Earning our JRPG black belt - Let's Play Legend of Legaia!

What's worse is that it completely ignores any physical damage not coming from Arts. Magic still works just fine, though, if you want to go that route (though honestly I'd save my MP for healing).













Your best bet is to hammer it repeatedly with Miracle Arts; Hyper Arts work just fine too, but they won't be dealing as much damage over time. The Mettle Gem is a must here; the character wearing it will be dealing damage every other turn instead of every three or four, and you want that Shield gone as quickly as possible. The Seru Flame will help, as well; it can actually be worn as an accessory that increases the wearer's AP gain by 25%, letting you use a Miracle Art that much sooner.

Of course, Cort isn't without attacks of his own, and they're all pretty nasty.



This is his most frequently-used move.

Unblocked, it'll deal around a thousand damage, while a Spirited character will take only half that. There's not a whole lot you can do since Cort uses it so often and targets your characters at random, but try not to worry about it. Just heal the affected character if you think they need it and keep up the offensive.



This move isn't used as often as Guilty Cross (most of the time, anyway; sometimes Cort will feel like spamming it), but it does target the whole party, so be wary.



















Mystic Circle is a little stronger than Guilty Cross - four hundred or so damage if blocked, 1,100 to 1,300 if not. You'll want to try to keep your HP pretty high in case Cort feels like using this attack; he doesn't have a pattern to any of his moves, so you'll never quite know what to expect.

The good news is that Cort doesn't have any physical combos for you to worry about; he'll just float in one place using Guilty Cross and Mystic Circle over and over. Even better is that Mystic Shield will only get used once, so after you break it you don't have to worry Cort making another one.



















Cort floats low enough to the ground to be susceptible to Low attacks, and he never, ever blocks anything, so the second half of the fight should go much quicker than the first.



This is good, because Cort will start to use Mystic Circle more often, sometimes to the point of using it twice in a row. You'll want to chew through his HP as fast as you can, both because of this and because of another attack he'll only use once his Mystic Shield is gone.

This attack is pretty rare; sometimes I've fought Cort without him using it at all. If he does, though, well... you'd better hope you just happen to be using Spirit that turn.













Otherwise?

Yeah. Evil Seru Magic is by far the strongest attack we've come across, and it can easily knock out a character if they aren't using Spirit, even with full HP. I've never seen Cort use this attack more than twice in one battle, but it's still something to be wary of. Just try to keep your party's HP full once you break the Mystic Shield and defeat him as fast as you can manage.

In any case, you'll know you're close when you start knocking Cort to the ground. He's got around 25,000 HP as well, but thanks to his non-blocking you should be able to get through it rather quickly. Don't let up on your attacks...























And eventually you'll win. Something to note is that the game always shows Ruby like this once the fight is over, no matter who deals the finishing blow.



Cort: The Mist is our salvation.. The Mist is eternal... It is perfect harmony...

*The Fortress begins shaking violently.*









♪♪Melody of Memories♪♪











*Juggernaut roars as pieces of the Fortress continue to rain down on it.*



Ruby: Why did you do it! My own brother!
*Blue begins walking over to Ruby, when...*

*There is a large booming sound, shaking the surroundings once more.*



♪♪Hurry Up♪♪

Umber: The Fortress is collapsing. We haven't got much time. If we don't hurry we'll be buried alive! Let's get out of here!
*Blue nods.*
Ruby: Why, why?



Jesus Christ, this is not the time for mourning! You can cry later when we aren't running for our lives!

Blue: Ruby, if you want to live, hurry!
Ruby: *slowly turns* Y-You're right, Blue.



Wh- forty seconds?! There's no goddamn way we can make it in time! Damn it, there's gotta be a way out of here!







You can't be serious!

Ruby: Blue, What do we do now? We can't move this boulder!
Umber: Blue, I don't plan on dying here.



I would love to escape, you guys...

But we're freakin' trapped here!



Wait, what the-



Cara? What the hell are you doing here?!



Ruby: Cara?



Cara: I'll tell you later. Just follow me!





I am all for miraculous getaways. Let's get the hell out of here!







Dude, why are you looking? Step on it!







Cara: Ha, ha, ha! What do you mean, "nowhere to go"? We can go right here!

Would you prefer to be buried alive? Just jump already!

Blue: Then get ready to jump!



Crap!









A chute? Maybe we'll survive the fall, after all!





