Cid is not facing a minion but a would-be Knight of the Rounds. Normally, that is cause for concern, but an atomic bomb has no reason to fear the gnashing of a lowly pest.

Cid heads to Lindwurm in response to a summons from Alpha, but he is not the only one traveling there; the annual Goddess’ Trial is quickly approaching.

The curtain rises on the Goddess’ Trial. When Cid is unwittingly called into the arena, he transforms into Shadow and faces none other than Aurora, the Witch of Calamity.

The door to the Sanctuary opens and Alpha strides through it, intending to expose the Cult’s grave secrets. Meanwhile, Cid also enters the Sanctuary and reunites with… Aurora?

Alpha faces off against an empowered Nelson in a vicious battle. Elsewhere, Cid and Aurora reach the Sanctuary's core, but a door only a hero can open blocks their path.

Cid’s victory is short-lived when Nelson counters with his new magic. Meanwhile, Alexia convinces Rose and Natsume to form an alliance to uncover the truth of their world.

Only the strongest warriors can advance in the prestigious Bushin Festival, but one contestant proves himself a feeble and mundane man with no talent. Why is he competing?