Gran and the crew manage to board the imperial battleship, where they find Pommern waiting for them.
Rackam
Getting on to the ship is one thing, but finding that kid is whole 'nother problem.
Lyria
Um... I feel something strange coming from over there...
Vyrn
A strange feeling?
Rackam
If that's the only hint we've got, we might as well follow it. C'mon, let's check it out!
Pommern
Hahaha... You came. Just as I suspected you would.
???
Ah, now here's a sight for sore eyes.
Eugen
Looks like our mark was here after all.
Pommern
Yes, but you won't be taking him. The prime minister herself entrusted him to me, you see.
Pommern
First you'll have to go through my elite troops—the very pride of the Erste Empire!
After Gran and the crew force Pommern into a corner, the imperial officer transforms using dark essence.
Vyrn
Those guys were s'posed to be your elite troops?
Pommern
I cannot disappoint the prime minister...
Pommern
This is where I beat you at your own game, skyfarers!
Pommern
And Lieutenant Katalina, make no
mistake—this is where I'll exact my revenge!
Rackam
Ugh... Didn't you say the same kinda crap back in Auguste? Didn't matter then, and it doesn't matter now!
Katalina
Don't underestimate him. He's using dark essence, so there's no telling what he's capable of.
Eugen
Yeah, but on the other hand, it's like our target got a lot bigger.
Eugen
This'll be as easy as hittin' the broad side of an airship! Let's rumble, Gran!
Gran and the crew rescue the mysterious boy, who finally reveals his true nature.
Pommern
I suppose my body couldn't handle the dark essence when pushed to its limits...
Katalina
Pommern! Don't you run! This is where I put an end to all of this!
Pommern
What sheer foolishness!
Katalina
Argh! My blade won't pierce him!
Pommern
I will not die here! No way!
Pommern
Know this, treacherous insects! The next time we meet, your lives will be forfeit!
As Pommern turns tail and dashes away, the crew hurries over to the mysterious boy.
???
Thank you, Rackam. Oh, and Gran too. I knew that you would come to rescue me.
Rackam
Yeah, well...
Rackam
Look, I gotta ask... How do we know each other?
Rackam
Was it here? Did we meet here on Golonzo?
???
That's right. Golonzo is both where we met and where we made a promise.
Rackam
Huh. Well, if that's the truth, isn't it odd?
Rackam
I mean, I came to Golonzo when I was just a little kid.
Rackam
But you're a kid now—how could we have met? You wouldn't have even been born yet.
???
Haha. I believe you've misunderstood the situation, Rackam.
???
Many moons and stars have passed while you've grown into an adult. That is certainly true.
???
But for us immortal primal beasts, such a span of time is nothing more than an instant.
???
Nonetheless, I have been awaiting the day when you would keep your promise.
Katalina
What did you just say?
Eugen
If these ol' ears are still workin', I coulda sworn you said you're a primal beast...
???
Ah, it seems I should introduce—well—reintroduce myself.
Noa
I am Noa, a primal beast who specializes in shipmaking and the creator of the Grandcypher.
Gran and the crew find themselves at a loss for words as the boy reveals his true nature.
Despite their shock, the sound of military boots stampeding through the battleship draws ever closer.
26: Empty Promises 
