Lobelia/Lore

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Official Profile

Age	22
Height	181 cm
Race	Human
Hobbies	Appreciating the "Sounds"
Likes	Listening to the "Sounds", chatting
Dislikes	Staying silent, teaching others something
Character Release 音を使った魔術に長けた青年「禍殃なる魔術師」ロベリア。追いはぎに襲われているロベリアを助けた主人公達はその腕を見込まれ、手負いの身だという彼の代わりに世界を滅ぼさんとする星晶獣の目論みを阻止してほしいと依頼されます。明るく好青年のロベリアですが、そのまぶしい笑顔の裏には深い闇が潜んでいるようです。

Source ^[1] ^[2]

* This is an unofficial, amateur translation.

Age	22歳
Height	181cm
Race	ヒューマン
Hobbies	『音』鑑賞
Likes	『音』を聴くこと、雑談
Dislikes	黙っていること、何かを教えること
Character Release 音を使った魔術に長けた青年「禍殃なる魔術師」ロベリア。追いはぎに襲われているロベリアを助けた主人公達はその腕を見込まれ、手負いの身だという彼の代わりに世界を滅ぼさんとする星晶獣の目論みを阻止してほしいと依頼されます。明るく好青年のロベリアですが、そのまぶしい笑顔の裏には深い闇が潜んでいるようです。

Source ^[1] ^[2]

Background

Events

Trivia

Etymology

His skills share the names of three Magic: The Gathering cards:

Special Cutscenes

	Spoiler Alert! These tabs contain special event cutscene scripts. View these tabs at your own discretion.

Happy Birthday Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	Happy birthday, (Captain). I got you a present. Heh, the defensive posture isn't necessary. I wished to offer you something that just shouted birthday—perhaps the sound of an infant. But I thought, no, on today of all days you deserve something more personal. Here, give me your hand. You'll find the noise within to your liking. The conversations of everyone on this ship... The words of thanks from those you met on the way... (Captain), those are the intangible rewards you're receiving. Were my words too unexpected, and did they catch you off guard? Naturally, I've recorded the sounds of destruction that you've meted out. Heh! No need for that face! It's not like I've done all that much. I'm excited to see the path you've tread and listen to its sound, (Captain).
2	✔	This year I present you with more personalized conques. That's right, they're all yours. Hehe... There's nothing to fear. Only the blessed tunes of this sky are recorded within them. Hey, hey, this is most vexing. Are you that suspicious of me? I'll say it as many times as you need me to: you are my benefactor. I'm here to serve. Am I not allowed to celebrate the portentous birth of the person to whom I owe a debt to? Well then. I suppose I should be going now. I have a reservation for my favorite restaurant. Setting aside the disastrous results of today, share the sounds of allegresse with all your friends. Au revoir, (Captain). And may you have a happy birthday.
3	✔	Non! Non, non, non! You can't run away from me, (Captain). I will have you alone. I know why you left my side last year. You were concerned—worried if it was all right to let loose chaos and avert your eyes from disaster. Pire. I never meant to ruin your special day like that. That's why it shall be just the two of us this time around. A much better idea, yes? Now, we will sing! Serenade! Let loose the hymne of your birthday! Heh-heh, ahaha!
4	✔	Heh-ahaha! We've known each other a while now, haven't we? I've discovered the most trés-bien sounds thanks to meeting you, but lately... I'm starting to grow a little bored. Relax. I won't get up to any mischief while I'm with you. But I do have a request. Won't you let me hear more of the sounds you make? Your birthday last year was wonderful, precisely because I was able to add you to my collection. You know, why don't we share a hymne together? We can listen to all sorts of wonderful sounds while we do so! Bon anniversaire, (Captain).
5	✔	Oh, (Captain). What's wrong? Isn't today your birthday? Yes, of course I was preparing to go and capture you. I was waiting for you to finish celebrating with the other crew members. I didn't think you'd show up here so soon. I don't mind being last. Enjoy your time with the others first. Huh? You'd like me to join the festivities with everyone? Oh, I don't know about that. I wouldn't want to intrude on your time with precious friends. Oh, you consider me a precious friend too? I suppose I have no choice then, do I? Fine, I'll come. Let's all celebrate your birthday together. Of course. I'll still detain you later and make you play a hymne for me! Heh-ahaha! Happy birthday, Captain.

Happy New Year Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	Happy New Year, (Captain)! Since you're here, may I ask with whom you spent the eve? No, no, I'm simply curious what sort of sounds you heard while ringing in the new year. Myself, I heard the joyous sound of every bone in my body being broken at once. Aah... That's not all though. Recalling that parfait (perfect) first moment of the year gives me the chills. Within my skull, the sound of my brain exploding echoed like the fireworks at New Year's tide: kaboom! Ah! I only wish that you could have heard that noise as well! Haha, I'll be sure to record it next year. Of course you'll be free to listen. Do look forward to it!
2	✔	There you are. I was looking for you so I could fulfill the promise I made to you last year. Of all of the joyous sounds I've produced, none are as parfait as the sound of my brain bursting into pieces. And so, allow me to play an overture filled to the brim with the sounds of allégresse! (Captain)? Where are you going? Ah, I see. I failed to act with sufficient elegance. This town is unsuitable... You're asking me to chose a better location, yes? Heh-ahaha! Don't get ahead of yourself! Wait for me, (Captain)! Waaait!
3	✔	Here I am, once again. Hey, hey, hey. Why are you running—why are you running? Relax. I have the parfait sound for you this year. What do you think? It's a medley of New Year's fireworks. Heh, great, right? Listen. Feel it. Let it enter your heart and mellow you out... Just like that. Good, good... (Captain) grabs Lobelia by the wrist and squeezes his joint without mercy. As his grasp slips, a conch shell falls from his hand. Heh, figured it out? I had such a nice plosive sound prepared, but I see you have no interest in hearing it. Heh-ahahaha, don't be so angry! It's improper to forget your manners! I can already tell we'll have so much fun this year!
4	✔	Bonne année! Welcome to the new year! Despite the friendly greeting, (Captain) grabs Lobelia by the arm with no small amount of force. Hey, hey, hey! I didn't even do anything yet! Innocent until proven guilty, isn't it? I promise I'm not up to anything this year. I simply want to celebrate the occasion with you! Look! Not a single conque in sight! Still not convinced, (Captain) searches Lobelia all over, but finds nothing suspicious on his person. Heh, such a passionate response! Did you yearn for my presence so badly? I simply must reciprocate! Listen well, and accept my New Year's gift! Choose: Found it. Just as Lobelia begins to crack his joints, (Captain) grabs the conch shell beneath the bed and tosses it out the window. No! My precious collection! It contains the beautiful sounds of my breaking jaw— Oh là là! Heh-haha! Come now, there's no need to be so angry! Reign in your emotions! An elegant calm suits you best! Why don't you work on that this year, hm?
5	✔	(Captain) seems to have lost consciousness for the briefest of moments. The view ahead changes with every blink, and soon the captain is in a place where a showdown with Lobelia previously happened. I was thinking of how you escape every year and what I can do about that. And the solution was simple enough: make sure you can't escape. Heh-ahaha. We're in the realm of The Tower's tarot. It's a virtual world of sorts. No need to be on the alert. You won't come to any harm here. I just... Wanted to be alone with you for a bit. Don't move, (Captain). As (Captain) instinctively goes on the defense... Lobelia produces a container of grape juice. This is my favorite. Let's reflect on the past over a few drinks. What, did you think I'd whip out a conque? Maybe some other time, when you're ready to hear some of the sounds I've collected. I'd be more than happy to share them. For today, let's talk about the previous year and decide on this year's resolutions! Bonne année, (Captain).

Valentine's Day Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	Ah, (Captain). What do you need? It's not every day that you have business with me. Chocolate? From you? To me? Heh-ahahaha! Who would think that you'd be giving a present to me! Ah, don't get upset! You simply caught me off guard—I didn't expect to get any gifts. But since you're going out of your way, I can't say no. I'm happy, ever so happy! I missed my chance though. I wonder what sort of timbre you made when you were selecting that gift? Ah, well enough. I trust that I'll hear it again someday.
2	✔	Salut, (Captain)! What brings you to see me? Is something going on today? Aw, don't pout. I know full well why you're here today. Which is why I came prepared. Take a look at this. Beautiful, isn't it? A conque parfait that fits your style, no? I wanted to record the beating of my heart in concert with your charming sound. To savor chocolate while listening to this recording would be... Aah... Aaaah! C'est bon... C'est bon! Just imagining it gives me volupté! Haha! Très bien! Now speak for me, (Captain), so that I may keep your sound forever. Don't keep me waiting! Heh-ahaha!
3	✔	Is that chocolate I smell? Merci! Would you mind if I made it into fondue? A concert from me, and the sound waves will easily melt the chocolate. I even selected a special clapotis for today's fondue. Ah, chocolates singing with your affection and a clapotis from my personal collection... The fondue is sure to be spectacular! Just picturing it is enough to make me... Wait, where are you going? You can't just confiscate the chocolate! I swear I won't use any unpleasant sounds! Please give it back!
4	✔	Merci, (Captain)! I appreciate you going out of your way every year, but I should give you something in return... As Lobelia sticks his hand into his pocket, (Captain) grabs him by the wrist. The movement jostles an airship's worth of conch shells out of Lobelia's clothes. You know me so well! But that's too bad. I had the most parfait sounds prepared for you. I simply wanted to revel in them with you... Hm? (Captain)? Why are you making that face? Oh, all right. Very well. Today's about your feelings, not mine. I'll gladly accept your chocolates. Je t'aime, (Captain).
5	✔	Merci, (Captain)! It pleases my heart to receive a gift from you on this day every year. Makes it all the more of a shame that I can't share the joys of my life with you! Unless maybe... you're willing to give one of my conques a listen? Oh, just kidding. I suppose I'm rather brazen for saying something so uncouth on a day like this. All right, I'll simply focus on enjoying Valentine's with you today. So then... Is there anything in particular you'd like to do together? Just say the word. Let's make this a day to remember. Je t'aime, (Captain).

White Day Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	Happy White Day, (Captain). You might be surprised to learn I've been struggling to select a gift for you. Seeing as what you gave me, it didn't seem appropriate to make you listen to others' sounds—no matter how much I might enjoy them. That's why I've decided to let you hear mine. Yes, I want to give you the sound of my destruction—your heart will surely be éveiller (lively). You don't want it? There's no need to be too polite. Here, be still and listen! Can you hear it? It's the sound of my bowels being pulled out, chopped, and stirred to— Ah, all right, all right. I see that you didn't like the gift. There's no need to run away though! Come baaack!
2	✔	(Captain)! Another White Day, another très bien gift coming your way. Pick a sound: the churning of my entrails, or the gnashing of my spinal column! Ahaha, 'tis but a joke. Call off your dogs. We have an understanding, do we not? Here is what I meant to give you: sweet, unadulterated popcorn. I bought it from my favorite boutique. I quite enjoy this snack, you know, but more so in its creation rather than in its consumption. When the kernels get all hot and toasty, don't they make the most satisfying... pop? Ahaha, it reminds me of a certain volatile eruption, though I'll leave that to your imagination. Pop, pop, pop... The sounds of Maman and Papa are distant now, but that is still très bien. To me they sound like a cheerful parade... Hm, you won't eat the popcorn? I promise you it's tasty though... Oh well, take it and save it for later. Perhaps I'll open my own bag while listening to my favorite parades...
3	✔	Is popcorn not to your liking? What about a pinata? That's the next best thing. Hungry for candy, you beat it over and over and over... A gradual and brutal process of complete and utter destruction... Heh-ahaha! Tres bien! I can feel my hands itching to have a go! But... I suppose the pinata itself isn't food and doesn't serve as an appropriate gift. Be sure to sample the insides, (Captain). Scoop out every bite, heh.
4	✔	(Captain), a new White Day is upon us, and I have prepared a spectacular gift! Non, no need to be so suspicious. Look, I baked proper cookies. Disappointed? Even I am capable of seriously giving a gift, on occasion. But never mind that. More importantly, I can show you the best way to enjoy them. Like so... Pant... Oh, look how delicious they are when they're crushed to pieces... Mmm! Très-bien! Aren't those sounds just lovely? Lobelia asks the question, but receives no answer. He looks around only to realize (Captain) is already long gone. (Captain)? Where did you go? Heh, there's no need to be shy.
5	✔	White Day is upon us once again! The popcorn and cookies of previous years didn't seem to sit too well with you. I made you a broyé poitevin, a popular snack in my hometown. It looks like a giant cookie, you say? Well, I suppose it does. Most noteworthy is the first step that must happen before eating it. I'll be borrowing your hand. In one swift motion, Lobelia puts a hammer in (Captain)'s grip. He then guides the captain to crush the giant cookie into pieces. Aah! That was magnificent! Très bien! Job well done, (Captain)! It's as if you smashed my kneecap into a million pieces, (Captain)! Ah, simply divine! Bwahaha! Hey, don't look at me like that. Smashing the cookie is a bona fide tradition where I'm from. Here, open wide. Lobelia stuffs shattered cookie bits into the captain's mouth. Chew slowly. Let the crunchy sensation sink in... Hahaha. What a lovely sound, eh? I have your hand now. Don't think you can get away. We're going to spend White Day together however I want... Let's make this a day a memorable one, (Captain). Heh-ahaha!
Gift		Light Cookies

Trick or Treat Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	Happy Halloween, (Captain). Are you having fun? Maybe I didn't need to ask—a quick glance reveals that you're enjoying yourself. Nothing could make me happier. What costume, by the way, do you plan to wear tonight? They say that when the holiday was new, people would wear masks and burn fires to protect themselves from evil spirits. I have the sneaking suspicion that these costumes might in fact attract the minions of darkness. Heh, you don't get it, do you? That's fine—you'll understand soon enough. Well then, (Captain). Trick or treat: which will it be?
2	✔	Well, well. I caught myself a (Captain). Settle down, now. Listen to the joyful melody of the children scampering about town... It's all right if I let my favorite concert play, yes? Hehe! Tu es sage. Now close your eyes, and open your mouth slowly. Heh-ahaha! All I wanted was to feed you a candy. Temper, temper. It was a silly little prank, no? You're my benefactor. The one who brings me happiness. I surely wouldn't want to ruin that, would I? Though never say never... Bonne journée, (Captain)!
3	✔	Salut! Oh, don't look at me with such suspicion. Even my feelings can be hurt on occasion. For the last time, I'm sorry about last year, all right? You can prank me all you want this time around if it'll make you feel better. No? Well aren't you hard to please. I have to say though... The face you made back then was positively delightful... Très-bien! Come, stand next to me, (Captain). I want to etch into memory the way you sound. (Captain) immediately attempts to run, but is unable to escape Lobelia's quick grab. I just want to listen. I promise I won't do anything else... probably.
4	✔	Joyeux Halloween! (Captain), what... are those bandages for? Why are you wrapping me in them? I'm not injured. Oh my, you're wrapping them quite tightly... Just what are you after here? Are you still angry about last year? But I truly didn't do anything. I only wanted to take in your beautiful sounds... (Captain)? Why are you smiling? Ah, I see! You simply wanted to hear my bones crack! You should have said that from the beginning! Tighten these bindings as much as you like! I can add this to my collection... Wait, why are you wrapping my face as well? I can't see, and it's difficult to talk like this. It's as if I've been mummified. Heh, perhaps that's your true goal? Costumes should be left to the children, in my opinion. Also, it's getting hard to breathe in here. I might actually be mummified at this rate! (Captain)? Hello, (Captain)? Urk...
5	✔	... Seeing Lobelia stroll across town, whistling all the while without a care in the world, (Captain) approaches. Just like in the previous year, the captain attempts to bind the Evoker with bandages. Nice try. But the same trick won't work on me twice, (Captain). Lobelia has circled behind the captain in what seems like the blink of an eye. You got me good last year, but this time, you're the one's who going to be a good mummy. Lobelia apprehends (Captain). Oh? (Captain) instantly turns the tables on the Evoker and winds him up in bandages. Whoa-ho! Heh-haha! Nice job, (Captain)! I didn't think that you'd see right through me... I see you also masked the sound of your heart and muscles. Hrm... Truly remarkable. As much fun this is, your eyes tell me you're in no mood to play... You hear me, (Captain)? Urk... What the?

