Set in a sprawling fantasy, the story follows Squall Leonhart, a reserved and solitary young cadet training at Balamb Garden, an elite military academy that produces mercenary soldiers known as SeeD. When the aggressive Republic of Galbadia launches an invasion of the Dollet Dukedom, Squall and his fellow trainees are dispatched on a perilous live combat mission that doubles as their final exam. Rising to the challenge, Squall earns his place among the ranks of SeeD. Soon after, at his graduation celebration, he meets Rinoa, a spirited young woman whose warmth stands in stark contrast to his cold demeanor. Assigned to aid her resistance group against Galbadian occupation, Squall discovers that a mysterious and powerful Sorceress named Edea lies behind the escalating conflict.