Chaotic First Stage
Last updated 2026-05-22
Chaotic First Stage is the fourth episode of Season 2 - Epilogue: New: Eridan Sunset (A) in Phaethon's Story.
Parts
- The Competition Begins
- Ether Disruptor
- Strange New Route
- Mors' Return
- Split Up
- A Proxy's Duty
- Everyone's Proxy
- Deep Extraction
- Faded Ethereal
- Prey's Counterattack
- Interrupted Competition
Steps
- Chaotic First Stage
- Confirm with the guide to start the competition
- Eliminate Ethereals to earn points
- Keep pushing on
- Investigate the Ether disruptor
- Operate the Ether disruptor
- Continue clearing out Ethereals
- Continue deeper into the Hollow
- Eliminate the high-risk Ethereals
- Head to the rest area through the fissure
- Find the source of nearby chaos
- Defeat Mors
- Find the data pile
- Hack into the data pile to cross-reference Carrot data
- Head to the location marked
- Explore the strange new area
- Continue investigating the area
- Head to the next location through the fissure
- Clear out the Ethereals around the target location
Gameplay Notes
- From step 2-11, the squad is limited to a trial
Cissia and 
Billy Kid.
- During steps 12-18, the squad is limited to Cissia only.
- The story can be paused outside of combat.
Trial Mode
| Inter-Knot Rank:
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Team Position |
Agent & W-Engine |
Skills & Equipment | Stats |
|
1 |
|
|
 HP: 12,151 ATK: 2,721 DEF: 940 Impact: 93 CRIT Rate: 48.2% CRIT DMG: 88.4% Anomaly Mastery: 94 Anomaly Proficiency: 93 PEN Ratio: 0% PEN: 0 Energy Regen: 3.58 Energy Generation Rate: 0% Energy Limit: 120 |
|
Drive Discs Not Provided |
|||
|
2 |
|
|
HP: 11,247 ATK: 3,105 DEF: 940 Impact: 91 CRIT Rate: 65.8% CRIT DMG: 78.8% Anomaly Mastery: 92 Anomaly Proficiency: 91 PEN Ratio: 0% PEN: 0 Energy Regen: 1.2 Energy Generation Rate: 0% Energy Limit: 120 DMG Bonus: 30% |
|
Drive Discs Not Provided |
|||
Dialogue
Chaotic First Stage
- (Idle)
- Brooding Thiren Contestant: The hunt... now that's something to look forward to...
- (Idle)
- Unnerving Contestant: Hehe... one... two...
- Suspicious Contestant: Shh, keep it down...
- (Listen in on the Exasperated Captain, optional)
- Unnerving Contestant: Hehe... one... two... looks like this'll be delicious...
- Suspicious Contestant: Shh, shh— keep your voice down!
- Unnerving Contestant: Heh heh heh... Seeing those naive yet fired-up eyes, my blood's already pumpin'. If this match doesn't start soon, I might just lose control... hehe.
- Exasperated Captain: Parker, shut this idiot up already!
- Exasperated Captain: Seriously, putting up with her edgy nonsense on a daily basis is already annoying enough—is she trying to get the Public Security Officers on us today?! What weird movie is she obsessed with now?!
- (...Looks like it was a false alarm.)
- (Idle)
- On-Site Staff: Contestants, the competition's about to start!
- (Talk to the On-Site Staff, optional)
- On-Site Staff: Attention all contestants, the competition's about to start!
- On-Site Staff: Next up, we've prepared private cars to take you all to the competition Hollow.
- On-Site Staff: Please make sure you have your Ethereal cards on you and that they're working properly. If you encounter any issues, contact the staff on-site right away!
- (Idle)
- Savvy Contestant: Nice, data's in...
- Seasoned Contestant: Can you do something about the detour?
- (Listen in on the Savvy Contestant, optional)
- Savvy Contestant: Good. The data from "Monkey" is in — the squad distribution across the three Hollow entrances is roughly 2:3:6.
- Seasoned Contestant: Can we fix the detour issue at Entrance A?
- Savvy Contestant: Proxy says they've got a plan. Alert all squad members: we're going with Plan B.
- (Is it just me, or do all the competitors seem way sharper today than they did at registration...?)
- (Listen in on the Anxious Contestant, optional)
- Anxious Contestant: What? You can't make it?
- Anxious Contestant: Your mom caught you this morning? Told you not to live with your mom!
- Anxious Contestant: Even if the match is just Ethereal cards, how am I supposed to find someone to replace you now?! You're not making excuses, are you? You're just making excuses cause you're scared, aren't you?! Hey, hey—say something!
- (...So tragedies like this are still happening.)
- (Talk to the Event Guide)
- Event Guide: Hey there, contestants! The competition is about to start. You can head to the venue at any time now. Would you like to go now?
Let's go!
- Event Guide: Very well. Please show your Ethereal cards.
- Event Guide: Three contestants from the Cunning Hares: Nicole, Billy, and (WiseWise /
BelleBelle). Will the three of you be starting from the same Hollow entrance? - Cissia: ...
- Billy: Uh... Ahem!
- Cissia: Oh... Oh yeah! That's right, I'm Nicole Demara! We'll enter the Hollow from the same entrance, and that'll be Entrance B.
- Event Guide: Understood. Allow me to arrange it for you.
Lemme wait a bit longer...
- Event Guide: Understood. Let me know if you want to head to the venue.
- (Talk to the Event Guide again, if exited)
- Event Guide: Hey there, contestant! The competition is about to start. You can head to the venue at any time now. Would you like to go now?
- Let's go!
- Event Guide: Understood. Allow me to arrange it for you!
- Lemme wait a bit longer...
- Event Guide: Understood. Let me know if you want to head to the venue.
