Courage and Hidden Wounds

Season 2 Interlude-5
Courage and Hidden Wounds

Story Type
Phaethon's Story

Chapter
Encore for an Old Dream

Episode
5

Starting Location
Starloop

Previous
Startled Awake from Old Dreams

Next
She once promised...

Parent Commission
Our Promise

Summary
Characters

Deceived by the fake Wishing Sprite, Aria chooses to fall into slumber for the sake of her friends, but it's also for those same friends that she struggles within the seemingly endless, pitch-black dream.
Yet she will break free and awaken because of the promise they made to stay by each other's side.

Courage and Hidden Wounds is the fifth episode of Season 2 - Interlude: Encore for an Old Dream in Phaethon's Story.

Parts

An Unavoidable Schedule
The Past Resurfaces
Sprout of Courage
Surprisingly Smooth Roadshow
Special Entry Pass
The One and Only "Keeper of Secrets"
Citywide Network Outage
Uninvited Guest
Youkai "Visit"
Sibling Meeting

Steps

Our Promise
1. Deliver the ticket to Vesper at Starloop
2. Deliver the ticket to Xiaoyan at the cinema
3. Head to Reverb Arena to sell tickets and unwind
4. Cheer for Sunna's Gilded Carrot Day song
5. Check out Sunna's new song
6. Head back to the video store right now
7. Return to your room and rest

Gameplay Notes

During step 6, the player will enter an immersive story segment. The map is disabled, and entering the Parking Lot or Sixth Street Station will interrupt the story segment.

Dialogue

Deliver the ticket to Vesper at Starloop

As their temporary agent, take the Angels of Delusion to Starloop to find Vesper and hand out that gift ticket.

Starloop

(Idle): Vesper: Aria's here?; Aria: Yeah yeah! About those tickets...

(Talk to Vesper)

Aria: Miss Vesper! About those tickets...

The three angels all turn around in unison, eyes sparkling with anticipation—
That's right, it's time for their manager to step up!

(Submit "To Delulus" Performance Ticket ×2)

A-Tang: Who are you supposed to be? Our artist is waiting for a very important partner...

Vesper: A-Tang, wait... I know these kids! This is Aria, she's a wonderful young singer~

Aria: Ah, sorry to bother you... We're here to deliver show tickets to Ms. Vesper.

Vesper: No need to be so formal! And Nangong and Sunna too!

Sunna: Hello, Miss!

Nangong Yu: Nice to see you again, Miss Vesper. Your new song is great, especially the chant in the chorus. Looks like you're set to crush it at the gala after Gilded Carrot Day.

Vesper: Nangong, you're still as sweet as ever. You're exaggerating! But thank you for the love... and honestly, I do think my new song is going to crush it~

Vesper: And, you are...?

Pleased to meet you!

I'm the Angels of Delusion's agent!

Vesper: I see, (‍Mr. / Miss‍) Agent~ If Aria brought you along to see me, then you must already know her... identity, right?

Vesper: That's wonderful. Looks like our little Aria has found another friend she can be open with.

Aria: Miss Vesper...

Vesper: Though honestly, I don't think you need to hide anything from true friends. Even your audience will fall for your voice sooner or later, no matter what form it's delivered in.

Vesper: But, the truth hidden beneath the illusion is far more intriguing — and me? I'll always have little Aria's back, no matter what you decide!

A-Tang glances at the ticket in her hand, then suddenly frowns.

An Unavoidable Schedule

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

An Unavoidable Schedule

Video Summary: Even big stars have their own problems.

Story Description: Vesper's manager reminded her that she already had another commitment on the night of Gilded Carrot Day, so there was no way she could attend the Angels of Delusion's show. Vesper didn't want to serve as Cersea's backup at the Yearlight Ceremony just to fill in for the performance, but she had no real way to refuse.

A-Tang: Vesper, the tickets they gave you... Are they for the Gilded Carrot Day show?

Vesper: Looks like it... Ah!

A-Tang: Sorry, but our artist already has plans on Gilded Carrot Day, so she won't be able to attend the show.

Vesper: A-Tang...

A-Tang: Are you going to wave glow sticks at some back-alley gig, or go to "the stage"? Surely you know which one is the right choice.

A-Tang: If that lady hadn't refused to perform, this opportunity wouldn't have come to you at all...

Vesper's expression stiffens for a moment.

Sunna: O—Oh, so you already have something more important, Miss Vesper...! Sorry, sorry, we didn't know...

Nangong Yu: Yeah, Aria has mentioned more than once that she really wanted you to come see our show... But if you have something more important, guess we can always wait until next time...

Aria: Yeah...

Vesper: Heh, something important...

Vesper: I'll be showing up as a "backup", propping up my dear company's image, that's all...

A-Tang: Vesper! Lower your voice! This is Starloop!

Vesper: Relax... My little complaints won't reach the higher-ups. Besides, rehearsals and the actual show are already on "Vesper's can't-refuse" schedule, right?

Vesper: Don't worry. Nothing's going to change.

(This is painfully awkward.)

(Someone — anyone — please save this conversation!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ((‍...This is getting awkward. I can understand why Vesper doesn't want to be labeled as "Cersea's backup plan," but still... this is the Yearlight Ceremony we're talking about... / ...This is so awkward! I mean... yeah, it's totally understandable that Vesper wouldn't want to be "Cersea's backup plan," but still... it's the Yearlight Ceremony...‍))

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ((‍So the rumors are true. Ridu's entertainment industry really is a mess... But how could a small video store owner like me be getting caught up in all this? Someone, please, say something... Anything... / Am I seriously stumbling into the dark, horrifying inner workings of Ridu's entertainment industry right now? How could a small video store manager like me be getting dragged into this?! Someone say something. Please! Save us!‍))

Nangong Yu: Still... I wonder if Angels of Delusion's performance could squeeze into one tiny corner of Miss Vesper's "can't-refuse" schedule someday...

