Steps Echo in the Valley

Steps Echo in the Valley is an Achievement in the category The Memories We Share.

To unlock this achievement, the player must interact with a mailbox in Aedes Elysiae six times.

Location

Location context for Steps Echo in the Valley

Dialogue

(Check your mailbox)

Deep green moss has crept into the top plate. This mailbox, made for tiny fairies, is so old that even the wind can slip effortlessly right through the cracks, just like your gaze does.

Inside, you see a mountain of letters lying forgotten.

(Take a peek at the letters.)

Your morality wars with curiosity. Yet, your hand has already made the choice for you.

Peeking at someone else's letters is wrong!

Morality and curiosity waged a fierce battle. When the smoke clears, the winner of this brutal duel is... curiosity! Clutching its wounds, it gasps: "Go on... open it. Open that letter..."

Might as well respect its wish.

(Quick Read)

About Cleaning

To my dear friend Snowy:

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening to you.

You haven't written back once since that rushed goodbye.

Do you still remember our promise to explore the outside world together?

I've been diligently practicing my branch swings — one hundred times every single day, mem!

You're so terribly late that I'm really starting to get upset, mem!

Even if you've already embarked on your journey without me, please write and share your adventures.

I'll read them as bedtime stories and fall asleep with your letters beneath my pillow.

Your dear friend

Mifamem

P.S. Snowy, the Chief borrowed your "Wondrous Cleaning Gadget" and completely wore it out. I've tried everything to fix it, but nothing works. Now the dust on my cabinet is thick as a snowdrift and flies everywhere at the slightest touch. What should I do, my dear friend?

It's a letter from Phainon's childhood pen pal.

Phainon, just how many pals do you actually have?

Aedes Elysiae really is a small world, huh?

This tiny fairy Mifamem has been waiting all this time for Phainon's reply. What should you do now?

Write a reply for Phainon.

(Trailblazer): If it were Phainon, he definitely would.

Better wait for Phainon to reply himself.

This isn't something you can do for someone else. Maybe pray to Kephale. Who knows, Phainon might even hear you.

(Obtain Letter from Mifamem: Cleaning)

(Investigate the mailbox again)

The letter rests quietly in the middle of the mailbox, waiting patiently for a reply — silent, calm, and stubborn as stone.

Write a reply for Phainon.

(Trailblazer): If it were Phainon, he definitely would.

Sorry, I don't want to write.

That too is a way to practice courage and sincerity.

(Write a reply)

Most don't realize your quill pen isn't just for battle. There's one surprise usage of it — it writes. You haven't written in ages, and honestly? You're kinda itching to start.

First, addressing the recipient... how should you begin the letter?

Imitate Phainon's tone of voice.

(Trailblazer): (Dear pal, it fills me with joy to receive your letter...)

Write whatever comes to mind!

(Trailblazer): (You probably won't believe this, but not long ago, I was treated like a collection and locked away in a space station...)

Now for the middle... Mifamem's into adventure stories. What should you tell them?

Phainon's journey is gonna take a long while to tell.

(Trailblazer): (Okhema, Castrum Kremnos, the Grove of Epiphany, Abyss of Fate... I've walked through so many places over the years...)

I've got even wilder stories to share...

(Trailblazer): (If we're talking unforgettable adventures, then I've got to start with my very first stop on the road...)

And for the ending... Mifamem has no clue how to clean their treehouse. Time to help them out.

Teach them how to make a "broom."

(Trailblazer): (What I made for you back then was actually called a "broom"...)

Just let it go. Toss it and move on!

(Trailblazer): (Mifamem, remember this: give tools to civilization, not civilization to tools...)

All done. Well, wasn't so hard after all.

