Business Competition

Business Competition is a Hearsay Commission in Failume Heights.

Steps

1. Accept your mission from Sweety.
2. Find the client
3. Send a DM to Anton
4. Meet Anton at the entrance of Suibian Temple
5. Talk to the contractors for details
6. Talk to Anton about what you've learned
7. Find Dimitri
8. Find the Construction team's secrets
9. Investigate the scene
10. Let's head back to your usual spot to talk

Dialogue

 Find the client

---

Find the client near Yum Cha Sin and learn about her commission.

Failume Heights

(Talk to the Young Lady outside Good Goods)

Young Lady: Wonder who's gonna take this commission...

Hello, may I ask if you are the client?

I'm here to help!

Young Lady: (‍Wow, the person taking the commission is so handsome... No, no, this isn't the time for silly thoughts... Okay, looks like he's the one!Wow, the person taking the commission is so handsome... No, no, this isn't the time for silly thoughts... Okay, looks like he's the one!Text for Wise / The one taking the commission is a young lady...? Now I don't know if I should ask for help... But I already posted the commission... Oh well, whatever!The one taking the commission is a young lady...? Now I don't know if I should ask for help... But I already posted the commission... Oh well, whatever!Text for Belle‍)

Young Lady: It's actually just a small favor. Have you heard of Belobog Heavy Industries?

Yes, I have!

I'm actually friends with some of their people!

Young Lady: That's perfect. This should be a piece of cake for you, then.

Young Lady: You've probably heard about it, right? The people from Belobog Heavy Industries completely renovated the Suibian Temple over the past few days.

Young Lady: I used to love hanging out there as a kid. My friends and I even played hide-and-seek in it.

Young Lady: I'm so happy to see it come back to life. And also... also...

Young Lady: One day, while I was walking along the wall, a tile fell down and nearly hit me in the head...

Young Lady: If it hadn't been for that man named Anton, who happened to be nearby doing his morning exercises and instinctively pulled me out of the way, I might be in the hospital right now.

Young Lady: But even though they got the job done without a hitch, they seem to have something on their minds.

Young Lady: So, um... I—I want to give some gifts to everyone at Belobog Heavy Industries, especially Mr. Anton... I hope it can help lift their spirits!

Young Lady: "You guys did an amazing job!" As a citizen, I hope to convey my feelings to them!

Young Lady: But since we just met by chance... it would feel a bit awkward to just take it over... I'd feel a little embarrassed...

Leave it to me!

Something's up... I'll go check it out.

 Send a DM to Anton

---

DM Anton and set up a meetup IRL.

Failume Heights

(Open DMs)

REPLY

Anton!

Yo Anton you there!

Yo Proxy!

So you've decided to join my business trip morning workout plan!

REPLY

Have to pass on that, but I do need something from you

Maybe later. I need you for something now

Looks like something to be discussed face-to-face!

I'm at the Suibian Temple entrance with Belobog folks

Let's meet up there!

REPLY

Got it!

Deal!

 Meet Anton at the entrance of Suibian Temple

---

Head to the entrance of Suibian Temple and deliver the Young Lady's gift to Anton.

Failume Heights

(Talk to Anton)

Anton: Great work today, everyone! The tasks are all wrapped up smoothly—take a good rest. Tomorrow's another day to crush it! Let's keep it up!

Belobog Employee: Cheer on!

Safety: En-nah! (Let's do this!)

Anton!

I'm here!

Anton: Proxy, you finally made it! We're celebrating the successful completion of the Suibian Temple project in Waifei Peninsula.

Please, accept this.

Anton: What's this? "Thanks for your hard work"...

Anton: Looks like our work discipline and staff quality have earned the recognition of the Waifei Peninsula residents... That's fantastic.

Anton: I honestly thought this market expansion venture was going to be a complete failure...

Market expansion venture?

Complete failure?

Anton: I accidentally let that slip out with a sigh... Guess I'll punish myself with 500 extra squats tonight.

Anton: It's just some company operational matter.

