The Savior Speaks of The Dawn

How do I tell Mr. Oswald that the Maiden of Remulia was stolen?

Can you tell us what happened?

I wish I could. I know the Maiden was here last night. But when I came in to clean this morning, it was gone.

B-But wouldn't moving something that big leave marks?

Normally it would, but...this felt far from normal. On the security footage, it was there one second and gone the next. Like some kind of magic trick.

If that's the case, then...

(Psychics can use their powers to move objects too, if I remember correctly.) (They said they couldn't use strong magic in the ruins, but maybe they could use enough to move the Maiden...)

I haven't been able to get in touch with Mr. Oswald since last night.

I'm sorry to leave you like this, but I have to ask around and see if anyone's seen him.

......

Are you okay, Spiri?

Ngh!

What's wrong, Chelika?

I don't know, but...my body suddenly feels heavy.

Oops. My bad!

Sorry. For whatever reason, I kinda... un-possessed you there.

It's fine. Don't worry about it.

Right now, we have to focus on finding Spiri's body. But if we're short on options, we could always travel back in time and hide the Maiden...

Ooor not. I wouldn't want a repeat of what happened yesterday.

Let's hold onto that as a last resort, 'cause it seems like Aldo's already got an idea of what's going on here.

Y-You do?

The members of the Chrono Clan can move people and objects with their psychic powers.

So you're thinking that our culprit's someone from the Chrono Clan?

It's hard to say if they stole the Maiden. They might've just moved it.

I get that you want to trust them, but after what we saw last night, I'm not so sure...

So the Chrono Clan was in the ruins late at night... And it sounded like they were unhappy with Kamlanage's methods?

Yeah, but when we woke up, we were in our bed. So we thought it might all be a dream.

Why don't we ask Kamlanage if anyone's got reason to betray him?

That seems a little too insensitive...

I'll bet he can read minds. In fact, he might already know what's up.

I'm afraid you overestimate our abilities. We can't read thoughts that are hidden from us.

Did you also come here after hearing about the missing Maiden?

No. We came to see her and found out firsthand. We're pretty confused, honestly. Any idea what happened?

I can't say I do...

But it might be a good idea to ask the other Chrono Clan members about the Maiden's whereabouts.

Good idea. Then let's go look for them around Aura.

I see. So you saw some of our members doing something suspicious late at night. They may be our culprits, but even if they aren't, they might know something.

Everyone in your group wants to stop mankind from going extinct, right? I don't understand why anyone would wanna get in the way of that.

......

We're an evolved and new form of humans, but that doesn't mean we're perfect.

We still retain the same flaws we had when we were Paleohumans.

Paleohumans, huh... That hurts my feelings a little. It makes it sound like I'm primitive or something.

Er, I mean... That's not my opinion. I'm just talking to myself! Carry on!

It's just our way of differentiating the two, but it's true that one may sound inferior to the other. For that, you have my apologies.

So, like...what exactly defines "evolution"?

Being able to understand the pain of everything here on this planet.

We Neohumans have powerful telepathic abilities, which allow us to connect with our target via psychometry and the like. Kam wishes for everyone to be able to understand their neighbor's pain.

He believes ignorance will destroy us, but compassion will save us.

This's making it even harder to believe someone would wanna betray him.

I think...I might understand why. Doing the right thing isn't easy for everyone. And when they're faced with "what's right," it might feel like a denial of who they are.

I-I mean, it's better to do the right thing. I understand that, of course!

......

Mildy, what happened to that device? The screen is broken.

...I don't know. It was like this when I got back from class.

But you didn't do anything wrong! You just tried to stop someone from getting bullied, so why did this happen?!

Maybe my warning made them feel like I was denying their truth.

...Honestly, it's not worth thinking about.

So you're saying that some people might not be able to accept something, even if it's right or true.

Let's ask around and see what we can find.

I heard that the Maiden of Remulia disappeared. But who would do such a thing?

From what we've seen, the Maiden was taken last night. And the probability of the culprit being one of ours is high.

