Hollow Champion Competition

7-2
Hollow Champion Competition

Story Type
Phaethon's Story

Chapter
New: Eridan Sunset (A)

Episode
2

Starting Location
Luminous Hall - Starloop

Previous
A New Variable

Next
Ragtag Crew

Parent Commission
Hollow Champion Competition Starts

Rewards
Summary
Characters

Inter-Knot Credit

200

Polychrome

30

Noise Reduction Master Copy

10

Denny

10,000

Gilded Carrot Day has come and gone, but life's far from back to normal. Entering a high-stakes tournament to cure my illness, a motley crew of competitors, each with their own agendas — it's a recipe for chaos waiting to happen...

Belle, Billy Kid, Event Guide, Lighter, Luciana de Montefio, Nicole Demara, Promeia, Remielle Dan, Romeul, Wise

Hollow Champion Competition is the second episode of Season 2 - Epilogue: New: Eridan Sunset (A) in Phaethon's Story.

Parts

Another Collab with the Cunning Hares
The Hero's Rules
W-Engines & Rivals
A Break Before the Game Starts

Steps

Hollow Champion Competition Starts
1. Meet up with Nicole and Billy
2. Sign up for the competition
3. Check out the Porcelloy W-Engine
4. Gather intel, then head home with (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)
  - Head back to the video store with (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)
  - Gather some useful intel at the venue (Optional)

Dialogue

Hollow Champion Competition Starts

Meet up with Nicole and Billy

Nicole and Billy have been waiting at Starloop for a while. Chat with them about the competition.

Starloop

(After heading to Starloop)

(A view spanning the interior of Starloop Tower is shown)

Belle: Wow, look at how many contestants there are!

(Ongoing): Belle: Don't tell me everyone's here for that W-Engine?; Wise: I don't think so... Ah, I see Nicole and Billy over there. Let's go.

(An introduction announcement plays on repeat): Competition Host: Good morning, New Eridu! New year, new Hollow Champion!; Competition Host: Every Ethereal— from Tyrfing to Nineveh— has been tagged with a point value!; Competition Host: Bring your Ethereal cards, take them down, and the points are yours!; Competition Host: Obviously taking out your own teammates and claiming it was a Doppelganger doesn't count.; Competition Host: Anyway, come join us, and become a Hollow Champion!

(Idle): Shady Peddler: Check out this Hollow Champion route map! Seasoned Proxy-approved, 100% reliable!; Hesitant Contestant: Dude, you've been selling that map for ten years!

(Talk to the Shady Peddler, optional): Shady Peddler: Hey man, I've sold maps at every Hollow Champion event — that's true. But think about it: if I was peddling fakes, how would my customers ever let that slide?; Hesitant Contestant: Even if you're selling the real deal, the competition's got official Carrots. Why would I fork over extra cash?; Shady Peddler: Ya see, the official Carrot only marks the basic routes. With thousands of contestants rushing toward the same target, everyone's gonna get peanuts, you know what I'm saying?; Hesitant Contestant: Hmm, well when you put it that way... but this price tag though...; Shady Peddler: Too pricey? Tell you what, grab two with that (‍guyguyText for Wise / girlgirlText for Belle‍) next to you, and I'll knock 20% off for ya both!; Huh? I gotta buy something too?; No thanks! I'm just browsing!

(Idle, by the stools): Struggling Contestant: Man, my family's counting on me to bring home that prize money so I can get a new car...; Sighing Contestant: Same here! That old beater of mine's due course to be banned from the roads.

(Idle): Whispering Contestant: Yo, you hear about that Black Wolf...; Vigilant Contestant: What? That lot's participating?; Whispering Contestant: Shh, keep it down...

(Talk to the Whispering Contestant, optional): Whispering Contestant: By the way, have you heard about that "Black Wolf"...; Vigilant Contestant: What? That lot's participating too? Tch, when there's no background checks on participants, you're bound to attract shady types like that...; Whispering Contestant: Shh, keep it down... Anyway, now that we know there's people like that here, we gotta pick a more cautious strategy.; Vigilant Contestant: Got it. We're just here for the prize money anyway. It ain't worth putting our lives on the line.

