Ancestor's Drill Bit

Mission Type

Adventure Mission

Requirements

Adventure Mission Out of Control completed

Starting Location(s)

Jarilo-VI - Administrative District

Sub-Mission

Old Fortress Scavenge

Previous Mission

Next Mission

Out of Control

When Business Comes Knocking

Rewards
Summary
Characters

350

60

5

200

25,000

You and Pela have suffered a lot in the Corridor of Fading Echoes, but you found the key Molly needed and helped her find peace. All is well that ends well!

Fizz, Molly, Pela, Serval, Trailblazer

Ancestor's Drill Bit is an Adventure Mission on Jarilo-VI.

Steps

Go to the Workshop to check on Molly
Go to the Book Merchant and find Pela
Talk to Pela and go to the Corridor of Fading Echoes
Old Fortress Scavenge (sub-mission)
1. Look for clues in the Corridor of Fading Echoes
2. Look for the next clue in the Corridor of Fading Echoes
3. Enter the innermost part of the Corridor of Fading Echoes
4. Continue to look for clues in the Corridor of Fading Echoes
5. Unlock the Gear Bridge
6. Go meet Pela
7. Defeat the monsters guarding the key
8. Get Molly's Key
Hand the Key to Molly

Gameplay Notes

Unlocking the Gear Bridge in the Corridor of Fading Echoes requires the following sequence:
1. Clockwise rotation
2. Counterclockwise rotation
3. Clockwise rotation

Dialogue

Receive a message from Serval

Messages
Serval

Serval

Hey, (Trailblazer)! I just want to thank you for helping Molly out

It's the least I could do

(Trailblazer)

It's the least I could do

Serval

Haha, well you just like helping everyone, don't you?

Pela did great work

(Trailblazer)

Pela did great work

Serval

Take the compliment, will you? Pela told me everything

Is she okay?

(Trailblazer)

Is she okay?

Serval

She's fine and in pretty good shape. Don't worry, I'll look after her

Serval

Come down to the workshop if you can. Molly is not as grumpy as she seems. She actually wants company. And she'd be so happy if you could have a chat with her. That's all I wanted to say. See ya!

Accepted Mission

Ancestor's Drill Bit

Go to the Workshop to check on Molly

Mission Description

Serval sends you a message to thank you for helping Molly and invites you to accompany Molly in the "Workshop."
According to Serval, Molly hasn't recovered from that accident. Go to the "Workshop" to check on Molly when you're free.

Neverwinter Workshop

(Talk to Molly)

Molly: Listen, Miss Serval. If you shake the box lightly, you can still hear the clanging sound of water —

Molly: It is probably some kind of vinegar that is used to dissolve papyrus. It's sorta like those kinds of mechanisms where the file would be automatically destroyed if it were forcibly opened.

Serval: Hmm... Looks like it shouldn't just be taken apart, or should I say, it'd be hard to non-destructively take it apart. This can be quite the hassle. Let me take a closer look.

Molly: What I'm trying to say is that we shouldn't even try to take it apart!

Are you guys in trouble?

(Continues conversation)

(Leave them alone for now.)

(Exits conversation)

(Immediately after if conversation continues)

Serval: Yo, (Trailblazer), to what do I owe the pleasure? If you have something that needs fixing, just leave it there. I'll have a look after I first figure out how to take apart Miss Molly's heirloom tin box...

Molly: Do! Not! Take! It! Apart!

Molly: Oh! I—I'm just, a little anxious... I didn't mean to, Miss Serval! Sorry!

Serval: Hahaha, I'm just joking. Rest assured I won't damage it.

Don't you have to go back to work, Molly?

Molly: The thing is... after what happened last time, I took a long vacation. I feel like I need to switch my mind to something else...

Molly: I mean, there's nothing but chores left for me in the military right now, and also, I messed with some big-wigs that I shouldn't have. I don't know if I should stay in the Technology Division anymore... ugh.

Serval: Don't worry. Pela has sorted it all out. But I do understand your concerns. You can think this over in my workshop, and stay as long as you want.

