Embrace Darkness

Embrace Darkness is the fourth episode of Season 2 - Chapter 4: Memories of Dreams Bygone in Phaethon's Story.

Parts

Whose Story (I)
Dreams in Water
The Past Is All We Can Hold Onto
Back to the Story
A Story Without a Future
A Story About the Future
Something
The Town That Once Was
Will of the Town
Fighting for Only Myself
The Final Showdown

Steps

The Weight of the Self-Bound
1. Enter the safe house and find Yidhari
2. Go to the Town to find Yidhari
3. Talk to the Lantern Bearer
4. Head to the auditorium and have a chat with Pal
5. Enter the auditorium
6. Enter the secret door
7. Talk to Yidhari
8. Head outside the Town
9. Repel the Townspeople blocking the way
10. Leave the Town

Gameplay Notes

During steps 8-10, a trial Yidhari Murphy, Lucia Elowen, and Komano Manato are added to the squad.
- Additionally, Banyue will assist in battle but cannot defeat any enemies.

Trials

Inter-Knot Rank: Legendary Proxy
Team Position	Agent & W-Engine	Skills & Equipment	Stats
1	C0 Yidhari Murphy Lv. 55 Yidhari Murphy	Basic Attack Lv. 9 Dodge Lv. 9 Assist Lv. 9 Special Attack Lv. 9 Chain Attack Lv. 9 Core Skill Lv. 6	HP: 17,768 ATK: 2,131 DEF: 730 Impact: 95 CRIT Rate: 51,8% CRIT DMG: 118,8% Anomaly Mastery: 87 Anomaly Proficiency: 90 PEN Ratio: 0% PEN: 0 Energy Regen: 2,66 Energy Generation Rate: 0% Energy Limit: 120 Sheer Force: 2,331 Adrenaline GainAdrenaline GainAutomatic Adrenaline Accumulation: 0 Adrenaline Generation Rate: 0% Max Adrenaline: 120
1	C0 Yidhari Murphy Lv. 55 Yidhari Murphy	Drive Discs Not Provided Drive Disc Lv. ? Set Bonus None
2	C0 Lucia Elowen Lv. 55 Lucia Elowen	Basic Attack Lv. 9 Dodge Lv. 9 Assist Lv. 9 Special Attack Lv. 9 Chain Attack Lv. 9 Core Skill Lv. 6	HP: 20,113 ATK: 2,025 DEF: 868 Impact: 83 CRIT Rate: 12,2% CRIT DMG: 64,4% Anomaly Mastery: 96 Anomaly Proficiency: 95 PEN Ratio: 0% PEN: 0 Energy Regen: 2,65 Energy Generation Rate: 0% Energy Limit: 120
2	C0 Lucia Elowen Lv. 55 Lucia Elowen	Drive Discs Not Provided Drive Disc Lv. ? Set Bonus None
3	C0 Komano Manato Lv. 55 Komano Manato Grill O'Wisp Lv. 55 Grill O'Wisp	Basic Attack Lv. 9 Dodge Lv. 9 Assist Lv. 9 Special Attack Lv. 9 Chain Attack Lv. 9 Core Skill Lv. 6	HP: 17,962 ATK: 1,711 DEF: 725 Impact: 95 CRIT Rate: 37,4% CRIT DMG: 118,8% Anomaly Mastery: 87 Anomaly Proficiency: 90 PEN Ratio: 0% PEN: 0 Energy Regen: 1,2 Energy Generation Rate: 0% Energy Limit: 120 DMG Bonus: 25,5% +15% Sheer Force: 2,223 Adrenaline GainAdrenaline GainAutomatic Adrenaline Accumulation: 0 Adrenaline Generation Rate: 0% Max Adrenaline: 120
3		Drive Discs Not Provided Drive Disc Lv. ? Set Bonus None

Dialogue

The Weight of the Self-Bound

Whose Story (I)

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Whose Story (I)"

Video Summary: The town's secrets are unveiled — not only is Yidhari sleeping within, but also those haunted by their "dreams".

Story Description: Whose dream... is this?

Embrace Darkness Cutscene Quest Still 01

The sound of water. Water that runs deep and resonates. That is all. No other sound.

A call from the abyss pulls the mind downward. Beneath the currents lies peace. A release from the need to care about anything around you.

Where is this? Why am I here? The jarring feeling brings a moment of clarity, urging reason to seize the chance to surface.

Ah, must be a dream. But whose dream? And why this dream?

The confusion sinks like treasure into the deep water, fading as consciousness begins to rise...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍"Wise..." / "Belle..."‍)

Dreams in Water

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Dreams in Water"

Video Summary: The town's secrets are unveiled — not only is Yidhari sleeping within, but also those haunted by their "dreams".

Story Description: On the way to the safe house, you experience an odd dream... Maybe once this is over, you should get some proper rest.

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

Ah!

That was...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Ah! What was that...?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): What's wrong? (‍We just entered the Hollow and you're already spacing out. Didn't sleep well last night? / We've barely set foot in the Hollow and you're zoning out already. Rough night last night?‍)

Felt like I was underwater just now.

