Phares

Young Phares: I want to hear more stories today, Uranus!
Uranus: You never tire of them, do you, child?
Young Phares: I've made all manner of new discoveries because of your wisdom. Please, you must teach me more!
Uranus: Very well, my pactbound child. I will confer my knowledge upon you once more.
Uranus: I look forward to seeing what you do with it and how it evolves through you.
Young Phares: I will not disappoint you!

Phares: Hmm... I must have fallen asleep What a nostalgic dream that was.
Phares: *cough* *cough*
Phares: Mmm. Blood. Taking into account my ragged breathing, chest pain, and discoloration of skin, I estimate my lungs to be 30 percent decayed.
Phares: (So this is the end that awaits the puppet of the Progenitor, is it?)
Phares: (Though really I should be happy I've lasted as long as I have. The Progenitor did say the wyrmscale made me a solid vessel.)
Phares: How painfully ironic. With my disease now cured, I still can't escape the grim clutches of death.
Phares: It was avarice that led to the resurrection of the Progenitor, and this must be my punishment for it.
Chelle: Knock knock, dear brother.
Chelle: Well, you look...poorly.
Phares: Merely tired from the long journey here.
Phares: Thankfully, this bedroom you provided afforded me some much needed rest.
Chelle: Well, that's good to hear—but I doubt a soft bed will be enough to heal the most fundamental problem with your body.
Phares: And that would be?
Chelle: Clearly the aftereffects of being used by the Progenitor are enacting a terrible toll.
Phares: I really cannot hide anything from you. Alas, you are correct: my body is beginning to shut down.
Chelle: I knew it...
Phares: Such sadness ill suits you, my sister. I brought this on myself, so keep your sympathy for others who have need of it.
Chelle: What will you do now?
Phares: Go to the Halidom, most likely.
Chelle: Why there?
Phares: I hear tell that our younger brother has called researchers of all sorts to his side.
Phares: Perhaps our combined talents can find a way to beat back the Progenitor's threat.
Chelle: THAT'S what you plan to do in your weakened condition? You really ought to take better care of yourself.
Phares: It is precisely BECAUSE of my weakened condition that I must go; I doubt I'll live long enough to see the final battle.
Phares: I want to atone for my actions, so if I can leave behind research that helps in the war to come, I aim to do so.
Chelle: So this is atonement, then?
Phares: My fear of death caused me to fall under the Progenitor's sway, which is why we now find ourselves in this unholy mess.
Phares: The world should not have to pay the price for my own egotism.
Chelle: Harsh, but fair. As royalty, we must each take responsibility for our own actions.
Chelle: Though speaking of our family line, what happened to your pactwyrm?
Phares: Uranus?
Chelle: I'm certain you remember how the Other was able to use Zodiark while he possessed our father.
Chelle: I figured the same was true of the Progenitor and Uranus, but have heard nothing of his fate.
Phares: He is dead—killed by my own hands.
Chelle: Oh no...
Phares: You know I was experimenting on how to alter a dragon through black mana, yes? Well, Uranus... He was my test subject.
Phares: And as it was my first experiment, I did not hold back.
Phares: He proved unable to withstand the black mana.
Chelle: But Uranus was no mere pactwyrm— he was your mentor and friend! In fact, I remember him teaching you a great many things.
Phares: Indeed, I learned more from him than I ever could have gleaned from any book. His mind was...fascinating.
Chelle: I also heard you once saved his life!
Phares: Indeed I did...

Young Phares: (I thought I heard something groaning over here...)
Uranus: Graaaagh...
Young Phares: (A dragon! And what is this next to it?)
Uranus: Do not trouble yourself with me, human... My body is being ravaged by an... unknown poison...
Young Phares: Hmm... I recognize this fragment from a book I read about ancient weaponry. Have you somehow awakened an ancient relic?
Uranus: I reduced it to dust... But I did not expect it to contain a poison capable of harming a mighty dragon... GRAAAAAGH!
Young Phares: Keep still, dragon; I know how to craft an antidote for this poison.
Young Phares: Wait here. I will bring it to you.
Uranus: What...is your name, human?
Young Phares: Phares, the second scion of Alberia.

