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Before Taking the Stage

Last updated 2026-02-03

Before Taking the Stage is the tenth episode of Season 1 - Epilogue: Bury Your Tears With the Past (A) in Phaethon's Story.

Parts

  1. Interruption
  2. Only Phaethon Can Do It
  3. Divide and Conquer
  4. Perfect Partners
  5. Forced Cooperation
  6. Confidential Instruction
  7. Former Partner
  8. A Foreshadowing
  9. The Truth

Steps

  1. Meet up with everyone and enter the Hollow

Gameplay Notes

Trial Mode

Inter-Knot Rank: 

Elite Proxy Elite Proxy

Team
Position
Agent
& W-Engine
Skills & Equipment Stats

1


Icon Basic Attack Basic Attack Lv. 8
Icon Dodge Dodge Lv. 8
Icon Assist Attack Assist Lv. 8
Icon Special Attack Special Attack Lv. 8
Icon Chain Attack Chain Attack Lv. 8
Icon Core Skill Core Skill Lv. 5

Icon Stat HP HP: 10,406
Icon Stat ATK ATK: 1,684
Icon Stat DEF DEF: 697
Icon Stat Impact Impact: 155 +25
Icon Stat CRIT Rate CRIT Rate: 33.8%
Icon Stat CRIT DMG CRIT DMG: 54.8%
Icon Stat Anomaly Mastery Anomaly Mastery: 91
Icon Stat Anomaly Proficiency Anomaly Proficiency: 90
Icon Stat PEN Ratio PEN Ratio: 0%
Icon Stat PEN PEN: 0
Icon Stat Energy Regen Energy Regen: 1.72
Icon Stat Energy Generation Rate Energy Generation Rate: 0%
Icon Stat Energy Limit Energy Limit: 120
Icon Ice DMG Bonus: 21%

King of the SummitKing of the SummitKing of the SummitKing of the SummitShockstar DiscoShockstar Disco
Drive Disc Lv. 9
Set Bonus
Shockstar Disco 2-Piece
King of the Summit 4-Piece

2


Icon Basic Attack Basic Attack Lv. 8
Icon Dodge Dodge Lv. 8
Icon Assist Attack Assist Lv. 8
Icon Special Attack Special Attack Lv. 8
Icon Chain Attack Chain Attack Lv. 8
Icon Core Skill Core Skill Lv. 5

Icon Stat HP HP: 9,695
Icon Stat ATK ATK: 1,871 +140
Icon Stat DEF DEF: 701
Icon Stat Impact Impact: 93
Icon Stat CRIT Rate CRIT Rate: 69% +10%
Icon Stat CRIT DMG CRIT DMG: 93.2%
Icon Stat Anomaly Mastery Anomaly Mastery: 94
Icon Stat Anomaly Proficiency Anomaly Proficiency: 93
Icon Stat PEN Ratio PEN Ratio: 0%
Icon Stat PEN PEN: 0
Icon Stat Energy Regen Energy Regen: 1.2
Icon Stat Energy Generation Rate Energy Generation Rate: 0%
Icon Stat Energy Limit Energy Limit: 120
Icon Electric DMG Bonus: 21%

Shadow HarmonyShadow HarmonyShadow HarmonyShadow HarmonyWoodpecker ElectroWoodpecker Electro
Drive Disc Lv. 9
Set Bonus
Woodpecker Electro 2-Piece
Shadow Harmony 4-Piece

Inter-Knot Rank: 

Legendary Proxy Legendary Proxy

Team
Position
Agent
& W-Engine
Skills & Equipment Stats

1


Icon Basic Attack Basic Attack Lv. 10
Icon Dodge Dodge Lv. 10
Icon Assist Attack Assist Lv. 10
Icon Special Attack Special Attack Lv. 10
Icon Chain Attack Chain Attack Lv. 10
Icon Core Skill Core Skill Lv. 6

