The Dominion of Hate (Final Chapter)

(最終編, Saishūhen?, lit. Final Part)

Final Chapter

**The Dominion of Hate** is the last chapter in Live A Live and takes place in the Middle Ages, now frozen in time and being controlled by the Lord of Dark Odio. Just like the Middle Ages chapter, it is a classic RPG scenario and the longest one in the game. It is unlocked once all previous chapters have been completed.

Its menu coloration depends on who the main protagonist is.

## Chapter Description

After Oersted became the new Lord of Dark, Odio, he took control of the kingdom and eradicated all of its living inhabitants. It is now a dangerous land full of monsters from various time periods. The heroes that defeated the incarnations of Odio have been summoned in order to prove their worth and defeat the demon king once and for all.

## Chapter Mechanics

Before the Chapter starts, you must choose a protagonist. If you chose anyone that is not Oersted, the chapter will proceed "normally", with the protagonist appearing in the Kingdom of Lucrece being able to encounter and recruit the other heroes into your party. The protagonist won't be able to leave the party, and the only things that change depending on the protagonist are some minor cutscenes and dialog.

The Trials will also be accessible if you have the corresponding character to the trial in your party. In these, you will be able to gather gear and each character's ultimate weapon. The main goal of the chapter is to get strong enough to defeat Odio. Any item that can be found during The Lord of Dark chapter an item in the same location will be a stronger version of the item if picked up in the Finale. Enemy encounters also change based on your party's average level.

If you choose Oersted, you will instead go through a boss rush in which you will control all incarnations of Odio in their respective battles to win them and change history. You can either decide to win them normally or use the special move Armageddon to end existence.

### Protagonist Locations

#### Pogo

After being transported by Odio, he is encountered in a southern part of the Silent Wood in a hidden clearing filled with Balmgrass. The clearing can be accessed through a hidden path beside the road leading to The Archon's Roost. He can be recruited after looking for him hiding in the trees around and fighting him. If you chose Lei Kugo as your starting character, he can be recruited without fighting.

#### Earthen Heart Shifu

The Earthen Heart Shifu can be found at the summit of The Last Hero's Grave in front of the hero's tombstone, where the Brion can be found. Each of the three disciples have a different reaction.

* Lei challenges the party leader to a fight and joins the team after she's defeated.
* Hong can be recruited after being given a random value of food items.
* Yun can be recruited after short interaction.

#### Oboromaru

Oboromaru is encountered guarding a bloody sign leading to The Archon's Roost. If the sign is interacted with, he will ambush you. He must be fought here to recruit him.

#### The Sundown Kid

1/6
He is initially found outside the former cabin of Hasshe on the Last Hero's Grave. Each time he's spoken to, he will move to another location in Lucrece, from the Last Hero's Grave to the Seat of the Betrayers, with his whereabouts indicated by the direction he is moving towards. He finally confronts the party as they leave the Seat, where he may be fought or persuaded to join.

#### Masaru Takahara

He is encountered in the Seat of the Betrayers' dungeon, continuing to train despite his surroundings. As the party approaches, he confronts them, asking them if they're looking for a fight. No matter the answer, he challenges the primary hero to spar, and if beaten, he will acknowledge their strength and is able to be recruited from then on. If either the Sundown Kid or Cube is the primary hero however, Masaru will back down from the fight; for the former not wanting to face a gun, for the latter finding him too cute to fight, and will join the party hassle-free.

#### Akira Tadokoro

After being transported by Odio, he can be found in front of Uranus's cabin in Codemned Village, there he can be found lying on a bench. If interacted with, he will read the main character's mind and ask if you trust him. If you say no, you will have to fight him. If you say yes, he will read your mind again in disbelief. After this, he will be available for recruiting.

#### Cube

Cube's location.The location of Cube's battery.
As a recruitable party member, he is found on the balcony of the Seat of the Betrayers in an inactive state. As it turns out, he is missing his battery; it can be found on the northern face of the Last Hero's Grave, appearing as a shining object that is identified differently by the primary hero depending on his time period (???/Metal Box/Mechanical Component/Battery). Using the Battery on Cube will instantly resuscitate him. Taking a liking the party, he is from then on able to be recruited at any time. If Cube is chosen as the primary hero, he is fully operational from the start.

