Valyx

Valyx: This blizzard grows increasingly violent. How much further to our destination?
Victor: Should be just after this ridge, but let's get the lead out. If this storm gets any worse, we'll be trapped in a whiteout.
Valyx: You won't make it out of here if you dawdle, so pick up the pace.
Troop: Y-yes, sir!
New Alberian Soldier 1: Tch. Where does a former imperial general get off telling us what to do?
Lea: He's been put in charge of this mission, so I suggest you stow the griping.

Chelle: While Satan was attacking Grams, the demon Jaldabaoth took the chance to invade the nation of Svenitla.
Chelle: King Galkin thought his army stood little chance against the demon, so he abandoned his post and went into hiding.
Valyx: He abandoned his people to save himself? Bah. What a pathetic excuse for a regent.
Chelle: Galkin's grandnephew, Prince Litvinov took up command of the army and faced down the demon himself.
Chelle: With the aid of the Halidom, they managed to dispel the demon, and Prince Litvinov soon seized the reins of power.
Valyx: I am surprised Galkin did not try to slink back to the throne once the dust settled.
Chelle: Prince Litvinov made certain that would not happen.
Chelle: He had suffered under his granduncle's tyrannical rule, and had secretly been scheming revolution for some time.
Chelle: As we speak, Litvinov is attempting to end all the wars Svenitla has started in the surrounding countries.
Chelle: The skirmishes have been endless, so all sides are quite eager to complete a cease-fire agreement.
Valyx: I think Euden will have an easier time of it in the north should that come to pass.
Valyx: However, it is unlikely Galkin will sit back and permit his power to be usurped so.
Chelle: You always were the clever one, Valyx. As a matter of fact, Galkin has already contacted criminal organizations and is gathering weapons and men as we speak.
Chelle: Should that bloodthirsty cur regain power, he will no doubt begin waging wars again—wars that serve the interest of himself and the privileged classes alone.
Chelle: With the threat of the Progenitor looming, we cannot afford such infighting amongst our possible allies.
Valyx: Yet if Svenitla is dragged into a series of battles against Galkin's mercenaries, it will quickly become a problem of equal standing.
Chelle: Indeed it will. Thankfully, your darling sister has a plan...

Valyx: Galkin will not expect Alberia to enter this fray, which is why I am leading a secret force in hopes of resolving the situation quickly and quietly.
Valyx: And while I appreciate you guiding us, I am surprised that you are allowing foreign soldiers to operate in your lands with such impunity.
Victor: Prince Litvinov is similar to his late father in his flexible thinking. This is why he summoned me back even after I abandoned my homeland.
Victor: More importantly, that mountain hut is our destination. Our informant will provide us with further information and hopefully a bowl of warm soup.

Malora: One bowl of soup for the freezing man. It's hot, so let me...blow on it.
Valyx: That, er, will not be necessary, Malora. I must admit, when I heard Chelle had secured us a skilled spy, I never expected it might be you.
Malora: I am merely delighted to be together with you again, my dear general.
Valyx: Spare the flattery and tempt me with your information instead.
Malora: Tch! You're still such a stick in the mud. But if you insist...
Malora: Galkin's mercenaries are using the coal mine ahead of us as a base. Also, they're armed with magical weapons purchased on the black market.
Valyx: Tell us more of this mine.
Malora: It's quite difficult to navigate, but I managed to procure a sketch of the layout.
Victor: That's impressive work.
Malora: It IS, isn't it? Oh, and in other news, those goons have been scaring nearby villages into supplying them with food.
Malora: Hearing that, I posed as a villager in order to get nice and cozy with the soldiers— and my, but they had EVER so much they wanted to tell me.
Valyx: The fact they would reveal their secrets so easily says much about the manner of enemy we face.
Valyx: Well then, Malora? How do they procure this food of theirs?
Malora: They have the villagers load up a cart and then haul it off—and the next pickup is scheduled for three days from now.
Valyx: We can't attack them head-on with a unit of this size or we'll be slaughtered.
Valyx: Instead, we'll hide in the cart and infiltrate their base.
Valyx: Once inside, we'll suppress them as quickly as we can and end this before it can start. Understood?
Troop: Yes, sir!
Malora: I'm surprised a big, strong warrior like you would rely on the element of surprise.
Valyx: A skilled warrior fights with mind as well as blade. I have been entrusted with these soldiers' lives, and will not lose a single one if I can help it.
Malora: Say, where are you going?
Valyx: With the storm died down, I was thinking to take in the fresh air.
New Alberian Soldier 1: Look, I know this is a weird time to ask, but what was this Valyx guy doing in Alberia in the first place?
New Alberian Soldier 1: I know he's the prince's brother and all, but he was a general for the Empire before, right?
New Alberian Soldier 2: I heard he was brought in to help strengthen their defenses, but who knows if that's true or not?
New Alberian Soldier 2: They've got a new emperor over there who ain't so heavy-handed on the foreign- affairs front. Maybe he just came crying 'cause they don't need soldiers anymore?
New Alberian Soldier 1: Well, either way, I don't much care for some former imperial general lording it over us like he owns the place.
Lea: I thought I told you to stow the griping.
New Alberian Soldier 1: I know, I know. But the imperial army burned my hometown to the ground. Don't you guys have your own reasons to hate them?
Eleonora: I hate them for destroying my home just as you do. But Valyx wasn't directly responsible, and on top of that, the Empire isn't what it once was.
Cibella: I feel conflicted when I remember the children who died at their hands, and yet it would be wrong to cling to such hatred forever.
Lea: And even though they tried to execute me, I'm willing to let bygones be. If you don't let go of the past, it will destroy you.

