Sensitive Beings (I)

I heard you are looking for me?

Asta: Yeah. I want you to investigate the source of the memetic virus that infected the Crackup Conch.

Crackup Conch?

Asta: It's one of our Curios. It looks like an ordinary conch, but when you get close, you can hear the dirty jokes coming from the inside.

Asta: As long as you hold your laughter, you can slowly obtain the secret power it contains. Of course, no one has succeeded so far, so we only use it on people in interrogations.

Memetic virus?

Asta: It is a kind of information particle that spreads around exponentially like a virus, which will bring changes and contamination to the host's nature of thinking.

Asta: Unfortunately, it can infect inanimate objects, and thus it changed the Crackup Conch's external expression — it no longer tells jokes, but instead, it keeps talking weird nonsense.

Asta: Like "Get out of your comfort zone, or you'll be wasted." or "The pain you suffer will light up your way"... cliché quotes that just make people cringe.

Thank you for the explanation.

Asta: I had someone examine it and found that it was caused by the memetic virus. But the Crackup Conch has been properly stored all this time, which means it's impossible for it to get infected on its own.

Asta: The only possibility is that workers who were already infected passed on the virus when they came into contact with the item. After I looked into the list of people who had recent contact with it, I identified three suspects.

Asta: Well, I'm sure you already know what I'm about to say next. I want you to investigate these three suspects for me.

Why me?

Asta: Hehe, with great power comes great responsibility. Besides, I'm not just trying to take advantage of you. I sent people from the Security Department earlier, but they all failed.

Is the Security Department here just for show?

Asta: I arranged for them to investigate as soon as I identified the list of suspects. But they all found nothing unusual.

Asta: Since these suspects have spent a fair bit of time in the space station, they are pretty familiar with the Security Department. They might have gotten away with their possible misconduct.

Asta: I, therefore, could not get any useful investigation results. That's why I need to ask you for a favor — you don't know them very well. It may be easier for you to spot their flaws from a stranger's perspective.

What if they find out?

Asta: Don't worry, you are a hero who has saved the space station. No one will suspect you.

Sounds reasonable

Asta: It is!

Asta: And it is not rocket science. You just need to walk up to them and listen, then see if there are any unusual behaviors.

Asta: If you find anything weird, just write it down and report it to me. So, what do you think?

No problem. I'll take care of it.

Asta: That's great. I'm so relieved that you're willing to help. I will reward you fairly. Let me think...

I can help but are there any rewards...

Asta: Don't worry. Do you have anything in mind already? I heard the starnought fleet has been very popular recently. But that thing is huge. I don't think you'll like it...

Asta: Well... I don't know your taste. Why don't I pay for everything in your shopping cart out of my own pocket? You are free to choose whatever you like.

Asta: Well, let me tell you about the three suspects — Mare from the Department of Insight, Chris from the Department of Galactic Geopolitics, and Joanne from the Medical Department.

Asta: They usually stay in their own cabins. Given the station's current situation, I don't think they'll be anywhere else... So, please help me take care of this.

Observe the suspects' behavior

Step Description

---

The Curio "Crackup Conch" is infected by the memetic virus, spreading anti-motivational quotes in the space station. Asta wants your help to investigate the source of this virus.
Which of the three suspects caused this drama?

Master Control Zone

Investigate Mare for unusual behavior

(Listen to Joanne)

Listen

(Mare is right ahead. I better not alert her. I'll hide around here and listen to what she says.)

Mare: HAA — HU — HAA — HU, am I doing this right? I feel like my pronunciation is not very good... hmm... I better keep practicing.

Mare: Fluffy hair and strong limbs... If only I could touch it. Bah! What kind of dirty ideas is this?

Mare: Awww, how nice would it be if I can be their slave... Hiss. I just need to keep practicing, and one day I can...

Department of Mysticism Researcher: Mare, you look much better lately. So the thing I told you about. It actually worked?

Mare: Uhhh, well, no, that's not the case... Um, sorry. l—l did try to look up what you mentioned, but I might've gone off track halfway...

Mare: But, yes, it's quite useful. It's just that... Well, is there anything else?

Department of Mysticism Researcher: Well, there is something I wanna ask you about... So, I've been researching how Aeons are depicted in the mythological tales from different planets.

