Applause for the Mockingbird

Applause for the Mockingbird is the ninth episode of Season 1 - Epilogue: Bury Your Tears With the Past (B) in Phaethon's Story.

Parts

What is the Meaning?
Belated Trust
Crucial Evidence
Jack's Request
A Rival and a Close Friend
Mockingbird No Longer Needs That Family Name
Collector's Pendant

Steps

Talk to Lycaon
- Complete Using Oneself as Bait
Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)

Gameplay Notes

During step 1, the squad will be limited to a trial Hugo Vlad and Von Lycaon.

Trial Mode

Inter-Knot Rank: Elite Proxy
Team Position	Agent & W-Engine	Skills & Equipment	Stats
1	C0 Hugo Vlad Lv. 46 Hugo Vlad Cannon Rotor Lv. 46 Cannon Rotor	Basic Attack Lv. 8 Dodge Lv. 8 Assist Lv. 8 Special Attack Lv. 8 Chain Attack Lv. 8 Core Skill Lv. 5	HP: 9,746 ATK: 2,040 +333 DEF: 691 Impact: 95 CRIT Rate: 66.6% CRIT DMG: 85.2% Anomaly Mastery: 86 Anomaly Proficiency: 90 PEN Ratio: 0% PEN: 0 Energy Regen: 1.2 Energy Generation Rate: 0% Energy Limit: 120 DMG Bonus: 21%
1		Drive Disc Lv. 9 Set Bonus Woodpecker Electro 4-Piece Branch & Blade Song 2-Piece
2	C0 Von Lycaon Lv. 46 Von Lycaon Steam Oven Lv. 46 Steam Oven	Basic Attack Lv. 8 Dodge Lv. 8 Assist Lv. 8 Special Attack Lv. 8 Chain Attack Lv. 8 Core Skill Lv. 5	HP: 10,189 ATK: 1,650 DEF: 683 Impact: 155 +25 CRIT Rate: 33.8% CRIT DMG: 54.8% Anomaly Mastery: 91 Anomaly Proficiency: 108 PEN Ratio: 0% PEN: 0 Energy Regen: 1.72 Energy Generation Rate: 0% Energy Limit: 120 DMG Bonus: 21%
2		Drive Disc Lv. 9 Set Bonus Shockstar Disco 2-Piece King of the Summit 4-Piece

Inter-Knot Rank: Legendary Proxy
Team Position	Agent & W-Engine	Skills & Equipment	Stats
1	C0 Hugo Vlad Lv. 54 Hugo Vlad Cannon Rotor Lv. 54 Cannon Rotor	Basic Attack Lv. 9 Dodge Lv. 9 Assist Lv. 9 Special Attack Lv. 9 Chain Attack Lv. 9 Core Skill Lv. 4	HP: 11,522 ATK: 2,448 +454 DEF: 882 Impact: 95 CRIT Rate: 77.4% CRIT DMG: 85.2% Anomaly Mastery: 86 Anomaly Proficiency: 90 PEN Ratio: 0% PEN: 0 Energy Regen: 1.2 Energy Generation Rate: 0% Energy Limit: 120 DMG Bonus: 25.5%
1		Drive Disc Lv. 12 Set Bonus Woodpecker Electro 4-Piece Branch & Blade Song 2-Piece
2	C0 Von Lycaon Lv. 54 Von Lycaon Steam Oven Lv. 54 Steam Oven	Basic Attack Lv. 9 Dodge Lv. 9 Assist Lv. 9 Special Attack Lv. 9 Chain Attack Lv. 9 Core Skill Lv. 4	HP: 12,047 ATK: 1931 DEF: 872 Impact: 166 CRIT Rate: 37.4% CRIT DMG: 54.8% Anomaly Mastery: 91 Anomaly Proficiency: 90 PEN Ratio: 0% PEN: 0 Energy Regen: 1.8 Energy Generation Rate: 0% Energy Limit: 120 DMG Bonus: 25.5%
2		Drive Disc Lv. 12 Set Bonus King of the Summit 4-Piece Shockstar Disco 2-Piece

Dialogue

Talk with Lycaon

The effects of the drug have worn off. It's time for the next step of the plan. Go and speak with Lycaon.

