Mortal Form

 Stop the cocoon from absorbing Miasma

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The massive cocoon is absorbing the Miasma's power. Try to stop it.

Provenance of Malice

(Ongoing)

Ye Shunguang: Lockspring...

Zhao: Don't feel sorry for it. It was just stalling for time... We've got more important things to do.

Ye Shunguang: I know. We need to stop the Creator's cocoon from drawing in any more miasmic energy... before it's too late.

(Approach the cocoon)

Ye Shunguang: Oh no... It's too late...!

Zhao: Careful!

Fated Sacrifice

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Fated Sacrifice"

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Video Summary: "I'm going to have that osmanthus cake I love, even though it always makes my stomach hurt."

Story Description: The Creator's cocoon shatters, unleashing a dark mist. Sensing the Qingming Sword's disturbance, Ye Shunguang ignores (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) and Xiao'Zhao's attempts to stop her, walking resolutely into the mist, as she's determined to fulfill her final mission at the cost of herself.

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The massive cocoon, pulsing like a heart, finally loses its glow as the last trace of energy is completely absorbed.
Countless cracks spread across its surface, and thick, inky black mist pours out, carrying a soul-chilling whisper as it rapidly billows in all directions...

Ye Shunguang: ...

Zhao: What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell again?

Ye Shunguang: I'm fine. It's just... the Qingming Sword seems to be reacting to this thing...

Could it be the side effects from the Qingming Sword?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Could this thing have intensified the effects of the Qingming Sword?!

Ye Shunguang: ...We need to find a way to stop it.

Ye Shunguang: We can't let it... spread any further...

Zhao: Stop pushing yourself. Look at you — you can barely stand. How are you supposed to stop anything like that?

Zhao's right.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): She's right, Xiao'Guang. You should rest for now.

Xiao'Guang gently pushes away Zhao's supporting hand and looks at you. A strangely calm smile appears on her face.

Ye Shunguang: There isn't time.

Ye Shunguang: Look, it doesn't have a physical form. Dialyn also said before that our attacks are completely useless against this black mist.

Ye Shunguang: And... It's searching for something.

Zhao: Searching... for what?

Xiao'Guang doesn't answer. She simply raises her hand and gently runs her fingers over the Qingming Sword.

Ye Shunguang: Junior, Xiao'Zhao, thank you for coming this far with me.

Zhao: ...What do you mean by that?

Xiao'Guang turns around and looks over deeply, a faint smile resting on her lips.
In her clear eyes, there is no fear or confusion, only an indescribable gentleness and a quiet sense of peace.

Ye Shunguang: I just... want to do what I should have done long ago.

Ye Shunguang: I'm going to have that osmanthus cake I love, even though it always makes my stomach hurt.

 ?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What... what are you talking about? Xiao'Guang—

What are you doing?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What are you doing? No, don't go...

The ever-expanding black mist suddenly seems to find its target, turning into a massive torrent of darkness that surges toward Xiao'Guang with a force that could devour everything.

The Final Choice

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The Final Choice"

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Video Summary: "This is the fate I chose for myself."

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(A cinematic plays)

(Black tendrils shoot out towards Ye Shunguang)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Watch out!

(She pushes her companions back using her sword case)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Xiao'Guang!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Why—

(The tendrils engulf Xiao'Guang in Miasma)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): No—!

Ye Shunguang: This is the fate I chose

(The Creator takes control)

"The Creator": Finally... it's mine...

(Ye Shunguang changes to her alternate form)

Ye Shunguang: Since I'm the perfect "vessel" for your descent...

Ye Shunguang: Then let this

Ye Shunguang: Body—

Ye Shunguang: Be your prison!

(She summons the Qingming Blade, pointing it at herself)

"The Creator": You've lost your mind!

"The Creator": If you do this, you'll also...

Ye Shunguang: Come with me...

Ye Shunguang: To oblivion!