Guess I didn't rest well.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): For a second, I felt like I was underwater... like in a dream or something. Never mind. I think I'm probably just tired.

Komano Manato: Maybe you've been pushing yourself too hard these days. After working all day, you've really gotta get some proper sleep at night.

Lucia: Are you all sleeping at night?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Yeah? When else would we sleep?

Lucia: During the day, of course. Just like (‍Wise / Belle‍), I nap when I can.

Komano Manato: So you do sleep. You've been saying how the Night Horror would take you in your sleep, so I thought you chose not to.

Lucia: You have to sleep. And dreams are important. Granny says dreams are where you talk to those who've passed away.

I was not sleeping...

I was just... zoning out a bit?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I wasn't actually sleeping. (‍I was just spacing out. / I was just zoning out a bit.‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): These past few days have been exhausting. Good thing (‍Miss Zhao's here helping us out. / Miss Zhao's helping us out.‍) Let's finish up quickly and head to Fantasy Resort for a proper break!

I'm wide awake now.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Fantasy Resort! I'm wide awake now. Let's go!

Hearing that snapped me right out of it.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Fantasy Resort! Hearing that snapped me right out of it. Let's go!

Enter the safe house and find Yidhari

Made it safely to the safe house. Let's find Yidhari and try out how five Lumin-Boxes fare.

(Ongoing): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Alright, pull yourself together. Let's head to the safe house to find Yidhari!

(Interact with Safe House Door)

The Past Is All We Can Hold Onto

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"The Past Is All We Can Hold Onto"

Video Summary: The town's secrets are unveiled — not only is Yidhari sleeping within, but also those haunted by their "dreams".

Story Description: As soon as you touch the safe house door, you feel something strange... as if you'd entered someone else's memories. A rain-drenched harbor, benefactors who stopped their sponsorship, a Proxy turning away, and even Sarah whispering her bewitching words... Yes, these are Yidhari's memories.

In front of the safehouse...

	(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's make this quick. As soon as we pick up Yidhari, let's...
	FHOOSH
	(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Huh?
	(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Where... are we...?
	NPC 7: Hari! What are you doing here? You'll catch a cold! NPC 7: Come on, let's go home. You're not going to find them here...
	(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Hari? ...Is she talking to me? Could this be...?
	(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): This is... Yidhari's memory...
	NPC 8: It's been eight years, Hari, eight years. NPC 8: You can't keep going into the Hollow because you "saw your parents." What if something happens and we can't get to you in time!? NPC 7: We understand your pain... your parents were our friends, too. But life goes on, you have to move forward!
	NPC 8: If you keep this up, Hari... We may have to end our support.
	NPC 9: Hey! What the heck is going on? You're freaking me out! I've never seen you like this before! NPC 10: Yeah! You wouldn't respond to us at all, and just started moving on your own...
	NPC 9: What do you mean "people from the past are overlapping and you can't tell them apart"? Look, if you've got some weird disease or something, maybe you shouldn't be a Proxy anymore. NPC 10: Hari... why don't you go get some rest? Since we just bumped into these other Proxies, they should be able to take over from here.
	NPC 9: And hey, just saying this as a friend, stop chasing ghosts from the past, yeah? You've got a whole life ahead of you. NPC 9: Think about the future. How are you supposed to move forward with your friends like this?
	Sarah: You don't need the future, Yidhari. You're special. (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That voice!
	Sarah: Your power was born for the past. To seek, to preserve, and to warn those who would dare to forget it.
	Sarah: Yidhari, you need only live in the past. The stories that once shook the world... they're more than enough to carry you through a lifetime.
	Sarah: Don't you love stories? Don't you want to be part of one?
	Yidhari: ...
	Yidhari: ... CREAK—
	(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Sarah! SHATTER
	Komano Manato: What's wrong, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍). Lucia: Huh? No one's here.

Back to the Story

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Back to the Story"

Video Summary: The town's secrets are unveiled — not only is Yidhari sleeping within, but also those haunted by their "dreams".

Story Description: Yidhari left a note. From the content, she's probably gone back to the town. Guess you'll have to go look for her.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Where's Sarah? (‍The safe house is empty. And Yidhari's not here either... / There's no one in the safe house. And I don't see Yidhari...‍)

A flood of images just hit me.

The harbor, Hollow Raiders, the auditorium, Sarah...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The moment I opened the door, all these images flooded into my head — the harbor, Hollow Raiders, the auditorium of the town, and Sarah!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍It almost felt like I was seeing Yidhari's past through her eyes. / It's like I was looking at Yidhari's past through her eyes.‍)

Fairy: Detected unstable Ether residue on the door handle. It's a strong match for the Ether environment we observed around Yidhari at the auditorium. First contact triggered a significant reaction from the smart lenses in your eyes, Master.

Banyue: Your eyes seem to be connected to an unknown power.

My eyes...

