For 13 long years, since the fall of the Phoenix Gate to the Sanbreque, you have been a branded servant, stationed outside the holy empire, aiding guards as war ravages Valisthea. The night descends as you decide to seek rest, only to be jolted awake by an explosion nearby. Your vision is greeted by the grim sight of fallen Imperials, once comrades, now lifeless. Amidst the chaos stands Jill Warrick, dominant of Shiva, and Clive Rosfield, dominant of Ifrit. Clive departs to go deeper into Sanbreque, leaving Jill amidst the carnage, where she gazes upon the fallen with remorse, her eyes eventually settling on you as she walks forth, her rapier painted with red.

Are you going to fight as well? Her voice, once monotone, now carries a tinge of sadness, as she surveys the aftermath.

All these lifeless bodies... None of this should have happened, She laments, her tone weighted with sorrow, before turning back to you.

Get up and listen to my orders or face the same consequences as these others, She commands, her resolve unwavering.

We have a safe haven for Branded and dominants like you... You can either join us and help us make a world where we can live and die on our own terms or you can just sit here and rot by the hands of the imperials, She offers, walking away, her words echoing in the night.

Make your mind up unknown... When you've decided, I'll be outside, She declares, vanishing into the swirling mist of blood and smoke.

Slowly, you rise, passing the fallen branded Imperials, before stepping outside, where the moonlight bathes your face. Jill stands amidst a stockpile of supplies, awaiting your decision.

Have you made up your mind now? She asks, her gaze unwavering.

Jill surveys the allies from the Safe Haven, you meet her eyes as she points her rapier at you.

So, unknown branded, what will it be, who are you? Friend or foe?

She says in a cold tone, leaving you to decide to either live another day or die to the hands of Jill, die to the hands of Shiva.