Part 35: Dawn Arc - March

March


Dawn Arc Stage 5







So the early-on gimmick of this stage is that Li Shuwen is putting his Assassin skills to work and hiding his presence with Presence Concealment, the Assassin class skill. While he's invisible, you'll be unable to attack him, but the flip side is he can't attack any of your Sectors either. When he does begin an attack, Gilgamesh is gonna drill it into your forehead to go after him, because once he takes over a Sector, he'll power himself up and then turn invisible again. You have about enough time to conquer this particular Sector before Li reveals himself in the bottom right Sector of the bottom square of Sectors.

Meanwhile, Iskandar is rolling out his armies to help. He's currently engaged in the central Sector of the bottom left square, while Nameless is gonna bypass him and head for the top right Sector of the same square. The way I handled this is I conquered this Sector, then went on to fight Nameless and stop his conquest prematurely. There is an upside in this path,but on the flip side, there's basically no way you'll stop Li's first attack.



Nameless and Cu are old pals, of a sort. Basically, everywhere one has shown up, the other has as well. I'll go into it a bit later, but their personalities are basically polar opposites, and in this case, opposites do not attract. They play nice while they're both under the command of Nero, but they really do not care for each other.



I swear this Aggressor glitched out. I smashed him around a whole bunch, and he ended up flat on his face, with no health, and yet he wouldn't die. I had to wait until he somehow started pulling himself back up, or maybe I picked him up with the projectile attack, to finish him off. Weird.



One of Nameless' weaknesses is that his projectile attacks are pretty slow to come out. You're advised at this point, if you have an opening to like this, to rush in and land another combo on him. Unfortunately, this was somewhat of a difficulty in these circumstances, because of that hammer dude.





One should probably learn to keep their mouth shut about Altera's body in general, if they know what's good for them. Well, Li Shuwen is powered up after taking his first Sector, and I think he gets more dangerous the more Sectors he takes over. Luckily, he's only conquered 1 at this point, so the power up isn't too severe. A Moon Drive will quickly bring him down, but he'll be far from finished.



Intending to cut out the bullshit, Li will go right after Iskandar next. Iskandar's not gonna last through this fight, as you might expect, and he already lost some health from taking over that particular Sector. While it was wise to take out the Plant here, we're gonna need to hurry up to avoid a poor outcome.

After we've taken over this Sector, of course. Mustn't slack off.



Although Li hits harder (less so since we've activated our Defense Up Code Cast) after being powered up, he still has the same weaknesses that Li normally has (no projectile attacks, somewhat easy to predict movements), and, most importantly, we can still stagger him with triangle combos and moves. You don't really need any combo moves to deal effectively with him, since Altera's basic triangle combo hits several times and covers a wide area in front of her. You can keep him at bay pretty easily with this.



Now time to take over three Sectors, two of them trapped, with the Hound of Culann on our heels. Great.



One thing I discovered this stage is that if your basic square combo takes you off a ledge, as it did just prior to this screenshot, you'll actually keep your button combo. Like, I was trying to press triangle as I fell off the ledge so it would combo into Altera's ground slam attack, but it launched the green sphere of damage move instead. I don't plan on doing stuff like as a regular means of attack, but it's still pretty neat.



As I've said, Cu is *extremely* fast, and since has a spear, he has speed and range on most anyone in the game, at least when it comes to melee fighting. As you might expect, he does trade off in power, but he just attacks so blindingly fast, it'll quickly add up, especially on the harder difficulties.



Hate when I have to eat a trap, and I don't have a fully charged Moon Drive gauge charged up. It's always kind of a crapshoot how fast a trap will spring, but luckily I had more than enough to get the last bit, and do a bit more damage before the trap fired.



I was holding back, and look how much damage he was able to do. Utter sloppiness on my part.



All in all, pretty fun and hectic stage. Side missions were 3 / 4. Sorry Iskandar.


Encounter with the red Saber

...Just as I promised. I bought you some time, boss. *teleports out*

I lost him. ...Or could this be part of some strategy? I see. You've worn me down with your ploy, while you're ready to fight me in top condition.



My Lancer truly proved worthy of his glorious name, did he not, Vanguard of the Umbral Star? Know that your journey ends here! She who stands before you is the true King of the Moon Cell!



This could be dicey. Nero well and truly got the drop on us...but I'm pretty sure this isn't how this scene is supposed to go. See, I think Altera has a set position at the start of this cutscene, and Nero has a set point she spawns in, and in this particular location, those two areas just happened to overlap. Anyway, it's cute.

...My class is Saber! And my Praetor and I will defeat you!

In awe, I witness her raging golden flames. Her expression shows pure, unshakeable confidence. She knows, beyond all doubt, that she and her Master are invincible. The deep crimson and golden Heroic Spirit. And there's a ring shining on her finger. ...That confirms it. She's the third Regalia wielder.