Chelle: ...After you nursed him back to health, the two of you became pactbound, yes?
Chelle: You gave him life only to take it away in some mad experiment? Such cruelty is unthinkable, Brother.
Phares: To say I intentionally healed him is not quite correct—I merely wanted to test if what my book said was true.
Phares: I have always viewed medical treatment as just another kind of experiment— though I'm certain Uranus resented the way I toyed with his life.
Chelle: Perhaps you did not mean to harm him. Perhaps the Progenitor was wielding some manner of terrible influence that drove you to such ends.
Phares: Who can say? It is true that my body and mind were influenced by the Progenitor...
Phares: But even so, I am not free of blame; I have ever been unable to control the curiosity that rages inside of me.
Phares: Additionally, my heart has harbored a kind of resentment against dragons ever since I was diagnosed with wyrmscale.
Chelle: Oh, Phares...
Phares: That is why I distanced myself from Uranus, and harbored neither guilt nor sadness over the way I abused him.
Phares: I am an incredibly selfish man—so selfish that I destroyed my own mentor simply to fulfill my own twisted desires.
Chelle: ......
Phares: All of that to say Uranus will not be a problem for us in the coming battle.
Phares: Yes, well, I should take my leave soon. I wish you good health, Sister.
Chelle: Oh, my dear brother...

Phares: I've finally arrived... *cough*
Phares: *pant* *pant* I can...still make it.... I still have time.
Phares: (My greatest sin was making light of life, and I will gladly accept any punishment for that.)
Phares: (But I cannot stand aside and let the world bear what is rightfully my own suffering. I must make haste!)

Phares: This is the first time I've met many of you, but now is not the time for pleasantries.
Phares: Our great battle against the Progenitor is nigh, yet there remains much we do not understand about our foe.
Phares: I care not what field of research you choose or what methods you use; I ask only that you share aught which might be of assistance in laying low our great foe.
Phares: Will you do this thing, my new friends? Will you lend me your aid?
Everyone: Of course!

Phares: (I just need a little more time... I must hold out until the last battle!)

Kleimann: Oh my, yes! Look at the logs of this ritual! Perhaps it has something to do with the Progenitor!
Phares: A record from 500 years ago, is it? Hmm, it doesn't use the name "Progenitor," but it does indeed appear to be referring to them with a codename.
Phares: Can you decipher it, Kleimann?
Kleimann: WHEE HEE HEE HA HA HA HOO! I haven't devoted my life to the study of ritual magic for nothing, you know!
Phares: Good. Let us hope there is something useful there at the day's end.
Heinwald: That ritual is heretical, and thus forbidden. As royalty, are you certain you wish to delve further into such subjects?
Phares: One cannot find the truth without exploring the realm of the taboo. Surely this is a concept you are familiar with?
Phares: If our work here leads to a strategy against the Progenitor, I care not how heretical the means are to that end.
Heinwald: You're fortunate my companion isn't around to hear you say that.
Heinwald: Well then, I suppose I shall do as I please. It isn't every day that one is able to throw off the shackles of convention to such a degree, after all!
Nefaria: You summoned us hence with cause, good sir, yet I fear I know little in the matter of physic or inquest.
Phares: All I ask is that you try. I would like you to learn what you can about the Progenitor from the perspective of the Sandreach.
Nefaria: Aye, the history of my people is long and longer still, and there may yet be clues about that scapegrace hidden amongst our many annals.
Nadine: And while you're blowing dust off books or whatever, I'll wrangle up the other dunefolk and, like, get 'em to help! Girl, we're gonna DO this thing!
Cassandra: I shouldn't be surprised that you could supervise the many...unique types of people here in the Halidom, dearie, and yet I still find myself impressed.
Phares: You have been a great help as well, Cassandra.
Cassandra: Well, I brought the results of Sinoa's research. She would have come herself, but the poor thing is still cleaning up the more explosive results of her work.
Phares: You have my thanks. Perhaps space-time magic will prove the key to sealing away the Progenitor once and for all.
Cassandra: Forgive me, dearie, but didn't you already have another plan in place for that?
Phares: One cannot have enough backup plans when it comes to a battle against the very creator of the world.
Cassandra: Ha! You're clearly the son of that cautious Aurelius, and no mistake! ...Hmm?
Sophie: S-sorry to interrupt. I just had something I wanted to say to Prince Phares.
Phares: There is need for such formalities among we fellows of science.
Sophie: O-okay...Phares.
Phares: You are the mana observer Sophie, yes? What did you need?
Sophie: Well, I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the Progenitor, but I've noticed something about your own mana.
Phares: Which is?
Sophie: It's very slight—hardly noticeable unless I really focus—but I sense a strange mana about you that... Well, it isn't yours.
Cassandra: Were you aware of this, Phares?
Phares: No. I had no idea.
Sophie: Er, would you permit me to maybe look into this some more? It might be having some kind of effect on your body.
Phares: While I appreciate your concern, further research is unnecessary.
Phares: I imagine my mana simply changed as a result of how the Progenitor used me.
Phares: We lack the time to look into anything other than what will help us in this fight, so my strange mana will need to wait.
Sophie: I...I see.