Hugo: This is... just like what I saw in my dream.

Hugo: ...

Hugo: I guess there are still some lingering side effects..

What is the Meaning?

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"What is the Meaning?"

Video Summary: Don't deny Mockingbird's meaning and everything we've done.

Story Description: After his recovery, Hugo teams up with Lycaon to investigate Hartman, acknowledging the Mockingbird's struggles and worth. With delicate trust, they restart their partnership to uncover the conspiracy between the Ravenlock family and the Exaltists.

Hugo: Ah, my former partner, you're still as punctual as ever.

Lycaon: ...

Lycaon: Are you sure you have fully recovered?

Hugo: How about we fight and I show you how recovered I am?

Lycaon: I refuse to fight someone who is in need of medical attention.

Lycaon falls silent for a moment and eventually hands over a coin — no, looking at the packaging, it's not a coin, but a familiar chocolate.

Hugo: How thoughtful! I'm touched. Or perhaps is this simply part of Victoria Housekeeping's professional care?

Lycaon: I'd rather you not starve to death.

Hugo takes the coin. After a moment of silence, he eventually eats it.

Lycaon: ...Not to your liking? I'm fairly certain this is the same kind as before—

Hugo: No. I've just gone too long without food. It feels a bit uncomfortable.

Hugo: Either way... Thank you.

Lycaon: Now, tell me, what exactly happened in the warehouse?

Hugo: Just going a bit crazy from you know what. Were you expecting anything else?

Hugo: But... I did have a very long dream. A dream about many things from the past.

Hugo: If I had to put it into words, it would be like giving myself psychological therapy.

Hugo: You seem like you could benefit from some too. How about it? Want to book a session with me? Trust me, I'm a pro.

Lycaon: ...Seems you really have recovered.

Hugo: Well, of course! I'm feeling pretty great right now. Like I could argue with you all day on every petty detail of who exactly was in the wrong back then.

Lycaon: I wanted to ask... what you said about Mockingbird before, when you faked your death, was that part of the act?

Hugo: Oh, you mean the part about how "Mockingbird has never really changed anything or saved anyone"?

Hugo: I didn't expect you to still be so hung up on this. Interesting. After all, it was you who chose to betray Mockingbird, to betray me.

Lycaon: Just as I said before. I never considered Mockingbird a failure.

Lycaon: Perhaps Mockingbird deviated from its origins... but it has its value.

Lycaon: You shouldn't reject the things you've done... or Mockingbird.

Hugo: I have contemplated this before. Yes, Mockingbird has helped some people and has genuinely managed to cause trouble for those who abuse their positions of power for evil.

Hugo: Yet those in high positions still possess immense resources and the people we helped remain destitute and suffering, willing to become slaves to those in power for scraps.

Lycaon: ...

Hugo: But just as you said, even if what we did was childishly idealistic and flawed, as little as we actually achieved... even the slightest change is by no means meaningless.

Hugo: Nothing holds more value to me than Mockingbird.

Hugo stares out at the ocean.
A gentle breeze lifts his golden locks. The sunlight glances off both his eyes.

Hugo: Alright, let's catch up later. I still have things to do, and need to wrap up my plan.

Lycaon: ...I thought you would rest up first.

Hugo: As much as I would prefer that, my dear uncle and the Exaltist fanatics likely would not give me such an opportunity.

Hugo: If all has gone to plan, the fish will have taken the bait already. And if everything goes very well, I'll soon have solid evidence of the Ravenlock family's crimes.

Hugo: Well then, thank you for your assistance, former partner. Let's part ways here.

Lycaon: I'll go with you.

Hugo: ...Lycaon, surely you don't think that because I just recovered, I'm too weak to deal with those useless fools?

Lycaon: Hartman's actions will disturb the safety of New Eridu. As I serve the mayor, I should intervene.

Hugo: Very well, whatever.

Hugo: Let's go. And don't slow me down.

Lycaon: Before that, don't you have something to tell me?

Hugo: What do you mean?

Lycaon: ...Don't play coy with me. I know you're not spilling your whole plan.

