Fuel to the Fire

"Blitz and Aegis"

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Blitz and Aegis"

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Video Summary: The soldiers march on the Exaltists in the Hollow.

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Isolde: The Exaltists have long plagued Waifei Peninsula.

Isolde: Obsidian Division's mission is simple:

Isolde: eliminate the source of this chaos once and for all.

Isolde: Their repeated failures have cost them dearly.

Isolde: Our task now is to eliminate the remaining stragglers...

Isolde: And strike directly at their headquarters.

Isolde: We have obtained intel on multiple enemy strongholds.

Isolde: You...

Isolde: ...Will be deployed as scouts.

Isolde: Your objective is to investigate and pinpoint the enemy's main base.

Isolde: Blitz Squad will handle the frontal assault.

Isolde: You will also rendezvous with the technical advisor dispatched by the Mayor...

Isolde: ...And assist them in securing the key data.

Isolde: Aegis Squad, you will strike the enemy from the air...

Isolde: ...Providing firepower and intel support for all units on the ground.

Isolde: Operation Codename: Blitz and Aegis.

Isolde: Obol Squad...

Isolde: Gear up and get ready!

 Meet with the "Mayor's Envoy"

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What kind of person is this "Mayor's Envoy" anyway? They're a complete mystery.

Central Production Area

(Enter (Hollow) Central Production Area)

Magus: Obol Squad reporting in. We are at the target Hollow

(Open tutorial Tutorial/(Character Intro) Orphie & Magus)

Orphie: Blitz Squad, in position!

Magus: Aegis Squad, report your position! Do you copy?!

Seed: Copy, Captain Magus~ Aegis reporting in!

Trigger: We're en route with the chopper. ETA twenty minutes, landing at Blitz Squad's three o'clock.

Orphie: Primary objective: Rendezvous with the Mayor's envoy!

Magus: Must be someone pretty important if they've got Obol Squad handling the pickup.

Trigger: They're very powerful, but also a very nice person...

Seed: So, what sort of person are they exactly~?

Magus: Let's save the chit-chat for after the mission. Stay focused on the battle!

Magus: The envoy and escort team are inside the building up ahead!

Orphie: By the way, why are we meeting inside the Hollow?

Trigger: Captain Magus is all about action. She prefers getting to know our partners in live combat scenarios rather than listening to someone introduce them.

Trigger: At least, that's what Colonel Isolde said.

Magus: Tch, you're making me sound like I'm some unreasonable, clueless kid or something.

Orphie: Really...? I just hope the captain doesn't end up chewing out the envoy later...

(Idle)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There's no one quite like Captain Magus...

(Talk to (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍))

Am I the Villain?

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Am I the Villain?"

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Video Summary: The villain Phaethon, and the brave soldiers.

Story Description: Orpheus and Magus successfully rendezvous with (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), but Magus seems a bit prejudiced about (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) being a Proxy...

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Orphie: We've successfully rendezvoused with the target! Now, let me take a look at Colonel Isolde's intel report...

Orphie: Captain Magus, this is the "Special Hollow Technology Consultant," the "Mayor's Special Envoy for Military Operations," as well as the...

Magus: Wait, didn't Isolde say there was only one target? How many people are we talking about here?

Those are some long titles...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Hey everyone... Forget the titles — why don't you all just call me "Proxy"?

Just call me Lord Phaethon!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): You can call me "Lord Phaethon"!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I'm only kiddingI'm only kiddingText for Wise / —Okay, I'm kidding—Okay, I'm kiddingText for Belle‍), I thought that might lighten the (‍moodmoodText for Wise / mood a littlemood a littleText for Belle‍). Just call me Proxy.

Orphie: So this is the amazing "(‍Mr.Mr.Text for Wise / MissMissText for Belle‍) Phaethon" that Trigger and Soldier 11 were talking about — turns out you're actually pretty down-to-earth!

Magus: I know who you are. You must be the infamous Phaethon they mentioned, right?

Orphie: Trigger was definitely talking about the renowned (‍MisterMisterText for Wise / MissMissText for Belle‍) Phaethon...

Magus: Usually, only heroic characters are described as "renowned." For villains, it would be—

Orphie: If the other side is a villain, then working with them means we're on the side of villains too...