An unknown power...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): An unknown power in my eyes, huh... When did it all start? At the auditorium? When I brought Vivian back? Or even earlier...?

Komano Manato: (‍Wise / Belle‍), you're not about to, uh, manifest one of those "drowned ideals," are you?

No way...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Huh? No way... (‍I think I just slept poorly last night... / It's probably just because I slept poorly last night...‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍A drowned ideal of Wise? Hm... Would I see a version of him with shoulders as broad as Manato's?! / Belle's drowned ideal... is probably just an older version of her, lounging on the couch, watching horror movies.‍)

Now you're just imagining things!

Let's just find Yidhari first!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Alright, alright — (‍enough daydreaming. Let's go find Yidhari already! / no more imagining things or daydreams. Let's find Yidhari already!‍)

Lucia: Look, there're some notes on the table. They must be from Yidhari.

Komano Manato: What's it say on there?

Lucia: Hmm... "'Strawberry Parfait Memo.' Once I'm back at the inn, copy this into the storybook."

Lucia: "This is a tale awakened by the light. It happened in an auditorium buried deep in the mist. One night, a (‍boy / girl‍) with eyes like stars came quietly to visit..."

No need to read the whole thing, right?

We all know how the story goes.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There's no need to read the whole thing... Pretty sure we all know where the story's headed...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Read it all out. It's okay — unless Wise is getting shy or something. This is your big debut as the story's protagonist, after all! / Read it all out. What, are you embarrassed, Belle? This is your first time as the protagonist in a story.‍)

Lucia: Let me see if there's anything we don't know yet... Ah, here, on the last page.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): "Moss's words made me realize — that was (‍Wise / Belle‍)'s Story, not mine. I should return to my own story. Thank you for coming to find me..."

Komano Manato: What does that mean?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I'm not entirely sure what that means, (‍but one name's standing out. Loud and clear. / but one name clearly stands out.‍)

Moss again!

To "the town"!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Yep, Moss again! Yidhari's probably gone back to "the town." (‍Let's go ask her. / We should go and ask her directly.‍)

Before long, you arrive at "the town" and split up to ask the "townsfolk" if anyone has seen Yidhari...

Go to the Town to find Yidhari

From what we know, Yidhari has returned to the Town, but why? Let's head back to the Town and check it out.

(Ongoing): (SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Why would Yidhari return to the town... She has no reason to go back there...

(Approach the designated area)

Talk to the Lantern Bearer

The Lantern Bearer is in the Town. She doesn't seem hostile, and there's no Wandering Hunter near her. Try talking to her.

(Ongoing): (SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): That's... Lantern Bearer! Why is she here...

(Talk to Lantern Bearer): Lucia: Ah! You're...; Lantern Bearer: Hmm... I was also called Lucia, but now that I've met you, I guess I should be called Little~ Lucia~; Banyue: No sign of the Wandering Hunter nearby... Has it gone into hiding...; Little Lucia: Looking for Ah-Deh? He's not here yet, but he'll be coming to pick me up soon.; Lucia: ! Ah-Deh...; What are you doing here?; Are you also... a "townsfolk"?; Little Lucia: I'm just here to play! This little town is super interesting and totally new! I've been coming here to hang out ever since I discovered it~; Little Lucia: Lucia, do you like this town? Every time I come here, I see so many interesting things, and~ it's perfect for hide-and-seek!; Lucia: Ah-Deh... hide-and-seek... are you really my drowned ideal...?; Little Lucia: Why are you asking that? You should know what your drowned ideal looks like.; Lucia: I'm not sure... Actually, I've never dreamed about my future self. I think I'm already living my ideal life right now, going on adventures everywhere and making friends with everything I encounter...; Lucia: Why would my drowned ideal be my childhood self...?; Little Lucia: How's this for a reason: because tiny little me... is perfect for hide and seek~; Lucia: ...; Little Lucia: Here's a little hint for you: Yidhari's playing hide-and-seek here too~; You know Yidhari?!; You've seen Yidhari?!; Little Lucia: Yeah, but every time I see her, she's fast asleep. Moss told me her name though and kept saying "Yidhari belongs to the town."; Little Lucia: She's somewhere in this town, but where exactly~? You'll have to find her yourselves, I'm not gonna help you cheat~; I've got a pretty good idea where she might be.; I'll go look.; Lucia: I'd like to talk with... little Lucia a bit more. Could you go ahead first, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)? I'll catch up with you in a bit.; Banyue: I'll keep watch. If I spot the Wandering Hunter, I'll engage immediately.

Head to the auditorium and have a chat with Pal

Yidhari is likely in the auditorium, and Pal seems lost in thought in front of the auditorium doors. Let's have a chat with him.