(Cinematic ends)

(A QTE begins)^{[Note 1]}

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Stop, Xiao'Guang! If you do this, you'll go down with Them!

Ye Shunguang: I'm sorry, Junior. I'll have to break our promise...

Ye Shunguang: But... this is the only way

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The Creator's power comes from the same source as this sword. That's why I know better than anyone... how strong and untouchable They truly are...

(The sword plunges closer to Ye Shunguang)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Stop, Xiao'Guang!

Ye Shunguang: We can't beat this invisible force head-on. I have to become Their "vessel" first, and then destroy myself to stop Them...

Ye Shunguang: That's the only way we might have a chance to win!

Zhao: But the cost is your life! What kind of a win is that?!

Ye Shunguang: ...Xiao'Zhao, Junior, go. I don't want to see anyone else get hurt because of me anymore

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍We're not leaving you behind! Xiao'Guang, don't give up! There has to be another option!We're not leaving you behind! Xiao'Guang, don't give up! There has to be another option!Text for Wise / No way we'd ever leave you! Xiao'Guang, don't give up! There's gotta be another way!No way we'd ever leave you! Xiao'Guang, don't give up! There's gotta be another way!Text for Belle‍)

Ye Shunguang: I'm not giving up. I'm only protecting the things that matter more than my life

Ye Shunguang: For everyone in Failume Heights, for my friends, and... for you

(The sword plunges once again)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Xiao'Guang! (‍Don't—Don't—Text for Wise / No—No—Text for Belle‍)

Ye Shunguang: Junior, please, be happy for me

Ye Shunguang: I've never felt more alive than I do right now

Ye Shunguang: Meeting you... has changed my life for the better

The Hand in the Dark

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The Hand in the Dark"

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Video Summary: "Look, I caught you."

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(A cinematic plays)

((ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle) reaches out towards Ye Shunguang, and is cut by the surrounding swords)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There has to be... another way...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): This is... the same as...

(A golden power emanates from (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle), protecting them)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There's still...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Time!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I will...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Bring you home!

Ye Shunguang: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)...?

(They grab Xiao'Guang and pull her away from the Miasma)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): See?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I caught youI caught youText for Wise / I caught you, SeniorI caught you, SeniorText for Belle‍)

(Ye Shunguang attacks the remnant shadow)

Ye Shunguang: Go!

Ye Shunguang: Evil...

Ye Shunguang: Begone!

(It flows into the cocoon, causing it to hatch)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Is that...?

"The Creator": "Blasphemer..."

"The Creator": "Divine punishment is here!"

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): S—Sarah?

(Cinematic ends)

 Defeat "The Creator"

(While fighting "The Creator")

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That thing... it has Sarah's face?!

Zhao: Looks like her wish to merge with the Creator really did come true.

Ye Shunguang: Thank you, Junior... Sorry, I was being too reckless...

(When "The Creator" activates Control Skill)

(Open tutorial Control Skills)

System: When enemies use Control Skills, attacks will no longer have flash indicators.

System: Press or to dodge the first phase of Control Skill damage.

System: Press to counter the upcoming consecutive attacks.

(Tips)

Use Perfect Dodge or Perfect Assist to avoid the first phase of Control Skill damage.

Watch the enemy's moves and press at the right moment to counter their consecutive attacks.^{[Note 2]}

(When "The Creator" gains a Miasmic Shield)

"The Creator": "Welcome... to the realm beyond the world!"

"The Creator": "Stop your futile resistance. Endless strife and pain were never meant to be your fate. I will grant you true happiness."

Ye Shunguang: The right to decide what "happiness" means will always be ours alone!

(Tip)

Primordial Nightmare will not accumulate Daze while having Miasmic Shield, and will automatically revert to normal state after Miasmic Shield is reduced by a certain amount.

(When "The Creator" reaches 5% health)

Zhao: We... did it?

Their Gaze

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Their Gaze"

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Video Summary: "Humans... hopelessly foolish creatures."