I can't imagine anyone wanting to get in the way of such a lofty mission! The whole reason we consider ourselves more advanced is because we're always trying to do the right thing.

She's really fired up about this. I wonder if "saving the world" is, like, their life's purpose.

She's so passionate, it's a little scary...

The end of the world is your problem too, you know. I should have expected this from a Paleohuman, though.

What?

Nothing.

Paleohumans often say things without considering the feelings of others. It's a truly despicable trait of theirs. And still you have the gall to think them lesser than you.

...I'm sorry.

Those trying to do the right thing see those who don't as foolish. I myself am guilty of feeling that way, but... I'll admit, it's unsightly.

Allow me to apologize on her behalf as well.

It's fine. I mean, it's true that I'm not living my life to the fullest like she is, so...

A-Anyway, we've got other people to talk to, right? Let's keep moving.

Where was I at the time the Maiden disappeared?

I don't know if this will be of any help, but last night...

Would you mind giving the Maiden of Remulia to us?

As intelligent beings, we need to take the next step forward correctly. And I can't hand over the key to making all that happen.

Aren't you fed up with human ignorance too?

Of course I am. I hate people and this world. The only reason I can stay strong is because there are people I trust, few though they may be.

I see. So even you feel that way...

...I'll show myself out.

So you saw Oswald and Mildy talking.

Yeah, but I don't know if that helps your investigation.

And to be honest, I'm glad the Maiden's gone.

Why? I thought you needed it to help humanity evolve.

Yeah, but...don't you think it's kind of scary? Messing with the helixes in people's souls and pushing them to evolve?

Besides, there's also the chance that some people just can't evolve. Those left behind have no choice but to look up at Neohumans, just as we look up at the stars.

Just imagine how inferior that would make them feel.

Kamlanage and Oswald have been racking their brains trying to figure out what to do about that.

Humans can't help but compare themselves. And doing so brings along all sorts of division and discrimination. I can imagine that pulling those threads would cause the unraveling of all mankind.

I'm glad they're thinking about it. It puts my mind at ease.

I really hope you guys manage to find the Maiden...

Didn't you guys steal the Maiden?!

What?! Don't be ridiculous! Even if we had our doubts about Kamlanage's ways, we'd never go that far!

Hey. Could you, like, not with the fighting? The bad vibes're gonna spoil my crepe.

What's all the shouting about? Don't tell me you've forgotten what "manners" are.

Sorry. My emotions have been running wild ever since I got here.

I need to cool my head. Sorry about that.

That's right, take a time out and think about what you've done. You oughta be ashamed of yourselves for interrupting my dessert!

Hey, you're the guy from yesterday!

Oh, I remember you. You were up preeetty late. Hope you managed to catch some Zs after that.

We have something we'd like to ask you. What were you doing near the ruins last night?

Just protecting that poor, defenseless girl from a few hot-blooded types. No biggie.

And in case you're wondering, I was nothing more than an innocent bystander. I mean, I'm really only helping you out 'cause Oswald asked me to.

We don't doubt you. We know you're an impartial party.

If you were keeping watch, did you happen to see where the Maiden of Remulia went?

No one took it out of the ruins, so I have to assume it's still inside.

I see. Thanks for the help.

I suggest asking around. I only know the "where," but you oughta find out "why" too.

It's suuuper important to have that talk to avoid getting all self-righteous 'n' junk.

I don't need to be told.

Well then, I've got nothing left to say. Gonna go see what other desserts they got around here, so catch ya laaater!

Almost felt like that guy was floating, just like a ghost.

He's a new member brought on by Oswald, so I don't know much about him. He claimed the death of the world was too tragic to not lend a hand, but no matter which way I look at it, that man...

No, pay me no mind. Let's keep moving.

I think we've spoken to everyone we can around here.

Mildy's a little sus, but...that story alone doesn't prove anything.

She would never betray Kam. She doesn't show much emotion due to a past incident, but I promise you she is an honest woman.

Sorry about that...

It's nothing you need to apologize for.

