The Path Infernal

Quest giver: Clive Rosfield
Location: Old Gridania (X:8, Y:11)
Quest line: Final Fantasy XVI Collaboration: The Path Infernal
Level: 50

Gil: 1,080
Previous quest: Pain to Recall
Patch: 6.58

“

Clive seems somewhat bemused.

※This quest is available for a limited time only.

— In-game description

Rewards

Unlocks

Found the Flame

Walkthrough

You will be accompanied by Clive Rosfield during this battle and have access to special duty actions that are inspired by FFXVI's combat system.

Duty Actions

Action	Type	Range Radius	Cast Time	Recast Time	Description
Rising Flames	Ability	40y 0y	Instant	30.00s	Closes in on target while delivering an attack.
Dodge	Ability	10y 0y	Instant	2.30s	Take evasive action in the selected direction. Additional Effect: Applies Precision upon successfully executing a precision dodge. Duration: 5s
Precision Strike	Ability	40y 0y	Instant	1.50s	Closes in on target while delivering an attack. Can only be executed while Precision is active.

To prevent taking unnecessary damage from certain attacks, you will need to use the Dodge duty action when prompted by the large countdown over your character. When it turns into the icon for Dodge, you will have a brief period to use that action avoid the attack. Failing to do so will cause you to take damage and briefly inflict Down for the Count.

If you successfully use Dodge, it will turn into Precision Strike, which can be used for free damage on the boss.

While most attacks can be avoided with Dodge, you will only be prompted to use it to avoid certain attacks.

Infernal Shadow

Phase 1

The boss will immediately start by casting Vulcan Burst, a roomwide AoE that can be avoided with Dodge. It will use this attack twice.
The boss will place orange AoE markers (Incinerate) on both you and Clive. This attack should also be Dodged. It will use this attack twice.
Spreading Fire: A telegraphed point-blank AoE followed by a telegraphed donut AoE.
Smoldering Claw: Large telegraphed frontal cone.
Fireball: Multiple circle AoEs that go off when the circle telegraphs fill.
Crimson Rush: Wide line AoE charge from the boss.
Tail Strike: Large telegraphed conal AoE behind the boss.
Pyrosault: Proximity AoE marker that can be Dodged.
Infernal Shroud: The boss receives a buff that enhances its attacks.
Crimson Streak: Four sequential telegraphed line AoE charges that cover the entire room. Dodge into the first telegraph when it goes off.

Phase 2

Fetters: The boss traps Clive in chains.
Burning Strike: The boss tethers Clive and prepares an attack that will incapacitate him. Note that you will need to restart the battle if he dies.
To save Clive, interact with the "Defend Clive" object when the boss becomes untargetable. Mash any keys during the active time maneuver to free Clive.
Most attacks from Phase 1 then repeat until the boss uses Infernal Howl, dealing damage and briefly incapacitating both you and Clive. Mash any keys during the active time maneuver to prevent the boss from crushing you with its foot.

Phase 3

After the boss reaches 25% health, it will become untargetable and summon four Infernal Sword adds. Similar to the Infernal Nails encountered in FFXIV Ifrit's battles, these must be defeated in time or you will wipe.
While damaging the adds, there will be multiple Fireball AoEs to dodge.
Clive will use Flames of Rebirth to deal massive damage to each add, allowing you to finish them off in time.
After killing the adds, the boss will use Hellfire and deal moderate damage. It is unknown if this attack can be Dodged.
Fiery Rampage: A briefly telegraphed half-room cleave on the right of the boss, followed by a cleave on the left, followed by a briefly telegraphed point-blank AoE. The boss will finish with a roomwide AoE that can be Dodged.
The boss repeats Fiery Rampage until it is defeated. During these subsequent uses, there will also be several telegraphed circle AoEs (Eruption) to dodge along with the cleaves from the boss.

Steps

Speak with Clive.
- Defeat the Infernal Shadow.
Speak with the wandering minstrel at the Burning Wall.
Speak with Clive and have him accompany you.
Follow Torgal's lead, then speak with Clive at the designated location.
Speak with the wandering minstrel.

