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For those who have not completed games in the Xenoblade Chronicles series, this page contains spoilers regarding the plot. Discretion is advised. |
The events of Xenoblade Chronicles X take place over the course of a prologue, twelve chapters, and an epilogue. During these chapters, major events in the overlying story take place. Each chapter is represented in game as a Story Mission. The progression of the story is independent of side missions, although Affinity Missions can only be accepted between chapters, not while the events of a chapter are ongoing.
Prologue: Awakening[]
Earth under attack
The game begins showing two alien races fighting a massive battle over Earth in July 2054. Due to the imminent war, the Coalition government launched the Project Exodus, namely the Earthlife Colonization Project. The planet is left devastated and humanity seeks out new worlds in massive interstellar arks. Unfortunately, most of these ark ships are shot down while trying to escape Earth's gravitational field, and only a few make it out.
The White Whale crashing into Mira
After two years journeying through space, the aliens' pursuit forces find the White Whale, the American ark ship, and attack it as it approaches a planet called Mira. Thanks to the efforts of the military and Elma's superior, the attack is repelled; however, the fierce battle causes massive damage to the engine of the White Whale, and the ark ship crashes on the planet. Many of the cryogenically frozen humans aboard are ejected in escape pods, which then scatter over a wide area on the planet. Presumably as a safety precaution against an occupant awakening in a hostile environment, the pods keep their occupants in stasis until manually activated from the outside.
Meeting Elma for the first time
Gameplay begins two months after the crash, when Elma awakens Cross from one of these pods near Starfall Basin in Primordia on a stormy night. Soon afterwards, the duo encounters the Origin Blatta. After defeating it, they venture out of Starfall Basin. Upon exiting, the weather changes to a clear day.
Walking into New Los Angeles
Cross and Elma then make their way to the entrance to New Los Angeles, where they encounter the Elder Grex and Callow Grexes. After defeating the Grexes, the duo enter New Los Angeles, the city that was being carried by the White Whale and the prologue ends.
Chapter 1: New Los Angeles[]
As they enter the city, they see a broadcast of Maurice at BLADE Tower giving a briefing on the retrieval of the pods. Irina and Gwin then greet Elma, who subsequently introduces them to Cross. A dialogue follows, in which it is suggested that multiple pods were found in Starfall Basin, but Cross was the only survivor. Irina and Gwin then leave for an assignment.
Lin rushing to the crash site
Upon entering the Industrial District, Elma and Cross see a Skell flying. The Skell is seen to be emitting smoke, before crashing not far from Elma and Cross's location. Immediately, a young girl, Lin, arrives and begins assessing the cause of the crash, as the pilot, Doug, emerges from the Skell in frustration. After assessing the Skell, Lin greets Elma and introduces herself to Cross. She then commands Doug to put the damaged Skell away and joins the party as they head for BLADE HQ, much to Doug's annoyance.
Touring NLA
The party flies to the Administrative District. During the flight, Lin discusses the progress of New Los Angeles and points out the different districts of the city. Upon reaching just outside BLADE Barracks, the party is greeted by Nagi. The four enter the barracks, where Nagi explains BLADE and its purpose. It is revealed that BLADE is searching for the remaining Lifehold units scattered across the planet, which contain humans in them. Cross, Elma, and Lin then leave the barracks, and Elma and Lin give Cross a tour of the Administrative District.
The group then head back to the barracks where Nagi is staying. Once inside, Cross is formally recruited as a BLADE. Shortly after, Nagi introduces them to FrontierNav. They are then tasked with installing the data probe at the closest FN Site.
Chapter 2: The New Frontier[]
Elma, Lin, and Cross discover that the FN Site is being guarded by Volkampf, the Pursuer, which they battle. The party then installs the first Data Probe into the FN Site, activating the FrontierNav.
Upon returning to BLADE, the party meets Vandham, who then commends their work. He and Elma then introduce Cross to the Divisions, at which point the player must choose Cross's affiliation. At this point, side missions become available at the Mission Board.
Chapter 3: Builders of a Legacy[]
Vandham reports that a Skell that was being used by a Pathfinder team has broken down in southeast Primordia. He appoints Elma, Cross, and Lin to investigate the Skell and the Pathfinder team.