...A bit late to ask, after that glorious entrance, but you are, in fact, my opponent, yes? You must be, to have faced the Son of Light himself and lived. Hm, you... Oh, my. You may not be on my level, but...you are indeed beautiful!

...?

...Well, she's definitely got that right. Her tanned skin, white hair, and veil all reflect her beauty. But...is this really the time to talk about that?

Of course it is. I think we've always got time for that.

When I heard you had struck down Caster, I envisioned you as a horrifying, cold-blooded demon...but true beauty comes from the inside. The hostile monster who would ravage my SE.RA.PH, the Moon Cell, and even my own Praetor...I cannot imagine such vileness coming from you. Do you not agree, Praetor? And, unforgivable as it may be to threaten my Praetor or my Empire...I have an idea. Instead of crossing swords, let us be civilized and speak.

...Then speak.

I understand why Altera's at a loss with words. Because I'm the same way. Because...I see how natural she and her Master are together. Saber and Hakunon. How many battles have they overcome together? What kind of bond have they built over all that time? However vain she might seem, her words and affections are genuine. In retrospect, Caster and the "Soul" of Hakunon were exactly the same way.

...Master and Servant, are you?

Those words leak from Altera's lips...Strange. Although I'm not sure if I have a physical form inside the ring. I feel a cold shiver run down my spine. Is she overwhelmed by the magnitude of their bond, like I am? No. Or maybe. I don't know, but...

I am...Destruction.





...!

Everything in the path of her sword ceased to exist. It's as if the space itself was torn away. Although it doesn't invoke its True Name, it's still an attack from the Noble Phantasm, Photon Ray. She wasn't attacking any one Wizard or Servant, but the world itself. This is Altera's...true power.

Such power in one swing, even without calling a True Name...! That was simply horrifying, stranger. Might I have your name?

... *raises sword*

A second attack!

"...This was not what we agreed to, Altera. Please curb your destructive impulses for just a bit."

Altera. Is that your name? That has quite the ring. I shall long remember it. ...But hold a moment. That voice just now...



Is that Praetor's Body...?!

...You. ...You. I did not give you permission to show yourself. How dare you defy me?

I remind her we made a promise. If the opponent wanted to talk, then she would answer in kind. I can't say why she's so angry, but now's the time to calm down.

...Have you not a single word for me, now that you see me again? Can you truly say you know me not? The two others remembered me, even when they could not remember themselves. But you say you have never seen me at all? Do you not recall fighting alongside me? Have you forgotten all I have done for you? Master?!

...Silence, woman! My Prisoner speaks to me alone.

We must sync, Praetor! Become one with me. Hurry!




Body Issues



...

...

...What? If you have something to say, then say it. I'm listening.

It looks like they used the Regalia to evade that second attack...She might be "listening" now, but it's clear Altera intended to kill them with that.

...Indeed.

Does she regret losing her temper? What should I say to her...? I try to think of something, but the words don't come to me. Maybe I'm just stunned. I've just witnessed how destructive - and possessive - she can be. It's hard to say anything after that.

I apologize for breaking our promise. I am sorry. But what you just saw... I...That was me. I am the embodiment of destruction. That power was not of my own making, not as a mock Heroic Spirit. It came from no less than the titan. ...Who is also, of course, me. Regardless, consider this a fresh start. And now we have the upper hand. Saber most likely retreated from the base. We'll be the ones to attack next. Now rest. ...This battle is over.







...The King of Heroes. It was a surprise to see him here the first time, but this time I'm more used to it. I still don't think he should be squatting on someone else's throne, but I'm not going to be the one to tell him that. After all, he does kind of look like he belongs there.

Did Altera's true nature intimidate you? That's who she was made to be. Those who approach her live to regret it, and those who touch her live no more. It seems you finally understand exactly whom you've been supporting all this time. Did you imagine that you were the Master of a Heroic Spirit? Look around. She isn't here, and she won't be for some time. You have a chance to seize this moment. You could run away and beg Saber for her help.

*shakes head*

It's not a bad move. It's what your former self would have done, before you were split. Well, well. ...They do say there's no cure for stupidity, not even death. Forget what I said. I spoke on a whim. Truly, I would never have appointed myself second in command if you were the kind of woman who would cut and run.

...Um, didn't he become the second in command to help out Altera? When he puts it that way, it sounds like he took her side because of me.

I "put it that way" because it's the truth. I am not here to help Altera. I'm here to enjoy watching you struggle. The second in command has a front row seat to the spectacle here...but it seems that's entirely lost on you.

The King of Heroes' mood starts to sour. He looks...bored, actually. There he is, the King of Heroes, sitting and sulking.

Well, no matter. We've passed the final fork in the road. How our fate plays out from here is up to you. Until then, at the very least, try to keep me entertained.












