Karma and Tribulation

(Begin the commission)

Asaba Harumasa: Let's see... The place we agreed to meet Kirishima...

(Approach the mechanism)

Fairy: Please note: There is a mechanism here that can move containers.

(While fighting the enemies)

Asaba Harumasa: Ahem...

Asaba Harumasa: Gee, this place really is a port — there's so much dust.

Asaba Harumasa: I have a sensitive throat. Even a little dust can trigger a reaction.

Asaba Harumasa: But it's no biggie. Let's keep going.

(Reach the marked location)

A Lifelong Wish

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "A Lifelong Wish"

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Video Summary: Don't let the devil open that box.

Story Description: Despite his body showing signs of abnormality, Harumasa insists that you accompany him to fulfill this wish. Reluctantly, you agree but secretly inform his teammates of the situation.

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Asaba Harumasa: ...

What's wrong?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What's wrong? You feeling okay?

Asaba Harumasa: I'm okay. Just haven't gotten much sleep lately, feeling a little tired...

Asaba Harumasa: *coughs*... Tsk.

You don't look okay

Should we get outta here first?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): You don't look okay... Should we get outta here first?

Fairy: Observation: Asaba Harumasa is exhibiting hand tremors, coughing, and reduced accuracy during combat. Hypothesis: This is likely linked to his physical condition. Suggestion: Leave the Hollow environment now and rest.

Asaba Harumasa: ...Okay, I admit I haven't been at my best. But it's no big deal.

Asaba Harumasa: I can't rest now. You know how much this means to me... I need to see it through. It's my last chance.

Do you really need to find your master that badly?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Do you really need to find your master that badly? Even if it means risking your health?

Asaba Harumasa: ...I need an answer.

Asaba Harumasa: And more importantly, I cannot let Kirishima get to master first or obtain his research data and drug samples.

Asaba Harumasa: If my master's research falls into his hands, a lot of people will die. And not just patients suffering from Ether Aptitude Regression Syndrome, but many ordinary people will become his test subjects.

Asaba Harumasa: It's like Pandora's box... Once it's open, there's no going back.

Asaba Harumasa: He won't stop pursuing his grand ambitions, regardless of how many people he sacrifices — I won't allow it.

Asaba Harumasa: So please. I need your help...

Asaba Harumasa: Please, fight with me until the very end.

If you insist...

If anything goes wrong, we have to leave!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): If you insist... but promise me you won't push yourself too hard!

Asaba Harumasa: Thank you, partner.

Asaba Harumasa: Don't worry. I value my life highly, and the last thing I'd do is push myself too hard.

Asaba Harumasa: Alright, let's keep going.

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(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), should we be doing this? What if his condition gets worse...?

I've got a plan B

We can contact Section 6 secretly

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Don't worry. I've got a plan B. We can contact Section 6 if anything really does go wrong. They'll be able to get here in time.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Good thinking, Wise! I'll reach out to them now!Good thinking, Wise! I'll reach out to them now!Text for Wise / Good thinking. I'll keep them on speed dial.Good thinking. I'll keep them on speed dial.Text for Belle‍)

(After defeating the Armored Hati)

Asaba Harumasa: Kirishima is just up ahead.

Asaba Harumasa: Honestly, he's the last person I want to see right now.

Asaba Harumasa: But there's no other choice. I'll just have to suck it up.

(Talk to Kirishima)

Kirishima: Harumasa, you finally arrived.

Kirishima: As I said before, there are plenty of clues left behind by your master here.

Kirishima: As long as we follow these clues, we'll definitely track him down!

Asaba Harumasa: ...I hope so.

Kirishima: By the way, I found some sort of mechanism your master left here.

Kirishima: I spent ages trying to open it, but no luck... He sure is cautious.

Kirishima: Why not take a look? Maybe you'll have what it takes to crack it.

Asaba Harumasa: ...

Kirishima: I'll take you there now. Oh, by the way, the weather and time inside can be chaotic—

Asaba Harumasa: No need to remind me of that.

Kirishima: Hahaha, I almost forgot, you're now an experienced executive officer. Follow me.

(Enter the fissure and approach Kirishima)

Kirishima: This is the place.

Kirishima: Looks like the elevator system's been out of order for a long time, and some places are inaccessible.

Kirishima: Look at that suspicious container!

Kirishima: Knowing your master, there's definitely some kind of clue hidden inside!

Kirishima: I've racked my brains and tried all sorts of methods, but I still can't get it to open...

Kirishima: So it's all up to you now; hurry and figure something out!

Asaba Harumasa: ...

Harumasa doesn't respond, instead he surveys the area, then suddenly bends down to pick up a piece of nondescript paper in the corner.