*The scene and music fade. A few seconds later, the camera switches to Blue's point of view as he regains consciousness.*



♪♪The Ra-Seru Speak♪♪

*Umber nods as Ruby smiles at Blue.*
Umber: Cara, I'll never forget what you did for us. But how...
Cara: *stands* Ha, ha, ha!
*Blue gets up.*
Cara: *turns to the Fortress* Hey, you! Come down here!





Evidently we've missed a few things while we were gone...

Ruby: Is that you, Grantes?
Grantes: *nods* Uh-huh.
Umber: Those Seru Wings...
Grantes: The elder gave his permission.
Ruby: Hooray! Grantes, I'm so glad you came! Cara, I'm so glad to see you!
*Cara smiles and walks over to stand beside Grantes.*
Cara: We were worried about you. We were watching the Absolute Fortress from the air. Then we saw this terrific flash of light, so we got here as fast as we could!
Umber: Grantes, that means you're a Soren again...
Grantes: No, I'm returning these Seru Wings as soon as I'm done with them.







Damn, you too, get a room!

Umber: *Turns his head away, closes his eyes* Hmm.

Cara: Ha, ha, ha, ha! You have such a pure and honest heart!
*Grantes leaps into the air and hovers in place.*
Grantes: Cara...
Cara: *nods* Alright. Let's get out of here.





Cara: Come visit me in Buma when you have the time. We'll be waiting.





*Blue and Ruby nod.*
Ruby: Now all the Mist is gone.
Umber: That's right! And Juggernaut and the Mist Generator are destroyed, as well!
Ruby: Let's go to Conkram. My mother and father are waiting for us.



We've done it! We've saved Legaia from the Mist! Once we check on Ruby's parents back in Conkram, we'll return to Rim Elm and throw a bigass party! But we'll do all that later, since this update is already pretty huge.

Next time: Returning to Conkram!

You've had pretty good luck with the Puera's.

Also, I love the little symbol they use with the Evil Seru Magic for Juggernaut. Too bad it's not used very much.

Don't worry about big updates. You know what you're doing with this LP.

Agreed. I like the longer updates as we reach the home stretch of the game (...we ARE approaching there, right?) - it contributes to building momentum.

Yeah, the update length is fine.

Indeed! I tell ya, man, this playthrough has been pretty breezy in terms of Seru absorption.

I actually like that it's not used very often; it kind of reinforces just how menacing Juggernaut is. I mean, it gets its own symbol that doesn't show up anywhere else; does it even have a weakness?

Alright then, just makin' sure.

Yes. I won't say how many updates are left, but I will say that I can count them on the fingers of one hand. Make no mistake, we're almost finished.

Chapter 33: The Seru-kai



♪♪The Earth of Joy♪♪

Man, it's good to hear that theme again. It's a good thing the walk to Conkram is so short - you're likely to not even run into any battles.



Wait... why is the clam shell closed?



♪♪The Misty Capital♪♪

Umber: *looks around* Oh my... What happened to Conkram?
*Ruby runs a few steps forward.*
Ruby: Father...



Ruby: Mother!!! *runs a few more steps* Faaaaather!!!



*Blue walks over to Ruby.*
Ruby: I destroyed the Mist Generator. The Mist is gone! Mother, father! Now you're free of the Mist!
Umber: Ozma, tell me! What happened?
Ozma: The Sim-Seru around Conkram grew in an unstable manner. The Sim-Seru could live only in the Mist. So when the Mist disappeared... The Sim-Seru died, and Conkram with it.



Ruby: Why didn't you tell me Conkram would die if the Mist disappeared?
*Terra doesn't respond.*
Umber: The King and Queen must have known this would happen, if the Mist disappeared. Yet they ordered us to destroy the Mist Generator! So Ruby... Don't blame Terra. There was no other way.
Ruby: No! No! Terra, you lied! I hate you, Terra! Bring my father back to me! Bring my mother back to me!
*Ruby sinks to the ground.*









*The scene fades to black. A few seconds later, the gentle sound of the tide can be heard.*



...and destroyed four Mist Generators to save the world from the Mist! Blue, your deeds are legendary! Your bravery brought the world back from the brink of annihilation! Your determination created hope where there was hopelessness. The world is forever in your debt! Now, children of Rim Elm, Bleu is one of you now! Whatever happens, no matter what troubles you encounter, never forget that!
*The music fades.*



♪♪Rim Elm♪♪



*Blue turns over and opens his eyes.*
Nene: Umber and Ruby are already up and outside! Why don't you go out, too!
*Blue gets out of bed.*



Nene: Talk to everyone before it gets dark outside.
Val: Blue, you told us so many things last night. I know I can't even walk like I used to, but... Your eyes are like my eyes. Your ears, like my ears. You've really grown up, Blue! I'm so proud of you!



