A Look Into Ridu's Legends/Stages

Demo

(First time opening the event interface): Let's get familiar with how the Spook Shack internal system works...; Fairy: Master, you have successfully logged into the forum management system. I shall assist you in completing your paranormal consultation duties.
First, let's do a demo. Listen to the citizens' troubles and uncover the truth.; Fairy: Once you complete the demo, you may officially begin handling the citizens' problems.
Note: I shall remain by your side, Master, and provide the optimal solution when you require.

(Initial tutorial): Fairy: As the manager of the stall, you must uncover the truths behind strange incidents that are troubling citizens.; Fairy: Based on the citizen's description, select the appropriate response.; Fairy: Choose the correct answer!

(After selecting the right answer for the first time): Fairy: Choose the right response to increase your [Citizens' Rating].; Fairy: Making the wrong choice will decrease Satisfaction.

Kaede

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Kaede Category: Midnight Hauntings Summary: Getting Chased off by Earthbound Spirits!

Kaede: A while back, I had to move because of work... but there seems to be something creepy in my new place! During the day, it's fine, but once night falls, there are strange rustlings coming from under the bed, like someone's hiding down there.
But every time I turn on the lights and peek under the bed, there's nothing there...

Sounds like the sound of some creature.

(CORRECT) Drive away those pesky little critters.

Kaede: Now that you mention it, I think it's the kind with twin feelers that flies at people, just like the ones from Waifei Peninsula! Wait... they're not gonna be as big as the ones I saw online, right? I'd rather deal with earthbound spirits!
I'm heading out right now to buy a full set of pest control gear. If I don't wipe them out completely, I'm quitting this construction job!

Exterminating pests is every resident's responsibility!

(INCORRECT) Just move to a new place.

Kaede: This is already the best bang for my buck around here... and if I bail on the lease now, I'll get slapped with a penalty fee!

Sorry. I might really need to think about it...

Gerant

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Gerant Category: Midnight Hauntings Summary: Electric Demon

Gerant: I feel like I've been possessed by Ridu's legendary Electric Demon! A few days ago, every corner of my place started carrying an electric charge!
I'm not kidding — I tested every spot with a test pen! By all rights, I should've been shocked into the hospital by now... but I'm completely fine! Could it be that in a little while, I'll be able to shoot lightning?

Maybe the test pen was busted.

(INCORRECT) Electric superpower awakened!

Gerant: R–Really? So you're saying I have no choice but to take this power? Oh man... now I'm one of those Anomalies that gets kicked outta Public Security...

Ridu's crawling with talented folks. Don't sweat it!

(CORRECT) Is the electric pen busted or what?

Gerant: Huh?! Now that I think about it calmly... that's actually possible! I was probably too panicked earlier, so I never suspected the test pen might be the cause.
Thanks. I'll go grab a new test pen right now and check again.

Remember to always keep a cool head and think things through.

(After completing the demo): That's enough practice, time to start handling the residents' problems for real!

Like Ghosts at the Door

(When starting Finnie's stage): Fairy: Fairy can help point out the right choice.; Fairy: You have 2 chances to ask for help each round.; Fairy: If you're on the fence, let me help you out!

Finnie

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Finnie Category: Midnight Hauntings Summary: Haunting Shadows

Finnie: That crazy downpour must've dragged a ghost straight to my place! That night, a thin, shadowy figure appeared on my bedroom curtains — like someone outside reaching up to tap on the window... With the thunder and rain going non-stop, I couldn't sleep a wink all night... But the next day? Bright sunshine, like nothing even happened the night before... Weather's been nice ever since, so I guess this ghost's in a good mood — it hasn't bothered me again. Wonder if it'll come back though...

Heavy rain always comes with howling winds, you know...

(INCORRECT) Let's set up a spirit-repelling formation at home.

Finnie: And that's gonna work? If it doesn't and it figures out I'm trying to take it down, won't it just get even more vicious...?

Then all we can do is pray it doesn't rain...

(CORRECT) Just the wind messing with the tree branches outside.

Finnie: But there aren't any trees close enough to my window... Wait, I do remember there being a tree planted outside the building. Could the wind that night have been strong enough to blow its branches all the way to my window? Don't tell me all those horror stories about rainy nights in New Eridu started like this?
Thanks. Next time it rains, I'll just pop in some earplugs and get a good night's sleep.

Heavy rain breeds urban legends!

Ruby

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Ruby Category: Midnight Hauntings Summary: Quartet

Ruby: Ever heard of the "Quartet"? Me and my friends tried it out in the classroom after school when it got dark, and we actually encountered the legendary fifth "participant" — and I even touched it!
We were just messing around out of curiosity, but then this happened... The legend never said how to get rid of the ghost though... What if it's still following me around?!

This world of science doesn't do magic tricks with people.

(CORRECT) More like someone deliberately walked over and pulled a prank.

Ruby: When the lights came back on, everyone was standing exactly where they were supposed to be. Hmm... wait, I got it! After I touched someone, I pulled my hand back 'cause I was scared, but those footsteps still in the classroom... were from my friend near the switch walking back after having come over to scare me!
Ugh! When we get back to school, she's totally buying me a teamilk!

One ain't enough — make it two!

(INCORRECT) Maybe it's the classroom's "local ghost."

Ruby: That's pretty bad... But it's been a while since the game, and it hasn't tried to hurt me or anything. Maybe it's not actually a malicious ghost? Still, knowing there's a ghost tailing me is hard not to freak out about...

Maybe you two will become friends...?

18

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor 18 Category: Midnight Hauntings Summary: Electric Bill Shock

18: Ehn-nah! Ehn-nah! ((‍Wise / Belle‍)! The video store's electric bill for this period came in, and it's really weird!)
Ehn-nah-nah! Ehn-nah? (The electric bill is crazy high! Super high! Even higher than when Fairy first came to our store! Could it be a ghost is stealing electricity?)

Think about what Fairy's been doing lately.

(CORRECT) Have you forgotten about Wishing Sprite?

18: En... ehn-en-nhe! (Wishing Sprite... got it!)
Ehn-neh-ehn-ne-nhe! (So our electric bill's hitting record highs 'cause Fairy's been playing Wishing Sprite!)

If the electric bill is high, let it be high...