Anton: We were hoping to boost Belobog Heavy Industries' reputation in the Waifei Peninsula through the Suibian Temple restoration project, and further expand our market share.

Anton: But even after all this time, while many people know about our existence and service quality, every single business negotiation and partnership proposal we sent out... sank like a stone in the ocean.

With Belobog Heavy Industries' capabilities?

Who's been sabotaging things behind the scenes?

Anton: Someone must be sabotaging us, but we don't know who. During this time, we've been trying to figure out... who exactly is trying to go against us.

Anton: But in the end... it was like throwing punches at a shadow—we haven't even managed to catch the faintest glimpse of who they are.

Anton: Now that the renovation work is finished and another project is waiting, we have no choice but to pause the investigation and prepare to withdraw from the Waifei Peninsula.

I'm a little concerned...

Want me to check out what's going on?

Anton: Hm? Haha, you're as enthusiastic as ever—I really like that about you!

Anton: If you're looking for someone, the local contractors who handled our construction crew's housing and meals during that time might be able to give you some answers.

Anton: But I've already asked all the questions I could. Looking forward to seeing you do your magic!

Anton: After all, miracles always seem to follow in your footsteps.

 Talk to the contractors for details

---

Chat with nearby contractors to find out which forces are working against Belobog Heavy Industries behind the scenes.

Failume Heights

(Talk to the female Housing Contractor)

Housing Contractor: Phew, finally done. Time to head back to the family~

Housing Contractor: These guys from out of town actually did such a great job... Local construction teams probably won't have much of a competitive edge in the future and won't be able to leave the Waifei Peninsula.

But why, though?

Housing Contractor: Hm? You're from Belobog Heavy Industries, too? And no, I'm not just saying that to butter you up.

Housing Contractor: I mentioned this to Anton over there before. You guys can't stay in the Waifei market for long.

Housing Contractor: The reason is not that you're not working hard enough, but that you don't understand the rules.

Housing Contractor: As you can see, the architectural style of Waifei Peninsula is really one of a kind.

Housing Contractor: A unique architectural style means unique building regulations. Our local construction teams have been familiar with these regulations for a long time... as well as the unwritten rules that come with them.

Housing Contractor: If you blindly rush into this market, even if you manage to win a few projects with low prices, the real trouble will probably start once the construction is done.

So the trouble only starts after the construction's done?

Housing Contractor: Yeah—things like poor ventilation, exhaust fans not meeting regulations... Plus, all kinds of small issues that are hard to explain or even define.

Housing Contractor: Some problems are only known to the most seasoned locals, like those veteran foremen who have reliable relatives in just the right places.

Only the local construction teams can really get the job done right?

Housing Contractor: That's right. Only those small, local construction crews really understand how things work around here.

Housing Contractor: Huh... Come to think of it, a lot of the people from Sailume Bay actually fled from the old capital... How did they manage to figure it all out?

(Talk to the male Housing Contractor)

Housing Contractor: These guys did a great job... Too bad we probably won't get another chance to work together.

Why do you say that?

Housing Contractor: Oh! How long have you been eavesdropping on me venting?

Housing Contractor: But it's not a big deal, just a bit of a shame.

Housing Contractor: In recent years, construction companies from outside have had a tough time establishing themselves in the Waifei Peninsula, and as someone managing accommodations, I'm well aware of that.

Because of Porcelumex?

Housing Contractor: Anton mentioned that idea too. It's possible, but can't be proven yet.

Housing Contractor: The construction industry in Waifei Peninsula is managed by many small construction teams.

Housing Contractor: Many of the members of these construction teams are related to each other, and quite a few are people who left Sailume Bay to avoid working as miners. Their prices are very low, and you can't compete with them.

Housing Contractor: Moreover, a construction company that dominates the market in Waifei Peninsula and is not controlled by TOPS is probably something that Porcelumex wouldn't want to see.

(Could this be related to Porcelumex again?)

