Cat and Mouse Game (II)

I just got a message from Nekomata. She wants to meet at the alley entrance. Maybe she has an update on the last commission?

Nekomata: The other Proxy is here!

Yeah, I just got here.

What are you guys talking about?

Nekomata: We were discussing tactics. As you can see, the situation has become clearer.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I never expected this to be the culprit.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Spreading rumors, laying down bait, and luring in the enemy... What a cunning move!

Nekomata: Mhm. That's the experience you pick up from years on the streets.

Nekomata: I wouldn't have resorted to this if the situation wasn't this dire~

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I knew we could count on you, Nekomata!

Nekomata: Proxy, are you ready? I want to strike first to avoid any more sleepless nights!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I'm with you! 1... 2... 3...

Wait, what are you guys talking about?

I feel I'm missing something...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): For two days in a row now, the BBQ beef has gone missing from my bowl of noodles while I wasn't paying attention.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I bumped into Nekomata earlier, and she helped me get to the bottom of this. Turns out the culprit is this cat!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): We're planning a sneak attack on its belly to make up for the pieces of BBQ beef I've lost out on over the last two days!

I thought you were talking about a commission...

Nekomata: Oh! I almost forgot, meow! I came here to talk to you two about following up on the commissions today!

Nekomata: Let's talk about the details in your store! I'm going to die from exhaustion if I keep standing here, meow...

After the three of them take turns stroking the cat's belly for a while, they return to the video store, and Nekomata recounts her meeting with Ollie...

Request for Assistance

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Request for Assistance"

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Video Summary: Cats have always excelled at observation and imitation over following rigid commands.

Story Description: Ollie wants to go into the Hollow with the other officers to set up the bait to attract their targets. He asks Nekomata to provide assistance remotely just in case...

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Ollie: ...These gangsters have been looting lost Ether resources all over the Hollows for quite some time. Their methods are cruel and they've amassed a substantial fortune.

Ollie: No precinct in any jurisdiction has been able to pin them down because they roam around, so the case remains unsolved.

Ollie: So here's what I'm thinking: First of all, we put out the word on Inter-Knot that there's a large commission to recover Ether resources — the commission which you and the Proxy got involved with last time.

Ollie: Then, we use Ether resources from our evidence room as bait and set a trap, by placing them in the Hollow.

Ollie: Finally, we wait for the gangsters to take the bait and then apprehend them all inside the Hollow.

Nekomata: Sounds pretty solid. Then what?

Ollie: Then... Then we officially adopt this as our battle plan!

Nekomata: Oh, well done then. It seems like you have a real talent for organizing plans.

Ollie: It's just... 11th Precinct also wants in, and I've been promoted to head up the joint operation.

Nekomata: Why did you say "just." You're starting to make me nervous...

Ollie: You see... only the 11th Precinct has access to the Ether resources in evidence. I'm about to go undercover into the Hollow to set up the trap with two strangers from the General Affairs department who I've never even met before!

Ollie: And my weakness will be exposed the second we run into any Ethereals. They won't exactly help me hide it. Then once my boss hears about it, I'm betting once again I'll...

Nekomata: So what? It's not like I can go meet them in your place. Cry and beg all you want, but I'm not gonna do anything that risky.

Ollie: Of course, I'd never dream of getting you to do such a thing, Miss Nekomata!

Ollie: As a case consultant, I just need you to take care of any Ethereals along the way, so we can safely lay our bait.

Nekomata: "Case Consultant"? Sounds more like a bodyguard...

Ollie: Not at all, think of it as being temporary unofficial personnel for Public Security! I've already filled in everyone back at the precinct about the case consultant who'll be helping out with the operation.

Nekomata: Ugh... It's really stressful working on an operation alongside this many officers. I kind of regret agreeing to help you.

Ollie: P—Please don't say that, this operation really needs you, Miss Nekomata!

Ollie: What if we use remote comms to keep in touch, and you can help me from a little further away — then you won't have to talk to the other officers!

Nekomata: Hmm... If that's an option, then I'll consider doing it.

Nekomata: By the way, this... case consultant thing, is there anything else I need to know about?

Ollie: As you're effectively temporary unofficial personnel for Public Security, you'll need to comply with basically the same rules that current officers do.

Ollie: You'll be fine. You just need to memorize this simple 476-page new officer training manual!

Nekomata: ...

Ollie: ...Is something wrong?

Nekomata: ...I know what to do, so just leave everything to me!

Back to the present, in the video store—

Nekomata: ...And so that's what happened when I met Ollie just now.

So? Did you end up memorizing all 476 pages?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍So that 476 pages... Did you memorize everything?So that 476 pages... Did you memorize everything?Text for Wise / Hang on, did you memorize that "mere" 476 pages?Hang on, did you memorize that "mere" 476 pages?Text for Belle‍)

You are not even going to look at that manual, are you?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Nekomata, correct me if I'm wrong, but you aren't going to read that manual, are you?Nekomata, correct me if I'm wrong, but you aren't going to read that manual, are you?Text for Wise / From what I know about you, Nekomata, you're not gonna read a single page of that manual, right?From what I know about you, Nekomata, you're not gonna read a single page of that manual, right?Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: Course not! Who'd wanna learn to be a Public Security officer by reading all that?!