(CORRECT) No worries. Just a necessary expense.

18: Ehn-neh? (What is a necessary expense?)
Ehn-ne-nhe... En-neh. (The video store's electric bill mostly comes from Fairy. That's like the essential expense... And this time's spike is because of Fairy... Hmm, that does make sense.)

Aww, 18, you're so smart!

Nate

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Nate Category: Midnight Hauntings Summary: Probability Curse

Nate: Two days ago, my buddy dragged me to this new gadget store — he was dying to pull from this Gacha machine he'd been hyping up forever. Then things got weird. He pulled like ten times, and from start to finish he kept getting the same two capsules on repeat. Nothing else, not even once! He made me try, saying "if you get the same thing, we're both getting dragged to hell by the Gacha machine's Cursed Ahriman"! And I actually pulled one of those two! What do I do — am I going to hell now?

"Probability curse" with suspected human interference.

(CORRECT) "Probability curse" with suspected human interference.

Nate: Oh, really? That's a relief! As long as it's not a curse, I'm good with whatever!
I had my doubts about that Gacha machine before, but everyone else seemed to be getting what they wanted... Now that I think about it, maybe it was just the one we used that was rigged?
Guess we won't be heading to hell after all, but we definitely gotta hit up Public Security!
Thank you so much. I'm gonna go tell my friend the good news right now.

Bring those Gacha as evidence!

(INCORRECT) Swear you'll never pull gacha again.

Nate: I'm good with that, but my friend lives and breathes gacha... If you made him swear off pulling, he'd probably choose hell just to keep doing gacha...

Help him develop some other hobbies.

Ivy

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Ivy Category: Midnight Hauntings Summary: Sleep Paralysis

Ivy: I totally got hit with "sleep paralysis"! Last night, I suddenly realized I couldn't move at all — my arms and legs felt like they were pinned down by a ghost, no matter how hard I struggled. I totally lost it and cried under the covers for ages... It took like dozens of minutes before I could finally move again. Maybe that thing finally left... Just thinking about it now still freaks me out.
So... what should I do if I run into it again?

The thing weighing on you while you were sleeping was...?

(CORRECT) Try swapping in a lighter blanket.

Ivy: Whoa! Talk about a wake-up call... I just realized the seasons changed recently and it's getting all stuffy and hot, but I'm still using my thick winter comforter. Plus I got so scared and couldn't move at all... No wonder it felt like there was a thousand pounds pressing down on me! Thanks for the heads up. I'm gonna go switch it out!

Sweet dreams tonight!

(INCORRECT) Sounds like a clingy one, huh?

Ivy: H–H–Hey, don't scare me like that. *sobbing* If I can't sleep well, I'll be exhausted at work. If I'm exhausted, my boss will chew me out. If my boss chews me out, I'll get a bad performance review... and if I get a bad review, I'll get fired...

And that sounds even scarier...

Aria

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Aria Category: Midnight Hauntings Summary: Construct's Back Spirit

Aria: Manager, a few days ago after training at 404 wrapped up, I turned off my projection to get some air and wandered pretty far without realizing. When I snapped out of it and started heading back, I got this feeling something was tailing me! I know constructs can regulate their body temp, but my emotional module still calculated that spine-chilling sensation. I hustled back to 404 and Ari told me that was one of Sixth Street's urban legends — the "Back Spirit"!

Eous ran into something like that too...

(CORRECT) Maybe one of my friends recognized you...

Aria: A friend of... yours? Then she shouldn't be a bad person, right? But when I have my projection on, I've never encountered anything like this before. Could it be she only likes the real me? Could you do me a favor and tell her that if she wants to meet me, she can come directly to 404 — no need to follow me around in secret~

I'll make sure she get the message!

(INCORRECT) A back spirit that is a total construct fanatic!

Aria: Manager! Don't say such scary stuff...
But I'm a construct... Logically speaking, these spirits probably can't hurt me, right?

Maybe... I'm not really sure.

Kian

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Kian Category: Midnight Hauntings Summary: Heart Set on the City of Ahriman

Kian: My kid's been rolling her eyes back, throwing her arms up, and screaming outta nowhere lately. Thing is, she's got zero memory of it after she snaps out of it. I'm freaking out here. Few days back she was begging me for some new game, I said no, and she's been sulking ever since. Then things got worse. The more I think about it, the more scared I get — what if some little ghost got her during that time and just straight-up possessed her?

Sounds like the kid's a bit too hooked on games.

(CORRECT) She just wants to play that new "City of Ahriman" game.

Kian: Yes, yes! That's the exact name of the game she mentioned! Seeing her suddenly "get sick" like that, I got all these terrible thoughts running through my head — maybe I've been too hard on her... maybe I should spend more time with her and actually get to know what she's into.
Anyway, I'm gonna grab this game and play it with her. Thanks a ton!

Hope you and your daughter have an awesome time together!

(CORRECT) Make her do more homework and problem solved.

Kian: So doing more homework can actually drive away the ghost possessing her? Then I should definitely ask the teacher to assign more homework. That way, this homework-fearing ghost won't interfere with my child's studies anymore!

What a roundabout way to solve things...

Jade

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Jade Category: Midnight Hauntings Summary: Heart of a Child

Jade: What the hell?! I came back from a business trip and my Bangboo suddenly started calling me "mama" out of nowhere! I've had the thing for two or three years now, and never seen anything this freaky before.
I'm convinced some ghost possessed my Bangboo, and it's gotta be a little kid ghost too — otherwise why would it go through all this trouble just to find itself a mom?

Isn't that a meme from some shooting game?

(INCORRECT) Wanna claim this kid?

Jade: Isn't that a bit inappropriate...? It's been with me for years, and I've always treated it like family, but... isn't it strange for Bangboo to call me mom?

Gotta teach it not to do that anymore.

(CORRECT) It must've picked up some meme while playing games.

Jade: Wait — that's the reason?! No wonder it was so happy before I left on my business trip... Turns out it was just waiting for me to be gone so it could secretly play games!
Ugh... when I get back, I'm cutting off its internet access. Otherwise it's definitely gonna keep picking up all this random nonsense. Honestly, can't the authorities do something about this? Like set up some kind of access restrictions for this kind of stuff?

I'd vote for that!

