Precipian Entity
Lu Woh and Orologia call upon Olivia to reveal that they have taken in her fellow fallen angel and the primal beast of incubation, Berceau. Upon learning that their brethren were reduced to energy during Pandemonium's fall, she and Berceau agree to act as the key and lock to seal away the resulting "precipian entity."
Following the collapse of Pandemonium, a mysterious spire known as the Tower of Babyl appeared in its place.
(Captain) and the crew have docked at its base, intent on conducting a thorough search of the enormous structure.
As they set out to explore its interior, a lone figure flaps her wings, observing their progress from a position just out of sight.
Olivia: ...
The crew knows her as Olivia, the primal beast of dusk. In fact, she is one of the original primals—the first ever created.
Those who defied the Astrals and were sealed within Pandemonium are commonly referred to as fallen angels.
Olivia herself is one of these fallen angels who escaped to the Sky Realm in a temporary vessel, seeking to liberate her companions.
However...
Olivia: (It was on the orders of Beelzebub and Belial that I took on a temporary vessel and alighted upon the Sky Realm.)
Olivia: (I was told it was for the sake of saving my brethren who were trapped within Pandemonium...)
Olivia: (But those two had no intention of following through, and merely used the fallen angels such as myself to their advantage.)
Olivia: (And in the end, I was unable to find a way to save my brethren...)
Olivia: ...
Olivia: (This tower was undoubtedly formed in conjunction with the fall of Pandemonium.)
Olivia: (I had clung to the faint hope that my brethren were being held inside... but I cannot detect any sign of them.)
Olivia: They must have been caught up in its collapse... and doomed to their fate...
Olivia: Ngh...
Olivia: Had I acted with greater foresight, I could have very well succeeded in rescuing them!
Olivia: If only I...
Olivia: ...!
What's that?
As Olivia clenches her fists in frustration, a door suddenly appears before her.
Lu Woh: So you are the fallen angel of dusk.
Olivia: And you're... one of the Six Dragons?
Olivia: ...
Lu Woh: There is a matter we need to discuss. Come.
Olivia: I see no issue in speaking here.
Lu Woh: We have one of the companions you have been searching for in our custody. I presume you would like to meet her?
Olivia: Wha—
Lu Woh: If we were to encounter the singularity's crew during their search of the tower, it would only serve to complicate things. We wish to avoid such an occurrence.
Lu Woh: Now, pass through the door.
Olivia: ...
Very well.
Olivia: What is this place?
???: Olivia!
A small winged figure embraces Olivia the moment she steps out of the door.
Olivia: Berceau!
Berceau: Olivia! I'm so glad you're safe!
Olivia: And you as well...
Actually, you look somewhat pale. Are you feeling all right?
Berceau: For now, at least...
Lu Woh: But it is only a matter of time before she reaches her limit. We must take action before that happens.
Olivia: What do you mean? What has happened to Berceau? To my brethren?
Orologia: Whoa, whoa, whoa—hold it right there, Luo! That approach of yours is only making her more anxious!
Olivia: ...!
Who are you?
Orologia: Hello, and nice to meet you! I'm Orologia—a humble being on the level of the Six Dragons who controls causality!
Orologia: Just so you know, we haven't harmed the fallen angels in any way, shape, or form. So there's no need to fret about that!
Lu Woh: We have no intention of obscuring the facts of the situation. You would do well to remain calm and listen to what we have to say.
Berceau: I was saved by the Six Dragons and Orologia. So please—try to give them the benefit of the doubt for now, Olivia.
Olivia: I see... All right, Berceau. I shall take your word for it.
Orologia: Thanksies! Now then, hmm... Where's the least confusing place to start?
Berceau: You already know that we were held captive by Pandemonium, the primal beast of the cycle of rebirth—right, Olivia?
Olivia: Yes, that much I was aware of. Though I do not believe it ever directly employed such an ability.
Orologia: Meaning rather than the power of rebirth itself, it was using the power of captivity that comes as part of the package, yes?
Olivia: Correct. As a result, we fallen angels were prevented from escaping Pandemonium.