Lycaon: So, you kicked things off by approaching Edmund from the TOPS big shots — how did you manage to sweet-talk him?

Hugo: I am a bit of an illegitimate child, but I still have that Ravenlock family blood running through my veins.

Hugo: Funny enough, this Lord Edmund thinks direct lineage is way more noble than the side branches, which is absolutely laughable.

Hugo: So, I played his arrogance to my advantage.

Hugo: And, let's be real, I had some juicy intel to swap with those high rollers, but that's Mockingbird's secret, so I can't let any "outsiders" in on it.

Lycaon: ...

Lycaon: Was the Sacrifice Core from the mayor's lab your handiwork too?

Hugo: You could say that. The security there is no joke, so I had to leverage TOPS for some extra intel — after all, as you know, they've got plenty of moles planted next to your mayor.

Lycaon: And it was you who threw the Sacrifice Core up for auction... to lure in the Exaltist. You knew they'd be all over it.

Hugo: Yep, I embedded the Sacrifice Core right into the Robe of Heroes. They actually matched pretty nicely, don't you think?

Lycaon: Classic you. I heard that after the auction, they found a stash of counterfeit Dennies...

Hugo: Feel free to take wild guesses. But honestly, I think those Dennies would rather be out in the wild than sitting in those hoity-toity accounts.

Lycaon: ...Then you found Hartman and talked him into a partnership, getting your hands on more intel on the Sacrifice and the Exaltist.

Lycaon: After that, you shot that crime warning letter to the mayor, giving the city a legit reason to spring into action.

Hugo: Yep, that was spot on. Look at you — real genius over here.

Lycaon: In the end, you faked your own death to pull yourself out of the mess. And you used the whole show to redirect everyone's attention to Hartman and the Ravenlocks, keeping the Exaltists on their toes...

Lycaon: Hold on a sec. If that's all there is, why did you let Hartman slip you the drug? I mean, you'd have a way to dodge that kind of thing...

Hugo: ...

Hugo: Lycaon, I've got something I've been keeping under wraps.

Hugo: Actually, I've teamed up with your beloved mayor.

Lycaon: What...?!

Hugo: When it comes to stopping the Exaltist, the mayor and I are on the same wavelength, so we can totally collaborate.

Hugo: What you should be wondering is why he didn't clue you in on this.

Lycaon: ...

Lycaon: The mayor must have his own reasons.

Hugo: If you can convince yourself of that, more power to you. Just know, if you ever want to swing back to Mockingbird, you can come beg me.

Hugo: I'll make sure to turn you down gracefully.

Lycaon: ...

Hugo: Alright, enough chitchat. We've got bigger things to deal with.

(Enter Combat): Hugo: I'm sure you've heard about the missing workers from companies under the Ravenlock family, too.; Hugo: I know where they are.

Hugo: Those are Ravenlock's men. The workers with them are the victims who were tricked into going into the Hollow.

Lycaon: Come on, let's get them out of here.

(Interact with Scared Worker): You untie the workers...; Scared Worker: Thank goodness, someone's here to save us!; Scared Worker: Thank you...; Hugo: You're welcome. So... could you tell us what those Ravenlocks did to you before they ran off?; Scared Worker: They're... They're a bunch of liars! They tricked us into this Hollow!; Scared Worker: They said they had a job with high pay for us, but they kept avoiding the topic after we got here. Something didn't seem right, so I wanted to leave...; Scared Worker: But then they showed their true colors! They tied us all up and told us they were gonna ship us off somewhere!; Hugo: ...They didn't make you take any weird medicine, did they?; Scared Worker: Medicine? No... but it wasn't just us they tricked. Another group went that way!; Lycaon: I see. Here, take this Carrot. There's an exit nearby. You should get out of here as soon as possible.; Scared Worker: I cant thank you enough...!; Lycaon: Let's go, Hugo. We must save the rest of them.; Hugo: You sure are eager.

(Enter Combat): Arrogant Man: Bunch of nobodies, annoying as hell. Kill them!; Hugo: You're welcome to try.

(After approaching the workers): Hugo: More workers here... and quite a lot of them.