(Idle, by the seating area): Vigilant Public Security Officer: Wow, place is packed today too.; Vigilant Public Security Officer: If there's a stampede...; Vigilant Public Security Officer: Wait! That big guy who just walked by... could that be the one from the wanted poster?

(Idle): Hyped Contestant: If you make it into the top ten, you're buying me dinner!; Eager Contestant: Yeah, yeah, sure! All the meals you want!

(Talk to the Hyped Contestant, optional): Hyped Contestant: Perfect, our hunch was right. Even with a bigger team, it doesn't guarantee an advantage under the competition rules this time.; Hyped Contestant: A small and tight-knit squad like ours has a way better shot at taking the win.; Eager Contestant: Yeah, you're right. We just gotta stay in our lane, crush Ethereals, and rack up those points!; Hyped Contestant: If we crack the top ten this time, you're buying me dinner!; Eager Contestant: Yeah, yeah, when I get that prize money, I can treat you to all the meals you want!

(Idle, left of the staircase): Reception Guide: Hello, please head upstairs for the prize gallery~

(Talk to the male Reception Guide, optional): Reception Guide: Welcome to the Hollow Champion Starloop registration! If you want to check out the prizes, head upstairs. Please watch your step!; Will the prizes stay on display?; Reception Guide: Yep, during the competition, the physical prizes will be on rotation at the display stand upstairs.; Reception Guide: Of course, during longer breaks in the competition, prizes will be temporarily taken down and stored in the warehouse for safekeeping.

(Idle, right of the staircase): Reception Guide: Welcome to Hollow Champion! Sign up upstairs!

(Talk to the female Reception Guide, optional)

Reception Guide: Welcome to Hollow Champion. What can I do for you?

How do I sign up?

Reception Guide: Head upstairs from here. The registration desk is on the left side of the central exhibition stand. Once you're there, staff will be on hand to walk you through the sign-up process.

What else is here besides sign-ups?

Reception Guide: The physical prizes for the latest competition are all on display at the central exhibition stand upstairs. Feel free to check them out if you're interested.

I'm good, thanks.

(Idle): Nicole: Time to rake in the cash! All we need now is the Proxy!; Billy: Boss, you think the Proxy's really gonna show?

(Approach the Cunning Hares)

Another Collab with the Cunning Hares

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Another Collab with the Cunning Hares

Video Summary: Never forgetting a regular client—that's Professionalism 101 for any Proxy worth their salt.

Story Description: At the Starloop registration site, you run into Billy and Nicole. The three of you agree to set the Porcelloy W-Engine as the prize you're aiming to win. It's been a while, but you all are finally working together again.

Nicole: Proxy, you really came! I knew the Cunning Hares would always be your number one choice!

Nicole: Look, we've already secured our team qualification! Let's steal the spotlight in this competition, Proxy! Billy can have the Starlight Knight meet-and-greet tickets, I'll take the Dennies, and all the remaining glory goes to you!

How come I'm left with just the glory?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Hold it, how come I'm left with just the glory? Where's my prize?

The last thing I lack is glory.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍It / Somehow... it‍) feels like the one thing I'm not short on is glory.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Nicole, (‍if we're going to team up, you've gotta show a little good faith. Don't think Wise and I don't see what you're up to. We've gone through the rules ourselves! / if you want us to partner up, you could at least show a little sincerity. Belle and I already carefully went over the competition rules on our way over.‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): The Hollow Champion competition uses a "competitive hunt" format. In other words, teams defeat Ethereals within a set time limit to earn points.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): There are so many contestants this time, and the organizers are distributing standard-issue Carrots to everyone. So unless you have a special edge, you might not even run into any Ethereals before the competition ends.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Smaller teams rely on mobility, while larger teams can hunt dangerous but high-value targets. Of course, some teams choose to use specialized route planners to secure an early advantage right out of the gate.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍You're / And you're‍) getting us to join because... Phaethon is the best Proxy in all of New Eridu!

Billy: Wow, Boss, that's exactly what you said before...

Nicole: Billy, shut it already! You're going to blurt out everything we've got!

Nicole: Mm... anyway... fine. I admit, our core strategy revolves around you, Proxy. I won't argue if you want the bigger cut.