Berceau: Those of us who were inside at the time have no way of knowing what triggered it...
Berceau: But Pandemonium exercised its power of rebirth on us before it collapsed.
Olivia: Rebirth? Wait, but...
Lu Woh: It seems you have spotted the issue. Death does not exist for fallen angels, nor any primal beast for that matter. Therefore, neither does rebirth.
Orologia: Even so, Pandemonium's power has forced them to experience reincarnation, despite such a thing being impossible.
Orologia: It's a great paradox!
Olivia: A paradox...
Berceau: As a result, many of our brethren were returned to their core form and distorted, reducing them to bodies of energy.
Berceau: Though as my presence here suggests, some of us emerged unscathed and fled to the Sky Realm following Pandemonium's collapse.
Lu Woh: Those who succeeded were tremendously powerful. Or otherwise...
Orologia: They had an ability that allowed them to defend against the power of rebirth, like Berceau here.
Lu Woh: Whatever the case, only a select few were able to escape.
Olivia: And the rest were reduced to energy... Then, Berceau, does that mean the orb you're carrying is...
Berceau: Yes. It is the condensed energy of our former brethren.
Orologia: Berceau is using her power as the primal beast of incubation to hold them in place for the time being. But...
Lu Woh: You must know that this is merely a temporary solution. The amount of energy generated by so many fallen angels is enormous.
Olivia: Meaning it is far too great for a single angel to withstand alone.
Olivia: Berceau...
Berceau: I'm sorry. If only I had more power...
Olivia: You need not apologize. Had I exercised greater prudence, I could have prevented this from happening in the first place.
Orologia: We're trying to help her keep the energy sealed for the time being. But...
Lu Woh: Having undergone reincarnation—which is, by all accounts, inconceivable—it possesses a highly paradoxical quality.
Orologia: The energy that the fallen angels have been reduced to is no longer something of the stars or skies, but the precipice between.
Lu Woh: And the power of the paradox surrounding it is capable of slaying even god.
Orologia: Since it doesn't belong to any realm ruled by god, we've come to call it a "precipian entity."
Lu Woh: If this energy of the precipice were to be scattered, it is unclear exactly how the Sky Realm might be affected.
Orologia: It's certainly possible that nothing would happen. Reincarnation is a rule of nature in the skies, after all!
Lu Woh: But at the same time, it has the potential to corrupt the Sky Realm and cause significant damage.
Lu Woh: There is undoubtedly enough energy for such an outcome to be feasible.
Olivia: If you and the other Six Dragons could control this energy... Actually, no.
Olivia: As a precipian entity, I imagine it would be difficult for the pillars of the world to manage.
Lu Woh: Precisely. Our jurisdiction is limited to those things which belong to the Sky Realm.
Orologia: Since the energy does exist in this world, it's not completely out of our reach...
Orologia: But it'd be tough for us to keep it one-hundred percent under control.
Olivia: So for the time being, it would be best to keep the energy sealed rather than taking any careless risks.
Orologia: It seems you understand perfectly! Though it must be frustrating to see your fellow fallen angels sealed away again...
Olivia: ...
Olivia: But you mentioned there was a limit to how long Berceau could maintain the seal, yes?
Olivia: You must have summoned me here for a reason. If your goal was simply to conceal the energy, you should have disregarded me.
Orologia: I'm glad you're so quick to catch on!
Lu Woh: Let us proceed to the heart of the matter. We would like you to take on a new power and assume responsibility of sealing the energy away.
Orologia: Your original body was reduced by Pandemonium and now belongs to the precipice too.
Orologia: So you're the only one who can act as the key for another precipian entity.
Orologia: We promise to help you as much as we can! So... pretty please with sugar on top?
Olivia: As a precipian entity myself... I'll become the key to seal my former brethren...
Lu Woh: And conversely, we will have Berceau become the seal's lock.
Berceau: Please, Olivia... I think this is much preferable to allowing our brethren to simply scatter across the skies.
Berceau: I feel certain that someday there will be a chance for you to help this world in your position as a precipian entity.
Olivia: A chance to help the world...