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(A cinematic plays)

"The Creator": "Humans..."

"The Creator": "Hopelessly foolish creatures"

(The floating boulders draw in Miasma, feeding "The Creator" power)

Magus: The Miasma...

Magus: It's being absorbed?!

("The Creator" opens Their heterochromatic eyes)^{[Note 3]}

Ye Shunguang: What... is this?

Isolde: Could this be...

"The Creator": "I will show you..."

"The Creator": "...What real despair feels like!"

(Cinematic ends)

(Ongoing)

Zhao: How did she get so much stronger all of a sudden?! At this rate, we won't last much longer...

Ye Shunguang: No matter what... we have to hold on...

(When "The Creator" rises into the sky)

(They summon multiple swords)

Ye Shunguang: It looks like They're about to... Everyone, be careful!

Combined Strength

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Combined Strength"

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Video Summary: "Before the will of humankind, even gods... fall apart!"

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(A cinematic plays)

(Ye Shunguang and Zhao defend against the onslaught of swords)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I just got word from Magus

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): They're attacking the floating boulder

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): That's powering the Creator!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): This could work...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): You've gotta hang in there!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Just a little longer!

(At Miasmaflare Tower, Obol Squad defends against the Ethereal horde)

Magus: Come on!

Magus: I've had enough of this damn rock!

(Obol Squad and Isolde's troops concentrate fire at the boulder)

Isolde: Soldiers

Isolde: Increase firepower!

(It is destroyed, staggering "The Creator")

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Perfect! Attacking the boulder worked!

Ye Shunguang: Before the will of humankind

Ye Shunguang: Even the divine...

Ye Shunguang: Shall crumble!

(Cinematic ends)

(Ongoing)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), all squads are doing their best to destroy the (‍boulderboulderText for Wise / bouldersbouldersText for Belle‍). You guys... you have to hold on!

(The Miasmic Shield drops to 33%)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): We did it! Spook Shack squad has destroyed (‍thetheText for Wise / theirtheirText for Belle‍) boulder!

Yuzuha: You're welcome~ We'll be waiting for your good news next.

Ye Shunguang: Thank you, everyone!

(The shield drops to 0%)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Miss Miyabi and Senior Ye's sides made it too! That's all of them, the boulders are destroyed!^{[Note 4]}

Ye Shiyuan: No matter how imperfect this world is... it's still worth saving.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Our mission's done. The rest is up to you now, heroes.

Ye Shunguang: This battle... was never ours alone. It's the strength and will of everyone that has carried us this far.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Everyone, just a bit more, we're so close!

(Defeat "The Creator")

Final Blade

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Final Blade"

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Video Summary: Humans never needed gods.

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(A cinematic plays)

("The Creator" and Ye Shunguang fall to the ground)

Zhao: A—Are you okay?!

("The Creator" raises Their hand, drawing in power)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): They're... They're absorbing the Qingming Sword's power!

Ye Shunguang: ...Only by truly mastering the power of this sword...

Ye Shunguang: Can I execute Them

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Don't tell me you're planning (‍to use the Qingming Swordto use the Qingming SwordText for Wise / on using iton using itText for Belle‍) again?!

Ye Shunguang: Thank you, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)

Ye Shunguang: But I won't

Ye Shunguang: Hesitate anymore

Ye Shunguang: Even if I'm destined to forget...

Ye Shunguang: I'll keep trying to remember, again and again

(As she grabs the Qingming Sword, precious memories come to mind)

Ye Shunguang: Even when trembling with fear...

Ye Shunguang: I will still stand in front of my friends

Ye Shunguang: Even if I fall a thousand times...

Ye Shunguang: I'll crawl up and fight again

Ye Shunguang: That's the power that pulls people

Ye Shunguang: Back from the abyss, over and over again

Ye Shunguang: We never

Ye Shunguang: Needed gods

Ye Shunguang: All we needed

Ye Shunguang: Were our own hands, to hold on and lift each other up!