(Speak frankly with Nicole)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Actually / No‍), Nicole, the truth is... we're the ones who need your help in this competition. We really need that Porcelloy W-Engine from the grand prize pool.

You briefly fill the Cunning Hares in on what's been going on...

Billy: I see... Don't worry, Manager! Since you need that W-Engine so badly, we'll help you get it no matter what!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): With Hollow veterans like you two, plus (‍Wise / Belle‍) leading the way, we'll hit peak scoring efficiency. We're guaranteed a spot near the top of the leaderboard!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): When the time comes, (‍just give Belle the W-Engine. We / as long as you hand the W-Engine over to Wise, we‍) don't want any of the other prizes or rewards!

Nicole: Okay, okay, cut it out! You don't have to hold back! If it's the W-Engine you want, then anyone who's also got their sights set on it is an enemy of the Cunning Hares!

Billy: That's right! Manager, you can count on us! The Starlight Knights won't let you down!

(Express honest thanks)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Thanks, you guys. / Thanks guys.‍) We're counting on (‍you! / ya!‍)

Nicole: Yup, don't worry!

Nicole: Oh, right. Even though we've already got our spot in the competition, each member still needs to register individually. Registration is on the second floor. Just tell them you're with the Cunning Hares.

Nicole: (‍Wise / Belle‍), I saw on the poster that all the competition prizes are gonna be on display at the venue soon, including that Porcelloy W-Engine! After you finish registering, let's go check it out together.

Billy: Nicole and I are gonna head back to get prepared! See you at the competition!

Sign up for the competition

Head to the competition registration desk at Starloop, talk to the event coordinator to learn the competition rules, and sign up.

Starloop

(Ongoing): (SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Come on, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍). We need to sign up for the (‍competition!competition!Text for Wise / competition.competition.Text for Belle‍)

(Idle, by the stairs on the second floor): Public Security Officer 1: Phew... Sign-ups are finally wrapping up! Keeping order around here every day has been absolutely draining.; Public Security Officer 2: Already tired? Once the competition starts, the rivalry between players gets way more intense. That's when we really need to keep an eye on things!; Public Security Officer 1: N—No way...!

(Idle, at the seating area left of the stage): NPC 1: There are three official Hollow entrances. Which one's gonna have the lightest crowd?; NPC 2: It's probably a bit too late to recruit a Proxy, huh...

(Interact with the Event Promo Poster, optional): (A promotional poster for the Hollow Champion competition, featuring bold colors and cutting-edge design that screams money.); (The poster is plastered with heart-pumping slogans: "Become the City's Champion," "Seize the Moment, Win the Future," "Advance With Courage, the World Answers Back"...); (Hm? There's some fine print in the corner of the poster: All interpretation rights for this event are reserved by the organizers. Participants assume all risks incurred during the competition. The event assumes no liability for any personal injury or property damage...)

(Interact with the Competition Drone, optional): Competition Drone: Heroes who conquer Hollows, welcome to the "Hollow Champion" competition~ Challenge yourself~ Win Glory~ Rusty Cliff Corp. wishes all contestants great achievements!; Competition Drone: Hey there! I'm Champ, your competition assistant, and I'm here to give you top-notch service~!; What services can you offer?; Competition Drone: Champ can read the Competition Regulations for you~ There are 4,000 clauses in total, estimated reading time: 12 hours and 48 minutes...; No thanks, I'm good!

(Idle, by the drone): NPC 3: Yo, that Thiren contestant looks real dangerous!; NPC 4: Right?! He bumped into me, didn't even apologize, and then had the nerve to shoot me the dirtiest look!; NPC 5: He's dressed like he's from the Outer Ring...

(Idle, on the line): NPC 6: Wow, the line's crazy long today...; NPC 7: Word got out that registration's closing early, so everyone who was on the fence is rushing to get signed up.; NPC 8: Wait, is this part of the organizers' strategy too?; NPC 6: Probably. After all, the sponsor is Rusty Cliff Corp., which has deep roots in the entertainment industry. They're good at that kinda manipulation.

(Idle): Eager Contestant: With TOPS sponsoring this time, the prizes are on a whole different level!; Chill Contestant: But... why are they only showing off the W-Engines?

