Ashton is one of the many characters in Star Ocean: The Second Story R that you can recruit. The wizard comes with his own side quests and we’re going to show exactly how to get the guy with twin dragons. Recruiting him also comes with his own restrictions so keep reading this guide to know what you’re getting yourself into!
How To Recruit Ashton
Ashton is a character that you can get just before leaving the first continent. It’s easy to miss him if you just straight hop on the ship from Harley. Do note if you decide to recruit Ashton, you won’t be able to recruit Opera and consequently, Ernest as well later in the game.
To start the sequence, find two men speaking near the harbor at Harley right in front of a save point. They’re going to talk about twin-dragons causing havoc in Salva Mines.
So, head over there by fast traveling to Salva which is directly connected to Salva Mines. You know this place from early quests when you had to fight the first boss in the game, Allen Tucks.
Once you enter the mine, take the right path and keep sticking to the left-wall. Stop when you see a Save Point right on this point. This pathway used to be blocked if you explored here before speaking to the two men from Harley.
Follow the indicated path and then you’ll encounter Ashton who was fighting the twin-dragons. He’ll end up in a predicament where the dragons attach themselves to his back.
Choose “Take responsibility.” to recruit Ashton here. He’s going to join your party after, and you can continue with your main quest.
Ashton’s Side Quest
Recruiting Ashton actually comes with side quest that will make the recruitment feel more permanent. If you want to know more, keep reading.
After leaving the mines, go down the path into the Weapon Shop in Salva and get your Twin Splicers reward for killing the dragons. Then, teleport to Marze.
Enjoy a short cutscene to the north of the village here with Ashton in Private Action mode.
After that, quit the Private Action mode and enter the middle house to the left and head to the bookshelf on the right.
Read the book “On Exorcism” to learn about how you can dispel the dragons from Ashton’s back.
After reading, you’ll learn that you need to first get the Silver Chalice from the Mountain Palace. Head there and talk to the guard who will tell you that you need the Krosse King’s permission to enter this place.
So, travel to Krosse Castle and speak with the receptionist on your left-hand side to be let an audience with the King.
The King will grant you permission, so travel back to the Mountain Palace and you can explore this dungeon now.
Below is the pathway you can take to reach the end of the dungeon. But we highly suggest that you do some exploring here for the loots as indicated on the map.
At the end is a miniboss before you can grab the Silver Chalice. You’re done here and now it’s time for the other key item, the King’s Tear. Travel to Lasgus Mountain which is right next to Krosse Castle in the east.
There are only three paths in Lasgus Mountain. Take the leftmost path to reach your destination and then interact with the bird nest. Once you’re at the top, you’ll get the King’s Tears and have to survive the boss fight with the giant bird.
Return to the very first place you meet Ashton in Salva Mines. Then, fast Travel to the save point near the location.
There’ll be a cutscene where Ashton can’t seem to bring himself to remove the dragons. Here’s where you can “permanently” add Ashton to your party.
And that’s how you can recruit Ashton in Star Ocean The Second Story R and everything you need to know about adding him to your party!
ALSO READ: How To Get Aeterna Sword in Star Ocean The Second Story R
