Art Imitates Life
Last updated 2026-03-12
Art Imitates Life is the first, final and only act of Just Another Day at the Video Store in Phaethon's Story.
Stories
Meeting Customer Expectations- Go Home
Steps
- Discuss with (BelleBelle /
WiseWise). - Go to the street exit on Sixth Street.
- Seems like Shepherd's looking for me.
- Go to the noodle shop and find Belle
- Go to the street exit and take a look.
- Go home and try to find a way to track down Belle's whereabouts.
- Find out what's going on from a Public Security Officer.
- Ask the fashionable dressed woman.
- Question the pair of young survivors.
- Ask the young survivor at the arcade.
- Go home and start a new search and rescue operation.
- Go meet Shepherd
- Complete the commission via the HDD System
Dialogue
- (SiblingSibling): (Hmm, now that the promotion is settled, it's time to tidy up the video store, right?Hmm, now that the promotion is settled, it's time to tidy up the video store, right? /
Since the promotion is settled, let's focus on the video store's business next.Since the promotion is settled, let's focus on the video store's business next.) 
Should we order some new movies?- (SiblingSibling): (That's exactly what I'm thinking, too!That's exactly what I'm thinking, too! /
I was thinking the same.I was thinking the same.) - (SiblingSibling): Our supplier Travis sends over new titles pretty much every week. When he pings me, I'll let him know what stock we want.
- (SiblingSibling): (Belle - that's your phone. Maybe it's a message from him.Belle - that's your phone. Maybe it's a message from him. /
Wise - that's your phone. Maybe it's a message from him.Wise - that's your phone. Maybe it's a message from him.) - As you are speaking, the phone starts vibrating.
Good morning, my dear client! It's Travis here.
I'm very sorry to say that the delivery of goods for certain blocks scheduled this week might suffer possible delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
The blocks affected are the Nesting District, Sixth Street and Tenth Street.
If delayed delivery will have severe impact on your business, please contact me immediately to see if there's any possible solutions.
REPLY(Ask him about the delivery of goods to the video store.)
Travis, do you have a solution for the delivery of videotapes?Travis, do you have a solution for the delivery of videotapes?
(Ask him how long the delay will last.)
Travis, how long will the delay last?Travis, how long will the delay last?
Who are you?
You messaged us. How can you not know us?
Oh! I sent that message to everyone whom I heave had business dealings with.
Your number is saved in my contact list under "Youngsters who seem bad at running a business".
So, may I know who you are?
REPLY(Tell him who you are.)
(Tell him the name of your store.)
We're the owners of the video store Random Play on Sixth Street...We're the owners of the video store Random Play on Sixth Street...
Ahhh! The young siblings! I remember now. It's been a while! How's business?
We haven't been updating our videotapes as regularly as we should be lately.
No wonder you don't remember us.
Hahaha, don't lose heart! You should be proud that your business has survived in New Eridu, especially when yours is so niche!
That doesn't sound like compliment to me.
Regarding the supply of videotapes, I'll send you some name cards later.
They're suppliers to other video stores I'm familiar with. They charge fair prices and have a complete collection of movies that include movies from the old civilisation.
You can get your goods from them. Just tell them I referred to you.
How does that sound? Is that an acceptable solution?
REPLY(Accept Travis' solution.)
(Ask for the suppliers' info.)
We'll take it. Please send us the name cards.We'll take it. Please send us the name cards.
Give us a copy of their movie lists too! I want to see which supplier meets our needs.
- (SiblingSibling): (Belle, I've checked the business cards and film details Travis sent. Some of them are not bad.Belle, I've checked the business cards and film details Travis sent. Some of them are not bad. /
Wise! I've checked the business cards and film details Travis sent. Some of them are quite good.Wise! I've checked the business cards and film details Travis sent. Some of them are quite good.) 
Thanks for the hard work.- (SiblingSibling): (It's decided then. We'll go out and do it ourvelves tomorrow.It's decided then. We'll go out and do it ourvelves tomorrow. /
It might be a pain, but at least out stock won't be delayed.It might be a pain, but at least out stock won't be delayed.) - Fine by me.
