Following the Light

Franchise: //Anthem// Key Character(s): Player, Kryst (NPC), Killion (NPC) Progression: Early-Mid Note: Because //Anthem// has yet to be released, I have taken liberties with the setting of the world. In Tarsus, the player is notified that a local Freelancer (Killion) is looking for help in clearing out a base of mercenaries, who call themselves 'The Light of Anthem'. The Light of Anthem is a band of humans who exploit the remnant technology of Anthem to power their Javelin-suits. The player finds Killion at the local bar. Killion is mid-60s with greying and wizened hair. He uses a Wizard-class Javelin suit and harnesses blue compounds as projectiles in combat. Killion is vague and brusque regarding the background of The Light and his motivations in wanting them dead. The player heads to the Alda Marshlands after accepting the quest. There, Killion overlooks a compound nestled into the mountain. He prompts the Freelancer to charge in, guns blazing. Despite the player's protests, he remains evasive. His only instruction: leave the leader of the group alive as she might possess valuable information. After the battle, the player and Killion confront the leader, who engages them in a heavily-tanked Javelin. Killion shows a large amount of rage directed at the group throughout, more so towards the boss herself (Kryst) once she's badly wounded and her helmet removed. Kryst is in her late 20s. Strong-willed, with red-auburn hair, she breaks into a chuckle when she recognises Killion, asking the player sarcastically if he knows who he is, but loses consciousness due to her injury. Killion suddenly softens, pleading with the Freelander to save her. The player interrogates Kryst back at Tarsus. Killion warns the Freelancer not to trust her and insists on being present. She remains defiant towards the player's questions regarding The Light's operations, but only because she claims she isn't the leader of the group - Killion is. Killion flies into rage, saying she's being deceitful. The player is skeptical towards either one, and asks Kryst to prove herself. She gives the player coordinates to their weapons-testing facility. Before the player leaves, Krysts warns the player NOT to bring Killion along. Before they leave, the player confonts Killion about his involvement in this whole affair. Killion admits to having worked with Kryst before in the past, before she betrayed him. //(Option 1A):// The player brings Killion along to the facility. //(Option 1B):// The player tells him he cannot be trusted. Killion remains behind. At the weapons-facility, the player engages more Javelins powered by the mysterious blue energy. The player discovers how The Light of Anthem got its name: the 'Light' is actually a powerful artifact fashioned from alien technology, glowing with the same blue hinge. //(Option 1A):// Killion turns on the player, intending to keep the Light for himself. //(Option 1B):// Killion appears, having tracked the player to the facility. The player engages him in combat, but Killion manages to escape with the Light, lamenting that nobody can be trusted with it. Back at the Hub, Kryst chastises the Freelancer for not believing her, but offers to help track Killion down and retrieve the Light. The player is wary of Kryst's own intentions, but accepts. Kryst unveils the location of a safehouse where she thinks Killion might be hiding. In the Marshlands, the player enters a shrine-line enclave, naturally-adorned with the ruins of past civilization. The safehouse is accessible via secret entrance, which Kryst unveils. Inside, Killion is found guarding the artifact. He admits that he was once the leader of The Light of Anthem, but never meant for it to become a violent mercenary group. Instead, his purpose was always to study Anthem's alien technology to unlock its secrets. He accused Kryst of weaponising its energy to power their Javelins, where it finally led to his ouster. Kryst doesn't deny any of this, and instead presents the Freelancer with two choices: //(Option 2A):// The player sides with Kryst. She offers to share the group's weapons-research, providing bonuses in armour, weapons and modifications. Kryst becomes leader of The Light of Anthem and it remains a mercenary group that the Freelancer can call upon for support. //(Option 2B):// The player sides with Killion. He offers to share further knowledge of the ruins, granting bonuses to his stats. Killion promises to disband The Light of Anthem and reveals the locations to all sacred sites, which the player can visit to gain further stat-boosts. The Light of Anthem becomes hostile on sight. //(Option 2A):// Kryst is pleased. She tells Killion that he should disappear and that they never want to see each other ever again. Killion leaves but threatens retribution. Kryst joins the Freelancer's party. //(Option 2B):// Kryst flies into a rage, immediately fires upon them both and tries to steal the Light. Unsuccessful, she escapes, saying they've made a huge mistake. Killion regrets dragging the player into all of this in the first place, but hopes that one day Kryst might come around. Killion joins the Freelancer's party. Choices here determine the player's attitude towards the technology and world of Anthem. Visiting these sacred sites later on, the player either chooses to exploit the alien technology of the world or chooses to preserve it. Killion and Kryst also bring separate skillsets to the player's party.