Magus: To be honest, I'm still a little uneasy about having a Proxy join up with Obol Squad.

Magus: I'm an old-timer who plays by the rules — no dramatic backstory, no need for wild adventures like the younger ones. So I've rarely had dealings with anyone outside the military... especially someone from, well... the underworld, like you.

A hero from the underworld?

Sounds pretty cool.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): A hero working from the dark side, protecting the city in secret... I have to admit, that sounds pretty cool.

Magus: Sure, I've heard stories of your accomplishments... but don't mistake that for me seeing you as a hero.

Magus: Everyone walking the city has their own purpose, especially someone with a complicated background like you... But I hope your goals won't interfere with Obol's mission or violate the Defense Force's principles. Otherwise...

So long as you're standing by the right values.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): If what you call your principles are genuinely "just," and your aim is to protect others, then I'd say we're on the same side.

Magus: Hmph... I hope so.

Villain or not...

Hero or not...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Whether I'm a villain, or a hero, let's keep our focus on the mission. After all, we're still deep inside the Hollow, surrounded by Exaltists.

Magus: Regardless of your position, if you get things done, that's not bad in my book.

Orphie: Next, I'll briefly outline the mission objectives and explain the role that Phaethon will play in this operation.

Orphie: As an expert Hollow guide, or a Proxy, Phaethon will use the current map intel and Hollow data to chart the most efficient route for us — Obol Squad.

Orphie: At the same time, we'll provide cover for Phaethon as the Proxy collects Hollow data and monitors the changes and activity of the Miasma.

Magus: We've got plenty of trained scouts in the military. Can a Proxy with no combat experience really handle such an operation?

Orphie: Captain Magus, according to the intel report and squad member accounts, the Proxy has combat experience working alongside Trigger and Soldier 11!

Orphie: "Sharper, more precise, and more perceptive than any scout" —that's how Soldier 11 described the Proxy!

Orphie: I don't think we've ever seen anyone who's earned the approval of both Trigger and Soldier 11 outside of our own squad members.

Magus: Hmph... if no other squad members or Isolde have any objections...

Magus: That wraps up the mission briefing... Don't fall behind, Proxy!

 Investigate the Exaltist base

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As an elite vanguard, Obol Squad was dispatched to the Hollow to infiltrate the Exaltist communications outpost and conduct reconnaissance.

Central Production Area

(Exit the building)

(Exalting Hymnists gather outside)

Orphie: There are more enemies than we expected...

Magus: Aegis Squad, report your status!

Radio Noise: *radio white noise*

Magus: Aegis Squad, come in!

Radio Noise: *radio white noise*

Orphie: Oh no... Still no response.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Electromagnetic interference is pretty common in Hollows... (‍but the interference patterns suggest this could be intentional jamming by the Exaltists.but the interference patterns suggest this could be intentional jamming by the Exaltists.Text for Wise / but guessing from interference patterns, it might be the Exaltists intentionally trying to jam us.but guessing from interference patterns, it might be the Exaltists intentionally trying to jam us.Text for Belle‍)

(Defeat the first wave of enemies)

Orphie: The enemy reinforcements just keep coming...

Magus: Blitz Squad is pinned down!

Magus: Aegis Squad, do you copy?!

Radio Noise: *radio white noise*

Orphie: Enemy reinforcements spotted to the northwest!

Magus: Aegis Squad...!

Orphie: Seed and the others should be okay... right?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The fastest way to restore comms is to disable the nearby jamming devices.

Orphie: It feels like... The Miasma around us is getting thicker.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Ether activity is rising around us. (‍Keep an eye outKeep an eye outText for Wise / Watch outWatch outText for Belle‍) for stronger enemies!

(Defeat the second wave)

(Aegis Squad flies toward the objective)

Seed: We're circling right above the enemy, Captain.

Trigger: Searching for the mission target...

 Eliminate the defending forces

(Enter combat, switch to Seed's perspective)

(Open tutorial Tutorial/(Character Intro) Seed)

Seed: Aegis Squad, in position!

Trigger: Aegis Squad has reached the LZ!

Trigger: Blitz Squad, do you copy?!

Radio Noise: *radio white noise*

Trigger: Comms seem to be jammed. Is Seed Sr.'s comm system still working?