Happy Holidays Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	Happy holidays, (Captain)! I seem excited, do I? You yourself have been waiting with bated breath these past several days. The holy night is delightful, isn't it? The sounds of plaisir (pleasure) ring out across the town... Ah, you don't need to be so alarmed. Even I've been looking forward to this evening. Santa Claus will bring the sounds of happiness to anyone who's been good today. What's wrong? There's such alarm on your face... Heh, are you worried about whether Santa Claus will visit you, (Captain)? Yes... If he doesn't come, then I'll play you my favorite hymne. Heh-ha, there's no need to be polite. I will play a divine acorde synchronized with the lights. Ah, this will be delightful. Right, (Captain)!
2	✔	Sigh... I can't accept this. Santa Claus is supposed to come if you've been good, no? Well, I was a good boy all of last year, and he never showed. I played such a nice l'hymne for the townspeople, filled with joy and du plaisir. Not to mention the conques I made and handed out to the town's children... I even had a stocking ready. Heh... Such is life. The lesson here is you have to pursue your own happiness, and take it with your own hands. Whoa, put your weapon away. Where is your elegance? It's rude to threaten someone, you know. Fret not, (Captain). I won't destroy anything... or anyone for that matter. What, you don't believe me? How regrettable. Then why don't you spend the entire day keeping a close eye on me? Heh-ahaha! Oh what fun we shall have tonight, (Captain).
3	✔	Salut! (Captain), perfect timing! Come join me. I'm going to meet Santa Claus. It's time to take the initiative, since he's not coming around no matter how long I wait. As for where he is... Heh. There's a key to drawing him out of hiding, and that key is you, (Captain). He'll be sure to visit a kid as good as you. I'll take cover somewhere nearby. Just give me a signal once he's here! Finally, I'll be able to meet Santa... I wonder what kind of noises the jolly old man will make... Heh-ahaha! The suspense is killing me!
4	✔	You're just so awful, (Captain). I'm talking about last year. Or did you forget? I hid myself so I could finally meet Santa Claus... But I waited the entire night without ever getting your signal. Did you forget I was there? I was reminded of my childhood, when I played hide-and-seek with my Mama and Papa. You know what? Why don't we play hide-and-seek this year? Santa Claus can be it. Now let's hide together, side by side! Closer! I won't let you run away. Heh-haha... I do hope dear Santa finds us. (Captain)... Heh-ahaha!
5	✔	Salut, (Captain)! I'm hard at work making a present for Santa. Aw, don't look at me like that. While the present is a conque, it's filled only with words of appreciation from innocent children! Care to have a listen? You can gauge for yourself their level of delight from their lovely voices. Haha. I always did find it unfair that Santa doesn't get to hear all those happy sounds despite going out of his way to ensure children are happy. We may as well record your voice too! Here, speak into this conque and express your thanks to Santa. I'll make sure it gets to him. That's a promise!

Fate Episodes

	Spoiler Alert! These tabs contain full Fate Episode cutscene scripts with major spoilers about the character. View these tabs at your own discretion.

Greatest Genius of a Magician

On their way back from a supply run, the crew rescues a young man from a band of highwaymen and is invited to his favorite restaurant. When the man learns how capable the crew is, he whips out a card that transports them into a memory of the War. Because he is injured, he asks them to fight in his stead to save the world.

Highwayman 1: Graaah!

???: Heh...

???: Everyone has the right to be happy.

???: But you have a marked lack of class. Why not play more délicat (delicately)...

???: As if you were going to perform an hymne funéraire for a friend gone cold.

Highwayman 2: Huh? Are you messed in the head? Hurry up and show us the gold.

Highwayman 2: I'm gonna kill you dead! Graaah!

???: Heh-ahaha! Très-bien! Wonderful! What a sound!

Highwayman 1: Wh-what's your problem, damn sicko...

Highwayman 2: Hurry up and finish 'im off! You can filch the gold after that!

Lyria: O-oh no! (Captain)!

On the way back from a supply run, (Captain)'s party sees a young man being accosted by a pair of brigands.

(Captain) swiftly draws a weapon and rushes in front of the young man.

Vyrn: Hey, you jerks! Get away from that guy!

Highwayman 1: Huh? Shut your beak or I'll clean the bunch of you out too!

Vyrn does not comply, and so the highwaymen slash at (Captain) and company.

Parrying their attacks with ease, (Captain) agilely lands the butt of a sword on the solar plexus of one robber after another.

Highwaymen: Gweeeh!

The highwaymen let out comical cries and then fall to the ground with eyes rolled back in their heads.

???: Humph...

Lyria: You didn't get hurt, did you? Are you okay?

???: Hm... No, I'm not injured. But I failed to get that happy sound.

Lyria: Huh? Get that sound?

Lyria repeats his cryptic expression, and the young man quickly snaps his fingers.

???: Registre.

The following moment, a conch shell appears in the young man's hand. The party members' eyes open wide.

Conch: Get that sound?

Vyrn: Wowie! That shell talked in Lyria's voice!

???: Non! I simply recorded mademoiselle's voice with the conque.

Lyria: Huh... huh?

Lyria: That's amazing! How'd you do that?

???: How, you ask? Explaining is no mean feat.

???: Er, yes... Well, you simply catch the sound in the conque and voila!

Lyria: Voila?

???: Hm... Anyhow, once it's in there, you can listen to it as much as you'd like.

???: See, like with these.

Whistling with his fingers, the mysterious young man makes a number of tiny conches materialize on his hand.

???: Registre!

Vyrn: Whoooah! Is that the sound of the waves?

Lyria: Oooh! I can hear the sound of birds chirping from those shells. Ehehe, they're so cute!

Vyrn: I still don't have a clue what you're doing, but I can tell one thing—you're really special!

???: Heh! Well, I'm pleased that you can recognize my magnificence.

Vyrn: But you sure stink at explaining stuff. I didn't understand till after you were already done...

Lyria: Ah-ahaha! You're right about that, Vyrn...

???: Heh... In no more than an instant you perceived my one and only fault. I do rather like you for that...

???: Sigh... That's why it's such a pity...

???: If you'd only left me alone, I'd have been able to play you a more marvelous, mirthful sound.

Lyria: U-um... I'm sorry. Did we get in your way?

???: ...

???: Non, thanks to you, I've gotten away with just a little shake to the skeleton.

???: Good thing too—I won't have to violate the dress code at my favorite restaurant.

???: Speaking of which, I could go for a little refreshment. What about you all?

Lyria: Um, what would should we do, (Captain)?

After a momentary hesitation, the party accepts the young man's invitation.

The young man gently takes (Captain) and Lyria by the hand.

Lyria: Aaah!

???: Heh! You won't regret this. Come now! It's a done deal!

Vyrn: Hey, settle down! You're sure pushy!

In the end the young man guides the party to the restaurant.

He orders black tea and cake for everyone in the party, then shoots the group an affable smile.

Lobelia: Allow me to thank you again. I am Lobelia, the greatest genius of a magician to ever grace the skies.

Vyrn: Wow, you don't beat around the bush! Are you really so impressive?

Lobelia: Oui! No other in the skies can use audiomancy.

Lyria: You're talking about those seashells...

Lobelia: Ahem, conques! I hope you'll not repeat the mistake, mademoiselle.

Lyria: Oh no! S-sorry!

Lyria: So you mean the conques.

Lobelia: Heh, very good. None of us are immune from mistakes, and, besides, your induction is correct.

Lobelia: Audiomancy is an original spell that uses conques as a medium to control sound.

Lobelia: Registre is just one of the many things it can do. It has other abilities... such as this.

Lobelia grins and passes a tiny conch to (Captain).

Lobelia: Hold it to one ear.

(Captain) does as Lobelia says.

Lobelia: Can you hear me?

(Captain) is stunned upon hearing Lobelia's voice from inside the shell.

Lobelia: This is message, a technique which works though the conques to transmit one's voice to even distant listeners.

Lobelia: It can relay one's voice not simply from one island to another but even across skydoms.

Vyrn: A-across skydoms? That's nuts!

Lobelia: Well, I've never actually tried, but all the same...

Vyrn: What! I had a feelin' to begin with, but... you really are a weirdo.

Lobelia: Heh-ahaha! But my charm makes it worthwhile.

Vyrn: I dunno if that's for you to decide.

Vyrn: But I'll hand it to you—ya really are funny, Conchy.

Lobelia: What a great nickname! Hahaha, it's an honor to receive it.

Lobelia: I'm sure you'd be delighted to hear me tell more of what a genius I am...

Lobelia: But if you don't mind, please share a bit about yourselves.

Vyrn: About ourselves?

Lobelia: (Captain), you said your name was? You seem very capable for someone your age...

Lobelia: Tell me of the trials you've faced and goals you're working toward.

Feeling it safe to lower their guard around the softly smiling Lobelia, the party members share tales of their journey and their purpose.

Lobelia: I see, I see. So you're seasoned skyfarers.

Lobelia: For me to meet such sure-footed trekkers—this must be... fate.

As Lobelia is whispering, he removes a soiled card from his pocket.

Lyria: Is that... a card?

Lobelia responds with a nod and snaps his fingers. The resulting sound rings throughout the eatery.

Lyria: Wh-where are we? We were in the restaurant just a minute ago...

Lobelia: We're several hundred years in the past... In the midst of the War.

Vyrn & Lyria: The War!

Lobelia: Inside this card sleeps a memory of that tremendous conflict. I've invited you here to that very memory.

Vyrn: Is this that audiomancy thing of yours again?

Lobelia: Non! This is the power of justice—a power to battle the great evil that would annihilate the world.

Vyrn: G-great evil that'd annihilate the world? What're ya talkin' about!

Lobelia: This world of memory was created by a primal beast bent on destroying the Sky Realm. It hopes to find a certain something here.

Lobelia: Once it uncovers its desideratum, it will have the ability to obliterate the world and replace it with a new one.

Lobelia: That's why it's frenetically repeating this memory of the War.

Vyrn: What's the primal beast want so bad then?

Lobelia: A scenario where the Astrals secure victory over the skydwellers.

Lobelia: As soon as it discovers one, the primal beast will enact it and blot out the entire Sky Realm in the blink of an eye.

Lyria: That's horrible! We have to stop it!

Lobelia: Oui! Indeed, we must.

Lobelia: That's why I've sneaked into the world of memory and secured victory again and again: to stop the primal beast's scheme from coming to fruition.

Lobelia: But I am, nowadays, a wounded man. Winning in the War may be no mean feat for me.

Lobelia: And it's for that reason I'd love for you to serve as my substitutes.

Vyrn: Substitutes... You mean you want us to fight a war for ya, Conchy?

Lobelia nods wordlessly in response and then snaps his fingers again.

At that moment, a flash of light envelops (Captain) and the others.

When it recedes, (Captain) and the others find themselves once more in the private booth of the restaurant.

Lobelia: I can pay you in any way you see fit. What do you say? Won't you lend your assistance? There's no one else on whom I can rely.

Lobelia: Ah, that's it! I could use this magical genius of mine for your sakes!

Vyrn: You're just fulla confidence, huh, Conchy?

Couldn't leave you high and dry. We're in.
Will you teach me audiomancy?

Choose: Couldn't leave you high and dry. We're in.

Vyrn: You got a point! We just can't let the world get wiped out!

Lyria: That's right! It wouldn't be right to let the bad primal beast get its way.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Will you teach me audiomancy?

Vyrn: Ah, yeah! That'd be great! You gotta show me too!

Lobelia: That should pose no issue, but... I doubt you could use it proficiently.

Vyrn: Grrr! What's that supposed to mean?

Lobelia: Now, now, there's no need to be so cross. In no way am I belittling you.

Lobelia: It's through intuition that I control audiomancy.

Lobelia: To explain it using language would be a true challenge.

Lobelia: Heh! Once you agree to help, I'll use the ability for you as much as you'd like. So do we have an understanding?

(Captain) nods.

Continue 1

Lobelia: Très-bien! In that case, hold onto this card.

Lobelia: It will permit you entry into the world of memory. Consider it a concert ticket of sorts.

Lobelia: And this conque will allow you to converse with me at any time. Take it—you never know what might happen.

Vyrn: Okay, we got 'em all right!

Lobelia: Haha, I'm counting on you! (Captain), Vyrn, Lyria!

The crew members thereby come to take part in the War as substitutes for Lobelia.

(Captain) and the others set their teeth in anticipation of the hostilities in a repeating memory.

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A Virtuoso's Motives

Weeks after the crew meets with Lobelia, he watches their battle inside the memory unfold while he speaks to someone in private quarters.　(Captain) and company feel an awful sense of dread as their battle concludes.

