and his pactkeeper.

Handling immense power comes with the risk of causing disaster around oneself.

At the Evoker's suggestion, Estarriola and Temperance stand by themselves on an abandoned island where there is nothing but grasslands as far as the eye can see.

Estarriola: This far out should be good enough.

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: Do you feel fear?

Temperance: My nature is temperance—as I have no emotions, I cannot feel fear.

Estarriola: I see. Then I suppose it was only my imagination when I saw you frown earlier.

Temperance: ...
Proceed with the preparations. The time in which thou remains awake is limited.

Estarriola: True. Let's begin then, shall we?

Temperance: Estarriola, my pactbearer... I welcome thine everything with open arms. Thy emotions, thy power—entrust all of thyself unto me.

Sitting down where he is, the Evoker closes his eyes in meditation.

With Temperance's power, water-like spheres of power in different colors appear around Estarriola, as if emerging from him.

Shades of red, blue, yellow, and white materialize—a vivid display of Estarriola's original power.

Below them is a sphere of dark water—the power obtained from The World.

Temperance scoops up The World's power with one of the cups in her hands, and takes the yellow sphere of power with her other cup.

Temperance: Yellow... A magic possessing qualities of light. The feeling of pleasure, enjoyment, and adoration.

As she whispers this, Temperance pours the dark water into the amber-colored water.

When she swirls the cup in her hand, the amber liquid floats to the surface, like oil that had fallen into water.

By transferring the water between the two cups over and over, the layer of yellow is refined and purified. Finally, Temperance uses another cup to scoop the amber liquid.

Despite its small amount when extracted from the dark water, the golden liquid grows in volume to fill the cup.

Temperance: Blue... A magic possessing qualities of water. The feeling of sorrow, grief, and melancholy.

Temperance: White... A magic possessing qualities of the cold. The feeling of heartlessness, apathy, and cruelty.

She proceeds through a number of colors in the same way, each extracted and purified one by one.

As this process continues, the dark water decreases, while the volume of the water in other colors grows.

Estarriola: Snooore... My emotions certainly come in a large variety of colors.

Temperance: Three colors are more than enough to encompass everything. Why go through the trouble of separating them further?

Estarriola: That is the nature of emotions. Two mix to become a new emotion that is defined again, and that emotion gives birth to yet another.

Estarriola: Blue and yellow come together to become green, a color through which one develops their character. That will create a new color—something that is already not what it was before.

Estarriola: Encounters, farewells, recollections, ponderings... Emotions are kept like bookmarks within the pages of one's memory, becoming colors that adapt to the soul.

Temperance: ...
It is beyond my comprehension. I can define and restore these colors, but I do not possess the heart to understand them.

Estarriola: Oh? But that is not how it appears to me. There is a cup within you too, Temperance. It is simply that there was nothing to pour into it.

Temperance: ...

All of the dark power has been restored to brilliant colors. Temperance releases the last of the colored water into the air.

Temperance: Extraction and purification are complete. I shall return them to thee.

Estarriola: I'm glad it went smoothly. I am ready.

Temperance takes the floating colored water into her empty cups.

The colors mix together into not a darkened mass, but a mysterious blend of rainbow.

The restoration process continues without a hitch—until Temperance stops, with four colors left in the cup.

Estarriola: Hm? What is the matter, Arcarum beast?

Temperance: From our extensive time together, I have come to grasp all of thine emotions... or so I thought.

Temperance: Different emotions belonged to different places. I was able to comprehend them after much trial and error—similar to that of a puzzle.

Temperance: However, here are four emotions I do not know. I assume they were born from thine encounter with (Captain), or perhaps developed from other emotions.

Estarriola: Hm... Yes, I have had the opportunity to reexamine my thoughts since my travels with the young skyfarers and our battle against The World.

Estarriola: So because of these changes, you are unsure which of the cups these four remaining emotions should be returned to?

Temperance: Yes.

Temperance: Thine emotions and power are strongly connected, mayhaps due to thy nature or the influence of my suppression.

Temperance: If the emotions are not returned to the correct cup, their power will recoil, and thy magic will overflow. Out of my control, the cups will inevitably break.

Temperance: Thou shall reach the end of thy life in agony, and I, too, will vanish. The margin for error is inexistent.

