Update 115

Update 115: Perfect calculations deliver perfect results.

♪ Three Crowns ♪

The Kingdom army has captured Fort Merceus. Managing troops from the now-stable western Kingdom and former Alliance territory, the Kingdom army returns to Garreg Mach to regroup and reorganize its forces.

With sufficient might to challenge the Empire, the Kingdom army finalizes their plans to march on Enbarr, the Imperial Capital.

♪ No music ♪

Where is he?

He's gone ahead, and started interrogating the prisoner—Viscount Kleiman's man. He said he'd like for you and I to be present as well. Will you come with me?

Adan nods.

♪ The King of Lions ♪

Was Patricia an accomplice?

Of course not. What would my stepmother have had to gain from such a—

Perhaps Lady Patricia would have done anything to return to the Empire...to her husband and daughter.

What exactly are you implying?

♪ A Lonely Figure ♪

Cornelia's words were true. The two of them... I am afraid they conspired together, after all.

Enough of this nonsense. You say she wished to return home? That isn't nearly enough reason to cause such a tragedy.

I do not intend to imply that the two of them were solely responsible for the whole affair. There were likely nobles who opposed the king, or potentially someone who wanted to throw the Kingdom into chaos. The Empire, and people like Solon and Kronya, had their motives, too.

So, my stepmother joined with them to cause the tragedy... Is that what you believe?

Ultimately, this is just conjecture based on the evidence at hand. I have no idea what their true intentions were.

I see. We will hear what this man has to say. For now...

And so, in the name of justice, he caused massacre upon massacre out of love for his homeland. You murdered your own king, killed our soldiers, and involved innocent citizens. And yet you have the gall to speak of justice?

Did you share those feelings about your homeland?

Are you not...going to kill him?

I will make that decision once I have had time to consider this man's definition of justice.

Yes, Your Highness.

Are you OK?

No... I cannot say that I am.

♪ Recollection and Regret ♪

Not very well.

I figured as much. Even the memory of those who pass away is taken from those they left behind. Little by little. Year by year.

I always told myself that I would not allow my mind to forget. And yet...all I can recall with clarity is her gazing away, so forlorn. Did my stepmother wish to go home so badly that she would kill Father and me...kill her false family? Home...to her own blood. Her true family.

There's no way to know for sure.

I suppose it doesn't make any difference now. I am asking you questions you could not possibly know the answer to. I am finished with thoughts like that. I am finally able to go on living without clinging to hate. If I truly treasure those who have died, then I must earnestly atone for my sins. Father, Glenn, all of the soldiers who have fallen... The people of Duscur who still suffer persecution... The only atonement I can offer them now is to take responsibility for this broken Kingdom that has been entrusted to me.

Take responsibility for the Kingdom...

That is why I feel that I must meet with Edelgard and try to talk to her. Do you think it is a fool's errand? Honestly... I think so too. But I must swallow my feelings and grudges—our whole history, really—and ask her about this future that she sees. What she aims for once her domination is complete. What kind of justice she clings to as she fights. And why she felt it necessary to start this war... I believe that asking her these things is the true responsibility I have been tasked with as king.

How will you accomplish that?

We will march our troops to the Imperial capital. But before any battle begins, we will set up camp nearby and send a messenger. I will tell her that I need to speak with her in a safe place, without any weapons or troops. As to whether or not she will agree to my request... Well, that rests solely on Edelgard.

I'm certain she'll agree.

I would like to believe that as well.

You know, Professor... When we fought in Fhirdiad, Cornelia mocked me and called me pitiful. But even if it is true that my stepmother never loved me, I am not to be pitied.

After all, I have allies and dear friends who care for me. And now, I also have you by my side.

Huh. Color me surprised, I didn't think we'd actually attempt to parley with Edelgard.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Sure, it's really late in the game for this. But my boy has earned it.

Dorothea, sadly, won't get to actually use her promotion to Gremory, but it's the thought that counts.

Hard to believe we only spent a year together here. So much happened that it felt a lot longer than that. But it was all so exciting. And so much fun. Honestly, I think those memories are what's kept me fighting this long.

What was that year like for you, Professor?

It was a lot of fun.

I don't think I could ask for a better answer.

Let's all do our best to survive this, so we can come back here when it's all over. I know that's what I'll be doing.

There can be no end to war.

I suppose you're right... But we should still try our best to make the world a place where children can grow up happy and safe.

Long as there's two people left on the planet, someone is gonna want someone dead.

At this point, I feel no qualms about using the really good food.

When the war is over, everyone will be busy with their own lives...

But let's all meet up again someday. Right here at Garreg Mach. You, His Highness, my father, our monastery friends, the knights...everyone!

