By tilting the camera in a specific way while in the Baldesion Annex in Old Sharlayan, an obscured yet suspicious seal becomes visible. The pixelated image bears a resemblance to Marilith, the Fiend of Fire from the original Final Fantasy game. Marilith, alongside Lich, Kraken, and Tiamat, served as one of the four primary bosses in the original game. In Final Fantasy 14, Tiamat, the widow of Bahamut, strongly hints at her intentions to return to Meracydia. Some fans argue that the seal could also resemble a dragon, further suggesting that Meracydia might become the focal point of the next expansion.
Crucially, Erenville’s casual remarks about a homecoming in the same scene shed light on the port city of Valnain and the Golmore Jungles of the Viera in Final Fantasy 14. Given its geographic location, it is plausible to speculate that Valnain could serve as a gateway to Meracydia, potentially becoming a new capital city, starting zone, or even both. While this analysis should be approached with cautious optimism, it stands as a compelling theory supported by substantial evidence. Fans can eagerly anticipate more concrete details during FanFest on July 28, where they are rumored to face off against a Primal from the upcoming expansion.
