Good News, Bad News

 Ask Ju Fufu about Xiao'Guang's situation

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Let's ask Senior Fufu about what happened with Xiao'Guang last night.

Suibian Temple

(Talk to Ju Fufu)

Ju Fufu: What's going on? You look like you've got something on your mind.

About Xiao'Guang, I wanted to ask you...

Ju Fufu: Oh, it's about Xiao'Guang! Go ahead and ask~ I'll answer to the best of my ability!

Does Xiao'Guang sleepwalk a lot?

Ju Fufu: Huh? Sleepwalk? No way!

Ju Fufu: Xiao'Guang is usually so quiet when she sleeps, I've never seen her sleepwalk before...

How's Xiao'Guang's mental health holding up?

Ju Fufu: Er, Xiao'Guang's mental health... should be okay, right?

Ju Fufu: No matter what we say to her, she always manages to respond with a gentle smile...

Ju Fufu: But with everything that's been going down lately, she must be under a lot of pressure too.

Ju Fufu: If something's happened, it should just be temporary.

Could it be the Qingming Sword...?

Ju Fufu: ...!

Ju Fufu: You've got a point! If the Qingming Sword is behind this, then we've got a serious problem on our hands.

Ju Fufu: Just to be safe, I better check with Shifu!

Ju Fufu: I'll let you know what she says!

Senior Fufu rushes back to her room to contact Yixuan Shifu.

Just as you are about to look for Xiao'Guang, a commotion erupts at the entrance of Suibian Temple...

 Check out Suibian Temple's entrance

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Looks like something's going down at Suibian Temple's main entrance. Let's check it out.

Suibian Temple

(Idle)

Zhao: Long time no see.

Ye Shunguang: Yeah... What's up...?

(Approach Zhao)

Uninvited Guest

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Uninvited Guest

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Video Summary: Krampus professionals never disappoint.

Story Description: Zhao from Krampus of TOPS, comes to visit Ye Shunguang and (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍). After mentioning the rumor that Ye Shunguang might become a Void Hunter, she claims to have intelligence about Ye Shunguang's brother, Ye Shiyuan.

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Zhao: Hello again, everyone.

Zhao: Remember me? I'm Zhao from Krampus Compliance Authority — yep, that "judgment" division of TOPS, the one that makes all the bad guys run for cover.

Zhao: And this lovely young lady must be the rising star of Yunkui Summit, Miss Ye Shunguang, right?^{[Note 1]}

Zhao: The current keeper of the Qingming Sword herself...

Zhao: We've never really had the chance to properly get acquainted, have we?

Ye Shunguang: Uh, hello, I'm Ye Shunguang... It's nice to meet you, Miss Zhao from Krampus...

Zhao: Honestly, the honor's all mine — finally meeting the legend herself. In person.

Zhao: You know, there are people out there secretly placing bets that you'll become New Eridu's next Void Hunter.

Zhao: They're saying stuff like, "She'll be the one to restore Yunkui Summit's former glory!" and all that.

Ye Shunguang: Wha — oh, I'm not that amazing. I just...

Zhao: Oh, no need to be modest~

Zhao: For someone as gifted and talented as you — someone who turns heads just by walking in the crowd — being too modest could be considered arrogance.

Ye Shunguang: Please... don't say things like that.

Zhao: Heheh~ I'm kidding~ Don't take it too seriously.

Zhao: Still, you're "the chosen one," aren't you?

Zhao: And we also have (‍Mr. WiseMr. WiseText for Wise / Miss BelleMiss BelleText for Belle‍) here.

Zhao: Lovely to see you again, too!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Is it (‍justjustText for Belle‍) me, or does Miss Zhao seem... (‍a littlea littleText for Wise / kindakindaText for Belle‍) different today...

Zhao: Oh? Looks like you're still getting to know me. My attitude always depends on the relationship, you know.

Zhao: Like today — I came all the way here with a bunch of carefully chosen gifts, just to see you guys.

Zhao: But aside from these little goodies... I also brought "something" you'll definitely want.

Zhao: Information about... Mr. Ye Shiyuan.

Ye Shunguang: You mean... my brother?!

