Evann

Evann
Race	Nortis (Human)
Age	18
Height	5'5 5'7 (English manual)
Weight	136lbs
Home	Unknown
Weapon(s)	Sword
Greatest Weapon	Spirit Blade
English Voice Artist	Dean Cain
Japanese Voice Artist	Shinichiro Miki

"We chose this path. We just have to keep going and make the best out of it!"

―Evann

Evann (エヴァン) is the main character of Grandia Xtreme. A brash young man who is easy to aggravate, he is an inexperienced Ranger hired by the Nortis Army to undertake a mission on their behalf. Following the death of his father, Evann has dedicated himself to his training. However, being as lacking in experience as he is, and without his father's guidance to help him, he is often unsure of his abilities.

Rangers are unique in that they have the ability to calm the natural elements in the area, which is why the army approaches him.

Appearance and Personality

Evann has blue hair that he wears in a short braid, with his bangs spiked up by headgear. He has a thick browline and, though he is shorter than most of the other male characters, has a slightly stocky build. His eye colour varies depending on different references; it is a greyish-gold colour in his portaits, green on his in-game model and blue in the official art. He wears a blue jacket with gold detailing over a white shirt with red ribbons on the sleeves, blue overall-like pants that are held up by a red belt over brown leggings, and green and brown boots with gold detailing. He also wears a pendant with a green crystal around his neck. His sword has a static appearance and is a blue blade with a gold crossguard and pale green gems.

Evann is a hot-tempered young man, who is mouthy and quick to fly off the handle if something bothers him. Although his skills as a Ranger are limited, he strives to improve upon himself. When younger he often disregarded his training in favour of bunking off with his friends, but following the death of his father he began to take his job seriously. He has little to no regard for the military, or their intentions, but sees the disturbances as a threat to everyone. Like Ryudo from Grandia II he has a tendency to be sarcastic and deadpan, though he isn't nearly as cynical and, unless provoked, he is generally very friendly.

Viewing all of his companions as necessary, he holds no ill will towards any of them. In spite of his short temper he is incredibly good with people and is an excellent leader, virtues he doesn't seem to realise he has. Initially he tries to stay out of any arguments between other party members but as the story progresses he grows to become a mediator who can diffuse these situations. Evann is sometimes considered dimwitted and immature by his team members, but these are exaggerations and they use them to annoy him more than anything.

Story

Before the Story

Born at least 18 years before the start of the story, Evann was raised by his father as a Ranger. When younger, he would neglect his training in order to hang around with other boys from his home area, including Pike. Evann's father also took Kroitz as a disciple to be trained as a Ranger. Despite the relatively close-knit relationship they had due to this, Evann grew to greatly dislike Kroitz, due to their differing outlooks on the world, a sentiment which persisted even years after Kroitz left to join the army. (Whilst this is not brought up between the characters, nor does any specific event seem to be pinpointed as the start of their rivalry, Evann does mention in the very early story that if joined the army without becoming an experienced Ranger first, he would be "just like Kroitz"). The death of his father was a wake-up call for Evann, who began to take his training seriously afterwards. It is not known what happened to Evann's mother, as she is never mentioned once, but it is assumed she passed away as well, likely before his father.

Though rather inexperienced, Evann is still a very talented and capable young man. The Nortis Army approaches him, as there have been many elemental disturbances on the continent, and they are concerned about what might happen to the country, and the world. Because of his abilities as a Ranger, Evann is asked to assist them with the disturbances, dubbed the "Elemental Disorder". But as Evann holds a disdain for the army, and doesn't trust them, he initially ignores their attempts at correspondence.

Evann's House, Locca and the Land Ruins

The story begins as Evann is outside his house, undergoing a training session in order to improve on his skills as a Ranger. He is visited by his friend Pike, who works in the area as a mailman. Pike hands him a letter, telling him it's his fourth one from the army. Annoyed by the army's persistence, Evann expresses that he hasn't any trust in the army, especially as the letters don't offer a lot of explanation, just a demand to "report immediately". After teasing him and questioning why the army would want someone like Evann in their ranks, Pike begins to muse about a Kroitz, a mutual aquaintance who had left to join the military some time ago. When Evann becomes evidently angered by the mention of Kroitz, Pike laughs at the matter, indicating he knew the mention would rile him up. The two say their goodbyes as Pike gets back to work, leaving Evann to continue his training. Despite being able to use Geo Gates that already exist, Evann seems to struggle to open up new ones. He expresses frustration at this, and gives up for the time being, wondering what it is exactly that he is doing wrong. The letter still in hand, Evann questions if the army really have found a way to end the Disorder. He seems to consider answering their call for a moment, before the thought of Kroitz crosses his mind again. As he starts to rant angrily to himself about Kroitz, and the idea of encountering him again, Evann screws up the letter and tosses it away. The crumpled paper rolls across the grass, landing in front of Diene, who has come with her men to forcefully take Evann away and demand his participation in ending the Disorder. Whilst Evann is still distracted by his own frustrated ramblings, Diene gives the go-ahead for her men to round on him and capture him. Despite putting up somewhat of a fight, Evann is knocked out by the soldiers, and taken away to the village of Locca.