The paper looks very old, and the writing on it is faded due to years of wear.
What caught the eye is a special mark in the lower right corner.

(Tattered Letter added to the Workbench)

Tattered Letter

An unsigned letter.
The aged paper once contained many words. However, after enduring the ravages of time, only fragments can still be deciphered, such as words like "price," "salvation," and "exchange the present for... possibilities."
In addition, there is a mysterious, special symbol.

Asaba Harumasa: ...

Kirishima: Hmm? Harumasa, what are you looking at?

Asaba Harumasa: Nothing, just a scrap of paper.

Harumasa deliberately avoids Kirishima's gaze, and carefully tucks the piece of paper away, and then gives the Bangboo in front of him a quick wink.

Asaba Harumasa: Alright, let's dig into this and see how we can crack the puzzle he left us...

(After the conversation)

Fairy: Tip: There is a special location sensor ahead.

(Step on the sensor)

Fairy: There is a device on the wall ahead that can be triggered by an arrow.

(After solving the puzzle)

Unfading Memories

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Unfading Memories"

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Video Summary: "I used to think I knew him, just like everyone thinks they know their family."

Story Description: Harumasa opens the container and finds his master's old belongings inside. Kirishima, meanwhile, is on a mission to retrieve a certain relic of his master.

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Asaba Harumasa: ...*Coughs*...

Kirishima: Harumasa, what's wrong? Not feeling well?

Asaba Harumasa: ...I'm fine.

Harumasa pauses for a second, before finally opening up the shipping container.
As expected, it's filled with daily items, medical equipment, and heaps of research materials.

Kirishima seems to be desperately looking for something amidst these items...
At the same time, Harumasa hides in Kirishima's blind spot, quietly opening up the paper from before.

Asaba Harumasa: This is... a letter?

The aged paper once contained many words. However, after enduring the ravages of time, only fragments can still be deciphered, such as words like "price," "salvation," and "exchange the present for... possibilities," "...always hidden nearby."

Apart from that, there's also that unique symbol, the key to this mystery.
Harumasa reaches out and gently brushes his fingers over the symbol.
...Perhaps it was your imagination, but you think you saw his hand trembling just now.

Do you recognize this symbol?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Do you recognize this symbol?

Asaba Harumasa: ...Yeah. When I was being experimented on, there were other adults around master who always seemed to be busy.

Asaba Harumasa: Master told me they were there to keep an eye on him. They weren't friends.

Asaba Harumasa: So we agreed that if I wanted time alone with him, I'd draw this symbol on a note.

Asaba Harumasa: Then he'd come find me by himself, teach me archery, or just tell me stories.

Meanwhile, Kirishima finally stopped his rummaging, seemly [sic] finding nothing.

Kirishima: Damn it, it's not here either...

Asaba Harumasa: What are you looking for?

Kirishima: Oh, nothing. Just seems like there's nothing here that could help us find master, haha.

Kirishima: But as I thought, you're the only one who can solve this puzzle! Good thing I brought you here, you knew him better than anyone.

Asaba Harumasa: ...Is that so?

Asaba Harumasa: I used to think I knew him, just like everyone thinks they know their family.

Asaba Harumasa: But now... I'm not so sure.

(After the cutscene)

Kirishima: I never thought there'd be nothing but junk here...

Kirishima: Darn it, where did he hide it—

At that moment, a loud rumbling sound suddenly comes from a distance...
The long-silent elevator slowly starts up.

Asaba Harumasa: So it is connected to the elevator.

Kirishima: The elevator... does that mean...

Kirishima: I get it! He must have hidden it...

Asaba Harumasa: ...?

Kirishima: Ahem, I mean, I know another place we can reach by elevator.

Kirishima: There must be a clue about your master there. Come with me!

(Approach the cargo container)

(In the distance, a large Ethereal watches over a briefcase and glasses)

Unnecessary Emotions

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Unnecessary Emotions

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Video Summary: Some pray to live, while others yearn for eternal glory.

Story Description: Upon seeing the Ethereal, Harumasa is shocked to realize that it's his master, transformed. Kirishima then reveals his true colors as a mad scientist, insisting that his deeds will be etched in history forever...

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Asaba Harumasa: That Ethereal keeps circling around the briefcase... It's almost like it's guarding it on purpose.

Kirishima: Forget about the Ethereal, go get that briefcase, now! There's gotta be something inside that'll help us find master's whereabouts!

Asaba Harumasa: Master's whereabouts... huh.

Asaba Harumasa: Master's clothes are scattered near that Ethereal, and those are definitely his glasses.

Asaba Harumasa: ...Is he really still alive?

Kirishima: Harumasa, I know you're concerned for his safety, but try not to think about that right n—

Asaba Harumasa: Ah... Enough. I'm tired.

