Out of Sight (Episode)/Dialogue

Dialogue

This is a story that took place in the past.
A story of a rookie Proxy named "Phaethon" who meets a young lady at a crossroads of fate...

(Sibling): (Wise/Belle), we've been on Sixth Street for a while now. How many Inter-Knot Commissions have we taken these past few days...?

We're still newbies, so... you know how it is...

We haven't received many commissions yet...

(Sibling): (‍I see... It's okay! We're starting our Proxy business and video store business from scratch. It'll take time. I've been busy managing the store, so thanks for handling the Inter-Knot side of things, Wise. / It's okay. We're starting our Proxy business and video store from scratch, side by side. It'll take time. These days, I've been focused on managing the store, so thank you for taking care of our Inter-Knot business, Belle.‍)

(Sibling): (‍Living together in this cozy little home is already much better than our life right after leaving the academy... As long as we gradually build our reputation, we'll eventually have a chance to uncover clues about the fall of the old capital! Wise, let's take it slow! / Having this cozy little home with you is already much better than the life we had just after leaving the academy... As long as we slowly build our reputation, we'll eventually have a chance to uncover clues about the fall of the old capital. Belle, we'll take it slow.‍)

Yeah, but I still want to take on some commissions...

Yeah, but I get so bored when there are no commissions...

(Sibling): (‍I knew you'd say that. But this worry will be solved soon — actually, I saw how hard you've been working to find commissions, so these past few days I've also been searching on Inter-Knot for an intelligence broker who can find commissions for us! / Belle, your enthusiasm is really something. But your troubles will soon be resolved — I saw how hard you've been searching for commissions, so these past few days I found an intelligence broker on Inter-Knot who can introduce commissions to us.‍)

(Sibling): (‍If we can establish a long-term partnership with such a professional intelligence broker, we won't have to worry about getting commissions in the future! Hehe, don't I deserve a little praise? / As long as we can establish a long-term partnership with this professional intelligence broker, we shouldn't have to worry about getting commissions in the future. As your older brother, I also want to be able to help you.‍)

Good job!

(Sibling): (‍Hehe... and today, I've arranged to meet him at the store. He should be here soon. / Thanks, I think I've done a good job, too. I arranged to meet him at the store today... He should be arriving soon.‍)

At that moment, a sudden knocking comes from the door...

(Sibling): (‍That must be him! Wise, let's go and talk to him. Maybe the first commission we work on with him will give us a totally awesome surprise! / He's here, just in time. Belle, let's go talk to him. Who knows, maybe a cool surprise will be waiting for us on our first commission with him.‍)

Meet the intelligence broker who arrived at the shop

The Inter-Knot intelligence broker has arrived at the video store. Meet them and discuss potential collaboration.

Random Play

(Idle): (Sibling): (‍Can we leave you to watch the house, 18?Can we leave you to watch the house, 18? Tooltip for Can we leave you to watch the house, 18?ⓘText for Wise / We'll leave you to watch the house, 18!We'll leave you to watch the house, 18!Text for Belle‍); Bangboo 18: Ehn-ne-ehn-ne! (Watch the house! Will do my best!)

(Talk to (Belle/Wise), optional): (Sibling): 18, (Wise/Belle) and I need to put aside the video store to go handle a commission, so (‍we're counting on you to watch the house!we're counting on you to watch the house!Text for Wise / can we count on you to watch the house?can we count on you to watch the house?Text for Belle‍); Bangboo 18: Ehn-ne-ehn-ne! (Watch the house! Will do my best!)

(Interact with the front door): As the front door is opened, a man in a suit walks in. Although he wears a friendly and reliable smile, there is still something slightly off about him...; (Sibling): (‍Wise, let me introduce you to this professional intelligence broker I found on Inter-Knot!Wise, let me introduce you to this professional intelligence broker I found on Inter-Knot!Text for Wise / Belle, allow me to introduce our future partner — the intelligence broker I found on Inter-Knot.Belle, allow me to introduce our future partner — the intelligence broker I found on Inter-Knot.Text for Belle‍); Shepherd: Nice to meet you both! You can call me "Shepherd"! I'm glad you two chose to work with me... By the way, are you just starting out in this line of work?; Nice to meet you, we haven't been in the business for too long...; We just started, but business hasn't been...; Shepherd: I understand, I understand! It's normal for rookie Proxies like you two to have a hard time finding commissions... but please don't worry! As an intelligence broker, I exist precisely for people like you!; Shepherd: Let me check my notes... your name is "Phaethon", right? What kind of commissions do you usually specialize in?; We're great at any commission!; We have superior technology!; Shepherd: What an energetic response! These days, many young Proxies lack the energy you have!; Shepherd: That being said, combat-related commissions might be a bit tricky, right? You two don't seem like fighters, and hiring combat personnel can be expensive for new Proxies... To be honest, I'm not sure I feel comfortable assigning you anything dangerous.; (Sibling): (‍Well... We'll find a way to handle it! You'll soon see our abilities in action through the actual commission!Well... We'll find a way to handle it! You'll soon see our abilities in action through the actual commission!Text for Wise / We'll find our own way to resolve that. I believe you'll see it in the actual commission.We'll find our own way to resolve that. I believe you'll see it in the actual commission.Text for Belle‍); Shepherd: The actual commission huh...? Well then, I happen to have a recently issued commission that could serve as the perfect starting point for our partnership. I believe this commission is of the perfect difficulty to assess your abilities.; Shepherd: If you're interested, let me explain the details... Shall we move to a more convenient place to talk?; It's not suitable to talk about this at the counter, so you move to a small room with Shepherd to discuss things in detail...

Missing Person

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Missing Person Notice"

Video Summary: Asking a Proxy to find someone feels like asking the Void Hunter to cut a fruit platter.

Story Description: Several years ago, shortly after you and your sibling became Proxies, you sought out the informant known as "Shepherd" to help grow your business. On his recommendation, you took on a strange missing person request...

Shepherd: Our first assignment together is... a missing person commission. There's no need for combat or venturing into any Hollows, so it's completely safe. Honestly, I can't think of a better way to test your skills!

Why hire a Proxy then?

(Protagonist): (‍With all due respect to the client, a Proxy's role is to guide people through the Hollows. Is it worth hiring a Proxy for a commission that doesn't even involve going into one? / Not to be rude to the client, but guiding people through the Hollows is what a Proxy does. A commission that doesn't even require stepping in one seems kind of pointless for us to handle, right?‍)

Is this really not just a filler job?

(Protagonist): (‍Forgive me for being blunt... but isn't this job a bit... well, pointless? / To be honest... it feels like you're just filling your quota with this commission...‍)

Shepherd: Don't get me wrong — I'm definitely not trying to pass this off on you! Your ability to navigate the Hollow is unquestionable, that's what makes a Proxy a Proxy. But this role involves more than just that, and this commission is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate those other skills.

Shepherd: To be honest, the client barely gave us anything to work with — just pieces of info. That's why this is a perfect chance to show off your skills in gathering intel, spotting details, and negotiating — all the makings of a top-tier Proxy.

Accept the commission

(Protagonist): (‍Alright, you've sold me. Let's see what we're dealing with. / You've made your point. Guess we can't refuse now. Let's see the job.‍)

Shepherd nods in satisfaction and pulls out three items from his pocket: a harmonica, a sheet of music, and an old photo.

(Old Photo of Woman with Covered Eyes added to the Workbench)

Old Photo of Woman with Covered Eyes

A somewhat aged photograph, though the image remains fairly clear. A blond young woman with her eyes covered leans against a wall. For some reason, her silhouette seems so fragile - as if she might shatter into pieces at any moment, filled with such profound sadness.

Shepherd: The client has only provided us with these three clues. All we know is that the woman in the photo is your target.

(Sibling): (‍Wait... just a photo? That's barely a clue! No name, no background, not even her usual haunts? And what's up with the harmonica and the sheet music? / Just a photo? So even the client doesn't know her name, identity, or whereabouts? And what's the deal with the harmonica and the sheet music?‍)

Shepherd: The client doesn't seem to have any more info, though it's possible they just don't wanna share... But the client did mention if you get stuck, you should try playing the sheet music with the harmonica.

Shepherd: Well then, I'll leave this commission in your capable hands. Keep me in the loop if you make any breakthroughs. Just ping me on Knock Knock!

(Sibling): (‍Finding someone with just a photo and a melody? That's like searching for a needle in a haystack... Got any ideas, Wise? / A single photo and a melody... Feels like chasing shadows. Belle, where do you think we should start?‍)

Let's go to Port Elpis and look for clues.

(Protagonist): (‍Maybe we should check Port Elpis? Women with their eyes covered aren't exactly that common... Remember when we visited the sea a while back? I think we saw someone who fit that description. / Maybe we should start with Port Elpis? A woman with her eyes covered isn't exactly someone you see every day. Remember when we went to visit the sea? I'm pretty sure we spotted someone like that back then.‍)

(Protagonist): Remember? (‍You were in a bad mood, so we went to the sea to clear our heads. We even bought some fries, but you got distracted by a woman passing by with her eyes covered, and a seagull took the fries right out of your hand... / I was in a bad mood that day, so you took me to the port to clear my head. We bought some fries, but you were so busy staring at that girl with her eyes covered, a seagull snatched them right out of your hand!‍)

(Sibling): (‍Now that you mention it, yeah, I remember! She did look a lot like the woman in the photo. And I was just curious, alright? She stood out! How was I supposed to know the seagulls there were so aggressive... / Why do you sound mad? Now that I think about it, that woman did look a lot like the one in the photo. I was just a bit distracted, I didn't mean to stare... next time I'll make sure to watch my fries more carefully.‍)

(Sibling): (‍Anyway, it's an unexpected lead. Let's check out the port and see if we can dig anything up! / Well, thanks to you, we've got a lead now. Let's head to the port and see what we can find.‍)

Look around and get ready before heading to Port Elpis

We decide to head to Port Elpis to find the missing person. But before that, let's take a stroll around Sixth Street and familiarize ourselves with the place more. It wouldn't hurt, right?

Sixth Street

(Talk to Bangboo 18, optional): Bangboo 18: Ehn-ne, ehn-ne-ne! ((Wise/Belle), I will take good care of the store! Please rest assured and go complete the commission!)

(Interact with the Old TV, optional): (‍Even though our financial situation wasn't great, I still convinced Belle to buy this TV... just so we could play games and watch movies together on those gloomy days.Even though our financial situation wasn't great, I still convinced Belle to buy this TV... just so we could play games and watch movies together on those gloomy days.Text for Wise / Even though our financial situation wasn't looking good, my brother insisted on buying this TV... Although I didn't quite agree, I'm sure he had his reasons.Even though our financial situation wasn't looking good, my brother insisted on buying this TV... Although I didn't quite agree, I'm sure he had his reasons.Text for Belle‍); (‍I hope the smile on her face keeps growing, and that movies can bring her joy. Of course, I also hope she stops dragging me into watching horror films all the time...I hope the smile on her face keeps growing, and that movies can bring her joy. Of course, I also hope she stops dragging me into watching horror films all the time...Text for Wise / By the way, whenever we watch horror films together, Wise always clutches my clothes with trembling hands. It's so much fun! From this perspective, I'd say the TV was totally worth buying.By the way, whenever we watch horror films together, Wise always clutches my clothes with trembling hands. It's so much fun! From this perspective, I'd say the TV was totally worth buying.Text for Belle‍)

(Interact with the Workbench, optional): (‍A simple workbench, perfect for performing some precision work. Late at night, I occasionally assemble robot models bought from the gadget store, hoping Belle won't find out...A simple workbench, perfect for performing some precision work. Late at night, I occasionally assemble robot models bought from the gadget store, hoping Belle won't find out... Tooltip for A simple workbench, perfect for performing some precision work. Late at night, I occasionally assemble robot models bought from the gadget store, hoping Belle won't find out...ⓘText for Wise / Wise often tinkers with some of his favorite little gadgets at the workbench... but can he really make anything impressive out of them?Wise often tinkers with some of his favorite little gadgets at the workbench... but can he really make anything impressive out of them?Text for Belle‍)

(Interact with the Sofa, optional): Although a big and warm bed is nice, sometimes lying on a narrow sofa feels more reassuring. Why is that...

(Interact with the Warm Bed, optional): A bed sized for two means being able to freely stretch out your limbs when falling asleep. A pair of pillows means that during sleepless nights, there's another warm soul beside you.

(Talk to the Bangboo workers, optional): Bangboo Boss: Ehn-ne... Nhe ehn-na! (Inventory check complete... Perfect, all the boxes have been moved! We're all done!); Moving Bangboo A: En-ehn... Nhe... (Boss, this stuff is so heavy, I'm exhausted... Can I charge my Ether Battery for a while?); Moving Bangboo A: Na-ehn nu na! (Boss! I'd really love a drink of Bangboo coolant!); Bangboo Boss: Nhe-na ehn ehn! (We don't earn enough Dennies for stuff like that! Forget it, I know a broken Bangboo charging station where we can get free energy. You all look tired, so I'll make an exception and take you there!)

(Interact with the Box of Miscellaneous Items, optional): Since moving here, the unpacked boxes of miscellaneous items have been placed here. They mostly contain things of rather ambiguous importance.; (‍Although Belle occasionally says we should tidy up together when we have time, since it's already piled up here... I'll deal with it when we actually need something from it.Although Belle occasionally says we should tidy up together when we have time, since it's already piled up here... I'll deal with it when we actually need something from it.Text for Wise / Although I occasionally remind Wise to tidy up together when we have time, it's already piled up here... Will there really be a day when we need something from inside those boxes?Although I occasionally remind Wise to tidy up together when we have time, it's already piled up here... Will there really be a day when we need something from inside those boxes?Text for Belle‍)

(Interact with the Parking Lot Door, optional): (‍Belle accidentally lost her keys the other day, so the parking lot door can't be opened now. I didn't want her to feel too bad, so I told her not to worry about it.Belle accidentally lost her keys the other day, so the parking lot door can't be opened now. I didn't want her to feel too bad, so I told her not to worry about it.Text for Wise / I accidentally lost the key a few days ago, so now the parking lot door can't be opened. Wise told me not to worry, but I still feel a little upset...I accidentally lost the key a few days ago, so now the parking lot door can't be opened. Wise told me not to worry, but I still feel a little upset...Text for Belle‍); (‍I'll try to remember what's stored in the parking lot... I'll figure out a way to contact a locksmith when I really need to open it.I'll try to remember what's stored in the parking lot... I'll figure out a way to contact a locksmith when I really need to open it.Text for Wise / The key should still be somewhere in the house! Just wait, I'll definitely find it!The key should still be somewhere in the house! Just wait, I'll definitely find it!Text for Belle‍)

(Interact with the Metal Gate, optional): The same type of barbed wire as at the boundary of the Helios Academy. If I stare at it for too long, I might find myself lost in thought, reminiscing about the times when I was still by the teacher's side.

(Interact with the Remodeling Shop, optional): Enzo from the remodeling shop took great care of us when we first arrived. From mechanical modifications to racing techniques, he seems to know everything, but...; Sometimes, late at night, muffled crying coming from the remodeling shop can be heard. It's hard not to be concerned...

(Interact with the Music Store, optional): Records and videotapes are competitors from an entertainment perspective... So in a way, we and Elfy are also competitors.; But after we promoted "This movie soundtrack is available at the music store next door" and she promoted "The movie featuring this soundtrack is available at the video store next door," the competitive relationship turned into a cooperative one.

(Interact with Howl, optional): The first time I saw Howl, I thought it was very cute, so I fed it some dog food. I didn't expect it would follow me all the way, wanting to come home with me...; Well, no need to come home with me... Next time, just let me get the golden poop on my scratch card?

(Interact with the Arcade, optional): The store manager, Asha, is a really nice person. She often lets me and (Belle/Wise) play games for free — as long as we can set new records in the store.; But as a result, we've been spending less time on Inter-Knot commissions and managing the video store... So in a way, we've still lost Dennies to it. Playing games must be done in moderation...

(Interact with the Sage in a Barrel, optional): Stray cats are gathered around the trash can. But upon lifting the lid, there's nothing inside: neither food that would attract cats, nor anyone living there.; Hmm... strange? Why would I think someone could be living in a trash can...? Ugh, I'm suddenly getting a headache...

(Interact with the gadget store, optional): I have to hold back until the financial situation improves... The money I've worked so hard to earn at the beginning of my career can't be casually spent on surprise boxes!

(Travel to Port Elpis): (Sibling): (‍Wise, we're here. Now let's find this guy. [sic]Wise, we're here. Now let's find this guy. [sic] Tooltip for Wise, we're here. Now let's find this guy. [sic]ⓘText for Wise / Belle, we've arrived. Time to find our missing person.Belle, we've arrived. Time to find our missing person.Text for Belle‍); (Sibling): (‍However, we saw that girl a week ago, and I dunno if she's actually the person we're looking for... Even if she is, it's who knows whether she's still at the port now or not.However, we saw that girl a week ago, and I dunno if she's actually the person we're looking for... Even if she is, it's who knows whether she's still at the port now or not.Text for Wise / However, it was a week ago when we saw that lady, and we can't be sure if she's the person we're looking for. Even if she is, it's uncertain whether she's still around here...However, it was a week ago when we saw that lady, and we can't be sure if she's the person we're looking for. Even if she is, it's uncertain whether she's still around here...Text for Belle‍); We better get started.; Let's look around for clues first.; (Sibling): (‍Alright, since we don't have any other leads, we might as well.Alright, since we don't have any other leads, we might as well.Text for Wise / Right. Since we don't have any other leads right now, let's try our luck here.Right. Since we don't have any other leads right now, let's try our luck here.Text for Belle‍) I'll (‍try hacking into the cameras heretry hacking into the cameras hereText for Wise / attempt to hack into the camerasattempt to hack into the camerasText for Belle‍) to check if she's been around recently. As for you, (Wise/Belle), take the photo and ask the locals and passersby around here.

Look for the woman in the photo at Port Elpis

Let's head to Port Elpis and ask around for any leads about that woman.

Port Elpis

(Talk to (Belle/Wise), optional): (Sibling): (Wise/Belle), I'll need (‍a bita bitText for Wise / somesomeText for Belle‍) more time to analyze the camera data... Could you handle gathering information from residents and pedestrians?

(Talk to Phee): Phee: Welcome to Tater King! Our fries and hot dog combo is a hot seller! Would you like to give it a try?; Hello, have you seen this person?; Phee: Oh, I remember seeing this girl before~; When exactly?; Phee: Hmm... Maybe once every one or two months? I'll see her wandering around this area.; Phee: But I've never spoken to her, and she doesn't seem to interact with anyone around here. So, I don't really know much about her background.; So she hasn't been around recently?; Phee: Hmm... I don't think so, I don't remember seeing her recently. Are you looking for her? I can keep an eye out for you~; Alright, thanks.; Phee: By the way, would you like some fries?; The seagulls here always try to steal the fries...; Let me think about it a bit more...; Phee: Alright then...; Phee: Those seagulls have been too active recently. Will they have a negative impact on the sales of our fries? Looks like I shouldn't feed them too much in the future...

