Dead-End Express
Last updated 2026-02-03
Dead-End Express is a Combat Story commission. It is unlocked during Chapter 5 of Phaethon's Story during Bringer's Scheme.
Enemy Info
Parts
- Hoshimi Miyabi's Whereabouts
- The Dead End Express
- Special Guest
- Negotiation
- Embers Extinguished
Gameplay Notes
- In Trial Mode, the squad will be limited to
Zhu Yuan. - After Special Guest, the squad will be limited to
Hoshimi Miyabi.
- She will continuously lose health. Attacking enemies will restore health.
- She will stop losing health when she reaches 2%. If an enemy hits her at this point, the combat section will restart.
Trial Mode
| Inter-Knot Rank:
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| Team Position |
Agent & W-Engine |
Skills & Equipment | Stats |
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1 |
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 HP: 9,317 ATK: 2,343 DEF: 678 Impact: 90 CRIT Rate: 37% CRIT DMG: 83.6% +20% Anomaly Mastery: 93 Anomaly Proficiency: 92 PEN Ratio: 0% PEN: 0 Energy Regen: 1.2 Energy Generation Rate: 0% Energy Limit: 120 DMG Bonus: 31% |
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| Inter-Knot Rank:
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| Team Position |
Agent & W-Engine |
Skills & Equipment | Stats |
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1 |
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HP: 9,497 ATK: 2,112 DEF: 683 Impact: 86 CRIT Rate: 37% CRIT DMG: 80.4% Anomaly Mastery: 140 Anomaly Proficiency: 208 PEN Ratio: 0% PEN: 0 Energy Regen: 1.2 Energy Generation Rate: 0% Energy Limit: 120 DMG Bonus: 21% |
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Dialogue
Hoshimi Miyabi's Whereabouts
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
"Hoshimi Miyabi's Whereabouts"Video Summary: Familiar routes, familiar directions.
Story Description: Zhu Yuan has tracked down the vehicle carrying Hoshimi Miyabi, and it's on its way to the venue where Bringer will give his speech... With the clock ticking, Zhu Yuan has no other choice but to follow your advice and take the shortcut through Dead End Hollow.
- A short while later, near Fourteenth Street: A PubSec car hurtles down the street, siren blaring...
The awkward silence inside the vehicle strikes a stark contrast with the noise of the siren blaring outside. - Officer Chen: Taskforce patrol squad to Captain Zhu Yuan, do you copy? Repeat, do you copy? Over...
- Zhu Yuan: Ah...! C—Copy! Officer Chen, Zhu Yuan here, over!
- Officer Chen: Captain Zhu Yuan... Hmm? Why does your voice sound a little raspy?
- Zhu Yuan: Ah, it was pretty hot here and my throat got a little dry! *ahem* What's your status? Did you find any leads? Over.
- Officer Chen: Yes, I ran a quick check. There are eight transport vehicles still on duty in Janus Quarter, and one matches the route you mentioned. I'll share its location with you now. Over.
- Zhu Yuan: Thank you, Officer Chen! You've been a big help. Go get some rest! Over.
- Officer Chen: Copy that, Captain Zhu Yuan. You take care, don't work too hard! Taskforce patrol team over and out...
- Zhu Yuan: Whew... Alright, got the info on Miyabi's transport vehicle!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Ah! The transport vehicle's location came through! Let me see... Huh?!
- Zhu Yuan: Wait... The navdata shows that the escort vehicle's final destination is... the site of Bringer's speech?!
- Zhu Yuan: This is bad! Tons of people are heading there right now and the streets are jammed! How do we get through? Sound the sirens? Switch to PubSec motorcycles?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Let's use the Hollow! Dead End Hollow is nearby, we can cut straight through!
- Zhu Yuan: What? But driving in the Hollow is extremely dangerous. Are you suggesting we walk? That'll take too long!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Don't worry, I know a way to get there quickly and safely. Trust me, I've done it before!
- Zhu Yuan: Amazing! I didn't know you could drive a train, Manager!
- Zhu Yuan: Is this railway route okay?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Trust me, I'm familiar with this route! It'll definitely lead us out of the Dead End Hollow!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Wait, I think we've got Ethereals approaching!
- Zhu Yuan: Leave it to me! I won't let them get in the way!