That's a great idea.

It was just a silly whim I had, but I really love it!

Ooh, and I'll bake a bunch of desserts for it! Reunion sweets! All we have to do now is win! Let's get to it, Professor!

Will the war really be over if we take the capital?

Definitely.

Yay! I'm sure it won't end right away, but that's still great news! I truly believe that a peaceful future is waiting at the end of all this.

Wanting so desperately to speak with Edelgard just as we're about to fight... Could it be that the prince is having doubts about killing her?

It's only a formality.

I suppose they're the only ones who fully understand the extent of their relationship. He's certainly changed from the vengeful person he once was.

I don't mean that in a bad way. I'm actually relieved.

A king who's responsible for Fódlan's future can't exact personal vendettas and have a cold heart.

Really, though. We've been trying to kill each other, and he wants to shoot the breeze? Is he dumb or just insane?

You're wrong.

That a fact? Heh, you two are birds of a feather. You ask me, they should throw some fists and be done with it.

Guess it's up to the One True King of Grappling to talk some sense into ol' Dimitri. When I'm done with him, he'll be ready to brawl!

I dunno about this idea, Balthus.

[Gatekeeper-1] Momentum's really picking up for this final battle, huh? Even I'm starting to feel tense! Me! Enbarr's history goes back 1,400 years. That even predates the founding of the Empire. It's one of the sacred sites of the Seiros faith, so it's a pretty big deal. But hey, no need to worry about the monastery while you're fighting the final battle. I've got it covered! I'll defend it to my last!

She's his stepsister, I know, but this seems risky.

You're against it?

No, I'm not. I'm sure he's thought it through. If the two can settle this diplomatically, that would be the best way out of this mess. No more bloodshed. Let's just hope he doesn't become so overwhelmed with emotion that he's unable to strike her down...should the need arise.

Felix with the correct take.

We made it this far thanks to your guidance and leadership. There's a bitter fight ahead—that much is certain. You have my lance.

We will prevail!

Yes. Let's do this together!

I understand the desire to reach a conclusion, but we mustn't overlook the sins inherent in our deeds.

I understand, of course.

Heh, sorry. I have a tendency to preach. We have lost so much, and in return, we have taken much from our enemies. I pray we can put an end to this cycle of violence.

Fódlan's future would be in peril if we lost him. I would not be able to go on.

Leave it to me.

Thank you.

If you have any unfinished business here, you had best settle it before we depart.

Leave it to me.

I knew I could count on you. Good luck.

Are you praying?

I am. It's a bit of a ritual for me to pray before something big like this.

I couldn't recount a single word of scripture for you. But my mother always prayed. I picked up the habit from her.

Believe it or not, I'm praying for you too. For you to come back safe.

And what's coming, it's not just a battle between us and them. It's our ideals that are fighting. Whoever wins will say they were right and the other side was wrong. And I get it. That's how it goes... But nobody's willing to talk or compromise, so we'll fight to the death to prove the other guy's wrong.

It won't be an easy battle, but let's make sure we come back alive. Right, Professor?

We have to get Lady Rhea back! And we have to crush the Empire, in the name of Captain Jeralt.

He's watching over us now, protecting us. I know he is.

I know that the future of all Fódlan rests on this battle. Nothing else is more important. But for me, this is personal. For Captain Jeralt's sake, I'm going to give it all I've got and more!

♪ The Forgotten ♪

I have no idea what I'll do afterwards, though. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

It's OK to take your time.

I will. Though you already seem to know what you're going to do. Which is...what, exactly?

Actually, don't tell me your plans just yet. Let's revisit this topic when the war has drawn to a close.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Bernadetta/Alois A.

♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪

Ah! I wasn't looking at their hats, I swear! And if I was, I wouldn't say a word about them! Not even if you tortured me! Mercy! Please! I can keep a secret—honest!

Hold on! It's me, Alois. Calm down.

Huh? Oh, Alois! I was sure you— Um, never mind.

Hm. I can't help but wonder about these hats you were looking at... But I'll set that aside for now. I wanted to apologize for being insensitive. I can't believe I trampled on your emotions like that.

Huh? Was there something you did? I don't remember anything...

About your dear uncle. It never crossed my mind that he might have passed away.

Oh, that. Don't worry about it.

But it clearly upset you. I can't even express how guilty I feel about opening an old wound like that. I'm so sorry.

Hey, it's OK. You're reminding me of him even now.

And it's completely fine! I'm glad we talked about it.

Is that so? Hm. Well then, why did you look so sad when I mentioned him?

The truth is I realized I hadn't visited my uncle's grave in a long time. With me not showing up for so long, I imagined him being worried about me...

I see. He must have been quite dear to you.