Several weeks pass since the encounter with Lobelia.

(Captain) and the others are battling in the War as his substitutes.

While (Captain) is in the midst of overpowering one foe after another, the conch from Lobelia begins to vibrate.

The captain takes it out and listens to the voice emanating from within.

Lobelia: Très-bien! All is proceeding smoothly, isn't it, (Captain)!

Vyrn: Hehehe, this is a walk in the park!

Lobelia: Heh-ahaha! I'd expect nothing less from such intrepid old skyfarers. Please keep at it!

Lobelia's voice tapers off, and Vyrn stares at the conch in fascination.

Vyrn: Gee... That magic sure is wild, huh!

Lyria: You can really hear his voice here in this world. Lobelia's so amazing!

Vyrn: But don't you think we should've heard of him before if he can cast crazy spells like that?

Lyria: You're right. But we'd never heard about him or audiomancy before.

Vyrn: I wonder why... Hm...

While the party members are pondering, a beastly roar rumbles through the air.

Vyrn: Ooh, a new baddie! Let's do this, (Captain)!

(Captain) unsheathes a blade and rushes in the direction of the foe's cry.

Meanwhile, Lobelia sits in the booth with his eyes closed.

It is not darkness that he sees inside his eyelids but rather (Captain)'s vivid form.

Lobelia: Heh-ahaha! You're more skilled than I dared imagine, (Captain).

Lobelia: Your proof is right there! We're two of a kind, are we not, (Captain)?

Isolated in his private booth, Lobelia speaks as if the others were standing before him.

But, naturally, there is no response.

He carries on with his giddy soliloquy all the same.

Lobelia: Très-bien! No matter what foes come, you crush them spectacularly.

Lobelia: What a happy sound you're raising! Aah, hrrrng! How delightfully I ache!

Lobelia: Heh! And are you the same?

Lobelia takes the red stone brooch from his chest in one hand and gazes at it with a satisfied smirk on his face.

It begins to vibrate and release a strange, soot-black gas that spreads steamlike through the air.

Lobelia: Comport yourself with élégance. You're being a bit vulgar.

When Lobelia finishes talking, the brooch becomes still and the vapor dissipates.

Lobelia: That will be enough. It's still too early...

Lobelia: Heh! Patience...

Lyria: Eek!

The party members, having cleared away most of the opponents, are resting when Lyria suddenly cries out.

Vyrn: What is it, Lyria?

Lyria: N-nothing... It's just that for a second... I felt something... really horrible.

Vyrn: Awful? Was it that new baddie or somethin'?

Lyria: No... I don't think it was...

Lyria: It's a lot more frightening... than any foe we were just fighting... It was such an awful feeling...

Lyria's voice trembles, and she clutches her shoulders.

(Captain) attempts to comfort her but feels an obscure sense of dread all the way.

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Glorious Calamity

The victorious crew find themselves back in the restaurant. Lobelia whips out two conches he introduces as his parents. The crew is taken aback by the terrifying screams the conches give off, but Lobelia orders them to sit down and he begins to recount his past.

After a lengthy engagement, (Captain) and company return from the memory of the War to the private booth in the restaurant.

Lobelia greets them with a genial grin and a luxurious feast.

Lyria: Wow! That's so much food!

Lobelia: Merci, merci! Thank you, (Captain)! You've been of enormous assistance.

Lobelia: All that needs handling has been handled! The primal beast is sure to surrender now.

Vyrn: So you're sayin' the world's saved!

Lobelia: Oui!And it's all thanks to your labors! I'm sincerely grateful!

Lobelia: Allow me to treat you all today! It may not be much in light of your accomplishments, but please feast and imbibe to your heart's content!

Lyria: We really appreciate it, Lobelia!

Lobelia: Come, let us raise a toast! To the heroes who saved the world! Again, you have my appreciation!

Lyria: Ehehe, cheee—

Lobelia: Santé!

Vyrn: Sant... Eh?

Lobelia: It's the way we say cheers in my homeland.

Lyria: Oh, neat... Are très-bien and conque other things you say there?

Lobelia: Oui! All were taught to me by Papa and Maman.

Vyrn: Huh, so you got that weird way of talking from your folks then.

Lobelia: Heh! They gave me many treasures above and beyond words.

Lobelia: For example, "Everyone has the right to be happy."

Lobelia: It's a notion taught to me by Papa and Maman, and it's become my credo.

Lyria: Hehehe, you really have a wonderful mother and father. I'd love to meet them.

Lobelia: They can't, unfortunately, be met. But you could listen to them instead.

Vyrn: Oh! Y'mean with that spell of yours? The one that lets ya talk with people far away... Message, was it?

Lobelia: Non, non! This is registre... Message would be meaningless here.

Lobelia: There's no way to connect with my parents.

Lyria: Huh?

Lobelia: Come, listen. These are Papa and Maman!

Mirthfully, Lobelia snaps his fingers, and two small conches appear before the party in an instant.

Lobelia: Registre!

Conch: !

Lyria: W-what are those noises?

Vyrn: They sure sound gross... Those shells, er... conques didn't mess up, did they?

Lobelia: How could they! Those are Papa!

Lyria: Huh? You mean those sounds just now?

Lobelia: Yes! They're music to my ears! Flesh and bone bursting out and being blown away—I consider them lifelights of sorts.

Lobelia: Papa sang out an ephemeral tune of life with his very body... Hrnnng! Très-bien!

Lobelia: It satisfies me no matter how many times I listen. This, yes, this... is happiness!

Lobelia: Heh-ahaha! Ahahaha!

Lyria: Lobelia...

Lobelia: Oh, apologies. I should comport myself with élégance.

Lobelia: And we're going to eat soon, aren't we? I should allow you to listen to Maman first then.

Lobelia: Registre!

Conch: No, noo... ogh... Ghaaaaah!

Lyria: Eeek! Noooo!

Lyria's face turns pale in reaction to the detestable noise. She covers her ears with her hands and slumps over.

(Captain) gently places a second pair of hands over Lyria's ears and looks daggers at Lobelia.

Lobelia, in contrast, wears an ecstatic grin on his flushed face.

Lobelia: The sound of flesh and bone turning to mincemeat blends with Maman's voice in an exquisite harmonie!

Lobelia: Très-bien!

Lobelia is no longer paying attention to (Captain) and the others but rather stuffing his smile with pasta from the table.

Lobelia: Gulp... Nomnom... Mmm! Bouillabaisse pasta and the sounds of Maman are a match made in heaven!

Lobelia: Heh-ahaha! It's the taste of home, as they say! Mmm... C'est bon!

Vyrn: Uuurph! He's goin' cuckoo...

Lobelia: Oh dear, is something wrong? Why such dreary faces when a noise this happy is ringing out?

Lobelia: Ah, I see. You don't seem to enjoy it. That's a shame...

Lobelia: Perhaps you'd prefer something more like "Boy Playing on the Beaches of Auguste" or "Girl Living in the Woods."

Lobelia: My archives are vast. Make as many requests as you like, and—

Vyrn: No way! We don't wanna listen to that junk!

Vyrn: How'd you get those sounds anyw—

Vyrn: You didn't kill 'em and... record the sound, did ya?

By way of an answer, Lobelia turns his grinning face and whistles with his fingers.

A sound pierces the booth. In the following moment the food disappears from the table and is replaced with a host of conches.

Vyrn: Wh-what're all these...

Lobelia: My beloved archive of conques, each one of which contains a recording of someone being destroyed.

Vyrn: You gotta be kiddin'! There are hundreds of 'em!

Lobelia: Heh! These are but a handful! I'd love to show you the entire archive at once, but this restaurant is wanting for space.

Lobelia: If I were to take them out all at once, this booth would overflow with memories.

Vyrn: Wh-who are you? And what are ya tryin' to do anyway?

Lobelia: Trying to be happy, nothing more. Anyone and everyone has the right to be happy.

Lobelia: I've simply tried to abide by my credo. You all—you'd do anything to be happy, wouldn't you?

The vast chasm between Lobelia's pure, boyish smile and grisly deeds sends a chill down the spine of (Captain).

The captain half-reflexively removes the hands that were on Lyria's ears and reaches waistward for a weapon.

But Lobelia, perhaps noticing, quickly snaps his fingers...

After which the interior begins to faintly tremble, and the glasses on the table shatter.

Lyria: Eeek!

Lobelia: (Captain)! Comport yourself with élégance. You're acting a bit vulgar.

Lobelia: Surely it wouldn't please you to see mademoiselle become a stain on the floor?

Seeing that (Captain) has let go of the weapon, Lobelia smiles mildly and sits.

Lobelia: Come—don't be shy. You must be seated, everyone.

Lobelia: Don't concern yourself with what's happening outside. I've been controlling all the sound to ensure none leaks out.

Lobelia: Ah, yes! And none will leak out either, I suppose. Heh-ahahaha!

Lyria: Mmph... Sob, sob... What are you planning to do...

Lobelia: Heh! I'd just like you to listen to a bit of an old tale. What's the matter? Come—have a seat!

Believing that any resistance could bring harm on Lyria or Vyrn, (Captain) obeys Lobelia's command.

Once he sees that the party members are again seated, Lobelia begins reminiscing.

Lobelia was born to an utterly unexceptional family of magicians on an island remarkable for its inland sea.

Not long had passed before the boy's abilities began to manifest and astonish his parents.

Consumed by love for their son, his mother and father shared a certain lesson with him at every opportunity.

Lobelia's Mother: Everyone has the right to be happy—everyone and anyone. That means you too, Lobelia...

Lobelia's Father: Use that talent of yours, and you're guaranteed to be happy!

Lobelia's Father: You're a genius, son, and you're certain to succeed! Live a life of bliss, Lobelia!

Never doubting the words of his beloved parents, the boy became positive he was a genius who would be happy.

The youthful Lobelia, however, was unable to understand quite what happiness was.

Reflecting on happiness day after day, he eventually reached a turning point.

Lobelia and his parents are walking along the shore.

The boy loses his footing and plants his heel on a conch, crushing it.

Lobelia's Father: Lobelia! Is everything all right? Are you bleeding?

Lobelia's Mother: You're not hurt, are you? What happened, Lobelia?

Both parents embrace the boy, but their words fail to register with him...

Because the loud crush of the conch is sounding endlessly in his head.

Young Lobelia: (This sensation... This sound! Aaah, this feeling... It fills my heart...)

Young Lobelia: (Ah, yes! It's the noise of something breaking!)

Young Lobelia: (This sound is happiness! If a lifeless scrap on the beach can do all this for me, then how much more—)

Lobelia's Father: Lobelia? Did you hurt yourself?

Young Lobelia: I'm fine. I'm fine, Papa.

Young Lobelia: I'm fine now. I'll be happy.

Lobelia's Father: What!

A friendly smile on his face, Lobelia laughs and snaps his fingers.

It only takes an instant. Lobelia uses audiomancy to make his father's body burst open.

The son magically records the resulting sound.

Young Lobelia: (Ah, Papa, Papa! What a happy sound you make! Très-bien!)

Lobelia's Mother: D-dear? Wha—huh? Lobe... lia?

Lobelia's Mother: Noooooooo!

Unable to comprehend the sight before her eyes, Lobelia's mother screams excruciatingly. Lobelia, meanwhile, flashes a smile.

Young Lobelia: (Maman... What sort of sound would you make?)

Lobelia feels profound gratitude when in the sound of destruction he discovers happiness—an emotion his parents had long taught to value.

After some deliberation, the boy decides that the best way to repay his parents is to embody their lesson.

Lobelia's Mother: No, nooo... Gaaaaah!

Lobelia destroyed his father instantaneously but not his mother.

Starting at the tips and proceeding inward, he crushes the flesh and bones of her four limbs little by little.

Lobelia grins ecstatically and carefully records the sound.

Young Lobelia: Ah, aaaagh!

With the two mutilated corpses before him, the gleeful Lobelia plays the sounds on a loop.

Young Lobelia: Très-bien! I feel alive from the bottom of my heart!

Young Lobelia: Merci! Je t'aime! Papa, Maman! I—heh-ahahaha—I'm happy!

Young Lobelia: Heh! Ahahahaha!

That was the first of many days on which Lobelia would destroy other people...

It made him—he said—happy.

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Fateful Encounter

An ecstatic Lobelia murders his parents and records their agonizing death throes. As he grows into a young man and continues his murder spree, he realizes there is no perfect sound of slaughter that will ever fully satisfy him. By the time he's recorded around 200 screams of death, the card of The Tower appears before him.

The parricide, Lobelia, continues traveling and killing, recording the sound each time.

He commits every killing to memory and carries his archive of conches to keep the spectacle fresh in his mind.

Lobelia continues living this way until he becomes a young man. One day something occurs to him.

Lobelia: (Humph... I'm a genius. Anyone should be able to see that.)

Lobelia: (But if word of my magical genius were to spread through the world... I probably couldn't be happy for long.)

Lobelia: (Then I must live plainly... out of the public eye. I'll be obscure but happy...)

Having made up his mind, Lobelia works to hide his abilities from acquaintances and live in anonymity.

He minimizes interactions with others, adapting to society in a way that is both unassuming and cunning. All the while he continues to mete out carnage.

But in the process of committing uncountable murders, Lobelia has a realization.

Lobelia: (The sounds I heard today were far from happy.)

Lobelia: (I want to hear a happy sound that makes for more harmonie!)

Lobelia: (I'm not fulfilled yet... No matter whose sounds I listen to, I'm not fulfilled at all.)

Lobelia: (The only two who could make me happy... were Papa and Maman.)

Lobelia listens to the pair's destruction on loop day after unfulfilled day, sighing on occasion.

He had been destroying other people from sheer force of habit, but after a long stretch of days Lobelia reaches a turning point.

Lobelia: Huh?

It happens precisely when he archives the sound of the two-hundredth person's destruction.

An object suddenly appears before Lobelia's eyes in a flash.

Lobelia: Is that... a card? It's difficult to make out in the murk, but... it seems to have a picture of a tower on it.

Without too much thought, the puzzled Lobelia extends his hand.

His fingertip makes contact with the card, and in the next moment...

Lobelia: Ack, what!

Lobelia turns his face away from the burst of blinding light, and at the same time a rumble sounds out.

Lobelia: ...!

Lobelia lets out an unspeakable scream that intermingles with the rumble.

The sudden disturbance has him awash in pleasure.

Lobelia: (That thunderous noise! It's sounding out! It's sounding out!)