Xenoblade Chronicles X - first video with English voices
Elma, Cross, and Lin investigating the broken Skell
Upon arriving at the Skell, the party finds no sign of the team. Lin also notes that the Skell must have been wounded in battle, but the markings do not suggest wild animals. Lin then receives a Pathfinder signal from inside a nearby structure, but then detects numerous alien lifeforms. Elma notes the orderly, nonrandom nature of the lifeforms' movements, and deduces that they cannot be wild animals, but intelligent lifeforms.
Elma, Lin, and Cross are subsequently confronted by two of these such lifeforms, revealed to be the Prone. After Elma tells the two Prone that she and her two partners are humans from Earth, the Prone immediately demand to know why she would be here. Elma realizes from this that they must have already encountered humans previously. The two Prone then attack the party, with the intent of killing all three.
After defeating the two Prone, the party infiltrates the nearby structure, which is revealed to be a Prone base. Once they enter the base, they find the Pathfinder team killed by the base leader. The leader notices the party's approach and introduces himself as Glennar. He also states that humans have been intruding on their planet and should consequently be eliminated. Elma attempts to explain the circumstances of their arrival, including the crash of their spaceship, and asks that the Prone understand and tolerate their situation, but to no avail. Glennar proceeds to attack the party, accompanied by his two Prone Ruffians.
After defeating Glennar, the party checks up on the Pathfinder team, then begins to head back to New Los Angeles, although Lin is still concerned that an alien race is bent on destroying humankind on Mira. As they leave the base, they hear yelling from inside a storage unit nearby, as something is trying to escape the unit. The party suspects that it is another hostile lifeform, but nevertheless investigate, albeit with great caution. Suddenly, one compartment of the storage unit bursts open, spilling out several unknown items and a Nopon, Tatsu. As Tatsu rejoices about his freedom, Lin notices that he bears similarities to vegetables and wants to use him as one, prompting Tatsu to lash out at her, especially since the Prone would tease the Nopon for looking similar to vegetables. He mentions his race to Elma and confirms that they are not hostile. He eventually allies with the party, although he is wary of Lin, as she will occasionally joke about cooking him throughout the game. He then introduces the party to a Nopon creation, the Follow Ball, which then becomes available for Cross to use.
The party decides to take Tatsu with them to introduce to Vandham. After a brief dialogue, they decide to allow Tatsu to aid BLADE. The player then sees that the number on the BLADE Tower has dropped from 58% to 55%. After this chapter, the player is allowed to do Affinity missions and choose when to start the next chapter.
Chapter Openings (4-10)[]
Starting with Chapter 4, each chapter begins with Lin wanting to cook for the party and asking Cross what to make for them. A comic relief scene between Lin and Tatsu follows, with the specific scene depending on the choice made. There are six choices, which remain the same for Chapters 4-10, but the player may not choose something that Lin has already made in a previous chapter (Lin does not finish in Chapter 8, and the choice selected can be selected again in Chapter 9 or 10). In all six choices, Tatsu asks what Lin is making, and Lin answers his question. However, Lin eventually suggests that Tatsu is to be the meat for the dish, to which Tatsu angrily states that he is not food and accuses Lin of setting him up. The scene then shifts to the food being served, and only after the food is finished and eaten that it is revealed that Tatsu was not used. The choices are:
- Something fried (Fried chicken)
- Something braised (Meat braised in wine)
- Something baked (Pot pie)
- Something broiled (Tandoori chicken)
- Something stir-fried (Chicken sauté)
- Something fancy (Foie gras)
Chapter 4: The Ganglion Menace[]
Vandham reports that BLADE has found a Lifehold in Noctilum, the continent to the west of Primordia. Cross, Elma, and Lin are tasked with retrieving the Lifehold, and Tatsu insists on tagging along.
As they leave Primordia, the party meets Lao, who is directing a Skell piloted by someone else to insert a Data Probe. After Lao notes Tatsu's similarities to a vegetable, causing Tatsu to throw another small tantrum, Lin introduces herself to Lao. As the party begins to leave, Lao offers to join them, to which Elma accepts. The group of five then set off for the target Lifehold.
While in Noctilum, the party encounters another alien being, who introduces himself as L, a Mira merchant who appears to be familiar with the Nopon race. He then insists on aiding the party on their quests. The party then goes to the Lifehold.