Phares: ......
Phares: Nicolas has written a detailed report, and Althemia has some rather perceptive points to make as well...
Phares: Hmm? This is from Sophie. I specifically told that woman not to bother looking into my mana situation, and yet...
Phares: (Observations on the Effects on Mana Following Possession by the Progenitor.)
Phares: "I suspect that Phares's mana has become corrupted and changed by the influence of the Progenitor, who uses black mana."
Phares: "However, as far as I can observe, this seems to be causing no ill effects. In fact, the mana appears to be protecting him."
Phares: "I hypothesize that this unknown mana may be a defense mechanism of his own mana." ...An interesting theory.
Phares: Unknown mana resting within me...hmm...
Phares: (I could test whether it is acting as a defense mechanism by infusing myself with black mana! No, but before that—)
Phares: Enter!
Phares: Sophie? Is everything all right?
Sophie: It seemed like you were still awake, so I brought you some tea. Er...is this a good time?
Phares: Perfect, in fact; I am in need of a break.
Sophie: I'm glad to hear... Oh! That's my report!
Phares: And a fascinating report it is.
Sophie: I'm sorry! I know you told me we didn't have the time to look into it, but I just couldn't stop thinking about it!
Phares: I know all too well what it's like when an idea worms its way into one's mind.
Phares: And your report has piqued my curiosity about this mysterious mana as well.
Phares: Scholars such as ourselves are drawn to the unknown. When a mystery arises, we cannot stop until we have uncovered all there is to know about it.
Sophie: Then why don't we look into it?
Sophie: I know it doesn't have much to do with the fight ahead, but it DOES have something to do with you.
Sophie: Mana can carry people's thoughts and feelings, so maybe yours is actually trying to tell you something!
Sophie: But more than that, if this is something you want to know, then it's something you SHOULD know.
Phares: ...I can't say I am entirely uninterested.
Sophie: Then...?
Phares: But as I said before, we lack the time for research that will do nothing save sating my own curiosity.
Sophie: Could you really just let this go?
Phares: What?
Sophie: The way I see it, the fact we lack the time means we should look into it more.
Sophie: With so few days left to us, we should use them to fulfill the things we truly want.
Phares: I didn't...
Sophie: I observed your mana, so I know the state it's in. Your mana is stagnant, as if it's being restrained by something.
Sophie: Mana is something that is meant to be as free as the wind. Your current situation can't be good for you.
Sophie: I believe the reason your mana has stagnated is internal—that the effect is psychological.
Phares: Is that so?
Sophie: So please, listen to the voice of your heart.
Sophie: And take care of yourself, all right? Mana disruptions can affect the body.
Phares: I appreciate the warning.
Phares: The voice of my heart...
Phares: (I haven't been free since the moment the wyrmscale began ravaging my body.)
Phares: (What would I have done if I hadn't been afraid of death coming at any moment? If I had always been...healthy?)
Phares: (I'd likely I have thrown myself wholeheartedly into my research, longing to find what truths this world may hide.)
Phares: Heh. Why am I thinking of my own wants at a time like this?
Phares: I don't have the time to ruminate about freedom. Nothing can change this.
Phares: Right now, I must formulate what direction we'll take in tomorrow's research.
Phares: (But I still am grateful for your consideration, Sophie.)