It's good to be back home. I wonder where Ruby and Umber are... ah well, we'll find out later. For now, there's a certain someone I want to see.

Tetsu: What's going on, Blue? Do you want something today?
Blue: I want to hear about Biron.
Tetsu: So you want to know about Biron... I just visited Biron Temple the other day, and Master Zopu was in good health. Young people are going there from all over the world to learn the teachings of Biron. Master Zopu said it was all because of you, Ruby, and Umber. Blue, do you want to ask me anything else?
Blue: Tell me the secrets of fighting.
Tetsu: Ha, ha! There's nothing more I can teach a veteran warrior like you, Blue! But let an old soldier give you some advice. Remember... Battle is like life: No shortcut to success. Sometimes a new path appears where none was visible before. In this respect, such a thing as a secret to fighting may not even exist at all. Blue, do you want to ask me anything else?
Blue: I want to practice with you.
Tetsu: Good! Now that you are so much stronger, I had wanted to test myself against you. But remember we are in peaceful Rim Elm. Do not summon any Seru. Now, come at me!





Bonus Boss 2: Tetsu
♪♪Brand of the Holy Knuckles♪♪

Tetsu is kind of a jerk.







His combos are nine hits long, and he's super-fast to boot; you'll want Blue to wear the Speed Chain for this fight so he can act first.







He can also use Somersault whenever he wants, though this makes his combos one hit shorter every time he uses it.



Since you can't use Seru, you'll have to rely on Healing Berries for, uh, healing. Wearing the Life Armband is also a good idea, so you won't have to use them quite as often.





The best strategy I've found for this fight is to alternate between using Spirit, healing yourself, and pounding Tetsu with Miracle Arts. He's only got enough HP to withstand four of them, so as long as you're cautious you should be able to win before running out of items.







You don't get any experience or money for doing this, but this fight isn't entirely without merit.

Tetsu: Most impressive! Your abilities are too much for me! You have matured, Blue. That is why I am giving you this.



A second Mettle Gem! Now Blue or Umber can keep up with Ruby's steady damage output.

Tetsu: Blue, do you want to ask me anything else?
Blue: Nothing in particular.
Tetsu: Hmm. I am truly grateful to you, Blue, from the bottom of my heart.



Okay, now we're free to talk to the villagers.

Walking around town
Worker: I'm tired of this dismal Wall! I wish someone would knock it down!
Hunter: Blue, look! Thanks to you, we don't need the Wall anymore!
Worker: This Wall is so sturdy and strong! They really did a good job on this.
Gate guard: Good morning, Blue! I heard you were on a trip through Mist-covered lands. You're really something!
Old woman: What's the matter, Blue? Are you looking for your friends? {Uh-huh.} Ruby is at the Village Elder's house and Umber is at the Genesis Tree.
Gate guard: Blue, you are really something!
Woman: How do you do, Blue. I'm from the Sebucus Islands. I came here to see the hometown of the person who saved the world, Blue! I'm honored to see you! {Cool, we have fans now!}
Boy: They said we can play outside now!
Girl: We're all going on an outing! An outing is when you take a lunch and go outside somewhere.
Woman: Some day, I'm going to sail to far-off lands across the Mist-free ocean in a bright white boat. You can be the captain, Blue. Watch over me, O.K.?

Near the Memory Statue
Woman: Blue! Be thankful for the Statue of Memory! You have made much use of it!

In Ixis' house
Ixis: When you wore the Ra-Seru and left Rim Elm... I was filled with envy of you. But now that the Mist is gone... you and I are both hunters of Rim Elm. And when it comes to hunting skills, I know I'm at least as good as you!
Hunter: I'm grateful for every day I'm alive. When there's life, all things are possible.
Woman: Well, if my son had a Ra-Seru then he could save the world, too, you know! *turns to Blue* Oh! Blue! I didn't know you were there! Don't pay any attention to what I was saying. I was just talking to myself. {Psh.}

In the general store
Shopkeeper: Since the Mist cleared, people have been coming to visit from Drake Castle and all over!
Worker: This Rim Elm is just a tiny little village... But I see it was the warmth and unyielding courage of the people here that made you what you are.
Assistant: Thanks to you, Blue, business is booming! It's great!
Boy: Hey, it's Blue! Blue is visiting my shop! Wow, this is cool! If you think about it, you used the weapons and accessories you bought here to save the world! Welcome to our store! What can I get you? {I'm good, thanks. Though I do have some weapons to sell...}Thank you! Come again!