(Quick Read)

About Cleaning; Dear Mifamem:
(If the player imitated Phainon's tone of voice): Dear friend, I was ecstatic to receive your letter. I'm sorry I had to set out on my journey without saying goodbye — some things just couldn't wait.
As time flies, the past feels like a hazy trance, a brief nap on a heap of grass in a maze. It's as if I'm speaking to my past self, as I open this letter.
Regardless, thank you for writing to me.
(If the player wrote whatever comes to mind): Sorry, dear friend! You might not believe this, but not too long ago, I was trapped in a space station — exhibited as a collection! Maybe I've become a famous landmark now, I wonder if any tourists took pictures with me?
Anyway, I only just woke up. It's wonderful to hear from you!
(If the player talked about Phainon's journey): Abyss of Fate, Okhema, Castrum Kremnos... I've wandered far these past few years.
But I think you'd like the Grove best. The people there live atop an ancient, towering tree — old and grand enough to house ten thousand little fairies. I pursued my studies there for a period of time, and met reliable friends and teachers I'll never forget.
One day, I hope I can introduce them to you.
(If the player talked about their own journey): Now, speaking of unforgettable adventures... I have to mention the very first stop on my journey. Snow deep to the chest, our toes were frozen stiff. A ruler, blinded by ambition, was bent on taking our lives. The Colossus at her command blotted out the sky — bearing down with the crushing force of a thousand avalanches...
Let's leave the rest of that tale for another day.
(If the player taught Mifamem how to make a "broom."): That thing I made for you back then is actually called a "broom" — an essential tool in the outside world. All you need are thirty leaves, each as long as your arm, and some sturdy grass rope to bind them together.
If counting to thirty's a bit much, just ask the chief for help!

Best of luck to you. I know our paths will cross again someday. And when they do — I'll tell you every story I've ever lived.
(If the player advised Mifamem to let it go): Mifamem, remember this: give tools to civilization, not civilization to tools.
You have to think out of the box sometimes. Toss out all the dirty furniture and get new stuff. That'll clean up everything, right?

The signal's weak here, it might cut off any second now. Let's chat again another time!

Forever and always
Your good friend

Mission complete! You slip the letter into the mailbox. Wonder what kind of face Mifamem will make when they get the letter?

Maybe the reply will arrive tomorrow. Come check again then.

With a nervous heart, you waited by the mailbox all day. Until, at a certain hour, you heard a sharp "clang"...

(Check your mailbox)

The old mailbox stands there awkwardly, tottering as if a gentle wind might knock it over.

You gently open the door, scattering bits of grass and dust. Amid the cobwebs and moss, a brand-new letter lies on top of the old stack.

Open it.

(Quick Read)

About Repairing; To my dear friend Snowy:

You wrote back! I was so excited that I greeted every passing fairy!
The Chief told me you'd gone somewhere far, far away and couldn't possibly reply.
I never believed him. It was really you, wasn't it?
(If the player taught Mifamem how to make a "broom."): I followed your instructions and made a broom. The house was sparkling clean in no time.
The power of a broom is incredible.
(If the player advised Mifamem to let it go): I tossed out most of the furniture — except for that clay jar.
We used it back then to hold the wild berries we picked.
The berries are long gone, but it still carries that sweet, tangy scent.

I probably shouldn't check the mailbox daily. It's getting worn out so fast.
Back then, you fixed it in just one afternoon with all those clinking and clanking.
How exactly did you do it? I'd like to fix it myself, but I simply can't remember how.

Your dear friend
Mifamem

Mifamem's handwriting is literally leaping off the page, their delight radiating through the paper.

Keep replying for Phainon.

(Trailblazer): No turning back now.

Recall the previous letter...

(Trailblazer): (...What did I write last time?)

Recall the first letter received.

Recall the first reply sent.

Word for word? Your memory is scary good!

Let me take a breather first.

After waiting all that long, what's another day or two?

(Obtain Letter from Mifamem: Reparation)

(Write a reply)

First up, the opening... The soul of any letter. Mifamem seems to have noticed something amiss. How to convince her otherwise?

Share some of Phainon's secrets.

(Trailblazer): (Of course I'm Phainon, good partner! When I was eight...)

Prove with flawless logic.

(Trailblazer): (First, Phainon is known as the Deliverer. I've saved plenty of worlds too. Second...)

Now for the middle... The heart of any letter. Mifamem wanted to know how to fix the mailbox — and honestly, it could use some fixing.

Teach them about "mortise-and-tenon joints."

(Trailblazer): (I once traveled to an ancient kingdom where their carpentry defied all I knew...)

Teach them about "email."

(Trailblazer): (Sure, the mailbox outside your door might break, but an email inbox's practically immortal...)

And finally, the ending. A good one makes all the difference, seriously. If you wanna make the topic of the writing more sublime, this is it.