(Talk to the Eager Contestant, optional): Eager Contestant: As expected of an event sponsored by TOPS — everything they bring out is top-notch! Let's swing by later and take a good look!; Chill Contestant: You wanna go again? We already did a whole lap just now... If you ask me, those pro-level W-Engines and stuff aren't even something we'd use.; Eager Contestant: Even if I can't use it, I can flip it to someone else and make bank.; Chill Contestant: Compared to trading a ton of points for a W-Engine, why not just convert it to Dennies? You'd probably get more that way.; Eager Contestant: Hmm... Well...

(Talk to the Billing Counter Staff, optional): Billing Counter Staff: Hello, this is the billing counter for Ethereal card equipment fees.; Billing Counter Staff: You'll need to register your team at the Registration Counter first, then sign up as a participant to claim your Ethereal card, and after that, you can come to us to pay the equipment activation fee.; What happens if I don't pay?; Billing Counter Staff: Well... even if you've already obtained your Ethereal card, you won't be able to compete unless it's activated, since participant info is linked to the Ethereal card.

(Idle): Event Guide: Thanks for participating in the Hollow Champion competition!; Promeia: ...

(Approach the registration booth)

The Hero's Rules

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

The Hero's Rules

Video Summary: The bigger the party, the easier it is for shady characters to slip in unnoticed.

Story Description: You head to the registration desk and carefully review the competition rules with the event guide. Ethereal cards will be the key to winning the entire tournament.

Event Guide: Thanks for signing up for the Hollow Champion competition. Good luck out there!

Promeia: ...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Huh, (‍Wise / Belle‍), is that the person you mentioned before, the one who was with Xiao'Zhao? How come she's participating in the competition?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Aaaaand she left... / She just walked off without a word...‍) She looks like trouble anyway.

Event Guide: Sorry to keep you both waiting! When Hollows threaten the city, from the city rises a champion! Welcome to the Hollow Champion Starloop main venue. How can I help you?

I wanna sign up as a member of the Cunning Hares.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I wanna sign up as a member of the Cunning Hares. The team should have already (‍qualified. / qualified?‍)

Event Guide: Just a moment, let me check that for you... Ah, here we go. Please provide your name and confirm once more that you're joining the Cunning Hares, then we can wrap up the registration.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Huh, that's it? I thought there'd be some complicated ID verification or other checks. / Is registering as a contestant really this simple? Don't you need any other checks or ID verification?‍)

Event Guide: Let me explain. You two should already be familiar with the competition rules. There is no limit on the number of team members for this contest. You can compete solo or stick together as a team.

Event Guide: The competition will rank teams and calculate points based on both the difficulty of hunted Ethereals and the number of team members. In other words, this is a contest that tests strategy and overall team strength.

Event Guide: Therefore, joining another team offers no advantage. Each team's members can also view their team roster at any time to ensure the competition is fair.

Event Guide: On top of that, our sponsor, Rusty Cliff Corp., specifically instructed us not to impose too many restrictions on participants' identities, so that more up-and-coming stars who haven't yet been noticed can have a chance to shine.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Ah, makes sense. Classic move from (‍Rusty Cliff Corp., the entertainment powerhouse. / Rusty Cliff Corp. from [sic] the entertainment powerhouse.^{[Note 1]}‍)

Event Guide: If you two have no further questions, you can proceed with the registration.

Registration completed as a member of the Cunning Hares team...

Event Guide: Welcome officially to the competition! Next, we will introduce the designated item for this event, which also serves as the only proof of your participant status: the Ethereal card.

(Beginner Ethereal Card added to the Workbench)

Beginner Ethereal Card
File:Intelligence Beginner Ethereal Card.png
Proof of participation and access pass for the Hollow Champion competition. One card per person, non-refundable and non-transferable. Damage to it will be considered forfeiture. The Ethereal card has a ton of features: not only does it track your accumulated points, but it can also load Carrot data provided by the organizers to give you guidance in the Hollow competition areas. Thanks to this year's unprecedented scale, the Ethereal card can even be used as a payment method, letting you exchange points for Dennies at participating partner shops.