Well, that's almost everyone... Let's go see how Ruby's doing.



♪♪Melody of Memories♪♪

Ruby: *lowers her head* So why... I just don't understand. *turns to Blue* Blue, why do the people I love have to die?



*Ruby turns back to the window.*
Ruby: I don't believe Terra anymore. Terra lied to me, so I don't like her anymore. Ever since then, Terra won't answer me at all.



Ruby: I don't believe Terra anymore! I feel like I hate her now! *turns to the window* That's why I feel so sad and lonely.

I... geez, Ruby, Terra didn't mean any harm by it; she just wanted to protect you.



Ah, man... I don't think Ruby's going to listen to anything we have to say for a while. Not that I blame her; the poor girl's lost her whole family. I guess we should just leave her be for now.

Village Elder: Blue... Ruby has lost her parents, and is very lonely. If you're a true hero, treat Ruby well. You've shared joy and sorrow.
Old man: Ruby is in the back, talking with the Village Elder.
Old man: I'm glad that the words of an old man like me helped you during your journey.

You know... we haven't seen Mei in a while. Let's go visit.



♪♪Mei♪♪

Maya: I'm so glad you came here to see me! *walks closer* Now let me get a good look at your face.
*Maya studies Blue for a few seconds.*
Maya: Such a sturdy-looking face! This is the face of a full-grown man, the hero who saved the world!
*Blue shakes his head in embarrassment.*



Maya: Oh, I almost forgot. I have to go somewhere now. Mei is inside. Don't be bashful. Stay awhile!
*Blue shakes his head and enters the house.*



*Blue walks over to Mei, who starts in surprise.*
Mei: Blue!



Oh, right, sorry about that.

*Blue rubs his head in embarrassment.*
Blue: I'm sorry! So, how are you?
Mei: I'm fine. Blue, you may be the hero who saved the world from the Mist, but you haven't changed!



Heh, that first line seems a bit too cheesy. Besides, Mei seems a little more cheerful now.

Blue: Mei, you've changed.
Mei: Well, just like you've gotten stronger, I've grown up a little. The world has changed now that the Mist is gone. Actually, I've started a tailoring business. I have to earn a living, you know. Hee hee. I may not look it, but I have quite a reputation as a skilled tailor now.



Quick, seize the opportunity before the silence gets awkward!



I don't think I can add anything to this.



Or this!

Maya: Well, well. You two look like you're having fun. What were you talking about?
Mei: Mother! Welcome home. Well, how did it go? What did the shopkeeper say?
Maya: Actually... He gave me a good price. He said he can always use clothes of such good quality.
Mei: Blue!

...Yes? We're right here!

*Blue nods.*
Mei: Blue, I'm going to work hard and open up my own store with Mother. I hope you'll be rooting for me.
*Mei turns to the clothing on the table and resumes working.*
Maya: Listen to this child. She's absorbed in her work. And it's all thanks to you, Blue. And it's not just Mei! Everyone in Rim Elm is full of life now! Everyone is enjoying life and being alive!

That's good to hear. Let's talk with Mei and Maya a bit more before we go see Umber.

Mei: You know, I decided to stop sobbing and crying all the time. Right now, designing clothes is my passion.
Maya: Blue, can I ask you something? {Sure.} Thank you, Blue. You're so nice. What I want to ask you about...



Indeed we have. It, uh, hasn't exactly been pleasant either...

Blue: Yes. Several times.



Uh... Man, this conversation isn't very pleasant... Might as well tell her the truth.

Blue: A Seru has made him inhuman.
Maya: Oh, no...



Well... no, not really.

Blue: I'm sorry.
Maya: Songi was competitive and vain, but he was a good child -- gentle and obedient. I don't know much about the Seru, but I know that... the Mist and the Seru bring out the meanness and weakness in human nature.

Well that got sad real fast... Let's just go see what Umber's up to.



♪♪Voz Forest♪♪

Umber: *turns to the Genesis Tree* It was this Genesis Tree that brought us together. We are so lucky we met each other! But there are still a couple of things that bother me.
*Blue nods for him to continue.*



Umber: We defeated Cort and Juggernaut at the Absolute Fortress Mist Generator. But nobody knows where Songi disappeared to. *crosses arms* Maybe I'm worrying too much, but I don't think everything's over yet.
*A boy runs into the area.*



*Blue turns to the boy.*



I dunno, it might be Dr. Usha, or any of several people we've met.