Zhao: Uh-huh. So tell me, don't I make a pretty great guest?

A Serious Deal

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 A Serious Deal

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Video Summary: "Whenever I look over, I know you'll be there."

Story Description: Zhao uses information on Ye Shiyuan's whereabouts as leverage, asking (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) to investigate a newly emerged Hollow area together with Ye Shunguang, which may be linked to Hollow expansion. Ye Shunguang agrees, but (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) worries about her health. After some discussion, they ultimately decide to go together.

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Ye Shunguang: You said you have news about my brother? Wait... do you actually know where he is?!

Zhao: Don't get all worked up, Missy. Rushing won't get you anywhere.

Zhao: But your instincts are spot on. I do happen to have a lead on your brother's whereabouts.

Ye Shunguang: Where is he?! Please, tell me!

Zhao: Well, that's not very... professional of you.

Zhao: In our line of work,^{[Note 2]} it all comes down to equal exchange — I give you what you want, and you give me what I want — fair, efficient, and perfectly transparent.

Zhao: Barging in and asking for something before offering a trade? That's some questionable manners, don't you think?

Ye Shunguang: I—I'm sorry...

She's just too worried about her brother.

So... what do you want?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): She's just really worried. It's her brother we're talking about. So, what's your condition? What do you want from us?

Zhao: Now we're talking, Proxy.

Zhao: A new, unknown area has appeared in Lemnian Hollow, and I'm heading there to investigate — that's why I'm here.

Ye Shunguang: An unknown area...?

Zhao: Correct. And to sweeten the deal, I'll throw in a bonus.

Zhao: According to the latest observation data, the area covered by Lemnian Hollow has expanded by approximately 0.002%, accompanied by abnormal Miasma activity — this occurred right after your battle with Ye Shiyuan ended.

Zhao: So my theory is that there's some kind of abnormal Miasma in that newly emerged unknown area, which is causing Lemnian Hollow to expand. I need your help investigating it.

Ye Shunguang: But... why me? If you need help from a Proxy, I get that. But... what can I do for you?

Zhao: Because you're the current keeper of the Qingming Sword.

Zhao: And I've heard a few interesting tidbits from Dialyn. Like how the Qingming Sword reacts oddly near the Hollow's depths. And how it was the sword's power that ultimately saved Ye Shiyuan.

Zhao: Also... did those white flowers that appeared in Waifei cause a strange reaction from the sword? Like... some sort of resonance?

Ye Shunguang: That's right! The Qingming Sword started trembling when we came into contact with those flowers... Wait, how did you know...?

Zhao: I'm just connecting the dots on what we know so far. If my guess is right, the power of that sword, this new area, and the entire Lemnian Hollow... are all connected somehow.

Zhao: And those strange white flowers may just be related to the abnormal Miasma causing this expansion.

Zhao: So I need you, Missy, and our brilliant Proxy friend here, to join me.

Zhao: Of course, as payment, I'll give you the exact coordinates where your brother was last seen. I spotted him right at the edge of that new area.

Ye Shunguang: ...Alright, I'll do it!

Zhao: That's a decisive answer~ What about you, Proxy?

But your health...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I want to say yes, but Xiao'Guang's health... Yixuan Shifu warned us more than once not to let her get near anything that could trigger the Qingming Sword again...

Ye Shunguang: I'm fine, Junior. You tested me before, remember? My memory's perfectly normal!

Ye Shunguang: I've already asked Senior Fufu and the others — none of them have found any trace of my brother... This might just be my best shot!

I really need to think about it...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I understand where you're coming from, but this is too risky. I need to think it over... Miss Zhao, what if it's me and a few other Yunkui Summit disciples who go with you instead of Xiao'Guang?

Zhao: Not an option. Observing the connection between that Hollow area and the Qingming Sword is part of my research. My terms are non-negotiable.

Zhao: Looks like you two aren't exactly on the same page yet.

Zhao: That's alright. I'm patient. I can wait. And don't worry. I never force a deal.

Zhao: So, if you decide you do want to work with me, come and find me at the cable car station. I'll be waiting there for your good news.

Zhao: ...Proxy, you're smart, I can tell. I'm sure you'll make the most reasonable choice.