Is the shop not opening today, Serval?

Serval: Of course it's open. But I haven't had much business recently, so I've been helping Miss Molly here with her family heirloom.

Serval: I have to say, even by today's standards, the craftsmanship of this little box is highly advanced. I can't just ignore an item this interesting.

Don't you two have work to do?

Serval: Haha, the workshop is still open. It's just that there's been no business recently...

Molly: After that incident last time, I took a long vacation. I feel like I need to switch my mind to something else.

Molly: I mean, there's nothing but chores left for me in the military right now, and also, I messed with some big-wigs that I shouldn't have. I don't know if I should stay in the Technology Division anymore... ugh.

Serval: Don't worry. Pela has sorted it all out. But I do understand your concerns. You can think this over in my workshop, and stay as long as you want.

Molly: Anyway, as you can see, Miss Serval and I are trying to figure out the mystery about my family heirloom together. The one we brought back from the last incident—

Molly: I remember my father telling me, "This is the 'insurance' left for us by our ancestors... When there is no other way, find a way to open this iron box.

Serval: But we haven't made any progress other than finding a puzzle engraved on the box. I wanted to just take it apart, but Molly wouldn't let me...

Molly: Ugh... What were my ancestors thinking? Why would anyone in dire need have the time to solve puzzles? Way to mess with their children!

So what does the puzzle say?

Serval: That's the problem. We can't even read the puzzle. To us, it's just a bunch of letters that we've never seen before.

Don't they leave a key as well?

Molly: We thought about that. Logically speaking, a box like this can only be opened with the corresponding key.

Molly: But this box doesn't use a pin tumbler lock mechanism at all, and the shape of the keyhole is so odd. Seems like what it needs is not so much a key, but something like a screw or a drill...

Serval: Apparently, Miss Molly's ancestors didn't leave us any such oddly shaped key, so we have to bite the bullet and solve the puzzle. But in any case, we have to decipher what the puzzle is first.

Molly: Decipher... Oh, yes! Miss Serval, (Trailblazer), could this be the Silvermane Guards encryption technology? After all, our family has worked in the Technology Division for generations, so it won't be a stretch to presume that my ancestors used codes from the Guard, right?

Serval: Makes sense. But I was expelled from the Guard a long time ago. I have no idea about that kind of thing...

Molly: Oh, I only once heard my colleagues from the Intelligence Department talking about this. I don't know the specifics. After all, I am just an entry-level employee, and I don't usually encounter these things at work.

Serval: I'm out of ideas now... (Trailblazer), what do you think?

Silvermane Guards... Should we ask Captain Gepard for help?

Serval: Haha, you wanna ask my brother for help? It'd be much easier to steal the Silvermane Guards' master cipher codebook. My brother wouldn't know a thing about encryption. He usually just leaves this kind of work to Pela...

Intelligence Department. Maybe ask Pela for help?

So, Serval, please dismantle the tin box...

Molly: No! I told you, we're not gonna take it apart...

Serval: Haha, (he/she) is only joking. If only Pela were here. She's always clever with these sorta things...

Serval: You are right, Pela! How could I forget. She's an intelligence expert!

Molly: Oh, I believe Miss Pela mentioned that she would get a new magazine just before she left this morning.

Serval: New magazine, huh? I see... She often spends her off days at the bookstore. Come on, let's go find her.

(Talk to Molly (Optional))

Serval: Well... I think there's still a way to non-destructively take it apart. You see the structure here...

Molly: ...Miss Serval!

Are you guys in trouble?

(Repeats the continued conversation above)

(Leave them alone for now.)

(Exits conversation)

Go to the Book Merchant and find Pela

Step Description

Molly, who is currently homeless, has become a friend of Serval. When you find them, they are working on Molly's family treasure, the mechanism box, as if they had been partners for years.
The two decide to ask for Pela's help because they find nothing. Go to the Book Merchant's place with them to find Pela.

Administrative District

(Approach destination): Molly: Oh, Miss Pela isn't here?; Serval: Let's go and ask Fizz.