## Bosses

The chapter contains 8 main bosses:

* Lucretius, a godlike giant fish that resides in the Trial of Instinct and guards the Cosmic Ring.
* Jaggedy Jack, four hungry monsters that wait in the Trial of Time and guard the Cosmic Glove.
* Euraokos, an ancient robot that sealed its mind in the Trial of Intelligence and guards the Cosmic Helm.
* Death Prophet, a black panther that hunts cowards and turns them into stone, it guards the Cosmic Mail.
* Headhunter, a ghastly knight that kills those who step into the void with its blade, he guards the Cosmic Boots.
* The Bountiful Heart, an old fat man that appears through the various corridors of the Trial of Technique.
* Apophisphilo, a bird demon that rides an eel who guards the entrance to the Trial of Strength.
* Ishtar, a snake ouroboros demon that appears as a mini-boss during early parts of the chapter.

## Chapter Boss

The boss of this chapter is Odio. You fight him at Hate's Triumph of the Archon's Roost.

He has two phases, the first one consists of two Eyes of Odio, one Maw of Odio, and one Brow of Odio. You must defeat each part except the Brow of Odio. Once defeated, the Brow of Odio will transform into Purity of Odio. This battle is very difficult, as both phases have strong attacks and can inflict various statues including Petrification. This is why it is recommended to get the set of Cosmic Equipment from the optional bosses. It is also recommended to be at least level 12. However, once Odio is defeated. Oersted will appear as himself. You can either kill him or run away to spare him. Killing him grants the "Never Ending". Sparing him leads to a boss rush to defeat all incarnations of Odio, leading to the Good Ending.

If you have recruited all protagonists at least once, following the boss rush you will fight against Sin of Odio, Arm of Odio (Left) and Arm of Odio (Right), defeating him will lead to the the True Ending.

Before the fight, Odio will talk to the heroes:

* *"Come hither. Let us speak... I am your host.... The Lord of Dark, the archon, Odio."*

If you decide turn back, but Odio sent the heroes to the void:

* *"To flee is folly. This you shall soon learn. This realm is my domain, and I its king."*

* *"O children, out of time and out of place. Your wanderlust will lead you unto death!"*

If you talk to Odio, and pose questions to whichever four are currently in your party:

*"Full glad am I to welcome honored guests. O travelers from afar, gathered here... For purpose paramount. For words to heed. I've queries two to put to you. The first: Beloved heroes you've become. But they... The weak, the wanting—peers in name alone. However they acquitted themselves? <scoff> Put to proof, they pleaded others save them. Risk their lives. Endure such hardship, suffering and pain, that they may reap a harvest sowed with blood. Pray tell—are charges such as these worthy of grace? I'd think on it, if I were you."*

For his second question, there are unique versions he asks each hero, and they each give a unique response in turn.

*"The second then—to which I'd have reply. The paths you've walked. For weal, for woe. For what? At precipice you stand, at journey's end..."*

* Odio: *"For creed and clan? A code that binds and damns?"*
* Oboromaru: *"...Just so. For a code that guides, I walk in honor and live to serve!"*

* Odio: "For love? A woman's touch? A simple joy?"
* Pogo: *(Nods) "..! Aieeeee!"*

* Odio: *"For hope? A maker's faith in his great work?"*
* Cube: *(Affirmative beep and spin.)*

* Odio: *"For strength and fame? Your name to never fade?"*
* Masaru Takahara: *(Takes several anxious breaths) "...That's right. I swore I'd be the best that ever was! And I will be!"*

* Odio: *"For rage 'gainst all who wronged you? You and yours?"*
* Akira: *"Quit talking like you know me! If you've got something to say, then say it!"*

* Odio: *"For justice? Poor, defenseless souls in need?"*
* The Sundown Kid: *(Takes several anxious breaths) "...Yeah, you might be right about that much."*

* Odio: *"For legacy? A master's dying wish?"*
* Lei Kugo: *"So? What's your point!?"*
* Yun Jou: *"No! Not...not only for him. I do this for me. To be more than I was. To be better!"*
* Hong Hakka: *"What's wrong with that!?"*

*"Indeed... Within your words lies simple truth. You fought and won and claimed your promised prize. And not for noble cause, but selfish want. A craving, deep and primal, spurring you... To shield desire and disdain all else. Let those apart and those opposed be damned. <scoff>  The ones who call this kingdom home. Your kin in spirit—this I see. You are the same. Reflect on your regrets... And bid farewell... To misspent life of sin—you'll live no more!"*

After this, the boss battle between the heroes and the first two forms of Odio occurs.