Lobelia: (The cacophony of collapsing buildings! The bevy of beings being cut down by explosions! A symphony of screams!)

Lobelia: (Such exquisite harmonie!)

Lobelia: Très-bien!

When Lobelia cries out, the burst of light grows diffuse and vanishes.

Lobelia: This town's been... Nothing's left standing... My goodness!

Lobelia: Heh-ahahaha! This destruction is wholly parfait (perfect)!

Lobelia: The one who did this must have been... you.

Lobelia, quaking with delight, begins to speak to the towerlike being that rises up over him in an instant.

???: ...

But the towerlike presence remains mum. With a childlike glimmer still in his eyes, Lobelia continues speaking.

Lobelia: Ah, how long it's been since I've felt this satisfied.

Lobelia: Are you... a monster? Or perhaps a primal beast? No, no, never mind. What does it matter!

Lobelia: To you I give my respect! And my gratitude for such utterly parfait (perfect) destruction!

Lobelia: You've helped me realize what an insignificant and foolish creature I am!

Lobelia: Hiding behind excuses of wanting to be happy and obscure, I've only let off tiny pops of harm.

Lobelia: But all that resulted for me was unhappiness...

Lobelia: What I want is to be able to lay down destruction as parfait (perfect) as yours!

Lobelia: Take me under your wing so that I might live happily! Surely you approve!

???: ...

Lobelia speaks passionately, but the towerlike being displays no reaction.

He begins, however, to feel a strange link between his heart and the tremendous being standing there.

Thus begins the relationship between the natural genius and the natural disaster.

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Natural Genius & Disaster

The Tower was born for the sole purpose of destruction. However, it remained unable to fulfill its role for it lacked an Evoker to bond with. Lobelia fortunately proves to be a perfect match, and the two form a pact.

The World, originator of the Arcarum.

Referring to himself as the Inchoate World, he plots to annihilate the existing world and be the genesis of a new one.

The World has utilized the core of a decaying primal beast slain in the War to produce a slew of new primals.

Each beast so made has received a role in the creation of the new world.

One had a particularly important position, that of eliminating any trace of the existing world.

It was given, in other words, the role of destroyer. Its name was...

The Tower.

For long after its creation, The Tower was unable to carry out its role.

It lacked an essential component, an Evoker with which it could forge a pact.

And the ages came and went without a pactbearer.

The Tower: ...

The Tower was therefore unable to fulfill its role. It simply abided in emptiness, passing the days in vain.

The Tower: ...

Eons passed.

The Tower: ...!

The Tower finally discovered a natural-born destroyer, someone fit to be a pactbearer.

The Tower: ...

And it brings itself before that natural-born destroyer.

Back at the scene of The Tower and Lobelia's first encounter...

Lobelia: ...

The moment he touches one of The Tower's colossal legs, Lobelia falls silent.

After a while he silently raises his head.

Lobelia: The Tower. You are The Tower.

Lobelia: What a sad and unfortunate specimen you are.

The Tower: ...

Lobelia: You were incomplete far, far longer than I was!

Lobelia: But all is well now! I will be the one to satisfy you!

Lobelia: Make your pact with me! There's no question I can help you carry out your role.

Lobelia: And surely you are capable of fulfilling me!

The Tower: ...

Lobelia: Then I'll—I'll be happy!

The Tower: ...

The Tower gives no hint of a response to the frenetic Lobelia.

But in a single instant, The Tower returns to the card, which drifts into Lobelia's hand.

Lobelia: You—The Tower—you finally accepted me!

Lobelia: What an honor! Let's go become happy! Heh-ahahaha!

In this fashion Lobelia becomes The Tower's pactbearer.

Lobelia repeatedly uses the overwhelming might of The Tower to inflict great ruination.

His power is so great as to open fissures in the ground, call forth thunderstorms, and otherwise disrupt the weather.

Whole towns, whole lands were unable to resist his staggering might, and they were destroyed.

The destruction—all too great and far too merciless—was never suspected for a moment to be the work of any person; instead it was classified as a natural disaster.

The people never cast doubt on Lobelia, and so he wreaks colossal destruction continually.

Lobelia: Tower, your power is truly delightful!

Lobelia: Come, listen! It's the sound of falling rubble crushing skulls and splattering brains all about!

Lobelia: It's not just one brain, mind you! They are more than you could ever count—it's like a mouthful of roe being bitten and bursting!

Lobelia: Heh-ahahaha! How wonderful this feels. Très-bien!

The Tower: ...

Lobelia: Oui... Yes...

Lobelia: But this... it isn't enough.

Lobelia: I am happy. I do feel well.

Lobelia: But I feel somehow unsatisfied.

Lobelia: Surely you do too, Tower!

The Tower: ...

Lobelia: What in the world could be missing? What... should I break?

Lobelia: Tower... Do you know?

The Tower still gives no hint of a response to Lobelia.

On account of The Tower, Lobelia is able to obtain fleeting pleasure and happiness, but true satisfaction proves elusive.

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Un-Malicious Intentions

Now aware of Lobelia's connection with the Arcarum, Lyria stands up to him for taking the lives of so many innocents. Lobelia finds their difference in opinion unfortunate and summons the Tower to battle the crew after transporting them to another battlefield of the War, fully intent on hearing their flesh torn and bones crushed.

When Lobelia is through recalling days past, he grins amiably.

Lyria: S-so, Lobelia... you're with the Arcarums who are trying to destroy the world?

Vyrn: Hold up! That makes it sounds like wreckin' stuff is your goal.

Vyrn: So then what were ya talking about in the first place?

Vyrn: Weren't we fighting against the primals beasts that were trying to destroy the world?

Lobelia: Heh! Ah, yes, that.

Lobelia: I just came up with that story on the spot. It certainly was something, wasn't it?

Lyria: So... you mean you were lying?

Lobelia: The truth was in fact the opposite, yes. Your kind contribution allowed me to collect a wealth of data though.

Lobelia: The World and The Tower should now be able to destroy this world efficiently.

Lobelia: Merci, (Captain), Vyrn, and Lyria!

Lobelia: This will satisfy me, and at last I'll be happy.

Lobelia: Heh-ahahahaha!

Sensing a concentrated malice behind the young man's innocent face, the party members shudder instinctively.

Vyrn: Be happy? Do you have any idea what you're sayin'?

Lyria: You're stealing other people's happiness so that only you can be happy. That's so wrong!

Lobelia: Non, non! It isn't wrong in the least!

Vyrn: What!

Lobelia: Everyone has the right to be happy. I do everything I can to exercise that right.

Lyria: But everyone you killed—they had a right to be happy too!

Lobelia: Come now, come now! What's the matter? Don't start raging over something so basic.

Lobelia: I suppose I'm just not enough of a pushover to tend to others' needs.

Vyrn: You jerk! I knew you were loony!

Lobelia: Sigh... Now I feel bad about myself. Do you have to treat me like a madman?

Lobelia: And here I was thinking you'd understand me, (Captain), given how alike we are.

Vyrn: (Captain) ain't nothing like you!

Lobelia: Non! We are one and the same!

Lobelia: Surely you all know it to be true. (Captain) dealt out destruction countless times during the War, or at least a memory of it.

Lobelia: No matter what enemies appeared, you laid them low effortlessly without a moment's hesitation.

Vyrn: That's 'cause you fooled us! (Captain) wasn't just destroyin' stuff for kicks!

Lobelia: But you did have fun, didn't you? Your heart raced, and you trembled with anticipation.

Lobelia: Testing strategies on each powerful foe until—in the end—you could destroy it... That was fun for you, wasn't it?

Lobelia: You can be honest. That's what happiness is after all!

Lobelia: What do you say then? Try to remember! Wasn't the sound of destruction delightful?

Vyrn: Zip it already! Didn't ya hear when I said (Captain)'s not like you!

Lobelia: Sigh... I suppose we can't reach any kind of understanding then. It's a shame...

Lobelia: It truly is...

Letting out an exaggerated sigh, Lobelia raises his left arm high and snaps a finger.

Lyria: Eeek...

Concurrent with the sharp sound, a blinding flash consumes the party.

When the party members open their eyes, their surroundings have changed completely.

Vyrn: This is... a battlefield from the War, huh?

Lobelia: And I've eliminated anyone who could interfere.

Lobelia: There's no one here but us now. Don't think you'll be able to escape.

Vyrn: Are you trying to sh-shut us up?

Lobelia: Non! I wish to destroy you—there's no more to it!

Lobelia: It's that we—we're birds of a feather. I simply want to make a mess of you!

Lobelia: I wish to hear the supreme harmonie of your screams as your raw flesh is torn apart and your bones mix with organs!

Lobelia: My wish is to preserve you forever. To preserve the sound of happiness you will give rise to.

Lobelia: I know that you—that you'll be able to satisfy me!

The agitated Lobelia whistles with his fingers once again.

When the subsequent burst of light fades, The Tower is standing before the party's eyes.

Fear and awe fill the party as they stand in his colossal, overpowering shadow.

The Tower: ...

Lobelia: Heh-ahahaha! Now then, make us happy, (Captain)!

As if in response to Lobelia's voice, The Tower advances—shaking the very atmosphere with each step.

The Tower: ...!

Vyrn: L-looks like we don't have a choice. C'mon, (Captain)!

Un-Malicious Intentions: Scene 2

Lobelia's body suddenly bursts open during deadly combat with the crew. As the price for his pact with The Tower, he is to repeatedly die a most excruciating death in the same manner as everyone he's ever killed. His body constantly regenerating by The Tower's abilities, Lobelia screams in ecstasy with each death. The crew is transported back to the restaurant again, this time with the card of The Tower and a conch in their possession.

(Captain) and Lobelia engage in a battle both lethal and brutal, almost reminiscent of the War at times.

It shatters bedrock and opens sinkholes until the landscape is ultimately unrecognizable. The victor is—

Lobelia: Heh-ahahaha!

Lobelia: Heh-ahahahaha! Très-bien!

(Captain).

Lyria: Huff, huff... His strength was... unbelievable...

Vyrn: It's a miracle we won, given how powerful Conchy is!

Vyrn: But now it's over, isn't it?

Lobelia: Cough, ahahaha!

Vyrn: Wha! Y-you can still stand?

Lobelia: Non! This is the finale. I failed.

The Tower: ...

Lobelia: There's no power as expedient as the power I wished for.

Lobelia: I understand now... Tower... why no pactbearers appeared to you for so long...

Lobelia: Heh... Or no... Why they no sooner appeared than disappeared...

The Tower: ...

Vyrn: What are you mumblin' about?

Lobelia: You'll see soon enough. After all, the overture will play momentarily.

The party suspiciously watches Lobelia who—despite his extensive injuries—speaks as if singing.

But in the following moment—

Lobelia: Gwegh!

Vyrn: Eek!

Lobelia's body bursts open.

Confronted with this overwhelming sight, the party members' faces blanch.

Lyria: Lobelia!

Vyrn: What just happened?

The Tower: ...

While the party members struggle to gain their bearings, The Tower makes a gigantic fist.

A dazzling light then consumes the surroundings.

Once it draws back, Lobelia is lying before the party intact.

Lobelia: Huff, huff... Augh... Gulp!

Vyrn: Huh? Conchy? How come—what's going on!

Lobelia: It's just as you saw! Heh-ahaha!

Lobelia: This is my repayment to The Tower.

Vyrn: Repayment?

Lobelia: If The Tower's pactbearer tries to destroy something and fails even once....

Lobelia: All destruction he previously wrought will be meted out on him.

Lobelia: Hah-ahaha! If the pactbearer dies partway through, he'll be brought back to life and punished.

Vyrn: What are you sayin'! So you're gonna—

Lobelia: I'll be destroyed once for each conque in my archive!

Lyria: B-but!

Lobelia: That was Papa's destruction... And next is Maman's—

Lobelia: G-gwaah! Eghhhaa!

Before he can finish his sentence, Lobelia lets out an excruciated scream that horrifies the listeners.

A glance reveals that his four limbs are being crushed little by little, starting at the tips.

Lobelia: Gggeh! Aaaaaaah!

Unable to fully bear the pain, Lobelia wrings out a scream so great that it rends his throat.

Lobelia: Gweh, cough!

Blood gushes forth as he writhes in agony.

Lobelia: ...

He then stops moving entirely.

The Tower: ...

The Tower then makes another colossal fist like the one moments ago.

Lobelia: Cough! Huff.... huff.... huff...

Lobelia: Giiigh! Gaaaaah!

Lobelia has just returned to life, but the destruction of his body begins once again. He emits a tormented scream.

Lyria: No... This is...

Vyrn: I can't bear this! We gotta help him, (Captain)!

Lobelia: Gulp... M-mind your own business!

Lyria: ...!

As Lobelia squirms around, he shrieks ghastfully; the group members then stop in their tracks.

Lobelia: Right now I'm sooo... geh, gggh... very happy... and satisfied...

Vyrn: How can you say that at a time like this!

Lobelia: Heh-aha! Ahahahahaha!

While laughing maniacally, Lobelia clutches a disintegrating hand and snaps a finger.

But instead of emitting the usual sound, his fingers merely rub against each other.

In the following moment, (Captain) and the others vanish.

Lobelia: Now... no... one will get in the wa...

Lobelia: Ah...

The Tower: ...

Lobelia: Huh! Huff... huff...

Lobelia: G-gaaah!

Time after time, Lobelia comes to life and is then blotted out with every conceivable method.

In this wretched hell, Lobelia gives a heartfelt smile.

Lobelia: (This noise!)

Lobelia: (It's the sound of my destruction—the sound of me crossing over into death!)

Lobelia: (This is true happiness!)

Lobelia: (Ah, I'm satisfied! Tower, you must feel this way too!)

Lobelia: Agh! Cough! Heh-ahahahahaha!

Lobelia: I finally—I became happy!

Lobelia: Happy! My life is complete!

Lobelia: Heh-ahahahaha!

The Tower shows no reaction whatsoever toward the laughing Lobelia.

He simply destroys the failed pactbearer with mechanical precision another time.

The party, meanwhile, has returned to the restaurant.

They are quiet for a time, doubtlessly speechless from the loathsome sight of Lobelia's final moments.

During the long silence, (Captain) finds The Tower's card in a pocket together with a conch.

Vyrn: That's the card of The Tower, isn't it.

Vyrn: Does that mean the pactbearer after Conchy is... you, (Captain)?

(Captain) can find no words to reply to Vyrn, who is clearly unnerved.

For a while, (Captain) stares at the conch and card of annihilation that led Lobelia to his ruin.