When the party arrives at the pod, they find that Prone have already begun destroying it. The party defeats the Prone Destroyers, but are unable to keep the Lifehold from exploding. After the Lifehold is destroyed, Goetia appears. She reveals that she belongs to the Ganglion, a group of hostile species on Mira. The Ganglion believe it is their duty to wipe out all the humans. Goetia proceeds to attack the party.
The party manages to defeat Goetia, but before they can finish her, another mech appears, summoning Goetia. The mech then flies off with Goetia in tow. After discussing the Ganglion threat, the party returns to New Los Angeles. L is introduced to Nagi and Maurice, who agree to allow L to aid BLADE. Nagi, Maurice, and Vandham are informed of the Ganglion, and the images of alien mech captured by the database reveal striking similarities to the Skells used by NLA. Maurice declares the Ganglion to be a threat to the humans.
Chapter 5: Ma-non Maneuvers[]
Elma, Cross, Lin, Tatsu, Irina, and Gwin check the database, which reveals a spacecraft plummeting into Oblivia, the desert continent to the east of Primordia. Elma, Lin, Cross, and Tatsu decide to investigate the area.
Upon arriving at the crash, Lin discovers another alien species. Lin and Elma then receive a signal from the aliens, in which it is revealed that they have also encountered the Ganglion. Tatsu tells them that the aliens are called Ma-non, and that they arrived on Mira about a year before the humans did. He also mentions that they have come in contact with the Nopon. He and the rest of the party then decide to meet the Ma-non.
When the party goes to greet the Ma-non, they are first afraid that the humans are Ganglion, but Tatsu says that they are Earthlings, while Elma tells the Ma-non that the humans are also being targeted by the Ganglion. The Ma-non then ask the party to destroy three machines to prove that they can be trusted.
After destroying all three machines, the party reports back to the Ma-non, but find them under attack from Ganglion Skells. The party battles the Skells, allowing the Ma-non to escape.
After the party defeats the Skells, Tatsu emerges from a nearby rock and begins a victory dance. One Skell, however, is not fully finished, and fires at Tatsu. Cross rushes to protect Tatsu, but is thrown back as the projectile hits and the mech explodes. Tatsu is unscathed, but Cross's left arm is blown off, revealing wires, blue fluid, and a metal skeleton underneath. Seeing Cross' shocked face, Elma realizes that Cross does not know about Mimeosomes. She then informs BLADE of Cross's emergency while Lin shuts down Cross' functions.
Cross later is powered back up in the Mimeosome Maintenance Center in New Los Angeles after a new, fully functional left arm is installed on them. Elma, Lin, and Tatsu greet them, and Elma explains to Cross the existence and function of Mimeosomes; she also apologizes for not informing Cross earlier, as she never realized the extent of Cross's amnesia. She also reveals that the number on BLADE Tower is a countdown. As the White Whale crashed, part of the ship, which housed the actual humans, was lost. In fact, all the "humans" in NLA are Mimeosomes. Each Mimeosome is controlled by its corresponding human's consciousness, from their actual bodies stored within the Lifehold Core. The BLADE Tower indicates the remaining time before the Lifehold Core runs out of backup power and shuts down. Should the countdown reach 0% before another power source is installed to the Lifehold Core, the Mimeosomes will shut down and the humans on the White Whale will all die.
The Ma-non are then introduced to Vandham, Nagi, and Maurice, who decide to allow them into New Los Angeles. The Ma-non requests permission to dock their ship in NLA, which they imply to have used to travel six million light-years. Maurice consents, and the ship is pulled into the city, to the awe of the citizens of New Los Angeles.
Chapter 6: Dark Matters[]
The chapter begins with a battle between two factions, one of which is the Prone, the other seemingly wild monsters. The Prone are overpowered and the wild animals begin to leave the battlefield. The scene then changes to Goetia reporting to Luxaar aboard the Ganglion mothership on how their attempts to retrieve what could lead them to the Great One. Another soldier reports to Luxaar about a proposal. The scene then changes to the standard chapter beginning.
Elma, Lin, Cross, Tatsu, Lao, and L discuss the mechs that do not belong to New Los Angeles. The FrontierNav reports broken mechs from the battle in Noctilum, along with the monsters from the other faction. Elma, Lin, Lao, and Cross set out to investigate, while Tatsu and L stay behind as their non-mimeosome bodies would attract the wild monsters. On their way out, Lao begins a conversation with Lin. During this conversation, Lin reveals that her parents died before the Earth was destroyed, and she was on the White Whale to continue their work.