## Chapter Endings

### Armageddon Ending (Vs. Odio)

If Odio (Oersted) wins the final battle in his Purity of Odio form (or any form outside the boss rush in the remake), a cutscene begins where he creates an orange explosion that blasts through every chapter of the game, destroying every being, in every world, at every era. As Odio finishes destroying everything that has ever existed, the credits start rolling. The track Armageddon slowly gets quieter and quieter to be replaced by church bells and blowing wind. The bells also start getting quieter, followed by the wind. After the screen has gone completely black, and the sound completely silent, text appears, saying the following: "Let All Creation Yield to My Command" "Let Blinding White Subsume and Cleanse the Slate". You're then brought back to the menu, to reload your save file.

### Armageddon Ending (Oersted)

Obtained after choosing the "Armageddon" prompt during the boss rush as the incarnations of Odio. The command appears in any of the fights for that chapter as Oersted. When brought down to critical HP levels, the "Armageddon" option becomes available, which plays the same cutscene as the "Purity of Odio" ending.

### Sad Ending

Obtained after completing the boss rush as the incarnations of Odio and not activating the "Armageddon". Oersted declares himself and his incarnations as the true victors. He then wanders through the lifeless Kingdom of Lucrece as credits roll. He goes through the mountain and forest area, before arriving to the city. He visits his former cell, where Uranus died. He passes through the throne room and ends at the castle balcony to look at the Archon's Roost in sadness. Unable to find happiness, the screen darkens and text displaying: "Alone, Victorious Thus Ends His Tale" appears. You are then brought back to the menu.

### Never Ending

Obtained after the defeat of Purity of Odio at the hands of the heroes, Oersted reverts to his normal form and tells the protagonist to coup de grâce. If you accept, your character will enter a fight with Oersted; he will attempt to fight back, but is too weak to do any meaningful harm. If this is done, Oersted dies, muttering Alethea's name, and red smoke rises out of his corpse, like his incarnations.

Your character will say something different depending on who you picked:

* Pogo: *"...! Aieeeee!"*
* Lei: *"<sigh> Dammit. It's all wrong... This isn't me. This is who I used to be... Tell me, old man... Tell me I did it right..."*
* Yun: *"... Was that truly the only way... I'm not sure. Shifu, if you were here... What would you have done?"*
* Hong: *"<sigh> I don’t know. Part of me understood how he felt. Shifu, I’m afraid. I’m afraid… That I might’ve made a mistake."*
* Oboromaru: *"<sigh> Farewell. May you find the peace that eluded you in this world in the next."*
* Sundown: *"<sigh> Adios, partner."*
* Masaru: *"... What the hell... I won. I beat him. I should feel great! Then why... (looks up at the sky) Why do I feel like I screwed it all up?"*
* Akira: *(glances over shoulder) "Dumbass. Hope you’re happy now."*
* Cube beeps sadly.

The screen takes a grey tone and credits play along with the song On Broken Wings plays. Text displaying: "THE CYCLE CONTINUES..." appears once the credits end. This leaves the protagonists stuck in time, unable to go back to their own time periods.

### Good Ending

Obtained after the defeat of Purity of Odio at the hands of the heroes, Oersted reverts back to his true form and tells the protagonist to coup de grâce. If you decide not to and turn back to the Statue Room of the Archon's Roost, the other characters that were not in your party will appear and give some dialog. After this, Oersted will appear saying:

*"Not yet. Not yet! Your fight is not yet done!" <chuckle> "For even should I falter here and now... My hate! My boundless hate shall transcend time! Hark! Look you now on hatred's multitude—on Odio, and his many faces!"* He will then slowly walk down the steps, stopping between the first two statues. *"You know them well."*

Then he will wake each of the statues and teleport their respective character to its statue. As he does this, red smoke will slowly build up around him. Oersted will say a description of each incarnation:

