background history

[selfmotivations]

EVERYTHING I CAN FIND ABOUT ALVIN VIA IN-GAME with some little bits I was told about in regards to his backstory. But when I say everything I mean everything. This is basically a giant walkthrough since Alvin had his hands in everything. Spoilers contained below, particularly from Chapter 2 on toward the end.

Disclaimer: To anyone reading this, the only reason why I'm going into such detail (probably more than someone who was apping even Jude or Milla, the actual main characters of the game) is because Alvin is so involved in the story. Things are hinted at early on, but it's clear toward the latter half of the game that everything he does has a double meaning. And unfortunately, for Alvin the devil is in the details. Things that I could normally easily brush over have to actually be specifically mentioned for all the context to be made clear. He is also very well informed, so having all this down helps me as the player to ensure that I have a good solid reference to go back to.

(!) are cue markers indicating parts that are later explained. ie, there's more to this point than meets the eye. Most of these are found in Chapters 1 and the first part of Chapter 2, with the latter half of 2, 3, 4, and the extra section explaining them.

prologue
To better understand the plot of Xillia, one must first understand some of the few major elements of the world, Rieze Maxia. The legends go as follow: Maxwell, the Lord of Spirits, shepherd his loyal followers, the animals, and spirits to this land to act as a kind of haven for spirits and humans alike. (!) There's more to this legend, but that will be explained later. In Rieze Maxia, humans and spirits have a symbiotic relationship. Humans have mana lobes which give off mana that spirits gain their power from. In turn, the spirits channel artes, or abilities, for the humans. Thus humans can use magical spells, including healing. Everyone in Rieze Maxia has this mana lobe and the use of spirits is as common as breathing air.

Rieze Maxia has two kingdoms: Rashugal and Auj Oule. They have a tense relationship with one another and have warred with each other in the past. One significant battle which is eluded to frequently is the Battle of Fezebel Marsh which occurred twenty years ago. During the battle, a giant tsunami inexplicably appeared, wiping many of the soldiers and resulted in the end of the war. Also to note is the Silencing, which also occurred twenty years ago. This was when Milla was "born" as the incarnation of Maxwell and retained the Four Great Spirits (Efreet, Undine, Sylph, and Gnome). Since that time, no one could channel with the Four.

If it wasn't obvious, what happened twenty years ago serves as the "trigger" for everything that happens now.

The plot of the story follows Milla, who goes out into the world to destroy devices called "spyrixes." Spyrixes take the power of spirits, but kills them upon performing artes. It is Milla's mission to protect Rieze Maxia, and the game starts with Milla in Fennmont where a large cannon like weapon called the Lance of Kresnik has been developed. She determines that it is a type of spyrix and a dangerous weapon that must be destroyed. She will meet Jude and lose the Four Great Spirits in her attempt to destroy the Lance.

And this is where Alvin comes in.


chapter one
Alvin's first appearance is actually more of a subtle hint that could easily be overlooked. When everything goes haywire at the Lance of Kresnik and Jude and Milla fall, there is a glimpse of him looking on before he walks away.

His first "real" appearance is later when Milla and Jude are chased after Rashugal soldiers. Milla had already escaped to the boat, but Jude had hesitated, still in shock of what happened. Alvin appears, literally picks up Jude like a sack of potatoes, and makes a mad dash and crazy jump onto the boat. After the meet and greet, he informs the two that they are X-marked criminals. When asked why he helped, his answer was simple: he's a mercenary and was expecting a payout. Unfortunately neither of them have any cash on them, so he just follows them until he gets paid.

His services increase upon reaching Aladhi Seahaven. Since losing the Four, Milla found herself unable to fight. She asks Alvin for some sword help, to which he agrees. He also introduces them to the life of the mercenary, ie, taking up job offers like exterminating monsters for money. On their first job, he also introduces them to the Lilium Orbs, explaining how they are used in battle. While fighting, Jude notices Alvin's weapons, in particularly his gun. When he asks how it works, however, Alvin just agrees to his theory and dodges around it. (!) When they return and after receiving their payment, Milla collapses from what they soon discover to be hunger.

After dinner, Milla passes out on the table. Still confused by everything that happened, Alvin asks Jude who Milla is exactly. When told that she was apparently Maxwell, Lord of the Spirits, he finds it hard to believe. Jude continues to tell him of Milla's mission to destroy something called a spyrix. In the morning, Milla announces that she's going back to Nia Khera to try and re-summon the Four and at this point he beings to believe she's really Maxwell. He decides to join them to continue his services and to get his pay. (!)

The journey there isn't as simple as it sounds. Since Milla is used to Sylph flying her, they have to foot it, and one of the towns they pass through is Hamil. At first the villagers are friendly and let them rest, but soldiers come through. As they try to make their escape, they find their way out blocked by soldiers. A young girl with a talking doll appears to assist them, but then a really large guy with a twin beard appears to deal with them himself. Eventually they manage to get through and head to the Kijara Seafalls.

At the Seafalls, Jude is worried about the girl but Milla is focused on her mission, which leads to the discussion on Alvin if he's on one. The mercenary dodges it, instead reversing the topic back onto Jude. They continue onward, and during a break Milla is caught by a woman. Jude and Alvin intervene, and the woman recognizes Alvin, who just states that Milla was his employer when she questions him. with Jude pointing out a large rock for Alvin to shoot. However, the rock is not a rock at all and reveals itself to be a large monster. This surprises the woman and she falls into the water while Mila is now freed. Of course they now have to dispatch the monster instead. Afterwards, Jude asks if Alvin knew their attacker and he declines. (!)

They eventually reach Nia Khera and Alvin is far from impressed (he even calls it the boondocks). But seeing how the villagers bow to her and proclaim her Lord Maxwell, he can no longer doubt who Milla is. Milla asks them to gather the the temporal stones to try and re-summon the Four. The ritual ends up being a bust and Milla's handmaid, Ivar, makes his first appearance. Jude suggests that the spirits were captured by the Lance. At first they don't believe it, but Howe's Egg Principle is introduced: when you remove all other possibilities, whatever is left, no matter how improbable, must be the truth. Milla then sends the guys away. While Ivar yells at Jude, Alvin dismisses himself and goes back to Nia Khera. (!) He's later seen near the entrance to the village and greets them, though a bit surprised to see Milla with Jude. He then informs them that he was paid by the elder...or at least he will be. Seems like the old guy is taking his time. So they go to the inn and after Alvin receives his payment, he leaves...

...Only to meet with Jude and Milla again right as they enter the Kijara Seafalls. He suggests that instead of crossing by land to Fennmont, they should go to Sharilton. He also explains that the villagers had paid him too much so he had to maintain his "professional pride" to give them there money's worth. He hands them a world map and they continue their journey. Jude does ask Alvin where he had gone after leaving the shrine, but Alvin dodges the question, saying it was a secret for grown-ups. (!)

They have to pass through Hamil, and upon entering they see the villagers throwing rocks at the girl with the doll who helped them earlier. After stopping them, they learn that the Rashugal soldiers had attacked the villagers. The girl runs off and Jude goes after her while Alvin and Milla try to question the villagers. They don't learn much, however, and when they leave the mayor's house, Jude returns with the girl. She is introduced as Elize and the doll is Teepo. It takes a little convincing, but Milla agrees and their party has increased by one (well, technically two if you count Teepo, but he and Elize are more like a package deal).

At Aladhi Seahaven, Alvin receives a message from a carrier pigeon. Jude questions him about him, but all Alvin tells him is that he sent a message to "her" saying that a "beautiful woman" has entered his life. (!) Jude assumes Alvin is married and when he says so, Alvin just laughs and says no.

To get to Sharilton they must sail to Sapstrath Seahaven. During the boat ride, Alvin asks Jude about what happened to Fennmont but he sees that the kid doesn't know. However he asks him not to tell Milla he asked, to which Jude agrees to do so. (!)

Upon arriving into the Seahaven, there is a very crude wanted poster for Milla and Jude. Looks like things are heating up on their arrest. They also notice a sailor staring at Elize. After Alvin steps in-between and confronts him, they learn that the sailor had seen a talking doll like Teepo before. Elize is delighted by this news and they make a note to investigate further in Sharilton. Spending a night at the seahaven also proves interesting. A young woman called Katte enters the inn and Alvin immediately seems to notice something about her. Two men later enter to take her away, and Alvin follows to see them beating on her. He intervenes and Jude also comes out. They treat her, but the following morning her body is found dead by the pier. Alvin then explains to Jude that he had suspected that she was part of the Rats, a female spy organization of the Aktau clan of Auj Oule. (!) (This is related to things further on).

Leaving the Seahaven, they discover that a military checkpoint had been made, making a straight travel to Sharilton impossible. Teepo points to another path, which Alvin identifies as the Deepwood, a dangerous area filled with monsters. But they have little choice, so they enter. Once inside a monster appears before them but leaves rather than attack them. Another monster attacks them instead and after a hard blow, Elize steps forward to help, healing them. They are surprised to see that she knows how to use such powerful artes (and that Teepo apparently "ate" the Lilium Orb that she uses). They manage their way through the Deepwood only to encounter the large man from Hamil. He tries to take back Elize, saying he knows where she came from. She doesn't want to return, however, and they battle. After the fight, Alvin takes Jude's cue and shoots a rotten log to fall on some mushrooms called smokeshrooms. As the spores kick up and distract the man, the group runs out, leaving the Deepwood to return to the highroad past the checkpoint and onto a clear path to Sharilton. Note: Alvin refers to Elize as a "treasure" that fell into his lap. (!)

