The Two Paths/Script

On the World Map
Respecting the promise made between Arione and Linoan, the Liberation Army retreated from Tahra.

As for their next destination, the army’s opinions split. The Fiana Militia and the Magi group wanted to free Manster first, while the nobles from Lenster and Tahra sought to liberate Lenster.

In the end, both sides agreed that heading for Lenster first would be more efficient.

However, Leaf was to be faced with another decision here…

Opening Cutscene
Dorias : “Lord Leaf, we must head west on this mountain path to exit onto the northern highroad.”

August : “Count Dorias, are you sure we want to take the coastline? I believe we should head east down the mountain and attack Lenster from the south.”

Dorias : “The thick forests of Melfiye lie to the south of Lenster. Those forests are well-known for people losing their way in them.”

August : “I’m aware of that. But that also means that the Empire’s defenses would be lax. With our small numbers, we must take full advantage of the terrain.”

Dorias : “I disagree. Thracia… No, this entire continent is watching over our fight. We must not only win, our victory must be one that gives courage to the people suffering from Imperial oppression. We should march in proudly from the front, flying the flag of Lenster.”

August : “The northern highroad is practically Lenster’s front door. Legions of enemy soldiers will be defending it. We will lose many of our troops.”

Dorias : “I understand. But their deaths will be in glory and honor.”

August : “Glory? …Count Dorias, you knights are not the only ones fighting this battle. Some of us don’t appreciate having your values one-sidedly forced upon us.”

Dorias : “Don’t you think you’re being a little rude, August? …Either way, it is up to the prince. We must not be arguing over it.”

August : “Yes… We must follow the prince’s judgment.”

(Scene switches to Zile)

Bandit : “Boss, we found our next target. See that village over there?”

Zile : “Ha, that’s just a run-down junkyard. We can burn it all we want, but we won’t get nothing.”

Bandit : “But there are a lot of girls there, boss. How ’bout if we catch them and sell them off to the slave market?”

Zile : “Hm… That ain’t a bad idea. All right, let’s get the girls and kill off the others.”

1st Turn
Amalda : “Thank you for taking care of the children.”

Bishop : “Of course. The Empire wouldn’t bother sending troops to a small village like this tucked away in the mountains. I will protect the children with my life. But what about you, Lady Amalda? If the Empire finds out about this, you will be in danger…”

Amalda : “I am ashamed… I am ashamed that I cannot properly help the children, despite being a knight of Freeji. Hundreds of children are being captured and sent to the Imperial capital daily, but all I can do is rescue a handful of them. I keep trying to convince his Majesty to reconsider, but to no avail… And here I am, leading my troops on a mission that I disagree with. I simply don’t know what I should do…”

Sleuf : “Lady Amalda, I understand your hardship. However, you mustn’t be rash.”

Amalda : “But, Father Sleuf… I…”

Sleuf : “If we lose you, that would mean losing the children who could be saved otherwise.”

Amalda : “Yes…I know. Thank you… I must be off now.”

(Amalda leaves)

Sleuf : “She is in a difficult position…much like ours.”

Bishop : “Yes… The world will lead to destruction if we do not do something about it. But even if we know, all we can do is sit and pray…”

Sleuf : “But I heard the voice in the tower of Bragi. It said, ‘When the three pillars of light become one, the darkness in this world will vanish.'”

Bishop : “The now deceased Bishop Claud’s voice…”

Sleuf : “Yes. He also said this… ‘Man of virtue, servant of Bragi… Be my eyes and witness the fate of this world…'”

Bishop : “I know. You may go. The children will be fine.”

Sleuf : “I’m sorry… Forgive my impudence.”

(Ralph appears)

Ralph : “Hey, Bishop. There’s a group of bandits headed from the north.”

Bishop : “What? Are you sure?”

Ralph : “I’m positive. That knight’s saying she’ll help, but I don’t how long we can last with just the two of us. So take the women and children and leave while you can.”

Bishop : “I see… I’m sorry, Ralph. And thank you for protecting such a tiny village like this. You have all of our gratitude.”

Ralph : “Well, this must be fate as well, then!”

Conversation (Leaf, Ralph)
Leaf : “Are you a mercenary of the village?”

Ralph : “Nope, I wasn’t hired. Of course, I wouldn’t think of taking money from a penniless village like this.”

Leaf : “Then why are you fighting?”

Ralph : “They gave me a place to sleep, so I’m helping them out in return. You’re a nosy kid, aren’t you? Who are you anyway?”

