First Encounter With Trouble
Last updated 2026-07-28
First Encounter With Trouble is the third episode of Season 3 - Chapter 1: A Sleepwalker's Confession in Phaethon's Story.
Parts
- Restless Dreams
- Sudden Awakening
- No Small Trouble
- Tough Questions and Real Talk
- Rules of "Retirement"
Steps
- Celestial Nexus
Gameplay Notes
- Completing step 1 awards the Booastrum achievement Universal View, Activate!.
- Completing step 4 unlocks the event Bangbang! The Genius and the Miracle Chip.
Dialogue
Celestial Nexus
Restless Dreams
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Restless DreamsVideo Summary: "A look back... or a sign of what's to come?
Story Description: (WiseWise /
- Sleep sinks beneath the iceberg of memory, where scattered fragments, like warped flashes of light, drift through the mind, slowly piecing together scenes from the past...
- Told you... pull it off... no problem.
- ...I was freaking out! If the teacher caught Wise and Serpico swapping outfits, the four of us would've been toast.
- My brother only did that to help you get your textbook!
- Truvia: Yeah? And whose fault was it for bringing the wrong schedule? Hmph. Don't expect me to go easy on you like last time in today's test. Get ready to cry!
- Belle: Hmph, you said that last time too — and we still won.
- Truvia: Oh? Then what about the time before that, and the one before that, and the one before that?!
- Belle: Then what about the time before those, huh?!
- Wise: My head's spinning... Serpico, help!
- Serpico: Alright, alright, you two geniuses, the test hasn't even started yet. Don't get so worked up.
- Serpico: Wanna hear some gossip? I heard we're using the new implants we just calibrated today. I'm actually looking forward to it.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): New implants? ...Wait, isn't this just a regular test?
- Serpico: Not from what I've heard.
- Truvia: Is it just me, or has Miss Carole been acting kinda mysterious lately?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Um, I–I think...
- Serpico: Think what...?
- Serpico: (What's up, bro? NeverWhat's up, bro? Never /
Belle, what's wrong? I've neverBelle, what's wrong? I've never) seen you this nervous before. You worried about compatibility issues or something? - (ProtagonistProtagonist): No... it's just a feeling... (a strong feeling that... if we go...a strong feeling that... if we go... /
a bad one... like if we go...a bad one... like if we go...) we'll lose something important forever... - (ProtagonistProtagonist): Serpico, Truvia! Don't go... We shouldn't go to the test today!
- Serpico: Heh, look at you, all scared.
- Serpico: Or could it be...
- Serpico: You're so afraid... because you already know... you're gonna to kill me?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): No—! That's not it! I don't know! I never meant to—!
- Truvia: ...
- Truvia: ...This is all because of you... Otherwise, Serpico wouldn't have...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): No... I'm sorry, I'm sorry, (I'm sorry,I'm sorry,) I'm sorry... Please... Serpico, Truvia... please... don't... don't look at me like that...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I—I...I—I... /
I—I...!!I—I...!!) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): Serpico! Watch out—
- BOOM—!!
Sudden Awakening
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Sudden AwakeningVideo Summary: Behind the "small" commotion lies a deeper predicament.
Story Description: A thunderous boom jolted (WiseWise /
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): *panting* ...Where am I...? Was I... dreaming?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): We were talking about school stuff all day... No wonder I... Wait — what was that noise just now?
- A knock sounds at the door...
- Hey, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle)? You awake? 
I'm up!- Be right out!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (...I'm up! Be right out!...I'm up! Be right out! /
...Oh! I'm up! I'm coming out!...Oh! I'm up! I'm coming out!) - One minute later...
- (SiblingSibling): Did you hear that? It sounded like it came from the academy!
- Let's go take a look.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Let's go take a look.Let's go take a look. /
Let's go check it out.Let's go check it out.)
- (Ongoing)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): The sound's coming from the (academy.academy. /
academy!academy!) Better (gogo) take a look...
- (Idle, outside the academy gates)
- Student 1: Did something explode?! Nearly gave me a heart attack!
- Student 2: Is the person inside okay? That looks pretty serious...
- (Idle)
- Flustered Student: This explosion... something feels off...
- Anxious Student: I hope nothing's happened...
- (Talk to the Flustered Student, optional)
- Flustered Student: What do we do? Something feels off...
- Anxious Student: I know, right! If this keeps up...
- Are you worried about the explosion?
- I heard thing's [sic] are fine.
- Flustered Student: The explosion? We're used to those by now.
- Flustered Student: But after this explosion, not a single soul's come out alive!
