Old Fortress Scavenge

(Immediately after entering domain)

Pela: Let's start searching for Miss Molly's things from here. We don't need to go up the stairs. That place is not part of the old city fortress and has nothing but ancient battlefields.

Pela: Thankfully, we didn't encounter any enemies coming here, but I can't promise it'll stay that way on our way back. Keep your eyes peeled. This place gives off a strange vibe today.

You seem familiar with this place?

Pela: Yeah. I used to come here with Gepard to survey the terrain — but that was a long time ago.

Pela: Needless to say, it was very important for an intelligence officer to personally map the battlefield. Unfortunately, the pressure on the front line increased so quickly that we had to retreat to the Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone... And those pieces of intelligence were not very useful in the end.

What's so strange about this place's vibe?

Pela: It's... too quiet. Normally, we couldn't have come all this way without any fights.

Pela: That may seem like a good thing... But deep down, I'm disturbed by this strange quietness. Anyway, let's be more careful from now on.

Why should we start searching here?

Pela: The old citadel runs from the north to the south, and we are now at the southernmost end—

Pela: If we start from here, we can save a trip going backward. Technically, it'd be the same if we were to start from i the north. l just picked this direction at random when we came.

Okay, let's go.

Pela: Great, let's go. Even though we didn't encounter any enemies coming here, it's still hard to say what will happen later. If we get into a fight, I will cover you.

Pela: If it so happens that you are defeated. I will definitely fight my way to bring you back to a safe place and continue our exploration when you are ready.

Pela: But it's best to avoid that. After all. there is only so much help I can give you... So stay sharp, (Trailblazer).

(Findie appears)

Findie: Beep! Beep! Matching object found, matching object found — do you want to switch to search mode?

Pela: ...What's that sound?

Pela: Um, (Trailblazer), why are you carrying that thing with you?

Findie: Beep... Findie is not a thing. I am Richard, the Home-Use Object Finder. Model information: Version 0.63, Professional model, Annual Deluxe Edition. Nickname: "Findie."

It can help us find things. Pretty useful.

Pela: I see... You outsiders sure have a lot of gadgets that come in handy.

It claims it can find things.

Pela: Uh... Does that mean it's not very reliable? But it does seem to have found something...

Pela: Anyway, one more pair of eyes might not be a bad thing. Let's try it out.

It's my emotional support robot.

Pela: ...If you say so. But it just called itself a "Home-Use Object Finder." So, can it help us find things?

Pela: Anyway, one more pair of eyes might not be a bad thing. Let's try it out.

Pela: Hey, Findie! Can you show us the way?

Findie: Yes, yes, yes. When you need to find something, just call Findie.

Findie: The current target is "something hidden." And there is "one" such target in detectable range. Please follow yours truly to conduct the search in accordance with the "Home-Use Object Finder Safety Manual."

Pela: It seems confident... Let's follow it.

Look for clues in the Corridor of Fading Echoes

Step Description

---

You and Pela have come to the depths of the Corridor of Fading Echoes. and decide to start to look for the entrance from here.
The Corridor of Fading Echoes feels different today... Be careful and proceed cautiously.

Corridor of Fading Echoes

(Immediately after dialogue ends)

Pela: Let's use Findie to search along the way we came. Let's go!

(While heading to objective, lines are random)

Findie: Beep, beep, beep... Interastral Peace Appliances, your most trustworthy companion.

Findie: Beep, beep, beep... Based on your search history, I recommend the Humanoid Tactical Microwave. Press Skip to cancel personalized ads.

Findie: Beep, beep, beep... As stated in the Terms of Service, my search result accuracy and reliability are not guaranteed. For more information, please call Interastral Peace Appliances.

Findie: Beep, beep, beep... Findie will create a calendar reminder for when you want to visit an Interastral Peace Appliances store.

(Approach the first clue area)

Pela: Huh? Looks like there's nothing here...

Pela: Hmm, wait a minute. (Trailblazer), look, there's something wrong with this floor tile. There seems to be a line of words engraved on it.

Pela: "Stomp on me"... Does that mean we should step on this floor tile?

Maybe something is buried underneath?

Pela: I don't think so. If it's buried underneath, shouldn't it say "dig me up"?

Pela: Well, it says "stomp on me"... So, let's do just that.