- (Approach the marked location)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): By the way, you're familiar with Miss (HoshimiHoshimi /
MiyabiMiyabi), right Zhu Yuan? - (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Do you know why the Hoshimi family is being targeted?Do you know why the Hoshimi family is being targeted? Tooltip for Do you know why the Hoshimi family is being targeted?ⓘ /
Do you know why they're targeting the Hoshimi family?Do you know why they're targeting the Hoshimi family?) - Zhu Yuan: As I'm sure you know, the Hoshimi family has a long heritage.
- Zhu Yuan: They gave rise to the first generation of Void Hunters, making significant contributions to the city.
- Zhu Yuan: There were several other heads of the family who made significant contributions, too.
- Zhu Yuan: Each of them was an exceptional and unique warrior.
- Zhu Yuan: They consistently uphold the Hoshimi family's reputation.
- Zhu Yuan: Up until a certain point, when the Hoshimi family suddenly stopped prioritizing martial skills.
- Zhu Yuan: They started to involve themselves in the city's management using their political power.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I know, we have a documentary about the Hoshimi family in our store.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): There are stories circulating on Inter-Knot that the Hoshimi family possesses a secret that makes them stronger.
- Zhu Yuan: ...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Huh...? Is it possible the urban legend has some truth to it?Huh...? Is it possible the urban legend has some truth to it? /
Hmm...? Could the urban legend actually be true?Hmm...? Could the urban legend actually be true?) - Zhu Yuan: I don't know much, but I have a way to find out.
- Zhu Yuan: Manager, you can keep us in touch with the outside world, right?
- Zhu Yuan: I can contact the Hoshimis and reach out to Miyabi's immediate family.
The Dead End Express
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
"The Dead End Express"Video Summary: Secret heirlooms always conceal a mystery.
Story Description: To uncover Bringer's motives, you reach out to Hoshimi Miyabi's father with the help of Lycaon. In doing so, you uncover the Hoshimi family's hidden secret...
When Miyabi comes into contact with the rogue cursed blade, it seems to go through some sort of catastrophic change...
When Miyabi comes into contact with the rogue cursed blade, it seems to go through some sort of catastrophic change...
- Moments later, to verify Zhu Yuan's theory, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle) stop the train in a safe zone and establish a communication link with the outside world... - Zhu Yuan: Hello? Hi, this is Officer Zhu Yuan from the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team. I'm just calling to—
- Hoshimi Family Housekeeper: "I know, Officer Zhu Yuan. I'm still waiting to hear back from the Throne Quarter precinct. The head of our house ought to be at the banquet hall still, joining in on all the election day events. I've asked my secretary to locate him as soon as possible."
- Zhu Yuan: Ah, alright. I'm sorry to keep bothering you with all these calls. I'll wait for your reply, then.
- Zhu Yuan: *tsk* Not good. With the elections happening now, even the Hoshimi family housekeeper can't get in touch with Miyabi's father...
Are you close with the Hoshimi family, Zhu Yuan?- Do you know the head of the Hoshimi family, Zhu Yuan?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): You seem to be pretty close with the Hoshimis, Zhu Yuan. Do you know the head of the family?
- Zhu Yuan: I wouldn't say we're close but when Miyabi and I were classmates, she invited me to her place a few times — so I've met him before. As the head of one of the most famous families in New Eridu, he must have a lot on his plate.
- Zhu Yuan: To figure out what the enemy wants from Miyabi, we need to understand their motive... The only way to do that is to talk to her father.
- Zhu Yuan: But my usual channels only get me as far as their household staff. I don't have any connections to that fancy banquet hall in Throne Quarter. And they use private security that's independent of PubSec.
- I might have some high-society connections.
- I know someone we could try reaching out to.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): We just need to find someone who has connections to high society, right? Then I might just know someone!
- Moments later, after patching through Random Play, a familiar voice answers...
- Lycaon: Ah, Master Proxy. It's been quite some time. I never anticipated a call from you on a day like today.
- Lycaon! Please, you've gotta help me!
- I'm counting on you, Victoria Housekeeping!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Thanks for taking my call, Lycaon. I've got something extremely important that I need your help with.Thanks for taking my call, Lycaon. I've got something extremely important that I need your help with. /
Lycaon! Thank you for taking my call! I've got something extremely important that I need your help with!Lycaon! Thank you for taking my call! I've got something extremely important that I need your help with!) Has Victoria Housekeeping ever offered services to the Hoshimi family? - Lycaon: They're a renowned martial arts family. They contributed significantly to the construction and safeguarding of our city. Our humble establishment has indeed been fortunate to provide our services to them and, indeed, they may be considered loyal customers of ours.
- Zhu Yuan: Really? That's great! Do you happen to know much about their family affairs?
