Mole in the Hole (II)

One day, at the noodle shop on Sixth Street in Janus Quarter, New Eridu.
An extremely important, top-secret meeting is taking place... The secrets smell delicious, like noodle soup...

Shepherd: "Tonight, where we last saw each other. Don't be late."

Shepherd: Don't give me that look. That's what the client said.

That's something she'd say, alright...

That was straightforward...

Shepherd: Okay, I've done my part.

Shepherd: I have a lot of questions, but I won't bring them up before the commission reaches the crucial stage.

Shepherd: My intelligence network is still under relentless attacks from my peers...

Shepherd: The last thing I want to do is to direct their attention to my favorite Proxy. Good luck!

General Chop: ...Excuse me, if you're not planning to have noodles and just want to chat, could you please go somewhere else?

On that same night, in a certain corner on Sixth Street in Janus Quarter, New Eridu...

(Idle)

Soldier 11: A kitten... It's more punctual than the Proxy.

Changes

(Talk to Soldier 11)

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Changes

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Video Summary: Only one capable of handling unexpected situations is truly worthy of payment.

Story Description: The spy contacted you again to test Soldier 11's sincerity. Despite the risk of being caught and labeled as a traitor, she accepts Mr. Mole's request.

---

---

Soldier 11: Good evening, Proxy. You're 35 seconds late.

Soldier 11: You can save those 17.5 one-handed push-ups for now. There's been some changes to our mission.

Changes?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Changes?Changes?Text for Wise / What's changed?What's changed?Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: Mr. Mole has a condition. He wants me to carry out this mission alone, without the help of him and his rebels' support.

Soldier 11: "Since we've got the famous Phaethon, one person should be enough to handle it."

Soldier 11: —Is what he said.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Hang on...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): That's fine if everything goes smoothly, but what if it doesn't?

Fairy: Affirmative. If we get caught, people will think Soldier 11 is a traitor.

Fairy: Master, we should suggest the client re-evaluate the risk.

Is that so? I suggest you re-evaluate the risk—

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Is that so?Is that so?Text for Wise / From a professional perspective,From a professional perspective,Text for Belle‍) I suggest you re-evaluate the risk—

Soldier 11: I said yes.

...?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍...?...?Text for Wise / You agreed...?You agreed...?Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: After considering it, with how cautious the rebels are being, saying no at this point would undoubtedly alarm them.

Soldier 11: There's no greater sin than betrayal.

Soldier 11: I'm willing to risk my life to find the traitor — and bring them to justice.

Then... you'll have to get your hands dirty.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Then... (‍you'll have toyou'll have toText for Wise / prepare toprepare toText for Belle‍) get your hands dirty.

Soldier 11: Right. I'm ready to go.

(Idle)

Soldier 11: You should use the "478" breathing technique when you're nervous. Give it a try, Proxy.

(Talk to Soldier 11 again, optional)

Soldier 11: I should be more nervous about putting my reputation on the line like this.

Soldier 11: Strangely enough, though, I'm feeling quite calm.

Soldier 11: Probably because your Proxy skills have earned my trust... Working with you is quite the experience.

(Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍), optional)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍This commission has gotten complicated... But I still can keep up!This commission has gotten complicated... But I still can keep up!Text for Wise / We also need to help Soldier 11 keep her real identity on the down-low to complete the mission. Knowing us, I'm sure we can manage.We also need to help Soldier 11 keep her real identity on the down-low to complete the mission. Knowing us, I'm sure we can manage.Text for Belle‍)

(Upon starting the commission)

Fairy's Whispers: "According to Soldier 11, the information on this weapon test is highly classified within the military."

Fairy's Whispers: "How did Mr. Mole get access to it at his rank?"
"After all, he is not the owner of the strongest AI in New Eridu..."

Mission Details: Mr. Mole must not be as simple as he seems, to have info on this place. If it were to get exposed...

That makes Soldier 11 even more suspicious?

We have to be careful...

(Interact with the enemy)

A mech is blocking the path!: A mech, which seems to belong to the military, is blocking the path. We'll need to take care of it quickly to make sure Soldier 11 isn't exposed.

If you want to pass through here...

A battle is inevitable!

(During combat)

Soldier 11: This is the Autonomous Support Unit - Lightfoot Rover.

Soldier 11: Tch. What a pain.