Seed: Nope, the speaker's all buzzy with static~

Trigger: Let's clear the nearby enemies first, then regroup with the captain ASAP.

Trigger: I wonder if the Proxy... I mean, the envoy and the Captain have met up safely.

(After defeating the enemies)

Seed: The area's all clear now~ All those annoying pests... good riddance~

Trigger: Come in Blitz Squad, do you copy?!

Radio Noise: *radio white noise*

Seed: Seems that annoying signal interference is still floating around in the air~

Trigger: The enemy control room is just ahead. It's packed with communications gear.

 Deactivate the defense system

(Interact with the Control Panel)

Trigger: Found the jammer switch!

Seed: I'll turn it off~!

As the switch flips down, the hum of a machine somewhere in the comms room comes to a halt.

(After the interaction)

Magus: Aegis Squad, come in!

Seed: Aegis reporting in! We read you loud and clear, Captain~

Trigger: We just shut down the enemy's jamming equipment.

Orphie: More Ethereals keep emerging from the Miasma!

Magus: They sure have a large reserve of Miasma...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Aegis Squad, are there any Ether transmission terminals inside the control room?

Seed: Roger. New objective: Shut down the Ether transmission system!

(Interact with the Control Panel)

Seed: It's the switch linked to the Ether transmission device!

A successful decryption signal flashes from Seed Sr.'s data port, and the once-turbulent Ether in the transmission system grows still.

(Trigger gets into position)

Trigger: Remote support...

Trigger: In position.

(She eliminates the Ethereals surrounding Blitz Squad)

 Eliminate the enemy forces

(Enter combat, switch to Orphie's perspective)

Orphie: Blitz Squad, in position!

Trigger: The Ether transmission system has been shut down!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Great! That cuts off the supply of Miasma.

Magus: Next, we eliminate the remaining enemies and head to the meeting point.

Magus: Time for us to show 'em what we've got, Orphie.

Orphie: Yes, Captain Magus!

(After defeating the enemies)

Magus: Blitz Squad has finished clearing out the remaining enemies.

Seed: Roger, Aegis Squad has successfully secured a data copy from the control room.

Magus: Excellent! That about does it for our recon objectives! Meet up at the target location!

Seed: Copy that, Aegis out!

 Search the base for intel

(Approach the Obscura)

Orphie: Those things look like coffins... They're kinda creepy.

Seed: What's a... coffin?

Trigger: It's... a thing where people are laid to rest.

Seed: Laid to rest? You mean, like Seed Sr.?

(Interact with the Obscura)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): This is an Ether research device built by Porcelumex... Alice calls it an "Obscura."

Orphie: Obscura? That was in the report we handed over to Commander Isolde...

Magus: Are these just regular Ether research equipment? I doubt it's that simple.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Anything tied to the Exaltists is bound to be suspicious... I've felt something ominous too. Are you saying the Defense Force has some information on it?

Magus: You'll get the intel when you need to know. For now, let's keep moving.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): *sigh*... What a difficult person to work with.

Orphie: Don't be discouraged, (‍Mr.Mr.Text for Wise / MissMissText for Belle‍) Special Envoy. I've been around the Captain for a while and still think...

Magus: Keep moving!

 Investigate the devices and gather intelligence

(Enter the Marcel Maze)

Fairy: I've hacked the unknown device... Now analyzing.

Fairy: Network communication structure detected...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): These devices are interconnected, probably forming part of a larger equipment array.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): By cracking part of the data, we can locate the other devices!

Magus: Looks like Proxy's quite the skilled hacker.

Orphie: You're amazing, Proxy!

Magus: You're not secretly hacking into my brain while I'm asleep... are you?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Hey... Come on, I'm a professional! I have standards.

Fairy: Communication structure analysis: 50% complete.

 Meet up with Aegis Squad

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Mission accomplished. Time for "Aegis" and "Blitz" to reunite and become the complete Obol once again.

Central Production Area

(Approach the Fissure Beacon)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Those are Ether reactors made by Porcelumex. (‍To be honestTo be honestText for Wise / Not gonna lieNot gonna lieText for Belle‍), they look pretty ominous.

Magus: Porcelumex? That's the company working with the Exaltists, right?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Not everyone in the company is bad... hopefully.