(Talk to Komano Manato, optional): Komano Manato: Why won't you come back to Failume Heights? Porcelumex is looking for you too.; West: Why I won't go back? ...I hate the thought of becoming my old self again.; West: When I first started at Porcelumex, I thought about getting a teaching certificate in my spare time to tutor kids part-time. But once you stay in that cutthroat environment long enough, you just don't have the energy to think about stuff like that anymore.; West: Pal once said he didn't want to fight tooth and nail with others for survival every day, and I feel the same way. I just want to live like this, not having to worry about survival, just living my life. Even if I can't leave this town, I'm fine with that.; West: So I'm not going anywhere, and I also know who you're looking for. Sorry, but Moss gave me strict instructions, so my lips are sealed.

(Arrive in front of the auditorium): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's Pal... What's he doing in front of the auditorium...

(Talk to Pal): "Martial Arts Master" Pal: Maybe I should... head back to Failume Heights.; What made you change your mind all of a sudden?; Why do you suddenly want to go back?; "Martial Arts Master" Pal: I spent some time searching outside the Town and picked up many skyletters. Among them, I found one from my parents. When I opened it, their wish was written inside: "May our whole family celebrate the Tidefaire together every year."; "Martial Arts Master" Pal: Such a simple wish, yet now it can never come true... It shouldn't be like this... Pal should be by their side. What's the point of being so powerful if I can't even do that...?; There's still time to return.; "Martial Arts Master" Pal: Oh, you think so too...? You're here for Yidhari, right? She's behind the auditorium doors. I don't know what's going on in there, but I heard Moss say she'll fall into an eternal slumber in endless darkness...; "Martial Arts Master" Pal: If you can really get her outta here... then I guess it's time for me to head back to Failume Heights with you all.; "Martial Arts Master" Pal: Go ahead, check out the auditorium while Moss is still out scouting.

Enter the auditorium

(Ongoing): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Behind the door...?

(Interact with Auditorium Entrance)

(A cutscene plays)

(After the cutscene finishes): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Yidhari!; Yidhari: That voice... Stay back... It's dangerous...

(Reach the halfway point)
(Voices ring): Yidhari: I always... go with the flow...; Yidhari: Believing that I could fit into everyone else's story.; Yidhari: But everyone leaves eventually...

(Approach further)
(Voices ring again): Yidhari: And in the end, I'll remain here...; Yidhari: Voices are calling me. I can't abandon them...; Yidhari: I should... embrace my true desire...; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Don't listen to those voices!

(Reach Yidhari)

A Story Without a Future

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"A Story Without a Future"

Video Summary: The town's secrets are unveiled — not only is Yidhari sleeping within, but also those haunted by their "dreams".

Story Description: Somewhere in the mist, for reasons unknown, Yidhari gave up on leaving and is about to drift back to sleep again. Wake her up.

Through layers of dark mist, past the echoes of constant accusations, a single voice breaks through into the auditorium.

"Yidhari!"

"Ah... no, I can't. The story's over... I should sleep now..."

(‍"Stay with me, Yidhari! I promised I'd get you out of the Hollow!""Stay with me, Yidhari! I promised I'd get you out of the Hollow!"Text for Wise / "Come on! Wake up! Yidhari! You promised we'd leave the Hollow together!""Come on! Wake up! Yidhari! You promised we'd leave the Hollow together!"Text for Belle‍)

"My story ends right here. This is where I drift off..."

"I'm sorry... If only we had met sooner, but we only found each other at the end of the story..."

A Story About the Future

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"A Story About the Future"

Video Summary: The town's secrets are unveiled — not only is Yidhari sleeping within, but also those haunted by their "dreams".

Story Description: Somewhere in the mist, for reasons unknown, Yidhari gave up on leaving and is about to drift back to sleep again. Wake her up.

Embrace Darkness Cutscene Quest Still Wise 02

Embrace Darkness Cutscene Quest Still Belle 02

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The end? No, this is the beginning! The Strawberry Parfait storybook has just begun! Remember?

Yidhari: Ah... my storybook...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Don't sleep yet! Keep writing! As a reader, I am not letting you walk away after one chapter of your story! / Don't you dare fall asleep now! You've got more to write, and as a reader I am not letting you drop a story after one chapter!‍)

Yidhari: Hmm... I...

At last, the girl reaches out her hand, like she's grasping for a pen. She chooses to shake off her drowsiness and try writing again.

The story you don't want to read further fades away with the dark mist, and the harsh voices disappear from the auditorium.

Something

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Something"

Video Summary: The town's secrets are unveiled — not only is Yidhari sleeping within, but also those haunted by their "dreams".

Story Description: Yidhari stirs from her slumber and explains why she returned here. It's because she saw something in the room behind the door. It is the town's truth... and despair.

Yidhari: Phew...

How do you feel?

Feeling any clearer?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): How do you feel? (‍Your head any clearer now? / Any more awake?‍)

Yidhari: I think I had a nightmare about someone pressuring me to finish the next chapter...

If you keep sleeping...

That nightmare would totally come true.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): If you keep sleeping, the nightmare will totally come true.

Yidhari: Sorry, (‍Wise / Belle‍). I've caused you trouble again...

What exactly happened?

Why are you back again?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What happened, Yidhari? You said you'd wait for me at the Safe House. Why'd you come back on your own?