Nekomata: All I have to do is work with the officers from Public Security. It's no big deal, I'll just brush up on a few things beforehand.

Nekomata: There's still some time before Ollie's mission, so I'll go "study" nearby and give you a buzz when it's time to go.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Ah, she's gone.Ah, she's gone.Text for Wise / She's gone.She's gone.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): She said she was going to study nearby. (‍How does Nekomata plan to study exactly?How does Nekomata plan to study exactly?Text for Wise / I don't exactly know how though.I don't exactly know how though.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Why don't you go find out, Wise? That way you'll be more confident going into the Hollow with her!Why don't you go find out, Wise? That way you'll be more confident going into the Hollow with her!Text for Wise / Belle, why don't you go check on her? After all, you'll be going into the Hollow together, so it's best we know what's going on.Belle, why don't you go check on her? After all, you'll be going into the Hollow together, so it's best we know what's going on.Text for Belle‍)

(Idle)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍What did Nekomata go over there for?What did Nekomata go over there for?Text for Wise / What's Nekomata doing over there...?What's Nekomata doing over there...?Text for Belle‍)

(Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍), optional)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Going to look for Nekomata? Fairy said she saw her running toward the 141 Convenience Store on the surveillance footage.Going to look for Nekomata? Fairy said she saw her running toward the 141 Convenience Store on the surveillance footage. Tooltip for Going to look for Nekomata? Fairy said she saw her running toward the 141 Convenience Store on the surveillance footage.ⓘText for Wise / Are you looking for Nekomata, Belle? Fairy said she saw Nekomata heading to the 141 Convenience Store on the surveillance footage.Are you looking for Nekomata, Belle? Fairy said she saw Nekomata heading to the 141 Convenience Store on the surveillance footage.Text for Belle‍)

I'll go find her.

I'll go see what's going on.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Be careful.

(Exit Random Play)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), Fairy said she saw Nekomata running towards the 141 Convenience Store.

(Approach the two bystanders outside Random Play, optional)

Female Bystander: Did that cat Thiren just now have two tails?

Male Bystander: You're seeing things.

Female Bystander: Running towards 141 Convenience Store.

(Listen to Derman and Whitney, optional)

Derman: Glad to meet you. You're the director of the Criminal Investigation Department of Janus 11th Precinct, right? I called earlier.

Whitney: Thanks for coming. I'm Whitney, from Team 2 of the Criminal Investigation Department at the 11th Precinct...

(Talk to Nekomata near Box Galaxy)

Nekomata: Woah, it's you, Proxy. You scared me, sneaking up on me like that.

What are you doing here?

Nekomata: Hey, I told you guys I have to "study up" before working with a Public Security officer.

Is eavesdropping what you call "studying?"

Nekomata: Hey, you don't have to put it like that!

Nekomata: Look, those officers over there look like they're discussing work. It's a good chance to study how they talk to teach other.

Nekomata: You can watch them with me if you want, just keep it on the down-low...Don't stare at them like that!

You pretend to be waiting for someone on the streetside with Nekomata while eavesdropping on the two officers' conversation.

Whitney: I'm Whitney from Team 2, Criminal Investigation Department of the 11th Precinct. I heard you folks have a lead on the "Operation Midnight" case.

Derman: Reporting Madam, I'm Derman from the Traffic Control Department of the 12th Precinct! Here's a list of people involved in the traffic accident—

Derman: The driver, who is now in a coma, is suspected to have some ties with Operation Midnight.

Whitney: Thanks. No need to be so formal. While I'm in charge of this case, it's the support and teamwork from all departments and units that have made such rapid progress in our investigation possible.

Derman: Madam Whitney, you're so down-to-earth...

Whitney: It's the least we can do. The 11th and 12th Precincts have always worked well together, thanks to all of you.

Whitney: I'll take this info back to headquarters to review. Please keep an eye on the unconscious driver.

Nekomata: ...So, this is how Public Security officers talk while working.

Nekomata: Well, there's nothing much left to see here. I'll go check out some other places!

Nekomata and the two Public Security Officers leave...

(After the cutscene)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), Fairy just spotted Nekomata over by the newsstand.

(Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) in Random Play, optional)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Are you looking for Nekomata, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)? Fairy just saw her near the newsstand.

Are there any PubSec officers around here?

Let me go check on her...

(Listen to Gene and Arno, optional)

Gene: Ugh... I'm totally beat! I gonna [sic] crash into bed the second I get home tonight, and no one's call is going to wake me up.

Arno: Congrats, Gene! Your team has been grinding for two months straight. You deserve a good night's sleep.

(Talk to Nekomata by the newsstand)

Nekomata: Oh, you're here.

What are you doing here?

Aren't you supposed to be observing how PubSec officers work?

Nekomata: Shh, keep your voice down. Look over there.

Nekomata: See those two chatting? They might not be in uniform, but my bet is they're security officers. Meow! You gotta trust a cat's instincts.

Listen to the conversation between the officers with Nekomata...

Gene: Arno, did you catch the news? Wade from Team 2 over at the Criminal Investigation Department got transferred to another precinct.

Arno: What? He's at the 11th Precinct now?