Journal

Clive seems somewhat bemused.
- ※This quest is available for a limited time only.
Clive confesses bemusement at the minstrel's plan, but is nonetheless willing to follow his instructions. After explaining the way to Apkallu Falls, you set off for your nearby destination.
- ※Please note that you will be unable to complete this quest after the event has ended. For details, please check the Lodestone.
Judging by Clive's reaction to the mention of Ifrit, the wandering minstrel believes he has identified the root cause of the scarlet star's amnesia. His lyrical magicks weave a replica of the Bowl of Embers, within which you and Clive confront the Lord of the Inferno—an entity which soon blurs and changes to more closely match the creature of Clive's befogged memories.
At the culmination of his fiery duel, Clive breaks through his mental barrier, and at last accepts the truth that the monstrous beast before him...is himself. You then return victorious to the real world, but it seems you have not returned alone: Clive's resolve has manifested an old companion from the swirling aether. The loyal Torgal will serve as a guide to lead Clive home to his own world—or so the delighted musician asserts. And after listening to the continuation of Clive's harrowing tale, the minstrel is adamant that this journey begin at the beginning: the Burning Wall.
Now that you have arrived in the vicinity, the minstrel looks to Torgal to lead Clive the rest of the way. But will the hound guide his master true as the minstrel believes?
With Torgal in the lead, you set off alongside Clive and the minstrel. The destination you seek appears to lie somewhere within the twists and turns of the Burning Wall...
- ※If you part ways with Clive and the wandering minstrel or fall behind Torgal, return to the starting point and speak with Clive, the wandering minstrel, or Torgal to try again.
You accompany Clive back to the very spot where you first found him. It seems the Burning Wall's relation to the Phoenix of your world played a part in Clive's unexpected arrival, a connection forged by the bond with his brother—the Phoenix of his world. With memories restored and answers yet to find, Clive bids you farewell as his time in Eorzea comes to an end.
- Now that you have seen Clive safely home to Valisthea, the wistful minstrel declares the adventure over. He rewards you for indulging his strange request, presenting you with a whistle to summon a likeness of Clive's loyal hound, Torgal. Though your time together was short, you cannot help but wonder what further trials await Clive on his own star, some unimaginable distance away...

Dialogue

Talking to Clive

Clive: The minstrel has a plan, it seems, but he shares little beyond confusing metaphor...
Clive: Still, I'm willing to indulge him if it means making progress.
Clive: We're to meet him at “Apkallu Falls,” right? And where is that to be found?
Clive: Good─not far, then. Let's get on with it.

Talking to Clive at Apkallu Falls (cutscene)

Clive: This place...? Why here?

Wandering Minstrel: Because this waterfall is where the legendary Archon Louisoix gathered a band of adventurers in the time of the Seventh Umbral Calamity.

Wandering Minstrel: Their purpose: to extinguish the infernal Ifrit.

Clive: Ifrit!?
Clive: Hngh. I know something is there, I just... Why can't I remember!?

Wandering Minstrel: Clive recalled several words in the Elder Seedseer's presence─words which brought him pain. While the significance of “Bearer” eludes me, you and I are more than familiar with “Ifrit.”
Wandering Minstrel: Considering your reaction to the mere mention of the name, 'tis likely that the primal─or its equivalent in your world─is deeply connected to your condition.
Wandering Minstrel: Thus have I resolved to weave my lyrical magicks and bring you face-to-face with the Ifrit of our world.
Wandering Minstrel: Here, where Archon Louisoix paved an aetherial path to the primal's lair, will my words be given substance. And within the vision which takes form will you do battle with a phantom of our minds' creation.
Wandering Minstrel: Imaginary though this confrontation may be, I fear your suffering will be all too real. Yet you must persevere, for your hidden truth will not be unearthed without hardship.
Wandering Minstrel: Take heart, scarlet star, and call upon the strength of your shining twin! Your past awaits!

Solo Instance

Pre-instance cutscene

Clive: Where has he sent us!?

Wandering Minstrel: You stand in the Bowl of Embers, the site where the Amalj'aa summoned their patron deity...and the stage upon which the Warrior of Light became a slayer of gods.
Wandering Minstrel: 'Tis but convincing illusion─the body of recounted tale given breath by fanciful verse.
Wandering Minstrel: Come forth, Lord of the Inferno!
Wandering Minstrel: An accurate facsimile, yet not quite the Ifrit you know.