Upon entering the town, Alvin is the first to notice the soldiers roaming around and nudges everyone to look at a shop stall selling Efreet forged goods. A young girl and an older man are there, and as the girl picks up a cup, it's discovered through Milla's observation and the old man's own questioning that these were not genuine Efreet forged wares. The girl buys the cups anyway and as gratitude for getting a nice discount, she invites them for tea. They are introduced as Driselle Sharil and her butler, Rowen Ilbert. At first Milla is hesitant to accept, thinking that it's unnecessary and a waste of time, but Alvin subtly points out that they can't stay at an inn and it would be in their best interest. So they ultimately accept.

Along the way, they meet a girl who had seen dolls like Teepo, but the merchant had gone to Aladhi Seahaven. Thus their little quest for that is put on hold until they return there. They also hear talk of war between Rashugal and Auj Oule amongst the citizens.

When they finally reach Driselle's home, they notice two things. One is that her house is huge. But more importantly, Rashugal soldiers are seen leaving it followed by two important looking men. They would be later identified as the king of Rashugal himself, Nachtigal, and his advisor, Gilland. Once the Rashugal group leaves, Driselle's brother, Cline, appears and introduces himself as the lord governor of Sharilton.

While the group is enjoying their teatime, Cline leaves to attend to some business. Alvin shortly excuses himself and during this time he informs him of what Milla and Jude had done in Fennmont. Cline would later return to the group to confront to them about this, with Alvin nowhere to be found. He would be later seen in the central plaza sending another carrier pigeon. Needless to say, the group is less than happy with his actions, but he just explains he traded info for info. Cline wasn't happy with the current government and they had learned a few things about Rashugal, didn't they? So it worked out.

A few Rashugal soldiers spot them, but Rowen appears to come to their aid. Trapping the soldiers, he leads them back to the mansion where he explains to the group that Nachtigal had ordered their citizens into service. Cline had gone after them and Rowen asks for their help as he is worried about the young master. Alvin it less than enthusiastic, but he goes along with them and they head out.

Their destination is Bermia Gorge, and upon entering they are immediately sniped at by a soldier guarding high up on a ledge. What happens next differs slightly depending the path taken, but the following are shared: Milla sneaks around to take out the soldier while Jude acts as bait. Alvin helps by shooting the sniper's weapon right before she can take a shot at Milla.

Now clear, they continue further in and discover the people trapped inside with their mana lobes being sucked dry. When Milla tries to touch the purple barrier, Alvin tells her to stop, warning that it would tear her hand off. (!) Their only way through is from the top, so a-climbing they go. Once there, Alvin makes a sarcastic remark to grow wings and Rowen actually devises a plan to simulate it. Channeling the spirits, he creates a paper airplane like construct. They all hop aboard, but it's a turbulent ride. Jude tells Alvin to shoot the core, but he has trouble aiming. So Jude moves to help steady his arm, and he makes the shot. It's not over yet, though. After getting to the bottom and helping everyone out, a monster appears and they have to fight. However, it's revealed that it wasn't just a monster but a creature made of lesser spirits, which were released upon its defeat.

In Sharilton, the victims are taken to be treated and the group returns to the manor. Since Milla wants to continue her journey as soon as possible, Alvin says that from here they'd need to pass through Fort Gandala. Cline offers to help and they accept. The following day, Rowen plans to check on the preparations. Realizing how short their stay is, Driselle takes the girls on the shopping trip (though she and Elize had to literally drag Milla with them).

Cline tells the guys that he can no longer follow Nachitgal and that he will go against him to protect his citizens. However, no sooner did these sentiments leave his mouth did an arrow suddenly shoot down into his chest. Alvin immediately takes out his gun and after glancing around spots the shooter and takes her out. They take Cline inside to try and treat him, but it's clear it was a fatal wound. Cline's dying words put Rowen in charge and they soon receive news that Rashugal's army has invaded the city. As they go out to try and help, they witness the girls be taken by Gilland. Alvin suggests fighting, but Rowen has the soldiers stand down instead and they return to the manor to figure out a plan. Rowen tells them that this was likely a plot by Nachitgal and that they are at Fort Gandala for tactical reasons. At this point Alvin is suspicious of Rowen and wonders who he really is.

The men head out and upon reaching the fort, they receive the signal that the preparations have been made and head inside. There they learn what's happened so far, including the hex shackles. Rowen suggests they find the control room, and after they have their escape plan set, they take an elevator key and make their way through the fortress.

After a lot of literal dungeon crawling which included going through ducts and pushing boxes, they finally get a key to access the control room. They come in just as Milla attacks Nachtigal (Driselle and Elize are also down there). Jude jumps down to help, and when Rowen also helps defend Milla, it is revealed that he is Rowen J. Ilbert the Conductor, a famous tactician from Rashugal. Further explanations would have to wait as Milla chases after a fleeing Nachtigal, leaving the rest behind. They then notice Teepo and Alvin comments about whether he had lost his batteries (not a very sensitive thing to say, really). Rowen tells everyone that he's going to open a channeling circle to disrupt and disengage the security system, however he needs everyone to pour all their mana into it. Alvin does not seem enthusiastic, but he helps them focus. (!) It's still not enough until Teepo reawakens.

They exit just in time to see Milla on the ground with her legs charred. Jude is quick to her side and when he asks why this had to happen, Alvin only mutters in the background, "I wish I could say." (!) When the soldiers appear, he tells jude it's time to go and they all hope onto the escape carriages just as the security golems are activated. Rowen takes the reins while Alvin hops on top, his gun poised and ready to fire as they make a mad dash through.

Back at Sharilton, Milla is being treated by the doctor. However it is later discovered that she can't move her legs. Alvin had at some point left the manor, and Jude later finds him talking to a girl. Alvin notes that he can tell that Milla is all right by just looking at Jude's face. He then tells him that Sharilton is known as the "City of Hails and Farewells" since it's a waypoint for travelers. This is when he informs Jude that the woman he was speaking with was his new employer. When Jude asks why he was leaving, he just answers that he has no reason to risk his life for a suicide run—that's not a life of a mercenary. He appears agitated when Jude continues on how it was Milla's mission and counters that he might have his own mission. (!) What that mission is he of course doesn't say and finally walks out, saying he would say goodbye before leaving. However he never shows. Instead he hides behind an arch and watches from the shadows as Jude leads Milla on horseback to Sapstrath where they would take a boat to Laronde, Jude's hometown and where his dad might be able to treat Milla. He doesn't seem that pleased about Jude continuing on. (!)


IN SUM: Alvin joins the party in Fennmont; he gets paid for escorting Milla; he continues to follow the group, leaving and returning once at Nia Khera; his gun is an interesting weapon; he meets Elize; he meets Rowen; they discover the mana lobe absorption plot; there is an assassination; men gotta save the girls; Milla is injured; Alvin leaves the party.

(!) CUE MARKER COUNT: 14


chapter two
Three weeks pass as Milla is treated in Laronde. Rowen and Elize come to pay a visit and Milla is discharged from the clinic. They plan to continue their journey, though no one had heard from Alvin. A carrier pigeon appears in front of Jude's father, Derrick.

On the eve of their departure, Derrick, is overlooking Milla when Alvin appears. Believing that she is asleep, the two discuss some...interesting matters. Alvin asks Derrick if he knows where the key to the Lance of Kresnik is. Derrick doesn't answer at first, saying he had cut all ties with Exodus, but Alvin riles him up after making a little diss at Jude. After stating that he's just a messenger and will be out of his hair once he gets the info, Derrick mentions Ivar. Alvin takes it and leaves. Needless to say...(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!) Oh, and Milla was actually awake the whole time.

The following morning, Jude, Milla, Rowen, Elize, and Teepo gather at the pier. Derrick approaches to tell Jude not to go, but Alvin appears, surprising everyone. Derrick is particularly disturbed by the familiarity Alvin has with Jude. Alvin tells the group that his new job "didn't really pan out" and that he still had to work off the money he received from Nia Khera. Milla is of course suspicious, but Elize and Teepo run up to him, Teepo saying that they're being left behind as the adults were planning to leave her with Jude's parents until she went back to Sharilton. Alvin says that Elize and Teepo should come along and when the rest protest, he states that he'll protect Elize. (!) Thus Elize and Teepo are able to join the group on Milla's mission.

When Alvin realizes they were heading to Lakutam rather than Fenmon, Rowen explains the plan to cross over land. Alvin notes that it's impossible to cross Fezebel Marsh due to the spirit clime, but Rowen explains the changes and seasonal shifts. In short, it should be possible now. There is a bit more talk of war until they are interrupted by a surprised sailor's shout. Jude and Alvin come over and find a girl in a barrel. Said girl is Jude's childhood friend, Leia, to which Alvin just gives Jude the "You know this girl?" treatment.

Leia formally introduces herself when they arrive into Lakutam and after a bit of persuasion to Milla, she also joins their ragtag group. This next portion may seem irrelevant, but it actually is. Leia notices a pendant on Jude and learns that it is from Milla. The group then learns of the story of how Milla had received it from two children she happened to play with fourteen years ago. This was while she had sent the Four on a "special mission." (!)

As they leave the seahaven, Alvin notes they're near Nia Khera and asks Milla if she wants to drop by. She's of course suspicious and questions him, but he only manages to deflect and give reasonable answers. Regardless she declines and they make their way to a town called Xian Du. There is some concern for the large monster called the Lord of Lakutam, a concern brought by Alvin and is noted by Rowen that he really does know a lot. However the seasonal changes should render it harmless.