Now that I think about it, the beastfolk talked a lot about evolution too. I wonder why everyone's so obsessed with the idea.

"Because people dream of being better than they were yesterday."

That's what Kamlanage told me when I asked the same question, and I could tell he meant it.

It's all too easy to sneer and call it a silly dream, but he's serious. He wants to save the world. He wants us to be able to understand one another. He is truly in a league all of his own.

He sure is. I've never even thought about saving the world.

Compared to him, I'm just sort of drifting through life... It's a little pathetic, really.

You've got a point. People like Kamlanage and Aldo have value as human beings.

Ah...

Aha...haa... Yeah, guess you're right...

Spiri, that's not nice.

I-It's fine. I mean, she's not wrong. I am pretty worthless, so...what else can I say?

You shouldn't talk about yourself that way, Chelika.

You're doing everything you can, aren't you?

But...

Whenever you look down like that, Aldo comforts you. But I think that just makes you feel even emptier.

......

Ahhh!

A scream?!

Over that way!

Let's go!

I guess being able to rush off like that is the "right" thing to do at a time like this...

No, no... Why is this happening? My Psychic Ego... Please stop. This...this isn't what I want!

You need to calm down. Quiet your heart!

What's going on?

I'll explain later. For now, we need to stop his Ego.

Right.

Spiri, Chelika. Look after him.

Come on! Let's do this!

You okay?

Ngh... I'm sorry... I didn't know controlling a Psychic Ego would be so hard...

Psychic Ego? What's that?

A Psychic Ego is the physical embodiment of our powers as Neohumans. If the body is one's physical form, then the Ego is their mental form.

So you're saying that was, like...a physical version of his feelings?

It might be his feelings of unease that made his Ego run wild.

Wait. Didn't we see something like that at the ruins? Was that an Ego too?

It's similar, but we didn't sense any human waveforms coming from it.

We even tried reaching out with telepathy, but it responded in a language we couldn't understand. That's what made it so strange.

If I remember correctly, you couldn't manifest your Ego when you first got here. It seems like things have changed.

...Yes, they have.

Mildy and the others needed a relic to use their Egos before. Do you have something like that too?

W-Well, I...I guess it must be the ruins themselves.

The Remulia Ruins emit a special power, just like the Ogre Key, so it's not impossible...

The ruins sing.

I haven't heard a thing, though.

Everything in this world is made up of tiny particles that intertwine like a spiral. They emit imperceptible sounds that play the melody of life.

Uhh... You lost me.

To put it simply, the ruins emit a special waveform that affects the spirit. And the Maiden of Remulia emits a particularly strong waveform.

So this might be happening because the Maiden was stolen?

It's highly possible.

...I was waiting for you to explain yourself, but it seems I'll have to ask. Do you have any idea why this happened?

Well, you see...

I can't say. Sorry!

After him. He might know something.

Right. The artificial forest area's that way. Let's go!

Kam didn't say it directly, but the Ego is our spirit given form. Even though that man's Ego went wild, if it attacked humans, it's because he views Paleohumans as his enemies.

I've been acting as an intermediary, but I can sense everyone's dissatisfaction reaching its limits.

The only thing I can do to protect the Chrono Clan is...

Got you!

Damn...

First, tell us why you ran.

I already told you. I can't say!

I have a feeling I know why. You've been unable to manifest your Ego, Until today, that is. The day the Maiden of Remulia disappeared.

......

There's no pointing in hiding it any longer.

As you guessed, I'm one of the people who moved the Maiden.

Meaning you're a traitor.

But why would you do that? Mankind's done for if it doesn't evolve... Do you think it's better that way?

He's part of the god faction.

The Chrono Clan is divided into two factions. The god faction believes that we Neohumans should become gods and guide Paleohumans.

And the human faction has faith in the potential of mankind and wants to give them the chance to evolve. Though we both want to upgrade humanity and save everyone, our methods differ.

So this "god faction" wants to keep evolution all to themselves?

Don't be ridiculous. This power is special. Humans should only be able to evolve once they prove they're ready for it.

