Passing Off as Fake

Mole's Suspicion

(Upon starting the commission)

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Mole's Suspicion

---

Video Summary: How many steps does it take to gain the trust of a suspicious mole?

Story Description: Soldier 11 communicates with the spy, Mr. Mole, who harbors suspicions about your true identity as Phaethon. He requests that you plant listening [sic] and transmitters within the Hollow to prove your capabilities.

---

---

After agreeing on a suggested time through the HDD system, Soldier 11 headed to the Hollow and prepared to contact the rebels.

Soldier 11: The spy will come online in 5 seconds. He goes by the name "Mr. Mole."

Soldier 11: 5, 4, 3, 2—

Soldier 11: Mr. Mole, I have brought Phaethon.

Soldier 11: I'm sure you're close by—

Soldier 11: If it's convenient, why don't we discuss this in person, so we can begin the operation immediately?

Soldier 11: I want to leave the Defense Force as soon as possible. I plan to buy a blackcurrant farm with your payment.

Soldier 11: Then spend the rest of my days with my canine Thiren maid in the tranquil countryside.

...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Eh... Dog Thiren maid?Eh... Dog Thiren maid?Text for Wise / Yeah...? A blackcurrant farm?Yeah...? A blackcurrant farm?Text for Belle‍)

That's some weird background story they gave you!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I take it all back. Compared to Soldier 11's backstory, there's nothing unusual about "Crimson Twilight."I take it all back. Compared to Soldier 11's backstory, there's nothing unusual about "Crimson Twilight."Text for Wise / Okay, compared to Soldier 11's backstory, "Crimson Twilight" sounds perfectly plausible.Okay, compared to Soldier 11's backstory, "Crimson Twilight" sounds perfectly plausible.Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: You're very quiet. I thought you'd always admired Phaethon...

Mr. Mole: ...Hahaha, hehehe...

Mr. Mole: I can't see you through remote communication, but I smell deception.

Soldier 11: ...!

Mr. Mole: *grumble* There's no free lunch in this city!

Mr. Mole: A legendary Proxy like Phaethon has had numerous achievements throughout their career...

Mr. Mole: There's no way someone like that would work with a nobody like me, not on a trivial chore like stealing military info!

Soldier 11: ...You call that trivial?!

I swear I'm not lying!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍If we're lying, and I'm not Phaethon, may my instant noodles always be missing the seasoning packets, for the rest of my life!If we're lying, and I'm not Phaethon, may my instant noodles always be missing the seasoning packets, for the rest of my life!Text for Wise / We're not lying! If I'm not Phaethon, for the rest of my life, may my instant noodles always be missing the seasoning packets!We're not lying! If I'm not Phaethon, for the rest of my life, may my instant noodles always be missing the seasoning packets!Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: ...

Soldier 11: Fire Lizard Inferno Extra Spicy Cup Noodles without its seasoning packet is like... like a soldier without their weapon, general, or homeland.

Soldier 11: Unimaginable! We understand your sincerity now.

Mr. Mole: Wait a moment! I'm just not feelin' it.

Mr. Mole: The Defense Force is going to conduct weapons testing in this Hollow... To show your good faith, I want you to help me set up military transmitters around the area.

Mr. Mole: You talk the talk. But if you want me to believe you're the real Phaethon, you'll have to walk the walk.

(After the cutscene)

Soldier 11: We need to deploy transmitters here.

Soldier 11: We have 3 target locations in total.

Soldier 11: It's up to you where to place them.

(Reach the first target)

Fairy Has a Response: "Master, we have arrived at target point no. 1."

Fairy Has a Response: "Deploy the transmitter."

Target Deploy Point: You've arrived at the marked location.
According to Fairy's analysis, this is a suitable place to set up a transmitter.

Put the device here and... it's done?

Put it down carefully, like it's a fragile model

Drop it hard like trash

(After the event)

Fairy: Fairy now computing *hums an on-hold melody*

Mole's Test

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Mole's Test

---

Video Summary: How many steps does it take to gain the trust of a suspicious mole?

Story Description: It seems like you haven't earned Mr. Mole's trust just yet. He asked some tricky questions, and Soldier 11 played along to help diffuse the situation.

---

---

Mr. Mole: Proxy—

Mr. Mole: You're not really Phaethon at all... are you?

Soldier 11: ...

...

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

Mr. Mole: ...Why so quiet? Say something!