Upon arriving at the site, they find the monsters still guarding the area, but manage to reach a broken mech to investigate. Elma notices that the Skell is running on what she believes is dark matter, indicating it is not an NLA Skell. The team decide to return to NLA. They alert Vandham, who sends helicopters to retrieve the Skell.
After the helicopters retrieve the Skell, the party remains at the site. Tatsu then suggests a quick snack, and takes out a bento. Lin, horrified, immediately scolds Tatsu for packing food, which could attract wild animals. Unfortunately, the hostile creatures from before reemerge, and attack the party. The party defeats the first few waves, but are eventually overwhelmed. However, a Telethia appears and easily defeats the remaining monsters. It then turns towards the party, before inexplicably leaving. The team then returns to NLA to investigate the alien Skell. Vandham then announces development of a new model of Skell, Prog Ares. At this point, Cross may apply for a Skell License.
Luxaar summons two members of the Ganglion and tasks them with retrieving the lost Skell.
Chapter 7: Treachery[]
Elma asks about Irina's whereabouts, and Vandham answers that her team has found a Lifehold in Oblivia. Elma, Lin, Cross, and Tatsu decide to go and help Irina, in the case of a Ganglion ambush. Meanwhile, BLADE Tower's countdown has dropped to 27%.
Irina's team, which includes Gwin and Marcus, finds a group of alien mechs close to the location of the Lifehold. Elma and the party arrive, and Elma tells Irina to guard the Lifehold while she takes care of the mechs. After defeating the mechs, the party returns to Irina, who is at the Lifehold with Marcus. Irina is about to open it, when Elma suddenly tells her to get away from it. Right as Irina jumps off the rocks, Ganglion mechs attack, setting fire to the Lifehold. The lead mech, Almandal, is revealed to be piloted by Goetia. She reveals that the Ganglion are aware of mimeosomes and that the Lifehold is running out of backup power. After defeating her, Elma then explains to a shocked Irina about the Ganglion and their motives. Irina, Gwin, and their team then return to NLA, with the party following soon afterwards to report to Vandham. By the end of this chapter, BLADE Tower's countdown has reached 20%.
Chapter 8: The Gathering Storm[]
Although the standard chapter beginning starts, a siren sounds throughout New Los Angeles before Lin finishes preparing ingredients, signifying approaching enemy factions. BLADE then assembles in front of BLADE Tower while the Ganglion is seen approaching the city. BLADE, with the help of the Ma-non, prepare for the enemy assault. After the meeting, Elma, Lin, Cross, and Tatsu meet in BLADE Headquarters to develop NLA's defense strategy. Elma, Cross, and Lin will defend the East Gate; Irina will guard the West Gate; Lao will guard the alien mech in the Hangar; Doug will direct the backup forces until enemy vehicles are identified; and Tatsu and the Nopon will maintain supply lines.
The party assembles outside NLA's East Gate to confront the Ganglion. Meanwhile, Vandham mobilizes the first line of defense. The party then defeat several waves of Ganglion. After defeating several waves of land-based Ganglion, the party receives a signal from BLADE Headquarters, then realize that the primary Ganglion ship, a Xern, is approaching the city, flying over the city walls. Lao, who is guarding the Ganglion Skell retrieved from Noctilum, orders his team to mobilize, as guarding the Ganglion Skell would do no good should the Ganglion succeed in their invasion.
Meanwhile, enemy mechs have dropped from the Xern directly into New Los Angeles and begun destroying it. While watching the carnage, the invasion leaders, Ryyz and Dagahn, decide to participate in the battle, with Ryyz summoning a barrier around them and then smashing into the Commercial District. When the party arrives, they see Dagahn effortlessly and singlehandedly defeating two NLA Skells. Elma, Cross, and Lin proceed to battle Ryyz and Dagahn.
Upon defeat, Ryyz causes an explosion in the Administrative District. Elma subsequently receives a message from Irina, stating that the Ganglion have managed to reclaim their Skell. It is revealed that the two Luxaar summoned at the end of Chapter 6 easily overwhelmed the faction guarding the Skell, before summoning three aircraft to tow it out of the city. As the two leave, Ga Jiarg expresses regret having to destroy the city.