Yidhari: Maybe I just couldn't resist my curiosity... Moss showed me the truth about "the town," but the truth brought nothing but despair...

Yidhari: Would you like to see?

Yidhari: Behind that door in the corner... there's a hidden room. That's where the ending is — not just mine, but the ending for everyone in "the town."

Enter the secret door

Yidhari says there's a secret door in the corner of the auditorium, and behind it lies the truth about this town.

(Talk to Sarah, optional): Sarah: This is it, the hidden door appeared! Quick, keep Yidhari stable. Do we have enough sedatives left?; Exaltist Follower: We still have plenty. Even with Lumite ore placed around as a buffer, it's still hard to negate the effects that frequent use of her abilities has on her.; Exaltist Follower: Miasma, Lumite ore, sedatives... with these three different influences, she'll become more emotional and her power will be unstable the next time she awakens.; Sarah: Don't worry, by that time, we'll have already found the passage behind the door... the path leading to the Creator's embrace.; Exaltist Follower: There's something I don't understand... Yidhari's no pushover in combat. How did you get her to willingly stay confined here?; Sarah: It was nothing special. I simply just... gave her a little push when she was hesitant.; Exaltist Follower: So all these webs binding her... she created them herself...; Sarah: Both yes and no. Don't you get it yet? The replication power Yidhari possesses is closely tied to Miasma. Being tied to Miasma, it inevitably carries the Creator's will within it. Even the slightest trace is enough to influence people.; Sarah: What seems like a self-woven prison is actually flowing with the Creator's whispers through its Miasmic strands.; Exaltist Follower: Ah...; Sarah: The Creator must have noticed her from the first time she used her power... Impressive, she's been fighting the whispers for so long. But... she's reaching her limit, and soon she'll fall into eternal sleep here.; Sarah: Alright, the door looks stable now. What kind of path lies beyond? Let's head in and find out, Moss.; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Moss? Is it a coincidence? No... it can't be, Moss was an Exaltist all along!)

(Interact with Dropped Files, optional): This is a diagnostic report issued two years ago.; Except for the name "Viggo Moss," everything else has been violently crossed out.; Especially the diagnosis and treatment plan — they were crossed out with such force, the pen strokes pierced right through the paper.

(Interact with Secret Door)
(A transition plays)

Talk to Yidhari

What are these giant cocoon-like plants? And what's their connection to the Town? Let's ask Yidhari about it.

(Ongoing): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): In those cocoons...; Yidhari: This is the truth the town holds, and the reason I can't leave.

(Talk to Yidhari): Yidhari: This is... what Moss showed me.; They're like... giant plants.; They're like... giant cocoons.; Yidhari: Yeah... And if you look closely, there are people inside. Let me tell you their story and how it connects to this town.

The Town That Once Was

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"The Town That Once Was"

Video Summary: The town's secrets are unveiled — not only is Yidhari sleeping within, but also those haunted by their "dreams".

Story Description: Yidhari recounts the town's origins. Led by Sarah, Yidhari arrived at the empty Hollow and used her power to recreate the entire town. Those who were lost in the town were encased in cocoons just before becoming Ethereals, and the drowned ideals replaced the people inside the cocoons, becoming the new "townspeople."

The land was bare when it all began.

	Yidhari: Overgrown weeds and desolate gravel were all it had to offer to its visitors—
	Yidhari: Fanatics, conspirators... and a prisoner who had yet to realize she would be trapped here for a long, long time.
	Yidhari: The fanatics manipulated the prisoner. Then they relied on her. Here, on this barren land, they tried to peer into the Hollow's memories.
	Yidhari: The remnants of Etheric structures were gradually tracked down and pieced back together... until the town took shape.
	Yidhari: One day, the fanatics found what they were looking for. And they just left, leaving behind the illusory walls and the prisoner, drifting between sleep and waking.
	Yidhari: Had no one shown up... the town might've lingered forever, until the prisoner lost herself completely.
	Yidhari: No one knows how much time had passed. But one day, lost wanderers in the Hollow came knocking. They were already breaking down, nearly consumed by corruption, on the verge of turning into Ethereals.
	Yidhari: The town took them in, wrapped them in cocoons, and sheltered them just before the moment of turning. DRAAAAG!!
	Yidhari: Maybe it was the Miasma. Maybe it was the town's will. Or maybe... it was both. But eventually...
	Yidhari: They emerged, no longer lost. They became the town's people, the cocoon's chosen agents.
	Yidhari: They call themselves "drowned ideals."
	Yidhari: Moss once tested it. If a cocoon is broken, the person inside turns into an Ethereal immediately.
	Yidhari: Perhaps, there's a voice inside me that's been holding me back all along. If I leave the Hollow, the town and its cocoons will disappear. Yidhari: And the people... once exposed again to the Miasma, they'll turn into Ethereals in an instant.
	(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): No wonder Moss said you belonged to the town... Was he the first lost wanderer that arrived here? Yidhari: No, he's the most obsessed with the town. But he wasn't the first. Yidhari: There were other unwelcome visitors long before them. Non-human visitors...
	Moss: Lantern Bearer and Wandering Hunter.
	Moss: To the townsfolk, they were monsters to be both respected and feared, and the town could not turn them away.