Victor: Stepped out to allow your underlings to air their grievances, eh? Quite considerate of you to let 'em say their piece.
Valyx: It is understandable that they'd feel that way. As their leader, it is my job to give them the opportunity to vent their bile.
Valyx: I hear your companions were slain by the imperial army as well. As their former general, I offer my apologies. You may take your anger out on me if you wish it.
Victor: I took plenty of imperial lives myself, so let's just call it even.
Victor: But I still have questions about you.
Victor: It should have been obvious that your homeland had been corrupted, so why did you remain after Alberia became the Dyrenell Empire?
Valyx: When war breaks out, civilians are roped into it whether they wish to be or not. I could not risk the people of my land suffering because I abandoned it.
Victor: But once New Alberia emerged, you could have allied with them and taken out the emperor that way, no?
Valyx: It was my duty to look after my soldiers and countrymen. Had I abandoned them, I would be no different than the former king of your own land.
Victor: So it was ultimately always about protecting your own countrymen, then? Hmm. That makes sense.
Victor: But your words will likely ring hollow to those who lost all to the imperial army, no matter if they see the logic in it or not.
Valyx: I care not if they understand my choices. All that matters is our working together to fulfill a mutual goal.
Victor: I suppose you're right.
Malora: I think everyone involved in this particular mission will likely accept that line of reasoning, but are YOU okay with it?
Valyx: Eavesdropping, is it? I cannot claim to approve of such behavior.
Malora: I AM a spy, darling. Also, rule number one for getting the man you want is to gather every bit of information you can on him.
Malora: Remember when we last saw each other? I said I could have you within my grasp no matter how brusque you are—which is precisely why I decided to look into you.
Malora: Including everything you did as a general of the imperial army.
Valyx: ......
Malora: You weren't JUST trying to protect the empire—you wanted to protect everyone who lived in South Grastaea.
Malora: If you feel too awkward to admit it, I can tell them for you and spare you from their harsh words and thoughts.
Valyx: ...My actions do not change the suffering they endured at the hands of the imperials.
Valyx: Any excuses would merely add fuel to the fire, so I would ask you keep whatever information you sussed out to yourself.
Malora: Ever the people person, aren't you? Oh, but this can't be good for you...
Malora: I know you care about the people more than anyone...

Former King's Soldier: We've come for your food, maggots— and you better have it waiting!
Malora: It's all loaded up on the cart and ready to go, handsome.
Former King's Soldier: Well, if it ain't Malora. Ya always make things simple for us, darlin'—and it helps that yer easy on the eyes! Bwa ha ha!
Former King's Soldier: Ya know, I'm gonna be a pretty big cheese once King Galkin's back in charge, and I'd be happy to shower ya with all the riches what we squeeze outta these low-lifes.
Malora: Ooo, that sounds wonderful! (...In your dreams, creep-o.)
Former King's Soldier: Oh, and ya better get all yer friends to start butterin' us up, or else they might wind up stretchin' on the end of a rope like all the other traitors! Bwaaaa ha ha ha!

