An Uninvited Guest (Chapter 1)/Old
Last updated 2024-11-14
This content is no longer available.
This page contains pre-release content. It is provided as-is and will not be updated or expanded. Please check the main page for current information.
Dialogue
Interlude
This part is not recorded in the video archives.
- (SiblingSibling): Welcome b—
- Welcome back, master (ProtagonistProtagonist).
- (SiblingSibling): (Don't steal my lines, and don't call him 'master'.Don't steal my lines, and don't call him 'master'. /
It's rude to butt in. And what's with the "master"?It's rude to butt in. And what's with the "master"?) - (SiblingSibling): Now that the mission is done, we need to get paid for this commission and delete any sensitive data. Do you know how to do that, Fairy?
- Of course. Standard commission collection channels have been inferred from your savings account data. Based on this, a secondary subcontract and new backup account have been created.
- There are no smart devices or software in the current network environment that can detect my visit. Sensitive data is not a problem.
- Suggestion. Fixed processes like this can be assigned to me to resolve.
- (SiblingSibling): (Suggestion received. I'll task you with sorting out the rest of our commissions, then. I'm going to the parking lot to throw out some trash. Come here and give me a hand!Suggestion received. I'll task you with sorting out the rest of our commissions, then. I'm going to the parking lot to throw out some trash. Come here and give me a hand! /
We'll think about it. Can you take care of this paperwork for us? And hey, (ProtagonistProtagonist) — wanna go to the parking lot and throw out these trash bags?We'll think about it. Can you take care of this paperwork for us? And hey, (ProtagonistProtagonist) — wanna go to the parking lot and throw out these trash bags?)
Some minutes later in the parking lot behind the video store.
- (SiblingSibling): (Close the door. Now, let's have a good chat... about that AI Fairy.Close the door. Now, let's have a good chat... about that AI Fairy. /
Alright, now we can talk safely... about that mysterious Fairy.Alright, now we can talk safely... about that mysterious Fairy.) 
You've got such a big heart... This is a serious topic! / Oh? Is it the "trash talk about the newbie" time?- Optimism is good, but this stuff shouldn't be taken lightly. / I don't think simply shutting a door will stop an AI from listening if they wanted to...
- (SiblingSibling): (Of course I know that. Which is why I brought these two bags of "trash." They're so heavy.Of course I know that. Which is why I brought these two bags of "trash." They're so heavy. /
Don't worry. These "trash bags" exist solely for that.Don't worry. These "trash bags" exist solely for that.) - (SiblingSibling): (The "trash bags" are full of broken Bangboo signal transmitters. Put together, the two are equivalent to two low-frequency signal jammers.The "trash bags" are full of broken Bangboo signal transmitters. Put together, the two are equivalent to two low-frequency signal jammers. /
Inside are abandoned Bangboo signal transmitters. This many placed together are equivalent to two low-frequency signal jammers.Inside are abandoned Bangboo signal transmitters. This many placed together are equivalent to two low-frequency signal jammers.) - (SiblingSibling): All nearby smart devices should be offline for now. At the very least, our conversation remains unmonitored.
- I'd expect nothing less from you!
- You'd better not turn this trick on me later, alright?
- (SiblingSibling): (Quick recap: This Fairy's powers are vastly beyond our control.Quick recap: This Fairy's powers are vastly beyond our control. /
I have a conclusion to share: this Fairy's capabilities are vastly beyond our control.I have a conclusion to share: this Fairy's capabilities are vastly beyond our control.) - (SiblingSibling): All Hollow escape paths for the past few commissions were calculated independently by her. (She didn't rely on any data support, and yet she was over 270 times faster!She didn't rely on any data support, and yet she was over 270 times faster! /
Compared to relying on our database, it's over 270 times faster!Compared to relying on our database, it's over 270 times faster!) - (SiblingSibling): While you were reading the chip, the H.D.D. system was completely rewritten from the core registry up, overwriting herself into base logic levels as though it were the original design!