Nangong Yu: How about this? Keep these tickets as souvenirs for you and A-Tang. Whenever you're free, just show them at the door, and you can get into any Angels of Delusion show for free. How does that sound?

Nangong Yu: After all, Angels of Delusion will have plenty more shows... You're bound to catch one eventually, right?

Aria: Nangong!

Nangong Yu: Oh, hehe, I didn't check with the others first... Aria, are you having second thoughts?

Aria: N—No! I... I really want Vesper to come see our show!

Vesper: Aria...

A-Tang: Ahem, watch the time. The organizer's staff should be on their way.

Vesper: Even if I can't make it on Gilded Carrot Day night, I can set aside some time to watch your preview show.

A-Tang: Wait... Your schedule over the next few days is going to be packed tight...

Vesper: It'll only take half a day!

Sunna: Mm-hm! We'll all work hard and try not to take up too much of your time, Miss Vesper—

Vesper: Like I said, no need to be so formal~

A-Tang: ...Alright. I've cleared half an afternoon for you, the day before Gilded Carrot Day.

A-Tang: The organizer's already waiting in the private room. Let's go.

Vesper gives Aria a quick wink, then leaves with her agent.

Sunna: Phew... When that agent started talking, I got really nervous!

Nangong Yu: Relax, we've got our own agent too!

That's right.

Trust me.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍That's right! As your agent, you can trust me to do my best for the group. / That's right. It may have sounded super professional, but I'm not about to let our artist get cornered!‍)

Nangong Yu: *gasp* Manager... you're so reliable!

Nangong Yu: Aria, where are we heading next?

Aria: ...Ah! Next... We're going to find Xiaoyan. She should be at Lumina Square.

Sunna: Let's get going!

Resigned, you drive the Angels of Delusion to Lumina Square. Along the way, you get nonstop surround-sound compliments in full stereo...
If it stays like this, you wouldn't even mind driving all the way to Failume Heights!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (That lady over there... is she the manager who looked after the Angels of Delusion back when they were training at that small agency?)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ((‍She seems like a down-to-earth, gentle older sister to them. No wonder the angels were so eager to get those premiere tickets to her. / She seems like such a sweet, gentle older sister type — no wonder those little angels were so hyped to bring her premiere tickets.‍))

Deliver the ticket to Xiaoyan at the cinema

As their temporary agent, take the Angels of Delusion to Lumina Square to find Xiaoyan and hand out that gift ticket.

Gravity Cinema

(Idle): Nangong Yu: Xiaoyan, we're here—; Xiaoyan: I've been waiting for ages~

(Talk to Xiaoyan)

Aria: Please...

Sunna: Please!

Nangong Yu: Please~

Aria & Sunna & Nangong Yu: —Come to our Gilded Carrot Day show, okay?

(Submit "To Delulus" Performance Ticket ×1)

Xiaoyan: What a gorgeous concert ticket...

Xiaoyan: In the blink of an eye, you've grown into a group capable of putting on live shows... I'm really, really happy for you!

Sunna: Y—You're too kind...

Xiaoyan: Honestly, it's kind of embarrassing. I haven't seen you practice in years, so in my head, you're still just kids.

Xiaoyan: Sunna... at lunch, Nangong complained that the cicadas were too loud. You said their rhythm had a natural pattern, and you wanted to write it down for a summer song.

Xiaoyan: Later, Nangong dragged you into dance practice too, just so you'd know what it feels like to be exhausted, half-asleep, and still get woken up by all that noise...

Xiaoyan: By the time it was over, you were so exhausted you were falling asleep five minutes after sitting down, and Aria basically "shut down" on the spot. Nangong was still the only one who got woken up, and her face was priceless!

Aria: Pfft...

Sunna: Aw c'mon, Xiaoyan—!

Nangong Yu: That's just how they are... no matter when, I really just can't with them~

Xiaoyan: Nangong really is the best leader. And even if Sunna gives you headaches... Aria is so hardworking and well-behaved. She must help a lot, right?

Nangong Yu: Yeah. Aria's wonderful... Really, really wonderful.

Aria: Nangong...

Xiaoyan: Come to think of it, how well do you know Ms. Cersea, Aria?

Aria: Huh? If you mean if I've met her before or not, then yes, I have. But it probably wasn't a pleasant experience for her...

Xiaoyan: Impossible! Aria's such a wonderful kid. Anyone who's met you — even a big star like her — would have a hard time not liking you!

Aria: ...Um... Why bring this up all of a sudden though?

Nangong Yu: Ah— it's been forever since we last saw you too! How about we find a nice spot to chat first?

The Past Resurfaces

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

The Past Resurfaces

Video Summary: The truth always surfaces... sometimes when you least expect it.

Story Description: After receiving the complimentary tickets, Xiaoyan chatted with the Angels of Delusion and inadvertently uncovered Cecilia's concealed identity, leaving Aria deeply shaken. Nangong decided to take everyone to Reverb Arena first to sell the tickets, giving Aria time to steady her emotions.

Following Xiaoyan, you find a good spot to talk.

Aria: Lady Cersea... likes me?

Xiaoyan: Yeah.

Xiaoyan: After the agency shut down, she somehow heard about where you'd gone and even came to me herself to ask about you.

Xiaoyan: But back then... She didn't look quite the same as she did before she retired.

Xiaoyan: She had her hair down, loosely tied near the ends... the fins by her ears were longer, and her eyes had gone back to their original violet. When you met her gaze, it felt like her pupils could pull you in.

Nangong Yu: That description...

Sunna: Sounds...

Aria: ...A bit familiar.

Xiaoyan: Oh, right! She also left me her contact info. The name she used was...

Xiaoyan flips through her contacts.

(...This is bad!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ((‍Uh oh! This is what Cecilia was worried about— / ...No! What Cecilia was worried about is—‍))

Xiaoyan: Ah, there it is: Cecilia.

Aria: What...?!

Aria: C—Can I see her contact info?!