Department of Mysticism Researcher: Why are they depicted so differently? Some even have this so-called "Leviathan Worship?"

Mare: Leviathans can be pets too. Well, pets... ehem... I... Well, there is a research report that I haven't finished working on yet. So I'll get back to you later.

Department of Mysticism Researcher: Sure. By the way, I haven't seen you around lately. Did you go on an exotic field trip? Did you discover anything new? Can you tell me anything?

Mare: Well... let's talk about this... later. I didn't...

Department of Mysticism Researcher: Okay, I understand. You must be very busy since you just came back. Anyway, it's nice to see that you've recovered mentally. I'll leave you to it.

(Immediately after dialogue ends)

(There's something strange about Mare.)

(At first she was imitating some strange sounds. Then when they talked about "Leviathan Worship," she looked very nervous...)

(Did she come into contact with some kind of leviathan during her research? And got her mind contaminated? That's very strange.)

Investigate Chris for unusual behavior

(Listen to Chris)

Listen

(I think this Is Chris. Let me observe his behavior.)

Chris: Hey, hey, hey! I'm talking to you, you! What are you doing? Why are you staring at me like that... Stay away from me!

Chris:

I'm just passing by...

Chris: I saw you peeping at me. I am sure of it!

Are you Chris?

Chris: ...How did you know my name? Oh, my goodness! Have you been following me and investigating me? Did you...

Chris: Hold on, why did you dye your hair like that? Did you do that to show off in front of me, trying to stand out from everyone else?

Chris: And your clothes... Why don't you wear the uniform? Are you trying to show off your luxurious tailor-made outfit?

I didn't dye my hair.

Chris: No one else has hair like that. You think you are very special, huh? You just want to show off your privileges! Such an attention seeker!

This is not a luxurious outfit.

Chris: "This is not a luxurious outfit." That's just your opinion. Take a look at us. We are all wearing uniforms. And you, you are just trying to show off...

Chris: Show off as much as you want. Don't try to act all innocent. I know exactly what people like you think. You think you are better than us.

Chris: It's not enough for you to show off in the virtual world. You have to track me down and show off in front of my face.

Chris: You think you are so rich that you can own the universe. Wait a second. What's that look on your face? Is there something in your eyes?

Chris: ...You have a corneal contact camera? Why are you taking videos? Is this live? Oh, I get it. You are one of those people who likes to live-broadcast your bullying behavior. Now, go away and leave me alone!

(Immediately after dialogue ends)

(...Chris is very strange. I can't have a normal conversation with this person...)

(He's such a paranoid... Is he infected with the memetic virus?)

Investigate Joanne for unusual behavior

(Listen to Joanne)

Listen

(Joanne is right in front of me. Looks like she's talking to someone. There's nowhere to hide...)

(I know! I'll just pretend I'm checking out the medical services!)

Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts: ...Hey, Joanne, so surprised to see you are not still sleeping today. How rare! Maybe the Blue has also started to orbit around the space station?

Joanne: The test results are out. I've sent them to you through the terminal. You may start the rev1ew process.

Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts: My goodness... Joanne is actually working. Am I dreaming?

Composed Medical Researcher: You are only noticing this now? She's been three hours early for work for the past seven days. Looks like you haven't been paying attention?

Joanne: Review countdown begins, 30 minutes left.

Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts: I only took a few days off; and now our department has changed so much. I cannot believe it. What turned you into this, Joanne? What happened to you!?

Composed Medical Researcher: My guess is that it has something to do with the department's reform.

Composed Medical Researcher: The Interastral Peace Corporation has cut the medical research budget this quarter. And we are also impacted. I heard there would be a reform...

Composed Medical Researcher: It's not that unusual for people to try to get a high performance indicator during such turbulent times. You wouldn't want your research budget to be cut, would you?

Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts: You're right, but still need some time to digest all this. It's all...it‘s really unbelievable, haha...

Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts: The Sleeping Beauty of our medical department finally stopped sleeping and began to act on her duty as a doctor. Haha, no one's gonna believe this!

Joanne: 20 minutes left. I need to see the result of the drug test in 20 minutes.

Surprised Researcher From Department of Implement Arts: All right, all right, got it. I'll get on it.