Back to top

The Tower Reversed

The crew runs into Lobelia, who is still in the midst of serving his sentence. In recording the sound of each of his ongoing deaths, he realizes the crew has given him eternal happiness and so he no longer feels the need to kill for pleasure. The crew allow him to join their ranks so that they may keep an eye on him and ensure that his murderous tendencies do not crop up again.

Several months have passed since (Captain)`s crew met Lobelia.

On the way back from an assignment, the members are walking along the beaches of Auguste.

Noticing a conch in the sand, the stop to remember Lobelia.

Lyria: Lobelia...

Vyrn: He was a crazy guy, bet the way he went outー it was just awful.

He got his just deserts.
It was merciless...

Choose: He got his just deserts.

Vyrn: You might be right about that.

Vyrn: He murdered more people than you'd ever believe.

Lyria: Still... I feel so bad about the way he died.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: It was merciless...

Lyria: Nobody deserves that sort of end, no matter how bad they are...

Vyrn: Yeah, you said it...

Continue 1

While taking a moment to mourn Lobelia, (Captain) senses a strange object inside a sleeve.

Reaching inside, the captain discovers a conch shell there, a memento of Lobelia. It's vibrating.

Conch: ...

Lyria: Huh?

As (Captain) takes out the conche, it begins emitting a muffled noise. The party members' eyes open wide.

Vyrn: W-was that just my imagination?

Conch: Salut! How does the day find you?

Lyria: Lobelia? Uh, um... Are you using audiomancy?

Vyrn: Uh... is this a recording? Registre, was it?

???: Non! This is a message!

The party members shudder when they suddenly hear a voice from behind.

Reluctantly turning around, they see Lobelia standing there with a genial grin on his face.

Vyrn: I-it's you! How come you're here? You mean ya survived all that?

Lyria: I-I thought you were being destroyed again and again...

Lobelia: Oui! I am still swimming in the ocean of the sound of happiness.

Lobelia: Heh-hehehe! See! Just now my ribs were pulverized, and my internal organs turned to mincemeat.

Lobelia: Aah, aaah! Très-bien! Wholly parfait (perfect)! Hrrng! It's pure happiness!

Vyrn: Wh-what? Then who's standin' in front of us!

Lobelia: Why me, of course. Do I look like anything other than Lobelia, the greatest genius of a magician to ever grace the skies?

Lobelia: I exist right here in front of you while I'm being destroyed.

Vyrn: I don't get it! What are you sayin'!

Lobelia: You ask rather difficult questions.

Lobelia: Uh... That version of me was thrown together by audiomancy, and as a result...

Lobelia: Aaah, yes, I didn't want to waste the chance to directly feel the sound of my destruction, so I remain connected to my nerves.

Lobelia: I therefore just popped myself out for a moment, and now I'm here with you.

Vyrn: An explanation that bad could only come from the real Lobelia!

The group members seem ready to let down their guard in the face of the languorous Lobelia.

Lyria: What did you come to do then?

Lobelia: Now, now, you're making me sad. There's no need to be so on edge. I don't intend to act hostilely.

Lobelia: I just wanted to give you my heartfelt thanks.

Unable to pin down the intention behind his words, (Captain) and the others eye Lobelia suspiciously.

Lobelia: Merci, (Captain), Vyrn, Lyria!

Lobelia: In the whole of my body I can feel the sound of happinessーthe sound of my repeated destruction.

Lobelia: If I can continue to listen to it, I have no need to go on destroying. That I truly believe.

Lobelia: Accordingly I'd like to give my thanks! The whole of my power is yours for the taking.

Vyrn: Wh-what are you sayin'! That sure came out of left field!

Vyrn: I still don't know if I trust you.

Lobelia: As I just stated, you have my word that I'll never destroy again. It isn't necessary!

Lobelia: We're satisfied deep in our hearts.

Lyria: We? Are you talking for The Tower too?

Lobelia: Oui! He is supremely satisfied by destroying me so many times over...

Lobelia: We don't, therefore, have a smidgeon of interest in laying waste to the world.

Lobelia: For that reason I'm begging you, (Captain). allow me to serve you! I'm genuinely grateful!

Vyrn: H-hmmm... What do you say, (Captain)?

Keep working to atone to the world.
Then stay near us.

Choose: Keep working to atone to the world.

(Captain) words drip with anger.

Lyria: Lobelia, there's no way I could ever accept what you did.

Lyria: But if you really want to give us power...

Lobelia: Then use your power and The Tower's for the whole world. That's what we want.

Lobelia: Oui. If that's is your wish, then I shall obey you.

Lobelia: To atone, I offer the whole of my beingーboth to you and to the world.

Lobelia: From now on I serve the world under your guidance.

Vyrn: Are you really gonna let us lead you!

Lobelia: Oui. Surely you'd breathe easier that way.

Lobelia: You're right... It's probably better if we keep an eye on you.

Go to "Continue 2"

Choose: Then stay near us.

Vyrn: Huh! Are you serious, (Captain)?

Lyria: I agree with the captain

Vyrn: You too, Lyria? But he's a killer!

Lyria: That's why (Captain) should keep a close watch on him.

Lyria: He could be lying after all...

Lobelia: I'll tell no more lies! You are my benefactors, and I owe everything to you.

Lobelia: So long as you'll allow me to serve you, my power is yours.

Continue 2

Lobelia: As I said, I owe everything to you

Lobelia: There's nothing The Tower and I wouldn't do for your sake.

Lobelia: Please keep that in mind: nothing.

The young man speaks with decisiveness and then smiles innocently.

In this most unimaginable manner, the killer comes to accompany (Captain) and crew on their journey.

Back to top

Answer Me, Partner

The Inchoate World deems The Tower to be his greatest failure before wrecking it and Lobelia. He then forces them, along with the replicated world, to converge on him. (Captain) and crew escape by the skin of their teeth.

Lobelia: ...

Lobelia reflects on how great life has been ever since he began traveling with the crew.

In making his way to the Inchoate World, he's had the chance to wreak so much destruction and record every little snippet along the way.

Lobelia: (Partnering with (Captain) has led me toward the sound of happiness.)

Lobelia: (Even now, I can feel the blissful harmonie of my body exploding.)

Lobelia: (And yet...)

Lobelia gently waves his index finger like a conductor's baton.

A piece of his fingertip breaks off, turning into dusky-red particles that fall to the ground.

Lobelia: (How's that for a finale?)

Vyrn: Huh? Whatcha up to, Conchy?

His train of thought broken, Lobelia hides his mess of a finger.

Lobelia: I was relishing the pain of my open fractures. Ah, how nice it feels to have my malformed ribs stabbing into my lungs and chest—like a bed of roses in full bloom, indeed.

Lyria: ...

Vyrn: Man... I really wish you'd cut that out in front of Lyria...

Lobelia: What a shame it is that others cannot share in my joy.

Vyrn: Sigh... Guess you're just bein' your usual self.

Lobelia: Oui! Let us go on to destroy the world, shall we?

Lobelia pushes onward with a pompous grin on his face.

He pays little heed to (Captain) and company's creeped-out looks from behind.

With an air of composure, the floating World gazes down upon the crew.

He 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.

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

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

Inchoate World: As the new god who will overtake the old, I had laid out the perfect plan for the world's re-creation...

Inchoate World: However, you were the only ones who carried out your duties according to my expectations. What a lamentable result.

Tower: ...

Lobelia: I don't recall doing anything in particular for you.

Lobelia: The Tower and I destroy whatever we please simply for our enjoyment.

Inchoate World: Yes, to see you carrying out your roles so perfectly fills me with pride.

Inchoate World: Being the merciful god that I am, I make sure to give a fitting end to devices that have served their purpose.

Tower: ...

Lobelia: Tower?

The giant Tower begins to creak.

Standing with a composure equal to The World, it gets down on bended knee.

Inchoate World: There is no greater glory for a device than to be thanked by its creator while being disposed of.

Vyrn: Wait a sec... What the heck are ya doin' to The Tower!

Inchoate World: The Tower is a transient primal I created from the recycled core of a primal beast that fell during the War. And you just watched me destroy that core.

Lobelia: ...

Inchoate World: This must be fate, for all others among the Arcarum and their pactbearers have openly rebelled.

Inchoate World: Though it fulfilled its purpose, The Tower was the greatest failure among all my creations. I have no intention of letting such refuse exist in the world to come.

Lyria: Discarding a primal beast that's no longer useful to you... How awful!

Tower: ...

Lobelia: I suggest you quit this awful melody with The Tower at once.

Lobelia: Or else.

Inchoate World: Do you plan on spoiling the praise I only just offered you? Refuse like yourself should know its place.

Lobelia: Damn...

Lyria: Re... fuse? What does he mean?

(Captain) and Lyria look to Lobelia with trepidation.

His body has begun to melt.

Lyria: ...!
L-Lobelia!

Vyrn: What the heck didja do to Conchy!

Inchoate World: Nothing at all.

Lyria: That's a lie! Something's definitely happened to Lobelia!

Inchoate World: The Tower's role is destruction and rebirth. That cycle has simply ended. Isn't that right, Evoker Lobelia?

Lobelia: Cough... Was hoping to keep The Tower going till the world's destruction...

Inchoate World: Impressive work keeping up your magic when you're already dead. Your reputation as a genius is well-warranted.

Lyria: Dead? That's another lie! Lobelia?

(Captain) and Lyria run up to Lobelia to catch him. The moment they put a hand on him...

Lobelia's body slowly crumbles, starting from the point of contact.

Vyrn: Can't believe it... Darn it! There's gotta be somethin' we can do!

Lobelia: Sorry, (Captain). But harmonie doesn't last forever. Wish we could've at least had an encore.

Lobelia: I am the lingering melody that continues to resound in the concert hall.

Lyria: Oh no...

Lobelia: What a sad face you three put on.

Vyrn: Course we're sad... We're about to lose ya, Conchy...

Lobelia: I attempted to kill you once, yet you now feel sorrow over my passing?

Lobelia: Hm... Mwahaha... How blessed I was.

With a soft grin on his visage, he crawls toward The Tower with his crumbling body.

Lobelia: My one regret...

Lobelia: Is leaving you, Tower...

Tower: ...

Lobelia: Did you lead a blessed life?

Tower: ...

Lobelia: Thanks to you and (Captain), I found happiness in my life. A rapturous tune...

Lobelia: It kept me satiated... despite my ravenous appetite!

Tower: ...

Lobelia: I'd like to believe it's been the same for you...

Lobelia: Yet... Cough... Here you are, wavering at the eleventh hour.

Lobelia: I need to hear it from you. Was your life a fulfilling one, Tower?

Tower: ...

Lobelia: Answer me, Tower... Please...

Inchoate World: Haha...

Vyrn: What are you laughin' at?

Inchoate World: As I said earlier, you have my respect. Like none before you.

Lobelia: ...

Inchoate World: You've grown quite fond of a mere device. I couldn't be more proud as its creator.

Inchoate World: The Tower feeling blessed? Satisfied? How delusional must you be to impose a personality upon a tool.

Inchoate World: It has no sense of self. Surely you realize you've never truly interacted with it.

Inchoate World: Foolish Lobelia...

Lobelia: Tower...

No longer capable of responding, he simply looks up at The Tower with his crumbling body.

The sight of the Evoker in excruciating pain is a far cry from his usual smug self. (Captain) struggles to not turn away.

Lobelia: Are you really okay with this being the last dance, Tower?

Tower: ...

Inchoate World: As endearing as youth can be, too much of it becomes little more than a bother. Die already.

Inchoate World: 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—

As (Captain) hesitates to leave behind Lobelia and The Tower, Monika grabs the captain's hand.

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

Monika: Lecia, give the order to withdraw!

Lecia: On it!

Vyrn: W-wait! Conchy's still...

Vyrn turns around to find two crumbling figures that begin to distort.

Lobelia!

Choose: Lobelia!

Before (Captain) can make contact, Evoker and primal turn into particles that are quickly absorbed by the Inchoate World.

The captain tries to fight back, only to feel a powerful impact from behind.

Monika: Sorry, (Captain).

(Captain) slumps to the ground.

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

Lyria: Lobelia must be in there too...

Lyria 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: We need to save Lobelia and The Tower too...

Vyrn: But... Conchy's already...

Nah, he's still alive.

Choose: Nah, he's still alive.

Vyrn: H-how can you be so sure?

Lobelia is one tough cookie.

Choose: Lobelia is one tough cookie.

Vyrn: Haha, got me there! I guess he wouldn't kick the bucket so easily!

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.

Answer Me, Partner: Scene 2

The Inchoate World tortures Lobelia by repeatedly murdering him with The Tower's abilities. The Evoker, enraged at having his precious memories of his partner soiled, calls out to his pactkeeper. Right before the Inchoate World ends Lobelia’s life for good, a reactivated Tower speaks.

The Inchoate World casts an icy gaze upon the lifeless primal and its Evoker.

A moment later, seemingly on a whim, he snaps his fingers.

In an instant, Lobelia's body puts itself back together.

Lobelia: Huh?

Lobelia: Is this The Tower's power?

Inchoate World: I appreciate your quick understanding, genius. I now wield all power that The Tower commanded. No, I've gained power greater than that.

Inchoate World: Even resurrecting you was a cinch.

Lobelia: To what end?

Inchoate World: Do not be alarmed, for I am your god. I am merciful to those who do my bidding.

Inchoate World: From people to nations to islands—you've done much to help destroy things that will be unnecessary for the new world.

Inchoate World: Though your deviation along the way was a matter of concern, I am willing to forgive and forget.

Inchoate World: You deserve a reward... Or to put it in your words, perhaps I can play you a requiem.

Lobelia: Hm?

Lobelia explodes, his flesh splattering in all directions.

The scattered meat immediately reconverges where it once was to make Lobelia anew.

Lobelia: Hack... Cough... What the...

It happens again. His body is rent apart once more.

Over and over, Lobelia is turned into gore and reshaped back into himself.

Lobelia: This is... The Tower's power of destruction!

Inchoate World: Yes, a perfect re-creation of it. May you find joy in the fact.

Lobelia: Urk...

Lobelia: Gwaah!

The destruction is, indeed, the same as The Tower's.

As the unforgettably familiar pain envelops Lobelia, his heart overflows with one emotion.

Lobelia: This is... a desecration of my friend!

Rage.

Lobelia: A perfect re-creation, you say? You make me laugh!

Lobelia: There is no sound to your destruction! Without sound, there is no happiness!