Will of the Town

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Will of the Town"

Video Summary: The town's secrets are unveiled — not only is Yidhari sleeping within, but also those haunted by their "dreams".

Story Description: Moss appears. He calls this place "the Cradle." The cocoons, he explains, are the original bodies of the lost ones. The town itself wraps those who are on the verge of becoming Ethereals inside the cocoons, allowing their drowned ideals to exist. The town has a will of its own. It is that will that keeps Yidhari from leaving the Hollow, to prevent both the town and the cocoons from disappearing. Not long after Moss leaves, Manato and the others arrive at the auditorium only to find that Moss has already rallied the townsfolk around it.

Moss: Welcome to "the Cradle."

Yidhari: It's you...

Moss: Oh? You can actually see me here? That's wonderful. I thought I'd only be visible to you in a place like that Safe House.

Yidhari: Not many people come and go here. After a while, it becomes easy to recognize you.

Moss!

Don't tell me these cocoons are...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Moss! Don't tell me these cocoons are...

Moss: Yes, that's the "true bodies of the townsfolk" you've been looking for. But I'd rather call them "who we used to be."

Moss: The first time I appeared in the Hollow, I came face to face with myself — a Moss who was half-mad from the Corruption. I knew he didn't have much time left. Either he'd die, or he'd turn into an Ethereal.

Moss: So I scrambled for supplies and shelter, trying to win another me a fighting chance. I mean, I was an investigator. But it didn't matter what I was; the outcome depended on him, and he was a coward.

Moss: In the end, we made it to the town. Just as he was about to turn into an Ethereal, the surrounding Miasma moved first, wrapping him up and forming a cocoon. I understood then: the town had stopped him from becoming an Ethereal, and the town had chosen me.

Moss: I owe you my thanks, Yidhari. The town's choice was your choice. The cocoons and the town are bound together. If you leave the Hollow, they'll vanish, and the people sleeping inside will likely turn into Ethereals instantly.

Yidhari: So that's why I can't leave the Hollow... But the last few times I tried, I didn't even know about the cocoons...

Moss: I think it was because she marked you and stopped you.

Yidhari: She? Who's she...

Moss: Have you heard the town whisper?

Yidhari: Back at the auditorium, half-asleep... I heard a voice that sounded just like mine, telling me over and over to "embrace my true desire."

I heard that too when I first got there.

That voice really did sound like yours.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Come to think of it / Now that you mention it‍), I did hear a voice like yours when I first arrived in "the town"...

Moss: That's her. She's the will of the town. The town is alive, breathing, thinking, speaking to everyone who walks its streets. Yidhari, the town told me itself — she's your drowned ideal.

Moss: One day, you'll be fully cocooned too, becoming the town's heart, watching over every lost soul in the Cradle, sheltering them, guiding them into their new lives.

Moss: That's how it was meant to be... but because of (‍Wise / Belle‍)'s interference, you've stopped wanting to dream. (‍He / She‍) gave you new dreams, didn't she? The new dreams made you want more than just watching other people's stories.

Moss: I don't want to abandon the cocoons, and I don't want to break my promise to Belle. I hate the feeling of being left behind... That's why this time, I'm going to find an ending where I can hold on to both.

Yidhari: I don't want to abandon the cocoons, and I don't want to break my promise to (‍Wise / Belle‍). I hate the feeling of being left behind... That's why this time, I'm going to find an ending where I can hold on to both.

(Push Lumin-Boxes closer to the cocoons.)

The cocoons react, a sudden flash of bright light bursting from within — but it lasts only a few seconds, and then fades away completely.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍A weak reaction... / Barely a flicker...‍) Even with this many Lumin-Boxes, it's still not enough...

Moss: Wait. What are those in your hand? Did they just cause the cocoons to react?... No way, those things are dangerous. Could you... hand them over to me?

I refuse.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Sorry, but these are extremely important. / No, I can't. These are very important.‍)

Moss: I thought I could guide you gently, and eventually you'd become part of the town. But you're not just stubborn, you're even trying to take the townsfolk away... Looks like I'll have to use... stronger methods.

Moss: We still have a lot to discuss — about Lantern Bearer, Wandering Hunter, and why Manato still hasn't cocooned. But it seems we just don't have the patience anymore. Fine. We'll talk after you've cocooned, when we're kin.

Moss smiles slyly and leaves quickly.

Yidhari: Let's get out of here and tell everyone about the cocoons.

You've barely stepped out when noise from outside reaches your ears.

Lucia: Oh, Yidhari's here too!

Komano Manato: You guys okay? Moss came out of the auditorium yelling, and then the townsfolk suddenly swarmed us. We had to fall back here. What's going on?

Their actual bodies are behind the door!

Their bodies are wrapped in cocoons!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The townsfolk's actual bodies are down in that room. They're all wrapped in cocoons!

