Lurking Menace in the Shadows

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Rising Tide of Protest"

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Video Summary: Dark tides stir for a reason.

Story Description: Dr. Lohr shares the investigation results with Eric and the workers, who seem to be preparing a protest against TOPS... but isn't all of this moving a bit too fast?

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Eric: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / Miss BelleMiss BelleText for Belle‍), you're here! Thanks to you, we were able to expose the incident covered up by Porcelumex and TOPS!

Paulo: That's right! Dr. Lohr told us about it. You went to the abandoned area and found evidence of the medicine being tampered with!

Paulo: With this proof, we finally have the leverage to rally more victims and confront Damian for proper compensation.

Paulo: We've got the upper hand now! We won't let them get away with it.

Eric: Oh, right! We're planning to confront Damian soon. Could you stop by and let Dr. Lohr know? He should be at his clinic.

Eric: I haven't had the guts to make calls lately... After all, Porcelumex might be listening in, trying to sabotage our plan.

Okay...

Leave it to me.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Okay, I'll go let him know. Don't worry, I'm good with electronics, so they shouldn't be able to listen in on me.

Eric: Okay, I'm counting on you.

Paulo: I'll give you my number. If you want to contact Eric, just call me.

 Head to Dr. Lohr's clinic

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Eric wants us to tell Dr. Lohr about the protest. He should be somewhere around his clinic. Let's go let him know.

(Talk to Dr. Lohr)

Dr. Lohr: You told Eric about the investigation results? Great!

Dr. Lohr: I've got the evidence all lined up. Porcelumex's crimes are crystal clear now!

Dr. Lohr: Their anti-corruption medicine was defective, causing a massive outbreak of Corruption among the workers... and they refused to pay compensation afterwards.

Dr. Lohr: I'm putting all the evidence into a pamphlet to expose their crimes to everyone.

Dr. Lohr: That way, more people will definitely join the protest!

Dr. Lohr: Thanks so much for your help! I really can't thank you enough, mystics of Yunkui Summit!

 Chat with Yixuan Shifu

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Looks like the labor union is planning a protest against Porcelumex. I'd better let the others know.

(Talk to Yixuan)

Brewing Mysteries

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Brewing Mysteries"

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Video Summary: The truth often hides in the shadows.

Story Description: After discussing what happened in the Hollow with everyone at Yunkui Summit, you can't shake the feeling that this incident isn't as simple as it appears. Damian also comes knocking, claiming the so-called safety incident has been dealt with, and that this was all just Dr. Lohr stirring up trouble among the workers. His true motives remain unclear... You should find Dr. Lohr and get to the bottom of this.

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(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise! You're back!Wise! You're back!Text for Wise / Belle, you're back!Belle, you're back!Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I just got here, thanks to Senior Ye. Luckily, nothing bad happened along the way.

Awesome!

I'm glad you're safe!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I'm just glad you made it here safely.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): By the way, we found evidence of the corruption incident in the Hollow.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): According to Dr. Lohr, Porcelumex has been trying to cover up the fact that the defective supply of anti-corruption medicine caused the accident.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Now Dr. Lohr and Eric want to get more people to join the protests and fight for the compensation they deserve.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): But something doesn't feel right about this.

Ju Fufu: Isn't it obvious? That Damian is definitely up to no good!

Ju Fufu: Maybe he sent people to intercept you two because he was afraid that word of the production incident would get to the mayor!

Ye Shiyuan: Let's not jump to conclusions. Intercepting the mayor's investigators is clearly a provocation. It doesn't seem like TOPS' style to me.

Yixuan: Indeed... From what I know about TOPS, they tend to act more like businesspeople, weighing the costs of every action.

Yixuan: The attack on the airship earlier didn't seem like their style either.

Yixuan: That'd be like painting a target on their own backs.

Ju Fufu: Ah... Then there's someone stirring up trouble behind the scenes?

Yixuan: Worry not... I have a feeling someone will come and explain it to us in person soon enough.

Ju Fufu: Wh—Who?!

Yixuan: Damian.

Ju Fufu: You mean Damian's gonna explain things to us? Are you serious?

Ju Fufu: D-Did Shifu divine this as well?

Yixuan: No, it's simply a matter of knowing how TOPS operates.

Ye Shiyuan: Sure, they flex their muscles before negotiations, but if the odds are stacked against them, they will immediately bow out... That is their style.

A commotion suddenly arises from outside the Suibian Temple. Pan Yinhu goes over to check on things.

Pan Yinhu: Shifu, you were right... Damian is standing outside the entrance. He wants to see us.

Yixuan: He came sooner than I expected... Let him in.

Pan Yinhu leads Damian into the temple.

Damian: ...I had some other matters that needed my attention, so pardon my tardiness.

Damian: I heard that you put your lives on the line to investigate inside the Hollow... and you didn't inform me. Perhaps I've grown too negligent.

Damian: I'm just glad to see everyone safe and sound, or my superior would've had my head.

Damian: My employees told me that you found expired production plans in the abandoned zone, so I came specifically to clarify.

Damian: Those plans are a trade secret of TOPS and are in no way related to the accident, so please don't misunderstand.

When did you become so friendly?

This is unlike you...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Huh? Mr. Damian, what's with the sudden friendly attitude? This is unexpected...

Ju Fufu: Yeah! Where did that arrogant attitude go? Now that we've found evidence against you, you've completely changed. Even your eyes have a certain sparkle to them!