Soldier 11: We'll need to take down the main body, or else it'll continuously send drones after us.

(Press the switch)

Soldier 11: This is the gate's emergency switch, just press here...

Soldier 11: ...

Bangboo (Wise / Belle)Bangboo (Wise / Belle)Protagonist in disguise: ...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): ...

Soldier 11: Broken. Initiating backup plan.

(Soldier 11 destroys the gate)

Soldier 11: C'mon, follow me.

(While following Soldier 11)

Soldier 11: Stay focused. Forget the Ethereals.

(If the player touches a patrolling enemy)

Fairy speaks up to give a warning: "Warning, hostile signals detected..."

Wandering Enemies: A group of wandering enemies is approaching. While you can attempt to evade them using the Bangboo's camouflage feature, it's not an easy task...

How will you deal with them?

Activate the camouflage to evade them

Pressure +100

Fairy's report: "Impressive. You maintained eye contact with an Ethereal for over ten minutes."

Fairy's report: "You can surely beat your Second Assistant in your next staring contest."

Ambush them and take them out

Start combat

Fairy's Novice Tip: "Master, is running necessary when ambushing someone from behind?"

Fairy's Novice Tip: "This will lead to revealing our location just like... aaaaaaaaaaaah—"

(If the player escapes an enemy for the first time)

Soldier 11: Biding our time also sounds like a good option.

(If the player escapes an enemy for a third time)

Soldier 11: This Bangboo...Is that how you use it?

(If the player defeats an enemy for the first time)

Soldier 11: Face it head-on? So you're a fighter...

(If the player defeats an enemy for a third time)

Soldier 11: I didn't expect you to be so fearless...

(When an enemy spawns — one of the following will play)

Soldier 11: The enemy is unending. Don't get caught up with them.^{[Note 1]}

Soldier 11: Don't let 'em distract you.

Soldier 11: Proxy, leave them.

(Approach the target)

Soldier 11: This is it. Come over here!

Rowdy Soldier

(Interact with Soldier 11)

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Rowdy Soldier

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Video Summary: The Hollow may not present insurmountable challenges, but humans certainly do.

Story Description: Soldier 11 successfully obtained the data from the experimental weapon, but the remnants of the weapon triggered an explosion. Now, Soldier 11 needs you to find another way out of the Hollow.

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---

Fierce Ethereals roam the Hollow, ready to tear apart any target they come across.

But Soldier 11's mobility and efficiency make the trip far less risky than one would expect.

The target of the mission is close at hand.

Soldier 11: Alright, we're here.

Soldier 11: The info the spy asked us to steal is right here.

But I can't see anything?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍...Am I the only one who can't see anything?...Am I the only one who can't see anything?Text for Wise / Where exactly is... here? I can't see anything.Where exactly is... here? I can't see anything.Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: Exactly, that's the effect I'm after.

Slightly leaning down, the young sergeant stares at the small "guide" next to her. Through sensory synchronization, her stern eyes hidden behind her goggles are directly projected into view.

Soldier 11: The rebels want info on our armaments — specifically, data on one of the Defense Force's secret experimental weapons.

Soldier 11: The weapon itself was abandoned in this Hollow after being damaged in an accident. Everything about it is top secret.

Soldier 11: If anyone outside the Defense Force, like you, were to ever see what it looked like, even just the damaged body, I'd have to arrange constant surveillance on you to ensure nothing related to it ever leaked.

I'll close my eyes...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I'll just close my eyes. I wasn't looking anyway.I'll just close my eyes. I wasn't looking anyway.Text for Wise / Gotcha... I'll close my eyes.Gotcha... I'll close my eyes.Text for Belle‍)

Even if I'm here to help?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍So the fact I'm helping you doesn't matter?So the fact I'm helping you doesn't matter?Text for Wise / But I'm helping you...But I'm helping you...Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: It is exactly because you are my support that I need to make sure you don't see it. Ignorance will protect you.

Soldier 11: I'll finish this next part alone. Wait for me here.

Soldier 11: Oh, and search for an escape route. Not the way we came, but a different path.

Having given her instructions, Soldier 11 jogs away without looking back.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Hmmm... So cautious... Seems whatever Mr. Mole wants is something really important.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): And why does Soldier 11 want us to search for other escape routes?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Wouldn't it be faster to just leave the way we came?

