The Enemy Within
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| The Enemy Within | |||||||||
| Campaign: Epilogue | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
| Elodie is gone, but Requiem remains. What will Mercia do? | |||||||||
| Objectives | |||||||||
| Defeat Requiem! | |||||||||
| Structures | |||||||||
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| Information | |||||||||
| Map Type: | Campaign | ||||||||
| Fog of War: | No | ||||||||
| Reward Stars: |  (48 Turns) | ||||||||
| S-Rank: | 40 Turns | ||||||||
| Unlocks | |||||||||
| Dark Mercia playable in multiplayer Dark Mercia playable in Arcade New Gallery image Dark Mercia Codex entry | |||||||||
| Previous Map | |||||||||
| ❮ An Ancient Adversary | |||||||||
The Enemy Within is the Epilogue of the single player campaign, and the final mission. This mission concludes the full campaign, and the finale to its story.
You play as Mercia, fighting against Requiem's pull, manifest as a dark alter of herself, Dark Mercia. In a realm of Requiem's design, Mercia must resist its might and bring an end to Requiem.
The mission requires earning 100 Stars to unlock.
Finishing the mission gives the player access to Dark Mercia in all modes of the game.
Objective[edit]
Victory: Defeat Dark Mercia, after forcing her back twice.
Defeat: Mercia is defeated.
Completion Rewards[edit]
| Rank | Turn Requirement | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| E | ||
| D | 88 | |
| C | 72 | 
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| B | 56 |
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| A | 48 |
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| S | 40 | 
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Unlocks[edit]
- Dark Mercia playable in Multiplayer mode.
- Dark Mercia playable in Arcade mode.
- Dark Mercia's entry in the Codex, including her summary stats.
- Access to Gallery images 48 ~ 49, featuring Dark Mercia concept art, and image 75, featuring a photo of the Chucklefish developement team. (Note: Images must still be unlocked with Stars )
Map[edit]
The player begins with 1500 gold to be used for Mage's Heal spell.
Every kill rewards Mercia with +50 gold. In total 3,950 gold can be earned across the mission.
Dark Mercia will retreat further into the castle any time she is below 65% HP. The first time she will go to the Throne Room. The second time she will go to Mercival's Chamber. She can only be defeated on the third encounter, within Mercival's Chamber.
The gates cannot be destroyed. Instead, they are removed when Dark Mercia retreats, opening up more of the map each time.
Dark Mercia will usually be defensive until she is down to only a few units left in that area, at which point she will advance recklessly, the thresholds are listed below.
- Gardens: 6 Remain
- Throne room: 2 remain
- Mercival's Chamber: 2 Remain
Unlocking[edit]
Unlike other campaign missions, this map requires Stars to be accessed.
You must have completd Act 7: Mission 2, An Ancient Adversary, and you must earn 100 Stars . Stars are earned by completing Campaign missions, Arcade runs, and Puzzle maps.
Story[edit]
??? ??, Dragon's Dawn
Taking hold of Requiem, Mercia is transported to some other place, and sees a copy of herself, a version of herself with Requiem's power. With its power, Requiem promises it could allow Mercia to stop her feeling loss ever again, and cut down foes like Sigrid. However, Mercia refuses, and fights against the dark version of herself.
With the corrupted copy on her knees, Mercia declares once and for all she denies the power of Requiem, no matter the future the may face. And so, she returns to the real world, and Requiem shatters, destroyed forever. She had battled Requiem within her soul, and her will overcame it. The calamity is over, and they can finally go home.
With Mercia's coronation, a treaty has been signed, declaring peace between the four nations of Aurania. With each member giving their gratitudes, they celebrate the victory over Requiem, and what Mercia has achieved to proect the people of each nation and bring peace to the land. With the party starting, Ryota offers to escort Mercia, she agrees, and even offers him to a dance.
And so concludes the story of Mercia's adventure across Aurania.
Strategy[edit]
Starting off, you face a huge army with only your somewhat ragtag group of soldiers by you, effective use of Mercia's Groove is necessary to have a chance of completing this level. An important thing to remember in all campaign missions is to not let your mages die, and to keep all of your forces in one group. This will make healing with mercia’s groove and the mage’s 300 cost healing much more efficient. One thing that is very important about this specific map is that attempting at attacking the doors merely wastes attacks. Remember this before entering the battle. I would also recommend, instead of placing units inside the wagon to move them, use the wagon to block enemy units’ movement areas. Lastly, NEVER place Mercia inside the wagon, as if she is in the wagon when the wagon dies, she dies with the wagon.