Blue: To see us? Who could he be?
Boy: Um... oh, he told me his name but I forgot. He has spiky hair. Um... wait a minute. Oh, that's right!



♪♪Songi's First Appearance♪♪

Umber: What?! Songi? Where is he? Where's Songi?
Boy: *pause* I'm scared, Umber...
Umber: Where is Songi?
Boy: At... the entrance to the village.
Umber: That Songi! What could he be up to? Blue, I'll go!
*Blue nods, and Umber runs off.*
Boy: Blue, wait!



Yeah, he's definitely not someone to be trusted.

Blue: He's a bad guy, but don't worry!
Boy: O.K., I won't! Blue, Ruby and Umber! You guys can take care of any bad guy!
*Blue nods and runs off.*



*The villagers turn to Umber as Ruby arrives and assumes a fighting stance.*
Ruby: Songi, did you come here to do something bad?
*The villagers turn back to Songi as Ruby and Umber walk closer to him.*
Songi: Ha ha ha! That's a fine how-do-you-do. I came here to congratulate you!
*Blue arrives.*



I don't believe you for a second. Get out of here or we'll make you!

Blue: Songi! Leave Rim Elm right now!
Songi: Hey, hey, Blue! Is that how you treat your guests?
*Songi turns to Tetsu.*
Songi: I was just talking about your friend and mine, dear old Umber.
Umber: Songi... I know you're too proud to apologize, but...
Ruby: Yeah! Say you're sorry! Songi! You'd better say you're sorry right now!
Songi: Ha ha ha ha!
*Songi turns and spits on the ground.*



*Songi takes a few steps towards the Wall and turns around.*
Songi: Well, I see the idiot brigade still hasn't mastered thinking! Umber, take a look!
*Songi backflips, takes a few running steps and leaps into the air as the music fades.*

♪♪Juggernaut's Approach♪♪

Songi: Don't worry, he's not dead. I held back. After all, if he dies, he won't be food for Juggernaut anymore.
Umber: Juggernaut? How could that be? Juggernaut died with Cort!
Songi: Hello, Umber! You're not thinking! Juggernaut is an enhanced Seru! A Sim-Seru!



Ruby: *gets up* No! M-My brother?
Umber: *gets up* Cort!
*Blue gets up.*
Songi: Correct! Say, you do have some brains, eh? Listen closely. Juggernaut's almost here.
Umber: Songi! It's me you resent, right? Then kill me! Leave the people of Rim Elm out of this! Don't harm them!
Songi: Umber, you don't understand. You don't matter at all to me anymore.
*Songi walks over to a piece of the Wall and jumps on top of it, Blue and co. following behind.*



Umber: Songi, your depravity never ceases to amaze me.
*The screen suddenly darkens.*



Ozma:Umber, it's too late to run away!
Terra: Ruby, concentrate! Focus!
*The party turns to each other and nods.*





Songi: Watch, as a new kingdom of the Mist is born at this very spot!
*Songi backflips offscreen.*

♪♪World Map After Juggernaut♪♪

*Lightning randomly flashes in the sky.*



Songi: Blue! Your friends and family are now part of Juggernaut!
Ruby: NO! NNOOOOOO!
*Ruby runs towards Songi...*



*Only to be knocked aside.*
Songi: Sorry! I can't let all of you inside.
*Songi turns around and places his hands on Juggernaut.*







Ruby: *gets up* No! You can't do this! I won't let you!
*Ruby runs to the barrier, but it knocks her backward on contact.*



Songi: This is only the beginning! Juggernaut'll grow until he swallows the whole human world!

*Songi spits on the ground.*
Songi: Umber, you are as clueless as ever! I am no ordinary human! Don't you get it, Umber? I am the ruler! And as ruler, I cannot trouble myself with you! I must go and conquer another world.
Umber: Another world? No... Not the Seru-kai!
Songi: Ha, ha, ha! That's right! I'll never have to see you again! Farewell! Have fun... dying, that is!





