Quote Originally Posted by Millybonk View Post
  • The mighty Zodiark, which has been build up as this mighty(evil) entity over several expansions, turns out to be nothing but filler trash for the first Endwalker trial
  • The true cause of the Final Days is a pet-project from an ancient which goes mad after observing countless dead world and possibly causing the death of several world by projecting negative emotions unto them, and is thus dead-set on bringing despair to every world, upon which said ancient goes mad and is now letting her run her course to test humanity if they can withstand/fight despair
  • Venat, who hasn't had her memory wiped + still remembers you from being in Elpis, quite apparently doesn't lift a finger to learn about Dynamis herself or to mobilize the other ancients to end Meteion then and there, and instead chooses to turn herself into Hydaelyn, sunder the world and the inhabitants, thereby forcing them to live with and face despair and gambling that their resilience against despair might be enough to face Meteion one day

Really?
This is the best SQ could do in terms of story after ShB?
-Zodiark is a symbol of the chaos and destruction that the true villain, Meteion, later represents. Therefore, Zodiark's role in the story is not necessarily filler, but rather serves as a representation of the stakes and consequences of the conflict.
-Venat's actions are driven by a desire to protect and preserve the world and its inhabitants, rather than causing harm or despair. Venat believes that by forcing the inhabitants to confront and overcome despair, they will be better prepared to face the ultimate threat of Meteion.