Damian: I'm sorry you perceive me that way, but I never intended to make an enemy of Yunkui Summit.

Damian: It's just that as a manager, I had to put my company first.

Damian: But now things are different. The workers I manage have started protesting and I'm doing my utmost to process compensation.

Process compensation?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Process compensation? But Dr. Lohr said you deliberately covered up records of the incident. Doesn't sound like you were processing compensation to me.

Damian: Huh? There must be some misunderstanding! I've applied for proper compensation and am now waiting for approval, that's all.

Damian: As the person in charge, I do my best to ensure fair treatment of my employees.

Damian: You heard it all from Dr. Lohr, did you? What else did he tell you?

He said you threatened him.

He said you stopped him from practicing medicine.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): He said you threatened him and stopped him from treating people with corruption.

Damian: I... Yes, that is true.

Damian: He doesn't have a medical license, so I prevented him from providing illegal treatment, as any sensible person would.

Damian: And... I suspect there's something wrong with his methods of treating my employees.

Ju Fufu: Something wrong?

Damian: That's right. He's been persuading my employees to give up the anti-corruption medicine provided by TOPS in favor of his Alleviating Water.

Damian: Although its actual potency is questionable, he seems to have gained many followers after the accident.

Damian: Many have bought his medicine now. He must have made a fortune.

Damian: But... considering its composition, his pricing is clearly too low... I can't make sense of it. Is he not trying to earn any money?

Damian: I'm still investigating that, but haven't been able to draw any conclusions since everyone from Yunkui Summit is now involved.

Is there something wrong with his medicine?

Are you suspicious of his motives?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Are you saying there's something wrong with Dr. Lohr's medicine?

Damian: Exactly. The way I see it, he's using his medicine to turn more employees against me... even going so far as to discredit Porcelumex's elixir with fabricated lies.

Damian: What's more, those from the union have always wanted more compensation, so they've ganged up on me.

Damian: I'm aware that it might be difficult to convince everyone from Yunkui Summit to believe me... but please, try looking into it yourselves.

Damian: As proof, I'll send you the corruption case files and compensation progress.

Damian: If you ever have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

Damian puts down the files and leaves Suibian Temple.

Ju Fufu: What's going on? Is Dr. Lohr lying to us?

We can't be sure yet...

We need to investigate first.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's not jump to any conclusions. We should first verify his claim by examining the files.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Leave it to me, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)! I'll verify the authenticity of the data once I'm done debugging the system.

Yixuan: That would be great.

Yixuan: Meanwhile... Let's investigate the people who are being treated. Maybe we'll find something.

Ju Fufu: Understood, Shifu. I'll go ask around!

Pan Yinhu: Yeah, let me ask some buddies of mine. I'm sure we'll come up with something.

I can help.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I can help. I'll ask Dr. Lohr and Eric and see if we can get to the bottom of this.

Yixuan: Good... This is a complicated matter and we need to get some clear answers.

Everyone heads off in different directions to start investigating, but (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) remains and seems to have something to say.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise, is there any progress on the photo?Wise, is there any progress on the photo?Text for Wise / Belle, is there any progress regarding the photo?Belle, is there any progress regarding the photo?Text for Belle‍)

Not yet...

Nothing for the moment.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I've asked around in the Hollow but I haven't learned anything new yet.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I see... Well, I can't say I'm surprised.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Don't worry, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍). We'll investigate together from now on. We'll get to the bottom of this.

 Investigate leads regarding the medicine

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Dr. Lohr seems to be deliberately hiding something... And according to Damian, there's also an issue with the "Alleviating Water" he's providing. I should head to Failume Heights and ask around.

(Talk to Ju Fufu, Optional)

Nervous Worker: Hmm? You're right, I have been drinking Alleviating Water.

Nervous Worker: After all, that stuff's cheaper than legit anti-corruption medicine - someone broke like me can't afford Porcelumex meds.

Nervous Worker: What, you're gonna snitch on me?

Ju Fufu: No... I just wanted to know if you experienced any changes after drinking the Alleviating Water... or if there were any side effects.

Nervous Worker: Side effects? Hmm... now you mention it, I do remember something.

Nervous Worker: Every time I drink the Alleviating Water, my vision gets blurry and my head starts buzzing... Sometimes my whole body goes numb, and I even start seeing things...

Nervous Worker: But Dr. Lohr says these are all normal effects of the medicine.

Nervous Worker: For such a low price, I'd accept side effects worse than these minor ones!

Nervous Worker: Ah... now that you mention it, I should go buy some more Alleviating Water from Dr. Lohr.

Nervous Worker: What are you trying to get at with all these questions? Don't report me, okay! I'm just trying to make ends meet here.

(Talk to Stern Worker, Optional)

Ye Shiyuan: You mean... the pain from your Corruption sickness hasn't completely gone away?

Stern Worker: That's right. When you drink the Alleviating Water, you feel completely at ease, and the pain fades away.

Stern Worker: And you feel dizzy, like you're drunk.

Stern Worker: But once the medicine wears off, I suffer from pain all over my body during the night... like the Corruption hasn't been cured at all.

Ye Shiyuan: Hmm... Could there be something wrong with the medicine?

Stern Worker: No, there's no way the doctor's medicine isn't working, I just haven't taken enough of it!

Stern Worker: Maybe it's time to go buy some more medicine.

(Talk to Pan Yinhu, Optional)

Pan Yinhu: So, you drank the Alleviating Water too? Did you notice anything weird about it?

Lazy Worker: Hmm... side effects?