Zhao turns to leave, but before walking out, she shoots you a knowing look.
Before you can figure out what that means, Ye Shunguang speaks up, her voice tight with urgency...

Ye Shunguang: I know you still have concerns... but this lead means everything to me. Don't worry — if Yixuan Shifu finds out and punishes us, I'll take full responsibility!

Ye Shunguang: Please... I need this.

I don't care if I get punished for this.

What I care about is your health.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I don't care if I get punished. What matters to me is your health condition. We know too little about the Qingming Sword. We can't take blind risks.

Ye Shunguang: You know... before my brother left, I think I heard him say something.

Ye Shunguang: He said he'd save me. So I think maybe that's why he left without telling anyone why. Maybe it's... because of me.

Ye Shunguang: But... but here I am, pretending nothing happened, stuck here in safety... waiting, praying, doing nothing!

Ye Shunguang: I don't want to be the fragile doll hiding in a glass house everyone keeps locked away anymore!

Ye Shunguang: I want to give something back, to use my strength to protect the people who've always protected me. I want to return the warmth and love I've received, with my own hands...

I understand how you feel, but...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I understand how you feel, I really do. But... that sword is dangerous for you. I'm responsible for your safety.

Ye Shunguang: Junior, you have a (‍siblingsiblingText for Wise / brotherbrotherText for Belle‍), too. If (‍shesheText for Wise / heheText for Belle‍) went missing one day... you'd do the same, wouldn't you?

Alright.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...Alright. I respect your choice. We'll go together.

Alright, I understand. You have my word.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Alright. If you've already made up your mind, I'll respect that. You have my word — we'll go.

Ye Shunguang: ...Thank you! Really, thank you...

Ye Shunguang: To be honest, I've been meaning to tell you that... you're really special to me.

Ye Shunguang: Maybe it's the sword, but everyone — my brother, and all the people at Yunkui Summit — they all treat me like I'm made of glass.

Ye Shunguang: I know they mean well, but it makes me feel guilty... and trapped.

Ye Shunguang: But you... you listen to me, you stand up for me, you make me feel respected, even when everyone else thinks I'm being reckless.

Ye Shunguang: That means more to me than I can ever say.

No need to thank me.

But promise me one thing.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): No need to thank me, but promise me one thing...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Whatever happens in the Hollow, promise me you'll put your own safety first.

Ye Shunguang: I—I promise!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): And about what you said — that you don't want to be the one who always needs protecting... Honestly, I've never thought of myself as your protector. You're way too strong for that, Senior.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I'm just accompanying you, that's all. No matter what you decide to do, just know that I'll be by your side... That's a promise.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Will you promise (‍memeText for Belle‍) that, too? So whenever I look over, I know you'll be there.

Ye Shunguang: Yes, I promise! Whenever we turn around, whenever we look over our shoulders, we'll always see each other there!

Ye Shunguang: ...Pinky promise!

Once again, Xiao'Guang holds out her pinky. Only this time, she doesn't hesitate at all.
Her eyes sparkle, her fingertip warm and firm.
You hook your pinky with hers... This promise now looks more solemn than a vow.

Miss Zhao might be hiding something from us too.

Ye Shunguang: Is that so... hmm...

Maybe Miss Zhao simply is more well-informed?

Ye Shunguang: Even more well-informed than Shifu...? Hmm...

 Meet up with Miss Zhao at the cable car station

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Xiao'Guang and I are on the same page. Let's head to the cable car station to meet up with Miss Zhao.

Failume Heights

(Idle)

Zhao: The Lemnian Hollow... what will it bring to this place?

(Talk to Zhao)

Zhao: Though it's not visible yet, something is definitely changing inside Lemnian Hollow.

You mean about the Hollow getting bigger...

Zhao: Yeah.

Zhao: Our eyes might lie to us, but data never does.

Zhao: I've got this feeling that something big is on the horizon.

Zhao: However, before that...

Krampus

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Krampus

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Video Summary: Krampus' duty.