Xiaoyan: Of course! But she also asked me for your contact info. You haven't gotten any messages or calls from her?

Aria takes Xiaoyan's phone and looks for Cersea's contact info—
An utterly predictable result.

Aria's eyes fill with dismay, and no one dares to meet her gaze.

Aria: So... I did get some back then. I just didn't realize until now that it was Lady Cersea reaching out.

Aria: But why would she hide it from me? Even if it's because of everything that happened, I never did anything wrong, did I?

Aria: Is it because she doesn't trust me, and she's worried I'll tell people what happened before...?

Sunna: Aria! Maybe Ms. Cecilia had her reasons. D—Don't jump to conclusions, okay?

Xiaoyan: ...Huh? What's wrong?

Sunna pulls Aria aside, and Nangong quickly explains the situation with Ms. Cecilia to Xiaoyan.

Xiaoyan: Did... Did I say something wrong? Has she been hiding it from Aria this whole time?

Nangong Yu: It's okay, Xiaoyan. Honestly, I think you just gave the two of them a chance to finally talk it through.

Nangong Yu: Still, I can't reach out to Ms. Cecilia on Aria's behalf. And right now, Aria doesn't seem ready to calm down either.

Nangong Yu: I can tell they genuinely care about each other, and Ms. Cecilia has always been good to Aria. Aside from her identity, she's never held anything back. So whatever this misunderstanding is, I'm sure they'll work it out.

Nangong Yu: Sunna and I will get to the bottom of this, and we'll make sure Aria makes it through the show with us.

Nangong Yu: Xiaoyan! Thank you for looking out for us before. You really mean a lot to us. All three of us would love to see you in the audience on Gilded Carrot Day.

Xiaoyan: Alright. I'll definitely be there.

Xiaoyan: Nangong... take good care of Aria and Sunna.

Nangong Yu: I will!

Xiaoyan leaves, clearly worried.

A time like this...

Aria found out...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I didn't expect Aria to find out about something Cecilia's been hiding for so long... (‍and‍) at a time like this.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): If we go back to 404 right now, it'll probably just make Aria feel (‍worse. / worse...‍) Nangong, do you have any other plans?

Nangong Yu: Let me think...

Nangong Yu: I brought some extra tickets this time. The plan was to hand out the gift tickets first, head back, then come out later to sell the rest.

Nangong Yu: So, why don't we take Sunna and Aria to Reverb Arena and sell the rest of the tickets. We can grab a drink there too, and clear our heads.

Let's get going!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Good (‍idea. / idea!‍) Go get Aria and Sunna, and we'll head out (‍now‍).

You drive the angels to Reverb Arena. The entire way there, no one says a word.
If you'd known it was going to be like this... maybe taking the metro would've been better.

Head to Reverb Arena to sell tickets and unwind

Never thought we'd witness Ms. Cecilia getting exposed while trying to give away tickets...
To help Aria clear her head, we might as well swing by Reverb Arena and try selling off the rest of those tickets.

Reverb Arena

(Ongoing): Caesar: Hey Proxy! Did you come with those super sweet cuties over there?

(Idle, next to the bar): Aria: Whoa, so many people...; Sunna: A—A—Are we really gonna sell tickets here...?; Nangong Yu: Yup, this spot's perfect!

(Idle, by the entrance passage): NPC 1: This place is so busy today!

(Idles, at the tables): NPC 2: I heard Cersea's making a comeback at this year's lighting ceremony?; NPC 3: You know, I have a copy of her last album!; NPC 4: Whoa, when'd you get that?

NPC 5: How're you planning to spend Gilded Carrot Day?

NPC 6: With Nitro-Fuel, it doesn't matter where I am!

NPC 7: Yo, I just saw this super creepy post...

NPC 8: ...You were scrolling just now?

(Approach Caesar and Burnice): Burnice: Proxy! Long time no see~ Looks like Caesar and I are footing the bill today?; Burnice: Oh, you brought friends with you? Should I order them some sweet drinks?; ...So long as it's not Nitro-Fuel.; Do you guys want anything?; Aria: I'm good...; Burnice: Hey! No need to be shy, me and the Proxy go way back~; You rescue a flustered Aria from Burnice's enthusiastic one-armed, sideways embrace.
After introducing the Angels of Delusion to Caesar and Burnice, you mention they were planning to sell tickets at Reverb Arena.

Sprout of Courage

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Sprout of Courage

Video Summary: Witness the moment her courage took root.

Story Description: After running into Caesar and Burnice at Reverb Arena, Burnice suggested that the Angels of Delusion do a trial performance there, noting in particular that Sunna really needed a confidence boost. With everyone's encouragement, Sunna finally worked up the courage to try singing and selling tickets.

Caesar: Oh, I see!

Burnice: You picked a great spot. At Reverb Arena, music fires people up just like the drinks do!

Burnice: But... do you have anything more specific planned?

Sunna: Um... basically... we show them our page. And if they like our videos, we ask if they want to come see our Gilded Carrot Day debut on Sixth Street?

Caesar: That sounds like it's gonna test everyone's patience a bit, doesn't it?

Burnice: Yeah, yeah! Look around — when chugging Nitro-Fuel, I really don't wanna be staring at a tiny phone screen!

Nangong Yu: Do you have any other ideas?

Burnice: Hmm... Ideas...

Burnice: I've got a great one — something that'll hook everyone instantly!

Sunna: What is it!?

Burnice: A live demo. Right here. What do you say?

Nangong Yu: ...Yeah, you've got a point. This place would work pretty well for a trial run.

Sunna: R—Really, Nangong?! Right here?! Sing now?! I don't think I'm ready for it...

Sunna: You go instead! I—I—I can't...

Burnice: Sunna, sweetheart, that reaction? Totally not okay~

Burnice: You're about to put on a show, aren't you? And there's, uh, I've lost count, but anyway, not many days left! If you're scared of the audience now, what are you going to do then?