- (SiblingSibling): (Right now, she's actually the current "admin" of the H.D.D. system. We can't get rid of her...Right now, she's actually the current "admin" of the H.D.D. system. We can't get rid of her... /
In theory, she's now the core of the H.D.D. system and utterly irreplaceable...In theory, she's now the core of the H.D.D. system and utterly irreplaceable...) - (SiblingSibling): (The only good news is that she's now taking orders from you... to complete her "agreement" and await this "opportunity." Or at least, that's what she claims.The only good news is that she's now taking orders from you... to complete her "agreement" and await this "opportunity." Or at least, that's what she claims. /
Fortunately, she's following your orders for now... Remember? To complete her "agreement" and wait for this "opportunity." Or at least, that's what she claims.Fortunately, she's following your orders for now... Remember? To complete her "agreement" and wait for this "opportunity." Or at least, that's what she claims.) - (SiblingSibling): (But what's the "agreement" and "opportunity" that she's talking about? She won't say.But what's the "agreement" and "opportunity" that she's talking about? She won't say. /
But she didn't share any details of this "agreement" or "opportunity."But she didn't share any details of this "agreement" or "opportunity.") - (SiblingSibling): (Any "agreement" that needs such a powerful level of AI to cheat the system is certainly no simple plan.Any "agreement" that needs such a powerful level of AI to cheat the system is certainly no simple plan. /
Using this level of smart AI means this "agreement" won't be anything simple, and that's for sure.Using this level of smart AI means this "agreement" won't be anything simple, and that's for sure.) - (SiblingSibling): (We have to find where she came from to avoid any future trouble!We have to find where she came from to avoid any future trouble! /
We have to get to the bottom of her secret, to protect our new lives here in New Eridu.We have to get to the bottom of her secret, to protect our new lives here in New Eridu.) - Ask the Cunning Hares?
- (SiblingSibling): (I've already asked Nicole about where the commission came from, but she doesn't know.I've already asked Nicole about where the commission came from, but she doesn't know. /
I've gotten in touch, but Nicole doesn't know anything about the client.I've gotten in touch, but Nicole doesn't know anything about the client.) - (SiblingSibling): (Stealing the Red Fang Gang's strongbox — the job was posted publicly but anonymously. Luckily, it just happened to be picked up and completed by the Cunning Hares.Stealing the Red Fang Gang's strongbox — the job was posted publicly but anonymously. Luckily, it just happened to be picked up and completed by the Cunning Hares. /
The Cunning Hares took on an anonymous commission and they don't even know who wanted to snatch that strongbox from the Red Fang Gang.The Cunning Hares took on an anonymous commission and they don't even know who wanted to snatch that strongbox from the Red Fang Gang.) - (SiblingSibling): (Even the handoff and payment for the commission were handled by an intermediary. Nicole and her team never met with this client before.Even the handoff and payment for the commission were handled by an intermediary. Nicole and her team never met with this client before. /
The handoff and report on this commission were all handled by a broker.The handoff and report on this commission were all handled by a broker.) - (SiblingSibling): I've officially enlisted the help of the Cunning Hares to help us track down details about the strongbox and the client. She'll let us know once she has any info.
- After a short pause, your only relative betrayed a bittersweet smile.