Estarriola: I see. No room for experiments, hm?

Temperance: If thou wishes to survive, release the remaining four emotions. There should be no harm to thy life even without a part of thine emotions.

Estarriola: Unfortunately, that is the only thing I cannot comply with. There is not a single emotion that I am willing to let go.

Estarriola: More so if these are indeed emotions that were born from my encounter with the young skyfarers.

Temperance: Then, how will thou proceed?

Estarriola: These emotions are mine. I should be able to discern their correct place of belonging myself.

Estarriola: I will direct where they go. Tell me the meaning behind the cups you hold, and the names of the four emotions.

Temperance: ...
Very well.

Temperance moves to stand in front of Estarriola and extends her hands, holding a cup in each of them.

Through his faintly open eyes within a temperate slumber, he gazes upon the two cups in front of him, filled with brilliant, prismatic water.

Filling the Chalice: Scene 2

Temperance: The cup on the right represents the future, and the cup on the left represents the past.

Temperance: Namely, thy future is (Captain), and thy past is thy beloved who is with thee no longer.

Temperance: I will now say the name of each emotion. Answer with which cup thou wishes to return the emotion to.

Temperance: Allow me to warn thee once again—a single mistake will lead to immediate death. Choose thine answers wisely.

Estarriola: Understood. Let us begin.

Temperance: The first emotion is "gratitude." Is this for thy future, or for thy past?

For my future. ((Captain))
For my past. (Lottieluna)

Temperance: Very well. I shall pour into the cup thou hast appointed.

Temperance pours the water of gratitude into the cup designated by Estarriola.

The color of the liquid is swirled with the water in the cup, creating a marble pattern. Finally, the water stills.

Temperance: Correct. Let us proceed to the next.

Go to "Continue 1"

Temperance: Very well. I shall pour into the cup thou hast appointed.

Temperance pours the water of gratitude into the cup designated by Estarriola.

Continue 1

Temperance: The second emotion is "nostalgia." Is this for thy future, or for thy past?

For my future. ((Captain))
For my past. (Lottieluna)

Temperance: Very well. I shall pour into the cup thou hast appointed.

Temperance pours the water of nostalgia into the cup designated by Estarriola.

Temperance: Very well. I shall pour into the cup thou hast appointed.

Temperance pours the water of nostalgia into the cup designated by Estarriola.

The color of the liquid is swirled with the water in the cup, creating a marble pattern. Finally, the water stills.

Temperance: Correct. Let us proceed to the next.

Temperance: The third emotion is "serenity." Is this for thy future, or for thy past?

For my future. ((Captain))
For my past. (Lottieluna)

Temperance: Very well. I shall pour into the cup thou hast appointed.

Temperance pours the water of serenity into the cup designated by Estarriola.

Temperance: Very well. I shall pour into the cup thou hast appointed.

Temperance pours the water of serenity into the cup designated by Estarriola.

The color of the liquid is swirled with the water in the cup, creating a marble pattern. Finally, the water stills.

Temperance: Correct. Let us proceed to the next.

Temperance: The fourth emotion is "hope." Is this for thy future, or for thy past?

For my future. ((Captain))
For my past. (Lottieluna)

Temperance: Very well. I shall pour into the cup thou hast appointed.

Temperance pours the water of hope into the cup designated by Estarriola.

The color of the liquid is swirled with the water in the cup, creating a marble pattern. Finally, the water stills.

Temperance: Correct.

Go to "Continue 3"

Temperance: Very well. I shall pour into the cup thou hast appointed.

Temperance pours the water of serenity into the cup designated by Estarriola.

Continue 3

Temperance: Thou hast made the proper judgment for all of the remaining emotions. I shall hereby return all that I have suppressed unto thee.

Temperance: Now, awaken. Conquer thy past and step forth on the path of thy future.

Temperance raises the cups in her hands and begins to chant. The water in the goblets glows brightly, returning to Estarriola's body.

Released completely from his restraints, Estarriola slowly opens his eyes, relief washing over his face.

Go to "Continue 4"

Continue 2

The color of the liquid is swirled with the water in the cup, creating a marble pattern. Finally, the water stills.

But not for long.

