Yeah, but imagine this: The heroes go to face off with the Shades. Meanwhile, far away, a terrible battle begins as the UNA marches to battle against the Neo-Moon Elf Empire.
The heroes win (hopefully)but are aware of the battle. They thus travel to Alphantica. By the time they get there, and hear the news, the battle is over and the Neo-Moon Elf Empire is no more.
/\The former.