The Sleeping Chimera is a dark, dingy bar, surprisingly filled with patrons. The Freelancer approaches a man in his mid-60s at the counter. He's wearing a plain tunic and pants, downing shots of ruby-red liquid dripping down his graying beard. The man (Killion) notices the player staring. ''Killion:'' (tipsy) What are you, the paragon of virtue? Get out of my sight! You're blocking the dancers. ''Freelancer:'' You must be Killion. ''Killion:'' You see *another* drunken old man here, clinging onto his past glory? Derided by the young, shunned by his peers, and now his drink disturbed by a would-be whippersnapper. Whaddaya want? ''Freelancer'': I heard you needed help with some mercenaries? ''Killion'': (serious) Who in the nine worlds told you that?? (grits teeth) I may have muttered a little too much over the bottle, but if *you're* the best thing Cusp could scrounge up, I guess times are indeed desperate. ''Freelancer:'' //Option 1:// Who are 'The Light of Anthem'? //Option 2:// Why do you want these mercenaries dead? //Option 1a, 2a:// Why are these ruins so important? //Option 3:// What do I get out of this arrangement? ''Killion:'' //Option 1:// SHHHH. Not so loud!! (looks around) They're a mercenary group knee-deep in weapons tech and research. They plunder the sacred sites of Anthem and leave them hollow husks. They have to be stopped! //Option 2:// Obviously, I'm a paragon of virtue myself... (coughs) once you get to know me. Mark my words, Freelancer. Nothing good will come from letting this group roam free. We have to protect the sites! //Option 1a, 2a:// Ahhh. Therein lies the question, no? Nobody has *any* clue who the precurors were, their intentions, or why they left these ruins behind. If only we could unlock their arcane mysteries... think of the possibilities! //Option 3:// How about my undying gratitute? I don't have much to my name, as you can tell. While you'll obviously get to keep any armor and weapons you find, think of the satisfaction of helping a poor, old man, clinging onto his past glory... ''Freelancer:'' //Option 1:// Okay, okay. I'll help you. //Option 2:// Hmm. I'll have to think about it, old man. ''Killion:'' //Option 1:// Excellent. Meet me at the Alda Marshlands. I've marked the coordinates on your map. //Option 2:// Hmprrmpphh. You're just wasting my time. Don't take too long to think about it. I might not be alive the next time you come looking. [[Option 1->3. EXT. ALDA MARSHLANDS - COMPOUND EXTERIOR]] Option 2: Quest does not progress

The Freelancer walks through a maze of marketstalls selling all sorts of goods and oddities. A man shouts about how his weapons can penetrate any armor, and another proclaims his armor is impervious to any weapon. The humid air shimmers with an orange glow. The Freelancer's internal comms triggers and a male's voice bursts through. It's Cusp, his informant and intermediary. ''Cusp:'' (static) Listen, bud. There's word around town that a Freelancer's looking for some help with some merceneries. Call themselves 'The Light of Anthem'. Don't know much about them, except that they're bad news. Been terrorising the locals and they're rumoured to be armed to the teeth. Look for Killion at the Sleeping Chimera. Cusp, out. Quest Start: 'Following the Light'. [[Next->2. INT. THE SLEEPING CHIMERA]]