(Approach the bookstore)

Serval: Hi Fizz! How's business?

Fizz: Aha, if it isn't Serval. Business? Same old... But it's a nice way to earn a living. Every now and then, I can read leisurely like this.

Fizz: Ah, are you here to pick up that book? Sorry, there seems to be something wrong with the publisher. I haven't received it yet.

Serval: Well, no worries. It's not like I need the book right away. I actually came to see Pela. Was she here earlier today?

Fizz: Miss Pela? Ah! She just went back to get money. She should be back soon.

Are books sold here that expensive?

Can't believe that she didn't bring enough money...

Fizz: Here is what happened. Miss Pela wasn't aware that this new magazine has a venue-limited edition, and she only brought enough money for the regular edition...

Molly: So... what kind of magazine is this? What is the venue?

Serval: I am guessing it's fan fiction of that... Tale of the Winterlands. They have both novels and comics. They write about the... relationship... between the characters from the original novels.

Serval: But they are all created by fans, and some of them are completely unrelated to the original works. I think they have meetings on a regular basis to share their ideas.

Serval: Pela is an important member of the Tale of the Winterlands fan club. They all call her... um, what was it...

I never knew Pela was good at this kind of thing...

Molly: Well... Smart people are just good at everything.

The Guards really live interesting lives

Molly: *sigh* Maybe I'm the only one in the Guards who spends all day sulking.

Oh, Artem, you are so gentle...

Molly: Huh? What did you say?

Serval: Hey, looks like you and Pela have a lot in common, (Trailblazer).

Pela: Yo Fizz, I'm back!

Fizz: Ah, right on time, Miss Pela is back!

(Fades to black)

Pela: ... Why are you all here!?

(Pela appears)

Pela: So, Fizz... Um... This is kinda embarrassing, but could you do me a favor and reserve that limited edition for me... Seems like I'll have to buy it a bit later. Also... You didn't let them see the new edition, did you?

Fizz: Of course not, hehe.

Pela: Oh, good. Thank you, Fizz. My dignity as an intelligence officer has been saved...

Pela: So what are you guys doing here? Don't tell me you're here to buy books 'cuz I won't believe it.

We need your help to decipher something.

Molly: Yep. You see, Miss Serval and I found a line of code on my heirloom tin box. Can you take a look, Miss Pela?

I wanna read Miss Pela's masterpiece...

Pela: ...Serval.

Serval: Yes? How can I help, Miss Pela~

Pela: Serval, you big mouth! I'll sort you out once we get back to the workshop...

Molly: Um... Actually, Miss Serval and I found a line of code on my heirloom tin box. Miss Pela, can you please take a look?

Pela: I mean, I could... Let's go back to the workshop and talk about it in detail.

Talk to Pela and go to the Corridor of Fading Echoes

Step Description

Pela's embarrassment piqued your curiosity, but now isn't the time to tease her...
You've discovered a clue written on the family heirloom that points you towards an old fort called the Corridor of Fading Echoes. Go with Pela to explore it.

Neverwinter Workshop

(Talk to Pela)

Serval: So, Pela, now that you had a look, what do you think?

Pela: Well, I think you guys are probably on the right track. These disorganized letters certainly resemble cryptography. However, given that this was created 600 or 700 years ago, it most likely uses a completely different encryption algorithm.

Molly: So, what encryption algorithm did they use then?

Pela: Let me think... I remember that in Chapter 2, Section 4 of the 7th Edition of the Silvermane Guards Cryptology, it says, "In the early days of the Guards, Richard Balakin, the intelligence officer and chief of the Technology Division, popularized the earliest encryption method within the force."

Pela: "All the letters are shifted four places backward in the alphabet, and the ciphertext can be obtained this way; the reverse can also be used for decryption."

So let's try it out.

How do you remember that so clearly...

Pela: That's just one of the basic skills of an intelligence officer. So don't underestimate me.

