Golden Mecha Returns!

 Go see what's troubling Grace.

---

Grace asks me to bring Eous to the Brant Street Construction Site to help out. She sounds pretty anxious, maybe she's in trouble...

Brant Street Construction Site

(Idle)

Grace: "Big Shot Director" ...is it okay if I call you that?

Artistic man: ...Just call me "Director."

(Talk to Grace)

Artistic man: Sorry about having Belobog Heavy Industries handle the stage setup on top of everything else...

Grace: It's fine! As long as I get to see the Bangboo and Golden Mecha in action, a little bit of work is totally worth it!

Grace, we're here!

Grace: Aww! It's been forever since I last saw you! Eous, you cutie! ...And hey there, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)!

Artistic man: Oh! So this is the Bangboo actor Miss Grace recommended...

And you are?

Director Ohno: I'm Ohno, a rookie director working on my debut film. I've partnered up with Belobog Heavy Industries, as I needed to rent the Golden Mecha.

Director Ohno: It's just me and these Bangboo actors in the crew. Besides being the director, I'm also the screenwriter, cinematographer, special effects artist, editor... basically, if you can think of a job, I'm the one doing it.

Director Ohno: I'm really grateful to Grace for taking the initiative to handle the set design and casting.

Grace: Director, save the thanks for after we succeed!

Grace! Got a sec?

You pull Grace aside...

Grace: What's up, Proxy? Why are we talking in private?

That director is really suspicous!

Grace: The director said, "My dream is to make all of New Eridu understand the greatness of the Golden Mecha with this film!" His eyes were literally glowing when he said that!

Grace: I've never seen such sincere eyes before. Anyone who genuinely loves the Golden Mecha can't possibly be a bad person!

...

Grace: Don't worry! People aren't any more complicated than machine cores! Trust my judgment — our dear director's definitely got good character!

That's exactly what I'm worried about!

Grace: If you're worried, why not just join the film crew? That way we can keep tabs on what the director's really up to.

Grace: If the director really is a fraud, we'll gather evidence and kick him out; if not, we'll help him finish the film. How's that sound?

Starring Eous...

Then I'll be the photographer.

Grace: Great idea! I've got a batch of camera drones that need testing anyway. Those combat shots should come in handy later.

Grace: I can't wait to see how you and Eous perform!

We'll see soon enough!

You tell Director Ohno about the decision to join the crew.

Director Ohno: Oh! In such a desperate situation, having a new lead actor and cinematographer is just the boost we needed! Now I can finally remove my name from the "Photography" credits!

Eous: Nhe? Ehn-nhe na? (What? I'm in just like that? No audition or anything?)

Director Ohno: Sorry, I got a bit carried away. You're right — thanks are in order, but standards still matter. Any actor Grace recommends must be more than capable when it comes to piloting a mech.

Director Ohno: That said, our crew's boldly going with a one-shot filming style, which demands exceptional acting skills, so Eous still needs to do a screen test first, and we'll be counting on you, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) for the cinematography!

Bring it on!

Director Ohno: Let me give a quick rundown of the story so far: The Golden Mecha: Test Unit attacked one of the few remaining combat bases of the Human Front. The Golden Mecha: Prototype was deployed to fight back but was defeated in battle.

Director Ohno: After the defeat, pilot Icaro retreated with the Prototype to another operational base. The audition plot unfolds during this relocation...

There's two Golden Mecha?

Is the "Test Unit" an enemy?

What's this "Human Front" all about?

Director Ohno: That's very important, but it won't affect the audition plot, so I'll hold off on explaining it for now.

Director Ohno: You seem really interested in the script! Once filming's over, come find me and we can go over it in detail. I'll be happy to answer any script-releated questions you have!

But we haven't even seen the script yet...

Director Ohno: Let's have Eous improvise the lines for the audition. That way, we can also see how well the actor connects with the role.

Director Ohno: Although the voice lines in human language are ready, it might feel a bit odd if only Eous speaks in Bangboo... but let's leave it for now; getting this film shot is our top priority!

