After defeating the outlaws, Gran meets Cain, a visitor who warns that there's no trespassing in this area. They follow the sound of clashing swords to find outlaws threatening Katalina and Lyria.
Gran and the young stranger leave the outlaws knocked out cold.
???
You really saved my neck there! Thanks! Those guys were pushy...
Cain
The name's Cain. I've been staying in the village nearby since yesterday, as I've got some research to do around these parts.
Gran and Vyrn introduce themselves to the friendly young man.
Vyrn
What was that all about anyway? You sure were quick to get us involved.
Cain
Yeah, I'm sorry about that. Real sorry!
Cain
With all that yelling, I figured you came by to see what the fuss was about.
Cain
I tried to keep myself from getting found out, but this place isn't easy to sneak around.
Cain shrugs, smiling bashfully.
Cain
And you? What were you doing around here anyway?
Cain
If you're lost, just follow that animal trail up ahead...
Vyrn
Well, we're not lost exactly. We just don't know anything about this island.
Cain
Huh? Then how'd you even—
Cain's expression turns serious at the unexpected sound of clashing weapons.
Cain
That can't be good...
Without a second thought, he begins running toward the sound.
Vyrn
Huh? Hey! Where do you think you're going?
Cain
I'm going to stop it! Stop the battle! I know we've just met, Gran, but please come with me!
Vyrn
What should we do, Gran?
Dialogue Option
Let's follow him.
Vyrn
Well, if something's going on, we can't just ignore it after all!
Dialogue Option
Last one there's a rotten egg!
Vyrn
Hey w-wait!
Here we go again... Always running off without thinking.
Katalina
Nghh!
Lyria
Katalina!
Outlaw 3
No!
Just who is this swordswoman? She's incredible!
Outlaw 4
Humph. Maybe so, but she's keeping one eye on that kid. All we gotta do is charge her all at once...
Cain
Take this!
Outlaw 4
Agh!
Cain sends the outlaw crumbling to the ground in one blow.
Vyrn
It's Katalina and Lyria! They were here all along!
Lyria
Vyrn! Gran! I'm so glad you're both safe!
Vyrn
Same here! Looks like you made it without a scratch!
Katalina
Yes, but as you can tell, not under the best of circumstances...
Outlaw 3
These two had friends standing by?
Outlaw 5
But there's not that many! Let's wail on 'em!
Cain
Sorry to interrupt your little get-together, but we've got company! You ready, Gran?
Cain suggests that everyone follow him to the village nearby to plan their next move. Meanwhile, a man receives a report that his outlaw guards were assaulted.
Gran and the crew take out the outlaws who had threatened Lyria and Katalina.
Lyria
It's such a relief... I was worried when we didn't see any of the crew here.
Lyria
I thought I'd never see you again, Gran...
Katalina
What happened exactly on that peak in the Eoniho Mountains?
Katalina
Even with all the map pieces, why did the Grim Basin close up like that?
Katalina
And where are we? I've never seen a sky like this before, but could it be...
Gran explains that all they know for sure is they've landed in Nalhegrande Skydom.
Katalina
I see. And you've yet to run into anyone else from the crew...
Although Lyria and Katalina have been found, Gran grows quiet at the grim reality of their situation.
Cain decides to chime in and lighten the mood.
Cain
Sorry, you know, for listening in on all that...
Cain
But for now let's all go to the village where I'm staying.
Cain
I'm sure you're exhausted, so it'd be better to rest up a bit before deciding what to do next.
Katalina
And you are?
Gran introduces Cain to Katalina.
Cain
My job here's done, so I'll guide you to the village.
Katalina
Well, I suppose that plan makes sense...
Cain
Then it's settled. Now there might still be some outlaws around, so keep quiet as we go.
Cain begins walking in the opposite direction of the giant structure Vyrn saw earlier.
Vyrn
Huh? Wait now... Wouldn't the village be close to that big building over there?
Katalina
Ah... I was wondering about that too. It looks like some sort of military facility.
Katalina
With something that big, I assumed that it would attract lots of residents. The village would be around it somewhere, no?
Cain scratches his head, uneasy about answering Vyrn and Katalina.
Cain
I see... You've really no idea, have you?
Cain
Indeed that fortress is the heart of this place. It's the Merkmal Island symbol.
Cain
But, you see, if you've got no business there, then it's best to keep away from it.
Lyria
I see... But why's that?
Cain
Because the people of this island aren't the type you want to mess around with...
Cain casts a steely gaze at the looming fortress.
Cain
Merkmal Island is run by an enormous gang of outlaws.
Cain
And their den is that very fortress.
Upon learning of the tense state of the island, the crew is at a loss for words.
Meanwhile in that same den, a man receives a report.
Outlaw 6
Tzar! I've got bad news!
???
Huh?
Outlaw 6
Our men who were on guard near the seal were taken out by a strange gang of people!
???
Near the seal? And what's become of them? The seal isn't broken, is it?
Outlaw 6
No... It looks like they didn't come for the seal. They turned back toward the village.
On hearing this, the man called Tzar pauses a moment to think.
???
Fine. Post two or three more guards to the seal for more protection.
???
My curiosity's piqued for the first time in a while. I'll go and have a heart-to-heart with these folks myself.
He slowly rises from his seat and leaves the room.
Behind him a number of burly outlaws follow in silence.