(Interact with the lighthouse): If we can climb the lighthouse and overlook the entire port... Maybe we'll spot the blindfolded woman somewhere?; Try climbing the lighthouse!; Just as you are about to try opening the door leading to the top of the lighthouse, an old man appears behind you...; McDunn: Hey! What do you think you're doing? This lighthouse is currently off-limits. No one is allowed to enter!; Sorry! I didn't know...; McDunn: If I hadn't shown up, you would've just gone straight in, wouldn't you? This lighthouse hasn't been properly maintained for years. If something happened to you, who would take responsibility?!; McDunn: Besides, what do you need to go up the lighthouse for?; I'm looking for someone. Have you seen this person?; McDunn: Hmm, let me see...; McDunn: This girl does have a rather memorable appearance... but I don't remember seeing her before.; I think she might have been here before.; McDunn: Is that so? I usually keep to around the lighthouse... If she was on the dock's walkway, I definitely wouldn't have seen her. If you're looking for her, I suggest checking around there... At the very least, I haven't seen this girl near the lighthouse.; Alright, thanks!

(Interact with the Tightly Closed Door): This room upstairs... Someone must be living there, right? If the blindfolded woman has appeared around the port... Maybe whoever lives here has seen her?; Try knocking on the door...; Complete silence... but there seems to be some kind of noise inside?; Knock on the door again...; Voice Behind the Door: ...Who?; H—Hello...; Excuse me, have you seen this person...?; Voice Behind the Door: ...Who?; Voice Behind the Door: Let me see.; The door opens slightly. I carefully hand the photo over, and within three seconds, the person returns it...; Voice Behind the Door: Never seen.; Voice Behind the Door: Disappear. In the end, everyone will disappear... including me.; The door shuts. What was all that about...?

(Talk to the Fisherman): Fisherman: *sigh*... No results today... I told them the bait wouldn't work, but they didn't believe me...; Hello, have you seen this person?; Fisherman: Ah? I'm just a fisherman, staring at the bucket, bobber, and fishing line all day. How could I recognize anyone...; I know a reliable type of bait.; The other day, when greeting Enzo, who lives next door, I learned that he occasionally goes fishing. I recommended the bait that Enzo usually uses to the man.; Fisherman: You don't look like someone who's been fishing... Are you sure about this? *sigh* Whatever, I'll give it a try next time. Let me see the photo of the person you're looking for.; Fisherman: ...I think I remember this girl this girl [sic]. I'm here fishing every day, and she was here some time ago, walking along this wooden walkway.; Do you know where she lives?; Do you know who she is?; Fisherman: How would I know? Most of the time, my mind is focused on fishing. It was just that day— *cough* I mean, that day I got tired of fishing, so I got up to take a walk and happened to see her. I've only seen her that one time.; Fisherman: If you need, I can help keep an eye out. But for now, I really don't know any more about this girl.; Alright, thanks...

(Talk to the Stern Woman): Stern Woman: It's time to go home...; Hello, have you seen this person?; Stern Woman: Me? I don't usually come around this area, so I might not be much help. But I'll take a look.; Stern Woman: Hmm, I don't think I've seen her. If you're looking for someone, it might be better to ask the PubSec Officer in this area.; Stern Woman: Though the local officers don't seem to be doing much. They haven't even dealt with the abandoned Ether batteries floating in the sea.; Abandoned Ether batteries?; Stern Woman: Yeah, the disposable batteries. I saw no one was handling them, so I collected a batch myself and threw them in this trash can. If left unattended, they'd pollute the environment.; Stern Woman: But they're kind of pitiful, aren't they?; The batteries? I guess...; Stern Woman: Sorry, I got sidetracked. I should be heading back now. Good luck with your search.

(Talk to the Strange Woman)

Strange Woman: Answer me. Hollow has no feelings...

Uh... Is it really not possible without insurance?

Strange Woman: Great, it seems you're the contact sent by headquarters. I've already placed the item in the Hollow closest to here, make sure to pick it up.

Have you seen this person?

Strange Woman: What photo? Let me have a look...

Strange Woman: ...I've never seen her before. Is she one of the targets for this job? Or is she some kind of witness, someone who saw the scene before?

Strange Woman: No, looking at her eyes, it's unlikely she's the latter... *cough* Do you need to send someone to find her?

N—No, it's fine...

Strange Woman: ...What do you mean? Never mind, I don't care. Just make sure you pick up the goods.

(Better stay away from this person...)

Hmm... How about the Investigative Association?

Strange Woman: Don't make nonsense connections... What does the Association have to do with anything? Get lost, don't bother me.
(Exit dialogue)

Discuss the current situation with (Belle/Wise)

The search didn't yield as much as expected... Let's discuss our progress with (Belle/Wise) and figure out our next move.

Port Elpis

(After talking to three people): I've asked a few people, but none of the clues seem particularly useful... I should head back and discuss our progress with (Belle/Wise).

(Talk to (Belle/Wise))

Willingly Baited

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Willingly Baited"

Video Summary: It's not about the perfection of the tune, as long as someone is listening.

Story Description: After finding nothing in your needle-in-a-haystack search at Port Elpis, you play the harmonica on a whim. When the song concludes, the blindfolded woman actually appears right before our eyes.

(Sibling): (‍I've got nothing... How about you, Wise? / No luck on my end. Belle, did you find anything?‍)

Let's try the harmonica again...

(Protagonist): (‍Looks like this isn't something that can be solved with a quick trip to the port. But since we're here, how about we try playing the harmonica? I'm not sure what good it'll do, but if it doesn't work, we'll just buy some fries and head back home. / It was wishful thinking to assume that a quick stroll through the port would solve this. But since we're here, might as well give the harmonica a try. Whether it works or not, you owe me some fries before we head back!‍)

(Sibling): (‍I agree! Playing the harmonica and buying fries — both are officially your job now! / I'll do whatever you say, but Belle... would you mind giving the harmonica a try instead? I'm curious to how it sounds.‍)

(Protagonist): (‍I guess there's no saying no to you... Fine, but just so you know, I'm not good at it, so don't blame me if it sounds terrible. / Wow, you sure know how to set me up! I'm telling you now though, I can't promise what it'll sound like!‍)

You pull out the harmonica and glancing at the sheet music, see a melody you've never heard before. Taking a deep breath, you let the notes flow and start to play—

Er... it was... pretty accurate? Whatever, you think it sounded good at least...
The music continues for half a minute.

(Sibling): (‍That was pretty... painful. And it didn't do a thing! Let's just grab some fries and call it a day— / ...Uh, how do I put this... It sounds okay once you get used to it. But nothing happened, so I guess we should just get some fries and head back—‍)

Girl With Covered Eyes: Excuse me, were you the ones playing the harmonica just now?

(Sibling): (‍Sorry for my brother making a bit of a ruckus. / Sorry, my sister didn't mean to make such a... commotion.‍) We'll just— wait, you're—!

(Sibling): (‍Y—You're the person in the photo! When did you...? I didn't even hear any footsteps... / You're the one in the photo... Ahem, sorry about that. I didn't hear any footsteps, so I didn't realize you were right beside us.‍)

Girl With Covered Eyes: My apologies. Moving quietly is second nature to me. I didn't mean to startle you. If I may ask... where did you learn that melody?

(Belle/Wise) shoots you a questioning glance. The blindfolded woman from the photo actually appeared — what an unexpected surprise... But now what?

First things first, let's bring her back home!

(Protagonist): (‍Actually, we're Proxies. This song was given to us by our client. We didn't expect it to help us find you... Our client is looking for you, you see. / Well, the two of us are Proxies, and this song was given to us by a client. We never thought it would actually help us find you! Our client is the one looking for you.‍) Why don't we discuss the details somewhere else?

Girl With Covered Eyes: I see... Please, lead the way. I'd also like to meet this client of yours.

Why don't we head back to the store?

Let's head back to the store.

(Protagonist): Okay, let's go check in with Shepherd. Oh, I almost forgot, (‍your name is? / uh, your name is...?‍)

Charon: My real name... I haven't used that in a long time, but I do have a code name. You can call me Charon.

Message From a Missing Person

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Message From a Missing Person"

Video Summary: Are you saying after sharing your location at the edge of the Hollow, you lost your footing and fell in?

Story Description: While waiting with Charon to meet the client, Shepherd arrives with news of the client's disappearance and mysterious coordinates...

You return to the video store with the woman who calls herself "Charon." Along the way, you introduce yourselves and share a bit about your fledgling Proxy business...

(Sibling): (‍Ms. Charon, I've already contacted the information broker who issued the commission. Once he gets here, it shouldn't be long before you can meet the client. Feel free to have a seat on the couch. I'll get you something to drink. / Ms. Charon, I just reached out to the information broker who posted the commission. He should be here shortly and you'll be able to meet the client soon. Please take a seat on the couch, I'll get you something to drink.‍)

Charon: Thank you, but please, don't mind me. By the way, the second row from the top on your TV wall, third unit from the left — it has a connection issue. You might want to check it out when you have time.

How did you spot that?

(Protagonist): Let me see... You're right! (‍How did you pick up on that? I thought there was some lag lately... / How did you know? No wonder there's been some lag lately...‍)

Charon: I rely on my hearing. I lost most of my vision in an accident — I can just about make out the outlines of my surroundings. To move around like an average citizen, I've trained my other senses to be extremely sharp.

Charon: I heard a faint buzzing sound. By moving around the room and noticing the change in sound, I was able to pinpoint the location of the faulty TV.

Sorry to bring it up...

(Protagonist): Sorry, I hope my question didn't seem rude...

Charon: No need to apologize. Vision isn't the only way to perceive the world. As Proxies, you two should know that better than most... Anything that can be seen with your eyes can never be considered a "secret."

A subtle silence fills the room. It's clear you each have secrets you don't want to share with others, and there's an unspoken understanding between you.
As the silence is on the brink of becoming awkward, a knock sounds at the door from outside the shop...

Shepherd: It's me again! You two found the target already?! Wow, Phaethon, you guys are incredible! If you're always this fast, you could take on anything!

The client didn't come with you?

(Protagonist): (‍I didn't expect things to move so quickly either... but it's nothing, really. / High efficiency? Haha... It's nothing really.‍) By the way, didn't the client come with you? Charon here would like to meet them.

Why do you look uneasy?

(Protagonist): (‍I'm glad you're impressed, you seem somewhat unhappy... Troubled even? / I'm glad you're impressed! But why do I get the feeling you aren't very happy... You look a little uneasy...‍)

Shepherd: Uh, where to start? It's great you were able to find the woman in the photo, but there's a new problem...

Shepherd: I can't get in touch with the client anymore. There's been no reply from his Knock Knock account since yesterday. I brushed it off at first... but there's still no reply today.

Shepherd: Just when I thought he might've skipped town, his account suddenly sent me a location: the edge of a Hollow. Who sends something like that in normal circumstances?

That definitely doesn't sound normal.

(Protagonist): (‍From the edge of a Hollow? That seems strange. And with no other word from the client... / Sending a location from the edge of a Hollow? That's anything but normal! And the client hasn't responded at all...‍)

Sounds like something's happened to the client.

(Protagonist): (‍From what you're saying, it sounds like the client ran into some kind of trouble tied to the Hollow. But we can't jump to conclusions just yet. / Based on what you've said, there's a good chance the client encountered some trouble involving the Hollow. Still, it's too early to say for sure...‍)

Shepherd: Either way, I'll keep trying to reach the client. I hope he's alright. Let's stay in touch for now. We won't be wrapping up this commission for a while.

Charon: Sorry, but I overheard your conversation. Could you share that location with me? If I investigate the Hollow, I might pick up some clues.

Shepherd: You're Ms. Charon? No offense, but the Hollow isn't somewhere just anyone can waltz into. Without a Carrot or combat personnel, it's a death trap. You should wait—

Charon: I'm a soldier. I served with the Eridu Defense Force under the Chrysoberyl Division. Even after retiring, I've made countless trips into the Hollow. You can trust in my combat skills.

Charon: The heart rates of you and the two Proxies here seem to have just spiked. Don't worry, my military days are far behind me. I have no current ties with them.

Charon: As for getting into the Hollow, Proxies, can I request your assistance? I don't know anyone else who could guide me.

Charon: I'll pay the commission fee as best I can. If you don't want to be involved, that's fine... I'll think of something.

We want to find the client quickly too.

We can't let you deal with this alone.

(Protagonist): (‍We're just as eager to find the client. After all, no client, no payment. / We'd like to find the client ASAP, too. I mean, who's gonna cover our commission fee otherwise?‍) Besides, if we said no, you'd (‍still / just‍) head into the Hollow alone, wouldn't you?

Charon: ...How did you know?

(Protagonist): (‍So I was right? You remind me of how Belle and I used to be — so fixated on finding someone that nothing else mattered, not even your own safety. / So that was your plan? You just remind me of how Wise and I used to be — so desperate to find someone that we didn't even care if we were ready or not.‍)

(Protagonist): (‍Well, since Ms. Charon wants to investigate, I'm willing to act as the Proxy for no additional fee. Just leave it to us, Shepherd. / Well, since Miss Charon wants to continue to investigate, I'm willing to act as the Proxy for no additional fee! You can relax, Shepherd.‍)

Shepherd: I see. That works for me. With the client still unreachable, my hands are tied. Please, look into the Hollow, and be careful!

Charon: I'm really sorry for troubling you both. Finding this client is very important to me, so I may have acted a bit out of line just now...

Seeing how determined you are to find this person...

We couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

(Protagonist): (‍Don't worry about it. Seeing how determined you are to find this person... we can't just sit back and do nothing. Let's work together to find them. / No worries! Seeing how determined you are to find the client, we couldn't just sit by and do nothing... Let's work together to find them!‍)

Blind Pursuit

Enter the Hollow through the HDD and search for clues

Track down the missing client through the Knock Knock message they sent by searching for clues in the Hollow. There seems to be more to this situation...

Old Town District

(Talk to (Belle/Wise), optional): (Sibling): (Wise/Belle), the vibe Charon (‍gives off... it really reminds megives off... it really reminds meText for Wise / gives off is bringing up memoriesgives off is bringing up memoriesText for Belle‍) of our own past...; Mm... I feel the same way.; (Sibling): Haha, maybe this is fate... Let's help her fulfill her wish to find that (‍person!person!Text for Wise / person.person.Text for Belle‍); Yeah... We can't just leave her be.

(Talk to Charon, optional): Charon: Proxy... May I call you that?; Of course!; Charon: Mm... Thank you, Proxy, for accepting my request. This is probably your first time taking on a commission in the Hollow that might involve combat. I'll do my best to protect you.; Actually, I don't need to enter the Hollow in person...; I'll use my Bangboo to enter the Hollow.; Charon: Huh? You mean... you can attach your consciousness to a Bangboo?; Charon: Such impressive technology... I've never heard of anyone being able to do something like this before.; Charon: But even if you're Bangboo, I will protect you. You responded to my request, so this is my duty.

(Upon starting the commission): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Miss Charon, I need time to calculate the Hollow route...; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Please wait a moment.

(Head to the next area): Charon: Leave this to me, Proxy. Actually, I've been to this Hollow before for... reasons. I still remember the way forward clear as day.; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Oh? Why don't you wait just a little longer? Calculating a path doesn't take that long...; Charon: It'd be more efficient to retrace a path I've already walked. Please come with me, Proxy.

(Defeat the first wave of enemies): Charon: The path ahead... Hmm... It should be right around here. I wasn't here too long ago...; Charon: One moment, Proxy, I might have misremembered. I just need to think...; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I'm sure you're well aware that Hollows undergo periodic spatial distortions and reconstruction...; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That's why each time we enter, we need the most up-to-date Carrot.; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): You're not lost because you can't remember.; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): After you left the Hollow, spatial distortion occurred. That's why.

(Defeat the Armored Hati): Charon: Sorry for being so presumptuous Proxy. I got ahead of myself and made things difficult for you.; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's no trouble. There's a fissure nearby; we can use it to get back on the right path.; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let me lead the way from here on (‍out.out.Text for Wise / out!out!Text for Belle‍)

(Enter the fissure): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): By the way, Miss Charon, how are you so fluid when you move and fight?; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Is it because of your (‍exceptionalexceptionalText for Wise / sharpersharperText for Belle‍) hearing and (‍tactiletactileText for Wise / heightenedheightenedText for Belle‍) senses?; Charon: That's one part of it... In fact, my eyes gained some unique abilities as they changed.; Charon: I can't see most things clearly, but I'm able to detect the Etheric fluctuations of nearby humans, Ethereals, and other objects.; Charon: I call this ability "Ether Vision."; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...That's quite the ability! Given your combat style, those eyes must come in handy on the battlefield, huh?; Charon: ...Haha, that may be so.

(After defeating the enemies): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Hm? Wait, something's up ahead...; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...There's someone on the ground! Ugh, it smells like blood...

(Interact with the Woman Collapsed on Ground): A man and a woman lie collapsed on the ground, with the unmistakable smell of blood emanating from them. Following the source of the scent, you see bullet holes on their bodies...; Check their condition...; No signs of breathing.; Charon: ...Their heartbeats and pulses are completely gone. These two are dead. Cause of death appears to be severe blood loss from long-range gunshot wounds.; Charon: Time of death... probably within the last one to two hours. Just before we entered the Hollow.; Which means...; Charon: Hmm, this isn't just a case of "losing contact with our client"... Someone's been killing people in this Hollow. Though I don't sense the killer nearby right now... there's still a chance they're active somewhere in the Hollow.; Charon: Proxy, don't stray from my side... I'll keep you safe.; Those two...; Charon: I really want to take their bodies out of the Hollow... but without knowing the killer's whereabouts, moving them would be too risky.; Charon: Proxy, mark these coordinates. Once we confirm the area is safe, we'll come back to retrieve their bodies.; Charon: ...I'm sorry, the ground must be cold. May you rest in peace.

(After the conversation): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What could have happened? Who did this?; Charon: Given the depth of the wound and the caliber of bullet, the killer was a sniper, just like me.; Charon: Proxy, stay vigilant and get behind me. The killer may still be nearby.; Charon: They seem to have no qualms when it comes to killing.; Charon: ...Let's press onward. I feel there may be more victims, and...; Charon: ...I hope nothing's happened to the client.

(Enter combat): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The surrounding Ether levels have (‍increased significantlyincreased significantlyText for Wise / significantly increasedsignificantly increasedText for Belle‍)... What's going on?; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Hold on, let me find what's causing the Ether level increase... Up ahead — there are multiple devices leaking Ether non-stop!; Charon: ...Those are high-pressure Ether storage tanks, filled with highly concentrated Ether.; Charon: As soon as the valve is opened, the Ether will flow out at a fixed rate.; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Such high Ether concentrations will make the nearby Ethereals more active and cause more to show up.; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Charon! It'll be dangerous if we keep moving forward!; Charon: Understood. These storage tanks are high-risk items, manufactured by military-industrial companies. They're rare, even on the black market...; Charon: Several of these storage tanks appearing in the Hollow is a clear sign that our opposition has malicious intentions.; Charon: Let's find a suitable sniping position and disable those Ether storage tanks along any mission-critical paths.; Charon: My Ether Vision ability is perfect for dealing with such Ether-laden objects.; Charon: Let's take care of these leaking tanks to lessen the threat of Ethereals on our path, then we can proceed.

