Quote Originally Posted by Cilia View Post
People are able to cross the Rift (Shard hop), but under normal circumstances that requires sacrificing one's physical body. Neither Unukalhai nor Cylva are exceptions to this.

The only known exception is the PC, as they had a hole punched in reality by G'raha specifically for that purpose. G'raha himself is a partial example, having gotten around the "living matter" clause by binding himself to the Crystal Tower and partially crystallizing his body.
This is the case, but I'm fairly sure G'raha's exception came down to the use of Omega's technology rather than crystallization. There were a lot of things living in Syrcus Tower other than himself, if the Twinning and certain Lakeland mobs are any indication.

But yeah, even the Ascians have to give up their bodies/current vessels in order to cross over between worlds. Gaia would have to be the same way, though perhaps there'd be something in Syrcus Tower that'd keep her body preserved for her while she's away from it. But then, wouldn't the same hold true for Ryne? Minfilia was able to make the journey unassisted, and circumstances notwithstanding she expected to make a return trip later down the line. From what I understand this ability to move between reflections unaided comes from the Echo, which Ryne should have if she's a reincarnation of Minfilia (or if their souls are shards of the same original soul).

And the thing is, I don't believe that's actually the case. But I also believe it's far too late to reveal that if 5.5 is going to be Ryne's last appearance. And it's especially too late if we've already seen the last of her. I feel like I'm barking up the wrong tree with this line of speculation.