Dark Side

 Talk to Vivian

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Everyone returned to the video store together. Let's have a chat with Vivian.

(Interact with anything else)

Hugo: (Now is not the time for this.)

(Talk to Vivian)

Vivian: Since we're already at the video store, should we ask Master Proxy to recommend some films?

Hugo: My apologies everyone, but I need to take my leave and go take care of my art gallery now.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): So you actually own a gallery?

Hugo: I also need a convenient social identity for various reasons. The title of gallery owner works quite well.

Vivian: Alright. I'll stay with Master Proxy for a bit longer.

Vivian: But Hugo, you've been oddly busy lately... You're not hiding something from me, are you?

Hugo: Well...

Shortly before...

 Find the intermediary Casey

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Find the intermediary Casey and ask about the favor you requested earlier.

(Talk to Casey)

Casey: Well well, if it isn't our dear collector, Mr. Hugo. Long time no see.

Hugo: I assume you've finished the task I asked you to do, yes?

Casey: Done as promised. I've already found buyers for the goods you gave me — No shortage of big names among them.

Casey: Of course, I've also recommended your gallery to them as instructed, and spread the word about it in the circle.

Casey: But getting rid of all this exquisite stuff so suddenly... You're not in trouble, are you?

Casey: If you have funding issues, I'm also your guy. I've got friends who offer loan services—

Hugo: Thank you for your concern, but my cash flow is very healthy, and I have more than just you as my middleman.

Hugo: In essence, I'm just looking to boost my gallery's reputation in the scene.

Casey: I see. Those rare pieces in your collection definitely caught a few eyes. I'm sure they're all looking forward to collaborating with you.

Hugo: Thank you for the kind words.

Hugo: Alright, it's getting late, I should head off now. See you next time.

Hugo: Now, time to find "that guy"...

Hugo: I remember him mentioning that he would dress up in something more presentable this time...

 Find the well-dressed informant

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The informant said he'd be "dressed respectably" this time. Find him and ask about what you requested he investigate.

(Interact with Metro Station)

Hugo: Let's meet at Lumina Square.

(Talk to Casual Young Man)

Casual Young Man: Yes?

Hugo: "When the musician's third string breaks, the Gatekeeper whispers to me: In which hand hides the coin for the underworld ferryman?"

Casual Young Man: ...Huh? Are you still LARPing at your age?

Casual Young Man: I thought only people my age would like it...

Hugo: ...Sorry, my mistake.

(Talk to Idle Man)

Idle Man: Hm? You are?

Hugo: "When the musician's third string breaks, the Gatekeeper whispers to me: In which hand hides the coin for the underworld ferryman?"

Idle Man: Uh, are you okay? The clinic's that way...

Idle Man: What a shame. Such a handsome fella, but...

Hugo: ...Sorry, my mistake.

(Talk to Serious Man)

Serious Man: ...?

Hugo: "When the musician's third string breaks, the Gatekeeper whispers to me: In which hand hides the coin for the underworld ferryman?"

Serious Man: "The left hand holds death, the right hand holds deception — but the raven has already flown away with the answer."

Serious Man: Ugh. I can't get over the embarrassment every time I say this...

Hugo: It's quite poetic, isn't it?

Serious Man: The meeting with Hartman has been scheduled, he'll be waiting for you in that same private suite—

Serious Man: Or should I say, waiting for Hugo, the renowned collector and gallery owner.

Hugo: Thanks. I knew I could count on you.

Serious Man: Still, I have to ask... You're not looking to make the Ravenlocks your enemy, are you?

Hugo: And if I say I am?

Serious Man: Not like I can stop you anyway. You've already caused a scene at the auction. That "Robe of Heroes" stunt... I can't believe you came up with that.

Serious Man: Hartman's been on the move lately — That organ trafficking case from before is linked to him too. I also heard that they're dropping big money on some kind of drug research...

Serious Man: The Ravenlocks have always been a bunch of cold-blooded bastards, doing all kinds of messed-up things that make your blood boil, and swept everything under the rug with money and power, leaving the victims with no justice...

Serious Man: But Hartman? He's the worst of the bunch. Rumor says that he personally took out the previous heir and clawed his way to the throne.

Hugo: ...I know. Relax, I don't plan on clashing with him head-on.

