Part 124: Grade Farming, True Knight, Halure, Sundering Moon, Mysteries about Yormgen, and the Hunting Blades

Back after a long hiatus, let's start the postgame sidequesting!

First off, let's go over the easiest way to affort all this stuff in the Grade Shop. No italics here since it's pretty long.

Also known as "Grade Farming", this method relies on how the game calculates Grade from Fatal Strike Chains. You never intentionally use this mechanic in the real game, but if you keep triggering a Fatal Strike symbol over and over without actually activating it, you get what is called a Fatal Strike Chain.

The Battle Book says the following about them:

"Characters receive various effect changes after a series of Fatal Strikes.
This is known as a FS Chain.
Effects differ depending on the color of the force field at the time the chain ends. The strength of the effect also increase with the number of successful chains."

Even as someone who has played through the game several times, I have no idea what those 'various effect changes' are -- why bother when you could just kill the enemy instantly instead?

Anyway, the idea is to get as many FS Chains as possible, as fast as possible. The best way to do this is using Rita and abusing the fact that casting time in Overlimit becomes zero, while chain-casting Tidal Wave over and over, since that covers the entire battle field. There are several things to consider:

- Your Overlimit gauge. Ideally, you want to be able to fill up an entire Overlimit gauge in the time it takes for you to go into and through that Overlimit. Since the fill rate of the Overlimit gauge is mainly based on hits, you want to have as many enemies on the field as possible. Also equip any skills you find that do things like increasing Overlimit time, increasing the Overlimit gauge fill rate, and so on. You can also get your allies on taunting duty if the rest isn't enough.
- Your enemies. Of course, you don't want to fight against enemies that resist or absorb water. Absorbing or nullifying is obviously out, but them not resisting water is important since you get negative grade every time you hit an enemy with a 'bad' element.
- Your damage output. You don't want to kill your enemies until you actually want to end the battle and reap your reward. Just equip Minimum Damage.
- Your TP supply. You don't want to run out of TP during your chain casting. The two recommended options are either using Overlimit level 3, where you don't use TP to use Artes, or equipping the Risky Ring, which reduces all TP usage to 1. You can for the most part also get away with neither and instead use the OVL Bonus 2 skill, which randomly recovers all TP in Overlimit, although in that case you might occasionally need to throw a gel if you get unlucky.
- Your Grade multiplier. Higher difficulties give a higher multiplier. You can also equip Dice or Blue Dice on all party members, which give 10% or 20% additional Grade, respectively. This is the biggest problem on the first playthrough, since you have neither the 2x Grade option from the Grade shop, nor the Unknown difficulty, which means you have to grind significantly longer.

In addition to all that, make sure to equip both Spell End and Lucky End:





It might sound like Spell End is strictly superior, but triggering Lucky End actually allows you to start casting again earlier than Spell End does.

The end result looks something like this. / Baldurdash

Or in screenshot form:

















After you think you've had enough, just kill all the enemies with Fatal Strikes:



And there you go, Grade! My demonstration here isn't even optimal, I'm pretty sure I forgot to set the difficulty to Unknown.





If anyone didn't have it before, doing this definitely gets you the Achievement or Trophy for getting a 150 hit combo:

Achievement/Trophy:

The Hit that Keeps On Hitting

I like how this trophy has Rita as the image. They knew.


With that out of the way, let's get to some actual sidequests. Please note that the order I present the quests in does not necessarily correspond to the order I actually did them in-game, so please excuse some minor costume and weapon inconsistencies if you spot them.

First, we have to get our reward for successfully doing all Secret Missions in a single playthrough. For that, we find Flynn over in Aurnion.







It feels kind of funny hearing a compliment like that from you.
Even His Highness Ioder has been praising your deeds. He's been saying that he wishes to give you the title of free paladin.
Man, that little prince sure is a pain in the neck...
I see you haven't learned any manners in all your travels.



It's beneath his dignity as a candidate to the throne.
...I thought you might say something like that.
You did?
Yes, but I have to agree with his desire to honor you for what you've done. Even you should be able to understand that, Yuri.
Hah, when you put it that way, I guess I have to admit...I see where you're coming from.
So...you'll accept it?
No... I appreciate the thought, but that's enough for me. Don't you think there's something wrong with me taking a title like that from the empire? I can't quite put it into words, but it's not right.
So you won't accept it, then...



Flynn...
Princess Estellise...