(Interact with A Position With Great Visibility)

(Open tutorial Shooting Instructions)

(After shooting all three tanks): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): All high-pressure Ether tanks have been disabled! We can keep moving!; (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Wait... Charon, I'm detecting four lifeforms up ahead! Let's go take a look!

(Interact with Man Collapsed on Ground)

Nightmare Encounter

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Nightmare Encounter"

Story Description: Instead of your missing client, what awaits you in the Hollow is a cold corpse and three survivors. Things aren't as straightforward as they seem.

Charon: Proxy, there are four people over here... they're all still alive! I'm not detecting any Ether fluctuations from any other life forms nearby.

Check their condition

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍There are still survivors... / Great, that's a relief!‍) Charon, can you (‍check / confirm‍) their condition?

Charon: ...Confirmed. One is seriously injured; a bullet pierced their lung. The other three... no internal injuries, just a few minor wounds. They're all unconscious.

Charon: The one with severe wounds... His Etheric fluctuations are nearly completely gone. He's beyond saving.

Dying Man: Who... Who are you?

Dying Man: Help me... it hurts... so cold... I... I don't want to die...

Is there really no way to save him...?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Is there nothing else we can do? If we contact a hospital and get him out of the Hollow right away... / There must be something we can do! I'll contact a hospital and we can get him out of the Hollow...‍)

Charon: His internal organs are ruptured... He'll bleed out long before we can get him out. No rescue team can beat the clock when life fades this fast.

Dying Man: ...Am I... dying? I just... I just want to go home...

Charon doesn't respond. She sits beside the dying man, pulls out a harmonica, and begins to play a soft, familiar melody.
The tune echoes throughout the Hollow, heavy with the scent of blood. It's the song recorded on the client's sheet music...
As the harmonica's gentle notes fill the air, the dying man stops groaning, simply listening until his eyes close forever.

Charon: Urgh...!

Are you okay?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Are you alright? Did you get hurt fighting earlier? / Charon, are you okay? Did you get hurt during the fight just now?‍)

You look like you're in pain?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍What's wrong? You seem like you're in pain... / Charon, what's wrong? It looks like you're in pain...‍)

Charon: I'm fine, don't worry about me. As I mentioned before, these eyes of mine have their uses, but they bring just as much inconvenience. The rejection reaction you saw just now is one of them.

Charon: Staring into death... it's not something I handle well.

Half-Conscious Man: Aah... My head... Where am I? Who are you people?

Half-Conscious Man: I remember now... there was a madman... a lunatic who tied me up and dragged me into the Hollow! You... you're not—?!

Charon: I'm not the lunatic you're talking about. Can you stand? There are two more unconscious survivors here. If you can, help us carry one of them. Let's get out of here together.

Half-Conscious Man: Leave... we can leave this place? What about that lunatic who shot at me from the shadows?

The culprit's already gone.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Looks like the person behind this has already left. / The culprit should be gone by now.‍) Charon, let's get the survivors (‍out of here. Follow me. / out. Follow me!‍)

(After completing Blind Pursuit): Exhausted and unable to carry any more bodies, you record the coordinates of a few of the corpses. Once this is all over, you should make sure to report them anonymously to the Public Security.
With Charon, you keep your guard up alongside the three survivors, eventually arriving at the abandoned metro entrance in front of Ballet Twins Road...; Charon: Proxy, let's take a short break here. The area around the Ballet Twins has been abandoned due to the Hollow disaster, and no one's likely to be around. It's both secluded and safe, making it a perfect place for a conversation.; Those three survivors...; Charon: Yes, I know... They just escaped from a killer, so we need to check on their injuries and mental well-being.; Could one of them be the client?; Charon: Unfortunately, I don't think so. After they woke up and saw me, they didn't have any particular reaction... If they were the ones who assigned the commission to find me, they should have recognized me to some extent.; Charon: Proxy, I'll keep watch around here and be on the lookout for the perpetrator trying to track us or attempting to ambush us. Could you please have a brief conversation with the three survivors? I think they might have information on the perpetrator.; Charon: And, to be honest, I think they might...; Charon: No, it's probably just my imagination.; I'll gather information from them first!; Charon: Thank you, Proxy.

Talk to the survivors to understand the situation

We rescued three survivors from the Hollow. They must know something. Let's have a chat with them.

Ballet Twins Road

(Talk to the Gentle Man)

Gentle Man: Thank goodness... I can't believe it, I'm still alive and out of the Hollow...

What's your name?

Jesse: Oh, me? I'm Jesse...

Jesse: I'm so grateful you were there to save me... When that maniac was chasing me and sniping at me, I really thought I was done for...

I have some questions I want to ask you...

Jesse: Questions? Um...

Jesse: ...*sigh* Go ahead and ask. Although I really don't want to remember what just happened, you did save my life...

How were you kidnapped and brought to the Hollow?

Jesse: *sigh* I was tricked... I received an anonymous message telling me there was a big job I could do, asking me to meet in an alley on Sixth Street. I had just arrived at the agreed spot and was waiting when someone hit me from behind and knocked me out...

Jesse: When I woke up, I was already in that Hollow, and my hands and feet were tied.

What did you experience in the Hollow?

Jesse: Although I was tied up in the Hollow, luckily, I always carry a folded knife with me. I tried to shake the knife out of my pocket and cut the ropes, hoping to escape, especially since the area was filled with Ethereals...

Jesse: But suddenly, someone shot at me from the shadows! I was so scared that I quickly dropped to the ground to dodge the bullets, but they immediately fired several more shots... I had no choice but to run for my life.

Jesse: The maniac shooting at me, I felt like they never intended to kill me right away. Instead, they seemed to be having fun watching me panic... Every shot scratched me, but none of them were fatal! I just kept dodging the Ethereals and the sniper, running for my life...

Jesse: In the end, I finally managed to hide in a place with fewer Ethereals, but that maniac shot a tranquilizer into my thigh. I quickly passed out again... After that, I woke up for the second time to you all around me.

How are your injuries?

Jesse: I feel a bit dehydrated... I probably have at least ten or so abrasions, but surprisingly, no major wounds...

Jesse: Seriously, what's up with that maniac? What did I ever do to them... that made them go through so much trouble to set up a trap, kidnap me, and then throw me into the Hollow to slowly execute me?

(After answering a question)

I don't have any more questions.

Jesse: Is that all you wanted to ask? Well... Anyway, thank you all. If you had come any later, I think all three of us would have been killed by that maniac...

Take some time to calm down.

Jesse: Is that all you wanted to ask? Well... Anyway, thank you all. If you had come any later, I think all three of us would have been killed by that maniac...

I've got a few more questions

(Return to previous choices)

(Talk to the Introverted and Stern Women)

Stern Woman: Take a deep breath. If your emotions get too intense, the wound might reopen.

Introverted Woman: Ugh... I still feel like I'm going to throw up... The fear that someone's still trying to shoot me... It just won't go away...

Are you guys okay?

Introverted Woman: I... I'm okay... Did you save us?

Stern Woman: I'm just about holding up... I've more or less recovered from the shock. I remember you... You were looking for someone around Port Elpis, weren't you?

Yes... I think I've seen you before.

Stern Woman: Ah... How embarrassing... I never thought we'd meet again like this.

What are your names?

Zoe: My name is Zoe.

Erin: Erin... just call me Erin... ugh...

Zoe: Feeling nauseous again?

Erin: ...Ugh, I managed to hold it in. Did you want to ask us something?

I have some questions for you...

Zoe: No problem... We'll answer what we can.

How did you get kidnapped and taken into the Hollow?

Zoe: For me, you know I was sightseeing at Port Elpis earlier. After that, I was on my way back home, driving along a deserted road when I seemed to hit something. So, I got out of the car to check.

Zoe: Just a few seconds after I got out of the car, someone hit me from behind and knocked me out... I still have a bump on the back of my head... You can feel it.

Erin: Let me take a look... There really is a bump on the back of your head.

Erin: As for me... I was sitting at home with my friend when someone pried open the lock and tampered with our food or water or something. I don't know what they did exactly, but shortly after we ate, we both passed out...

Erin: ...Were we the only three rescued from the Hollow? Did you see another woman...?

Just the three of you.

Erin: ...

What happened to you in the Hollow?

Erin: Do I really have to talk about it...? If possible, I'd rather not relive it...

Zoe: I'll go first. After I woke up, I found myself tied up, lying alone in a corner of the Hollow, with Ethereals wandering nearby... If I didn't make an escape then and there, I'd be doomed.

Zoe: So I found something sharp and cut through the rope. After freeing myself, I was about to run when a bullet grazed the top of my head from above... That's when I realized someone had been watching me all along.

Erin: Same... The same happened to me. When I woke up, my limbs were tied, and the Ethereals were already closing in... Fortunately, the ropes weren't tied too tightly. I used a broken iron railing nearby and eventually managed to cut through them.

Erin: But I barely ran a few steps when a bullet hit my left arm. I could only grit my teeth and run for my life... urgh...

Zoe: If she keeps talking, she'll throw up again. That maniac shooting from the shadows... They seemed to take pleasure in watching our frantic attempts to escape. They could have just killed us right there... but they deliberately aimed each shot slightly off-target, giving us just enough strength to keep struggling.

Zoe: Under the threat of the Ethereals chasing me and the sniper's fire, I don't even know how long I ran. Eventually, I managed to reach an area where the Ethereals were less active... but that maniac shot me with a tranquilizer, and I passed out again.

Erin: Same here... Now that I think about it, we must have both passed out in the same area.

How are your injuries?

Zoe: Aside from the blunt force injury to the back of my head, I also have some minor abrasions and a slight dislocation in my shoulder. On top of that, I'm a bit dehydrated... so I have a headache now.

Erin: Mine are worse. My left arm was hit solidly, taking off a small piece of flesh, and the same with my calf... Why am I going through all this? I'm really fed up...

(After answering a question)

I don't have any more questions.

Zoe: Alright... Anyway, thank you and your companion. If it weren't for your arrival, I don't think the perpetrator would have let us leave so easily.

Erin: Why are we being targeted... I can't take this anymore... Blegh...

Take some time to calm down.

Zoe: Alright... Anyway, thank you and your companion. If it weren't for your arrival, I don't think the perpetrator would have let us leave so easily.

Erin: Why are we being targeted... I can't take this anymore... Blegh...

I've got a few more questions

(Return to previous choices)

Report the information to Charon

Got the basic situation from the three survivors. Let's summarize it for Charon and sort out what we know so far.

Ballet Twins Road

(Talk to Charon)

Survivors Discussion

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Survivor Interview"

Video Summary: Both survivors of the fall of the old capital, yet each harboring different thoughts.

Story Description: After rescuing three survivors who narrowly escaped death, there's still no progress on locating the client. Maybe the survivors have some clues...

After a brief check on the three survivors, you share what you've learned with Charon.
She then calls the three over...

Charon: Thank you all for assisting me, even though I'm a stranger. You've given me valuable information.

Jesse: It's the least we can do after you saved our lives! If there's anything else you want to ask, go right ahead.

Charon: I do have some questions left to ask. Before that, could the three of you introduce yourselves? I'd like to see if there's a pattern to how the killer chose their targets.

Zoe: I'll go first. My name's Zoe. I used to be a soldier in the Defense Force, but now I'm just working a regular desk job at a private company... Don't let that fool you though, I've earned my stripes.

Jesse: I'm Jesse, uh... currently working as an Inter-Knot information broker. I'm still pretty new at it though, so I can't think of any reason someone would target me.

Erin: My turn? I'm Erin. I was also in the Defense Force, but now I'm unemployed... Actually, I have a question for you all.

Erin: Did you see my friend when you were in the Hollow? She's about my height, with shoulder-length blond hair and a mole under her eye... We were kidnapped together, but I can't find her anywhere now!

I don't recall seeing anyone like that.

(Protagonist): (‍If I'm not mistaken... / If I recall correctly...‍) we didn't come across anyone like that in the Hollow, among both the survivors or the (‍bodies... / bodies.. [sic]‍)

Erin: It's alright, I'll keep looking... I hope she's okay. We were always inseparable. We even planned to visit Scott Outpost together for Remembrance Day. I never thought something like this would happen...

Remembrance Day?

What's that?

(Protagonist): Rememberance Day? (‍What's that? / What's it about?‍)

Zoe: As the name suggests, it's a day organized by the Defense Force for the families of deceased soldiers and veterans. People gather to mourn their loved ones who died in the fall of the old capital and find comfort in each other's company.

Jesse: I didn't know the Defense Force did that... Huh, maybe I should go check it out.

Erin: If I can't find her anywhere else, I'll head to Remembrance Day alone. Maybe she'll show up there...

Charon: Was your missing friend also a member of the Defense Force?

Erin: Yes... She and I were in the same squad — Obsidian Division's Chartes Squad.

So this is a targeted attack on the Defense Force...

Wait, Jesse wasn't in the Defense Force.

(Protagonist): This sounds like a series of murders targeting the Defense Force...? (‍But then / But‍), Jesse wasn't with the Defense Force...

Zoe: No, you're probably not far off. Jesse claims to have been upfront, but he neglected to mention he was once part of the Defense Force. Right, Jesse?

Jesse: ...Uh, well... that's... uh...

Jesse: I just don't like bringing up my past in the Defense Force. It's not like I'm trying to hide it! There're just memories from my time there that I'd rather forget...

Jesse: I was part of Obsidian Division's Nocte Squad. That's the absolute truth!

Zoe: I was also in the Obsidian Division, Impera Squad. I don't know who those who died in the Hollow were... but it seems the killer really is targeting members of the Defense Force.

Erin: Wait a second, if I remember correctly... during the fall of the old capital, didn't our three squads work together on a mission outside Hollow Zero?

Jesse: W—We did? I don't really remember...

Zoe: I have a vague memory of it... but there were so many people on the mission, I don't remember your faces.

Charon: Thank you all for the information. I'm starting to see a pattern in the killer's choice of targets. But there's something else I need to ask...

Charon: I came to this Hollow because someone I'm searching for sent me its location. That person was likely being held by the killer, as well... Did you happen to see anyone else?

The three survivors exchange confused glances before shaking their heads at Charon.

Jesse: You're not giving us much to go on... At least tell us what kind of person you're looking for, male or female, what they look like. Can't offer much help without that.

Charon: Sorry, I don't have much else to share... Even so, if any of you remember anything else that may be useful, please let me know. This is very important to me.

Erin: You don't even know who they are, yet you're so determined to find them? Is it really going to be an issue if you can't find this person?

Charon: Maybe... I've been searching for someone for a long time. They might be the key to achieving my goal.

Zoe: I see... Whatever happens, I hope you find them. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know.

Charon: Thank you. But please, prioritize your own safety. If the killer is targeting former Defense Force members, there's a good chance they'll come after you again. Stay vigilant.

Jesse: O—Of course! Once I've checked out Remembrance Day, I'm locking myself in my room and throwing away the key!

You return to Random Play with Charon

(Sibling): Hmm... Even after questioning those three survivors, (‍it seems the clues we've gathered are still not enough... / the clues we have so far are still insufficient.‍)

(Sibling): Our goal is to find the missing client. Right now, we only know that he was likely kidnapped by the perpetrator. But we have no idea who the perpetrator is or where they went...

Charon, do you have any ideas?

Charon: I think the other Proxy is right... The information the three survivors provided is limited. With our current information, it's hard to deduce where we should go next to find the client... Our clues have run dry.

Charon: But we still got something out of it. At least we now know some characteristics of the perpetrator: a sadistic sniper, with a grudge against the Defense Force. They're meticulous in planning, avoid open confrontations, and are obsessed with committing crimes in the hollow.

Charon: With these characteristics, and the Hollow coordinates, we might be able to deduce the general area where the perpetrator operates, as well as a potential base where they might have placed the kidnapped victims.

But that would take quite a lot of time...

Charon: Yes... and while we're narrowing down the search, the perpetrator might continue committing more crimes...

Charon seems somewhat agitated. The lack of clues plunges you all into silence.
Just as you are about to accept reality and start organizing the current clues to narrow down the search, the door to the video store suddenly opens...

(Sibling): Someone's here... (Wise/Belle), I think it's Shepherd. He's at the counter.

Charon: The intelligence broker might have something important to tell us. Proxy, let's talk to him first.

Ask Shepherd why he came to the store

Shepherd is back at the store... he seems to be pretty anxious? Let's chat with him and find out what's going on.

Random Play

(Talk to Shepherd): You bring Shepherd to a room where you can talk...

Ominous Clue

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Ominous Clue"

Video Summary: Don't let impatience cloud your judgement or affect your decisions. That's the second lesson to becoming a true sniper.

Story Description: The trail has gone cold, but Shepherd reveals mysterious information from the client again. After learning about Charon's past during your conversation, you're determined to head to the Hollow...

Shepherd: *puff*... *puff*... Phaethon, you've already been to the Hollow and made it back safely?

Take a moment to catch your breath...

We did go, but...

(Protagonist): Did you run all the way here? Do you need a moment? We've already been to the Hollow, but unfortunately, we haven't found the client yet.

Shepherd: I'm fine... Did you find any clues there?

Charon: There were traces left behind, signs of a kidnapping. It's very likely the client was involved.

(Cooperate with Charon and share only part of the info)

(Ask Shepherd why he rushed over)

(Protagonist): (‍That's right. It / Yeah, it‍) seems the client was kidnapped, (‍taken into / brought to‍) the Hollow, and later moved again. We're still looking for (‍more clues... / clues.‍) (‍So, what made you rush over to the store? / But why did you rush over to the store? Did you find anything?‍)

Shepherd: Well... just take a look for yourself.

Shepherd shows you his phone. About ten minutes ago, the missing client sent him another location on Knock Knock. There were no other messages.

Shepherd: I checked a map of New Eridu. This spot... it's another Hollow entrance.

A clue delivered right to us...

This feels off...

(Protagonist): (‍We were just stressing over a lack of leads, and now one conveniently falls into our laps? Something about this feels off... / We've been chasing dead ends with absolutely no clues, and now one just appears out of nowhere? Something smells fishy here...‍)

Shepherd: You're sure it's just a disappearance for now, and nothing more serious has happened, right? If that's the case, the situation is still manageable... No matter how shaky the clue is, let's keep investigating.

Shepherd: Just be careful. Any casualties, and this'll become something beyond our control. At that point, stop the commission and contact me. I'll bring in some professional Hollow experts to deal with the situation!

Shepherd hurries out again.
You turn to Charon, who seems unsettled. Has she held back the full truth from Shepherd to avoid having the search handed off to someone else?