Lazy Worker: I just feel dizzy all the time, and I keep seeing these flashbacks of past memories.

Pan Yinhu: Past memories?

Lazy Worker: That's right! I... I keep seeing scenes from back when my mom was still alive, before the old capital fell. Sometimes I just can't help but get lost in the memories.

Lazy Worker: It's like I had the sweetest dream ever! Mhm... it felt so good, I'm not even sure if it counts as a side effect.

Lazy Worker: Sometimes, I even secretly drink a little extra of the Alleviating Water, just to experience those memories again.

Lazy Worker: I asked the doctor, and he [sic] it's totally normal. He said I could even increase my dosage!

(Talk to Komano Manato)

Paulo's Disappearance

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Paulo's Disappearance"

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Video Summary: Sometimes, just staying alive is a luxury.

Story Description: Komano Manato seems to be looking for Dr. Lohr as well. According to him, Dr. Lohr took Paulo and some patients into the Hollow for a treatment ritual. If you want to find him, you'll need to enter the Lemnian Hollow.

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Komano Manato: Where in the world did Paulo go? Don't tell me he actually went into the Hollow?

Komano Manato?

Who are you looking for?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Manato? What are you doing here? Are you looking for someone?

Komano Manato: Oh (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), it's you. Have you seen Paulo? I haven't been able to reach him.

I'm looking for him, too.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I'm also looking for him. I want to ask him and Dr. Lohr about the Alleviating Water.

Komano Manato: Last I heard from him, his wife and him were going into the Hollow to get anti-corruption treatment from Dr. Lohr.

Komano Manato: ...did he really do it, though?

Komano Manato: You wanted to ask about the Alleviating Water... Something wrong?

I've got some questions.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Not really, I just wanted to know the story behind the Alleviating Water...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Paulo said that Dr. Lohr was going to treat them in the Hollow, right? I'll try to ask them about that. Anyway, thank you!

Komano Manato: By the way, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)... I asked my buddy to investigate the photo you showed us.

Oh, any news?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍How did it go? Do you have any news?How did it go? Do you have any news?Text for Wise / Oh, how did it go? Any news?Oh, how did it go? Any news?Text for Belle‍)

Komano Manato: Well, my buddy said that lately there's been a ton of Miasma in Lemnian Hollow. A bunch of people inside the Hollow took pictures of it around the Porcelume production zone.

Komano Manato: Someone might've taken the photo around then... but the background is all blurry, so no one knows which production zone it is.

...I see.

Got it. Thank you!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I see... I didn't think you'd turn out to be so reliable... Not gonna lie, you seemed a little intimidating the last time we met.

Komano Manato: Ah, I was just pullin' your tail... Just forget that ever happened!

Komano Manato: Oh, and if you see Paulo, please tell him that his daughter has been freaking out about him!

Komano Manato: I can keep trying to comfort her, but I'm not so good with kids... He should at least call her when he's free and spend some time with his family.

 Return to Suibian Temple and meet up with the others

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There's definitely something wrong with Dr. Lohr's "Alleviating Water"... and he's been taking patients into the Hollow for treatment. This isn't right — we need to find those patients, fast.

(Talk to Yixuan)

Mystery of the Alleviating Water

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Mystery of the Alleviating Water"

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Video Summary: So-called liberation... isn't necessarily hope.

Story Description: After comparing notes with the people at Yunkui Summit, Dr. Lohr's story does seem a bit fishy. Taking patients into the Hollow for treatment sounds strange to begin with... Yixuan Shifu says the Alleviating Water might be connected to Miasma. You need to get into the Hollow and get some straight answers from Dr. Lohr.

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(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Everyone, I've verified the incident report that Damian sent me. He did actually file a claim, but the amount of compensation is still being determined.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I even used a special connection provided by the mayor to verify it... So it's all true.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): So he wasn't lying... (‍Then could the liar be Dr. Lohr?Then could the liar be Dr. Lohr?Text for Wise / Then could Dr. Lohr be lying?Then could Dr. Lohr be lying?Text for Belle‍) Have our other investigations come up with anything yet?

Ju Fufu: I asked a few workers who all drank the Alleviating Water... their experience sounded a little strange.

Ju Fufu: They said that drinking the stuff not only alleviated their pain but also made them drowsy and have strange dreams.

Strange dreams...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Strange dreams... You mean like seeing things from the past?

Ju Fufu: Huh? You heard about it too? Yeah, they said that after drinking the Alleviating Water, many of them dreamed of fond memories.

Ju Fufu: Things from their childhood, happy events, and so on... Some of them even dreamed about family members who had already passed away.

Ju Fufu: Dr. Lohr told them that it's a normal side effect of taking the medicine... But something still feels off.

Ju Fufu: Huh? Shifu...? What's wrong?

Yixuan: Could it be... that the Alleviating Water contains Miasma?

Ju Fufu: M—Miasma? How could that be?

Yixuan: Direct contact with Miasma can numb the senses and even induce hallucinations.

Yixuan: The patient wouldn't sense pain, and would even feel that their corruption has been alleviated.

Yixuan: Could this be the true cause behind the so-called "healing effects" of the Alleviating Water?

Ye Shiyuan: Yes, I speculate the Alleviating Water contains Miasma. Dr. Lohr fooled his patients with this analgesic effect. The medicine itself is only a placebo.

Ye Shiyuan: Which would explain why he duped the workers... By raising suspicion of Porcelumex's medicine, he could then push his own product.