- Anxious Student: Yeah, exactly! Every time there was an explosion before, a short little student would come running out right after...
- Flustered Student: She's called Norma! When are you gonna stop being so bad at remembering people's names?
- Anxious Student: Ah, sorry about that... Anyway, the fact that Norma hasn't run out yet this time... doesn't really bode well.
- (Idle)
- Student 3: What happened? Did something explode?
- Student 4: Looks like it's Norma again...
- Student 5: Oh, that makes sense then...
- (Idle, by the photo-taking students)
- Fenella: Children, go back to the dorms! This doesn't concern you.
- (Talk to Fenella, optional)
- Fenella: Sorry, did I scare you guys?
- I'm okay...
- What happened?
- Fenella: Relax, it's not an earthquake or anything. It was just a little explosion from one of the experiments.
- Fenella: One of the basements here is an ESD lab. Sometimes, experiments go sideways and... boom.
- Fenella: It's happened quite a few times by now. We're pretty much used to it.
- Fenella: But don't worry. Someone'll come clean this mess up real soon.
- (Approach the designated location)
- Norma: Hello—?! Anyone there?!
- Norma: Someone help me out here—
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): ...Norma?
- (Interact with the Cellar)
- Norma: Is anyone out there—?!
- Norma: Can anyone hear me—?!
- Norma... It's you.
- Norma: That voice... (WiseWise /
BelleBelle)! Thank goodness, you're a lifesaver! - What happened?
- Norma: *ahem* It's a bit complicated...
- Norma: Long story short, I was in the middle of an experiment. You know how experiments always come with a bit of risk.
- Norma: So this whole situation is simply a normal consequence of experimental risk!
- Did you blow up the basement?
- Norma: It's really not that bad. Some of the equipment down here malfunctioned, and then an accident ended up locking the door.
- Norma: And on top of that, the door's control panel shorted out, so I can't open it from inside anymore.
- Norma: Oh, you see that small terminal to your left?
- Norma: I'll give you the access permissions for this type of equipment on the island. You can use it to connect to the indoor cameras. After that, I'll tell you how to get me out!
- (Open Universal Terminal Access Tutorial tutorial)
- (Ongoing)
- (SiblingSibling): According to Norma, we should try this device.
- (Access the surveillance camera)
-
- (Open Real-Time Surveillance Tutorial tutorial)
- Norma: (Wise!Wise! /
Belle!Belle!) I'm over here! - (ProtagonistProtagonist): What do we do now, Norma?
- Norma: You see that camera up ahead?
- Norma: Switch the view to over there!
- (If the camera is pointed at Norma for too long)
- Norma: Hey, focus! Don't think I don't know you're observing me!
- (Scanned Targets)
- (Scanning Norma Hollowel)
-
- Name: Norma Hollowel
- Insufficient permissions to access more info
- (Scanning Researcher Bangboo)
-
- Identity: Researchboo
- Status: Signal lost...
- (Scanning Ultra Jake)
-
- Name: Jake
- Status: Signal lost...
- (After taking over the other camera)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Now what, Norma?
- Norma: See that device on the left side of the door?
- Norma: You can open the door with that!
- (After opening access control)
-
- (Open Game Rules tutorial)
- (After completing the puzzle)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): The door's open! Let's head (inin /
downdown) and check on Norma.
- (Talk to Norma)
No Small Trouble
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
No Small TroubleVideo Summary: Behind the "small" commotion lies a deeper predicament.
Story Description: After the siblings head into the Cellar, Norma brushes off what went down in the lab, then freaks out when she realizes she's brought the most troublesome person straight to her door...
- Norma: Yes! It worked! Belle, Wise, thank you guys! See? The proxies are super dependable!
- These Bangboo...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): These Bangboo... Are they gonna be okay?
- Norma: They're my test assistants. They got caught in the blast too. But don't worry, I've already looked them over. They'll recover soon.
- Norma: Unfortunately though... the place is a mess now. Let's move them upstairs and air this place out.
- Just then, a voice rings out...
- There's still a risk of a secondary blast. All unauthorized personnel, step back. I'll go in first.
- Norma: That voice... Oh no, I just attracted the worst possible person!
- (They run into a stern woman)
Tough Questions and Real Talk
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Tough Questions and Real TalkVideo Summary: Behind the "small" commotion lies a deeper predicament.
Story Description: The explosion drew the attention of Sigrid, Deputy Director of the Airspace Patrol Department. Through her and Velina, the siblings pieced together the dire situation the External Strategy Department is currently facing.
- ???: Causing a huge commotion at the academy in the dead of night... I knew it was you.