(Immediately after dialogue ends)

(Although Joanne looks normal, the way she speaks is very strange.)

(She is emotionless when she talks and her face looks stiff, like a robot. Is there something wrong...)

Report your findings to Asta

Step Description

---

After investigating the three suspects, you make note of their unusual behavior in your mind and return to Asta. But looking back, you can't help but wonder if you can confirm who is the infected one.

Master Control Zone

(Tell her your observation and thoughts.)

Asta: So, all three of them sound unusual. But in theory, there should only be one person Who is infected.

Asta: The principle behind it is actually quite simple. The viral load of informational particles left behind by the memetic virus in the Crackup Conch is simply not high enough.

Asta: The viral load detected barely reaches the amount that can be carried by an infected adult. So it's absolutely impossible for the Crackup Conch to have contracted the virus from multiple individuals.

But my investigation couldn't corroborate this...

Asta: It‘s okay. I've got a backup plan.

So, what's next?

Asta: Hehe, I've got a backup plan.

Asta: The memetic virus is transmitted through virtual data. And all the virtual data in the space station leave traces in the terminal.

Asta: Since we couldn't get much from our previous investigation, let's check the browsing records of the three suspects. Then we should be able to identify the source of the infection.

Asta: Hehe, I've got an emergency plan for situations like this. Please visit the Data Exchange Center — where the terminal is located.

But I've never used a terminal...

Asta: Don't worry. It's simple. Enter the terminal room, verify your identity, and you can start your query.

Why don't you go yourself?

Asta: *sigh* I have my own reasons. It's a long story.

Asta: Simply put, anyone using any data gadget, which basically includes everyone on the space Station, would have their user behaviors recorded by the terminal. It is thus inappropriate for me or any other staff member to such information.

Um, I still don't get it.

Asta: Don't worry. I'll explain to you when I have time.

I know. You're just looking for excuses to slack off.

Asta: It's not like that. I would have gone if I could.

Asta: Think about it. Despite different backgrounds and identities, people on the space station have reached an agreement on personal privacy.

Asta: The traces left from using virtual data can be found on the terminal. For example, from here people can see all the unusual virtual platforms you visited during your working hours.

Asta: Therefore, to respect everyone's privacy, no one, including myself and the other staff, should access the terminal.

Asta: Think about it in their shoes, if you are space station staff, would you be happy with me going through your browsing records on the virtual network?

I'd rather die...

It's unacceptable.

Asta: Now you understand, right? That's why your special identity makes you the perfect candidate for this!

Why? I don't understand.

Asta: Let me start with your heroic deeds and your special identity.

So, you just don't want me to get beaten up?

Asta: Jeez, is this the kind of nonsense you think about all day? I have nothing against you. Why would I set you up?

Asta: From an objective point of view, you are an outsider on the space station. You are not familiar With most people here, so it's unlikely that you hold any personal grudge against anyone.

Asta: Not every outsider has the right to access the data records. But you are different. You are the hero who saved the space station. People trust your moral character.

Asta: But of course, if you do decide to help, I hope you will keep everything you see strictly confidential.

No problem. My lips are sealed.

Asta: Anyway, keep it all a secret while you're still in the space station. As for where you go or what you do in the future, it's none of my business.

Piece of cake. Just leave it to me.

Asta: Thank you so much!

Asta: Before you leave, let me tell you how to use the terminal.

Asta: As you know, the invasion of the station severely damaged the whole data center. And the server room where the terminal is housed is no exception.

Asta: Despite our best efforts, the damage is yet to be fully remediated. And reported cases of memetic virus infection only made things worse. I had to send a maintenance engineer to monitor the situation on a daily basis.

Asta: The engineer would turn on the optical identity verification program manually every day to check whether the bioelectricity of each visitor entering the room is normal. thus ensuring that the terminal room is not invaded.

Asta: Since the optical identity verification program is refreshed dynamically after it is turned on every day, you need to re-verify your identity every time you enter.

Asta: For more details, please consult the maintenance engineer. I've told the engineer that you have permission to enter the room.

Asta: So... I will leave the rest to you!