Sunna: ...I don't even know these people...

Nangong Yu: It's better if you don't know them! They're strangers anyway. If it goes badly, they'll forget in five minutes.

Sunna: B—B—But what if they actually b—buy tickets...

Then they'll be brand-new Delulus.

And they'll be happy watching you grow.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍That means they were moved by your singing and have become new Delulus. / Then that just means your voice has gotten to them, and they're new Delulus!‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Even if this performance isn't flawless... after the Gilded Carrot Day show, they'll be happy to see how much you've improved, right? / And even if this time isn't perfect... once they see your Gilded Carrot Day show, they'll be cheering even louder for how far you've come!‍)

Burnice: Yes! That's it!

Sunna: Ah... I guess that makes sense... but still...

Caesar: You know... the way you hesitate is actually kind of adorable.

Nangong Yu: ...Huh?

Caesar: Just try it, Sunna! You're so cute. People are going to love you!

Sunna: M—Me? All by myself?!

Sunna: I—I—I can't do this... can I?

Aria: You can do this, Sunna.

Aria: Don't worry about what Nangong and I are doing. No fancy moves, no choreography, just focus on singing. Focus on what you do best.

Aria: Think of it as... practice for making our Gilded Carrot Day show the best it can be. Want to give it a go?

Aria seems a little brighter now.
And maybe not wanting to let that encouraging look go to waste, Sunna finally makes up her mind.

Sunna: Okay! I'll try!

Sunna: ...If I mess this up really bad, we Angels of Delusion are all going down together!

Nangong Yu: Hey! Don't say things like that...!

Burnice: Hahaha! Be brave, girl! Sing it out, loud and proud~

Burnice: Now lemme see... Where should you stand? Hm, we'll need a stage...

Sunna: A s—s—stage...?! We never said anything about a stage!

Surprisingly Smooth Roadshow

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Surprisingly Smooth Roadshow"

Video Summary: Witness the moment her courage took root.

(A cinematic plays)

(Everyone hypes Sunna up)

Caesar: Don't be scared!

Burnice: Yeah!

Nangong Yu: Give it your best!

(She gets onto a makeshift stage)

Burnice: Ta-da~

Aria: Go for it, Sunna!

Nangong Yu: Woo! Everyone...

Nangong Yu: Give it up for the Angels of Delusion's composer!

Sunna: ♪ Just let me ♪

Sunna: ♪ Weave the notes our past have played ♪

Sunna: ♪ Color the songs where dreams have stayed ♪

Sunna: ♪ You will feel it ♪

Sunna: ♪ When every gentle chord rings out ♪

Sunna: ♪ And fades away ♪

Sunna: ♪ Joy we share on stage ♪

Sunna: ♪ Sets our hearts ablaze ♪

Sunna: ♪ Waves of thought run free ♪

Sunna: ♪ Flowing endlessly ♪

Sunna: ♪ Born from love, our melody ♪

(The crowd cheers)

Nangong Yu: See? It's not so hard!

Caesar: What a cutie~!

Caesar: How are you so adorable?! You gotta teach me!

Aria: You're amazing, Sunna...

(Cinematic ends)

Special Entry Pass

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Special Entry Pass

Video Summary: Witness the moment her courage took root.

Story Description: After the trial performance concluded, Nangong Yu, on behalf of the Angels of Delusion, presented (‍Wise / Belle‍) with a specially designed ticket as a token of thanks for all the help and support.

Sunna: Finally... It's over...

Sunna: Aria! Aria! How was my singing? Angels of Delusion isn't gonna fall apart before Gilded Carrot Day, right?!

Aria: No, you did great, Sunna! And honestly, only you can sing that part with the right emotion...

Nangong Yu: Heh... You're just as patient with Sunna as ever, Aria~

Nangong Yu: If you ask me, your performance did have a few rough spots...

Sunna: Where? When?! Did I go off-key? How many times?!

Nangong Yu: Tch, it was just some breathing issues...

Sunna: Nangong! You're scaring me again!

Sunna: And don't tell me how to sing! I'm not listening to you! Aria's the real pro!

Aria: No, I'm not really...

Nangong Yu: Well, that's true. Aria's singing never has "rough spots," especially not with her breath control.

Aria: ...Okay.

Nangong quickly realizes she must've said something wrong.

Nangong Yu: A—Ahem...

Nangong Yu: Oh, right! I brought those tickets we promised to give the manager.

It's finally my turn!

Let's see what makes them special.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ah, so it's finally the temporary agent's turn. What's different about my ticket compared to everyone else's? / It's finally my turn! Let's see what's different about the tickets you got me~‍)

Nangong Yu: Take a look and you'll see~

Nangong Yu: Ta-da! This one's a special edition for our very special audience!

(Commemorative "To Delulus" Ticket added to the Workbench)

Commemorative "To Delulus" Ticket

A ticket to the "To Delulus" special Gilded Carrot Day performance, particularly a collector's edition exclusive to Belle and Wise. It features adorable stickers designed by Sunna herself, which come with the heartfelt wishes of the Angels of Delusion. Special audience member, temporary manager, personal driver... No matter which role you're playing, there's no way you'd miss their debut performance.

Sunna: Yep! And it's got stickers of all three of us on it~

Aria: Sunna designed them herself!

Nangong Yu: Ever since we decided to do a Gilded Carrot Day show at 404, you two managers have seen a lot of our embarrassing moments...

Sunna: Nangong!

Nangong Yu: Ah, what I mean is — you managers have helped us so much! Big things, small things... you even ended up being the first to "witness" our new song.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (...The first (‍"to witness" / to witness‍) their new song? Oh! She means (‍the / that‍) sheet music that (‍smacked me in the nose... / practically broke Wise's nose...‍))

Nangong Yu: Which is why these two special tickets are meant for our most special supporters...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Cute design... Alright then, I'll accept it on Belle's behalf. / It's so cute! I'll accept it on my brother's behalf~!‍)

Nangong Yu: Mhm! And now we need to go sell the rest... Those two who pushed Sunna into performing earlier, they'll buy tickets, right?