(Interact with Exhausted Worker): You untie the workers...; Exhausted Worker: Wh—Who are you...?; Hugo: Your saviors.; Exhausted Worker: Thank you... Thank you...; Exhausted Worker: *sigh* I had a bad feeling about that group from the start... I shouldn't have ignored my gut instinct...; Hugo: Did those Ravenlocks do anything to you?; Exhausted Worker: Do anything...? Well, we weren't doing as we were told so they tied us up...; Hugo: Nothing else? ...Good.; Exhausted Worker: Oh, right! There was another batch of workers ahead of us... They should be by the roof!; Hugo: Don't worry, I'll handle it. You should get out of here as soon as you can.; Lycaon: ...Let's continue.

(Enter Combat): Lycaon: ...Is Hartman behind this, too?; Hugo: Of course. He threw them into the Hollow, like offerings for the Exaltists.; Hugo: To him, those workers are just another resource. No different from the Ether his company mines in the Hollow.

Belated Trust

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Belated Trust

Video Summary: This time, will you choose to believe or not to believe?

Story Description: Hugo endures in silence to expose the Ravenlock family's scheme of tricking workers into taking the control drugs. Lycaon suppresses his urge to rush to the rescue, believing Hugo won't stray from his convictions this time.

Lycaon: There's more over there, let's hurry.

Hugo: ...It's different this time. Don't rush in, let's listen in on what they're saying first.

Hugo: I still need more direct evidence to ensure the plan is absolutely foolproof.

Trembling Worker: Th—The compensation you promised, it's all real, right?

Trembling Worker: All we have to do is follow you into the Hollow for some simple tasks, and you'll give us a huge sum of Dennies... It sounds real suspicious!

Cocky Man: ...Shut your trap. You keep yapping and asking questions. If this is all so suspicious, why were you so eager to sign up for it?

Trembling Worker: Because I don't have a choice! My daughter was previously caught in the Hollow disaster and suffered severe Corruption. The treatment costs have completely drained our family's savings, so that's why...

Trembling Worker: It's the same for me! A serious illness at a senior age... I need the money.

Pale-Faced Worker: Who would risk taking a job like this unless they were desperate...?

Pale-Faced Worker: I'll do it, no matter how suspicious... as long as I can get paid! I'll do anything, even risk my life!

Fierce Man: ...

Trembling Worker: Wait, you people from the Ravenlock family... you're part of a big company in TOPS... you wouldn't go back on your word, right?

Fierce Man: Don't worry, you'll get every Denny you were promised.

Fierce Man: But, before we start... you all need to take this medicine first.

The fierce man pulls out a bunch of white pills and gives one to each worker.
Another Ravenlock family member seems a bit doubtful and leans in to whisper.

Cocky Man: ...Bro, should we really be doing this already...?

Fierce Man: These workers keep talking. We're wasting time like this.

Fierce Man: ...And, the sooner they take it, the sooner it'll be over. Consider it an early release for them.

Trembling Worker: What? You didn't say anything about having to take pills before!

Cocky Man: Look, this is good stuff, alright? It'll increase your Ether aptitude. There's tons of people who'd kill for something like this.

Fierce Man: Exactly. You'll be working in the Hollow for several hours. This is essential medication.

Fierce Man: You have to take it before we continue. If you refuse, then you can forget about the job.

Fierce Man: Of course, you won't receive the compensation either.

Lycaon: ...

Hugo: Lycaon, what are you doing?

Lycaon: Rescuing those workers, of course. There's clearly something off about those pills. We can't let them take them.

Hugo: Now is not the right time. As I said, we need more evidence to ensure the plan works.

Lycaon: And as I said many years ago, you can't exploit innocents to achieve your goal.

Hugo: ...So, that's how you see it.

Lycaon: If that's not what you want me to think, then explain everything to me.

Hugo: ...

Hugo: Alright, it's a little complicated. But, simply put, these workers will be fine.

Hugo: Of course, it's your choice to trust me or not.

Hugo: But if you try to rush in, I will stop you.

Lycaon: ...

Lycaon: I trust you.

Meanwhile, the workers have also made their decision. Except for the talkative worker, most of them already swallowed the pills.
That's when the arrogant Ravenlock family member finally reveals his true nature, saying "You think I'd let you run?" while forcibly shoving the pill into the worker's mouth...