- Norma: S—Sigrid...
- Sigrid: Airspace Patrol and I may be used to this sort of thing, but lately, tensions are high. Even small disturbances can set people on edge.
- Sigrid: Being energetic is not a bad thing. But for now... try to rein in those "brilliant ideas" of yours.
- Norma: Wait, Sigrid! I was conducting a very serious technical adjustment. This was a pre-stress test for tomorrow's logic core trial.
- Sigrid: Logic core?
- Sigrid: Researcher Norma, you should be glad none of my patrol units are Bangboo.
- Sigrid: If they saw you messing with logic cores again, they'd start wondering whether what's inside them is a core... or a bomb.
- Norma: ...Ugh!
- (Try to speak up for Norma.)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Sorry... we really didn't mean to cause such a mess this late at night...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): But the cause of the accident wasn't the logic core you were talking about. It was due to the lab equipment. I think there's been a misunderstanding.
- Sigrid: ...And you are? ESD's "transfer students," right?
- Sigrid: Wait... ESD's transfer students... does that technically make them "imports"?
- Sigrid: ...Heh, hehe.
- (Why is she smiling like that... That's kinda creepy...)
- Yes, that's us...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): ((W–Wait, what's going on?W–Wait, what's going on? /
Uh... wait, what's going on?Uh... wait, what's going on?) Why is she (suddenlysuddenly) smiling like that? It's weird, and kinda ominous. And her (auraaura / vibevibe) is intense... If I answer honestly, (sheshe / sh–shesh–she) won't do anything to me and Norma... right?) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): Yes, that's us...
- Sigrid: Your clarification is duly noted. Please forgive my misunderstanding. Still, while we're here, I have a bit of advice for you.
- Sigrid: Roscaelifer is top secret. It's not the type of place that gets a lot of visitors.
- Sigrid: And certainly not ones unfamiliar with how things work here. So, be careful. Don't get yourselves tangled up in trouble that you don't understand.
- Trouble we don't understand?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Trouble we don't understand?
- Velina: Sorry, I'm late.
- Velina: Sigrid, I take full responsibility. I failed to keep an eye on Norma.
- Norma: You don't need to apologize for me, Veli...
- Velina: Alright, Norma. Go take care of things in your lab.
- Norma: Ah, oh... okay.
- Velina: We're already conducting a full internal review of the logic core safety concerns. We'll give everyone a clear answer soon.
- Velina: Norma can be a bit... unfocused at times, but when it comes to technical work, she's never careless. Sigrid, I trust my judgment of my colleagues I work day and night with.
- Sigrid: Lady Velina, I don't doubt your capability or your sincerity. But I do expect this logic core issue to be resolved — soon.
- Sigrid: If this ends up as an interpellation at a time like this... it won't go well for anyone.
- Sigrid: I'll keep my people in line. At the very least, nothing unverified or damaging to the ESD will be allowed to spread within Airspace Patrol. You have my word.
- Velina: Thank you.
- Sigrid leads her team out. On her way, she slips Norma a lollipop...
- Velina: Belle, Wise, I'm sorry... Judging by your expressions, I can more or less guess what just happened.
- Velina: That was Sigrid, deputy director of the Roscaelifer Airspace Patrol. Keeping the island safe is her responsibility. It wasn't anything personal.
- Velina: In a way, she's something of a legend around here. It's sort of hard to explain, but you'll understand in time. For now, just know she's not a bad person.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): We understand. But... what was that about the logic core she mentioned? It sounds like the ESD is dealing with something pretty serious...
- Velina: ...In simple terms, Norma led the development of a new generation of logic cores to improve the Bangboo's stability in high-risk environments.
- Velina: But recently, activity in Scamall Hollow has become unusually intense. Eight units equipped with the new cores were severely corrupted and lost during related missions.
- Velina: Because of that, people have started questioning whether the new cores are truly safe.
- I see...
- Is there anything we can do to help?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I see... (We're not researchers, but Belle and IWe're not researchers, but Belle and I /
I'm not a researcher, but my brother and II'm not a researcher, but my brother and I) have handled a few (casescases / issuesissues) involving Bangboo before. Is there anything we can help with? - Velina: Thank you for your concern. We do have our challenges, but this is still part of the ESD's work. And I trust the cores Norma developed.
- Velina: You're our guests. Right now, the most important thing is for you to rest and be ready for tomorrow's treatment.
- Got it. Thank you.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Mm... got it. Thank you.
- Velina: It's getting late. Please get some sleep. Though... if you could offer Norma a bit of comfort, I would truly appreciate it.
- (Ongoing)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): We should speak with Norma before we head back...