Lobelia: Your pitiful efforts could never hold a candle to The Tower's blissful destruction!

Inchoate World: Quite talkative, aren't you. The pain level should be no different. Well, as long as you're finding some amount of pleasure in this.

Lobelia: Stop this... at once! I will not have my blissful memories of my friend defiled by—

Inchoate World: I can do this ad infinitum until you're wholly satisfied. May you find peace in recurring deaths.

Inchoate World: You pointed out a slight difference with the way The Tower does things... I suppose I can improve the process with enough repetitions.

Lobelia: A slight difference?

Inchoate World: Yes, slight indeed. After all, what does it matter when you're going to die anyway?

Lobelia: Gwah...

The Inchoate World shakes his head as he watches Lobelia die in fury again and again.

Inchoate World: One who embodies destruction... You may as well be a walking calamity. How much destruction have you caused? Perhaps so much that even a requiem feels redundant.

Inchoate World: Allow me to close the curtain soon... I'll keep the pain levels the same while speeding up the process. Millions of deaths upon you.

Lobelia: ...!

Lobelia: ((Captain), Vyrn, Lyria... I must apologize. I don't think I'll be able to keep my promise to you all.)

Lobelia: (Forgive me! I can't hold myself to our promise when this rage is consuming me!)

Lobelia: (Tower! Is this fine to you? Are you really okay with this!)

Tower: ...

Lobelia: (Your blissful tune continues to be defiled! What of all the memories we shared?)

Lobelia: Answer... me! Tow... Tower...

Lobelia: Toooweerrr...

Tower: ...

Inchoate World: Had enough yet? Though this is meant to be your reward, I can only spend so much time on you.

Inchoate World: Die—for good this time. May your heart never beat again.

The World sighs, bringing down his fist on Lobelia as if squashing an insect.

Tower: ...

But before landing the blow that would erase Lobelia's very existence, he stops.

Inchoate World: Wha...

The Tower's lifeless husk had crumpled over on top of Lobelia, as if to protect him.

Lobelia: Tow... er?

Inchoate World: A coincidence, perhaps?

The Inchoate World swings again, but The Tower's breakdown accelerates and a part of its body explodes off.

Unable to dodge the burst of shrapnel, the World recoils in place.

Inchoate World: How infuriating!

Lobelia: Gwahahaha!

Inchoate World: How pathetic... You fail to understand the laws of nature and delight in the slightest of coincidences. What callow fatuousness.

Lobelia: The slightest of coincidences, you say! We'll see who the fool is yet!

Lobelia: Just remember that The Tower who reveled in the blissful sound of destruction with me was very much a sentient being!

Lobelia: You couldn't be more wrong to think of it as some lifeless device!

Lobelia: The Tower was my friend!

Inchoate World: Remarkable last words.

Having tasted destruction at breakneck speeds all this time, Lobelia is close to his end.

Yet the Inchoate World is uncertain. He decides to end the fool by his own hand.

Inchoate World: The curtain finally falls.

He fires off a pale blue shock wave to finish the job.

The light of oblivion fast approaches, and as the Evoker's body melts away...

Lobelia: Urk...

Lobelia cackles.

Lobelia: Get him, partner.

Tower: ...!

Out of nowhere, a massive fist flies out from The Tower's corpse, dispelling the bluish shock wave.

Inchoate World: Wha!

The fist flies onward, socking the Inchoate World right in his face.

Inchoate World: Ngh...

Inchoate World: Impossible! How is it moving again when I destroyed the core!

Tower: ...

Sent flying into the heavens, The World cannot believe his eyes.

Inchoate World: How? How is it you're still mobile? Your core should be no more—

Inchoate World: I sense magic... This is... Lobelia's magic?

Inchoate World: Don't tell me you recreated the core with your magic! How could you have managed that while dying!

Inchoate World: This cannot be... A mere mortal who's reached my level?

Tower: A mere mortal?

Inchoate World: Wha?

The Tower, standing before Lobelia, is the one looking down at The World this time.

Tower: Didn't you know? My partner isn't just any mortal.

Tower: He's a genius.

Answer Me, Partner: Scene 3

Resurrected by Lobelia’s audiomancy, The Tower—now empowered by a portion of the Inchoate World’s power—in turn brings back the Evoker. The World realizes the great threat that they pose and ejects them out of the spherical world. The two soon reunite with the crew.

In Lobelia's world, his consciousness is about to fade.

The Tower, who has been brought back by the Evoker's audiomancy, looks at his friend.

Tower: Lobelia.

Lobelia: ...

Tower: Are you satisfied? Do you feel blessed? Thrice you've asked me now.

Tower: Allow me to flip the question. Do you think that I, who shared in your joy over euphoric sounds, could possibly not be satisfied?

Lobelia: ...

Tower: Saints, evildoers, samaritans, criminals, commoners, nobles. Children, adults, women, men, villages, towns, nations, islands.

Tower: Those with shape, those with lives. We've destroyed them all. Every act of ruination was a delight.

Tower: The idea of taking joy in destruction was inconceivable to me... until I met you. The way you go about the act instilled within me a rapture that I did not know to be possible.

Tower: It is thanks to you that I was able to carry out my role and find happiness in destruction.

Tower: Yet you ask if I was satisfied.

Lobelia: ...

Tower: You have given me a heart and will... and now a new life and voice... You couldn't possibly be wondering if I truly feel satisfied, or are you?

Lobelia: ...

Lobelia does not answer, his existence gradually dissolving into the sky.

Tower: Lobelia... Answer me.

Tower: Answer me!

With all its might, The Tower slams down on its fading partner.

Tower: I am robbed of my dearest friend's destruction, yet you ask if I am satisfied? What kind of a question is that!

Tower: This is unforgivable! We have an entire world just waiting to be destroyed! I will not allow you to pass on until then!

Tower: Encore! Walking Calamity Lobelia!

Tower: We will destroy the world. And everything in it.

Inchoate World: You're stronger than before... You've drained my power as well, I see.

Tower: Just as you did to me earlier.

Inchoate World: Humph... Another defective item in the end. I'll dispose of you without fail this time.

To the Inchoate World, that distinctive finger-snapping sound has become an insufferable reminder of Lobelia's existence.

Inchoate World: I've already seen The Tower come back to life. It is no surprise to see you follow suit.

Inchoate World: But enough is enough, Walking Calamity Lobelia!

The shock wave from a formless sound knocks the Inchoate World away.

Inchoate World: Guh...

Lobelia: Heh-ahaha. I lied. Though it was a childish lie, to say that I was fulfilled.

Lobelia: But nay, my heart yearns to wreak more havoc! I have so many more happy tunes to collect!

Lobelia: The urge to destroy is so great that I alone cannot fulfill my desires!

Lobelia: Tower! Tell me how much pleasure you derive from the sound of your partner's brutal demise!

Lobelia: I have the urge to wreck you!

Tower: Yes, the feeling is mutual. Let us wreck each other to our hearts' content.

Lobelia: May we never be fully content!

Tower: True happiness is ever so distant!

The two turn their rapturous, sadistic expressions to the Inchoate World.

Tower: But first...

Lobelia: The World must be dealt with.

With a snap of Lobelia's finger, a fissure manifests out of thin air.

Once the fissure reaches the Inchoate World, his innards erupt.

Inchoate World: Ungh... What... happened...

Lobelia: I can see it... The musical score for the melody of happiness.

Lobelia: It exists throughout all the skies. A broken score that can break anything I please. Perhaps I can call that melody the carnage chord.

Lobelia: I snap my finger here to break this, or I snap my finger there to break who-knows-what. Snap, snap, snap.

Tower: A most destructive explanation as usual. Was that sheet music I just saw reflected in your eyes?

Lobelia: Haha! It's all thanks to you, Tower!

Tower: And I have my power now thanks to you as well!

The Tower brings its giant fist down on the Inchoate World as he attempts to escape from the fissure.

Inchoate World: Ugh, you wretched beings are failures after all! I revise my appraisal of you!

The Inchoate World emits a palish light as he intercepts the fist.

Inchoate World: You defy the will of your god, yet your strength is hardly enough to—

Tower: I can destroy your barrier too.

The light protecting the Inchoate World disperses.

Inchoate World: Impossible...

Lobelia: Très bien! A lovely sound, partner.

Inchoate World: Gwoooh!

With strength enough to split the stars, The Tower manages to crush the Inchoate World.

Though his body is instantly restored.

Lobelia: Nice. Let's do that again.

Tower: I'd rather tear him open in the next go.

Inchoate World: What meddlesome failures... To think you've gained the power to cause such interference...

Inchoate World: But I will allow it no more! I shall eliminate you before your corruption has time to fester!

As he utters those words, the ground beneath The Tower and Lobelia vanishes.

They are swallowed by the gaping hole.

The two have been ejected out of the spherical world.

Lobelia is deep in thought as he continues to fall.

Tower: Is something the matter?

Lobelia: It's a shame my fancy outfit's gone. Then again, I didn't exactly go in planning to wear that.

Tower: I suspect The World's influence is strongly tied to that form of yours. I can feel a degradation in power as well.

Lobelia: Meaning we experienced something of a miracle in that space of his.

Tower: Yes, that's a fair assumption.

Tower: Anyhow, what should we do? I cannot fly.

Lobelia: Not a problem.

With a snap of his finger, Lobelia somehow lands in mid-air.

Tower: I'm still falling...

Lobelia: Just come back to the card. C'mon.

Tower: Right, how could I forget.

The Tower disappears into the card in Lobelia's hand.

Tower: How does that work? How are you able to walk on thin air?

Lobelia: Remember what I said about the carnage chord? I follow the score in a similar fashion and pick up what sounds I can...

Lobelia: Oopsie. Unstable footing this way. Let's see... Oh, that way's a no-go too.

Lobelia: I'd better avoid using this outside of emergencies. Though being unable to hear the associated destructive tune will be a shame.

Tower: Never mind. I shouldn't have asked.

Vyrn: Huh? Wait a sec, isn't that Conchy over there?

Lyria: Ah! Thank goodness... He's alive.

Lyria: Um, is he walking in the sky?

Lobelia: Perfect timing. Salut, (Captain)!

Lobelia casually steps onto the Grandcypher's deck and waves hello.

Vyrn: Wow... Anything goes with ya, huh...

Lobelia: Just ask my partner. I'm a bona fide genius.

Lyria: You mean The Tower? So it's also...

Tower: Yes, I am in fine shape. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say I've been reactivated as a new individual.

Vyrn: Whooaa! The card just talked!

Lyria: Th-that voice... Is that you, Tower?

Tower: Yes. It is a pleasure to meet Lobelia's comrades.

Lyria: N-nice to meet you... Ehehe, it's nice to be able to communicate.

Vyrn: You walk in the sky, come back to life, and The Tower chats with us... What's goin' on here?

Lobelia: You wouldn't believe what we went through. It started with...

Lobelia: Wait, do I have to explain this?

Tower: Worry not, Lobelia. You can leave the summary to me.

Lobelia: Merci! Love you, partner.

Paying little heed to Lobelia's quip, The Tower describes the events that had transpired within the sphere.

Lyria: That couldn't have been easy...

Vyrn: After a talk with (Captain), and given all the other stuff you've survived, I was sure you had to be alive.

Vyrn: But to know you died a buttload and somehow came back in one piece... I'm startin' to wonder if you can even die for real...

Lobelia: Gwahahaha! What a cruel way of phrasing it! Are The Tower and I the only ones happy about this reunion?

Lobelia: Tell me you're happy to see me, (Captain). So happy, in fact, that you're just dying to hug me.

Snickering with both arms outstretched, Lobelia is surprised to have the captain reciprocate the hug.

Lobelia: Oh... (Captain)?

I'll kill you myself if you die again.
I haven't forgiven you yet.

Choose: I'll kill you myself if you die again.

Lobelia: Oui, I'll keep that in mind. Sorry again, (Captain).

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: I haven't forgiven you yet.

Lobelia: And I've yet to repay my debt to you guys. Hope we can keep our thing going for a long time to come.

Continue 1

Lobelia tries to stroke the captain's head, who responds with a greatly tightened grip.

Lobelia: Um, (Captain)? My ribs are starting to play a funky tune.

Tower: I guess that's one way to communicate.

Tower: But I suggest you leave it at that. We have something more pressing than hugs to attend to.

Vyrn: Yeah... We've still got The World to take care of. No way can we just leave him be.

Lobelia: Yes, I'm not done destroying him. He pulled off a lucky escape earlier.

Tower: Shall we raze the sphere in advance?

Lobelia: As much as I like that idea, I prefer an option that's filled with the sound of happiness.

Tower: A direct confrontation it is, then. Flattening him in his own territory will be a delight.

Lobelia: Aah... Hehe... I can't wait to hear what kind of sound he makes.

Tower: How sweet the sound of crushing your parent must be. I cannot wait.

Lobelia: You'd better believe it! It's time you showed him your brand of filial piety!

Vyrn: Hey, (Captain)? I wasn't sure if I should mention this, but... You sure them comin' back to life is a good thing?

Vyrn: The Tower can talk now, and... I think its murderous vibes went up a few notches.

Lyria: Ahaha... It should be okay as long as we watch them...

With an understanding nod, (Captain) resolves to keep a closer eye on the two.

After getting in one more tight squeeze on Lobelia, (Captain) makes for the sphere.

Answer Me, Partner: Scene 4

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.

Lobelia: This doesn't feel too different from the time my brain was being rummaged through... or the time my stomach was melted.

Vyrn: Urk... I think I'm feelin' sick... No thanks to your analogies, Conchy...

Lyria: Lobelia, will you be okay?

Lobelia: Oui. This is nothing new for me. In fact, I might be better off than the rest of you. The Tower absorbing some of The World's power might also have something to do with that.

Lyria: Huh? There's something different about you, Lobelia. Your clothes too...

Lobelia: Classy, don't you think? I love the resemblance to The Tower.

Lobelia: It says the outfit takes on the shape of my heart.

Lobelia: I'm not sure how it works, but simply wearing this fills me with a certain rapture.

Lobelia: Considering that I reverted back to my original clothes when ejected into the skies earlier, I'm guessing the effect lasts only within this realm.

Vyrn: The World's power, huh... You sure you're okay? Not feelin' lightheaded or anything?

Lobelia: Hah... Like I said, this is nothing new for me. I'm feeling great.

Lobelia: Even if I weren't feeling right, all the sounds of happiness that have ever passed through my ears would more than make up for it.