After clearly capturing everything, Hugo lets out a sigh of relief.

Hugo: Alright, that's the evidence.

Hugo: Now we can go and beat them into the ground as much as you want.

Lycaon: ...Don't forget, you owe me an explanation.

Lycaon: Also, don't overdo it and kill them, even if they're the worst of the Ravenlock family.

Hugo: Alright, Your Holiness, Saint Lycaon.

Shrewd Man: Who the hell are you!?

Hugo: Why don't you take a guess?

Lycaon: ...We're the ones here to stop you.

Hugo: Can't remember the last time we worked this well as a team.

Lycaon: ...Mm.

(After finishing the first wave): Hugo: Your legs... how are they feeling?; Lycaon: I'm fine.; Hugo: To be honest, I think I preferred the way you used to fight.; Hugo: You had a lot more aggression.; Lycaon: I've merely learned to control my strength.; Lycaon: When I need to be aggressive, I will be.

Crucial Evidence

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Crucial Evidence

Video Summary: "sometimes I wonder if you know me at all."

Story Description: Hugo orchestrates a trap to lure the Ravenlock family in, swapping the control drug with vitamins. He endures the drug effects to gather data for an antidote and secure crucial evidence. Lycaon, witnessing it all, expresses his regret...

The two defeat the Ravenlock family members...

Cocky Man: Damn it, who the hell are you? How dare you mess with the Ravenlock family?!

Hugo: Ravenlock... Savor the name while you can, for it will soon cease to exist.

Fierce Man: ...What's that supposed to mean?

Hugo: It means exactly what I said. I think this might be good for you.

Hugo: Sever your ties while you can. You still have a chance to walk your own path.

Fierce Man: ...The family's honor comes above all else.

Hugo: Is that really what you think? I saw the compassion on your face just now.

Hugo: You're not from the main family, right? That's why you were assigned to these trivial tasks... But, in reality, there's no need for you to keep playing this boring game for them.

Fierce Man: I don't have a choice. From the moment I was born into the Ravenlock family, I...

Hugo: You always have a choice, if you're willing to act.

Hugo: Alright, let's end the small talk here.

Hugo delivers a swift chop to the back of the necks of the Ravenlock family members...

Hugo: Don't worry, Lycaon, I didn't hit them too hard, just enough to keep them quiet.

Trembling Worker: How's that? My acting's pretty good, right?

Hugo: As always. A certain someone should take some lessons from you.

Hugo: I'll leave the rest to you, then.

Trembling Worker: Okie-dokie!

The workers carry the Ravenlock family members away...
Now only Lycaon and Hugo remain.

Lycaon: Okay, now can you tell me exactly what's going on here?

Hugo: As you can see, that worker just now was actually an informant of mine.

Hugo: The pills were swapped out with vitamin tablets.

Hugo: Outside of this batch, some workers have already taken the actual substance Hartman has.

Hugo: But rest assured, the antidote for it is already in development. I've found the best in the field to help, and with the data I collected before... we should have results soon.

Lycaon: I wanted to ask... The reason you decided to lock yourself in a room and endure the effects of the drug...

Lycaon: Besides getting evidence, it was also to collect data on this drug in order to create an antidote, correct?

Hugo: It seems you're not completely beyond hope.

Lycaon: ...I thought you were just being stubborn.

Hugo: Hah, sometimes I wonder if you know me at all.

Lycaon: Then... I have one last question — why did you never tell me any of this back then?

Hugo: ...

Hugo: The truth is, I heard everything — that entire conversation between you and Jack.

Jack's Request

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Jack's Request

Video Summary: If you stray from the right path, I will...

Story Description: Hugo and Lycaon recall their final conversation with Jack before his passing, and it seems there are still some misunderstandings between them...

Applause for the Mockingbird Cutscene Quest Still 01

Hugo: Before he passed away, in that small attic... When Jack called you aside and gave you those warnings.

Lycaon: When he told me you might go down the wrong path...?

Hugo: That's right.

Lycaon: ...You never said anything.

Hugo: Hmph, what would I even do? Scream and rage over your suspicions, or get on my knees and beg for you to trust me?