Charon: ...Thank you for not revealing what really happened to that information broker.

It's nothing... but why?

(Protagonist): (‍Don't mention it. But... why keep secrets? From a practical standpoint, wouldn't calling for backup have been the safer move? / Don't mention it! But I have to ask... why are you doing this? Calling for help might've been the safest way to handle the situation.‍)

Charon: The killer is a sniper who has no qualms about taking lives. Judging by the victims' injuries, it's clear they know how to deal a fatal blow and how to inflict pain without causing death.

Charon: Most Hollow Raiders lack experience dealing with snipers. If they encounter the killer, it's likely to end in a difficult fight, or worse, casualties. And besides...

Charon: Asking for help from others would only delay the search. The client is at risk right now, so I think we should follow the clues and enter the Hollow as soon as possible to ensure their safety.

That's too risky!

What if it's a trap?

(Protagonist): (‍I may have kept it from Shepherd, but I have to admit, it's too dangerous. That location message seems cagey — it could be a trap to lure us in. / I helped you keep this from Shepherd, but I have to admit, it's just too dangerous! What if this lead is a trap? Who even knows who's really behind the client's messages anymore?‍)

Charon: I understand... I really do! But what if we're late, and something happens to the client...?

(Sibling): Why is the client so important to you, Charon? Would you be willing to tell us? Are you so set on finding them (‍cause / because‍) they're connected to the person you've been looking for?

Charon: The client's true identity might be the very person I've been looking for. And if not, they most certainly have some vital information.

Charon: Since leaving the military, I've spent years searching for my missing teammates. They were more than just comrades who trusted me with their lives — to me, someone raised as an orphan, they were family.

Charon: I've scoured countless Hollows and every corner of New Eridu to find them, but I've never found a single lead... until I met you and heard that melody on the harmonica.

Charon: It's called "Homecoming." My squad leader composed it. Only our squad knew it. And yet, that client of yours not only knows the song, but also gave you the sheet music.

Charon: Please, Proxy... This client is the only lead I have left! I'm certain my teammates are still alive. If this trail goes cold, I don't know when I'll get another chance to reunite with them...

"If they're still alive, could there really be no trace of them after all these years?" (‍Belle'sBelle'sText for Wise / Wise'sWise'sText for Belle‍) gaze towards you seems to convey such a question.
But then, thinking about how you're also searching for your teacher... it doesn't seem all that hard to understand.

I'll help you.

We have to tread carefully this time.

(Protagonist): (‍I understand how anxious you must be right now... We can help you, but we really need to be careful this time. / I get how anxious you must feel... Let's face this together. But this time, we really need to be extra careful.‍)

Charon: Thank you, Proxy. I feel much better knowing I have your support. You can trust me, I'll protect you if the killer is really waiting for us in the Hollow. We'll make it out in one piece.

Invitation to Kill

Enter the Hollow through the HDD to find the client

Another bizarre location message... Let's dive into the target Hollow and investigate. Our missing client might be in there.

Outer Ring Hollow

(Talk to (Belle/Wise), optional): (Sibling): (Wise/Belle), although we (‍agreed to letagreed to letText for Wise / promisedpromisedText for Belle‍) Charon investigate the Hollow... I still feel that the clues appearing at this moment are (‍rather suspicious...rather suspicious...Text for Wise / indeed somewhat suspicious.indeed somewhat suspicious.Text for Belle‍); I'll be careful!; (Sibling): (‍Well, you must be careful...Well, you must be careful...Text for Wise / Hmm... I hope nothing bad happens.Hmm... I hope nothing bad happens.Text for Belle‍)

(Talk to Charon, optional): Charon: Proxy, if your senses are shared when controlling Bangboo... Does that mean the pain is shared as well?; Pain is shared as well.; But I won't receive any injury, don't worry.; Charon: ...Then, I won't let that perpetrator lay a single scratch on this Bangboo. If a fight breaks out, stay right behind me.

(Upon starting the commission): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Looks like there's something here. Is this... a communicator?

(Interact with the Mysterious Communicator)

Grim Vulture

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

Grim Vulture

Story Description: The killer, calling himself "Grim Vulture," appeared in voice only. But why does he harbor such killing intent toward Charon?

Charon: Proxy, look at this... a communicator left right at the Hollow's entrance.

Why would there be a communicator here?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Why's there a communicator here? It doesn't look like it was (‍left behind randomly... / randomly left behind.‍)

Charon: There is hardly any dust on its surface, which means it was only placed here recently. It looks like someone wants us to use it.

Processed Voice: Ah, such "decisiveness" — following random location info without even thinking twice. I'm glad, sniper of Lyre Squad.

Lyre Squad?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Lyre Squad? (‍What's that? ...More importantly, who are you? / What's that... Wait, who are you?‍)

Who are you?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Who are you? And (‍the / by‍) "Sniper of Lyre Squad"... (‍Are you talking about Charon? / are you referring to Charon?‍)

Processed Voice: Sniper... or should I say "Charon" now? Haven't you shared your past with our dear Proxy? If introductions aren't your strong suit, I'd be happy to show you how.

Grim Vulture: You can call me "Grim Vulture," the one behind this string of murders. You see, I've been working my way down a list, crossing off names. And now, Charon of Lyre Squad... your name is next.

Charon: ...Looks like you've done your homework on me. Just because my presence interfered with your plan, you've decided to take me out for good?

Grim Vulture: I thought you were just going to be another obstacle in my way, but now with you in my sights... this must be some kind of... destiny.

Charon: I'm not sure what you're referring to, but I'm looking for someone. Given that you're waiting at the Hollow entrance they shared, I'm guessing you have them.

Charon: If you hand them over, perhaps we can make a deal—

Charon suddenly dodges to the side, raises her gun and fires, using her body to shield Eous. In the next instant, a bullet flies past her and hits the ground. Her shot flew of into the distance, and there's only one thing that's for certain — it didn't it hit Grim Vulture.

Grim Vulture: Hah! So your version of "making a deal" is stalling for time to locate me and lining up your shot. Can't say I'm surprised. After all, that's exactly what I planned to do too.

Grim Vulture: You seem to have rather unique eyes... but you'll never get the chance to hit me. After all, no one's better at counter sniping than me.

Charon: ...Seems talking won't resolve this. But I'm not averse to using force.

Grim Vulture: Now that's the spirit! If you're looking for someone, why not search the Hollow for clues? Providing you can survive both my attacks and those of the Ethereals, of course.

Grim Vulture: Oh, and I've prepared a little gift for all your trouble. I hope you still have that determined look on your face after seeing it.

(Head to the next area)

(In the distance, a sniper takes aim)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Watch out for Grim Vulture taking shots from afar!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Ugh, is there nothing we can do...?

(Approach the box): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I've found a box! Something feels off about it...

(Interact with the Strange Eye-Catching Box): A rather creepy box. It's giving off an unsettling stench. You have a bad feeling that opening it would be asking for trouble.; You glance at Charon beside you, who has fallen silent. Clearly, she's having the same feeling — right now, she's hesitating about whether to open this box.; Charon, wait, don't open it...; Charon opens the box anyway.; A bloodstained, tattered military cap, carelessly crumpled and stuffed in the corner of the box. Though the owner's identity remains unknown... the message it conveys can only mean one thing...; "Death."; Don't touch what's in the box...; Charon reaches out and picks up the military cap from the box, her fingers tracing its shape. Her lips tremble.; Charon: ...I'm okay, Proxy. If my sense of touch isn't deceiving me... this appears to be the outfit my former teammate wore, or a replica of it.; Charon: ...So this is the surprise Grim Vulture mentioned. I see now.; Charon: Let's keep moving, Proxy.; Charon goes silent. Yet as she chambers another round, you can sense her hands trembling slightly, while her grip grows even stronger.

(After the conversation): Grim Vulture: You still remember what's inside the box, right... your loyal teammate's cap, the one Styx always wore... Haha!; Grim Vulture: Curious as to how he died? I'll tell you.; Grim Vulture: He took his own life... though it wasn't much different from being offed by Ethereals.; Grim Vulture: Ethereals had almost completely taken over his body. He was being corrupted, covered in Ether crystals. His core was almost fully formed.; Grim Vulture: He didn't want to become an Ethereal, so he raised the cannon he was oh so proud of, with just one last shell inside...; Grim Vulture: And just like that, obliterated both his core and his heart.; Grim Vulture: Any thoughts on the way he kicked the bucket? Did you like it? Do you think I made the whole thing up... Or did it really happen?; Charon: ...Shut up.; Charon: I don't know who you are... but you'll pay for insulting him.; Grim Vulture: ...Want to kill me? Then come to my next surprise spot...

(Approach A Secure Sniping Position): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Another high-pressure Ether tank... And a lot of Ethereals have already been drawn to it.; Charon: Leave it to me, Proxy. My eyes will take care of them.

(After shooting all three tanks): Charon: We did it, Proxy. Let's keep moving.; Charon: ...I want to catch that murderer as soon as possible.

(Interact with the Strange Eye-Catching Box): The second box emanates an ominous aura. That unsettling stench seems to warn you that its contents, just like the previous box, will give you an absolutely wretched experience.; Charon's breathing grows heavy. She stands still for several seconds, seemingly trying to control her emotional turmoil.; Charon, don't push yourself...; Finally, she opens the box.; A pair of blood-stained, tattered military gloves lie twisted in the center of the box. It's clear that whoever placed them here hadn't just tossed them in carelessly - they had been deliberately arranged with malicious intent.; Charon picks up the gloves, once again feeling their contours and icy touch. Her lips turn pale.; Charon: Just as I thought... These are from one of my squadmates too...; Charon...; Charon: ...; Charon: ...Let's keep moving, Proxy. Following this route should lead us to Grim Vulture's hideout.; Charon: I'm... fine.; Charon picks up her weapon again. But there's an unmistakable tremor of unease in her voice...

(After the conversation): Grim Vulture: Acheron's favorite gloves... It wasn't easy getting my hands on them.; Grim Vulture: As expected of such a famous, beautiful commander, even her gloves are stylish.; Grim Vulture: Such a pity... In the end, both her hands were missing. Don't you think that's a shame, little sniper?; Grim Vulture: Such beautiful hands, yet they can no longer hold a sword... Ethereals gnawed off her arms, and part of her leg as well.; Grim Vulture: But she still had some backbone... She stood tall, even in death.; Grim Vulture: It's just as I said, she died from multiple fatal wounds. Even the most beautiful flower will wither without protection, won't it?; Grim Vulture: Now... Do you think I am telling the truth or a lie this time?; Charon: ...How long do you intend to keep up this game of cat and mouse?; Charon: I'll be coming to your hideout soon. Wipe that smile off your face and wait... wait and see what I'm going to do.; Grim Vulture: Ooooh, good reaction! Hurry up then! I've got one final surprise location for you...; Grim Vulture: I'm sure you've figured out the route to get to me. That's right, the surprise is at the end of the road.

(Interact with the Strange Eye-Catching Box): There's still a third box.; You grab Charon's hand, trying to stop her from opening it. But she lifts the box's lid almost mechanically.; The third box contains a bloodstained corner of clothing and a severely damaged piece of engineering equipment, also stained with blood.; Charon picks them up, her trembling fingers feeling their shapes. She doesn't speak — neither about the plans for pursuing Grim Vulture, nor about which of her companions these items belonged to...; Until the communicator in our hands rings again with Grim Vulture's voice...

Seeds of Hatred

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Seeds of Hatred"

Story Description: Grim Vulture tore apart Charon's illusions and reopened old wounds, breaking her fighting spirit entirely. After arguing against his crimes, you took the opportunity to flee the Hollow.

Grim Vulture: Congratulations! You've found the third box. Inside is... who was it again? Oh right. A piece of bloodied fabric from Cocytus's clothes and some damaged engineering gear stained with Lethe's blood.

Grim Vulture: There weren't enough boxes, so I had to cram them together. They're just a medic and an engineer, not exactly combat material, right? Surely you're not mad, are you?

Charon's face turns deathly pale. She silently picks up the bloodied items from the box, her spirit visibly shaken by the weight of these ominous relics.

Enough!

How much do you intend to torment her?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍That's enough! / Enough already!‍) Using her squadmates, (‍who are like family / her family‍), to mentally torture her... (‍how / That's vile! How‍) much longer are you planning on doing this?

Grim Vulture: Oh dear, did I go too far? My sincerest apologies... It's just, watching you plunge headfirst into my trap was so entertaining. I may have gotten a bit carried away, you know?

Grim Vulture: Relax, the person you're looking for isn't here. And those are just fakes. I didn't actually take them from her comrades...

Grim Vulture: Her comrades are long since corpses in the Hollow, after all. How could I possibly have gotten hold of their clothes!

A surge of rage threatens to drown all thought. Just as you are about to retort, a crisp gunshot rings out.
Charon's shot is clean and decisive, carrying an unmistakable intent to kill... But from the response on the other end of the communicator, it seems she missed her target.

Grim Vulture: ...A decisive strike to be sure. But as I've already said, your awareness, sight, and experience mean nothing in front of a more skilled sniper.

Charon: I didn't expect to kill you so easily. There was a subtle change in your Ether fluctuations the moment I fired — that was all I needed.

Charon: You knowing my past makes me feel sick. But after seeing that you're just a coward who feels fear from another's killing intent, it doesn't bother me as much anymore.

Grim Vulture: Coward, you say? How fascinating. You were little more than a hollow shell before. But now that you've bared your teeth, you've started looking somewhat respectable.

Grim Vulture: I know your composure is nothing more than a facade. You've never truly faced the weight of your comrades' deaths, have you? I bet your mind is now filled with their dying screams!

Her squadmates are still alive!

You've no right to taunt her!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍We / Charon and I‍) both believe her squad is still alive! You can (‍stop with the lies / drop the act‍)!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Why are you so fixated on Charon? Just because she used to (‍serve / be‍) in the Defense Force? She has nothing to do with your target!

Grim Vulture: Nothing to do with it? Then why don't you go ask her about it? What surprises me more is... you actually believe her teammates are still alive. Don't tell me she dragged you into all this danger without telling you anything.

Charon: ...Shut up.

Grim Vulture: If she won't tell you, I will — those so-called "alive" squadmates of hers went missing during the fall of the old capital. I'm sure you know exactly what that means.

Grim Vulture: When the old capital fell, countless Defense Force soldiers were either killed by Ethereals, or became them. The surviving soldiers, struggling to defend themselves, never had the opportunity to carry their comrades' bodies out of Hollow Zero.

Grim Vulture: Obviously, her squadmates, the members of Lyre Squad, were among the dead. But since their bodies were never found, she insists they're still alive... even going as far as to deceive her own Proxy.... Hmph... It's laughable!

Charon: I didn't lie to the Proxy. They're alive. I have proof. Someone like you could never understand.

Grim Vulture: I could never understand? Hah! You think it's hard to understand your childish thought process? If you really have solid proof, why not tell me? C'mon, let's hear it!

Charon: ...My eyes. I lost nearly 90 of my vision during the fall of the old capital, but in return, I gained the ability to see what others can't.

Charon: Every second of every day, for years, I've seen my squadmates. Not as fleeting shadows, but vivid and lifelike. They've never disappeared.

Charon: They're alive, waiting for me to find them. Why else would I have been given these eyes?

Grim Vulture: That's your proof? Ha! Did you hear that, Proxy hiding in the Bangboo? She's spent years chasing after people who couldn't possibly exist, all because of some ghostly visions!

Grim Vulture: You'd rather believe those visions of your teammates are real-time projections than accept that they're dead! What if I told you the way I described their deaths before was the absolute truth?

Grim Vulture: Will you finally face reality, or will you keep fooling yourself, believing in ghosts? I guess you'll keep deceiving yourself... because that's how you survive!

Charon: I'm not lying to myself. I really—

Grim Vulture: —Really want to find your squadmates who have been missing for years and were officially declared dead? You couldn't protect them when the old capital fell, and now you're just making up stories to fool yourself!

Grim Vulture: To give yourself some so-called "reason" to go on, you'll latch onto any stupid excuse. You're just a selfish, naive coward who did nothing—and couldn't do anything—when your comrades were dying.

Charon stands there, speechless. Grim Vulture's relentless verbal assault has clearly struck home. The little color that had briefly returned to her face drains away, leaving her visibly shaken, unable to muster a single word in rebuttal.

Grim Vulture: ...Giving up already? At least you've got a shred of dignity left. Nothing disgusts me more than a useless hypocrite. Enough of this. Time to die, coward!

Charon is not a coward!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Charon is not a coward! (‍Someone who enters the Hollows despite the condition of their eyes - / Someone who'd enter perilous Hollows just to find what they seek, someone who'd play music to console a dying soul, despite the pain in their eyes,‍) is anything but a coward!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): At the very least she's far braver than a criminal like you, who hides in the shadows, enjoys torturing others, and is constantly in fear of being caught!

Charon: Proxy... I...

Grim Vulture: ...Your Proxy sure has a way with words. I won't waste any more of my breath. Just die already.

Analysis of surrounding fissures complete!

Charon, let's escape into that fissure!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I've completed analysis of the surrounding fissures... Charon, snap out of it! We can use that fissure to escape!

Grim Vulture: Fissures? When did you...! Still trying to play tricks!

With no hope of a counterattack, you practically drag Charon, turning to run towards the fissure that had escaped Grim Vulture's notice. Just as the bullet is about to strike, you manage to escape through the fissure.

Yesterday's Nightmare

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Yesterday's Nightmare"

Video Summary: Why would I have been given these eyes, which bring nothing but pain?

Story Description: Charon spoke of her painful past and the lingering afterimages of her fallen teammates etched in her eyes, her final source of hope.

You escape from the Hollow and return to the video store, bringing along Charon, who's lost all will to fight.
She seems more traumatized than you imagined, repeatedly touching her eyes, silent and distant.

(Sibling): Charon... Do you want some hot cocoa? I'm sure you're exhausted after such a tough fight. You should get some rest.

Charon: ...Thanks, but I'm fine.

Don't let Grim Vulture get to you!

(Protagonist): Don't listen to Grim Vulture. They'd say anything to get under your skin. Once we start doubting the truth, we've fallen into their trap.

Charon: No... Proxy, I think Grim Vulture has a point. Maybe it's all just in my head.

Charon: The things Grim Vulture left... when I touched them, I was reminded of the day the old capital fell... I felt the same sensation when I touched an injured comrade.

Charon: I tried to shake off that feeling, but the truth is, I can't... I can't stop thinking about the possibility that all my squadmates are dead.

The day the old capital fell...

What happened back then?

(Protagonist): Would you be willing to share (‍more...? / more...‍) What really happened (‍on the day the old capital fell with you and the Lyre Squad? / to you and Lyre Squad on the day the old capital fell?‍)

Charon: That day, in the first hour Hollow Zero started expanding, Defense Force HQ thought it was just a normal Hollow disaster and thought they could suppress it with the standard amount of troops.

