PART III: AFTER THE UNSEALING OF THE BLACK MAGE

Chapter 21: Gate of the Past

(A/N: The placement for this section is a bit weird. Nexon’s streamlining attempts in the Milestone update have cemented level order as the intended chronology of the game, even though this story is almost certainly meant to be set before the Black Mage is unsealed, as it involves Kirston attempting to summon him with the Mirror of the Goddess. However, the wording is ambiguous enough that it can be wiggled into here because Kirston just wants to summon the Black Mage, rather than resurrect him. Because of this, I’ll be keeping this section here with the disclaimer that this isn’t an absolute placement. Additionally, I won’t be covering the Kao quests here, as it fits the story presentation better to have that be covered in 5th job.)

A traveler made their way into the Temple of Time and met the Temple Keeper, who explained that the temple was currently closed to the public, as an intruder had recently broken through the Gate of the Past. He told them that he wouldn’t stop them if they chose to go anyways, though he added that time flowed backwards through the door, meaning that they would be sent backwards to their starting point without the blessing of Goddess Rhinne.

Though getting permission from the Goddess was impossible, as she was still asleep, the Temple Keeper told them that he could give them permission as the representative of the Goddess. As the traveler seemed powerful, he struck a deal and offered to grant them permission in exchange for investigating the intruder. After the traveler accepted the offer, the Temple Keeper told them that he first needed to test their strength and asked them to defeat the monsters throughout Memory Lane.

Along the path, they encountered Dodo, the Whale of Time, who consumed some of the traveler’s memories. As this prevented them from proceeding any further into the temple, the Temple Keeper told them to see the Memory Keeper, who realized that Dodo had consumed their innocent, carefree memories of when they had just begun their journey. In order to recover them, he suggested that they speak with the one who had helped them at the start of their adventure.

(A/N: For most classes, you’ll need to see your 1st job instructor, although some classes just talk to themselves if they’re boring and have no friends.

Explorers and Cannoneer (and Jett, despite not sharing the main Explorer story) will talk to themselves and realize that their journey started when they first met Sugar at the Maple Tree. A cutscene will then play, in which we return to the Maple Tree, where we find Olive. Olive explains that she came on the off chance that Sugar might’ve somehow returned. Olive tells us that Sugar had really liked us, and that she would be proud of us.

The Explorer reminds her that Sugar had liked us all, to which Olive replies that the feeling was mutual. She then asks whether we think that Sugar is still watching over us all. We tell her that Sugar is probably watching us all every day, to which Olive smiles and replies that she should up her game, as she wants to keep Sugar proud. She then suggests that we meet up again with Tess and Rondo one day, which we agree to.

Before the Destiny revamp, Explorers used to visit their first job instructor on Victoria Island, who reminisces about how strong they’ve become since first becoming an Explorer. Even though he’s technically a Special Explorer, Cannoneer would talk to Kyrin and get the regular pirate dialogue instead of talking to Cutter or Monkey, similar to how he’ll get the regular Explorer cutscene post-Destiny. Unlike him, the other Special Explorers get their own unique dialogue.

Dual Blade will need to meet with Ryden outside the Secret Garden. Ryden will recall how excited he was to see such a skilled warrior enter the Secret Garden when we first met, and how he had high hopes for us. He adds that we didn’t let him down, and that we made him proud of being our teacher.

Pathfinder will need to meet with Athena Pierce in Henesys. Pathfinder will tell Athena that she recalls the day that she first ventured out into the world and how Athena had pulled her aside to have a chat. Athena remembers that she had lectured Pathfinder on the prudence of tempering her insatiable curiosity with a healthy measure of caution and restraint. She then adds that despite this, she can’t help but acknowledge how much Pathfinder has grown and wonders whether she was only half-right about the advice that she had given back then.

Athena explains that the world will always need people like herself who protect and maintain the path walked by many, though they’ll also need people like Pathfinder who venture into the unknown and discover new paths. She adds that she’ll keep doing her part and wishes Pathfinder good luck as she blazes new trails, though she reminds her not to hesitate, and to let her courage guide her.

Cygnus Knights will need to return to Ereve and talk to Neinheart, who’s surprised that they want to reminisce about good memories. Neinheart explains that he doesn’t know if there even are any good memories between them, though he recalls the first time that they came to Ereve. He tells us that we were merely an aspirant knight who was so sure that we’d defeat the Black Mage, which he found awkward to hear at the time. He then supposes that it counts as a memory of sort.