The Marshlands are vibrant, covered with navy and cream-coloured flora. Ruins of past alien civilsations dot the landscape: some buried in wide, open lakes, others towering high into the sky, blocking out the sunlight. The Freelancer finds Killion overlooking a large crater, possibly the size of Tarsus itself. It's perfectly circular in shape. At the far side sits a small, three-storey compound. Killion looks like a different beast once suited up in a Wizard-class Javelin. His metallic chasis is streaked with neon-blue and pulsing with power. ''Killion:'' Ah, Freelancer. You kept your word. Over in the distance is The Light's main base of operations. Now, here's the plan of attack-- ''Freelancer:'' We're just going to charge in through the front door? ''Killion:'' No... *You* will be charging in through the front door. Don't worry. I'll be right behind you. ''Freelancer:'' //Option 1:// How did you know where The Light's base would be? //Option 2:// Can you tell me more about this place? //Option 3:// There must be another way besides shooting them on sight? //Option 4:// Okay. Let's do this! ''Killion:'' //Option 1:// Why, I did my thorough research, of course. I've known this group for a *long* time, Freelancer, and there aren't many places they'd choose to hide. //Option 2:// Hmrph. It's typical of The Light to make camp in a place like the Marshlands. You used your eyes on the way over, didn't you? The precursors practically littered these marshes with their alien toys. This crater in front of you? You can bet your Javelin's ass it's one of their earliest footprints. //Option 3:// Well, you could always persuade them with your excellent charm and wit? But from our brief time together, I doubt that would work. //Option 4:// One last thing, Freelancer. Their leader might be in there. Leave her to me... She might have valuable information that we can use. [[Next->4. EXT. ALDA MARSHLANDS - COMPOUND INTERIOR]]

The Marshes get deeper, harder to navigate the closer the Freelancer gets to the compound. Upon reaching, it's guarded by humans, who immediately raise the alarm and open fire. ''Killion:'' Still wanna give them a hug, candy-ass? A firefight erupts, with Killion providing fire-support and healing. As a Wizard-class, he manipulates energy compounds and fires them as projectiles. He also heals the player, though he'll appear cross about it. ''Killion:'' I thought I just healed you! / I'm supposed to be the one who dies first! / You're down alread?? C'mon! Stop dying! Killion shouts whilst engaging members of The Light: ''Killion:'' Take that, you unscrupulous mud-scrumpers! / I've been waiting for this for a LONG time. / Where is she?? Where is she hiding?!? The compound's first level is littered with crates and storage containers, and the second is filled with nano-processors lining the walls. On the final level, they encounter the leader, who powers up in a Tank-class Javelin. The large machine whirls and wheezes, its armour pulsing with the same blue streaks as Killion's. After the battle, the leader is badly injured and ejected from her Javelin. ''Killion'': It's over, Kryst. The Light's done for. Give up now while you still can. Kryst clearly recognises Killion's voice from behind his visor. ''Kryst'': (chokes) You've made a mistake, Freelancer. And I'm not talking about your decision to come here. ''Freelancer'': What is she talking about? ''Killion'': Nothing. She's clearly delirious from her injuries. We have to get her back to Tarsus as quickly as possible. ''Kryst'': NO. (spits) I would rather die than share that information! (to Killion) Least of all with you. ''Killion'': You foolish girl... But Kryst blacks out before she can respond. Killion rushes to her side, suddenly panicking. ''Killion'': Freelancer! She's bleeding badly! We have to seal her wounds and evacuate her. NOW! ''Freelancer'': Alright. Let's get her patched and shipped. ''Killion'': (relieved) Thank the moons of Anthem. Kryst is transported back to the Hub, with the player and Killion in tow. [[Next->5. INT. THE HUB - HOLDING CELLS]]