Charon: Lyre Squad was among the first troops sent there. Before we left, our superiors promised reinforcements would be on the way to support us in combat, so we didn't need to worry too much about facing the Ethereals.

Charon: But soon after we began the mission, we realized things weren't going to go like we thought. The Ethereals came at us like an endless tide, the Hollow expanded beyond control, and more importantly... the reinforcements never came.

Charon: The Defense Force troops outside the Hollow soon realized this was no ordinary disaster... Hollow Zero was devouring Eridu at horrifying speed. The reinforcement plan was called off, and the promised troops retreated.

Charon: Honestly, even if they had come to help, it wouldn't have changed anything. I watched as members of the advanced force around me died one after another or were corrupted into Ethereals... Our squad slowly lost the strength to maintain formation.

Charon: I was a weak point in our formation... An Ether shot fired by an Ethereal hit my eyes, corrupting them. Because of that and several other wounds, I shortly lost consciousness.

Cursed Eyes

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Cursed Eyes"

Video Summary: Why would I have been given these eyes, which bring nothing but pain?

Story Description: The image lingering in her fading eyesight is a curse, imprisoning Charon in a cage of the past.

Charon: I'm not sure how long I was out, but just before losing my vision, I briefly regained consciousness. The last thing my eyes saw was my squadmates standing in front of me, looking back...

Charon: When I woke up again, I was already back at base. The higher-ups detonated the Shiyu Pillars and finally managed to bring Hollow Zero under control... I don't know who rescued me from the Hollow, but none of my squadmates had made it out.

Charon: For some reason, the image of my squadmates, being the last thing I saw, has stayed in my mind. It must be some kind of sign... a sign that they're still alive. Don't you think?

Charon: They must have continued fighting after I fell unconscious, eventually getting lost in some Hollow and losing contact with the main force, left to wander between the various Hollows of New Eridu. That must have been what happened, right?

Charon: The Defense Force, civilians... No one believes me. So I decided to find them myself. The reason behind these eyes — it's got to be to guide me to finding them still alive?

Charon: ...Am I wrong, Proxy? Are these eyes pointless?

(Protagonist): ...

Charon: I knew that's what you thought... Interpreting what my eyes see as proof my squadmates are still alive is just wishful thinking.

Charon: But if they're really gone... why would I have been given these eyes, which bring nothing but pain?

Charon: If they're truly no longer alive, how can I apologize to them in person... Tell them I'm sorry... Sorry for being so weak... Sorry that I failed to protect them...

Charon: Their faces are all so blurry, I can't see their expressions... I can't even bear to look at them... If their final look at me was filled with resentment and disappointment, I wouldn't know how to handle it.

Shared Obsession, Shared Heart

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Shared Obsession, Shared Heart"

Video Summary: Why would I have been given these eyes, which bring nothing but pain?

Story Description: In that moment of connection, you wiped away Charon's tears. At the very least, you understand her deep longing to reunite with her loved ones.

(Hold Charon's hand)

(Wipe Charon's tears away)

(Protagonist): Charon, listen to me... Even if everyone else thinks you're wrong, (Belle/Wise) and I will (‍always stand by your resolve / never dismiss your determination‍) to find your squadmates.

(Protagonist): You don't need to make any justifications... because someone close to us is missing too, and we desperately hope she's still alive. Even if the whole world doesn't understand, we will never give up.

(Protagonist): But I also think, being consumed by this obsession, unable to move forward... That's not what those who matter to us would want.

(Sibling): (‍That's right! Charon, you're a very kind person... / Belle is right! Listen, Charon, you're such a kind person...‍) Maybe that's why you feel responsible for protecting everyone and (‍regret / blame yourself‍) when you can't do enough. But you don't have to carry it all on your (‍own! / own.‍)

We'll stick with you to the end.

We'll be there to support you.

(Protagonist): (‍Yeah! You can trust us to have your back. We're certain that Grim Vulture hasn't killed the client yet... As long as we have a lead, there's still hope, and we'll be your support. / Yeah! Right now, the best thing you can do is trust us. We can be sure that Vulture hasn't killed the client yet... As long as we have that lead, there's still hope. We'll support you!‍)

(Protagonist): (‍Your will and determination shouldn't be dismissed. / No one can dismiss your determination or will.‍) No matter how things turn out, we'll stand by your side and we'll face it together.

Charon: Proxy... Thank you. I feel better now. At the very least, I want to keep investigating. I'm not just going to stop here.

With the tension easing, it's time to discuss the plan going forward...
Just then, the phone rings.

Shepherd: Sorry to disturb you at this hour... Did you go investigate that new Hollow? How's it going?

Shepherd: Uh, never mind...The client just shared a new location with me on Knock Knock.

(Sibling): They're pretty eager, huh... Which Hollow is it this time?

Shepherd: No, it's not a Hollow... If I'm reading this right, this location is Scott Outpost.

(Sibling): Scott Outpost? Isn't that managed by the Defense Force and White Star Institute? What's Grim Vulture up to?

Charon: ...It's Remembrance Day. Don't you recall what Erin said before? They're holding an event right now, and the place will be open to the public.

So we aren't being lured into a Hollow...

What's Grim Vulture up to this time?

(Protagonist): So they're not trying to lure us into a Hollow this time... What's the deal? Are they trying to taunt us?

Charon: Whether it's a provocation or a trap, I'm not missing any chance to face Grim Vulture. Proxy... will you go with me?

The official commencement of the Remembrance Day has been scheduled for tomorrow morning, meaning ordinary citizens still cannot freely enter Scott Outpost today.
Under arrangements, Charon spent the night at the store. The next morning...

(Sibling): (‍Wise, we'll / Belle, you'll‍) be heading to the outpost with Charon soon... Did you (‍rest / sleep‍) well last night?

I slept well!

(Sibling): (‍That's great! After everything we've been through, I'm worried that you haven't had enough rest... / I'm glad to hear that... After everything we've been through, it's good you're well-rested.‍)

To be honest, I didn't sleep much...

(Sibling): (‍Ah / Actually‍), me too... (‍Thoughts / Thought [sic]‍) of the past kept me up. Especially those related to Charon, and I didn't manage to fall asleep until late...

(Sibling): (‍Anyway / Oh‍), Charon is already waiting for you in the parking lot. I wonder how she's feeling now... (‍Wise, please take good care of her when the time comes, okay? / Please take good care of her, Belle.‍)

Leave it to me!

Head to the parking lot to check on Charon's condition

Charon is already waiting in the parking lot. Let's see how she's doing before heading to Scott Outpost together.

Parking Lot

(Talk to Charon): Charon: Good morning, Proxy.; Did you sleep well last night?; Charon: Yes, I did. Sorry, Proxy, for losing my composure in front of you yesterday... I think I've gotten my mood back in order now.; (Stare—); Charon: ...; Charon: ...It seems I can't hide it from you, Proxy. I'm sorry, I think I'm still struggling to process this sadness and unease... I'm not sure where I should go from here...; Take your time to unravel your confusion.; Let's find a way forward together.; Charon: ...Yeah. You're right. Instead of continuing to suffer, it's better to reach out and grasp all the hope we can find around us. Maybe things will eventually change.; Charon: Let's go, Proxy. Today we're attending Remembrance Day as ordinary citizens, so we can't carry any weapons... I suppose Grim Vulture wouldn't be foolish enough to make a move inside a military stronghold.; Charon: Let's keep an eye out while we're there... I believe we should be able to find new clues.

You arrive at Scott Outpost with Charon. Many citizens have come to Remembrance Day... They must be the relatives of those who gave their lives during the fall of the old capital.
For some reason, after coming here, Charon has been acting a bit strange...

Charon: Proxy... Can we explore this place later?

What's wrong?

Charon: No, it's nothing...

(Stare—)

Charon: ...Alright, I'll say it... It seems like there are some... familiar faces here.

Wouldn't it be nice to meet them?

Charon: ...I don't think I can face them.

Charon: If I'm not mistaken, they should be the family members of my teammates. I don't know how I should face them...

Try reaching out to them.

You'll have to face them sooner or later, won't you?

Charon: I know... I know... But...

I'll be there for you.

Charon: ...Then it's a deal.

Charon: I will go and talk to them. Proxy, you don't have to say anything... Just stay by my side and give me the courage to speak.

Accompany Charon to talk with "familiar faces"

Charon seems to have spotted some familiar faces and is hesitant about seeing them. Stay by her side to give her courage and go find them together.

Scott Outpost

(Idle, next to the tent): Widowed Man: Look, it's filled with your favorite flowers...; Widowed Man: I miss you so much... Are you doing okay over there?

(Idle, right of the podium): Male Defense Force Soldier: How long until the soldier's speech begins?; Female Defense Force Soldier: Just a little while longer. The woman giving the speech is already preparing.

(Idle, left of the podium): Ownerless Bangboo: Ehn-ne... Nhe-ne? (Fu... I miss Master. You do too, right?); Ownerless Bangboo: En-nah... en-neh! (Don't worry... Master just went somewhere far away with the other soldiers. I'll take good care of you while Master's away! And take you on walks every day!); Fu: Woof, woof woof!

(Listen to the Ownerless Bangboo, optional): Ownerless Bangboo: Ehn-ne... Nhe-ne? (Fu... I miss Master. You do too, right?); Ownerless Bangboo: En-nah... en-neh! (Don't worry... Master just went somewhere far away with the other soldiers. I'll take good care of you while Master's away! And take you on walks every day!); Fu: Woof, woof woof!

(Idle, in front of the podium): Roland: ...Never forget why Scott Outpost was established...; Roland: ...On Remembrance Day, today...; Defense Force Soldiers: Understood!

(Listen to Roland, optional): Roland: Attention all Defense Force soldiers, listen up. Never forget why Scott Outpost was established, and never forget all the sacrifices we made when the old capital fell.; Roland: Hollow Zero may be under control for now, but that doesn't mean it won't expand further in the future. On this special Remembrance Day, we must remain vigilant against another disaster. Is that understood?; Defense Force Soldiers: Understood!

(Idle): Zita: Mom, another year has passed...; Sally: Are you okay?; Zita: I'm fine...

(Talk to Zita and Sally): Sally: Wait a moment... That eye cover, that blond hair... Could you be my husband's... Styx's teammate?; Charon: Styx... Are you Mrs. Sally, Styx's wife?; Sally: Yes, my daughter and I came to attend Remembrance Day... The last time I saw you was right after the fall of the old capital. I never expected to see you again here today...; Charon: Your daughter... Is this your daughter, Zita?; Zita: Mom... Who is she?; Sally: Zita, this is your dad's comrade from the Defense Force. Every time he went to the battlefield, she would be there to protect him.; Zita: To protect him...? Comrade?; Zita: If that's so... Why didn't you protect my dad during the fall of the old capital? Why did you let him die and make him unable to come back to me?; Sally: Zita!; Charon: I'm sorry... I couldn't protect him. I'm sorry...; Sally: Don't listen to what Zita is saying. She doesn't understand! We've never blamed you, please don't say that...; Sally: Zita, you can't say such hurtful things! Apologize right now!; Zita: Why should I apologize? She survived, but dad didn't, isn't that the truth? If it weren't for her abandoning him, dad could have come back safely!; Sally: Enough. You don't know what happened back then!; Charon: ...Mrs. Sally, I don't think she's wrong...; Sally: Please don't think that way! I'll make sure to bring her to apologize to you later. I need to explain to her what really happened... I'm really sorry. Please, don't let us keep you. Go and explore the Remembrance Day event for now!; Sally: Please remember, all your comrades, including my husband, would want you to see the hope they left behind!; Charon: ...

(Idle): Ethel: Son, I'm in good health now and doing well...

(Talk to Ethel): Ethel: My son... can you see me now? I'm doing well, my legs and feet are fine... I just miss you so much...; Charon: Excuse me... Are you Cocytus' mother, Ethel?; Ethel: Oh, you are...; Ethel: Oh, I recognize you... I saw you once in the military camp after the fall of the old city. You're Cocytus' teammate, one of the survivors...; Ethel: I've been wanting to get in touch with you over the years to see how you've been, but I never heard from you... I didn't expect to meet you here at Remembrance Day. I guess this is fate...; Charon: Mrs. Ethel is your health... still...; Ethel: I'm in good health, fortunately. Everything is fine... Although I'm the only one left in the family, the pension from the government is enough, and I still have some years in me.; Charon: ...I'm sorry. Cocytus, he...; Ethel: Child, you don't need to apologize.; Ethel: My son may appear carefree on the surface, but he's always felt so much pressure... One day, he suddenly told me that he had found a companion who truly understood him. I believe he was talking about you.; Ethel: How could I possibly blame you, someone who helped my son? It's such a blessing... You, a kind-hearted person, are alive and standing here today. I'm so glad.; Charon: Mrs. Ethel... I...; Ethel: Child, don't worry about me! Since you're here for Remembrance Day, take your time to walk around and look around. I hope you find something meaningful.

(Idle): Alan: Another year without you by our side... Mom and dad miss you so much...

(Talk to Alan): Charon: Are you... Alan, Acheron's brother?; Alan: How did you know...? Who are you?; Alan: Wait, your eye cover... So, you're Acheron's sole surviving teammate. I remember you — we met once after the fall of the old capital.; Alan: After that, I didn't hear anything about you again... I never expected to meet you here.; Charon: This plushie...?; Alan: It's Acheron's favorite plushie. She always kept it in the most prominent spot in her room. I brought it along here... as if bringing my sister's shadow to participate in Remembrance Day.; Charon: ...I'm sorry, Mr. Alan...; Alan: You don't need to apologize... I still remember one time when my sister came home excitedly, telling me that a shy new girl had joined the squad. That girl didn't speak much, but she was beautiful in battle.; Alan: ...That was the happiest I had ever seen her.; Alan: To her, you were a presence that inspired admiration and a desire not to fall behind. A beautiful soldier who gave her the drive to keep moving forward.; Alan: You don't have to apologize to me. If my sister were here, she would surely say the same thing.; Charon: ...; Alan: Please don't mind me too much. The Defense Force has made a lot of preparations for the Remembrance Day event... Please take your time here.

(After talking to all four people)

The Bereaved

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"The Bereaved"

Video Summary: Raise your head and look at us.

Story Description: The families of former squadmates gather around Charon, just to tell the grieving woman one thing: What the departed leaves behind isn't sorrow, but hope.

To your surprise, many relatives of deceased Lyre Squad members are here for the Remembrance Day event. Is this really just a coincidence?
As you ponder this question, the relatives have gathered in front of Charon.

Zita: Miss, I'm sorry for being mean to you before. Mom told me you were protecting Dad until the very last moment before you passed out... I shouldn't have said you left him to die.

Sally: I'm really sorry. Zita was really young when it happened, so she was too little to understand, and I haven't really talked about it... I hope she didn't upset you.

Charon: No... She was right. If only I'd been strong enough to take down most of the Ethereals... maybe they wouldn't have ended up in that situation.

Ethel: Oh, that's not fair. The old capital was falling! No single person's strength could ever be the deciding factor in the face of a disaster like that.

Alan: In spite of it all, you survived... If they were still here, I'm sure they'd see that as something to celebrate.

Charon: I've always known the truth, I failed to protect them.... A weakling like me survived and the rest of them disappeared without a trace. This isn't solace, it's the worst possible outcome.

Charon: That's something I can't face. I've never had the courage to tell you "I couldn't protect your loved ones." All I can do is wander New Eridu, hoping to find some trace of them...

Charon: Even after all this time, I still haven't accomplished anything... I'm sorry.

Sally: You really don't know us at all. This isn't the worst possible outcome by any means... Styx — my husband — and all his comrades who lost their lives... Each one of them left behind their own legacy.

Sally: Just look all around you. Everyone standing before you is a legacy they protected, that has carried on to this day.

Charon: ...

Sally: After my husband passed away, Zita and I received survivor benefits... and with all the odd jobs I've been doing, we've managed to get to where we are today.

Sally: Styx always wanted our daughter to study art, and Zita's interested in it too. Now, that dream has become a reality — she just got accepted into the art school in Janus Quarter.

Zita: Mom and I have our tough days... But I often think of Dad's cheerful laughter, and that memory gives me the strength to keep pushing through. One day, it'll all pay off... just like it has now.

Sally: Thank you for always being by my husband's side, even at the very end.

Ethel: I suppose you must have heard about my condition from my son...

Charon: Ethel, Cocytus used to tell me about you... He often took leave or skipped work to earn extra money by part-timing or to care for you when you were sick in bed.

Ethel: Yes, that's true... But I bet he never told you my illness became so bad that I needed major surgery, and he worked his tail off to raise the money. Who would've thought... he would pass before me.

Ethel: I used the benefits from his death for the surgery... and that's the only reason I'm here today. In a way, his passing allowed my life to continue.

Ethel: Every time I think about it, I feel like I need to keep my body healthy and live a few more years... The sights I see, I believe he can sense them from somewhere far away.

Ethel: When I was too weak to take care of him, it was you and your comrades who stayed by his side. Thank you for everything that you've done for him.

Alan: As for me... Well, I'm currently working as a fashion designer.

Charon: A fashion designer... Is that because of Acheron?

Alan: It is. I'm sure you remember how much she loved beautiful things. She was always into fashion, so I decided to become part of that world. That way, she can always be with me...

Alan: I admit, I had no idea how fun fashion design could be until I actually gave it a shot! Haha, I wish I'd figured that out sooner. We would've had so much more to talk about.

Alan: Anyway, I'm planning to start my own fashion brand next year... She used to say that after retiring from the army, she wanted to pursue fashion design. I really want to carry on her dream — it feels like my life's purpose.

Alan: Y'know, she used to talk about you when she came home for the holidays. How your rivalry pushed her to keep improving. So... thank you. I'm proud of my sister, and I'm proud of you, too.

Sally: As you can see, all of us have made it to this day, carrying the will of those we loved. So please don't say they left nothing behind — they've always been a part of every pain and joy we've experienced over the years.

Sally: Please remember, everything and everyone in New Eridu is only here today because you all risked your lives in battle.

Charon: Thank you... Thank you, everyone. It's been wonderful to hear about how you're all doing and to listen to these words... I'm so glad I decided to come here on Remembrance Day.

Ethel: Speaking of which, I wasn't expecting to see any of you. What brings you here today?

Sally: I could ask you the same thing, Ethel. Last time I asked, you said you weren't coming! I only came because I suddenly got a DM from Nathan. He said he really wanted me to be here...

Alan: I'm here because of Nathan's message too. He was pretty insistent so I thought he'd be here... but I've been looking around for a while now, I still haven't seen him.

Ethel: So it's the same for all of us! I responded to his message, but he never wrote back... Isn't that strange?

Charon: ...Sorry, but who's this "Nathan" you're talking about?

Sally: Nathan is Lethe's younger brother. Frankly, out of all of us, he's probably the one who wants to see you the most. He used to be part of the Defense Force himself, and...

Alan: The day the old capital fell, his squad was responsible for supporting the forces that had already entered the Hollow... which included all of you.