Clive: No. Not quite the same...
Clive: Hngggh!

What will you say?
> It's time to uncover the truth!
> Ready when you are!

<It's time to uncover the truth!>
Clive: All right. Time to find out who I am.

<Ready when you are!>
Clive: Together, then.

Clive: Ifrit...
Clive: That's the thing which killed Joshua! Yes...I've been on its trail, seeking vengeance for my brother!
Clive: This fiend must pay. Fight with me, Forename!

During this battle, you will gain access to special duty actions as follows:
Use Rising Flames to charge the foe and inflict high damage.
With the proper timing, you can use Dodge to avoid taking damage, even if you are within the area of an enemy's attack.
Certain enemy attacks will be preceded by a countdown icon. When this countdown progresses to the Dodge icon, quickly use the Dodge action.
After executing a successful dodge, the Dodge action will change to Precision Strike, which provides an opportunity to inflict additional damage.

During the battle

Clive: With me, Forename!
Clive: Well done.
Now it's your turn!

System: Use Precision Strike to counterattack!

Clive: Stay sharp─you can evade the worst of his blows!

System: Use Dodge to evade the attack!

Clive: His flames grow hotter...
Watch yourself!
Clive: What is he up to!?
Clive: Ugh!
Clive: Damn, he's fast...
Clive: Hngh!
Clive: Shit! I can't move!
Clive: Forename, buy me some time!

System: Defend Clive while he frees himself!

Clive: This...won't...hold me!
Clive: My thanks.
Clive: Forename!
Clive: Still in the fight?
Clive: These blades, they're feeding him power...
But not if we break them!
Clive: There's too damn many!
We cannot rely on steel alone...
Clive: Just a few more, Forename!
We leave none standing!
Clive: ...On your guard.
He means to unleash hell!
Clive: Still with me, Forename?
Let's finish this!

Post-battle

Clive: I blamed another...to spare myself the guilt.
Clive: I feared that by accepting it, I would lose what little was left of me.
Clive: But I accept the truth of it now.
Clive: You are not Ifrit. I am.

Wandering Minstrel: In the battle against your own mind, 'twould seem you have emerged the victor.
Wandering Minstrel: Intriguing...
Wandering Minstrel: The illusion is unraveled, yet you've brought a friend back with you...

Clive: This is Torgal, a wolf pup raised in the duchy. There is no more loyal ally in battle, and no keener guide when the road ahead is uncertain.

Wandering Minstrel: Ah... That would explain the aberration in the lingering aether. Torgal is here to lead you back to your own world.
Wandering Minstrel: Clive has embraced his harrowing past, and in doing so reclaimed the memories he lost. Though not a conscious act, he has manifested his readiness to return home in the form of a trusted companion.

Clive: Even so, it was...difficult...to accept what I'd done.
Clive: My younger brother─Joshua─was a kind and gifted soul.
Clive: The inheritor of the Phoenix's flames, he was destined to become archduke, as our father had before him. But Joshua was murdered. His bright future cut short.
Clive: From that day onwards, I lived for one purpose alone. A Dominant of Fire had slain my brother, and I would have my revenge.
Clive: I spent years tracking the killer, until one day...I came to understand it had been me all along.
Clive: I was young and distraught when I first summoned Ifrit. I hadn't known such power lurked within me─or that it could even exist at all.
Clive: The transformation was instinctive, uncontrolled... And it was by my hand that Joshua died.

Wandering Minstrel: I can but imagine the anguish this caused you.

Clive: There was anguish, yes, and a guilt I will never escape. But I cannot let it stop me.
Clive: I was born the vessel for Ifrit's power, and I need to know why.
Clive: It was in search of answers that I went to Phoenix Gate, and delved into the ruins below. There I found the courage to face my past and accept the truth─and then everything faded to black.

Wandering Minstrel: Hmmm, your tale suggests that something in the ruins─some mysterious force─was responsible for your inadvertent journey.
Wandering Minstrel: And if you arrived in Eorzea from a place sacred to the Phoenix and its flames, then it stands to reason...

Clive: Yes? What are you thinking?

Wandering Minstrel: I'm thinking that to see you home, then we must return to the beginning. Our road takes us back to the Burning Wall!
Wandering Minstrel: Once there, your furry comrade will lead us exactly where we need to go.