Arno: Well, well, well, He's going to be kept on his toes. The crime rate there is way higher than ours.

Gene: Yeah, but they also close lots of cases. They really know how to get the job done.

Arno: That's true. We started at the same time, and he might get promoted to the Janus headquarters soon... and I'll be stuck here.

Gene: But hey, didn't you guys solve a big case last month?

Arno: That was an inter-district arrest. The case belonged to the 8th Precinct, and we didn't even get to interrogate the suspect before they were taken away. So it ended up having nothing to do with us.

Arno: I thought being on that case would save me from worrying about this year's performance evaluation. But now I can't even come up with a decent self-assessment report.

Gene: Yeah, it's tough. Last year, someone in the 11th Precinct wrote a ten-thousand-word report, and now the higher-ups are more strict about word count for self-assessment reports.

Arno: By the way, Gene, your girlfriend works in the General Affairs Department in the 11th Precinct, right? Haven't seen you two together lately.

Gene: Oh, she's been really busy. The General Affairs Department often has to handle various tasks for the Criminal Investigation Department, and there's a lot going on in the 11th Precinct.

Gene: Plus, the officers in the Criminal Investigation Department are under a lot of pressure, so they sometimes take it out on the General Affairs Department...

Arno: Yeah, that reminds me. When we helped out at headquarters we were often treated like errand boys.

Gene: You don't say... I wish I could have a nice supervisor.

Nekomata: Well, life at Public Security always comes with its fair share of trouble every day.

Is this stuff really useful?

Do you really need to keep track of random discussions?

Nekomata: Absolutely! Anyone who's experienced life out in the streets knows that if you want to understand someone, you need to know how they truly live and think.

Nekomata: These security officers might just be chatting, but they actually revealed quite a bit of useful information.

Nekomata: For example, these guys from General Affairs may see us as their "superiors" from the Criminal Investigation Department.

Nekomata: If that's the case, and we do end up talking to them during the operation, we don't have to be so nervous!

That makes sense.

Very smart, Nekomata!

Nekomata: Hehe, looks like my "studying" is paying off, right?

Nekomata: I've gathered enough useful information for the operation later!

Nekomata: I'll go get ready. Let's meet at the entrance to the Hollow!

Nekomata finishes speaking and leaves...

(Listen to Gene and Arno, optional)

Gene: Gee, it's been a tough day. I finally get to come home. Let's forget about work for now.

Arno: Yeah... How about we discuss the latest movies, maybe?

Gene: Movies?... Well, I've been so swamped at work that I haven't had time for any kind of entertainment! I've been dozing off on my commute and haven't even listened to music lately.

Gene: And I have a bunch of witness interviews lined up for tomorrow...

Arno: Hey, Gene, you just said "let's forget about work"!

(Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍), optional)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍So it seems like Nekomata's "study" is about observing the security officers and getting a feel for their work and life.So it seems like Nekomata's "study" is about observing the security officers and getting a feel for their work and life.Text for Wise / So, it seems like Nekomata's "study" is about observing the security officers.So, it seems like Nekomata's "study" is about observing the security officers.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Maybe it's because she's been living on her own since she was a kid? She's pretty good at learning from her surroundings.Maybe it's because she's been living on her own since she was a kid? She's pretty good at learning from her surroundings.Text for Wise / She's good at learning from her surroundings. Maybe it's because she's been living on her own since she was a kid.She's good at learning from her surroundings. Maybe it's because she's been living on her own since she was a kid.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Anyway, it looks like Nekomata is ready. (‍Go meet up with her, Wise.Go meet up with her, Wise.Text for Wise / Go meet up with her if you're ready, Belle.Go meet up with her if you're ready, Belle.Text for Belle‍)

(Upon starting the commission)

Cat & Mouse Bluff

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Cat & Mouse Bluff"

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Video Summary: Witness the mighty and righteous Public Security Officer, Nekomata!

Story Description: Ollie sent the wrong coordinates, and Nekomata ran into two other officers! In the heat of the moment, Nekomata lies and claims to be Ollie. The curtains are about to rise on this game of cat-and-mouse...

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Nekomata: Ollie, I'm with the Proxy at the coordinates you sent.

Ollie: That's great! So, once I meet with the officers from the 11th Precinct, you just need to follow us in parallel from a distance!

Ollie: If anything happens, I'll request your immediate support through comms!

Nekomata: Just, when the time comes, be quick about it instead of exercising your lung capacity.

Ollie: I... I'll try my best to hold it in. ...After all, the other officers of the 11th Precinct will be with me.

Nekomata: I hear footsteps. Sounds like the other officers have arrived on your end. Good, let's stay in touch.

Ollie: Hey, but I haven't seen anyone else here yet..

Fairy: Master, two young humans have been detected near you.

Nekomata: Huh? Hey Ollie, there are two people approaching me over here. What's going on?!

Ollie: That's... impossible. I know I sent the correct meet-up coordinates to the 11th Precinct. I'll pull up the chat history...

Ollie: Ohh nooo~ I did send the wrong one!!! I sent your coordinates instead! What are we gonna do?!

Nekomata: I was just about to ask you that!

Ollie: Uhm, g-get out of there before they see you! They won't be able to keep up with you!