Although it's called an Ethereal card, it is actually an electronic device.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Although it's called an Ethereal card, it's clearly an electronic device with scanning and signal-transmission functions.

Event Guide: That's right. In battle, the Ethereal card will record your combat data and calculate your points. At the same time, you'll also need to use it to connect with the official data terminals to receive Carrot information.

What's the Ethereal card used for?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What is this thing used for?

Event Guide: It has two main functions. First, it records your combat performance and calculates your points. Second, it can connect to the official data terminals inside the Hollow to obtain Carrot data.

Event Guide: Of course, the Ethereal card will be loaded with initial Carrot data at the start of the competition, but any subsequent updates will require participants to go near the data terminals.

Event Guide: Here's some crucial info, so please pay attention: If your Ethereal card is destroyed, you'll be disqualified. Your personal points will be reset to zero from the team's total score, but the team's participant number coefficient will remain unchanged.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): In other words, losing members is (‍bad news / very disadvantageous‍) for the team.

Event Guide: Exactly. Truth is, this measure is meant to remind participants to stay safe and avoid fighting enemies that could leave them too overwhelmed to keep their Ethereal Card in check, since the competition does not provide insurance.^{[Note 2]}

Event Guide: Alright, that covers the most important information about the competition. If there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to swing by anytime.

Event Guide: Please proceed to the line ahead to pay the equipment fee and complete your Ethereal card activation. Once that's done, you'll be officially registered to compete.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Whoa, that's quite a line... I'll go queue up, Wise, and / Looks like the line's pretty long... Belle, I'll go queue up,‍) you go check out the W-Engine prize.

Check out the Porcelloy W-Engine

Now that we've signed up, let's check out the Porcelloy W-Engine that's up for grabs as a prize.

Starloop

(Idle): Event Guide: Thanks for participating in the Hollow Champion competition!

(Talk to the Event Guide, optional)

Event Guide: When Hollows threaten the city, from the city rises a champion! Welcome to the Hollow Champion Starloop main venue. How can I help you?

I wanna check out the team info.

Event Guide: Sure, here's the participant info~

Event Guide: Oh right, the rankings and points on the roster are blank for now. The competition hasn't started yet, haha!

Leaderboard (Not Started)
Player Name	Total Revenue	Ranking
Cunning Hares	–	–
Absolute Zero	–	–
Survive Until the Credits Roll	–	–
Meow Meow's always right	–	–
Ramiel	–	–
Gonna Make Bank Today	–	–
Sons of Calydon	–	–
Embers of the Past	–	–
Promeia	–	–
Makeshift Squad	–	–

Can you tell me about Hollow Champion?

Event Guide: Sure. The Hollow Champion competition is a professional event organized by the Hollow Athletics League under authorization from the city administration. It's designed to boost citizens' confidence in tackling Hollows, and it's been running for decades now.

Event Guide: This competition features four stages, each taking place in different Hollow environments. After all stages are completed, contestants will be ranked by their points, which can also be redeemed for prizes or cash rewards.

Event Guide: There's a five to seven-day break between each stage, so players don't have to worry about exhaustion from back-to-back matches.

Can you run through the rules and Ethereal cards again?

Event Guide: No problem. This year's competition uses a "competitive hunt" format. In other words, teams defeat Ethereals within a set time limit to earn points.

Event Guide: Points will be calculated based on the difficulty of the Ethereals eliminated and the number of team members, and recorded on your Ethereal cards. You'll also need to use your Ethereal cards to connect with official data piles inside the Hollow to obtain official Carrots.

Event Guide: Please note: If your Ethereal card is destroyed, it'll be considered as a forfeit. Your individual points will be reset to zero from the team's total score, but the team's participant number coefficient will remain unchanged.

I'm good.

Event Guide: Feel free to come back with any questions you might have!

(Idle, at the back of the line): (SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍ManManText for Wise / WowWowText for Belle‍), this line's (‍crazycrazyText for Wise / sosoText for Belle‍) long... Gonna be a while...

(Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍), optional): (SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), I'm gonna be stuck in this line for a bit — why don't you go check out that W-Engine we want first?

(Idle, on stage): Male Contestant: For real? This thing's actually worth that much...; Female Contestant: So this is the legendary Porcelloy...