- Lycaon: Hmm... That entirely depends on your definition of "family affairs." If it's not too much to ask... Could you please provide me with a little more context?
- Zhu Yuan gives Lycaon a quick rundown of the situation.
- Lycaon: I understand the circumstances, and your request seems fair and justified. However... I'm afraid that I cannot provide such information. It's against our confidentiality policy.
- Zhu Yuan: I understand, but...!
- Lycaon: Although I cannot provide that information, I can connect you with someone better suited to assist. Just a moment. Rina? Please watch the lobby for me.
- Lycaon steps away from the call briefly, and a few minutes later...
- Hoshimi Souichirou: *ahem* Hello? Lycaon said you had something urgent to discuss with me?
- Zhu Yuan: That voice... Is that...?!
- Hoshimi Souichirou: Oh? Is that Miss Zhu Yuan? It's been a while. Thank you for looking after my daughter.
- Zhu Yuan: It's been a while, Mr. Souichirou! Sorry to bother you, but it's urgent and it's about Miyabi! We think someone's trying to harm her, and she might be in danger!
- Hoshimi Souichirou: Ahahahaha...!
- Hoshimi Souichirou: Hmm? Oh, so you weren't joking? *ahem* Please, continue.
- Zhu Yuan: Mr. Souichirou, aren't you worried about Miyabi's safety?
- Hoshimi Souichirou: Of course I am, but I'm more concerned for those who wish to harm her.
- Hoshimi Souichirou: I don't mean to brag, but she's strong — very strong. She's strong in every sense of the word, perhaps even stronger than that! Actually, she's even...
- Hoshimi Souichirou: Ohhh, forgive me. There I go boasting again. Old habits die hard. Anyway, my daughter has proved time and again that those who wish her ill will never meet a good end. So, in comparison...
- Hoshimi Souichirou: "Sharing our family's confidential information"... That could be a bigger issue.
- Zhu Yuan:What... What do you mean?
- Hoshimi Souichirou: Worry not. I have no doubts about your intentions, Miss Zhu Yuan. But our family affairs are... sensitive information. It's our rule not to share them lightly, especially considering we have a guest here I'm not acquainted with.
- Hoshimi Souichirou: ...Would you mind proving that you know my daughter?
- Her katana is a Hoshimi family heirloom passed down from generation to generation!
- Only members of the Hoshimi family can touch her katana!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Miss (HoshimiHoshimi /
MiyabiMiyabi)'s katana is a family heirloom, used by generations to eradicate evil! Only direct family members can handle it! - Hoshimi Souichirou: That's right, if she was willing to share that much with you, it shows that she trusts you. But this information is also known to a lot of her colleagues.
- Mr. Souichirou, you prefer juice over wine!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Mr. Souichirou, you secretly swap your wine for juice during social events!
- Hoshimi Souichirou: Huh?! She... She even told you that?
- Her katana went out of control today!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Please (listen to me, Mr. Souichiroulisten to me, Mr. Souichirou /
hear me out, sirhear me out, sir), the katana went out of control today! It unleashed massive foxfire! We barely managed to force it back into the scabbard! - Hoshimi Souichirou: What...?!
- Hoshimi Souichirou: ...Lycaon, please inform the mayor that I might need to leave early this evening. My apologies. Now, you two, what I'm about to say is of the utmost importance and must not be shared with anyone!
- Hoshimi Souichirou: If anyone is plotting against the Hoshimi family, they must be after the katana!
- Hoshimi Souichirou: That katana is a treasured heirloom passed from generation to generation. It is also the source of power for every head of the family.
- Hoshimi Souichirou: But the power sealed within it is... forbidden. Only the head is qualified to inherit and receive it, and the process is extremely dangerous!
- Hoshimi Souichirou: My daughter, however, is different. Aside from an accident when she was young, she has never relied on the katana's power. Her strength comes from herself! She is the true genius of the Hoshimi family!
- Hoshimi Souichirou: It is imperative that the scabbard remain intact! Under no circumstances should my daughter use the katana if the scabbard is compromised!
- At the same time, an armored transport vehicle is heading toward the Dead End Hollow near Bringer's speech venue. Inside the vehicle...
Special Guest
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
"Special Guest"Video Summary: The true scheme always comes to light in the end.
Story Description: In the vehicle escorting Hoshimi Miyabi, Sarah reveals the secret of the Hoshimi family's cursed blade. After forcing Hoshimi Miyabi to touch the cursed blade, she leads her to nearby the crowd gathered for the speech... and Miyabi appears to be trapped deep in the throws of an illusion.
