Avinoleum Footsteps

The tower... It seems to have risen to where Avinoleum is.

What happened? Was that my hallucination?

When you were in Avinoleum, did you encounter... No, please forget it. Good luck on your journey.

Excuse me, {Male=sir;Female=madam}, have you noticed something unusual in that sky?

Yes, just an old habit of mine.

Once, Avinoleum was a marvel admired across all of Rinascita. But now, it's nothing more than an expanse of shadows, hanging in the sky.

What? How did you...? Ah, I can sense that you are a powerful Resonator. There's no reason you would lie about such a thing.

Forgive this old man's ramblings. I've been writing a memoir… a record of Ragunna's past.

Yes. Twenty years ago, the Dark Tide swept through and changed everything. It took too many things and people we held dear.

Someone must write it down, lest the glory and triumphs of our past fade into nothing.

But when I reached the part about Avinoleum, I realized I could barely remember what it looked like.

I… My memories of the seminary are slipping away. The place where I spent my youth, where I strengthened my faith and devoted myself to self-discipline… it's all fading.

I was. But as you can see, I no longer wear the vestment.

The current Order deems the study of the past forbidden, erasing all past records.

But now I have an idea... If you can reach the seminary, could you capture some photos for me?

Even if it has changed greatly, seeing it again might help me recall something... Anything.

Thank you. I've managed to save a little over the years. You won't be doing this for nothing.

Please take this map with you. I... no longer need it.

This was drawn back when Avinoleum was still on the ground. It marks the renowned places of that time.

Even now, high in the heavens, I believe some traces of its former beauty remain.

If you can... take some time to appreciate the sights and enjoy the Ragunna of old.

{Male=Sir;Female=Madam}, you just returned from Avinoleum?

...

This is indeed Avinoleum. These towers, these columns... They still shine with the brilliance of days gone by.

…{Male=Sir;Female=Madam}, there's something I must ask, something I wasn't ready to inquire before.

When the Dark Tide surged, my daughter, Rosalie, was studying in the seminary. Like so many others there, she vanished from this world.

Do you think it's possible that, after all these years, Rosalie still survives in those ruins, isolated from our world?

...! Did she say anything? Please, tell me everything you saw and heard.

I was meant to attend the coronation ceremony with her that day, but circumstances delayed me...

By the time I arrived, it was too late. I couldn't protect my own child as a father, nor could I safeguard the sacred land as an Acolyte.

Thank you... for telling me.

At least now I know that my daughter died a true Acolyte, her faith unwavering, her soul virtuous.

I recall the dusk when I took Rosalie to Avinoleum. The golden light of the setting sun bathed the main tower's dome.

And she asked me who built such a glorious place or if it was a blessing from the Sentinel.

I forgot what I answered, but I believe she found her own answer.

One day, on the land of Ragunna, such splendor will rise again.

I promise, I'll finish this memoir and never let these precious things be lost to time.

...Until we meet again, {Male=sir;Female=madam}.

Father… we've arrived? Is this Avinoleum?

Yes, my dear. We are here at Avinoleum.

A place blessed by the Sentinel, where divine glory converges—the Avinoleum Theological Seminary.

From this day forward, you shall study here and grow into an Acolyte strong enough to bear the burden, just as I once did.

But Father, are you leaving again?

I'm sorry, sweetheart. There are still far-off corners where the Sentinel's blessings have yet to reach. I must continue my duties.

But know this, I'll return to you whenever you need me.

Ragunna City is always full of cheer and joy at such times, but I never expected to see the same festive spirit at the seminary.

The banks are lined with Acolytes watching the festivities. Even our professors are dancing without a care in the world.

It's the Carnevale, a time to forget all titles and ranks!

You're right. The Carnevale is when differences and disputes are set aside.

Hey, don't just stand there! Come join us! We might even catch a glimpse of the Blessed Maiden herself!

Let's go!

You call this dragon Echo... "Sloppy?"

That's right. It's known for its gentle, docile nature, loafing around all day. Not that it's shy. It's simply too lazy to move.

May I come closer? I just want to pet it.

Oh, it feels so cold.

Hahaha, feel free to spend as much time with it as you like.

And what about that giant dragon over there?

First time seeing it? That's the Blessed Maiden's mount, Gehinnom. It might look intimidating, but it's actually a gentle soul.

Speaking of which, the Blessed Maiden's coronation is around the corner.

Yeah, I can hardly wait.

(A hand-drawn map of the seminary? Just like the one I carry.)

(Perhaps this is not a coincidence.)

According to the schedule, the Blessed Maiden will be crowned under the dome soon...

But why does the air feel so heavy?

The dark, suffocating fog that's swallowing the sky... Could this be the Dark Tide?

Don't be tempted by the songs! Run! Beware the Tacet Discords!

Now is not the time to surrender. I still see the Blessed Maiden's light shining through. She hasn't given up yet!

My lantern still burns bright, and my sword remains keen enough to fell any evil that dares approach!

I, Rosalie Seneca, will never succumb to the Dark Tide.

Heh, but if luck should spare me one last time, I want to live... I have so many dreams yet to fulfill...

...

(Hmm? Seems like a special frequency appeared nearby?)

(Something feels familiar...)

(It must be that special frequency. What message will it carry this time?)

(The Blessed Maiden's coronation? Wait, I sense a Tacet Discord's frequency.)

*Fretful and depressed cry*