Olivia: (Or alternatively, having transformed into precipian entities, we can finally become the blade pressed against the throat of god.)
Olivia: (If I am the key and Berceau is the lock, then surely we will be able to unleash the energy of the precipice when the time comes!)
Lu Woh: The amount of energy is so tremendous that not even we Six Dragons together could easily establish its direction.
Lu Woh: Simply releasing it with Berceau's assistance will not produce the result you desire.
Olivia: I know. I will refrain from any rash behavior.
Orologia: Then let's present Olivia and Berceau with their new powers!
Lu Woh: This is a blessing from pillars of the skies to beasts of the stars. I suggest you prepare yourselves for a certain amount of burden.
Olivia: Understood. It is nothing in comparison to the regrets of my brethren.
Orologia: Thanks, Olivia.
Orologia: Okay, Luo. Let's do this!
Lu Woh: Very well.
Lu Woh & Orologia: ...!
Olivia: Ngh!
Olivia: Aah!
Exhaling deeply, Olivia gazes at the brand-new blade that has appeared in her hands.
Olivia: Is this... the embodiment of my newfound ability—the power of the key?
Berceau: ...
Berceau: I sense Olivia's presence from within the precipian entity as well...
Lu Woh: Her reduced body must have begun to function as the key. Do you sense any improvement in your condition?
Berceau: Yes! I feel much better than when I was using my power of incubation alone.
Berceau tightly embraces the egg-shaped seal containing the precipian entity.
Berceau: Everyone...
Olivia: (My brethren... This time, I shall fulfill my role as a fallen angel of the Sky Realm.)
Olivia: (I will destroy those who seek to manipulate the fate of the skies for their own gain, and bring true freedom to us—to the world!)
Olivia: (To that end, I am willing to bide my time for as long as it takes—until the moment is right!)
Orologia: ...
Olivia: We may have accepted your assistance, but we have no intention of placing ourselves under your command.
Lu Woh: Yes, that comes as no surprise. In any event, it is impossible for us to fully seal the precipian entity using our power alone.
Orologia: As long as you're willing to see us as something akin to allies, then that's just fine and dandy!
Orologia: Looking forward to working with you, Olivia. And you too, Berceau!
Olivia: ...
Olivia shakes Orologia's outstretched hand and exchanges nods with Berceau.
Thus, the key and lock tasked with sealing away the precipian entity are born.
Keeping Secrets
Olivia introduces Berceau to the crew as an old friend and fellow primal beast, receiving permission to let her reside on the ship for the time being. Later, Olivia explains to Berceau that they should keep her identity as a fallen angel under wraps—a discussion that Lyria and Vyrn unintentionally overhear.
Deciding to take a brief respite from their search of the Tower of Babyl, (Captain) and the crew return to the Grandcypher.
They are greeted by Olivia, who is accompanied by an unfamiliar primal beast.
Olivia: I trust your search of the tower was fruitful, (Captain). It is a relief to see you safe and sound.
Lyria: We're glad to be back too, Olivia!
Vyrn: Hey, who's that gal with ya? Don't think we've ever met before.
Olivia: Yes, I invited her here while you all were at the tower. This is a longtime friend of mine—the primal beast Berceau.
Berceau: ...?
Lyria: So your name is Berceau! Mine's Lyria.
Berceau: My, what a courteous young lady you are. Yes—I am Berceau, the primal beast of incubation. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lyria.
Lyria: Nice to meet you too!
Lyria: Um... You look a little under the weather. Are you feeling okay?
Olivia: In fact, she is in somewhat poor health at present. I was concerned as well, so I decided to bring her here.
Olivia: I hate to be an imposition, but would it be possible for Berceau to stay here on the ship for the time being?
Vyrn: Sure, that's no sweat. Right, (Captain)?
- Can she room with you, Olivia?
Choose: Can she room with you, Olivia?Olivia: Yes, that will be perfectly fine. Thank you, (Captain).
Lyria: Are you sure just resting will be enough? Let us know if there's anything we can do to help.
Berceau: Thank you, Lyria. Don't worry—I am not so unwell that I need to remain in bed.