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- Dizziness envelops her, and everything around her blurs...
Soon after, Hoshimi Miyabi opens her eyes weakly to find herself in a strange space she has never seen the likes of before. - (Enter combat)
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Huh...? Where... am I?
- Hoshimi Miyabi: I was clearly... Huh?!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: It feels like... the foxfire is burning me?
- ???: ...#$!@!!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: There are enemies here too?
- Hoshimi Miyabi: After defeating the enemy... my body has surprisingly recovered a bit...!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Am I supposed to defeat enemies to recover...?
- Hoshimi Miyabi: It scatters upon being cut... it's obviously not a physical entity...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Foxfire, it's a power that belongs to the Hoshimi family.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: So why would it burn me...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Mm...! *cough*
- ???: Kill.
- ???: Kill...
- ???: —Kill.
- ???: Kill!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: It's changed color... I can't shake the feeling that this place looks familiar... hmm?!
- ???: Hoshimi...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Huh! Foxfire! It's burning even more intensely...!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: *cough*... *panting*... I'm losing my strength!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: I must... defeat more enemies! The more the better!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: This place... It's an... illusion of the cursed blade...?!
- ???: Our value lies in being invincible.
- ???: Being unstoppable is our vow...
- ???: —Our blood and tears are our sacrifice.
- ???: We, are, indestructible!
- ???: Only power can break the chains of fate.
- ???: Only power will allow us to challenge the strong and aid the weak...
- ???: —Only power can right the wrongs.
- ???: Only power can distinguish good from evil!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: These strange whispers...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: I think I heard them when my blade went out of control.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: So loud!
- (After defeating Nineveh)
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Is it going to change again? This feeling...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Uuuuurrrgh...!! My body...!
- In the illusion, countless monsters surge forward like a tidal wave. Miyabi relentlessly swings her blade, cutting down the Ethereals, pushing herself to the brink of total exhaustion...
- "Kill!" "Kill!"
Countless voices invade Miyabi's mind, gnawing at her sanity. It feels as if swinging her blade without thinking is the only way to escape the torment... - Hoshimi Miyabi: Are these people... citizens?
- ???: Kill.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: What...?!
- ???: Kill!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: How could I?! I will never... wield my blade against the innocent!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Ahhhh...!
- ???: Hoshimi...
- ???: Kill them all!
- ???: Kill, and you'll be free.
- ???: Kill... and be mended...
- ???: —Kill — so you can pacify.
- ???: Kill! You'll find satisfaction!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: *cough...!* *cough* I... I refuse.
Negotiation
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
"Negotiation"Video Summary: Illusions can cause one to slowly lose themselves.
Story Description: Hoshimi Miyabi finds herself trapped deep in the illusion woven by the cursed blade, fighting tooth and nail to retain a grip on her sense of reality...
- Resolute voice: Kill.
- Heroic Voice: Kill!
- Old voice: ...Kill.
- Old voice: This is a rule created to break rules, a submission made to end submission, a curse forged to eliminate curses...
- Old voice: This is... a Hoshimi's fate.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: ...Is this also how you coaxed my mother back then?
- Spectral Voice: ...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Did you... convince her of this fate the same way? Is this how you turned her into the sacrifice?!
- Spectral Voice: ...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: ...Answer me!
- Old voice: Little girl... had it not been for then, you would have long since perished in the Hollow...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Good... so you remember me...!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Do you really believe that the inheritance traditions are right?
- Old voice: Fate... is not something you can manipulate at will...
- Old voice: We are the ultimate power, without suffering, without desire, without need... Such trifles concern you alone, not us...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: No, but I have a proposition.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: I... understand that you had to make difficult choices to survive the era of Hollow disasters...[Note 1]
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Some unknown means has stolen part of your power, hasn't it? Otherwise, the enemies in this illusion and your influence over my mind would be stronger! Just like when I was a child...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: If outsiders are capable of bypassing the rules and taking your power, then what's the point of clinging to this cruel ritual?
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Therefore, let's cooperate.
- Old voice: ...Cooperate?
- Hoshimi Miyabi: That's right. I've always been aware that I'm not the type of heir the Hoshimi family needs. I don't have my grandfather's keen judgment, my aunt's resourcefulness, my father's knowledge, or my mother's sharp mind...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: But I have swordsmanship... It's the one thing in which I'm genuinely gifted. From now on, if you heed me, I'll rewrite the fate of the Hoshimi family in my own way!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Be my blade... one that slays only evil! ...And I'll repay the injustices that forced your sacrifices.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: My mother... was the final sacrifice you'll ever receive. From this day forward, under my command, I'll turn you into a legend which is truly unmatched by anyone!