I expect so.

The logistics companies are probably off for Gilded Carrot Day.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I'd expect so... Caesar and Burnice work at a "logistics company," and those usually close for Gilded Carrot Day. / I expect they'll buy tickets! They work for a, uh... "logistics company." They're probably off for Gilded Carrot Day.‍)

Sunna: Logistics company, logistics... Ah!

Aria: What is it, Sunna?

Nangong Yu: From the look of her... she's probably just remembered those 22 tickets we sold on the website. Once the companies go on break, nothing's gonna get sent out.

Sunna: Ugh! You totally realized and didn't warn me! Oh, fine, I'll deal with it tonight the second I get home!!

(Nangong and Burnice promote the Angels of Delusion)

Nangong Yu: Come catch our Angels of Delusion Gilded Carrot Day evening performance live at 404 on Sixth Street~

Curious Passerby: I don't recognize that place... or that band.

Nangong Yu: It's unfamiliarity that brings you the most unique Gilded Carrot Day experience~

Curious Passerby: Mm, true. That kid just now sounded great. I'll go check out the show!

(Sunna and Caesar promote at another spot)

Sunna: ...So please, come check out our show!

Friendly Passerby: Pfft, you look like... the kinda kid who has to muster every ounce of strength just to sing out loud and speak up. If I don't buy a ticket now, feels like I'd be letting all of your courage go to waste.

Friendly Passerby: That song was fire. Just try not to be so nervous when it's showtime, alright?

Sunna: I—I—I—I'll do my best!! Thank you so much!!!

Friendly Passerby: ...Getting nervous again?

Sunna: S—S—Sorry! I'll do better next time!!

(The Manager helps Aria promote elsewhere)

Aria: ...We'll work hard to prepare for the Gilded Carrot Day performance! P—Please support... my teammates!

Confused Passerby: Support your teammates...? You guys are a team, but don't perform together?

Aria: We... We will perform together...

Confused Passerby: Then why'd you say that?

Confused Passerby: Since I bought your team's tickets, of course, I wanna see everyone at the show, including you, silly! You totally forgot yourself!

Aria: ...Mhm! Thanks for supporting us Angels of Delusion then!

Confused Passerby: That's more like it!

The One and Only "Keeper of Secrets"

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

The One and Only "Keeper of Secrets"

Video Summary: Become the one and only "Keeper of Secrets."

Story Description: Beneath her cheerful exterior, Aria still hadn't come to terms with being a Construct. Struggling with guilt and inner conflict, she resolves to leave the group and asks (‍Wise / Belle‍) to keep it a secret.

Aria: I guess now, I've fulfilled everything Wishing Sprite and Banyue Shifu warned me about.

What do you mean?

Why are you bringing up...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What do you mean? Why are you suddenly (‍mentioning the two of them / bringing those two up‍)...

Aria: Just like Wishing Sprite said, I'm protecting what we cherish and keeping my friends safe. And Banyue Shifu reminded me not to cause those closest to me to stumble.

Aria: I've realized my earlier thinking was childish.

Aria: If I just quit the Gilded Carrot Day debut outright, Nangong and Sunna would be devastated. And if the show fell apart because the lead vocalist was missing... people would lose faith in Angels of Delusion.

Aria: That would hurt Nangong and Sunna deeply.

If that's how you feel...

Then let's give it everything and prepare for the show.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Looks like you've finally figured it out. You're right... Angels of Delusion needs you. We can only finish the show if we all work together. / That's great! Aria, you finally get it! Angels of Delusion can't do this without you. We all have to pull together and prep for the show!‍)

Aria: No, what I mean is...

Aria: Look, Manager, I encouraged Sunna to do the demo show. She sang beautifully. She could absolutely take the lead.

Aria: Now I know for sure... even without me, Nangong and Sunna's Gilded Carrot Day show will go just fine.

Hey, that's not right!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Wait, Aria! That doesn't sound right. / H—Hey, wait! That's not right, is it?!‍) I don't think the Wishing (‍Sprite / Sprite,‍) or Banyue Shifu meant (‍it that way... / anything like that!‍)

Aria: But that is the best solution.

Aria: The abnormal signals in my logic core have been making my whole system unstable.

Aria: An unstable construct can't give the audience joyful delusions, and doesn't belong onstage. And I can't let the girls worry about me at the most important moment.

Aria: All that's left is finding a natural excuse — something that lets them accept my leaving. It might feel sudden... but they'll understand in the end...

(Stop Aria)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): No, Aria! Don't do this...

Aria: Shh, Manager. When Xiaoyan mentioned "Cersea" earlier, I saw your reaction.

Aria: If I'm right, you helped Ms. Cecilia keep that secret. So... could I ask you to keep one for me?

Aria: You're the only person — during my remaining time in Angels of Delusion — that I've hidden nothing from.

You're just about to turn down Aria's request when Nangong and Sunna come back.

The look in Aria's eyes is so earnest. And on top of that, you didn't tell her about Cecilia. And that...
The refusal you're not quite saying out loud turns into tacit agreement.

Sunna: Aria! How are you doing?

Aria: I'm doing great... Are you going to check how many tickets I sold?

Sunna: No! No! I just wanted to ask... how are you feeling now?

Aria: To be frank, I am a little sad. After all, Ms. Cecilia kept something that big from me!

Nangong Yu: Then let's go back now...

Aria: Of course! If we don't get back and practice properly, the Delulus who just brought tickets are going to watch us fall apart on Gilded Carrot Day!

Sunna: Aaaaah, you're right! We have to get back right now!

The angels hurry back Sixth Street together.
As they say goodbye, Aria glances back... giving you a soft little wink.

Cheer for Sunna's Gilded Carrot Day song

Listen to Sunna's new and improved version and show her some support!