Magus: Even if they're not all bad, plenty still played a part in this.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That (‍maymayText for Wise / mightmightText for Belle‍) be true... But most ordinary employees were probably acting under pressure or coercion, right?

Magus: And what about you? Were you forced or pressured into becoming a Proxy?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...

(Interact with the Stacked Obstacles)

Magus: These obstacles are blocking Aegis Squad's path to our rendezvous point. Let's clear them while we wait for them!

Orphie: Yes, Captain Magus!

 Meet up with Blitz Squad

(Meanwhile, switch to Seed's perspective)

Trigger: This is the only route Blitz Squad can take.

Seed: Aegis Squad, in position!

Magus: The mission went without a hitch. Great work, everyone.

Orphie: And thanks to the envoy for all (‍hishisText for Wise / herherText for Belle‍) hard work too!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍...You all carried the operation....You all carried the operation.Text for Wise / ...You were all so amazing in battle....You were all so amazing in battle.Text for Belle‍) I was just doing my duty.

(Exit the elevator)

(Seed Sr. joins the group)

(Talk to Orphie)

Young Lady and Iron Armor

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Young Lady and Iron Armor"

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Video Summary: The villain Phaethon, and the brave soldiers.

Story Description: From within the hulking military Mech Seed Sr., a nimble young female pilot emerges...

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Seed: Huh?

Soldier 11: Seed, you've met them before...

Seed: Oh, it's you, Proxy!

You are...?

The pilot of this Mech...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): You're... Seed, right?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's been a while. We met briefly during the Porcelumex (‍inspectioninspectionText for Wise / investigationinvestigationText for Belle‍).

Seed: I remember, I remember~

Seed: Seed Sr. says he remembers too!

Seed: Shh, he's asleep right now, so he can't talk to you himself~

Seed: But according to Seed Sr. you're someone who can be trusted, someone worth trusting!

Seed: Well, to be honest, it was Trigger and Soldier 11 who told Seed Sr. first... and then Seed Sr. told me~

Who's Seed Sr.?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Seed Sr.... is that the name of your mech?

Seed: He's not a mech~

Seed: Seed Sr. is an Intelligent Construct, totally different from exoskeleton-based vehicles like mechs!

Seed: Hmm... You carry the same scent as me, Proxy. You must be quite knowledgeable in this field~

Seed: Did you attend classes properly back in school, Proxy?

Strictly speaking...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Strictly speaking, I never really went to a typical school...

Seed: Hmm... Sounds like a lie.

Soldier 11: You two have quite a unique way of talking.

You're not much better, Soldier 11.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The Defense Force... or rather, Obol Squad's comms channel, (‍alsoalsoText for Wise / alwaysalwaysText for Belle‍) seems to be tuned to a pretty unusual frequency.

Soldier 11: "Birds of a feather flock together," as they say.

Seed: The Proxy wasn't complimenting us, Soldier 11, you dummy.

Magus: Being able to tune into both Seed's and Soldier 11's wave length at the same time... I have to say, you really are something special.

Orphie: Wave length...? Are Seed and Soldier 11 intelligent constructs too?

Magus: ...Still, winning over these girls might be easy, but as their commanding officer, I have to assess you with the utmost caution.

Magus: Alright everyone, that's enough chit-chat. Let's not forget we're still in the middle of a battlefield here.

Magus: Although we've tracked down the Exaltist's communication outpost, it seems all that's left are supplies they didn't have time to evacuate with.

Magus: We came up empty on both the location of the Exaltist's main base and the research data you were looking for, Proxy...

Leave it to me!

Time for the Proxy's magic to shine!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The most efficient way to move such a large amount of supplies in a short time would be through spatial fissures.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The Exaltists have been operating in Lemnian Hollow for a long time. They must have access to fissure coordinates (‍unknown to the Defense Forceunknown to the Defense ForceText for Wise / that the Defense Force doesn't know aboutthat the Defense Force doesn't know aboutText for Belle‍).

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): But... no one knows the labyrinths of Hollows better than Phaethon.

Orphie: Phaethon's skills are like magic... Sounds way more impressive than a Carrot.

Magus: Sounds pretty mysterious... Anyway, you're confident you can catch up with them, right?

They won't be able to escape.

I'm Phaethon, after all.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I got this!

Obol, Gear Up!

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Obol, Gear Up!"