Cassandra: What in the name of pennywhistles are you talking about?!
Phares: I believe I made myself clear.
Phares: I will be leaving the task of overseeing all Progenitor research at the Halidom to you.
Phares: You will be able to utilize such information in this fight ahead better than I ever could.
Cassandra: But you're still HERE. Why pass the responsibility on to me now?
Phares: You know very well why.
Cassandra: ...So it's that bad?
Phares: It is.
Cassandra: Just wait a few more days, dearie. I'll find a way to heal you.
Phares: No need. I have given up on fighting death.
Cassandra: Well, you may have given up, but I won't just sit back on my cozy davenport and wait for one of his heirs to die!
Phares: It is well, Cassandra.
 ???: It is NOT well, you maddening man.
Chelle: You will be undergoing treatment from Chanzelia's medical corps, and that is the end of the discussion.
Phares: Chelle?!
Chelle: Did you really expect me to do nothing after hearing how your life hangs by the thinnest of threads?
Chelle: I've gathered the world's finest doctors from North Grastaea, South Grastaea, Taiwu, and Hinomoto to aid you.
Chelle: It is no exaggeration to say this team represents a gathering of the entire world's medical expertise.
Phares: I remain as impressed as ever by your diplomatic prowess, dear sister.
Chelle: Oh, but we have more than just doctors: my research division has been hard at work creating the most technologically advanced medical facilities ever seen.
Chelle: Come with me to Chanzelia, Phares. Get treatment. Heal thyself.
Phares: While I am very much intrigued by this medical corps you've assembled, I would have you use it in the battle to come instead of squandering it on me.
Chelle: Did it ever occur to your stubborn brain that you might be NEEDED in that battle?
Chelle: I will have you aboard the Gran Fiore if I have to drag you there by force.
Phares: You are being childish.
Chelle: Oh, but this is not childishness, Brother. It is a royal decree.
Chelle: Your knowledge and wisdom will likely prove necessary in the times to come.
Chelle: No matter how strong an army, it will always lose without a sound strategy. I'm keeping you alive so we might win.
Phares: I see no reason why you cannot lead our army just as well as myself.
Chelle: Because you have all the knowledge you've accumulated in all your research, plus memories from when the Progenitor was using you as his vessel.
Chelle: There are none better suited as a tactician for this fight than you.
Chelle: A ruler should be able to tell how best to utilize their own life, and you are nothing if not a ruler, Phares.
Phares: Your skill at masking emotion with logic has greatly improved, little sister.
Chelle: That sounds like projection to me, big brother.
Phares: I do not argue based on emotion; I merely state objective facts.
Phares: Were it not for the Progenitor, I would be dead long since. The fact I still draw breath is an aberration, nothing more.
Phares: Behold our current predicament if you doubt me! This is what happened the last time I tried to fight death.
Chelle: I'm going to ask you something, and I need an honest answer.
Chelle: Do you truly believe that dying a useless death serves as satisfactory atonement?
Chelle: Is surrendering yourself to death honestly what you want?
Phares: ......
Chelle: I would hear your answer, Brother.
Phares: I...
Leif: Prince Phares!
Chelle: Not now, Leif!
Phares: Let him speak, Chelle.
Leif: My apologies for the interruption, but His Highness has just received an urgent message from Valkaheim.
Phares: From Leonidas?
Chelle: Did something happen?
Leif: Countless fiends and unidentified dragons have descended upon Valkaheim.
Leif: The dragons are cloaked in massive amounts of black mana, and powerful though Prince Leonidas may be, this fell horde threatens to overwhelm him.
Phares: Ah, I see. He seeks to hold them at bay in the hopes I know a way to deal with the black mana that powers them.
Phares: Chelle, take me to the Gran Fiore. We must make for Valkaheim! *cough*
Chelle: Phares!
Cassandra: Phares!
Phares: *pant* *pant* Merely a flare-up—do not trouble yourselves overmuch. Now please, take me to Valkaheim with all speed!
Chelle: Going to the front lines as you are now would be suicide!
Phares: Who do you think more necessary for the upcoming battle: Leonidas or myself?
Chelle: !
Phares: If I refuse to help Leonidas and the worst comes to pass, our ability to stand against the Progenitor would drastically weaken.
Phares: This fate must be avoided at all costs. We NEED Leonidas in the battle to come.
Phares: You said yourself that a ruler is meant to know how to utilize their own life, yes?
Phares: Then give the order, Chelle!
Chelle: ...Very well.
Phares: Leif, gather reinforcements to send to Valkaheim. Cassandra, I leave the research team to you.
Leif & Cassandra: Yes, Your Highness!
Phares: You've grown into a most strong woman, Chelle, but your kind heart is the same as it has ever been.
Chelle: ...Do you think that's the sort of praise I want to hear? Hmph.