- A few minutes later, you finally reach the Hollow where the competition's being held—
Special Event
- (The logo for the Hollow Champion competition appears on screen)
- (The contestants, including the Sons of Calydon and Cunning Hares. are showcased)
- Competition Host: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen...
- Competition Host: And our future Hollow Champions!
- Competition Host: Your strength will be witnessed
- Competition Host: Your legend will be remembered!
The Competition Begins
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
The Competition BeginsVideo Summary: The cardinal sin of a long game is blowing your whole load right out the gate.
Story Description: The competition officially starts. Before heading out, you two, Billy, and Cissia work out a strategy, one that focuses on earning points efficiently while keeping everyone safe.
- (SiblingSibling): The competition has officially begun. (WiseWise /
BelleBelle), stay sharp and keep your guard up. - Don't worry.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Don't worry, (Belle.Belle. /
Wise!Wise!) Whether it's Ethereal points, the Porcelloy W-Engine, (or making a fortune... leave it all to me!or making a fortune... leave it all to me! / or... making a fortune, I'll handle it all!or... making a fortune, I'll handle it all!) - (SiblingSibling): Staying safe is what's most important. Don't forget, your body hasn't fully recovered yet, and the problem with your eyes still hasn't been resolved...
- (Go over the current situation)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): ((She'sShe's /
He'sHe's) right. The competition is important, but I still need to be mindful of my eyes... I'd better map out the most efficient route to get points.)[Note 1] - Billy: ...Aaah, this is bad! Manager, just from this short delay, we've already dropped way down in the rankings! We need a plan, quick!
- Cissia: Ahhhhh, Proxy! Quick, do something! The prize... the prize money is flying right out of my pocket!!!
- Billy: Hey, Cissia! Boss Nicole would never put on something this dramatic!
- Cissia: Hey, Billy, show some respect to your "boss lady"!
And besides, this is completely how I really feel. Those points that got snatched away were real, hard-earned Dennies! - We will make it to the next round.
- I've got a plan to pull ahead on the curve.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Don't worry, we'll make it to the next round for sure. We may have had a slower start, but (there's still time to turn the tables.there's still time to turn the tables. /
we can still pass them on the curve.we can still pass them on the curve.) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): No matter how many Hollow arenas there are for competitive hunting, the number of high-value Ethereals is limited. Leave the route planning to me. We'll use fissures to blitz through these arenas and rack up points as fast as possible!
- (Ongoing)
- Event Host: Seeing how fired up everyone is, I almost feel sorry for our Ethereal friends.
- Event Host: It's time for everyone to set out... on the path of heroes!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): They say that if you defeat an Ethereal, Ethereal cards within five meters will automatically scan for points.
- Billy: It's like playing a game!
- (Listen in on the Eager Contestant, optional)
- Eager Contestant: Give me a hundred days, and I'll crush all those Ethereals!
- Starstruck Contestant: Bro, you're so cool! I'll follow you for life!
- (Enter combat)
-
- (Open [Character Intro] Cissia)
- Billy: Wow... there are so many high-points Ethereals here! You're amazing, Manager!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Billy, Cissia, I'll leave it to you then!Billy, Cissia, I'll leave it to you then! /
I'll leave it to you then... Billy, Cissia!I'll leave it to you then... Billy, Cissia!) - Cissia: Uh, it's "Nicole"! "Boss Nicole"! Don't get it wrong again!
- (Tip)
- With enough energy, hold
while controlling Cissia to gain Venom, continuously reducing enemy DEF
- (After defeating the enemies)
- Cissia: Hey, Proxy, are you short on Dennies?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Not really... Why do you ask?
- Cissia: Oh perfect! I'm seriously broke right now, so maybe we can reconsider how to split the prize money?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Ugh... You really are just like Nicole.
- Cissia: Who doesn't like Dennies? You need Dennies to buy good food!
- (Tip, while fighting the Ionized - Dullahan)
- Hold
as Cissia to consume all Venom and deal DMG
- (Arrive at the designated area)
- Billy: Manager, it looks like a dead end. Got any ideas?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): That's odd... historical data shows plenty of people have passed through this area without any issue...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): If that's the case, then there must be a way.
- (Interact with the Ether Disruptor)
- Billy: Manager, this thing still works!
- Billy: Also, the inscription on the back's pretty worn down, but you can still make out the words... "Ether Disruptor"?
- It's gotta be here for a reason.
- Cissia: This isn't the only one, Proxy. I spotted a bunch more like this scattered around the area!
- Looks like this thing's gotta be useful.
- Let's have Fairy look into it.
Ether Disruptor
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Ether DisruptorVideo Summary: The cardinal sin of a long game is blowing your whole load right out the gate.
Story Description: Following Fairy's introduction, you decide to use the Ether Disruptor to get through the area ahead.
- Fairy: Master, I've detected your concern. I will immediately run a detailed analysis on the device in front of you and the surrounding environment...
- Fairy: Conclusion: the Ether instability amplifies the distortion of current spatial structures, causing constant Hollow fractures to appear near the device.
- ...Spatial fractures?
- And something that happens constantly?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): You mean the spatial fractures? Right. Hollows themselves forcibly connect multiple areas through continuous Ether, but once that process is reversed, those areas end up fractured and distorted...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): And if spatial fractures have become a normal occurrence (here, then... maybehere, then... maybe /
and show up here frequently, then...and show up here frequently, then...) these devices are meant to deal with them? - Fairy: Correct. Since this Hollow's already been explored, a sufficient number of "Ether Disruptors" have been installed here in advance to reconnect the Ether and repair fractured space.
- Fairy: This equipment can manipulate and influence Ether, stabilize Ether environments, and even alter terrain and paths within Hollows on a small scale, fully meeting your needs.
- Fairy: Master, I've locked onto the locations of all the "Ether Disruptors" based on your current needs.