Is this some kind of pedal trigger?

Pela: That makes more sense. In that case, let's do as it says.

(Stomp hard)

Pela: ...Huh?

Pela: Wow, look, the tile up ahead is floating — what's this, a Secret compartment? There is also an oval...thingy...?

A small oval frame containing a slightly yellowish portrait lies quietly in a secret compartment hidden in the tile.

The man in the picture is dressed in the old uniform of the Guards and has quite a classy look about him — if only he weren't making such a silly face.

You flipped the portrait over to its back side and see a pattern of a clockwise rotating arrow, and the ink has dried up.

Pela: I have photos of all the intelligence officers throughout the ages hanging up on my office wall. Compared with them, old Balakin here does look quite classy in this portrait... One can even describe him as handsome.

Pela: Alas, now I just feel like something precious has been cruelly ripped from my heart...

Ignorance is bliss.

Pela: Now you are making me all sad.

This might be the so-called "Static Beauty."

Pela: Maybe, but I'm kinda agnostic about this.

Isn't that great?

Pela: You just don't get it!

Pela: Calm down, Pela, calm down... Forget what you saw today...

Pela: ...Okay, I've put all that behind me now. Wow, (Trailblazer), look! Balakin has also painted a pattern of a clockwise rotation arrow on the back of this portrait!

Pela: Um, there! seems to be another sentence below... "The next clue is sleeping in the shadow of the arch"?

This may be a new clue.

Pela: Since this is something left by old Balakin and protected by this hidden mechanism, it very much could be a new clue. But what is he trying to say?

Pela: As for the new clue, it is probably related to the arch. Let's make this our next objective.

Wow, an arrow! How amazing!

Pela: (Trailblazer), you don't have to patronize me like that. It‘s making me feel stupid.

Pela: So the arrow pattern must be a clue... and this arch is probably the next clue. Let's make this our next objective.

No need to put on a happy face, Miss Pela.

Pela: Shut up. I've put it all behind me now. I don't know anything... Don't you even try to remind me of that kind of thing!

Pela: So the arrow pattern must be a clue... and this arch is probably the next clue. Let's make this our next objective.

(Obtained Portrait With a Clue ×1)

Look for the next clue in the Corridor of Fading Echoes...

Step Description

---

You and Pela have come to the depths of the Corridor of Fading Echoes, and decide to start looking for the entrance from here.
Soon, you find a useful clue, but this is just the beginning. It looks like old Balakin didn't want you to solve the puzzle easily... Anyway, keep searching according to the clues in his message.

Corridor of Fading Echoes

(Immediately after dialogue ends)

Pela: Looks like monsters are here now... Were we too loud?

Pela: Let's avoid fighting them and move forward with care.

(After opening locked gate, guarded by Imaginary Weaver ×1, leading to next clue area)

Pela: There seem to be enemies roaming nearby... We probably shouldn't call Findie right now.

Pela: Let's proceed with caution, and keep an eye out for the arch that may contain clues.

(Investigate pile of crates, located before second gate guarded by Blaze Out of Space ×1)

Investigate

Pela: The clue this time is very straightforward — you see, on this floor tile, there is a pattern of a counterclockwise rotation arrow... It must be somehow related to the previous clue.

What exactly do these arrows mean?

Pela: To be honest, I don't know for sure, but it's probably related to some kind of rotatable structure.

Pela: Anyway. I'll write it down first, and then I'll copy it for you. Here you are.

0n the sheet of paper Pela gave you, there are several ordered drawings of counterclockwise rotation arrow and counterclockwise rotation arrow, with her annotation at the bottom that says "rotatable structure."

You turn the sheet over and see some beautifully written but illegible scribbles. The words are all jumbled, but you do see that this passage is about three characters, respectively named Artem, Anna and Dalmir.

Thank you. Let's keep going.

Pela: Humph, good...

So...What are these texts?

Pela: Huh? The clues we just saw...

Pela: Wait, no, I forgot! Give me back that piece of paper now!

Okay, here you are.

Pela: Humph, good...

I want to treasure Miss Pela's masterpiece...

Pela: (Trailblazer), ahhhh... You gotta be kidding me! If you don't give it back to me right now, I'll... I'll have to take it back!

