Dollet Mission & First Encounter
After successfully passing the SeeD exam, Squall embarks on his first mission, which involves assisting Rinoa Heartilly. This mission quickly reveals a larger, more sinister plot orchestrated by an evil President. Squall soon realizes the true scale of the threat, setting him on a path to confront a much greater evil.
The Dollet mission is a pivotal moment in the game, marking Squall's transition from cadet to active SeeD and introducing key characters and plot points:
- Dollet Dukedom: The Republic of Galbadia invades the Dollet Dukedom, prompting Dollet to hire SeeD for assistance.
- SeeD Field Exam: This mission serves as the final exam for Balamb Garden cadets. Squall, grouped with Seifer and Zell, participates.
- Seifer's Disobedience: Seifer disobeys orders and abandons his team during the mission. Selphie replaces him.
- Mission Success: SeeD successfully halts the Galbadian advance. Squall, Zell, and Selphie graduate to SeeD status, while Seifer fails.
- Meeting Rinoa: During the graduation party, Squall meets Rinoa, whose personality contrasts sharply with his own.
- First Assignment: Squall, Zell, and Selphie are assigned to help Rinoa's resistance group, the Forest Owls, in Galbadian-occupied Timber.
- Unveiling the Threat: Squall learns that Sorceress Edea is behind Galbadia's recent hostilities, revealing the true antagonist.
This mission not only tests Squall's abilities but also introduces him to the broader conflict and his future allies.