abstract
| - While the battle between Gustave XII and the Marquis of Otto rages a messenger brings news to the King of his son being born. Returning to a triumphant welcome in Thermes the King rushes to his wifes side and names his new son successor to the throne, Gustave XIII of Finney. At the age of 7 Gustave fails the Firebrand Ceremony as he is unable to weild Anima and is hence unable to cast spells. His father banishes him from the kingdom of Finney, and while his mother abandons her life to accompany Gustave he carries an inferiority complex for most of his life. Gustave's former mentor Master Cielmer helps them flee the country and they head for asylum in Gruegel. It will be 20 years before Gustave once again sets foot in Finney. Sophie and Gustave are moved into a mansion King Sui of Na graciously allocates them in Gruegel. However, Gustave is rebellious and discontent at his inability to use Anima. His background and attitude cause others to avoid him, except his one friend Flynn. Like Gustave, Flynn is also incapable of using Anima and sticks close to him despite his angry outbursts. At the age of 13 Gustave and Sophie move to a mansion in Jade. It is here that Gustave meets a blacksmith who takes him on as apprentice and helps him to forge his first steel weapon. At 19 Gustave has learnt to weild steel weapons, but Sophie lies gravely ill. Sophie gives her son a few last pieces of advice and has him make a promise before she draws her final breath and Anima leave her forever. After many previous visits to the Marquis of Wide, Gustave has insinuated himself into the kings favour and moves to Wide. Gustave, however, has other motives and wishes to overthrow the king and rule Wide himself. Five years after succeeding in his plot to conquer Wide King Gustave of Finney dies. Bitter over his exile as a child, Gustave has no desire to return to Finney as successor to the throne. Finally pursuaded by Sir Kelvin Gustave raises an army and sails to Finney to find his half-brother has ascended the throne as Gustave XIV. The brothers face each other at the Battle of Buckethill, where with the help of Sir Kelvin and Nebelstern, Gustave XIII emerges victorious and comes to be known as "Gustave the Steel". The newly crowned king attempts to unite the surrounding lands in peace with all but Nohl accepting his offers. The ruler of Nohl, Gustave's brother Philippe blames him for their mother's death and attempts to take revenge on Gustave. Sensing Sophie's lingering Anima in Gustave Philippe comes to his senses and is offered the crown Gustave willingly admits he failed the Firebrand ceremony. Having relinqueshed the throne to Philippe, Gustave is intent on constructing a new city for himself, Hahn Nova, where he spends most of his time. One night, Gustave's southern camp is overrun and burnt to the ground by monsters. Gustave sends his trusted friends off and faces the monsters alone. The only person to remain at Gustave's side is Johan, who is slowly being killed by the Scorpion venom from his days as an assassin. As the flames grow higher, the scorpion venom engulfs Johan and the Southern Fort falls. Gustave's fate is ultimately unknown as all they find in the wreckage of the fire is his sword, stuck in the ground, with no sign of Gustave anywhere to be found.
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