- (SiblingSibling): (It's decided then. We'll go out and do it ourselves tomorrow.It's decided then. We'll go out and do it ourselves tomorrow. /
Go and get some rest. We'll need to leave early tomorrow.Go and get some rest. We'll need to leave early tomorrow.)
- (SiblingSibling): (It's decided then. We'll go out and do it ourselves tomorrow.It's decided then. We'll go out and do it ourselves tomorrow. /
- Wait a moment...
- (Talking with (Sibling) again repeats dialogue)
- The next morning~
- (SiblingSibling): I'll tidy up the store first. Let's meet at the street exit later! (Don't forget to find me..Don't forget to find me.. /
Don't wander around for long, okay?Don't wander around for long, okay?) - Okay! See you later!
- (Idle)
- (SiblingSibling): (Don't forget to go to the street exit; I'll be waiting there.Don't forget to go to the street exit; I'll be waiting there. /
Let's meet at the street exit. Don't be too late!Let's meet at the street exit. Don't be too late!)
- (Idle)
- (SiblingSibling): (Wise, over here!Wise, over here! /
Belle, I'm here!Belle, I'm here!)
- (Talk to (WiseWise /
BelleBelle) - (SiblingSibling): (Wise, you're finally here!Wise, you're finally here! /
Here you are. Are you ready?Here you are. Are you ready?) - How come you are faster than me?
- (SiblingSibling): (Haha! Aren't I amazing? I know the layout of Sixth Street like the back of my hand, so of course I'm faster than youHaha! Aren't I amazing? I know the layout of Sixth Street like the back of my hand, so of course I'm faster than you /
No, I only just got here, so I'm not ahead of you by much.No, I only just got here, so I'm not ahead of you by much.)
- (SiblingSibling): (Haha! Aren't I amazing? I know the layout of Sixth Street like the back of my hand, so of course I'm faster than youHaha! Aren't I amazing? I know the layout of Sixth Street like the back of my hand, so of course I'm faster than you /
- What's the next step?
- (SiblingSibling): From here, we'll take the public transportation to the nearest supplier and get some stock from there.
- (SiblingSibling): We can also have lunch when we're back. And the afternoon, we'll check out the rest of the suppliers, and that should do it.
- (SiblingSibling): Let's leave now if you are good to go?
- Okay, let's go.
Meeting Customer Expectations
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Meeting Customer ExpectationsVideo Summary: People are always eager for new stories.
- (Cutscene Start)
- Belle: I didn't expect them to have so many new movies! If we'd known, we could've brought the car...
- Wise: Well, since our "other" business is starting from scratch again, our revenue has taken a major hit
- Wise: We need to start taking the video store seriously
- Belle: Yeah, that's true, but... Why are they all slow-paced? We need to get some more exciting movies, don't you think?
- Wise: Belle, I'm just picking what's popular among movie buffs
- Belle: "Popular among movie buffs"? Really?
- Belle: Even though they're all documentaries and artistic films?
- Wise: Well...
- Wise: It's just, those are the kinds of films people want
- Wise: They help people handle the pressure of living in New Eridu
- Belle: People aren't that soft!
- Belle: Last time, I listened to your suggestions. It should be my turn to pick movies now~
- Wise: Hey, we already discussed it, didn't we?
- Belle: Oh, that's what you call "discussing"? More like "leading me by the nose"...
- Belle: Our stocking plan should really be revisited!
- HIA Promoter: Hello! Would you like to learn about Hollow Investigative Operation-
- Belle & Wise: No thanks
- Belle: Cmon bro~
- Belle: Whaddaya say?
- Wise: But the documentary I-
- Wise: Uh, I mean, the customers really wanted to watch this month is already on sale. Let's not go changing plans just yet
- Belle: Ah-hah!
- Belle: So you're using the store's inventory for your own purposes!