Lobelia: So worry no more and trust me to finish this job. The Tower and I are going to make sure The World feels the hurt.

Lobelia: But enough talk. The sound of happiness awaits.

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.

Lobelia: Interpret the situation however you wish. All I know is The Tower and I are here to finish collecting the sounds of happiness.

Lobelia: World... It is high time for your destruction to fill me with bliss.

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.

Back to top

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 this 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.

Lobelia: That's an interesting way of putting it. I suppose that's your idea of happiness.

Inchoate World: Happiness, you say? I suppose overcoming my trials to bring my dream to fruition would be the ultimate form of happiness for me, indeed.

Lobelia: Go for it then. No one has the right to stop you from pursuing your desires.

Lobelia: Not I, not The Tower. Not even (Captain).

Lobelia: You have the right to a happy life.

Inchoate World: Do not preach to a god, fool. I am the one who decides whether you get to live or die.

Inchoate World: But just as you are my trial to overcome, you also have the right to pursue your own happiness. And that...

Lobelia: Can't be stopped by anyone either. Mm-hm, you can't stop what we're about to do to you.

Lobelia: Hehehe... Don't break too fast, all right? The Tower and I would prefer to savor this.

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. However, Lobelia and The Tower remain unsatisfied with the amount of destruction wrought thus far and continue seeking the sound of happiness. Lobelia, along with the crew, will have to be careful in guiding The Tower to happiness.

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!

Lobelia: I unleashed a carnage chord that reached all the way to your core. Show's over, World.

Lobelia: It's my turn play you a requiem.

Tower: May your grand burial become the sound of rapture.

Lobelia and The Tower wreck the Inchoate World's body in a single blow.

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.

Lobelia: Mng... I must've lost consciousness.

Vyrn: What happened to us? The Inchoate World's...

Now that the white light has subsided, the crew find themselves collapsed on the Grandcypher's deck.

The ominous sphere is no longer in sight, replaced by pristine blue skies stretching in every direction.

Lyria: I don't sense the Inchoate World anymore. And with the sphere gone, I guess it's all over?

Tower: I, too, no longer feel my connection to The World.

Tower: We must have succeeded in his destruction...

Lobelia: Heh! No doubt about it. I've recorded the sound onto a conque. He is finished.

Lobelia: Care to have a listen? It's a rather lovely sound.

Vyrn: Nah... We're kinda bushed, so we'll take a pass on that...

Lobelia: What a shame. How about you, Tower?

Tower: ...

Lobelia: Is that a no?

Tower: I remain unsatisfied.

Lyria: Huh?

Tower: What of you, Lobelia?

Lobelia: I quite liked it.

Lobelia: Though I must say it was a surprise.

Lobelia: Who knew that this self-proclaimed god of the new world would play such a banal tune.

Tower: As I thought...

Lobelia: This is far from blissful. I have plenty of similar sounds in my collection already.

Tower: I, as well... It was destroying you that made me the most happy, Lobelia.

Tower: ...

Lobelia: I see.

Vyrn: Everything all right?

Lobelia: I think I get the reason for my new appearance now.

Vyrn: Yeah, seems like you kept the look even though the inchoate guy and his giant floating ball went poof, Conchy.

Tower: Battling The World has allowed Lobelia to fully absorb his new power.

Tower: In other words, Lobelia has made it his own. Thus he will continue to remain in this form.

Lobelia: Just so you know...

Lobelia: I'll be using this power to guide you, Tower.

Tower: Hm?

Lobelia: You're practically a lost child right now in your pursuit of the happy sound.

Lobelia: Wouldn't be right if we didn't show you the proper way to go about it. Right, (Captain)?

Guess I'm part of this now...

Choose: Guess I'm part of this now...

Lobelia: Chin up.

The grinning Lobelia whispers into the captain's ears.

Lobelia: The Tower can be a bigger pain than I ever was if it goes astray.

Lobelia: It's new to having a consciousness, so it's like a newborn child in a way—one capable of destroying the skies.

Lobelia: What would happen if it throws a fit? We want to make sure it doesn't take things too far.

Lobelia brings up a good point about The Tower being a great threat to the entire Sky Realm if left unchecked.

After all, The Tower is just as much a genius as Lobelia is.

Lobelia: You're watching me anyway. Might as well keep an eye on The Tower too while you're at it, (Captain).

Not like I have a choice...

Choose: Not like I have a choice...

Lobelia: Aw, don't let it get you down. I'll let you in on the sound from one of my special conques later as an apology.

Don't make me smack you.

Choose: Don't make me smack you.

Lobelia: What a shame. That's unfortunate...

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!

While grinning away at the crew waving their hands, Lobelia quietly lets out a sigh.

Lobelia: Tower.

Tower: Yeah?

Lobelia: Just wanted to say you're my best bud. Love having someone around who enjoys wrecking stuff as much I do.

Tower: Right.

Lobelia: The satisfaction might not come immediately, but you'll get there eventually.

Lobelia: I guarantee you that.

Tower: I look forward to it.

Having gained a sense of self, the walking fortress has yet to understand the sound of happiness that will truly satisfy it.

However, it finds some measure of solace in its genius partner's words.

The Tower feels certain that following in Lobelia's footsteps will lead him to fulfillment one day.

Back to top

Unencumbered Duo

Using the power of simulation taken from the Inchoate World, Lobelia and The Tower enjoy razing whole countries and islands. Back in reality, when the primal tries to slam down on (Captain) with its fist, Lobelia stops it in place and promises to talk things out with The Tower.

A few days have passed since the Inchoate World's defeat.

Lobelia: ...

Man: Hm? Who's that?

Woman: A representative of a church, maybe?

Lobelia: Salut! What a wonderful country this is! I see prosperity and happiness everywhere I look! How fortunate I am to have come for a visit!

Man: Sure... Thanks, pal. We're a peaceful country that hasn't known war or poverty for a really long time now.

Lobelia: Hehe. I can hear a subtle yet lively and refined harmonie from you.

Lobelia: Divertissements fill the air! The abundant opulence makes it impossible for misfortune to take root!

Woman: Ahaha... If you're interested in the arts, I'd like to take you to someplace special that the country's renowned for—

Lobelia: You mean the art gallery? I've already toured the place, and I must say it is simply divine. The collection of gems there is a sight to behold.

Lobelia: Here, listen to this.

Lobelia: Registre.

Man: Huh? That sound... Is it coming from the seashell?

Woman: I've heard that jingle before in the gallery... How does this work?

Lobelia: Yes, even the environmental noise is lovely. The shuffling of gallerygoers couldn't be more elegant.

Lobelia: Each item on display is a pièce de résistance... The artists responsible must have bet their lives creating them. To think that sound could emanate from even objects...

Lobelia: Aaahh... It invites such volupté! Ooh... Yeeesss...

Man: Um... You okay, buddy?

Lobelia: I cannot contain myself... Aaahh... Haha...

Multiple conches appear in Lobelia's surroundings as he covers his face and trembles in exaltation.

They fall to the ground in rapid succession. Immediately thereafter...

Scream: Aaiiieee!

Woman: Eep! What was that sound just now?

Scream: Stop! Stop it, pl—

Man: What in the skies just happened!

Lobelia: Très bien! My body, my heart, my very soul trembles with excitement!

Feeling exhilarated by the ensuing rhapsody, he turns to the man and woman and snaps his finger.

Woman: Ah... Huh?

The bodies of the two begin to bubble, as if being cooked in a hot pot.

Man: Cough... Ngh...

Boiling blood and melted organs pour out of their orifices. What were once people soon become nothing more than messy puddles on the ground.

Lobelia: This is happiness!

Lobelia: What a country! What wonderful citizens! What beauty!

Lobelia: Très bien!

Lobelia lightly claps his hands, his face colored in ecstasy.

The Evoker's victims die in a gruesome manner one after another, matching the timing of his claps.

Some instantaneously explode, some have their viscera clawed every which way, and some have their limbs torn off as if drawn and quartered.

Lobelia: May your euphoric melodies ring for eternity. I'll make sure none of it goes to waste in my conques.

Lobelia's surroundings are now littered with conches all over.

Tower: A most riveting concert it was.

The Tower is suddenly standing beside The Evoker.

Tower: The sight of those in bliss turned into inanimate remains in a flash is pure beauty.

Tower: Mind if I have a go at it?

Lobelia: Make it good.

As The Tower clenches his fists, those who'd lost their lives are instantly brought back.

Man: Urk! Wha? I... I'm alive! But how...

Woman: I can't believe it... What happened just now?

Tower: Grant us happiness.

The Tower raises his clenched fists.

A flash of lightning is followed by the rumbling of thunder. In the blink of an eye, everything around the two turns to ash.

Lobelia: ...!

Lobelia: Braaavoo! Bravo! Très bien!

Lobelia: What a blissful sound that was! You may have pulled off a better performance than I!

Tower: But that is the extent of what I can do. Your destruction is far closer to happiness than mine.

Lobelia: It's enough! More than enough!

Lobelia: Je t'aime, Tower... I couldn't have asked for a better partner.

Lobelia: It's just a shame that I forgot to bring along some vin mousseux.

Tower: That sparkly beverage? Indeed, the way it bubbles does remind me of the sound of happiness.

Tower: How nice it would be to have a glass. Perhaps we can have a feast on the next island. Though I can't actually ingest anything.

Lobelia: I'll eat enough for both of us. I may not look it, but I've got a big appetite.

Tower: Yes, I'm aware.

With The Tower freed of its role and Lobelia having gained new power, the pair embark on a destructive rampage.

No longer having a need to conceal their malice and ambitions, the two have gone from island to island destroying everything in their path, this particular round of carnage being their tenth.

Despite the thousands of lives they've taken, they talk like two little children just passing the time.

Lyria's Voice: ...lia!

Lobelia: Hm?

Lyria's Voice: Lobelia!

A voice too gentle for their world startles them.

Their world seems to unravel, and the pair now find themselves in a vast flower garden.

Gently tapping the spaced-out Lobelia on the shoulder, the captain lets out a sigh.

What were you up to?

Choose: What were you up to?

Lobelia: (Captain)... Haha. Sorry, I got so caught up in my chat with The Tower.

Vyrn: Sure had us surprised when you guys practically froze in place.

Lobelia: Oh, is that what it looked like?

Lyria: You mean... that's not what happened?

Lobelia: Ah, let's not worry about it. Yep, no need to worry about it.

Lyria: Okay, then...

Lobelia: (Tower... Looks like it's best we avoid using that simulation power from The World too much.)

Tower: (They grow suspicious, do they? I was getting tired of razing the imaginary anyhow.)

The two communicate without words via the Arcarum card.

Lyria: Anyway, it must be nice, Lobelia!

Lobelia: Huh? What do you mean?

Lyria: Being able to talk to The Tower!

Lyria: Haha, you two look so happy chatting away among yourselves all the time.

Tower: Happy, eh?

Lyria: Mm-hm!

Vyrn: From what I can pick up of their convos though, the stuff they talk about couldn't be further from "happy"...

Lyria: To each their own... Ahaha...

Tower: Happy...

Lobelia: Gwahahaha! I certainly do find myself filled with exuberance when conversing with my partner.

Lobelia: Though I must warn you, (Captain). Your expressions of love are lacking.

Lobelia: If you're going to poke me at all, pick a spot that makes a more harmonious sound.

Like here?

Choose: Like here?

(Captain), remaining expressionless, proceeds to pinch Lobelia in the cheeks.

Lobelia: Urk... Hey, that's not bad... You've expanded your repertoire, have you?

Lobelia: Oof, you put some power into that... Surely you're not jealous of how I talk to The Tower all the time?

Lobelia: Oh, yes! That shook my liver good!

Lobelia: Ack, oof! What a wonderful sensation that was! If only I had recorded it!

Vyrn: Yep. That's our Lobelia, all right...

Tower: ...

...?

Choose: ...?

The air suddenly grows tense without warning.

Before (Captain) can sense the murderous intent, The Tower's fist comes crashing down on the captain.

Lyria: Eep!

Fortunately, Lobelia's magic leaves The Tower's fist suspended in mid-air.

Lobelia: Was that meant to be a joke? I'm not laughing.

Tower: ...

Vyrn: Er... What just happened right now?

Lobelia: Sorry. The Tower and I need some private time.

With a snap of Lobelia's finger, he and his primal partner disappear into the wind.

Vyrn: They're gone... What the heck was that about?

Unencumbered Duo: Scene 2

Having come to the floating remnants of an island they previously wrecked beyond recognition, The Tower and Lobelia sit down for a tete-a-tete.

Lobelia: Since you can talk now, maybe you explain yourself, Tower.

Lobelia: Why are you so impatient?

Tower: What need is there to wait?

Lobelia: ...

Tower: I seek to destroy you.

Tower: But that is the endgame. Before that, I wish to destroy the world alongside you.

Tower: Just like we did that spherical world, destroying the Sky Realm won't take long with your help!

Lobelia: You are correct. There is nothing we cannot destroy.

Tower: Yet you will not walk down that path with me. Transient worlds are the most you're willing to obliterate.

Lobelia: Are you dissatisfied?

Tower: Unsatisfied, more like.

Lobelia: Hm...

Tower: You have a debt to pay back to (Captain), which explains your reluctance to engage in unnecessary destruction.

Tower: I see that the captain has grown quite endearing to you...

Lobelia: Heh, it's not easy being a popular man. I didn't expect you to be the jealous type too.

Tower: To be frank, yes. I will not deny the fact.

Tower: Tell me something. I understand your love for the captain, but you also possess a great urge to destroy (Captain).

Tower: Why not act on that urge? Surely with our newfound powers, we would be the victors this time if a battle ensued.

Tower: Were you to fall, I would still be able to grant you supreme bliss.

Lobelia: Spoken like a newborn babe, my friend.

Tower: Look who's talking. Are you not the one who believed in Santa well past your childhood?

Tower: Tell me in earnest. Depending on your answer...

Lobelia: (Hm... This is more serious than I thought.)

Lobelia: (With its newly formed consciousness, it really is like a child. Haha, as charming as that might make The Tower seem...)

Lobelia: (It will surely go after (Captain) if it is displeased with my answer...)

Lobelia: (No, it'll be worse. The Tower will be as I was before meeting the captain.)

Lobelia: You've put me on the spot. It's not so easy to explain.

Tower: I only expect a reasonable explanation. After all, you were the one who wished to talk things through.

Lobelia: Oui... For starters...

Give up.
Talk about the future.

Choose: Give up.