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Video Summary: The villain Phaethon, and the brave soldiers.

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(Miasmic creatures emerge from the nearby Obscura)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Inside those devices...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Those are all Sacrifices!?

Magus: Seed! Confirm the number of enemies!

(Obol Squad attacks)

Seed: Locking onto hostile targets—

Seed: There's...

Seed: Eight in total~

Seed: Seven—

Seed: Six—

Seed: Five—

Seed: Four—

Seed: Three—

Seed: Two—

Seed: One—

(Seed Sr. eliminates a Sacrifice before it can reach (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle))

Seed: Zero—!

Seed: Now we're all clear~!

Orphie: Obol Squad, all enemies eliminated

"The Final Sacrifice"

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The Final Sacrifice"

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Video Summary: The villain Phaethon, and the brave soldiers.

Story Description: The Exaltists are brewing the "Final Sacrifice", while the threat of Obscura looms over Failume Heights...

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Amid the thunderous stomps of heavy machinery and shrill, hysterical screams, Seed brings in the Exaltist captives.

Seed: The rambling old man is little Seed's trophy~

Unhinged Priest: The final sacrifice... is about to begin...

Unhinged Priest: How can swirling dust compete with a blazing fire? Hahaha!

Orphie: Do all the Exaltists talk like this? It's really hard to understand.

Magus: Seed, make him shut up.

Unhinged Priest: Foolish unbelievers... Mhmhmmhm—

Seed: Hey, Seed Sr., you've got to be careful with how you treat prisoners!

Magus: They've done more than enough harm — being gentle isn't exactly a priority.

That's how the Exaltists operate.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What sets these Exaltists apart from typical villains is their fanatical devotion to (‍the Creator, whichthe Creator, which Tooltip for the Creator, whichⓘText for Wise / the Creator. Thatthe Creator. ThatText for Belle‍) often drives them to act unpredictably...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Even if they act in the shadows without rhyme or reason, the Miasma remains essential to (‍them — ifthem — ifText for Wise / them. Ifthem. IfText for Belle‍) we follow that trail, it could very well be the weakness that brings them down.

Magus: These so-called "fanatics" are nothing more than villains who treat Ether as a deadly poison corrupting New Eridu, aiding and abetting its destruction...

Magus: Let's see if they stay so devoted when confronted with .50 caliber high-explosive rounds and military-grade high-energy lasers.

Calm down, Captain Magus...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Calm down, Captain Magus... As vile as the Exaltists are, not every member is guilty. Many innocent civilians were deceived into joining...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): In other words, not every Exaltist member deserves to be met with .50 caliber high-explosive rounds and military-grade high-energy lasers.

Magus: Tch, we've hardly caught anyone yet and you're already defending them?

Magus: I know how to throw around grand quotes too, like "No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible."

Magus: You're awfully sympathetic towards these scumbags... perhaps because you're one of them?

Orphie: Enough! Captain Magus, I'm pretty sure your remarks have already exceeded the boundaries set by Commander Isolde's "Temporary Protocol for Addressing Phaethon". Specifically, the section designated for Magus!

Magus: Huh? How come no one told me about it?

Orphie: Don't speak harshly to your squadmates, and don't say anything that kills morale — that's what you taught us, Captain Magus!

Magus: Hmph... I don't consider them a comrade, at least not yet.

I don't need any labels or definitions.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Whether we're allies who can rely on each other or simply partners with our own suspicions, let's stick to our duties, Captain Magus.

Magus: Wouldn't have it any other way, Phaethon.

There's something urgent that needs our attention right now.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There's a critical piece of intel that (‍needsneedsText for Wise / needs ourneeds ourText for Belle‍) immediate attention... What just emerged from the Obscura is a bio-weapon created by the Exaltists, known as a "Sacrifice."

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): These Obscura, and the factories that produce them, are scattered throughout Lemnian Hollow.

Magus: No... Not just Lemnian Hollow.

Magus: According to the data from Porcelumex and the intel Commander Isolde has gathered, there're a large number of Obscura placed throughout Waifei Peninsula... Over 300 of them.

Orphie: Over 300... not even the entire Obsidian Division could deal with that many monsters...

Seed: The entire Obsidian Division would just end up as monster food~

Magus: We have to get this information to command immediately... The Exaltists' actions may be far more dangerous than we had anticipated!