Hey, that gives me a great idea!

Why don't we go see my uncle together sometime?

You want me to visit your uncle's grave? But I don't have any connection with him.

Sure you do. You're connected by me!

I didn't think of that... All right, then. I accept. If you don't mind my tagging along, I'll gladly accompany you!

Great! Thanks, Unc— Ugh... Thanks, Alois.

Hahaha!

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

...Hats? What hats were you looking at, Bernie?

There's an argument to be made for keeping Mercedes as a bishop rather than a gremory, but I opted for gremory on this run, to get the extra Mv.

♪ No music ♪

I skipped over most of the month. Not, like, in terms of showing it here, in terms of actually playing it. I think a lot of people do the same.

She will.

♪ Farewell ♪

Call it a whim. Well then? What did you want to talk about?

I will get straight to the point. Why did you start this war? There had to be a way to change things in your territory without the need for so many senseless casualties.

It may be hard to believe, but this is the way that leads to the fewest casualties in the end. Don't you see?

How could I? Countless people have already lost their lives in this conflict.

The longer we took to revolt, the more victims this crooked world would have claimed. I weighed the victims of war against the victims of the world as it is now, and I chose the former. I believe that I have chosen the best path, the only path.

Even after seeing the faces of those who have suffered the ravages of war, you would still force them to throw their lives away for the future? You are obsessively devoted to this war and deaf to the screams of its victims. You cannot change the cycle of the strong dominating the weak with a method like that.

You're wrong. That very cycle is exactly what I have devoted my life and my power to destroying. If after all of this you believe the weak will still be weak, that is only because they are too used to relying on others instead of on themselves.

Yes. Perhaps someone as strong as you are can claim something like that.

But you cannot force that belief onto others. People aren't as strong as you think they are.

Your path will not be able to save them. It is the path of the strong, and so, it could only benefit the strong.

Heh, so you consider me strong, do you?

Even if one clings to their faith, the goddess will never answer them. Countless souls will be lost that way. Living without purpose. And I can be counted among those who have died that way as well.

But that's why I must change this world, on behalf of the silent and weak!

And do you intend to become a goddess yourself? Will you steal the power to take action from the broken-hearted masses you claim to defend? The ones who can truly change the way of the world are not the rulers, but the people. Pushing your own sense of justice and your own ideals onto even one other person is nothing more than self-righteousness.

Maybe it is self-righteousness, but it doesn't matter. Someone has to take action and put a stop to this world's endless, blood-stained history!

Do you not believe in the power of the people to join together and rise up? Humans are weak creatures. But they are also creatures who help each other, support each other, and together, find the right path. I have learned that humans are capable of all that from the professor...and from everyone in my life.

I doubt a highborn person like yourself could know how the poor feel or what motivates them.

Sorry to interrupt in the middle of a scene, but Edelgard's line there is significantly different in Japanese—to the point that I think the localized line might be a mistranslation.

……貴方のような持つ者には、持たざる者の気持ちがわからないのでしょうね。

Here's the translation for this line provided by The Cutting Room Floor.

A person like you who has received all those will never understand the feelings of those who lack it.

In the Japanese scirpt, Edelgard is talking about the support of others, much like what Dimitri has received from Adan and from his former classmates. Bringing up Dimitri's class is kind of a non-sequitur, given the context of the conversation.

This is nonsense. Though, I'm finally starting to understand how you feel.

But that makes it even clearer to me that we can never fully understand each other.

I feel the same. I finally understand...what you believe is right.

Good-bye, Dimitri.

Wait, Edelgard. There is something I must give you.

...

♪ Unfulfilled ♪

There's nothing I can do about it. It's all happening so fast... I'm as surprised as you are.

El...

Um... Here. I want you to have this.

It's...a dagger? Why would you give me something like this?

Oh, um... I'm sorry. I couldn't think of anything better to give you.

Edelgard! What are you doing? It's time to go. Hurry and get in the carriage.

Oh! I... I'm sorry, Uncle!

I have to go now...

Heh, I'm still sorry about that. I should have given you something that would've made you happier.

Perhaps. At the time, I was quite flustered by such a dangerous gift. I left without giving you a proper response...and that was the last time we saw each other.

True. It is a sweet memory with a bitter ending.

I'm afraid it will do no good to reminisce, Dimitri. That girl you knew back then is gone. As good as dead. But...I'll tell you now what I wasn't able to tell you back then.

As for the future...that will be decided in battle. King of Faerghus. As the emperor, I shall await your arrival in Enbarr.

...

♪ No music ♪

As before, I'll be keeping who I decided to S-rank a mystery for now.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Let's finish this third of four routes.