Komano Manato: Got it. I'll hold the door, and you guys figure out how to open those cocoons.

It's not that simple...

We can't just rip them open.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's not that simple... If we destroy the cocoons, the people inside will be corrupted and instantly turn into Ethereals.

Banyue: What if we take the cocoons out of the Hollow?

Lucia: I took a look. The cocoons are really tall, and there's a ton of them. I don't think moving them while fighting's gonna work.

Komano Manato: Tsk, can't fight, can't move them... these cocoons are basically hostages. Looks like our only choice is to fight our way out and get word to Miss Zhao's rescue team. Let's go!

Head outside the Town

Moss's attitude has changed. He's gathering the townspeople to surround us, probably planning to trap everyone here and force us to cocoon... No choice left but to fight our way out!

(Ongoing): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's get out of here and bring back the news about the cocoons!

(Approach the designated area)
(A cutscene plays): NPC 10: Quick, to the auditorium!; NPC 11: Stop them!; NPC 12: Get to safety if you can't fight!

Repel the Townspeople blocking the way

Repel the Townspeople blocking the way

(Ongoing): Banyue: Many of the townsfolk have gathered already.; Komano Manato: Let's go! The longer we wait, the more of them there will be!

(After defeating the first wave of enemies): Lucia: The road ahead is blocked!; Yidhari: Hmm, let's try another way.; Komano Manato: Can you tell us apart?; Yidhari: I took note of how you dressed and sounded back at the safe house.; Yidhari: As long as there aren't too many figures, I can recognize you, though your faces still look blurred to me...; Komano Manato: That's good enough. It'll make it easier to fight together.; Lucia: That's right. Strawberry Parfait, Aratama-maru! Get ready to unleash the combo move!; Komano Manato: That's not the kind of teamwork I meant!

Leave the Town

The exit's up ahead. Keep moving and get out of the Town.

(Ongoing): Komano Manato: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)! Watch out!; Komano Manato: Ughh!; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Manato! What's wrong? Are you hurt?; Komano Manato: I'm fine. Someone's shooting at you. Go now, don't stop to fight—I'll cover you!

(Approach the designated area): Komano Manato: These things seem just like the Miasma monsters. They can't be killed...; (SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Exactly. Even if they disappear, they'll come back after a while!; Komano Manato: That means we really can't waste time fighting. Let's push straight for the exit!; Banyue: I'll lead the way!

(Arrive at the top of the passage): Lucia: These townsfolk suddenly attacked us...; Komano Manato: It must've been an order from Moss.; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It must have something to do with the cocoons. He was pretty calm before we discovered them.; Komano Manato: The cocoons are their hostages... but also their lifelines.; Banyue: Are we not one and the same?

(Approach the exit): Komano Manato: The town's exit is just up ahead. Hurry!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): It's Manato's drowned ideal! He doesn't seem hostile... Is he waiting for us?

Fighting for Only Myself

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Fighting for Only Myself"

Video Summary: The town's secrets are unveiled — not only is Yidhari sleeping within, but also those haunted by their "dreams".

Story Description: Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato suddenly lashes out, sword aiming at Banyue, determined to prove he's stronger. Manato draws his blade to stop him.

No one is chasing anymore. It seems safe here.

Ahead stands the drowned ideal in white, making no move to block the group. He simply walks toward Banyue, and then...

Embrace Darkness Cutscene Quest Still 03

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: Hmph!

A pale sword-wind whips through the air like a silver serpent, the clang of metal coming a beat late.

Banyue: Ugh! Komano Manato! What are you doing?

Komano Manato: Don't yell at me — it's not like I — hey! What the hell are you doing?!

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: What am I doing? You know damn well. I'm doing what you really want to do! Don't deny it — "if only I were stronger than Banyue," — isn't that exactly what you're thinking right now?!

Before the words can settle, several more strikes follow.

Komano Manato: You...!

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: I'm the dream you can't reach. And I'll prove Komano Manato can. Stay out of this, just watch — that's the difference between us. I can swing my sword for me, for Komano Manato, and you can't!

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: Come on, Banyue! No one's here to interfere. Stop blocking. Fight me for real!

Banyue: I refuse! I have vowed to fight only to save lives. I shall never swing blindly again!

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: Then I'll hit you until you fight back, you'll see who should be running with their tail between their legs!

Komano Manato: Grrr... That's enough!

Manato steps in front of Banyue, his blade catching the drowned ideal's strike.

The Final Showdown

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"The Final Showdown"

Video Summary: The town's secrets are unveiled — not only is Yidhari sleeping within, but also those haunted by their "dreams".

Story Description: Komano Manato and the drowned ideal agree: their next meeting will be a duel. After settling Yidhari in the safe house, everyone will return to Failume Heights to begin the final rescue operation. This will be the final showdown.

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: Tsk. Again, Banyue!

Komano Manato: Grrr...! Hey! If you're gonna fight, fight me! Leave the others out of it!