Huh? Yes...
If what makes a knight is the commitment to justice in his heart, and his refusal to ignore evil deeds when he sees them... Then Yuri is more of a knight than anyone else, title or not.
I know this. But His Highness and I just want to go a step further and acknowledge it officially.
We can acknowledge it in our hearts. Isn't that enough?
Perhaps...but... ...If you could at least give him this...
This is an official uniform...



Please, at least give this to Yuri. As a symbol of Ioder's and my thanks for what he's done.
And what if Yuri refuses to take it?



It'll get all wrinkled like that.
Then that's Yuri's problem.
Hee hee...yes. All right, I'll take it for you. Thank you, Flynn.







I know some people don't like this costume because it gives Yuri a ponytail, but I think it looks neat.


Next stop: Halure, where we close out two quest lines.



One, the sidequest relating to Estelle's storytelling and Halure's tree.



The flowers are blooming so beautifully today...
It must be because of the ghost!
Yes, it must be! ♪
Hey, speakin' of ghosts, where's Rita?



She's certainly got a lot of energy.



Spoken like a true bookworm, born and bred.
...I don't see what's so wrong about that...



Huh? You're not going back to the castle?
I can go to the castle from here, if I need to. If I spend all of my time cooped up in the castle, I'm afraid I'll get swept up in all of the chaos there.
So why not just leave all that castle stuff ta Master Ioder so ya can relax?
I can't do that!
Estelle can't just spend her life goofing off like you can, Old Man.
Now hold on, ol' Raven's living his life pretty seriously, I'll have ya know.
Really? How so?
Whaddaya mean "how so"...



This from the tree-climbing blastia hunter...
I'll have you know, I've been examining the blastia here to evaluate its potential for spirit conversion.
So, did you discover anything?
It's no good. The blastia here is resonating with Halure's tree, and it's making some sort of configuration I've never seen before.



But we're short on time right now, so I'll have to come back later to study it some more...
R-really?!
...Huh? Well, yeah... ...What's up with you...?
Estelle was just telling us how she wants to live here once our journey is over.
Really...? Oh, I, I see..



Yes.


Two, the fucking Guild Quest. Finally!



What are you all up to?
...Eh? Well, if it isn't Brave Vesperia!
Oh, Nobis... It looks like you're doing well. We were worried about you.
Yes, as you can see, I've made a complete recovery.
That's good. What have you been doing with these mages here?



Now I've been trying to get these mages to apply a formula to it for me.
I'm really looking forward to working with everlight! As far as metals go, everlight has an amazingly high level of aer conductance.
Aer conductance...that's how easily something can carry aer, right?
Right. Formulas used on weapons with a high level of aer conductance have stronger effects, and make for more powerful attacks.
We're going to try to apply the spirit formula that we've recently developed. By our calculations, when the stored energy is released as magic, it will be several times more powerful than magic produced from aer.
A technique for combining a sword with magic...very clever.
Yes... Well then, if you're ready...
Yes, of course...



...It's finished!
Ohh... It's giving off a fantastic level of power!



Now I have to find someone to use the blade...
If you do, we'd also like to record exactly how much of an effect the spirit magic is having on the weapon.
Oh yeah? I think I know just the person for the job.
...You mean me?
Don't you think that weapon would suit you pretty well? And you'd be able to record accurate data, too. There's no one better suited to take it.
That's true, but...
I'd be quite comfortable with you using it.
...I guess we don't have any choice. If the client himself is suggesting it, we'll have to let the weirdo have it.




Over Cast 3: Hold the Arte button after casting to increase the effect of an advanced spell while consuming TP.
Spirits 4: Increases Max TP by 150.

You can tell it's quite powerful just by holding it, can't you?
...We would love the chance to use this weapon.



Then perhaps the name of the Soul Smiths will once again begin to be known across the world, and skilled artisans will seek us out to join our ranks!





It looks like you've taken a liking to it.
...Let's go.


While screwing around on the world map learning some skills, I ran into two skits:



Skit: Invisible Fur / Baldurdash
I knew there was an ice drift north of Ilyccia, but I never thought I'd walk across it!
Well, it's nice to have the experience, but I don't think I ever want to cross that place again.
Oh, why's that?
Huh? Don't tell me you want to go back to that freezing icebox again!
Why not?
I thought it was a very beautiful place! Isn't that right, Repede?
Woof!
I can't believe Judy can stand this cold in that outfit.
Maybe she's got fur like Repede!
?