Back in Tarsus, the player finds Killion waiting outside the holding cells. He's heard muttering to himself, looking pensive, before being startled when the Freelancer approaches. ''Killion'': Freelancer. I didn't notice you. ''Freelancer'': How is our prisoner? ''Killion'': She's stable. For now. I appreciate your help earlier with her body-- Oh my. That sounds too ominous... What I mean is: Thank you, Freelancer. ''Freelancer'': You seem to be very concerned about her well-being. ''Killion'': W-what? Not at all. All I care about is the information she posseses in that thick skull of hers. ''Freelancer'': Why is the information so important? ''Killion'': As the leader of The Light, she knows about the whereabouts of the Light itself. That's where the group got its namesake from. ''Freelancer'': The Light's an object? ''Killion:'' It's a powerful, ancient artifact that the group discovered whilst exacavating alien ruins. In the wrong hands, it could spell disaster. In Kryst's? I shudder to think about the consequences. ''Freelancer'': Let's go and ask her about it. ''Killion:'' I'm coming with you, in case she tries anything funny. Word of warning, Freelancer. Kryst has a way with words. Try not to believe *everything* she says. They enter the prison. Kryst is seated in a small cell in the corner. Without her Javelin suit on, she's of average-height, with a slim-figure, a handsome face and auburn hair. She looks up as the Freelancer approaches. ''Kryst:'' You're the one who carried me back? The Freelancer nods. ''Kryst:'' Could't wait to get your hands on me, could you? ''Killion:'' Come off it, Kryst. Tell us where the Light is and I promise we'll be lenient on you. ''Kryst:'' *You* will promise me? (to the Freelancer) Is he the one in charge? Or am I in a nightmare? ''Freelancer:'' Give us a location and you have my word that you won't be harmed. ''Kryst:'' The problem is... you aren't speaking to the leader of The Light. *That* person is standing right next to you. ''Killion:'' (sputtering) W-What LIES. You'd *dare* to suggest-- HMMRPPH. Obviously she's lying to get out of her current predicament-- ''Kryst:'' Look, I'll prove it you. I accept your offer, Freelancer, and I'll give you exactly what you want. The Light is kept at our weapons facility in the lower marshlands. I'll give you the coordinates... but not with *him* around. ''Freelancer'': This had better not be a trap... ''Kryst'': If you hadn't noticed... (gestures to the steel bars) I'm not going anywhere anytime soon without you making it back here alive. ''Killion'': C'mon, let's get going! We're wasting time with her. Killion leaves. ''Kryst'': (whispers) Word of warning, Freelancer. (gestures to Killion) *Don't* bring the old man along. He wants it for himself. LATER: The player and Killion are about to head out into the wildlands. ''Killion'': All set? ''Freelancer'': You knew Kryst from before, didn't you? Why didn't you tell me? ''Killion'': Well, it's not like I *lied* to you, Freelancer. I simply chose to withhold certain information from you. It's the same as me choosing *not* to tell you that once upon a time my mother gave me a spanking for sticking my nose into other people's business. ''Freelancer'': I chose to help you before, but now I'm starting to reconsider our arrangement. ''Killion'': If you *must* know, then yes, I knew Kryst from a time passed. She was a friend once, but not anymore... not when 'friends' stab you in the back. She was obviously lying when she said I was in cahoots with this bunch of trigger-happy mercenaries. All I care about is securing the artifact. Nothing more. //(Option 1A):// The player brings Killion along to the facility. //(Option 1B):// The player tells him he cannot be trusted. Killion remains behind. //(Option 1A):// ''Freelancer'': Very well. Let's go find this 'Light'. //(Option 1B):// ''Freelancer'': I think I'll handle this on my own for now, Killion. I'll let you know when I've secured the Light. ''Killion'': Don't be a fool, Freelancer. You need my help! The Freelancer leaves by himself, leaving Killion with a bitter look on his face. [[Option 1A->6A. EXT./INT. WEAPONS FACILITY]] [[Option 1B->6B. EXT./INT. WEAPONS FACILITY]]

Back in Tarsus, the Freelancer hesitates before entering the prison. Kryst is on her feet, having recovered enough to give the Freelancer the iciest of glares. ''Kryst'': The old geezer got away with it, didn't he? The Freelancer simply nods. If //(Option 1A):// The player asked Killion to accompany him to the facility. ''Kryst:'' (frustrated) You should have listened to me. If //(Option 1B):// The player asked Killion to remain behind. ''Kryst'': Do you see now who he really is? He used you to get to the Light, the same way he used me and the group for years to do his bidding. Kryst scowls for a second, before gesturing at her metal cage. ''Kryst'': Well? What are we waiting for?? ''Freelancer'': //Option 1:// You want me to let you out? How can I trust a word you're saying? //Option 2:// Killion said you couldn't be trusted... that you betrayed him in the past. //Option 3:// I found your 'Light'. Are you ready to tell me what it is? //Option 4:// Alright. But I'm keeping an eye on you. ''Kryst'': //Option 1:// I *did* lead you straight to the Light, didn't I? I've not given you *any* reason not to trust me, Freelancer, although I can think of plenty of people who have. //Option 2:// And I believe it was Killion who pulled the gun on you, not me. It's true that I once pulled a gun on him too, but that's after he threatened to kill me. I assure you, Freelancer... our deal is still on. //Option 3:// Know this: it's a weapon of great potential. And I'm offering it to you on a silver platter. You let me out and the Light is yours. //Option 4:// As am I on you. The Freelancer releases Kryst. ''Kryst'': When you're geared up, meet me at the Pillars. There's a safehouse where I think the old weasel's hiding. [[Next->8. EXT. THE PILLARS]]