Maybe just wrap it up nice and simple.

(Trailblazer): (Fixing things isn't hard. Sanding, carving, shaping... it's a lot like practicing swordplay where it's composed of countless extremely simple moments...)

Gotta end with a flourish!

(Trailblazer): (When your fingers trace the grain of the wood, you start to feel what it feels...)

All done. Well, wasn't so hard after all.

(Quick Read)

About Repairing; Dear Mifamem:
(If the player shared some of Phainon's secrets): Dear friend, of course I'm Phainon!
Born in Aedes Elysiae, I'm the son of Hieronymus and Audata. Well, my family bonds nearly ended the day I left the wheat out in the rain when I was eight.
Let's just say a parent's tough love is a form of love nonetheless. Likewise, maybe the village chief was just worried that you'd be scammed. A little caution never hurt anyone, after all.
(If the player proved with flawless logic): Firstly, Phainon is known as the Deliverer. I've saved plenty of worlds myself. Also, quite a few people have said — publicly on multiple occasions, mind you — that I bear a striking resemblance to Phainon. And finally... Phainon has never denied that I am him.
Therefore, this proves that I am Phainon himself.
(If the player taught about "mortise-and-tenon joints."): I once journeyed to an ancient land where people lived on ships. Their homes adorned with vast, resplendent sails, gliding across the void.
They had a unique philosophy of woodworking — using interlocking mortise-and-tenon joints to build structures of astonishing stability.
Perhaps that might inspire you when fixing your mailbox.
(If the player taught about "email."): Mailboxes outside your door may break... but email never does! Even fairies like you need a little tech boost to keep up with the times.
Email is a transmission system that delivers messages from one server to another address through certain agency protocols. Now that you understand the basics — why not give it a try?
(If the player wrapped it up nice and simple): Fixing things isn't hard.
Sanding, carving, shaping. It's a lot like practicing swordplay — composed of countless extremely simple moments.

Best of luck, partner!
(If the player ended with a flourish): When your fingers trace the grain of the wood, you start to feel what it feels...
And when you disassemble the decaying wooden board to paint it anew, you're giving it another chance at life.

There's only 99% ink left in this pen, so I'm gonna stop here for now!

Forever and always
Your good friend

Written in one go! Wonder what kind of face Mifamem will make when they get the letter?

Maybe the reply will arrive tomorrow. Come check again then.

With a nervous heart, you waited by the mailbox all day. Until, at a certain hour, you heard a sharp "clang"...

(Check your mailbox)

The mailbox has been reborn. No more moss, no more cracks, no more chilly wind whistling through. It stands proud and tall now — ready for your inspection.

You instinctively reach for the mailbox. Sure enough, a new letter rests right on top of the stack.

Open it up!

(Quick Read)

About Cooking; To my dear friend Snowy:
(If the player taught Mifamem about "mortise-and-tenon joints."): Heh, how I wish you could see the mailbox now!
While I was at it, I fixed the crooked shelves and creaky beams too.
Even if I'm gone one day, they'll stay solid and steady — right up until the world's very end!
(If the player taught Mifamem about "email."): Sorry, partner, I didn't really get everything you said.
But after asking the chief, I gave the repairs a try. It wasn't too bad, I guess?
The mailman seemed oddly inspired by it though!
It mumbled something about "instant messaging," "mobile payments," and "the internet connects everything," before leaving.
So strange, mem.

There's something I've been curious about for a while.
How is it that I receive replies so promptly whenever I send you a letter?
Would you mind sharing that little secret with me?

All this activity has made my tummy rumble like crazy...
I can still remember exactly how that cookie tasted when you broke it in half and shared it with me.
If you wouldn't mind, could you teach me your recipe?

Your dear friend
Mifamem

Even without Mifamem spelling it out, you can tell: The repair project was a success. That warm sense of satisfaction washes over you.

Keep replying for Phainon!

(Trailblazer): You owe me another one now, Deliverer!

Recall the previous letter...

(Trailblazer): (...What did I write last time?)

Recall the first letter received.

Recall the first reply sent.

Recall the second letter received.

Word for word? Your memory is scary good!

Let me take a breather first.

Even the chimera from the Garden of Life wouldn't work this hard.