Dialogue[edit]
MERCIA, DON'T--
- (Scene transition)
You look just like me!
Hello, Mercia.
What's going on here? Where is everybody?
I've come to help you. To set you free.
You're Requiem.
No. I'm you. But a you who has reached her full potential... thanks to Requiem.
Few are able to truly appreciate Requiem's power.
But you and I, we know that it can enable the dormant potential inside you.
My potential...?
You are strong, and quick, and smart.
Fierce in battle...
I can help you nurture that!
With this shield in hand, no one will ever harm you again.
...
And with this blade, you will hew, and fell, and reap!
Reap? No, I would never--
'Never'? ... What of Sigrid?
You have an obligation as queen. To protect... and to destroy!
I...
You hesitate. And yet... here I stand.
I would not be here if you did not desire Requiem's power...
I've never wanted that kind of power!
Are you sure?
This place - it's just like home...
It's the home you lost.
It's not lost! I can still go back.
To an empty castle? Your father is gone. There is no one to welcome you home...
It's just an empty place. A hollow reminder that you could not protect him.
ENOUGH!
You're not me! And this is not my home.
Whatever this is... I'm going to end it.
Then let us at last test that will of yours.
Introduction Dialogue
It's like a dream... This place looks just like home.
But it's not real. The other me made this place, and I'm not going to fall for her lies.
Attack a gate (first time)
Nice try. Hahaha...
These doors... They don't even budge an inch when I hit them.
It doesn't look like I can get through these right now...
I should probably deal with the enemies in front of me first.
Attack a gate
No good. They still won't budge. This is like a nightmare.
Maybe if I defeat all the nearby enemies, I'll finally be able to break through the doors...
Dark Mercia retreats below 65% HP (1)
Did you really think you could be rid of me so easily?
I'm an ember burst into flame, Mercia. I will consume you.
I'm not going to let that happen!
- (Gates disappear)
The doors! They disappeared!
Driving her back and defeating her forces is weakening her grip - she's losing control of this place! I just have to keep fighting.
Dark Mercia retreats below 65% HP (2)
You're being very stubborn.
I'm only trying to help you.
That's a lie!
Defeat 44 Enemies (Throne room gates open)
- (Gates disappear)
It's working! The path to the throne room is clear!
Enter Mercival's Chamber
- (Cutscene starts)
- (Enter Mercia)
Familiar, isn't it? Your father's study...
This is where your journey to me began.
- (Mercival appears)
!
- (Mercival dies)
All those months ago, when Sigrid took your father from you.
It needn't have happened!
But your father was not strong enough to stop her, And neither were you.
No...
- (Mercival disappears)
The weak suffer losses, Mercia.
The strong... determine their own fate.
Sigrid took your father's life, and left you with nothing except the suffocating weight of grief.
But with Requiem at your side...
Creatures like Sigrid would quake at the very sight of you.
The crushing weight of loss... You'd never have to feel that again!
The death of my father...
It's true... I wasn't able to protect him...
But that wasn't my fault.
What?
What happened that horrible night - it was Sigrid!
And the worst thing I could do for my father's memory...
Is to become someone like her!
My dad wasn't weak. He was strong! He was wise and he was noble!
And he cared about doing what was right, even when it was difficult!
And right now, defeating you... is the right thing to do.
How utterly mistaken you are.
Dark Mercia below 61% HP at final battle
I'm not backing off! Get out of my head!
Defeat Dark Mercia
She's down!
Mercia is defeated
You thought you could defeat your better self?
You'll regret this...
One day, something precious will be taken from you once more...
And the pain of the loss will drown you.
And while grief chokes you, and you struggle to breathe, you'll wish with all your heart...
...That I was there to save you.
Maybe. Maybe in that moment, that's how I'll feel...
But then I'll think of my dad, and the things be believed in, and the way he lived his life.
And I'll know without a shadow of a doubt...
That this is what's right.
- (Dark Mercia vanishes)
- (Mercia appears)
- (Requiem shatters)
Mercia!
Thank heavens you're back!
You're all still here...
Woah! You broke it!
So what? I've broken bigger things than that.
You have no idea what's going on here, do you?
I'm so glad you're safe!
I can hardly believe it. You defeated Requiem.
If anyone could do it, it's Mercia!
I thought I'd lost you.
For a moment, you went a funny shade of purple...
I thought I went somewhere. It must have been in my head.
More likely in your soul. That is Requiem's domain.
I think I know what Dad wanted for me now...
And knowing that... I understand what it means to be a queen now too.
Dad... He was such a wise person.