Nekomata: I haven't done anything wrong, why should I have to run?! Besides — what happens to the operation if I leave?

Ollie: The operation, the operation... I'll just go back and confess to my boss about my Ethereal phobia, it's fine. At the very worst, they'll just take command of the operation from me.

Ollie: In any case, I'll take full responsibility. I would never create difficulties for you!

I never thought Ollie had the guts to do something like that.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ollie can be quite stubborn about certain things.Ollie can be quite stubborn about certain things.Text for Wise / I never thought Ollie had the guts to do something like that.I never thought Ollie had the guts to do something like that.Text for Belle‍)

Loyalty is nice and all, but not screwing up before we even start is better...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ollie, it's great to hear that you're loyal, but I'd rather you don't screw everything up before we even start!Ollie, it's great to hear that you're loyal, but I'd rather you don't screw everything up before we even start!Text for Wise / Ollie, it's great to hear that you're so loyal, but if you could not screw things up from the get-go, that would be even better!Ollie, it's great to hear that you're so loyal, but if you could not screw things up from the get-go, that would be even better!Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Quit complaining, Wise. If we don't make a plan soon we're gonna be out of time!Quit complaining, Wise. If we don't make a plan soon we're gonna be out of time!Text for Wise / Now's not the time for this, Belle. I need to plan out a route, so hurry up and decide.Now's not the time for this, Belle. I need to plan out a route, so hurry up and decide.Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: Don't worry, Proxy! I'll handle this. Looks like I'll have to show off my skills from my old profession.

Nekomata: Consider this a free lesson, Ollie. Watch and learn!

---

Deline: The rendezvous point should be close by.

Huggins: Hmm, is that a girl over there? Did we get something wrong?

Nekomata: Hey, are you two from the next precinct over? You're in the right place.

Nekomata: Code name: Operation "Watch & Wait." I'm Ollie from Team 4 of Criminal Investigations at the 12th Precinct and I'm in charge of today's operation.

Ollie: Huh?!

Deline: Yes Ma'am! I'm Deline from General Affairs at the 11th Precinct, and this is Huggins.

Deline: We humbly apologize if we caused any offense just now!

Deline: We'll cooperate in full and carry out all orders to finish the mission!

Nekomata: You don't have to be so formal. We've never met, and it's an undercover sting, so it's completely normal to be guarded about anyone nearby the meeting point.

Nekomata: And without 11th Precinct's support, we could never carry out this operation, so I should be thanking you.

Huggins: I didn't think you'd be so young, Officer Ollie — or so easy-going.

Huggins: When I heard the name Ollie, I imagined an old guy in a stained tan suit with heavy bags under his eyes!

Ollie: Ah—Ahchoo! They're talking about me...

Nekomata: Haha, this guy has a...very specific imagination...

Deline: I'm sorry Ma'am, Huggins is just like that... And, what were you just saying about being "specific"?

Nekomata: Oh, what I mean is: Everyone's here now, so let's hurry up and be "specific" in our mission.

Deline: Roger! We've already marked out several alternative coordinates, so please come with us!

Ollie: We fooled them... We actually fooled them?! Phew...

Nekomata: Don't relax just yet, Ollie!

Nekomata: That was just the beginning. They're gonna have more questions along the way. The real test is only just getting started.

Nekomata: Anyway, find somewhere safe nearby to hide and keep an eye on things. If I need info from you, be ready to tell me quickly, understand?

Ollie: Right... Understood!

(After the cutscene)

Deline: Officer, we've already marked three deployment points.

Deline: This is the first location.

Deline: This is the second.

Deline: And this is the final one.

Nekomata: Very well. We'll go investigate as per usual.

Nekomata: Hollows are unpredictable. Stay close to me.

(Use the leftmost teleporter)

Nekomata: Watch your step! Avoid the Ethereal!

(Reach the target)

Deline: We've reached the deployment point. Setting up the bait now.

Nekomata: Wait... I hear something strange.

Huggins: How come there are so many Ethereals here?

(After defeating all enemies)

Gossip to Advantage

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Gossip to Advantage"

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Video Summary: Witness the mighty and righteous Public Security Officer, Nekomata!

Story Description: The two officers engaged in a conversation about recent events at the station, and Nekomata seamlessly blended in using the gossip she'd been eavesdropping on. The two officers showed no suspicion regarding Nekomata's true identity.

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Nekomata: Hoo, I never expected a bunch of Ethereals to jump out of nowhere like that, but they're dealt with!

Deline: You sure took them all out quickly, Ollie! I barely had a chance to react!

Huggins: Yeah! No wonder your average combat scores at the 12th Precinct were higher than ours last month. Turns out it's all because of you!

Nekomata: Come on, you're all exaggerating. We're only up on you by 0.2 points.

Nekomata: And combat scores are really only for internal use, anyway. They're worth nada in the real world. Your precinct's high rate of closing cases? Now, that's the real achievement.

Deline: Yeah? Didn't I hear you all cracked a whopper of a case a little while back, though?

Nekomata: You're probably thinking of those inter-district raids carried out by the 14th Precinct, right?

Nekomata: Ahh, we can't take any credit for that.

Deline: Ah I see, that's a real shame.