- Got it.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Coordinates (received.received. /
received!received!) Thanks for the hard work, (Fairy.Fairy. / Fairy!Fairy!)
- (Tip)
- Use Revelation to activate the Ether Beam and direct it toward the target Ether Disruptor to create a Pathway
- (After directing the Ether Beam)
- Cissia: ...Impressive! I underestimated you, Proxy.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): We've got a way through, let's keep going!
- (Enter combat)
- Billy: Y'know... I don't see any other contestants fighting us for Ethereal points.
- Cissia: That's because they don't have a smart Proxy around like we do!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Thanks for the compliment. (But...But... /
ButBut) we're still not changing how we split the prize (money.money. / money~money~) - Cissia: Hey... Proxy!
- (After defeating the enemies)
- Fairy: Master, your score has reached 23,900.
- Fairy: Remember to pace yourself and avoid unnecessary stress.
- (After exiting the elevator)
- Cissia: Wow! Woo, that's a lot of points. Maybe I should prepare my acceptance speech beforehand?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Isn't that a little flashy for a Public Security specialist?
- Cissia: Specialist? What specialist? I'm Nicole, the boss of the Cunning Hares!
- Billy: You're so into your character! You're just like her!
- (After defeating the first wave of enemies)
- Fairy: Alert: A large number of Ethereals is lurking ahead...
- Fairy: The targets match the profile of high-score Ethereals. Eliminating them in one fell swoop is the recommended course of action.
- (After defeating all enemies)
- Fairy: Master, your score has reached 65,000. Keep it up!
- Cissia: We're... still not done?
- Cissia: This is more tiring than I imagined...
- (Interact with the Hollow Fissure)
- Fairy: Master, proceed through the fissure ahead to reach the contestant rest area set up by the event organizers. This rest area is located within a Hollow zone where Ether Activity is stable and relatively safe.
- Fairy: Would you like to go now?
- Head to the rest area
Strange New Route
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Strange New RouteVideo Summary: "Risks" seem like nothing compared to "rewards."
Story Description: The group suddenly receives a message from the event guide about a new route with high-scoring Ethereal activity. You quickly realize something's fishy and decide to investigate.
- The competitors in the rest area all seem to have gone through intense battles. Their faces are full of exhaustion, and no one bothers to say hi.
- Billy: Manager, they seem to be on their guard around us...
- Because of the rivalry...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Everyone here is a rival, after all. Sure, the official Carrots are handed out to keep things safe, but the competition is ultimately a ruthless place for most participants...
- Cissia: People can be terrifying... If we don't want to get tripped up, we shouldn't let anyone know our score!
- Cissia's expression is serious...
Before you can ask, the surrounding Ethereal cards start beeping. - Event Guide: Greetings, contestants.
According to the score data we've been monitoring, it appears that, for various uncontrollable reasons, there are now quite significant differences in everyone's points. - Event Guide: Out of humanitarian concern, we don't want your efforts to go to waste. Therefore, after discussion among the Hollow Extreme Athletics League, we've decided to update the Carrot data version that identifies the high-points Ethereals areas.
- Event Guide: With the help of technicians from our sponsor TOPS, the latest Carrots have been deployed to the data piles within the Hollow.
- Event Guide: If this message has reached you, it means the data transmission is complete.
- Event Guide: Now, all you need to do is locate a data pile to access the updated Carrots indicating high-points Ethereals areas. We believe this measure will make the competition even more exciting.
- The Ethereal cards return to silence with a burst of static.
Looking around, the atmosphere has become far more tense, and more and more people start leaving the rest area. - Billy: Seek the data piles and defeat the high-points Ethereals... This is starting to sound more and more like a treasure map and treasure hunt from a game...
Manager, shouldn't we get going already? - Billy, wait!
- I'm afraid it's not that simple.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Hold up, Billy! I'm afraid it's not that simple...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Updating the Carrots mid-competition to mark so-called "high-point" Ethereal areas... That's awfully suspicious...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Common sense dictates that an official CarrotCommon sense dictates that an official Carrot /
Just thinking about it, an official CarrotJust thinking about it, an official Carrot) that hasn't been tested can't be ruled out for bugs. If something actually goes wrong, a ton of contestants could get lost in the Hollow... - Fairy: Master, to resolve these doubts, I suggest you retrieve the latest observation data from the Hollow observation data piles within the arena, and then conduct a real-time comparison.
- Cissia: D–Don't go... It's dangerous...
- What's wrong, Cissia?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): What's wrong, Cissi... Uh, "Nicole"?
- Cissia: I can smell it... in the air... The scent of blood... It's getting stronger... The warmth... is fading fast...
- Cissia: Proxy... we should really get out of here...
With your amazing skills, we don't need to fight over those data piles with anyone else, right? - Are you scared?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (You seem afraid... isYou seem afraid... is /
What's going on...? IsWhat's going on...? Is) something worrying you? - Cissia: Wh–What?! No way! Haha... It just feels a bit dangerous, that's it!
- Cissia: In the end, it's just a competition. Even if there's a Public Security assignment and the prizes are nice... There's no... no need to risk our lives over it...
- That's exactly why.
- We can't just walk away.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): That's exactly why we can't leave now. If we just let the other competitors go ahead and follow that suspicious updated Carrot route, it could lead to very serious consequences...
- Billy: Manager's right! As a die-hard fan of the Starlight Knights... I can't just sit back and watch this crisis unfold!
- Cissia: Y-You two! Are you really planning to go around and try to persuade all those competitors one by one?
- Of course not.
- The most important thing is the Carrot.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Of course not. Right now, the most important thing is to confirm the accuracy of the latest official Carrot.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): The event guide said the latest navigation route is stored in the data piles inside the Hollow. As long as we find a data pile, we can confirm whether the new Carrot is correct or not.