Leonidas: Blast! It's just one after the other!
Phares: I came as quickly as I could, Leonidas.
Leonidas: And yet you still kept me waiting. But where is our sister? You were aboard the Gran Fiore, were you not?
Phares: She remained behind to manage the defense of Chanzelia. If the worst comes to pass and we fall here, the Radiant City will be in danger as well.
Leonidas: I called you here to AVOID the worst coming to pass.
Phares: Ah, yes. You wish me to solve your little black mana situation, do you not?
Leonidas: Just lend me your wit, if naught else. We cannot permit them to violate this land any more than they already have!
Phares: Of course. Let us deal with them at once!

Leif: Leave the fiends to us!
Phares: Very good. Now then...
Unknown Dragon: ......
Phares: The black mana is so thick it cloaks the dragon itself. That's even more than I expected.
Leonidas: We cannot even determine if our attacks are hitting home or not.
Phares: Can Mars still fight?
Leonidas: Of course. Though he suffers some effects of the black mana, it is nothing that cannot be overcome.
Phares: You are too reckless, Brother.
Leonidas: And you are the last person I wish to hear such an assessment from.
Phares: Fair enough. Well then, if Mars can move, we still have a chance of victory.
Phares: I will deal with the black mana. Thanks to the Progenitor, I've come to understand how to handle it.
Unknown Dragon: ROOOOOOAR!
Phares: He approaches!
Phares: There!
Leonidas: His lance hit the mark! No, wait...
Phares: Nnngh... Haaah!
Leonidas: No! The fool is using the lance to absorb the black mana!
Leonidas: (Idiocy! A human being cannot possibly withstand... Ah, but this is Phares we speak of; I'm certain he has already taken such things into consideration.)
Leonidas: Mars! Rain hellfire upon this dragon while the black mana is weakened!
Leonidas: Full alchemical burst!
Mars: ROOOOAR!

Phares: *pant* *pant* Did...did we do it?
Leonidas: Indeed we did. The dragon was incinerated along with all of the remaining black mana.
Leonidas: But I must say, it's very unlike you to have devised such a suicidal plan.
Phares: It was merely...the best plan for the current situation. *cough* *hack*
Leonidas: Here. Take my shoulder. I doubt you can move more than a few steps as you are.
Phares: I never thought the day might come when you would lend me a shoulder, Brother.
Leonidas: Silence. I'm the one who called you out here, and this is the least I can... Hmm?
Unknown Dragon: *growl*
Leonidas: Blast! The tenacious beast yet stands!
Phares: But the black mana has mostly dispersed. Wait...is that...?!
Phares: Uranus!
Leonidas: Your pactwyrm?!
Phares: But...that's impossible! Uranus is dead!
Leonidas: Explain yourself, Phares.
Phares: Uranus perished during my experiments to create a black-mana dragon.
Leonidas: To think you would use him so... Well, if that be the case, why does he stand before us now?
Phares: I'm at a loss for answers myself.
Uranus: GRAAAAAAAAAGH!
Leonidas: By hook or crook, your wyrm has somehow escaped death. I think it is time to give the poor creature a proper funeral.
Leonidas: Now that he's no longer shielded by the black mana, he is no match for us. Come, Mars! Show the power of our pact!
Phares: Leonidas!
Leonidas: Die, beast! Full alchemical burst!