Fairy: Searching for an alternative path. Due to a large amount of corrupted intelligent machinery, the percentage of invalid data is abnormally high. I will require more time for an accurate calculation.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Calculate in the background, Fairy. The client is back.

At that very moment, the athletic young sergeant bounds back towards the Bangboo.

Soldier 11: Get down, and cover your ears.

Huh?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ah... what?Ah... what?Text for Wise / Why, what's happening?Why, what's happening?Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: 3, 2, 1—

The explosion instantly sends out a strong wave of air, sending the Bangboo which hadn't managed to take cover in time flying. Thanks to Soldier 11's quick reflexes, she's able to grab the little robotic assistant in time.

Soldier 11: Are you alright? React quicker when you hear an order.

Soldier 11: If we were on the battlefield, you'd most likely already be dead.

(Follow her order)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Roger.Roger.Text for Wise / Ears covered!Ears covered!Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: 3, 2, 1—

Luckily, the Bangboo followed Soldier 11's orders and deftly covers its ears, preventing the explosion from affecting its synchronized senses. Seeing this, the young sergeant nods approvingly.

Soldier 11: Obedient soldiers live longer. You've got some quick reflexes. Well done.

Soldier 11: I extracted the data we needed from the damaged experimental weapon.

Soldier 11: Provided the remains weren't entirely corrupted, such an action would activate its confidentiality procedure and start a self-destruct sequence.

Soldier 11: And that's exactly what happened. It was a loyal soldier, worthy of the Defense Force.

Such a big explosion will attract enemies.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Such a big explosion will attract (‍enemies.enemies.Text for Wise / enemies though.enemies though.Text for Belle‍)

That loyal soldier's "last words" were a bit too loud...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That loyal soldier's "last words" were a bit too loud... (‍They're bound to attract the enemy.They're bound to attract the enemy.Text for Wise / What if they attract the enemy?What if they attract the enemy?Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: It's not just the enemy I'm concerned about.

Soldier 11: My unit is wrapping up testing on a weapons experiment nearby.

Soldier 11: If the sound of the explosion leads unwitting teammates to follow the same path, recognize me, and thus question my loyalty...

Soldier 11: Perhaps you can't relate. But in the military, loyalty is everything.

Soldier 11: That's why I wanted you to search for other escape routes.

Soldier 11: I don't want to be seen by anyone else right now.

Soldier 11: So, did you find another path?

Fairy: Negative. 38.65 remaining until an accurate calculation. But I can guide you as far as the area I've finished calculating.

(Let's see what we can do...)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍We've got a direction.We've got a direction.Text for Wise / We're working on it!We're working on it!Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: Excellent. Let's move.

(After the cutscene)

Soldier 11: The way back is no longer safe...

Soldier 11: Help us find another exit if you would, Proxy.

(Interact with the observation point)

Soldier 11: If memory serves...let's try this way!

A New Way Out

(Reach the target)

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 A New Way Out

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Video Summary: The Hollow may not present insurmountable challenges, but humans certainly do.

Story Description: With Soldier 11's approval, Fairy detects an escape route using military mapping data.

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Fairy: Please note. An active military communication beacon was detected at this location, presumably a Defense Force remnant.

Fairy: I can use its communication network data to enhance the efficiency of my calculations, and thusly, more quickly locate an escape route.

Fairy: Suggestion. Reach this location by any means necessary.

After a series of infiltration maneuvers, the group arrives at the location Fairy indicated. There stands a small military communication device, quite similar to the transmission device Mr. Mole had requested to be set up on the previous mission.

Soldier 11: Um? Isn't this a Defense Force communications beacon?

Soldier 11, I have a request...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Soldier 11, I have a request...Soldier 11, I have a request...Text for Wise / Speaking of which, I've been thinking...Speaking of which, I've been thinking...Text for Belle‍)

That's right. We can use it.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍That's right. We can use it.That's right. We can use it.Text for Wise / That's right, could I borrow it?That's right, could I borrow it?Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: What do you need?

You briefly explain (Fairy's) intentions.

Soldier 11: Hmm... Use the Defense Force's communication beacon to assist in searching for an escape route from the Hollow...

Soldier 11: Very well, if it actually works.

Are you sure?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Are you sure?

That was easier than I expected.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍...That was surprisingly easy....That was surprisingly easy.Text for Wise / That was easier than expected...That was easier than expected...Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: Communication data is highly sensitive. The Defense Force constantly cleans and updates it. The data in this beacon is probably outdated.