- (Talk to Norma)
Rules of "Retirement"
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Rules of "Retirement"Video Summary: Memories are just as important to Bangboo as they are to humans.
Story Description: Norma explains to the siblings the reason the Bangboo of Roscaelifer hate the External Strategy Department. The ESD oversees Bangboo "retirement" procedures, a process that requires wiping away their precious memories.
- Norma: Oh, hey, it's you guys.
- Norma, you okay?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Are you okay?
- Norma: Me? I'm fine, I'm fine. Getting scolded by Sigrid's been on my risk radar for ages.
- Norma, is the lab alright?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Is the lab alright?
- Norma: No, it's not as bad as it looks. Tomorrow's test is still on schedule.
- Norma: And hey — thanks for backing me up in front of Sigrid. Don't worry. I'm a professional! I'll prove my results are solid soon enough!
- Norma: Besides, being hated by Bangboo... well, it's kinda been our department's thing for a while now.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Wait, you're hated by Bangboo? Aren't you (guysguys) supposed to be their support department?
- Norma: Yeah, well... announcing "retirement" to the Bangboo is part of our job, too.
- Norma: Simply put, after a certain number of service years, the Bangboo leave the island to live out the rest of their time in New Eridu, the place you're familiar with.
- Norma: The ones handling Rosetta Data wear out faster, so their service life is even shorter.
- Norma: And since the entire island is classified, they have to undergo a full memory wipe before going to New Eridu — like a complete reset.
- Norma: For them... it's basically like "dying" once. Everything important to them just... disappears.
- That rule's brutal...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Can't believe there's such a harsh rule... Wiping memories like that...
- That's a sad rule...
- Norma: Having your memories erased...? That (sounds prettysounds pretty /
just soundsjust sounds) awful...
- Norma: Having your memories erased...? That (sounds prettysounds pretty /
- Norma: Yeah. They've given a lot to this island... but with current tech, there's still no real solution.
- Norma: Bangboo are simple, honest little things... and since we're the ones handling "retirement," of course they end up resenting us.
- Norma: Hey, it's not that big a deal!
- Norma: Right now, what matters is proving the new logic core is safe. If we can secure that, we can move on to way bigger, more important things!
- Norma: You guys should head back and rest. You've got something important tomorrow. I'll go deal with the lab.
- Norma: And hey! When I come by Amber Hall tomorrow morning, you better not still be in bed!
- Norma leaves...
Tutorials
- Universal Terminal Access Tutorial
- File:Tutorial Universal Terminal Access Tutorial 1.gifAfter the Proxy arrives in Roscaelifer, the Collaboorators grant partial terminal access to the region's surveillance systems. Hold to take control or load into these devices grants shared vision and control.
- Real-Time Surveillance Tutorial
- File:Tutorial Real-Time Surveillance Tutorial 1.gifAfter taking control of a camera or drone, the Proxy can activate the"Universal [sic] Terminal Access function.
With this access level, hold to take control of other cameras and switch monitoring perspectives. You can also take control of or load into other devices, or review previously recorded surveillance footage.File:Tutorial Real-Time Surveillance Tutorial 2.gifWith this access level, use the camera to select targets marked with Scan to obtain additional clues. The Proxy can explore and observe the surroundings to locate targets carrying useful information.
- Game Rules
- File:Tutorial Game Rules 1.gifThe Proxy must travel between different areas of the Data Panel, collect all Important Data highlighted in yellow, and reach the destination.
Drag the virtual joystick to move up, down, left, or right.Drag the virtual joystick to move up, down, left, or right./Use
to move.Use to move. Tooltip for Use to move.ⓘ/Use W/S/A/D to move up, down, left, or right.Use W/S/A/D to move up, down, left, or right.
You can undo your last move by returning to the previous tile.
Note: You do not need to visit every area. Once all highlighted Important Data has been collected, proceed directly to the destination.
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | First Encounter With Trouble |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 初闻窘境 |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 初聞窘境 |
| Japanese | 困りごとの第一報 |
| Korean | 처음 겪는 궁지 Cheo'eum Gyeongneun Gungji |
| Spanish | Primer encuentro con los problemas |
| French | Première rencontre avec les ennuis |
| Russian | Первая весть о беде Pervaya vest' o bede |
| Thai | รับรู้สถานการณ์ยากลำบาก |
| Vietnamese | Mới Biết Khó Khăn |
| German | Erste Kunde von der Misere |
| Indonesian | Awal dari Kabar Buruk |
| Portuguese | Primeiros Apuros |
Change History
| ||||||||||||||||||||