When Evann comes around in Locca's barracks, Diene apologises - albeit offhandedly - for her actions, and explains that she did what she did, as wasn't sure if he would have reported to her willingly, implying that she was the one who had been sending the letters to him. She also expresses dissatisfaction, and that she didn't believe the Ranger would've been "someone like him", which serves to make Evann angrier with her. After a short, heated exchange, she tells him the name of the village, and that it has been outfitted for the sake of their mission. Allowing him to look around the area, she also states that he should talk to her once he understands what he needs to do, before leaving the room.

Though not yet on board, Evann enters Locca's armoury, where Diene is speaking with two veteran Sergeants from the military, Brandol and Carmyne. Whilst they are willing participants in the mission, they have some questions about why they've been posted to what they consider to be the middle of nowhere, and why they need support from a civilian. Diene explains that the "Colonel" in charge of the entire operation required that they give the Ranger their full support. Whilst Evann hasn't much of an idea what's going on, he explains to Brandol and Carmyne about his position and skills as a Ranger. Brandol quips about his inexperience and continues to question what he's doing there. Carmyne, meanwhile, encourages him, and argues with Brandol that having Evann around would be useful. The three of them are dispatched on the mission straight away the next morning.

The Nortis Army believe that many of the disturbances are occuring because of something happening inside of the ancient ruins located around the area. Evann, Brandol and Carmyne head to the first of these ruins, the Land Ruins, to meet with Diene at the operation centre established there for further instruction. The Land Disorder has already been quelled by the army, but much of the destruction of this process can still be seen in the wasteland area outside of the Sandworm's Den, where the Land Ruins are located. When they reach the army's outpost outside the entrance to these ruins, Diene explains to them why they've been summoned to an already neutralised ruin. The commanding officers at the helm of the operation intend to demonstrate to Evann the inner mechanisms of the ruins, and how exactly he is to stop the Disorders once inside. Evann, Brandol and Carmyne fight their way through the Land Ruins and eventually reach the Spiritual Atrium at the core of the ruins, where a small congregation of soldiers inform them that the "Colonel" will be with them shortly. Much to Evann's annoyance, the Colonel in question - and head of the outfit - turns out to be Kroitz, who has climbed the ranks of the military to become a respected and distinguished officer. Despite an incentive comment questioning his capabilities as a Ranger, Kroitz seems not to care that Evann has been appointed to the mission, and during the back and forth argument between the two of them that ensues, he urges him to step up to the task instead of complaining about it. Evann still distrusts Kroitz, a concern that is brushed aside by his military teammates, but ultimately agrees to the mission, as he acknowledges its importance.

The Nortis Army believe that it is in their best interest to collaborate with the other nations of the continent (a decision that is later revealed to have come from the government of Nortis). After departing the Land Ruins, following the explanation of how to put a stop to the Disorders by Specto, Evann, Brandol and Carmyne meet with their new teammates, who have recently arrived from the neighbouring countries of Arcada and Hazma, places also affected by the Elemental Disorder. However, an argument erupts almost immediately between Brandol and Jaid, both of whom hold grudges against one another's nations due to the recent war. Unable to stop this conflict, a frustrated Evann leaves them to it. As they continue to yell at each other, Evann is approached by Myam. She is somewhat curious about him, as unlike the other Nortis she has come across, he doesn't appear to be a soldier. He confirms that he is a civilian, just before the argument persisting in the background is abruptly put to an end by an angered Ulk, who can no longer bear to sit and listen to the bickering. The party then comes together to discuss who they should appoint as their leader. Jaid states that he will not work for a Nortis soldier, and Brandol adds that he will not work for anyone from Arcada. Myam suggests that Evann is made the leader, as he isn't a soldier, which Jaid finds acceptable. Carmyne backs this up, stating that her and Brandol were given orders to cooperate fully with the Ranger (though Brandol continues to fuss about it regardless). Evann's own reservations about not being suited to the role go overlooked, and after everyone else departs to head back to Locca, he wonders to himself just what he's gotten into.

