Heretic scion who wrapped the world in dark energies, seeking to take the souls of all living things unto himself. Created in opposition to Emet-Selch, Angel of Truth, and scion of light. Originally tasked with the judging of men upon their deaths, his soul was tainted by the curses of those who raged against the heavens, and seizing one of the gods' servants, a shamaness, as a hostage, he rebelled against his creators. Even now, in defeat, he clutches the shamaness to him in his right arm, and with the aid of her death-wail does he summon the soul of darkness to do his bidding.

Zalera appears at the end of a long series of events that lead to the Barheim Passage. It begins with the "Dalmasca's Desert Bloon" hunt that prefaces the "Pursuit of a Cure" and "Cactaur Family" side quests. Complete them all, then dive deep into Barheim Passage to face the Esper and its minions.