Daylight Phantom

Corin

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Corin Category: Daylight Panic Summary: Hustle Spirit of the Working Dead

Corin: M–Master Proxy! A–A few days ago, while I was off, I was watching TV alone in my room, and then... the screen suddenly started switching by itself. And everything it showed was work-related — first "Complete Hair Care Guide," then "Ultimate Work Prodigy"... C–Could it be... there's a workaholic ghost living in my TV? Just thinking about it makes my heart race...

(‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) once also picked the wrong TV when watching movies.

(CORRECT) Someone probably connected to the wrong TV.

Corin: O–Oh, is that really it? Phew... I feel much better now. I also hope that this... this neighbor who's super enthusiastic about work but kinda careless can get through their shift smoothly...
I will also watch less TV and work harder!
Thank you for your answer, Master Proxy!

You're already working so hard, Corin!

(INCORRECT) Rina's hinting that you should get to work.

Corin: R–Really? I mean... Miss Rina doesn't usually remind people like that... But I'll work harder when I get back! Thank you, Master Proxy.

Or you could just invite her to watch TV with you.

Venus

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Venus Category: Daylight Panic Summary: Psychic Hound

Venus: Oh, it's you! You really are amazing at everything, kiddo~ So, uh... the other night I was walking Pika past a construction zone, and all of a sudden it started baring its teeth and barking like crazy! It's always been such a gentle dog...
I've heard that animals are way more sensitive to paranormal stuff than people are. Could there be a ghost lurking in that alley that only Pika can see?

Construction always comes with some side effects.

(INCORRECT) Pika is a dog with psychic powers.

Venus: But ever since I adopted Pika, it's always just been a totally normal, well-behaved dog~ There's no way it'd suddenly develop powers like that, right?

"Awakening as a Psychic Hound" makes a pretty solid story.

(CORRECT) Might be current leakage from the construction work.

Venus: Ah... should I report this to the city administration?
But at least it's not some paranormal event – as long as my Pika is still that clingy little pup, I'm good~
Thanks for letting me know, sweetie. Let's walk the dogs together sometime!

Bring Mochi and Empire along!

Eous

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Eous Category: Daylight Panic Summary: Reverse Bet

Eous: Ehn-ne! Ehn-ne-ne. ((‍Wise / Belle‍)! I recently made a new friend who loves watching Bangboo competitions.)
Ehn-ehn! Ehn-ne ehn-ne... (The weird thing is, whenever they say "I don't see how they can win this one" or "They've got no chance," those players it disfavours miraculously pull off a victory...)
Ehn-ne? (Does it have some kind of supernatural power? Otherwise, how could it reverse-jinx everything it points at?)

Reverse jinxes are the most tricky.

(CORRECT) This... is what we call the "Celestial Eye"!

Eous: Ehn-ne? Ehn-ehn-ehn-ne! (It's really that powerful? No wonder last time it suddenly said "May the video store's business be dismal." And I thought it didn't like me as a friend. Turns out that was also a special kind of blessing!)
Ehn-ehn, ehn-na-na! (Ever since it said that, the store's business really did get better!)

Only thing is it doesn't sound very nice.

(CORRECT) Just a "reverse betting jinx".

Eous: Ne? Ehn-ne... Ehn-ne! (So... whatever it's confident about tanks, but the stuff it doubts ends up crushing it? In that case, next time I compete with other Bangboo, I'm totally bringing it along — as long as it bets against me, I'm guaranteed to win!)
Ehn, ehn-ne! (And if I use its "reverse jinx" to score some Gear Coins in rock-paper-scissors next time, I'll totally share some with you!)

Wait, how does a Bangboo even play rock-paper-scissors?

Fei Fei

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Fei Fei Category: Daylight Panic Summary: Spicy Clear Soup

Fei Fei: This is so weird! I just went out for hotpot with my bestie. She loves the spicy soup base, but I can't handle any spiciness at all, so we ordered a two-flavor pot. But then I tasted spiciness in the meat I put in the clear soup, and I'm absolutely sure my utensils never touched the spicy side!
It was already bizarre enough, but then she had to go and tell me a bunch of hotpot restaurant horror stories to freak me out! Ugh, seriously... I'm giving her the silent treatment for ten minutes!

Someone's bestie is an expert in scare tactics...

(INCORRECT) Your taste buds are busted — go see a doctor, quick!

Fei Fei: Ahhh... it's really gotten this serious already? I knew it... lately even plain water's been tasting like nothing.
Thanks, I'm heading to the hospital right now!

Wait, plain water doesn't have a taste to begin with...

(CORRECT) Your bestie mixed chili oil into the dipping sauce.

Fei Fei: The answer is so ridiculously simple that I never gave it any thought... Now I finally get why she insisted on mixing my dipping sauce for me, going on and on like "I totally know your preferences by heart, so just let me handle it!"
So THIS is what she was after! I'm ignoring her for thirty minutes!

If it happens again, I'm ignoring her for a full sixty minutes!

Nomi

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Nomi Category: Daylight Panic Summary: Cursed Tarot Cards

Nomi: I'm a tarot enthusiast... so I tend to trust the results of my readings.
One day, just as I was heading out, right when I got downstairs, I saw two tarot cards floating down from above! I checked the cards — their combination could totally be read as "going out will bring misfortune"... it freaked me out so bad I went straight back upstairs.
I brought those two cards with me, and please take a look!

Both tarot cards have clear fold marks on them.

(CORRECT) Someone upstairs is practicing card throwing.

Nomi: This is ridiculous! Even if you don't believe in tarot cards, you should at least show some respect... How can you treat them like ordinary playing cards and trash them like that? You could end up getting cursed for this!

Go give him a little heads-up.

(INCORRECT) There's a Vengeful Spirit's aura on the cards.

Nomi: Huh? I don't sense anything at all... Thanks for the heads-up, though. I'll find a way to deal with these two cards.

That will do.

Hailey

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Hailey Category: Daylight Panic Summary: Phantom Theater

Hailey: Lately, for some reason... we've been seeing a massive surge in folks coming to watch horror and thriller flicks, so we had to add extra showings — including late-night screenings.
Here's where it gets weird. After one of those late-night sessions wrapped up, I was floored to find the projector automatically starting to play another movie! I bolted up to the projection room, but it was completely empty... Could we have a movie-loving ghost haunting our cinema?