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: Fight you? I want a real rival who can stand on their own, not someone who's injured like you are now.

Manato, your injuries...

Manato, are you alright?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Manato, (‍you're injured / your injuries‍)... Are you okay?

Komano Manato: I'm fine. It's just...

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: It's just a scratch.

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: I'll say it for you. You tell everyone that, but can you really fool yourself? You are always covering the rear, always taking direct hits.

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: How can we fight fair when you're never at full strength?

Banyue: One of you fights to protect his friends. The other swings for pride and would attack even the innocent. Who is truly stronger? The answer is obvious.

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: Friends? Komano Manato doesn't need any friends. Carrying something meaningless like that will only weigh your sword down.

Komano Manato: Enough. You just want a clean fight, right? So do I. Next time, just you and me. No one else.

Drowned Ideal - Komano Manato: ...Fine. I'll trust you this once. Show up next time without half a dozen injuries, and I'll show you just how strong you could've been.

With that, the drowned ideal steps aside. Instead of heading for "the town," he just leans lazily against the wall, waiting for himself to fade away. Maybe this "Komano Manato" really doesn't need friends...

Komano Manato: Forget about him. We're out of the town now, but what's next? Yidhari, what do you wanna do?

Yidhari: ...

Komano Manato: ...Alright. Pass this message for me, (‍Wise / Belle‍), please.

Yidhari, what do you want to do now?

Komano Manato: Yidhari, what do you (‍think we should do now? / want to do now?‍)

Yidhari: Ah, I want to go to the Safe House.

And so, under Yidhari's guidance, you find another path to the safe house. After taking quite a complicated path, you finally arrive...

Lucia: So that means... even if we find a way out, we can't really use it, can we?

If Moss is right...

That "the town" only trapped Yidhari for the cocoons.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): If Moss is right, "the town" trapped Yidhari to protect the cocoons. If we can solve the cocoon problem, everything else should fall into place.

Komano Manato: I'd trust half of Moss's words, at most.

Yidhari: I tend to... muddle through things without thinking too hard, but once I start something, I can't just quit halfway. To keep the cocoons safe, I can't leave the Hollow yet. Sorry if this weird ability of mine's been a burden...

Banyue: Oh, don't say that. Because of your ability, many of the lost ones finally have a chance of making it out alive. So what if it's a little peculiar?

Protecting others means protecting yourself too.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That said, protecting others means protecting yourself too. Don't just put your life on the line every time.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Yeah, (‍I agree / agreed‍). You hear that, Manato?

Komano Manato: Huh? Oh...

Komano Manato: It's really just a scratch, I swear...

Lucia: I'm curious — Yidhari, if you can't tell who's who in the Hollow, how do you even fight?

Yidhari: By sensing hostility. I don't ignore anyone who tries to attack me, illusions or not. Better to hit them all, just in case~

Yidhari: Sometimes I do end up swinging my hammer at thin air... but most of the time I'm on target. And now that (‍Wise / Belle‍)'s here, she can steer me toward the real enemies.

From now on, (‍you wait for us before doing anything. / wait for me before doing anything!‍)

Don't open the door for anyone.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): From now on, wait for me before doing anything. And whatever you do, don't open the door for anyone.

Lucia: Oh, and here — hold on to this little drum. If a knocwisp knocks, you can scare it off with this. Raise your hand if you have any questions.

Komano Manato: Ahem... Knocwisp? What's that?

Lucia: ...

Manato raises his hand.

Lucia: Knocwisps: a clever variant of Doppelgangers. They come by the Safe House at night, knocking and calling your name to open the door in a human voice.

Lucia: If you hear them calling, don't answer — hit the drum instead.

Yidhari also raises her hand.

Yidhari: So... how exactly should I drum?

Lucia: Match their knocks. They knock, you drum. Three rounds of that, and they will run off.

Lucia: Alright, knocwisp Q&A session over!

Manato raises his hand. Once again.

Let's go, Manato. Time to head back.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Alright, Manato. Let's head back.

(Put his hand down.)

Komano Manato: What are you doing?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Nothing. I just couldn't help pushing it down.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Everyone's rested up, so let's get back to Failume Heights. Now that we know where the cocoons are, no more tiptoeing around — the next step's our showdown with "the town!" / Since everyone's rested up, let's get back to Failume Heights. Now that we know the location of the cocoons, there's no need to tiptoe around anymore— it's time to take down "the town!"‍)

Other Languages

Language	Official Name
English	Embrace Darkness
Chinese (Simplified)	包裹黑暗
Chinese (Traditional)	包裹黑暗
Japanese	包まれる闇
Korean	어둠을 품고 Eodumeul Pumgo
Spanish	Aceptando la oscuridad
French	Embrasser les ténèbres
Russian	Объятия тьмы Ob"yatiya t'my
Thai	ห่อหุ้มด้วยความมืด
Vietnamese	Bóng Tối Bao Phủ
German	Umhüllte Finsternis
Indonesian	Menyelimuti Kegelapan
Portuguese	Abraçando a Escuridão