The Flame Ruins, Escarre, the Aqua Ruins and the Gale Ruins

At the Diner in Locca, each member of the team offers Evann a short run-down of their personal skills, and why he should pick them to accompany him in battle. Diene tells him here to form a party of four for their upcoming foray into the Flame Ruins. Brandol is insistent on being included in this party; several of his comrades died trying to stop the Fire Disorder, and he wants to put an end to it personally. The party head across the border into Arcada, to a location called the Inferno Pit, where a raging volcano has caused vast amounts of destruction. They, along with a small group of soldiers offering them aid, approach the Disorder using armoured tanks for protection. Getting a strange feeling from the Disorder, Evann looks into the flames spouting from the volcano; he questions to himself if the Disorder is the Spirits "crying", as though they're in pain. Within the fire, a Spirit emerges in the shape of a phoenix. Evann watches this Spirit fly into one of the stone pillars nearby. Understanding the Spirit's intentions, Evann begins to run towards the Disorder, which causes Brandol to yell at him from the tank in order to fathom what exactly he's doing. Knowing that the Spirit was indicating to him where the ruins' entrance was, Evann tells Brandol to shoot the pillar and open up the passageway inside. When the party is back together after dropping into this entrance, Evann mentions the being that emerged from the fire. However, none of the others saw anything like that. The others question if Evann saw what he did because he's a Ranger, and that being one may grant him the ability of being able to see the Spirits. Evann seems taken aback by this notion, however, suggesting that not every Ranger is able to do this.

The party defeat the Mother Crustacean guarding the Spiritual Atrium of the Flame Ruins, and move into this core room in order to obtain the slab from its slot. However, they are greeted by the corpse of an Elemental Beast in the centre of the room, something which wasn't present in the Land Ruins' Atrium. When the slab is obtained and the Fire Disorder quelled, Evann speaks to Diene about this creature back in Locca. She suggests that he go talk to Specto, the mission's leading scientist, about the matter. The team take the train from Locca's station to the city of Escarre. On the journey, they pass a tower-like structure that appears to be inside the borders of the army's base at Escarre, and question what exactly this is. Whilst everyone else busies themselves around town, Evann goes to find Specto in the Music Hall. They discuss various topics, but Specto seems somewhat reluctant to give him a clear answer on the purpose of the ruins' purpose, or the matter of the Elemental Beasts.

When the group return to Locca, they meet in the Diner again for a briefing on their next objective. A basket of what appears to be blue fruit is on the table; Myam states these are Aeolus Seeds. The next Disorder they are tackling is the Ocean Disorder, and Diene explains that these Aeolus Seeds can be used to breathe and move around underwater. The party are taken by a military ship across the stormy seas, to the rough location of Tsunami Trough. As they are lowered down to the sea bed, Jaid - insistent about being in the party for this task - explains his past and his reasoning for committing to ending the Disorder to a sympathetic Evann. However, the conversation is interrupted when the military ship can no longer withstand the harshness of the waves generated by the Ocean Disorder. The protective cage the party are being lowered in snaps off the sinking ship, temporarily separating Evann from his friends. Jaid and the others find him with his head stuck in what appears to be some kind of giant sea anemone. Evann is freed by Jaid, who destroys the anemone using flames from his Fist Burst. When Evann falls to the sea bed following this attack, he briefly questions if he's actually dead and seeing the afterlife, leading Jaid to believe he is playing the fool and not taking the task at hand seriously. A short discussion follows, before the party pulls together and begin to tackle the Aqua Ruins. Once they have defeated Deava, they encounter the corpse of another Elemental Beast in the Atrium containing the slab.

The Manager in Locca's barracks informs Evann upon his return that a higher officer is speaking with Diene in the armoury. It becomes obvious following a few conversations around the village that this higher officer is Kroitz. Evann bursts through the armoury door, uncaring and largely oblivious to what was happening between Diene and Kroitz in that moment. Kroitz shrugs the matter off and praises Evann for his hard work, which Evann rebuffs. He demands that Kroitz explain to him what the corpse of the Elemental Beast was, inferring that he saw the one that should have been in the Land Ruins. Though Kroitz tells him that he doesn't know anything about the matter and asks him to be quick about neutralising the final Disorder, Evann presses him, highly suspicious that he's hiding something. This causes Diene to interject angrily, frustrated that Evann can't seem to see how important it is to deal with the Disorder quickly. After informing Evann that he can go speak to Specto again about the Elemental Beast again if it troubles him, Kroitz leaves the armoury and departs from Locca. When Evann steps out of the armoury shortly after, he grumbles to himself about how Diene acts towards him wherever Kroitz is concerned, but he quickly puts this thought on hold as he is approached by an uncomfortable looking Myam, who asks if she can come with him to Whirlwind Peak, where the last Disorder is. Evann agrees, though Myam runs off without explaining to him why she's acting the way she is.