Ghosts aren't the only ones who dig horror flicks.

(CORRECT) An employee screened it for themselves without permission.

Hailey: An employee screening films without permission? Now that you mention it... after that late night showing ended, I do remember there was a technician on duty who hadn't left yet! But why didn't he give me a heads-up beforehand? Had me stressing out for nothing.
Cinema employees watching movies after work... the boss probably won't make a big deal out of it, right...?

Can't be too flashy about it, y'know...

(INCORRECT) Even ghosts wanna be in movies now.

Hailey: Oh really? Hmm... how about next time a film crew comes to a screening, I recommend it to the director?

Don't freak the director out.

Lucy

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Lucy Category: Daylight Panic Summary: Moment of Madness

Lucy: Man, it's such a headache... Long story short, Caesar's been acting weird these past few days — don't know what got into her, but she's not reading manga! And she keeps pulling us aside to say weird stuff like... "Lucy, don't worry about what others think. Be brave and chase your dreams." What the heck is all that about?

There's a difference between not reading manga and having no manga to read...

(INCORRECT) She got possessed by a manga character.

Lucy: You're not joking, right? Aren't Proxies all about proven theories, data, and science?

You gotta believe it when things get weird.

(CORRECT) Get her some manga she hasn't read yet.

Lucy: You're saying... Caesar's acting like this just because she ran outta manga to read? Darn it, didn't realize her withdrawal symptoms would be this bad.
Alright, I'll go grab some new manga for her. Hopefully she'll chill out once she gets her hands on them.

Make sure to buy the finished ones.

Tyrone

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Tyrone Category: Daylight Panic Summary: Insufficient DPS?

Tyrone: Looks like something's up with our club's equipment... Just recently, Miss Ye Shunguang, who was granted the title of Void Hunter not long ago, came by the club for some live combat testing. Out of curiosity... we loaded up the combat records left behind by two other Void Hunter-Rank bigshots into the testing program, but the data we got back was totally underwhelming... and the logs were filled with nothing but "insufficient DPS" warnings...

Three Void Hunter-Rank Agents?

(CORRECT) It's an Easter egg the devs created.

Tyrone: So... you're telling me someone predicted we'd have three Void Hunter-Rank testees showing up at the same time, and they were forward-thinking enough to prepare this hidden Easter egg that disables data collection just to crack a joke when the day finally came?
I'll run another check later.

Promise me you won't delete this Easter egg.

(CORRECT) Equipment broke down again?

Tyrone: Impossible. After the last system failure, we completely overhauled our testing programs and equipment — gutted and rebuilt the entire core code from the ground up. Even loading data from ten Void Hunters wouldn't crash the system.
O-Or... maybe it would?

Live combat results are what count.

Street Corner Rumors

Jingxuan

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Jingxuan Category: Forbidden Sonata Summary: Whispers of the Divine

Jingxuan: Yuxin said that if you pray at any incense burner in Suibian Temple and silently make a wish in your heart, it'll come true... Half-believing, I silently chanted, "Let me skip homework for three years and give me top grades on the big exams." Then, from beside the incense burner came a deep, rhythmic, indescribable sound, like... the whispers of a deity! Since the gods have already given their divine sign through the incense burner, guess I have no choice but to skip my homework, right?

Deep and rhythmic... kinda sounds like snoring?

(INCORRECT) Let's move according to the divine will!

Jingxuan: So this kind of thing actually works? But... once the excitement wears off and you think about it... it feels kinda pointless to take first place by "cheating" with some stroke of luck.

Learning's all about putting in the work yourself...

(CORRECT) It's an orange tabby sleeping in the back.

Jingxuan: Huh? Really? No wonder I could never find that chubby orange cat whenever I went to make a wish at Suibian Temple — turns out it's been snoozing away behind the incense burner this whole time!
Maybe I'm having these thoughts 'cause I've been so wiped lately? I should head back to Suibian Temple and give the chubby orange a good pet to unwind. Once I'm recharged, it's back to homework! Thanks for filling me in~

Don't skip your breaks!

Dialyn

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Dialyn Category: Forbidden Sonata Summary: Hoppin' and Boppin'

Dialyn: Proxy, something interesting happened while I was working the late night shift, so I wanted to ask what you think. It was dead quiet, no complaints or anything to deal with... when suddenly I heard this "thud thud thud" sound in the hallway, like someone was hopping along — hard not to notice, right?! Man... but when I rushed out to check the corridor, there was nothing there.
Far as I know, there's a certain legendary creature that hops around like that~

Bunnies, they do hop.

(CORRECT) Xiao'Zhao was probably working late too.

Dialyn: Makes sense, I guess~ But Senior Zhao wouldn't hide from me. Nah. The moment I see her... she dumps a huge stack of paperwork right on my desk.

Let's hope this ain't about to become true.

(CORRECT) Remember that little bunny from Fluffy?

Dialyn: Oh yeah, we totally petted that cute little bunny at Fluffy before! "Fluff and Fur" is literally the best thing in the whole world!
No wonder I lost it when I chased it down the hallway. When I get back, I'll lure it out with a carrot. Maybe I'll finally have my very own bunny!
But wait... why would there even be a bunny in the office area?

Little bunny's there to keep you company while you work overtime.

Snap

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Snap Category: Forbidden Sonata Summary: Supernatural Stream

Snap: Ehn-nah? Ehn-nah-nah... (Yesterday I used a Bangboo facial recognition app that auto-applies accessories during my photography stream... The software froze for a bit, and when it restarted, something weird showed up...)
Nah?! Ehn-nah... (Even though I was alone at the time, the software showed a bunch of Bangboo faces, each with bizarre expressions...)

Killer stream content.

(CORRECT) It's probably a glitch with the streaming app.

Snap: Ehn... Ehn-ne... Ehn-ne-ne (Oh... so that's why! Let me try updating the app right now — it seems to be working! Everyone in the chat is spamming "nice" too.)
Ehn-ne-ehn-ne! (Alright, I'm heading back to the stream now. Thanks a bunch.)

You're Ridu's future top streamer of photography!

(INCORRECT) You could become a streamer of paranormal events.

Snap: Ehn-ne, ehn-ne... (But honestly, I'd way rather be sharing photography tips with everyone. I don't wanna go investigating paranormal stuff, ugh...)