Nekomata: Right? If we don't catch these gangsters and their Ether loot, then I don't know what I'm gonna write in my annual report this year.

Huggins: Wow, even an elite officer like yourself has to worry about writing reports! I feel like you're one of us now.

Nekomata: It's much harder being a desk jockey than catching criminals in the Hollows.

Nekomata: But the word limit for reports this year has been reduced thanks to all the spam your Precinct put out last time.

Deline: Pfft... That was actually Huggins over here. In his report, he wrote out twenty times: "Being a Public Security officer is the greatest job in the whole world. Becoming a better officer is my core meaning in life."

Huggins: D—Deline! You swore you'd never tell anyone about that!

Huggins: Anyway, it's better than what you wrote... "If you can't afford to raise my salary, I hope you'll raise my pension by 20"!

Deline: But that's what I really thought.

Nekomata: Heehee, you two are sure interesting.

Ollie: I never expected Miss Nekomata to know so much about our inter-precinct gossip. It's like I didn't even need to come along at all...

Nekomata: Isn't that a good thing? Why are you gettin' all self-pitying?

Deline: Huh? Officer Ollie, what's that about "pity"?

Nekomata: Ahem, I meant, there's nowhere good to place those Ether resources here. And, that's a real pity.

Huggins: Ah, you're right. Let's push on and check out our next option, then.

(After the cutscene)

Huggins: We probably shouldn't deploy here. It's too dangerous!

Nekomata: Next, let's go over there.

(Move down after using the rightmost teleporter)

Deline: The space here seems pretty unstable!

(Reach the target)

Deline: We've reached the deployment point. Setting up the bait now.

Nekomata: Eh?!

(After falling)

Your Faithful Assistant, Fairy-Cat: "Master, a hollow shift has just occurred. You are now in an area affected by spatial distortion."

(After the event)

Huggins: Great. A Hollow Shift wasn't part of our plan...

Nekomata: Don't panic, that's normal. I've deal with it.

(If the player re-enters the central area after taking the wrong route)

Deline: Why does it feel so familiar here...

Nekomata: There may be something worth investigating over there.

(Interact with the observation point)

Your Faithful Assistant, Fairy-Cat: "Master, we've found an old projector. I can play its memory data for you."

(Arrows appear — down (blue), right (blue), up (blue), down (red))

A Worn-out Projector: "According to my analysis, this video likely relates to the location of the Hollow's exit. Do you need to watch it again?"

If you was distracted... [sic]

No need

Watch it again

(The arrows appear again)

A Worn-out Projector: "The directions of the projected arrows are as follows:
Down, Right, Up, Down
Perhaps this is related to the Hollow exit path."

Watch it again?

No need

Watch it again

(Interact with the observation point again, optional)

A Worn-out Projector: "There is some data stored within this projector. Shall I play it?"

Now that you've got it, let's take a look.

Activate the projector

(The arrows appear again)

A Worn-out Projector: "The directions of the projected arrows are as follows:
Down, Right, Up, Down
Based on my judgement, it may be worth keeping in mind the last arrow was a different color than the others."

Watch it again?

No need

Watch it again

(Interact with the newspaper)

Your Faithful Assistant, Fairy-Cat: "I have discovered a note. I suggest picking it up and taking a look."

A Scribbled Note: "The note reads: Red is a liar!"

(Exit the maze)

Nekomata: It's the exit!

(Use the teleporter)

False Alarm

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "False Alarm"

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Video Summary: Witness the mighty and righteous Public Security Officer, Nekomata!

Story Description: Nekomata almost accidentally exposed her true identity during conversation, but she skillfully fabricated a mixture of truth and falsehoods about her childhood. The touching story immediately dispels any doubts the officers may have had...

---

---

Deline: I thought one of the first two locations would surely be suitable... Lucky we didn't spend too much time on them.

Huggins: It's so nice to have such an elite on the team!

Huggins: Officer Ollie, you've achieved incredible success at such a young age. Could you tell us which school you graduated from?

Nekomata: Which school? ...Ahem!

Ollie: Oh right, this is me — Argyles campus!

Nekomata: Yeah, it was Argyles campus!

Huggins: Hey, isn't that the school where tuition is free?!

Deline: Huggins! Watch your mouth!

Deline: Sorry, Officer Ollie. Huggins didn't mean anything bad about your old school!

Deline: It's just you're so skilled, we thought you must be from an elite academy.

Huggins: So which year did you graduate?

Ollie: Uh, that's me again — class of '45!

Nekomata: Class of '45.

Deline: Huh? '45? Wasn't that years ago? The graduates from that class must be nearly 40 now, right?

Huggins: Yeah! But Ma'am, you don't even look 30, let alone 40...

Nekomata: Uhh...

Ollie: Uhh...

Ollie what are you "Uhh"-ing about!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ollie, now's not the time to go blank. Hurry up and think of something!Ollie, now's not the time to go blank. Hurry up and think of something!Text for Wise / Ollie, don't just sit there and "uhh"! Hurry up with an excuse or you'll blow our cover!Ollie, don't just sit there and "uhh"! Hurry up with an excuse or you'll blow our cover!Text for Belle‍)

Ollie: It... I just... I...