This dialogue was carried over from the pre-Ignition Cygnus Knight storyline, in which Neinheart acted much more like a snob with both the Cygnus Knight and with Mihile in their respective class storylines. His attitude was changed in the Ignition revamp and he behaves much more cordial with both the Cygnus Knight and with Mihile, which makes this interaction a lot more out-of-character.

Similarly, Mihile will need to seek out Neinheart, who tells him that he remembers when they first met in the remote forest. He adds that Mihile seemed rather pathetic and supposes that it could be considered a fond memory of sorts. Once again, this dialogue was carried over from the pre-Ignition story.

Neinheart’s dialogue was slightly modified to have him remember their first meeting being in Mr. Limbert’s shop - the place where Mihile was raised as an orphan - rather than the remote forest, but just like with the Cygnus Knight dialogue, Neinheart having the same script from pre-Ignition results in him behaving out-of-character, since he behaves a lot nicer with Mihile in the Ignition revamp.

The main Resistance classes will need to return to the Secret Plaza and speak with Claudine. Claudine recalls when we first came to the Resistance base and told her that we wanted to be part of the Resistance. She recalls how we were just a novice, and how strong we’ve now become. She then tells us that it’s not quite time to sit back and reminisce, as we still have a battle to fight. She suggests that we talk about our memories after the Black Wings are defeated and Edelstein is freed, when we can talk and laugh all night long.

Xenon will contact Roo-D and tells her that he wants to talk about the day that they escaped the lab, as he keeps tracing the events of his adventures back to that day. He explains that though he doesn’t remember anything that happened before that day, he still feels that it was the best course of action, as even if they never recover their memories, they’re still free. Because of this, he tells Roo-D that he hasn’t given up, even if he might never get the memories of his old life back. Roo-D agrees and tells Xenon that they can make new memories together. Xenon then feels warmth and wonders whether it’s a feeling of happiness.

The Demon will wonder which memories the Memory Keeper had been referring to, and whether it was when he served the Black Mage, when he battled with him, or when he awoke from his egg in the Verne Mine. He wonders whether he even has any happy memories before he recalls memories of his mother and Damien. He also notes to himself that he enjoyed sparring with Mastema and realizes that things don’t all need to be gloom and fury. After recalling his past memories, the Demon also gains a healthier outlook on life.

Aran will need to seek out Lilin in Rien, where Lilin will explain that the whole process of seeing Aran having lost her memories but still keeping her spirit as a hero, as well as her gradually regaining her abilities is a memory for her.

Evan will need to seek out Chief Stan in Henesys, where Stan will recall the day that Evan had come to town on an errand, and how he had never thought that Evan, who he affectionally calls Gustav’s shy little kid, would rescue Camila and go on to become a hero of Maple World.

Mercedes will wonder which memories the Memory Keeper had been referring to, and whether it was when she had battled the Black Mage with the Heroes, or when they had managed to seal him, or when she had become the Ruler of the Elves. She then wonders whether it could be when she first awoke from the ice to find all her powers gone. Unsure of which memories she should be focusing on, she’ll recall her entire past, which will fill her with warmth and renew her spirit.

Phantom will need to seek out Gaston aboard the Lumiere. Gaston will greet Phantom and ask if he should prepare a hot bath or some tea. Phantom replies that it’s strange to see him acting like a butler and recalls when they had first met in the old days. Gaston tells him that it was a long time ago, and that his memories aren’t as clear as Phantom’s. Phantom notes that when they had first met, he wouldn’t have trusted Gaston to put him out if he had been on fire, though now, he can’t imagine trying to get his shoes on in the morning without Gaston’s help.

Gaston recalls how Phantom used to be a young, rich braggart who believed that he had been setting off on a noble adventure. He adds that he might still have the wallet that he had lifted off Phantom while the thief had been berating him for his shabby clothing. Phantom retorts that he was never that naive, and that Gaston had certainly never gotten his wallet off of him. Gaston jokingly replies that Phantom has been a brat since they had first met, and that he can produce the wallet as proof if needed.