Leaf : “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m Leaf, of Lenster.”

Ralph : “Leaf…? So… You’re Prince Leaf, eh? This is perfect. My name’s Ralph, I’m a mercenary. Would it be all right if I joined your army?”

Leaf : “Of course, we would appreciate having someone like you. But why do you want to join us?”

Ralph : “I can’t stand the Empire’s tyranny. Is that good enough?”

Leaf : “Certainly. Ralph, my wish is to free the people suffering from Imperial oppression. Will you swear to fight for that cause?”

Ralph : “You got it.”

(The next turn)

Amalda : “It looks like that army is going to take care of the village… Good. …I should be returning to my own army soon…”

Conversation (Mareeta, Shanam)
Mareeta : “Who are you! Are you from the Empire!?”

Shanam : “Certainly not. Turn your blade away from me if you wish to live. My Starstrike is not for slaying little girls like you.”

Mareeta : “Starstrike? …That’s the legendary technique known to the royalty of Isaac… Then…are you…?”

Shanam : “Exactly… I am Prince Shanan of Isaac. However, I am currently hiding my identity. Forget that you saw me…”

Mareeta : “Lord Shanan!”

Shanam : “Whoa! Wh-What is it? You startled me.”

Mareeta : “Please teach me the way of the sword! I’m not asking for much… If I can just learn the beginnings of the Starstrike…”

Shanam : “……”

Mareeta : “Please! I want to become stronger. I have to become stronger!”

Shanam : “…Well, just the beginnings, I suppose…”

Mareeta : “R-Really? Thank you!”

Shanam : “Hmm, I wasn’t expecting this. Well, I’ll just give her some random tips and get it over with… The Starstrike is not only about your skill. It is your heart that is important. Once your skill and your heart become one…only then will you be able to perform the Starstrike.”

Mareeta : “My skill and my heart?”

Shanam : “Right. First, try swinging your sword.”

Mareeta : “How should I swing… Can you show me?”

Shanam : “Erg… N-No, the Starstrike is only learned after hard practice. If you see how it is done, you tend to copy it instead of developing it on your own… Yeah…”

Mareeta : “Oh, I see… All right, I’ll try. Ha!”

Shanam : “No. Try again.”

Mareeta : “Ya!”

Shanam : “No, no. Your heart is being left behind. Your sword and heart must be in unison. …I have no idea what I’m saying…”

Mareeta : “My blade and my heart…in unison… Haaaa!”

(Wham! Starstrike!)

Mareeta : “Huh? Did I just…”

Shanam : “…… …What?”

Mareeta : “…No, that wasn’t it. It can’t be this easy. Right, Lord Shanan?”

Shanam : “Huh? O-Oh! Y-Y-Yeah… O-Of course not. Y-You can’t call that a Starstrike…”

Mareeta : “Good, I thought so…”

Shanam : “A-Anyway, I taught you the beginnings of it, like I promised. I have to get going.”

Mareeta : “Yes, thank you very much, Lord Shanan! My blade and my heart in unison…”

Shanam : “Who the hell is that girl!?”

Church
(If you don’t use Leaf)

Bishop : “Ah, thank you for saving the village. I wish to thank your leader as well, where is he?”

(If you use Leaf)

Bishop : “Ah, thank you for saving the village. Please take this as a sign of our gratitude.”

Leaf : “Thank you. We must be off…”

Bishop : “Where are you headed for?”

Leaf : “East… Towards Lenster.”

Bishop : “Then I have something to ask of you. A pupil of mine named Sleuf recently left on a journey. If you happen to see him, could you offer him a helping hand? Now, I can take you part of the way to Lenster with this Warp Staff. There are two paths. One is through the forests of Melfiye that lead to the south of Lenster. The other is to head east along the coast, passing through Fort Norden. Which path do you wish to take?”

Choice: Fort Norden/Melfiye Forest

Fighting Zile
Zile : “Hehehe… You pickin’ a fight with me?”

Defeating Zile
Zile : “Gah… Damn…it…”

Leaf arrives at the escape points
(If you head for the left path)

Dorias : “If we head north from here, we will exit onto the highroad. The Empire’s defenses will be strong here. Are you sure you want to take this path?”

(If you head for the right path)

August : “If we head north from here, we will be in the thick forests of Melfiye. Enemies will be scarce, but there may be other dangers that we are not prepared for. Are you sure you want to take this path?”