Along the way Alvin comments how the sunsets on the Lakutam Highroad reminds him of home. Since his hometown isn't talked about often, this is actually rather interesting and so (!). He does eventually say that he is actually familiar with the area, claiming that it's for business (though Teepo accuses him of a girl). A carrier pigeon later flies by for Alvin. While he goes off to do his thing, Milla is again suspicious, though Jude only thinks that it's for whoever the woman he mentioned before is. Once he finishes and sends the bird off, they resume.

Upon nearing Xian Du, Ivar suddenly appears and informs Milla that she needs to return to the village and that he should be by her side. When questioned, he produces a letter indicating that she was in danger and needed to be rescued. (!) Before much else can happen, the Lord of Lakutam charges through and slams into the idiot Ivar. After they fight the monster, Ivar explains that since the Four's disappearance, the spirit climes have stopped shifting. He then laughs at their plan to crossing Fezebel Marsh and blurts out that only a wyvern could get them across—which he has. But when Milla presses him for another way, he admits that a clan in Xian Du is capable of controlling monsters and raises wyverns. He's left behind as the group then continues, but a letter appears to him, stating that Milla will need the key (she had given it to Ivar) and that it's his chance to beat Jude once and for all. (!)

Upon entering Xian Du, it's hinted that Alvin knows more about the city than he initially lets on ("been through for business"). After warning them about falling rocks, he leaves ahead of the group. His warning could have been a prediction, for in the next few minutes a large boulder falls, almost injuring them. Isla, a doctor, appears to help them. (!) Alvin would only later appear once the rest has found the wyverns and are discussing with Yurgen, the leader of the Kitarl clan who can control monsters. They would only be able to use them if they are able to represent the clan in the upcoming tournament and and if they win.

After proving themselves worthy to compete, they spend the night and take a bit of the morning to explore a bit. With Leia and Milla, Alvin runs into Isla. The girls recognize her from before, but it seems that Isla recognizes Alvin. After a moment, Alvin explains that his mother is actually here in Xian Du. She's ill, and without a father or siblings, Isla helps take care of her. He says he wants her to get better so he can take her home. When Leia asks how far it is, he says "Farther than you'll ever know." (!) Yurgen then appears and they learn he and Isla are engaged.

They prove themselves quite the formidable foes and climb their way up the ladder. During the lunch break, everyone is getting along fine until they learn that the rock slide from earlier had been intentional. Milla notices a girl serving the food and immediately stands up, telling them not to touch the food. Although their group is spared, the rest of the challengers in the room are not so fortunate. The food was poisoned by meticinia and it proves fatal. As Milla is about to tell them that it was Exodus, Alvin runs out.

He does not return that night and the next morning Milla seeks him out. She finds him leaving a house and when she asks if it was his, he answers it's his mothers. She then forcefully pins him to the wall, demanding him to tell her about Exodus and revealing that she overheard his conversation with Derrick back in Laronde. He tells her that he hates Exodus as much as she does, but there's not much he can do because of the blackmail (his mother). Although it's questionable whether he can be trustworthy (as Teepo says, he's a "big fat liar"), she tells him he can do what he wants in regards to joining them. He stays with her.

When they return to the coliseum, they learn that the tournament was still going and with the old "To the death" and "one-on-one" rules in place. Alvin bluntly tells them that it's a plot by Exodus. With his permission, Milla then reveals that Alvin had been working for Exodus, which of course shocks everyone. He elaborates that he had been doing small, odd jobs and that the poison plot was not his idea nor does he know who is behind it. When Jude asks to promise not to work for them again, he does. He then tells of Exodus' plan to have Milla fight and snipers set up on the stage.

A counter plan is created. Milla acted as bait, but while the rest tried to find the snipers in the stands, Teepo is grabbed and taken. Elize chases after and Milla orders Alvin after her. He asks if she's testing his loyalty and mutters, "Just my rotten luck" and to not blame him if things go south. The group has to wait for the locals to track them down before they are able to reunite in a place called Labari Hollow, located deep within the royal hunting grounds.

Alvin and Elize are found in one of the shafts, with Alvin wounded and Elize upset over Teepo who only repeats one line of greeting, similar to the original toys. He explains that one of the Exodus agents yanked something out of Teepo and he's been repeating that line ever since. He had managed to kill one, but the other escaped ages ago, leaving a cold trail. Everything is still a mystery, but it all becomes clear after they encounter Jiao. Alvin explains that Labari Hollow was the lab where Elize had been raised. The purpose of the lab was to create boosters, a device that would increase the mana generated by the user's mana lobe, and Teepo was a third generation booster. Jiao adds that the boosters can read the mind of the owner and speak their thoughts. He also tells them that Elize's parents were attacked and killed by bandits, which makes Elize run away with Leia chasing after. When questioned by Milla, Jiao informs the group that Elize had been brought by a woman, Isla.

To go further back on how Alvin is involved in this place, years ago he had been assigned to infiltrate the lab and bring back a prototype for Exodus. At the time he did not know that Teepo had been a booster. Even though he had the blueprints, they were gibberish to him and he just discarded them. He had recognized who and what Elize and Teepo were, but that mission had been completed. It was because of his infiltration that the facility was scrapped and abandoned. He speculates that Exodus took the data from Teepo, though for what purpose is unclear as he himself doesn't know.

When they return to Xian Du, they are greeted by Isla. Jude confronts her to tell the about the truth about her part with Exodus. She reveals that she had no choice back then in her past nor in the present. She begs them to not tell Yurgen and seeks to make up for Elize. But Elize denies her efforts and she staggers away crying.

Visiting the house where Alvin's mother lives reveals the severity of her illness, which is likely a form of dementia. She believes that she is talking to Balan, Alvin's cousin, and refers to Alvin as "Alfred" in her ramblings about him. The little that is revealed about Alvin's childhood suggests that he was much different than he is today: shy, quiet, kind boy. Alvin explains to them that being away from their home and the loss of his father has made his suffer greatly. He affirms that all his actions up until now have been to help his mother. Outside they see Isla. Conversing with her in private, she begs him to not say anything to Yurgen and that she wishes to stop looking after Leticia. Coldly Alvin declines, saying that Exodus is the only ones who can make the medicine she needs. He continues to hold the information against her.

This side trip over, they wait for Yurgen to ask about the wyverns. Before they can use them, however, they need permission from Gaius, the king of Auj Oule, since they are on the brink of war. They decide to travel with Yurgen, seeing this as a chance to warn Gaius about what they found as well as ask about the laboratory. As the group separates to take care of preparations, Milla tells Alvin that he did well and that she knew she could trust him. He gives a bit of a dramatic show (perhaps mocking her) before walking off.

Like Xian Du, Kanbalar proves to be an interesting place to everyone except Alvin, who informs them of a few facts about the snow ridden mountain city. One of the main attractions is the slidecar system, found only in Kanbalar. A few things happen while they wait for Yurgen. They again run into Jiao, and Elize and Leia finally patch things up between them. Afterwards they head to the castle, arriving just as Yurgen was leaving. It seems that the king is rather excited to speak with Milla. It's apparent that Alvin knows something, but he dodges the question. He knows they put their trust in him and not to worry.

Before seeing the king, Rowen has Elize leave Teepo behind, which would prove fortuitous. When they enter the throne room, again they meet Jiao who reveals he's a member of the Chimeriad, the special group that protects the king. Gaius then enters along with Wingul, another member of the Chimeriad. Wingul immediately recognizes Rowen, and Rowen does the same, recognizing the younger man as a skilled tactician and analyst. When Jude tells about the boosters in Rashugal, Gaius doesn't seem that impressed, even when Leia follows up asking for help. Rowen then asks about the laboratory from the hunting grounds, followed up by Milla. Wingul claims responsibility for the lab and says that it had been humane. A long discussion about their beliefs and how Gaius believes that he is to lead his people through strength to make them stronger and progress to a better future.

To that end, he wants the Lance of Kresnik. Gaius knows Milla stole the key and demands it from her. Milla of course denies. The Lance should not be in any human hands, no matter what noble reasoning they may have. At this point, Wingul looks at Alvin to ask where the key is. Despite everyone's protests, Alvin just walks forward, telling them that he was just doing his job. After one last glance, he tells Gaius that Ivar has the key.

The woman from the Kijara Seafalls appears and there's a brief exchange between her and Alvin, revealing her name to be Presa. They clearly know each other, and clearly he lied to Jude and Milla back at the Kijara Seafalls. She gives a report that Hamil had been attacked by the Rashugal army and there was word of a great spirit had been spotted. Doubting that it was the Four, Milla wonders if it was the Lance and if a new key had been created. Gaius immediately declares war and tries to capture the group. This is where Rowen's back-up plan of leaving Teepo with the gurads pay off and they manage to escape, leaving Alvin behind who just stands there and waves at them goodbye. Needless to say, their trust in Alvin has reached an all time low. It's bad when even Jude states he could never forgive him.

After managing to get the slidecar working, the group run into Presa and Wingul. Presa informs them that Alvin sold them out way back in Nia Khera (remember when he had separated from Jude and Ivar?). She describes him as no ally and that he "drifts from one group to the next like a ship without a compass." After some more talking, they fight. Wingul reveals that he has a booster and is part of the Long Dau clan, a powerful clan that had supported Gaius early on. The two are beaten down, but the group is still on the run as soldiers appear. And Alvin? Well he was actually hiding in the shadows, watching everything from the sidelines.

He later meets everyone again in Xian Du, informing them that he had sent the Auj Oule forces on a "wild goose chase in the mountains." Although everyone is still suspicious and not as trusting toward him, they allow him to rejoin the group. But he still has to explain a few things about himself. As mentioned before, he had been meeting with Wingul way back in Nia Khera and that he had been working different angles. However, this time he had worked it to their advantage. It was thanks to him that they were able to use the wyverns in the first place as he had arranged it all. He only betrayed them in front of Gaius to keep up the pretense, and then he betrayed Gaius by diverting them.