It's certainly possible.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Right... I heard Miasma has been spreading through Lemnian Hollow. Maybe Dr. Lohr used that to make fake anti-corruption medicine.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): His statement about using the production line abandoned by Porcelumex to produce medicine was probably just a lie!

Ju Fufu: If... If that's true, this man is really despicable!

Ju Fufu: How many people has he tricked? Mixing Miasma into medicine could trigger corruption in lots of people!

Ju Fufu: We need to stop him! Where could he be right now?

He should be in the Hollow!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I heard Paulo went into the Hollow with some workers to receive regular treatment from Dr. Lohr.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): We should hurry and see if we can find him inside!

Yixuan: Yes, we need to find Dr. Lohr and verify the truth as soon as possible.

 Head to the Cable Car and enter Lemnian Hollow together

Ju Fufu: Is everyone ready? Let's head out if you're all set.

Ju Fufu: Paulo and those patients are still in the dark, thanks to Dr. Lohr. We need to find them quickly.

Let's get going. (Enter Battle)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Now BelleNow BelleText for Wise / Now that WiseNow that WiseText for Belle‍) can help us navigate through the HDD system, we can just head straight in.

Ju Fufu: Great, let's head out now!

Hold up!

Ju Fufu: Got it. We'll head into the Hollow once you're ready.

(Repeat dialogue)

Where Shadows Surge

Intensive Care

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Intensive Care"

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Video Summary: You hope it's not too late...

Story Description: You picked up a weak signal in the Hollow... Although you have no idea what's going on in there, your priority is to locate Paulo and confirm the situation.

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(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), this is the treatment zone that the workers mentioned.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I tried tracking a communications signal nearby... It's faint, but it's close.

Ju Fufu: Huh? There's Miasma everywhere... Who would actually choose to treat people in a place like this?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): The workers said it's to avoid Porcelumex, but I don't really buy that.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Anyway, let's look around for any signs of Paulo.

 Find Paulo

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There's definitely something wrong with Dr. Lohr's "Alleviating Water"... and he's been taking patients into the Hollow for treatment. This isn't right — we need to find Paulo and those patients, fast.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Ethereals... Stay sharp, everyone!

(Open [Character Intro] Pan Yinhu tutorial)

 Investigate the anomalous Miasma residue

Ju Fufu: Hey, look... There's something weird around here.

Yixuan: That's what we call a Miasma tumor, a coagulum formed from condensed Miasma.

Yixuan: Be careful, everyone. Don't let it touch you.

(After approaching the Miasma tumor)

Yixuan: Watch out... there's quite a few Miasma coagula here.

Yixuan: If you touch it, you'll be corrupted by the Miasma.

Yixuan: But Yunkui Summit's techniques can clear them out.

(Open Miasma Symbiotes tutorial)

(While destroying the Miasma tumor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Why is there so much Miasma around here?

Ju Fufu: Where are all the people receiving treatment?

Ju Fufu: This just keeps getting weirder...

 Keep searching for patients who entered the Hollow

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise, there's a comms signal up ahead.Wise, there's a comms signal up ahead.Text for Wise / Belle, I'm picking up a comms signal up ahead.Belle, I'm picking up a comms signal up ahead.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Someone might be calling for help... We've gotta check it out, quick!

(During combat)

Pan Yinhu: This place is filled with Miasma and Ethereals...

Pan Yinhu: Is this really a suitable place for treating patients?

Pan Yinhu: Seems more like a meeting spot for Hollow Raiders to me.

Ju Fufu: Junior Yinhu's right! That doctor's definitely up to something shady!

(Approach the marked location)

There's a strong etheric presence in this area.

We're getting closer to the site of the incident.

 Meet up with Paulo

(Approach the marked location)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Ethereals! Watch out!

Ju Fufu: Ugh, why are these things everywhere?! We're in a hurry!

Ju Fufu: Watch me take you down in no time!

(Talk to Paulo)

The Truth Behind 'Treatment'

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The Truth Behind 'Treatment'"

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Video Summary: Chasing after fleeting hope, only to fall into the abyss.

Story Description: You didn't expect Paulo to develop Corruption symptoms after drinking the Alleviating Water... and he ended up turning into an Ethereal. There's definitely something wrong with that "medicine." You need to find the others quickly and figure out what's really going on here. You can't afford any more casualties.

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Paulo: *cough* Oh... It's... it's you?

Paulo: Save me... please, save me...

Ju Fufu: Paulo, what's wrong?

Paulo: I... I came with my wife to see Dr. Lohr for our regular treatment...

Paulo: I drank the Alleviating Water... why does it still... hurt so much?

Paulo: Help me... Save my wife... She's over there...

Yixuan: His corruption is flaring up!

Yixuan: Fufu, Yinhu, you two prop him up. I'll try to regulate the Ether in his body.

Paulo: Ugh... Arghhh...

Ju Fufu: How could this happen... I—I don't think he's going to make it.

Pan Yinhu: Careful there! Keep your distance!

Paulo: Y—You all... Stay away from me!

Paulo: I—I don't want to drag you into this... Argh!

Just as Ju Fufu and Pan Yinhu approach to help, Paulo is overwhelmed by corruption and an embryonic core appears on him.
Despite the excruciating pain, he manages to stand up and dashes deeper into the Hollow...

Moments later, his painful shrieks turn into the savage roars of an Ethereal, echoing in the depths of the Hollow.