Icon Stat HP HP: 12,594
Icon Stat ATK ATK: 2,201
Icon Stat DEF DEF: 914
Icon Stat Impact Impact: 190
Icon Stat CRIT Rate CRIT Rate: 19.4%
Icon Stat CRIT DMG CRIT DMG: 78.8%
Icon Stat Anomaly Mastery Anomaly Mastery: 91
Icon Stat Anomaly Proficiency Anomaly Proficiency: 108
Icon Stat PEN Ratio PEN Ratio: 0%
Icon Stat PEN PEN: 0
Icon Stat Energy Regen Energy Regen: 1.2
Icon Stat Energy Generation Rate Energy Generation Rate: 0%
Icon Stat Energy Limit Energy Limit: 120
Icon Ice DMG Bonus: 40%

Shockstar DiscoShockstar DiscoShockstar DiscoShockstar DiscoPolar MetalPolar Metal
Drive Disc Lv. 15
Set Bonus
Shockstar Disco 4-Piece
Polar Metal 2-Piece

2


Icon Basic Attack Basic Attack Lv. 10
Icon Dodge Dodge Lv. 10
Icon Assist Attack Assist Lv. 10
Icon Special Attack Special Attack Lv. 10
Icon Chain Attack Chain Attack Lv. 10
Icon Core Skill Core Skill Lv. 6

Icon Stat HP HP: 11,755
Icon Stat ATK ATK: 2,362 +177
Icon Stat DEF DEF: 919
Icon Stat Impact Impact: 93
Icon Stat CRIT Rate CRIT Rate: 95.4% +10%
Icon Stat CRIT DMG CRIT DMG: 98%
Icon Stat Anomaly Mastery Anomaly Mastery: 94
Icon Stat Anomaly Proficiency Anomaly Proficiency: 93
Icon Stat PEN Ratio PEN Ratio: 0%
Icon Stat PEN PEN: 0
Icon Stat Energy Regen Energy Regen: 1.2
Icon Stat Energy Generation Rate Energy Generation Rate: 0%
Icon Stat Energy Limit Energy Limit: 120
Icon Electric DMG Bonus: 30%

Shadow HarmonyShadow HarmonyShadow HarmonyShadow HarmonyWoodpecker ElectroWoodpecker Electro
Drive Disc Lv. 15
Set Bonus
Shadow Harmony 4-Piece
Woodpecker Electro 2-Piece

Dialogue

Icon Dialogue Story Meet up with everyone and enter the Hollow

Everyone's here! Let's head into the Hollow together and investigate those suspicious coordinates marked in Bringer's notebook.
(Approach Vivian)
Vivian: Looks like we're all here. Hugo, you're late again...
Hugo: Do forgive me~ Someone was pestering me and wasting my precious time...
Lycaon: ...
(Talk to Vivian)
Vivian: Oh right. Other than familiar faces, we also have a new friend joining us for this operation.
Hugo: Seems that Miss Anby is the reinforcements recommended by the manager.
Hugo: A pleasure to meet you. I'm Hugo.
Anby: Hello. The Proxy has already updated me on the necessary information. Rest assured, I will keep it confidential.
Hugo: So, before entering the Hollow, let's confirm the mission's objective once again.
Hugo: We'll be heading to one of the coordinates marked in Bringer's notebook and searching the area.
Hugo: Based on relevant information, these coordinates may contain secrets related to the Exaltists... These could be treasures, or something awful.
Hugo: We'll have to explore and find out.
Hugo: If there are no further questions, let's begin now.

(Enter combat)
Lycaon: ...I didn't expect the coordinates in Bringer's notes to lead here.
Hugo: Oh? Are you familiar with this place?
Lycaon: More familiar than you, it seems.
Vivian: ...Proxy, if they're being too noisy, can I take action?

(Approach the marked area)
Hugo: I don't enjoy obstacles in my path... Can we not bust the door open?
Lycaon: You can try.
Lycaon: Master Proxy, we need to find a power source to activate the door.
Lycaon: The generator room should be nearby.
Lycaon: Over here.
Hugo: Wow, you really know this place like the back of your paw.

Interruption

The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Story "Interruption"

Video Summary: Leave this little matter to Phaethon.
Story Description: You arrived at the power supply room, but the circuits were down. You resolve the issue by making contact with those outside the Hollow.