Lea: We could hear them from inside the cart. These people are truly abhorrent.
Victor: I am loath to even name them soldiers.
Valyx: We cannot allow such tyranny to go unchecked. We must take action and... Shhh! The cart is moving.

Valyx: That does it for everyone in this area.
Cibella: He defeated all of those enemies in no time at all...
Eleonora: Good thing he's on our side.
Valyx: We'll split up and overpower the enemy. Crush any foe who crosses your path!
Valyx: We must not permit Galkin to escape, so keep a close eye out for him. And lastly...

Valyx's Army Staff Officer: R-run, General Valyx... You need not meet your end this day...

Valyx: Lastly, I would see you all come through this alive. Now move out and stay alert.
New Alberian Soldier 2: Didn't expect that from a dude who used to be a general in the imperial army...
Victor: (I still don't understand him. Was preventing the country from being further divided really Valyx's only reason for staying in the Empire?)

Valyx: HAAAAH!
Valyx: (According to Malora's sketch, they're using this area as a command center.)
Valyx: Hold, dog!
 ???: EEEK!
Valyx: Your appearance matches the information we received from Malora. You're a high- ranking official who worked closely with the former king.
Valyx: Speak, and do it quickly. Where is Galkin?
Government Official:

Victor: Galkin has escaped. Stupid as he was, he clearly foresaw this possibility, and has likely hidden his remaining forces in some other location.
Kirsty: We'll need to take extra care moving forward. Now then, how are the injured Alberian soldiers?
Joachim: The two who breathed the mist are now undergoing treatment and expected to live. As for General Valyx...

Lea: How fares General Valyx today?
Malora: Still unconscious. That incident in the mine pushed him to the very edge.
Malora: Even after breathing in that mist, he still shapeshifted and was buried alive to protect the people under his command. He simply pushed himself too far.
Eleonora: He and Euden both are willing to push themselves to the brink in the service of others.
Malora: However different they may be, they remain brothers.
Cibella: But that just makes Valyx's actions all the more strange. What possible reason did he have for staying with the Empire?
Malora: ...Valyx told me not to say more than I needed to.
Malora: But I think you have a right to know why he stayed—and also what he did.

Valyx: Follow me, all of you! This day, we ensure the evildoers face their final judgment!

Valyx: You swore fealty to Alberia, General! Why do you now raid villages under the banner of the Dyrenell Empire?!
Commander: You've been away for a long time, old friend. The Kingdom of Alberia IS the Dyrenell Empire now!
Commander: We raided that village under orders from your father, Emperor Aurelius. This was an official military action.
Valyx: My FATHER ordered this? Impossible!
Commander: If you doubt me, arrest me and bring me back to the capital. You'll quickly see the truth of my words then.