Hugo: You know there's no way I'd allow myself to do such a thing.

Hugo: Besides... back then, even I was confused about myself.

Lycaon: Jack, he—

Hugo: It's all in the past, you don't need to explain anything to me.

Hugo: Enough... We should get going.

Hugo: If we're going to reminisce over the past, we should find a more suitable location.

A Rival and a Close Friend

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

A Rival and a Close Friend

Video Summary: "I'm doing well now. I hope you are too."

Story Description: Hugo reveals to Lycaon the truth behind Hartman's fratricide and usurpation, admitting that he once fell into darkness but refuses to become a monster. The two finally reconcile.

After leaving the Hollow, the two arrive at a place with nice scenery...

Applause for the Mockingbird Cutscene Quest Still 02

Hugo: Lycaon, that incident back then... I didn't do it.

Hugo: It was a scheme Hartman devised to take over the family. It was Hartman who killed my father, too. I only discovered the truth long after the fact.

Hugo: I did indeed attack my father, and I thought he was dead... but he wasn't. I couldn't kill him.

Hugo: And even before that. If I hadn't hesitated... none of what followed would have happened.

Hugo: Even now, I still think they deserve death.

Hugo: But I no longer care to personally deliver that fate. They're beneath me, and I have more important things to do.

Lycaon: You...

Hugo: I know we may never agree on that point, Lycaon.

Hugo: I once wanted to fight against those ugly truths that defined me. But I discovered that the more I rejected them, the more painful it became.

Hugo: So, I could only accept that crazed, hateful, and malicious side of myself.

Hugo: As long as I know I will never become like my father, like Hartman, that is enough for me.

Lycaon: ...You've changed. But I think that might be a good thing.

Hugo: Don't patronize me.

Hugo: ...You've changed a lot too, compared to before.

Hugo: I still disagree with Jack's words, and I won't forgive your betrayal.

Hugo: I will walk the path I believe is right. Even if I must tread over thorns and through the mud.

Hugo: ...But I will also allow you to walk your own path, Lycaon.

Lycaon: Should I say thank you?

Hugo: You're welcome. Come to think of it, we haven't talked about... your legs and eye.

Lycaon: It was just an accident, not your fault.

Lycaon: I'm doing well now. I hope you are too.

Lycaon: On the contrary... perhaps I should be the one apologizing. I misjudged you.

Lycaon: I used to think you wanted power, that everything you did was for your own ambitions... I thought you wanted the power to pass judgment on all in this world, like a god.

Hugo: I am a god. I am my own god.

Hugo: Or, you could say that in this world, everyone is their own god.

Hugo: There are many things that we are powerless to change, but there are also many choices we can make.

Hugo: Just as I said before. I am the only one who can kill me or save me.

Lycaon: I'm glad you think that way.

Hugo: Let's go. I still have one last thing to do—

Hugo: To witness the end of Ravenlock.

Mockingbird No Longer Needs That Family Name

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Mockingbird No Longer Needs That Family Name

Video Summary: Allow me to reintroduce Hugo Vlad to you.

Story Description: Hugo orchestrates the total collapse of Ravenlock's foundation, proving himself as a Mockingbird and rejecting his bloodline. As Hartman loses power and lashes out in rage, Hugo breaks free from fate's shackles and declares that he does not need a family name.

As Hugo recounts the process of gathering evidence, Hartman, unable to listen any longer, slams the table in anger.