When the topic came to Presa, things get a little uncomfortable and he's less willing to explain. But after some sharp words from Jude, he gives the story—well part of it. More of it would be revealed later. But the story he tells at this point is that he met her when he was working for Rahsugal's intelligence service. At that time, Presa had been an Auj Oule secret agent working undercover in Fennmont and they had a more...personal relationship.

Milla asks him why he's helping and he says, and I quote, "You're asking that now? Because I love the hell out of you guys, of course!" with an arm slung around both Jude and Milla. This of course get a rather exasperated reaction from everyone, but they leave it at that. They have some wyverns to fly.

This act, however, proves difficult and the ride pretty crazy. Everyone is paired off with: Milla with Jude, Rowen with Leia, and Alvin with Elize and Teepo. Once things settle down, they're able to have a decent flight...until Alvin first notices a giant monster that tries to eat his wyvern. Both Rowen and Alvin manage to steer their wyvern's clear, but Milla's is hit, sending it falling. When they fly down after, they find themselves crash landing into Sharilton.

The monster follows and tries to attack Jude. However Alvin manages to jump in and block the attack. It's clear he's injured, but there's little time to discuss that matter. They are able to beat back the monster and Driselle appears. While everyone reunites with her, the damage from before takes its toll on Alvin, who staggers to the ground. He's then taken in for treatment and the rest take the moment to regroup.

Alvin is later found looking out over the sea at the central plaza. When Milla comes to him and questions whether he should be recovering instead, he answers that maybe he's trying to figure out the best way to betray them again. Milla can't tell if he's joking or not. He says that's a low blow and Milla tells him to stop the act. She asks him what his true intentions are. He of course says it's for his mother. Milla had believed him at first but now not so much. She says that he hasn't severed all ties with Exodus and that he hasn't tried to kill her like the agents do. Alvin offers that perhaps he hadn't had the opportunity and that he's plotting her hit right now. At first she doesn't respond, but when prompted she says it would be unfortunate if she was killed, and Alvin repeats how unfortunate it is. He then continues that if she gets out of his sight she wouldn't have to worry about getting killed by him. When she does leave, he abruptly turns around and points his gun at her back. There's a moment where he holds it and does a fake shot (basically just tilts his gun up as if he did pull the trigger) before sheathing it and saying, "You truly are Maxwell, through and through."

For Jude, the conversation takes a slightly different turn. Alvin tells him not to worry about his injury and they overhear two women discussing their difficulties performing spirit artes. Alvin then implicates Jude by loudly saying propaganda against the king of Rashugal and that spirits are disappearing. The women don't believe him, thinking he's just joking around. Alvin says he's just a shady guy whom no one trusts, including Jude. But Jude denies this. He says that although Alvin is a big fat liar, he can trust him since he never doubted anything he himself said, like the spirits disappearing. However Alvin says that it's only because it's the truth about how spyrixes work. He continues to say that he doesn't care if a spirit dies, but it's another thing if it results in humans suffering. When Jude comments that spirits are living beings, he says in a somewhat jerkish tone that Jude was sounding more like the great Maxwell every day. Jude says not to make fun of him and Alvin replies in a softer tone that he's not trying to. Instead he means that he's starting to talk like an adult. Jude says thanks and walks away. Alvin says to himself that at times like this he wishes he were still a kid where life was so much simpler.

Once the wyverns are ready to fly again, the group gathers with Alvin being the last to show. At the time they were discussing what they should with him and he comments how it's rude to talk about someone behind their back. Elize is forthright about it and says she does not care, but Alvin just responds that the group is currently his only ally. So they have him stay with them to keep a closer on eye on him and they head off.

They would eventually land outside of Fennmont, but upon walking into the city they see smoke rising from the research facility and learn that it had been attacked. They encounter a wounded Eldin, who informs Jude that an Auj Oule spy detonated a bomb when they tried to apprehend her. Immediately they had into the facility, but the entrance to the Lance of Kresnik is sealed.

In trying to find another way in, they find one of the rooms with the human specimens. Inside they find the mayor of Hamil. In her dying breaths she mentions that the villagers were frozen solid. Alvin suggests she may have been delusional, but Rowen connects it to Presa mentioning a Great Spirit. It's all speculation though and they don't have much else to go by. Jude goes up to the computer systems to see if he can get into the surveillance feed. They discover the Lance is gone, and going further back they find the feed showing the spy, the same girl who fought against Milla and Jude in the beginning, being discovered by a soldier and then detonating a bomb. Alvin says that her actions don't make any sense if she's a spy, and Jude postulates that she may have been sent to destroy the Lance but didn't know it had been taken. Running off that, they determine that she either knows where it is or is looking for it. So they change direction to go after the girl.

They find her and she recognizes them. But Rowen recognizes her as Nadia, the remaining heiress to the Travis house. She denies it, saying that she is Agria of the Chimeriad and displays the same crazy personality as she had in the beginning. After her exchange with Leia, they beat her down. With Milla's sword at her head, she tells that a secret passageway connects the lab to Orda Palace but it had caved in. The only way through is going into Orda Palace itself. Agria manages to escape and runs off, but the group leaves her to go to Orda Palace.

Upon reaching it, they decide to charge in under Rowen's hunch. When no reinforcements arrive after the defeat of the entrance guards, Rowen explains that it's likely the army had been deployed for war. They head on in until they reach the Audience Chamber. There they find Gilland and Nachtigal. Nachtigal tells Gilland to go to the Lance and that he'll handle the group him. Nachtigal and Rowen exchange words, Milla lectures him about his failure as a king, Jude also lectures him, and Nachtigal just refutes them and gives his own speech. Nachtigal then absorbs mana from the Lance and the battle begins. He is defeated, but before Milla finishes him off, Elize interferes so that Rowen could face him. The old man gives his regrets for his past actions and shares some wisdom with his old friend, and eventually Nachtigal begins to realize the fallacy of his actions. Once things start to look up for the better, ice spikes appear and kill Nachtigal.

They are all shocked, but they continue upward to the Observation Deck. However, it's too late; the Lance is gone. Milla again mentions she felt a powerful spirit and Alvin connects it back to what the mayor said about Hamil (although Rowen had been the first to suggest it). They don't know for sure, but they do know that they'll be up against some powerful force.

As they leave, they are stopped by soldiers. One of them recognizes Rowen, and a messenger comes by to report that fifty thousand Auj Oule soldiers are marching through the marshes. The war has begun. They then learn that Gilland is moving the Lance to the battlefield. It's still a puzzle as to how the army plans to move through the marsh since the spirit climes have stopped shifting, but they would learn upon reaching the marsh.


IN SUM: Alvin is revealed to be the following: a big fat liar. He has worked for Exodus, Rashugal, Auj Oule, and Milla's group. He has also betrayed each one at least once so far (with Milla's being the most). His past is further revealed in Xian Du where they learn of his sickly mother and Isla taking care of her. A part of Elize's past is also revealing, which includes Teepo actually being a booster. Alvin knew about this, though he does not know what Exodus wants with the data (boosters were created by Auj Oule). Information about his past with Presa is also introduced. And finally, Nachtigal is killed and the war between the two countries will come to a head at Fezebel Marsh.

(!) CUE MARKER COUNT: 7; at this point everything else is explained in chapters three and four.


chapter three
After identifying themselves and having Rowen as a voucher, they go inside the tent and watch a tactical diagram table. They determine where Gilland is heading, but apparently no one in the army knows what's going on—only to amass as many soldiers as possible at the site. Alvin looks up when Milla reveals she gave the key to Ivar. Since it's deployed, however, they run under the assumption that a new key has been created. Alvin then leaves the tent as everyone continues to speculate how the army is moving. A soldier explains that Auj Oule is using boosters to alter the spirit clime and that they, too, have them. Rowen takes the position of using it, but he also learns that the boosters could have a life-threatening side effect, which makes him look to Elize.

Outside the tent, Jude hears some talking and moves to where he thinks the source of Alvin's voice. The conversation involved moving the Lance and killing Maxwell, though it's broken up and hard to hear. (!) Alvin however, appears from the opposite direction. When he asks, Alvin just laughs. Of course Elize and Teepo call him a big fat liar and they make him stick closer to them.

As they go through the battlefield, they are attacked by several waves of soldiers. During each battle, Alvin seems rather frustrated, particularly at Milla. At one point he wonders why she puts herself in danger and how it would cause chaos if she died. He gets confused by Jude, too. He wonders how much farther they have to go since they're so close. Leia asks if he's okay and he says he's fine, but Elize wonders if it's a lie. He says he left that side of him and that he's being serious. There are still doubts, but there is no time to really talk about it. They gotta fight. At another battle, Elize sounds tired and Alvin tells her he has her back. She says she doesn't need it, but he says he has it, anyway. Teepo says thanks for both of them.

Eventually they get through but encounter the Chimeriad defeating a troop of soldiers. The foursome block their path and Milla's group once again engage in a fight to get through. They are able to beat them down and after the battle Alvin goes to Presa. Saying he has no interest in any last words, he points his gun at her, but Jude stops him. Presa laughs at Alvin's way of life and tells Jude to watch him—"He's just playing with you now, and someday he'll throw you away." (!)

They continue onward and encounter Gaius. Again he tells him of his ideals, and again Milla finds it foolish. After a tough battle, Gaius still continues because he really wants that Lance. He's about to do a super attack and Alvin is wondering where "he" is. That "he" would be Ivar, and as if on cue he appears, dropping down from his wyvern and landing right in front of the Lance. He has the key and he does the most brilliant thing ever:

He activates the Lance.

