A common argument proposes the scenario that the positive aspects of the Zodiac Stones allowed Ramza and Alma to escape the grim fate that awaited them upon defeating Altima.

The ending has been discussed in other places on a constant basis. Personally, I believe that the ending is rather cruel to all of the main characters because you hints that only Ramza and Alma survived the events of the final battle. I simply cannot believe that characters like Agrias would so willingly abandon their old life if they had lived.

I mean, if Agrias was around, would Ovelia really have met such a fate? Orlan never hears from his adoptive father again?