	Hartman: You really think you can take my place if I die? Never, you filthy bastard!
	Hartman: Your little tricks mean nothing... As long as the Ravenlock family stands, I can still get back on my feet.
	Hugo: You still don't get it, do you?'
	Hugo: This was never about avenging my father, and I don't care about taking your place. Hugo: I didn't come this far just to kill you—that'd be pathetic.
	Hugo: Right on cue. Why don't you take a look at this, uncle.
	???: ...On behalf of TOPS, I'd like to clarify that we had no involvement in the Ravenlock family's actions.
	???: TOPS is officially terminating all partnerships with the Ravenlock family, effective immediately. We will have no further affiliation with them.
	Hartman: Are you crazy?! What the hell do you get out of ruining the Ravenlocks! You want to be a petty thief forever? Hugo: Thief? Oh, uncle... Allow me to reintroduce myself—
	Hugo: I'm the name people whisper about—the one who robs the rich and gives to the poor.
	Hugo: I'm the master con artist who can fool anyone, anytime. DING
	CATCH—
	Hugo: I'm the leader of Mockingbird, the one who turns every headline into my own stage.
	Hugo: I have friends who'd catch me if I fall, partners who'd shed tears for me, and allies who always have my back.
	Hugo: I am Hugo Vlad. Hugo: You're the one who needs the Ravenlock name. I never did. CREAK—
	Hartman: You ungrateful bastard... You never should've been born.
	Hugo: You flatter me. Same goes for you, uncle.

Collector's Pendant

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Collector's Pendant

Video Summary: Let the clues lead back to that first auction.

Story Description: Hugo explains the staged death and reveals that the Sacrifice Core has been inside the pendant Vivian gave you from the start. The current objective is to destroy Landon's remaining medicine and dismantle Dina's Sacrifice plan.

You leave the Ravenlock manor on Hugo's speedboat. After reaching Port Elpis, you all wait for Lycaon to arrive...

Hugo: You've done well, Vivian.

Vivian: You had better give me an explanation.

Hugo: And here I thought this would be a touching reunion. What's with all the anger?

Vivian: Hugo, I'm a member of Mockingbird too.

Vivian: And I mourned your death...

Hugo: Listen, Vivian. I don't want you or the people you cherish to get caught up in danger because of me.

Hugo: I've always been selfish.

Hugo: So I don't hesitate to use you all as variables in my plans...

Hugo: ...But it is because I am selfish that I also don't want my failures to affect my treasured companions.

Hugo: In any case, if you were in the same position, would you not make the same decisions?

Vivian: ...

Hugo: Lycaon's taken care of everything outside. We should go.

Hugo: Also... (‍Wise / Belle‍), thank you, and I'm sorry for the whole act where I threatened you. It was the only way for Hartman to drop his guard against you and leave you be.

Hugo: I, Hugo Vlad, am forever indebted to you.

With Lycaon's assistance, you successfully leave the Ravenlock family Manor and return to the video store.

Lycaon: Master Proxy, although it is late, there is some important intel that I must give you now.

So you knew about everything?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Did you know about Hugo's plan to fake his death and everything that's been happening, Lycaon? / So... Lycaon, you knew about Hugo's plan to fake his death?‍)

Lycaon: Ahem, I was simply playing along. After all, I could not determine whether Hugo's plan would pose a threat to you.

Lycaon: You are a student of the mayor's late friend, and I am obligated to protect you.

Hugo: Hah... You still have that habit of finding awkward excuses when you're embarrassed.

Lycaon: Mr. Hugo Vlad, if you have any important intelligence to share, please do so with haste. I need to return to rest before midnight.

You guys are really close...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍You two sure are... um, close... / Ha, haha... You two sure are close...‍)

Hugo: For the sake of a certain old fossil's sleep schedule, I'll keep it brief.

Hugo: I learned from Camille that Dina intends to embed the Sacrifice Core into the Sacrifice. Apparently, it will make the Sacrifice much stronger.

Hugo: Sacrifices created this way will not retain their minds and will indiscriminately attack all living beings, including their creator.

Hugo: So the Exaltists don't do this. It would bring them no benefit.

Hugo: But Dina's concoction can control people's minds. If a person takes the pill and is injected with the serum Landon left behind, the Sacrifice would be under its creator's control.

Hugo: Although the dormant Sacrifice has been destroyed, Dina found a batch of that serum her father created and wants to create new Sacrifices.

We have no idea where the real core is.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Putting aside the Sacrifice for now, Hartman's Sacrifice Core is fake. We don't know where the real one disappeared to. / Never mind the Sacrifice, Hartman's Sacrifice Core is a fake. We don't know where the real one's gone.‍)

Hugo: The real Core has always been here.

Vivian: Here? In Lord Phaethon's video store?

Hugo: Vivian, do you remember when I suggested you give that collectible to our dear Proxy?