Upon crossing the border into Hazma and arriving at Whirlwind Peak, the party are faced with the remnants of a destroyed town, and a neverending wall of wind energy beyond, shielding the ruin. When Evann asks what happened to the town, Myam informs him of the Wind Disorder's destruction. After fighting their way through the monsters in the town and reaching the wall of wind, the party are unsure of how to proceed through it and get into the ruins. They come across a large plane-shaped object nearby, which seems to have been manufactured within the Gale Ruins. Placing this object onto wooden logs that act as rollers, the party are able to propel themselves into the wall of wind, which hurls them around and throws them into the ruins' interior. Traversing the Gale Ruins leads them to the Bone Mantis, guarding the Atrium, where another dead Elemental Beast awaits them along with the final slab. Unlike the previous ruins, when Evann removes this slab, the whole of the Gale Ruins begins to rumble erratically. The party tries to escape, but finds the way back blocked by falling debris from the ceiling. Luckily, when the quaking subsides, Diene and the others break through the top of the ruin, throwing a ladder down so the party can make their way out.

Everyone stands together outside the Gale Ruins, reflecting on their accomplishments. Kroitz and Specto arrive soon after to congratulate them. Following a rousing speech outlining the importance of their actions in stopping every Disorder, Kroitz states that they should return to Locca to rest before receiving their rewards. Specto approaches Evann, asking him for the slabs he's collected from each Atrium, as he wishes to conduct further research on them. Evann agrees, as he doesn't think he or his friends have any use for them. When Kroitz has departed, taking both Diene and Specto with him, Evann expresses distaste for his grandstanding, stating that Kroitz "didn't actually do anything".

Lutina, Starry Corridor and the Venom Ruins

The party make their way back to Locca in their own truck, holding a conversation about what to do next in the meantime. Carmyne says that she heard the Arcadians were "up to something". Jaid wonders what she's talking about, as he expects the Arcadian officials will be grateful to the Nortis Army, as Kroitz had intended. Brandol, who is driving the truck, sees something up ahead on the road back. He stops the truck and gets out to investigate, finding the road has been closed off and a diversion put in place. However, this is a trap from a group of Arcadian soldiers, who corner the party here. The female soldier leading the group demands that the party hand over the slabs to them, launching an attack when this is refused.

When she and her men have been defeated, the party bind the female soldier's hands so she can't attack them again. She begins to yell angrily at them when she regains consciousness. Jaid approaches her, calling her "Lutina" and asking why she attacked their group, to which she tells him viciously that he is a "traitor" and a "turncoat". When she demands the slabs again, Evann tells her that they don't have them, as they already handed them over to the army, which greatly alarms her. Eventually, she begins to explain that the slabs will be used to obtain a dangerous power that will be used in war. The others in the group start to question her claims, stating that quelling the Disorder was important and saved the lives of many people, but Lutina tells them that the "nightmare has just begun". It is then that the party notice a dark cloud emerging from the direction of Locca. They decide to investigate, taking Lutina back with them to the village.

Upon entering the village, Lutina seeks out Diene in the armoury and threatens her with her dagger. Evann steps in to stop her, claiming that Diene is unaware of what's going on. Dejected, Diene explains to Evann that Kroitz and Specto have begun a new mission, in pursuit of a new power for the army. Though Diene apologises to Lutina and takes the blame for not stopping Kroitz earlier, she and the other Arcadians are affronted. Evann despairs as they leave the armoury, noting that causing conflict between the group was part of what Kroitz wanted. Diene tells him to come with her to the army base in Escarre, as she wants to find out exactly what Kroitz's plan is, so that they can do what they can to stop it.

Unable to get through the main entrance to the base, Evann and Diene find a side entrance through a hole in Escarre's cliff face. Diene is able to convince the guard to let them both in, and they begin to question the men inside, some of whom appear to be stocking missiles and gathering other weaponry together. Confronting a soldier in one of the military buildings, Diene manipulates him into telling them what exactly Kroitz's plan is. He reveals that Kroitz is searching for someone called Evol, and a power known as Quanlee, within the newly opened ruins outside Locca.

