The more one engages with 'Sylvania's Failed Swordsman', the clearer its true merit becomes. Frequently overlooked details reveal unexpected intentions, and special episodes leave players in awe as they cleverly hide intricate scenarios. Even previously exited characters surprise us with newfound revelations about their stories.
When immersed in this elaborately crafted world of students, faculty, and external factions, it's almost natural to find yourself compelled to play the next installment, drawn in by the completion of the main scenario and a sense of longing.
The injustice of being one of the few, an early-scenario street thug who takes a beating only to exit the stage, cannot be overstated, though that's not the immediate point. It's obvious that not all characters can be granted the same significance in a story so rich with them.
For every influential figure, someone else remains a side note, destined to fade into the backdrop. Yet, I have felt a sense of incongruity at least once. Bosses like Act 2's 'Seeker Glast', Act 3's 'Awakened Lucy', and Act 4's 'Head of the Household, Crebin Rothtaylor' clearly had effort poured into their portrayal. They stood blocking the protagonist Taely with a range of motivations, backgrounds, and personal philosophies, each exerting a subtle yet undeniable influence.
However, Act 1 boss Yenika Faelover seemed somewhat out of place. Amidst the array of bosses captivating players with their distinct philosophies and dazzling abilities, only Yenika appeared to lack 'agency'. Seduced by the whispers of a high-ranking dark spirit, Velosfer, she took over the student council building and unleashed spirits under her contract, enhanced into a frenzied state by Velosfer's 'rage', while looking out over impending darkness from atop the Nail Hall.
The difference from her typically positive and energetic character undoubtedly leaves a strong impression on players. But that was it. The episode marking the end of Act 1, the Glascan Subjugation War, is Taely's moment of epiphany, realizing the path of the swordmaster and succeeding in cutting down a supreme spirit. As Taely slices off Glascan's arm, it signifies the grand narrative unfolding.
I remember looking up strategies for this particular challenge due to its difficulty level when I first played—I think it was a guide by someone using the nickname Pepero…what's-his-name. Now, it's a distant memory with little relevance.
Inevitably, all scenarios focus on Taely's development, hence Yenika is pushed further down the line of priority, her storyline neglected and leaving much unknown. Falling prey to the malevolent whispers of Velosfer and consumed by the darkness within—this vague explanation is all we're given.
But I know 'Sylvania's Failed Swordsman' does not waste significant characters in such a way. There must have been an intention or message behind positioning Yenika Faelover as the final boss of Act 1. Despite my passionate, fan-fueled analysis, I failed to uncover anything substantial. Perhaps meaningful content was lost in the production or review process.
Just as I was about to settle with that nagging unrest, I decided, "I really must build a cabin."
The next day, with a resolved tone, I repeated those words. I had gained some endurance. Thanks to magic, processing materials was getting faster. Food supplies were accumulating; no immediate worries about tomorrow's meal.
It was time to lay the groundwork for long-term survival in this forest. The wooden shelter I currently used for rest hardly warranted even a pretense of durability. Despite regular maintenance, the labor investment did not match its utility.
Without proper walls and a roof, heating efficiency was terrible. Though it's a warm spring now, I must consider the three winters I'll spend in this forest. That crumbling shelter simply cannot provide a stable living environment.
Furthermore, long-term projects like building a wooden cabin significantly increase crafting expertise. It's an ideal opportunity to boost the sluggish progression of my life skill levels. My Craftsmanship skill level is stuck at 10, and the 'Design' skill, challenging to level up, is experiencing stunted growth.
As a character like Ed Rothtaylor naturally excels in production, I must capitalize on that proficiency to positively impact other abilities. Leveraging specialized talents is equally beneficial in real life and gaming.
"Hmm… now that I think about it, I've also taken down the Act 1 mid-boss…"
The scenario seems to be progressing without issues. Although I was briefly alarmed when Lucy thrashed Taely during the joint combat training, the subsequent news suggests the story is on track without any major complications.