Lycaon: Master Proxy, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there's something wrong with the circuit. It seems to be blocked.
Hugo: Don't tell me Victoria Housekeeping's high and mighty attendants can't even fix a simple circuit.
Lycaon: ...I can fix it, but I'll need a circuit diagram before I can do anything.
Lycaon: I've seen diagrams for this type of circuit before. It's a pity that we're unable to connect to the outside world from inside the Hollow...
Icon Dialogue Talk Just leave that problem to me!
(ProtagonistProtagonist): Just leave that problem to me!
(SiblingSibling): (‍Wise, I just sent an image of a circuit diagram to you. Have a look!Wise, I just sent an image of a circuit diagram to you. Have a look! / Belle, I just sent an image of a circuit diagram to your phone. Check if you received it.Belle, I just sent an image of a circuit diagram to your phone. Check if you received it.‍)
Lycaon: Thank you very much, Master Proxy. Now then, let's start repairing this circuit.

Lycaon: Master Proxy, I've organized the circuit-related modules.
Lycaon: You just need to connect them the same way as you've done before.
(Enter Circuit Reset)

Only Phaethon Can Do It

The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Story "Only Phaethon Can Do This"

Video Summary: Oh no, we've been exposed.
Story Description: Vivian recognized you as Phaethon and was extremely delighted.


Lycaon: The circuit is fixed. We should now be able to open that door.
Vivian: Wait up! Wait a second... Something just doesn't add up...
Vivian: Ah, it's all coming together now... Communicating with the outside world from within a Hollow, and getting that circuit diagram... In theory, there's only one person who could ever do that!
Vivian: Could it be... you're Lord Phaethon?!
Vivian: Impossible... There's no way... but then again... Only Phaethon could have done that...
Vivian: I mean... you're an incredible Proxy, sure. And you're a good person... but c—could you really be Lord Phaethon?!
Icon Dialogue Talk That's me. I'm Phaethon.
(ProtagonistProtagonist): That's me. I'm Phaethon. Sorry, I just never had the (‍opportunityopportunity / chancechance‍) to tell you...
Icon Dialogue Talk Nope, you've got the wrong person.
(ProtagonistProtagonist): (‍Sorry, no... Uh,Sorry, no... Uh, / Nope, uh...Nope, uh...‍) you've got the wrong person...
Vivian: Really? But... But my instincts are telling me that you have to be Phaethon!
Vivian: Unbelievable...
Vivian: Lord Phaethon! Um, I... I've been your biggest fan for years now!
Vivian: Goodness me. Lord Phaethon was right in front of me all along, and I had no idea... This is like a dream!
Vivian: Could you... I mean, if you're willing... Could you please give me an autograph? And a group photo! And...
Icon Dialogue Talk Sure, no problem.
Icon Dialogue Talk Let's wait until we're out of the Hollow first...
(ProtagonistProtagonist): Anything you want — (‍but let's get out of the Hollow first, alright?but let's get out of the Hollow first, alright? / we just gotta get out of the Hollow first.we just gotta get out of the Hollow first.‍)
Vivian: O—Okay! Sorry. Guess I got a little too excited...
Hugo: Anyone would be enraptured meeting someone they admire that much.
Anby: Yeah, if I ever met my favorite movie director, I'd be the same.
Hugo: We should keep moving. This isn't the best place for idle chit-chat.

Anby: The door's finally open.

(Approach the marked location)
Vivian: The Proxy is Phaethon... Phaethon is the Proxy...
Vivian: If this is a dream, I never want to wake up...

(Defeat the enemies)
Hugo: The fissure over there should lead to our destination.

(After traveling through the fissure)
Vivian: There are more Ethereals around...
Vivian: Please be careful, Lord Phaethon!

(Approach the marked location)
Hugo: Lycaon, your fighting style wasn't so reserved in the past.
Lycaon: I've matured.
Hugo: You call this "mature"? You're just being pretentious!

(Approach the marked location)
Lycaon: A difficult foe, that one...
Lycaon: Let us leave this place at once! Ensuring Master Proxy's safety is our highest priority!
Vivian: I won't let anything happen to you, Lord Phaethon!

(After defeating the enemies)
Vivian: Lord Phaethon, how are you feeling?
Vivian: Are you tired? Do you need a break? Some food? Water?
(ProtagonistProtagonist): Umm... Thank you for your concern. I'm fine.