Skit: Repede Wants To Play
*Whine...*
You look pretty tired, Repede.
*Woof! Grarrr*
Ow! H-hey?!
He only looks tired to lull his enemies into a false sense of security.
E-enemies?! I'm not an enemy!
He hasn't been fighting lately. Maybe he has a lot of pent-up energy. Play with him some..
D-don't you think it'd be better if you did that, Yuri?
...Agh...gah, gah, gaaah!!!
*Woof! Woof woof!*
Aww, that's nice, Karol.
It looks like Repede's warmed up to you.
Wh-what? He just wants attention 'cause he hasn't been fighting lately-- Agh, let go, let go, aaahh!!


While going to a scene on Mt. Temza, I noticed that you can shoot this wall for a treasure chest, something that I never noticed before:







We're actually here for this, though:



What the... There are Krityans here?
I wonder what they're doing in a place like this?



We heard that Myorzo's days of floating in the sky might soon be over, so we've been scoping out places to live on the surface.
I don't think you need to rush or anything. After all, Krones still hasn't made the decision whether or not to turn into an elemental spirit. And our goal was to gather together the Four Elementals, which we're already done.
I see...what should we do, then?
I think you have to figure that out for yourself. But perhaps it would be a good idea to use the knowledge of the Kritya to help people in need?
Hmmm...that sounds hard.
I don't think it does at all...
I don't suppose something like this would be of much use to anyone...



Could I see that?
For a race that's mostly pacifists, the Kritya certainly have a lot of artifacts related to fighting, don't they?
It's possible that our people came up with them back when we fought the Adephagos, a thousand years ago. There are many artes that our own people do not use...perhaps we only worked out the theory, but never put them into practice.







Wow, amazing. For a Krityan, you are very skilled.
...I think this could come in handy.
I see. We cannot lend you our force in battle, so we shall lend you our wisdom. We're happy to do whatever we can if it will help you in your quest.
Thank you. Keep up the good work.





...Basic? Yes, I was just beating my spear hard against the ground. There's a trick to it, but it's not really that hard to do.
It looks like they never tried to do it themselves.
The Krityan people could do things like this if they tried. Then they'd discover all sorts of new abilities they didn't know they had.
Like you, Judith?
Hee hee. Exactly!


Sundering Moon is a decent arte, but yes, very basic:









Next stop: Yormgen. The real version.







Isn't this the same box that we found in the Atherum and delivered to that girl?
It looks like it's unlocked.
Eh? 'Zat a journal?



"It's been three years since those travelers came to town with the box, but they came with no word of what happened to you... The box that I gave you as a gift, which you guarded with your life... There's no way you would have ever given it up so long as you were strong and well. I'm sure you would want me to move on and look for happiness yet again. That's why it's time that I said farewell. Thank you for everything you've done for me."
Her name was Yuefan, wasn't it? What a strong girl.
Well, I guess ya can't really move on in life if ya spend all yer time waitin' for someone who's passed on.



About what?
The version of Yormgen that we went to was an illusion that Phaeroh created... And yet the box we delivered in the illusion...is right here.
And the travelers she wrote about in the journal...that would be us, wouldn't it?
So the Atherum was in our modern time, and the box was, too.



It looks like the world's still chock full of mysteries.

As far as I know, the game never follows up on this. It's up to your imagination.


Next: Keiv Moc.





Woof!
...Find something, Repede?



Hunting Blades Member A: Agh...
Those guys are Hunting Blades... What the hell happened?
Hunting Blades Member B: We were done in by a huge monster... Agh... If only the Chief were here...
Hunting Blades Member C: Nan's all alone... Please...
Nan!!



I-I'll go too...
It's finally Karol's time to shine. Don't you think so?
...His time to shine...?













Punishing Smash!







Karol! Why are you...?





Ah...yes sir... When you and the others went in to hunt the monsters, a huge monster suddenly appeared...
And that monster beat everyone?
...Yes. But Karol...Karol defeated the monster.
Uh, but I didn't do it alone...
Karol, you did this...?



Ah...uhh...
You helped us out. You have my thanks.



It's not every day that the Chief thanks someone... Anyway, you have my thanks, as well.
Uh, no... I mean, you don't have to...





It's a piece of clothing I made from the fangs and tusks of a monster that I slew recently. It had the most amazing golden tusks...
Its tusks were made of gold...?
I thought it wouldn't look right on anyone who wasn't strong enough, but I think it will suit you just fine.
Huh...? You mean...
Well, I'm going now... The next time I see you... ...I'm going to be stronger, too!



Looks like she dropped something.



Then I'll get stronger, too...

This not only gives us a Letter of Challenge (required for the coliseum), but also this awesome, if maybe a bit silly, costume:




To follow up on that, we can head over to Capua Torim to catch the Hunting Blades leaving town.







