A Different Path
Last updated 2025-12-11
A Different Path is the first act of the Chapter 4: Tour de Inferno (A) in Phaethon's Story.
Parts
- Intelligence Broker's Advice
- Silent Fugitive
- Billy's Call
- Meeting Request
- Willing Meeting
Steps
- Meet Billy at the corner
- Go back and talk to Belle/Wise
- Tell (BelleBelle /
WiseWise) that I'm ready to set off - Tell (BelleBelle /
WiseWise) we're good to go - Tell Billy we can set off
Intermission Reverberations
- (SiblingSibling): There you are, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle). Got something to share. Shepherd just contacted us. - (SiblingSibling): He said he's gonna be around Sixth Street lately for work and wants to meet.
: Any idea what's up?- : Is it about our request?
- (SiblingSibling): Yeah, we asked him to help us scope out commissions in the Outer Ring so we could track down Perlman. Maybe he's found something.
- (SiblingSibling): Got time to meet him now, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle)? 
: Sure, let's go!
- (SiblingSibling): Good thing the store's pretty empty right now, I'll close up and ask him to swing by.
- (Enter Immersive Storytelling)
- : Maybe another time?
- (SiblingSibling): If you're tied up, I'll give Shepherd a heads-up, and we'll reschedule.
- (SiblingSibling): (Are you free now, Wise?Are you free now, Wise? /
Are you idle now, Belle?Are you idle now, Belle?) Want to catch up with the Shepherd and see what he's found? - : Sure, let's reach out to Shepherd.
- (SiblingSibling): Cool, I'll send him a message, and if he's close by, he may swing by soon.
- : I've got something else to do...
- (SiblingSibling): Got it, we'll call him when you're free.
Dialogue
Intelligent Broker's Advice
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Intelligent Broker's AdviceVideo Summary: In the desolate wilderness away from the city, a new story continues.
Story Description: Shepherd guessed you were seeking intel on the Outer Ring and suggested you befriend a biker gang. Perlman has been on the run for several days without a trace, which has you quite puzzled.
Not long after, Shepherd walks into the store...
- Shepherd: My old friends, the two Phaethons! It's been a while. How have you both been lately?
- (SiblingSibling): Not too bad, thanks to you. Of course, (things would be even better if you could get us the business we need.things would be even better if you could get us the business we need. /
if you could get us the business we need, things would be even better.if you could get us the business we need, things would be even better.) - Shepherd: Oh dear. Well, when you say it like that, I'm not quite sure how to put the next part.
- Seems like you got bad news.
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): (Looks like you don't have any good news for us today.Looks like you don't have any good news for us today. / Seems you don't have any good news for us today.Seems you don't have any good news for us today.)
- (WiseWise /
- Sounds like you're about to disappoint us.
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): It sounds like you're going to let us down.
- (WiseWise /
- Shepherd: Please hear me out, it's completely out of my hands.
- Shepherd: The city has recently beefed up security measures for the election. Not just on the main roads, they've also got people stationed on the Hollow exits leading to the Outer Ring.
- Shepherd: Although there have always been quite a few Outer Ring smugglers using the Hollows for transport, risks have skyrocketed recently, and most clients have given up on doing business in the city for now.
- Shepherd: Even if you find someone willing to risk it, those small fry definitely won't have what you're looking for...
- Shepherd: So you passed up on my valuable commission to do business in the Outer Ring. You're looking for a reliable source of intel, right?
- You do know us well.
- Better not jump to conclusions, alright?
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): (Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Shepherd.Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Shepherd. / It seems you know us all too well, Shepherd.It seems you know us all too well, Shepherd.)