What arrogance. You mean to say that we're something special? I won't blame you for that, but I want you to return the Maiden of Remulia. She is still alive, and I can't allow you to use her as some kind of tool for your ends.

I can't do that. Do you remember what the man from KMS did at Satellite Stadium?

......

I don't like that look on your faces... What happened?

Are you serious, Delamair?! You know what will happen to all the people in that stadium if it falls, don't you?!

I haven't a care about these mindless idiots who are entranced by the Clan's music.

Our enemies tried to drop a stadium from the sky to kill us along with countless other innocents.

If Kamlanage hadn't been there, tens of thousands of people would've died.

......

Ever since then, the god faction has stopped believing in people.

But we won't abandon them. We'll become gods and save them from their ignorance. We will prove we're right! We're not like Oswald, who's planning some sick evolutionary experiment!

Wait, what? Oswald?

We know about the lab on this island that was researching psychic powers. They conducted inhumane experiments to turn people into psychics.

There are records stating that Oswald, the land owner, invested in that facility. He just wants to continue his failed experiments!

Ah!

Hah... I see. So the key's been found.

Uhh... Who's he talking to?

He's likely using telepathy to communicate with someone far away.

So Oswald really was keeping it a secret... The key to the Maiden's coffin was right under our noses.

Come, my Ego!

Even if my Ego threatens to swallow me whole...

...It's likely impossible to stop this now. The rest is up to you, Kamlanage.

Clughorn?

What's happening?!

What're you doing, Clughorn?!

I didn't mention this, but I'm the leader of the god faction.

One of the other members told me to bring Spiri, so she'll be coming with me now.

Nobody likes a brute. Have some manners.

Says the one who attacked me without warning.

Hah. You'll have to forgive me. When I see someone half-asleep, I want to help them open their eyes.

Stay out of this, Mildy. I've seen mankind's ignorance. This is the only way to save all of humanity, including those fools.

Aren't you here because you want to save the world too?

I am, yes. After all, this world is where Amy is. But honestly, it's childish and embarrassing to think you have some right to "lead" the humans because they're ignorant.

Embarrassing? I think everyone dreams of saving the world at least once.

Not me. I do what I do for the people I care about. What happens to the world and humanity is incidental. Don't rope me in with self-proclaimed heroes who want their moment in the spotlight.

......

...Very well.

If you wish to stop us, then you'd best hurry. This is your last chance.

...That idiot.

No... Spiri! Chelika!

You can't touch these spears with your bare hands.

Dammit... Where did they go?

Calm down. Kamlanage is tracing their energy as we speak. Though honestly, it's not hard to guess which way they went.

I see them. They're in front of the ruins.

We have to hurry. It'll be a pain to find them if they make it inside.

No! The door's closed...

There's no need to panic. Clughorn and the others must have shut it behind them. It was nice of them to let us know they're inside, though.

Be that as it may, we can't really use our powers in the ruins. Meaning we can't just teleport in like always. We'll have to find another way.

Another way in...

In my age, there was a giant hole in the top of the ruins. Maybe we can get in from there.

It's worth a try. Let's go.

I think it was somewhere around here...

This area's different than the others. It looks like something was used to cover up the hole, but it seems quite brittle.

Did you hear that, Aldo?

I did, but...what's that supposed to mean?

Neither Kamlanage nor I can use our psychic powers here. I trust you can read between the lines.

...Yeah. I'll see what I can do. Stand back.

It's open!

Sorry for the trouble, Aldo.

It's fine. Let's head in.

Be careful, Kamlanage. It seems there's a bit of a ways to the bottom.

Ungh...

This area is even harder on us that than the others...

Are you okay? You didn't get hurt jumping down here, did you?

I'm not sure how to explain this, but there's some kind of strange magnetic field here that's affecting our heads...

I can sense a strong energy coming from over there. It might be what's creating the magnetic field...

Thank you. I feel much better.

What even is this device? And why does this place feel so...strange?

Everything here is quite old.