Phantom gets offended and notes that Gaston has turned a friendly reminiscing with an old friend nasty before calling him a hateful old man. Gaston jokes that Phantom has ever remained open to objective critique and sarcastically calls him a paragon of self-improvement before chuckling. Phantom realizes that Gaston is using his mocking laughter, and though he thinks to himself that Gaston will be the death of him, he hopes that he’ll never leave. I desperately need Phantom’s origin story with his old master Raven and how he met Gaston, but Nexon will sadly never make it.

Luminous will need to return to Lania back at her house. Lania will be pleasantly surprised to see him and notes that she would’ve made something for him to eat if she had known that he would be coming. Luminous replies that he doesn’t need anything except to know that she’s safe. Lania will thank him for his kind words and tells him to let her know when he’s coming next time, as it’s been too long since they’ve sat down for a meal.

Shade will think to himself that the beginning of his adventure was when Tumbleweed told him about Maple World, and though he notes that Tumbleweed won’t remember him, he believes that it’s a good excuse to visit Fox Point Village. He then travels to Vulpes, where he meets with Tumbleweed, who doesn’t recognize him but realizes that he’s human.

He explains that he was thinking of going to Maple World next, though everyone in the village wants him to stay for a while, as he’s just returned from his last trip. He tells Shade that he loves traveling, as staying in one place gets boring. He explains that one should always be moving forward, looking for where the road takes them. As Shade begins to head out, Tumbleweed wishes him good luck and hopes that he finds what he’s looking for.

Kaiser will wonder whether the Memory Keeper meant for him to remember when he became Kaiser, but he decides that those memories aren’t good enough. He then thinks back to his time with Tear and Velderoth and realizes that their time together was his beginning, as that was when he had learned to fight for what he loves. He then notes that no matter whether or not he and Velderoth can become friends again, he’ll never forget the time that they spent training together. After recalling his past memories, Kaiser also gains a healthier perspective on life.

Angelic Buster realizes that her adventure technically began when she met Eskalade, but her true beginning was with the Heliseum Force. She recalls that Kyle and Velderoth were the only ones who treated her like a friend, as everyone else had made fun of her for not having magic. She notes that everything used to be so worry-free back then, whereas the present is just a lot of fighting and anger.

She remembers how much fun they used to have chasing Limestone Tokkas and running away from Kaloongs and wishes that she could return back to that life. She reminds herself that her home will always be the Heliseum Hideout, and that no matter what paths she, Velderoth, and Kyle take, the memories of their youth will always remain.

Cadena will use her radio to contact Gen, who asks her why she’s reached out to him, as she’s supposed to be busy training in Maple World. Cadena notes that after meeting him, her whole life had become drastically different, as though she had been reborn. She tells Gen that he had saved her and helped her with her training, and even accepting her as a member of the Shadowdealers.

Gen jokes that her time away has made her sentimental and explains that when the Nova General had brought her to their hideout, they hadn’t even been sure that she would survive her injuries. He adds that the powerful medicine that they had given to her had been meant to help her sleep and eat, though it had also caused her to sleep for a long time.

When she had awoken, they had discovered that she had sustained more than just her physical injuries, as she would fly into a rage at the slightest provocation. Gen adds that it was all that they could do to keep her calm, to which Cadena points out that she had come a long way since then. Gen agrees and tells her that he hoped that it meant that she would be willing to help them in the future, though he’ll say goodbye for now. Before ending the call, he tells her that he’ll be waiting if she ever wants to come back.

Kain thinks about his lost memories and wonders whether he even has anywhere to return to. Thinking back, he recalls the memory of Luska begging Dr. Y to spare them. He then feels immense emotional pain as the memory continues to play, with Dr. Y claiming that their memories now belong to the Drakas.

However, he then recalls his memories of the Chameleon Siblings and Amos, as well as many other people whom he’s met on his travels, including Cadena, Gen, Fenelle, and Athena Pierce. As those memories start coming back to him, he realizes that they’re from after he left Toolen City, and that those memories don’t hurt his heart.

Illium realizes that the beginning of his adventures had been when he had left Sanctuary. He recalls exploring Savage Terminal with his friends, after which the Nova had helped them use the Interdimensional Portal to arrive in Maple World. He then returns back to their hideout in Sanctuary, where he asks his friends if they remember when they had first arrived in Maple World.

Morian explains he had been thrilled to have finally found it after all their hard work. Dean adds that it was when they had met the Nova, to which Illium nods and agrees that he was glad that the Nova had been willing to help. Carnelian then asks him why he’s asking all of a sudden, to which Illium replies that he had been thinking of when they had first begun their adventure. He notes that they’ve done very well for themselves since then, and that he believes that they’re on the right track.