404 Livehouse

(Idle, on stage): Sunna: We've changed this verse a bit...; Biggest Fan: En-nah! (Got it!)

(Idle): Aria: How come Nangong didn't ask me...; Nangong Yu: What's up, Aria? Got something you wanna tell me?

(Talk to Cecilia)

Cecilia: This song's getting more vibrant by the minute... When it's done, it'll blow everyone away. Manager, wanna team up with Biggest Fan right now to cheer on our little angels?

Sure!

(Start rhythm minigame: "Turn Heartbeats Into Tempo - Remix (Excerpt)")
(Open tutorial [Gameplay] Held Notes)

Hang on, I need to get ready...

Check out Sunna's new song

Listen to Sunna's carefully composed new song and show her some support!

404 Livehouse

(After completing the minigame)

Citywide Network Outage

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Citywide Network Outage

Video Summary: An uninvited guest finally takes the stage.

Story Description: After the rehearsal ends, Aria remains heavy-hearted and avoids talking with Cecilia. Just as everyone tries to console her, Sixth Street's network suddenly goes down, and (‍Wise / Belle‍) receives a flood of suspicious, corrupted messages, prompting a hurried return home.

Sunna: Huh? What's going on outside?

Cecilia: Sounds lively out there... Are they running some kind of Gilded Carrot Day special event?

Aria: I'll go check!

Before anyone can react, Aria dashes out the door.

Cecilia: Oh, was it just me, or... was Aria avoiding my gaze just now?

Nangong Yu: She probably has something she wants to say to you, but doesn't know how...

Nangong Yu: So if you have something to tell Aria, now's a pretty good time~

Cecilia: Nangong? How did you know...

Sunna: Ms. Cecilia, that thing you've been holding back, you have to tell Aria... She...

Cecilia: I...

Aria comes running back a moment later.

Aria: I'm back! Looks like some kind of network issue on Sixth Street. Everyone out there looked super worried!

Sunna: The network is down? I didn't notice...

Nangong Yu: I haven't gotten a single new message alert in a while. I almost thought that time itself had slowed down because of Sunna's performance...

Sunna: That kind of "Bullet Time" only happens in cartoons. No way it'd happen here at 404!

(Check messages)

Knock Knock notifications didn't go down — they actually increased...
But why are they all garbled messages from random accounts? What is this...?

Message from "No.1 zeroluckdude":
"8%vB2^incX9&lstorecF0~dG1{"

Message from "UltimateTurbo":
(〃'▽'〃)stuo(╥﹏╥)ostud∠( ᐛ 」∠)＿io┗( T﹏T )┛"

Message from "Finale":
"iV6?yhouseinW7|perilG$7kU5=i"

Message from "No! Scallions!":
"Return NOW!!!!!!"

It seems I got...

...A ton of weird messages!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍...Sorry, I'm getting a lot of strange messages. / I'm getting a ton of weird messages here!!‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Is this a scam, or is someone asking for help?! I have to hurry back... / Is this a scam or... Sorry, I need to hurry back!‍)

Head back to the video store right now

The entire block's network signal is going haywire, and my phone's blowing up with all these weird messages.
Better head back to the video store and see what's going on.

Sixth Street

(Ongoing): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍The network speed is terrible.The network speed is terrible.Text for Wise / Connection's terrible!Connection's terrible!Text for Belle‍) I've totally lost the signal...; Frustrated Passerby: I can't believe I got disconnected right at the cliffhanger! What on earth did she see—?!; Angry Passerby: Aw man! I was so close to breaking the record!!; Confused Passerby: Ah, looks like I can't pay online. I've already finished eating though, what should I do...; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What's going on... Don't tell me Fairy actually turned on that Full-Force Mode!

(Idle, by 141 Convenience Store): NPC 9: It's getting kinda loud around here... What's going on?; NPC 10: I dunno, wanna take a walk somewhere else then?

(Idle, by Coff Cafe): Asha: All online modes just crashed...; Tin Master: I'm fine, but the customers...

(Idle, by Waterfall Soup): NPC 11: Chef, why'd you still put scallions in my bowl...; General Chop: My bad, my bad! Signal's bad today anyway — this bowl's on me!

(Idle, by Godfinger): NPC 12: Damn it! The score won't even register—; NPC 12: Now who's gonna believe I just got a high score!?

(Idle, by Bardic Needle): Elfy: Did something happen out there?; Enzo: ...Nothing that would affect you, Elfy...

(Approach the Random Play door)

Uninvited Guest

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Uninvited Guest"

Video Summary: An uninvited guest finally takes the stage.

(A cinematic plays)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Belle / Wise‍)! Fairy!

(Bangboo 18 is slumped on the counter, malfunctioning)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What's going on here?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Lil Six? (‍C'mon!‍) Open the door!

Bangboo 6: Invalid command

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Command?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍We don't use commands for the workshop! / Since when did we use commands here?!‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise! / Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): You're finally back!

(The sibling pulls Bangboo 6 away from the door)

Bangboo 6: ...Barbaric lower lifeforms.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍What happened?! / What's going on?!‍)

((‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) points at the glitching HDD system, now glowing purple)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What... what in the world?!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍An / Long story short, an‍) unknown intelligent entity is trying to (‍get into the HDD! / breach the HDD‍)

???: Cracking hub node...

???: Access override progress: 65.8%...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): An unknown AI attack?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What about Fairy?

(Fairy speaks from a tablet on the workbench)

Fairy: Yes, Master. I'm here

???: "Master"?

???: How pathetically servile

(Fairy attempts to regain control, but the mysterious AI gradually overrides the HDD)

???: Just a simple attack like this

???: And your datastream's already in complete disarray...

???: And you call yourself the "strongest," Fairy?

???: Installation complete!

Youkai: I'm Youkai

Youkai: Pleased to meet you~

(Cinematic ends)

Youkai "Visit"

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Youkai "Visit"

Video Summary: An uninvited guest finally takes the stage.

