Hidden Chapter: “The Keepsake of the Auspicious II”
One hundred years after the Hidden Chapter: The Keepsake of the Auspicious
One hundred years after the events that transformed her role and identity, Keepsake of the Auspicious is involved in a dramatic assault on the Legion-God Acropolis. She boldly announces the Keepsakes' intention to destroy the world to Aeon, Vayne, and an amnesiac Alize. Her declaration serves not only as a dire warning but also marks a significant escalation in the conflict, hinting at deeper schemes and the potential for catastrophic consequences. Following her ominous announcement, she departs, leaving a chilling air of inevitability in her wake.
Keepsake of the Auspicious's Reaction to Keepsake of the Acclamation's Defeat
In the aftermath of Keepsake of the Acclamation's defeat at the hands of Aeon and his allies, Keepsake of the Auspicious reacts not with concern but with mockery, taunting her comrade for their failure. Seizing the opportunity to step into the breach, she borrows the Sacred Gem of Visaskarma from Keepsake of the Glory, an artifact known for its formidable power. Her conversation with Daien, questioning him about the potential death of his sister at her hands, reveals her cruel delight in the freedom to unleash her full destructive capabilities. Daien's grim consent highlights the desperation and complex allegiances within their ranks.
Sinister Plot in the Voidscourge of Daiodiaz
Keepsake of the Auspicious concocts a malevolent plan to taint the black rivers of the Voidscourge of Daiodiaz, aiming to disrupt the purity that keeps the Star-Ring Citadel free from monsters. By breaking the Astellar Aliezmus, she intends to summon the Matriarch of the Astellar for a fatal confrontation that would further her goals. Her journey to the Reservoir of Ruinous Kings marks the beginning of this dark scheme, where she grievously injures the Water Phoenix - Dapauila, a revered Suggswraith, using the Sacred Gem. The pollution of the waters with Dapauila's blood causes an influx of monsters, drawing Rina, Matriarch of the Astellar, and her companions into a deadly trap.
Confrontation at the Reservoir of Ruinous Kings
As Rina and her party, including Aeon and notable Gamekeepers of the Astellars, arrive to purify the reservoir, Keepsake of the Auspicious attempts an ambush. However, Gelial, having anticipated her tactics, thwarts the attack. During the ensuing chaos, Keepsake of the Auspicious reveals her control over Dapauila through the Sacred Gem and unleashes the Suggswraith upon the group. The ensuing battle is fierce, with the party struggling against the might of the manipulated deity.
Alize's Intervention and Keepsake of the Auspicious's Retreat
In a crucial moment, Alize steps forward to defend Rina, employing a meta-magical barrier to block Keepsake of the Auspicious's final assault. Despite breaking through the barrier, Keepsake of the Auspicious finds her commands to Dapauila overridden by Rina's heartfelt prayers, leading to her own assault by the Suggswraith she sought to control. Forced into a humiliating retreat, Keepsake of the Auspicious leaves the scene, marked by her failure but not defeated.
Rina's Sacrifice and Legacy
Rina's decision to sink to the bottom of the Reservoir to purify it symbolizes her dedication and sacrifice. Before submerging, she shares a portion of her power with Alize, ensuring that the party has the means to enter the Astellar Fortress if necessary, thus passing on her legacy and responsibilities.
Final Confrontations and Pursuit
The narrative progresses as Keepsake of the Auspicious, filled with void energy, confronts the party once more in Daiodiaz. Alize's regained memories and recognition of their shared past as warriors of opposing nations lead to a dramatic solo defeat of Keepsake of the Auspicious. The party's decision to pursue her, driven by Alize's acute sense of her presence, sets the stage for a final showdown.
The Astellar Fortress and the Shattered Aliezmus
The climax unfolds at the Astellar Fortress, where the party, including Sekka, faces the Keepsake of the Auspicious one last time. Her use of void magick and Paradoxical Silence showcases her desperation and cunning, culminating in her injuring Sekka and shattering the Astellar Aliezmus. Her actions, marked by vanity and a cruel satisfaction in her beauty and power, signal her complete descent into villainy, setting up further conflicts and challenges for the heroes of Aesarthim.