- (WiseWise /
- Shepherd: (It seems to keep my old clients happy, the less I say the better.It seems to keep my old clients happy, the less I say the better. /
Well, we've been partners for a while now. Don't worry, I don't need to know the details.Well, we've been partners for a while now. Don't worry, I don't need to know the details.) - Shepherd: (Though I don't have any business for you, I didn't come here for nothing. Here's my two Dennies – If you're looking for information, try to get in with the Outer Ring "biker gangs".Though I don't have any business for you, I didn't come here for nothing. Here's my two Dennies – If you're looking for information, try to get in with the Outer Ring "biker gangs". /
Just take what I'm about to say as me talking to myself. If you want to gather information in the Outer Ring, try to get in with the "biker gangs" there.Just take what I'm about to say as me talking to myself. If you want to gather information in the Outer Ring, try to get in with the "biker gangs" there.) - (SiblingSibling): Biker gangs?
- Shepherd: The people of the Outer Ring live far apart, and the transportation of supplies relies heavily on the biker gangs. They're well-respected among the residents and nothing happens there without them knowing about it.
- Shepherd: It's unfortunate that this option is beyond the scope of my business, so this is all the help I can offer you.
- Shepherd: Well, that's all I have to say. I'll let you get back to your business. If you change your mind and want to make some easy money in the near future, feel free to contact me anytime.
- (SiblingSibling): (ThanksThanks /
Thank youThank you), we'll think about it. See ya. - Even though we got some useful intelligence...
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): We got a useful piece of intel, but it (definitelydefinitely) won't make finding Perlman any easier. - (SiblingSibling): (We have no other choice.We have no other choice. /
We don't have any other choice.We don't have any other choice.) The Outer Ring is completely out of our scope of operations. - (SiblingSibling): Speaking of which, finding intel on Perlman has been harder and harder in the city lately. Even Fairy hasn't been able to find any useful leads.
- (SiblingSibling): (Wise, don't you think this whole thing is strange?Wise, don't you think this whole thing is strange? /
Belle, this whole thing is strange to me.Belle, this whole thing is strange to me.) - What's so strange?
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): What's so strange about it? - (SiblingSibling): (Think about it, Wise.Think about it, Wise. /
Here's what I'm thinking —Here's what I'm thinking —) The Outer Ring might be vast and sparsely populated, but for someone to survive there, they still have to come into contact with other people.
- (WiseWise /
- I get what you're saying.
- (Proxy)(Proxy): (I get what you're saying. The Outer Ring's huge, but for one person to survive there, it would be impossible to stay completely off the grid.I get what you're saying. The Outer Ring's huge, but for one person to survive there, it would be impossible to stay completely off the grid. /
Ah, I get what you're saying, Wise. The Outer Ring's huge, but for one person to survive there, it would be impossible to stay completely off the grid.Ah, I get what you're saying, Wise. The Outer Ring's huge, but for one person to survive there, it would be impossible to stay completely off the grid.) - (SiblingSibling): Exactly.
- (Proxy)(Proxy): (I get what you're saying. The Outer Ring's huge, but for one person to survive there, it would be impossible to stay completely off the grid.I get what you're saying. The Outer Ring's huge, but for one person to survive there, it would be impossible to stay completely off the grid. /
- (SiblingSibling): Perlman's escape caused quite a stir, and Public Security is looking for him. You'd think there'd be all kinds of intel on him by now.
- (SiblingSibling): How does a living, breathing person manage to disappear into thin air?
Silent Fugitive
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Silent FugitiveVideo Summary: In the desolate wilderness away from the city, a new story continues.
Story Description: The Sons of Calydon earned the right to participate in the Tour de Inferno, and on the same day, they discovered a crashed airship in the wilderness along with the lucky escapee, Perlman...
Days earlier, not long after the Airship Hijacking Incident, somewhere in the Outer Ring's Old Oil Field district...
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Billy's Call
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Silent FugitiveVideo Summary: In the desolate wilderness away from the city, a new story continues.
Story Description: Billy suddenly calls. He wants to talk about something important and wants to meet up on the street corner.
At this time, inside Random Play...