Empress Aurelius: Speak to me, Valyx.
Valyx: I understand that you wish to strengthen our national power by taking over new regions and gaining control of the whole of South Grastaea.
Valyx: But I cannot sanction the way we are doing so through military means rather than continued negotiations.
Empress Aurelius: Do you really expect self-governed cities and villages would cede control to us? No, my son—if we are to do this thing, force is the quickest path available to us.
Valyx: And you will permit innocent civilians' suffering to see that goal achieved?
Valyx: Furthermore, our imperial soldiers are ransacking the villages they occupy. We're no better than common bandits!
Empress Aurelius: As emperor, it is my duty to provide them with spoils of war, so I gave permission for such behavior in order to raise morale.
Valyx: What have you done?!
Empress Aurelius: I have also given them the authority to do anything it takes to carry out their mission, no matter how inhumane.
Empress Aurelius: Now motivated by greed and sadism, our soldiers have demonstrated great enthusiasm for their jobs.
Valyx: You always strove to create a country in which all of its people could live in peace.
Valyx: I was once proud to call you my father— the man exalted as the Sage King— yet I do not know you anymore.
Empress Aurelius: You are proving quite the nuisance, Valyx. I suppose I'll just have to convert you into a puppet like I did the other generals...
Valyx: Hrk?! Wh-what power is this?!
Empress Aurelius: Hmm... He's resisting. Is this because of the dragonblood, or does he do so through sheer tyranny of will?
Empress Aurelius: Still, your pathetic little brother Emile was easily swayed by granting him a sense of superiority. Perhaps something can be done with you...
Valyx: Emile may be a fool at times, but my father would never ridicule him...
Valyx: Who are you?! And what do you intend to accomplish by assuming the guise of my father?!
Empress Aurelius: You would point your sword at me? Well then, what will you do if I am indeed not your father?
Valyx: I will cut you down where you stand and set Alberia back on a righteous path.
Empress Aurelius: As I thought. Yet the soldiers of this land have gladly given in to their base natures, and that cannot so easily be erased.
Empress Aurelius: Should you kill me now, they will use your actions to justify further insurgence.
Empress Aurelius: A battle for the throne will erupt— one that will be long and bloody.
Empress Aurelius: The entirety of South Grastaea will run red with the blood of innocents.
Valyx: No!
Empress Aurelius: Even were that not the case, killing me will accomplish nothing—for this vessel belongs to your father in the end.
Empress Aurelius: If it falls, I will simply find another host. Perhaps your older brother? Your sister? Maybe even one of the younger ones.
Empress Aurelius: Regardless, your little rebellion would not lessen the number of deaths, and would more likely increase it.
Valyx: !
Empress Aurelius: Guards, I believe my son requires a bit of time to think on his current situation. Permit him to do so in the dungeon.

Empress Aurelius: Then that is the solution you've come to?
Valyx: Yes. I will protect this country as a general and follow your orders.
Valyx: But in exchange, I require full control of the internal workings of the military, for I intend to put an end to all pillaging and other unethical actions.
Empress Aurelius: You may do as you please, so long as it does not interfere with my will.
Empress Aurelius: Though royalty you may be, your position will be no more lofted than any other general of your rank.
Empress Aurelius: The ultimate commander of the military will still be me, the emperor. In addition, I will not rescind my permission to pillage and engage in inhumane warfare.
Empress Aurelius: Thus, your influence over them will have no weight, which makes it unlikely any of them will follow your will.
Valyx: Even still, I will see it done. It is my duty as royalty.

Eleonora: So THAT'S the reason Valyx stayed with the Empire...
Malora: Valyx declared the military would stop all instances of looting and theft, and also forbade the soldiers from attacking indiscriminately or without reason.
Malora: The other soldiers and generals quickly came to despise him, and soon he was a pariah to all but his own troops.
Malora: But because he was royalty, many of them begrudgingly followed his orders.
Malora: Had Valyx had not been keeping an eye on them from the inside, the casualties brought on by the imperial army would have been much, much worse.
Victor: Now it all makes sense.
Lea: So you were listening?
Victor: Though he mourned the state of his country, he could not abandon it and join Euden so easily.
Victor: He had to stop the Empire's rampage from the inside, and so sacrificed himself for the greater good.
Malora: Now that I think on it, he may have already had hope for Euden from the very first time they fought...

Valyx: What do you intend this gathering of yours to become in the end?

Valyx: If you think yourself worthy still, follow me to the forest's heart!

Valyx: Victory is yours, my brother. This day, you have gained your crown.

Malora: ...Hope that Euden could change the Empire in his stead.
Valyx: I thought I told you not to say more than was necessary.
Malora: Valyx! You're awake!
Cibella: But she DID need to say this; we needed to know that your actions were all taken with the lives of your people in mind.
Lea: Any who harbor ill feelings toward you would see you in a brand new light if this were to become public knowledge.
Valyx: Yet I failed to rein in the entire military, and they still undertook countless atrocities—not the least of which were those which befell all of you.
Everyone: ......
Valyx: There are many I could not save due to my own powerlessness. That is a fact.
Valyx: But let us turn to other matters: I doubt the Svenitlan army is here just to pay a visit. Did something happen to the former king?
Noelle: Um, y-yes... It seems Galkin has taken his countrymen hostage and begun, um... making demands to the government.