(Interact with Console)

Divide and Conquer

The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Story "Splitting Up"

Video Summary: Split into three paths, each with their own ups and downs.
Story Description: You encountered a complex mechanism inside the Hollow that requires activating three sub-mechanisms. After discussion, you decided to split up: Vivian and you would go one way, Anby would go another, and Hugo and Lycaon would take the third.


You're blocked off by a complicated mechanism...
Fairy: Master, a complex mechanism has been detected ahead. To pass through, you need to activate all three smaller mechanisms.
Fairy: Suggestion: Split up and handle them simultaneously to save time.
Icon Dialogue Talk So we gotta cover three different places...
(ProtagonistProtagonist): So we have to head to three different places to crack this thing...
Vivian: Huh? We're spliting into three groups? Um... In that case, I'll protect you, Master Proxy!
Anby: I can take care of one myself.
Lycaon: That leaves the last one to me, then...
Anby: You should go with Hugo.
Hugo: ...What's that supposed to mean? We get along just fine, don't we, Miss Cunning Hare?
Anby: I don't know what's going on with you two, but you've been bickering the whole time. It's annoying.
Anby: This is a good chance for you guys to build some rapport.
Vivian: Anby's got a point! Hugo, just go with Lycaon.
Hugo: ...You just want to be alone with your "Lord Phaethon," don't you, Vivian?
Vivian: Huh? That's not it!
Icon Dialogue Talk Okay, it's all decided then.
(ProtagonistProtagonist): Alright, (‍sounds like a plan.sounds like a plan. / alright, sounds like a plan.alright, sounds like a plan.‍) It's all decided then.
Hugo: If Master Proxy says so, then... Sure. But...
Icon Dialogue Talk Should we talk it over again?
(ProtagonistProtagonist): Maybe we should go over it all again? You know, just in case anyone's not fully on board...
Lycaon: There's no need, Master Proxy. Our top priority right now is to crack the mechanisms as soon as possible.
Hugo: It's just a simple mechanism. I can handle it solo.
Hugo: Lycaon, you'd better not slow me down.
Anby: ...I really want to recommend you two some movies for a crash course on teamwork.

Lycaon: So, if there are no objections, let's proceed with the assigned squads.
Hugo: You really enjoy posing as the leader, don't you?
Lycaon: ...I believe everyone is well aware that within the Hollow, Master Proxy is the only leader.
Anby: Do you enjoy arguing like this? Does it make you happy?
Hugo: Clearly it doesn't, Miss Anby.
Vivian: Lord Phaethon, are you tired? Would you like to rest for a moment?
Icon Dialogue Talk I'm fine...
Icon Dialogue Talk Let's keep moving...
Hugo: As the Proxy said — let's make it quick, friends.

Vivian: Lord Phaethon, there are too many Ethereals here.
Vivian: We have to find a way to close that door and stop the Ethereals from flooding in!
(ProtagonistProtagonist): (‍Leave it to me! I feel incredibly strong right now.Leave it to me! I feel incredibly strong right now. / I've got this! There's no stopping me now!I've got this! There's no stopping me now!‍)

(Interact with Console)
Vivian: Lord Phaethon, I'll leave the door to you.
Vivian: Don't worry, I will take care of these Ethereals!
Vivian: I will not let these Ethereals touch Lord Phaethon—
(Enter Data Relink)

(Enter the side room)
Vivian: Lord Phaethon, seems like we both need to press down on these mechanisms at the same time.

Perfect Partners

The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Story "Perfect Partners"

Video Summary: "Lord Phaethon... is my light."
Story Description: You and Vivian trust each other, seamlessly handling the mechanism together. You discover that Vivian's fondness for Phaethon comes from having been saved by Phaethon in the past.