With this knowledge, they return to Locca, gathering with the rest of the party in the Diner. Myam and Carmyne tell everyone that the villagers have informed them of a secret passageway through to Starry Park (as the main entrance has been blocked off by Kroitz's men). Diene tells everyone to pursue Kroitz and Specto, and try to stop them from reaching Evol. Evann tells her to stay and fight with them, but she states she has to speak to her commanding officer, to see if the army's higher ups can do anything. When he then asks her if she'll really be alright by herself, she comments that she "must be really pathetic" if he's giving her that kind of sympathy. Despite the earlier upset, the team comes together and agrees to the new objective. When Lutina asks Evann if he's really going to pursue Kroitz, he tells her yes, and that she's going to come with them as well.

Evann examines the entrance to Starry Corridor, having entered Starry Park by the side route that the villagers made the team aware of. Here he finds the 4Slab, which is all of the Elemental slabs obtained from the Elemental Ruins combined into one, forming a key of sorts. Removing this 4slab, Evann takes it with him down the first few levels of Starry Corridor. Down here, he finds the entrance to the Illusory Meadow and the Venom Ruins beyond. The party come across Kroitz, Specto and their accompanying soldiers at the door of the Venom Ruins, unable to get through, as the 4slab is required to proceed. Evann tells his team to hide as they watch this scene unfold. Once Kroitz and Specto have left the area, returning to the surface for the 4Slab, the party use the item themselves to open the door. They clear the ruins and fiight the Volt Beast guarding the Atrium. Instead of a slab in this Atrium, they find an engraving that seems to have a picture of the tower-like structure at Escarre on it. After the party return to the first room of the Venom Ruins, they are confronted by Kroitz and his men. Evann tells Kroitz he knew he "hadn't changed one bit". Kroitz demands the newly obtained object from Evann, who throws it across the room in order to cause a distraction for the soldiers, before darting with his friends to the Geo Gate nearby and escaping.

Upon returning to Locca, Evann decides to head to Escarre again, to see if the ruin shown on the object from Venom Ruins's Atrium can offer the party some clue as to what to do next. Lutina asks to accompany him, and after they manage to get back inside the military compound, she is able to pick the lock on the large door at the far end of the base. Beyond this door is a huge mural, displaying a swirling mass reaching into the sky. As Evann is examining this mural, Lutina shoves him to the ground. When he asks what she's doing, it quickly becomes clear she pushed him out of the way of a sword being thrown in his direction. The two are cornered by Kroitz's personal guard, who were informed by Kroitz that they would show up at that part of Escarre depicted on the engraving. After fighting and defeating them, Evann questions why Kroitz didn't pursue the party after he'd thrown the engraving, and realises that it must be because Evol is in another ruin further down Starry Corridor.

Dark Ruins and Light Ruins

The party go further down Starry Corridor and find the Darkness Ruins. In the Cold Lab, within the depths of this ruin, Evann finds a Nortis soldier under Kroitz's command laying on the ground, gravely injured. Evann asks him what happened, and the soldier, losing consciousness, mistakes him for Kroitz, apologising for abandoning his comrades and that he couldn't keep fighting, as the monster was too powerful. The door to the lab locks, moments before Kroitz appears at the overlooking balcony. He informs Evann that he has all the information he needs about Evol, and that he'll be leaving him to fight the "failure". Evann tells him that some of his men are still in that room, to which Kroitz responds that he has no further use for them, before walking away. Zenothlee, a living Elemental Beast, approaches, and Evann is forced to fight it to proceed to Evol's Chamber past the Dark Ruins Atrium. The team find the engraving of Escarre, abandoned by Kroitz in Evol's Chamber, and question why it was that he left it there, if it was needed for the final ruin. They also find the switch to the door of the lab, and are able to leave the Dark Ruins.

Knowing that Evol must be in the last ruin in Starry Corridor, the team continue on into the Ground Chasm and the Light Ruins beyond. Close to the end of the Ground Chasm, Evann is attacked by ancient devices that seem to be some sort of defensive mechanism of the ruins. He attempts to return the way he came when a massive hole is blown in the top of the Ground Chasm. Army tanks, planes and artillery enter the area through this hole, and battle against the devices guarding the ruin. As chaos engulfs the area, Kroitz emerges from the darkness on the side of his tank, instructing his men to fight. Evann confronts him, angrily telling him that he's "insane" for attacking the ruins like that, and that his actions will kill everyone involved. As Kroitz eyes the unfolding battle, he tells Evann that he's the one who is mad, for entering the ruins without a plan. Kroitz moves forward into the battle, and shortly after, Evann is caught up in the destruction, falling down a hole blasted into the ground.