Mr. Mole: At least deny it!

Mr. Mole: "A clean and efficient job — well done! Phaethon saves the day again!"

Mr. Mole: Dispelling a client's doubts with mere words should be a cinch for a legendary Proxy like you, right?!

I'm not your therapist.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍...I'm charging extra for psychological consultations....I'm charging extra for psychological consultations.Text for Wise / That sounds like something better suited for therapy!That sounds like something better suited for therapy!Text for Belle‍)

But I really am Phaethon.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Excuse me? Are you trying to tell Phaethon how to do his job?Excuse me? Are you trying to tell Phaethon how to do his job?Text for Wise / Uh? Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?Uh? Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: Mr. Mole.

Mr. Mole: What have you got to say?

Soldier 11: I'm hurt.

Soldier 11: You're being quite rude, despite me putting in all this effort to get Phaethon here.

Soldier 11: Suspicious and probing...That's no way to show respect to such a legendary Proxy.

Soldier 11: In fact, I really didn't want to bring it up but...

Soldier 11: I paid a staggering price to get Phaethon here.

Soldier 11: So I want this collaboration to work more than anyone else here...

Soldier 11: *clears throat* Right, Phaethon?

Oh?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Huh? When did you pay— Oh! Yes, the price was very steep.Huh? When did you pay— Oh! Yes, the price was very steep.Text for Wise / Huh? Aaaah! Right! The price was very steep!Huh? Aaaah! Right! The price was very steep!Text for Belle‍)

Yeah, it was impressive!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Yes, I was very (‍impressed.impressed.Text for Wise / impressed!impressed!Text for Belle‍) Especially (‍when you did halfwhen you did halfText for Wise / with the 0.5with the 0.5Text for Belle‍) of a one-handed push up...

Mr. Mole: What... Sergeant, you...

Mr. Mole: You're right. I should've known. Why would someone like Phaethon want to work with me...

Mr. Mole: I never would've guessed it was you, Sergeant, making such a sacrifice. My attitude is unacceptable!

Soldier 11: The cost isn't important, it's the result that matters. Such is the life of a soldier.

Mr. Mole: There's no time to lose, Ph—Phaethon! Time to place the next beacon, and all thanks to you!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍This Mr. Mole guy... He might still have some doubts, but he seems to trust us for now!This Mr. Mole guy... He might still have some doubts, but he seems to trust us for now!Text for Wise / We may have dispelled some doubt... But it looks like we haven't earned his complete trust yet.We may have dispelled some doubt... But it looks like we haven't earned his complete trust yet.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍All thanks to Soldier 11's help! You're doing good, Wise, keep it up!All thanks to Soldier 11's help! You're doing good, Wise, keep it up!Text for Wise / All thanks to Soldier 11. Belle, we can't let our guard down just yet.All thanks to Soldier 11. Belle, we can't let our guard down just yet.Text for Belle‍)

(After the cutscene)

Soldier 11: Careful, betrayal is our enemy's nature.

(Interact with any observation point)

Fairy: Extracting Carrot data...

(Interact with the Gear Coin gate)

Fairy has discovered a note: "A legendary Proxy lacking financial means? Suspicious! —Mr. Mole"

Fairy Smart Intervention: "Valve status analyzed. The valve opens only once sufficient Gear Coins have been inserted."

Locked Valve: Turns out this is part of Mr. Mole's plan. This commission won't end up burning a hole in your pocket, will it?

Looks like you'll have to pay the toll... if you want to proceed.

Pay the required amount

Pay 2,000 Gear Coins

Explore the surrounding area

(After paying the toll)

Soldier 11: A secret path? Not bad, Proxy.

(Interact with the Gold Excavation Point, optional)

Fairy E-reader: "Mr. Mole has been here, and found nothing. —Mr. Mole."

Fairy E-reader: "Master, Mr. Mole seems to be lying."

No Treasures Here: It looks like a note left by Mole. Seems suspicious.
Why would he want to emphasize there's no treasures here?

Should we check again?

Check the note again

Fairy E-reader: "Memo:"
"This is private room no. 15 (crossed out) military assets, traps are set on both sides."

Other people's stuff...

It's better to leave it alone

(Interact with the Gold Excavation Point again, optional)

Fairy E-reader: "Memo:"
"This is private room no. 15 (crossed out) military assets, traps are set on both sides."

(Reach the second target)

Fairy is Speaking: "Master, we have arrived at target point No. 2."