Uhh...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Uhh...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise, don't just sit there and "Uhh"! Quick, come up with an excuse or we'll be found out!Wise, don't just sit there and "Uhh"! Quick, come up with an excuse or we'll be found out!Text for Wise / This might be difficult, Belle, but now's not the time to go blank! Hurry up and think of something!This might be difficult, Belle, but now's not the time to go blank! Hurry up and think of something!Text for Belle‍)

Huggins: Hang on... Officer Ollie, could it be that your real identity is in fact—

Nekomata: M—My real identity?

Huggins: —A child prodigy who skipped grades to get into the academy super early for her age?!

Nekomata: Huh?

Nekomata: ...Uhh, ahh — you got me. I can't hide anything from you.

Nekomata: I was actually an orphan who was taken in.

Nekomata: My foster mom was always so kind to me, but she made some bad investments so our finances were never good...

Huggins: Ah, I see! So you're the oldest in a family with lots of foster siblings.

Huggins: You lived in a tiny house at the mercy of the elements, your whole family squeezed into but a single bed.

Huggins: As the oldest kid, you'd secretly eat moldy crusts while carving off the good bits of bread to share with a smile for your younger siblings...

Nekomata: Wow, sounds like an old soap opera...

Huggins: That's why! To keep costs down at home, you chose to enroll at the Argyles campus, which has lower age limits and free tuition!

Nekomata: Actually... You pretty much nailed it!

Deline: But lots of company-affiliated schools have free enrollment too. Why'd you decide to become a Public Security officer?

Nekomata: Hmmm, well... Before I went into foster care I wasn't a good kid. This one time, I overestimated my abilities against a really bad person, and nearly ended up losing my life for nothing.

Nekomata: But even with all that, someone still stood up for me; protected me; and accepted me.

Nekomata: It might have been unintentional, but for me, it was like coming home to a dream home.

Nekomata: So, if I could, I also wanted to protect something with my own hands, to pay it forward...

Huggins: *cry* ...I understand. You chose to become a Public Security officer to protect others!

Huggins: No wonder you're in charge of this operation at such a young age. Your morals are beyond reproach!

Huggins: I only became an officer to show off to the ladies. I'm just a piece of dirt compared to you!

Deline: *sigh* After hearing about your past, I realize I really don't have any dreams of my own... I only took this job for its pension perks.

Nekomata: Don't be like that. I think it's good to have dreams based in reality.

Nekomata: Besides, our reasoning for joining the force might be different, but aren't we all fighting to protect this city, day in, day out?

Huggins: Wow, Officer Ollie! You're so kind. As a fellow Public Security officer, I'm filled with pride!

Huggins: I'll have to redouble my efforts to be deserving of such words!

Deline: Sorry, Ma'am — Huggins gets emotional easily... Don't mind him. Let's push on and check out the next location.

(After the cutscene)

Nekomata: This area is prone to Spatial Displacement. Not a good spot.

Nekomata: Let's head to another deployment point.

(Reach the target)

Your Faithful Assistant, Fairy-Cat: "Master, I haven't detected any anomalies here. This location is suitable to place bait."

Bait Set: The last location will be perfect for setting up bait.

Finally, a suitable spot!

Let's start setting up!

Bait Set: You and the other two officers work diligently, moving supplies and setting up the bait as you think to yourself... if only Ollie could help with physical labor like this...

Bait Set: Well done! Now you can finally call it a day!

Essence of Disguise

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Essence of Disguise"

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Video Summary: Witness the mighty and righteous Public Security Officer, Nekomata!

Story Description: After setting up the bait, Ollie unexpectedly encounters Ethereals in the distance. Nekomata fabricates another story about a potential stalker in the vicinity, diverting the attention of the officers and rushing to Ollie's aid.

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Deline: Reporting in, Officer Ollie. Our Ether resource trap has been set.

Nekomata: Great work!

Nekomata: Phew... So it's done. I didn't think talking with those two would be so tiring.

Ollie: Really? You obviously had no issues with it, Miss Nekomata.

Ollie: And what's more, that thing you said just now about using your own hands to protect something... It was just like the real thing!

Ollie: If I didn't know you were just pretending to be me, I might have been moved to tears just like Huggins.

Nekomata: Hmph. Wanna know why your acting skills were so bad before, Ollie?

Ollie: Why?

Nekomata: It's because the key to a good disguise is to never completely make everything a lie.

Nekomata: You need real experience, or else they'll see through you — your words will lack conviction.

Nekomata: You have to understand the character you're playing. Adding a hint of real-life experience works best, balancing truth and fiction.

Ollie: So that's it! No wonder your story was so touching. It's because it's a true story!

Nekomata: Hey, don't just assume other people's experiences! I said add a "hint"!

Nekomata: Anyway, if you hadn't messed up giving out the info, I wouldn't have had to go through all the trouble!

Ollie: I'm so sorry, truly —

Ollie: Hang on... I think I hear something nearby... Ahhhh!

Nekomata: Huh? Ollie, do you copy? What's going on?

Fairy: Warning! Large numbers of Ethereals are converging near the client's location!

Fairy: Hypothesis: This area experiences spatial anomalies that teleport in Ethereals from other locations.

Nekomata: What?! Now of all times?!