//(Option 1A):// The player brought Killion along to the facility. The compound is much smaller, but the enemies guarding it are more numerous and outfitted with weapons and armor similar to Killion and Kryst's. There are more enemies in Javelin-suits. The Freelancer and Killion observe them from behind an outcrop. ''Freelancer'': So what's your plan this time, old man? ''Killion'': I don't have time for your insults. We've *got* to ensure the artifact remains undamaged and out of the Light's hands. That means NO shooting whatsoever. ''Freelancer'': No shooting?? So we're gonna use *your* excellent charm and wit to get them to surrender? ''Killion'': *We* have the element of surprise! All we have to do is-- A shot rings out and PINGS off Killion's armour. ''Freelancer'': Guess you're not as charming as you'd thought. The Freelancer and Killion fight their way through the facility, which is a bunker built into the hillside, its hallways filled with laboratories and weapons-ranges. In the final room, the Freelancer finds the Light: encased in a cyclindrical container, it's a silver-blue ball in constant flux, twisting and spiralling in and around itself. ''Killion'': By the seven rings of Tarsus. The Freelancer is circling warily, his gun still raised. ''Killion'': (snaps) Put that away! You're going to blow us to smithereens if you're not careful! The Freelancer complies, before returning his attention to the Light. ''Freelancer'': What is it? Killion remains behind, pensive, marvelling at its beauty. ''Killion'': For years we laboured and dug, excavating each piece of ancient ruin, divining any secrets we could. What you're seeing before you, Freelancer, is the result of years of reverse-engineering and research. Just a portion of alien tech, and the result is an essence of pure power. ''Freelancer'': (turns around): Wait a minute. *'We'*? Killion already has his pistol trained at the Freelancer's head. ''Killion'': I'm sorry, Freelancer. I would rather die than allow the Light to fall into anyone else's hands. ''Freelancer'': //Option 1//: I was wrong to have trusted you. //Option 2//: Don't do this. I don't want the Light for myself. //Option 3//: You'll never get away with this. You have no right to keep the Light for yourself. ''Killion'': //Option 1//: You probably were. I've never meant you any harm, but you were right... I *was* using you to get to the Light. //Option 2//: I believe you. But what difference will that make if you were to bring this technology back to Tarsus? I trust you, Freelancer, but I do not trust others. //Option 3//: Sadly, you've just confirmed my suspicions. You want to use the Light for yourself. It makes my resolve to protect it even greater. Goodbye, Freelancer. Killion keeps his weapon trained on the Freelancer whilst backing away towards the door. ''Freelancer'': Don't do this, Killion! Killion pulls the Light into one of his hands, before dashing around the corner. The Freelancer immediately gives chase, but Killion is already gone. ''Freelancer'': Damn it! [[Next->7. INT. THE HUB - HOLDING CELLS]]