Pela: So, according to this method...it should be... I got it! Here it is: "The key"... "At the mountain pass"... "Waiting," "That place is"... "The Supreme Guardian"... "The place of operation"? In addition, the inscription is "Richard Balakin."

Molly: Based on the surname, this Richard is indeed my ancestor. Wait, isn't this the guy Miss Pela just mentioned? And what on earth does this mean anyway?

Could it be the location of the next clue?

Molly: You are right! There are two locations mentioned in this sentence...

Get out of Belobog, Riddler!

Molly: ...What is a Riddler?

Serval: "The mountain pass," "the place of operation of The Supreme Guardian," I'm guessing it's referring to the fortress that was eroded by the Fragmentum?

Pela: And the "key" must be referring to the key that opens the box. In other words, this ancestor hid the key of the heirloom tin box in the Corridor of Fading Echoes.

Molly: Uh oh... Even for the Guards, it is difficult to set foot in the Fragmentum, let alone ordinary citizens like us, especially if you want to go searching around inside.

Molly: What do we do? We've finally found a clue. Do we have to give up after all?

We can help you find it.

Molly: Even for a seasoned traveler like you, the Fragmentum must be too perilous to go into, or so I've heard.

I visit the Fragmentum like it's my home...

Pela: Then your home must be quite the hell hole...

Molly: Are you really going to help me find the key? Thank you so much! But I don't wanna pressure you into this. Safety should always be the number one priority!

Pela: Don't worry. I'll look after (him/her). Miss Molly, just wait in the workshop with Serval.

Pela: Without further ado, let's go now. Are you ready, (Trailblazer)?

Let's go.

(Enter Exploratory Excursion Old Fortress Scavenge)

Let me get prepared first...

Pela: Then let me know when you're ready. I'll wait for you right here.

(Talk to Pela again)

Pela: What's up, are you ready, (Trailblazer)?

Let's go.

(Enter Exploratory Excursion Old Fortress Scavenge)

Let me get prepared first...

Pela: It's okay. I'll wait for you here when you're ready.

Old Fortress Scavenge

Hand the Key to Molly

Step Description

You and Pela have suffered a lot in the Corridor of Fading Echoes, but you find the key Molly needs.
Return to Neverwinter Workshop and report the findings from your trip to them.

Neverwinter Workshop

(Approach Molly and Serval)

Molly: Why aren't they back yet? Nothing bad happened to them, right?

(Talk to Serval)

Pela and I are back.

Serval: Look, they are back.

Molly: Hey? You're back! How was it? Did you run into any danger?

Fortunately, none at all.

Molly: That's good! If something happens to you because of me...

Molly: Anyway, enough ifs. Please tell me what happened.

We almost died...

Molly: What, for real? If anything happens to you because of me, I'll definitely...

Molly: Never mind, enough ifs. Please tell me what happened.

From old Balakin's puzzles, to the gear bridge incident, to the strange drill ornaments, you and Pela tell them everything you experienced on this trip to Fragmentum.

Serval: What an interesting adventure. Such a pity I didn't go with you. We should find a chance to investigate those mechanisms and dismantle them next time.

Pela: Well, you have to get Gepard's approval first...

Molly: Anyway, I'm glad to see you two back safely. I very much appreciate your help. Plus, I'm also very interested in what you've found over there... Let me take a look!

I found a... portrait.

(Submit Old Photo of Balakin)

Molly: Ah! This Balakin was really... eccentric when he was young.

Serval: Hmm? I seem to remember that medal on his uniform — it must be the medal of honor from the Engine of Creation Project.

Serval: Also, according to the shape of the medal, this Richard Balakin was probably one of the chief engineers of the Engine of Creation project.

Molly: Engine of Creation? What is that? I think I may have once seen it in the Technology Division's archives...

Pela: To the best of my knowledge, there are very few relevant records, even in the official documents the Guards have access to. All I know is that this is a giant geological transformation unit built during the Alisa Rand era, and it's all lost now.

Molly: So I see. This guy was really incredible, and it's also strange that he liked messing with people... Are all geniuses so eccentric?