- Wise: I promise I have no idea what you're talking about
- Wise: Looks like we have a customer in need of our "other" services
- Wise: So, the stocking plan stays the same. Next time... well, let's deal with this first
- Belle: So, Wise, whatcha say we do a little change up?
- Wise: What, when did you...?!
- Belle: How about you stay here and take care of the customer, dear brother~
- Belle: And I'll go take care of getting new stock!
- Wise: Wait!
- Wise: You're going alone? Wait, Belle!
- Belle: Don't worry, I'll choose something "popular"!
- Belle: Good luck with the store!
- (You will be playing as Wise)
- (Talk to Shepherd)
- Shepherd: Hello, my old friend. Are you having a family outing today?
- I'm taking care of some business.
- It was supposed to be until you arrived.
- Shepherd: Really? My apologies. It seems I caught you at a bad time.
- Shepherd: I'm here today because I've task that's worth your attention!
- Let's discuss it inside.
- Inside the video store...
- Shepherd: So, here's the deal: internal association reports are pointing to increased activity in the Cretan and Lemnian Hollows, with signs of potential Companion Hollows forming.
- Shepherd: We delved a bit deeper into this info and managed to make contact with the organization responsible. That's how we land this secret mission.
- Shepherd: In a nutshell, a handful of military mech units used to keep Hollow in check had gone haywire in a high Ether activity area, so the organization responsible for them is looking for skilled Proxies to help dispose of them.
- Shepherd: Once we deal with it, we'll be doing the organization a solid, which could pay off in future intel-gathering opportunies.
- Shepherd: With Phaethon's abilities, handling such a minor issue should be a breeze, right?
- Shepherd: So what do you say? Will you take the job?
- I'll note it down for now. I need to handle some family matters first.
- Shepherd: You want to focus on your family outing day first? Alright, family always come first... But don't forget to give me an answer when you have time!
- (Talk to General Chop)
- General Chop: Yo! You didn't go together?
- Together?
- General Chop: I saw the video store car leaving Sixth Street earlier, so I assumed you'd both go out on an errand.
- General Chop: Seems like your sister is restocking alone this time?
- General Chop: Are you going to meet her? She's gone in the direction of the bridge.
- Great idea!
- (Idle)
- Male Office Worker: Oh no, my colleague is over there.
- Female Office Worker: I-Is something going on? Don't scare me!
- Female Office Worker 2: What's happening now..?
- Female with guitar case: A Hollow? This can't be good...
- Public Security Officer: The area ahead is closed.
- (Talk to Public Security Officer)
- Public Security Officer: Hold it, citizen. The area up ahead is currently closed off, nobody is allowed near it.
- Why?
- What happened?
- Public Security Officer: A Companion Hollow has appeared in a nearby neighbourhood, and streets adjacent to Sixth Street could be in danger, so temporary control zones were put in place as directed by the Hollow contingency plan.
- Public Security Officer: For the safety of all citizens, you are asked not to be near this side of the street right now.
- Belle always take this way...
- Public Security Officer: Hmm? Citizen, you don't look very well... Do you have family in the disaster area?
- ...
- Don't jinx it!
- Fairy: You have a new private message.
- Fairy: It is from the supplier, Travis. Suggestion: Check the message as soon as possible.
Video store siblings! My Bangboo just alerted to me to a new Hollow disaster warning in the blocks nearby Sixth Street.
Don't visit the suppliers in those neighbourhoods as it could be dangerous!
REPLYMy sister already went out that way!
Belle has already headed out on her own...
Huh?
Don't worry. I'll get in touch with the supplier friends right away. Perhaps she already got there safely.
Wait for my update.
Communication in this group is temporarily blocked. My messages are currently only visible to you.
Note: Travis' intelligence network, which is built on his business dealings, is not reliable in terms of efficiency and results.
We should rely on ourselves to look for your sister, Belle.
Suggestion: Access the traffic surveillance devices of the blocks nearby. I can search for the car Belle is driving.
REPLYI'm counting on you Fairy!
Start the search now...