Alan: He's told us that story so many times: when they saw how bad things were in that Hollow, some of the reinforcements called off their plans and pulled back. He tried to stop them, but there was nothing he could do.

Ethel: He's always blamed himself and wanted to find you to apologize. But the truth is, the reinforcements retreating was inevitable... Shortly after their retreat, headquarters issued the official order.

Ethel: We all lost someone in that disaster, and for a while, we resented the reinforcements for their decision... But over time, we came to understand it and we eventually let it go. There was no avoiding casualties in that battle... In hindsight, it wasn't wrong for headquarters to prioritize saving their strength.

Charon: ...May I ask what the name of Nathan's squad was when he was in the Defense Force?

Alan: The Impera Squad of the Obsidian Division. Is something wrong?

Charon: Nothing, it's just... I think I might have stumbled upon the answer I was looking for.

After four family members paid their respects and left, they continued touring on Remembrance Day. Charon stood there in a daze, seemingly having understood something.
At that moment, a sound came from the open space in front of the outpost... it seemed someone had stepped onto the podium, and the citizens all gathered in the podium, preparing to listen to the person's speech.

Charon: According to the schedule for Remembrance Day, it should be time for a representative of retired Defense Force veterans to give a speech... It looks like the speech is about to begin.

Charon: ...I feel a bit concerned. Proxy, could we go over and listen to the speech for a moment?

Listen to the speech given by the soldier representative

It seems it's time for the retired Defense Force veteran representative to give a speech. Charon seems concerned... let's listen to the speech together with her.

Scott Outpost

(Idle): Zoe: Hello, everyone. I'm honored to stand here and speak on behalf of all the soldiers of the Defense Force.; Zoe: Today, we gather to commemorate Remembrance Day, a day born from the tragedy of the old capital's fall...; Zoe: Many of us lost relatives and friends in the disaster, and I am no exception...; Zoe: In combat, I was the only survivor from my squad... everyone else perished.

(Approach the podium)

A Malicious Speech

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"A Malicious Speech"

Video Summary: We are destined to never understand each other.

Story Description: As the soldier representative for Memorial Day [sic], Zoe gives a public speech. However, her speech gradually takes a strange turn...

Charon: Is that... Zoe on the podium?

Is she here to speak on behalf of the soldiers?

(Protagonist): (‍Is she here to speak on behalf of the soldiers? A decorated veteran... That seems fitting. But I don't see Jesse or Erin around... Didn't they come? / Is she here to speak for the soldiers? That seems fitting — she's got medals, after all... But I don't see Jesse or Erin anywhere. Didn't they come?‍)

Defense Force Soldier Maintaining Order: Everyone, please quiet down. Zoe of Nemesis Squad, a representative of the veterans, will now deliver the Remembrance Day speech.

Zoe: Hello, everyone. I'm honored to stand here and speak on behalf of all the soldiers of the Defense Force. Today, we gather to commemorate Remembrance Day, a day born from the tragedy of the old capital's fall.

Zoe: Many of us lost relatives or friends in the disaster, and I am no exception. Every member of my squad perished in that battle, leaving me as the only survivor.

Zoe: Losing the friends you cherish to the Hollow... is a pain that never fades. It's a sorrow that will stay with us, now and forever.

Zoe: However, to the families of fallen soldiers, hold your heads high with pride for your loved ones who gave their lives! They fought to the very last moment when the old capital fell. Death isn't the end, nor a dishonor; it is their eternal medal!

Zoe: They gave their lives facing an unstoppable disaster, exchanging their sacrifice for the world we have today. In doing so, they fulfilled their duties as soldiers to perfection. Without the blood they spilled, Eridu would not have endured, and New Eridu would never have risen from the ashes.

Zoe: In honor of the wishes of the departed, look ahead, people of New Eridu! Our thoughts and remembrance of those who've passed will be carried in every flicker of candlelight and in every bouquet of flowers!

Zoey's speech is met with a wave of prolonged applause. Yet, amidst the claps, she droops her head, her expression darkening.
She stays silent, waiting for the applause to fade before lifting her gaze and scanning the crowd. Her eyes pause briefly on Charon, carrying a chilling aura.

Zoe: ...My speech was meant to end here, but since you all seem quite engaged, please allow me to share a little more.

Zoe: The reason you all agree with what I've said is because it offers a way to step away from the pain. That's what the living do — they seek ways to ease the weight of others' deaths, so they can find a way to start over.

Zoe: This is the New Eridu of today. A huge disaster consumed the old capital, and the people who survived it keep saying things like "treasure the moment" and "start fresh" to numb themselves, hoping to forget the nightmare.

Zoe: No one talks about the soldiers who gave their lives in Hollow Zero. No one asks why they had to die. The brave gave their lives battling the Ethereal onslaught, while the weak survived.

Zoe: This is New Eridu, built by weaklings, its order founded upon their way of thinking.

Zoe: Your applause makes me realize you all accept this logic. Each of you had loved ones who sacrificed their lives in the fall of the old capital, and now, you're thankful that someone has encouraged you to move on from them.

Zoe: What meaning does the sacrifice of those who died have, if you all choose to forget? Have you never thought about why your own loved ones had to die, and why no one is responsible for their deaths?

Defense Force Soldier Maintaining Order: Ahem, Ms. Zoe, there's not much time left for your—

Zoe: —Open your eyes! I'm speaking to those who have lost loved ones!

Zoe: If death is the medal for the fallen, then pain is the cross the living must bear! If you fear its weight and run from the suffering, the soldiers will never find peace in their eternal rest!

Zoe: To tear the wound open once again, so you'll never forget the searing pain — that's the real meaning of Remembrance Day!

Conflicting Wills

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Conflicting Wills"

Video Summary: We are destined to never understand each other.

Story Description: Charon abruptly interrupted Zoe, believing that the will of those who came before should never be tied to suffering and hatred... The mood between them became noticeably strained.

"I don't agree."

Zoe: ...Charon. I didn't expect you to be here for Remembrance Day. How are things going with your search? Seems like you have something to say.

Charon: Among the people standing here, there's a woman who raised her daughter with the survivor benefits left by her husband, another who's been able to carry on with her life thanks to the final efforts of her child, and yet another who's found purpose because of the influence of his late sister.

Charon: The will of the deceased lives on in every person here. The soldiers who died during the fall of the old capital fought for this, the future that their loved ones are making for themselves now.

Charon: The old me might have agreed with what you said... but someone taught me that pain and hardship can lead to hope. They helped me see that hope can be inherited, not just destroyed when life fades.

Charon: That's why I believe the departed didn't leave us wounded, or with a heavy cross to bear... but with a melody.

Charon: Each of us holds a harmonica that plays the melody of life. At first, it may sound awkward, but it will eventually flow smoothly, taking on our own style, until it merges with our soul.

Zoe: ...You seem quite certain about what you're saying. Tell me, then — what kind of melody is left behind by those we've lost?

Charon: ...I'm not sure. I can't picture the exact melody. But I trust the answer I've chosen, and I trust everything I've seen and heard.

Zoe: Hmph... A vague and insubstantial answer, isn't it?

Zoe: I was right about you, Charon... From the moment we met, I knew we'd never really understand each other.

Charon: ...I'm sorry you feel that way.

Zoe: Everyone, I apologize for taking up your time. My speech ends here. Please, feel free to continue with your visit.

The Last Note of Confrontation

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"The Last Note of Confrontation"

Video Summary: We are destined to never understand each other.

Story Description: Zoe leaves with a sneer, and another mysterious location signal comes through... The clouded events finally start to clear up, and Charon has made up her mind.

Zoe exits the venue without sparing a single glance back, leaving the audience and the Defense Force in a state of confusion.
Charon looks thoughtfully in the direction she disappeared.

Charon: ...What do you think, Proxy?

Something's off.

(Protagonist): (‍Her demeanor and what she said earlier... Something was clearly off... I have a bad feeling... / Something was definitely off about her just now, and the things she said... I'm starting to get a really bad feeling about this...‍)

Charon: You mean about her real identity, right? Looks like we're on the same page.

Charon: Shielded by her identity as a "decorated soldier," she seemed pretty confident that we wouldn't confront her directly on military ground, like at the outpost.

Charon: She arrived so brazenly and left without a care... If I'm right about this, she'll be trying to contact us again in no time.

Just as she finishes her sentence, the phone rings again. Shepherd appears on the screen as you answer the video call.
He seems panicked and anxious to speak, but the moment he sees that you're in Scott Outpost, he swallows back the words and clears his throat instead.

Shepherd: ...Looks like you're a little busy, so I'll keep it short. The client just sent me a location via Knock Knock... along with a picture of several unconscious, tied-up individuals.

Shepherd: I'll send you the location shortly — it should be an entrance to the Hollow in Port Elpis. At this stage, I don't have any further requests... My only hope is that you'll proceed with caution.

Charon: A location with a picture of the hostages? Looks like Grim Vulture is losing patience and wants to put an end to all this.

What do you plan on doing?

(Protagonist): Charon, what's your plan? (‍No matter what you decide / With everything that's happened, no matter what you choose‍), I'll stay by your side till the (‍end. / very end!‍)

Charon doesn't answer right away. Instead, she takes out her harmonica and looks down at it, as if she's trying to decide.
In the end, she tucks her harmonic away.

Charon: ...I've made up my mind. Proxy, please accept my official commission — help me venture into the depths of the Hollow to rescue the client and any other hostages. It's time to put an end to this.

Charon: It's up to me to stop Grim Vulture, stop her from crushing everything in front of her with that heavy cross.

You leave the Remembrance Day event with Charon and return to the video store. She cleans her firearm multiple times and keeps adjusting her breathing...
...The showdown is about to begin.

Charon: Proxy, thank you for accompanying me this far. In the upcoming battle, Grim Vulture has likely already set up a stage filled with traps... We may need to brace ourselves for a tough fight.

Do you have any strategy in mind, Charon?

Charon: ...To be honest, there isn't a fully viable strategy. The opponent is a sniper and can keenly anticipate the timing and trajectory of each of my shots, dodging in advance...

Charon: Entering the battlefield pre-prepared by such a formidable enemy alone... It's foreseeable that she will continuously occupy elevated sniper positions, relentlessly targeting us, while we will have very few opportunities to land a hit on her.

Wouldn't that mean we'd be easy prey...?

Charon: Theoretically speaking, that's right. In a sniper duel, the one who fails to secure the best vantage point or exposes their position is always the loser. But I believe there's still a chance...

Charon: ...In our previous fight, I could sense the pride and impatience of Grim Vulture as a sniper. I'm not sure where that impatience comes from... but that pride is definitely something we can turn against her.

Charon: I believe she would never accept the idea of me surpassing her in sniping skills. If I can outmatch her at a critical moment, she will lose her composure — that will be the only instant she exposes a weakness.

Charon: Proxy, this is the strategy I've chosen. Grim Vulture may indeed be the superior sniper... But I will surpass her and make this strategy succeed.

Charon: To win this battle despite the overwhelming disadvantage... please entrust your back to me, Proxy. I need you, as my companion, to support me.

You have to do the same then, Charon.

Entrust your back to me as well.

Charon: Yes... I will. I will protect you, so please also provide me with your guidance.

Piercing Rain

Enter the Hollow through the HDD and face the deadle battle head-on

Grim Vulture seems to have run out of patience. Let's enter the target Hollow with Charon and put an end to everything.

Port Area

(Talk to (Belle/Wise), optional): (Sibling): (‍Wise, it might seem a bit odd to bring this up at this moment... but you must be careful! Grim Vulture really intends to take our and Charon's lives... I'd still be worried...Wise, it might seem a bit odd to bring this up at this moment... but you must be careful! Grim Vulture really intends to take our and Charon's lives... I'd still be worried...Text for Wise / Belle, it might seem like I'm killing the mood by saying this now, but please be careful. Grim Vulture really intends to take our and Charon's lives.Belle, it might seem like I'm killing the mood by saying this now, but please be careful. Grim Vulture really intends to take our and Charon's lives.Text for Belle‍); We'll definitely come out victorious!; (Sibling): Hmm... I will do my best to assist you! Let's put an end to this once and for all!

(Upon starting the commission): (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Charon, look... another communicator.

(Interact with the Mysterious Communicator)

Before the Storm

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Before the Storm"

Video Summary: In this endless rain, we will rip open each other's wounds. This will be your final test.

Story Description: Grim Vulture has finally shown her true colors. Her murderous intent now has an explanation, and a target... What follows will be a death match between Charon and her.

Charon: Another communicator? It's a bad habit for a sniper to be so talkative.

Grim Vulture: Oh, really? I think it's rather good for my mental health to witness, in real-time, how my target becomes desperate and gives up their struggle.

Charon: ...Do you really still need to disguise your voice? I thought you didn't want to hide anymore, Zoe.

Grim Vulture: ...You're right, seems there's no need for secrecy anymore. I, Zoe, the sniper known as "Grim Vulture" of Nemesis Squad, send you my regards.

Charon: Zoe... No, Grim Vulture, You, like me, were one of the advanced troops deployed to suppress Hollow Zero right after the fall of the old capital, right?

Charon: Nocte, Chartes, and Impera Squad... So far, all the victims have been members of these squads... they were initially supposed to enter the Hollow to reinforce the advanced troops.

Charon: Nemesis... Your squad, lacking reinforcements, lost everyone except you in the fall of the old capital. You blamed their deaths on the absence of reinforcements and sought revenge on them — that's my conclusion.

Charon: Just like me, the fall of the old capital left you entirely alone.

Grim Vulture: ...A sniper, the sole survivor, a mere pawn abandoned by the military. Don't you think we're very much alike?

Grim Vulture: The Impera Squad member, Nathan — the one you're searching for — he pleaded with me to let him go when I was about to kill him, saying he had to see you no matter what. That's how you caught my attention.

Grim Vulture: I let him live to get all sorts of information on you. I was so curious about you that I even set a trap, disguising myself as a victim to get closer to you.

Grim Vulture: Haha, it turned out we share the same story!

Grim Vulture: We've even got the same PTSD symptoms — after all these years, we still see images of our teammates before they died. It's impossible to erase them from our minds.

Grim Vulture: It's just, you use ridiculous fantasies to numb yourself, chasing after illusions of your squadmates... while I can't afford to be as naive as you.

Grim Vulture: One night when I was overwhelmed with the unbearable images of my comrades' deaths, vomiting and crying, I finally realized the meaning behind their appearance before me.

Grim Vulture: They were pleading with me. Pleading for vengeance against those who abandoned us, begging me to destroy the repulsive, hypocritical new order of New Eridu.

Grim Vulture: So I carried on their will. I began kidnapping targets, and sniping them in the Hollow, watching as they became corrupted and died in despair.

Charon: Do you really think this is what they'd want?

Grim Vulture: What else? Would they want me to be like you, playing at a game of finding my missing squadmates, accepting their deaths when I'm done playing, and then forgiving the very enemy who killed them?

Grim Vulture: What a noble and virtuous gesture! Forgive on behalf of fallen comrades, coexist with New Eridu's order, and live peacefully among cowards!

Grim Vulture: It's precisely because you and I are so similar that this hypocritical and cruel attitude makes it even harder for me to forgive you! After our first conversation, I was certain — I must end your life myself to prove I'm right!

Charon: That's exactly what I wanted to say to you, too. Because we've suffered the same hardships, I can't accept the path of destruction you've chosen.

Charon: Jesse, Erin, Nathan — the client I've been searching for — and the other revenge targets you've set your sights on, they too will feel regret^{[Note 1]} and struggle over the choices they made back then.

Charon: But you can't see any of that. You didn't target the higher-ups who misjudged the situation, the dangerous Ethereals who killed your comrades, or the ones responsible for the fall of the old capital. Instead, you went after the easiest targets.

Charon: Grim Vulture, as a sniper of the Eridu Defense Force, you have failed in your duty. To preserve the will and hope left by my comrades, I will put an end to your actions here.^{[Note 2]}

Grim Vulture: That suits me just fine... A sniper should let the gun do the talking. Make it to the deepest part of the Hollow alive, and I'll meet you with nothing but raw malice.

(After riding the first elevator): Grim Vulture: Since you made it here... let me reward you with a few things you don't know.; Grim Vulture: Nocte, Chartes, Impera, and many other squads...; Grim Vulture: Did you know the reinforcements that were meant to back us up ended up deciding to retreat?; Grim Vulture: Relying on a show of hands to vote. Isn't that ridiculous?; Grim Vulture: Our lives were discarded in such an absurd way, like a kindergarten election for class monitor.; Grim Vulture: So, when I killed them, I employed the same method...; Grim Vulture: I made the dozen or so people I captured vote on who I should kill first! You wouldn't believe how funny it was... Ahahahah!; Charon: ...; Grim Vulture: Huh? Laugh! Why aren't you laughing?

(After riding the second elevator): Charon: Jesse and Erin... Do you have them, too? Or are they already...; Grim Vulture: You still care about them? Or should I say...; Grim Vulture: It looks like I haven't made enough of a threat to your life if you still have the time to worry about them.; Grim Vulture: Why not leave their fate hanging as an unsolved mystery?; Grim Vulture: Normally, that's more suspenseful, right?; Grim Vulture: In any case, when you stumble into the underworld with your insides spilling out, you'll see the two of them...; Grim Vulture: Wouldn't it be more exciting to wait until then to reveal the answer?; Grim Vulture: Those two morons are so stupid, it's hilarious... I just pretended to fit in a little, and they treated me as one of their own.; Grim Vulture: They had their guard up, but they never thought to watch out for me... It's no surprise they retreated back then... What a bunch of good-for-nothing idiots!; Charon: ...

(After defeating the Hati): Charon: ...The wind and rain are picking up.; Grim Vulture: This extreme weather is perfect for sending you to your grave, don't you think? No one will hear your screams and cries as you die...; Grim Vulture: By the time the rain stops, the only thing left will be your cold corpse.; Grim Vulture: I wonder, do you remember the weather on the day the old capital fell?; Grim Vulture: It wasn't heavy rain like now, but the sky was just as dark.; Grim Vulture: Both your teammates and mine... they all perished in in [sic] a place like this.; Grim Vulture: Now that I think about it, I guess I'm actually doing something good...; Grim Vulture: ...Because if I let you and your teammates die here, maybe you'll be reunited!; Grim Vulture: You should be grateful, I'll make sure you die just as painfully as your teammates did!; Charon: ...Grim Vulture, are you in pain?; Grim Vulture: ...Don't you get it? I'm the one in charge of this conversation. I haven't given you permission to ask questions.; Charon: I can sense your suffering. It's—; Grim Vulture: Shut it.

(Enter combat with the Thracian): Grim Vulture: You made it to the deepest part of the Hollow in one go — such determination deserves praise! Now, it's time for the final showdown we agreed on, but...; Grim Vulture: But really, "foolish" is the only way to put it! What sniper would ever confront their enemy head-on?!; Grim Vulture: I've prepared a little gift for you!; Grim Vulture: I made this dangerous Ethereal by abducting and corrupting a high-ranking officer.; Grim Vulture: It wasn't easy luring it here. You can play with it for a while!; Grim Vulture: As for me... I'll watch you from above... waiting for the moment you slip up. Then I'll put a bullet right through your heart!

