Some characters are calm, cool, and calculated. Others are fighting fierce with every breath. In Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Ethel is a bit of both. This high-ranking Kevesi is a killer when she needs to be and a hero when doesn't, which works out rather deftly considering her role as an official Hero in the game's character system.
In this guide, we'll cover not only when Ethel and her fantastic Flash Fencer class can be recruited and obtained, but we'll also provide an overview of why the Flash Fencer's a fiery pick for your offense-oriented units in battle.
What Is The Flash Fencer Class?
The Flash Fencer involves a swift, dual-wielding combat style that sends foes packing with relentless flurries. Since speed is its creed, it shines the brightest early on in many combat situations, making it one of Xenoblade Chronicles 3's top-tier trash-sweepers.
Now, that term doesn't sound very kind. But the meaning is grand. We're talking trash, specifically all those enemies the cast will tee off against that aren't special in any way, shape, or form. Maybe you'll avoid them for the most part while exploring Aionios, but they're coming back with a vengeance every time you enter a story dungeon. Put simply, the Flash Fencer is amazing for clearing out potentially time-consuming regular battles.
This is thanks to its power boost for the first 30 seconds of every encounter. It makes a keen difference, and it's one you'll really feel even if you only have one on your team at a time. Flash Fencers are beasts in the early goings.
This isn't to say they lose their luster entirely in pivotal battles. With Class Skills that buff Critical Hit rate by a whopping 50 percent, fill the Talent Gauge completely at the start of a fight, and Class Arts that suit the Attacker role completely, Flash Fencers are an all-around outstanding choice for natural-born killers Noah and Sena especially.
How To Unlock The Flash Fencer Class
For a mercy, unlocking the Flash Fencer (and the fabulous Ethel who wields its power) is as simple as pie. Once you're in Chapter Three, you'll spend some time getting to know the residents of Colony Four. It's here that Noah, Mio, and their companions will have a chance to chat with Ethel off the battlefield — right, we shoudl make note of the fact that you'll need to have bested her in combat at the end of Chapter Two before the story reaches this point.
Ethel dutifully assists the group in securing a route to their destination, even as she dismisses it as unlikely to be of any real value. But once you learn that she's gone missing, follow the quest marker and the 'No Want of Courage' quest will trigger.
At this point, Ethel has already joined, but to be able to learn her Flash Fencer Class, you'll need to complete this story quest, pummeling some Volffs and scattering some enemy troops. Be sure to watch how Ethel moves about in battle to get a firm grip for how to use her techniques for yourself once you're ready to teach Noah (or anybody else, for that matter) the tricks of her trade!