My source tells me that Inanna is currently at the Apsaranta.

That place once used to be the capital of Dragon Lord Apsu's territory.

Go there, and you might find out why it's impossible to track her...

I have no doubt that is where she'll be.

Player: "The Heart of Apsaranta?"

Yes, the Heart of Apsaranta.

It was the grand palace where Apsu and his people lived.

It was also where Apsu was assassinated by Tiamat.

This place probably contains a large part of the Dragon Lord Apsu's remaining power.

Player: "Then..."

Right. She is probably planning to use that power.

If Inanna manages to seize the remaining power of Apsu at the Heart of Apsaranta, she'll be able to ascend.

We need to stop her.

Please go to the Heart of Apsaranta right away.

Player: "I will."

I sent out a search party, but it seems they haven't been able to reach the Heart of Apsaranta yet.

Stellin is preventing them from entering.

We won't be able to do so without your expertise, Player.

Player: "Of course I'll help."

Oh, I must have scared you, appearing so suddenly.

Actually, when I gave you the Chronomancy Orb, I made some modifications.

I knew you would be in danger if something happened that made you use it.

I imbued it with a summoning spell that lets me appear once it's activated.

Don't worry, Player. I'll be by your side to help you.

Player: Let me explain to you how the Chronomancy Orb works.

Hm, luckily, you activated the Chronomancy Orb in time.

Seems we arrived before she ascended.

So far, she hasn't even tried yet. Or at least we haven't detected any changes in the waves that would suggest as much.

That means this is our chance...!

We need to prevent her ascension and stop future disasters.

I don't... suppose you have a plan to stop her ascension, Player?

Player: "Why don't we just... talk to her?"

Talk to her...

Do you really think that'll work on a Balaur? One set to ascend?

I'm sorry to say this, but I'm not convinced.

Player: "Give me a chance. She's not a Balaur."

...Fine. Because it's you, Player.

After all, the person in the vision was you and not me.

You should hurry.

I don't care if you stop her with words or with weapons, as long as you stop her.

Player: "I will."

How did you get here before me...?

...well, it doesn't matter.

Soon, nothing will matter.

Player: "Inanna, the ascension will be your downfall."

Nonsense.

Don't try to talk me out of this.

I know what I'm doing.

It's my decision to become a Dragon Lord.

Player: "Please, listen to me!"

I thought you were my friend...

You're the one who isn't listening to me!

There is a reason why I have to become a Dragon Lord.

I want to become a creature that is stronger than all others, so I can change the rules of this world.

If you cannot understand that, I have nothing more to say to you.

Player: (Block Inanna's path.)

... stop.

I won't allow you to stand in my way any longer.

Away!

Player: (Inanna shoves you.)

How did it go?

Did you succeed?

Player: "Sadly not."

Just as I expected...

You were gone a while, though.

If we set out to defeat her again now, she might have already ascended.

I'm not sure if that's a bad thing, or a good thing.

At least we still have a chance.

Player: "What do you mean?"

There is still a Chronomancy Orb left.

Usually, a Chronomancy Orb can only be used once before it is destroyed.

Isn't that strange?

It seems this region is a bit weird.

Player: "Weird in what way?"

It has strong regenerative energy.

Within a certain radius, it can restore things to their original state. The energy here feels strong, like a deep-seated grudge.

That might be why the Chronomancy Orb doesn't disappear for good.

I don't know how useful it will be for other things, but if we can use the orb several times...

The power of Chronomancy allows you to go to different pasts in the same timeline.

Why don't you see if there's a way to change the future?

Player: "Sure, why not."

Oh no... I really thought destroying the spirit would work.

... I guess there is no other choice.

We will have to destroy Apsu's Crown if we want to have any hope of affecting the outcome.

The lingering power isn't held within Apsu's Spirit, but the crown. Our only chance to stop Inanna will be to destroy it.

Player: "I agree."

But how CAN we destroy it?

Since it contains the condensed power of Apsu, it won't break through regular means.

And... we don't have much time left.

Hmm... What a conundrum...

Player: "Tiamat was able to defeat Apsu, so we know it's possible."

Oh! I have an idea!

You're absolutely right! Tiamat’s power...

And this is where Apsu was killed.

Perhaps Tiamat's power still lingers...

Her destructive earth magic must be here... Let's borrow some of her power.

Player: "What do you mean?"

I will try to bind the power that was used in the last ascension so that it cannot leave the crown.

Please go and find me some of Tiamat's power that remains here, Player.

We won't have much time, so please hurry.

Player: "I'm on it."

(The protruding, crystal thorns seem to contain a great amount of condensed magic.)

(You can feel a powerful energy emanating from the crystals.)

(This place gives off a dangerous atmosphere.)

(This thorn crystal must contain the power that opposes Apsu's.)

Player: "I'll just take these...."

Look at this!

So this is what was hiding here....

I knew there was an illusion, but I had no idea it covered the whole area!

That must have been the most powerful illusion I ever saw. Until it failed, that is.

So... what do we do now?

We still have a Chronomancy Orb left, but I think we are running out of ideas.

Player: "I have to keep trying."

Of course...

As long as we have the Chronomancy Orb, we will be able to try again.

The problem is that we cannot predict how long the power will last.

It's a great risk.

Perhaps we should look at this from a new angle. Instead of trying to prevent the ascension...

...maybe we should accept that it is immutable, and work towards another goal.

Player: "Then... I will report back, for now."

That's a good idea.

We know what horrors the ascension will bring. We will have to prepare, Daeva. We must overcome this.

We need to warn everyone.

Please let them know everything we've tried, and that this is beyond even us.

We need the Agents... no, the Empyrean Lords for this.

Player: "I'll do my best."

You tried so hard... but the ascension still happened.

I see.

Hearing your story, Player, I'm sure that no one could have done more.

The ascension has happened, and we must be ready for whatever comes next.

Please report what you just told me to Agent Outremus, as well.