Hmph...



Karol...



M-master... I...
...We're heading to Dahngrest. Make sure you're back by tomorrow morning.



...



Well... There's something I wanted to talk to you about, Nan. I'm sorry for always being so wishy-washy...and for causing you nothing but trouble. But during my travels with Yuri and everyone else, I've figured out what's really important to me. That's why...
Can you just stop bothering me? ...You only ever think about yourself, Karol.
Nan...
Even if you've learned what's important to you, nothing's ever going to change if you stay as weak as you are.
I'll get stronger. I'll prove myself to you, Nan.
I wonder... You've always talked big. But nothing ever comes of it.
It, it might be impossible...but I want you to believe me. I'm different, Nan. I've changed.
...All right. I'll teach you a technique of mine. If you can master it in one night, I'll reconsider how I feel about you.
In, in one night...
Sounds like we'll be spending the night here!
Woof!
Thanks, Yuri...




You'll never be able to master it until you man up and stop being such a coward.
Urgh... I, I've gotta try...






Karol, I'll never forgive you if you die while I'm gone!



Looks like things didn't go so badly.
Heh...

This gives Karol Rending Drop, one of Nan's artes. Pretty cool.








After that, we can head over to Dahngrest for this silly thing:





Eh? What's with this crowd...?
Young man, would you like to take the challenge? This is Dahngrest's annual "Big Voice Contest!" Anyone can participate! Whoever yells the loudest is declared the winner! And of course, our winner will receive a fantastic prize!
It seems...that it's a yelling contest.
...How lame can you get...





Hey, this looks fun. Maybe I'll give it a go?
Ju-judith...?!
What... Are you for real?
What is this?! It appears we have a new challenger, and a female, at that!





Shiva: I-impossible...
...W-wow...
C-cool...
And now, with this amazing record, has our contest been decided?!
Count us in, too.



I didn't think we'd see you in a place like this... Don't you guys specialize in hunting monsters?
Aye! But we always love a good competition! Here I go!



Y-yet another amazing performance! A stunning 1180 points! A formidable showing, and yet, it's barely beaten by the score of our previous competitor, Miss Judith!
Arrrrgh!
Heh heh.
My turn.
Ch-chief...!
...Breaking out the big guns, huh? This is getting serious...



L-l-ladies and gentlemen, I've never seen anything like this!



Just when we thought Miss Judith had clinched the competition with her powerful voice, this is even higher still!
Aw...
That's our Chief...
He's got a hulking voice to match his hulking stature, huh...
He's almost like a monster, himself...
Folks, it looks like our contest has been decided! The winner of this year's Big Voice Contest is...



I, I'm going to do it, too!
Eh?
...
Heh... That makes sense, with that girl here and all.
Karol...
Amazing! Just when it all seemed decided, the voice of a new challenger rises from the crowds, and that voice belongs to...a young boy!



You get two options here.



Technically, the 'right' choice is the battle call.

...!!



Who would have thought such a colossal voice could come from such a small boy?! This beats the record of our previous competitor, Clint!
Hmph...



Ah... Nan...



What an unbelievable day we've had here, folks... One record after another! A heated battle the likes of which even history itself seldom sees! And what's more! The victor of this battle is none other than the prepubescent powerhouse, the miniature mammoth, the one, the only...Karol!
I, I did it!




Eternal Weakness: Effects of stat-decreasing artes occasionally last for the duration of the battle.

Oh...thanks!
You were really great, Karol.
Th-thanks...


But let's be honest here.





Eh?
Is he...insane?



Woooooow! Ladies and gentlemen, we have an unexpected confession of love! And yet another amazing score! 1295 points! H-however! However! This bold proclamation of affection is just barely beaten by the score of our previous challenger, Clint!
Damn it!
What an unbelievable day we've had here, folks... One record after another! A heated battle the likes of which even history itself seldom sees! And what's more! The victor in this battle is none other than the chief of the Hunting Blades, Clint!
Hmph...
For our winner, we have a powerful weapon made by Dahngrest's most skilled artisans!
...




Eternal Weakness: Effects of stat-decreasing artes occasionally last for the duration of the battle.

Eh...? You...don't mind?



Ah...Nan...
Hey, you gave it your all. That's what counts, right?
I think you could've picked something better to yell, but...
You were really great, Karol.
Th-thanks...


Oh, Karol...

Either way, we get the Infinity, a very powerful and badass looking weapon for Karol.

And that's it for today!