Gotta step outta your comfort zone someday.

Mannah

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Mannah Category: Forbidden Sonata Summary: Night Emissary

Mannah: The starry sky last night was absolutely gorgeous, so I got the idea to head out and capture some inspiration. I stayed out nice and comfy until the next morning's late hours, and finally — I heard this weird sound, softly singing a tune... Oh yeah, I also heard the voice call itself something like... the Night Emissary? That's straight up a legendary character!

Explore urban legends, collect urban legends, and become an urban legend...

(CORRECT) Probably my night owl buddy...

Mannah: Oh, so they're a friend of yours! Maybe you could remind them to cut back on the all-nighters and take care of themselves~

She likes to sleep all day and stay up all night.

(CORRECT) That's right, that's the true Night Emissary!

Mannah: Ahhh! I can't believe I actually saw the real Night Emissary! I should've worked up the courage to say hi!
I've heard the Night Emissary tells people stories, and I'm seriously curious! Hope I get another chance...

That day will come.

Cissia

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Cissia Category: Forbidden Sonata Summary: No Escape

Cissia: (‍Wise / Belle‍), (‍Wise / Belle‍)! Save... Save me!
My phone's acting weird... like, really weird — it's auto-recording that de... commissioner's voice! And playing it back! On loop!!!
Is... Is this some kinda prank or... is there really another commissioner inside this thing?

Recording apps are pretty common these days.

(INCORRECT) Severian's reminding you to stay on your game.

Cissia: R–Really? That kind of thing... let's just, ahahaha... (‍Wise / Belle‍), I'm begging you, help me talk to the Dem— I mean, the commissioner, and get me outta here, pleease!

Maybe Severian's just concerned about you...

(INCORRECT) Whoops, you hit record by accident.

Cissia: Recording? Ohhhh, I see, I see... Phew, I mean, even though the commissioner is rigid, harsh, and totally unsympathetic, he wouldn't be controlling to that extent...
But still, even if it's not actually the commissioner watching me through my phone, having his voice suddenly come out of it is pretty freaky...

Let me uninstall that recording app for you.

Enzo

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Enzo Category: Forbidden Sonata Summary: Bangboo Strike

Enzo: Some Bangboo who came to my shop recently have been acting kinda weird, so I wanted to ask if Eous and 18 are showing similar symptoms — yelling stuff about combat and elbow strikes, then begging me to install boxing parts on them. Is this like some new Bangboo modding trend or what?

There's no such thing as a pointless mod in New Eridu.

(CORRECT) There's some kinda fighting tournament going on, right?

Enzo: Could it be that "Ultimate Bangboo Championship" thing they were chatting about in my shop? I thought they were just playing some kind of roleplaying game at the time...
Haha, those little guys sure know how to stir things up! Maybe they watched some fighting tournament broadcast and wanted to give it a shot themselves.

Eous won't be joining in.

(INCORRECT) It's a new Bangboo virus.

Enzo: Bangboo virus? Hmm... Technically speaking, Bangboo systems all run independently, so if a virus was spreading, the symptoms should be way more complex.

Guess it's just pure preferences then.

Atte

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Atte Category: Forbidden Sonata Summary: God of the Hollows

Atte: Y'know... there really is a god inside the Hollows — the God of the Hollows!
I'm not just making this up! I got lost in a Hollow once, and that's when I heard it — this calm, delicate voice echoing all around me. I followed it and made it out alive.
Ever since then, every time I enter a Hollow, I hear that voice!

Even if there was a god in the Hollows, it'd be a twisted one.

(CORRECT) Those are hallucinations caused by Ether Corruption, you know.

Atte: Hallucinations... hallucinations?! For... for real? But I've always made it out safe, haven't I? And that voice has been guiding me the whole time... Could that just be my survival instincts kicking in? *sigh* I guess you're right. Why would a Hollow — a disaster like that — give birth to some god that helps humans...
I'll find time to get my aptitude for Ether tested. Anyway... thanks for the wake-up call.

Don't get in any Hollow again.

(INCORRECT) Can you hook me up with an intro?

Atte: I'm not sure how to do that... Why don't you head into a Hollow and check it out yourself?

The God of the Hollows ain't smilin' on me.

Sunna

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Sunna Category: Forbidden Sonata Summary: Anonymous OG Fan

Sunna: There's something that happened a long time ago, and I wanted to ask for your thoughts on it. Back when Angels of Delusion had just formed and we hadn't come to 404 yet, our first physical album predictably sold only single-digit copies... But under those circumstances, an anonymous fan actually wrote call-and-response chants for us! To this day, we still haven't met that fan, and we've had no way to express our gratitude...

Probably not written by a fan who bought the album.

(INCORRECT) Even some ghosts are Delulus.

Sunna: Manager, I know you're just kidding... but that really sounds super scary...
Ugh... why are you just like Nangong, always trying to freak me out with stuff like this...?

Maybe this is Nangong's idea?

(CORRECT) Could it be written by Nangong?

Sunna: Nan... Nangong wrote this? But if it was her... why didn't she tell me and Aria... Could she be... shy?!
...No way! Nangong being shy? Ugh, so she was just enjoying watching me and Aria spin around all happy over that call-and-response... Nangong, you big meanie!

She was probably trying to encourage you guys in her own way.

Strange Things Everywhere

Blaze

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Blaze Category: A Disturbed Place Summary: Unusual Customer

Blaze: Our shop's new soup base has been super popular lately—been working 'til late every single night. Finally got half a day off, and on my way to work, I ran into some customers leaving the shop. Every one of 'em was clutching their stomachs with that queasy look, muttering something like "Koo... ater...?"... But we only use the freshest, safest ingredients! How could our food be giving people stomach aches?

When cooking ingredients, you can go over time, but never under

(INCORRECT) Why are the Exaltists still after me?

Blaze: Exaltists? So they were whispering about... the Creator?! Damn it, I should've reported them to the Public Security Officers right then and there! Next time they dare show their faces in my shop, I'm calling it in immediately — they won't get away with it!

Oh wow, Ridu's got you now!