- (SiblingSibling): (...To be honest, I'm starting to doubt if Perlman is even still alive....To be honest, I'm starting to doubt if Perlman is even still alive. /
...Actually, I'm starting to doubt if Perlman is even still alive....Actually, I'm starting to doubt if Perlman is even still alive.) - (SiblingSibling): We can still rely on HAND for the Sacrifice investigation, but (I'm afraidI'm afraid) the Cunning Hares' lawsuit won't be on hold like this forever, will it?but the Cunning Hares' lawsuit might be on hold for a while.
- Fairy: Master, Second Assistant. There is an incoming call from Billy. Should I connect the call for you?
- (SiblingSibling): (... Speak of the devil... Fairy, put the call through.... Speak of the devil... Fairy, put the call through. /
Right on cue... Fairy, put the call through.Right on cue... Fairy, put the call through.) - Billy: Oh, Manager, you're home! I just sent you a message but you didn't reply.
- (BelleBelle /
WiseWise) and I are both here. What's up? - (SiblingSibling): We're both here. What's up, Billy?
- Sorry, there were customers in the store earlier.
- (SiblingSibling): Sorry, I was dealing with some customers. Didn't check my phone.
- Billy: Manager, I have something really important to tell you, but I'd prefer to do it face-to-face!
- Billy: I'm at the corner behind Bardic Needle. Can you meet me there?
- (SiblingSibling): (Billy, that's not far away, why don't you just come to the store?Billy, that's not far away, why don't you just come to the store? /
Billy, you're closeby, why don't you just come to the store?Billy, you're closeby, why don't you just come to the store?) - Billy: Uh, because the vehicle I'm driving won't fit through...
- Billy: Ah, wait, a Public Security Officer is coming over. I gotta talk to them real quick.
- Billy: Hey, so, I'm hanging up. I'll be waiting, I'm counting on you!
- (SiblingSibling): (What is Billy talking about? The Cunning Hares usually park their car in our parking lot, don't they?What is Billy talking about? The Cunning Hares usually park their car in our parking lot, don't they? /
Billy said his car wouldn't fit through? I don't get it. They've parked here lots of times before.Billy said his car wouldn't fit through? I don't get it. They've parked here lots of times before.) - (SiblingSibling): (But since he said so, Wise, you should go meet him.But since he said so, Wise, you should go meet him. /
It seems he has something important to say. Belle, you should go meet him.It seems he has something important to say. Belle, you should go meet him.)
- (Talk to (SiblingSibling))
- (SiblingSibling): I wonder what Billy meant by something "really important"?
- (SiblingSibling): Maybe a new catchphrase for his finishing move? The new Starlight Knight season just started, you know.
- If that's that case, I'd punch him!
- I really admire his laidback attitude towards life.
- (SiblingSibling): (There were also those cases of "I lost Nicole's crucial documents" and "I accidentally broke the client's stuff, and when I put the shards back together, there were extra bits," and whatnot.There were also those cases of "I lost Nicole's crucial documents" and "I accidentally broke the client's stuff, and when I put the shards back together, there were extra bits," and whatnot. /
But then there are those moments like "I lost Nicole's crucial documents" and "I accidentally broke the client's stuff, and when I put the shards back together, there were extra bits."But then there are those moments like "I lost Nicole's crucial documents" and "I accidentally broke the client's stuff, and when I put the shards back together, there were extra bits.") - Oh no, those forgotten memories are all coming back.
- ...Let's just get back to the "finishing move" topic.
- (SiblingSibling): Anyway, go check the intersection behind Bardic Needle, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle).
- (Idle)
- Billy: The manager should be on the way...
- Red Moccus: Ena-na? Enu-na, nah nu? (Manager? Who's this "Manager" dude?)
Meeting Request
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Meeting RequestVideo Summary: In the desolate wilderness away from the city, a new story continues.
Story Description: You learn from Billy that the Sons of Calydon have info on Perlman. They're open to sharing it, but they want a face-to-face meeting with "Phaethon." Could it be they're looking for a Proxy?