Vivian: Sure enough, Lord Phaethon and I share a deeper connection!
Vivian: Ah, sorry! I hope I'm not being too forward...
Vivian: Goodness me, somehow I'm fighting alongside Lord Phaethon... It's like all my dreams are coming true!
Vivian: I'm going to wake up any second now, aren't I?
Icon Dialogue Talk No way!
Icon Dialogue Talk I'm real.
(ProtagonistProtagonist): No, this isn't a dream. I'm real. See? You can even hold my (‍hand.hand. / hand!hand!‍)
Vivian: Ohh, not only is Lord Phaethon incredible, but super kind...
Vivian: That's it. I pledge to be a diehard Lord Phaethon fan until my very last breath!
Icon Dialogue Talk I'm happy to hear that.
Icon Dialogue Talk Why do you like Phaethon?
(ProtagonistProtagonist): Uh, I'm happy to hear that, don't get me wrong... But why do you like Phaethon so much, Vivian?
Vivian: Lord Phaethon... is my light.
Vivian: The one who saved me in my darkest and most desperate times... Like a deity who rescued me.
Vivian: You probably don't remember, but... you really did save me that day.
Vivian: Wow, it's so embarrassing to say all this in front of you...
Vivian: Sorry! I—I hope I'm not bothering you too much...
Icon Dialogue Talk Not a bother at all!
Icon Dialogue Talk Thank you for your support.
(ProtagonistProtagonist): (‍No, you're not a bother at all!No, you're not a bother at all! / Of course not!Of course not!‍) Thank you for your loyal support.
Vivian: I... I should be the one thanking you! Just being able to see Lord Phaethon makes me the luckiest person in the whole world...
Vivian: Sorry to keep babbling like this... Uh, I wonder how the others are doing.
Vivian: I'm sure Anby will be able to manage, she's great at this kind of stuff.
Vivian: But as for Hugo and Lycaon... Let's just hope they don't get into a fight with each other...

Anby: There are too many Ethereals here. Though... it's not a huge problem.
(Interact with the Console)
Anby: The final step... is to operate this console.
Anby: Just like in the movies, bringing down the lever with a decisive pull—
Anby: Great. No monsters.
Anby: Let's go meet up with the others now.
Meanwhile, on Lycaon and Hugo's side...

Forced Cooperation

The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Story "Forced Cooperation"

Video Summary: Let's try trusting each other for now.
Story Description: Lycaon and Hugo discuss how to solve the problem, each harboring some dissatisfaction with the other.


Lycaon: ...So, we have to cooperate to solve this problem.
Hugo: Mm... That's a real shame.
Lycaon: I have no intention of arguing with you right now. Master Proxy and Miss Vivian are elsewhere and we must rendezvous with them post-haste.
Hugo: What a coincidence, that's exactly what I was thinking.
Hugo: Just this once, we should trust each other... for the Proxy.
Lycaon: I have no objections.
Hugo: Very well. Then you better keep your word.
Hugo: I know you've never fully trusted me, Lycaon.
Hugo: Even before it all fell apart.
Lycaon: ...

Confidential Instruction

The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Story "Confidential Instruction"

Video Summary: "He has inherited the seed of evil... You cannot let it take root."
Story Description: Lycaon's memories revealed Jack had once privately instructed him to be cautious of Hugo, warning that Hugo might stray down the wrong path.


Lycaon is silent for quite a while, seeming to be caught in some memories from long ago...
Before Taking the Stage Cutscene Quest Still 01
Lycaon (Young): You wanted to speak to me... alone?
Jack: ...
Jack: I know you and Hugo are as thick as thieves and don't hide anything from one another. But you can't tell him what I'm about to tell you.
Lycaon (Young): Did... something happen with him?
Jack: Hugo is an intelligent and gifted child. He learns everything I teach with ease.
Jack: In time, he'll grow beyond me. Reach a place where people will marvel and look up to him as a beacon.
Lycaon (Young): Yeah! As much as I hate to admit it, he always picks things up just a teeny bit quicker than me... But none of that matters, because I can overpower him, easy!
Jack: ...I don't think being gifted is a good thing for him.
Lycaon (Young): What do you mean?
Jack: He bears a dark and painful past. What he was taught, the hatred he was faced with, everything he picked up... It's all become an integral, inseparable part of him.
Jack: I believe that beautiful flowers can blossom even in the darkest abyss; but the roots of that flower would draw from evil instead of good; hatred instead of love.
Jack: It's a curse that flows through his lineage — a curse that fate branded him with.
Jack: ...I've seen far too many people like that throughout this long life of mine.
Jack: They struggle with this curse their whole lives. But they all end up failing in the end.
Jack: The path of light is narrow and fleeting, and the darkness is filled with such temptation that dropping your guard for even just a moment can send you spiralling straight into the abyss.
Lycaon (Young): Do you mean... Hugo's going to be a bad guy?
Jack: I don't know. I hope he'll always stay true to his heart, that he won't give in to hatred and ambition — that he won't become the dragon that must be slain.
Jack: But he has inherited the seed of evil... You cannot let it take root.
Jack: I'm afraid I won't be there to help you... There's not much life left in this old body of mine.
Jack: So then, Lycaon — promise me, now.
Jack: You must hold his chain tight, to restrain him, to stop him.
Jack: And, when necessary... to choke him.