The names of the chemicals on the floor were changed years ago.

It's probably been about ten years since this place went under.

The psychic research lab...

You mean the one Oswald was funding?

It seems like the ruins themselves weren't at fault for us not being able to use our powers.

And this device only affected us... It makes sense when you consider it was used to make their ESP-capable test subjects more agreeable.

I really...don't like thinking about what happened here.

It's all in the past now... We ought to focus on saving Spiri and Chelika.

(Clughorn might be able to hold them off for a while, but I don't think we can keep him waiting for long.)

(That man always ends up getting the short end of the stick...)

I'm sorry for being so forceful. We're almost at the meeting spot, so please bear with me until then.

Uhh... Sure? If you say so.

If there is some sort of problem...

No, forget I said anything.

......

Sooo, like...why'd you betray Kamlanage? Are you actually not friends?

...He's like Polaris, an unmoving star in the night sky that guides people. But he is no king, so there is no need for us to obey him. We're free to think and act as we wish.

That's nice and all, but it doesn't answer my question.

I'm just a simple man, doing what I can. So I'm afraid I can't say any more.

(Hold on. Could he be...?)

I wonder where Chelika and Spiri are. Guess we'd better keep pushing forward.

All right. Feeling better?

Yes, thank you. The constricting feeling around me is gone.

I wonder why someone would build a research facility in these ruins.

Judging by the documents here, it seems like the researchers chose it because of its peculiarities.

Peculiarities? You mean the bubbles?

I can't say for sure, but the southern plates have seen far less human intervention than the others. That makes them the perfect place to conduct research that couldn't be done otherwise.

I'll handle this.

There's no need. We can use our powers since you destroyed that device.

Hold on. This manifestation is trying to say something.

It didn't work when I tried it before, but... It seems this one understands words. I'll try to reach it with my telepathy.

Who are you? Is there something you want to say to us?

It's okay. I can hear you. Please, open your heart...

Let's talk. I want to understand you.

Is this your true form?

Yes... I borrowed this thing's body because there's something I wanna ask you.

And what might that be?

There's someone deep in these ruins that can't get out, just like us.

Someone's trapped here? Could it be who we're looking for?

This place is dark and cramped and scary... Please, them somewhere they can see the stars.

You can count on us. But first, could you lead the way?

What did it say?

He said there's someone trapped inside these ruins, and he wants us to help them.

Could that be...

Yes, it's possible. He said he'll lead the way, so let's follow him.

Are they in here?

There's no telling who's in here, so let's be on our guard.

Spiri! Chelika! We've come to save you!

Oswald?! What're you doing here?

Ah, how nice to see you all.

I'd offer you a drink, but as you can see... my hands are tied.

This is no time for jokes! Give me a sec and I'll untie you.

Thank you so much. But how did you know I was in here?

This guy showed us the way. He asked us to come here to save you.

Is that so?

I don't know your name, but I owe you a great deal. I felt like my days were numbered after the god faction captured me.

Why did they come after you in the first place? I can't imagine it was a simple difference in opinions.

I had a surprise prepared for all of you, but it was ruined before I could reveal anything myself.

For us? Then it must have something to do with the Maiden of Remulia.

That it did. I found a stone slate in the mural room, though haven't finished deciphering it yet.

Apparently, the Maiden must clash with the same waveform or an even bigger one for the coffin to open. And Spiri's happens to be identical to the Maiden's.

Naturally, the same person would have the same waveform.

So that's why the god faction kidnapped her.

I am so sorry. They must have read my thoughts...

It's not your fault. I wasn't able to keep the Chrono Clan together, so this falls on me.

None of this would have happened if I had just given the Maiden to you folks as Mildy asked...

There's no point in beating yourself up about it. We never could've guessed the god faction would steal the Maiden.

Steal?

Impossible. That coffin can't be moved.

But I saw it disappear with my own eyes.

...It's possible you just were tricked into thinking it did.

Tricked...

That necklace there is the Argomirage, which distorts people's perceptions.