Understood. I'll update my search results on the HDD system.
Story Commission Now Available: Emergency Rescue
- (Interact with Hollow Deep Dive System)
- Fairy: To rescue Master, we need to use the HDD system to synchronize with the Bangboo and guide the Agents in and out of the Hollow.
- Fairy: Question: Second Assistant, can you handle the sensory synchronization, considering this part is usually considered as Master's responsibility?
- As long as time isn't too long, I can.
- Don't worry about me. Go ahead.
- Fairy: Understood. I'll handle support tasks for this infiltration. I am ready whenever you are.
Start commission: Emergency Rescue
- (After completing the commission)
- Fairy: HIA search and rescued records analyzed. No active biosignals located in the current area.
- Fairy: Target not found. Hypothesis: Target may be plunged deeper into the Hollow.
- Fairy: My calculations indicate that this area contains several potential paths that could lead to the depths of this Hollow.
- Fairy: Please note that a full-scale calculation will take longer than expected.
- I'll check with the survivors!
- I'll check with the Public Security Officers for this rescue operation!
- Fairy: Agreed. Eyewitness info from the victims will help us quickly locate more people.
- Fairy: I have confirmed the presence of a Public Security Officer on duty at the street exit.
- Fairy: Suggestion: We can consult the Public Security Officer about the survivors' whereabouts.
- Let's go now.
- (Idle)
- Elite Officer: Order received. I'll record the identity of all those rescued.
- (Talk to Elite Officer)
- Public Security Officer: Wait a minute... If you are looking to gather up the survivors, I can help.
- Wise: (It's him! The Public Security Officer who helped us with the search and rescue in the Hollow!)
- Thanks a lot! Please help us out!
- Public Security Officer: I'm just doing my job. The concerns of every law-abiding citizen should be taken into account.
- Public Security Officer: I'm sorry... We weren't able to locate all trapped people in time.
- Public Security Officer: I'll gather the survivors we rescued right away. Please wait.
- The survivors arrive one after the other.
- (Idle)
- Fashionably Dressed Woman: It's so scary... My legs still feel shaky.
- (Talk to Fashionably Dressed Woman)
- Fashionably Dressed Woman: You're looking for your sister Belle?
- Fashionably Dressed Woman: Ah, I found her social media account. She looks like you.
- ...I want to find the person, not her account.
- Have you seen her in the Hollow?
- Fashionably Dressed Woman: I haven't seen her in person. What me to send her a DM and ask where she is?
- Thanks for your help.
- I doubt she can receive any messages right now...
- (Idle)
- Rugged-Looking Man: Is this the afterlife?
- (Talk to Gentle-Looking Man)
- Gentle-Looking Man: You're looking for your sister? Sorry, I haven't seen her.
- Rugged-Looking Man: Really? At least act like you're trying to recall something!
- Gentle-Looking Man: Sorry, I didn't mean to brush you off. It's just that I can't help but etch the looks of every cute girl I meet into my DNA.
- Gentle-Looking Man: No way I'd forget seeing a cute girl like your sister.
- I forgot...
- Gentle-Looking Man: Huh? Forget about them? What should I do with that vacant DNA memory slot... Should I etch you into it, my bro?
- I'm not your bro.
- Rugged-Looking Man: Sorry about that. This guy doesn't mean any harm. He's probably too shocked. His mind's not quite in the right place at the moment.
- Rugged-Looking Man: Oh, and by the way, a young girl just rushed over to the arcade not too long ago. Maybe go have a chat with her and see if she's got any useful info?
- (Idle)
- Timid High School Girl: I wonder how she's doing...
- (Talk to Timid High School Girl)
- Timid High School Girl: Why isn't the arcade open? After barely surviving a Hollow disaster, I really need a gaming session to relax my nerves...
- Do you see this girl in the Hollow?
- Timid High School Girl: This girl? ...Hold on. Short silver hair, turquoise eyes and all delicate like a stiff breeze could blow you over... Oh! Are you Wise?
- You know me?