(Ye Shunguang manifests a hail of blades)

("The Creator" tries in vain to impede them, but is impaled by them all)

"The Creator": "Fools"

"The Creator": "One day, you'll all..."

(At Failume Heights, Lemnian Hollow shrinks back down)

Yixuan: It's finally dawn

(Cinematic ends)

Before the Journey Home

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Before the Journey Home"

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Video Summary: And that's... our teacher's confession.

Story Description: The crisis is averted, and the Hollow is now stable. Ye Shunguang has fully mastered the Qingming Sword, and together with (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) as well as Xiao'Zhao, they have survived the ordeal. However, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) is shocked by Carole's phantom emerging from the Miasma.

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As the final trace of the Creator fades into the air, everything falls silent.
The eerie black mist finally dissipates, leaving behind a scarred wasteland and those who survived.
Maybe it's just your imagination, but even though you're still deep underground, it feels as if a ray of sunlight has pierced through the rock above, bringing a long-lost warmth that almost brings tears to your eyes...

Xiao'Zhao lets out a long sigh and plops down on the ground, showing for the first time a tired smile, her guard lowered.

Zhao: It's finally over. Any longer, and I would've thought I'd never see the sun again.

Ye Shunguang: Well done, Xiao'Zhao... and you too, Junior.

You too!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): You too, Xiao'Guang. How are you feeling? The Qingming Sword's reaction just now had me worried...

Ye Shunguang: It felt like... in that final moment, when I used the Qingming Sword to put an end to that thing...

Ye Shunguang: It was as if something changed between me and the sword.

Ye Shunguang: I used to believe the Qingming Sword had chosen me on its own, and that I held no power over it...

Xiao'Guang lifts her head, her eyes shining with a brightness and confidence never seen before.

Ye Shunguang: But just now, I realized... I chose it — just as it chose me!

Ye Shunguang: I can feel the Qingming Sword's power moving through me. It's not as aggressive as it felt before, now it feels... gentle, peaceful.

Zhao: Perhaps you're more in tune with the Qingming Sword now. If that's true, then its effects...

Ye Shunguang: I know. They're likely still there, and could appear again at any moment.

Ye Shunguang: But it feels like only now have I truly mastered this sword, along with the will and strength of countless sword keepers across the ages.

Ye Shunguang: I... I'm not fighting alone! From within this sword, many others are fighting beside me...

Yet earlier, you were planning to handle everything on your own.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): But you were going to sacrifice yourself to end it all. Xiao'Guang, that was way too reckless. You don't know how much I—

Looking into Xiao'Guang's clear eyes, filled with quiet apology, your words of reproach ultimately remain unspoken.

Ye Shunguang: I'm sorry... I made you worry again.

Ye Shunguang: You know, when I sealed the Creator just now, it felt as though I had fallen into an endless dream.

Ye Shunguang: In the dream, I was surrounded by boundless darkness. No matter how far I ran, I couldn't escape or see an end to it.

Ye Shunguang: At that moment, I thought... maybe I'll never find my way home again.

Ye Shunguang: I knew it was my decision, and that for everyone's sake, it had to be done. But... I was still terrified, shaking uncontrollably.

Ye Shunguang: Then, at some point, a faint light appeared before me, and from the other side of that light, I heard your voice.

Ye Shunguang: I saw you stride into the light, slicing through the boundless dark, and extend your hand toward me.

Don't forget, I'm a Proxy.

I'll lead you back home.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Don't forget, I'm a Proxy. No matter what happens, I'll lead you back home.

You and Xiao'Guang exchange a knowing smile.
Just then, you receive a transmission from (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍)...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Hey (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), how are things on your end? We just got word that the other squads have all completed their missions. The Hollow has stabilized and returned to its original size.

Mission accomplished.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Mission accomplished. Everything's fine. We'll go over the details later.

Zhao: Looks like everyone's done a great job. In that case, we should probably pack up and head back too.