That's right. There was an artifact that could distort people's perceptions.

That's probably what they used. There are many items in these ruins that hold special power, after all.

That means it's still in the Astrarium!

That's likely where they took Spiri and Chelika as well.

Let's move.

(If even Neohumans are capable of such barbarity...are they really just human after all? In that case...)

(Is it worth putting my faith in them?)

(No, I...)

You want to...save mankind? After polluting the earth, humans moved to floating cities as if to escape the sins of their past.

People like you and me came into this world bearing those sins on our backs. But still you want to save humanity?

...Have you seen the streets of Eeza from up high? It looks like there are stars at your feet. That light illuminates the eyes of passersby, just like stars in the night.

Even an unsightly being shouldering the weight of their sins can create something beautiful. They can revolutionize themselves.

People can change.

(I heard that he was abandoned and ostracized for his powers. And still, he doesn't begrudge humanity.)

(I need to make sure that the light in his star doesn't die out...)

(I couldn't save anyone before, but maybe... maybe this time will be different.)

Oh, my apologies.

I'm fine. There are still good people around, like you and Kamlanage. There is beauty in this world.

That's why...I still have hope. I'm sure...everything will be okay.

That Ego's been following us around this whole time.

Perhaps it's taken a liking to Kamlanage.

I couldn't blame it if it did. Kamlanage wishes to save the world. After he told me that, I remembered what it was like to dream for the future of mankind. It was a dream I'd long since given up on.

......

...Oswald. We heard you invested in psychic research before. Do you know anything about the destroyed sector?

...Yes. I knew you would ask sooner or later.

The researchers there dreamed of learning about psychic powers and the potential of human beings.

But it seems like what actually went on there was closer to a nightmare than anything.

You make it sound like you weren't directly involved.

I was a simple investor. I'd heard it was an educational facility to support children with special abilities and teach them how to function in society.

...After hearing that, I didn't even try considering the possibilities. I know I must've felt something was amiss, but perhaps I wanted to believe that humans couldn't be so cruel.

I'm just as guilty...

You do carry some blame, but it seems like you truly regret not knowing. And I won't denounce someone who reflects on their mistakes.

...Thank you. I hope I can atone for what I've done, so long as you'll have me.

Although, the god faction is...

With the Maiden of Remulia, we can evolve from Neohumans into gods.

I think your powers'll probably get stronger, but do you reaaally hafta go that far?

I can't expect a mutt of Oswald to understand our lofty goals.

Woof, woof! How was that? I make a pretty cute pup, huh?

Grr... Don't you dare make fun of us!

Aww, you're no fun. You gotta admit it's a little ironic that Neohumans still discriminate, just like "Paleohumans."

Besides, isn't getting the jump on Kamlanage and the others like this against the rules?

It's not like we had a choice. His eyes have been clouded. Nothing we can say will change his mind.

"Nothing," you say? Are you sure? Kamlanage prefers talking things out. I'm sure he would have listened if you asked.

Even if he listened, he'd still choose to believe in humans.

But it's those virtues of his that brought us together, no?

Still...

After what happened at Satellite Stadium and what we've seen here in the ruins, it's clear some people aren't worth saving.

Ordinary humans are weak and fragile. They need our guidance.

No matter what the case, you'll need to talk this out. It's the way of the Chrono Clan to listen to each other, to discuss, and find answers together.

......

This is starting to feel a little scary... A-Are we in danger?

They may be a bit self-righteous, but they mean well. They want to save the world and wouldn't do you any harm.

You talk like they've got nothing to do with you.

Think what you will. It wasn't what I wanted, but I'm still the leader of the god faction. I have to be responsible for them.

......

We're almost at the Astrarium. Do you think we'll be able to talk them out of this?

They're trying to do what they think is right. I doubt it'll be that easy.

Especially not after we destroyed those devices. They should have their powers back, just like we do.

(Guess I'd better be ready for a fight, then.)

Spiri! Chelika! You guys okay?!

For now, I guess. But they're planning on using their psychic powers to fiddle around in our heads. Sooo... Not thrilled about that.