(Obtain Letter from Mifamem: Culinary)

(Write a reply)

First things first: the opening. Mifamem was very puzzled by how you managed to reply so quickly. How should you explain?

Think of a plausible reason...

(Trailblazer): (At Kephale's feet lies Okhema, home to a group of red-haired messengers...)

Try to smooth things over.

(Trailblazer): (...Maybe it was the power of our thoughts? Some things just feel right, you're not supposed to overthink them.)

Now for the middle part... Mifamem wants to know how to make cookies. Eat, nap, eat again... that's just how fairies live their best lives.

Teach them how to make "crisp wheat biscuits."

(Trailblazer): (It's been a while since I've tasted any myself...)

Introduce something a bit more exotic!

(Trailblazer): (The bustling streets of Okhema are also home to extraordinary cuisines. Among them lies a dish that stirs the soul, known only as the "Redsoil.")

Finally, the closing... Everything's been said. Not much left to reply to, really.

Then, just a gentle check-in.

(Trailblazer): (Make sure you're eating well, sleeping tight, and smiling every single day!)

No words left? Then best not to force it.

(Trailblazer): (I'll end it here. All is well.)

All done. Well, wasn't so hard after all.

(Quick Read)

About Cooking; Dear Mifamem:
(If the player used a plausible reason): Dear friend, I'm so glad you noticed!
At Kephale's feet lies Okhema, home to a group of red-haired messengers. They're about as tall as you are, and can open doorways between realms, sending letters with a whoosh, right to where they need to be! That's how this letter found its way to you.
(If the player tried to smooth things over): As for how it arrived so quickly... Maybe my longing for you has given it wings?
Or maybe time flows differently in the maze. I'm afraid only time itself knows the answer to that.
(If the player taught about "crisp wheat biscuits."): Haha, to think you'd still remember that. It's been a while since I last tasted it too.
I recall it was olive oil and wheat flour kneaded into dough, baked in the oven. As for the sugar... how many spoonfuls did Mom use again?
I was too busy eating to pay attention. I kept telling myself I'd have the opportunity to learn the recipe before I leave.
You can give it a few more tries!
(If the player introduced something more exotic): The bustling streets of Okhema are also home to extraordinary cuisines. Among them lies a dish that stirs the soul — known only as the "Redsoil." It's a bit of an acquired taste, but making it is simple — just press the right kind of red soil into a solid block.
It melts in your mouth, and the flavor lingers beautifully.
(If the player checked in gently): That's all from me for now. Eat well and sleep tight. Be happy, and live joyfully!
(If the player chose to end abruptly): I'll end it here. All is well.

Forever and always
Your good friend

Smooth! I wonder what kind of face Mifamem will make when they get the reply?

Maybe the reply will arrive tomorrow. Come check again then.

With a nervous heart, you waited by the mailbox all day. But this time, what arrived wasn't a new letter...

(Talk to Mifamem): Mifamem: Me...; (Trailblazer): (Is this... the little fairy who's been writing to Phainon all along?); Mifamem: Me... why won't the wind chime ring anymore?; What are you doing here?; Did something happen?; Mifamem: Mmph? A visitor I've never seen before, memi!; Mifamem: No matter how strong the wind, how heavy the rain, or how hard I strike it, this wind chime won't make a sound.; Mifamem: So I'm wondering maybe something's broken, memi?; This little fairy seems troubled. You've been pen pals this long, might as well see it through.; I'll give it a try.; Mifamem: Memi! Really? Thank you, thank you, kind passerby!

(Hit the wind chime once): The wind chime stays stubbornly silent. Try ringing it... one more time?

(Hit the wind chime twice): The wind chime lets out a hoarse little sigh. Victory is close, try ringing it one more time.