As are you, Mercia.
Arf!
Looks like Captain Cuddles is pleased to see you back too!
Returning to this place after that battle--
I'm just so happy that all of you are here with me!
It's time we headed home.
- (Exit Commanders)
- (Enter Royal Guard)
Royal Guard: Queeeen Merciaaaaa!
- (Exit Royal Guard)
- (Scene transition)
Thank you all for coming today.
The treaty has been signed, and the continent is officially at peace!
And now that the formalities are all wrapped up...
We can have a proper celebration!
There's going to be music and food and dancing in the castle gardens!
So please go outside and enjoy the festivities.
Don't you guys want to go to the party?
We just had a few things we wanted to say to you first.
if I may begin?
I wish to thank you, Queen Mercia, on behalf of all the Floran of Aurania--
And beyond.
Er, quite. Without you all, we would have been lost.
We are greatly in your debt, and happily so.
Greenfinger Zawan is right, Mercia. You saved this planet.
People like you are few and far between. Trust me.
You remind me of some old friends.
So I guess what I'm saying is...
You're one awesome lady.
Thank you!
Like our Floran compatriots, the Heavensong Empire wishes to thank you.
And I personally would like to extend my gratitude, and my admiration.
It is gratifying, though not surprising, to find that you are so much like your father...
Brave, intelligent and pure of heart.
The people of Cherrystone are lucky to have you as their queen.
Mercia... you'll come visit us in Heavensong, right? Nuru's already said she will!
I know you'll be busy, but maybe this winter? We have a great winter festival, and it will be my birthday and--
...I'm going to miss you.
Of course I'll come and visit! I wouldn't miss your birthday for the world!
I'll bring Caesar too!
I know I am but a warrior, and not of noble blood, but I hope you will allow me...
...to extend my personal gratitude to you. And share with you that I hold you in the highest esteem.
Both as a leader, and as a... woman.
Thank you, Ryota!
For my part, Queen Mercia, I wish only to say this:
The animosity between our two nations has dragged on for too long...
And I, like you, am glad that this unnecessary enmity is finally at an end.
I am glad we agree.
Perhaps I should also say... thank you.
For the part you have played in reaching this accord...
And for your thwarting of the malevolent weapon Requiem.
!
Hi, Ragna...
So, I had planned to be your nemesis until the day you died.
But I'll settle for being your absolute best frenemy!
Umm...
Good. That's decided. Now we can fight FOR FUN!
And I. Will. Smash. You.
I, too, have a few words that I'd like to share.
Throughout this adventure, I've seen you face unimaginable hardship.
And you've come out on the other end, a magnificent young woman.
I look forward to the many long years of your reign, My Queen!
Wow. Thank you, everyone.
When I first left Cherrystone, unaware of the long journey ahead...
I didn't know what, or who, would be waiting for me in this castle upon my return.
I always thought Dad was so strong for doing it all by himself.
And Dad WAS strong! But he wasn't by himself.
Now that I'm back home, surrounded by all of you, I know I'm not alone either.
Just like Dad, I have the support of wonderful people like you.
And I'm so very grateful.
It seems my family is much bigger than I thought it was!
Shucks, queeny. You're gonna make me cry.
Anyway, nobody deserves a party more than you lot...
So let's go and celebrate with everyone else!
- (Exit all Commanders except Ryota, Mercia, and Caesar)
Uhm...
May I escort you, Your Majesty?
Yeah! And then...
Maybe... we could share a dance?
That would be an honour.
Come on, Caesar.
- (Exit Ryota, Mercia, and Caesar)
Trivia[edit]
- The map layout is 1-to-1 identical to Prologue, The Beginning, except an additional amount of space on the West edge is accessible, and a few gates are added in some corridors.
- It used to be possible to complete the map in only 7 turns, by getting Dark Mercia to precisely 61% HP, having her stand in a river, striking with a Critical Hit from a Knight, and getting a maximum-damage strike (in this case it is a 1/15 chance of occuring). This would not have her retreat and heal, and would defeat her in a single hit, instantly winning the mission. This was later patched, by having Dark Mercia retreat at 65% HP, making it now impossible.
- It also coincidentally became impossible as Critical Hits no longer increase damage variance, therefore the maximum possible damage is now only 60%.
- This mission has by far the largest S rank turn limit of any mission in the game, and is 14 turns higher than the second largest, Act 5: Side Mission 1, Dogged Perseverance, at 26 turns.
- This is the only instance of units using the "Guardian" faction in the campaign. It is identical to the Cherrystone faction.