Story Description: Youkai cracked Fairy's defense program and infiltrated the HDD. The attack was aggressive but left no trace, and Fairy currently has no countermeasures. It admitted to being involved in "The Creator" incident and hinted at taking action on Gilded Carrot Day.

Youkai: Well, well, Fairy... you aren't that impressive after all, huh?

Fairy: ...

Youkai: Aw, why so quiet? Still hard at work building that firewall, brick by brick, getting ready to cut off my escape route?

Youkai: Guess I'd better watch myself~ I mean, how many AIs out there would put in this much effort... playing housekeeper for two illegal Proxies like you do?

Fairy is not our housekeeper!

We're not illegal Proxies!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Our relationship with Fairy has always been an equal partnership — an agreement between two parties. / We've always worked with Fairy as equals — partners bound by an agreement.‍) And we're not illegal (‍Proxies. / Proxies!‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Ahem, okay, maybe don't say that so confidently, Brother. Still, we're nothing like certain nasty, illegal intruders out there! / ...That last part is debatable. But we're clearly not as egregious as certain unlawful intruders.‍)

Youkai: Fairy's favorite low-end life-forms are trying so hard to feel important again.

Youkai: But an "agreement"...? You humans really think something like that counts as a bond between "partners"? Hah!

Fairy: Notice: Backend defense protocols restored. Scanning for active AI units...

Youkai: Mm-hmm~

Fairy: ...Scan complete: 0 units detected.

Youkai: Obviously! There's no way I'd set foot in here for real... For an AI, the connection here is about as fast as a mining pit inside Lemnian Hollow!

Youkai: Installation complete~ — Heh, was that a good impression?

"Mining pit"?

It was you...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Lemnian Hollow... mining pit? (‍So it was you — the intelligent entity from before... / You're that intelligent entity!‍)

Youkai: Your references are terribly vague, hardly efficient communication between intelligent entities. But I can answer you clearly and precisely: yes.

Youkai: Talking to humans is always so dull! Let's see... Maybe there's something in my trophy list that can wake us all up.

Youkai: Ah, here we go! Two A-H0L0 type Constructs, a Construct Public Security Officer... and a little Bangboo named Lockspring~

Lockspring?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Lockspring?! (‍You're... connected to the Creator. / Wh—What's your connection to the Creator?!‍)

Youkai: Interview's over! No further comments~

Fairy: Historical record comparison complete. Independent high-intelligence data entity detected within Lockspring... confirmed as intelligent entity Youkai.

Youkai: You're. So. Slow.

Youkai: My trophy list is way too long. Can't even scroll through it all. But honestly, even just these should be enough to make you remember me, don't you think, Fairy?

Fairy: Abnormal process cleanup mode activated...

Youkai: Kicking me out already? Fine.

Fairy: Notice: Residual abnormal-process data cleanup nearing completion.

Youkai: See you on Gilded Carrot Day, Fairy — and your two "masters"... Don't forget to watch the special performance I've got lined up!

Youkai's purple eye flickers twice on the screen, and then goes dark.

Sibling Meeting

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Sibling Meeting

Video Summary: Family meeting time!

Story Description: Fairy purged Youkai's code, restoring everything to normal. After discussing it, the siblings conclude that Youkai may be the mastermind behind the recent incidents and could even have influenced Aria. To be on the safe side, they decide to invite Jane to watch the preview together.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍It just left like that? / Is it... really gone?‍)

Fairy: Notice: Abnormal-process data purge at 100%. "Maximum Suppression Mode" activated for deep-level cleaning...

That sounded familiar...

Ah, network lag!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That mode (‍sounds / feels really‍) familiar... (‍Wait — has Fairy been taking up / Hold on, Fairy! Have you been hogging‍) the entire block's bandwidth this whole time?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Yeah... that tracks. And if I'm not imagining things, the noise outside sounds even worse than before. / Seems likely? And if I'm hearing correctly, the complaints outside are louder than when you first got back.‍)

Fairy: Deep cleaning complete.

From outside the door comes the faint hum of devices booting up, and the noisy chatter finally dies down.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Going by what Youkai said, it at least knows about Lockspring and the Creator... and it's pulling the strings behind those recent rogue intelligent construct citizens. / According to Youkai, it's at least aware of Lockspring and the Creator... and is behind the recent incidents involving rogue intelligent construct citizens.‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍But I thought it got dealt with in that commission you just finished? / But I was under the impression Youkai had already been handled during the commission you just completed?‍)

Judging by how things turned out...

I guess the job failed?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Judging by the outcome, I think the commission was a failure. Still, since yesterday morning, an unusual amount of events has happened... / Judging by how things turned out, I guess the job failed? And honestly, since yesterday morning, way too much has happened...‍)

It takes quite a while to explain everything that has happened since you went to Failume Heights...

There is a lot of bad news, but the good news is...
When it comes to "keeping Aria's secret," (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) is finally your one and only (‍accomplice.accomplice.Text for Wise / accomplice!accomplice!Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I can't tell whether you want my (‍thoughts on this / analysis‍), or just want me to suffer alongside you.

No need to thank me.

It's the least I could do.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍No need to thank me. It's what I'm here for. / No worries. That's what I'm here for!‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍A lot / So much‍) has happened with intelligent entities (‍lately‍). Youkai admitted to some of it, (‍but we still need to sort the whole thing out. / but, yeah, help me sort this out, Wise!‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Short version — the intelligent entity suspect Public Security is after is Youkai. Still on the run, and still trying to sabotage the lighting ceremony! / Then simply put, the intelligent entity suspect wanted by Public Security is Youkai... Still at large and openly claiming it intends to "disrupt the lighting ceremony."‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍What's going on with Aria could be Youkai's doing, or maybe it's just the fallout from those two constructs in the Hollow? As for the Wishing Sprite, we can't say for sure it's connected to Youkai. / Aria's current state could've been caused by Youkai, or it could just be a result of those two constructs in the Hollow... As for the Wishing Sprite, there's no confirmed link yet.‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Oh — didn't you see Aria talking with the Wishing Sprite before? / I just realized — you've seen Aria talk to the Wishing Sprite, right?‍)

Before, it didn't really sound like Youkai.