There's talk that the middle boss of Act 1, the Alchemy Department's 'Meddlesome Elvira', was knocked out by Taely, and that Princess Phoenia is frequenting the student council, even mentioned as a potential candidate for the next president. Rumors have also reached my ears about 'Golden Daughter Lortelle's reconciliation episode with Yenika, and since Lortelle visited not long ago, things appear to be going well.
Everything is moving along as per the 'official' story, so I needn't worry further about the episode's progress. It's not like I'm in a position where my own life isn't going well. I should be focusing on self-improvement, salvaging what I can for my own journey.
Concentrating on the troubles of others won't do if it hinders my own path—that would be a classic case of mistaken priorities.
"Time to get moving…"
There's still time before the end of Act 1. Besides dealing with tuition, I'm making decent academic progress; a surprisingly positive outcome feels within reach.
I start preparing fish caught from the pond, content with my progress. Today, I've caught a notably large one. It's my first attempt at cooking such a sizable fish, and I've pondered how to approach it. When in doubt, a sprinkling of salt and some grilling usually does the trick.
I'll make do with this for dinner, and the herbs Belle Mayar advised…
I've gathered quite a bit, so let's brew a fragrant herb tea and drink it before diving into the evening studies.
It was the evening of the day after tomorrow that Yenika Faelover occupied the Student Council Hall.
What should have been the final battle of Act 1 at the end of the semester had been brought forward by a whole month.
In some ways, it was a disaster-like anomaly.
* This strategy guide is a summary of the detailed information and strategies from 'Peperopepepe's Practical Guide for Beginners to the Act 1 Boss Battle, in Detailed Steps!' (link omitted).
Please refer to the original article for a more comprehensive strategy guide!
Act 1, chapter 10 – The Final Stage.
Boss: Elementalist Yenika Faelover (Yenika, the Elemental Summoner) The boss battle consists of 5 phases. It is pretty long so check your consumables and equipment durability before entering.
Page 1: Assemble the Punitive Force.
Completion Criteria: Summon 'Princess Phoenia of Mercy', 'Spear of Foliage Zix', 'Golden Daughter Lortelle', 'Companion Aila', 'Meddlesome Elvira', 'Gloomy Clevius' to the Student Plaza!
(Additional Completion Criteria) Summon 'Romantic Adelle'.
(Additional Completion Criteria) Summon 'Slothful Lucy'.
(Additional Completion Criteria) Summon 'Senior Maid Belle'.
Enemies Appearing: Elemental Scar * 120 Blessing Young Spirit * 60 Elemental Trace * 60 Lesser Fire Spirit Goda * 1 Lesser Ice Spirit Elkira * 1 Lesser Wind Spirit Norton * 1 Lesser Earth Spirit Pike * 1 Lesser Light Spirit Lakie * 1
※ If you approach the outskirts of the professor building, where spatial sealing magic is in use, you will receive an instant death penalty. Do not carelessly go into the outskirts.
※ It is most efficient to move through Olin Plaza, Obel Hall, tanyos Magic Supply Storage, west Archery Range, Nilton Laboratory, then to the Student Plaza.
※ It is not necessary to defeat all the spirits dominating the routes.
However, if you defeat the Lesser Fire Spirit Goda and Lesser Light Spirit Lakie early, it helps efficiently plan your approach.
※ The additional completion criteria do not offer much except for a slight increase in faction favor. These characters will also not participate in the punitive force. However, 'Romantic Adelle' provides a useful buff during the boss fight, so make sure to meet him.
If you aim for 100% completion, you can find Adelle playing the ukulele behind the bushes at the West Archery Range, Lucy napping on the rooftop of Obel Hall, and Belle next to the statue in Olin Plaza.
※ If you plan to invest in alchemical skills for spirits, it is convenient to increase your proficiency in spirit understanding and spirit empathy during this phase.
Page 2: Operation to Retake the Student Council Hall Completion Criteria:
Find the location of Elementalist Yenika.