Serious Man: You'd better not. I don't want to witness Mockingbird's folly of trying to crack a stone with an egg.

Hugo: I prefer to see it as more of a gambit.

Serious Man: ...I can never win an argument against you anyway. Don't forget, the Ravenlock family's in bed with those Exaltist lunatics — Who knows what awful scheme they've been cooking up lately.

Serious Man: In any case, as your old friend... I sincerely wish you all the best.

Hugo: Thank you.

Serious Man: By the way, how is Lycaon doing lately? I haven't seen him in a while.

Hugo: ...

Serious Man: What? I know you two split up, but it's been years. Are you still not over it?

Hugo: ...Don't know. Don't care.

Hugo: If there's nothing else, I'll get going now.

Serious Man: Alright, fine. Good luck.

The students nearby seem to be having an intense discussion... and you hear a familiar name.

Excited Student: So, that Mockingbird phantom thieves syndicate only looks flashy, but hasn't actually accomplished anything, right?

Excited Student: TOPS remains unshakable, and those big families are just a step away from getting total control. It's possible that even the mayor can't keep them in check.

Doubting Student: But doesn't the mere existence of the Mockingbird serve as some kind of warning?

Doubting Student: Every time they release a crime warning letter, fear erupts among these evildoers.

Excited Student: Really? But what can they actually change?

Excited Student: In the end, it's probably just a game. To the big shots, Mockingbird is like a fly — annoying, but not deadly, so they just let it be.

Calm Student: So what do you think should happen?

Excited Student: If you ask me, you have to dismantle everything from within if you truly want change.

Excited Student: Without power or influence, it's all futile. The first step should be accumulating resources by any means necessary, and if possible, joining TOPS.

Excited Student: After all, to establish a new order, the old one must be demolished, just like how creation requires destruction—

Calm Student: That sounds exactly like something a villain would say.

Doubting Student: If it's really possible to join TOPS, many would probably defect immediately.

Calm Student: True. Who would turn down money?

Hugo: ...

It's almost time for the meeting with Hartman... Time to go.

 Meet with Hartman

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It's about time for our appointment. Let's head to the private suite to meet with Hartman.

(Talk to Staff)

Staff: Your invitation has been confirmed. Esteemed guest, would you like to enter the private suite now?

Enter the suite

Not right now.

(Talk to Arrogant Man)

Arrogant Man: You the one who has business with Master Hartman?

Hugo: Correct.

Arrogant Man: Master Hartman's time is extremely valuable, and he has graced you with this meeting amid his busy schedule—

Arrogant Man: I sincerely hope you bring something substantial to the family.

Hugo: Haha, worry not.

Hugo: I stand here precisely because I have enough leverage.

Arrogant Man: Hmph, you had better.

Another Collaboration

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Another Collaboration"

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Video Summary: In places where light can't reach, countless secrets still lie hidden.

Story Description: Hugo's memories revealed he had secretly contacted Hartman behind Vivian's back and reached an agreement with him.

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Hartman: ...How about it? Will you work with me?

Hugo: Not bad. Let me be honest with you, I have the Sacrifice Core that you're after.

Hugo: I am Mockingbird.

Hartman: ...So it's you. I never thought you'd be so bold as to come see me alone...

Hugo: Relax, my friend. As you know, if I can sneak into such a heavily guarded auction, then naturally, I can just as easily slip away right now.

Hugo: I'm here with the sincere intention to seek cooperation. I can give you that Sacrifice core.

Hartman: ...And what do you want in return?

Hugo: Wealth, glory, power... the things everyone else in the world wants. I want them, too.

Hugo: And I'm confident that as the current heir to the Ravenlock family, those are all things you can give me.

Hartman: Haha, then you've certainly come to the right place.

Hartman: My family is working on a big project. If things come to fruition, Ravenlock's status in TOPS will significantly improve!

Hartman: ...At which point, I'll be sure to leave a spot for you. Naturally, as an outsider, you're precluded from handling any of our core business. But profits from the scraps alone will be enough to set you up for life.

Hugo: Mr. Hartman, I think you've misunderstood me. I have no intention of joining the Ravenlock family.

Hugo: In fact, I have an art gallery under my name that does pretty well for itself...

Hugo: I was hoping you could recommend me for TOPS.

