Artwork in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
Last updated 2026-05-06
Artwork in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction is the third part of the Trailblaze Mission chapter Welcome to Arcadia. It automatically begins after completing Topological Structure of an Imagenated City.
Steps
- Go to Duomension City and continue the adventure
Gameplay Notes
- This mission uses the Fate's Ensemble system, played from the perspective of Himeko.
Dialogue
Go to Duomension City and continue the adventure
Mission DescriptionForming the Anti-Destruction Alliance will shape the future of the cosmos and redefine the Astral Express's ties with other factions.
Better pay Pearl a visit to figure out what the IPC is up to, and show them where the Crew stands.
- Sequence 01Pearl contacted Jade that there seemed to be some kind of rift within the Ten Stonehearts, but Pearl chose to fulfill her duty of overseeing the Phantasmoon Games' progress and remained neutral.
- Not long ago, somewhere in Duomension City...
- Pearl: Color reproduction: 96.2%. Brushstroke reproduction: 93.6%. Conclusion: On the physical level, my reproduction has reached the appraisal threshold.
- Pearl: This forgery can now be considered the authentic piece.
- Jade: Yet you still seem dissatisfied.
- Jade: Tell me, what troubles you? Is it that less than 4% margin of error? Or something beyond the numbers?
- Pearl: I'm grappling with a quality that defies measurement: artistry. It is the prerequisite for becoming the steward of this arcadia.
- Jade: But you already are its steward. "Diamond" will remember that you only took six months to claim that title.
- Pearl: It was five months and fifteen days. Empty titles mean nothing. In Planarcadia, political influence carries limited weight.
- Pearl: To add a stroke to this artwork, one must first understand art.
- Jade: I know you. This is the conclusion, not the cause.
- Jade: The piece before you, "Worldbreaker Waves," is a relic from one of the civilizations in Ahatopia's history, the final work left behind by Graphia, the ancestral painter of ancient Benzaitengoku. Legend says she performed a miracle, conjuring an entire plane of existence and sealing the whole world within her scroll.
- Jade: Do you want to know how she did it?
- Pearl: I will not deny it. People call her achievements a "miracle," meaning its true nature remains unknown. In other words, it is an unexplored market.
- Pearl: Understanding comes first, then investment. That is the natural order.
- Jade: Perhaps this is why "Diamond" chose you. An Intellitron devoted to results and efficiency, cast into a realm sustained by imagination.
- Jade: The "Ten Stonehearts" await a metamorphosis. May you find your own "Pearl" in this strange and dazzling sea.
- Pearl: Thank you. But my mission is to oversee the progress of the Phantasmoon Games. Personal growth is not part of the task.
- Pearl: Jade, allow me to point this out: The Ten Stonehearts are ten independent decision-makers. Your attempts to bind people together will only prove counterproductive and bring needless loss.
- Pearl: As always, I follow the optimal choice: neutrality. That is also my answer to Obsidian.
- Jade: A flawless reply. Your cool logic is always captivating.
- Mia: Lady Pearl, that Express Navigator has come to see you.
- Jade: It seems we no longer have the leisure to speak of art.
- Pearl: This is all I have to say. Tell Diamond I will fulfill my duty of strategic investment.
- Pearl: Send the guests in.
- Sequence 02Himeko and Welt visited Pearl on behalf of the Express, declining to form an alliance and emphasizing that the Trailblaze must remain independent. Still, they expressed a willingness to serve as a sail, traveling and collaborating alongside them. Himeko suspected that the IPC intended to use the Phantasmoon Games to curry favor with an Aeon, and Pearl provided further information.
- Mia: Both of you, please, come in.
- Himeko: Forgive the sudden visit, and thank you for receiving us.
- Pearl: It is not sudden. In my deductions, "a visit from the Express Crew" was an optimal choice for achieving effective communication. I am glad: Everything is proceeding smoothly.
- Himeko: To skip the formalities would be best. I imagine that, at your "core," you're already well aware of our purposes?
- Pearl: I know that you have come for the "Anti-Destruction Alliance"...
- Pearl: The probability of refusing the proposal stands at 91.2%. Can you tell me: Why?
- Welt: The Express Crew bore witness to the resolve of many factions during the battle of Irontomb. We do not oppose the vision of an "alliance," but the Trailblaze must remain independent.
- Welt: From our perspective, the IPC already has the "Marketing Development Department," and every world it drew into the cosmic trade map eventually became a cornerstone for the Preservation.
- Pearl: That is a reasonable concern. Allow me to present data that is often overlooked. In the past two Eras, 1263 planets have joined the Pan-Cosmic Trade System, and 63% of them have preserved their native civilizations. This is the result of the Strategic Investment Department's work.
- Pearl: Planarcadia is one such world. On this land, the Preservation and the Elation co-exist in harmony.
- Himeko: That remains open to debate.