 Use "Insight" to track down other patients

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After taking the medicine from Dr. Lohr, Paulo's Corruption suddenly flared up, turning him into an Ethereal... Other patients are in danger too — we need to check on their condition quickly.

Ju Fufu: No way... Don't tell me Paulo's already...

Pan Yinhu: Senior, I saw him grow a Core just now...

Pan Yinhu: I'm afraid we're too late.

Yixuan: Fufu... Yinhu is right.

Yixuan: Let's deal with the remaining Ethereals and find the others.

Yixuan: We can't let what happened to Paulo happen again.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): There must be something wrong with the Alleviating Water.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): We should check on the others too.

Ju Fufu: Judging by Paulo's condition, his corruption symptoms weren't cured at all.

Ju Fufu: The Alleviating Water didn't do anything.

Ju Fufu: Ugh... I knew it. That Doctor Lohr has been lying to everyone.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): But why gather all the patients here for treatment?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There's gotta be something more to this.

(After using "Insight")

Fairy: Master, a biosignal has been detected nearby.

Fairy: Signal interference: high. I am unable to pinpoint its location.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise!Wise!Text for Wise / Belle!Belle!Text for Belle‍) Those patients should be nearby

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Understood. I'll confirm which way to go next.Understood. I'll confirm which way to go next.Text for Wise / Hang tight, I'll figure out where we're headed.Hang tight, I'll figure out where we're headed.Text for Belle‍)

 Follow the trail to the factory district

(Follow the trail)

 Investigate the infected workers

(Approach the marked location)

Ju Fufu: Why are there so many people here? Don't tell me they were all tricked by Dr. Lohr?

Ju Fufu: What the hell does he want?

Something's not right.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): From what I saw of Paulo just now, something seems kinda off...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): He seemed perfectly fine the last time I saw him. The Corruption shouldn't have gotten this bad so quickly.

Yixuan: Calm yourselves. Let's ask what the situation is first.

Yixuan: Maybe we can figure out what he's really up to.

(Idle)

I can't take it anymore — if the doctor doesn't get here soon, I'm gonna lose it!

With this... there's hope for my illness...

(Talk to Pan Yinhu, Optional)

Worker With Corruption Symptoms: Medicine... give me... anti-corruption medicine...

Worker With Corruption Symptoms: I have no idea what Dr. Lohr made me drink... turning me into this mess. B—But that stuff's definitely sketchy!

Worker With Corruption Symptoms: I'll never drink Alleviating Water again, please give me some anti-corruption medicine!

Pan Yinhu: There's definitely something up with Dr. Lohr's medicine!

Pan Yinhu: Hang in there! I'll find a way to heal you!

Worker With Corruption Symptoms: H—Hurry!

Worker With Corruption Symptoms: *coughing* *coughing*

(Talk to Ju Fufu, Optional)

Scared Patient: Dr. Lohr gave us some special Alleviating Water in front of the Hollow, and then everyone suddenly fell ill.

Scared Patient: Were we all tricked?

Ju Fufu: Special Alleviating Water?

Ju Fufu: Something doesn't sound right here... You've all been deceived!

Scared Patient: No... this can't be... The doctor's treatment ritual must have worked!

Scared Patient: He'll definitely come back to save us all!

(Idle)

Patient in Pain: The doctor said... participating in the ritual would bring salvation...

(Talk to Patient in Pain)

Patient in Pain: Ugh... *coughing*

Patient in Pain: Help me... Dr. Lohr gathered us here and, before entering the Hollow... made us drink special Alleviating Water...

Patient in Pain: After entering the Hollow, my Corruption symptoms suddenly got worse... *cough* *cough* *cough*... but the doctor just walked away...

Ju Fufu: How could this have happened? Where is he now?

Patient in Pain: I—I don't know... He said it was all for the healing ritual to go smoothly. But he never came back.

Patient in Pain: He took some others elsewhere... who knows what's happened to them now.

Patient in Pain: Paulo was with us, but when he saw everyone's condition suddenly getting worse, he tried to leave the Hollow to find help... and never came back...

Patient in Pain: *cough* *cough* *cough* ...Dr. Lohr, where the heck are you?

 Find Yixuan Shifu to analyze the intel

(Approach Yixuan)

Yixuan: These people aren't looking good...

Yixuan: It appears Dr. Lohr gave them some medicine that amplified their illness.

Yixuan: Dr. Lohr... what does he want?

We need to find him fast.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Looks like he took some other people too... Anyway, let's find Dr. Lohr first. We can't let him keep hurting more people!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Looks like this is an abandoned production area. We might be able to find some leftover anti-corruption medicine nearby to treat these people's condition.

Yixuan: Hmm... Since he left with those patients, he must have left some trail behind.

Yixuan: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), to find anomalies within the Hollow, there's a specific form of the Perception Technique called "Revelation".

Yixuan: Just focus on sensing the surrounding Ether, and you'll be able to detect frequency anomalies in the area.

Yixuan: As for the specifics, you'll just have to try it out for yourself.

(Open The Revelation Ability tutorial.)

 Use "Revelation" to find the way

(After activating Revelation)

Yixuan: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), try the Revelation Technique I mentioned earlier.

Yixuan: Try tuning in to the Ether frequencies around you.

Yixuan: Calm your breath and focus — you should be able to sense what's out of place.

 Find patients suffering from the Corruption outbreak

(After using Revelation)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I think I see something... Yeah, something's different here.

Ju Fufu: (‍He'sHe'sText for Wise / She'sShe'sText for Belle‍) already got it down so fast... again.