Former Partner

The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Story "Former Partner"

Video Summary: "Any path that makes you feel pain must be the wrong one."
Story Description: Hugo and Lycaon also solved the mechanism. Hugo believed Lycaon did not trust him and stated that he would never betray his companions.


Back to the present.
After a bout of not-so-happy cooperation, Lycaon and Hugo finally managed to deal with the mechanism...
Before Taking the Stage Cutscene Quest Still 02
Hugo: You've become slow.
Hugo: Or maybe, you've been on guard against me this whole time, and that's what's slowing you down?
Lycaon: ...
Hugo: Looks like I was right.
Hugo: Lycaon, I hope you're aware that the one who betrayed Mockingbird and went to work for the Mayflowers was you... not me.
Hugo: I would never betray my companion.
Lycaon: I don't wish to repeat myself, but you should not break our oath.
Hugo: That's the path I've chosen, and I'm going to stick to it.
Lycaon: But you know that path will lead you the wrong way.
Hugo: Who are you to lecture me about right and wrong?
Lycaon: ...I believe any path that makes you feel pain must be the wrong one.
Hugo: ...
Hugo: Your disgusting sympathies make me sick, Lycaon.
Hugo: There's only ever been one person who can kill me or save me... And that is me.

Vivian: Great, it worked!
(Talk to Lycaon)
After a while, the teams have completed their respective tasks.
Everyone gathers again...
Hugo: I can't believe we're the last squad to arrive...
Hugo: Clearly, this is thanks to a certain somebody.
Lycaon: ...
Anby: You wouldn't have come in last place if you weren't so busy arguing.
Vivian: For perfectly coordinated partners such as Lord Phaethon and I, coming in first place is to be expected~
Icon Dialogue Talk Vivian is right.
Vivian: Hehe, Lord Phaethon agrees that we're perfect partners! Hehe...
Hugo: ...Vivian, the smile on your face is a bit concerning.
Vivian: Is not! Vivian only smiles happily when thinking about Lord Phaethon!
Icon Dialogue Talk Shouldn't last place treat everyone else?
Hugo: Alright, fair enough.
Hugo: Once we complete the mission, I'll treat the Proxy to a meal.
Lycaon: ...Since when did we agree to a race?
Hugo: Everyone, the location marked in Bringer's notebook is not far from here.
Hugo: Let's move out.

A Foreshadowing

The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Story "A Foreshadowing"

Video Summary: Before the final act begins.
Story Description: Hugo claims that not even Vivian can accept his beliefs and hopes you can keep her safe.


You hear strange noises coming from ahead.
Hugo: That was loud... What's happening up ahead?
Lycaon: Hold on, everyone. I'll go check it out.
Anby: It's probably multiple Ethereals attacking. Just in case, I'll go with you.
Hugo: Vivian, you should go with them too.
Hugo: Keep an eye on Lycaon, will you? I'm worried he might sell us out to the mayor when he gets the chance.
Lycaon: ...I'd never do that. But if Miss Vivian wishes to join us, she's more than welcome.
Vivian: Okay... Then I'll go with you...
Icon Dialogue Talk Why do you look so nervous?
(ProtagonistProtagonist): Why do you look so nervous?
Vivian: I... I've spent so much time by your side already...
Vivian: I need to get away from Lord Phaethon for a little bit, or I might die from this overwhelming happiness.
Lycaon: ...If that's the case, Miss Vivian, feel free to come along with me.
Vivian: Okay... alright...
Vivian stumbles off with Lycaon as if in a daze...
Hugo: So, how does it feel to be worshipped, Lord Phaethon?
Icon Dialogue Talk You had that figured out a while ago, didn't you?
(ProtagonistProtagonist): You had that figured out a while ago, didn't you?
Hugo: Haha, sharp as always... but of course, I couldn't spoil it for her.
Hugo: She has to figure it out on her own. That's what makes it special.
Icon Dialogue Talk You asked Lycaon and Vivian to leave for a reason...
(ProtagonistProtagonist): Not only that, you asked Lycaon and Vivian to leave for (‍somesome / aa‍) reason... Is there something you'd like to say to me?
Hugo: I can't keep anything from you, can I?