//(Option 1B):// The player left Killion behind. The compound is much smaller, but the enemies guarding it are more numerous and outfitted with weapons and armor similar to Killion and Kryst's. There are more enemies in Javelin-suits. The Freelancer surveys the compound from behind an outcrop. ''Freelancer'': (to himself) What have you gotten me into, old man? A shot rings out and PINGS off the Freelancer's armour. ''Freelancer'': You're paying for that, Killion. The Freelancer fights his way through the facility, which is a bunker built into the hillside. Its hallways are filled with laboratories and weapons-ranges. In the final room, the Freelancer finds the Light: encased in a cyclindrical container, it's a silver-blue ball in constant flux, twisting and spiralling in and around itself. Suddenly, Killion appears from behind, grabbing at his gun. ''Killion'': (snaps) Put that away! You're going to blow us to smithereens if you're not careful! The Freelancer looks surprised and taken aback. ''Freelancer'': You stalked me, you old geezer?! ''Killion'': Me and every Tom, Dick and Harry, with the ruckus you were making. Of course I followed you! There's too much at stake for you to royally mess things up! The Freelancer lowers his gun, before turning his attention back to the artifiact. ''Freelancer'': What is it? Killion remains behind, pensive, marvelling at its beauty. ''Killion'': For years we laboured and dug, excavating each piece of ancient ruin, divining any secrets we could. What you're seeing before you, Freelancer, is the result of years of reverse-engineering and research. Just a portion of alien tech, and the result is an essence of pure power. ''Freelancer'': (turns around): Wait a minute. *'We'*? Killion already has his pistol trained at the Freelancer's head. ''Killion'': I'm sorry, Freelancer. I would rather die than allow the Light to fall into anyone else's hands. ''Freelancer'': //Option 1//: I was right to not trust you. //Option 2//: You're wrong. I don't want the Light for myself. //Option 3//: You'll never get away with this. You have no right to keep the Light for yourself. ''Killion'': //Option 1//: You were. But know this: I've never meant you any harm. I was just using you to get to the Light. //Option 2//: I believe you. But what difference will that make if you were to bring this technology back to Tarsus? I trust you, Freelancer, but I do not trust others. //Option 3//: Sadly, you've just confirmed my suspicions. You want to use the Light for yourself. It makes my resolve to protect it even greater. Goodbye, Freelancer. Killion keeps his weapon trained on the Freelancer whilst backing away towards the door. ''Freelancer'': Don't do this, Killion! Killion pulls the Light into one of his hands before dashing around the corner. The Freelancer immediately gives chase, but Killion is already gone. ''Freelancer'': Damn it! [[Next->7. INT. THE HUB - HOLDING CELLS]]

The Pillars get their name from the tall, alien structures that dot the landscape, reaching up to the clouds like fingers grasping for their last breath. Vines and moss sprout from every crevice available. The Freelancer meets Kryst after a short climb up a hill. There, he encounters an opening carved into one of the pillars, with ancient carvings engraved across its archway. Kryst palms the side of the pillar, and suddenly there's a low rumble of stone against stone. ''Kryst'': The old fool never learnt how to cover his tracks properly. The doorway grates open. They enter another clearing, a perfect circle illuminated by sunlight. On all sides, the same pillars stretch upwards for miles. There are more runes engraved into the ground, like indiscriminate crop circles gone wild. ''Kryst'': (whilst examining) The Light of Anthem was once fascinated with the origins of these ruins. That's the reason we existed, y'know? We wanted to know who built them, and why. Kryst suddenly grasps a handle and lifts up a hatch. ''Kryst'': Then, I realised the futility of our endeavour. Look around you, Freelancer. There's nothing here but a mad man's folly. Nothing but rust and ruin. The Freelancer looks inside the hatch and it's completely dark. She gestures, grinning. ''Kryst:'' Ladies first? The Freelancer jumps in, and Kryst descends after. [[Next->9. INT. SECRET SAFEHOUSE]]