- Timid High School Girl: Perfect! I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep my promise to Belle! I've seen her!
- Timid High School Girl: It's all thanks to Belle we were able to find a safe hiding place to await rescue inside the Hollow!
- Where's my sister now?
- Timid High School Girl: She chased after this girl who got frightened and ran off. She said someone would definitely come save us before she left.
- Timid High School Girl: She also said once we got to Sixth Street, her brother, a delicate-looking guy with turquoise eyes, would come looking for her.
- Timid High School Girl: She told me to tell you she's following the tracks deeper, and that you'd know what to do!
- Story Commission Now Available: Emergency Rescue 2
- (Interact with Hollow Deep Dive System)
- Fairy: We have all the necessary information. The railway tracks lead to another area within the Hollow.
- Fairy: Cross-checking with the Investigative Association's latest Hollow Observation Database, the area is confirmed as the old construction area. Master has a 99.983% chance of being trapped in the Hollow.
- Wise: Good! Send the message anonymously to Public Security and the H.I.A. There might be more people trapped inside the Hollow.
- Fairy: Affirmative. I've already forwarded the news to Public Security, HIA, and Inter-Knot. Be sure to praise me for being so thoughtful in front of my master afterward.
- Fairy: Infiltration preparations are complete. We are ready to rescue Master.
Start commission: Emergency Rescue 2
- (After completing the commission)
- With Wise's guidance, the siblings finally make it out of the Hollow and return to Sixth Street...
Go Home
This cutscene immediately plays after completing the Emergency Rescue 2 HDD commission.
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Go HomeVideo Summary: In New Eridu, life itself is an adventure.
- Belle: Uwaaa~
- Belle: General Chop! Another bowl please!
- General Chop: Coming up!
- Wise: Slow down, no one's fighting for it
- Belle: So what? I'm hungry after being stuck in that Hollow for so long!
- Wise: So how are you feeling?
- Belle: Hah, awesome!
- Belle: Even though I dropped our new stock in the Hollow...
- Wise: The customers will probably be disappointed, having no new movies...
- Belle: Heh, sure you don't mean "you'll" be disappointed?
- Wise: I guess that means we'll have to go restock tomorrow
- Wise: and this time, you can choose
- Belle: Really?!
- Belle: Then I've got good news for you—
- Belle: You want to see a documentary, right?
- (Back at the video store)
- Belle: So? I did a pretty good job of recording, right?
- Wise: ...Isn't this just a footage of the rescue operation?
- Belle: So what?
- Belle: It's got a factual basis, just like a documentary, with a shaky camera and Fairy's editing—
- Belle: It combines exciting battles with an emotional rescue operation!
- Belle: Let's put it on the shelves tomorrow! I bet the customers will love it—
- Wise: No way. It's far too flashy
- Belle: Hmmm—? Not getting shy on me, are you?
- Wise: What? I'm not...
- Early the following morning—
- (SiblingSibling): (Morning, WiseMorning, Wise /
Belle, good morning. You feeling okay?Belle, good morning. You feeling okay?). - (Belle, you feeling okay?Belle, you feeling okay? /
Really, I'm fine. Don't worryReally, I'm fine. Don't worry) - (SiblingSibling): (Don't worry. There's nothing funky going on. I know we shouldn't be coming into direct contact with the Hollows, but come on - you've asked a thousand times already since yesterday.Don't worry. There's nothing funky going on. I know we shouldn't be coming into direct contact with the Hollows, but come on - you've asked a thousand times already since yesterday. /
That's great. But don't think I'm just making this up. Really, we can't come into direct contact with the Hollows.That's great. But don't think I'm just making this up. Really, we can't come into direct contact with the Hollows.) - (SiblingSibling): (By the way, I wanted to go shopping for some new stock today, but Shepherd just messaged me about this fat commission he's got lined up for us.By the way, I wanted to go shopping for some new stock today, but Shepherd just messaged me about this fat commission he's got lined up for us. /
The Shepherd just contacted me, saying he has a great commission for us.The Shepherd just contacted me, saying he has a great commission for us.) - (SiblingSibling): He even said that our "account credentials match the client's demand" and "we shouldn't miss this opportunity."
