Crossing Time

Raid Event: Fractured Futures

Episode 1

Crossing Time

Previous Quest

That Rueful Day

Next Quest

Crossroads of Fate

Summary

The prince uses Chronos's power in an attempt to change the past. Hoping to prevent his father's transformation, he returns to the day the king went to the Binding Ruins. But before he can save him, a mysterious man calling himself Audric ends up interfering.

Dialogue

So I say to you once more, my liege: I have come to see your wish realized. The power to pass through time and change the past... I could save Zethia with that. I could save EVERYONE. After my father changed, the Empire plunged this land into chaos and ruin. Is it possible for me to change that? Can I really return this kingdom to a time of peace once more? All should be possible—dependent upon your actions, of course. However, this is not a thing to undertake lightly, for altering the past inevitably brings changes to your own present. You could end up creating a world far different from what you intended. ...Or even a future that brings your own death. I understand the risks are great... But if I can save all those people—if I can save Zethia—then the risks are worth it! Chronos, I want to do this. Please lend me your power! Your wish is my command, my liege. Thank you. Now then, I would have you call to mind the time you wish to revisit. This act will allow us to trace back the chain of causality and cross time itself. Well, here I am at the Dragon Choosing. No matter what might await me, I WILL see my mission through! It's time to find the legendary dragon! I don't think I'll ever get used to watching myself like this. When are we, my liege? This is the day I set out on my journey to obtain a Sacred Shard. And the day my father left for the Binding Ruins. That was when he changed. And I want to stop that from happening. In that case, we would do well to move with all speed, before the chain of causality pulls us back. What do you mean? It is impossible to remain forever in a time period that is not your own. Got it. Let's hurry, then. Forgive me Your Majesty, but this plan? I must object. Your proposal is perilous in ways you cannot even conceive. I know, Delphi. The sites that hold the Sacred Shards are places that were defiled by the great war of old. Then why attempt to remove the Shards from the locations they protect? The Sage King. You are called this, yes? And yet your actions here call the veracity of this laudable term into question. Your face is that of a young lad, but the keen edge of your words befits one of more advanced years. And will my warning go unheeded because you think me a mere child? You are a Tutelary—a member of the tribe that has long protected the Sacred Shards. I would be a fool to ignore your words. That's my father! I have to stop him! Wait, Euden. Huh? Who are you? Aurelius must be surrendered to the flow of time at this juncture. Run that by me again? You must let Aurelius enter the Binding Ruin. That is the way time must flow. No matter what you may know about his future, I cannot permit you to interfere with his fate. Okay, who ARE you?! For now, you may call me...Audric. I am a knower of truth—a truth that is yet unknown to you. What does THAT mean? Okay, you know what? It doesn't matter. I'm going to stop my father here and now, and I don't care what you think about it. If I don't do this, something horrible is going to happen to him! And I will do what I must to stop you! If it's a fight you want, I'll give it to you! Your swordsmanship is strong, yet graceful. However... What?! It's like he already knows how I fight! The strength you wield now is not nearly enough to achieve your desire! If you cannot defeat even me, how do you propose to change the flow of time itself?! Uwaaaargh! Yield, Prince. Yield and go forth in search of power, that you might gain the strength you need in the coming times. I don't need you to remind me of my own weakness; I've thought of nothing else since the day I let Zethia's hand slip away. That's why I can't give up! Haaah! Hrk... Impressive! Now we... Wait, what?! What's happening?! I fear we cannot remain in this moment any longer, my liege. No! I can't fail again! You are out of time, Prince. If you still intend to cast off the yoke of causality, you must think well. Think on the meaning of your actions—and on your readiness to accept what diverting the flow of time will beget.