(Interact with the other prizes, optional): (Apart from the Porcelloy W-Engine, there's a whole spread of immensely expensive prizes on display here. From pure gold statues to advanced Hollow equipment, and precious antiques to high purity Porcelume products...); (...Wait, what's up with these Bangboo photo collections and sixty-percent-new replaceable Intelligent Construct joints??)

(Interact with the Porcelloy W-Engine)

W-Engines & Rivals

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

W-Engines & Rivals

Video Summary: The bigger the party, the easier it is for shady characters to slip in unnoticed.

Story Description: While checking out the prize display, you stop to examine the Porcelloy W-Engine and happen to meet another contestant, Ramiel, studying it just as closely.

Male Contestant: Wait, seriously? This thing's worth that much, and it even has a special material usage permit! Let me see... "Flint Porcelloy W-Engine: Concealed Light"...

Female Contestant: So this is the legendary Porcelloy, huh? It's my first time seeing it. "Enhances Ether stabilization metrics to suppress energy-level fluctuations of potent Ether in internal and external environments"... What does that even mean? Can it be explained in terms a normal person can understand?

Male Contestant: Would the average person even need this? Then again, Porcelloy itself is super rare, so... maybe it'd be a collector's target? Look, this W-Engine doesn't even seem brand new. It even has some scratches on it.

Female Contestant: Let's go and check out what other prizes they got.

(Carefully examine the W-Engine...)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Compared to the other prizes, the Porcelloy W-Engine seems (‍a bit‍) less popular... but that's a good thing! While there (‍aren't many / are fewer‍) people around, let's get (‍a little‍) closer and take a (‍look. / look!‍))

(Flint Porcelloy W-Engine - "Concealed Light" added to the Workbench)

Flint Porcelloy W-Engine - "Concealed Light"
File:Intelligence Flint Porcelloy W-Engine - "Concealed Light".png
A rare W-Engine forged entirely from Flint Porcelloy, not something you'd usually find on the market. It radiates the same silvery gleam as the Porcelloy Bangboo from before, maybe even flashier... Just looking at it is enough to ease the discomfort in your eyes.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Whew... I didn't expect just being near the W-Engine would make me feel better. The Porcelloy content in this must be pretty high!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (If I can get my hands on it, given time, I can definitely solve the problems with the HDD and my eyes! But now that I think about it, what does that line in the description mean—"suppress energy-level fluctuations of potent Ether in internal and external environments"?)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...Putting aside the external environment for now, does the (‍so-called‍) "internal environment" refer to the human body? What's the difference between the energy fluctuations of potent Ether and Corruption in general?

???: Yeah, I was wondering the same thing myself.

(‍Ugh! / Uwaaaaaahhh! Wh–Who?‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ugh!! Oh... Y–You scared me. / Uwaaaaaahhh! Wh–Who's there?!‍)

???: Ah, sorry! I spoke to you out of the blue. Did I startle you?

Huh, sorry, you are...?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Huh, um... Sorry, (‍and you are...? / you're...?‍)

???: Ah, hehe, sorry! I was thinking about the same thing just now, and before I realized it, I was talking aloud.

???: Speaking of which, this is the first time I've seen someone read through W-Engine tech specs so carefully. Are you a scholar? Or... a W-Engine enthusiast?

I wouldn't call myself a scholar, more like an independent investigator.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Nah, I wouldn't call myself a scholar... I'm just an independent investigator of Hollows. / Scholar? Nah, not quite... If we're talking about my profession, I'd say I'm more of an independent investigator of Hollows.‍)

???: Well, you've got pretty unique taste. I honestly can't think of any use for spending points to get such a niche W-Engine.

I guess you could call me a W-Engine enthusiast.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Yeah,‍) I guess you could say I'm a W-Engine enthusiast... Haha.

???: I see. No wonder you were so absorbed in looking at this one. I honestly can't think of any use for spending points to get such a niche W-Engine.

Ramiel: Ah, right! I'm Ramiel, one of the contestants. I just started firing questions at you without even giving you my name. That was pretty rude of me.

It's okay. You don't have to be so formal.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's okay. You don't have to be so formal. I'm (‍Wise / Belle‍). Nice to meet you. I'm also a contestant.