The Lance begins to drain out everyone's mana and once it reached a sufficient charge, it blasts a giant hole into the sky. Only Milla realizes what happened and that it wasn't just the "sky" that was torn through. She mentions it tore right through the "schism." To everyone's surprise, and to Alvin's greater surprise, airships appear. Another figure also appears in the sky and starts to create black voids that obliterate some of the airships. Gilland then makes his appearance and Alvin directly confronts him. He tries to shoot him, but ice spears block him. A bluish girl then appears and is introduced as Celsius, a "man made" spirit based off the Great Spirit. Gilland also reveals that he's a part of Exodus, though he's more than just a "part." He's the creator and leader. The group is attacked and sent flying. Alvin aims to shoot at Milla but Celsius blocks him. Elize is also taken hostage and Milla charges forward to try and save her, but Gaius knocks her out instead, saying it was for her sake. Jude and Alvin go after Elize while Rowen and Leia take care of Milla. But it would be Jiao who would save Elize and confess that he was the bandit who killed her parents. He then goes to sacrifice himself so they can escape.

The group is then separated, but Alvin, Elize, and Jude would later reunite in some ice caves. But there's also a new addition to the group: Muzet, the spirit who had appeared and attacked the airships. When Jude confronts Alvin about being an Exodus agent, Alvin says he had no idea about what happened either. They then move further into the cave, battling a pair of Aquadragons before they eventually make it back to Kanbalar at the Xalen Temple. There they would reunite with Milla, Rowen, and Leia.

After some brief talking, Wingul comes out to (sort of) greet them and Gilland's voice comes over the what sounds like a type of PA system. Afterwards, Jude tells Alvin to come clean, but he doesn't answer, instead walking off to take a carrier pigeon. When Wingul goes back inside, the group wonders if they can follow. Alvin suddenly rejoins and abruptly tells them they should go. They pause, again suspicious. He tells them that he's on the straight and narrow and that if he ever betrays them again, they can run him through. He has a score to settle with Gilland and he'll kill him on his own if he has to. It's clear by his tone and demeanor that something is off and Milla allows him to stay with the group.

Inside they find Gaius and the Chimeriad, with Wingul telling Milla that she is naive for believing Alvin. Again, there are signs that there is something bothering Alvin as he just roughly leans against the wall while the discussion starts. When asked about the schism, Milla explains she created Reize Maxia by sealing it off by the schism. Prompted, she says the other world is called Elympios. Realizing the true purpose of the Lance was to dispel the schism, Milla surmises that they were trying to siphon mana from Rieze Maxia to Elympios.

However Alvin interrupts and says she's wrong and that all Exodus ever wanted was to go home. That it was all they wanted for the past twenty years since they've been trapped. It was either break through or dispel it completely, which would involve killing Maxwell. But they don't know what Gilland is up to since what they are doing now is not part of the original plan. Wingul wonders why Gilland still wants the schism intact and it's then that Alvin realizes what Gilland is doing—the Other World Reactor Plan, also called the Spirit-Fuel Plan. It was in development even back when he was in Elympios and involved capturing spirits to fuel spyrixes. It still doesn't make sense, but Jude reasons that Gilland plans to use the people with mana lobes as a kind of energy source.

Alvin states that Gilland has likely returned to the Exodus headquarters located in the middle of the ocean so it won't be easy to get to. Wingul suggests commandeering one of the airships in Kanbalar. Jude asks if they're going to team up, but Gaius rebukes, saying they would go their own way. However, he would not stop them from doing what they want—just stay out of their way. Basically they would cooperate, just not officially.

Two things happens during the night for Alvin. He enters the room Milla and the other girls are sleeping in and immediately points his gun at Milla. She is awake and reminds him that she would kill him for that sort of thing. He says good luck killing him when she's dead. She then asks what the message said. He asks why it matter and Milla says at first she had thought it was about Gilland, but the timing was off. Alvin finally lowers his gun, sits on the edge of the bed, and tells her that his mother is dead. Milla tells him it happens—all humans die. Alvin doesn't take it too kindly and in a cynical way says that first Gilland betrays him and then his mother's death: "Life sure is peachy." Milla asks if he wants to return to Elympios and he says he has no other choice. She then tells him she won't die and that he could stay in Rieze Maxia with her and the others. He's a bit surprised and tells her that she's the first person to offer him that after finding out the truth about him. Again he points the gun at her and tells her she's out of her mind. But again, rather than shoot he lowers it and walks out.

He would then return to the room he shared with Jude and Rowen. Jude is awake, so he greets him. Jude tells him that he couldn't sleep and then asks what happened. Alvin gets a bit defensive, asking why the sudden interrogation. Jude says he was just worried and then asks if Alvin wants to go back to Elympios. Alvin makes a frustrated sound and tells Jude to just worry about his own problems. He then asks Jude if he wants to protect Milla and Jude says no, she can protect herself. He just wants to make sure she wins. Alvin says Jude wants to stay with her forever, then, and at Jude's sputtering and confusion, he says that he won't have any reason to stay with her once this is all over. Jude says he knows, and Alvin tells him that if he doesn't tell her how he really feels, someone else will beat him to the punch. "You can't just count on destiny to work everything out for you. Fate doesn't have your back." Jude says he knows and Alvin says that he really does listen to everything he says before bidding goodnight.

The next morning, they hear of Gaius' plan to march up to the castle and reclaim it to get the wyverns to then use to get to the airships. Rowen says they should split into two groups with one as a diversion, but then pauses, realizing what was happening. After Gaius asks Jude if he knows what he must do, the group leaves. Presa tells them there's a side road from the temple that leads to the castle. After they're gone, Rowen explains the plan. They were to sneak up to the castle taking the side road while Gaius and the Chimeriad faced the soldiers head on. At the castle they were to take the wyverns sand approach the airships.

They follow through and are successful. On the airship, however, there is still more fighting and they are about to split up so that one group could take the bridge when Ivar appears. In a...rather spectular fail manner. He literally climbs up to the bridge and takes command of the ship. However, he has no idea how to operate it and accidentally activates some of the security machines which the group must dispatch. Eventually Gaius and the others arrive and they return to Kanbalar to make preparations to head out to the Exodus headquarters.

During this downtime, Milla sees Alvin and Presa talking in the corner. He acts all charming and flirts with her, telling her that it'll be just like old times fighting side by side. He reaches for her hand and for a moment she blushes, but she slaps his hand away. She can't so easily forgive and forget what he had done and mentiones that many of her group had died because of him. She had also been through a lot due to her capture. Wingul then appears and she leaves him. Alvin watches her and quietly comments that she had finally found her place.

Once everything is taken care of and the ship is ready to go, they prepare to depart. However, as they're about to head out, the Lance of Kresnik is activated again to absorb mana. Gaius orders them to go airborne and it's discovered that there's no effect at the altitude. They eventually near a large ship called the E.S.S. Zenethra, but some airships have gathered. A light iss also seen shot up into the sky, and it's guessed that it was from the Zenethra and that Alvin's theory had been right. They are rammed by an enemy ship and fighting happens. It's then ordered to ram the airship into the Zenethra. They board and Muzet stays behind to help destroy the airships.

Aboard the Zenethra, the groups split up, Gaius going one way and Milla's group going another. As they separate, Presa calls out to Alvin and after his quick (and somewhat terse) response, she pauses before turning and saying, "Try not to die." He doesn't respond.

Jude asks Alvin if he knows the way around, but he says he doesn't. It had been twenty years and he actually prefers not to remember. Proceeding forward, they beat a group of agents and obtain a communicatoin device that Alvin explains is a radio. They listen in to learn that they've captured Ivar. There's a rumbling and it sounds like the Lance was used again. They have to hurry.

Once inside the ship, everyone except Alvin is surprised by how it looks. He explains that it was actually a cruise ship and ended up in Rieze Maxia when part of the schism ruptured twenty years ago. Milla says that's when the Elympion army broke through the schism. She didn't know the details, but Alvin states the Elympion army had the original Lance of Kresnik. He doesn't know much more, but he did know the current one was modeled after it. When Jude says it was so they could have acquire the spirits from Rieze Maxia, Alvin explains that Elympios was founded around spyrix and that it was the center of their civilization. When Elize asked why they couldn't find something else (and Teepo calling him a barbarian), Alvin explains that it's not so simple. He then reveals that they don't have mana lobes which surprises everyone. They don't have the ability to manipulate mana, and that's why spyrixes came to be. When asked about his weapon again, he states that his gun isn't a spyrix—he wasn't that stupid to carry around those around Milla. He also states that not having a mana lobe felt as normal as those who have mana lobes.

Further in they encounter barrier bars, which Alvin explains could slice someone in two if they stepped through it. Remember back at Bermia Gorge when he stopped Milla from touching the barrier? He had recognized it and knew what it was back then. Over the radio they hear that Exodus is having trouble activating the other barrier bars. If they destroy the generators on the port and starboard side, the bars will be deactivated.

Leia comments that Alvin must have been a celebrity to be on this kind of ship and he just jokingly laughs it off, saying that his natural grace and talents needed no such qualifiers. (!) When they reach one of the generators, Jude wonders how to disable it. Alvin steps up, saying it takes a gentle touch...and then promptly shoots it. He does the same for the second generator.