Hartman: ...Y—You want to join TOPS?! That's easier said than done... Even for a family like ours, it would still require significant effort and–

Hugo: Just answer me... Yes or no. I don't think either of us can afford to waste time.

Hartman: ...I understand. Yes, you have my word.

Hartman: But in exchange, you'll have to give me the Sacrifice Core first.

Hugo: I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't... I've already hidden it somewhere safe, a place nobody else but me knows.

Hugo: You don't want to put all your chips on the table when dealing with TOPS... I know that far too well.

Hartman: Tch. Then that means I also need to keep an eye out when working with the infamous Mockingbird, right?

Hugo: Mr. Hartman, I should remind you that I stand before you undisguised. Coming from a phantom thief who's never publicly revealed his identity, shouldn't that be sufficient assurance?

Hugo: If I betray you, then you merely need to lift a finger to wipe me from the face of this world.

Hartman: ...

Hartman: You do make a valid point there. In that case, you have a deal.

Hugo: ...I appreciate your trust.

Hartman: Why don't we celebrate our new partnership with a toast?

Hartman calls over the waiter and pours out two glasses of some expensive-looking deep crimson liquid.
He lifts his glass and nods to Hugo before draining it in one gulp.
Hugo flashes a smug grin as he follows suit and takes a gulp.

Hartman: Having a drink before undertaking anything important is a family tradition. It's good luck.

Hugo: ...As an outsider, it's a real honor.

Hartman: By the way, you aren't the only member of your organization, are you? Shouldn't all your companions agree to this deal first?

Hugo: You don't have to worry about that, I'll make sure she agrees. Otherwise... I'll get rid of her too.^{[Note 1]}

Hartman: Haha, seems you'll do whatever it takes to get things done. Great things lie ahead for someone like you!

Hartman: Alright, let's leave it at that for today. I'll contact you about what to do next.

Hugo: ...

Distortion

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Distortion"

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Video Summary: "Only the ruthless, cruel, and merciless can stand at the top."

Story Description: Hugo's memories reveal he was accused of killing the only sister who was ever kind to him. Shockingly, his father approved, convinced that only the most cutthroat individual was worthy of succeeding him.

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Malicious Child: That's him! He's the one who killed Serena!

Faceless Child: She was the only one who was ever any good to him, right? And that's how he repays her...?

Mocking Child: That's why they say, once a mongrel, always a mongrel. Just look into his eyes...

Hugo (Young): ...

Malicious Child: Father, we have to punish him!

Faceless Child: Serena had been ranking ahead of him, Hugo must've poisoned her water so he could pass her!

Mocking Child: Pure evil, typical for an impure bloodline. He should've been kicked out ages ago.

Father: Hugo, did you do all this?

Hugo (Young): ...Yes, it was me.

Hugo (Young): I... I killed her.

Malicious Child: He admitted it! Father, he must be expelled!

Faceless Child: He has no right to live under the same roof as us.

Mocking Child: Why don't we reunite him with Serena, then? Nobody would ever know...

Father: Hugo... well done.

Hugo (Young): ...?!

Father: My children, how many times have I told you before...

Father: In this world, only the most ruthless, cruel, and unscrupulous of people ever make it to the top.

Father: Like Hugo here, who was willing to murder his only true loved one without a second thought...

Father: Only someone with the means and the gumption to do that is qualified to be my heir.

Hugo (Young): ...But... But I...

Father: It's all over now and the results are obvious. The winner of this month's assessment... is Hugo.

Father: As for the rest of you... Go to the usual place for the punishment you deserve.

Faceless Child: But Father, before this I was number one...

Father: As I've told you before, there's only room for one winner in this family. You're still a loser, even if it's by the smallest margin... and there's no reason for a loser to exist.

Father: This is all for your own good, do you understand? Go on now... receive your punishment for the sake of the family.

Faceless Child: Y–Yes, I understand! I'm sorry!

About to Unfold

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "About to Unfold"

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Video Summary: Soon, it'll all be over.

Story Description: Hugo snapped back to his senses and muttered to himself, saying everything would soon be over.

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Hugo: ...

Hugo: That really brought up... some unpleasant memories...

Hugo: *sigh* It won't be long.

Hugo: Soon, it'll all be over.