Echoes Of Then

Did you have any dreams recently? What did you see in those dreams?

Is that so...

It's alright, Endmin. You have a strong bond to this land. Those feelings will slowly come back.

As we journey on, you will encounter more people and events connected to you. Perhaps a day will come ... when your lost memories return.

It's okay. Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Try and recall what's happened so far...

A place you shouldn't be.

Leave now, for your own good.

Oh? How unexpected... Another intruder in this place.

You're lost? Getting out won't be easy, unless you "remember".

You clearly don't understand, do you? Well then, follow me.

You fight well, even though you don't look it.

No wonder. I can feel that ... meeting you here is no simple coincidence.

Not only did I lose my memories ... my mind's filled with experiences that weren't even mine to begin with.

This is a place constructed with memories. Everything we see is taken from our memories and transcribed by Originium.

"Protocol Space"? That's the name, huh... What about you? Are you here looking for memories too?

Only those who forgot their past end up in this place. And you happen to be one of them.

Worse than that.

Including those monsters.

Let's move. We'll search around for hidden memories, then I'll take you out of this place.

So I found a way to come here. I'll figure out where I'm from, what I actually did, and ... who I'm *actually* supposed to be.

What do you think? I came here chasing after them.

This is my past. I ran to the middle of an icefield alone in search for buried truths.

Yes. A very long time ago — it almost felt like someone else's experience.

Dreams... They're like memories at times. Feel almost real while they happen. But when you think back on them later ... you'd realize how ridiculous they are.

Let's keep looking.

A dream?

In those memories, I vanquished countless foes with fire and a greatsword.

But why was I fighting? Who were the enemies? And are those memories truly mine...?

Everything remains unknown.

This prayer again...

Yes.

I have all sorts of memories ... where "I" was in different situations, had different identities, and did different things.

Hmph. I hope not.

Warriors of the icefield. I once stood alongside them as we faced something beyond our understanding.

Oh? Tell me more about it.

Yes. But ... I couldn't recall the outcomes of that battle.

Mission? Your memories are making me curious.

Those who pick it up will be granted tremendous power.

But the sword shall burn on until its wielder turns to cinders.

It's very quiet now, at least.

I once saw a sword like this...

Looks like it ... though not quite.

Regardless, this isn't important.

Until I find out who I am, there is no stopping me.

We meet again. You're actually slower this time.

Damn you. Are you trying to stop me again?

Ooh. You've got a companion? This feels rather refreshing.

Give up already. This is for your own good.

Then enjoy your aimless wandering ... till oblivion takes you.

Don't you understand? I'll never try to "stop" you. In fact, isn't my presence here the result you seek?

Enough nonsense. There'll be no escape for you this time.

There are things you aren't meant to find... Let them disappear.

Stop right there!

It's an old wound. There's no way those creatures could hurt me.

I will ... find you!

There were times when I came close to the truth ... but she had to ruin it all.

Chase her down. I must reclaim my memories.

Hmm... We shouldn't stay here any longer. In any case, thank you for your assistance, Endmin.

It's not that hard of a guess. I can't think of anyone else who could enter a Protocol Space unscathed, fight Aggeloi, and run a pretty important mission...

Meeting you has been fun...

Someone who's always getting in my way.

I've searched many places, but mostly in vain. This version of "me" always shows up at the very end.

Until next time.

Endmin! Are you alright?

What just happened?

Who is she...?

That does not sound normal...

But I'm afraid we lack enough evidence to reach a proper conclusion.

Did you just enter a Protocol Space...? This is quite unexpected...

I'll try to look into this. Wait for my updates.

Hi, Endmin! We recently picked up a few strange Originium reactions across Valley IV. And —

Witness reports also mentioned some form of fire that accompanied those Originium reactions...

Wha? Endmin, you have a lead on this?

Then perhaps it is best to have you investigate this. I'll sync the coordinates to you.

The Protocol Space is essentially a data shard within Originium... And if it includes data from past memories, they might be recreated within the Space as well.

But finding the memories of a particular person is difficult. It's like hunting for a needle in a haystack.