Into That Pale Wasteland/Deputy Chief's Notes
Last updated 2025-01-17
"Irradiant"
The first Irradiant Crystal uncovered by Section 6 during the Melinoe disaster relief and suppression operation was collected by Chief Miyabi while she was scouting.
Irradiant Core — another shiny new term coined by the Institute, and one that inevitably means more reports piling up on the office desk.
Yet, the disaster itself is no exaggeration. The Irradiant Phenomenon seems to amplify the unique traits of Ether — though it also brings catastrophes of equal magnitude. Otherwise, Public Security wouldn't have requested such high-level support from HSO, especially after that incident...
Melinoe
An Irradiant Crystal discovered by the Chief during the advance exploration of Melinoe.
Ether, by nature, harbors a deep-seated hostility toward anything "non-Ether," but its malice is anything but random. Specifically, Corruption strikes faster and more intensely on things with "souls," whether it's flesh-and-blood beings or mechanical citizens who passed the test. Hollows seem to hold an especially profound grudge against the most vibrant forms of life.
Melinoe, however, is an exception. As the Companion Hollow of Pursenas, it inherited its mother's strange and unique traits. The land and structures here are disturbingly pale and fragile — scars left by the relentless assault of extreme Corruption.
Ether Architecture
An Irradiant Crystal recovered by Chief Miyabi during the purge operation in Melinoe's inner perimeter.
The Irradiant phenomenon exacerbates Ether's instability but also makes its activity easier to influence. The Institute seized this opportunity to develop the Ether disruptor probe, a tool capable of influencing and even manipulating Ether to a limited degree. While its current applications are limited to connecting paths and altering terrain, it's already a monumental breakthrough.
The members of Section 6, though adept in both combat and strategy, lack in-depth knowledge of such advanced devices... Fortunately, with a Proxy's assistance, Chief Miyabi managed to forge a clear path for those who would follow in her footsteps.
General of Scouts
An Irradiant Crystal discovered by Chief Miyabi during the advance exploration of Melinoe's core.
In the face of the Hollow, there's no distinction between a general commanding from the base and a soldier charging into the fray — both stand equal before its relentless threat. The HSO is prepared to sacrifice their lives to stop its advance.
Chief Miyabi, however, always bears dual responsibilities: as a Void Hunter capable of rapid support across the battlefield and as a vanguard that's always on the frontline. From slaying the deadliest Ethereals to the menial task of collecting rocks, she performs her duties with unparalleled efficiency.
Note: Next weekend is the Chief's routine scheduled leave.
"Irradiant Carrot"
The Irradiant Carrot data obtained by Miyabi with a Proxy's assistance.
The terrain of Melinoe has been shattered beyond recognition due to the corruption — essentially, it's the Irradiant Core that exacerbates the Hollow's distortion of spatial structures. In this shattered labyrinth, our usual guide, the Carrot, has become unreliable and fleeting.
To address this, the White Star Institute developed a specialized mapping algorithm tailored for Irradiant-affected Hollows, resulting in the aptly named Irradiant Carrot — which, frankly, sounds like the next trendy GMO veggie at a supermarket's Hot Picks section.
Section 6 might not be famed for their technical knowledge, but with the Proxy's help, they successfully recovered the Irradiant Carrot from a Bangboo Workbench.
White Star-Class Nanny
The Irradiant Crystal collected by Chief Miyabi during a Decapitation Strike in Melinoe's core area. Allegedly, this was only retrieved after a detour — all thanks to a very persistent Institute researcher.
"I hate teaming up with those Institute geeks," "those nerds think we're their nannies" — such gripes are common among the executive branch. To be fair, White Star researchers' obsessive dedication to their work often creates extra headaches and risks... But I can't deny their sincerity and idealism — it's probably their way of safeguarding New Eridu.
So, it's not the worst thing in the world to play the role of a babysitter every now and then... Probably...
Survivor
A Crystal recovered by Soukaku during a rescue mission. Technically, rescue operations aren't part of her assigned duties, but there's no way that girl would turn a blind eye to something like that.