* Odo: *"From ancient past, the beast."*
* OD-10: *"From the distant future, maddened slave of men."*
* Odeo: *"In peace they plot and craft their prophets false..."*
* Ode Iou: *"In war they worship lords ambitious, cruel!"*
* O.dio: *The windswept wastes yield monstrous men-at-arms!"*
* Ou Di Wan Lee: *"The highest peaks hide villains murderous!"*
* Odie O'Bright: *"For violence will ever be your wont!"*

He will then walk forwards a little more and say:

*"My hate is yours, and yours is mine. To share, a history, so long as men yet live! Now sing our name! Embrace us!"* Oersted will then become Odio, and the symbols on the statues will light up. *"Odio!"*

Your character will say something and then Oersted will then send every character to fight their respective Odio incarnation. If you lose during any of the fights, you are sent back to the menu. If you win every fight, Oersted will drop to his knees and say:

*"Why... Why, why why!?*
*Make ready. Your return is nigh.*
*My magic wanes as life and time remaining ebb.*
*Let not this mem'ry fade. My words preserve*
*In every heart, the seed of dark abides.*
*The makings of a Lord when watered well...*
*With hate. Sweet hate. She springs eternal. Sings...*
*All-tempting draught. We'll drink of her again."*

After Oersted says his last words, he will disappear in a red mist. The recruited characters will then be transported to their time periods without saying a word. The screen will fade to black and the credits will start while music from the protagonist's chapter plays.

### True Ending

Obtained after recruiting every single protagonist at least once during the chapter. The ending will be exactly the same as the Good Ending up until the defeat of all the incarnations of Odio in the boss rush. Once you win every fight Oersted will say:

*"Why... Why, why why!?*
*Why can we not prevail!?*
*What have you that we lack? What secret strength!?"* Oersted will then fall to his knees in agony:
*"Agh!*
*Aaagh!*
*Uaaaaaagh!"*

* Pogo: *"Uh!?"*
* Oboromaru: *"The mountain trembles. An earthquake!?"*
* Yun: *"It's growing... thicker and more potent!"*
* Lei: *"This power...it's overwhelming... And only growing more intense!"*
* Hong: "*What's happening? I don't understand!*"
* Akira: *"He's calling it to him... All the darkness. All the hatred in this world..."*
* Masaru: *"So it's not over, huh!?"*
* Sundown: *"Not by a longshot!"*
* Cube does some sounds.

Everyone gets in a fighting stance and the party is then sent to fight Sin of Odio.

Oersted will appear, surrounded by a crackling red orb of power. The orb will slowly form into the Sin of Odio. When you defeat both the Arms of Odio, the Sin of Odio will absorb Oersted even more into itself and then cast Absolute Condemnation. Then the other characters who were not in your party will come and fight. After an amount of damage is dealt, your party will be freed, and all the protagonists will fight together. As the battle progresses, Oersted will slowly break free:

* Oersted: *"..."*
* Oersted: *"Who...who are you?"*
* Oersted: *"And I...I am...I was..."*
* Odio: *"I...I am Odio...Undying hate...Unyielding rage..."*

Then Sin of Odio will cast Absolute Condemnation again. Oersted will then say:

*"I am...I must...I will!"*

Then he will tear free of the Sin of Odio and deal the final blow to it.

After it's defeat, the screen will fade to white, and these words will appear on screen:

Oersted: *"Oersted. Oersted...Forgotten name, remembered now. Yes, yes..."*

Then all the protagonists and Oersted will go to the statue room, and the following dialog will happen. The dialog will be different depending on who you picked:

* Oersted: *"Are these my hands, stained black with blood and sin? What wickedness I've wrought. And all for what?"*

* Pogo: *"Aieeee! (Hugs Oersted)"*
	+ Oersted: *"Such passion. Nay.'Tis love. (chuckle) A boundless love... I wanted that, once. Once upon a time..."*

* Yun: *" ... Maybe... Maybe you asked too much yourself. When we struggle... When we're lost and don't know what to do... There are choices to make. Path to take. We can wish that it were easier or different... But, in the end, it's what we make of it that matters."*
	+ Oersted:  *"... Perhaps... Perhaps you've struck upon a truth. When tested—sorely tested, I... I failed. I ran. Rejected trail and choice. And chose..."*