Uranus: GRAAAAAAAAGH!
Phares: ......
Phares: (Leonidas seems to have the upper hand, yet I can't shake this sensation that something is terribly wrong.)
Phares: (Even though Uranus is still standing, I know that attack landed. But how did he even survive in the first place?)

Sophie: And take care of yourself, all right? Mana disruptions can affect the body.

Phares: (Perhaps this is the effect of mana from when Uranus was nearing death...)
Phares: (Black mana causes a dragon's negative emotions to grow stronger until they can no longer retain their sanity.)

Phares: I have always viewed medical treatment as just another kind of experiment— though I'm certain Uranus resented the way I toyed with his life.

Phares: (If the black mana in my experiment reacted to Uranus's feelings of hate at the moment of death...)
Phares: (It might have grown powerful enough to infuse his entire body, pulling him back from the brink and starting him on this mad rampage.)
Phares: (Yes... Yes, that makes sense.)
Phares: But if Uranus lives because of the black mana, it means the reason he was able to stand once more is...
Leonidas: BURN!
Phares: LEONIDAS, STOP! DO NOT ATTACK AGAIN!
Leonidas: ALCHEMICAL EXPLOSION!
Uranus: ROAAAAAAAAR!
Leonidas: What in the blazes...? HNNNGH!
Leonidas: (No! The black mana is getting inside my body!)
Uranus: ROOOOAR!
Leonidas: (I can't dodge it!)
Leonidas: What?!
Phares: Nnngh...
Leonidas: PHARES!
Phares: Y-you're alive... Thank goodness... *cough* *hack*
Leonidas: Why did you protect me?
Phares: Because...you need to live... more than I...
Leonidas: How can you say this?
Phares: We need you...in the battle to come... Now please...leave me here...
Leonidas: Still such talk at once, you fool. Damn, but these wounds run deep...
Phares: All is well, Leonidas... I wasn't... long for this world anyway...
Phares: I did all that I could...and in the end... I glad I died protecting my dear brother...
Phares: I have no regrets... Now...live on...
Leonidas: Phares, no! PHAREEEEES!

Phares: I should have died on that day, and I cursed fate for its cruelty in bringing me back once more.
Phares: I could not understand why I alone was forced to live with such a terrible affliction.
Phares: So I refused to accept that fate, and instead stained my hands by bringing about the resurrection of the Progenitor.
Phares: And it would seem I was a selfish person to the very end, for despite the atrocities I committed, I allowed myself to feel joy.
Phares: Joy that I could once again speak to my family, and joy that I could live as myself once more.
Phares: But I won't turn from death this time.
Phares: I gave my life to save my beloved family, and I have no regrets.
Leonidas: Enough of this madness! You always wanted to live more than any of us!
Phares: ?!
Phares: Leonidas...?
Leonidas: How dare you claim to have no regrets, you maddening fool!
Leonidas: Your will to live was so strong it drove you to embrace the Progenitor itself!
Leonidas: So I will not stand by and watch you welcome death now. Fight, my brother! Dig your claws into the earth and FIGHT!
Phares: !

Sophie: So please, listen to the voice of your heart.

Chelle: Is surrendering yourself to death honestly what you want?