Fairy is Speaking: "Deploy the transmitter."

Target Deploy Point: You've arrived at the marked location.
According to Fairy's analysis, this is a suitable place to set up a transmitter.

Soldier 11 wants to help.

Please, go ahead.

Fairy Live Broadcast: "Soldier 11 took the transmitter."

Fairy Live Broadcast: "Soldier 11 returned the transmitter."

Target Deploy Point: The transmitter Soldier 11 returned is twice as big as before she took it!

This clearly isn't the same one!

Continue the installation...?

Continue the installation

(After the event)

Soldier 11: Enough! No need to talk, just do it.

Fairy: Fairy now computing *hums an on-hold melody*

Soldier 11: Good, the setup is complete. Go to the next location.

(Reach the third target)

You Hear Fairy's Voice: "Master, we have arrived at target point no. 3."

You Hear Fairy's Voice: "Deploy the transmitter."

Target Deploy Point: You've arrived at the marked location.
According to Fairy's analysis, this is a suitable place to set up a transmitter.

It's time to do that thing...

Install the device

Fairy Thoughtfully Points Out: "Based on past experience, Master, I suggest confirming if Soldier 11 has... other arrangements."

Fairy Thoughtfully Points Out: "..."
"Soldier 11 is wiping her goggles."

(After the event)

Fairy: Fairy now computing *hums an on-hold melody*

Mole's Trial

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Mole's Trial

---

Video Summary: How many steps does it take to gain the trust of a suspicious mole?

Story Description: Despite being impressed by your skills, Mr. Mole still has one last doubt. As you addressed his concerns, Soldier 11 expressed approval.

---

---

Mr. Mole: Finished so fast... And with such skill and such finesse. My word, there's no faking that...

Mr. Mole: ...Auughhhh~ I want to run over and worship every inch of ground that Phaethon sets foot on!

Mr. Mole: Wait, there's too much at stake to make such a quick decision about their true identity...

Mr. Mole: And I'm not sure why... But I'm pretty sure I can smell a rat... *sniff* Ah yes, smelly... *sniff*... rats...

I can hear you.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I can hear you.I can hear you.Text for Wise / Hey, I can hear you.Hey, I can hear you.Text for Belle‍)

You're still connected.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Quick reminder — you're still connected.Quick reminder — you're still connected.Text for Wise / Hey, you're still connected!Hey, you're still connected!Text for Belle‍)

Mr. Mole: Eek...!

Soldier 11: I... hear a strange noise. Is there a problem with the connection?

Let's take it that way...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Yes, let's just assume it is as you say.Yes, let's just assume it is as you say.Text for Wise / Well, let's just treat it as a communication breakdown.Well, let's just treat it as a communication breakdown.Text for Belle‍) I can understand the client being occasionally mistrustful.

I can understand...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I can't say I don't understand how you feel.I can't say I don't understand how you feel.Text for Wise / *cough* Even a legendary Proxy like me can understand the client being occasionally mistrustful.*cough* Even a legendary Proxy like me can understand the client being occasionally mistrustful.Text for Belle‍)

Mr. Mole: Phaeth— Proxy, you understand?

It's only human to be curious. After all, as Phaethon—

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's only human to be curious. After all, as Phaethon—

Mr. Mole: Phaethon?

Soldier 11: —Phaethon is a living legend.

Soldier 11: They know everything possible about the Hollows. Even school kids in New Eridu know that.

Mr. Mole: Big words. Not even the Hollow Investigative Association says they know everything about the Hollows!

Mr. Mole...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Mr. Mole...Mr. Mole...Text for Wise / Um, hey, Mr. Mole...Um, hey, Mr. Mole...Text for Belle‍)

Mr. Mole: Eh?

You are also in the Hollow, right?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Since we're conversing in real-time, you must also be in this (‍Hollow.Hollow.Text for Wise / Hollow, right?Hollow, right?Text for Belle‍)

Seems like you're not far from us.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Since we're conversing in real-time, you must also be in this (‍Hollow, and possibly pretty close to us, as well.Hollow, and possibly pretty close to us, as well.Text for Wise / Hollow... Are you watching us from somewhere nearby?Hollow... Are you watching us from somewhere nearby?Text for Belle‍)

Mr. Mole: Hmph... That's just common sense!

