be left stunned until they recover, or they can then be attacked for greater damage. As the characters perform actions, a gauge fills, allowing characters to use "chain burst" activities when full. Any characters that move consecutively can use a combination attack together. Depending on the gauge and number of characters attacking together, chained skills can be used. Using these skills increases the "linkage" rate, which allows the use of finishing attacks once it reaches a certain value. All characters are capable of using items; however, only alchemists can use all items. Plot Firis Mistlud is a young girl living in the secluded mine town of Ertona who dreams of exploring the world outside. One day, Firis becomes friends with Sophie and Plachta, the main characters of the previous game, who teach her the basics of alchemy. After proving her talent for alchemy, Firis is allowed to leave the village, accompanied by her sister Liane, but under the condition that she must pass the alchemist certification exam in one year, or she will be forced to return home. After leaving Ertona, Firis is tasked to meet at least one certified alchemist and earn their recommendation letter which qualifies her for the alchemist certification exam, which is held in the town of Reisemberg. Should Firis fails to take the exam in one year or fails the exam itself, it triggers the game's bad ending, with Firis forced to give up on her dream of traveling around the world and returning to Ertona. Otherwise, the game continues with multiple possible endings, depending of the path the player takes as they keep exploring the map and interacting with other characters. Characters A young girl from the secluded mining town of Ertona, she is drawn to the world of alchemy upon meeting Sophie and Plachta. She is eager to travel the world and finds a chance when is allowed to study for the alchemy certification exam. Firis' older sister who loves to dote on her. She is an archer who accompanies Firis in her travels. The protagonist of the previous game, she becomes Firis' teacher and inspires her to become an alchemist. Sophie's friend and teacher in alchemy who travels with her. A wandering swordsman seeking to become stronger, and becomes one of Firis' traveling companions. Daughter of a famous alchemist, she becomes Firis' close friend and rival. Another character returning from Atelier Sophie,