Are you sure this is okay?

Director Ohno: No worries! This is just in-development content, the final release is still a long way off. Voice acting can be added later, but the actors' exceptional performances are hard to replicate.

Director Ohno: That's why I want the actors to stay laser-focused on their performance; I'll handle all the odd jobs.

Director Ohno: So, ready for the "Icaro" screen test?

Ready when you are!

We're not ready yet.

 Reply to Director Ohno.

---

Since you've decided to monitor the sitch while helping out, you should reply to Director Ohno!

Brant Street Construction Site

(Talk to Director Ohno if exited)

Director Ohno: So, ready for the "Icaro" screen test?

Ready when you are!

We're not ready yet.

(Bubble)

Director Ohno: Today, we're auditioning for an exploration scene.

Director Ohno: Basic info about the scene is shown here.

Director Ohno: Let's start shooting!

(Enter 011: Indoor - First Encounter With the Lost Base)

To reunite with the remaining forces of the Human Front, Icaro set off alone in the Prototype...

Icaro detects a faint communication signal from an abandoned combat base...

 Control the Mecha to explore further.

Icaro: Enneh... (That was an encrypted message from the Human Front! Looks like I need to investigate this...)

Icaro: Enna neh! (There are quite a few monsters lurking around... Better take them out first!)

(Open About the Golden Mecha Tutorial)

(Defeat the enemies)

 Follow the signal and continue exploring.

(Approach the marked location)

Icaro: En-nah... (The signal is coming from this base... Strange, this place should have been abandoned long ago.)

Icaro: Enna!? (Could there be survivors here!?)

(Approach the ventilation duct)

(Open Exit and Return to the Mecha Tutorial)

 Leave the Mecha and control Icaro to enter the pipes.

Icaro: Ahn-nene... (The prototype can't fit through the ventilation duct... guess I'll have to go down and check it myself.)

(Jump down the ventilation duct)

Icaro: Enna? (It's so quiet... Are there really survivors in this base?)

(Approach the marked location)

(Open Icaro Attack Tutorial)

 Control Icaro to fight enemies.

Icaro: Unnuh? Anneh! (Monsters here too? Better take them out quick with whatever weapons I've got!)

 Keep going and find the entrance to the fortress.

(Defeat the enemies)

Icaro: En-ne... (Alright... let's keep moving...)

(Approach the Tightly Closed Door)

Icaro: Ehn-neh! (We're here! The base is right ahead!)

(Enter the Tightly Closed Door)

Pushing open the door, you're greeted by a completely unfamiliar space...
Is this the base? No, it looks more like a film set.

Looks like that's a wrap for the audition scene.

Crewboo: Ehn-ne! Ehn-ne! (Hey there, our new lead and cinematographer!)

Crewboo: Ehn-nu-ne... (First, congratulations to both of you for passing the audition. Let me share the director's exact words...)

Crewboo: Nhu-ne! Ehn-ne-ne! (After witnessing such an outstanding performance, words can barely express my excitement! Eous, you absolutely must join our "Golden Mecha Production Committee"!)

Crewboo: Ehn-ne... Ehn-ne! (Who would've thought I'd meet two brilliant, multi-talented Bangboo actors at once... What incredible luck! Seems my dream isn't at a dead end after all!)

So... where's the director?

Crewboo: Ehn-ne-nu! (The director's really excited and already getting things ready for the shoot! Feel free to look around the set, and make sure to find the director later to start filming today!)

Thank you, kind-hearted Bangboo!

 Talk to Director Ohno.

---

That Overtimeboo... is the director? What on earth is going on here?

Fallen Mecha Stronghold

(Talk to Director)

Director Ohno: ...

Overload: ...

How did the director turn into a Bangboo!

Director Ohno: ...

Overload: ...

What's going on now?

Overload: Ehn-nhe!! (HYAH! Earth-shattering strike!!)

Director Ohno: Yeah! That's it!