The Truth

The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Story "The Truth"

Video Summary: Before the final act begins.
Story Description: Hugo sends everyone away, seemingly having something to tell us.


Before Taking the Stage Cutscene Quest Still 03
Hugo: I've always treated Vivian like my own little sister. Maybe it's just a coincidence, but she looks a lot like Serena.
Hugo: I think I mentioned it before, Serena was my half-sister... She passed away a long time ago.
Hugo: Vivian (‍really likesreally likes / adoresadores‍) you, whether you're Phaethon or just (‍WiseWise / BelleBelle‍).
Hugo: Of course, I also have a lot of respect for someone like you: strong, fair, and genuinely kind.
Hugo: So I hope... I beg you, please keep her safe.
Icon Dialogue Talk Wait...
Icon Dialogue Talk What's that supposed to mean?
(ProtagonistProtagonist): Hang on... What's that supposed to mean?
Hugo: ...Think of it as the last bit of conscience I have left. A kid as pure as her... She should stay alongside someone who walks in the light, like you.
Hugo: Not even Vivian can agree with all my beliefs. One day, we'll go our separate ways.
(ProtagonistProtagonist): Your beliefs? What do you mean exactly?
Hugo: You probably heard from Lycaon. We swore an oath when we started Mockingbird.
Hugo: We swore to use our own hands to right the wrongs in this world — but never, under any circumstances, would we take another human life.
Hugo: I stayed true to my words... until...
Hugo: My father — the man I hated — stood right before me. I could've ended his life easily.
Hugo: But I hesitated. I remembered that damned oath, and their repeated attempts to convince me.
Hugo: I didn't do it. Because of that, innocent people died... all because of him.
Hugo: If I'd killed him first, then none of those tragedies would have happened. People like him don't deserve to live.
Hugo: After that, I realized... sometimes, taking one life really can save countless others.
Icon Dialogue Talk I understand where you're coming from.
(ProtagonistProtagonist): I understand where you're coming from.
Hugo: ...I knew you'd understand.
Icon Dialogue Talk I can't agree with that.
(ProtagonistProtagonist): I can't agree with that.
Hugo: ...Is that so. I see you have your own beliefs.
Hugo: Vivian has a good heart. I don't want her to get her hands dirty.
Hugo: But you know how it is, in this world, someone has to be "the bad guy."
Hugo: So... I want to apologize to you.
Icon Dialogue Talk ?
Icon Dialogue Talk Why apologize all of a sudden?
(ProtagonistProtagonist): Why apologize all of a sudden?
Hugo: You're incredibly strong, kind, capable... and really, really lucky.
Hugo: The world needs more people like you.
Hugo: Remember that revenge movie I told you about? "Children of Devils." I still haven't found it, but I came across another videotape with the same name.
Hugo: Turns out, in that story, the children of devils are actually the children of gods.
Hugo: Ah, sorry for rambling. Hope you don't mind.
Hugo: They should be back soon. Please, look after Vivian for me.

Other Languages

LanguageOfficial Name
EnglishBefore Taking the Stage
Chinese
(Simplified)
登台之前
Chinese
(Traditional)
登台之前
Japanese舞台に上がる前
Korean무대에 오르기
Mudaee Oreugi Jeon
SpanishAntes de subir al escenario
FrenchAvant d'entrer en scène
RussianПеред выходом на сцену
Pered vykhodom na stsenu
Thaiก่อนขึ้นเวที
VietnameseTrước Khi Lên Sân Khấu
GermanVor dem Auftritt
IndonesianSebelum Naik Panggung
PortugueseAntes de Subir no Palco

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