The story of Final Fantasy VIII follows Squall Leonhart, a cadet in a military academy called Balamb Garden. Squall strives to become a SeeD, a mercenary who can wield magic with the aid of magical beings known as Guardian Forces. Balamb Garden is the only institution in the world to allow the use of the beings, and their use mimics the power of a sorceress, women who can use magic naturally who are both feared and revered. Though initially a loner, Squall's quest has him befriend various people and he learns to depend on them as the SeeDs get involved in a mission of protecting the world.
