Destiny at Your Fingertips

Bargaining Chips

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Bargaining Chip"

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Video Summary: Power, desire, ambition.

Story Description: You discovered a sleeping Sacrifice hidden in the location marked by Bringer. At a critical moment, Hartman appeared, attempting to steal the Sacrifice, and you learned that Hugo had actually been working with Hartman.

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Vivian: What is this? It looks like a cocoon...

Lycaon: Careful, everyone! If I'm not mistaken... that's a Sacrifice in there.

Anby: It appears to be in hibernation. We don't know when it'll wake up.

Lycaon: ...If it does wake up, we'll be in serious trouble.

Vivian: Wait... those spots Bringer marked in his notebook—are you saying each one might have a Sacrifice like this?

Vivian: That means... there must be at least a dozen of them... And that's only counting the ones we know so far.

Vivian: These Sacrifices may still be hibernating, but the fact that there are so many of them out there is terrifying. The Exaltists must have a way to revive them.

Vivian: And that's not all, these Sacrifices can exist outside the Hollows!

Vivian: If they make their way into populated areas...

Lycaon: ...I'm afraid it will lead to a catastrophic disaster likened to the fall of the Old Capital. That's almost certainly what they meant by vengeance against all New Eridu.

We need to get rid of these Sacrifices.

We can't let the Exaltists have them.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's find a way to get rid of these Sacrifices. We can't let the Exaltists have them...!

Hartman: Thank you for helping me find this Sacrifice. But sorry, kids, you won't be the ones to keep it.

Vivian: ...It's that annoying old man! Why is he here?

Hartman: I'd advise you to choose your words wisely, young lady.

Anby: You're from the Ravenlock family... So it was you...!

Hartman: That face... Oh, I know you.

Hartman: I heard about what happened to your friend—truly... unfortunate.

Hartman: If only she'd been smarter.

Anby: ...

Lycaon: It seems your goal was this Sacrifice all along. You've been tailing us, haven't you? Keeping your distance so that I wouldn't notice...

Hartman: As expected of a Wolf Thiren, you are very perceptive. That's right, all thanks to your ex-partner, we were able to carry out our plan smoothly.

Lycaon: ...My... ex-partner?

Hugo: I'm not exactly happy being called that... but what he said is true.

Hugo takes one step forward, then walks over to Hartman's side.

Vivian: Wait, Hugo, what do you mean...

Hugo: I made a deal with Mr. Hartman in advance.

Hugo: So... would you kindly step aside and let us have this Sacrifice?

Hugo: Of course, you can choose to refuse... But if you do then I'll have to take coercive measures.

What did this guy promise you?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍What did this guy promise you?What did this guy promise you?Text for Wise / ...What did this guy promise you?...What did this guy promise you?Text for Belle‍)^{[Note 1]}

Hugo: Everything we know about the Sacrifices, plus the core itself.

Vivian: But... why?

Hugo: It's simple. I want to climb higher.

Hugo: Mr. Hartman offered me a chance to join TOPS — who could say no to that?

Lycaon: ...

Moment of Betrayal

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Moment of Betrayal"

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Video Summary: People lie so smoothly, they don't even bat an eye.

Story Description: Vivian and Hugo severed ties. You must stop Hartman from stealing the Sacrifice.

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Vivian: No... Impossible...

Vivian: You promised to help me investigate the Exaltists!

Vivian: You told me the whole point of Mockingbird was to do anything it takes to bring a little justice to this world...

Vivian: Was all of that... just a lie?

Hugo: ...

Hugo: You're just too gullible, Vivian.

Hugo: I also told you — everybody lies.

Hugo: To hide their true intentions, people lie so smoothly, they don't even bat an eye.

Lycaon: You...

Hartman: Hahahahaha, what a wonderful show of betrayal and backstabbing. Bravo.

Hartman: I've got no interest in your little feud, but would you all be so kind as to step aside?

Hartman: My men still have some delicate handiwork to do — to extract that Sacrifice behind you.

Anby: Over my dead body.

(Enter combat)

Vivian: Hugo... Why in the world would you do that?

Hugo: Instead of wasting your time on idle chatter, why not focus your energy on the battle ahead?

Anby: Your plans will never succeed.

Hartman: It's useless. Don't you get it?

Hartman: You're not just going against the people in front of you. You're not going against me.

Hartman: But rather, the entire Ravenlock family, even the whole of TOPS!