- Cissia: Hmph... Either way, finding a data pile isn't gonna be easy...
- I remember...
- Someone's got a sharp sense of smell.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): If I remember correctly... someone has a very keen sense of smell. If we follow that scent of blood you picked up on, that should lead us in the right direction.
- Cissia: That's not the sense of smell. It's a unique ability we Snake Thirens have... Ugh, why am I even explaining this to you guys?!
- Cissia: Ugh... Let me be clear! This is just a one time thing! Don't count on me next time!
- (Ongoing)
- Billy: So our next target is... the nearest data pile?
- Cissia: Wait... the smell of blood... it splits in two directions...
- Cissia: In one direction... pretty close to us, the scents are all mixed up... like there's a lot of people...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Let's head over there first then! Just be careful, guys!
- (Idle)
- NPC 1: Where does this elevator lead to...?
- NPC 2: Not sure... But someone just came scrambling back from down there looking pretty roughed up. Said something about danger below...
- (Idle)
- Resentful Contestant: That bastard wolf Thiren...!
- Shaken Contestant: Ow... What rotten luck...
- Groaning Contestant: We're lucky to be alive...
- (Listen in on the Resentful Contestant, optional)
- Resentful Contestant: Damn it... Damn it! Our Ethereal cards... All our hard-earned points...
- Resentful Contestant: That bastard wolf Thiren, pulling cheap shots and ambushing us like that... Can't believe we got taken down by someone like him! I won't let him get away with this!
- Groaning Contestant: My leg's killing me... We can't compete anymore anyway, so let's get outta this Hollow and find a hospital...
- Resentful Contestant: This ain't over! Once we're better, we'll corner him in a Hollow and take him out... as payback for ruining this opportunity to make bank!
- Shaken Contestant: No, don't, please! We're lucky to walk away with our lives this time... I caught a glimpse of him contacting someone, and if I'm not mistaken...
- Shaken Contestant: There's someone way more ruthless pulling his strings... That's gotta be the most vicious outlaw the Outer Ring's ever seen! We need to stay the hell outta this...
- (Listen in on the Female Hollow Raider Contestant, optional)
- Male Hollow Raider Contestant: Well... we haven't managed to get that many points yet, so why don't we just take this new route? Maybe it'll turn things around...!
- Female Hollow Raider Contestant: Calm down! With our abilities, we're barely a snack for High-Risk Ethereals. There's no way we could pull off some miracle comeback...
- Male Hollow Raider Contestant: You weren't scared of dying when you were a Hollow Raider, were you?! How's this any different from what we used to do — it's all about gambling our lives for Dennies!
- (Listen in on the Battered Contestant, optional)
- Battered Contestant: I've got some broken bones... Please help with my hospital bills...
- Bruised Contestant: Yo boss, I know we dropped outta the competition... but maybe we could set up a cart and hawk some grilled sausages by the venue? Feels like we could make back some of those medical fees...
- (While riding the Vertical Access Shaft)
-
- (Screams can be heard)
- (Approach the designated area)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): ...Isn't that Mors? What's he doing here?
- (Approach Mors)
Mors' Return
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Mors' ReturnVideo Summary: "Risks" seem like nothing compared to "rewards."
Story Description: During the competition, you all encounter Mors — who is following orders from some unknown person, maliciously attacking contestants who pass by. You decide to put a stop to his rampage.
- Mors: The weak should accept their fate, and losers need to step aside. Now, everyone, please break your Ethereal card.
- Mors: Don't look at me like that. I'm just doing a job I got paid for. This game is far more dangerous than you imagine. Hehe... you'll remember my kindness.
- Mors: Consider yourselves lucky. If you'd run into the guy who hired me instead, it wouldn't have been as simple as just a few scratches...
- Suddenly, a bullet brushes past Mors and embeds itself into the ground...
- Mors: What the–?
- Billy: In the name of justice, I shall stop your evil deeds.
- Billy: As for my identity, I'll only say it once, so don't forget. I am the ultimate nemesis of all evil, the number-one fan of the invincible Starlight Knights!
- Cissia: W–Wait... how did this suddenly turn into a fight? Do I have to fight too?
- Wake up.
- You're a Public Security officer.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (C'monC'mon /
Snap out of itSnap out of it), Cissia... You're the embodiment of justice, a Public Security specialist who's sworn to uphold what's right! - Cissia: I–I'm "Nicole" from the Cunning Hares, aren't I?! Ah, whatever... that guy doesn't look too tough anyway. Let's do this!
- Mors: Heheh...
- Mors: Whether you're contestants or part of the filming crew, you really are tempting fate if you insist on getting involved!
- Billy: Fine, let's find out. I'm prepared to listen to your repentance.
Defeat Mors
- (While fighting Mors)
- Mors: Why... Why does someone always turn up to mess with my plans?!
- Billy: Because you're the villain, and we're companions of justice!
- Cissia: ...That's right! As Nicole, Specialist of NEPS Metropolitan Order Division, I'm placing you under arrest!
- Billy: Why is Nicole from Public Security!?
- (After defeating Mors)
-
- (Mors runs away)
Split Up
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Split UpVideo Summary: "Risks" seem like nothing compared to "rewards."
Story Description: After defeating Mors, you confirm that something is up with the new Carrot and decide to split up with Billy so that you can escort the wounded while tracking down what's really going on.
- Cissia: Phew... Thank goodness, we won! Proxy, did you see how amazing I was just now? Praise me! A lot, if you can!
- Billy: Manager, you didn't get hurt, did you?!
- I'm fine.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): No, I'm fine. Nice work, everyone.
- Injured Contestant: Um... Thank you... for helping us...
- It's no big deal.