- Pearl: I recognize that throughout this "war against the Destruction," every participant may experience moments of doubt or retreat. But...
- Pearl: Based on extrapolations, we believe by following the route of the Trailblaze and building upon the framework of the Preservation, we shall gather the manpower of the Harmony, the computational strength of the Erudition, and the military might of the Hunt... The threat of the Destruction will ultimately be eliminated.
- Pearl: Hesitation breeds instability, and instability makes us vulnerable, and our enemies will exploit every crack to break us apart.
- Himeko: Your point is valid, but allow me to note one error. That number, 91.2%, is inaccurate.
- Pearl: Then, is the probability of rejection 100% in your eyes?
- Himeko: No, it is zero percent. Interestingly, the difference between "zero" and "one" is also only a matter of perspective.
- Himeko: We did not come to refuse the notion. On the contrary, the Astral Express seeks to work with you.
- Pearl: This outcome... exceeds my extrapolations. Tell me, was it a change in emotion that led you both to shift your decision?
- Himeko: No. Actually, your earlier perspective inspired me.
- Himeko: The IPC deals with powers that command billions of lives in this cosmic game of cards. The Express had always been insignificant compared to them.
- Himeko: We've simply been earnestly trailblazing and exploring all this time, trying to help worlds in crisis.
- Himeko: Now, it is this "earnestness" that has drawn many to journey with the Express, while the Nameless' simplicity assures our friends that they will not be consumed and lose their sense of self.
- Welt: Indeed. If the Trailblaze has any outstanding strength, it is the track of "trust" that we walk.
- Himeko: That is why we came to you, Miss Pearl. Please set aside your role as one of the Ten Stonehearts and imagine this possibility...
- Himeko: To fight against the Destruction, there is no need for an alliance. What we need is to stand by each other.
- Himeko: The IPC may not stand as an ally of the Express, nor might the Strategic Investment Department... But "you" can.
- Himeko: Work with the Harmony, calculate alongside the Erudition, help aim the arrows of the Hunt, and build the steadfast shield of the Preservation.
- Pearl: Then, what part does the Trailblaze wish to play in all this?
- Himeko: We shall become the sail.
- Pearl: The ship's sail? That sounds no different from my former proposal.
- Welt: It is different. A sail that cuts through the storm does not care for its own welfare, nor does it try to command the ship's course.
- Welt: But it will help all who wish to fight against the Destruction to traverse safely through the storm.
- Pearl: Interesting. Logic reminds me that those words you spoke are little more than rhetoric. However...
- Pearl: I will follow the optimal decision: neutrality.
- Himeko: You mentioned that the IPC has never changed Planarcadia, and it still follows the Path of Elation.
- Himeko: But in my eyes, Planarcadia has not been altered because it still has value, just like the Astral Express.
- Himeko: The IPC intends to use the Phantasmoon Games to reach out to an Aeon and draw THEM in. Am I right?
- Pearl: That involves classified information. I have no comments.
- Pearl: However, since Miss Himeko is open to cooperation, I can share more within reasonable limits.
- Pearl: This way, guests.
- Sequence 03Himeko and Welt followed Pearl to the Phantasmoon Courtyard, the ceremonial hub of the Phantasmoon Games. Pearl explained that once the eight Supplicants donned the ancient Masks, the Phantasmoon Games would begin. The Graphia family, of which Himeko is a part, had passed down a "Mask of Elation" through the generations. Pearl proposed that the Phantasmoon Games served as a microcosm of the cosmic situation: to see what role the Express would play within it.
- (Automatically teleports to Phantasmoon Courtyard)
- Welt: Where's this...?
- Himeko: A place in the World in Canvas, called the "Phantasmoon Courtyard."
- Welt: This ancient tree is breathtaking.
- Pearl: This ancient tree has stood for a thousand years, blooming only on the eve of the games.
- Pearl: According to ancient texts, this is the heart of the "Phantasmoon Games" ceremony.
- Pearl: Eight masks. Eight Supplicants. When people don the ancient masks in the near future, the altar will also reveal the masks' forms. Then, the games shall begin.
- Pearl: I've been told, Miss Himeko, that Graphia's blood courses through your veins...
- Pearl: The messenger of the Hunt is here as well at this moment. This Ceremony to compete for the Elation is but a reflection of cosmic politics.
- Pearl: In that case, why not use the result of the Phantasmoon Games to decide whether the Express will become a "sail" or a "banner"?
- Himeko: We'll consider your proposal.
- Sequence 04Pearl held three masks and attempted to use them to regulate the Phantasmoon Games. Himeko warned that the Aeon of Elation was fickle and unpredictable, urging Pearl to exercise extreme caution. Meanwhile, news arrived of Masked Fools causing trouble.
- Himeko: However, to take part in the games, one must have a "Mask of Elation." I assume the IPC has prepared for that.
- Pearl: As of now, the number of masks I possess is: three. With more time, I could obtain even more.