Ark recalls his time with Albaire and how they even had a motto: “Best failures forever!!” He recalls how he never succeeded at anything, though he still never gave up, as they had promised him success at the military academy. He notes that despite him being so different from Albaire, they had always had a common goal, though they now walk different paths. He then opens a locket containing a small paper with some writing, after which he notes that while he’s just as determined as ever to achieve that goal, he hopes that Albaire still is too. I’m guessing that the paper contains their promise.

Adele recalls that her adventures began when she heard Jerome’s voice calling out to her from the Void. She wonders whether he’s returned to the hideout and decides to call Brook. Brook picks up and puts Jerome on the phone, who asks her why she’s reached out. Adele tells him that she’s been thinking about the day that they met, to which Jerome asks whether they really have to talk about something so cringey.

Adele asks him whether it’s an unpleasant memory for him, to which Jerome clarifies that he just gets embarrassed when he thinks back on how immature he used to be back then. He explains that he had done something to get the guards on his case that day, after which he had made his wish and she had appeared like magic.

He tells Adele that upon seeing her, it felt like the whole square had disappeared, which was how he knew. He then quickly clarifies that he had meant to say that it was when he knew that she was the legendary knight. Adele replies that she had thought him to be a bratty kid, and that it’s hard to believe that she would become his knight.

She then notes to herself that the more she worked alongside him, the more she could see why it was that the Uprising followed Jerome. She realizes that he wants the best for Ristonia from the bottom of his heart, and that he’ll make a fine king someday. She then asks him how his royal education is coming along, to which Jerome tells her that it’s going well, and that he has Boo to cheer him on for when it becomes difficult. He adds that he owes it to her to make the most of it, since she’s saved his life. He then tells her to take care before ending the call.

Khali recalls that her adventures began on the day that she received her scarf as a gift. She wants to go back to her family home, but as it would be too dangerous to go into the main street, she decides to instead visit Jad’s weapon shop. As she remembers the day that she got her scarf, she recalls her father, who had raised her with constant love, Jad, who had always looked after her from afar, Tasha, who had brought her into the world, Rasha, her one and only sister, and all those who had lost their lives as commoners. She then vows that she’ll get revenge for all of them.

Hoyoung recalls how he had first left the Hermitage with Taotie, thinking that he might be able to do some good as he tracked down the fiends. He then realizes that his whole journey started because he broke Taotie’s seal and decides to talk to Taotie about old times. He tricks Taotie into coming out by pretending like they’re under attack, after which he begins reminiscing about how their meeting had led to them traveling in another dimension.

Taotie replies that it’s unlike him to be sentimental and asks if he’s fallen under a spell. Hoyoung laughs that it’s good to stop and reflect every now and then, as running forward with one’s eyes set straight ahead only makes them tired and miss the scenery around them. Taotie then recalls how weak Hoyoung used to be, as he only had a big mouth and no strength to back it up.

However, he admits that Hoyoung has overcome his weakness and has become stronger through facing adversity, and that he’s become a halfway decent sage. Hoyoung asks him if he’s really only halfway decent, to which Taotie replies that he’ll categorize him on the bottom rung of “good” if he hunts down all the escaped fiends. After bickering and reminiscing with Taotie, Hoyoung feels warmth in a way that only traveling with someone as grumpy as Taotie could bring.

Lara notes that a lot has happened to her and asks the Mountain Kids if they remember when she first touched the bell. She tells them that she had trusted them then, and that she trusts them now, as she knows that they’ll never steer her wrong. She tells them that she had promised her grandmother that she would find the answers to her questions and remember her calling, adding that she’s learned so much since then, as she’s made friends with Gri and everyone else, and she’s learned more about the bell.

However, she adds that more than that, she’s learned how big the world really is, and how many different kinds of people live in it. She notes that it’s been a big ride, but she’s glad that she’s started her journey. She also adds that she knows that she’ll make the bell ring again. Thinking back on her experiences, she feels her heart grow with a gentle warmth.

Zero will need to return to Pietta in their temple. Pietta explains that she remembers every detail of meeting Alpha, even having dreamed of it while trapped as a statue. Benedict adds that he couldn’t believe that there were two Children of the Goddess. Beta notes that she hated being locked up, and that being outside is much better.