Pela: Grr... Let me find another blank page to write it down...

Pela: ...Done. Take this one instead. Forget all the texts you saw on the back, and don't you dare tell anyone else about it!

(Obtained Pela's Notes ×1)

Enter the innermost part of the Corridor of Fading Echoes

Step Description

---

You've found two clues, but you have no idea how to use them.
Pela has an idea, but to test it, she has to go deeper into the "Corridor of Fading Echoes." Follow Pela. You might find another clue on the way.

Corridor of Fading Echoes

(Go down the stairs)

Pela: Here we are. Now, on the left, it's a road towards the Fortified Zone, which is just behind the fortress defense line. And on the right, it's the path leading to the Frontline Fortress's parapet.

Pela: Let's split up for now. In the Fortified Zone. there is a revolving gear bridge that has the same structure as the one in the Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone. I have to go there to investigate its control terminal.

Pela: So, I'll pick the road on the left. In the meantime, please use the path on the right to go to the Frontline Fortress and look for clues there.

What if you run into a Fragmentum monster?

Pela: On the way here, I checked and found that that road is full of roadblocks and debris. Monsters wouldn't get close to where I'm going.

Pela: Plus, all those obstacles are much easier for Someone as small as me to pass through, even though I hate to talk about my size. Anyway, I can do it alone.

Aren't there control terminals all around the gear bridge?

Pela: This kind of gear bridge is pre-equipped with a data storage terminal. Only through this very specific terminal can you view essential data about the gear bridge.

Pela: I need to verify some theories of mine, so I have to investigate this data terminal myself, which is just down the road on the left.

I see. Stay safe.

Pela: Humph, never underestimate an intelligence officer — I've worked out every possible scenario, and nothing will go wrong.

Pela: So let's split up. After we finish our respective investigations, we shall meet on the other side of the bridge.

Continue to look for clues in the Corridor of Fading Echoes

Step Description

---

You part with Pela for now and come to the "Frontline Fortress" for more clues.
Without a companion, you feel a little lonely. Maybe you can talk to Findie. but it's better to let it do its job.

Corridor of Fading Echoes

(Immediately after dialogue ends)

Findie: Beep! Beep! Matching object found. matching object found — do you want to switch to search mode?

(Trailblazer): (Findie seems to have found something. Let's take a look around here.)

(After finding the third clue)

Unsurprisingly, the tiles here are also engraved with the pattern of a clockwise rotation arrow.

(Trailblazer): (Write it down in Pela's notebook.)

(Obtained Edited Note ×1)

Unlock the Gear Bridge

Step Description

---

As you're exploring alone. you hear the roar of the Gear Bridge far away. When you arrive there, you find that your worries have come true.
For some reason, Pela is trapped on the other side of the bridge. Find a way to unlock the bridge and reunite with Pela.

Corridor of Fading Echoes

(Immediately after dialogue ends)

(Trailblazer): (It's time to meet Pela across the bridge.)

(Trailblazer): (There seem to be monsters roaming nearby... Let's proceed with caution.)

(After activating the Controller for the gate in front of the gear bridge)

(Trailblazer): (I seem to hear a gear bridge moving...)

(Approach the Controller of the gear bridge)

Pela: Hey! Trailblazer! Can you hear me?

(Trailblazer): (I seem to hear Pela's voice...)

(Interact with the controller for the gear bridge)

Controller

You tried operating the control terminal of the gear bridge, but failed.

Pela: (Trailblazer)! Can you hear me? (Trailblazer)!

Pela, I'm here!

The control terminal... seems to be broken...

Pela: The gear bridge... it's locked...

Pela: Find a way... to unlock it!

Let me see. Hold on!

How do I unlock it!?

Pela: Remember the sequence from the notes!

(Trailblazer): (Let's try and find a way to unlock the terminal...)

(First step)

Clockwise rotation arrow

You hear a clear sound coming from the control terminal.

(Trailblazer): (This seems to be the correct step...)

(Continue onto dialogue options below)

Counterclockwise rotation arrow

You hear a series of dull noises coming from the control terminal. It seems to have been reset.

(Trailblazer): (This seems to be the wrong way... Needs a restart.)

(Restart)

Give it up.