(Let's keep investigating)

(Talk to the Catering Contractor)

Catering Contractor: Belobog Heavy Industries is leaving? Hope you'll visit often. The Waifei Peninsula is perfect for tourism!

Can't take on any more projects?

Catering Contractor: Well... Look, I'm a businessperson. I don't like to say discouraging things, but Anton over there should know all about it.

Catering Contractor: You can't compete with the local construction crews.

Have you worked with small construction teams before?

Catering Contractor: Oh, if only I could work with them... I'd love to have a few more ways to make money.

Catering Contractor: But it's tough... I keep feeling like someone's been warning us.

Catering Contractor: I thought to myself once... "To succeed in business, you need to be bold, meticulous, and thick-skinned." So I took the initiative to approach them and offered to let them try our fast food. And the result...

Catering Contractor: When I got home, I found my tire slashed, the windshield smashed, and a dead fish placed on the driver's seat... I've got family to look after. I can't afford to do business with them again.

That's outrageous!

Did the workers do it?

Catering Contractor: No no. Most of the workers are good people. When I treat them to meals, they insist on paying. They're very polite, and they all get along really well with each other.

Catering Contractor: They all look a bit down, but working day and night like this is tough. However, they're all earning money to support their families, so no matter how hard it is, they have to bear with it.

Look a bit down?

What exactly is it like?

Catering Contractor: Hmm... they just seem a bit listless, walking a bit unsteady, and occasionally saying some nonsense... but I was talking to them right after their shift.

Catering Contractor: Could it be that their work discipline is so lax that they can even drink something while on the job?

 Talk to Anton about what you've learned

---

Tell Anton about the information collected from the contractors.

Failume Heights

(Talk to Anton)

Anton: So, Proxy? What you've heard is pretty much what I've heard.

Anton: Do you think there are any doubts or breakthroughs?

It's related to the local small construction teams.

Anton: Exactly. To be honest, I've had people observe their construction work, and it seems like it's not much different from what we're doing.

The issue isn't with the construction process...

These people are stumbling around and talking nonsense...

Anton: Huh? You mean...

It might be related to Miasma.

It might be related to Porcelumex.

Anton: Huh? That's suspicious...

Anton: ...But what would a city construction team be doing in the Hollow? Could it be that we have interfered with some of their secret dealings?

Anton: Their secret might be in the hollow [sic]! This is also a thought from our team member, Dimitri, but he hasn't found any solid clues...

Anton: Speaking of which, where did Dimitri go? Didn't see him during the celebration.

Anton: No way... He didn't go into the Hollow by himself, did he?

Anton: So, Proxy, shall we head inside?

Leave it to me!

 Find Dimitri

---

Head to the Central Production Area to find Dimitri.

(Hollow) Central Production Area

(While approaching Dimitri's location)

Voice From Afar: Get away from me...! Help!

Anton: That's Dimitri's voice! Let's hurry!^{[Note 1]}

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Yes! Looks like there's danger ahead!^{[Note 2]}

(Enter combat with the Hollow Raiders surrounding Dimitri)

Dimitri: Phew! Thank goodness you're here! I'm saved, I'm saved!

Anton: Less talk, more awareness! Stay sharp!^{[Note 3]}

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Yeah! This is the worst time to get hurt! Stay alert!

(Talk to Dimitri after defeating the enemies)

Dimitri: *huff*... *puff*... Finally... made it... alive...

Anton: Dimitri, what are you doing? Why did you enter the Hollow without reporting to me? Don't you care about the construction safety at all?

Dimitri: I admit my mistake and am ready for the punishment! But please hear me out first... Please, listen! I saw those local construction team members... I saw them enter the Hollow!

Dimitri: I didn't have time to report it—I had to follow them right away. There must be some secret of the local construction teams up ahead!

The previous reasoning makes sense.

There's definitely something fishy going on.

Anton: You... always so sharp, and just as unlucky as ever.

Anton: Nice work! But don't let it get to your head. I need to make sure you learn your lesson about keeping yourself safe.

Dimitri: I understand. The place those people went to earlier is just up ahead.