What kind of mysterious ritual is this?

Director Ohno: Oh, we're just talking about the details of this scene. Normally, the longer you charge up, the stronger the move gets, right?

That's true...

Director Ohno: If the charging process is the ultimate buildup of tension, then the moment the move is unleashed is the ultimate release. The contrast between the two emotional peaks will leave a strong impression on the audience. So...

Overload: Nhe? (So?)

Director Ohno: I'm thinking of using a really long static shot to capture the buildup. That should build tension, right?

That seems a bit abstract...

Director Ohno: I know it sounds a bit abstract right now, but once the final cut's done, you'll see exactly what I mean!

So why a Bangboo?

Director Ohno: In normal filmmaking, several processes run in parallel. But in our crew's case... no matter how many parallel processes there are, I'm the only one handling them. So...

Are you busy with something else?

Director Ohno: Yeah... thankfully, Miss Grace modified this Bangboo, so I can stay in touch with the set through video calls. Actually, if I could, I'd love to watch everyone perform in person.

Director Ohno: At least the filming can finally get back on track now.

You've really had it tough...

Director Ohno: I think so too... Anyway, back to business! Let me walk you through the next part of the story —

Director Ohno: Four legendary mech pilots live in seclusion within the "Fallen Mecha Stronghold." Their mechs were destroyed by the Test Unit, forcing them to take refuge in this abandoned base, where they now lie in wait for a chance to strike back...

Director Ohno: Since only the Prototype has a chance of defeating the Test Unit, Icaro is theoretically humanity's last hope, but right now, still not strong enough to carry that burden...

Director Ohno: Faced with advancing enemies, the four veterans decide to pass on all their knowledge and skills, shaping Icaro into a capable, self-reliant pilot in record time.

Director Ohno: The first mentor is none other than "Overload" right here! A word of advice: when shooting, be ready — his sudden moves can really catch you off guard...

Overload: Ehn-nhu naa! (Ha! Hya! Hah!)

Director Ohno: Given Eous' excellent performance at the audition, I want it to have more latitude in the upcoming shoot — whether to follow the script or improvise, it's up to it to decide.

Director Ohno: When an actor can perfectly embody their character, their improvisation often surpasses the script... And in Eous, who plays Icaro, I see that potential!

Director Ohno: So... "Icaro", and our cinematographer, are you ready to start shooting this scene?

Ready to roll!

Actors in position, let's get this shoot rolling!

Overload: ...

Icaro: If you don't talk, I won't either.

Overload: Hey kid, wanna become a legend? Then learn the "Star-Devourer Punch" technique!

Icaro: I do! I want to get stronger, I want to defeat the "Golden Mecha: Test Unit"!

Overload: Well done! In these shaky times, it's rare to find someone with the conviction and will to step forward! My "Star-Devourer Punch" technique must be passed on to someone as fiery and justice-driven as you.

Overload: But this path is bound to be full of thorns... As one who pursues justice, I fight honorably and demand a legitimate cause for battle. That's why I'll teach you the true meaning of charging up your power!

Icaro: The "true meaning" of charging up sounds really profound...

Overload: The righteous don't hurt innocents. That's why my fists only strike those who attack me first!

Overload: Even if they're enemies! As long as they don't attack me, I won't make the first move!

Icaro: Huh? Why's that?

Overload: Listen up, kid! The "Star-Devourer Punch" is a technique powered by passion and justice. Without being backed into a corner first, without facing real danger, you'll never feel that burning passion and righteous fury!

Overload: It's an age-old truth: charging the longest and taking the nastiest hits throws the heaviest punch!

Icaro: So the "true meaning" of charging up... is getting beat up first?!

Overload: You already understand what took my entire career as a mech pilot to figure out?! You really are a natural!

Overload: All four of our ultimate techniques require special combat modules, but the upgrade station in this base doesn't have them installed... That settles it, Icaro — time to head out!

Icaro: Head out? Where to? What's the plan now?