I'm so glad you made it before the end. There's no point in putting on a show when no one's watching.

Sorry we're late. But do you mind explaining what's going on? I don't remember giving you permission to kidnap and use someone against their will.

We thought you might say that, but it doesn't matter.

You're too honorable! No matter how much we try to do the right thing, our opponents will always use underhanded means. That's why we can't afford to be picky!

That's why we're praying to the Gyre Melody to help us evolve into gods that are completely out of their reach... Then we can help illuminate the path they should take, just like stars in the sky!

I hear what you're saying. I understand your hopes and your desperation. Now please, hear me out.

The stars don't exist to guide people. They save them, bring them comfort, simply by being there. Our goal is the salvation of mankind, but I think it's arrogant to see it as some kind of favor.

In an ideal world, people should be connected. They should illuminate one another. That's the way it has to be.

......

I'm sure you're right... Which is why I want you to prove it. Prove that you shine even brighter than our ideals!

You would fight with weapons and not words...?

Of all the ways this could've gone, I daresay this is one of the better ones...

This, too, is a form of discussion. Do you accept, Kamlanage?

Is it a fight you want? Good grief, you're always so desperate to impress.

This Ego is the will of the god faction. Our belief that only gods can save humanity from its foolishness. If you wish to stop us, this is your last chance.

Right. Thank you for giving us this opportunity, Clughorn.

I'll show you my will as the leader of the Chrono Clan.

And I will do so by defeating you not as a Neohuman, but as a normal one. I will give this everything I have.

Have we proven our strength to you?

Goodness... You understand my situation, yet didn't hold back in the slightest.

Were you hoping for mercy? Well, you have my apologies.

Clughorn!

You all saw it. I lost. Your leader has failed.

...No, I refuse to accept this. I won't give up, even if everyone else does! This is what's right, and I'll do whatever it takes to prove it!

Ahhh!

This girl can open the coffin, right? Then do it! Open it and grant us the power of evolution!

You're hurting me...!

Spiri! Chelika!

How could this...

......

That's enough! Kam won fair and square. What don't you understand?!

I see... Clughorn was doing this all for Kamlanage, right from the beginning.

You're just noticing now? Those poor observation skills are going to get you into big trouble someday.

Shut up! We're trying to do a good thing here. And to do that, she needs to be sacrificed...

What an awful thing to say.

You think someone needs to be sacrificed for your wish to come true? Even if the flesh evolves, it seems your inner human nature remains unchanged.

Oswald?

I'm sorry, Kamlanage. I thought I'd be able to forgive humanity after your dream became a reality. I truly did, but...

After watching all this unfold, I understand. Whether they be Paleo or Neohumans, they still carry the foolishness of man.

What are you doing?!

...When I touched the bubbles before, I could hear the roaring of the waves. It was a nostalgic melody that echoed in the spirals of my very soul, urging me to change into the person I dreamed of being. Back then, I couldn't allow myself to live into the future. So I did not wish for evolution. But now...

It's those bubbles again!

I see there's no hope for humanity. So it just needs to end.

Stop! You don't know what you're doing! The bubbles don't work that way!

Change me into what I wish to be...

Hmph. I can feel my power budding, but I still look the same. It seems like I can't attain my desired form in a single bound.

Phew. At the very least, you didn't lose your mind like Zestah did...

True evolution occurs over generations. So it would seem I need more time...

He can control Egos?!

I see. You've also become a Neohuman.

No. I am a god. I prayed for the evolution of my spirit.

And now I wish upon these bubbles again... Reverse it all! Send mankind backward!

You want us to regress? There's no way that would happen!

We're always moving forward, and we have no intention of going back!

Don't say that. They say that if you trace all life back to its roots, you arrive at the originator.

In the beginning, we were all one! Is it not fitting that, in the end, we are united once more? Let us abandon our physical bodies and become one in spirit, a single, enormous Ego! Then we will have peace.

Is he serious?

We have to stop him!

Hngh... I can't move...

