After our strange second dream with Laguna, Kiros and Ward, we finally wake up and continue toward our destination. This time, we actually make it: we've arrived at Galbadia Garden.
Walking into another Garden for the first time is an interesting experience. We're already familiar with Balamb, so seeing how another institution operates makes the world of Final Fantasy VIII feel considerably larger. But we're not here for sightseeing. After everything that happened in Timber, our mission is changing, and soon we receive an objective far more dangerous than anything Squall and his companions have faced before.
And we're going to need some help.
🏫 Welcome to Galbadia Garden
Galbadia Garden immediately feels different from Balamb. The architecture, atmosphere and students remind us that Gardens aren't exclusive to Squall's home, and that SeeD and military training are part of something much bigger than what we've experienced so far.
But there isn't much time to relax.
After the chaos in Timber and the appearance of Sorceress Edea, the situation has escalated dramatically. What started as a mission helping a small resistance group is quickly turning into a conflict involving some of the most powerful figures in Galbadia.
Then we're introduced to someone new.
Irvine Kinneas. 🎯
🔫 A Sharpshooter Joins the Party
Irvine certainly knows how to make a first impression.
Confident, relaxed and perhaps a little too interested in impressing the girls, he feels completely different from Squall. But behind that personality is something our group desperately needs: an expert marksman capable of attacking from long range.
And there's a reason we've been assigned a sniper.
Our next mission is extremely serious.
The target?
Sorceress Edea.
After seeing what she was capable of during the television broadcast—and watching her take Seifer away—the idea of confronting her already feels dangerous. Now we're being asked to participate in a plan to assassinate her.
Suddenly, this adventure has become much more serious.
🎯 A New Team Is Taking Shape
One of my favorite things about reaching this point is seeing the main group gradually come together.
Squall, Zell, Selphie and Quistis have already shared several adventures, and now Irvine adds a completely different personality and fighting style to the team.
Of course, whether Squall actually wants another companion is another question. 😂
But that's part of what makes these characters enjoyable. They're very different people forced to work together under increasingly dangerous circumstances, and we're only beginning to see how those relationships will develop.
🎬 Watch the Full Episode
💭 Final Thoughts
Arriving at Galbadia Garden feels like the beginning of another major chapter in Final Fantasy VIII.
We started this journey as students completing an exam in Dollet. Now we're traveling across the world, getting involved in political conflicts and preparing for a mission against a powerful Sorceress.
And this time, we have a new ally carrying a rifle.
Irvine Kinneas has joined the adventure. 🎯
Whether our new sharpshooter will actually be able to pull the trigger when the moment arrives...
Well, that's something we'll discover soon enough. 👀
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