(Defeat the Thracian)

The Calm After the Storm

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"The Calm After the Storm"

Video Summary: The wind howls, a prelude to her transformation.

(A cinematic plays)

(As Charon finishes off the Ethereal, Grim Vulture shoots at her)

Grim Vulture: The real failure as a sniper... is the one who's been forced into a corner... like you

(Charon calms herself and examines her environment)

Charon: The wind...

Charon: It's shifting

(She shoots down a loose banner)

Grim Vulture: I won't fall for your distractions so easily

Grim Vulture: What?!

(The banner obscures Grim Vulture's line of sight, allowing Charon to regroup and aim her shot)

Charon: I will surpass you...

Charon: ...With my own melody of victory!

Grim Vulture: Damn!

(Both snipers shoot)

Charon: And let the wind...

(Both snipers get hit)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Charon!

Charon: ...Be the opening notes!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Charon!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): No... Wake up! Charon!

(Charon regains consciousness and takes out her harmonica, which has taken the bullet for her)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What's this...!

(Cinematic ends)

The Rain Goes On

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"The Rain Goes On"

Video Summary: The torrential rain cannot wash away the scent of blood, nor can it erase a past both vivid and desperate.

Story Description: Amid the downpour that followed the gunshots, all the painful memories resurfaced once more. Charon and Grim Vulture — two individuals bound by fate yet completely opposed — began their final conversation.

After the gunshot, the Hollow falls silence [sic] once more, leaving only the countless biting raindrops, attempting over and over to wash away the scent of blood that oozed from the wounds of the defeated, only to fail time and time again.
The loser pays no attention to her mortal wound, only staring at the distant horizon, as though salvation might be waiting there. Sometime later, the victor has climbed the steel and stands in front of her.
They share their last words while the defeated still has the energy to converse.

Grim Vulture: ...Just you? Where's your friend, the Proxy?

Charon: The Proxy went to rescue the hostages. I want to speak with you alone.

Charon: A sniper should always monitor the changes to their surroundings, factoring the environment into their tactics. Being blinded by the intent to kill and failing to take this into account was your downfall.

Grim Vulture: Didn't expect to be lectured by a youngster... What a disgrace.

Grim Vulture: When my view was blocked, I realized you'd use the visual blind spot to reposition, so I adjusted my aim accordingly... but I still couldn't hit you.

Charon: Your prediction and accuracy were spot on. I was just saved once again by this... by both this harmonica, and by my former comrades.

Grim Vulture: Are you trying to say that this is destiny, that it's the will of my companions guarding me? I lost to the wave of Ethereals, to the military's betrayal... and now I lose to your reckless actions driven by some ridiculous fantasy?

Grim Vulture: Your fantasy, your attitude, your very existence... and the outcome of this battle, they are the greatest denial and insult to my revenge.

Charon: Yet you're emitting a much calmer Ether energy now, almost as if you've found relief.

Grim Vulture: My vision is fading... I can't... can't see my comrades on the brink of death anymore. My wounds are fatal, but I don't feel any pain. Relief... That's not such a bad thing.

Charon: ...Did you intend for me to kill you from the start?

Grim Vulture: Let me answer that question with a story. The first time I saw you... was actually during the fall of the old capital.

Grim Vulture: My comrades were all dead, and the reinforcements the higher-ups promised before the mission never came. I can't even remember how long the fight went on... ultimately, I had no choice but to retreat, failing to bring back my squadmates' bodies.

Grim Vulture: I made my way through one battle line after another. The advanced troops were nearly wiped out... but when I reached a certain front, a small squad of survivors called out to me.

Grim Vulture: Few people can still stand after such severe corruption and injury, but all five of them were still fighting. They were protecting a girl who had lost her sight and fallen unconscious while searching for a way out of the Hollow.

Grim Vulture: They told me they were beyond saving, and if I planned to retreat, I must take the girl with me. I couldn't turn down the last request of a group of heroic soldiers about to die in battle.

Grim Vulture: ...Your comrades entrusted your life to me. I was the one who brought you out of the Hollow.

Charon: ...

Grim Vulture: You already know what happened afterward. It didn't take long for you to leave the Defense Force after you came to. Just like me.

Grim Vulture: I developed PTSD — so intense that sometimes I couldn't even hold a normal conversation. But for me, the hardest blow was the death of my squad. To an orphan like me, they were family.

Grim Vulture: If the reinforcements had kept their word and provided support, they wouldn't have died for nothing. Don't you ever have that thought?

Charon: To say I don't would be a lie. But I think deep down you know... from the moment we stepped into the Hollow, there was no way we were getting saved.

Charon: Given how quickly the Hollow was spreading and the ever-increasing number of Ethereals, it would take the sacrifice of countless Defense Force troops to suppress it. It wasn't something that could have been accomplished in such a short time. The reinforcements would have only been a drop in the bucket — more sacrifices without results.

Charon: Canceling the reinforcements, sending the advanced troops to rescue as many civilians as possible to minimize casualties... I think most commanders would have made the same decision.

Grim Vulture: Heh, objective and cold logic... I understand it, of course. But when you see members of the reinforcements living happy lives years later, can you still keep your composure?

Grim Vulture: I couldn't. Even if the chance was minuscule, I wanted my squadmates to survive. But they turned that chance to zero, and still have the nerve to embrace a peaceful future!

Grim Vulture: I can't help but resent them. By the time I realized what I'd done, I had already taken several lives.

Grim Vulture: Nathan... when I tied him up and was about to kill him, he begged me to spare him, saying he had something to give you no matter what. That was when you reentered my line of sight.

Grim Vulture: I think I've said this before, we're very similar, yet we have completely opposite beliefs. After meeting you, I became even more certain... in the face of suffering, I chose destruction, while you were destined to choose to protect.

Grim Vulture: But you're still entangled in your obsession with your squadmates. If this continues, you'll eventually sink into a void of despair. Your hope is like a bubble, ready to burst at any moment.

Grim Vulture: The version of you I want to kill is the complete one, who can firmly reject my answer. If you haven't found your answer yet, then I'll be the one to push you forward.

Grim Vulture: I kill you, or you end me, either way works... But after seeing your growth, maybe I'd prefer you to step over my body. That's the final answer.

Charon: ...Why?

Grim Vulture: Emptiness and doubt.

Grim Vulture: No matter how many targets of my revenge I took down, nothing changed. Aiming my gun at former comrades, drowning in hate and rage, all it left was a hollow emptiness.

Grim Vulture: But you're different. You've gained unconditional trust from the Proxy, you have the courage to fight through my trap... and eventually, you'll have a melody that's uniquely yours.

Grim Vulture: My belief has faltered. I finally remember... My squadmates were fools just like you.

Grim Vulture: You're right... They would never want me to become this way. I talk about carrying their cross... but in truth, I never carried their will.

Grim Vulture: So be it... take the hostage and go. A villain stained with the blood of others deserves nothing but a miserable end.

Grim Vulture: I'm looking forward to... how long you'll be able to protect those in front of your eyes.

Charon doesn't leave. Instead, she kneels beside Grim Vulture, picks up the bullet-marked harmonica, and begins playing a melody titled "Homecoming."

The melody briefly takes over the roaring downpour, reaching the ears of Grim Vulture as she lies bleeding out, barely clinging to life.
A faint glimmer appears in her empty eyes in her final moment.

Grim Vulture: ...It can still be played after taking a bullet? Impressive.

Charon: This is my final melody to you. No matter how miserable you've become, I'll still remember you... remember we once shared the same path in life, but in the end, our paths diverged.

Charon: Your hatred has long twisted into sin. But if not for you, I wouldn't have learned how to hate, or found the true targets of my hatred.

Charon: I used to know nothing. My teammates served as my teachers and taught me so much. And I think... you must be my final teacher.

Charon: You taught me, in the most intense way, what hatred truly means.

Grim Vulture: ...Really? So, you've found someone you want revenge against too.

Grim Vulture: ...That's good.

The melody of "Homecoming" plays on as the girl endures the agony of her ocular rejection, struggling to make the harmonica's notes rise above the sound of the rain.
As the last note fades amidst the relentless downpour, the defeated one takes her final breath.

(After completing Piercing Rain): You rescue the kidnapped people, leave the Hollow, anonymously report things to Public Security, and update the Shepherd on the situation... This series of tasks that need to be done after such an intense battle leaves you dizzy.
After requesting to meet the client with Shepherd, you receive his message, calling you to Port Elpis...; Charon: Proxy, we've arrived at the port... According to Shepherd, he, the client, and the rescued Jesse and Erin should all be here.; Charon: ...Let's go talk to them.; Charon, why do you seem...; Is something bothering you?; Charon: Oh Proxy, you noticed. Even though we defeated Grim Vulture... I still can't seem to let it go.; Charon: Just as I thought — when the wind changed and the falling banner blocked her vision, she could have retreated, waited for her sight to clear, and then resumed sniping. If she had done that, I would have had no chance of winning...; Charon: But her pride wouldn't allow her to take an action that implicitly admitted her tactics were inferior. She still chose to engage in a shootout with me despite the blind spot.; Doesn't this just prove your strategy was successful?; Charon: But after realizing that she actually wanted to die... I started to wonder, was my course of action something she deliberately led me into?; Charon: I would find a way to break her trap and create an opportunity for a reversal. And she was waiting for that moment, ready to test whether I had truly surpassed her through a direct confrontation... I believe that was her intention.; Her feelings must've been very complicated.; I don't care about the perpetrator's intentions.; Charon: Hmm... Proxy, you told me that Grim Vulture once appeared here at the port, standing by the trash can on the wooden pier, gazing out at the sea.; Charon: What was she thinking back then, I wonder...; Charon: ...Sorry, I was just talking to myself.; Charon: Let's go meet the client together. He's still alive and hasn't become another of Grim Vulture's victims... I suppose that's the best news we could have.; Charon: Although I already understand that the client's true identity is not my teammate, and it may not bring the hope I've longed for... I still want to face him.; Alright, let's go.

Look around and get ready before meeting with the client Nathan

Everyone involved in this incident has gathered at the port. I should talk with them, then get the details from Nathan, the client who was rescued.

Port Elpis

(Interact with the Strange Black Cat, optional)

An ordinary, unremarkable trash can.

There was only one reason for stopping in front of this trash can... The first time Grim Vulture was seen, disguised as an ordinary person, she was standing silently next to this trash can, gazing at the sea.

Search the trash can

Lifting the lid of the trash can, among a pile of crumpled food wrappers and discarded Ether Batteries smelling of seawater, you find some torn pieces of paper scattered here and there. It was easy to identify them as pages from a notebook that had been deliberately torn apart.

It seems that what Grim Vulture discarded in here wasn't just Ether Batteries.

Try to piece the torn paper together.

You quickly sort and piece together the torn papers. Now, the contents are fully readable — it seems to be a diary.

Read the first entry of Grim Vulture's diary

(Continue to section below)

Do nothing.

(Exit dialogue)

Do nothing.

(Exit dialogue)

Do nothing.

(Exit dialogue)

(Open Old Diary)

Old Diary - Page 1

The captain came to talk to me again today.

Ever since I took down that elite Ethereal in the last mission, word's been spreading about "Nemesis Squad having an ace sniper"... It's quite troublesome.

A bunch of rookies went to the captain, saying they wanted my guidance to improve their sniping skills.

Are they underestimating what it means to be a sniper? Do they really think sniping is something you can just pick up whenever you feel like it?

I've dedicated every waking moment of my life to training, all to become a sniper capable of taking down any target.

Without the resolve to take another's life, you'll never become a proper sniper.

The codename "Grim Vulture" represents the weight and bloodshed behind sniping... Like a vulture feeding on corpses, I hunt for death, wrapping myself in its scent.

I was going to turn the captain down, but Peregrine told me I've been too tense lately and should try accepting the captain's proposal. It would give me the chance to socialize and mingle...

Well, I guess I'll think about how to teach these juniors... Though honestly, I feel like snipers should just let their guns do the talking...

Read the second entry of Grim Vulture's diary

(Open Old Diary)

Old Diary - Page 2

...Got a serious talking-to from the captain.

He asked me why my method of teaching juniors involved taking them into the Hollow for live-fire combat training; what if something happened to them — how could I take responsibility?

Our captain's being too naive. If they chose to join the Defense Force, how can they protect Eridu without being prepared to put their lives on the line?

Many techniques and tactics can only be awakened and understood when faced with death's door.

I was just teaching them through the most effective way I could think of.

Besides, if they get hurt in this kind of real combat, doesn't that just prove they weren't cut out for it? To learn my skills, you need the talent to back it up.

In the end, the captain called off the training...

Just when I was starting to enjoy teaching...

Just when I was beginning to think... it might not be so bad to pass my sniper skills down to some capable junior.

Peregrine tried to comfort me, saying I'll have another chance to take on students someday... but who knows how long I'll have to wait, or if that student will even have what it takes?

...When I get to teach again, I'm definitely going to develop this training method further.

I'll throw them into the Hollow, make them survive my sniper fire, force them to use the environment and psychological warfare to counter me...

As long as they're not too unlucky and manage to survive, they'll definitely learn everything I've got.

When that time comes, Eridu will have another guardian... Heh, I'm actually looking forward to it.

Come to think of it, Peregrine's been acting pretty suspiciously lately... What's that guy plotting?

Read the third entry of Grim Vulture's diary

(Open Old Diary)

Old Diary - Page 3

After our mission, our captain and the squad called me to the dorm... When I opened the door, I saw balloons everywhere and a huge birthday cake.

Turns out it was my birthday... They'd been secretly preparing this celebration for a while.

Our captain apologized about the new recruit training incident from before and gave me a stunningly beautiful outfit.

Everyone was chattering excitedly while sharing cake and stuffing gift boxes of all sizes into my hands.

And then...

...Peregrine got down on one knee and proposed to me with a ring.

Though I'd agreed to date him before, I never really understood all this romance stuff and stayed pretty distant with him.

But he said that's exactly what he loves about me... how I'm all about sniping and a bit clumsy in everyday life.

He even thinks my codename, Grim Vulture, which sounds scary to most, is cute.

...That idiot, he really didn't need to add that last part.

Though I didn't show it then... I was actually overjoyed.

With him there, with everyone from the squad... this must be the happiest moment of my life so far.

Ugh, why did I have to be so shy then, to the point where I couldn't even give him an answer... saying something like "let me think about it"...

I should find the right moment to say yes...

Yeah, that's what I'll do. After we return from our next mission, I definitely... definitely want to wear that beautiful outfit and tell everyone...

The old diary, filled with memories of the past, comes to an abrupt end here.

Do nothing.

(Exit dialogue)

Do nothing.

(Exit dialogue)

(Talk to Erin, optional): Erin: Ah... It's you.; Erin: Thank you for saving me... Thank you for finding a soldier who could take down Zoe.; Are you okay?; Erin: My ribs are fractured... I'm here today, barely holding on, just to thank you in person. I was too foolish... I never even considered the possibility that Zoe was the perpetrator.; Erin: On the way home from the Ballet Twins, we walked together. She easily knocked me unconscious from behind and brought me to the Hollow again.; Erin: ...If I had known earlier that she was the perpetrator, I would have killed her right then and there.; That friend of yours...; Erin: ...Zoe tied me up in a room in the Port Elpis Hollow, told me her reasons for killing, and was about to shoot me. But all I could think about... was that she had kidnapped my friend.; Erin: I kept questioning her... Back then, outside the Hollow, my friend and I were both part of the reinforcement troops. I indeed felt the situation was dire and voted to retreat. But my friend... She voted to go in.; Erin: "Why did you go after her? If you want revenge, you should have just killed me... Where is she now?" I didn't even care about the gun pointed at my throat, just repeating these few sentences over and over...; Erin: ...Until she admitted that she had killed my friend.; Erin: I will never forgive her. Even if choosing to retreat was my mistake, even if she carried the pain of losing her companions... I had only one thought — to take her down with me.; But you survived...; Erin: Yes. I couldn't break free from the ropes, couldn't threaten her. All I could do was insult her over and over, begging her to kill me... but she didn't.; Erin: She pinned me to the ground and beat me half to death, but stopped just before pulling the trigger. I glared at her with hatred, only to find her returning the gaze with even greater hatred, her face streaked with tears.; Erin: "Why would scum like you even care about their companions?" She kicked me twice with all her strength... and then left with those words.; Erin: Hah... How many innocent lives has she taken so far? How many families have been torn apart because of her? And she still dares to call me scum...; ...; Erin: ...But now that she's dead, there's no point in saying anything more. My friend will never come back... and I can never forget the fall of the old capital, nor the series of nightmares that have followed recently.; Erin: If I can meet her again in hell after I die... then I'll settle the score with her. Until that time comes, I'll make sure to survive... Anyway, thank you.

(Idle): Jesse: Guess I'm still too green to be an intel broker...; Shepherd: Don't sweat it too much, everyone starts as a rookie.

(Talk to Jesse, optional): Shepherd and Jesse seem to be exchanging tips about working in the Inter-Knot intelligence trade.
When he notices you want to talk to Jesse, Shepherd cuts the conversation short and moves to a spot a bit further away...; Jesse: Ah... We meet again.; Jesse: How should I put it... You saved my life again. I really don't know how to thank you enough...; Are you okay?; Jesse: Physically, I wasn't hurt much... But my mood is complicated. Being kidnapped by the same person twice, maybe my intellect isn't really suited for being an information broker... I'm already considering a career change.; Jesse: Looking back now, someone who truly wanted to kill me then and there wouldn't have deliberately knocked me out again and left me to be rescued by you... But at the time, I was just relieved to have survived and never even suspected Zoe.; Jesse: When she suddenly showed up at my door, claiming to have important information, I was completely unprepared. That's how I ended up being tied up in the Hollow for the second time...; What happened next?; Jesse: She no longer hid and played the hunting game with me, but instead, stood directly in front of me, pointing her gun at me, and revealed the true reason why she wanted to kill me.; Jesse: The events of the fall of the old capital are something I really don't want to remember... I know I'm a coward. At the most critical moment, I chose to retreat along with the rest of the troops.; Jesse: But if you had seen that rapidly expanding Hollow Zero in person, you would have been terrified too... The moment you stepped inside, death was certain. Every soldier present knew that.; Jesse: My actions during the fall of the old capital are a stain on my career in the Defense Force... Ah, when I learned Zoe's true identity, I thought that being killed by her here would be nothing less than what I deserved.; But she didn't kill you...; Jesse: Yeah... No matter how resigned I was. When I was about to be killed, I was still terrified, so I desperately begged her for mercy... But she didn't pull the trigger.; Jesse: I mustered the courage to meet her gaze, only to find her eyes empty, looking at me as if I were an insect. She raised her gun, emptied the bullets into the ceiling, and walked away.; Jesse: "It's meaningless"... Those were the last words she said to me.; Jesse: ...Tell me, back then, outside Hollow Zero, when we judged that our current forces couldn't stop the disaster and chose to retreat... Did we really make the wrong choice?; I don't know.; ...; Jesse: What's the point of asking you anyway? What answer was I hoping to hear from you?; Jesse: Anyway, thank you... At the very least, because of this incident... I'm afraid I will never forget the nightmare of the old capital's fall, nor the moment Zoe looked at me with those hollow eyes.