Evann finds himself in a destroyed area of the Light Ruins. From here, he climbs back up to the Ground Chasm, only to find the aftermath of the battle. Not only have the ruins and the ancient devices been decimated, but several soldiers have also been hurt or killed in the process. As Evann and his friends take in the sight of the destruction, Diene appears, having followed Kroitz and his men down there. She reflects on the horrors of the scene, and tells Evann that she blames herself for it as well. Beyond the carnage, Evann finds Specto at the entrance to the Birthplace of Quanlee, rambling to himself about "finally meeting Evol". Evann confronts him angrily, which frightens Specto into retreating. This causes Kroitz and his men to step in; Kroitz tells Specto to enter the Birthplace and obtain Quanlee from Evol. Grateful, Specto obliges and disappears into the Birthplace. Evann turns his anger on Kroitz, questioning how he can "justify" his actions. When it is apparent that Kroitz isn't going to see sense, and that he believes what he has done was necessary to fulfill his ambitions, Evann demands to fight him.

After the battle, Kroitz states that he hasn't been defeated, that Evann hasn't won, and that he can't possibly understand why he took the actions he did. Evann tells him that he did it out of greed, but Kroitz denies this, saying he "has no greed, only ambition". Realising that Specto is still inside the Birthplace, Evann heads there, leaving Kroitz where he is. Inside the first part of the Birthplace, Evann finds Specto on his knees, muttering grimly about how everything was "planned from ancient times". Evol, the old man in a black coat looming over Specto, tells Evann that Specto is his clone. He also says that if he's there for Quanlee, he'll tell him everything in the room beyond. Evann enters that room in the Birthplace, only to find it completely empty. Evol follows him and tells him that Quanlee has already been born, and left fifty years ago to observe the world he would inherit. Evann is taken aback, and questions what the purpose of the Elemental Disorder was. Evol explains that the Disorders were made from excess energy from Quanlee's creation. As he continues to tell Evann about Quanlee's reign over humanity, which will occur in seven days from that point (marked by Specto's arrival as messenger), Kroitz enters and threatens Evol with his sword, demanding to know where Quanlee has gone. Evol brushes him aside and mocks him for thinking he can control Quanlee. Angered by this, Kroitz thrusts his blade through Evol, stating that "everything is meaningless" if he can't have Quanlee. Evann desperately asks Evol to tell them what will happen when Quanlee arrives, but he refuses, and dies laughing at the "pitiful humans".

Quanlee and Evolution Corridor

Evann and Kroitz ascend the elevator the army have set up through the hole in the Ground Chasm. Though Evann questions where the elevator leads and what they're supposed to do now, Kroitz doesn't answer, engrossed by the fact that his ambitions have been quashed but ultimately refusing to accept it. Evann tells him he's only thinking about himself, and that he should be concerned about what Quanlee actually is, and what might happen when he appears, instead. The elevator takes them back to Escarre, where they further argue about the matter until Kroitz walks away. Evann returns to Locca with his friends and discusses the matter of Quanlee. The seven days pass, and the team decide to go back to Escarre to await Quanlee's arrival.

The inhabitants of Escarre talk about Quanlee amongst themselves, but none of them are sure who or what it is. Evann also finds Diene in town, close to the train station; she states that Kroitz was removed from command, and that no one has seen him in the seven days since the incident with Evol. Speaking to everyone in town, Evann comes across a couple of people who say strange things to him. These people then say they're not sure what they just said, and feel as though someone is speaking through them. Evann finds Kroitz standing in Escarre's Uptown, and asks what he's doing. Kroitz tells him he's waiting for Quanlee. Following a short exchange, the sky starts to turn black and a green light descends from above. A boy with white hair appears in the glow and introduces himself as the world's new God, who will join all peoples and hearts together. Knowing this is Quanlee, Evann questions what he wants, telling him the world is already at peace. Still in pursuit of his power, Kroitz draws his sword, demanding that the "ultimate power of the Ancients" belong to him. Quanlee laughs at this, stating that he belongs to no one, but the world will belong to him. Kroitz launches an attack at Quanlee, but is blocked and frozen in place by his magic. Noting that he finds Kroitz interesting, Quanlee removes him from the scene, which startles and angers Evann. Despite arguing with him, Quanlee has no interest in what Evann has to say, and proceeds to take over Escarre by using his mind control powers on the citizens.