- (SiblingSibling): An H.D.D. system that can transmit into the Hollows, plus an AI that can calculate an escape (pathpath /
routeroute) independently... (it's a free ticket in and out of a Hollow!it's a free ticket in and out of a Hollow! / it's the perfect tool for exploring the Hollows!it's the perfect tool for exploring the Hollows!) - (SiblingSibling): The (ultimate comboultimate combo /
golden ticketgolden ticket) the elites of New Eridu have been dreaming of is now in our hands... - (SiblingSibling): (There have even been some hacking attempts on us... this isn't a hot potato — it's a volcano.There have even been some hacking attempts on us... this isn't a hot potato — it's a volcano. /
The guy who tried to hack us admitted that. too. What we have now right here is an active volcano.The guy who tried to hack us admitted that. too. What we have now right here is an active volcano.) - (SiblingSibling): (But if we can use it properly... our dream... our teacher's final wish... we can have it all!But if we can use it properly... our dream... our teacher's final wish... we can have it all! /
But if we can make good use of it... our dreams and our teacher's final wish... can all come true.But if we can make good use of it... our dreams and our teacher's final wish... can all come true.) - (SiblingSibling): (Anyway, "Phaethon"'s identity and assets were all hacked and destroyed. Let's keep things low-key while we quietly rebuild our Proxy reputation and do some background checks on this Fairy.Anyway, "Phaethon"'s identity and assets were all hacked and destroyed. Let's keep things low-key while we quietly rebuild our Proxy reputation and do some background checks on this Fairy. /
Luckily, the identity and assets of "Phaethon" were all destroyed by that mysterious hacker. Now's the time to build up our Proxy reputation and investigate this Fairy's secrets. Tread carefully.Luckily, the identity and assets of "Phaethon" were all destroyed by that mysterious hacker. Now's the time to build up our Proxy reputation and investigate this Fairy's secrets. Tread carefully.)
- (SiblingSibling): Okay. That's all I got to say.
- (SiblingSibling): I'd better rush back to the store, or else it'll be weird.
- (SiblingSibling): Don't go back with me, (ProtagonistProtagonist) — why don't you hit up General Chop for a bowl of ramen and take things easy?
- (Chat with Gait)
- Gait: How's it going, boss? One bowl of bamboo shoot noodles and two chicken wings... no — three chicken wings!
- Gait: I almost risked my neck getting out of that Hollow, so I'm gonna enjoy myself! Thank my lucky stars!
- Risked your... neck? In a Hollow?
- Gait: Sure! A few dozen of us builders got stuck inside and nobody warned us that we had to get out of there!
- Gait: Luckily, that Proxy saved me... But I don't know about the other construction teams...
- Gait: Never mind, there's nothing I can do to save them. Gotta look after number one! Hey, you want a chicken wing? It's on me!
- (A few dozen builders... ? Smells like a commission to me.)
- (New Commission Added - The Light of Day)
The Light of Day
| Type = Main Story | Client = Proxy "Baroque" | — |
| Stamina Cost = 20 | Recommended Level = 7 | Recommended Attributes = Pierce / Slash |
| Objective = Rescue the trapped construction team | I took on a job to rescue some construction workers at the Dead End Hollow. But after reading over the commission carefully, I realized there's more than one team stuck in there. I can't manage it all, so I've carved off part of it for you. Proxies working together to rescue citizens makes for a great story, doesn't it? And don't worry about the pay. I'll absolutely be fair and give you what you deserve. |
— |
Artificial Intelligence
- (SiblingSibling): (Hollow successfully escaped. That's my bro!Hollow successfully escaped. That's my bro! /
Mission complete. Hollow escape successful. Good job!Mission complete. Hollow escape successful. Good job!) - (SiblingSibling): (The commission funds have been transferred to our account. That's mission complete! Hm? Wait... This can't be right? They've added an extra 30%?The commission funds have been transferred to our account. That's mission complete! Hm? Wait... This can't be right? They've added an extra 30%? /
The Proxy Network shows payment has been completed. Hmm, this amount... it's a third more than the industry standard? What's going on?The Proxy Network shows payment has been completed. Hmm, this amount... it's a third more than the industry standard? What's going on?)
- Hypothesis. The Commission is located in a Companion Hollow commonly known as the "Dead End Hollow", where a high-risk Ethereal is active. Records show several Hollow Investigation Squads have been lost. As such, a bonus has been added.
- (SiblingSibling): ...
- (SiblingSibling): (Could you not tell us about such important information in advance? Aren't you afraid the commission money will turn into life insurance money?Could you not tell us about such important information in advance? Aren't you afraid the commission money will turn into life insurance money? /
...Fairy, could you remember to tell us the important details before we set off? Otherwise you'll be the one explaining to the insurance company....Fairy, could you remember to tell us the important details before we set off? Otherwise you'll be the one explaining to the insurance company.)