* Lei: *"Hurts to say it... But you remind me of me. The old me... I saw what others had and hated them for it. Wondered why they deserved so much and I so little. But I had it all wrong. Most of them hadn't gotten where they are just by asking for it. And what little they'd done was only a fraction of what they'd tried to achieve. That's just how it goes. We don't always get what we want. Sometimes what we wanted was never ours to take. And sometimes all we can do is try to be better. Do the best you can and hope that it's enough in the end! Maybe that doesn't make much sense, but...but... I've made a lot of mistakes. Still do from time to time..."*
	+ Oersted: *"... To strive for something more. A better self... I too have made mistakes. I turned by back. By men abandoned, thus abandoned men..."*

* Hong:  *"... I... I think I understand... I've been judged. Mocked by men. I thought about doing the same. Hurting them. Hurting others. But I couldn't. I know that pain. Others shouldn't."*
	+ Oersted:  *"... Heh... <chuckle> So simple. Earnest. True. ... For them as well... They wronged me. Wounded me. Revenged in kind. Nay. Far worse. 'Twas in fear and ignorance they struck. But I, in bitterness and spite." <sniffle>*

* Oboromaru: *"... Once, I would have obeyed orders without question. Taken a man's life without regard for the reason. But no longer. (Closes his eyes and shakes his head) We who wield the power of life and death... (Places a fist to his chest) Wield not the power to shape the world and its people as we see fit. And though there is great risk, there is great reward to be found in trust and mercy. Ryoma shared with me this wisdom. And the sorrow that follows if it is ignored. That a blade unsheathed must draw blood."*
	+ Oersted: *"... The world... Belongs to one no man. Indeed... ... By love and trust... And faith... We will be saved. Wise, wise words. Spoken by another. Who...?"*

* Sundown: *... I've been on my own for a while now. Left it all behind. My life. My people. But as the nights've added up... All that time out there in the cold and the dark... (Spins gun) I've come to miss the warmth of good company. And a home to hang your hat...*
	+ Oersted: *... A sentiment I share. Such hate I've nursed... And solitude I've sought. And yet...and still... (sigh) For all their faults, I miss them so, so much.*
* Masaru: *... Nothing wrong with wanting more. Wanting to be better. The best even. But that can't be everything. The struggle. The fight. The pursuit of power—you can't let it cost you your soul. When the dust settles—when you're old and weak—that strength of spirit's all you'll have!*
	+ Oersted: *... Indeed... For power comes in many forms... ... Oh, how was I so blind? The fault was mine. A weakness deep... Within my broken heart...*

* Akira: *(Grabs Oersted by the collar) "... You know what the problem is? You blamed everyone else. Said it was them or gods or fate that made you what you are. But it was you. Just you! Yeah, people can suck. We can be selfish - look out only for ourselves. But if you focus only on the bad - judge them at their worst, well... You've already made up your mind, haven't you? (Drops Oersted) Everything else is just an excuse!"*
	+ Oersted: *"... Aye... Maybe so. I sought out nothing good. Expecting guilt... And just cause to condemn..."*

* Cube: *(Stands in front of Oersted)*
	+ Oersted: *"... How strange. A construct without heart or soul. Whence comes compassion? Whence arises love?"*
	+ Cube: *(Nods and gives Oersted some yellow flowers, then spins)*
	+ Oersted: *"If not from these... ... Perhaps... 'Tis what you lack. In absence, value understood... Indeed... I dwelt on it much. Once upon a time..."*

Oersted: *"Make ready. Your return is nigh. My magic wanes as life and time remaining ebb. Let not this mem'ry fade. My words preserve. In every heart, the seed of dark abides. The makings of a Lord when watered well... With hate. Sweet hate. She springs eternal. Sings... All-tempting draught. We'll drink of her again."*

Every character is then transported to their own time periods. A special ending scene will play while Live Over Again followed by Live for Live plays. The end screen is the chapter ending quote of the character picked for the last chapter.

## Music Tracks

* Live-A-Live
* Silent Labyrinth
* The Dominion of Hate
* Odio, the Lord of Dark
* Fugue For the Lord of Dark
* Illusion
* Pure Odio
* Armageddon
* Live over Again
* Live for Live
* Gigalomania

## References

1. ↑ [1]
2. ↑ [2]
3. ↑ [3]