Asaba Harumasa: I know you've been after what's inside that briefcase from the start. There are no clues leading to master in there, just the booster drug he left behind.

Asaba Harumasa: And I know you want to use master's work to advance your own research, creating the so-called "miracle drug" that allows humans to conquer the Hollows.

Asaba Harumasa: And that's why you built the "sanatorium." But in reality, it's just your lab for human experiments, where you harvest "materials" from sick kids.

Asaba Harumasa: I know it all. And a team is rescuing those kids from your sanatorium, as we speak.

Asaba Harumasa: So, tell me — is he still alive?

Kirishima: *tsk* Guess I couldn't have fooled you after all. You even got the sanatorium's coordinates... Whatever, it's not that important anyway.

Kirishima: Now that the puzzle's solved, you're useless to me.

Kirishima: Since we've known each other for so many years, I'll tell you —

Kirishima: Your precious master? He's over there growling right now.

Asaba Harumasa: ...You mean, that Ethereal...

Kirishima: That's right... That Ethereal is your master. Haha, I watched him get corrupted with my own eyes. He foolishly tried to go against the "power players," it's only fitting he ends up like this.

Asaba Harumasa: I...I had questions for him... I haven't...

Kirishima: If anyone's at fault, it's your master. He didn't understand the value of this research — this is a chance to go down in history!

Kirishima: Once we make a true Ether Aptitude booster, we'll no longer fear the Hollows... We could even conquer them!

Kirishima: When that time comes, a new world will be born... And I, will be its god!

Asaba Harumasa: Even if it means stepping over countless bodies?

Kirishima: You mean those patients? They're just necessary sacrifices on the path to a new world, just like you.

Kirishima: Even without my involvement, you wouldn't live much longer... so in a sense, I'm putting waste to good use, wouldn't you agree?

Asaba Harumasa: ...You really have the nerve to say that.

Kirishima: Deep down, you know it too — for this great research, your sacrifices are insignificant.

Kirishima: That's why the power players turned to me to continue the research.

Asaba Harumasa: There aren't that many patients with Ether Aptitude Regression Syndrome. Even if you develop a drug without side effects, there's not enough for mass production.

Kirishima: That's just a minor issue. At that point, we can simply induce the disease in ordinary people. Humans are an abundant resource. This is way easier than my current research.

Kirishima: You don't know, do you? The power players have done many experiments already, and they've used up plenty of patients like you. Though, only your master's results were stable...

Kirishima: Too bad he grew sentimental, which led to his demise.

Kirishima: What a joke! Feeling pity for someone with one foot in the coffin like you.

Kirishima: He never hesitated when extracting your spinal fluid before, but he refused to perform the final experiment at the last minute. That's why the power players got rid of him.

Asaba Harumasa: You mean he —

Asaba Harumasa: *coughing*

Kirishima: Oh, you're deteriorating rapidly... Looks like luck is on my side.

Asaba Harumasa: Don't get cocky. As long as I'm alive, I won't let you have that briefcase.

Kirishima: Haha, we'll see about that.

Asaba Harumasa: ...Damn it, more Ethereals are showing up. We need to take them out first!

(After defeating the Ethereals)

Unwavering Resolve

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Unwavering Resolve"

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Video Summary: "Don't worry. No one values my life more than I do."

Story Description: Despite feeling unwell, Harumasa still hopes to defeat that Ethereal and retrieve the medicine chest. He longs for his master to find eternal rest.

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By the time you clear out the Ethereals, Kirishima has already vanished...

Asaba Harumasa: ...I don't see Kirishima, he must've slipped away...

Let's go after him

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍We don't know what he'll do next.We don't know what he'll do next.Text for Wise / Who knows what he'll do next!Who knows what he'll do next!Text for Belle‍) Should we go after him?

Asaba Harumasa: *coughing*

What's happening with your body?

Are you hiding something from me?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍What's happening to you, Harumasa? Kirishima said you were deteriorating... Please, talk to me.What's happening to you, Harumasa? Kirishima said you were deteriorating... Please, talk to me.Text for Wise / Harumasa, what's happening with your body? Kirishima just said your condition was strange... Are you hiding something from me?Harumasa, what's happening with your body? Kirishima just said your condition was strange... Are you hiding something from me?Text for Belle‍)

Asaba Harumasa: ...I'm fine, just feeling a little dizzy. I'll be ok in a minute.

Why aren't you telling me the truth?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): If you don't tell me the truth right now, I'll end our partnership immediately.

Asaba Harumasa: ...

Asaba Harumasa: Kirishima extracts spinal fluid from those kids regularly, but they're not in good shape. If this goes on, they'll likely relapse.