♪ Three Crowns ♪

♪ No music ♪

♪ As Fierce as Fire ♪

There's a lot to contend with here.

Even without the new Maddening-only enemies, this map is so absurdly cramped and full of enemies. Nothing less for an endgame map, I suppose.

Here's Hubert, the primary boss for the map.

Officer Duty: Grants Mt +5 with gambits.

Fiendish Blow: If unit initiates combat, grants Mag +6 during combat.

Heartseeker: Adjacent foes suffer Avo -20 during combat.

Commander: Nullifies instant death effects, status effects, and movement effects, and greatly reduces damage from enemy gambits.

Defiant Mag: Grants Mag +8 when HP is ≤ 25%.

Infinite Magic: Removes the limitation on the number of times magic can be used.

Holy hell, an enemy Hubert that doesn't have Paragon.

In all seriousness, though, Hubert has a lot of damage behind him, even with just Death Γ. No siege magic this time, but he's got 1-3 range with Death Γ, and Luna Λ. And you can't make him run out of magic, though I fail to see how a stalling strat would even—

Ugh, you know what? This map is just a giant pain in the ass. Even when I played AM on Hard, this map took me hours to finally clear, and it's honestly just not that fun to do.

♪ The Long Road ♪

Fuck the rest of preparations, and fuck this map, we're doing things my way.

♪ Paths That Will Never Cross ♪

♪ No music ♪

♪ The Dream is Over ♪

♪ No music ♪

I've got a few things to say before I conclude.

Firstly, every time you visit Enbarr, you can opt to send Dorothea or Manuela near the opera house (it's on the western end of the map) to get the Opera Co. Volunteers battalion. They're nothing special combat-wise, but their gambit is a one-use-per-battle dance for all units adjacent to them, which is ridiculously powerful. If you deploy both Dorothea and Manuela in the fight, and get them to the opera house, you also get a speedwing.

You can also opt to send Seteth or Flayn to the church (it's a bit south of the opera house) to get the Macuil Evil Repelling Co. battalion at the end of the map. If you send both to the church, you'll also get a spirit dust at the end of the map.

I didn't show this at all, but for the Azure Moon version of this map, Dorothea and Petra are present as enemies, if you didn't recruit them. Dorothea is honestly kind of pathetic for this point in the game, only having 45 Mag and 34 Spd, with no siege magic (just Excalibur and Thunder), but she does have Alert Stance+.

Petra, on the other hand, is one of the most terrifying enemies on any route and any map. She wields a sword of Zoltan, has 44 Str, 65 Spd, and has both Alert Stance+ and Keen Intuition. She also has 37 Cha this time. It's so fucking difficult to even hit her. Sure, she still lacks any answer to ranged attacks, but...good luck hitting her at range!

Finally, while one-turning this map is possible, if you're playing Maddening casually (an oxymoron, yeah, but bear with me), do consider that skipping this map is depriving you of probably at least a few levels. A large amount of my army is in the low to mid 30s in terms of levels, meanwhile we're having to square up against a level 50 Hubert. Things only get worse in the final map.

Before the cutscene starts, here's Hubert's battle dialogue.

Hubert. I would tell you to get out of my way, but I highly doubt you would abide.

Heh. Your silver tongue will do you no good here. This is not your path to tread.

That is not your decision to make, nor is it mine. All I can do is blaze ahead!

I should have disposed of you a long time ago.

I will rectify that failure here!

Running into you in the capital like this—I have to say, it's almost sentimental.

Hubert. She must leave.

You really think you can make her?

It does not matter what I think. Those are my orders.

We didn't even see Petra, but she's got battle dialogue, don't worry.

Professor... I have been thinking. About why I came to Fódlan. To the Empire.

I am here to be protecting Edelgard...and to be stopping you.

I cannot bring myself to kill you... You're a princess of Brigid. A hostage of the Empire.

That was the truth in the past, but it is a different truth now, Shamir...

I am...the will of the emperor!

In that case, I won't hold back.

And since this was the last time we could've faced Dorothea as an enemy, here's her last battle dialogue that I don't think we got to see. It's for fighting Adan/Abby.

If it's our destiny to kill each other, then I cannot—will not—respect the goddess.

My only request is that if you win, you'll at least have the decency to kill me quickly.

♪ A Vow Remembered ♪

Send your platoons to capture Enbarr! There is to be no needless killing or pillaging, understand?

We're finally here.

Yes, it has truly been a long war. And we have only made it this far because of you... Actually, no. I will save that sentiment for after we win this battle. We will advance our troops and confront her. We must strike down the emperor and end this war.

My life is yours, Your Highness.

Let's win this and go back home in victory! I'll do the very best I can!

On my honor as a knight...I will not lose!