(Second step)

Clockwise rotation arrow

You hear a series of dull noises coming from the control terminal. It seems to have been reset.

(Trailblazer): (This seems to be the wrong way... Needs a restart.)

(Restart)

Counterclockwise rotation arrow

You hear a clear sound coming from the control terminal.

(Trailblazer): (This seems to be the correct step...)

(Continue onto dialogue options below)

(Third step)

Clockwise rotation arrow

The mechanical structure in the control terminal is rotating nonstop. Then, you hear a loud and clear sound coming from within. and the terminal becomes silent again.

(Trailblazer): (The rotation of the gear bridge seems to be operable again.)

(Continue onto dialogue below)

Counterclockwise rotation arrow

You hear a series of dull noises coming from the control terminal. It seems to have been reset.

(Trailblazer): (This seems to be the wrong way... Needs a restart.)

(Restart)

Go meet Pela

Step Description

---

For some reason, Pela is trapped on the other side of the bridge. Luckily, you solve old Balakin's puzzle quickly and unlock the bridge. Go check on Pela.

Corridor of Fading Echoes

(Approach Pela)

Pela: Ah, finally! I almost began to think you couldn't make it.

A piece of cake.

Pela: You handled that with such elegance. Looks like you truly are worth your salt.

Are you all right?

Pela: Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine. I'm an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards, after all.

You thought I couldn't do it?

Pela: Haha, I was just kidding.

Pela: Let's recount what just happened. After checking the data storage terminal, I found that the gear bridge brakes can be released by following the sequence of these given patterns.

Pela: However, I still don't quite understand why old Balakin left these passwords behind. So I thought I should meet up with you first and discuss it together.

Pela: But who would have thought... The moment I crossed the gear bridge, it started rotating by itself, leaving me on the other side!

Pela: I tried to control that thing, but the bridge was locked by an emergency brake.

Pela: There was nothing I could do. In a hurry, I called out your name... Fortunately, you heard me. Thank god.

I suppose you know how to release the brakes?

Pela: To be honest, before looking at the data terminal, I really didn't know it could work this way... The braking system of the bridge in the Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone was modified by Serval. and is much easier to use.

Pela: Anyway. the strange thing is... I tried operating the terminal according to the instructions, and the gear bridge didn't move at all.

Pela: I guess old Balakin somehow modified the instructions himself and purposefully used some outdated instructions as a ruse. If it weren't for you. I would have been stuck here forever. So, I really can't thank you enough.

Why did the gearbridge move on its own?

Pela: I was careless... I didn't notice the pressure pedal on the ground.

Pela: If I had brought Findie. it probably wouldn't have happened... But then you probably wouldn't be able to find the last clue. What a hassle.

Aren't you afraid that your shouting will attract monsters?

Pela: I was aware of this, but there was simply no other way at that time. Lucky for us. they didn't come.

Almost left you here alone...

Pela: But you came to help in the end and now all is swell. By the way, I also found the "key" Miss Molly talked about. It's here.

Pela: Also, there seems to be a scary monster nearby... I wouldn't be able to deal with it alone. so I have to wait for your help.

Then let's go kick its butt!

Thank God, it's over...

Pela: Hear, hear. My legs are sore... Grab the key and let's go back!

Pela: I'll cover for you. Let‘s go. Good luck!

Defeat the monsters guarding the key

Step Description

---

After exchanging your findings with each other, you finally understand what happened just now. Fortunately, Pela has confirmed the location of the "key," but there are some fierce monsters lurking around.
This is the last challenge. Defeat the monsters and get Molly's treasure back!

Corridor of Fading Echoes

(Begin battle against Searing Prowler ×1, Incineration Shadewalker ×2)

Get Molly's Key

Step Description

---

What a fierce battle! You successfully defeat the monsters and get the "key." This trip was completely worth it...
I know what you want to complain about, but let's keep our heads down and complain as much as you want when you're back at the workshop.

Corridor of Fading Echoes

(After opening the Precious Treasure)

Pela: This piece of drill-shaped jewelry is engraved with the word "Balakin"... It must be the key Miss Molly is looking for.

Pela: Mission accomplished. Let's head back to the workshop. This trip has been so tiring.

(Challenge complete)

(Obtained Strange Drill Ornament)

(Obtained Old Photo of Balakin)