If I want to be polite, the least I can do is give you my name.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): If we're being so polite, the least I can do is give you my name, too. I'm (‍Wise / Belle‍), and I'm also a contestant.

Ramiel: Hehe, I figured as much. Anyone who shows up at the registration area must be a contestant.

Ramiel: Oh, but uh, as long as everyone has different targets and isn't competing over them... then, I guess they can also be seen as comrades fighting side by side, right?

Even if the targets are the same...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Even if the targets were the same, everyone can still become comrades.

Ramiel: Rivals who compete yet still fight side by side. Hm... I'd love to meet an opponent like that someday.

Have you already chosen your target?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): By the way, Miss Ramiel, have you already chosen your target?

Ramiel: Not yet. There's still time, so I've decided to think it over carefully. But I'll remember that your target is the Porcelloy W-Engine.

I actually haven't decided yet...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I actually haven't decided yet either...

Ramiel: Really? But you gave yourself away with how focused you were earlier.

Ramiel: Hehe, I'm just kidding. Well then, good luck out there. See you later~

Ramiel smiles and leaves. After that...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍I'm back, Wise. Got the payment and everything sorted out. So who was that super eye-catching lady just now...? / Belle, I'm back. The payment's all good. So... who was that lady just now? She certainly stood out.‍)

Her name's Ramiel, and she's one of the competitors.

We just made some small talk.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Hmm... She may look young, but from her vibe and the way she carries herself, I'd say she's got some serious skills. / She looks pretty young, but judging by her presence and how she carries herself, she's definitely skilled.‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Never mind that (‍though. / for now, Belle.‍) What do you think of this Porcelloy W-Engine?

I can tell this is really gonna help.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Awesome, looks like we got it right! / Good. Looks like we picked the right target!‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): We're all signed up (‍now. / now, Belle.‍) But since we're kinda late to the party, let's see if we can get some more intel before we head home!

Gather intel, then head home with (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)

Take a look around the registration area. There might be some unexpected intel. Once you've gathered enough intel, go find (‍Belle / Wise‍).

Starloop

(Ongoing): (SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Let's gather some intel before we go home.

(Interact with the Porcelloy W-Engine, optional): (That's our target, a Flint Porcelloy W-Engine. The W-Engine's name appears to be Concealed Light.); (The plaque doesn't mention when the W-Engine was crafted, but it definitely looks like an antique.); (Just standing near the W-Engine makes my body feel better... If I can get my hands on it, I should be able to figure something out...)

(Talk to the Brooding Thiren Contestant, optional): Brooding Thiren Contestant: ...; Brooding Thiren Contestant: Hmph, beat it.; (I didn't even say anything, and this gloomy Thiren competitor's already so hostile... He seems dangerous. Better not mess with him.)

(Talk to Promeia, optional): Promeia: ...Understood... Yes... Yes...; (So she's the one who was with Xiao'Zhao before: Promeia. That means... she's probably part of Krampus too...); (Promeia murmurs something into her hidden earpiece while shooting a glance this way.); (Can't tell if she remembers me, but one thing's for sure — right now, she's not interested in talking to anyone except whoever's on the other end of that call.)

(Talk to Ramiel, optional): Ramiel: Oh, it's you, uh... (‍BillBillText for Wise / AnneAnneText for Belle‍)?; ...; Ramiel: Just kidding, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)!; Ramiel: But judging by the look on your face just now, seems like you assumed I'd really just forget your name like that. Man, that hurts... I can't believe that's the kind of person I am in your eyes...; ...Are you messing with me?; Ramiel: Pfft, it's stopped working on you already? Seems like you're a tricky opponent even off the court.; Ramiel: I'm heading back for today. See you~

(Idle): (SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Sorry, we already promised the Cunning Hares...; Lucy: Hmph... That idiot, Caesar... Shoulda contacted you sooner!

(Talk to (SiblingSiblingWise / Belle))

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise, look who's here! / Belle, look who's here.‍)

Lucy and Lighter!

You guys entering the competition too?

Lucy: Yeah, we've been expanding our business near the Faunus Quarter lately, and this competition is the perfect chance for the Sons of Calydon to get our name out there.

