Elza

Elza (エルザ, Eruza) is a character in Suikoden II and Genso Suikogaiden Vol.1. She is a skilled gunner evading pursuit from the Howling Voice Guild.

Training in the Howling Voice Guild
Born in Sajah Village, Elza's parents sold her to the Howling Voice Guild, an organization based in the Holy Kingdom of Harmonia. Despite being an outsider to the Tower-born children, she forged strong bonds with her fellow apprentices, Kelley and Clive. Their collective ambition was to attain the esteemed Knight-class gunner status, a feat that had eluded many for years.

In addition to her friendship with Clive and Kelley, Elza developed a particular camaraderie with Nash Latkje. Although societal class distinctions separated them, their shared age and experiences in the guild fostered a healthy rivalry. Nash acknowledged his inability to surpass Elza's skills, yet she held him in high regard.

However, suspicions arose among the Guild's elders concerning the trio's close relationship, especially due to their apprenticeship under Sauro, one of the senior members. Apprehensive about a potential power imbalance, the elders appointed Kelley, the most easily influenced of the three, as the new Guildmaster, thereby isolating him from his companions.

In a fateful turn of events, Elza faced a duel against Kelley, likely orchestrated by certain elders. The duel demanded mastery over Storm, the guild master's weapon known to have a will of its own, choosing its worthy wielder. Unlike Kelley, Elza demonstrated effortless control over Storm.

Tragically, during the subsequent duel, Kelley selected Mond, symbolizing betrayal, loaded with blanks. Elza, on the other hand, chose Stern, representing trust in the Guild, inadvertently causing Kelley's demise. Fearing the elders' retribution for the outcome of the duel, Elza fled the Guild, taking both weapons with her.

Run from the Guild
Elza skillfully evaded pursuit by Clive, even fabricating a fake grave under her name in Rockland, situated within the Scarlet Moon Empire. As the Dunan Unification War unfolded, Elza left clues for Clive, leading to their occasional encounters in Radat Town and Muse City.

While traversing the Greenhill Forest, Elza encountered Nash once again. After a spirited welcome, she aided Nash in confronting both the fearsome Golden Wolf as well as the Highland Army soldiers on his trail. In time, she revealed her fugitive status and her intention to face Clive in a duel. Departing, she seemingly headed towards Sajah Village.

Eventually, Elza's fugitive journey culminated in her hometown, where she confronted Clive according to guild rules. In this climactic duel, Clive chose Stern, while Elza selected Mond, loaded with blanks as she knew. Mirroring the fate of Kelley, Elza was fatally shot, her last words marked with regret. In her final breath, she remarked on Clive's efforts, but also underscored his inability to capture her.

Significantly, Elza refuted her prior account of the encounter with Kelley, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the entire incident.