Chapter 101: Flames of Turialba

We've reached the peak.

Hmm... What could this black stone be?

Is that what I think it is, Miss?!

No doubt about it. That's a relic from the age of the Hollow God... But what's it doin' all the way up here?

And what did they mean by "the null will light your way"? Do we need to do something?

All will become clear in time, so long as you are indeed the chosen ones.

You're the person we met in Yanatu... What are you doing here?

If the miu should find salvation and the curtain rises on a new future...it is my duty to bear witness to it.

And HOW exactly will things become "clear"?

Through dialogue and action. Those are the two forces that change the fates of worlds and men. That is the pact between our world and our ancient god. It is our vow. If the tower chooses you, the null will light your way.

Come Turialba! Reveal to us the secrets of the Null Flame!

Something's going on with Guilty Hades!

What's goin' on, Gunce?!

This is...the Hollow God!

Turialba has awoken.

Enough!

Professor Sebastia!

I won't allow this to continue any further. Hand over Guilty Hades and leave the rest to us.

Looks like my backup has finally arrived.

Ngh! What is that thing?!

Now commencing terrorism suppression operation, Class-A. All units authorized to use extreme prejudice. Wipe them out!

Give it up, Professor Sebastia. This is the end.

...Gh! Fine.

That's enough. Have your units withdraw.

As you command. I take full responsibility for this shameful failure. Will you join the retreat?

No, I'll be fine. I need to witness this for myself.

That won't be a problem, will it?

No. Do as you like.

Understood. Please be careful. All units, return to base!

Sorry for the interruption. Let's finish lighting the Tower of Turialba.

It is the beginning and the end... An eternity in one fleeting moment... It is nothing, and yet it is everything...

Darkness and null, come forth to light our way! Cry out in silence! Make hollow the Hollow!

Th-That's, ! The Turialban Null Flame! The entire world will be exposed to its darkness!

No, that isn't darkness! The...the hollow itself is gathering!

Accept the Hollow Flame, driving force of the gods. May it guide your path ever upwards, to the waterfall at the center of the world.

I see... So that's the true nature of the Null Flame... The waterfall at the center of the world, huh?

Right, I think that's enough for today. When next we meet, I've no intention of holding back.

I'll say it again, Kamlanage. Come home. Your family is waiting. And do be careful. I wouldn't want to see the winged beast devour your soul.

Devour my soul? I don't understand...

Let's return to Yanatu for now. We need to inform Dorzhova and Harla of what happened here.

Agreed. We'll need rest before setting out on the next leg of our journey.

Sounds like a plan.

Thank goodness you're all safe! We were worried when we saw the rays of darkness emanating from Turialba.

Yeah, about that...

I see... Well I'm just glad you're safe.

Turialba was built long ago, in an era when the Hollow God still walked this world as a physical being. It seems that it was created to gather and give form to the hollow energy that fills this world.

When the red stones fell from the heavens it must have reactivated the tower. That being the case, it's reasonable to believe that the winged beast may soon awaken.

You're going to the central falls, then?

Yeah. I want to know the truth about this winged beast. Can it really change the miu's future?

This is the miu's problem, and yet you fight so hard for us. I'm sorry this was all thrust upon you.

It's our problem too, trust me. This definitely has something to do with the Chronos Empire and the Goddess of Time...

Yeah. This is a problem that involves my family, too...

So don't sweat it, Harla.

Okay. You have my thanks, Kamlanage.

Atop the central falls you will find the settlement of Izolpha. No one has traveled to or from the place for ages, so we have all but lost contact with them. Nevertheless, it's the best place to begin your search.

Izolpha. Got it.

Please be careful, everyone.

See you soon, Harla.

The central falls...and the winged beast. Has our future finally begun to shift? What is it that awaits you in that place?