Ju Fufu: I—I totally saw this coming...

Ju Fufu: Yep, right, I'm not surprised. Not even a little bit.

 Try communicating with the patient

(After defeating all enemies)

Ju Fufu: Nice! The pests are all gone.

(While approaching the designated location)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Look — there's someone up ahead...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Are those the people Dr. Lohr tricked into coming here?

Ju Fufu: Something's not right with these people...

(Idle)

Alleviating Water... uh, I need Alleviating Water!

Everyone... trust in Dr. Lohr!

We must obey!

I already agreed to take part in his ritual... He will save me!

Just take part in the ritual... and salvation will be yours!

Please, Dr. Lohr, save me now!

(Talk to Suffering Patient)

Suffering Patient: Uhh... why isn't... Dr. Lohr here yet?

Suffering Patient: I—I can't take it anymore! Ugh... Arrgh... Aaahh!

What's going on?

Suffering Patient: Dr. Lohr told us to wait nearby, saying he'll come treat us soon.

Suffering Patient: But... everyone's suddenly started feeling sick. We can't wait any longer... Please, hurry and get Dr. Lohr to come treat us!

Suffering Patient: Doctor... you won't abandon us, will you? I... I promise I'll take part in your ritual!

 Ask about the patient's condition

(Talk to Delirious Patient)

Delirious Patient: Ugh... it hurts... where am I?

Delirious Patient: Is this a nightmare? I wanna wake up!

(Check their status)

(Their Corruption symptoms look terrible, like they could completely break out at any moment)

Delirious Patient: Doctor... I—I accept your conditions, I'll join you... just treat me quickly...

 Check on the other patients

(Talk to Patient in Pain)

Patient in Pain: Help me...

Patient in Pain: Dr. Lohr gathered us here and, before entering the Hollow... made us drink special Alleviating Water...

Patient in Pain: After entering the Hollow, my Corruption symptoms suddenly got worse... *cough* *cough* *cough*... but he didn't come back...

Patient in Pain: Before this place was abandoned, it was a Porcelume processing area... There should be some leftover anti-corruption medicine supply points nearby.

Patient in Pain: Please... help me look for anti-corruption medicine...

Seeing the other's Corruption symptoms gradually worsening, Yixuan temporarily stabilizes their condition and begins discussing your next course of action.

Yixuan: No, there are too many Corrupted here.

Yixuan: Although I can buy us some time with this technique, we must find the anti-corruption medicine with haste.

Yixuan: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), that person just mentioned there's an anti-corruption medicine supply point around here. Can you get its exact location?

Let me give it a shot.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Hmm, I can ask (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) to help locate the general area, then we can go search for it.

Yixuan: Very well. I'll leave it to you two.

In order to help the patients with their Corruption, the group heads out for the abandoned production area to find the anti-corruption medicine supply point.

 Find medicine to treat the patients

---

These patients have taken Dr. Lohr's special medicine, and their Corruption symptoms are starting to flare up... There should be some leftover anti-corruption medicine nearby, I need to find it quickly to treat them.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Those people just said Dr. Lohr's on his way here.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Wonder if we'll get to see him...

Ju Fufu: I hope so! When he shows up, I've got plenty of questions! I want to ask him why he lied to everyone!

(After defeating all enemies)

Ju Fufu: There should be more anti-corruption medicine around here... We need to find it, fast.

Ju Fufu: If we wait any longer, their Corruption's going to get even worse!

(Talk to Impatient Patient, Optional)

Impatient Patient: We... we've all been deceived by Dr. Lohr!

Impatient Patient: We drank his special Alleviating Water concoction before entering the Hollow, and now our Corruption symptoms have suddenly got worse... ugh...

Impatient Patient: I can't trust him anymore... There should be some leftover anti-corruption medicine at the old production site nearby. Hurry... get it for everyone...

Impatient Patient: You g—gotta hurry... or it'll be... too late!

(Talk to Helpless Patient, Optional)

Helpless Patient: Dr. Lohr... let's wait for him over here.

Helpless Patient: Our condition suddenly got worse after entering the Hollow... He said... this was normal, and he'd be back with medicine to treat us soon...

Where the hell is he?

Helpless Patient: I don't know.. We've been waiting here forever. Each second feels like an eternity... It's killing me...

Helpless Patient: If he doesn't show up soon, I don't think I can hold on much longer... ugh...

(Talk to Optimistic Patient, Optional)

Optimistic Patient: Ow, it hurts... hahaha... but soon I'll be free!

Optimistic Patient: Once Dr. Lohr arrives with the medicine... everything will be fine!

Optimistic Patient: He promised us! There's definitely nothing to worry about...

Optimistic Patient: Absolutely... no worries!

 Defeat the Ethereals near the Miasma Tumor

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Careful! This one looks like trouble!

Pan Yinhu: They just keep coming...

Ju Fufu: Then we'll knock 'em down one by one!

Ju Fufu: We've got no time to lose — there's people to save!

 Destroy the Miasma Tumor to remove the Miasma Barrier

Ju Fufu: This stuff keeps getting in my way...

Ju Fufu: If we destroy the nearby Miasma coagulum, we should be able to clear it out.

 Search for medicine in the plaza

(Approach the marked location)

 Talk to the anxious Bangboo

(Interact with Medicine Box)

Medicine Box: A box containing anti-corruption medicine. The protective layer on its surface looks new, showing no signs of Corruption.

Open

Medicine Box: It's completely empty inside, no medicine to be found...