- Objection. Injuries sustained as a result of undeclared actions in the Hollow are not covered by general insurance. Please say "Start" to search the top ten insurance programs...
- (SiblingSibling): (...Don't start. Why is your issue the scope of the insurance?...Don't start. Why is your issue the scope of the insurance? /
...Cancel. I was just trying to say dangerous info should be given to us in advance!...Cancel. I was just trying to say dangerous info should be given to us in advance!) - OK OK, enough arguing.
- Can one of you help locate my current position?
- (SiblingSibling): (Hmph, I'll let you off this time. Let me see, this is a civilian area at the edge of the old capital, another exit for the Cretan Hollow's Companion Hollow.Hmph, I'll let you off this time. Let me see, this is a civilian area at the edge of the old capital, another exit for the Cretan Hollow's Companion Hollow. /
Phew, calm down... I'm now at the civilian area at the end of the old capital — The other exit to the Cretan Hollow's Companion Hollow, the "Dead End Hollow".Phew, calm down... I'm now at the civilian area at the end of the old capital — The other exit to the Cretan Hollow's Companion Hollow, the "Dead End Hollow".) - (SiblingSibling): Based on the data from the Vision Corporation, there's going to be explosive demolitions, and all people should be clearing the area.
- (SiblingSibling): (From your perspective, there's still a lot of residents... Can the Vision Corporation really evacuate them all before construction starts?From your perspective, there's still a lot of residents... Can the Vision Corporation really evacuate them all before construction starts? /
There's so many people to relocate... Can they really all be moved along at this rate?There's so many people to relocate... Can they really all be moved along at this rate?)
- Ah! Isn't that a masterless Bangboo?
- Grab it! We can turn it into a steel bowl!
- (SiblingSibling): Huh?
- (SiblingSibling): (Hide somewhere, I'll come get you! I won't let you become a steel bowl!Hide somewhere, I'll come get you! I won't let you become a steel bowl! /
Can a masterless Bangboo be turned into a steel bowl? I didn't know that... Wait, those kids are serious! You gotta hide!Can a masterless Bangboo be turned into a steel bowl? I didn't know that... Wait, those kids are serious! You gotta hide!) - Nekomata: ...That sneaky Bangboo... That couldn't be the legendary Proxy Nicole was talking about? Right?
Not long after, inside Random Play.
- (SiblingSibling): I'm back. Recycling Bangboo is hard work...
- Welcome back. Do you want to eat and wash up first, or perhaps read your mail?
- (SiblingSibling): That sounds ominous... Did we get an important mail?
- New mail from New Eridu City Hall, titled: Anniversary of the Founding of the City - Residents Info.
- The content is as follows:
- There's a cool breeze and blue sky above New Eridu, as we welcome an important...
- (SiblingSibling): (Sounds like spam... Do me a favor and delete it would you?Sounds like spam... Do me a favor and delete it would you? /
Stop... That's the opening of an email that can go straight into the spam folder.Stop... That's the opening of an email that can go straight into the spam folder.)
- Objection. It also covers the latest information regarding the Old Capital Metro renovation project—
- (SiblingSibling): The Old Capital Metro renovation project... Wait, that's related to the (job from the Vision Corporation right?job from the Vision Corporation right? /
Vision Corporation commission?Vision Corporation commission?)
- Affirmative. I won't delete this mail until I'm sure you both have understood the information.
- (SiblingSibling): (It's just spam, you're acting like a teen protecting their diary!It's just spam, you're acting like a teen protecting their diary! /
...It's just spam, it's not like you're deleting a huge loan notice....It's just spam, it's not like you're deleting a huge loan notice.) - Forget it, I can learn about it from the news.
- We'll learn about it from the news, Fairy.
- To turn on the TV and open the news channel, please say "Start"...
- (SiblingSibling): —I can do that much myself!
The Vision Corporation
At the secret workshop inside Random Play...
- Reporter: It's an honor to interview Vision's chief representative, Mr. Charles Perlman!