Estarriola: The liquid is starting to bubble like water over a fire...

Temperance: Tis an indication that thou hast failed to make the correct judgment. Thy chalice shall break...

Estarriola: Rrgh... Aaaah!

Temperance: Is it painful, little one?

Estarriola: I shall accept my fate of death. However, there is something I must say before I forfeit my life...

Estarriola: Lottieluna... Temperance... You both are beloved to me!

Temperance: Hast thou called me... thy beloved?

Estarriola: Gwaaah!

The moment Temperance reaches out to Estarriola, the Evoker's body releases a blinding flash of light and explodes.

Temperance watches as her own arm is severed by the explosion and consumed by the flames. Soon, her body also turns to sand and dissolves without a trace.

The end.

As Estarriola did not return his emotion to its correct place, you must retreat from this quest.

Reflect on the past and future once more and try again.

Go to "Continue 5"

Continue 4

Estarriola: It is over.

Temperance: Yes.

Estarriola: And I have acquired an amount of time in life that corresponds to my current body?

Temperance: Yes. There is naught that binds thee any longer. Thou may live and carry out the remainder of thy days as thee wills.

Estarriola: Then I shall do just that.

A red sphere of water the size of a fist floats down like a petal between the two.

Temperance: It was to my understanding that all of thine emotions have been properly returned to their place. Could I have overlooked this?

Estarriola: No. It must not have belonged to either chalice.

Estarriola: It had hidden itself until everything was over. A rather pathetic coward of an emotion, despite the fact that it belongs to me.

Estarriola creates a third, moderate-sized goblet, in which the red sphere of water promptly places itself into.

Estarriola: We should have some time before the young skyfarers come for us. Shall we take a walk, Arcarum beast?

Temperance: Very well.

A gentle breeze rustles the grass as Estarriola and Temperance wander across the plains.

Only the sound of the grass under their feet fills the silence.

The calm silence stretches out until Estarriola speaks up, his voice quiet.

Estarriola: Looking back, the two of us have spent quite an extensive time together.

Estarriola: I thought I was fated to simply live and die. A boring life consisting only of studying magic—a single moment within infinite time, hardly enough to fill a single page.

Estarriola: But my plot was interrupted with the death of my wife... and then, you and I met.

Estarriola: In the midst of my hazy slumber in which I was unsure whether I was living or dead, the two of us came together to annihilate what posed a threat to these skies.

Estarriola: My life became an unexpectedly stormy series of events. Would you not agree?

Temperance: I am failing to select events to compare thy life to. Thus, I cannot answer.

Estarriola: Quite the difficult nature you have. Your role as an observer should be over now.

Temperance: ...!

Temperance's foot is caught by a rock hidden among the grass, and she falls to her knees.

Estarriola: Seems it will take some time for you to adapt to your body, now that it has changed so much.

Temperance: ...

Lottieluna: Let's walk like this for today.

Suddenly reminded of his dream, Estarriola walks closer to Temperance and wraps his hand around hers—no longer quite large enough to make this impossible.

Estarriola: Why don't we walk like this until you grow more accustomed?

Temperance: ...
Very well.

They begin to walk again, their shoulders and elbows touching as they feel the comforting warmth of one another.

Estarriola: When I learned that the reason you had an appearance similar to my wife's was because you had been continuously eating my heart... I was happy.

Estarriola: I had thought that my wife's death was because I'd been too arrogant, caring only for myself and not enough for my wife.

Estarriola: But there was only my wife in my heart. My heart was so filled with her that when you ate my heart, even your appearance became like hers.

Estarriola: I destroyed my country with the rage that overflowed from my chalice. It is something unforgiveable.

Estarriola: The love I harbored in my heart was more than enough to destroy not only my country, but an entire island—even the skies themselves.

Estarriola: You proved that to me. Even the skies could not compare to the love I had for my wife.

Temperance: Indeed. The image of thy beloved reflected in thy heart ceased to fade the slightest.

Temperance: Thou ruined thy country, became a hermit, aged, and wandered between life and death in the midst of treachery. But the heart I consumed harbored only thy wife.

Temperance: An unchangeability I did not believe possible for one who dwells in the sky. In the words of mortals—it is madness.

Estarriola: Haha, so you say.