Ye Shunguang: Right! We've got to get ready for the victory feast.

Zhao: ...Wait, look over there. Something's coming out of the ground. Is that... Miasma?

Ye Shunguang: It doesn't seem very dense. Maybe it's just residual energy from the Creator... Wait, is there someone inside it?

Ye Shunguang: ...Junior, what's wrong? You've gone pale all of a sudden...

Zhao: You look like you've seen a ghost... Wait, Proxy, where are you going?

You don't have time to respond to Xiao'Guang and Xiao'Zhao's questions. Your heart feels as if it's being squeezed by an invisible hand. Almost instinctively, you can't help but run towards that patch of Miasma...

For there stands the phantom of your missing teacher: Carole.

 View the illusion of Carole

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A vision of our teacher, Carole, suddenly appeared. Hurry over and check it out.

Provenance of Malice

(Interact with Carole Arna's illusion)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Teacher... Teacher!

Ye Shunguang: Huh...?

Carole: ...So that's the reason... appeared at...

Carole: I see. You... Eridu...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (What is she saying? When is this memory from?)

Zhao: She doesn't sound like she's talking to herself. Look, that mass of Miasma in front of her — it almost looks like two figures.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (...! Xiao'Zhao's right. She's talking to someone!)

Carole: ...Was the beginning of everything... I saw... endless possibilities, and... an end that could devour everything.

Carole: You're wrong... if... those children... I have no regrets...

Carole: ...What comes next... will become a terrible catastrophe... loss of countless lives...

Carole: Ha... I wonder how I'll be remembered in Eridu's history... As someone who brought...

Carole: ...A lunatic with bloodstained hands...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Wait, what does that mean...? What is she saying...? No, it can't be, it can't be what I'm thinking...)

Shattered Memories

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Shattered Memories"

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Video Summary: And that's... our teacher's confession.

Story Description: The moment Carole's illusion appears, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) is struck by a powerful flood of memories, in which (‍heheText for Wise / shesheText for Belle‍) witnesses a conversation between (‍hishisText for Wise / herherText for Belle‍) teacher and two mysterious figures. The overwhelming rush of information made (‍hishisText for Wise / herherText for Belle‍) head throb with pain.

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The blurry figure of your teacher flickers before you, and in an instant, a flood of memories crashes into your mind...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Ugh!Ugh!Text for Wise / !!!!!!Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Are these... Are these Teacher's memories?)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (I can feel it... yes, this is what she was seeing back then. These are the two people she was talking to!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (...Who are they? And that intense aura... Is it Ether?)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (And... why do they look...?)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Urgh... my head... and (‍mymyText for Belle‍) eyes... they hurt...)

Confused

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Confusions"

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Video Summary: And that's... our teacher's confession.

Story Description: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) witnesses Carole's phantom and receives Memory Shards confirming her connection to the fall of the Old Capital, leaving (‍himhimText for Wise / herherText for Belle‍) deeply shaken. With comfort from Ye Shunguang and Xiao'Zhao, (‍heheText for Wise / shesheText for Belle‍) decides to return first and makes plans later.

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Ye Shunguang: Junior... are you alright?

Zhao: Thank goodness, you've finally come to.

What happened?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...Sorry, what happened to me just now?

Ye Shunguang: When the Miasma cleared, you suddenly froze in place, totally unresponsive no matter what we tried... Are you alright?

I'm fine.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I'm fine... I was just, uh... caught off guard.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Those images I saw of our teacher's memory... I should discuss this with (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) when we get back. There's no reason to add to everyone's worries right now.)

Ye Shunguang: That illusion was the same as before, of your teacher, Carole.

Zhao: What she said... it sounded like she was admitting she had something to do with the fall of the old capital.

Teacher...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...(‍BelleBelleText for Wise / My brotherMy brotherText for Belle‍) and I have always believed our teacher was wrongly accused. The Carole we knew would never take innocent lives...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): But the disaster she spoke of... the "loss of countless lives"... and she said she's...