Soldier 11: If the real Phaethon were here, they might be able to find some traces of confidential info on it.

Soldier 11: Luckily you're just an impostor, so I don't have to worry about leaked secrets.

Soldier 11: I'm actually quite surprised it can be used to find an escape route.

Soldier 11 agrees without any hesitation. She even tells them the most recent password she knows of to access the network.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Hmm... I have mixed emotions.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Was that a compliment or an insult?

Fairy: Challenge accepted. I will even obtain the Defense Force Commander-in-Chief's lock screen password.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): When did you become so competitive? Don't make things complicated, just calculate the escape route.

Fairy: Comparing network data to filter out redundant information.

Fairy: New Hollow escape route located.

(After the cutscene)

Fairy: Filtering out redundant information...

Fairy: New Hollow exit located.

(If the player touches a stationary enemy)

Fairy Alert: "Warning, intense Ether reaction ahead. It may be dormant Ethereals."

Sleeping Ethereal Forest: That was close...without Fairy's warning, I would have stumbled right into. [sic]
There is indeed a large area of sleeping Ethereals ahead.

Should we attack them?

Try a brave sneak attack?

50 chance to enter battle

(If successful)

Fairy's Novice Tip: "Master, is running necessary when ambushing someone from behind?"

Fairy's Novice Tip: "...But it's worth a try while the enemy is asleep."

(If unsuccessful)

Fairy Alert: "Master, the cola bottle you kicked woke up all the Ethereals..."

Fairy Alert: "The Ethereals are surrounding us. Evacuate now!"

I choose stealth

Pressure +100

Fairy's Data Portrait: "Master, passing through the danger zone woke up zero Ethereals. You did better than 99% of previous Hollow Raiders."

Fairy's Data Portrait: "0.5% chose to attempt a sneak attack."

(After passing the first section of enemies)

Soldier 11: If this is just a fake, the real Phaethon must be terrifying.

(During the final battle)

Soldier 11: Our target ahead is the Autonomous Support Unit - Heavy Striker.

Soldier 11: Its Ether shield can withstand most light attacks.

Soldier 11: Attack from behind.

Righteous Partner

(After defeating the Heavy Striker, if all enemies were avoided or escaped from)‍^{[verification needed]}

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Righteous Partner

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Video Summary: The Hollow may not present insurmountable challenges, but humans certainly do.

Story Description: The spy is satisfied with Soldier 11's performance, and Soldier 11 thanks you for your help. Looks like she's almost done with her mission.

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---

Having obtained the data, Soldier 11 gets in touch with Mr. Mole...

Soldier 11: Mission complete.

Mr. Mole: You've got the files? Bravo, Sergeant.

Mr. Mole: We can see you're serious about joining. We'll arrange for you to meet our leader soon.

Mr. Mole: Welcome to the side of justice.

Mr. Mole: Another excellent performance as usual... Phaethon.

Mr. Mole disconnects.

Soldier 11: The next step is to meet a branch of the rebel army. My mission is almost complete.

Soldier 11: Your merits are indispensable, Maroon Shade.

Okay.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Okay.Okay.Text for Wise / I'll take it...I'll take it...Text for Belle‍)

I'll answer to anything you call me at this point.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍No problem. I'll answer to anything you call me at this point.No problem. I'll answer to anything you call me at this point.Text for Wise / I'll answer to anything you call me at this point. What are names anyway...I'll answer to anything you call me at this point. What are names anyway...Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: The Defense Force is a practical organization.

Soldier 11: New Eridu may have outlawed Proxies, but after working with you, I have to admit you're very capable.

Soldier 11: You've helped me accomplish an honorable task.

Get Your Hands Dirty

(After completing Deep "Treason")

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Get Your Hands Dirty

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Video Summary: Does the crowd amplify individuality, or annihilate it?

Story Description: Soldier 11's willingness to take risks is concerning, but she clearly has her own sense of loyalty.