Estarriola: Still, my heart has changed since. The fact that you were unsure where my emotions belonged earlier is proof of that.

Temperance: ...
I have a question I wish to ask thee. The "nostalgia" and "serenity" thou poured into the cup of the past...

Temperance: The two are emotions altered from other emotions. How did they come to be, and how did they become that of the past? Hast thou abandoned thy love for thy wife?

Estarriola: My feelings for my wife remain unchanged even now. But if I continue to live wallowing in regret, I know Lottie will not be able to rest in peace.

Estarriola: That is why I decided to recognize my love for her as a part of the past, laying it to rest within the depths of my heart, and walk toward the future.

Temperance: The future... Is it (Captain) that thou speaks of?

Estarriola: Not only the young captain. The future includes now—the present time.

Temperance: ...?

Estarriola stops walking and stands in front of Temperance, resolution in his expression.

Estarriola: There was something I wanted to tell you once this appearance of mine had become reality.

Estarriola: My body may be young again, but my mind remains that of an old man. I am reluctant to say something so youthful aloud. Still, will you listen?

Temperance: Yes.

Estarriola scratches his cheek, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Estarriola: There is no you in a future without me, and vice versa. Neither of us can simply entrust the future to the other, nor can one of us fade into the other's past.

Estarriola: The two of us are one and the same, and what we share is the present time we are experiencing together. And so, you shall be my present.

Temperance: I am unable to find relevant items in my records. I request an explanation.

Estarriola: Haha... I tried to put up a front to make myself look better, but it seems my words deviated from the true purpose.

Estarriola: If I were to put it simply, I would like to form a new pact with you.

Temperance: A new pact?

Estarriola: Yes. A pact in which you can stay by my side, until the last moment of our lives.

Estarriola reaches into his robes and takes out a vial of the red water left from the extraction process.

Estarriola: The emotion that fills this vial is not something you lost. It is simply that the cup it is meant for was not there at the time.

Estarriola: It seems you have not noticed yourself, but as you continued to consume my heart, you acquired the disposition of a chalice yourself.

Estarriola puts Temperance's hands together so they form a bowl. He begins to pour the contents of the vial into her hands.

Temperance: What are you doing?

Estarriola: An imitation of a wedding, I would say.

Temperance: ...
I cannot comprehend. Thou harbored hatred toward me.

Estarriola: When you were robbed of your tongue and ability to speak the truth by the arrogant creator, that is indeed the emotion I felt.

Estarriola: But if I dismantle and see them as two individual facts—an unwanted but inseparable relationship, and a strong bond—the two are actually similar.

Estarriola: If that is the case, is it not only natural that the hate born from that can be turned around with the slightest occasion?

Temperance: ...

Estarriola: The tears that fell from my eyes when I saw you motionless and void of function...

Estarriola: The unexpected change you experienced when you saw me heartbroken and in despair...

Estarriola: Whether we were aware or not, many things up until now have already proven that our hearts are one.

Temperance: ...!

Estarriola puts his hand to his chest and kneels in front of Temperance, like a knight to his princess.

Estarriola: No cries of blessing, and no ring to prove my oath. Still, I will pour onto you my love that will fill your chalice—for you are my present.

Estarriola: Temperance, my partner with whom I share my fate, and who stands before me this very moment. It is my sincere wish to treasure you now.

Estarriola: There is my beloved wife reflected in my heart, and now, my beautiful partner reflected in my eyes. Will you grant me the joy of living together with you?

Temperance: ...

Temperance's hands quiver. The "love" she holds turns into particles of light, permeating her heart.

The eyes of the Arcarum had never been more than tools of observation. But they find additional purpose now, as they slowly fill with tears that overflow, sliding down her cheeks.

Temperance: Yes.

Temperance: Yes... Yes. I consent to all that thee asks.

Estarriola: I see... Thank you for giving me your consent, Temperance.

Temperance: Es... Estar, riola...

Estarriola: If you like, call me Rio.

When Estarriola reaches out to brush the tears off Temperance's face, he loses balance. The two tumble onto the ground together.

A warm breeze rustles the flowers around them, singing a melody of joy.

Taking in the nature around them, the two cuddle close, expressing their love not in words but in the moment they share.

Continue 5