(Hit the wind chime thrice): Wind Chime: Ding—; Mifamem: Memi!; Mifamem: I've lost track of how many times the river fish have swum upstream, how many mornings the dewdrops have dried, how many visits the postman has made and gone... Even Grandpa Pine's tears have turned into shining amber. And yet, just now, I heard it again.; Mifamem: Mem! That same clear, ringing sound. Just like back then.; Mifamem: It's like fate sent you to me. Thank you so much, memi!; I'm just a passing Trailblazer.; That wind chime, is it really that important to you?; Mifamem: Memi... this chime was a gift from my best friend. Back then, neither of us had ever left our home. We promised, when the chime rang, we'd head out into the world together, memi!; Mifamem: But after a hurried goodbye, he never came back to Maze. And he never sent another letter.; Mifamem: I kept wondering... Maybe he just wasn't ready. Or maybe, right before he left, he got scared, and quietly sneaked into the treehouse, pulled the big leaves over the window, tucked himself into bed, and fell asleep, so deeply he still hasn't woken up.; That really sounds like something he'd do.; Busy, busy, guess staying busy isn't so bad.; Mifamem: I've wanted to see the world outside Maze too, but every time I step out the door, scary thoughts start bouncing into my head like little jumpy bugs, memi.; Mifamem: The house still needs tidying. I haven't packed food. If I'm gone too long, what'll happen back home? And the wind chime... it hasn't rung. That can't be a good sign, can it?; Mifamem: Me... I rack my brain and never find answers. In the end, I always slink back home, tail tucked low.; Mifamem: But — just between us, my friend who hadn't written in so long, finally sent me a letter, memi!; Whoa, what a surprise.; That's wonderful news.; Mifamem: It is! He sent so many, memi! He taught me how to clean the treehouse, how to fix the mailbox, how to cook delicious food, and told me so many stories about the outside world... just like before.; Mifamem: So I cleaned up the house, repaired the mailbox and the roof, and packed my food. This time, I have no more excuses. Even if he's not by my side, I'm taking that first step, memi!; Mifamem: Memi... I'll let you in on a secret: Today's the day I set off! Do you... do you think I can really do it?; Of course.; It's up to you.; (Trailblazer): But whatever choice you make—; (Trailblazer): I believe we'll meet again, somewhere along the way.; Mifamem: Me...; Mem!; Did my words move you?; Mifamem: Hehe... I don't know why, but I feel like this isn't the first time we've met.; Mifamem: ...; Mifamem: ...Thank you.; Mifamem: The time to depart has come, memi.

(Obtain Disorder Ambrosia ×15 and Credit ×5000)
(Unlock Achievement Steps Echo in the Valley)

(Investigate the mailbox again, optional)

Even though you know Mifamem has already begun their journey, you still open the mailbox... Was it nostalgia guiding your hand? Or perhaps... hope for a surprise?

Sure enough, a new letter rests quietly inside.

Open it.

(Quick Read)

About Adventure

To my dear friend Snowy:

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening!

A kindhearted traveler helped repair my wind chime.

And guess what? I've finally embarked on an adventure, just like you did!

I've crossed the farthest hill and climbed the highest branch.

Then floated down holding onto dandelion fluff.

I've sipped the sweet waters of forest streams and wrapped myself in thick leaves for warmth.

During downpours, I found shelter within cozy tree hollows.

And yesterday, I found myself in a standoff with a beetle.

I brandished my branch and claimed victory, winning some delicious nuts as my reward!

I've asked the beetle to bring you this letter with my question—

How exactly does one start a fire, mem?

I've grown quite weary of crunchy biscuits and desperately crave something warm and cozy!

Your dear friend

Mifamem

Mifamem has faced wild adventures and conquered unbreakable foes! Though to them, even a beetle counts as unbreakable.

As always, they have asked you a question. You long to answer. However, this time, there's no return address.

Maybe it's time to trust in their strength.

After all, every child must one day leave their home.

(Obtain Letter from Mifamem: Adventures)

Other Languages

Language	Official Name
English	Steps Echo in the Valley
Chinese (Simplified)	空谷有足音回响
Chinese (Traditional)	空谷有足音迴響
Japanese	谷に響く足音
Korean	빈 골짜기에 울리는 발걸음
Spanish	Eco de pasos en el valle
French	Les pas résonnent dans la vallée
Russian	Эхо шагов в долине
Thai	เสียงฝีเท้าก้องกลางเขาอันว่างเปล่า
Vietnamese	Tiếng Bước Chân Vang Vọng Trong Thung Lũng
German	Echos der Schritte im leeren Tal
Indonesian	Hentakan yang Bergemuruh
Portuguese	Passos Ecoam no Vale

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Released in Version 3.4

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Steps Echo in the Valley

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