An excerpt from a Public Security report reads: "Since the third Hollow Disaster Citizen Survival and Self-Rescue Seminar earlier this year, natural survival rates in Janus Quarter have risen by 8.24%.
"
Public Security defines "natural survival rate" as the percentage of civilians who survive until rescuers arrive. But let's be honest — it's probably less about the seminar frequency and more about the rescuers getting there faster, don't you think?
Rookie Mentor
An Irradiant Crystal obtained by Asaba while mentoring HSO's new squad members during an operation.
Due to the Chief's heavy responsibilities, not to mention her unique reputation and position, the new recruits would most likely be intimidated by her. Soukaku, while highly capable in action, isn't quite adept at handling administrative tasks yet.
Asaba, on the other hand, is the most fitting choice for the role of a mentor — apart from me, of course. That said, his overly laid-back attitude seems to have earned him a reputation among the new squad members. Hopefully, this doesn't undermine their trust in him...
Then again, there are always rookies who prefer a relaxed and easygoing senior, aren't there?
99+ To-Dos
This crystal was discovered while I... no, it was actually the Proxy who found it during the suppression of the out-of-control Public Security mechs.
This month's reports remain untouched, and the summary of the Melinoe incident is still unwritten. If I keep putting it off, next month's workload will spiral out of control, throwing both overseeing and subordinate departments into disarray. At this point, I'm not even sure if the sirens ringing in my ears are the echoes of stress-induced hallucinations or the roars of out-of-control autonomous mechs.
Initially, I had my concerns about the Chief bringing the Proxy into the operation. But when things were at their worst, I was grateful to have them there to lend a hand.
Lucky One
The Irradiant Crystal collected during a rescue mission by Section 6. Unfortunately, our rescue target ultimately didn't make it...
Bangboo, self-rescue training, emergency defense kits, and civilian-grade Corruption aid packages — all these means and efforts aim to help citizens hold out in the face of sudden break of Hollow disasters until rescue arrives. But we all know the cruel truth: the key to being a survivor is to survive.
Our work is merely a struggle to grasp fleeting possibilities, trying to tip the scales ever so slightly against fate.
Completion Certificate
The second Irradiant Crystal was retrieved by Asaba while mentoring HSO's new squad members during an operation.
Asaba's guidance missions went smoothly, and the rookies have nothing but praise for "Harumasamasa Senpai." Comments ranged from, "He offered great support, whether it was dealing with the Ethereals or just helping us take out a week's worth of garbage," to the more perplexing, "Harumasa Senpai wasn't on-site at all, but that rescuer Bangboo he sent was super reliable!"
I can't help but wonder — did Asaba offload more of his tasks onto Proxy again?
Reward
This crystal was found during a suppression mission by Proxy and me.
I promised Proxy that once the mission was over, we'd go buy some red bean buns together. Come to think of it, every thank-you gift I've ever given the Proxy has been red bean buns... Actually, all my treats for Section 6 are always red bean buns too... What if they don't even like the buns that much and are just accommodating my tastes?
Next time, I'll get something different to thank the Proxy and everyone else. Red bean croissants? No... maybe red bean mochi instead?
Betrayal
The Irradiant Core unleashed an intense Corruption effect that rapidly overtook the intelligence of the Public Security's autonomous mechs, resulting in heavy losses for the advance squad. Without the combined efforts of the Chief and Proxy, these out-of-control mechs would have caused even greater disruptions to the rescue and investigation efforts that followed.
This Irradiant Crystal was obtained during a battle against one such corrupted autonomous mech.
Hollow Special Operations Section 1
Section 6 takes pride in its "absolute elite status, unmatched mobility, and unparalleled extermination efficiency." Thanks to the unwavering efforts of the Chief, Asaba, and Soukaku, the team's rapid emergency responses and precision in neutralizing high-risk targets have become the pride of HSO.
However, due to its small size, Section 6 can only manage a limited number of crisis events, often relying on the support of colleagues from other teams. Section 1, being the largest department within the executive branch, shoulders the bulk of "routine" combat missions.
This Irradiant Crystal was collected during a joint mission alongside Section 1 squad members.