Berceau: So if there is anything I can do to assist you during my stay, please do not hesitate to ask.
Shaking hands with Berceau, (Captain) and company see her to Olivia's room before parting ways.
Berceau: My, what a lovely room! Is it really all right for me to intrude?
Olivia: Considering the size of the ship, this room may have originally been built as a guest cabin.
Berceau: It's a little strange to see skydwellers using airships since they were originally created as Astral technology...
Olivia: Oh? Yes, I suppose you have a point.
Berceau: Ah, speaking of strange... Why did you introduce me as a primal beast to (Captain) and the crew?
Berceau: It may have been easier for them to grasp my situation if they knew I was a fallen angel.
Olivia: If I had divulged that information to the crew, it would have sparked unnecessary suspicion.
Berceau: Are you sure? Considering the skydwellers also rebelled against the Astrals, doesn't that place us in the same position?
Olivia: But (Captain) and the crew were previously embroiled in a conflict concerning archangels and fallen angels.
Olivia: Frankly speaking, I would wager their impression of us is less than favorable. It would be wise to keep our identities under wraps.
Berceau: I see... Yes, it stands to reason that learning the truth would not make them all too happy.
Berceau: But that being said, hiding it feels a bit wrong...
Olivia: ...
Meanwhile, Lyria and Vyrn...
Lyria: Oh! Vyrn, about that shopping trip we were talking about...
Vyrn: Huh? What's up?
Lyria: Why don't we all go together to buy some things that Berceau might need?
Vyrn: Ooh, good idea! Betcha there's probably some stuff the shared amenities don't cover.
Lyria: Then let's stop by Olivia's room!
Heading to invite Olivia and Berceau on their errand, Lyria and Vyrn arrive to hear faint voices talking on the other side of the door.
Lyria: ...!
Did you hear that?
Vyrn: Sure did. Does that mean those two are...
Keeping Secrets: Scene 2
Lyria and Vyrn come to the mistaken conclusion that Olivia and Berceau are planning a surprise for (Captain), and thus they all decide to go shopping for presents together. Heading into town a few days later, Olivia and Lyria sneak off to select their gifts while Berceau and Vyrn keep the captain distracted.
Berceau: Come in!
Lyria: Hello again. U-um... Olivia, Berceau!
Olivia: Is something wrong, Lyria?
Lyria: Um... The truth is, Vyrn and I overheard you talking just now...
Olivia: ...!
Vyrn: You mentioned stuff like keepin' secrets and makin' somebody happy. In other words...
Lyria: You're planning a surprise, aren't you?
Berceau: What?
Vyrn: We were actually thinkin' about givin' (Captain) a surprise present ourselves to say thanks for everything.
Vyrn: So we thought maybe you two'd had the same idea...
Olivia: Ah, er, yes. I see... So you were preparing a surprise as well...
Olivia: We were hoping to, you know, show our gratitude to (Captain) for accepting Berceau so readily despite her unexpected arrival.
Gathering from Olivia's gaze that she wants her to play along, Berceau nods vigorously in agreement.
Berceau: But, well, we were at a loss as to what would be a suitable gift...
Vyrn: Yeah, that makes sense!
Vyrn: Truth is, we were thinkin' it might be good to go as a group to grab some stuff for Berceau when we went shoppin'.
Lyria: We were afraid (Captain) would figure out we were up to something if it was just the two of us.
Olivia: Ah, that is true...
Lyria: So if it's okay with you both... Why don't we all go together to get our presents in secret?
Berceau: Oh my! Are you sure?
Lyria: Of course! I'm in charge of the gift selection...
Vyrn: And my job is to distract (Captain) so Lyria can get her shoppin' done.
Olivia: I see...
Berceau: I'm rather inexperienced when it comes to shopping, so I think it would be best for me to assist Vyrn.
Vyrn: That so? Then could ya go pick out the presents with Lyria, Olivia?
Olivia: Er... I fear I may not be of much help in that role, but I'm more than willing to try...
Lyria: Great! Then let's work together to find the perfect presents, Olivia!