Go to the terminal room and use the terminal

Step Description

---

Based on your findings, neither Asta nor you can tell who is infected. Asta has no choice but to grant you temporary permission to access the terminal. which stores the browsing data of everyone in the space station...

Supply Zone

(Investigate glowing block)

Investigate

Unearthly Marvel

Activate the lucent passageway and arrive at the end of the path

(Solve the Unearthly Marvel puzzle)

(Challenge Completed)

(Reward: Bountiful Treasure)

(Investigate terminal)

Investigate

A row of large words pops up on the terminal screen: "Code error 505: Service unavailable."

There are no other responses.

Someone runs back into the room. panting. Looks like he's the "maintenance engineer" Asta mentioned.

The terminal doesn't respond. Let me ask him.

Ask for the maintenance engineer's help

Step Description

---

The terminal keeps reporting errors, as if it's laughing at you. Thankfully, Asta has asked a maintenance engineer to guard the terminal room. It's time to ask for his help.

Supply Zone

(Talk to Maintenance Engineer)

Maintenance Engineer: Sorry — huff puff — I'm sorry!

Maintenance Engineer: Are you (Trailblazer)? Asta already gave me a heads up that you are going to come use the terminal.

Maintenance Engineer: I'm terribly sorry. The computer system in the next room suddenly initiated an auto-update. The researchers didn't have time to save their results. So I went to help them just now.

The terminal did not respond.

Prompted error code 505?

Maintenance Engineer: Ahh, I didn't connect the data to the terminal while I was away. Let me turn it on. It'll just take a second...

Maintenance Engineer: It's all set now! Please verify your identity again. And the results will come up when you input your query.

Run the identity verification program again

Step Description

---

The engineer helps you gain access to the data in the terminal. Now you can use it.

Supply Zone

(Investigate the glowing block)

Investigate

Unearthly Marvel

Activate the lucent passageway and arrive at the end of the path

(Solve the Unearthly Marvel puzzle)

(Challenge Completed)

(Reward: Bountiful Treasure)

Use the terminal to check Mare's data record

Step Description

---

The terminal stores the data records of everyone in the space station. You decide to begin by checking Mare's record.

Supply Zone

(Investigate terminal)

Investigate

(Opens Data Record: Mare)

(After closing the data record)

(It turns out Mare had been suffering from insomnia. Now she can fall asleep after watching short videos of cats snoring.)

(So she was just imitating the sound of cats last time.)

(Turns out she‘s just a run-of-the-mill cat lover. That's all good. She can‘t be the one who got infected.)

Use the terminal to check the data records of others

Step Description

---

You never thought Mare was someone like this. It's hard to believe that the eccentric person you know and the cute cat-lover in the record are the same. At any rate, she is not infected. Now you need to check the others...

Supply Zone

(Immediately after dialogue ends)

(Let me check me check the other people's records...)

(Investigate terminal)

Investigate

A row of large words pops up on the terminal screen: "Insufficient computer power. Please try again later."

After several attempts, the same message still keeps popping up. Perhaps the terminal meant "a lot later."

Talk to the maintenance engineer and report the computing power issue

Step Description

---

You planned to finish the investigation as soon as possible after checking Mare's data record. Unfortunately, the terminal's network signal is so poor that you have to ask for the engineer's help again...

Supply Zone

(Talk to Maintenance Engineer)

Maintenance Engineer: What's wrong?

I only found one record.

Maintenance Engineer: Good... Oh, you mean you couldn‘t find the others?

"Insufficient computing power. Try again later?"

Maintenance Engineer: Oh, that's normal. The terminal is not broken. It's nothing to worry about.

Maintenance Engineer: Although, it won't be operational until tomorrow.

Why?

Maintenance Engineer: Because the station was invaded. Originally, we had more than one terminal, connecting units on a much larger scale.

Maintenance Engineer: During that debacle. some units Were damaged. The computing power of the terminal was thus greatly decreased, not to mention it's only running on a single-core processor right now...

Maintenance Engineer: The lead researcher said she was going to purchase new equipment. But it hasn't arrived yet. Therefore. with the current computing power, you can only query once a day.

Maintenance Engineer: And the current identity verification program has to be activated manually by me every day, so... please come back tomorrow. Don't forget to ask me to turn on the verification.

(Mission Completed)