*The portal disappears.*
Umber: W-Wait! Songi, wait!
Ruby: *gets up* Why? Why won't the Genesis Tree protect us?
Terra: Ruby... The Genesis Tree lost its powers because of the Seru-kai.
Ozma: If Songi conquers the Seru-kai, my life will end, and all hope will be lost.
Umber: Tell me, Ozma! How can we go after Songi? How can we get to the Seru-kai?
Ozma: There is only one way to the Seru-kai, and it's in Uru Mais.
Umber: So that's why Juggernaut invaded Uru Mais!



Ruby: Blue, we have to go to Uru Mais now!
Umber: Blue, to save Rim Elm, we have to go to Uru Mais!

Alright then, if that's what it takes, that's where we're going.



♪♪Vidna♪♪

First, though, we'll head to the Soren camp to stock up on supplies; we have more than enough money to do so. Fifteen each of Healing Berries and Fruits, Phoenixes, Doors of Wind, and ten Magic Fruits should last us a while. I'll also use this place for a free rest, since this is likely the last time we'll be able to fully heal ourselves without any items for a while.



♪♪The Earth of Joy♪♪

Either Uru Mais is still smoking from when Juggernaut blew most of it up, or something strange is going on.



♪♪The Calling of the Relics♪♪

Ruby: Uru Mais is deserted! There's no one here!
Umber: Ozma! Ra-Seru! Tell us! Is this where we can find the door to the Seru-kai you told us about?
Ozma: Umber, strain your ears... I mean, your mind. Listen! You can hear the Words.
Terra: Uru Mais has been destroyed, but the Words remain!
Meta: You heard them, correct? They say that Tieg will live forever.



Tieg is Words. Humans! Rely not on your imperfect eyes!
Ruby: It's Tieg! Tieg is alive, everyone!
Umber: Let's go to the ruins! Tieg will open the door for us!

Sounds like a plan to me.





We don't have a choice; if we don't follow Songi, then Rim Elm will remain a mass of sentient flesh, and eventually the rest of Legaia will join it.

*Blue nods.*
Meta: Very well! Then we must focus our thoughts!
Ruby: Tieg! It's me, Ruby! Open the door for us!
Umber: Tieg! Open the door! To restore order to the Seru-kai! Show us the way, so that we may retake the human world from the Mist's henchmen!
Meta: Blue! Call to Tieg! Now! Concentrate! Harder! Turn your bravery into Words!
*There is a massive rumbling and a flash of light; a few seconds later, a spirit appears before Blue and co.*



The Words are what show the way. Proceed, humans!

Ozma: Umber, I need to tell you something.
Meta: Blue, Ruby, and Umber. We want to thank you... From the bottom of our hearts! I am so fortunate to have joined up with young people like you!
Ozma: When Tieg divided his body into human and Seru, the Seru were entrusted with order. Tieg had faith in human potential, and ordered the Seru not to interfere in human affairs.



Terra: The rebellion was put down with Tieg's strength, but the humans had learned of the Seru. That's when the Ra-Seru were sent to the human world, along with the Genesis Trees.
Meta: Our mission was to restore order when impending disaster threatened the human world. The Genesis Tree was also a means of maintaining order.
Ozma: But in the end, as you all know... Humans, possessed by the Mist, took over the Seru-kai.
Terra: I do not know for certain what transpires in Seru-kai. But you can save the Seru-kai and the human world! I am sure you can do it!



Terra: Ruby, don't be silly. Long ago, I made you a promise, right? I promised... This old wolf would stay with you no matter what! That's what we agreed, right?
Ruby: *smiles* Yeah! Terra! You promised! You promised, so don't forget!
Umber: Alright! It's time to free the Seru-kai from Songi's grasp!
*There is a flash of light as Blue and co. pass through the other side of the portal.*



♪♪Noel (Noaru Valley)♪♪







*The party nods to each other.*



Well, here we are - the Seru-kai.



This place is different from other dungeons, in that it's one giant area instead of broken up into separate screens. This can make navigating it rather disorienting, especially with the constantly moving clouds in the background.



There are a lot of branching side-paths here, and the first one leads to this Life Water. They tend to be pretty roundabout, and some lead to pointless dead-ends.



This is found close to the left branch of the first fork. It's not much of an upgrade (we're talking two points of difference), but every little bit helps. It's for Blue, if you were wondering.





♪♪Brand of the Holy Knuckles♪♪

These are the enemies you can encounter here. You've probably noticed already, but from here on out we're only running into Seru enemies (besides bosses, anyway); the last new non-Seru ones were around Conkram.

Awesome. Giliums are the toughest regular Seru to absorb, being the last ones we'll run into; having one on Umber is even better, since his Thunder affinity will boost its damage. But I'll show that off later.