- Why did Mors attack you?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): It's no big deal. By the way, do you have any idea why Mors attacked you just now?
- Injured Contestant: W—We don't know either... Before this, we were just wandering around aimlessly through the Hollow...
- Injured Contestant: After receiving the latest announcement from the organizers, we decided to look for a data pile to update the Carrot, hoping to try our luck and maybe encounter some high-point Ethereals...
- Injured Contestant: After that, we ran into Mors... and without a word, he started attacking us...
- Sounds like...
- Mors had been prepared all along.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): It sounds like he's been lying in wait... But why was he so certain that you would show up here?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Hold on... Do you guys have the latest Carrot update?
- Injured Contestant: Y—Yeah...
- Your Ethereal cards...
- Mind if I take a look?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Excuse me, do you mind if I take a look at your Ethereal cards?
- Injured Contestant: Without you, our Ethereal cards would have been trashed, so please, take a look.
- You give the contestants' Carrot to Fairy, and after a while...
- Fairy: Analysis and comparison complete. Conclusion: This Carrot's data differs from the plan I provided for you, Master.
- Fairy: Suggestion: Locate a Hollow observation data pile, retrieve real-time observation data, and, by performing a three-way comparison, I can identify the cause of the discrepancy more precisely for you, Master.
- Injured Contestant: Are you leaving? Could you... help us out?
- Faced with these tired and sincere gazes, your refusal catches in your throat. As you're considering how to respond...
- Cissia: Of course we can help you! But... we can't help this many of you! You're all injured... We can't just drag you along while fighting Ethereals, can we?
- Cissia: Are you expecting us to give up our points and prize money and to escort you out of the Hollow?
- Injured Contestant: O—Our points probably aren't enough to advance, and we can't really help you either...
Forget it, we'll just leave on our own... - Cissia: Wait... I'm not...
- (Try to help Cissia out of the situation)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Um... (AllowAllow /
LetLet) me explain. We're heading out to investigate the data piles that've been supplying everyone with the updated Carrots, but there's a good chance we'll run into similar dangers. Under those conditions, we can't guarantee your safety. - Billy: Leave it to me, Manager! I'll get them to the exit safely, then catch up with you guys soon.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Yeah, I was thinking the same. I'll leave it to you, Billy! Meanwhile, I'll keep moving forward with Ciss... I mean, "Nicole" to find a data pile.
- Billy leaves with the injured. When you look around, you find Cissia stabbing at the ground with her weapon.
- Cissia: Idiot... Stupid... Goody-two-shoes...!
- Umm...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Um... are you good? You're not mad at us for choosing to help them out, are you?
- Cissia: You're from the city — you've got a big, cozy video store and people who love you... So why do you keep running off to dangerous places and getting mixed up in things that aren't your business? That's just reckless!
- Cissia: If I were you, I'd never leave the video store from the day I was born! I'd live there for fifty... no, hundred years! And after a hundred years, I'd wanna be buried in the basement with Chalky!
- Sounds like you really like our home.
- I hope... everyone gets to go home safely.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Sounds like you really like our (home.home. /
home, huh~home, huh~) But, Cissia, that's precisely why I hope everyone can make it back safe and sound. - (ProtagonistProtagonist): Including us, of course.
- Cissia: (whisper) ...Y-You... I... That's just a place I'm crashing at, that's all!
- Let's make a promise.
- We'll all get home safe, together.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Let's make a promise: once the (competition iscompetition is /
competition'scompetition's) over, you can come home with us, okay? - Cissia: ...You're the one who said it.
- (Ongoing)
- Cissia: When we're searching for data piles, if someone calls for help, you have to think carefully before deciding what to do~
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Okay! I'll be sure to think it through carefully with you!
- (Enter the circular room)
-
- (Beholder Engines appear)
- Cissia: Hey, be careful... Get behind me!
- (After defeating the enemies)
- Cissia: The scent's... coming from that way... The data pile should be up ahead...
- (Arrive at the designated area)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Found it! This must be the Hollow observation data pile!
- (Interact with the Hollow Observation Data Pile)
-
- (Start Polarity Calibration)
- (After completion)
A Proxy's Duty
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
A Proxy's DutyVideo Summary: Throwing out a lifeline when people hit rock bottom—that's exactly why I'm here.
Story Description: After thorough investigation and comparison, it's finally confirmed that the official Carrot is incorrect. As the event's influence begins to spread, you decide to become everyone's Proxy, helping the lost contestants find their way out.
- After adjusting the data pile variables...
- Cissia: Proxy, that data pile you hacked into just beeped! It's not gonna explode, is it?!
- That beep means I did it right.
- Next, we let Fairy take over.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Nah.Nah.) That beep means I did it right. Guess I haven't lost my touch as a (Proxy.Proxy. /
legendary Proxy~legendary Proxy~) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): Fairy, you're up. Run a three-way comparison between this latest official Carrot, the initial navigation map built into our Ethereal cards, and the routes you calculated.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I'm really curious which one of these is causing the error.I'm really curious which one of these is causing the error. /
Let's see which one of these went wrong!Let's see which one of these went wrong!) - Fairy: Understood. Estimated comparison time: 90 seconds. Friendly reminder: there will be no commercials, Master, please do not change the channel.
- Cissia: I've been wanting to ask — never mind the data pile... Why is your Ethereal card always talking? Mine doesn't say a word!
- My AI assistant's in there.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): It's kinda complicated... (Simply putSimply put /
Long story shortLong story short), my AI assistant is (housedhoused / inin) there for now. She can handle a lot (of things when the momentof things when the moment / if the situationif the situation) calls for it. - Cissia: An AI assistant?! You actually have an AI assistant?! I've only ever heard of the mega-rich, the elites, people on TV, and that one person whose name can't be mentioned... those are the only ones with AI assistants in New Eridu!