- Old Voice: Naive.
- Gentle Voice: Idealistic...
- Resolute voice: —Greedy.
- Heroic Voice: Childish!
- Old voice: And arrogant... You're the second most arrogant person we've met...
- Old voice: But... interesting...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: SSo you'll agree... huh?!
- Before she can finish, the subdued foxfire bursts into fierce flames!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Urghhh!!! *Cough* Y–You...!?
- Old voice: Prove yourself... Should you truly fulfill your vow... we'll consider bestowing power upon you...
- Old voice: Until then... we'll be watching... watching for the day you face calamity... young Hoshimi...
Embers Extinguished
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
"Embers Extinguished"Video Summary: All illusions are extinguished, and peace is finally restored.
Story Description: Breaking free of the illusion's grasp through sheer willpower alone, Hoshimi Miyabi finds herself standing in a Hollow...
When she suddenly lost control, you and Zhu Yuan swiftly pushed her into a Hollow, preventing disaster.
When she suddenly lost control, you and Zhu Yuan swiftly pushed her into a Hollow, preventing disaster.
- The blazing foxfire slowly peters out and the illusions and voices fade, too...
Hoshimi Miyabi props herself up the best she can, not wanting to collapse. - At this moment, a familiar voice rings out.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Miss Hoshimi? Miss Hoshimi?!Miss Hoshimi? Miss Hoshimi?! /
Miss Miyabi? Miss Miyabi?!Miss Miyabi? Miss Miyabi?!) Can you hear me?! Hey, can you hear me?! 
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Mm...? Proxy...?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Yes! It's me, Miss (HoshimiHoshimi /
MiyabiMiyabi)! (You'reYou're / Y–You'reY–You're) finally awake! How are you feeling? - Hoshimi Miyabi: So... that golden light... was you... Thank goodness... I didn't draw my blade...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: I... the citizens... D—Did I... hurt... them...?
- Zhu Yuan: Rest assured, Miyabi! You didn't hurt anyone! When those strange flames appeared in your eyes, the manager and I knocked you into the Dead End Hollow!
- Zhu Yuan: You were swinging your katana the whole time, but only at the Ethereals coming at us! Just now, you suddenly froze, the flames on your katana disappeared, and we were able to get close!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: I see... Thank you... I... almost... made a terrible mistake...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: I feared... if... my blade... had harmed those dear to me... hurt innocent people... I... ugh...!
- Miyabi's voice is weak as if recovering from a severe illness. Her furrowed brows finally relax as tears trickle down her face. The invincible Void Hunter sobs softly like an ordinary girl.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Miss (Hoshimi...Hoshimi... /
Miyabi...!Miyabi...!) - (SiblingSibling): (Wise! It'sWise! It's /
Belle! There'sBelle! There's) an emergency! The rest of Section 6 has arrived at the speech venue and it's a total mess(!! / ..) Looks like Bringer's trying to get away! - (ProtagonistProtagonist): What?(!!)
- Hearing the latest update over the communicator, Zhu Yuan holds Miyabi tightly, and looks towards the Proxy.
- Zhu Yuan: Leave her to me, I'll take her to the nearest medical center! Go, Manager! Go catch the culprit!
- Zhu Yuan: We absolutely cannot let him get away!
Notes
- ↑ Actual voice-over: "era of Hollow Calamities"
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Dead-End Express |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 死路直通车 Sǐlù Zhítōngchē |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 死路直通車 Sǐlù Zhítōngchē |
| Japanese | デッドエンドへの特急列車 Deddoendo e no Tokkyuressha |
| Korean | 파멸로 가는 직행 열차 Pamyeollo Ganeun Jikhaeng Yeolcha |
| Spanish | Trayecto sin retorno |
| French | Le raccourci de l'Impasse |
| Russian | Скорый поезд прямо в тупик Skoryy poyezd pryamo v tupik |
| Thai | รถด่วนทะลวงทางตัน |
| Vietnamese | Thẳng Tiến Đường Cùng |
| German | Sackgassenexpress |
| Indonesian | Menembus Jalan Buntu |
| Portuguese | Expresso Sem Saída |
Change History
Released in Version 1.4 - A Storm of Falling Stars
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