There's a problem.

The situation isn't that bad yet.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): No, that's not right... Although I did come across Obscura shards tainted with Sacrifice energy...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There's still no solid evidence to confirm that the Sacrifices and Obscura are directly connected. The Obscura devices I saw in Failume Heights didn't all carry traces of Sacrifice energy either.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): More importantly, creating a creature as powerful as the Sacrifices would require an unimaginable amount of Ether. There's no way the Exaltists have access to such an immense supply of Ether and Miasma.

Seed: Or they would've destroyed New Eridu long ago!

Orphie: Phew... Good thing the bad guys we're dealing with this time aren't that powerful — yet.

Magus: Hey, did you two completely forget that "courage is a soldier's greatest virtue"?

Orphie: Captain, didn't you say that kind of talk is just something generals say to sound impressive...?

Magus: *ahem*...

Magus: The Proxy has a point... But there's definitely something suspicious about the Obscura in Waifei Peninsula. We need to organize thorough inspections and patrols as soon as possible.

Magus: Obsidian Division has already mobilized outside Lemnian Hollow — those Exaltist rats will soon meet their end.

Watch out for a last-ditch counterattack — they won't go down quietly.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): A fanatic's last stand is often the most ferocious... Everyone, stay sharp and proceed with caution.

Magus: After spending over a decade in the military, I understand that all too well.

Orphie: What Captain Magus meant to say was thanks for the heads-up, Proxy.

Magus: That's not what I meant!

In the depths of the Lemnian Hollow, where even the Proxy's eyes couldn't pierce the darkness...

Sarah: The military's operation has started... You're to provide cover for the overseer's ritual — every action leads us closer to meeting our Lord.

Devoted Follower: Everything for the Creator, Lady Sarah.

Devoted Follower: But... the Defense Force has overwhelming numbers, and we've taken heavy losses lately. With what little strength we have left...

Sarah: We don't need to achieve "victory", our mission... is to buy time.

Sarah: Sacrifices are inevitable... Fortunately, the Defense Force isn't exactly driven by the noble "duty" they claim to uphold.

Sarah: As long as the Overseer completes the ritual... we've already won. May the Creator refine you.

Devoted Follower: May the Creator refine me!

 Report to Colonel Isolde

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The scouting mission is complete. It's time to report back to Isolde with the results.

Seagaze Road

Orphie: The Obsidian Division has temporarily taken over Seagaze Road as our base of operations — this'll be our staging area for the upcoming mission.

Orphie: But... there seems to be way more people at the base today?

Magus: Probably some sort of operation being coordinated. Anyway, let's report back to Isolde first.

(Idle, near the Business Car)

Battleboo: Nhe-nhu na en.. (Guard duty... really wears me out...)

(Idle)

Trigger: This operation...

(Talk to Trigger, optional)

Trigger: Thank goodness you're okay, Proxy... When you and the Captain were surrounded by enemies, I... I was really worried about you both.

Trigger: My bullet almost didn't make it in time...

That was a close one!

Don't worry about me!

Trigger: Protecting you, Proxy, is our top priority... I mean, protecting citizens like you, Proxy.

Trigger: Orphie might seem a little hesitant at times, but she's actually a skilled and brave soldier.

Trigger: Captain Magus comes off as harsh and short-tempered, but she's the kind of person who would risk everything for her squad and for New Eridu... or rather, she already has.

(Idle)

Soldier 11: All thanks to Seed!

Seed: You're too kind~!

(Talk to Seed and Soldier 11, optional)

Soldier 11: If it wasn't for Seed and Trigger shutting down the Exaltists' equipment, the Captain and I would've been in for one hell of a fight.

Seed: I mean, I was a big help~ but Trigger and Seed Sr. were just as important~

Seed: The Exaltist systems were pretty basic. It just took a little tinkering to shut them down...

Soldier 11: Your ability to handle machines so effortlessly is amazing, Seed... I wonder if I could learn to do so with enough practice?

Seed: It's talent, pure talent~! I can always sense it... You've got a similar gift, right Proxy?

(Talk to Isolde)

Proxies Are All Bad!

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Proxies Are All Bad!"

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Video Summary: What an unpleasant way to treat guests.