Lucy: It's all that idiot Caesar's fault! I told her ages ago to reach out and recruit you, but Billy and the others beat us to the punch.

Lighter: Proxy, you have no idea... This morning, that one text from our dear brother Billy set off a huge battle at our camp...

(Wait, this morning?)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (whispers) (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), we never agreed to Nicole's request — looks like she just went ahead with it anyway.

Lucy: (‍Belle / Wise‍) already told me everything — you've got your eye on that unique Porcelloy W-Engine. Don't worry, our targets don't conflict.

Lucy: We'll be crashing in the city for a while to make competing easier. If you need anything, hit us up anytime!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Thanks, Lucy, Lighter.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise / Belle‍), it's getting pretty late, and we've got all the intel we need. (‍Wanna / Should we‍) head home?

Yeah, let's head home.

Lucy: Good luck in the competition, Proxy!

I wanna stick around a bit longer.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Alright, then I'll stay with Lucy and the others.Alright, then I'll stay with Lucy and the others.Text for Wise / Got it. You go ahead. I'll chat with Lucy and the others for a bit.Got it. You go ahead. I'll chat with Lucy and the others for a bit.Text for Belle‍)
(Talking to (SiblingSiblingWise / Belle) again repeats dialogue from when (SiblingSiblingWise / Belle) asks whether to head home or not.)

A Break Before the Game Starts

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

A Break Before the Game Starts

Video Summary: The bigger the party, the easier it is for shady characters to slip in unnoticed.

Story Description: Later, you two return home and talk through everything that happened during the day. After a night of rest, the competition is about to begin...

A while later, back at home...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Phew...‍) What a long day. It feels like so much has happened, and my mood's been on a rollercoaster.

I feel the same, actually.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I feel the (‍same... / same, actually...‍)

Sorry to make you worry about me.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Belle / Wise‍), I'm sorry I made you worry.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Well thankfully, we've got a solution now. (‍Wise, make / Make‍) sure you rest up these next few days before the competition. After all, we'll have to rely on the HDD to win that Porcelloy W-Engine.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): As for this Porcelloy pendant we borrowed, since it eases the symptoms, keep it and the Ethereal card close during the competition.

In the days leading up to the competition, you make all sorts of preparations together with (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍). After implementing the data isolation protocol, no more serious symptoms appear, as expected.
And just like that, the first day of the competition arrives...

(Today's the first stage of the competition. Alrighty, feelin' good, got my Porcelloy accessories and Ethereal cards all ready to go.)

((‍Belle / Wise‍) seems to be at the parking lot already. Let's go.)

Notes

↑ Actual voice-over: "Ah, makes sense. Classic move from the entertainment powerhouse."
↑ Actual voice-over: "Exactly. Truth is, this measure is meant to remind participants to stay safe and avoid fighting enemies that might destroy their Ethereal Card, since the competition does not provide insurance."

Other Languages

Language	Official Name
English	Hollow Champion Competition
Chinese (Simplified)	「空洞英雄」比赛
Chinese (Traditional)	「空洞英雄」比賽
Japanese	「ホロウ・ザ・ヒーロー」
Korean	「공동 히어로즈」 대회 "Gongdong Hieorojeu" Daehoe
Spanish	Competición «Campeones de la Cavidad»
French	Concours des Champions des Néantres
Russian	Турнир «Чемпионы каверн» Turnir "Chempiony kavern"
Thai	การแข่งขัน "ฮีโร่แห่ง Hollow"
Vietnamese	Giải Đấu Anh Hùng Lỗ Hổng
German	Höhlenhelden-Wettbewerb
Indonesian	Kompetisi Pahlawan Hollow
Portuguese	Competição Heróis da Esfera Negra

Change History

Released in Version 2.7 - Champions Never Fall to the Past

[Create New History]

Navigation

[1] Actual voice-over: "Ah, makes sense. Classic move from the entertainment powerhouse."

[2] Actual voice-over: "Exactly. Truth is, this measure is meant to remind participants to stay safe and avoid fighting enemies that might destroy their Ethereal Card, since the competition does not provide insurance."

[Note 1]

[Note 2]