After the prologue, Ardyn recalls the Great War of Old where he witnessed the destruction of an empire and a city he once called home.  Forced to flee, he and his company, the Lancer and the Shield, along with the civilians they managed to rescue search for refuge away from the damage left by the Infernian.  This proved difficult as Eos suffered from the terrors of daemons as well and the nights seemed to drag longer each passing day.  The company eventually reached the borders of city fortress of Domum.  Unfortunately for them, it too was threatened to be under siege by daemons attempting to break down its gates.  Ardyn sets out to save the people within and was accompanied by the Lancer and his Shield, leaving the rest a safe distance away from Domum and the horde.

At one point, the daemons succeeded in forcing their way into the once-fortified city and unleashed their relentless hunger for blood upon the people.  The young hero was separated from his companions and rescued by a mysterious woman who called herself the Seeker.  She tended to his injuries and offered a hand to his cause.  Once reunited with the Lander and the Shield, Ardyn and his new ally rallied together and fought back the horde.  The party rose victorious and the sun graced the skies once more.  They take a moment to breathe and ponder over the origins of the daemons and their intent…but only one companion knew the truth.

Lancer: “There have been rumors that the daemons were born from the madness of the Infernian.  From his fierce rage wrought monsters the world has never seen, becoming the horrors of the night.”

Seeker: “Unfortunately, this theory is false.  It was not the Infernian’s madness that bore the daemons.  Something else sparked the flame of the Infernian’s rage, man’s arrogance playing a part in it.” 

At this, she bows her head low, her eyes held a grave expression.  

Seeker: “The daemons…bring an illness far worse than any plague or calamity imaginable. But it is not their fault.”

Lancer: “Not their fault?  So I suppose the next time a gargoyle attempts to pummel me to the ground, I shall have to excuse its actions.  It certainly had no intention of doing that.”

Seeker: “….” 

She takes in a slow breath. 

Seeker: “Their will is no longer their own.  They were…once human.  Some animals as well.  Gentle, peaceful creatures.  Children of nature.  All of them twisted to the dark horrors we see now.”

Lancer: “What?!”

Shield: “?!”

Ardyn: “…” 

He is stunned at the realization that he and his comrades have been killing people.  He looks down at his hands, imagining the blood that was spilt and is overwhelmed by guilt and shame.

The Seeker notices Ardyn’s inner turmoil immediately and approaches him, placing her hand on his shoulder.  Silver eyes meet golden ones in recognition and understanding.

Seeker: “We do them a greater mercy by putting them down and releasing their souls to peace beyond.”

Even at these words, his eyes beheld a sadness that nearly disarms her.

Ardyn: “Is…Is there no other way?”