- Reporter: As a warm up to the anniversary of the founding of the city, the high-profile civil construction project to renovate the Old Capital Metro is being undertaken by the Vision Corporation!
- Reporter: My report shows the Old Capital Metro renovation project will begin with explosive demolitions. Mr. Perlman, can you please give us a rundown of how that works?
- Perlman: Good question, young man!
- Perlman: Despite the cost, we have bought pure Ether explosives to completely remove the remnants of the old metro.
- Perlman: We loaded it up into special trains and shuttled it in batches through the Dead End Hollow to the old metro construction area! Those explosives are more fragile than a newborn...
- Perlman: We painstakingly trod ever-so-carefully through the Dead End Hollow to avoid any Ethereals, and finally managed to get most of the explosives through to the construction area!
- Perlman: Hahaha, don't worry — it won't explode without a dedicated detonator or a sizeable external force!
- Perlman: I really wanted to give you a demonstration of what we've been doing, but to avoid signal interference with the blast, we've had to shield the entire construction area.
- Reporter: All civilians have been cleared of the area, but communications are still being blocked to be safe? Vision has thought of all the details!
- Perlman: That's right! That's the vision of the Vision Corporation, the well-being of everyone in New Eridu.
- TV: ...Some months ago the Vision Corporation won the contract to the Old Capital Metro project at the construction project auction.
- TV: The Vision Corporation promised to complete the contract in less time at a reduced cost, and won the bid with a significant advantage over the highly regarded Belobog Industries.
- TV: Our special correspondent tried to contact those involved at Belobog, but were unable to get an interview.
- Reporter: Mr. Perlman, do you have anything to say about this victory over the rising star Belobog Industries?
- Perlman: Belobog Industries is a respected competitor we can learn from. I'm sure they'll do better next time.
- Reporter: So can you tell us the secret behind your reduced project costs?
- Perlman: This.. shouldn't be one of the questions, should it?
- Reporter: What do you mean?
- Perlman: You... you didn't give me an outline for the interview—
- Sarah: Mr. Perlman, we're live right now.
- Sarah: What Mr. Perlman means is there's no question of improper cost reduction relating to Vision Corporation. We welcome the scrutiny of every citizen.
- Sarah: Mr. Perlman will also be on-site for the construction to oversee things till the very end—
- Wise: The construction site is near a Hollow, and a lot of people need to be relocated—
- Belle: Companies that want to enter TOPS Enterprises Union sure are something else.
- Fairy: Alert. Street cameras have identified an unknown person approaching the store at high speed.
- Fairy: Speculation: Their video rental is about to expire, or they are plotting against the store.
- Belle: What? That's a strange way to say "We've got a customer."
- Wise: It's just a customer, I'll go get the door.
- Nekomata: Mee—Ouch~!
- Nekomata: Ow... my nose...!
- Nekomata: Ah! Don't believe that tiny hypocrite! He's lying!
Most Urgent
- (Chat with Nekomata)
- Nekomata: You could give a miawrning before opening the door! You sent me flying...
- (SiblingSibling): (Huh... A cat? Welcome to Sixth Street's greatest Video Store.Huh... A cat? Welcome to Sixth Street's greatest Video Store. /
Little late for a 'miawrning' now... Welcome to Sixth Street's greatest video store.Little late for a 'miawrning' now... Welcome to Sixth Street's greatest video store.) - (SiblingSibling): (Anything is possible... if you're here to borrow a tape.Anything is possible... if you're here to borrow a tape. /
You... don't look like you're here to borrow videotapes, right?You... don't look like you're here to borrow videotapes, right?) - Nekomata: I know you guys are "Phaethon"! Nicole says you're the kindest, smartest, and most skilled Proxies in New Eridu—!
- (SiblingSibling): (Sorry, I've got no idea what you're talking about. I think you've got the wrong place!Sorry, I've got no idea what you're talking about. I think you've got the wrong place! /
You must be mistaken, as you can see we're just a normal video store.You must be mistaken, as you can see we're just a normal video store.) - Nekomata: Wait! You don't have to worry about me, my name is Nekomata! Nicole told me to come!