Nekomata: *sigh* I'll come up with something — as long as he can hold them off for a few minutes!

Deline: Hm? What do you mean by "come up with something"? Officer Ollie, you've seemed a little absent-minded right from the get-go...

Nekomata: That's... *cough* You're right. I've actually had something on my mind.

Nekomata: The key to this whole "Watch & Wait" operation revolves around whether or not these gangsters actually take the Ether bait we've laid out for them.

Nekomata: That's why I think, before we withdraw, we should check nearby, for signs of anyone suspicious, to guarantee that nobody notices anything about today's operation. Gangsters can be tricky, after all.

Huggins: Ah, I see. Drawing on such rich experience... No wonder you're leading the operation.

Nekomata: It's just, you've helped me out so much today running around these Hollows, and now I'm asking you to go the extra mile... It feels bad...

Deline: No, really it's nothing! Guaranteeing safe operations is what Public Security officers do.

Huggins: It sure is! I have the greatest respect for you, Officer Ollie, so just give us the order!

Nekomata: Alright, here's what we'll do!

Nekomata: We're gonna split into two groups and search for signs of anything suspicious nearby. If we find anything, radio the other team!

Deline: Yes Ma'am!

(After the cutscene)

Should you split up?: Nekomata's swift response earns the approval of the other two security officers! However, to ensure everyone's safety, it might be wise to provide them with some additional guidance.

What would you like them to do?

"Maybe you can check the left side together?"

Should you split up?: "Hmm... You make a good point. It would be safer if we stick together! Let's do that!" The two officers nod in agreement.

"Maybe you should split up and check both the left and right sides?"

Should you split up?: "Hmm... You make a good point. Splitting up could indeed save us some time! Let's do that!" The two officers nod in agreement.

(After the event)

(If the player had the officers stick together)

Deline: So we'll go that way.

Huggins: I'm with you.

(If the player had the officers split up)

Huggins: I want the left side!

Deline: Fine, I'll take the right.

Nekomiya: We lost them!^{[Note 1]}

Nekomiya: Proxy, we have to go rescue Ollie!

(Enter the Secret Path)

Nekomiya: These are definitely Ollie's footprints.

(Enter combat)

Nekomiya: There's so many Ethereals teleporting here...

Nekomiya: This doesn't look great! I hope he can hang in there!

(Reach the first group of enemies)

Nekomiya: Do you really think some wimpy Ethereals can stop me?

(Reach the second group of enemies)

Nekomiya: My whiskers are tingling — Ollie must be close.

Nekomiya: These Ethereals are never-ending!

(Defeat the second group of enemies)

Nekomiya: Ollie's up ahead!

(Talk to Ollie)

Jinxed

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Jinxed"

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Video Summary: Witness the mighty and righteous Public Security Officer, Nekomata!

Story Description: Nekomata manages to rescue Ollie, and meanwhile, the diverted officers have actually apprehended some shady bandits. Nekomata instructs them to bring the culprits back for interrogation and tasks Ollie to inform her of the interrogation results.

---

---

Nekomata: Ollie! Hey, Ollie! You can stop shaking now, everything's fine.

Ollie: Ah, Miss Nekomata, Proxy. You made it...

Ollie: Oh no...if you're here, does that mean the entire operation has failed, all because of... me?

Nekomata: It hasn't failed! ...I managed to think up a way to send those two off.

Nekomata: Phew... I'm completely exhausted. Y'know, you better take responsibility for turning a simple operation into such a mess.

Nekomata: If you can't crack the case and get our commission fee, I'll never let you off the hook. You got that?

Ollie: ...

Nekomata: Ollie? Ollie. Answer me!

He's still in a state of shock.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Looks like Ollie's still in a state of shock.Looks like Ollie's still in a state of shock.Text for Wise / I think Ollie's still in a state of shock.I think Ollie's still in a state of shock.Text for Belle‍)

Ollie: Ah, no. I'm feeling okay now.

Ollie: I just can't stop thinking about something... Has teaming up with you all... Or rather, my idea of receiving a commendation, been unrealistic from the start?

I feel like Ollie's a little bummed out. Am I imagining things?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ollie seems a little depressed.Ollie seems a little depressed.Text for Wise / I feel like Ollie's a little bummed out. Am I imagining things?I feel like Ollie's a little bummed out. Am I imagining things?Text for Belle‍)

Ollie: You're not wrong, Proxy...

Ollie: It's because I can't stop wondering... Has teaming up with you all... Or rather, my idea of receiving a commendation, been unrealistic from the start?

Ollie: Watching how you handled things over the course of the operation today left me thinking: You can easily deal with anything that gets thrown at you, but I've only caused you trouble.

Ollie: I got the meeting place wrong; I can't even protect myself from Ethereals; and I can't even provide you with the right intel when you need it...

Nekomata: Hey, Ollie — that's enough grumbling for now, okay!

Nekomata: Nobody can easily handle every single thing that gets thrown at them.

Nekomata: Didn't I tell you before? I almost ended up losing my life for nothing, thanks to one bad guy... I wasn't lying about that. So, there's actually lots of things I can't do.

Nekomata: There are traces of Ethereals all around you, Ollie. You must have wiped them out in a panic, right?