(CORRECT) They didn't cook their food through

Blaze: What?! So what they were actually saying was... "Cook it longer and take it out of the pot later"? Looks like even with the reminder posted in the shop to carefully cook the ingredients, customers still struggle to get the timing right. I better go figure out a way to optimize this!

Let the staff handle ingredients that need precise timing

Luka

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Luka Category: A Disturbed Place Summary: Ridu Callback

Luka: When I was about to head into the sewers for maintenance earlier, I saw a red balloon floating down there... What if it's just like in the movies — there's a clown with a red balloon in the sewers who'll make everyone float?
Someone please go grab that balloon, or someone help me fix the sewers... *sobbing*

Classic horror movie scene right here.

(INCORRECT) Our video store has way crazier stuff than this!

Luka: Wait! So the movies I've watched actually come true?! No way!!! There are so many horror films that take place at construction sites and in sewers... *sobbing*

Wanna watch some comedy instead?

(CORRECT) It's very likely the balloon got stuck there by accident.

Luka: I–Is that so? Makes sense now — no wonder the drainage around here's been kinda slow. That's a relief! Thanks for clearing that up! Alright, with that settled, I'm about to channel my inner fearless construction worker and go deal with those clogged pipes for everyone!

You are the bravest worker around!

Drew

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Drew Category: A Disturbed Place Summary: Haunted House Check-In

Drew: Ever been to Mystic Wares over in Failume Heights? I'd heard all sorts of wild stories about it, so when I was touring the area, I figured "might as well check it out while I'm here." Went to scope out Mystic Wares late one night — and I heard the door making these crazy noises, like something was about to bust right through! Freaked me out so bad I booked it outta there...

The door there probably hasn't been maintained in ages.

(INCORRECT) Quick, post on Spook Shack for help!

Drew: Whoa... you sure that's a good idea? I mean, if there really is a ghost living in there, wouldn't that be putting random internet folks in danger? People just wanna hear spooky stories, right? Nobody's actually dumb enough to waltz into a place knowing there is a ghost waiting for 'em, yeah?

This type of ghost ain't nothin' at Spook Shack.

(CORRECT) The wind rattled the ancient door.

Drew: Hmm... so it's just the door falling apart from age? Makes sense. The shop's owner never seems to be around anyway. Don't tell me they opened this place just to show off their fancy jewelry collection? Interesting... Well, if there's no ghost involved, I'm definitely digging into why this shop's in such a state.

Good luck.

Oz

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Oz Category: A Disturbed Place Summary: Billion Denny Dream

Oz: My childhood friend's been acting super weird lately... He keeps going on and on about hundreds of millions, even billions of Dennies, like he's possessed or something! When I asked him what's up, he just brushed it off saying he was "just talking," but that excited look on his face was way too real... I'm starting to think he's been hypnotized! Like he's trapped in some dream full of Dennies and can't wake up — looks normal on the outside but he's basically a walking zombie inside!

You're seeing video game currency inflation at its finest.

(CORRECT) He's talking about in-game currency.

Oz: Could it be one of those online games that's been super popular in New Eridu lately? Y'know, the ones where you scavenge for supplies and try to escape? That would explain it... Seeing him all zoned out like that — turns out he's just hooked on some game...
But why didn't he invite me to play with him? Sure... sure, I'm not exactly a pro gamer, but that's no reason to hide it from his best friend!

I'll ask him when I get back today!

(INCORRECT) He probably doesn't wanna wake up from that dream.

Oz: I mean, yeah... but we can't just sit around daydreaming! Gotta face reality sometime... Besides, if we both hustle hard enough, we can totally make that kinda cash!

Do your best to wake him up!

Therese

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Therese Category: A Disturbed Place Summary: Anomaly Panting [sic]

Therese: It's off-season at the beach, so when I'm at reception I sometimes scroll through art forums to kill time... For some reason, almost every artist on the forums has drawn a similar composition — low-angle character art with wonky perspective... Is this some kind of special ritual in the art world or what?

All the related artworks are getting crazy high clicks.

(INCORRECT) If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Therese: Join them? That actually makes sense... I mean, this kind of content seems to get a ton of attention. If I use this to promote the resort... couldn't I hit peak off-season numbers?
Wait, no... almost forgot I can't even draw...

That's a shame...

(CORRECT) People are just chasing the hype.

Therese: So they're just chasing trends... Now that you mention it, there really are art styles that suddenly blow up like that. Kinda like how our resort runs limited-time events based on what's hot at the moment...
But... if they're just drawing for clicks, does what the artist actually likes even matter anymore?

Artists gotta eat too, y'know...

Xin

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Xin Category: A Disturbed Place Summary: No Looking Back

Xin: Hello, (‍mister / miss‍)! Everyone says you can help me...
Mom took me to get a short haircut last month, but it seems like some bad guys don't like my hair. They keep tapping my shoulder when I'm not paying attention, and they tickle my neck... But every time I turn around, I can't see anyone... (‍Mister / Miss‍), do you know who's playing these tricks on me? Can you make them stop bullying me?

Ugh, that awkward hair growth phase...

(CORRECT) Try tying your hair up.

Xin: If I tie my hair up, those mean bullies won't pick on me anymore, right?
Thanks, (‍mister / miss‍)! When I get home, I'll tell Mom about this and ask her to tie me a pretty ponytail!
Hopefully that'll scare those jerks away...

No more bullies messing with you!

(CORRECT) Hair's the mischievous little troublemaker here.

Xin: My hair's the bad guy? Huh... guess that actually checks out! I twisted my head around and realized it was the newly grown ends poking my neck! They're that awkward in-between length, like little brushes, making me think someone was messing with me! Turns out my hair's just being a brat 'cause it wants to grow out faster!

Get your hair trimmed a bit.

Soldier 11

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Soldier 11 Category: A Disturbed Place Summary: Light-Up Spell

Soldier 11: "Messenger of Crimson Flame's Silken Shadow," I come to inquire about a strategy to resolve a certain matter. A few days ago, I went to eat noodles as usual, only to be told the shop had installed a strange new lighting system that only turns on when you shout an incantation at it, but the effect only lasts a few seconds. If you don't shout the incantation again, the lights go out...

The key to spells is shouting them out loud.

(INCORRECT) Maybe there's a spell that'll keep the light on.

Soldier 11: To be honest, I don't think this method has a high success rate.
But since you're the one suggesting it, I'll try using more incantations to awaken the lights tonight.