Noelle: So, um, Galkin has barricaded himself in an abandoned village in the mountains and begun...making demands to the new government.
Noelle: He says he wants power restored to him, and if his demands are not met, he'll use his Brume to...cover the area in mist.
Joachim: If he releases the mist up there, the mountain currents will carry it across the entire nation.
Joachim: He's essentially using the people of Svenitla as hostages.
Malora: He's willing to kill EVERYONE in Svenitla?! Is he out of his damn mind?!
Valyx: To think a man sworn to protect his people might turn his weapons against them...
Kirsty: Naturally, the government has no intention of complying with these demands.
Victor: However, the village they've set as their base is surrounded by steep mountains, and the only way in or out is by a single road that connects to town.
Victor: That road is easily defended. No matter the numbers we throw at them, they'll see us coming and have the advantage.
Eleonora: So is there nothing we can do?
Valyx: (We need another way—one that doesn't involve the mountains or the road...)
Valyx: I may have an idea.

Former King's Soldier 1:

New Alberian Soldier 1: General Valyx!
Valyx: You are the men who were exposed to the mist! How fare you both?
New Alberian Soldier 2: We managed to pull through, thanks to you.
New Alberian Soldier 1: We heard from the other soldiers that you stayed in the imperial army to try and keep them from doing too much damage.
New Alberian Soldier 1: We were saying such awful things about you earlier. I can't apologize enough!
Valyx: No need. You were merely unaware.
Valyx: All my troops survived the operation, and that is reward enough for me.

Chelle: King Litvinov sends his thanks to you.
Chelle: Also, it seems the Svenitlan soldiers who served at your side have become quite taken with you as well.
Valyx: Ah, that reminds me: Victor promised to punch me in the face after the mission, but I left before he had the chance. I suppose I will have to pay another visit.
Chelle: You've really outdone yourself, Valyx. Thanks to you, it will be much easier for us to operate in the north.
Valyx: I merely did what was asked of me. However...
Valyx: I heard you were the one who told Malora of my time in the Empire. Why did you give her this information?
Chelle: To clear my adorable little brother's name, of course.
Valyx: This is not the moment for jokes.
Chelle: Ugh. You really should remove that stick on occasion, dear brother. Yes, well, I suppose there is another reason. ...Here. Take a look for yourself.
Valyx: This is a registry of names—and if I'm not mistaken, they are renowned soldiers of all races and nationalities.
Chelle: The Progenitor's influence has caused fiends and dragons alike to rampage, which makes this a global threat.
Chelle: Soldiers of Alberia and the former empire alone will not be enough to fend it off.
Chelle: Thus, I decided to form a combined army between countries throughout the land.
Valyx: And these are the names of soldiers who have agreed to participate?
Chelle: Just so. Svenitla is there, of course, but also Hinomoto, the Sandreach, and even Aquaphos.
Chelle: And the general who will be leading them all...is you.
Valyx: Me?
Chelle: The only sticking point with that plan was your past work as a general for the former Dyrenell Empire.
Chelle: Thus, I needed to tell people what you were really doing in order to dispel any remaining animosity.
Chelle: I chose Malora to spread the word because she had once done battle with you and knows your true character quite well.
Chelle: Her hard work has led to quite the change of opinion on your behalf.
Valyx: I am honored you hold me in such high regard, but are you certain you want me taking on such a vital role?
Chelle: Oh, don't be so modest. You're the only one who can do it, and you know it.
Chelle: Did you know your older brothers and I have always been envious of you?
Chelle: You inherited more of Father's courage than any of us.
Valyx: Do you truly believe so?
Chelle: I wouldn't say it if I didn't—so get out there and use it to save the world.
Valyx: ...I accept your offer, Sister. I will take command of the army.

Malora: I scouted the area and found corrupted dragons in the village ahead.
Valyx: Then we must fend them off. Line up, all of you!
Valyx: Your mission is to dispel the black mana from the dragons and extract the civilians. It will not be easy, but I have faith that you will all see it done!
Valyx: Also...none of you have my permission to die.
Valyx: Your lives are necessary to forge a future for this world. Never lose sight of that.
Valyx: I will blaze the path as a leader who protects his people and creates a better future. If you understand, then follow after me!

Valyx: Then it is time. Move out!