Irina then appears to report casualties faced by the Skell division, including Marcus. Afterwards, the party meets with Vandham and Lao to discuss the loss of the alien Skell. After some contemplation, Elma begins to grow suspicious of Lao and his motives for abandoning the Skell. The chapter ends with Luxaar being given the retrieved Skell.
Chapter 9: Warriors of Wroth[]
Vandham reports that another Lifehold has been found, this time in Sylvalum, north of Primordia. Lin suspects that Sylvalum may be a base for the Ganglion. Cross, Elma, and Lin decide to check on the Lifehold. Meanwhile, BLADE Tower's countdown has dropped to 14%.
Upon arriving in Sylvalum, the party finds Lao collapsed beside a rock. Lao tells them that he was confronted by Ganglion. He tries to help, but Lin convinces him to rest until his wounds have healed. Lao then directs Elma a little further north to the Lifehold.
After a while, Elma begins to suspect something is wrong, and asks Lin if she can pick up any signals. Lin suddenly receives an alien signal, before multiple mechs descend, surrounding the party. Ga Jiarg and Ga Buidhe appear. They introduce themselves as Wrothian, who have allied with the Ganglion, before telling the party to stand down. Elma tells the party to comply, and they put away their weapons (Tatsu takes off his glasses and puts them on the ground). Ga Jiarg has orders to take the party to Luxaar, who Elma deduces to be the Ganglion leader's name. When asked why they are aiding the Ganglion, Ga Jiarg reveals that Luxaar is threatening to use the Wrothian as cannon fodder. Ga Jiarg also reveals the Ganglion's motive for destroying the humans: they fear the humans' true bodies, but not the Mimeosomes. After discussing the situation of both the humans and Wrothians, Ga Jiarg and Ga Buidhe consider the possibility of calling a truce with the humans, but decide to battle the party first to test them, to which Elma complies.
Upon defeat, Ga Jiarg acknowledges the prowess of the party. He then reveals that the Ganglion's base is located on the continent to the north before flying off, and Elma receives a report that Lao has safely been transported back to NLA.
Lao later wakes up in New Los Angeles, having been transported back to the Maintenance Center, and is greeted by Doug.
Luxaar is contacted by Ga Jiarg, who, after battling Elma, Cross, and Lin, decides to dissolve the Wrothian-Ganglion alliance, much to Luxaar's anger. Ga Jiarg, prince of the Wrothian, and Ga Buidhe are then seen rallying the Wrothian after declaring their independence from the Ganglion, while Ga Buidhe notes a change in Ga Jiarg's personality.
Chapter 10: The Zu Pharg Menace[]
Vandham tells Elma, Cross, Lin, and Tatsu that he has received reports that the Ganglion have a spy in BLADE. The group agrees to track down the spy. They also discuss the information Ga Jiarg told the party, about Ganglion's base being in Cauldros, the continent north of Sylvalum. Meanwhile, the BLADE countdown has reached 9%.
Ryyz and Dagahn are seen surveying a new Ganglion spacecraft, the Zu Pharg. They then pilot it out of the Ganglion base, with the intent on using it against the Earthlings. A Ganglion reports to Luxaar that Ryyz has taken the Zu Pharg.
As the party continues to connect Data Probes to the FrontierNav in Sylvalum, Lin becomes concerned that there has been no sign of the Lifehold Core. While Elma assures that the Lifehold Core is safe, Lin breaks down with apprehension. Elma tells her not to worry too much and comforts her.
The Zu Pharg
Just as they finish connecting the Data Probe, they encounter the Ganglion ship piloted by Ryyz. Ryyz then claims she will exterminate the humans using the ship. The party proceeds to battle the Zu Pharg ship. After Cross, Elma, and Lin manage to defeat the ships spawned by Zu Pharg, Ryyz, in frustration, transforms the ship into a large quadrupedal robot with a semi-humanoid torso and arms with bat-like wings, which begins to move south of Sylvalum and towards New Los Angeles.
Before it can reach Sylvalum's southern border, the Zu Pharg falls, as Ryyz realizes the Earthlings' power in disbelief. She and Dagahn are subsequently consumed in an explosion as the Zu Pharg is destroyed. As the Zu Pharg falls, Elma reflects on Ga Jiarg's comment that the Ganglion feared the original form of humans.