Yeah. Let's give it a shot first.

(CORRECT) They must've gotten those lights with voice control.

Soldier 11: Got it. So the reason other voices couldn't trigger the light earlier was insufficient decibels, not the wrong incantation. I'll remind the shop owner to replace the lighting again and find out why the noodle shop's using voice-activated lights in the first place.

Can't skimp on electric when it matters!

Ari

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Ari Category: Residential Evil [sic] Summary: What's in the Trash Can

Ari: Manager... is there something, like, really special on Sixth Street that hides in trash cans? Ever since I came to "404," I've occasionally seen some bizarre stuff — people walking along, then suddenly stopping in front of a trash can on the corner, and talking to the trash can. And sometimes the trash can even spits something out...

There's definitely "something" in that trash can around the corner.

(CORRECT) The lucky ones will receive gifts from the trash can.

Ari: There's really something inside?! So what should we call it... "Spirit of the Trash Can"? "God of Garbage"? "Demon of the Bin"?

It's the "Sage in a Barrel".

(INCORRECT) You must be seeing things.

Ari: How could I possibly mistake something so bizarre and rare? I've noticed a regular at "404" who's also had conversations with the trash can — I'll ask him about it next time I see him.

May you find the answers you seek.

No Monsters in Ridu

Evelyn

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Evelyn Category: Residential Evil Summary: Doppelganger

Evelyn: Miss Yao has been... acting kinda weird lately. Her mood seems fine on the surface, but she keeps avoiding me. Whenever I ask what's up, she just says nothing's wrong... then she'll lock herself in her room, only to crack the door open and size me up from head to toe. At first I thought maybe I'd done something to make her wary of me, but then I came across this legend about "doppelgangers" — how "another you" gradually takes over the original without anyone noticing...

Worrying about Astra is throwing Evelyn completely off her game...

(CORRECT) Astra's cooking up a surprise for you, right?

Evelyn: Huh? Now that you mention it... I think I get it. But why would Miss Yao suddenly prepare a "surprise" for me? There aren't any special holidays coming up... Even so, I shouldn't let her efforts go to waste — after all, she's been hiding it so carefully. She must've put a lot of thought into it. I'll look forward to it properly.
Thanks for the wake-up call. You really pulled me out of that worry spiral.

You don't need to wait for the perfect moment to surprise someone!

(INCORRECT) How about... asking Astra again?

Evelyn: Won't that disturb Miss Yao? Besides, if my hunch is right — if something strange really has targeted her, won't such a rash move tip it off?
To me, Miss Yao's safety is always the top priority. I would never take any action that could harm her, not even in the slightest.
I'll find a safer way to handle this.

Sorry, couldn't help you out...

Coco

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Coco Category: Residential Evil Summary: Suspicious Recipe

Coco: So there was this customer who left a... really weird note on their delivery order — "Extra cilantro and green peppercorns, light on salt and oil, no scallions."
I tore the whole shop apart looking for these ingredients... but in the end, I just made a standard teamilk and sent it over. I'm totally gonna get a complaint... What if the customer actually needed that kind of magic teamilk...?

No way this is a note for the teamilk store.

(INCORRECT) The customer is an alchemist, right?

Coco: An alchemist? Oh no, I didn't follow his note when preparing it, and that could totally mess up his work... I'll have the manager order those ingredients tonight... I swear this won't happen again.

Aim to be the aclchemist's [sic] first assistant.

(CORRECT) It's a mistake from "Copy last order's note".

Coco: You think the customer just auto-filled the delivery note from their last order into the teamilk order note?
Mm... good point.
Hopefully next time they order teamilk, the note will say "extra sugar and extra milk"...

Fingers crossed!

Mingxue

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Mingxue Category: Residential Evil Summary: Bangboo's Ascension

Mingxue: I'll let you in on a little secret... my Bangboo's basically achieved godhood!
I don't know when it started, but it never needs charging anymore. Every morning I wake up and it's at full battery, never needs me to charge it at all. Did the Sunbringer herself bless us or what?

No way it runs without charging!

(CORRECT) It's been charging on the low while you were sleeping.

Mingxue: Why? Is it that embarrassing to admit it needs charging? I'm kinda in denial here... Guess I'll face reality when I check this month's electric bill at home.

Bangboo keep their little secrets too.

(INCORRECT) Your Bangboo has evolved.

Mingxue: Really?! Should I contact the Marcel Group then? This is huge — maybe I'll become some important historical figure who changes everything?
...Nah, who am I kidding. Better not get ahead of myself.

B-But... what if?

Lowsen

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Lowsen Category: Residential Evil Summary: Promotion Playbook

Lowsen: Recently there's been this rumor going around TOPS that sounds crazy but kinda makes sense — "Become the boss's personal photographer and you'll get lucky breaks that'll skyrocket your career." Word is it started over at Porcelumex...
Think I should take a shot at it?

Reminds you of a friend at Porcelumex...

(CORRECT) Don't sweat the rumors — just keep your head down and work hard.

Lowsen: Hah... you're probably right. Just relieved to have some unrealistic fantasies finally put to rest.
Cutting corners really isn't the way... but still, can't help feeling bitter about a life ending like this.

Your luck's gotta turn around eventually.

(CORRECT) Even if one has to set up eight cameras all at once?

Lowsen: That's it? Compared to the grind of my day job, this is nothing. Forget eight — even eighteen would beat this soul-crushing work, especially with a shot at promotion.
Thanks for setting my expectations. I'm gonna try it out.

Hope your boss is looking for a photographer.

Alice

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Alice Category: Residential Evil Summary: A Thousand Flickers

Alice: Since I'm running the stall, I've been crashing at a place nearby these past few days. I dunno if it's 'cause we've been collecting all these urban legends or what, but it feels like we've caught the attention of... something. The ceiling light in my room keeps flickering, whether the switch is on or off. Even swapping out the bulb didn't help. I really don't wanna think too hard about this...
If I told Yuzuha about it, she'd totally roast me for sure...

The ceiling light can glitch for various reasons.

(CORRECT) Maybe the switch came loose?

Alice: Oh right! I was so focused on thinking it was the light bulb itself, and my fear totally messed with my head — didn't even consider that...
I'll go back and check it out! Gotta get it fixed before I pack up for the day, at least.