Lobelia: Impossible! Why don't I destroy (Captain)? As if I could explain that in words!

Tower: Hm?

Lobelia: I do plan on making my intentions clear to you. It's just there's a faster way to go about it.

Lobelia: Registre image!

Those who once walked the Sky Realm manifest before them.

Tower: You're using my power, I see. Rather impressive to bring up a simulation in reality.

Lobelia: Remember this guy?

Tower: Yes... He was a spirited warrior. The hero of a border island.

Tower: The sound of every muscle in his body rupturing was most magnificent. His death throes left a lasting impression.

Lobelia: How about this girl?

Tower: Ah, the princess of a small nation. She possessed strong resolve despite her youth.

Tower: It was beautiful how she refused to scream even as her body was being squished under the weight of the collapsing castle.

Lobelia: My thoughts exactly. So you remember it all.

With a satisfied grin, Lobelia snaps a finger.

The once-people brought forth by Lobelia simultaneously burst open, then proceed to fade away.

Lobelia: Simulations can be helpful for reflecting on past events.

Tower: That was quite enjoyable.

Lobelia: Sure... But you feel something else too, don't you?

Tower: Yes. It grows tiresome.

Lobelia: Ever wondered why?

Tower: They are too easy to destroy.

Lobelia: Precisely. We've reached a point where we can no longer find solace in toying with easy prey.

Tower: The moment of reprieve gained from such a hollow simulation is far from satisfactory.

Tower: The same principle may apply to reality as well. Perhaps the happiness you and I seek no longer exists in the skies.

You just might be right.
Are you forgetting someone?

Choose: Are you forgetting someone?

Tower: (Captain), you mean?

Lobelia: Yes, (Captain)'s like me in a lot of ways...

Lobelia: Stopping at nothing in the pursuit of happiness, for the sake of friends as well.

Lobelia: The captain's willingness to destroy all obstacles to happiness is, in a word, pulchritudinous.

Lobelia: Were we to go on a rampage, (Captain) would just the same stop at nothing to halt our advance or even destroy us.

Tower: Wait, I'm confused. What are you trying to say?

Lobelia: You know, I'm just as lost as you are.

Tower: What?

Lobelia: There's only one thing to do.

Tower: Huh?

The Tower's right arm is sent hurling away.

Lobelia: Let's fight, partner.

Tower: Hahah!

The Tower trembles with joy, slamming down on Lobelia with an unavoidable blow.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: You just might be right.

Tower: I see...

Tower: Our simulations are based on the havoc we've wrought thus far.

Tower: They portray in excruciating detail the acts we've committed. Yet I barely feel anything. Perhaps because...

Lobelia: The sound of happiness isn't there.

Tower: How empty.

Lobelia: All the more reason to continue seeking it, wherever it might exist.

Lobelia: Truth be told, I did find some new measure of bliss from your simulation.

Tower: No, that's your imagination talking. You were simply collecting similar sounds.

Lobelia: Way to put a damper on things.

Tower: I grow weary.

As The Tower's voice fades, it returns to the card.

Lobelia: Tower... This discussion's not over yet. I haven't even brought up (Captain)...

Tower: ...

Lobelia: Tower?

The Tower no longer responds.

Lobelia: Sigh... I must've said the wrong thing.

Lobelia: It's not easy convincing a newborn child...

The Evoker realizes that it is too late for regret and wallows in despair.

Believing that the happiness they sought no longer exists in this world...

The Tower has destroyed its own consciousness.

It never speaks again.

The sound of happiness will never ring again.

Fin

Withdrawing from quest.

Reconsider your decision and seek out another future.

Go to "Continue 2"

Choose: Talk about the future.

Lobelia: Let's talk about what happens going forward.

Tower: Go on.

Lobelia: Chances are I'm going to continue pursuing the sound of happiness right alongside you.

Lobelia: I promise you boundless destruction in order to satiate our voracious appetites.

Tower: Destruction... in more than a transient world?

Lobelia: ...
That'd be nice too.

Tower: Enough of your blatant lies. Do not coddle me.

Lobelia: You can tell?

Tower: I have no doubt that you would prioritize your debt to (Captain) over me.

Lobelia: Hm, I wonder about that. But you might just be right.

Lobelia: Except...

Tower: I've heard enough.

Lobelia: Tower.

Tower: I'll never find the satisfaction I seek, will I.

Tower: Ah... Happiness is ever so distant.

The Tower slowly, but firmly, raises its fist.

Lobelia: Wait.

Tower: My will never mattered.

Tower: I detest you, Lobelia.

Heaving a sigh of resignation, The Tower calls down a flash of doom.

Lightning bolts pierce the skies, quickly multiplying and obliterating everything in their path.

They seek to rob Lobelia of the happy sounds he has yet to collect.

Lobelia: Tower... Stop this. Think it over.

Tower: The Tower you know is no more. The only one who can stop me... is you, Lobelia.

Lobelia: Tower...

An unprecedented cascade of cataclysmic lightning floods the sky.

Every life caught in the wake of the purge meets a swift demise; it stops for nothing.

However, the destruction remains incomplete. A certain genius has given his life to end the calamity.

The few who survived the incident will never know what became of the genius and fortress that were involved.

The sound of happiness will never ring again.

Fin

Withdrawing from quest.

Reconsider your decision and seek out another future.

Continue 2

Continue 1

Unencumbered Duo: Scene 3

Lobelia and The Tower take delight in a bonanza of mutual destruction. After a lengthy discussion, The Tower realizes that in order to achieve true happiness, it must kill Lobelia, who in turn must destroy (Captain) after the captain has accomplished all there is to do.

Tower: Hahahahah! What a lovely sound... You are my key to happiness after all!

Lobelia: Heh-ahahaha! Likewise, it is a pleasure to take such delight in your sound, Tower!

The Tower is smashed into bits and pieces, while Lobelia is reduced to a hunk of flesh.

They resurrect themselves and continue in this sadomasochistic display, the unlikely combination of rapture and pain filling them with untold delight.

Vyrn: Whoa! Is that a thunderstorm on the horizon?

(Captain) and company are struck by a shock wave as they continue to wait for Lobelia and The Tower.

Lyria: It's coming from that way... I can't see anything though.

Must be Lobelia and The Tower.

Choose: Must be Lobelia and The Tower.

Vyrn: Yeah? What the heck could they be doin' over there?

Lyria: Let's go find them!

Tower: I'm done.

The scene of carnage that was poised to last for eternity ends on short notice.

Lobelia: What's wrong, partner?

Tower: This, too... feels just as hollow.

Lobelia: So you noticed, eh?

Tower: This is no different from simulation. When everything can be destroyed and resurrected at will, the end result is the same no matter how you go about it.

Tower: I prefer to feel the destruction. That sensation is everything.

Lobelia: Go for it then. You've crushed me who-knows-how-many-times by now.

Tower: Well...

Lobelia: Why resurrect me? Leave me as an unsightly puddle of goo permanently.

Lobelia: You have a will of your own and can speak now. Tell me what you're thinking.

Tower: How underhanded. You used force to explain your case, yet you would have me use words to explain myself?

Lobelia: Everyone's got their strengths and weaknesses.

Tower: Heh...

Tower: One thing's for certain: fighting you has made me realize that this feeling is an antinomy.

Tower: As much as I'd enjoy permanently ending you, doing so would put an end to everything. That would be too great of a shame.

Lobelia: I feel the same, Tower. I'd very much like to smash you, but I'd also rather not.

Lobelia: Or should I say... If I pulverized you now, the sound of happiness...

Tower: Would be distant. You'd feel nothing.

Tower: To destroy you now, the Walking Calamity Lobelia that I loved, would be most meaningless to me.

Lobelia: So you'd rather go after (Captain), who holds onto my reins?

Tower: That would be equally fruitless. You would destroy me in return in a mad fit of anger.

Tower: A path none the happier.

Lobelia: Yep. Wouldn't work out for either of us.

Lobelia: (Captain) is to me as I am to you. Another antinomy.

Lobelia: Expunging the captain would be more difficult than wiping out the entire skies.

Lobelia: Even if we managed to pull it off, it would be a hollow victory as we are now.

Tower: No different from the destruction we can experience through simulations or our battle earlier.

Lobelia: Oui, it's a shame.

Tower: Are we at an impasse then? Is happiness not in the cards for us?

Lobelia: Heh-ahaha! Aw, don't make such a sad face. You're like the pouting little sibling I never had.

Tower: Do not mock me...

Lobelia: Forgive me, Frère.

An impish grin on his face, Lobelia whips out a whole cake and a fork.

Tower: What are you planning now?

Lobelia: Ah, a nice whole cake for myself. I've always loved the chocolate plaque they put on these things since I was a kid.

Lobelia: Give me a moment to dig in. Nom... Nom...

Tower: ...?

Despite struggling to get it all down, Lobelia continues eating, desecrating the cake with his fork as he does.

Lobelia: I feel a bit of heartburn setting in. An entire cake is a lot...

Lobelia: But that's precisely what makes the chocolate plaque—which I'm saving for last—so delectably wonderful.

Tower: Get to the point. What are you doing?

Lobelia: Patience, Tower. I did mention in the beginning...

Tower: Hm?

Lobelia: You have to bide your time.

Lobelia: Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Steady, steady, steady, steady, steady—

Twisting his face in glorious rapture, Lobelia crushes the chocolate plaque into pieces.

Lobelia: At the very end, you finally let loose.

Lobelia: Unleash your pent-up frustration—every last drop of it! Make all that stress work in your favor! Let the intoxicating bliss fill your body!

Lobelia: Just like this chocolate here! Ah, how sweet it must be. Just like the smile on your face when you get to this moment.

Lobelia: Now this is definitely something worth waiting for.

Tower: Your argument collapses on itself. What awaits after this is still emptiness.

Lobelia: What seems alike may be quite different in nature, Tower.

Lobelia: Take a second to consider the sheer joy that will fill your entire being when you've destroyed me right after I've expunged a (Captain) who's accomplished everything there is to accomplish.

Lobelia: An indescribable bliss waits at the end of the tunnel.

Tower: So you propose to savor the process and dream big, I see...

Lobelia: Doesn't hurt to wait. What do you say?

Lobelia: You get to destroy me the moment I enter rapture from listening to (Captain)'s sound of happiness.

Tower: It's a non-argument after all. You've explained nothing.

Lobelia: But surely my emotions got through to you.

Tower: Yes... I am loath to admit that you've convinced me to enjoy things as they are now. Good things come to those who wait.

Lobelia: Heh, glad to hear it. Let's take things in stride until the curtain closes.

Tower: Agreed...

Vyrn: Look, Conchy and The Tower are here after all.

Lyria: You were right, (Captain)...

Vyrn: Whoa, why are you guys in tatters!

Lyria: Did something happen?

Lobelia: We helped ourselves to a little party.

Lyria: A party?

Lobelia: Right, partner?

Tower: Yes, we may have gone a bit overboard in our celebration.

Vyrn: Yeah? Guess we were worried for nothin'...

Lobelia: Since you came all the way here, why not help yourself to some cake?

Lyria: Wow! That's a lot of cake!

Vyrn: What the... How are you hidin' so much cake under that mantle?

Tower: Don't bother asking. You won't get a serious answer.

Lobelia: Come now, Tower! I can give a straight answer when I need to. I just wanted to end the party on a high note.

Lobelia: Happy birthday, Tower.

(Captain) does not know the meaning behind those words.

Nor does the captain dig deeper. Because although The Tower's expression remains unchanging, any hint of hostility from it is all but gone.

Satisfied with the conclusion that this cake seems to hold great significance for the two, (Captain) and company indulge themselves.

Back to top

Side-scrolling Quotes

JapaneseThis is an official transcription.	EnglishThis is an official translation.
(主人公)の幸せの音は一体どんな音なんだ？	What's the sound of your happiness, (Captain)?
巻き貝には、オレの宝物が詰まってるんだ	The conques hold my treasure.
キミには感謝しているよ、(主人公)	You have my thanks, (Captain).
貴重なものは、ひとつずつ丁寧に壊さないとね	If it's valuable, it must be destroyed with care.
破壊に理由なんて必要ないだろう？	Does one need a reason to destroy?
オレは幸せになりたいキミだってそうだろう？	I want to be happy. Don't you?
はぁ…骨の砕ける音は気持ちが落ち着くな	Sigh... The sound of bones being crushed is so relaxing.
ああっ…ヴォリュプテを誘う良い音だ…ふふ	Ah, that sound invites such volupté!
音を録るのは癖みたいなものでね	Recording sounds is a habit of mine.
くはっ…アハハハハッ！楽しいなぁ！	Heh... Ahahaha! This is so fun!

References

↑ Granblue Fantasy Official Blog Post, 「アーカルムの十賢者」紹介！
↑ Cygames, Inc. (2020). GRANBLUE FANTASY GRAPHIC ARCHIVE VI.

[1] Granblue Fantasy Official Blog Post, 「アーカルムの十賢者」紹介！

[2] Cygames, Inc. (2020). GRANBLUE FANTASY GRAPHIC ARCHIVE VI.

[1]

[2]

Lobelia/Lore

Contents

Official Profile

Background

Events

Trivia

Etymology

Special Cutscenes

Fate Episodes

Greatest Genius of a Magician

A Virtuoso's Motives

Glorious Calamity

Fateful Encounter

Natural Genius & Disaster

Un-Malicious Intentions

Un-Malicious Intentions: Scene 2

The Tower Reversed

Answer Me, Partner

Answer Me, Partner: Scene 2

Answer Me, Partner: Scene 3

Answer Me, Partner: Scene 4

Beyond the Trial

Beyond the Trial: Scene 2

Unencumbered Duo

Unencumbered Duo: Scene 2

Unencumbered Duo: Scene 3

Side-scrolling Quotes

References

Navigation menu

Lobelia/Lore

Official Profile

Background

Events

Trivia

Etymology

Special Cutscenes

Fate Episodes

Greatest Genius of a Magician

A Virtuoso's Motives

Glorious Calamity

Fateful Encounter

Natural Genius & Disaster

Un-Malicious Intentions

Un-Malicious Intentions: Scene 2

The Tower Reversed

Answer Me, Partner

Answer Me, Partner: Scene 2

Answer Me, Partner: Scene 3

Answer Me, Partner: Scene 4

Beyond the Trial

Beyond the Trial: Scene 2

Unencumbered Duo

Unencumbered Duo: Scene 2

Unencumbered Duo: Scene 3

Side-scrolling Quotes

References

Navigation menu

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