My years of experience tell me that this Hollow is about to become active.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Believe it or not: my years of experienceBelieve it or not: my years of experienceText for Wise / Well, I've got news for you: My years of experienceWell, I've got news for you: My years of experienceText for Belle‍) tell me that this Hollow is about to become active. Ethereal activity is about to skyrocket.

Mr. Mole: How come? The Association didn't send out any Ether warnings—

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Mr. Mole has no idea... Fairy's a lot faster than (‍the Association!the Association! Tooltip for the Association!ⓘText for Wise / that.that.Text for Belle‍)

Mr. Mole: ...That's a warning siren... How is that possible?!

Mr. Mole: Beating the Association based purely on experience. Now that's what I call legendary...!

Soldier 11: Those are Ethereal tracks ahead. Get ready for a fight.

Keep an eye out on your end as well, Mr. Mole.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Keep an eye out on your (‍end as wellend as wellText for Wise / end, tooend, tooText for Belle‍), Mr. Mole.

Mr. Mole: You... You're concerned about my safety?! My... My face is so flushed it's heating up the whole Hollow...!

Mr. Mole: Okay! Then consider taking care of those Ethereals as the marvelous conclusion to your little adventure!

Mr. Mole: I'm going to hang up. Sorry to bother you!

Mr. Mole: Ah, what praise could ever befit your mighty reputation... I'll be sure to give all of it to you personally after battle!!

(After the cutscene)

Soldier 11: Alright, the day's last challenge...

Escape the Hollow safely

Passing Off as Fake

(Upon defeating all enemies)

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Passing Off as Fake

---

Video Summary: How many steps does it take to gain the trust of a suspicious mole?

Story Description: Mr. Mole was very impressed with "Phaethon," and Soldier 11 was pleased with our performance. She says she'll contact us again soon.

---

---

Soldier 11: That's that.

Mr. Mole: Excellent! Splendid! Wonderful!

Mr. Mole: I never imagined Agents and Proxies could work so efficiently and seamlessly together!

Soldier 11: This is a piece of cake for Phaethon.

Do you believe me now?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I think I've earned your trust now?I think I've earned your trust now?Text for Wise / Do you believe me now?Do you believe me now?Text for Belle‍)

Mr. Mole: Am I... Am I dreaming? I'm working with the real Phaethon right now?

Mr. Mole: It's like I've been crawling in the gloom my whole life, then today, the sun sheds a beam of light on my face...

Mr. Mole: Oooh... wah... ahhh...!!

Soldier 11: Calm down, Mr. Mole.

Soldier 11: Now that that's done, I suppose our actual mission can proceed.

Mr. Mole: Exactly! We'll take care of things on our end. Wait for me to contact you.

Soldier 11: Be quick.

Mr. Mole: I'll give the Sergeant her farm life dream, and I'll try to get the highest payment for Phaethon!

Mr. Mole: Hehe, now that we're done talking business, can I ask you something?

Mr. Mole: Was it really you who infiltrated the TOPS vault through a Sub-Hollow? And then at the old institute site, that perfect ex—

I can't reveal my secrets.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Some matters should remain a secret. Apologies, I can't offer such information at this time.Some matters should remain a secret. Apologies, I can't offer such information at this time.Text for Wise / I'd love to tell you, but some matters are confidential. I'm sure you understand!I'd love to tell you, but some matters are confidential. I'm sure you understand!Text for Belle‍)

I'll tell you about it next time.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Let me deal with some other matters first. Perhaps I'll tell you next time.Let me deal with some other matters first. Perhaps I'll tell you next time.Text for Wise / You really want to know? Well... alright! I'll tell you about it next time we talk!You really want to know? Well... alright! I'll tell you about it next time we talk!Text for Belle‍)

Mr. Mole: O—Okay! See you next time then! I'll miss you!

Mr. Mole: Ehm, I have a favor to ask. Next time we meet... Can I please get your autograph? Or could you record a wake-up call for your little mole. Hee-hee...

Did I just get hung up on?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍He hung up just like that?He hung up just like that?Text for Wise / Did he just hang up?Did he just hang up?Text for Belle‍)

Gee, you're welcome.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Did he hang up? How rude.Did he hang up? How rude.Text for Wise / He hung up... Okay, you're welcome.He hung up... Okay, you're welcome.Text for Belle‍)

Soldier 11: What a loudmouth. He's a lot more chatty than I expected after he let his guard down.

Soldier 11: Anyway... Let's get out of the Hollow.