Phares: (Of course not...)
Phares: (All I've ever wished for is...)
Phares: ...to live. To live! I WANT TO LIVE!
Leonidas: Then don't you dare give up now! Fight against your destiny and put some good back into this world!
Phares: Heh. Well said, Brother.
Uranus: ROOOOOAR!
Leonidas: Tch! Back for more, eh?
Phares: Leonidas? Bring Uranus to me.
Leonidas: You look to use yourself as bait, then?
Phares: In a sense. As he goes to feast on me, I will absorb his remaining black mana. In that moment, you will finish him off.
Phares: And please believe me when I say I have no intention of dying in this fight!
Leonidas: Very well. Mars, to me!
Leonidas: OVER HERE, FELL BEAST!
Uranus: ROOOOOAR!
Phares: Nnngh!
Phares: Now, Uranus... Now I will finally free you from the black mana I so cruelly forced you to bear! HAAAAAAAH!
Uranus: ROOOOOOARGH!
Phares: DO IT, LEONIDAS!
Leonidas: Your end draws nigh, dragon! Haaaah!
Uranus: ROAAAAAAARGH!
Phares: *pant* *pant* That...should do it...
Leonidas: You have my thanks.
Phares: I am merely happy to be of use. *cough*
Leonidas: You are a terrible liar.
Phares: What makes you say such?
Leonidas: You boasted about having no intention of dying here.
Phares: And I live, as you can clearly see.
Leonidas: Your body has reached its limit. Hasn't it?
Phares: Perhaps...but I still have no regrets... for I finally lived in a way of MY choosing.
Leonidas: ......
Phares: But...I really don't want to die...
Phares: If only...I had more time...
Leonidas: Hmm? What is this mana?

Phares: Where am I?
Uranus: It has been some time, my pactbearer.
Phares: Uranus! How are you...?
Uranus: Now is the time for me to repay my debt.
Phares: You cannot possibly be referring to the single time I saved your life?!
Phares: How can you possibly owe ME when I used you in my horrible experiments?!
Uranus: Yes, that you did. And what of it?
Phares: I...I don't understand.
Uranus: Had you not saved me all those years ago, I'd not have survived long enough to endure your experiments.
Phares: Then were you resigned to your fate?
Uranus: I accumulated much knowledge in my many long years. But humans? Humans are always creating new things—many of which far surpass my own wisdom.
Uranus: So I was fascinated to see what a human who was granted my wisdom could create, and regret none of our time together.
Phares: We both carried the same ideals, then.
Uranus: Indeed we did, human—it is why I formed a pact with you in the first place.
Uranus: This pact ended up being quite useful, for even though you were on death's door, I was able to provide you with my mana.
Phares: So the mana lying within me...
Uranus: You must live, Phares—live and further the human pursuit of knowledge to your own heart's content.
Uranus: And even though my body is lost, I will become your mana and see how humans grow and evolve alongside you.
Phares: Uranus, wait!
Uranus: Being with you gave me so much joy, so please...accept this gift.
Phares: URANUS!

Phares: Ah! Where am I?!
Chelle: Finally awake, are we?
Phares: Chelle...? Am I really alive?
Leonidas: Unless I have suddenly gained the ability to speak with the dead, then yes.
Phares: Leonidas...
Leonidas: Once Uranus's mana surrounded you, your wounds healed themselves.
Chelle: Imagine my surprise—and, frankly disappointment—to haul my entire medical corps all this way only to find them wholly unnecessary!
Chelle: In addition to your wounds healing, the decayed parts of your body have recovered as well.
Chelle: We suspect there are hardly any aftereffects from your ordeal with the Progenitor left at all.
Phares: Uranus saved my life...
Phares: (So the mana resting within me was Uranus's all along...)
Phares: (And the reason my body didn't decay faster was because it kept me alive.)
Chelle: What will you do now, Phares?
Chelle: Now that you no longer have to worry about your health, I mean.
Phares: To begin with, I will seek to rectify all of my wrongdoings.
Leonidas: Your "wrongdoings?" Phares, I want you to listen to me, and listen well:
Leonidas: It is human nature to cling to life. It is not some kind of sin.
Phares: I know. And thank you—both of you.

Phares: I never thought I would return here.
Phares: (Now I know that Uranus's mana rests within me.)
Phares: (It is an odd twist of fate indeed to be saved by a dragon after my dragonblood caused me to suffer so...)
Phares: Ah, the breeze feels very nice. It reminds me how Sophie said that mana is meant to be as free as the wind.
Phares: I will not waste the freedom you have granted me, Uranus.
Phares: I will defeat the Progenitor and protect this world!