Evann and his friends are luckily protected from this mind control (possibly due to the fact Evann is a Ranger and has the Spirits' powers). They confront Quanlee in his new location in front of the mural at Escarre's base, where he has formed a glowing, ladder-like structure that reaches into the sky. Unsure of why Evann is confronting him like that, Quanlee summons Kroitz, who he has put into a mindless, bloodthirsty state. Though Evann expresses shock, he manages to fight and defeats Kroitz, knocking him out cold. After the battle, Quanlee informs Evann that the battle is only over when the enemy is dead, urging him to kill Kroitz. Evann refuses angrily, telling Quanlee that if he killed Kroitz for actions he took under his control, he'd be destroying his own humanity. He lifts the injured Kroitz off the ground, with the intention of saving him instead. A displeased Quanlee sends the mind controlled population of Escarre after them, instructing Evann to take his blade up against them instead. Suddenly, a Geo Gate opens up beneath Evann's feet, and he is pulled back through to Locca. Ranger, who maintains the Geo Gate at Locca, and Younger Mage, her sister, combined their magic in order to find Evann, and pull both him and Kroitz through to safety.

After putting the injured Kroitz in his bed in the barracks, Evann waits by his bedside until he comes to. Kroitz questions why Evann didn't kill him, stating that he was prepared to die in battle, and that having to live as a failure is cruel. Evann makes a last-ditch attempt at speaking sense, telling Kroitz that if he lets go of his dreams, he really would have lost. Kroitz rebukes him, asking if he's mocking him; not appreciating that his help is basically being thrown back in his face, Evann expresses his anger, calling Kroitz an idiot before storming out of the room. When Evann returns to the room later to find it empty, he remarks that Kroitz is "stubborn" for leaving in the shape he was in, but also expects he'll see him again soon.

The team make a decision to confront Quanlee, and head to Escarre to the ladder-like structure using the newly-opened Geo Gate in front of it. They climb the ladder, which leads them to Quanlee's domain - Evolution Corridor. Initially, Quanlee is nowhere to be seen, but he begins to talk to Evann the further he gets up the floors, questioning why he is taking the actions he is. When the party are able to confront Quanlee again, he tells Evann that he has no more use for him in his world, and transforms into a monstrous version of himself. After his defeat by Evann's hand, Quanlee questions how he as the "ultimate being" could possibly have lost. Evann tries to make him understand the point of view of humanity, offering Quanlee compassion despite his previous actions, but Quanlee gradually concludes that he, not being made like humans were, cannot ever understand. He bids Evann farewell and says that he "enjoyed talking to him", before disappearing, his heart shattering into crystal pieces. Evann manages to catch one of these shards, before calling out to Quanlee, regretful that he wasn't able to stop him. Evolution Corridor begins to break apart, as Quanlee's spell across Escarre is broken.

The Endings

Having fallen unconscious in the destruction of Evolution Corridor, Evann comes to in Escarre's Uptown, surrounded by his friends. Everyone is pleased that the city has been saved, and briefly reflect together on the circumstances that lead them there. Shortly after, Evann meets with Diene at the waterfront outside of the Music Hall, where she tells him about her experience under Quanlee's influence, and thanks him for saving her. Evann shows her the fragment of Quanlee's heart, telling her that Quanlee "lived what he believed", but surmises that this drove him to insanity. Brandol exits the Music Hall, calling out to Evann and telling him that the musicians are going to hold a concert for their team. Evann tells Diene that he's glad there's people like his friends, before running off to join them. Diene tells him as he leaves, that he was the one who made his friends into the people they are.

After returning to Locca, Evann examines the fragment of Quanlee's heart, wondering if there was still a possibility he could understand him. Though their job is done, he asks his friends to stick around as he investigates the Birthplace of Quanlee again. The new Geo Gate in the Birthplace leads to Vortex Corridor, which Evann and his team climb the various floors of. There are more pieces of Quanlee's heart within the Corridor, which resemble the Sound Bites used by the Crash Heads to create music. After Vortex Corridor is cleared, the Crash Heads create a song using these Sound Bites.

As the music spreads across Locca, each of Evann's friends say goodbye to him before their final departures. Only he and Diene remain, briefly discussing the future that lies ahead, before sharing a joke as Evann states he "never wants to see a letter ever again" when Diene discusses staying in contact with him. With the two of them laughing together, the story comes to a close.

Battle

In battle, Evann uses a sword to attack up close. Being the main character of the story, he is more of an all-around combatant. All of his stats are equal, although his strength is slightly higher. He is the third best magic user in the game, behind Jaid and Myam, and makes a competent attacking mage as well as a healer. His defense is also strong and he is able to equip many of the medium-tier armors. At the very beginning of the game he can prove to be a bit slow in terms of both SPD and ACT, but these stats will catch up quickly. He possesses the most Feats in the game (since he can never be removed from the team, he is the key figure in most of them). He has a two-hit cancel move, a radial move (which relies on his magic strength to do damage), a line attack, plus the famous Invincible Aura and Sky Dragon Slash abilities (the latter being the only single all-target technique among the playable cast), making his skills the most balanced of all the characters. Two of these are Bolt elemental and many of his combination moves with others involve this attribute. He can equip three Mana Eggs and three Skill Books, further reflecting his all-around stats. He shares this 3:3 slot allocation with Lutina. Evann is required to be in the party at all times, so he will likely have the highest level, however he also has the slowest level growth of any party member.