Pietta then notes that it must have been difficult for Beta, for while the priests had been unconscious as statues, Beta had been awake the entire time. Beta tells Alpha that she had always tried talking to him and asking him to save her, as she had known that he was part of her. Alpha apologizes to her for not saving her sooner, to which Beta replies that they’re together now, which is all that matters. Alpha thinks to himself that he hadn’t thought that he would be so happy because while all he used to see was the hurt and betrayal, he now feels okay.

Kinesis calls Jay and begins reminiscing about the good times that they had together. Jay notes that Kinesis never gets so sentimental and asks what’s happened. Kinesis merely laughs, to which Jay recalls the late nights that Kinesis had him pull, as his superhero duties were a full-time job for them both.

Kinesis asks him to think of the times before that, to which Jay recalls all the pranks that Kinesis had pulled on him when he had thought that Jay had merely been a computer geek. He also recalls how he had asked Kinesis to talk to a girl named Lin whom he had liked, only for Kinesis to end up dating her instead. Kinesis then laughs awkwardly and says that it might be better to focus on the future before hanging up. He then thinks to himself that it’s nice to talk to Jay every now and then.

Kanna will need to meet with Mouri Motonari in Momijigaoka, where he notes that her strength has returned. He explains that he’s nothing short of amazed at her fervor, adding that both Sokoku and Maple World will remember her name. He tells her that he’s thankful for her dedication, as her loyalty was unexpected, and that he’s glad that she’s on his side.

Hayato will also need to meet with Mouri Motonari in Momijigaoka, where he explains that he’s been watching him fight for Maple World, and that his dedication is impressive. He adds that he hopes that Hayato can call him an ally, and that the two of them have a great future together. He tells Hayato to continue his quest while he himself will ensure that they go down in history.

Beast Tamer will need to meet with Bluffing Tom in Arboren, where he’ll wonder for a moment who she is before smelling the Kobold perfume made by his mother that Chase had put on herself during her class storyline to infiltrate the Kobold stronghold. After noticing her ears and tail, he recognizes her as Chase and notes that she seems to be doing well.

Chase asks him whether she still smells that bad before Tom tells her that he’s sure that she must be aware about the rumors going around town that he’s been talking to the Kobolds. Chase asks him whether he’s still out there lying again, though Tom changes the subject and asks her whether she’s had any love interests lately. The two will then chatter away until Tom tells her to come back and tell him about her adventures. This entire dialogue was honestly really disjointed and made very little sense to me, but I’m guessing that it’s a byproduct of how butchered her storyline was.)

After speaking with their mentor, the traveler returned to the Memory Keeper, who confirmed that their memories had returned. The Temple Keeper then gave them permission to go down the Road of Regrets. At the end of the path, they defeated Lilynouch the Ice Knight and received permission to proceed down the Road to Oblivion.

However, the traveler found the path blocked once again, and so they returned to the Temple Keeper. He explained that Lilynouch was fiercely loyal to Rhinne, to the point that he had frozen his emotions so that regret would never cause him to fail a mission. The Temple Keeper believed that Lilynouch must have frozen the traveler’s emotions as well, and since those with frozen emotions could not feel regret, the Road of Regrets would not allow them to pass.

He suggested that they visit the Sorcerer, whose concoctions might be able to help them. The Sorcerer sold them a potion that could thaw their emotions, though he charged them a hefty fee. After paying him, he gave them the potion and warned them about the side effects. The traveler drank the potion, which immediately drained their health and mana. (A/N: That’s putting it mildly, it basically kills you.) After recovering, however, they found that their emotions had thawed, and so they proceeded down the Road to Oblivion. At the end of the road, they defeated Lyka, the Guardian of the Temple.

The Temple Keeper then gave the traveler permission to go into the deepest part of the temple, but the traveler found that they could not pass. They asked the Temple Keeper whether their oblivion had been burned away by Lyka’s flames, but the Temple Keeper told them that such a thing was impossible. He speculated that the only thing that could be wrong was that the Goddess’ Promise had been broken and asked them to see the Record Keeper in order to determine whether the Promise still held, explaining that they may need to wake Rhinne from her sleep if it had been broken.