- Cissia: Hiss... Looks like I underestimated you. You could feed a dozen mouths like mine without breaking a sweat.
- Fairy: Notice: comparison complete. Primary finding: the Hollow route I calculated is consistent with the official initial navigation map, with the exception of a few shortcuts specified by Master.
- Fairy: However, the latest Carrot loaded into this data pile shows only a 62.1% match with verified correct data.
- Fairy: Conclusion: beyond the newly announced high-value Ethereal locations, the latest Carrot batch contains an active hidden program. This program applies a fixed angular offset to the navigation direction every 60 seconds, cumulatively generating a completely erroneous route.
- (Check the erroneous map again)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (So... theseSo... these /
I see! TheseI see! These) Carrots have been tweaking the navigation direction at various intervals, (ultimatelyultimately) guiding all the unsuspecting contestants toward the same endpoint... - (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Belle, can you give us a quick rundown of the situation outside?Belle, can you give us a quick rundown of the situation outside? /
Wise, what's the situation looking like from out there right now?Wise, what's the situation looking like from out there right now?) - (SiblingSibling): Hold on, (lemme check real quicklemme check real quick /
I'll check right awayI'll check right away)...
Several (posts related to the competition have just poppedposts related to the competition have just popped /posts about the competition just blewposts about the competition just blew) up on Inter-Knot. (They lookThey look / LooksLooks) like complaints from (competitorscompetitors / contestantscontestants) who dropped out... - (SiblingSibling): (They're talking aboutThey're talking about /
They mentionThey mention) things like... getting lost... (missing teammates... violent attacks and stuff...missing teammates... violent attacks and stuff... / missing teammates, and... vicious attacks on people...missing teammates, and... vicious attacks on people...) - (SiblingSibling): The posts are blowing up fast... (WiseWise /
BelleBelle), be very careful. - Things are pretty clear now.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Hmm... It's all starting to add up. Someone must've deliberately tampered with these Carrots to lure competitors into a trap.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): But if that's the case, if the contestants end up completely lost in the Hollow, the backlash on Inter-Knot will go out of control. That can't be what the organizers wanted. There's gotta be a real mastermind behind all this... someone pulling the strings from the shadows.
- (SiblingSibling): (Copy that, Wise.Copy that, Wise. /
Understood, Belle.Understood, Belle.)
Keep the comms open. I'll play it by ear. - Cissia: Proxy, you look so serious! Don't tell me something big happened again?
- Cissia: W-Wait, wait, wait. Don't say it yet! Let me cover my ears first...
- We can't just stand by and do nothing.
- We can still turn it around.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Now that we've picked up some leads, we can't just stand by and do nothing. (At least, we'veAt least, we've /
We'veWe've) still got time to turn this (around.around. / around!around!) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): Based on the official announcement from earlier, our Ethereal cards and the data piles should all be connected to a built-in data network located in this Hollow. That's how they can send us (messagesmessages /
messages...messages...) and update the Carrots in the data piles... - (ProtagonistProtagonist): So... if we hack into this data pile, we can (gain access togain access to /
find a back door intofind a back door into) the signal relay that handles (thethe) data transmission. (From there, we bypass theFrom there, we bypass the / Then we can bypass theseThen we can bypass these) compromised data piles entirely and send Fairy's safe route directly to (every contestant'severy contestant's / everyone'severyone's) Ethereal cards. - Cissia: You... Why do you have to do something so conspicuous?!
- Because I'm a Proxy.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Because I'm a (Proxy.Proxy. /
Proxy!Proxy!)
Mapping out safe routes through Hollows is my (job.job. /job~job~) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): Time waits for no one. Let's get started!
Everyone's Proxy
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Everyone's ProxyVideo Summary: Throwing out a lifeline when people hit rock bottom—that's exactly why I'm here.
- (A cinematic plays)
- Fairy: Receiving transmission protocol. Synchronizing decryption...
- Fairy: Data breach located
- Fairy: Awaiting command initiation...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Now... let me...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Become everyone's Proxy!
- ((ProtagonistProtagonist) uploads Fairy's route through the data pile to the other contestants)
- Billy: Whoa! Manager actually did it!
- (Cissia notices the Proxy's eyes glowing with yellow energy)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Done dealDone deal /
Done and done~Done and done~) - (Cinematic ends)
Deep Extraction
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Deep ExtractionVideo Summary: Throwing out a lifeline when people hit rock bottom—that's exactly why I'm here.
Story Description: After transmitting the correct path to the contestants, you decide to continue seeking out and helping contestants trapped. Witnessing this act of helping others, Cissia is moved.
- Cissia: The navigation on my Ethereal card really did change! Whoa, I had no idea you were this good...
- I'm a tech geek.
- Good thing I haven't lost my touch.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Well, I'm something of a tech geek after all... Good thing I haven't lost my touch~
- Cissia: But...
If I saw that right, your eyes... They flashed for a second? - (No need to make Cissia worry.)
- (Keep your situation under wraps for now.)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): You're probably just seeing things. I didn't feel anything strange.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): The data update took quite a while. Before we managed to transmit the correct Carrot, (quitequite) a few contestants were probably already caught in (thethe /
thatthat) trap... - Cissia: ...Are you still planning to keep taking risks?
- Huh?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Huh...?Huh...? /
Huh?Huh?) - Cissia: Don't you get it? Those people are nothing but greedy opportunists... No one is going to be grateful to you!
- Cissia: I know that look... To them, you're just another faceless rival. They'd be happy to see you fail or even quit so their rankings can move up a little.
- Cissia: You've already done enough. Besides... I don't know why you won't tell me, but I can feel it... You seem a lot weaker than before...
- Cissia: Why do you have to be such a goody-two-shoes...