Molly: Anyway, thank you, (Trailblazer)! I will definitely treasure this interesting photo.

I also found your key.

(Submit Strange Drill Ornament)

Molly: Oh, this is it! Let me see, this drill-like gadget should fit perfectly into the keyhole of this tin box...

Molly: My hands are trembling now, (Trailblazer). I hope your effort won't be wasted...

Molly: ...

Molly: W—we did it!

Molly: ... What's this? A piece of paper?

(Quick Read)

Admonition From Ancestors

To the descendants of the Balakin family,

Never let go of the wrench and drill in your hands.

Refrain from both belligerence and sycophancy.

With the wrench and drill in hand, you have the power to change the world.

Richard Balakin

Molly: "The Power to Change the World"...

Molly: I... I think I get it now. I've always had a bad temper, ever since I was little, and all the other kids shunned me. Things didn't get better even after I got a job. I've gotten into quite a few fights with people over some very trivial things.

Molly: The truth is, I shouldn't even try to change people at all... It's all just a distraction that keeps draining my passion for life itself.

Molly: It's just like what my ancestors said — all I ever need is a wrench and a drill.

Molly: ...I have figured it out. I can't go on like this anymore. I'm quitting my job in the Technology Division to start my own thing. This time, I'll make it on my own.

Molly: I'll be able to decide my own fate if I ignore the noise from the outside world and just focus on the work I have at hand. One day... maybe... just maybe... I'll be able to bring change to this city.

I support you!

Molly: My goal in life is to be like Miss Serval, who has no fear and pursues her work with such passion, while simultaneously creating value for others.

Pela: So this is how Molly sees Serval... Never thought she could be a role model for somebody.

Molly: Well, it'd be a bit embarrassing to say it out loud in front of her. Even though I don't have the brain of a genius, nor was I born into an influential family, Miss Serval has always been my role model.

Total independence is hard to achieve.

Molly: ...You are right. If I were to lose my privilege as a public worker, I might face even more horrific retaliation.

Molly: Oh, if only I could be like Miss Serval, supported by a family like the Landaus. Then I wouldn't be in so much trouble...

Molly: But... but I will try my best! After all, I've already gone through so much on my own.

Serval: What are you talking about, Molly? I don't like the sound of that.

Molly: ... Eh? Did I say something wrong? Sorry!

Serval: Well, it's not wrong per se, but I have to point out two inaccuracies in what you said —

Serval: Firstly, even though I am the eldest daughter of the Landau family, I was actually kicked out of the family a long time ago. All that stuff about prestigious family... it's long been a distant memory.

Serval: Secondly, you and I are really not that different. You see, we actually have similar life experiences. We are both genius technicians who can't fit in with the military, and we are both forced to get out and work on our own...

Molly: Genius? No, no, I'm not like you, Serval. I'm no genius...

Serval: Why are you being so modest now? I heard from (Trailblazer) that you weren't like this before.

Molly: Uh... Miss Serval...

Molly: Please... please take me in as your assistant!

Serval: That's right, that's the spirit of a young and promising mechanic! I've been waiting for you to say this!

Serval: To celebrate the first assistant of Serval's Workshop, let me play a song for everyone! Come on, Pela, get your drum set up here.

Pela: Alright alright... Seems like I can't get out of this one. But let me go to Fizz's place first. I have yet to get my hands on that limited edition magazine yet...

Okay. I want a front-row seat!

I'm actually very interested in Pela's magazine.

Pela: ... Don't think I don't know what you're up to! You guys — especially you, (Trailblazer) — you are not allowed to follow me! Absolutely not!

(Mission Complete)

Post-Mission

(Talk to Serval)

How's Molly?

Serval: Now that's a question that's perked me up, haha~

Serval: Let me tell you. I knew there was nothing wrong with my eye — I'm not exaggerating here when I say, Molly is a rare mechanical genius!

Serval: — Genius! Do you know the value of a true genius? She and I have so much in common!

Are you saying that you're a genius, too?

Serval: Of course! Be it mechanics, research, or rock music — I'm a genius at all of them!