The secret bunker is deep under the Pillars. The descent is long but no match for someone in a Javelin, and both the Freelancer and Kryst land safely with the help of their thrusters. Kryst illuminates the room they're in: another dilapidated chamber overgrown with roots and soil. A circular door is carved into the stone wall at the other side, which Kryst opens after a brief fiddling. ''Kryst'': Be careful. He knows we're coming. The corridor that opens up is brightly lit and spotless by contrast, if not for the gun emplacements that immediately open fire on them. The player and Kryst battle their way through the bunker's defences. They reach a large underground cavern, with roots hanging from the ceiling. On closer inspection, its walls are a mesh of circuitry and metal. In the center of the room is a structure that extends all the way from the ceiling to the floor: a pillar of biomass and technology that's holding the Light, encased and shimmering, in its center. Killion is running towards this machine when the Freelancer pulls his gun on him. ''Freelancer'': That's far enough, Killion! ''Kryst'': (observes the Light) You old fool. What have you done?? ''Killion'': What I trained you to do since you were young... to fulfill our destiny together! But you wanted to throw it all away; to build weapons of war when we could be using the Light to build a new world! ''Kryst'': (shakes her head) You filled my head with delusions of grandeur whilst our bretherin died and starved on the sidelines. *Everyone* could see it, but not you! ''Killion'': So you decide to betray the one person who brought you in, eh? I trusted you! (points at Kryst) *This* is who you're in cahoots with now, Freelancer! ''Freelancer'': (snaps) Everyone just calm down! All I want to know is where are we and are we about to blow up? ''Killion'': The Light's contained in the middle of the core structure. All we have to do now is flip the switch and witness the glory of the precursors first-hand. ''Kryst'': Don't you dare! You pull that lever and the Light is used up completely! Years and years of our labour would be wasted in an instant! ''Killion'': It was never meant to be like this, Freelancer. I founded The Light of Anthem as a peaceful group dedicated to researching the potential of the precursor's technology. Don't you want to know why the precursors left us these machines? ''Kryst'': Freelancer, we should be using the Light as a weapon to contain this world and defeat our enemies. Not hand it back to them on a silver platter! There's no telling what this 'thing' will do, or what will happen once you power it up. Help me secure the Light and all our weapons research will be yours! ''Killion'': Manipulator! You never cease, do you?! (to the Freelancer) If you stop me, you leave these scars on the world of Anthem forever. Only by healing its wounds will you be able to cure the cancer that's plaguing Tarsus. Trust me, Freelancer. This is the right thing to do! //(Option 2A):// The player sides with Kryst. //(Option 2B):// The player sides with Killion. [[Option 2A->10A. INT. SECRET SAFEHOUSE]] [[Option 2B->10B. INT. SECRET SAFEHOUSE]]

//(Option 2A):// The player sides with Kryst. The Freelancer levels his gun at Killion. ''Freelancer'': Sorry, Killion. The Light should be shared with the rest of the Freelancers. We'll finally be able to tame this world together. ''Killion'': (sighs) Then, it seems I misjudged you as well. I honestly thought... well, it doesn't matter anymore. A look of anguish hangs on his face. ''Killion'': This choice of yours is unfortunate. Kryst trains her own weapon at him. ''Kryst'': I want you gone, Killion. And I never want to see you again. The Light belongs to me now. ''Killion'': (bitter) You've made your bed now, Freelancer. Word of advice? I suggest you sleep in it carefully. Killion exits the chamber, and a deafening silence fills the air once more. Kryst lowers her weapon, looking visibly affected. ''Freelancer'': You gonna be okay? ''Kryst'': Yeah. It's just-- nevermind. I looked up to him, once upon a time. Let's get you what you were promised. Kryst approaches the machine, carefully reaching in and grasping the silver light with both hands. She hands the Light to the Freelancer. ''Kryst'': Here. It's quite safe. Well... just don't drop it. The Light appears as an artifact in the player's inventory, capable of boosting his attack and damage output. ''Kryst'': Killion meant well, but he only cares about himself at the end of the day. Something tells me we'll cross paths again someday. We should be ready. ''Freelancer'': 'We'? ''Kryst'': (laughs) Didn't you hear the old man? It looks like we're sleeping in the same bed for the time-being. (serious) The Light of Anthem will be at your disposal, Freelancer. If you come across more of these ruins in the wild, we'll be there. The Freelancer and Kryst head out of the chamber together, leaving the ruins of ancient past in dust and darkness once more. (Kryst joins the Freelancer's party.) (Quest Ends: 'Following the Light') [[EPILOGUE->10A. EPILOGUE]]