Hartman: There's no chance of victory for you!

(After defeating the enemies)

Vivian: They've already escaped through the fissure with the Sacrifice...

Vivian: We have to catch up!

Anby: We can't let them have the Sacrifice!

(Upon approaching the rooftop)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Hugo, don't make a choice you'll regret!

Hugo: There's... no turning back for me.

The True Purpose

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The True Purpose"

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Video Summary: For a longer, more complete victory—

Story Description: Hugo exposed his true purpose. It turned out he was the illegitimate child of the Ravenlock family, and his goal was to kill his uncle and inherit the family estate.

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Hartman's mercenaries are quickly dealt with...

Hartman: Ugh, you guys are such a pain...

Hartman: Hugo, stop standing around, time for you to act!

Hartman: We had a deal. Give me the Sacrifice Core now!

Hugo: ...

Hugo: Did we? Ah~ I don't remember.

Hartman: ...?!

Hugo: I imagine this is your favorite kind of entertainment — watching allies betray each other, suspicion festering until it all turns to bitter hatred...

Hugo: Seeing people tear each other apart like wild beasts — just like your decaying family — does it comfort that dead conscience of yours?

Hartman: You... What's that supposed to mean?!

Hugo: I am loving the look on your face right now.

Hugo: Right when you think you've succeeded, I'm here to tell you... it was all fake. None of it was real.

Hugo: Let this pain sink in. It's karma for what you did to me back then.

Hartman: You're insane. I have no idea what you're talking about!

Hugo: You still don't recognize me, do you? Let me give you a little hint.

Hugo: My full name is: Hugo Vlad Ravenlock.

Hartman: That's impossible?! You... You're part of our family?!

Hugo: I may be an illegitimate child, but I have the same blood flowing in my veins as you.

Hartman: ...I know you! You're... that bastard of his...! Damn it, I could've sworn you were already...

Hugo: My dear uncle, you were never worthy of your position. You have no claim to the Ravenlock lineage.

Hugo: You may have killed all of my father's other children, but sorry to disappoint — I'm still alive.

Hugo: I am the true heir to the Ravenlock family.

Hartman: You're a bastard! You have no right to inherit the family!

Hugo: That's not for you to decide. Master Edmund is very supportive of my claim.

Hartman: Edmund?! That's impossible! You weaseled your way into TOPS' inner circle?!

Hugo: Master Edmund doesn't care who achieves his goal. In other words, he'd happily let me take over the Ravenlock family as long as I'm more competent than you.

Hartman: This can't be...! You don't know the family's real secret...

Hugo: I know a lot more than you think. Including everything that you've done. Just give up, you never even stood a chance.

Hartman: Damn it...

Vivian: This was all fake... right? You were just putting on an act to fool this old man... right?!

Vivian: I... I actually fell for it! Don't do that again... at least give us a heads-up next time—

Hugo: Vivian, everything I did was to rightfully inherit the Ravenlock family. That part is true.

Hugo: Now, I'm going to kill this man who stole what was never his — I'll make sure he can never be a threat again.

Lycaon: You can't kill him. We still need information from him on the Sacrifices and the Exaltists...

Hugo: You must be misunderstanding something, Lycaon. Just like you chose the mayor, I chose TOPS.

Hugo: At least for now, TOPS has the same interests as me. I'm not going to harm my own self-interests. Be it intel on the Sacrifices or the core itself, I'm handing everything over to Master Edmund.

Lycaon: ...Why?

Hugo: I just want to take back what's mine.

Hugo: If fate is not willing to give me justice, then I'll just have to seize it with my own hands.

Hugo: Stealing, robbing, lying or betraying... I'll do whatever it takes.

Lycaon: ...Even if it means selling your soul to the devil?

Lycaon: You know about the power struggle between T.O.P.S. and city hall. Those elites at T.O.P.S. would be only too happy to see the Exaltists plotting a grand attack on New Eridu using Sacrifices.

Hugo: That would severely harm the Mayflowers' reputation and approval rating in New Eridu. And that's exactly what TOPS wants to see.

Lycaon: ...If that happens, countless people will die.

Hugo: I'm sorry it has to be this way.

Hugo: But I have to do this. I'm going to get everything Master Edmund wants, inherit the Ravenlock name, climb to the top, and then I'll be able to change everything for good.

