General Adam laments that the Erste Empire has become corrupted due to the influence of dark essence. He offers to fly the crew to Agastia to show them something, which the crew accepts.
General Adam of the Erste Imperial Army has asked Gran and company to bring an end to the empire.
However, the skyfarers are having difficulty processing this sudden turn of events.
Eugen
Oy, oy, oy... Did I hear ya right? You're just gonna lay this on us like that?
Black Knight
I don't understand this at all. What are you trying to accomplish?
Io
Wouldn't getting rid of Erste mean beating up that Loki guy who calls himself emperor or something?
Drang
You know, I've always had this impression of you, Io, but sometimes your insight is scary—
Drang
Ow!
Sturm
I'm not letting you derail the conversation when there's still so little we understand.
Rosetta
Well, one thing is clear. He got us out of a sticky situation. I wasn't expecting that.
Vyrn
Okay, that's true, but this guy's gotta have a hidden agenda, right?
Lyria
Can you tell me something?
Lyria
Does your request have something to do with the unpleasant feeling I sensed in Agastia?
Adam
I know it must be very confusing. I will tell you everything.
Adam takes a deep breath and begins his tale of desperation.
Adam
I served the Erste Kingdom before it became the Erste Empire.
Adam
The Erste Kingdom had magnificent technologies. It was an incredible nation.
Adam
Ravi Island could hardly be called bountiful, but our golem industry provided prosperity, and the people lived in peace.
Adam
I do not dream, but I can still see the smiling faces of the citizens I protected.
Black Knight
I have no interest in those old stories. You're speaking of the time period before the Astrals invaded, correct?
Adam
Yes. The Astral invasion brought about the collapse of the kingdom.
Adam
Though the world around Erste changed from that point on, at its core Erste itself remained the same.
Adam
However, for several years now the use of dark essence is warping Erste into something monstrous.
Adam
And it won't be long before this monstrous empire devours itself and the entire world with it.
Adam
My sole reason for existing is to stop that from happening.
Adam
Unfortunately the situation has grown too immense for me to stop alone.
Rosetta
And that's why you want us to bring down the empire?
Eugen
We've heard this and that 'bout how Erste's gone a bit screwy.
Eugen
But to hear a leader speak so bluntly 'bout toppling their own empire...
Black Knight
Adam... I can understand why you would think this way, but...
Black Knight
Why is it imperative you come to us? I'm sorry, but I am inundated with my own problems right now.
Black Knight
On the contrary, these people have no reason to work with Erste given their history. Isn't that right?
Vyrn
Well, we wouldn't be chased by the empire anymore if they were gone, I guess...
Adam
What if I could give you what you want in return for defying the empire?
Adam
A method for restoring Princess Orchis to her former self for example. How does that sound?
Lyria
That's what the Black Knight's been searching for all this time!
Black Knight
Humph. Is this Freesia's idea on how to lure me in?
Adam
You don't trust me?
Black Knight
Give me a reason to trust you, and we'll go from there.
Adam
Fair enough. Come with me. I have something I can show you.
Rosetta
Oh? And where might you be taking us?
Adam
The imperial capital. The source of all things Erste.
Adam finishes speaking and boards an airship nearby.
Vyrn
Wh-what should we do? After all that we still don't know anything...
Drang
What's the harm, I say. Let's follow him. He said he'd take us to the capital, right?
Sturm
Agreed. If it's a trap, we'll deal with it then.
Eugen
It's risky, but we knew this was never gonna be smooth sailing from the get-go...
Io
I'm kinda curious to see what he's talking about too...
Lyria
There's still a lot we don't understand, but I really believe that he's troubled by something.
Black Knight
Then it sounds like we've come to a decision. I trust you have no problems with that, Gran?
Dialogue Option
Of course!
Black Knight
Humph. Putting on a brave face as always.
Dialogue Option
I'm a little scared...
Rosetta
Heehee. What's all this now? You've fought through worse before, haven't you?
Rosetta
Have more faith in yourself. Otherwise it'd be a shame considering all the work you've done to get here.
Gran and company board Adam's airship.
Although they're on the fast track to Agastia, it comes in a way no one had expected.
Adam puts his power on display by defeating monsters along the way to the capital. Unfortunately, he says that he's powerless against Astrals and dark essence without elaborating further.
Gran's team, along with General Adam, continue to Agastia.
Monster
Grooar!
Adam
Haaah!
Monster
Graow...
Vyrn
Whoa... I could already tell from the beginning, but you're super strong!
Adam
I am only as strong as I need to be. I cannot comment on whether your assessment is true or false.
Sturm
Is that sarcasm? You knocked out every one of those imperial soldiers with the back of your sword.
Sturm
No ordinary man could have done that as quickly as you did without killing anyone.
Adam
Because that was all that was needed and nothing more.
Adam
My duty is to protect the people of Erste. I cannot harm those soldiers.
Sturm
Heh... This is the corrupted general of the imperial army?
Vyrn
Wait, wait. Can't you take on Loki and the dark essence by yourself with that kinda strength?
Vyrn
Why do you need to beg us to do stuff?
Adam
I am powerless against the Astrals and the dark essence that mimics their power.
Adam
It's not a question of being strong or weak. That's just the way it is.
Vyrn
Hmm... That's how it is, huh?
Adam
Yes. In any case, more monsters are closing in.
Adam
Gran, draw your weapon. We will intercept them.
55: Hidden Away 