- For real?
- Are you sure he isn't just talking a big game?
- (SiblingSibling): (Who knows? But he said that he was hanging out at the coffee shop nearby. Wise, go meet up with him.Who knows? But he said that he was hanging out at the coffee shop nearby. Wise, go meet up with him. /
Haha, I don't know. But he said that he was just hanging out a cafe nearby. You should go meet up with him, Belle.Haha, I don't know. But he said that he was just hanging out a cafe nearby. You should go meet up with him, Belle.) - (SiblingSibling): (I'll take care of our restocking issues. This time you'll do as I say - right?I'll take care of our restocking issues. This time you'll do as I say - right? /
I'll go take care of the new videotapes. Don't worry. Everything will be done just as you like it. You have my word.I'll go take care of the new videotapes. Don't worry. Everything will be done just as you like it. You have my word.) - (Belle finished speaking and leaves...Belle finished speaking and leaves... /
Wise finishes speaking and leaves...Wise finishes speaking and leaves...)
Family Achievement Complete- Shepherd: Congratulations! I see (ProtagonistProtagonist)'s Reputation on the Inter-Knot is on the rise. How did this test go?
- Piece of cake.
- ...It wasn't too bad.
- Shepherd: In that case, we should talk about that commi—
- I thought we were gonna throw me a party?
- Shepherd: I'm here to tell you about a lucrative commission. Isn't it the best way to celebrate?
- Shepherd: In a nutshell, this commission involves going to the designated Hollow and clearing out a batch of discarded building materials.
- Shepherd: It's a crucial area for many construction teams heading to their work sites, and I've heard the new metro construction team will need to pass through there frequently.
- Shepherd: Speaking of the metro construction, there's something I want to ask you. Do you have anything to do with Cunning Hares taking down Vision Corporation?
- ...
- Why do you ask?
- Shepherd: Haha, I catch your drift. No worries, I'm not trying to pry into your work... This is nothing more than a casual chat.
- Shepherd: Ever since Vision Corporation went under, I've been busy dealing with the mess resulting from the incident on Inter-Knot.
- Shepherd: Now that the metro project's changed hands, the deck's been reshuffled in many ways...
- Shepherd: Otherwise, how do you think I could have landed this clean up commission for you?
- This commission requires a certain required amount of Inter-Knot Reputation...
- Does it only involve clean up work?
- Shepherd: That's how the client put it. But, of course, there's no harm in being cautious. After all, Hollows aren't really known for their safety...
- Shepherd: It actually isn't a bad thing for you if the clients want some extra work done. The higher the requirements, the higher the pay, no?
- Shepherd: Completing this commission will also help you build a reputation in the construction industry.
- Fine. I'll take it.
- Shepherd: The commission is yours. Keep me in the loop.
- Shepherd: It's a shame that I can't take time to savor my coffee today. I have something else to attend to.
- Shepherd downs this coffee and leaves...
- Story Commission Now Available: Somewhat Totally Out of Control
Start commission: Somewhat Totally Out of Control
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Art Imitates Life |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 艺术源于生活 |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 藝術源於生活 |
| Japanese | 芸術の源は生活にあり |
| Korean | 예술은 삶으로부터 Yesureun Salmeurobuteo |
| Spanish | El arte surge de la vida |
| French | L'art imite la vie |
| Russian | Искусство подражает жизни Iskusstvo podrazhayet zhizni |
| Thai | ศิลปะเกิดจากชีวิต Sinlapa Koet chak Chiwit |
| Vietnamese | Nghệ Thuật Bắt Nguồn Từ Đời Sống |
| German | Kunst entsteht aus dem Leben |
| Indonesian | Seni Meniru Kehidupan |
| Portuguese | A Arte Imita a Vida |
Change History
Released in Version 1.0 - Welcome To New Eridu
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