- Pearl: In all of history, no one has conceived of a unified command of all Supplicants and masks, let alone accomplished that feat.
- Pearl: But this time, the IPC intends to "regulate" the games with our resources and influence.
- Himeko: It is not unusual for visitors from beyond the sky to join the Phantasmoon Games, but the IPC... actually seeks to control the entire thing?
- Himeko: The Aeon of Elation is famed for unpredictability. Miss Pearl, you must take care. This is a word of caution.
- Pearl: It is precisely because Aha is so mercurial that such an "elated" attempt has a chance to succeed.
- Mia: Pardon the interruption, Madam Pearl.
- Mia: The guide you dispatched has sent word. The Masked Fools have stirred up trouble, attacking him and the Express guests. They were separated in the chaos.
- Pearl: That is not surprising. Those Masked Fools have long kept the IPC in their sights.
- Pearl: It seems the Phantasmoon Games have begun, regardless of the Express's choice.
- Himeko: I'll get in touch with those two kids.
- The three of them returned to the reception room.
- Sequence 05Pearl asked Himeko to stay behind to discuss the art history of ancient Benzaitengoku, and gifted Welt a super-articulated mechatron model. Welt thanked Pearl for the gift, then headed off to meet up with you and March 7th.
Messages
The Astral Express FamilyI heard someone's causing trouble?How's everyone doing?
@Trailblazer @March 7th, are you alright?I heard you two ran into some trouble
What's going on?
We're both fine, but we ran into someone calling herself Sparxie while out shoppingShe declared she'd take me and (Trailblazer) down and exclude the Express Crew from the Phantasmoon GamesSo we better get moving, pronto!So, have you all made up your minds?I have some ideas, though I'm not sure what (Trailblazer) thinks
I'm interested in participating in the Phantasmoon GamesI've been wondering what I'd do with this power if I win, or what I could ask Aha to do for meI'll tell you all about it when I get the chanceBy the way, how's Dan Heng doing?How are you doing over there? @Dan HengI've made contact with the Xianzhou envoy, but they've run into some issues and are seeking assistance.Sunday and I are on our way.Contact me if you need anything.Alright, Himeko, what are we gonna do next?I'd like to ask you to go to "Graphia Academy," my alma mater
"Location of Graphia Academy"In this school, there was a teacher called DollieShe's my friend, who keeps the mask needed for the Phantasmoon GamesTo avoid any complications, find her and get the mask firstLet's get going!Welt and I will meet up with you
- Himeko: Miss Pearl, Welt and I must take our leave now for the sake of security.
- Pearl: Are you both leaving already? I had another plan in mind: to speak with Miss Himeko about the art history of ancient Benzaitengoku...
- Pearl: Especially your ancestor's final work Worldbreaker Waves and her unparalleled mastery of imagenesis art.
- Himeko: ...
- Welt: Since Miss Pearl is in such high spirits... Himeko, shall I depart first?
- Himeko: I'm counting on you, Welt.
- Pearl: Mr. Yang, please accept this gift before you leave.
- Welt: No, you are too kind. The Express has no shortage of operational funds. I cannot accept this money.
- Pearl: You misunderstand. To offer the Nameless something so mundane would be far too discourteous. Please, open this case first and see for yourself.
- Welt: Oh? This is...!
- Welt: This is... the movable Magico Mechatron model from Pearluxe Corp. It's not even been released to the market yet.
- Pearl: I am aware: Mr. Yang has an expert understanding of robotics. I chose this gift especially for you, and I hope it pleases you.
- Welt: This truly is a most generous gift. Thank you for such an offering.
- Welt: Time to get down to business. I'll be taking my leave.
- Returning to the Trailblazer's POV...
- When you have a chance to make a choice, make one that you know you won't regret.
Trivia
- "Artwork in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" is a reference to "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" (German: Das Kunstwerk im Zeitalter seiner technischen Reproduzierbarkeit), an essay by German philosopher Walter Benjamin in 1935.
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Artwork in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 机械复制时代的艺术作品 |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 機械複製時代的藝術作品 |
| Japanese | 機械コピー時代の芸術作品 |
| Korean | 기술복제시대의 예술작품 |
| Spanish | Obra de arte en la era de la reproducción mecánica |
| French | L'œuvre d'art à l'ère de sa reproduction mécanique |
| Russian | Искусство в эпоху механического воспроизведения |
| Thai | งานศิลป์ในยุคจักรกลสำเนา |
| Vietnamese | Tác Phẩm Nghệ Thuật Trong Thời Đại Máy Móc Sao Chép |
| German | Kunstwerk im Zeitalter mechanischer Reporduktion |
| Indonesian | Karya Seni di Zaman Reproduksi Mekanis |
| Portuguese | Obra de Arte na Era da Reprodução Mecânica |
Change History
Released in Version 4.0
- Added English voice-over resources for Welt.
- Artwork in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction was released.