Leave

(Talk to Anxious Bangboo)

Anxious Bangboo: En-nehna? Ne-nah-neh! (Are you the rescue squad? Please, please save my master!)

Anxious Bangboo: En-nehna en ehn! (He and his fellow workers are having a Corruption attack, and he wanted me to leave the Hollow to get help.)

Anxious Bangboo: En-ahnenne-na en uhn-en! (But the Fissure Beacon here is malfunctioning, I—I can't even call for help!)

I'll fix it.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Lemme see... hmm, looks like there's an issue with the data module. I'll tweak it real quick...

After a quick debug, the Fissure Beacon is back online.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Alright, I fixed it. It's dangerous here. You need to get out. I'll find a way to treat your Master.

Anxious Bangboo: En-ahn neh-nah, nenenene! (Got it, thanks!)

Anxious Bangboo: En-ahnne en-nah-neh! (Anyone wanna come with me to get backup outside the Hollow?)

Let's continue with the investigation!

(Leave the Hollow)

 Ask the patient for clues regarding the medicine

(Talk to Delirious Patient, Optional)

Delirious Patient: Soon... I'll see you all soon... *sobs*

Delirious Patient: The doctor said... if I drink the Alleviating Water, I'd be cured... and I'd be able to see you again in my dreams...

Who did you see?

Delirious Patient: Hm..? Dad, Mom... it's okay, we'll be... reunited soon.

Delirious Patient: The doctor... the doctor promised...

(He seems to have drunk too much Alleviating Water, and now he's disorientated.)

(Talk to Manic Patient, Optional)

Manic Patient: Are you here for the ritual too?

Manic Patient: Hahaha! Come on, let's join the doctor's ritual together!

Manic Patient: I'm still young! The doctor said if I take the medicine during the ritual while chanting the Creator's name, it'll cure my Corruption!

Creator?

Manic Patient: That's right! They say the Creator will heal us... As soon as I'm better, I'll start saving money to go back to school and continue my studies!

Manic Patient: I contracted Corruption Syndrome eleven years ago during the fall of the old capital. Since that day, my life has been completely devoid of hope...

Manic Patient: But the Creator will help me get rid of this chronic Corruption and get my life back on track! Hahaha! Hahahahaha!

(Talk to Dazed Patient, Optional)

Dazed Patient: ...Doctor... where are you... why am I feeling so sick all of a sudden?

Dazed Patient: Not gonna treat me...? Is this some kind of punishment?

Dazed Patient: ...Don't leave me behind... I want to join you... to join the ritual... to hear the truth.

(She looks dazed and confused, as if she's lost in a hallucination.)

(Talk to Anxious Patient, Optional)

Anxious Patient: Where... Where is Dr. Lohr?

Anxious Patient: My head's spinning... I drank the Alleviating Water, so why do I still feel like this...

Anxious Patient: Wh—What did I do wrong? Why won't you heal me yet? I already agreed to join your ritual and praise the Creator...

(This guy seems to be losing it.)

(Talk to Delirious Patient)

Delirious Patient: Ugh... it hurts... where am I?

Delirious Patient: Is this a nightmare? I wanna wake up!

(Check their status)

(Their Corruption symptoms look terrible, like they could completely break out at any moment)

Delirious Patient: Doctor... I—I accept your conditions, I'll join you... just treat me quickly...

 Keep asking for clues regarding the medicine

(Talk to Corrupted Citizen)

Corrupted Patient: We've been played by Dr. Lohr.

Corrupted Patient: Damn it... I can't believe he tricked us into coming here under the pretense of treatment!

Corrupted Patient: Before entering the Hollow... he made us drink some specially made Alleviating Water... and it ended up making my Corruption worse.

Corrupted Patient: I came here looking for some leftover anti-corruption medicine... but... but now my whole body feels like it's on fire, and I don't have any strength left.

Where's the medicine? I'll get it for you.

Corrupted Patient: Should be... just up ahead in the abandoned production area.

Corrupted Patient: Please... gimme some when you get it... ugh...!

 Search nearby for anti-corruption medicine

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Their Corruption is getting worse. We've gotta find that medicine, fast!

Fairy: Locating nearby medicine storage points for you now, Master.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Nice one, Fairy! You're a lifesaver!Nice one, Fairy! You're a lifesaver!Text for Wise / Excellent work, Fairy. You're a great help.Excellent work, Fairy. You're a great help.Text for Belle‍)

(While approaching the designated location)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): The medicine storage they mentioned should be just ahead.

(Approach the marked location)

(Open Miasma Fog and Miasma Contamination tutorial)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Careful! Ethereals are closing in!

Ju Fufu: What a nuisance! Always showing up when we're trying to get somewhere!

Yixuan: Fufu, calm yourself. You can handle them.

Ju Fufu: Got it, Shifu!

(After defeating all enemies)

Ju Fufu: Whew, one less pain in the neck!

Ju Fufu: We've wasted a lot of time... I hope everyone's still okay.

Pan Yinhu: Why did Dr. Lohr bring the patients here? What's he trying to do?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I don't know, something definitely feels off — but saving those patients comes first.I don't know, something definitely feels off — but saving those patients comes first.Text for Wise / Yeah, something definitely feels off — but we gotta save all those patients first.Yeah, something definitely feels off — but we gotta save all those patients first.Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): They should be just up ahead. Let's move!

Ju Fufu: I wonder how those patients are doing now...

Ju Fufu: Their condition's only going to get worse. We need to treat them right away.