Moves

• X Slash - Evann runs up to the enemy and attacks with an upward slash diagonally, then completes the X on the downstroke. Cancel effect
• Spark Volt - Evann channels lightning energy into his blade and then stabs it into the ground, sending out a potent electrical charge in a wide circle around him to damage enemies. Bolt elemental; dependent on Evann's magic rating for damage
• Thunder Split - Evann focuses lighnting energy into himself and tosses his sword, sending it flying away off screen. A moment after, a burst of lightning damages everything in a straight line. Bolt elemental
• Invincible Aura - Evann channels his fighting spirit and stabs his sword into the ground, creating a powerful barrier that protects him from all damage for a while. This effect can be replicated with the Crystal Wall spell, but it's not as potent. Temporary invincibility; can be broken by a powerful attack or spell
• Sky Dragon Slash - Evann tosses his sword into the air, which levitates with shimmering energy. He then jumps up to reclaim it and jams it into the ground below, causing the entire battlefield to erupt with tremendous power and damage all enemies.

Feats

• Volt Slash, Evann + Brandol - Evann charges Brandol's sword with Bolt damage, which he uses to stab the ground and emit an effect similar to Sky Dragon Slash. Hits all enemies and can cause Paralysis.
• Sword Dance, Evann + Carmyne - Multiple hit melee combo with a cancel effect.
• Cross Break, Evann + Jaid - Melee combo with a cancel effect.
• Shiva Slash, Evann + Titto - Evann charges Titto's knife with Bolt damage. He then soumersaults in the air and brings this blade and the magic effect down on an enemy. Cancel effect and Paralysis infliction.
• Lightning Split, Evann + Ulk - Evann charges Ulk's axe with Bolt damage, which he uses for a five hit combo with a cancel effect.
• Swallow Smash, Evann + Myam - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect.
• Double Dragon, Evann + Lutina - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect.
• Divine Dragon Slash, Evann + Brandol + Carmyne - Similar to Sky Dragon Slash, the three Nortis charge their swords and stab the ground with them, emitting powerful energy that damages all enemy targets.
• Explosion Smash, Evann + Brandol + Jaid - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect. Bomb elemental damage.
• Dancing Sword Slash, Evann + Brandol + Titto - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect.
• Tri-Crush, Evann + Brandol + Ulk - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect.
• Tripler, Evann + Brandol + Myam - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect.
• Triple Blaze Slash, Evann + Carmyne + Jaid - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect. Fire elemental damage.
• Jet Storm, Evann + Carmyne + Myam - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect. Wind elemental damage.
• Fast Dance Whirl, Evann + Carmyne + Lutina - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect.
• Phoenix Formation, Evann + Jaid + Titto - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect. Fire elemental damage.
• Big Bang Hammer, Evann + Jaid + Ulk - Jaid charges Evann and Ulk's with Fire elemental damage. They smash into the ground, causing a massive shockwave that damages all enemy targets.
• Delta Formation, Evann + Jaid + Lutina - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect.
• Purple Lightning, Evann + Titto + Ulk - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect. Bolt elemental damage.
• Binding Force, Evann + Titto + Myam - Evann, Titto and Myam surround a target with a triangle of energy, casting a Bind effect.
• Photon Shower, Evann + Titto + Lutina - Damages all enemy targets.
• Southern Cross, Evann + Ulk + Myam - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect. Blizzard elemental damage.
• Rapid Fire, Evann + Myam + Lutina - Multiple hit combo with a cancel effect.
• Quadruple Combo, Evann + Brandol + Carmyne + Ulk - Powerful multiple hit combo.
• Gatling Spike, Evann + Titto + Myam + Lutina - Powerful multiple hit combo.

Trivia

• Evann's English voice is provided by Dean Cain, known for his role as Clark Kent in the Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman TV series. This has been his first and only role as an anime character in a JRPG.
• His Japanese voice actor, Shinichiro Miki, is one of the most prolific and well known seiyuus to date, ranking third for casting credits on Anime News Network. He is most notable for his role as Kojirou ("James") from the Pokémon anime series. Miki is a friend and bandmate of Kroitz's Japanese voice actor, Takehito Koyasu.

Images

Reference images of Evann from the World Guidance Book.