Enemies Appearing:
Elemental Scar * 30
Elemental Trace * 30
Intermediate Wind Spirit Fessy * 1
Intermediate Fire Spirit Olgos * 1
Spirit Tree Altar * 1
※ Elementalist Yenika is in Nail Hall. However, do not enter Nail Hall first. (Choosing the option to enter Nail Hall first, as suggested by the Golden Daughter Lortelle, will immediately lead to a bad ending. Be careful!)
※ Intermediate spirits are immune to attacks of their own element. If it's too difficult, wait until the punitive force members take down the intermediate spirit.
※ If you enter Heis Hall first, wind Spirit Fessy appears, and if you enter Gluckt Hall first, Fire Spirit Olgos appears. Choose based on your elemental skills.
※ There is a trick involving straight cuts when fighting the Guardian Spirit Tree Altar. Refer to the original article for the method.
Page 3: Nail Hall Corridor Battle Completion Criteria:
Reach the combat practice room where Elementalist Yenika is.
Enemies Appearing:
Higher Fire Spirit Tarkan * 1
※ The choice you make after defeating the Guardian Spirit Tree Altar will affect the route you take. Concentrate as the branching paths go by quickly.
※ The key is to constantly damage the tail using the Elemental Cut learned in chapter 9 of act 1. If the tail is severed, use the Elemental Cut again to target the head.
※ Dodge the flying ignition spells and tail lashes regularly. Repeated damage leads to stacking bleed and burn status.
※ During the battle, there are three cutscenes where hallway pillars collapse. Avoid being crushed by the falling pillars or you'll die instantly.
Page 4: The Final Battle Completion Criteria:
Destroy the summoning rituals of the supreme darkness spirit 'Glascan'.
Enemies Appearing:
Higher Dark Spirit Velosfer * 1
Elementalist Yenika Faelover * 1
※ Since phase 5 is just an event cutscene, this is the true final battle. Use all remaining consumables in this mindset.
※ Attacking Yenika while she is constructing the summoning ritual will reflect damage back due to the 'Darkness Veil'.
If Velosfer is attacked first and stunned, the 'Darkness Veil' gets removed for a short time, allowing you to damage Yenika. However, be wary of the counter spells Yenika casts.
※ If the Princess Phoenia of Mercy constructing protection spells dies, a bad ending will occur immediately. Keep monitoring her health status.
※ The 'Curse of Bloodline' from Velosfer won't affect you if you met 'Romantic Adelle' in phase 1. However, not all members of the punitive force will be immune, so be cautious.
Page 5: Glascan Subjugation Completion Criteria: Suppress the right arm of the 'Supreme Darkness Spirit Glascan'.
Enemies Appearing:
Supreme Darkness Spirit Glascan (Right Arm) * 1
※ This is an event scene. Just watch and enjoy.
※ Afterwards, the 'Sword Saint Ritual' will be added to your skill tab. Fill the proficiency for it and you'll receive generous bonus stats, so make sure to practice it whenever you have time.
Additional Information
※ If you don't suppress Yenika Faelover and reach phase 5 before dawn, 'Complete Glascan' is summoned, leading to a bad ending. Move quickly.
That's the summarized information.
It seems many beginners are struggling to clear Act 1. I've summarized only the crucial information, so be sure to check it before entering the final battle.
Good luck!
Somewhere in the dark forest, an owl hoots mournfully.
Accompanying it like a harmony, the chirping of crickets and the occasional rustling of leaves in the nighttime breeze.
One might find a certain charm in the midnight forest if they listen.
Looking at the crackling campfire then up at the starry sky, sentimental thoughts can't help but arise.
Gazing at the countless stars fixed like grains of salt, I ponder the insignificance of my current troubles from the vast perspective of the universe… such futile thoughts.
And with that realisation, another thought strikes me.
─There's no guarantee that all things in life will proceed 'normally'.
Struck by the painfully obvious, I couldn't help but let out a hollow laugh.
I'm rather well adjusted to this life. But one should never become complacent in the face of potential danger.
With renewed resolve, I tossed the stick I was holding into the campfire. It's time to end the day.
Stretching, I lay down quietly in the resting area.
Hoping for another day of peace tomorrow.