- Cissia: Didn't you promise... You promised we'd make it back home safe together!
- I don't intend to break my promise.
- But I can't turn a blind eye to everyone else either.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I'm sorry, Cissia. I don't intend to break my promise. But I also can't just turn a blind eye to those who are in danger...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): We live in a world that coexists with Hollows. We've got to look out for each other so no one gets lost. That's why Proxies exist. That's why I'm here.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): If you were the one in danger, even if you were a complete stranger to me, I'd still give everything I have to save you.
- Cissia: ...
- Cissia: Uhhhh...Ughh... Fine... I get it... Let's just go! I'm still a specialist with PubSec, you know...
- (Ongoing)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Billy! I've sent you the coordinates. Come over as soon as you're done!
- Billy: Roger that, Manager!
- (Interact with the Hollow Fissure)
-
- (They enter a new area, where glowing feathers and bodies are strewn about)
- (Ongoing)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Ethereals... It looks like they're frozen!
- Cissia: Whoa...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): What's stuck in their cores? (Are those...Are those... /
Is that...Is that...) feathers?
- (Interact with the Contestant, optional)
- Some... corpses of contestants. Lacerations clearly visible, the stench of blood thick in the air...
- ...The area is complete chaos, so finding clues tied to the murder won't be easy. One thing's for sure though — the killer's ruthless and cruel.
- (Interact with the Motionless Ethereal)
Faded Ethereal
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Faded EtherealVideo Summary: The Ethereal's lagging out. Please report this bug to QA.
Story Description: Along the route, you witness a group of completely motionless, faded Ethereals. Cissia finally reveals that her real purpose for entering the competition is to investigate this fading phenomenon.
- Cissia: (Ugh... Aren't these what that person asked me to look into? Why did it have to show up now, of all times...)
- They happen to appear on the infected Carrot route.
- Could it be that mysterious mastermind behind this?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): These things just happened to appear on the infected Carrot route... Could this have something to do with the mysterious mastermind?
- Cissia: Hahaha... Maybe...
- Cissia: Maybe... we should retreat for now? The enemy took out so many Ethereals in one fell swoop. They're clearly waaay stronger than us!
Let's pull back and call for backup, okay? - Don't run away mid-operation, Miss Specialist.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (You can't run away mid-operation, Miss Specialist... And you've been acting weird since you saw those abnormal Ethereals... Like you knew something about them already...You can't run away mid-operation, Miss Specialist... And you've been acting weird since you saw those abnormal Ethereals... Like you knew something about them already... /
You can't just run away mid-operation, Miss Specialist... Wait, ever since you laid eyes on those strange Ethereals, you've been acting really weird... As if... you already knew about them or something...You can't just run away mid-operation, Miss Specialist... Wait, ever since you laid eyes on those strange Ethereals, you've been acting really weird... As if... you already knew about them or something...) - Cissia: Uh... Well... That's...
- Cissia: How do I put this... I guess I might, maybe, possibly know just a tiny, teeny, little bit 'bout them... Uh... No, that person told me I'm not supposed to say... No! Not at all! I don't know anything about those things!
- ...
- (Cissia...Cissia... /
Ci-ssi-a!Ci-ssi-a!) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): ...(Cissia.Cissia. /
Ci-ssi-a!Ci-ssi-a!) - Cissia: Alright, alright, I'll say it... I do know it! But let me be clear, I only know a part of it! A very, very small part!
- Cissia: I've actually been tracking these faded Ethereals recently... It was a mission given to me by Commissioner Severian, and he said to keep it confidential...
- Cissia: But he's being super secretive with me too! He just told me to investigate, but he didn't tell me what to look for! All I could do was take photos of these things and record their Ether Activity...
- Cissia: Oh, right! Ether Activity! That's the weirdest part about these things! Even though they're Ethereals, their Ether Activity is practically nonexistent... It's like someone hit the pause button on 'em... I've never heard of anyone being able to do that!
- Cissia: Proxy, maybe we should think this through before moving forward?
- We shouldn't give up yet.
- We should try to rescue people.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): It's not time to give up yet. I promise you, I won't recklessly put myself in danger. Besides, the situation right now just proves that we should do our best to rescue the contestants who wandered into this route.
- Cissia: Ugh... Fine... But you have to promise me... If we run into any danger, no playing hero. We run away together!
- I promise.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Okay, you have my word.
- (Interact with the Motionless Ethereal again, optional)
- Some motionless Ethereals. A quick investigation reveals their Ether Activity has dropped to almost zero, like lifeless sculptures frozen in place.
- Every one of these Ethereal's cores has a feather stuck in it, and the colors on their body are fading. If you hadn't seen it with your own eyes, it'd be hard to believe this kind of Hollow phenomenon even exists...
- ...Is this a natural phenomenon, or is someone behind it?
- (Ongoing)
- Cissia: Yeah... but why?
- Cissia: The Ether marks here are so messy. It looks like...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): This isn't just one person's doing...
- (Enter combat)
- Fairy: High-frequency energy fluctuations detected in the area ahead... Theory: Ether activity disruptions caused by approaching the fissure portals...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Looks like we're almost at our destination...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Hey Billy, how are things on your end? We're almost there.
- Billy: Copy, Manager! I'm getting ready to go through the nearest fissure...
- Billy: See you in a bit!
- (After defeating Ionized - Pugnus)
-
- (A fissure appears)
- (Interact with the Hollow Fissure)
- (Ongoing)
- Cissia: The ether traces look like chaotic currents... surging outward...
- Fairy: Master, this area contains many high-risk Ethereals. Please be careful.
- (Approach the enemies)
-
- (A woman is surrounded by the Ethereals)
- (The Brooding Thiren Contestant leaps in and defeats the Ethereals, before turning his gaze towards her)
- "Black Wolf" Romeul: Where's my next prey...?