Pan Yinhu: Don't worry, Senior! There's a shortcut! We'll be there soon!

 Investigate the medicine storage area

(Approach the marked location)

Yixuan: We'll need to get past it if we want to keep going.

Yixuan: Careful, disciples, I see traces of Ethereals in this area.

(Interact with Abandoned Medicine Box)

Ju Fufu: Is this... anti-corruption medicine?

Let me check the expiration date.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let me check it isn't expired... Phew! It's just outside the expiration date.

Ju Fufu: Great! Hopefully this medicine can help everyone.

Ju Fufu: Quick, let's go give them the medicine!

 Continue exploring the nearby area

Fairy: Scans indicate another batch of anti-corruption medicine nearby.

Fairy: Production batch: unknown. Please proceed to the location for further inspection.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): There's more anti-corruption medicine up ahead? (‍That's great news!That's great news!Text for Wise / Excellent.Excellent.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Just gotta gather a little bit more and we should have enough(‍!!Text for Wise / ..Text for Belle‍)

 Investigate the medicine storage area

 Step Description

---

I found some anti-corruption medicine, but I need to search the area for more.

(Interact with Abandoned Medicine Box)

Ju Fufu: Good, there's quite a bit of medicine here.

Ju Fufu: Let me check the amount... Hmm, looks like we don't have enough.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Not too fast! There might be more around here.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's keep searching!

 Take the elevator to the medicine storage area

Ju Fufu: What is Dr. Lohr trying to pull? This whole situation's getting sketchier by the minute.

Ju Fufu: You really think he's working with the Exaltists and trying to hurt innocent people?

Pan Yinhu: Let's not jump to any conclusions yet, Senior. We need to save them first!

 Defeat the nearby Ethereals

(Approach the marked location)

Pan Yinhu: Uh-oh! Ethereals!

Ju Fufu: They look pretty weak though. We'll crush 'em in a flash!

 Find the remaining medicine

(Interact with Abandoned Medicine Box)

Ju Fufu: There's another batch of anti-corruption medicine here.

Yixuan: Mhm, these should be enough.

Ju Fufu: Perfect! Let's head back and save everyone.

Ju Fufu: We have to make sure everyone is safe!

You all arrive at the area the patients are gathered and use the medicine to help them, but it seems Dr. Lohr had come by before and taken some people with him.

After realizing something is amiss, they help the remaining patients settle and head off to find the doctor.

 Use the anti-corruption medicine to treat patients

---

I finally found enough anti-corruption medicine. I need to hurry back and treat those patients.

(Approach Dr. Lohr)

The Truth Behind the Mask

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The Truth Behind the Mask"

---

Video Summary: The hidden truth in all its horror.

Story Description: To your horror, Dr. Lohr was an Exaltist all along. That so-called "treatment" of his was just making people drink Alleviating Water to trigger Corruption... He played you all like fools!

---

---

Dr. Lohr: Oh...? I didn't expect you to find this place so fast.

What's going on?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What's going on? These people... are they Exaltists?

Ju Fufu: Dr. Lohr... You're an Exaltist?! I can't believe you lied to us!

Dr. Lohr: Lied? Haha... These people should be honored to be selected as sacrifices to the Creator.

Dr. Lohr: Well, since you've come all this way... you can join the others for your "treatment"!

 Defeat the Ethereal

Ju Fufu: Damn it... What's going on?

Ju Fufu: Dr. Lohr's with the Exaltists?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): So that's it! You lied to everyone!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That medicine... it was never meant to cure people.

Dr. Lohr: Even if you've figured it out now...

Dr. Lohr: It's already too late!

(After defeating all enemies)

Dr. Lohr uses a medicine and turns the corrupted patients into Ethereals. While the Yunkui Summit group is occupied with the fight, he takes advantage of the ensuing chaos to flee deeper into the Hollow.

The surrounding Ethereals are quickly eliminated. But just as the group was about to pursue Dr. Lohr, hidden Exaltists emerge from the shadows.

 Defeat the Flame Cantor

(Enter combat with Flame Cantor)

Phantom Dreams

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Phantom Dreams

---

Video Summary: A false paradise.

---

Yixuan: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)! Behind you!

Ju Fufu: Shifu, Junior (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), are you alright?

Pan Yinhu: Are you guys alright?

Carole Arna: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...Teacher?

Carole Arna: Spacing out again?

Carole Arna: Is this too much for you?

???: Listen...

???: Understand...

???: The truth...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Was that... an illusion...?

Ju Fufu: Junior (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), are you okay?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Shifu...

Shadows Converge

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Shadows Converge

---

Video Summary: Dark undercurrents lie beneath...

Story Description: Somewhere in the Hollow, Dr. Lohr appears to be reporting the current situation to an unknown figure.

---

---

Dr. Lohr: Great Overseer, Yunkui Summit has disrupted one of our rituals.

Sarah: Yunkui Summit... It sure didn't take them long to track us down.

Dr. Lohr: There's no need to worry. I've already ordered an emergency evacuation of our base in the city. All the supplies have been moved into the Hollow.

Dr. Lohr: Everything is going according to plan...

Dr. Lohr: Whatever they're plotting, it won't be enough to stop us.

Dr. Lohr: Rest assured, Great Overseer... The Creator's ceremony will be carried out smoothly.

Mevorakh: Hm... Very good.

Mevorakh: Under the Creator's will, all things — both within and beyond the Hollows — shall return to peace and tranquility.