Hugo: For a permanent and absolute victory, we must endure the pain of cutting away rotten flesh, and persevere through the darkest hour before dawn.

Hugo: Someone has to do it.

I don't think so.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I don't agreeI don't agreeText for Wise / I don't really agree.I don't really agree.Text for Belle‍). Sounds like some twisted logic to me.

It's not too late for you to stop.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Hugo, it's not too late for you to stop. You can still walk away from this...

Hugo: This is the path I've chosen.

Hugo: Without power, resources, or strength, we can't do anything. Mockingbird is the perfect example.

Hugo: All the talk about using our power to tip the scales of justice and hover over them like the Sword of Damocles? It's just a delusion. In their eyes, we're nothing but annoying gnats.

Hugo: Mockingbird has never really changed anything or saved anyone — never in the past, not now, and never will in the future.

Hugo: None of it matters.

Lycaon: ...

Don't become the kind of person you hate.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle):But even so, you shouldn't become the kind of person you hate.

I understand your feelings, but don't be consumed by it!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle):(‍I understand your feelings, but don't be consumed by it!I understand your feelings, but don't be consumed by it!Text for Wise / I understand your anger and resentment, but you can't let those feelings consume you!I understand your anger and resentment, but you can't let those feelings consume you!Text for Belle‍)

Hugo: Sorry, Proxy. I know what you're trying to say.

Hugo: But this isn't some children's story of a dragonslayer becoming an evil dragon...

Hugo: Sometimes, to slay the dragon, you must first become one — with sharp claws, rending fangs, and strength enough to destroy anything.

Hugo: So I will bloody my hands. I will carry the weight of my sins. I will... become the abyss.

(Enter battle with Abyssal Enforcer)

(Enemy health reaches 75%)

Lycaon: Everything you just said... Is that what you truly believe?

Hugo: Of course. Are you surprised?

Lycaon: I have never once thought that Mockingbird was a failure.

Lycaon: Our actions, no matter how childish or flawed, must have made their mark on the world.

Lycaon: They might have been trivial, or foolish, but as long as they had an impact, the things we did are far from meaningless.

(Enemy health reaches 50%)

Vivian: I—I don't want it to end like this! There must be another way...

Hugo: There isn't, Vivian. This is the final lesson I'll impart to you.

Hugo: Those who cannot give up anything are destined to end up with nothing.

(Enemy health reaches 25%)

Hugo: Truth be told, Proxy, I envy you.

Hugo: The world needs people like you.

The Fall of the Mockingbird

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The Fall of the Mockingbird"

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Video Summary: "I'll be back, like an avalanche."

Story Description: You defeated Hugo, and Vivian took the opportunity to steal the Sacrifice Core. However, Hugo threatened you, and ultimately Lycaon pierced Hugo's chest.

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	Hugo: Alright, you got me. But, too bad—
	Hugo: I have my own methods.
	Vivian: Wh—What are you doing?!
	Hugo: Well then, make your choice. The Sacrifice core, or your precious Phaethon?
	Vivian: ...! Hugo: I know you took it. Don't forget, I'm the one who taught you that.
	Vivian: Okay. The core is yours. Just... leave Lord Phaethon alone!
	Hugo: What a shame...
	Hugo: Did you really think I'd keep my promise?
	Hugo: That's right! This is... the real me.
	Hugo: What's the matter? Thinking of killing me? Didn't you say all life is precious?
	Hugo: Drop your foolish facade! Lycaon: ...I knew it... you...
	Lycaon: ...!
	Jack: He's inherited the seed of evil. Do not let it take root. When the time comes, you must be the one—
	Hugo: ...
	CLANG—
	FWIP—
	CLATTER
	SWOOSH—
	Hugo: Go on, kill me... if you've got the guts. Do it! Traitor!
	SQUELCH
	FWOOSH—
	Vivian: N—No!

Beneath the Twilight

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Beneath the Twilight"

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Video Summary: Softly chanting a farewell melody.

Story Description: You reflect on everything Hugo has done. Vivian believes he is still alive, while Lycaon insists there's no way he survived. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure seems to be watching from nearby.

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Lycaon: Master Proxy, are you okay? Are you hurt?

I'm fine.

Never thought things would take a turn like this...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Don't worry, I'm fine. I just (‍didn't expect things to turn out like this...didn't expect things to turn out like this...Text for Wise / never thought things would turn out like this...never thought things would turn out like this...Text for Belle‍)

Vivian: Lord Phaethon... I'm sorry...