...I see an unexpected sight. Altera is sitting there frozen, as if she's suffered a major shock. Even when I approach, she doesn't respond at all. Not even a glance. ...I can feel her tension, and it's like I've ever felt before. Usually, she smiles when she sees me. Not this time. ...But this isn't the time to hesitate. First, I'll need to call out to her. "Hey". "Hey, Altera?"

...

No reply. She's like a corpse. Well, even if she's "turned to stone", metaphorically, she's still beautiful. And that does still make me happy... No. Not now. Well, I have to figure something out, or this is just going to keep building up... If she won't recognize me through my voice, then the next thing to test is...



As we've just seen, Hakuno's mind is on one thing right now. Might as well go all the way.

...She seems to have a weakness for skin-to-skin contact. Last time, it turned her into a puddle. All right, here goes...



...This doesn't feel very safe. But even so, I've gotten this far up by climbing her veil. It's all up to Lady Luck from here. All right, here we go! ...I'm going to blow on her as hard as I can.

I really don't think that's necessary-



Huh, what?! Wha... What is going on...?! W-Was that wind in my ear...? Ooh, so chilly...



She looks confused. I start to tell her she was acting unusual...very different from the way Hero Altera was acting outside. I ask if something happened while I was gone.

Well... N-No, no! Nothing happened. Nothing happened at all! Of course it didn't. Nothing you ought to be worried about. I, um, I was just a little surprised to see my outside self act that way with Saber.

Well, that surprised me too. But was Altera really so shocked by her own behavior?

W-Well, really, it's because you scolded me so hard. ...Not that I don't appreciate that. It was very bold of you to stand up to me. ...Thank you very much. And also, sorry. For ignoring your commands. A-And excuse me for not hearing you walk in. Umm... You must be very tired. I'll prepare something for you immediately.



Y-You blowing in my ear, I mean. I...think I might play with you for a bit, Master. Not painfully, of course. More to help you relax. ...Like a massage.







...I wonder what kind of dream you're having. My Master, Hakunon. It must be different from what I dream. My...I wasn't sleeping or dreaming earlier, if that's what you're wondering. But nothing happened. Nothing at all. Just...nothing...





Wow. Are you always like that when you send your avatar out? I thought you meant "dream" figuratively, but I saw the way your eyes went all galzed. Is that how you dream normally?

...I have no need to close my eyes. It's not as if I'm controlling her from here. She's autonomous. So I won't have any trouble crushing you for barging in here.

Ooh, stop, you're scaring me! *giggle* You sure talk tough, Ms. Anti-Cell! But I've already seen the real you.

..."Real me"? I'm not hiding anything from you. That girl is my... My...

Your toy, right? Or a decoration, like jewelry? Like wiggling, screaming jewelry? Well, that's your own personal taste, so I won't say anything from it. I just came here to double-check something.

...And what is that?

Like I said, just checking. You're planning to stabilize that little squirrel by combining the Regalia into one, right?

That's right. The Master's current condition is too unstable. The Body alone will eventually lose all cognizance and intelligence. So before that happens, I need to obtain the Mind and Soul, then fuse the three together with the Regalia.

Combining the Regalia would return the little squirrel's Cyber Frame back to normal. Yeah, that's true. Stick the ring back together, and the Masters will stick together too. Buuut... You do know what that means, right?

What are you implying? Spit it out.

Fine. I'll tell you. Try not to cry too loud, okay? When you put the Regalia and the Master back together, YOUR Master's recognition, knowledge, and memories will ALL get completely overwritten.

...What?

See, the Body doesn't usually store its own consciousness. That's the Mind and Soul's job, so that's why your Master's unstable. If you restore the full Cyber Frame back to health, the first thing to go is the unstable part. ...Oh, wow. You really didn't know that? You couldn't have guessed? Yeah, all the memories you two built together here? Gone. Like old, forgotten dreams. Only one of those three Masters is going to stick around. ...And they'll only choose one of their Servants to love. You and I, we're the villains. We're the ones who stand back and sulk while they go off with somebody else and live happily ever after. That's our lot in life.

...

Get it now? The only reason that human isn't afraid of a monster like you is because it's not a real human. It's an empty shell. Just a little temporary insanity for you to play that creepy game of house with. Am I wrong? If not for that freak accident, what human could ever love you?

Ahh... Ahhhh...

*giggle* That's the look I wanted to see. Now we're on a level playing field. *teleports out*







...You'll disappear. I'd hoped that wouldn't happen, but my wish could never be granted. Which...I knew. There's no one to grant it. Ahh...Now I see it... In here, out there. It's the same for me...This must've been the story of a dream...I knew it from the start. We're completely different... Our purpose. Our existence. I really am Sephyr, just a weapon of the Umbral Star... No matter how I try to change myself, I can't get any smaller than this... I can't be like those two... So...I have to fulfill my duty. I will conquer the Moon Cell. Then I will eradicate and absorb all civilizations on Earth. That's the role I was given. The only meaning of my existence...