Story Description: The scouting mission has been completed, but Magus begins to argue with (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) again because of (‍hishisText for Wise / herherText for Belle‍) Proxy identity.

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Magus: All in all, the scouting mission was a success. Obol Squad took no casualties — against our firepower, those Exaltist lunatics didn't stand a chance.

Magus: It's honestly baffling how HSO and Public Security got completely outplayed by the Exaltists. Their actions are chaotic and lack any strategy — though credit goes to Commander Isolde's flawless planning.

Orphie: The Proxy was amazing too! Just like Trigger and Soldier 11 said — and just like all those rumors on Inter-Knot!

Magus: Huh...? Orphie, since when have you been visiting sketchy sites like Inter-Knot behind my back?

Orphie: Help...

Isolde: Calm down, Captain Magus. What you've dealt with so far are just the Exaltist's scattered remnants.

Magus: I know. We already have the Hollow coordinates for the Exaltist base. I'm not worried about a head-on clash... What worries me are those Obscura and the Sacrifice creatures...

Isolde: Leave the search for the Obscura to me and the city forces. You focus on the mission inside the Hollow.

Isolde: You can't just grasp at weeds, you have to dig out the roots... All this might just be a diversion by the Exaltists.

Isolde: By the way... Proxy, I heard your performance in the Hollow was top-notch, as always. How's working with Obol? Has Captain Magus been giving you any trouble?

Magus: Uhhh...

I'll have to give that some thought.

Captain Magus said...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I'll have to think about that. (‍I do rememberI do rememberText for Wise / I rememberI rememberText for Belle‍) Captain Magus saying that Phaethon is a villain who should be dealt with using .50 caliber high-explosive rounds and military-grade high-energy lasers...

Magus: Don't go taking things out of context to make me look like the bad guy! I'm a straight shooter!

Isolde: Got it... Looks like the "Temporary Protocol for Addressing Phaethon" doesn't really hold much sway over Captain Magus...

Orphie: It's all because I wasn't decisive enough. Please don't punish Captain Magus!

But...

Captain Magus has actually been very cooperative.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): She's not the most soft-spoken, but Captain Magus and the squad have been doing their best to support me, and her military-grade high-energy laser is definitely reassuring.

Magus: ...

Magus: Ugh... Alright, alright. Without the Proxy's support, our operation wouldn't have gone this smoothly.

Orphie: Phew... I guess this is the part where old grudges melt away and everyone makes nice.

Magus: But if you're that talented, why settle for the dishonorable role of a Proxy? Why not join the military, earn a proper rank, and truly protect New Eridu...

What's so dishonorable about it?

Look at my temper!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What's so dishonorable about it? The work we do in the shadows brings us closer to the light than many of those who stand in it.

Trigger: You're being a little harsh today, captain...

Magus: Hmph... Proxy... How many unqualified civilians have you led straight into danger within the Hollows? And how many shady Hollow Raiders have you guided to dirty money?

Not everything is that black and white.

I'm not that kind of Proxy!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): You're right, Captain Magus, the "underworld" does have its dark side, but a lot of people are forced into it. They have to avoid the light and just try to survive in the shadows.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): And this grand, respectable world you speak of — is it really filled with nothing but righteous heroes? Is your Defense Force really so perfect? Every single person?

Magus: You...

Isolde: Ahem...

Isolde: Alright, kids, enough bickering... The only villain here is the grumpy old Isolde. You're all brave, shining heroes, okay?

Magus: ...

Orphie: Looks like the captain got shut down by Commander Isolde again.

Seed: Even the Proxy's been lumped in with the kids... Looks like we're all in the same class now~

Isolde: ...This concludes the briefing. Proxy, Major General Lorenz has expressed interest in meeting you. Would you mind coming with me later?

The Major General?

This isn't the "interrogate the Proxy" part, right?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The Major General wants to see me? ...That can't be good.

Isolde: Relax. I'll be with you.

 Meet the Major General with Isolde

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The Major General wants to see me? ...That can't be good.

Seagaze Road

(Talk to the Major General's Adjutant)

Isolde: Adjutant, sir, the Major General's guest has arrived.

Major General's Adjutant: Please follow me, you two. The Major General's tent is just beyond this tunnel.

You follow the adjutant's lead and head with Isolde into the Major General's tent on the other side of the tunnel.