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Soldier 11: My identity remains a secret. It's all thanks to you, Burgundy Silhouette...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍The bizarre code names keep coming! I'll add it to our business card!The bizarre code names keep coming! I'll add it to our business card!Text for Wise / Don't give us too many aliases, now... They won't all fit on the card.Don't give us too many aliases, now... They won't all fit on the card.Text for Belle‍)

How does it feel to get your hands dirty?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍How does it feel to get your hands dirty?How does it feel to get your hands dirty?Text for Wise / So...you okay? Getting your hands dirty like this.So...you okay? Getting your hands dirty like this.Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: People wear gloves when their hands might get dirty.

Soldier 11: I'm just a glove for the Defense Force. Stains on a glove are no big deal.

You must have your own thoughts though, right?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I don't want to pry, but you must have your own thoughts too, right?I don't want to pry, but you must have your own thoughts too, right?Text for Wise / Don't mind me asking, but... what about your own thoughts?Don't mind me asking, but... what about your own thoughts?Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: Betrayal is disgusting. But in the current circumstances, bearing this disgust is, in itself, a kind of true loyalty.

Soldier 11: Even if covered in this filth, I'd never mistake myself for a true traitor... If that's what you're asking.

(Idle)

Soldier 11: I hear there's videos here prohibited in the military...?

(Talk to Soldier 11 again, optional)

Soldier 11: We'll be able to reel the net in on the next operation...

(Talk to (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍))

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Luckily, Soldier 11 didn't blow her cover. All thanks to you!Luckily, Soldier 11 didn't blow her cover. All thanks to you!Text for Wise / Welcome back. It was all thanks to you Soldier 11 didn't blow her cover.Welcome back. It was all thanks to you Soldier 11 didn't blow her cover.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍I don't want to see that officer lady have bad luck either—I don't want to see that officer lady have bad luck either—Text for Wise / I also don't want to see Soldier 11 have any bad luck either—I also don't want to see Soldier 11 have any bad luck either—Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Though she occasionally gives off a creepy vibe and always calls us by the wrong names...Though she occasionally gives off a creepy vibe and always calls us by the wrong names...Text for Wise / Even though she occasionally gives off a dangerous vibe and keeps calling us by the wrong names...Even though she occasionally gives off a dangerous vibe and keeps calling us by the wrong names...Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍But she likes noodles! It shows she has great taste and is a good person!But she likes noodles! It shows she has great taste and is a good person!Text for Wise / But since she likes noodles, it shows she has good taste. Most likely, she's a good person.But since she likes noodles, it shows she has good taste. Most likely, she's a good person.Text for Belle‍)

Just because of that?

Is there something...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Judging by that look, you don't really dislike her, do you? Alright, I'll drop it!Judging by that look, you don't really dislike her, do you? Alright, I'll drop it!Text for Wise / With that expression on your face, you don't actually dislike her, right? ...Alright, I won't say anything.With that expression on your face, you don't actually dislike her, right? ...Alright, I won't say anything.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Well, considering the big favor we did for her, you'd think she'd have our name right by now, (‍don't you think?don't you think?Text for Wise / right?right?Text for Belle‍)

Agreed.

What's our code name again?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Speaking of which, what's our code name again? Oh no, my memory is getting fuzzy...Speaking of which, what's our code name again? Oh no, my memory is getting fuzzy...Text for Wise / ...You've got me there....You've got me there.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Could it be because deep down we know that the alias is somehow related to the color red, so it just keeps slipping our (‍minds—minds—Text for Wise / minds?minds?Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Hey, if we look at it this wayHey, if we look at it this wayText for Wise / Thinking about it this wayThinking about it this wayText for Belle‍), maybe Soldier 11 also picked up on the fact that it's an alias related to the color, and that's why she keeps getting it wrong?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Is that some sharp intuition she's developed on battlefields? We should hurry up and take her to buy a lottery ticket!Is that some sharp intuition she's developed on battlefields? We should hurry up and take her to buy a lottery ticket!Text for Wise / It's just a random idea, but if her intuition is that sharp, I'd say she should definitely try her luck with a lottery ticket.It's just a random idea, but if her intuition is that sharp, I'd say she should definitely try her luck with a lottery ticket.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Forget it! I guess we can slack off just a little bit before the next private message contact?Forget it! I guess we can slack off just a little bit before the next private message contact?Text for Wise / Anyway, you can rest up for a while before we get our next DM. At least you don't have to pretend to be yourself when you're at home.Anyway, you can rest up for a while before we get our next DM. At least you don't have to pretend to be yourself when you're at home.Text for Belle‍)

Take a Break (Leave Story)