- (SiblingSibling): (Nicole? Which Nicole is that?Nicole? Which Nicole is that? /
I'm not sure who you're talking about.I'm not sure who you're talking about.) - (SiblingSibling): (Is that one of our store patrons?Is that one of our store patrons? /
Perhaps you have the wrong store?Perhaps you have the wrong store?) - Nekomata: Nicole of the Cunning Hares! The leader of the odd-job agency the Cunning Hares! Look, this is her Bangboo! This is proof, right?
- (SiblingSibling): (Hmm... It doesn't look like a fake. That certainly is the Bangboo Nicole uses.Hmm... It doesn't look like a fake. That certainly is the Bangboo Nicole uses. /
That certainly is the Bangboo Nicole has with her.That certainly is the Bangboo Nicole has with her.) - (SiblingSibling): (Are you really a friend of Nicole? Are they trapped somewhere?Are you really a friend of Nicole? Are they trapped somewhere? /
Did Nicole really send you? Are they trapped?Did Nicole really send you? Are they trapped?) - Nekomata: —That's the place!
- (SiblingSibling): (You mean... they're trapped in my TV?You mean... they're trapped in my TV? /
My TV isn't capable of trapping people.My TV isn't capable of trapping people.) - ...
- I think Nekomata means the Vision Industry blast area.
- (SiblingSibling): (Why is this happening again...Why is this happening again... /
I'm surprisingly not surprised...I'm surprisingly not surprised...) - (SiblingSibling): What good reason do they have for being at the Vision construction site?
- Nekomata: They're looking for something! ...My commission! The Red Fang Gang are making trouble! There's been several fights! And... so many people! Like canned tuna!
- (SiblingSibling): (Slow down and explain. How is Nicole's problem related to canned tuna?Slow down and explain. How is Nicole's problem related to canned tuna? /
Take it easy, it sounds like you're talking about a giant mall sale.Take it easy, it sounds like you're talking about a giant mall sale.) - Nekomata: Eugh-nyeow! But we're running out of time!
- Nekomata: If only I could show you exactly what happened!
- (SiblingSibling): (That would be difficult. Only Nicole, the Bangboo's owner, can export visual data, and to force access we'd have to go back to the original manufacturer, the Marcel Corporation.That would be difficult. Only Nicole, the Bangboo's owner, can export visual data, and to force access we'd have to go back to the original manufacturer, the Marcel Corporation. /
Unfortunately, we only have Nicole's Bangboo. The only way to get visual data from it would be to find its owner or the manufacturer, the Marcel Corporation.Unfortunately, we only have Nicole's Bangboo. The only way to get visual data from it would be to find its owner or the manufacturer, the Marcel Corporation.)
- (Fairy beeps through the computer as if wanting to say something)
- (SiblingSibling): (Hmph, damned AI, I told her to stay quiet.Hmph, damned AI, I told her to stay quiet. /
Tch, I told her not to make a sound...Tch, I told her not to make a sound...) - Wait, what does Fairy want to say?
- Does she have a way?
- Nekomata: What's that? Fairy?
- (SiblingSibling): (Nothing!Nothing! /
Ah, no!Ah, no!) There's nothing like that here! - (SiblingSibling): (—Um, Fairy, can you help get the Bangboo data?—Um, Fairy, can you help get the Bangboo data? /
Ahem ...Fairy? Do you have a way to force the Bangboo data?Ahem ...Fairy? Do you have a way to force the Bangboo data?)
- Question. Is the request to "convert this Bangboo's visual recording into video output"?
- (SiblingSibling): (Yes! That's it!Yes! That's it! /
That's it! Can you do it?That's it! Can you do it?)
- Processing Bangboo visual data for the last three days. Please say "I'm stupid, I should have asked sooner"...
- (SiblingSibling): (I'm stupid... Not! Nice try!I'm stupid... Not! Nice try! /
I'm stupid, I should have turned you off sooner...I'm stupid, I should have turned you off sooner...)