My head...is spinning... Everything's getting fuzzy... I...I'm losing myself...

At this rate...

(Mildy. Clughorn. Can you hear me?) (We need to get everyone out of here while we're still conscious...)

(I agree, but...) (We'll need to focus our powers if we're going to move this many people.) (How will we distract Oswald in the meantime?)

(I'll do it...)

(We might not have ranks, but I'm still your leader.)

(...We believe in you, Kamlanage.)

(Thank you. I leave the others in your hands.)

I know this is for the best and all if we wanna avoid you-know-what, but it's still not a pretty sight.

Oh, darling! You saved the world. Don't look so down.

What're you doing up, Mare? The sun's still out.

I came to eat! After all, all the tasty treats might go bye-bye after this.

I can't thank you two enough. Please eat your fill, as a token of my gratitude. I'm afraid finding sustenance will prove a challenge once humanity takes its next step.

In that case, let's make it a beautiful buffet! I'll take little nibbles out of everyone's hearts and then...

Oh, darling! Look!

Well, color me surprised. You can still move!

I have a responsibility as leader...to protect my clan.

But they're than just my comrades. They're my friends.

Friends, eh?

That's why I won't let you have your way.

Mildy! Clughorn! Now!

So you were just a decoy to help them get away... But that changes nothing. The bubbles will someday cover the world. No matter how far they go, they can't escape them.

And you think we'll just let that happen? Don't forget: We're revolutionaries.

Heh... Good. If they'd continued along the same path, mankind would eventually be wiped out by you-know-what. In which case, I thought it'd be better to turn into spiritual beings. But it seems they went with a secret third option.

Can we go now? I'm staaarving!

All right, all right. I'm coming, so don't pull. We'll be heading out now, Oswald....

I hope your nightmares will be over too.

...Thank you. But I don't need saving.

Ungh...

Is this...Luminous Beach? It all happened so fast, I didn't have time to pinpoint a landing spot, but...at least I managed to get out of there.

But where are the others? I have to find them...

H-Hey... If you stay there, you'll catch a cold, you know...?

Aldo!

Oh. You're from Paradream...

You're Nina, right? The one who made our costumes.

Yes... I didn't know you were friends with Aldo. I tried waking him, but it didn't work...

Yes... Umm... Do you know this man? I tried waking him, but it didn't work...

(It might be because of the bubbles earlier.)

I was actually just looking for him. Don't worry, I'll take it from here.

Oh really? Well...if you insist.

Now then...

(No external injuries. But it looks like he's still being affected by whatever Oswald did back there.) (His spirit's buried deep... I'll have to bring it back to the surface.)

I should be able to use my psychic resonance to reach his mind.

Is this his house?

He's asleep...

Can you hear me, Aldo? Wake up.

I am... I'm... Unigan's... From Elzion... Adventure to... A concert... Salvation...

Unusual... It's like he's not the only one in there anymore. I wonder if there's a way to bring his consciousness to the front...

Now that I think about it, there was a famous phrase from his time.

Wake up. The sun's already risen well above the pekari trees.

Ungh... Feinne... Just five more minutes...

I wish I could, but I'm afraid you'll have to catch a few more winks another day.

Wait, you're not Feinne... Kamlanage?!

What're you doing in my house?

Unfortunately, this house only exists in your mind. I'll explain everything later. But for now, you have to wake up.

Aura?

...Oh, that's right! What happened to Oswald and the rest of the Chrono Clan?!

I think Oswald's still back in the ruins with his precious bubbles. As for the others, I believe they escaped, but I don't know where to.

I see... And you saved me, right?

Right. I used my psychic powers to resonate with your mind and bring your consciousness to the surface.

There were others mixed in with your consciousness, perhaps because of the bubbles. And I'll bet everyone else is the same way...

But you said they managed to escape, right?

There's no point in standing around worrying. Let's go find them.

Aldo! Oh thank goodness. There you are!

Spiri? You're...see-through.

'Cause I got separated from Chelika! At this rate, she...she...

She'll die!