Story Description: Ye Shunguang questions Zhao's motives — why someone from TOPS cares so much about Failume Heights. Zhao replies that her loyalty lies with Krampus, and explains that her role follows a principle of "equivalent exchange," protecting Failume Heights being her professional duty.

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Zhao: I knew it. You came after all~ I just knew you'd make the right choice.

Ye Shunguang: Before we go, there's one thing I want to ask you.

Zhao: Go on.

Ye Shunguang: You said you wanted to investigate because you detected signs of the Hollow expanding... but you're from TOPS, aren't you?

Ye Shunguang: I mean... would TOPS really care about what happens to Failume Heights? No matter what goes wrong here, it wouldn't really affect you, would it?

Zhao: Hmm... it's only natural you'd think that way, Missy.

Zhao: The moment you learned I work for TOPS, you'd start assuming that everything I do is for their benefit...

Zhao: And honestly? That's not entirely wrong. But, like I said before, I'm with Krampus Compliance Authority.

Zhao: Krampus does operate under TOPS, sure, but our duty is to audit, judge, and enforce the rules.

Zhao: Those useless clowns TOPS sent to Failume Heights before were our judgment targets. So please, don't lump me in with them.

Zhao: Besides, the bigger an organization gets, the messier its internal politics become.

Ye Shunguang: So what you're saying is...

Zhao: Don't forget — Krampus is the one managing Failume Heights now. No matter what happens, I have to take responsibility for my work.

Zhao: Like I told you before, in this world, everything comes down to one thing — equivalent exchange.

Zhao: We've taken so much from Failume Heights — it's only fair we take responsibility for protecting it too. Smart people don't take without giving back.

Zhao: In contrast, Yunkui Summit's shining prodigy and current keeper of the Qingming Sword, dear Miss Ye Shunguang here seems to have a much more honest reason for joining the investigation... all for her brother, right?

Zhao: Oh my, who would've thought! Turns out a TOPS businesswoman like me cares more about Failume Heights than Yunkui Summit does~

Ye Shunguang: I...

We do care about Failume Heights.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Of course we care about Failume Heights, but at the moment, the only sign of Hollow expansion comes from your readings. Besides, most Hollows grow at a gradual pace — that doesn't prove anything yet.

Zhao: You've done your research, I see. But according to my data, Lemnian Hollow's expansion rate is way beyond normal.

Zhao: Still, we won't know the truth until we go in and take a look ourselves.

Zhao: Don't worry — once we're inside, I'll point out to you exactly where I last saw Mr. Ye Shiyuan.

Zhao: So, let me summarize the main mission objectives once more: Enter the mysterious new area in Lemnian Hollow, investigate the expansion and the abnormal Miasma activity, and determine the cause.

Zhao: To achieve this, I'll need the help of the most skilled Proxy in New Eridu to guide my way. I'll also need the Qingming Sword's keeper to use the blade and resonate with the white flowers so I can figure out their relationship with the Miasma's abnormal behavior.

Zhao: No time to waste. Let's head out now.

 Investigate the unknown area of the Hollow

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Head to the Lemnian Hollow with Xiao'Guang and Miss Zhao to investigate the unknown area where abnormalities are cropping up.

Failume Heights

Ye Shunguang: Oh right, Miss Zhao, this operation was something my junior and I decided to do in secret, without telling anyone...

Ye Shunguang: If possible, I hope you can keep this between us...

Zhao: Chill out, I'm not an idiot. I'll do whatever works best for me.

Zhao: Telling Yunkui Summit about your business won't do me any favors.

Zhao: I have only one objective: to investigate the expansion of the Lemnian Hollow and the abnormal Miasma within.

Zhao: And about you, Proxy — I know you can enter the Hollow through that little Bangboo of yours to complete your Proxy work.

Zhao: But this new area in the Lemnian Hollow is quite special. It's practically a no-man's land. If you don't personally come with us, we probably won't be able to find our way forward.

I know.

Don't worry, I'll head into the Hollow.

Zhao: Good.

Zhao: As for the issue of your safety... with the keeper of the Qingming Sword and me by your side, you shouldn't have much to worry about.

Zhao: If you're ready, let's head out.

Let's go now.

Wait a sec.

(Talking to Zhao again will repeat dialogue)