Overload: We pilot the Prototype back to my old base, find the upgrade station, and install the "Star-Devourer Punch" combat module for the Prototype!

Wait, Director, I have an issue...

When did the mech get here?

Director Ohno: (The audition scene and this part we're filming aren't actually connected — we just skipped over the bit where the mech comes in... We're still shooting, so don't interrupt!)

Overload: If you're ready, let's head out!

Let's go!

(Open event interface)

I need a little longer...

 Shoot a scene with Overload as the partner.

---

Start this shoot.

Fallen Mecha Stronghold

(Talk to Overload if exited)

Overload: If you're ready, let's head out!

Let's go!

(Open event interface)

I need a little longer...

(Enter 026: Indoor - "Charge" Exploration)

To find the upgrade station installed with the combat module "Star-Devourer Punch", Icaro sets out...

 Fires boxing gloves at the mechanisms to open the gate.

(Open Launch Boxing Gloves tutorial)

Icaro: Ehn-nanah... (The door's locked. Maybe there's a switch or something I can use nearby...)

Icaro: Ahnneh! (Try punching the mechanism on the wall!)

(Go through the first wall)

Icaro: Ahn-ne! (The same puzzle won't stump me again!)

 Control the mecha to defeat the enemies in the way.

(Approach the enemies)

 Continue exploring and find a way out..

(Approach the door)

Icaro: En-neh!? Ehn-na... (Another one of these doors!? Wait... where'd the mechanism on the wall go?)

(Suddenly, a Golden Bangboo dug out of the ground and ran into the hole)

Icaro: An-nah! (Running away as soon as they saw me... something's definitely up with this one! After them!)

(Enter combat with the Golden Bangboo)

Icaro: Ahn-ne! (Don't you run! Take this hammer!)

 Control Icaro to open the gate.

(Approach Youngest Brother Gold)

Youngest Brother Gold: S-stop chasing... and stop fighting...

Icaro: You run as soon as you see me — how can I not chase after you?!

Youngest Brother Gold: I seriously can't run another step... Look, I'll tell you how to open the door, but let me off this time, okay?

Icaro: Fine, I'll spare your life... for now.

Youngest Brother Gold: Climb onto the platform behind me and you can open the gate from the other side!

Youngest Brother Gold: Keep your word — no more hitting me!

(Open the gate)

 Control Icaro to rendezvous with the mech.

Icaro: En-nehnah! (I did it! Let's bring in the prototype!)

 Defeat the ranged enemies in your way.

(Two Miasma Walker - Arcavor appears above the ground)

 Go to the upgrade station to upgrade the mecha.

(Interact with Upgrade Station)

Overload: Now that you've grasped the true meaning of "charging", it's time to teach you about the "fist" part.

Overload: Come with me... take a deep breath first—

Icaro: (Takes a deep breath...)

Overload: Take a deep breath—

Icaro: (Focuses, drawing in a deep breath...)

Overload: My hands burn like raging fire! (Shouting)

Icaro: My hands... Huh? What?

Overload: It constantly reminds me to grasp victory!! (LOUDER)

Icaro: Hold up, slow down! I can't keep up!

Overload: Take this! STAR DEVOURING FIST—!!! (extremely loud)

Icaro: My ears!

Overload: That's right! The most important thing with the "Fist" bit is shouting it out loud! You've got to tell every enemy, "I'm about to strike!" —that's what fighting with honor is all about! HAHAHAHAHA!

Icaro: With you yelling like that, there's no way the enemy won't notice!

Overload: Exactly! That's what a true punch is all about! You're sharper than I thought! Seems like theory's no longer a problem for you, so let's move on to some hands-on training!

All I need is to get into action right now!

(Open event interface)

I don't want to get into action yet!

 Shoot a scene with Overload as the partner.

---

Continue this shoot.

Fallen Mecha Stronghold

(Talk to Overload if exited)

Overload: Looks like you've got the theory down pat! Let's get some hands-on practice!

All I need is to get into action right now!

(Open event interface)

I don't want to get into action yet!