Ollie: Ah, really? I didn't even notice...

Nekomata: Ollie, you were the one who came up with using Inter-Knot against these gangsters. You were the one leading this operation, and you were the one who took down these Ethereals just now — who kept yourself alive until we got here.

Nekomata: Don't you get it? You're nowhere near as bad as you think.

Nekomata: Stop being so hard on yourself, and turn your personal experience and your personality into your very own secret weapon!

(Pinging can be heard)

Nekomata: Huh? It's a message from those other officers...

Nekomata: Yes, this is Ollie. What's going on?

Deline: Ma'am! your intuition and foresight are truly remarkable!

Nekomata: Huh?

Huggins: Ma'am, not long after we split up, we spotted this sneaky figure around the set-up point, so we apprehended him immediately!

Huggins: This kid was dressed up like a gangster. He might have something to do with the gang we're looking for!

Deline: Where are you right now? We'll head to you immediately and we can go to the 12th Precinct together!

Nekomata: What? Go into the precinct together?

Nekomata: Deline, Huggins, wait a sec — I'm really far away from you right now. Why don't you take him back to the 11th Precinct.

Deline: That...uh, it wouldn't be proper.

Nekomata: It's totally fine. You two apprehended the suspect, so the credit's all yours. You should take him back to 11th Precinct for interrogation.

Nekomata: Go on now, quickly! I've just...taken on another assignment. I'll be watching closely as to how your interrogation goes. Good luck!

Deline: Alright! Thank you, Ma'am. Great work!

Nekomata: That's weird. I only mentioned it off-hand. I never thought they'd actually catch a criminal...

Nekomata: If you go back with them to their precinct, Ollie, it'll blow our cover. So we have to give them the credit for this arrest.

Nekomata: But I'm a little anxious about the outcome of the interrogation... So, dust yourself off and hurry back to your Precinct. Contact me the moment you hear anything.

Ollie: Okay, you got it!

Cat & Mouse Mentor

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Cat & Mouse Mentor"

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Video Summary: Witness the mighty and righteous Public Security Officer, Nekomata!

Story Description: Seeing Nekomata's reliability, we realized she has grown used to relying solely on herself over the years, and it is her self-dependence that allows her to handle various emergencies with ease.

---

---

Ollie hurries out of the Hollow and back to the 12th Precinct—

Nekomata: Proxy, Ollie's already headed off. Let's call it a day as well.

Nekomata: Phew... I'm so tired. Forgive me for not taking Eous back.

I never expected you to be so patient with Ollie.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I never expected you to be so patient with (‍Ollie.Ollie.Text for Wise / Ollie, Nekomata.Ollie, Nekomata.Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata, you're a really good teacher.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I never expected you to be such a (‍great teacher!great teacher!Text for Wise / good teacher, Nekomata!good teacher, Nekomata!Text for Belle‍)

Nekomata: Hey, c'mon, wh-what are you saying... Even my ears are blushing!

Nekomata: I mean, we've put in a lot of work today. If we leave him now, we'd be throwing away our investment.

Nekomata: How can I put this? Whenever I used to see a Public Security officer, I would just avoid them. But after working with these two, I've realized they're just a bunch of average joes.

Nekomata: You've also been running around all day, Proxy. Thanks!

Nekomata: I bet we'll be getting a message from Ollie sometime soon. Let's get some rest for now. I'll contact you if I hear anything.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Phew... Despite the twists and turns, the operation went smoothly!Phew... Despite the twists and turns, the operation went smoothly!Text for Wise / Despite the twists and turns, the operation went smoothly.Despite the twists and turns, the operation went smoothly.Text for Belle‍)

I thought we were done for...

We're safe, thanks to Nekomata's quick reaction.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Yeah, really! Who would have thought Ollie would make such a terrible mistake...Yeah, really! Who would have thought Ollie would make such a terrible mistake...Text for Wise / Yeah, who would have thought a simple operation could turn out to be so dangerous?Yeah, who would have thought a simple operation could turn out to be so dangerous?Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I knew Nekomata was (‍smartsmartText for Wise / quick-wittedquick-wittedText for Belle‍), but I guess I underestimated her.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍I'm just glad Nekomata joined the Cunning Hares instead of becoming our opponent.I'm just glad Nekomata joined the Cunning Hares instead of becoming our opponent. Tooltip for I'm just glad Nekomata joined the Cunning Hares instead of becoming our opponent.ⓘText for Wise / It's just a relief Nekomata is our friend and not our foe.It's just a relief Nekomata is our friend and not our foe.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍By the way, Wise, what do you think about that guy who got caught by the security officers from the 11th Precinct?By the way, Wise, what do you think about that guy who got caught by the security officers from the 11th Precinct?Text for Wise / Oh right. What do you think about the guy who got caught by the security officers from the 11th Precinct, Belle?Oh right. What do you think about the guy who got caught by the security officers from the 11th Precinct, Belle?Text for Belle‍)

It was quite a surprise.

Maybe we got lucky?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Yeah, I also find the timing of that guy showing up a bit too convenient.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Hmm, maybe we can trace that guy back to the gang Public Security is after.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Anyway, let's wait for an update after Ollie's interrogation.

Take a Break (Leave Story)