- Billy: Oh, Manager, that was quick!
- Billy, did you change jobs?
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): Billy, have you left the Cunning Hares? What's with the "Leaps and Bounds" truck and this Bangboo? - Billy: No way... I'm pretty happy with my life now, and besides, the Boss hasn't paid me one Denny of my bonus yet.
- Billy: This truck and the Bangboo both belong to the "Sons of Calydon." One of the Outer Ring biker gangs.
- (WiseWise /
- Billy, did you strike it rich?
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): Billy, did you get rich? Not only a new truck but also a new look for Amillion? - Billy: Hahaha, Manager, that's impossible...
- Billy: Uh, I'm not sure if I should be saying this, but... Basically, the truck and the Bangboo both belong to an Outer Ring biker gang called the "Sons of Calydon."
- (WiseWise /
- Billy: The truck has a New Eridu entry pass, and recently, non-residents have had to queue for a long time to get in and out of the city. So I'm helping them transport goods. After all, I used to work for them.
- I didn't know you've spent time in the Outer Ring!
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): I didn't know you've spent time in the Outer Ring! - Billy: Yeah! Actually, I lived in the Outer Ring for a while. It was a stroke of luck that eventually brought me to the city.
- (WiseWise /
- So you know the biker gangs!
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): So you know the biker gangs! - Billy: Yeah, I worked with them for a while before fate brought me to the city.
- (WiseWise /
- Billy: Manager, we can chat about this later. I have something important to tell you...
- Billy: The Sons of Calydon have intel on Perlman!
- Is this info reliable?
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): Is it credible? - Billy: It's solid! Their second-in-command told me personally.
- (WiseWise /
- What exactly is the intel?
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): (Oh? What kind of intel do they have, specifically?Oh? What kind of intel do they have, specifically? / Really? So what kind of intel do they have? Specifically.Really? So what kind of intel do they have? Specifically.) - Billy: I asked, but that's info they don't give up easily.
- (WiseWise /
- Billy: Manager, the Sons of Calydon know we're looking for Perlman. They said they can provide exclusive intel on one condition — They want to talk business with Phaethon face-to-face.
- They want to meet Proxy?
- You mean they're looking for a Proxy?
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): You mean they're looking for a Proxy? - Billy: They didn't put it like that, but that's my guess.
- Billy: Manager, though we really need Perlman for the case we're handling, Nicole said we owe you, so you have the final say on who to work with!
- Billy: Anyway, I'll be helping the Sons of Calydon upgrade their Bangboo and purchase supplies in the city over the next few days, and then I'll head out to meet them.
- Billy: If you wanna meet them face-to-face, you should come with me!
- (Talk to Billy again, optional)
- Billy: Manager, please discuss this with the deputy manager. I'll wait to hear how it goes!
- Got it.
- I'll let you know once we finish talking.
- Billy: By the way, Manager, have you watched the latest Starlight Knight season? The transformations are killer!
- Billy: Actually, I've been thinking if I should get a new catchphrase for my finishing move?
- Billy: But before that, I've got to find Nicole's invoice. If I hadn't found out Perlman's location, my salary for this month would have been slashed to zero.
- ...
- Billy: Hmm? What's up, Manager? You seem off.
- (Talk to (BelleBelle /
WiseWise)
Willing Meeting
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Willing MeetingVideo Summary: In the desolate wilderness away from the city, a new story continues.
Story Description: The idea of negotiating with a biker gang left (BelleBelle /
- (SiblingSibling): (WiseWise /
BelleBelle), you're back. What did Billy want to talk about? - You tell (BelleBelle /
WiseWise) what just happened... - (SiblingSibling): The Sons of Calydon, one of the Outer Ring biker gangs, has info on Perlman, but they want to talk business face-to-face...
- (SiblingSibling): (Wise, what do you think?Wise, what do you think? /
Belle, what's your take on this?Belle, what's your take on this?) - Finally, we have a clue...