//(Option 2B):// The player sides with Killion. The Freelancer turns his gun on Kryst. ''Freelancer'': Drop your weapon. I won't let you take it. ''Killion'': Heh. I misjudged you. You *do* have the balls. Kryst aims her weapon between both Killion and the Freelancer. ''Kryst'': I'm leaving with the Light, whether you're going to help me or not. ''Killion'': Stop this, Kryst. It's over! ''Kryst'': NO. You used me to get what you wanted. Just like how you're using him now. I'm not going to listen to your lies any longer. Kryst opens fire. The Freelancer engages her in combat, whilst Killion ducks away in terror. ''Killion'': Imbeciles! STOP. You'll damage it! Kryst repeatedly attempts to get pass and steal the Light. As a last resort, she aims her weapon straight at the Light itself, intending to blow it up if she can't have it for herself. ''Killion'': KRYST, NO! Killion throws himself into her line of fire. Kryst has her shot but hesitates with Killion in the way. She turns and runs. ''Kryst'': You've made a huge mistake, Freelancer... One you'll both live to regret. She disappears around the corner, and a eerie silence settles in the chamber. The Freelancer helps Killion to his feet, coughing from the dust and looking visibly affected. ''Freelancer'': You okay, grandpa? ''Killion'': It's just... nevermind. (hesitates) Part of me still wishes she'll come to her senses one day. ''Freelancer'': Even though she's tried to kill you repeatedly? Killion sighs, mumbling to himself. He makes his way to the machine, carefully examining it for damage. He then pulls a lever, and the device begins powering up, with streaks of blue light cascading from its center then spreading throughout the entire chamber. Killion watches in awe as blue streaks travel up the Freelancer's legs, before engulfing every inch of his armor. After another blinding flash, the entire room itself is renewed, its dust and decay evaporated as if never there, its walls now gleaming white. ''Killion'': Remarkable. How do you feel? ''Freelancer'': (examining himself) Stranger. And stronger. The Freelancer receives a permanent boost to his vital stats. ''Freelancer'': The chamber did this? ''Killion'': And others will too. There are literally dozens of them left behind and scattered across the world. And I can show you where they are. ''Freelancer'': //Option 1:// What's going to happen to The Light of Anthem? //Option 2:// What are you going to do about Kryst? ''Killion'': //Option 1:// I'm officially disbanding the group, though I suspect many of its members will simply seek solace in the arms of a new leader. //Option 2:// If I know Kryst, she doesn't forgive easy. And she's less likely to forget. All the more reason why I'm coming with you, of course. For your protection. The Freelancer raises an eyebrow, before following Killion out of the chamber. ''Freelancer'': *My* protection?! ''Killion'': Of course! You're going to need a druken old man, clinging onto his past glory... (serious) Thank you, Freelancer, for believing me. (Killion joins the Freelancer's party.) (Quest Ends: 'Following the Light') [[EPILOGUE->10B. EPILOGUE]]

EPILOGUE: Killion joins the player's party, providing healing and fire-support. Killion disavows The Light of Anthem and reveals the locations to all other sacred sites, which the player can visit to gain further stat-boosts. His choices later in the game may have other world-altering consequences, resulting in permanent changes to the world of Anthem. The Light of Anthem becomes hostile on sight under the leadership of Kryst. The Freelancer will have to stop them from further desecrating the ancient ruins. Restoring power to each chamber possibly leads to world-altering consequences by the end of the Freelancer's story, with permanent impacts on the world of Anthem. There will be another chance to recruit Kryst at a later point in the story, but previous decisions (like choosing whether to trust her in Chapter 5) will determine the chance of success. Ultimately, the choices made in this quest will determine the player's overall attitude towards the world of Anthem: will he choose to exploit the world for himself, or restore it to its former glory? END.

EPILOGUE: Kryst remains the leader of The Light of Anthem. She joins the player's party and contributes heavy-weapons support. Visiting other sacred sites now provides further weapons and armor modications for the player, though his choices later in the game may have other world-altering consequences, resulting in permanent changes to the world of Anthem. The Light of Anthem becomes friendly to the player, but a new faction under Killion becomes hostile and will attempt to stop him from exploiting the ruins on sight. There will be another chance to recruit Killion at a later point in the story, but previous decisions (like choosing whether to trust him in Chapter 5) will determine the chance of success. Ultimately, the choices made in this quest will determine the player's overall attitude towards the world of Anthem: will he choose to exploit the world for himself, or restore it to its former glory? END.