With the barriers down, they go to confront Gilland. There Gilland addresses Alvin as Alfred Vint Svent and asks him why he betrayed them. Alvin's answer is simple: because he's always despised him. Gilland then uses Celsius' powers and Alvin shoots him twice, but both bullets are blocked by the ice shield. Celsius then appears herself and she comments that Maxwell had changed since she last saw him, referring to Milla. Gilland smacks her for speaking. He then explains that she's a spyrite created by boosters and the spirit fossils, basically resurrecting her. The spyrite is used to perform artes as they are the physical manifestation of the arte. He then tells Elize she's the reason he was able to develop the spyrites due to the data they collected.

Like with everyone else, Gilland has his own goal for powers and ambition, and like with everyone else, Milla disagress with everything he says, thinking him foolish and a threat. They fight Gilland and Celsius and beat him down. Alvin tells Gilland that he's only using power to boost his influence. What's the point of having spyrites? Gilland answers that they are different from spyrix and allow them to wield incredible power without consuming spirits. He says they need spyrites to sustain themselves. He says as spirits have become scarce so has the mana and Elympios is thus doomed to fade away. When Milla says that it's their fault for choosing to use spyrix 2,000 years ago, he yells in frustration that it wasn't him. They then witness Gilland's death, whose body becomes engulfed by back sparks and is basically "overloaded," an effect of using Celsius' power. Alvin reaches out to him but only for a moment before retracting back, knowing it's too late. He then kneels down to take a gun away from him (later to be revealed as his father's gun) and closes Gilland's eyes, calling him "Gillandor Yul Svent," his uncle.

Gaius then appears, though too late to witness the battle, and Milla steps forward to summon the Four and destroy the Lance. As she does, a dark arte oppresses them. Jude says they need to use the Lance to break through it. Milla forces her way forward and instead of allowing them to risk their lives by giving their mana, she sacrifices herself instead. Alvin yells at her, telling her she was supposed to stick around. She then says that with the schism gone, Exodus' plan will come to an end, confusing Alvin. Jude tries to stop her, but Alvin holds him back, telling him to let her go. This is likely because even though he doesn't like it, if she can get rid of the schism, then everyone wins and he can go home. Milla sacrifices herself, and the force of power disrupts Muzet's arte. They watch her fall, and as she does, the ship starts to break all around them.


IN SUM: They fight through the soldiers in Fezebel Marsh and find the Lance of Kresnik. There is much fighting and Ivar being stupid as he activates the Lance. The schism, Exodus, the Other World Reactor Plan, and the existence of Elympios is revealed. Alvin's mother dies. More hints to Alvin's history revealed, including his real name: "Alfred Vint Svent." Also revelation that Gilland was his uncle and that they had been on the E.S.S. Zenethra when it broke through the schism on accident twenty years ago. A little bit more backstory for Presa and Alvin's relationship. And finally, Milla sacrifices herself to save them by using the Lance of Kresnik.

(!) CUE MARKER COUNT: 3


chapter four
Some time has passed since the incident at the Zenethra. It's not clear how long though—a few days, most likely. What happens is mostly explained through flashbacks, so I'll go ahead and put them in order.

After Milla dies, they manage to wash ashore at a port. At some point Muzet informs them that Milla wasn't actually Maxwell—she was just a spirit created to lure out Gilland and Exodus. Alvin is standing a little ways out and says aloud that the schism was still up and that he still couldn't see Elympios. He turns to Jude and softly laughs—a hollow one—and asks, "If the schism wasn't dispelled— Then why'd I let her die? What was the point? She died for nothing." He then leaves the group and Muzet then later turns and attacks everyone, including Nia Khera because it is her mission to kill anyone who knows about the schism. Everything they had done and believed in had been a lie.

Jude and Leia are hiding in Elize's old shack in Hamil, and after Leia leaves the room, Alvin appears in front of a depressed and uncaring Jude, gun raised and ready to fire. It's clear that there's something wrong with him as well, and he tells Jude that he's his ticket to Elympios—all he has to do is kill them off and Muzet would send him back. Jude tells Alvin to go ahead and shoot, but that just enrages Alvin. He grabs Jude and presses the barrel to his head, telling him that his "go with the flow" attitude pissed him off. His hand shakes but he doesn't pull the trigger. Instead he kind of accidentally shoots when Leia throws herself at him to stop him. He shoves her off and quickly tries to reload his gun. Leia gets up and pushes him away again to grab Jude.

Jude doesn't really cooperate as Leia tries to pull him away, but she manages to drag him out to the old napple grave and climb up the ladder. Alvin follows after them and another shot is fired. Leia steps in his way and tells him to open his eyes. But Alvin is still out of his mind and just yells that everything they did was pointless before drawing his sword. Leia continues to refute his words and fights with Alvin, telling him that everyone else was still here. That Milla still saved their lives. But Alvin just mocks it. Basically for what? She's gone. He beats Leia back and again points the gun at Jude who does nothing. Again Leia frantically tries to stop him, and again she's pushed back. He shoots down at the floor right next to her and it breaks, making Leia and Jude fall while he watches from above. He says down to her, "We're just plain old human beings. We can't be like her."

Leia is still desperate to snap Jude out of it. Milla saved his life. This gets a reaction and Jude begins to realize that. But as soon as he does, there's a shot and Leia falls. Apparently Alvin hadn't meant to, and it's clear by his own staggering and surprised reaction that he didn't. Jude, finally out of his angst mode, charges at him, while Alvin blames Jude for what happened. As they fight, Jude asks him why and Alvin is like "Why are you surprised? It's always been like this!" And continues to rant about how much of a perfect honor student he was. After the heated fight, Jude manages to overpower Alvin and pins him to the ground, sitting on top as he continues to punch his face until it becomes one of those half hearted things. Alvin tells him to go ahead and kill him. Jude basically tells him he's an idiot and that he's not getting it—that Milla died because she wanted them to live, not so that they would become what they did become. Alvin is still frustrated. He yells out what should they be doing then? He's not her and he can't live like her. He no longer has a mission to fulfill. Jude tells him that they have to make their own decisions and take responsibility. It's not about can or can't, but about do or don't. Alvin sees Jude and realizes that he's finally figured it out. When Jude tells Alvin that they should keep moving, he just grits his teeth and roughly stands up to stagger away.

Alvin would be seen again on top of the Hallowmount located behind Milla's shrine. With him are Presa and Agria, and they stand in front of the portal that would lead them to the Spirit Realm where Gaius and Maxwell are. He seems a bit subdued and surprised to see them. He asks him what they're doing here and tells Agria to knock it off when she recalls Leia being shot by Alvin. Rowen lectures about how they can change and when he addresses Alvin specifically, he just says he can't answer that. When Agria starts to try and attack them, Alvin steps in front of her as if to block. Presa questions him and he looks conflicted. He doesn't move and he takes the hit. Agria and Presa then fight as they can't let them pass, though there's a bit of a pained emotion between Presa and Alvin. She apologizes to him, but her loyalty to Gaius is stronger.

After the battle, Presa tells Alvin that she was glad they could be together again, even if only for a little while. Alvin hesitates in answering and she tells him she is happy he found his place. He just had to open his eyes to realize it. The edge of the cliff starts to crumble and fall, and although Alvin calls out to her and tries to grab her hand, he doesn't make it. But as she falls, she smiles up at him. He stands there staring down at where she fell. Jude comes up to him, asking where he will go now. He says he doesn't know and what's it to him. Jude tells him to come with us and Alvin just responds that the kids are now babysitting him. Jude tells him it's not easy for him, either, and that he can't forget what he did to Leia. Alvin says he'll apologize to Leia and Jude tells him to do that.

Elize then comes up to him and Alvin had heard what Teepo told Jude (not to let him come along). He comments how she doesn't hold back and Teepo says Elize is a good and honest girl. Alvin then comments how fast Jude has grown and that Jude really hates him and Elize follows that she does, too. But he thanks for it and tells her to hate him all he wants. "It's good to know how people really feel for a change." After she leaves, Alvin comments to himself that Rowen was right—he can't stay like this.

Alvin tries to apologize to Leia for accidentally shooting her. He really is sincere and when he asks if she's okay with him, she says she's not sure. He says that's fair enough. When Elize asks Alvin if Presa was her real name, he says it was just her alias as an Auj Oule spy. When she then asks why he didn't call her by her real name, he says he forgot and couldn't remember every little thing. Of course Elize tells him he's horrible with Teepo following that he really was a jerk and they walk off. Jude asks him why Alvin lied about that. Alvin tells him that Presa had been abandoned by her family and hated her name. He then regrets how he couldn't grab her hand and that he was everything they said and a whole lot worse. Also to note that prior to arriving at the Hallowmount, Jude and Leia hear from Eldin about Presa and Alvin. They learned that Presa was a spy and that Alvin had been living together with her.

At the portal, Alvin volunteers to go first, but Leia goes instead. Elize then makes a face at him, to which he laughs a bit. Inside they find themselves in a strange place called the Temporal Crossroads, but they eventually make their way to find the real Maxwell, Lord of Spirits. He is an old man with an extremely long beard and sits on a rather complicated wheelchair like throne. They confront him and Jude tells his plan to destroy the schism. Maxwell is of course not happy with this idea and fights them. This happens several times.

After the first battle, Maxwell tells them the true history of Rieze Maxia. Two thousand years ago, he had gathered all of those who could use mana, animals, and spirits and sealed them in this world to protect them. He likens it to an ark that can only end once Elympios dies. But then twenty years ago, Exodus snuck in and that was when the plan to create Milla to lure out Exodus was born. The battle resumes and they continue to defend Milla despite being beaten back again. After the third round, Jude beings to walk toward Maxwell, managing to avoid Maxwell's attacks. He then charges at the spirit, only to be blocked by a barrier shield. He continues to push through and at that moment, Milla appears to break through it. This allows Jude to punch Maxwell square in the face.