♪♪Noel (Noaru Valley)♪♪

We'll want to head right here; the other paths are rather tiny and lead to dead-ends.



This is close to the path we just came from; it's pretty hard to miss.





West is the way to go from here, but we'll go northeast first.



Rockin'.





Northeast is the way to go here; the other paths are duds.



We're almost done with this place, believe it or not; northeast leads to the end of the area. First, though, we'll take the top-left path...



For this.



Songi should be just ahead. Hopefully we'll be able to take him down before he causes any serious harm.



...Is that a tree floating in the middle of the sky?





There should probably be a "from" in that text-box.

Umber: It is indeed a massive Genesis Tree as the name suggests, but...



Meta: That is a special Sim-Seru. It's robbing the Great Genesis Tree of its life force!
*The camera switches back to the party.*
Ruby: If the Great Genesis Tree dies, will you die, too, Terra?
Terra: Yes, I suppose... that is what will happen.
Ruby: No! Blue! Umber! We can't let that happen!
Umber: Maybe we can save the Great Genesis Tree! Let's get a closer look!
*The party nods.*

Good idea. But... will the three of us be enough to revive it? This is the Great Genesis Tree we're talking about here.

Man, this is disorienting...



Is that Songi? What's he doing?



♪♪Songi's First Appearance♪♪

Umber: Songi! What are you doing to the Great Genesis Tree?
*Songi stops what he's doing and turns to face the party.*
Songi: Ha ha ha! The muscle-bound oaf must have a loose screw! It's obvious! I am using my special Sim-Seru to drain the powers of the Great Genesis Tree! Once I absorb all its power, the Seru-kai will die...



Ruby: But this is the Seru-kai! And... And the Great Genesis Tree belongs to the Ra-Seru! So how can you come here and drain away the Great Genesis Tree's life?!
Songi: Heh heh! A good question for a barbarian girl like you. Well then, I shall tell you. My Seru grew from a Ra-Seru Egg from East Voz Forest. In other words, this is a Ra-Seru.
Umber: Impossible!
Songi: It was Cort who took a Ra-Seru Egg that lost its strength, and turned it into a Sim-Seru. By fusing myself with a Sim-Seru born of a Ra-Seru, I have become the ultimate life form.



Ruby: You're Tieg? You can't be Tieg!
Umber: Don't be a fool, Songi! Cort's evil ambitions have taken hold of your soul!
*Songi backflips a few feet away for some reason.*
Songi: You are the fool! And you, Umber! You and the rest are also being controlled by those Ra-Seru! Ha ha ha! So we are all heretics who have strayed from the path of Biron! We're comrades!
*Everyone assumes a fighting stance simultaneously.*
Songi: So let us settle things once and for all. Come at me! All three of you!









Boss Battle 19: Songi
♪♪My Name is Songi♪♪

Remember when I said Tetsu was a jerk?







That was an exaggeration. Songi is a jerk.





He does have special attacks at his disposal, but Songi's preferred method of damage-dealing is beating the crap out of you. His physical combos can add up to over 2,000 damage in just a few hits; anyone not wearing HP-boosting accessories might get knocked out if they aren't in Spirit or blocking his attacks.



He does have a couple special moves up his metaphorical sleeve, but to be honest they aren't as worrisome as his physical combos.

They still hurt, though. This attack in particular deals about 1,400 damage unblocked, though Spirit will reduce that to about 500 or so. You'll definitely want to heal anyone that gets hit by Chaos Flare, in case Songi attacks them the next turn; he has a tendency to randomly choose his target, and his attacks don't have any pattern to them as far as I can tell.













Your best bet is to assign two characters to attacking duty and one to keep up with healing. Be sure to put the War Soul and Power Ring on your attackers, as well as the Life Armband and Minea's Ring; you'll want them to be dealing as much damage as possible, and the HP accessories will help their survivability.



As for your healer (Umber in my case), equip them with the Speed Chain so their healing will take priority; Songi is slow, but you never know what he'll hit you with, and keeping your attackers' HP up is important. Any defense-increasing accessories, like the Guardian Chain, will help as well. Hell, go ahead and equip them with the Light Talisman if you feel you'll need it; you just might. In Umber's case, his natural HP is good enough on its own that he shouldn't need an accessory for it, though you might want to throw the Life Ring on him just in case.