Asaba Harumasa: So... I had them use my spinal fluid instead.

Asaba Harumasa: We needed to find master and secure the drug samples he left. Losing Kirishima would've meant losing our only lead to the power players behind him.

Asaba Harumasa: After taking everything into consideration, it was my only option.

You need to go to the hospital, now

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): You need to go to the hospital, (‍now.now.Text for Wise / right now!right now!Text for Belle‍)

Asaba Harumasa: It's fine. The dose was small enough not to cause any serious side effects.

Asaba Harumasa: Besides, my tolerance is different from theirs. My body... is used to this kind of strain.

Asaba Harumasa: More importantly, I still have things to do. Get the briefcase, and... put an end to that Ethereal.

Asaba Harumasa: It might sound stupid, but... I don't want him wandering around forever in the Hollows in that form.

Are you going to go fight that Ethereal?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): You're in really bad shape. And you still want (‍to fightto fightText for Wise / to go fightto go fightText for Belle‍) that Ethereal?

Asaba Harumasa: Don't worry. No one values my life more than I do.

Absolutely not!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle):' Absolutely not. You're in really bad shape. You can't go fight that Ethereal.

Asaba Harumasa: Sorry. But... I have to do this.

Harumasa looks back, smiles at you mischievously like usual. His yellow headband fluttering in the wind.
Then he grips his longbow tightly, and charges forward without the slightest hesitation.

(After the cutscene)

Asaba Harumasa: Thanks for accompanying me this whole way, partner.

Asaba Harumasa: No need to worry, you should be happy for me.

Asaba Harumasa: I can finally... put an end to all this.

(When the Thracian reaches 40% health)

(Harumasa's vision begins to blur)

Asaba Harumasa: ...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): This guy is too tough. Why don't we—

Asaba Harumasa: No.

Asaba Harumasa: Trust me, I can beat him.

Asaba Harumasa: I have to.

(When the Thracian reaches 20% health)

Asaba Harumasa: ...*Coughs*...

Fairy: I detect Asaba Harumasa's vital signs are rapidly declining.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Oh no! If this continues, he'll...

Asaba Harumasa: Master...

Asaba Harumasa: How strange. I thought I'd hate you...

Asaba Harumasa: I ought to, but...

Asaba Harumasa: It's a shame, I didn't get to see you one last time...

(Defeat the Thracian)

It's Not the End

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "It's Not the End"

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Video Summary: Let's end everything here. Then, we'll go to a place with the wind.

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(A cinematic plays)

(Having slain his former master, Harumasa collapses)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Harumasa, are you okay? Is it your illness...

Kirishima: Well done, Harumasa. I'll go ahead and take what he left behind, heh

Kirishima: Looks like you can't see or hear me anymore?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Give us back the case

((ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle) attempts to retrieve the briefcase, but is thrown to the side)

Kirishima: Who do you think you are—?

(Before Kirishima could kick the Bangboo, Harumasa blocks the hit with his body)

Kirishima: Just stay here, you won't survive for much longer, haha

Asaba Harumasa: Damn it... I won't let you... Ugh—

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Harumasa!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Harumasa, wake up! Stay with me!Harumasa, wake up! Stay with me!Text for Wise / Harumasa, wake up! Don't fall asleep!Harumasa, wake up! Don't fall asleep!Text for Belle‍)

(As his consciousness lapses, Harumasa enters a strange space)

(He is surrounded by the apparitions of the sanitorium kids)

Asaba Harumasa: Where am I...?

Asaba Harumasa: Everyone...

Kana: Tell me... Will we ever... get to feel the wind again?

Asaba Harumasa: ...It's not... over yet!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Come on! Wake up!

(In both the dream world and waking world, Harumasa rises and draws his bow)

Asaba Harumasa: I still have... unfinished business!

(In the dream, his headband unravels and guides him)

Master: Listen to me, Harumasa

Asaba Harumasa: ...Master?

Master: The essence of archery is not to be sought from the outside. It resides within you, each time—

Asaba Harumasa & Master: You pull the string!

(In both dream and reality, Harumasa shoots an arrow)

(The arrow hits and immobilizes Kirishima)

Kirishima: It's useless

Kirishima: Even if you smash it, as long as there's a single drop, my people can replicate it—

(Harumasa injects the serum into his neck)

Kirishima: You...?

Asaba Harumasa: Kiss your grand plans goodbye

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Harumasa, what've you done?! You're—

Asaba Harumasa: Sorry, little Proxy, but I can't let this thing exist in the world...

(He lies down and accepts his fate)

Asaba Harumasa: I... guess this was... my final vacation request...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Wait, no! Don't fall asleep—!

(Cinematic ends)