Time to catch some Z's!

(INCORRECT) It's a ghost waving at you.

Alice: Wh... What? Is it really because we've been collecting urban legends? But Yuzuha doesn't seem to have this problem... What about you, (‍Wise / Belle‍)?

Sorry... haven't run into 'em either.

Mrs. Zhou

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Mrs. Zhou Category: Residential Evil Summary: Law of Conservation of Luck

Mrs. Zhou: (‍Young man / Young lady‍), I haven't run into any monsters or demons... but there's been some weird stuff going on, and I need you to help me figure it out.
I heard from the old lady at the newsstand... for some reason, there's always young folks around your age who buy scratch cards, but they scratch off just one row and then bolt without a word. We're both curious — is this some kind of trend with you young people?

Suibian Temple has a daily limited lottery.

(INCORRECT) Too scared to open my eyes~ Hope it's just my imagination~

Mrs. Zhou: (‍Young man / Young lady‍)... why are you suddenly humming that tune? Could it be you're hinting there's something off about this song? Let this old timer think about it some more...

The lyrics mean they refuse to accept the truth.

(CORRECT) They wanna play the lottery at Suibian Temple.

Mrs. Zhou: Suibian Temple... that's all the way over in Failume Heights, right?
Kids these days got some serious energy, traveling back and forth between two spots that far apart just to lock in their luck for a lottery draw.

Truth be told, I do this sometimes too.

Xiyue

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Xiyue Category: Residential Evil Summary: Special Focus

Xiyue: I used to be a huge "Satellite" fan... y'know, that Bangboo idol group. But lately, my attention's been completely hijacked by this "Sharkboo"! It's got this adorably round little body... and it bops along to the music in the cutest way, even its built-in case is super cute! None of my friends get why I'm so into it, and honestly... now even I am starting to wonder if this is normal...

The Sharkboo standing on top of the water tank?

(CORRECT) Talk it into joining the idol group!

Xiyue: Great minds think alike! I'll bring this up with the Operationsboo next time "Satellite" performs.
Thanks for believing in me and giving me such solid advice! I hereby declare you Fan #2 of the Sharkboo Fan Club!

When did you guys start a fan club?

(CORRECT) Its dance moves are mesmerizing.

Xiyue: You think so too?! It's totally on par with "Satellite"! It's a total genius — it can even teach itself super hard stuff like dancing. I'm not too shabby myself, either — got a real eye for spotting talent. If it could debut, it'd definitely win Best Newcomer in the Bangboo entertainment scene, hands down!

Looking forward to that!

Hoshimi Miyabi

Inquirer	Inquirer
	Vistor Hoshimi Miyabi Category: A Disturbed Place [sic] Summary: Training Insight

Hoshimi Miyabi: I've arrived, Proxy.
I'm currently undergoing a training where I must "complete 100 tasks in a single day while wearing traditional family attire." I've already finished 99 tasks. I want to conclude this training with something I've never done before. You're well-versed in the urban legends of New Eridu, so perhaps you can provide some inspiration for this final special task.

Something you've never done... doesn't have to involve paranormal events and urban legends, does it?

(CORRECT) How about catching a show at 404?

Hoshimi Miyabi: I think Harumasa mentioned that place before, but I've never been there myself.
Not quite what I had in mind for inspiration... but it's a good idea.
Then I'll go and watch the show. Would you like to come along?

Sounds good, I'll grab the tickets.

(CORRECT) Have you ever seen a Bangboo dance?

Hoshimi Miyabi: Why would a Bangboo dance? I've never seen that before. It is quite special.
I wouldn't be opposed to watching Bangboo dance as the final step of my training. Please tell me where I must go.

Let's hit up 404 tonight.

Miscellaneous

Dialogue

(Interact with Stall)

The computer's got a bunch of appointments logged in, and there are already customers waiting out front for the stall to open up.

Start now.

(Opens event interface)

Handle other stuff first...

(Upon starting a stage): All the customers who made appointments are rolling in. Time to get to work!; Fairy: Master, due to power limitations, I can only assist when necessary. Please analyze residents' statements closely and give the best answer.

(After selecting a wrong choice)

(As Wise)

Belle: Wise... something doesn't feel right...

Belle: Probably shouldn't say that...

Belle: Wise... that's not really a good way to respond...

(As Belle)

Wise: Belle... something feels off...

Wise: Maybe shouldn't have replied with that...

Wise: Wait a sec... something's not quite right...

(If the player fails the stage): Seems like I haven't helped the residents solve their problems, but instead made them more confused...
Time to get my head in the game, listen carefully, sort through the info, and make thoughtful decisions!

(If the player completes the stage): The residents' issues have all been addressed, it's about time to wrap things up...

(After completing a stage)

(As Wise)

Belle: Hey Wise, I was watching from the side earlier, and the citizens who got the truth all seemed pretty satisfied. No wonder Yuzuha and the others trust you so much! Looks like you nailed both the promo and helping others~ Time to clock out!

Mm, let's call it a day.

(As Belle)

Wise: I had no idea you knew so much about urban legends. No wonder Yuzuha and the others came to you for help. That's my sister. Anyway, it's about time to close up shop. How about we head home together?

Packing up, let's head home!

Consultation Scoring

(Perfect Consultation - 8000 points): Fairy: You've shown your exceptional skills once again. Fairy will continue to respond to your requests for assistance.

(Consultation Complete - 4000-7000 points): Fairy: Satisfaction will rise along with Fairy's appearance rate.

(Consultation Complete - 1000-3000 points): Fairy: I'll filter for the fields of work you excel in.

(Consultation Complete - 0 points): Fairy: Master, if you run into any trouble, I'm always happy to help.

Trivia

Luka's dialogue is a reference to the horror novel It by Stephen King.
Therese's dialogue is a reference to an art trend involving a drawing of the character Frieren from a low angle.
In No Monsters in Ridu, the requests category "Residential Evil" is a reference to the video game franchise Resident Evil.
Mrs. Zhou's dialogue refers to a technique that some players use to check the daily scratch card rewards. The card can be scratched partially to reveal the design without claiming it, and if the design corresponds to a less valuable reward, the player can try A-Shuo's Divination instead.