(Unlock Style - Charged Punch)

(Bubble)

Director Ohno: The Golden Mecha has obtained new module abilities.

Director Ohno: Click to check the module details.

Director Ohno: Each module includes multiple skills.

Director Ohno: Once unlocked, the Mecha can use these skills in combat.

(Complete 027: Outdoor - "Charge" Combat)

Director Ohno: That's a wrap, everyone! Great job today!

Director Ohno: If you're not satisfied with your performance, feel free to come find me for a reshoot anytime! And if you want to know more about the script, just come see me — I'm always around the set.

Post-Commission Dialogue

(Talk to Director)

Director: Great job on the shoot! Want to do some retakes, or should we talk about the script?

Let's retake shots

(Opens event interface)

Let's talk about the script

Director: Feel free to ask anything, I'll tell you everything I know.

About the script's setting...

Director: The "Golden Mecha Prototype," fighting to protect all of humanity, and the renegade "Golden Mecha Test Unit," fighting to establish a new civilization for the elite...

Director: The former belongs to the "Human Front," opposing the "Evolved Union" led by the "Test Unit." Two human factions, driven by different ideals, have dragged the world into a quagmire of war.

So this is what they mean by "two sides of the same coin," huh?

Director: Not bad, you really know your stuff! I grew up enjoying stories like these, and now I want to make a film in the same spirit to honor my childhood. That's the perk of being a director, right?

(Return to previous options)

About "Overload"...

Director: "Overload" is a mech pilot bursting with a strong sense of justice and a cheerful personality. He follows his own unique code and specializes in a charged attack called "Star-Devourer Punch." Perhaps a little too righteous for his own good...

Director: So, how was it? After all that silence, that sudden explosion really packs a punch, right? I did warn you, so I hope it didn't scare you too much.

Aren't you worried about being interrupted while charging?

Director: No, no, no! If a charge gets interrupted, the whole move falls apart. Just like Magic Sailor Boo's transformation, the Golden Mecha's charging attacks absolutely cannot be interrupted!

(Return to previous options)

About the freeze frame...

Director: (‍Films need space to breathe, and that's exactly what long static shots provide. Some viewers, when faced with something unfamiliar, can't help but speculate on the creator's intent...Films need space to breathe, and that's exactly what long static shots provide. Some viewers, when faced with something unfamiliar, can't help but speculate on the creator's intent...Text for Wise / Movies need room to breathe—that's the purpose of those long, still shots. When viewers see something unusual, they instinctively try to guess what the creator meant...Movies need room to breathe—that's the purpose of those long, still shots. When viewers see something unusual, they instinctively try to guess what the creator meant...Text for Belle‍)

Director: (‍"The freeze frame shows the protagonist's inner conflict before throwing the punch," "Even time seems to stop during the charge-up—just imagine the force behind this strike," and so on..."The freeze frame shows the protagonist's inner conflict before throwing the punch," "Even time seems to stop during the charge-up—just imagine the force behind this strike," and so on...Text for Wise / People might say things like, "The still shot represents the hero's inner turmoil before the punch," or "Even time itself dares not move during the charge up — just imagine how powerful that strike must be," and so on...People might say things like, "The still shot represents the hero's inner turmoil before the punch," or "Even time itself dares not move during the charge up — just imagine how powerful that strike must be," and so on...Text for Belle‍)

Director: No matter which interpretation they choose, viewers always find a way to convince themselves they understand the shot. See? It works perfectly, doesn't it?

Are you sure it's not just to save money?

Director: (‍...Your words are a bit harsh. We should set aside this painfully dull reality and pay attention to something more artistic!...Your words are a bit harsh. We should set aside this painfully dull reality and pay attention to something more artistic!Text for Wise / ...That's a little too harsh. We ought to look past that tedious reality and focus on something with real artistic value!...That's a little too harsh. We ought to look past that tedious reality and focus on something with real artistic value!Text for Belle‍)

(Return to previous options)

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Nothing to say