(A/N: Do these people even know that Rhinne has been trapped in Mirror World all this time? They keep talking about her being perpetually asleep as though she’s just in her bedroom waiting for her alarm to ring. Also, why doesn’t he recognize Zero as the new Transcendent of Time?)

The Record Keeper explained that long ago, the Goddess had gifted humans with oblivion, the power to forget. He confirmed that the Promise had not been broken, and that the traveler still having their oblivion was proof enough.

(A/N: The Gate of the Past tells a pretty depressing story about the story of life. It starts out verdant and happy as we make happy memories in our childhood. Over time, however, our emotions freeze up as we lose our youth and become consumed with regrets. In the end, we’re overtaken by oblivion and forget everything in our old age. I was really creeped as a kid by how nihilistic it seemed, but as an adult, the concept of oblivion being the ability to forget now seems a lot less disturbing.

From the context of the human lifecycle, it’s almost like the idea of reincarnation, in which you forget everything about your past life so that you can make new memories and make up for old regrets. Within this game, cases like Lucia and Lania confirm that living things reincarnate in this game, making the Temple of Time’s story of life one about a cycle of rebirth, rather than eternal damnation. Also, this is unrelated, but when the game calls the Black Mage or Darmoor mortal, it means that they started out mortal at birth, but they still gain immortality upon awakening as Transcendents.)

The Record Keeper speculated that there must be another force preventing the traveler from accessing the deepest part of the temple and sent them back to the Temple Keeper, believing that he would know what to do. After the traveler explained what had happened, the Temple Keeper speculated that the Record Keeper had been intentionally vague, since he was forbidden from sharing the secrets of history. He then concluded that the reason that the traveler could go no further was because the intruder had set up a barrier to prevent anyone from entering. He then asked the traveler to collect materials from the Gate of the Past in order to construct a Marble of Chaos, which could break the force field.

After the traveler brought the materials, the Temple Keeper crafted the marble and explained that the barrier had been nullified, though he wondered what the intruder wished to do in the Gate of the Past, as the temple prevented the past from being changed. He then realized that the intruder could be trying to take the Mirror of the Goddess. He explained that the mirror could not be moved by humans, and that incorrect use would result in severe consequences. Because of this, he asked the traveler to stop the intruder at any cost. The traveler used the Marble of Chaos to enter the Dusk Temple in the Twilight of Gods, representing one of the earliest points of history.

(A/N: The Dusk Temple is explained in Zero’s storyline to be a domain of the old gods who had existed before Rhinne. It’s unknown whether these are explicitly Ancient Gods, as Zero’s storyline predates that lore, but it lines up with everything that we know about them.)

There, the traveler found the intruder, Kirston, speaking aloud to himself that with the Mirror of the Goddess, he could summon the Black Mage.

(A/N: Pathfinder gets exclusive dialogue right before the fight, in which she recognizes Kirston from the visions that she had received from the relic.)

Just then, Kirston felt a strange energy emanating from the mirror, which he realized was completely different than that of the Black Mage. Out of the mirror, a powerful monster named Pink Bean appeared, with Kirston vanishing.

(A/N: With the Milestone update, you no longer need to fight Pink Bean to finish the story, as you instead just return to the Temple Keeper.)

The traveler returned to the Temple Keeper, who was shocked by Kirston’s audacity to use the Mirror of the Goddess. He explained that the mirror allowed one to physically move the past, but that only the Goddess herself was capable of it. Nevertheless, he thanked the traveler for stopping Kirston.

(A/N: There’s a misconception that stemmed from GMS about Pink Bean being a Transcendent. In Zero’s storyline, there was a mistranslation of the original KMS dialogue about the Dusk Temple, which erroneously claimed that it had once been the sanctum of Transcendents of Time who predated Rhinne. Because of this information, along with the idea that Kirston was attempting to move the past with the mirror, people mistakenly assumed that he had inadvertently summoned Pink Bean, a past Transcendent, while trying to summon the Black Mage, a current Transcendent.

This misunderstanding ended up creating a mountain of erroneous information being spread around involving Pink Bean being a Transcendent of Bean World. Pink Bean is a non-canon class who was first released as an April Fool’s Day joke, and he occasionally gets re-released every so often as an event. His backstory involves him being tricked by his nemesis, Black Bean, causing him to be stranded in Maple World. Just to clear the record - there’s nothing to suggest that Pink Bean is a Transcendent, not even as part of his non-canon storyline.)