Excited and re-energized by Milla's reappearance, they now all fight against Maxwell yet again and this time win. Gaius and Muzet appear, and at this point Maxwell is actually starting to consider removing schism, having grown weary and always confounded by the human heart. Removing the schism would give Elympios a few years to try and re-stabilize. But at the notion of Maxwell stepping down as the Lord of Spirits, Gaius approaches to claim it. Of course Maxwell finds this absurd, but before he could attack Muzet betrays him and binds him to the Lance of Kresnik, which was brought in along with them. Gaius then pulls a sword out of Muzet, revealing that it could cut through time and space. He intends to send everyone back to Rieze Maxia, and everyone braces themselves, Alvin catching onto Elize when she is unable to hold on. To prevent this, Maxwell is able to create a smaller hole and sends them through it.

The group would find themselves in Elympios. More specifically, in Alvin's cousin Balan's apartment. Balan is an engineer and had found them at the base of a hill and had recognized Alvin despite the twenty years. The group also discover that Balan is using a spyrix—an aspyrixis to be precise—for his injured leg, which is the same device that Milla used for her own recovery. It's evident that Alvin and Balan have a close relationship, though Alvin finds Balan rather cynical and to be wary when telling him anything—the man will hold any story until their dying day.

They head out to explore the city and everyone comments how different Elympios is. Jude points out that there is no nature and Milla says it's because it has no spirits, which is confirmed by Alvin. She later comments to herself that the world needs spirits and that it's in its death throes. When Rowen asks what the posters hung all around say, Alvin answers that they're support posters for the Otherworld Reactor Plan, likely put up by spyrix merchants. When noticing the similarity between the languages, Alvin informs them that the language isn't too different than that of Rieze Maxia. An old man asks them for donations to stop the plan. Jude gives him some coin though Alvin tries to stop him before just shrugging and shaking his head. A few stomachs growl and Alvin suggests heading back to see if Balan has finished making food yet.

Milla comments to Alvin about how Elympios is so different. When she notes how unenthusiastic about his return and asks why since he had wanted to return all this time, he comments he doesn't know why he wanted to come back to this "doomed" world either. Of course his mother being dead doesn't help since really he wanted to take her back home. When talking about how the city is powered by spyrix and told about changing sources, Alvin counters that it's not so easy and poses if they could stop using spirit artes if told to. Milla tells him that he could still make a difference. He states that changing an entire world is not his style, but maybe this once he could.

As they re-enter the apartment, they see Balan exiting. He says he heard about some spyrix development over at Helioborg so he's heading over. When Teepo asks about food, he informs them that it's ready upstairs. Jude asks how he found them, and Balan says at the bottom of the hill opposite the complex. During lunch, the group discuss their next move. Jude wants to return to Rieze Maxia, but not before figuring a solution for both worlds. He wants everyone to decide what they want to do—either return home or stay to help. Alvin states that he won't agree to anything that would hurt his own people. Milla says she would watch over and protect the birth of new spirits and would find a way to support both spirits and humans if spyrix cannot be eliminated. She then states they need to head to Helioborg and Alvin agrees. Jude asks them to give their decisions by the time they reach Helioborg.

As they head out, they see people running into the city. They are told that Helioborg is under attack and that the attackers used "calculatrixes" without spyrix, ie, spirit artes. Thinking that it must be Gaius, they head out to investigate, with Alvin worrying about Balan.

Upon reaching the facility, they don't find anyone there. They do find a spyrix casing that's been damaged. Rowen notes that only the warehouses and lower facilities had been leveled, but all other buildings remained intact, thus indicating the focus was only spyrix. Seeing Alvin looking tense, Elize tells Milla they should hurry and look for Balan. Further inside they encounter an injured soldier. She tells them that mostly everyone got out early, but she wasn't sure about the rest. The attackers were led by a "guy with a giant sword" and a "flying woman"—clearly Gaius and Muzet as they had initially guessed. Jude surmises that Gaius is trying to eliminate every spyrix in the world, which is an extreme measure. Alvin comments that this puts Balan in danger, and again seeing him worried, Elize asks the soldier if she knew where Balan was. She suggests to find him in the spyrite research wing, also called the Military Research Wing. But she says not to get their hopes up. Alvin is of course worried, but he tells Jude to not worry about him and focus on Gaius and keep moving forward. He then says that the worrying and sappy stuff can wait. Milla asks if he's going to be okay and he just tells her to save it, he's fine.

Upon reaching the tenth floor, Alvin hears a sound in one of the rooms. Entering it, he goes to a computer console and confirms that they had been developing a spyrite called Volt. But it was powered about half an hour ago. He says it looks like it climbed up to one of the floors above. Jude says they should check it out. He thinks Gaius activated it and he wants to talk to him about it. Everyone questions Jude on whether he will really be able to stand up to Gaius, but it's only until Alvin gives hiw input that Elize tells him off and stands up for Jude.

As they exit the room, the power goes off. The elevator now unusable, they have to climb up the stairs. It's a bit of a trek, particularly with security machines activated. But when they reach the top they encounter Volt, the lightning spirit. Seeing it in a frenzied state and believing it to be out of control, they fight it to try and calm it down. After beating it down, Gaius and Muzet appear. Jude asks why Gaius activated Volt and the king replies that it had been an attempt to tether with it. However it was beyond control, so all that was left was to eliminate the spyrix. The schism would be left in place and the two worlds would be united. Jude tells Gaius that spyrix is actually necessary for these people and there had to be another solution. But Gaius wants certainties, not possibilities. He leaves, but Jude still won't give up.

Alvin then sees Balan and some others stuck on an outside elevator. Jude suggests using Volt. He tries to tether with it and at first it works, but there's a backlash as he tries to give more power. Milla then joins as well as the others, including Alvin. With their powers combined they are able to reactivate the power. Back on the ground, they reunite with Balan and meet some patients. Balan explains that these people can't live normal lives, even with spyrix. Instead, he's helped developed lower level spyrites. He then explains that pouring mana into the spirit fossil produces them, but a booster is necessary. He also informs them that spyrites do not kill spirits and it sounds like this is the path that they're looking for. Alvin then asks Balan the exact spot they were found and he directs them to the end of the Rusalie Highroad. Leia says that with the spyrites, now Gaius has to listen to them. But Jude disagrees, believing that had been their last chance.

When they reached their destingation, Elize notices the portal and Alvin comments how it's a little small. In fact it's very small and jumping into it would likely end up them missing completely and falling off the cliff instead. Milla thinks it's about to collapse. Jude then gets everyone's attention and says that if they want to return to Rieze Maxia, now's the time. He doesn't want them to be dishonest when fighting to Gaius, so he wants them to make their own decision. Leia asks for more time until they're all ready to leave. They all return to Balan's residence to rest.

During the night, Alvin is sitting on a swing thinking when Elize and Teepo come along. She asks why he's out there and he says he figures he should stay away since everyone doesn't like him. Teepo says it's because he's a big fat liar, but not in his usual abrasive tone. Alvin just replies, "Yeah, probably." He then asks what she's doing out, asking if she's wondeing what to do. She says yes and that she's not sure what the right thing to do is. He says she's talking to the wrong guy since he has no idea what it's like to be a kid—he never had much of a childhood. She asks him if he had been a member of Exodus ever since he was a little boy and he affirms. At first he had thought it was okay to trick people and took the path of least resistance, doing what wouldn't hurt him. She then asks if that means he won't be going with Milla and Jude. He says that the kid forces him to wake up and face reality and how they're so mature in hiding their feelings for him.

Teepo says that he understands now—he's lonely. Alvin says he's never been much for expressing his feelings and that even if they hate him, he has to stick it out. She asks if he really wants to be their friend again. He answers that building real trust with people takes a lot more work than one would think and that the older one gets, the tougher it is to share their feelings. No one will want to be friends with him until he makes the first move. "It's hard, but it sure beats being alone." Elize wonders what she's supposed to do to become happy. Alvin tells her it's different for everyone and that she has to figure out what works for her. She must have figured out what she wants, at least, and she responds that she doesn't want to stop. She wants to learn more and make new friends. Alvin gives a soft laugh and tells her that's a good plan. When Teepo tells him he's not much help, he just apologizes, repeating what he told her earlier. Elize then steps next to him and gives him a peck on the side of the head. This surprises Alvin and he looks at her. She says it's a "Thank you" and that she will be his friend from now one. She quickly waves and runs off. Alvin just sits there, hand to his head before letting out a huge sigh, lowers his head, and asks to himsself, "How come it's the kids that are the wisest in this group?"

The next morning, they all regroup outside the apartment. Alvin said that it might have been the best sleep of his entire life. Everyone, including Alvin, tell Jude they're going with him. Jude then shows the knife that Gaius gave him during the night. Explained as a piece of Muzet's power, it could be used to tear open the breach. Alvin says he's mocking them, but Leia disagrees with him. He then says he's glad to see her talking to him again and appreciates it. After a few more words, the unsung heroes do a fistbump and walk out.

Back at the breach, Jude slices the portal open so that it's large enough for them to go through. Alvin stops them for a second and asks if they have any unfinished business and if there are any unmade preparations. When they're ready, Leia jumps in, Alvin takes Elize and hops in, Rowen follows, and then Milla and Jude jump in together.

Inside, they find the Temporal Crossroads is a mess and Milla suggests that Gaius must have altered the place. Leia comes back to inform them that she found another breach that led to Rieze Maxia. This was their last chance to go back and take care of any unfinished business. There are a few things that can be discovered upon re-visiting certain places, so I'll go ahead and throw them in here.