Faded
The complete evacuation of Melinoe's residents has turned this pale city into an empty, lifeless shell.
The Irradiant accelerates the Ether's corruption of inorganic matter. And I can't help but wonder if the cities that now slumber within the Hollows will someday lose all their colors like this one.
This Irradiant Crystal was discovered in a faded corner of the city.
Guardian
The Irradiant Crystal was obtained by the Chief during a Decapitation Strike in Melinoe's core.
Against the threat of the Hollows, HAND, the Defense Force, and Public Security — the strongest militarized forces of New Eridu — stand united to protect its land and citizens. Or at least, that's the ideal. If only every oath was made with the utmost sincerity.
Yet, when presented with an opportunity, humanity's selfish desires start to creep in. The Bringer incident has widened the rift between the Public Security and HSO. However, it is precisely at such a time that unity is more critical than ever. Suspicion and distrust form a chasm more perilous than any Hollow... something I understand all too well.
Thankfully, the Chief remains an unbreakable blade, enduring the weight of both humanity and the Hollows. Miyabi's name stands not only as a pillar of strength but also as a beacon, a guiding flame lighting the way forward for us all.
Chibi Hacker Tech
The Proxy has an uncanny ability to extract vital things like encrypted municipal documents or foundational Carrot data from the most ordinary Bangboo workbenches. Yet, it's better not to dwell on the legality of... (this line has been hastily crossed out).
The technology is undeniably impressive, but the "visual interface for boundary hacking" that the Proxy demonstrated to me looked more like a platformer featuring a Bangboo as the main character. Then again, whether it's video games or hacking, these aren't my areas of expertise...
This Irradiant Carrot data was acquired during a Hollow investigation, with support from Proxy.
Aftermath
The Public Security's efforts were far from fruitless — without their timely actions, the loss of life and property would have been much worse.
However, their reliance on mechanized equipment and autonomous mechs left them at a significant disadvantage in Melinoe. In contrast, the HSO, with its focus on personal combat prowess and small, elite units, was far better suited to handle such a scenario. Meanwhile, the Defense Force, with its sheer scale and overwhelming firepower, tends to appear only in the most catastrophic situations...
This Irradiant Crystal was obtained during post-crisis operations while assisting Public Security.
Ether Disruptor Probe - Alpha II
The Hollows wield a power to warp reality itself, a power that naturally originates from Ether.
The ability to control Ether is the ultimate dream — not just for the White Star Institute, but for all of New Eridu. Yet, for all our advancements, we've only managed to reduce Ether to a fuel akin to firewood — a remarkable energy source, sure, but one that barely scratches the surface of Ether's true potential.
The Ether Disruptor Probe, however, offers a glimpse of that potential. It can untangle the spatial knots twisted by the Hollows, restoring spatial continuity. Or, to put it in terms Soukaku would understand, it's like rerouting both ends of a forked path back to a converged one. Then again, I'm not sure that analogy would make much sense to her either...
This Irradiant Crystal was retrieved by doing that exactly: using the Ether Disruptor Probe to forge a path forward.
"Combat Exercise"
The Chief often refers to her missions and battles as "training" or "practice."
But what is she truly training for? To forge herself into a peerless blade, unmatched and unseen before in this world? To carry the immense weight of the Void Hunter title with unshakable resolve? To fulfill the expectations of her family and father, perhaps? Or is it all in preparation for a destined duel, a battle that will mark the culmination of her journey — a final strike for which every battle thus far has been but practice?
This Irradiant Crystal was collected during one such "training" by Chief Miyabi in Melinoe.
Endless
Though Section 6's mission in Melinoe has concluded, the authorities' attention remains focused on the "Irradiant Hollow." The HSO scoured every inch of Melinoe's grounds, yet a definitive solution to the Irradiant Core itself remains elusive.
The end of one crisis is merely the prelude to the next. Section 6 and HSO have never wavered in their vigilance against the Hollow.
This Irradiant Crystal was found during Section 6's final operation in Melinoe, marking a small but significant victory that's worthy of remembrance.
Collection Progress
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