Chapter 11: Consequences[]
Since all the choices for the chapter openings have been chosen at this point, Cross is given different choices for the chapter opening. Regardless, Lin ends up putting Tatsu in a pot while putting salt into the water. Suddenly, the four are summoned to the Skell warehouse, with the only information supplied being that Lao is there.
Vandham and a BLADE team confront Lao. After Elma, Cross, Lin, Tatsu, Doug, Irina, and Gwin arrive, Lao reveals that he stole a data terminal with important intel and that he is the Ganglion spy. Doug prepares to shoot him, but Vandham warns him that he has got the data on him and cannot risk damaging it. He then steals the Prog Ares, with the intent of giving it to the Ganglion.
Vandham then reports that the Lifehold Core can be located using all collected data, which excites Lin and Tatsu. However, Lao stole the data terminal necessary to find the Lifehold Core, prompting the party to travel to the Ganglion base in Cauldros to confront him. Meanwhile, BLADE Tower now shows 5%.
Lao explains how only certain people are chosen
Upon arriving at the Ganglion base, Elma checks for signals and confirm that the Prog Ares is nearby. The party manages to infiltrate the Ganglion base, but a siren mobilizes all Ganglion lines of defense. The party makes its way to the heart of the base, where Lao awaits them. Lao is excited that they will all be free of a lie once the Lifehold is destroyed. Lin asks how that will be free anyone, and Lao says their flesh and blood burned away with the Earth. Elma apparently knows about it, but changes the subject and Lao prepares to fight them using the Ares.
During the fight, Lao reveals that his family was not chosen for emigration on the White Whale from Earth, and his resentment for the decision to only permit the rich, the connected, and the elite on the Ark Ship fueled his anger towards New Los Angeles, and that all the passengers in the Lifehold Core are no different, causing him to join the Ganglion's objective of eliminating the humans. He then attacks using the Prog Ares.
The party ultimately manages to defeat Lao. Elma threatens to kill Lao for his betrayal, but Lin stands in her way, unwilling to let Lao die because of the relationship developed between the two, despite his wrongdoing. Cross ultimately sides with Lin, and their combined efforts convince Elma to stand down. Lao, realizing his wrongdoing, gives Lin the data terminal needed to find the Lifehold Core, then tells the party to leave him and return to New Los Angeles. As the party leaves, Lao expresses regret towards his actions. The party then reports to Vandham on Lao's circumstances.
Chapter 12: Into the Core[]
The chapter begins with Maurice announcing to New Los Angeles about the discovery of Lifehold Core's location. All members of BLADE are mobilized to secure the Lifehold Core. The Lifehold Core is revealed to be in the middle of the ocean north of Sylvalum, near Cauldros Waters. Entire squadrons of Skells, piloted by all the named BLADE members, are subsequently sent to secure the Lifehold Core.
Upon approaching the Lifehold Core, BLADE finds the Ganglion attacking the core. Although a barrier deflects most of the attacks, BLADE is still wary of potential damage. Upon reaching the structure, Elma, Cross, Lin, Irina, Gwin, Doug, L, and Tatsu enter, while the other Skells stand guard.
Luxaar receives reports that the Lifehold Core has a trion barrier which Luxaar finds to be impossible for humans to access. After receiving reports that the Ganglion are unable to destroy the Core, he resorts to use the Vita himself to take care of the matters. He charges the barrier with incredible speed and is able to bypass the barrier.
The party enters Lifehold Core, but do not see the stasis capsules where their bodies are supposed to be. Elma explains that what they've been told about their bodies is not the whole truth. Suddenly, part of the structure explodes, and a Ganglion Skell plows into the Lifehold Core. The Skell is piloted by Luxaar, who introduces himself to the party. Elma asks why the Ganglion are so afraid of humans, and also senses that the Vita is not complete and still missing something. Luxaar realizes that Elma is the one responsible for the humans survival. He then enters his Skell, Vita, to battle the party.
During the fight, he reveals the Ganglion's motive. Humans are the descendants of a powerful race known as the Samaarians. The Samaarians also created the Ganglion as servants. Having anticipated the possibility that the Ganglion would grow out of control, the Samaarians built a failsafe into the Ganglion, making them critically vulnerable to a certain aspect of the former. Humans, as descendants of the Samaarians, pose this same threat to the Ganglion. Determined to escape this fate, Luxaar transforms the Vita and continues the battle against the party.