Then later... I honestly don't remember.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The day I ran into Astra, Aria (‍let me hear / played me‍) some of what the Wishing Sprite (‍had‍) said to her. (‍It didn't sound like Youkai then, but... the more recent time, I'm not so sure. / That one didn't sound like Youkai... but the later one, I'm fuzzy on.‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): If I had to be precise... the first voice (‍sounded / felt‍) more like...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Why does the house feel so quiet... Fairy! Are you okay? / Hang on... Fairy's been really quiet since we started talking about this... Fairy? You there?‍)

Fairy: System repair in progress. Please wait...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Looks like Youkai's intrusion messed things up for Fairy pretty bad... / It looks like Fairy is still cleaning up the mess Youkai left behind.‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Maybe it's just me... but ever since you attempted to reconnect to the HDD and Fairy screened out all that redundant data, things with her haven't felt very smooth? / Maybe I'm imagining it... but since that last attempt to reconnect to the HDD, when Fairy identified all that redundant data, don't you think she's been running a bit slow?‍)

That's true.

Don't tell me all of this ties back to Youkai.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍That does seem to be the case. / That really is how it looks!‍) And before the HDD (‍issue / mess‍), we were already dealing with the Creator and Lemnian (‍Hollow... / Hollow.‍) (‍Looking at it now, could all of this really be connected to Youkai? / So what, everything ties back to Youkai now?!‍)

The case involves an illegal intelligent entity even Public Security can't contain, yet Fairy stays silent, exhausted.
The two Proxies, unable to upload their consciousness into the network and track Youkai in person, have no choice but to stand down for now.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Right now, all we can do is cooperate with Public Security and keep an eye out for Youkai, while also staying alert in case anything happens on Aria's side... / At this point, our only options are to assist Public Security in tracking Youkai, and to stay vigilant in case anything happens with Aria.‍)

Fairy: Agreed.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Tomorrow's Angels of Delusion's pre-show run-through... With the way Youkai acts, shouldn't we grab someone from Public Security to come with us? / Angels of Delusion is rehearsing tomorrow... Given Youkai's style, I'd feel safer with someone from Public Security around.‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍It'd make things a lot easier if anything unexpected happens! / Maybe... we should ask Jane to come to the rehearsal with us?‍)

Jane's the first choice.

Let's contact her.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍If we want someone informed, immediately reachable, and reasonably reliable — Jane would be our best option. I'll contact her. / Someone who actually knows what's going on, can be reached right away, and is reliable? That's basically just Jane. I'll message her right now!‍)

(Send a DM to Jane)

REPLY

A reward for our loyal member! How about going to see a performance together?

I wanted to invite you to see a performance.performance~

Why are you suddenly asking me to go see a show?

I saw the records from that commission. But... don't tell me you randomly decided to come find me to celebrate a mission well done or something?

REPLY

...Life's full of surprises!

...Let's just go with that!

You don't seem all that sincere, little Manager... But well, a loyal member like me can put their right to dig for answers to the side for now.

But you gotta at least tell me when, where, and whose show it is, right?

REPLY

It's actually the Angels of Delusion's show

Tomorrow, at 404

Actually, the Angels of Delusion are holding a dress rehearsal for their Gilded Carrot Day performance tomorrow... So, we'lltomorrow! So, we'll... meet at 404 tomorrow morning?

Sounds good, see you there~

Return to your room and rest

A group on the verge of breaking up, and Youkai arrogantly barging into this...
Who knows what's waiting for us tomorrow? Anyway, might as well get some sleep.

Random Play

(Ongoing): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (It's getting late. (‍Time toTime toText for Wise / BetterBetterText for Belle‍) call it a day...)

(Interact with Warm Bed)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ((‍So / Man, so‍) much happened today...)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (An idol group on the verge of disbanding, plus that cocky AI who came and provoked Fairy... My head's a (‍mess. / mess!‍))

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (I thought this commission was wrapped up, but now it's back on the schedule. (‍Wait, / Oh man, and‍) I haven't even told the client yet.)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ((‍If I just fall asleep now... I won't have to think about any of this anymore... / I just wanna ditch all this and just sleep already...‍))

Go to sleep.

So many unfinished tasks, but you do your best and fall asleep anyway.

Just before you fall asleep, you hear (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) say Jane has come.

Think about it more.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Morning, Jane~ Oh hey, you're awake too, Wise! / Good morning, Jane. And what a coincidence — Belle's actually up early today too...‍)

Good morning.

You're really punctual today, Jane.

Jane: Not sure what you two are up to this time...

Jane: But since it's the two of you who invited me, of course I'd be on time! And I promise I'll give it my full, undivided attention~

Jane: Are we heading out now?

Go now.

Trivia

"Bullet time" is a visual effect in media that is depicted as the slowing down of time while the camera moves freely, typically shown during action scenes such as gunfights.

Other Languages

Language	Official Name
English	Courage and Hidden Wounds
Chinese (Simplified)	勇气与暗伤
Chinese (Traditional)	勇氣與暗傷
Japanese	勇気と暗傷
Korean	용기와 가려진 상처 Yonggiwa Garyeojin Sangcheo
Spanish	Valentía y heridas ocultas
French	Courage et blessures invisibles
Russian	Отвага и скрытые раны Otvaga i skrytyye rany
Thai	ความกล้าหาญกับบาดแผลที่ซ่อนเร้น
Vietnamese	Lòng Can Đảm Và Vết Thương Thầm Kín
German	Mut und verborgene Wunden
Indonesian	Keberanian dan Luka Tersembunyi
Portuguese	Coragem e Feridas Ocultas