>>492792071The Scions receive word of a mysterious phenomenon occurring across the world: fragments of corrupted aether are coalescing into strange, unstable anomalies. These anomalies, reminiscent of the primal-summoning rituals, seem to be concentrated in regions once affected by the Garlean Empire's conquest.
Alphinaud uncovers ancient Garlean texts detailing forbidden aetheric experimentation conducted by Emperor Varis. The texts hint at a final, unfinished experiment meant to harness the essence of a Reaper to transcend mortality—a process that requires the return of a soul from the Rift.
The Warrior of Light begins to experience cryptic dreams of Zenos, standing in a void-like expanse, surrounded by chains of aether. Zenos appears tormented, but there is a faint glimmer of something new in his eyes—desperation.
The Scions investigate the origins of these anomalies and discover a nexus point deep within the Empty—a desolate land once filled with Light. They theorize that the convergence of Light and Dark energies has created a portal to the Rift, where lost souls are trapped between life and death.
Cid proposes a daring plan: using the Resonance technology, they can stabilize the portal and retrieve Zenos' soul. The Scions are split—some believe Zenos should be left to his fate, while others argue that his unique knowledge and power could aid them against a new threat arising in the shadows.
The ritual is a success, but not without consequences. As Zenos' soul is drawn back, it merges with residual energies from the Empty, altering his form and suppressing his more malevolent tendencies. Zenos awakens, not as a mindless killer, but as a being torn between his lust for battle and a newfound desire to understand life beyond conflict.