Ye Shunguang: I think you're better off not dwelling on it for now!

Ye Shunguang: We only saw a fragment of a memory. It doesn't necessarily mean anything... The truth often lies much deeper than we think.

Zhao: Exactly. Sure, some of what we heard sounded meaningful, but from where I stand, the sins behind them may not be any greater than the idle gossip at a TOPS cocktail party.

Zhao: Even today, the city has never revealed the specifics behind how the fall of the old capital happened, claiming it relates to classified intel. All they've done is list a couple of perpetrators, Carole Arna among them.

Zhao: That means things are nowhere near as simple as they seem, right?

You're right.

Let's head back first.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): You're right. In any case, it's not safe to stay here, we should head back.

Return to Silence

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Return to Silence"

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Video Summary: Perhaps one day, humanity's courage will fade away. But not today, not now.

Story Description: After witnessing the courage of Ye Shunguang and her companions, Lockspring's conviction wavers as he realizes that humanity's true strength lies in their indomitable will. Amidst Youkai's mockery, he finally fades into silence.

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In a remote, deep underground corner, Lockspring lies on the cold ground, his sensors flickering weakly.

Lockspring: The only way to end suffering... is through absolute order...

Lockspring: Humanity... must be controlled...

He murmurs those words, but his voice has lost its former resolve, filled instead with doubt and confusion.
Like a devout believer questioning, for the first time, the truth he has followed all his life.

Everything he just witnessed still echoes in his mind.
That frail girl, burdened with the cruelest fate, still staggered to her feet, lifting her sword to stand before everyone.

The Proxy, who had suffered the same injustices, and the Krampus Judge, who had never known kindness from fate—
None of them harbored resentment or hatred toward the world. Instead, they held each other up, steady and unwavering.

Lockspring: ...

Lockspring: The courage to forget, and start over again...

Lockspring: The resolve to choose sacrifice, even in the face of fear...

Lockspring: The will to keep moving forward, even when knowing the abyss lies just ahead...

Lockspring: And even when it means losing everything, to raise the blade toward the void, without hesitation...

Lockspring slowly blinks, and the flickering light of his sensors finally steadies.

Lockspring: These struggles I once deemed meaningless... are the true essence of life itself.

Lockspring: So behind all the strife, the conflicts, the betrayals, and ugliness I've witnessed... There was something entirely different hidden all along.

Lockspring: Have humans always been... such powerful beings?

???: How disappointing. I thought you'd win. Can't believe you ended up like this...

Lockspring: Back then... when I was on the verge of shutting down completely, it was you that appeared out of nowhere and told me about the Creator and the Exaltists, giving me a sense of direction.

???: That's right. What's the matter? Don't tell me you're trying to shift the blame now... Saying I'm the one who led you astray?

Lockspring: No, quite the opposite. I want to thank you. If it weren't for you, I might never have gone through all of this... never found the answer in the end.

???: ...What are you even talking about? Has your logic core completely fried?

???: Forget it. Nothing can stop that plan from moving forward anyway... but before that, I might as well have a little fun~

Ignoring the taunts, Lockspring gazes calmly into the darkness before him.
And yet, it feels as though his eyes pierce through it all, seeing something far beyond, something vast and distant.

Lockspring: ...Perhaps one day, humanity's courage will fade away...

Lockspring: But not today, not now.

Lockspring: Lady Sunbringer, perhaps... you were right.

Lockspring: Utopia that drifts above New Eridu, may you bring forth... what is truly...

???: Tch, how boring! You're useless now.

???: Guess it's about time for me to find some amusement elsewhere.

New Eridu... rejoice in the return of Youkai~

Lockspring's sensors flicker a few more times before going completely dark.
All sound fades away, leaving the surroundings in absolute silence.
He simply sits there quietly, like a statue that has fulfilled its purpose.