Do not let up your assault; Songi has 48,000 HP to work through, and you only have so many resources. Speaking of, you'll want a lot of Phoenixes for this fight; even if things go well, you'll probably have to revive one of your characters at least once. Healing Fruits are also important, since most of Songi's attacks are single-target.



Songi gets knocked down after pretty much any combo, so you won't get that kind of visual cue when he's almost defeated. Instead, he'll pull out this attack once you're close to beating him.

Unblocked, Genocidal Cannon will deal almost 2,000 damage to the entire party; Spirit reduces that to about 700 or so. Songi will mostly use this attack every other turn, sometimes less often, but the good news is that he never uses it twice in a row. Still, though, healing is even more important in the last stage of the fight; wouldn't want anyone to faint when you're already so close, after all. Songi doesn't block any attacks, so hopefully you should be able to beat him before he fires Genocidal Cannon too many times.























Similar to the Cort fight, Umber will always be shown in this pose once you beat Songi here, no matter who deals the finishing blow.



♪♪An Unpredictable Happening♪♪

Songi: Ha ha ha! Look at me, Umber! How pitiful I am! Even with the power of the Ra-Seru, I couldn't... couldn't defeat... Ooh!
*Songi collapses to the ground.*



Songi: Arrgh! My whole body hurts! I can't take it!
*Blue and Ruby walk over to join Umber.*
Meta: The Seru-kai is a world intolerant of the presence of ordinary human beings.
Terra: Now that he has lost his Seru, Songi will return to nothingness.
*Songi reaches his arm out to the party.*
Songi: Umber! Umber! The pain is unbearable! You're my friend... Help me!
Umber: Ozma, can't we do something for him?
Ozma: I'm sorry, but he can no longer exist in the Seru-kai.
Songi: Arrggh!



Songi: Curse all you Seru! Is this all your powers can do?!

*Songi reforms, but continues shaking violently.*
Songi: Seru and Ra-Seru, they're all the same! They're all useless!
*Songi shatters and reforms again.*
Songi: Good-for-nothing Seru! Ha, ha, ha!







Umber: Songi!
*Ruby walks up to the Great Genesis Tree.*
Ruby: Terra! Let's give life to the Great Genesis Tree!
*Terra doesn't respond.*
Ruby: Terra, what's wrong?
Terra: It's no use, Ruby! The Great Genesis Tree is too weak to be revived!
Umber: What? You mean the Great Genesis Tree is going to die?!
*Suddenly, there is a massive rumbling, temporarily cutting off the music. A few seconds later, there is a brief flash of light.*
Ruby: Look! The Seru-kai's sky! It's changing!





*Terra doesn't respond.*
Ruby: Terra! TERRAAAA!



Umber: No! Are our lives to expire with the Seru-kai?!
Ruby: Blue, Umber! Let's pray! Let's pray to the Great Genesis Tree!
Umber: Our faith is all we have left! Blue, let's try!
*Blue and Ruby nod as they turn to the Great Genesis Tree.*
Ruby: Great Genesis Tree! If you die, the Seru-kai will also die! So will the Ra-Seru Terra and Ozma and Meta and us, too! We'll all die! Please! Come back to life!



Umber: Give life back to the bodies ruined by the evil Sim-Seru!
Ruby: Blue! You must pray as well!
Umber: Blue! Pray! We must all pray together!
*Blue nods as Ruby turns back to the Tree and the music fades. The camera begins zooming out.*
Ruby: Come back to life!
Umber: Great Genesis Tree! Hear our prayers!





♪♪The Ra-Seru Speak♪♪

What the- Hari?!







Ruby: Hari!
*The Hari of the present appears in another ball of light.*
Umber: Hari! But you disappeared into the earth below Octam!



Hari: The prophecies of Rem. They are the words of Tieg! The spirit of Tieg that resides in this body has given us words that transcend time. Our bodies have died. But the death of our bodies has given our souls immortality.



Hari: Brave Ra-Seru! The will of Tieg will show you the path you must take! It is our mission to carry out the will of Tieg.
Ruby: Is Hari going to give the Great Genesis Tree life?
*The Hari of the past descends to the ground.*
Hari: The Great Genesis Tree is fated to die, and we cannot reverse that.
Umber: But... the Seru-kai!
*The Hari of the present descends to the ground.*
Hari: All we can do is give the last of our shining power to nurture the life of the Great Genesis Tree.
*The Haris of the past and present put their hands on the Great Genesis Tree; as they do so, the Hari of the future descends to the ground and moves to join them.