Vivian: I remember, but that was just an ordinary pendant, and I've met the person who submitted it. She has absolutely no connection to the Exaltists.

Hugo: How about our dear Proxy take out that pendant so we can take a look?

After finding the pendant sent by Vivian, Hugo takes it and gently presses a hidden clasp. The pendant clicks open from the middle.
Inside, is the Sacrifice Core—

(Fancy Collectible (B) added to the Workbench)

Fancy Collectible

A collectible gifted by Vivian. It looks like an expensive and exquisite piece of art, and no one could have guessed it could be opened. Inside, it conceals the mysterious Sacrifice Core.

Vivian: !

!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): !

Hugo: I'll take your surprised expressions as a compliment for my little trick.

Lycaon: Ahem.

Hugo: I will hand over this Core to the mayor as agreed, since he fulfilled his promise to protect Vivian and the Manager while I was pretending to be dead. I won't go back on my promises.

Vivian: No wonder the mayor would promote rhetoric favorable to Mockingbird... I can't believe I thought he was actually being sincere.

We don't need to worry about the Sacrifice Core now.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Since we have the Sacrifice Core, all we have to do now is stop Dina from using innocent people to make more Sacrifices.

Hugo: Yes, and we need to destroy the last batch of Landon's serum.

Vivian: Hopefully, with no options left, Dina will give up her obsession.

Hugo: Alright, that's the important stuff. I'm going to go and confirm where Landon's serum's been stashed.

Hugo: I'll contact you again once I have something.

Hugo: What's wrong, Lycaon? Weren't you in a rush to get back and rest? You act like you're gonna turn into a werewolf after midnight or something.

Lycaon: ...How're you feeling now?

Hugo: Relax. I'm not kicking the bucket just yet.

Lycaon: But you look a bit more run-down than before.

Hugo: Just getting over something nasty. That's all.

Lycaon: Risking your neck like that wasn't exactly smart. Maybe you should've—

Hugo: Lycaon, remember what I said back when I faked my death?

Hugo: "For a permanent and absolute victory, we must endure the pain of cutting away rotten flesh, and persevere through the darkest hour before dawn."

Hugo: Not wrong, sure... but it was arrogant enough.

Hugo: Instead of playing god and picking who lives or dies, I'd rather just do what I can do.

Hugo: Because at the end of the day, a person can only shape their own destiny, nothing more.

Lycaon: ...You've really come a long way.

Hugo: Well, I appreciate the compliment.

Vivian: Hugo, you've got a lot of explaining to do. No more secrets.

Hugo: I will. I'll lay it all out, promise.

After a little chat, Lycaon, Hugo, and Vivian say their goodbye and take off.
Back in your room, you drift off to a deep, nice sleep...

Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)

(‍Belle / Wise‍) seems to want to talk about something. Go ask what happened.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise / Belle‍), Hugo sent a message earlier. There's new progress on the Sacrifice situation.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): They found a large batch of unused Sacrifice Serum.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): He wants us to be their guide. He, Vivian, and Lycaon will be heading into the Hollow with us to destroy the serum.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): And I'll use the HDD system this time to head (‍in with you! / into the Hollow with you all.‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍When you're ready, just gimme a shout, Wise! Remember to bring Eous with you~ / Tell me when you're ready, and remember to bring Eous with you.‍)

I'm ready.

Wait a moment.

Other Languages

Language	Official Name
English	Applause for the Mockingbird
Chinese (Simplified)	为反舌鸟献上掌声
Chinese (Traditional)	為反舌鳥獻上掌聲
Japanese	モッキンバードに拍手を
Korean	모킹버드에게 박수를 Mokingbeodeuege Baksureul
Spanish	Un gran aplauso para Ruiseñor
French	Ovation pour les Oiseaux-moqueurs
Russian	Аплодисменты Пересмешникам Aplodismenty Peresmeshnikam
Thai	ปรบมือให้กับ Mockingbird
Vietnamese	Tràng Pháo Tay Cho Chim Nhại
German	Applaus für Spottdrossel
Indonesian	Berikan Tepuk Tangan untuk Mockingbird
Portuguese	Aplausos para Sabiá