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): (We finally have a lead on Perlman!We finally have a lead on Perlman! / I think we finally have a lead on Perlman!I think we finally have a lead on Perlman!) There's no way we can pass this up! And Shepherd said these people in the Outer Ring are really in the know.
- (WiseWise /
- Since they need Proxy...
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): Since they need a Proxy, our chances of getting info on Perlman are quite high.
- (WiseWise /
- (SiblingSibling): (Right, but they want you to go to the Outer Ring in person! There are too many unknowns.Right, but they want you to go to the Outer Ring in person! There are too many unknowns. /
Right, but the Outer Ring is a wild place, and we don't know what the risks are. I'm not comfortable letting you go alone.Right, but the Outer Ring is a wild place, and we don't know what the risks are. I'm not comfortable letting you go alone.) - Billy will be there.
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): Billy will be there, too. Plus, he's still doing favors for his old boss, so they must have a pretty good relationship.
- (WiseWise /
- That group's reputation seems pretty good.
- (WiseWise /
BelleBelle): I just had Fairy do a background check. There's not much, but nothing negative about the Sons of Calydon and their transportation company came up.
- (WiseWise /
- (SiblingSibling): (*sigh* Alright, I get it.*sigh* Alright, I get it. /
...Alright, I get it....Alright, I get it.) - (SiblingSibling): The good thing is that the Outer Ring isn't under New Eridu's jurisdiction, and Proxies can operate there unrestricted. So we don't have to worry about anyone finding out that we're Phaethon.
- (SiblingSibling): (WiseWise /
BelleBelle) you should spend the next couple of days preparing for the trip and taking care of any loose ends.
- (SiblingSibling): I've contacted Billy and told him about our decision, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle). - (SiblingSibling): Are you all set for the adventure?
- I'm ready whenever!
- (SiblingSibling): You're as quick as ever, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle)! Looks like we're just waiting on Billy now. - Enter Immersive Storytelling
- (SiblingSibling): You're as quick as ever, (WiseWise /
- Got a few more things to do...
- (SiblingSibling): I see, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle). Let's wrap things up quickly.
- (SiblingSibling): I see, (WiseWise /
- (Talk to (BelleBelle /
WiseWise) again after leaving) - (SiblingSibling): All set for the adventure, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle)? - I am ready!
- (SiblingSibling): Good to know. Now we just need to wait for Billy to give us the departure date.
- Enter Immersive Storytelling
- Just got a few more things to do...
- (SiblingSibling): Looks like Billy is busy getting supplies. Why not take care of your (stuffstuff /
workwork) in the meantime?
- (SiblingSibling): Looks like Billy is busy getting supplies. Why not take care of your (stuffstuff /
Soon, the day of departure arrives...
- (SiblingSibling): You're heading to the Outer Ring with Billy today, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle). Have a safe journey. You should go meet Billy at the usual spot. - (SiblingSibling): While there aren't many smart devices we can utilize outside the city, Fairy and I will keep an eye on you both.
- Billy: There you are, Manager! Let's hit the road!
- Outer Ring, here I come!
- Give me a sec...
- Billy: No rush! Our trip to the Outer Ring will take a few hours, so feel free to grab some snacks, drinks, or your favorite CD!
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | A Different Path |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 另辟蹊径 Lìngpì-xījìng |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 另闢蹊徑 Lìngpì-xījìng |
| Japanese | 新たな道 |
| Korean | 새로운 길로 Saeroun Gillo |
| Spanish | Ruta alterna |
| French | Une autre voie |
| Russian | Путь в неведомое Put' v nevedomoye |
| Thai | บุกเบิกเส้นทางใหม่ |
| Vietnamese | Tìm Lối Đi Khác |
| German | Ein anderer Weg |
| Indonesian | Pencarian Jalan Alternatif |
| Portuguese | Outro Caminho |
Change History
Released in Version 1.2 - Tour de Inferno
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