Thus, Olivia and Berceau agree to accompany Lyria and Vyrn on their shopping trip.
A few days later, an oblivious (Captain) accompanies Lyria, Vyrn, Olivia, and Berceau to the market.
Berceau: Oh my goodness! I've never seen so many skydwellers in one place before!
Vyrn: That right? Just take care not to get lost!
Berceau: Yes, I will.
Berceau: Oh! Those things being exchanged over there—are those rupies?
Vyrn: Yep! But why do ya care so much?
Berceau: Around the time I was created, a movement began to mass produce the rupie and make it the Sky Realm's official currency.
Berceau: I've been... asleep ever since, so this is my first experience seeing the rupie being used. Witnessing it firsthand is rather moving.
Lyria: The rupie was created a really long time ago, wasn't it?
Olivia: Berceau is one of the earliest of all primal beasts that were created.
Lyria: Wow, I had no idea!
Berceau: Oh! Is that what I think it is?
- Wait, don't wander off alone!
Choose: Wait, don't wander off alone!As Berceau's curiosity carries her off, (Captain) hurries after her through the market.
Vyrn: Thanks to Berceau, it looks like our plan to split up went off without a hitch!
Olivia: I have a feeling there wasn't any sort of planning involved... But either way, we will leave (Captain) and Berceau to you, Vyrn.
Vyrn: You betcha! Good luck findin' those presents!
Lyria: Come on, Olivia! We'd better get started on our present hunt!
Olivia: Hehe. Yes, I suppose so. Did you have anything particular in mind?
Lyria: Hmm... Maybe something intended for everyday use instead of just display?
Olivia: Everyday use... Hmm, perhaps a whetstone? Or actually, that might be a little too plain for a gift...
Lyria: Ooh, but I think something practical like that is going in the right direction.
Lyria: Then when it's been used up, we can give another present...
Olivia: I see... Yes, since this is a gift to express your continual thanks, I can understand the desire to put it into form each time.
Lyria: Exactly! It's not a onetime thing!
Olivia: In that case... Let's see...
Olivia: Oh?
As Olivia scans the area in thought, her eyes fall on a particular store.
Olivia: Lyria, there's a shop specializing in soap over there. Shall we take a look?
Lyria: Wow, soap! It looks like they have some really fancy ones too. Let's go!
Lyria: Hehe...
Olivia: You seem to be enjoying yourself.
Lyria: Ehehe... Present shopping is part of it, but it's also fun picturing (Captain)'s face when we give our gifts.
Lyria: Just imagining that moment is enough to put a smile on my face too.
Olivia: I see... Well, I have no doubt that (Captain) will be delighted.
Lyria: Since it's supposed to be a surprise and all, it'd be nice if there was a bit of shock in there too.
Olivia: Haha, indeed. I hope we can find a gift that will knocks the socks right off (Captain).
Lyria: Hehe, secret shopping trips are really exciting, don't you think?
Olivia: Secrets are exciting?
Lyria: Yeah! Even now, it's really thrilling wondering if (Captain) is going to see through us!
Smiling at Lyria's happy demeanor, Olivia sighs quietly to herself.
Olivia: (Thrilling and exciting? The secret I harbor is far from that...)
Lyria: Oh! Olivia, how about this one?
Olivia: Ah, here. Let me take a closer look.
Shortly afterward, Lyria and Olivia select their gifts and head off to join (Captain) and the others.
Keeping Secrets: Scene 3
Olivia and company successfully surprise (Captain) with their gifts, and upon seeing the smiling faces of the crew, Olivia wonders if the fallen angels should truly follow through with their goal of slaying god. Though unsure of what the future holds, she resolves to act on her own initiative this time around, with Berceau by her side.
Having finished their shopping, the two groups decide to meet up at a coffee shop.
Olivia: How was the market, Berceau?
Berceau: Absolutely magnificent! There were so many stores and mortals—it was clear just how sophisticated the distribution of goods has become!
Vyrn: She was hyped up like this the whole time! Glad she enjoyed it.
Olivia: Is that so? Thank you for going shopping with her, Vyrn, (Captain).