Returning to Elympios, there are two major scenes that delve into Alvin's history. The first is in the apartments where three women are gossiping about the Zenethra accident. They talk about the "Svent" family and the selection of the new patriarch. Alvin then explains that his family is a very noble and influential one in Elympios. His father had been the head while Gilland, the younger brother, was part of the lesser family. This caused a great resentment in Gilland toward his father, and when he died in the Zenethra accident, Gilland took advantage to legally steal his claim in succession. Using their name, Gillan created Exodus and pushed the Otherworld Reactor Plan so he could claim the title himself when he returned. If they hadn't stopped Gilland, Alvin would have been killed. Jude asks him if he would return to his family, but Alvin declines, believing that he had been away too long and that he no place with the elite. So they were stuck with him instead.

The second is a bet made with Balan. To hear a juicy childhood story, Balan asks them to find a light-leaf clover. They are believed to be extinct, so it seems like a very low chance of this happening. However, they manage to find one, though they are attacked by soldiers who apparently made a similar bet involving the clover. They succeed and bring it back to Balan to hear about the mishap Alvin had with a present he made for Leticia. It involved painting a crown normal clovers to look like light-leaf ones, and accidentally giving it to her while the paint was still wet. Although he's not thrilled about the reveal, Alvin tells Balan to never forget those memories, to which Balan replies that he would always remember and never forget either him or Leticia.

In Reize Maxia, there are also two other important events related to Alvin. The first is the final part of his and Presa's story. Upon returning to Nia Khera, a letter was found addressed to an "Al" and Alvin takes it. It was indeed addressed to him and it was from Presa. After reading it, he runs back to the top of the Hallowmount where he then tells the story. Because of the information he used against her, her team had been wiped out. He had deceived her. Yet even before she died, she had worried about him. She had known she would go back to the group and he couldn't believe it. He vows to her, "I'm going to keep at it. I'll protect all that you've given me." He walks a few steps, turns around, and says, "Goodbye, Jill. That was always my favorite name, you know."

The last event involves his mother. As mentioned before, she had died, but there was more to this. She was actually poisoned. Returning to Xian Du reveals that the funeral had already been held, but seeing Isla, Alvin confronts her to know the truth. Apparently during her lucid moments, Leticia had known that her food was being poisoned and had told him. She runs out to the bridge at Labari Hollow. The reason Leticia was poisoned was because she was holding Isla back from her own happy ending. However, when he learns that his mother didn't suffer, he seems relieved and is thus all right with what happened. In her last letter, she had told him that she was not long for the world and that he should free Isla. The woman doesn't believe him, but she ends up falling from the bridge (either on purpose or accidentally). They bring her back to the house his mother had resided in, but she's psychologically damaged. Yurgen learns what happened, but still decides to stay with her. Alvin offers him the house to use and retrieves the gun belt to take back home.

After everything else is all taken care of, they head out to have the final battle with Gaius and Muzet. After fighting Wingul for the final time, they are separated, but are able to rejoin in time to help Jude and Milla, with Alvin coming in after Leia and declaring he had found the place where he belonged and he doesn't want to part with it yet. But the ending is bittersweet. Although they win, and their plan to remove the schism is a go, Milla had decided to stay in the spirit realm as the new Lord of Spirtis to watch over the creation of new spirits. This meant that she could no longer stay within the human world, instead leaving the responsibility on Jude's shoulder. Alvin isn't pleased about this, particularly since she never told them. But that's what happens.

And then they are all sent back to Rieze Maxia, where they would continue on their own journeys. Until the sequel arrives. But that's for another time. It should be noted that not too long after the final battle (perhaps a month or so), Alvin will recieve a business offer with Yurgen. Alvin is coming from the time before this happens, so he's still moving about freely trying to figure out what he should do.


IN SUM: They learn Milla was not actually Maxwell; Alvin tries to kill Jude; he accidentally shoots Leia; he has a bittersweet moment with Presa who eventually falls to her death; they fight Maxwell; Milla returns; Gaius and Muzet try to replace Maxwell; they get sent to Elympios; hey there cousin Balan; they learn about spyrites; everyone has mana, just Elympion mana lobes are dried up and unusable; Alvin confronts Isla about his mother's death; they fight Gaius and Muzet; Milla becomes the next Maxwell; game over.


backstory expanded
Compared to the actual walkthrough sections, this part will be much shorter and basically fills in some gaps that I couldn't quite put in the main story. Most of this comes from other subevents and outside resources, and will piggyback/refer to things mentioned in the previous chapters.

First I'll expand a bit more about Elympios. First of all, it's not another "world" in the sense that it's another planet or in another dimension. It's actually on a larger continent with Rieze Maxia being a separated island away from it. People lived on Elympios prior to the migration to Rieze Maxia two thousand years ago. Spirits had also always existed in the world, but the humans developed spyrix. Being a much simpler and, seemingly, more efficient and effective way to use spirit artes, their civilization soon grew to rely and use it. You could equate it to our own use of technology, only with the ecological harm being much more extreme. As the spirits started to die at an alarming rate due to spyrix use, Maxwell, the Lord of Spirits, decided to create a haven for his followers and spirits alike. That was how Rieze Maxia was created and the schism formed to protect it from the outside. Over time, his actions and Rieze Maxia became more of a legend for the Elympions as they continued to use their spyrix. Although they had mana lobs, the disuse made it harden and no longer usable. They still had mana within them, but that was it. They couldn't use it. Those of modern Elympios only heard it as a story growing up, not as history. Spirits and those with "special powers" were pure fantasy, and those who did manage to have their mana lobe still usable were seen more as entertainers or highly religious figures. But over the millennium, they began to realize that their energy resource was dwindling, with nature and life dwindling all around them. Without the spirits and without mana, the world could not maintain itself.

That was when the Overworld Reactor Plan, or the Spirit Fuel Plan, was born. Scientists had discovered a strange distortion of space where the schism was and research about that old legend about Maxwell made scientists believe that it was true. Thus if they could break through and get the spirits from Rieze Maxia, they would be able to save their world. The experiment to shoot through the schism twenty years ago would spur this on even further, especially after Gilland manages to send a message about the accidental success. To think, if the E.S.S. Zenethra had not been in that location, none of this may have happened until another time. The Zenethra was also the cause of the tsunami that decimated both Auj Oule and Rashugal forces at Fezebel Marsh, which prompted the end of the war. At first all the Elympions used their spyrixes, but once Maxwell sensed the spirits dying, he sent out the Four to eliminate them. The one thousand passenger count dwindled to six hundred before they realized what was going on. By this time Maxwell realized that members of Elympios had entered the schism and he created Milla to eliminate them and to draw them out. Although they went into hiding and tried to live in Rieze Maxia, they found it hard to assimilate as they could not use spirit artes. In the end they found a small remote island with an abandoned village to inhabit and through the help of the various researchers and engineers created a research facility to try and develop ways to return back.

Alvin, or rather Alfred Vint Svent, had been on the Zenethra with his family. His father died having fallen overboard and his mother, Leticia, already had a frail body. In fact this cruise was supposed to be for her benefit. He was only six and needless to say, seeing a place filled with colorful life, forests, and people being able to use magical abilities freaked him out. He had been born of a highly noble and influential family and was next in line to be the head of that family. He had grown up in a large, bustling city, gone to boarding school, and basically had the sheltered life. Though not a spoiled one, he had been a shy, timid, and kind child, always doting on his mother as she doted on him.

Now? He had to deal with all of that. Worst of all was his uncle Gilland's influence, which was not the good kind. Gilland had taken the opportunity of their situation, using the Svent name for his advantage. Using Alvin under the ruse of returning his father's gun, the symbol of the head of Svent family, Gilland gathered information about the current leader of Exodus, Gilbert, who had started relationships with a Rieze Maxian. With this he would be able to take over Exodus. When Gilland did not live up to his "promise" and Alvin threatened to inform Gilbert, Gilland only laughed and told him that he would be outing himself as a traitor as well. To make it worse, although Alvin had already guessed what had been going on in the room prior to his arrival, Gilland had Leticia reveal herself from underneath the bedsheets. The truth was that Alvin had already known as he had accidentally walked in on them without them knowing. But Leticia continued to hide it.

Alvin had been twelve at the time, and thus it had been six years since they first arrived. That same day, Milla had been on the island playing with children (remember that pendant?). In an attempt to contact Elympios, Gilland used a high powered spyrix. This alerted the Four who had been there to try and seek them out and Milla joined them in destroying the facility. Alvin was able to take his mother and fled away, eventually taking her to Xian Du where no one knew she was there. She would eventually develop a type of dementia, and Alvin would have to rely on Exodus to provide the medicine she needed.

Needless to say, Alvin developed trust issues, even when he met Presa. There are still some details I don't know about, so these are the facts: 1) Alvin had been working for the Rashugal Intelligence force; 2) Presa was part of the Rats and thus an Auj Oule spy in Fennmont; 3) they were legitimately in love with each other; 4) Presa told Alvin the truth about herself as well as all the information she learned; and 5) that same day Alvin sold her out by informing his own contacts. Presa had initially tried to get information about of Alvin by trying to seduce him, but that was how their romantic relationship started. Needless to say, Presa was still a large part of his life. Even after meeting her again, it was clear that there was still something there, especially toward her death. She had probably been the first real connection he had since coming into Rieze Maxia, and probably had been the last until he met Milla, Jude, and everyone else. Couple in the fact that even after everything he did to her, she still worried about him. It flew in the face of everything he had once believed in.

So the fact that he became the "traitor type" is really not that hard to believe. With a past like that, it's hard to really blame him. Doesn't excuse him. But can't blame him for it either.