Anton: Alright, Proxy. Let's head out.

 Find the Construction team's secrets

---

Scout ahead to uncover the secrets left behind by the local construction team.

(Hollow) Central Production Area

(View the scene with Anton and Dimitri)

Dimitri: We're here... But where is everyone?

Anton: Proxy, let's investigate the scene together.

(Look around)

No problem.

 Investigate the scene

---

Investigate the scene carefully and see if you can find any useful clues.

(Hollow) Central Production Area

(Interact with the Investigation point nearest Anton and Dimitri)

Anton: I feel like there might be some clues around here.

A Porcelume vein.

It's Lumite ore.

Anton: Right on! This is where Lumite ore is mined, and there are traces of mining activity here.

Anton: Not only that, based on the technique... it seems this wasn't done by miners, but rather by the construction team.

(Interact with the Investigation point to the west)

Anton: Sharp eyes! Spot anything new?

A few receipts.

Anton: Receipts? Hmm... Whoever they belong to was just buying some household items, nothing worth looking into.

Anton: But... these receipts? They're not from stores in Sailume Bay, huh? Has there been any construction near this convenience store lately?

(Interact with the northernmost Investigation point)

Anton: Clues, clues, come out and play!

A uniform, used to wrap things.

Clothes left on the ground.

Anton: Let me see... It's a uniform, but it doesn't look like it's from Porcelumex... Looking at the emblem design on the chest, it should be a uniform from some construction company.

---

(After investigating all three points)

I've checked everything there is to check. There's nothing else worth investigating around here.

Look around...

Haven't found any key clues...

Dimitri: Huh? So I came here for nothing?

Anton: Don't be so sure. Maybe with a bit of deduction, we'll be able to draw some conclusions?

Anton: It's not safe to stay here for long. Let's discuss it at the usual spot after we get out.

 Let's head back to your usual spot to talk

---

Head back to the usual spot to talk things over with Anton and the crew.

Failume Heights

(Talk to Anton)

Anton was having an intense discussion with the workers from Belobog Heavy Industries. When he saw me, he walked over.

Anton: Thinking about all these twists and turns is too much of a brain drain. I'd rather hang with my mechanical bros.

So?

Got any conclusions?

Anton: Strange... very strange... if Grace were here, she might be able to find more clues...

Anton: Let's get straight to the point... We all believe that someone might be redirecting Porcelume for construction purposes, specifically for buildings located outside the Hollow.

Safety: Ehn-ne! (That's weird!)

Anton: But... Why?

Anton: This kind of behavior is extremely costly and completely unnecessary to hide.

Anton: Not only that, if you want Porcelume, why not just buy the finished product directly from Porcelumex like a normal person?

To keep it under wraps.

A secret that can't be revealed.

Safety: Ehn-nhu-ehn-en.. Ehn-ne!! (Based on the clues you've gathered, I believe it's highly likely... that Porcelume is being stockpiled somewhere in Waifei Peninsula!)

Anton: Based on those receipts, the store was far away from where the construction team lived, and there weren't any new building projects in the area, just some road and sewer maintenance work.

Anton: Hey! We're construction workers, not Porcelume Association inspectors. What are they so scared of?

Your opponents must be in the same line of work.

Your opponents are probably afraid you'll steal their business.

Anton: Haha, we'll keep digging too. No matter what, Belobog Heavy Industries stands by our principles—honest business and customers first. Let it be fair and square if there is competition between men.

Locks keep honest people honest, but won't stop a thief.

Better to stay cautious, just in case.

Anton: Absolutely! We'll keep a close watch to make sure no troublemakers interfere during the project. Also, I'll chat with the local construction teams to learn more about their building techniques.

Anton: Oh, right, Safety seems really interested in how you run Suibian Temple. If there's anything related to that during this time, Safety would be more than happy to help you out.

Safety: Ehn-ne! Ehn-ne nhu-ne! (I'm so curious about how our renovated buildings are being used! That's why I'll do my absolute best to help with anything related to management!)

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