Vivian: I—I had no idea Hugo would do that to you... I'm so sorry!

It's okay, it's not your fault, Vivian.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's alright. No matter what, this isn't your fault, Vivian.

Vivian: If only I'd noticed sooner... I should've realized earlier.

Something isn't right...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Judging from how we've interacted before, Hugo didn't seem like the reckless type... I feel like there's more to this than meets the eye.

Vivian: ...

Vivian quietly walks to the edge of the rooftop. She hesitates for a long time, and finally looks down.
Naturally, nothing's there.

Vivian: Hugo, he...

Lycaon: That's a Hollow down there. If you need, I can arrange for someone to go in and... search for his body.

Vivian: ...That isn't necessary.

Lycaon: To be frank, I thought you'd hate him for his betrayal, Miss Vivian.

Vivian: I do hate that he's keeping things from me, but all these years, Hugo's been like family to me.

Vivian: I... I believe he's still with us.

His injuries were so severe, I don't think...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍His injuries were so severe... Even before he fell into that Hollow, I'm afraid he might've already...His injuries were so severe... Even before he fell into that Hollow, I'm afraid he might've already...Text for Wise / He was hurt so badly. I'm afraid... Even before he fell into that Hollow, he might've already...He was hurt so badly. I'm afraid... Even before he fell into that Hollow, he might've already...Text for Belle‍)

Yeah, perhaps he's still alive

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I feel the same. It's possible he's still alive.I feel the same. It's possible he's still alive.Text for Wise / Me too. There's a chance he's still alive.Me too. There's a chance he's still alive.Text for Belle‍)

Lycaon: I'm terribly sorry, but I must tell you—

Lycaon: It is impossible for Hugo to be alive. My hand went through his heart.

Vivian: ...

Anby: Sorry to interrupt, everyone. But just so you know, Hartman's gone. Probably slipped away during all the chaos.

Lycaon: I'm sorry, I... I was so focused on Master Proxy's safety, I wasn't paying attention to him.

Anby: Same. But it doesn't matter. We all know what he did.

Anby: ...And he will pay for what he did today.

Lycaon: Yes. I'll be reporting all of this to the mayor. He's not getting away with this.

Lycaon: Well then... Now that it's all over, let's head back.

Meanwhile, not far away stands a mysterious figure.

???: ...

???: Another obstacle out of the way.

???: She's going to be pleased about this.

???: ...May the Creator... guide us...

The Future She Saw

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The Future She Saw"

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Video Summary: An unknown misfortune is about to unfold.

Story Description: Vivian saw an unfortunate future related to Phaethon.

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^{[Note 2]}

Vivian: ...

Vivian: Fear, suffering, despair...

Vivian: And... destruction.

Vivian: That's... That's the future I see.

Vivian: Lord Phaethon...

After exiting the Hollow, Lycaon takes his leave while Vivian returns to the video store with us...
But for some reason, she remains silent the entire way...

Vivian: ...

Are you okay, Vivian?

You've been a little out of it.

Vivian: Lord Phaethon, I—I'm fine. Just a little... distracted...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): After what happened... (‍you should get some good rest for a few days!you should get some good rest for a few days!Text for Wise / you deserve some rest.you deserve some rest.Text for Belle‍)

Vivian: Yeah. I need more time to think about Hugo... and the Exaltists.

Vivian: From what I know about Hugo, he could've easily taken down someone like Hartman. There was no need for him to put on such a show.

Vivian: And to deliberately use you as a hostage... But I don't think he ever intended to harm you.

Vivian: What Hugo said in the end... I don't know. Something feels off. And that business with the Sacrifice Core... Maybe there's some deeper, more terrible secret behind all this.

Vivian: ...
Um... I have a small request. It might sound a bit strange, but...

Vivian: Lord Phaethon, can I stay at the video store for a few days? I just... don't want to be alone right now.

Sure, of course.

If you need it...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Yeah. We're not comfortable with leaving you alone like this anyway.

Vivian: Thank you...

Vivian: I—I'll sleep on the couch! I won't disturb Lord Phaethon at all!

Vivian: ...If I wake up and find that everything was just a dream... How wonderful would that be.

 Go back to your bedroom and get some rest

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It's getting late. I should head to my room and get some rest.

(Interact with Warm Bed)

So much has happened. My head is a mess...

Better get some rest first.