- We had fun too!
Choose: We had fun too!Lyria: ...
Noticing that Lyria is holding her menu upside down, (Captain) flips it over for her.
Lyria: Oh, whoops! Th-thanks, (Captain)!
Vyrn: You okay, Lyria?
Lyria: Y-yeah, I'm fine!
Vyrn: You sure don't seem like it...
Vyrn: Did you get the gifts?
Olivia: Yes, there were no issues on that front. However...
Olivia: Do you think perhaps the excitement is getting to her?
Puzzled by Lyria's fidgeting, the captain asks her if something is wrong.
Lyria: Um, well, you see...
Vyrn: Er, the thing is...
Olivia: Hehe... Hahaha!
Berceau: Oh, Olivia...
Olivia: F-forgive me... The way Lyria and Vyrn were acting was simply too adorable...
Lyria: Oogh...
Olivia: Lyria, Vyrn. Do you think we might as well do it now?
Vyrn: Guess you're right! Not sure we could've held out 'til we got back to the ship anyway...
The two pairs present their packages to a very bewildered (Captain).
Lyria: This is for you, (Captain)!
Vyrn: It's a little token to show how much we appreciate ya!
Lyria: Thank you for everything you do for us!
Vyrn: Let's stick together from here on out, buddy!
Olivia: The two of us also wanted to express our gratitude to you for welcoming Berceau with open arms.
Berceau: I hope to make myself useful to the crew in time, but until then... please accept this.
- Thanks!
Choose: Thanks!At their words, (Captain)'s wide-eyed expression shifts into a delighted smile.
Vyrn: Phew. I'm glad you're happy, (Captain)!
Lyria: Hehe. Were you surprised?
The captain gives a rather bashful nod and thanks them all once again.
After enjoying their time at the coffee shop, (Captain) and company return to the ship.
Olivia: What has you grinning like that, (Captain)? You seem rather pleased about something...
Olivia: It's because of the surprise presents? You really enjoyed them that much?
Olivia: Then all that fretting Lyria and I did together was fully worth it. Your being happy makes me happy as well.
(Captain) vows to return the favor to Lyria, Vyrn, Olivia, and Berceau at a later date.
Olivia: Oh? You're going to get our expectations up saying things like that.
Olivia: Hehe, I jest. Knowing you feel that way is enough in itself.
Olivia: ...
Olivia: Happiness is contagious. And secrets can be part of that...
- Sorry, what was that?
Choose: Sorry, what was that?Olivia: Oh, nothing. Now then, if you'll excuse us, Berceau and I should be getting back.
Bidding farewell to (Captain) and company, Olivia and Berceau return to their room.
Olivia: (Our desire is to defeat those who hold the fate of all beings in their hands and distort their way of life.)
Olivia: (And that means opposing our very creators—the Astrals—as well as the god of this world himself.)
Olivia: (Only by slaying god can all living things gain complete freedom.)
Olivia: (Or so we believed...)
Olivia: (But seeing the smiling faces of (Captain), Lyria, and Vyrn today taught me something.)
Olivia: (That even in this world as it is now, life in these skies can still enjoy happiness.)
Olivia: (Should we really carry out our slaying of god even at the risk of involving every living being in the Sky Realm?)
Berceau: Olivia...
Olivia: Hmm... Ah. Forgive me, Berceau. I was lost in thought there for a moment.
Berceau: I'm sorry for leaving you to endeavor so hard on your own here in the Sky Realm...
Olivia: There is no reason for you to apologize. I escaped Pandemonium of my own volition, for the sake of our brethren.
Olivia: I cannot say for sure if their goal in freeing me was fulfilled or if they expect my contribution in the future...
Olivia: But in any case, from now on I intend to act on my own initiative to carry out my ambitions.
Berceau: I—or rather, we—are here by your side as well. Take care not to forget that.
Berceau draws closer to Olivia and gestures to the energy cradled in her arms.
Olivia: Yes... That's right. This time, we do it together.
Olivia and Berceau lower their eyes, offering a silent prayer for their formless brethren.