The mech is eventually defeated and explodes, slowly sinking into the pool of protoplasmic fluid in the Lifehold Core. Tatsu, L, and Lin consider throwing a party to celebrate the Ganglion's defeat. Elma then resumes her explanation from before, she says that the machine at the ceiling is a supercomputer that has all their consciousnesses are recorded. It has every essences of all the passengers they brought with them from Earth. The actual bodies of each lifeform was destroyed in the battle on Earth, but they lived on as data until they can be moved back into real bodies. Elma reveals capsules of DNA for all Earth lifeforms on the White Whale, and the information can be used to restore the original lifeforms. Dozens of DNA capsules emerge, and Elma demonstrates recreation of the original lifeforms by transforming one DNA capsule's information into a cat.
The other party members eagerly await returning to their original forms, but before any other lifeforms can be recreated, Luxaar suddenly emerges, alive, and cripples the computer, which causes numerous lizards to emerge from their capsule, mutated to have four lips. The lizards attack the humans, causing Luxaar to laugh with glee. Suddenly, Lao appears from above and stabs Luxaar in the back, while the party takes care of the mutated lizards.
After Lao explains why he deferred back to the humans, the two fall into the pool. Luxaar realizes that the pool contains human DNA, the critical weakness to the Ganglion, and slowly dissolves in agony as he falls into the pool, coming into contact with more DNA. Lao leaves Luxaar to drown, and attempts to resurface. However, he becomes possessed by the protoplasm and emerges from the pool as a Chimera. He immediately begins to outright destroy the DNA samples, prompting the party to attack. Although Lin tries to defend Lao again, Elma states that the Earthlings have suffered enough hardship, and that it needs to end. To Elma and Lin's surprise, Lao agrees with Elma since he cannot control himself. Lin reluctantly agrees to fight alongside Elma, but is encouraged once Cross gives her support.
During the battle, Lao realizes that Luxaar also became one with the protoplasm upon dissolving, thus making his memories a part of him. He explains to the party that long ago, the Sammarians created lifeforms to serve them, the Ganglion were among them. He says that the original Ganglion were artificial, and that humans are the descendents of their creators.
Elma's true form
Eventually, Lao is defeated. He explains that the Ganglion were implanted with a failsafe by the Sammarians in case they ever turn against them, and the key to that failsafe is the humans real bodies, which is way they fear them. He gives his last words regarding the future of humankind, before dissolving into a golden shower. Lin then finds that the Lifehold Core system is intact, allowing BLADE to restore human life. The party then begins to restore the system. As the party begins to activate the backup power system, Elma explains that exactly one Mimeosome is being controlled from a real body in stasis. Elma then inputs a code on her Mimeosome, shutting it down. The party rushes to her in shock, but then hear Elma's voice. In the center of the platform, Elma's true body emerges, revealing that she is the alien she mentioned. She apologizes for having acted under a disguise the entire time, but is reassured that nothing would change just because of her different body. Elma activated the backup power system, Nagi then contacts the party, congratulating them on ridding of the Ganglion threat and finding the Lifehold Core. The party then returns to New Los Angeles.
Epilogue[]
Some of Elma's backstory is revealed. She first arrived on Earth in the late 2020s, thirty years prior to the events of the game, warning of the war between alien races. With the help of Nagi, Elma supplied humans with technology, including Skells, Mimeosomes, and faster-than-light spacecraft. Lin believes the Earth is still alive and the White Whale was not the only ark that escaped, and that one day humanity can set out to search for the planet they left behind.
After the credits roll, Elma enters Lifehold Core along with Yelv and other Reclaimers on an extraction mission, while Nagi, Maurice, and Vandham oversee the mission from New Los Angeles. Elma enters the room with the database of everyone's consciousnesses, but discovers it in ruins. Furthermore, the damage seems to have occurred during the initial crash-landing on Mira. This leaves BLADE clueless, as the destruction of the Lifehold Core's database chamber should have killed them all months ago, yet they are all still functional and, presumably, alive. Elma speculates that Mira itself must have something to do with the preservation of their consciousnesses.
The final screen of the main story (Japanese version)
The scene then shifts to a beach. Lao's Mimeosome is seen lying on the sand, and is approached by an unidentified character. Suddenly, his eyes open. The screen then goes black, showing only the words "This story never truly ends...".