What's her Specialty?

Serval: Molly's such a good worker, and she forms her own insight into various mechanical structures...

Serval: Some things that even I have trouble with, she can resolve meticulously. If that's not genius, what is?

Serval: But it's just a pity that this kid isn't into rock 'n' roll...

Serval: ...Ha, looks like we have our next target to work towards, then! I have to find a way for Molly to fall in love with rock music, and see if she'll be the bassist for Mechanical Fever...

Why don't you write a song about it?

Serval: Haha, great minds.

Serval: Actually, I've been slogging through writing some lyrics recently. When inspiration strikes, I'll put it to good use!

(Talk to Molly)

Let's have a chat...

Molly: Okay. What do you want to talk about?

Someone is a happy camper.

Molly: Hehe. Well, I did leave that foul Technology Division, and I'm able to do whatever I want now. Of course, I'm happy.

Molly: Naturally, it's all thanks to you, (Trailblazer), Officer Pela, and Serval. Meeting you all was the luckiest break I've had in my life... I am so grateful to you all!

Molly: I just haven't been able to figure out how to repay you... How about this. If you have anything you want repaired, come and find me. I'll do it for free!

How is the workshop treating you?

Molly: Hmmm. How should I put it? I guess I would say it feels like home, maybe?

Molly: I just did not fit with everyone at the Technology Division. My coworkers wouldn't even acknowledge my existence. There were some people I never spoke to before even by the time I left.

Molly: I had to handle everything by myself. I was never able to share my thoughts and feelings with anyone. But being here at the workshop is totally different. Serval and I have similar interests. We're close friends now!

Molly: Ah, and then there's Pela and Lynx! Those two are great girls. They're like sisters to me now. Haha!

That's great to hear. Congratulations.

Molly: Hehe. Thank you. I've started a whole new chapter of my life thanks to you...

Molly: I'm... so grateful!

We've been chatting and chatting, but we haven't talked about your work.

Molly: Huh? Ah, you've got a point... Maybe that's because the Workshop often doesn't have any business?

Molly: My job is to help Serval with handling some workshop orders. It's mostly repairing mechanism, like heaters and car engines.

Molly: I've loved tinkering with machines since I was a kid, so my work doesn't tire me out. Or maybe subconsciously I don't view this as work...

Molly: ...ah! Maybe that's why I didn't talk about what I actually do at the workshop. So that's it...

No worries. I'll leave you to it.

(Talk to Pela)

How's Molly after that incident?

Pela: Um, shouldn't you ask her directly?

You have a point...

Pela: Forget it. I visit the workshop every day, and I've been on good terms with Molly.

I don't know her that well, so I find it hard to ask her.

Pela: How indifferent. You should know that she sees you as her savior.

Pela: But since you're so concerned about her, I'll tell you how she's faring.

I just want to chat with you...

Pela: ...

Sorry, I'm just kidding.

Pela: ...That'd better be the case.

Please say something!

Pela: ...What do you want me to say!?

What's the problem? Are you unhappy to see me?

Pela: Your tone... is annoying.

Pela: That's it... We should just talk about Molly.

Pela: Molly's looking more spirited ever since she started working as Serval's assistant at the workshop.

Pela: Back at the Technology Division, if Molly wasn't already in a quarrel with someone, she'd be on her way to one. She was always so on edge.

Pela: I'm glad to see her slowly brighten up. Of course, much of it was thanks to you.

Other Languages

Language	Official Name
English	Ancestor's Drill Bit
Chinese (Simplified)	祖辈的钻头
Chinese (Traditional)	祖輩的鑽頭
Japanese	祖先のドリル
Korean	조상님의 드릴
Spanish	El taladro de los ancestros
French	Le foret de l'ancêtre
Russian	Сверло предка
Thai	สว่านของบรรพบุรุษ
Vietnamese	Mũi Khoan Của Tổ Tiên
German	Bohrer der Ahnen
Indonesian	Bor Leluhur
Portuguese	Broca do Ancestral

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Released in Version 1.0

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