Prey's Counterattack
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Prey's CounterattackVideo Summary: Whatever the wolf does, the heavens see... and so do the Intelligent Constructs, the organizers behind those cameras—everyone's watching!
Story Description: You and Cissia rush to the source of the chaos, where you encounter the bloodthirsty Black Wolf Romeul. While you're facing his deadly threats, Billy arrives right on time according to plan, and Romeul's scheme is about to be foiled.
- The cold-blooded killer raises his blade, cutting down everything in his proximity...
 |
|
 |
|
  |
|
 |
|
  |
|
  |
|
  |
|
  |
|
  |
|
  |
|
  |
|
  |
|
  |
|
 |
|
  |
|
Interrupted Competition
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Interrupted CompetitionVideo Summary: Whatever the wolf does, the heavens see... and so do the Intelligent Constructs, the organizers behind those cameras—everyone's watching!
Story Description: During your confrontation with Black Wolf Romeul, the tournament organizers finally realize the severity of the situation and rush to the scene, immediately calling off the match. What awaits Romeul now is an official investigation...
- Cissia: ...Sweeper, Black Wolf... Romeul...
- "Black Wolf" Romeul: Oh... Who are you? How do you know my name?
- "Black Wolf" Romeul: Whatever. Doesn't matter. Either way... you're all going to die.
- Don't worry.
- We'll be fine.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Don't worry, Cissia. We'll be fine.
- Billy: Phew, we made it just in time...
Manager, I brought the event organizers with me! - Referee: Contestant Romeul, your behavior has seriously violated the spirit of the competition. Stand down immediately!
- "Black Wolf" Romeul: Huh? Event organizers... What're you doing here?
- Referee: We received a verified report from another contestant. With their assistance, we collected evidence regarding the Carrot data within the data pile, and have documented your suspicious behavior. We reserve the right to conduct further investigation into your actions.
- Referee: Contestant Billy, thank you for helping uphold the integrity of this competition.
- Billy: No problem! Just doing what a Starlight Knight should do!
- "Black Wolf" Romeul: Information can't pass between the inside and the outside of the Hollow... how did you know...
- Obviously! Justice is the reason.
- Anyway, your time causing trouble ends here!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Because justice, obviously! Your time causing trouble ends here!Because justice, obviously! Your time causing trouble ends here! /
Because Justice. Duh! Anyway, your time causing trouble ends here!Because Justice. Duh! Anyway, your time causing trouble ends here!) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Hehe, once we deduced the mastermind's movements, Belle was already recording everything we investigated from the outside in real time. Along with Billy and those injured contestants cooperating with us, getting the event organizers to check out the competition was no problem at all.Hehe, once we deduced the mastermind's movements, Belle was already recording everything we investigated from the outside in real time. Along with Billy and those injured contestants cooperating with us, getting the event organizers to check out the competition was no problem at all. /
Haha, once we figured out what that mastermind was planning, Wise started recording everything we found in real time. Along with Billy and the injured contestants backing us up, getting the event organizers to check out the competition site was super easy.Haha, once we figured out what that mastermind was planning, Wise started recording everything we found in real time. Along with Billy and the injured contestants backing us up, getting the event organizers to check out the competition site was super easy.) - (SiblingSibling): (Wise, our teamwork just keeps getting better and better!Wise, our teamwork just keeps getting better and better! /
Looks like our teamwork is getting better and better, Belle.Looks like our teamwork is getting better and better, Belle.) - We're siblings, after all.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (We are siblings, after all.
But as it turns out, I was overthinking it... This guy clearly didn't prepare any sophisticated tricks like planting spyware in the Ethereal cards...We are siblings, after all.
But as it turns out, I was overthinking it... This guy clearly didn't prepare any sophisticated tricks like planting spyware in the Ethereal cards... /We're siblings, after all!
But it turns out I was totally overthinking it... This guy obviously wasn't pulling anything that sophisticated, like planting spyware in the Ethereal cards or anything like that...We're siblings, after all!
But it turns out I was totally overthinking it... This guy obviously wasn't pulling anything that sophisticated, like planting spyware in the Ethereal cards or anything like that...) - "Black Wolf" Romeul: You... You're mocking me?!
- Cissia: Eek...
- Referee: Contestant Romeul, if you commit any further violations, we will immediately disqualify you.
- Referee: We hereby announce that the Hollow Champion competition is temporarily suspended. Please await further notice from the Hollow Extreme Athletics League.
- "Black Wolf" Romeul: ...
- "Black Wolf" Romeul: You lot... I'll remember this...
Next time we meet, I'll be sure to return this "favor." - Referee: The Hollow Extreme Athletics League has announced that the competition will be temporarily suspended. Contestants will be informed of the resumption date once the League completes its investigation.
- Romeul spits on the ground and swaggers away.
- Supporting a pale Cissia, you leave the Hollow with the event staff too...
Notes
- ↑ Actual voice-over (Wise): "She's right. The competition is important, but I need to pay close attention to my eyes... I need to map out the fastest way to get points."
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Chaotic First Stage |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 混乱的第一赛段 |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 混亂的第一賽段 |
| Japanese | 混乱の第1区間 |
| Korean | 혼돈의 제1 구간 Hondonui Je-1 Gugan |
| Spanish | Primera etapa caótica |
| French | Première étape chaotique |
| Russian | Бардак в первом туре Bardak v pervom ture |
| Thai | การแข่งขันรอบแรกที่แสนวุ่นวาย |
| Vietnamese | Chặng Đầu Tiên Hỗn Loạn |
| German | Chaotische erste Phase |
| Indonesian | Tahap Pertama yang Kacau |
| Portuguese | Primeira Fase Caótica |
Change History
| ||||||||||||||||||||