(Talk to Shepherd, optional)

Shepherd: Phaethon... Hmm, I'll remember the two of you.

Are you angry?

Shepherd: How can I not be angry? I clearly told you that if someone dies, you must inform me immediately, and I would bring in experienced Hollow Raiders to handle the situation... yet you hid it from me and went on with the adventure!

Shepherd: Two inexperienced Proxies, with only one combatant to help... and you still challenged a bloodthirsty former soldier who's killed so many?!

Shepherd: If I had known what you were planning to do, I would never have shared those location details with you! I came here seeking a win-win, not to see rookies charge off into danger and get themselves killed!

Sorry...

Shepherd: Sorry? Sorry for what?

I guess we can't work together anymore...

Shepherd: Can't work together? What do you mean we can't work together?

Shepherd: Being able to defeat such a cunning killer... and possessing that unique technique of controlling Bangboo...

Shepherd: You've shown me incredible strength and exclusive tech like this, Phaethon. How can I ever regard other Proxies the same way after witnessing what you can do?

Shepherd: From now on, I, Shepherd, will handle your commissions! I'm betting on you, and I can already foresee the day you'll reign supreme on Inter-Knot!

Wow, thanks so much!

Our career is finally on the rise!

Shepherd: It's me who should be thanking you! No matter how famous information brokers get, their influence is limited... but if one day Phaethon becomes a legendary Proxy, Shepherd will also become renowned on Inter-Knot!

Shepherd: But don't do anything so risky again! I don't want something to happen to the treasure I've bet on...

(Talk to Trigger and Nathan)

Message Across Time and Space

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Message Across Time and Space"

Video Summary: Our last glance was a smile, as if it had happened just yesterday.

Story Description: You finally met your client and received a gift from the past — A cassette tape. Within it lies the gentle, heartfelt words from the departed to Charon.

Nathan: So you're the sniper from Lyre Squad... It's nice to finally meet you.

Charon: And you must be the one who's been searching for me... Nathan, the younger brother of Lethe. It's good to see you safe and sound.

Nathan: That's right... I'm sorry for causing all this trouble. I nearly cost you your life. Becoming a target of a victim from the fall of the old capital... Maybe that's what I get not helping my brother and the rest of the Defense Force back then.

Nathan: When the reinforcements decided to retreat, I spoke out against it. I had family among the soldiers already in the Hollow... But I didn't have the courage to take that step, the one that might have cost me my life. I'm sorry.

Charon: You don't need to feel regret, or apologize. The outcome wasn't something you could have controlled. You cared deeply for Lethe, and even today, you still think of him. To someone like him, who always cherished family, that's more than enough.

Nathan: Thank you... I heard you've been searching for the members of Lyre Squad all these years. I'm nothing compared to your determination. Thank you for everything you've done, but please, stop the search. It's time for you to start living a life that's truly your own.

Nathan: I hate to say this as a family member, but back then, they were already...

Charon: I know. You don't need to say it. I've been drowning in a fantasy of my own making for years... but it's a fantasy that kept me from falling into the abyss.

Charon: Nathan, Grim Vulture told me you have something you want to give me. Is that why you commissioned someone to find me?

Nathan: Yes... After learning about the bond between you and your squad, I knew I couldn't live with myself if I didn't get this to you. So I got on my knees and begged Grim Vulture, even playing this recording for her, hoping it would move her...

Nathan: Regardless of how things unfolded, what matters is that it wasn't destroyed, and I'm here, alive, to hand it to you.

Nathan rummages through his jacket pocket and takes out a slightly worn tape.

(Lyre Squad's Tape added to the Workbench)

Lyre Squad's Tape

A tape from Lyre Squad, discovered by Nathan, Lethe's younger brother. This long-sealed recording sparked the series of events that would follow. Years have passed, and while the tape's surface shows some wear, the audio within remains pristine - as crystal clear as if it was recorded just yesterday.

Nathan: ...I found this while going through my brother's belongings. It's been tucked away for years. There's... There's a recording on it. I think it's a gift Lyre Squad made for you, but never had the chance to give you.

Charon: Thank you so much. Do you mind if I listen to it now with the Proxies?

With us?

(Protagonist): (‍With me and Belle? We're honored — / Wait, with us?‍) I thought we were just here to collect the commission fee (‍today... / today!‍)

Nathan: Go ahead! As for the commission fee, I'll pay it to you both shortly, so don't worry about that!

Nathan takes a step back. Charon looks at you, her lips seeming to tremble slightly...
You gently hold her hand. Feeling the warmth and strength in her palm, she presses the play button.

Elegant Female Voice: ...Hey, hello? Alright, it's recording. This is a message from Lyre Squad, for our little sniper.

Elegant Female Voice: Everyone, ready? I'll count down — three, two, one...

Noisy Voices: Congratulations on your 1,000th day with Lyre Squad!

Proud Female Voice: Hey, you guys are totally out of sync! Captain, can we redo this? Today's Trigger's big day — the anniversary gift has to be perfect!^{[Note 3]}

Charon: That's our assault specialist, Acheron. She has a strong sense of aesthetics, prioritizing beauty in both combat and her daily life. She taught me a lot about makeup and fashion.

Lazy Male Voice: Aw, she won't care if we're a little off! Forget the re-record, let's just get it done and order the cake. We don't want 'em to sell out.

Charon: That's our medic, Cocytus. He's usually lazy and a bit of a smooth talker, but he's actually very capable and kind... He taught me a lot about unconventional negotiation tactics and ways of handling things.

Bold Male Voice: You two, stop arguing during the recording! I've already ordered the cake! If you keep rambling, we really will have to re-record this — cut the chatter already!

Charon: ...And that's Styx, our reliable artillery specialist. He's the oldest in the squad and loves sharing photos of his daughter and reminiscing about how he wooed his wife. The way he won her over inspired me a lot.

Calm Male Voice: Alright, let's all calm down... Wouldn't want to get on the captain's bad side... I mean, um, Captain, would you like to go first? We can edit or re-record whatever we need to.

Charon: ...That's our scout and engineer, Lethe. He's a bit self-conscious because of how his younger brother excels, and is somewhat introverted, but he's actually very capable. He taught me sharp observation skills, calm execution under pressure, and how to make use of the environment.

Elegant Female Voice: ...Okay. Thank you all for settling down before I completely lost my cool. It's fine, no need to cut anything or re-record Let's just keep it as it is! Loud and messy — just like our Lyre Squad.

Charon: That's our captain — who took me in and taught me to play the harmonica, and the real "Charon." I'll make sure to explain properly to you later, Proxy.

The Real Charon: As you've heard, this recording is a little gift from the five of us. How time flies... When I brought you into the squad about two and a half years ago, you were just a shy kid who blushed whenever you talked to someone.

The Real Charon: Over these 1,000 days, you've really worked hard to keep pace with our fighting rhythm. You've done incredibly well! In the last mission, your successful sniper kill of that high-risk Ethereal really helped Acheron a lot!

Acheron: Ugh... I hate to say it, but yeah, I went too far in last time. Thanks for getting me out of that mess. Just this once, I'll admit—your moves were more elegant in that fight.

Cocytus: Not just THAT fight. Ever since you became a quicker shot and learned to adjust for wind speeds on the fly, we've been taking fewer and fewer hits... Makes my job way easier, so, cheers!

Lethe: You often worry about not doing enough, but in these two and a half years, you've absorbed everything I know about stealth, reconnaissance, and tactical countermeasures. Trust me, you'll become an incredibly skilled sniper.

Styx: Hahaha, having you covering us from the rear makes every fight feel safer! But you still have a lot to learn about socializing and romance... When peace finally comes to Eridu, leave us and live your own life!

The Real Charon: Where did that come from? She's not leaving us! Even if she retires, she'll move into my house, and I'll spoil her with loads of beautiful clothes! We can talk about living alone in 10 or 20 years!

The Real Charon: Ahem, sorry, I got carried away... Anyway, you're talented and hardworking. Over these 1,000 days, you've opened your heart to us and even encouraged us in return. Having you as a comrade is a blessing for all five of us.

The Real Charon: But I have to say one thing! You're always so sensitive and kind, every time you see us get hurt, you look like you're about to break... Has our squad motto "Having each other's backs" become too much of a burden for you?

The Real Charon: I get how you feel... When your squadmates trust you with their backs, your first instinct is to protect them, right? But that's not the way it should be — no one can shoulder everything alone.

Acheron: Don't try to carry everything on your own. Choosing to fight on the battlefield is my resolve — Feel it, share yours with me... And when it's your turn to watch my back, I'll give my all to honor it, too.

Styx: As long as you fight with all your strength, there's no such thing as "failing to protect" something, because your will, and our will, is preserved and carried on in other ways!

Cocytus: But don't let that weigh on you. Try to trust in us, just like we trust in you, no matter what.

Lethe: I've struggled with that kind of thinking myself, but... I eventually made my way through it. All this talk of comradery, of keeping each other safe, it's like a harmonica melody scoring our time together. Even when things change, our tune will go on, and that's enough.

The Real Charon: Exactly! Honestly, I'm sometimes terrified... Afraid that someday, you'll blame yourself for failing to protect us and fall apart. That's why I wanted to record this message.

The Real Charon: Please, don't try to bear everything alone. Maybe you can start relying on us more, fully entrusting your vulnerable side to us — our will has long been intertwined with yours. We're comrades.

The Real Charon: This is getting way too sentimental — it doesn't feel like me anymore! Anyway, we just want to see you trusting your comrades enough to share your burdens, even if it isn't us.

The Real Charon: Finally, we'd like to give you the song that's closest to us... If what we've said is hard to understand... just feel it through the music! Please enjoy my masterpiece, "Homecoming!"

The old cassette plays a familiar tune, its sound crisp and clear, as though it were recorded just yesterday.
When the music fades, the tape goes silent.
You turn to the woman who calls herself "Charon," as she desperately wipes away uncontrollable tears. The harbor wind ruffles her hair, and then, at last, she lifts her head.

The Last Glance

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"The Last Glance"

Video Summary: Our last glance was a smile, as if it had happened just yesterday.

Story Description: A message that transcends time and space finally untangles the knot binding Charon's heart. The blurry image that was etched before her eyes all this time finally becomes clear.

Charon: Proxy... Do you remember? I was once terrified of seeing the look on their faces.

(Protagonist): (‍Of course. / Yes.‍) Can you see them clearly now?

Charon: Yes... crystal clear, as if I've returned to the exact moment of parting.

Charon: ...So this is our last glance.

Charon: This is the answer you wanted me to find.

Charon: Thanks guys... For everything.

Trigger

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

"Trigger"

Video Summary: When we meet again, I'll tell you my true codename.

Story Description: The time to say goodbye has come. Charon has set her sights on a new goal, and you made a pact to reveal your true codenames when you reunite. You will meet again, won't you?

After meeting with Nathan, you spend a long time with Charon at Port Elpis, letting the sea breeze wash over you.
You don't say a word... because you both know it'll soon be time to part ways.
As the temperature begins to cool, you head back to Sixth Street with her.

Charon: Proxies... No, Wise, Belle. I've troubled you two a lot these days with my personal affairs. Words can't describe what you've done for me.

(Sibling): (‍No worries! Honestly, my brother and I have been a bit lost recently... Meeting you though, well, it feels like we've known each other forever, doesn't it, Wise? / It's no trouble at all. To be honest, Belle and I have been a bit lost lately because of some... personal matters... But meeting you has felt somehow comforting. Don't you think, Belle?‍)

We've learned a lot from you too!

Our wills are aligned!

(Protagonist): (‍Yeah. We've learned a lot from you too. If nothing else, spending time with you really cheered us up. Perhaps we've always shared the same resolve. / Exactly. We got something out of the experiences we shared... At the very least, it's brought us clarity! I guess our wills have always been aligned, haven't they?‍)

Charon: Yeah... when I was trapped in self-doubt, unable to get out, I'm glad you were there with me. You're right, we've already entrusted our backs to each other as comrades.

Charon: And because of that... because we are comrades...

Charon: Please, hear me out...! Maybe you've already noticed... I'm sorry, but I've been keeping something from you. Charon isn't actually my codename.

Charon: As I mentioned before, Charon was my captain's codename. When I met both of you for the first time, I didn't want to tell you my codename, because I thought someone who couldn't protect their squadmates had no right to one... so I lied.

Charon: Captain Charon was an orphan like me, with no family to mourn her. I've been using her codename because I may be the last person in the world who still remembers her...

Charon: But I understand now — if I want to keep moving forward, I can't keep hiding behind a lie. My true codename is—

(Stop her from continuing)

(Protagonist): (‍You don't have to tell me right now. / You don't— You don't have to tell me right now.‍)

(Sibling): (‍"Charon," at the harbor / At the harbor‍)... Nathan spoke to you privately. Was he offering you a chance to return to the Defense Force?

Charon: ...Yes. He said he still has a friend in the Defense Force who's currently forming a new squad, and if my goals align with theirs, I could consider joining them.

(Sibling): So, what's your decision? Where will you go next?

Charon: After everything that's happened, I think I do share the same goal as that friend of his and the new squad they're building. So, I'll head back to the New Eridu Defense Force... and keep chasing my new goal with a new team.

And your new goal is...?

(Protagonist): Your new goal... (‍Is it to / Are you going to‍) look further into the fall of the old capital?

Charon: ...Yes. My encounter with Grim Vulture has made me realize this should be the true form of my vengeance.

Charon: I'll uncover the real culprits behind the old capital's fall and make them pay for their crimes. If the ferryman who leads me to the truth demands a price... I'm willing to wager my life.

Charon: I have a gut feeling the masterminds will reveal themselves again soon. To protect the city my comrades cherished and sacrificed their lives for, I won't allow such a tragedy to happen again.

Charon: By letting the will to protect guide my hatred, I now have a clear aim toward the truth.

That's exactly why we can't be completely honest with each other right now...

(Protagonist): That's what I thought... If that's the case, then for now, (‍we shouldn't learn your true codename, nor entrust our backs to one another / we probably shouldn't learn your true codename... or lean on each other too much‍).

Charon: ...Are you saying we're on opposite sides?

(Sibling): No! We might walk different paths, but those paths will lead us to the same destination. It's just that, for now... we can't say any more than that.

And right now, we're still very powerless.

(Protagonist): To be honest, after facing an enemy as ruthless as Grim Vulture, we're reminded of our own powerlessness. Watching you fight back, almost losing your life to a bullet... That feeling...

(Protagonist): We're nowhere near strong enough to protect you, and we're not strong enough to open up about our pasts either. Sorry.

Without a second thought or hesitation, Charon takes hold of each of your hands and brings them together at her chest.

Charon: ...If this is your slightly selfish principle, I'll respect it. You were once my Proxies, and I'll keep this memory locked away as something I cherish.

Charon: If, as you say, our destination is the same... then we should continue on our separate paths, striving to grow stronger. The next time we meet, I'll reveal my true code name.

Charon: I hope we can become true comrades. I want your presence to forever remain in the melody of my life.

Deal!

(Protagonist): Yes... It's a promise. (‍We'll cross paths again, Charon. / We'll meet again, Charon!‍)

You watch the woman who calls herself "Charon" walk farther and farther away.
A Defense Force soldier waits for her at the end of her path.

Charon: Hello. I'm the sniper from the former Lyre Squad of the Chrysoberyl Division, recommended by Captain Nathan, originally of the New Eridu Defense Force's Obsidian Division, Impera Squad.

Reinforcing Defense Force Soldier: Ah, I heard about you from my superior! You're the one who dealt with the serial murders targeting the Defense Force, right? Well, the New Eridu Defense force is ready to welcome you back!

Reinforcing Defense Force Soldier: Let me confirm a few details before taking you to base... Which squad are you applying to join? And did you have a codename during your previous service?

Charon: I'm applying to join the Obsidian Division's Obol Squad. As for my codename...

Charon: "Trigger." I was Trigger of Lyre Squad.

(Sibling): (‍Everything has / Things have‍) come to an end... (Wise/Belle), do you think we'll ever see Charon again?

For sure.

(Sibling): (‍Mhm, I'm looking forward to it too. I really hope we can grow, get stronger, and have greater power to face any crisis. When we reunite with her then, we have to... / Yeah... I hope so too. We must grow, get stronger, and gain greater power to face any crisis. When we reunite with her then, we must...‍)

...Hear her real code name!

(Sibling): (‍Great minds think alike! However, after hearing Charon and Grim Vulture's stories, I can't help but feel a bit sad... They had the same fate, but in the end, they walked completely different paths and became enemies... / Exactly. However, after hearing about the connection between Charon and Grim Vulture, I can't help but feel a bit sad... Two people with the same fate ended up walking completely different paths, becoming enemies...‍)

(Sibling): (‍Wise, if, hypothetically... we also / Belle, if... if we also‍) encounter enemies who once experienced the same fate, but now walk completely different paths, with opposing goals, forced to be enemies... (‍What would you do? / what would you choose to do?‍)

I would seek mutual understanding with them.

(Sibling): (‍It sounds just like something you would say, Wise! If that time ever comes, I'll join you in seeking understanding as well. We, Phaethon, should face everything together, right? / Haha... That really sounds like something you'd say, Belle. If that time ever comes, let's seek mutual understanding with the other party together. Phaethon should face everything together, right?‍)

I would defeat them both in combat and ideology.

(Sibling): (‍That's true... Our goal is clear, and we will never waver. If someone really stands in our way... Wise, let's overcome them together. We will prove our worth as Phaethon! / Right... Our goal is clear, and we will never waver. If they truly stand in our way... Belle, I will fight alongside you to defeat them. We will prove our worth as Phaethon.‍)

(Sibling): (‍After everything that's happened, I feel pretty exhausted! You must feel the same, right, Wise? How about we take a good rest first... the commissions from the Shepherd won't be as easy as we've been having it before, you know? / After everything that's happened, I'm feeling a bit tired... You must feel the same, right, Belle? We'll get more and more commissions from the Shepherd from now on... How about we take a short break while we can?‍)

Take a break (leave the story)!

Notes

↑ Actual voice-over: "[...] they all feel regret [...]"
↑ Actual voice-over: "I'm going to put an end to your actions right here!"
↑ Actual voice-over: "Hey, you guys are totally out of sync! Captain, can we redo this? The anniversary gift has to be perfect!"

[1] Actual voice-over: "[...] they all feel regret [...]"

[2] Actual voice-over: "I'm going to put an end to your actions right here!"

[3] Actual voice-over: "Hey, you guys are totally out of sync! Captain, can we redo this? The anniversary gift has to be perfect!"

[Note 1]

[Note 2]

[Note 3]