Secret Past

 Head to the Hollow to investigate Porcelumex's secrets

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We've found a way to activate the elevator in the Hollow. Head back to the Hollow area from yesterday to investigate Porcelumex's secrets.

Suibian Temple

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

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise, how's the prep going? Ready to head to the Hollow now?Wise, how's the prep going? Ready to head to the Hollow now?Text for Wise / Belle, how are your preparations going? Should we head to the Hollow now?Belle, how are your preparations going? Should we head to the Hollow now?Text for Belle‍)

Let's go! (Enter the Hollow)

Soon after, you arrive near the elevator area from yesterday...

Just a second.

(Exit dialogue)

 Use the elevator to go to the lower level

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Venture into the building complex deep within the Hollow, through layers of passcode-protected doors, and uncover the secrets hidden within.

Old Building Complex

(Enter (Hollow) Old Building Complex)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Alright, let's move.Alright, let's move.Text for Wise / Alright, people. Let's move.Alright, people. Let's move.Text for Belle‍) We can use that elevator now!

(Interact with the Combination Lock)

System Prompt: Note: To activate the elevator, please use a card with proper clearance and enter the password after the prompt.

Ukinami Yuzuha: The access card's right here. Master Pan mentioned the code should be 110011.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Let's try it out now.

 Investigate the Obscuras

(Ride the elevator to the next floor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Whoa, there's a lot of Porcelume crates here!

Alice: Those are Obscuras!

(Interact with the Obscura)

Source of the Obscuras

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Source of the Obscura"

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Video Summary: While the mantis stalks the cicada, the finch lies in wait behind it.

Story Description: You come across a large number of Obscura inside a room behind the elevator. Without a doubt, this is an Obscura production facility.

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Fairy: Alert: Sample component analysis in progress...

Fairy: Analysis complete. The target's composition is a 99.97% match with the Obscura shard you possess, Master.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Looks like the shard we found came from here.

Ukinami Yuzuha: The Obscura and the explosives... Both definitely point to the same place.

Alice: Everyone, I just checked, the Obscura here has no coating. It's probably been stashed here temporarily, waiting to be coated.

So this really is the Obscura factory, huh?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): So, this place really is the factory where they produce the Obscura?

Alice: There's no doubt about it.

Alice: Look, there's a door ahead. Behind it should be the open-air workshop where they cure the coatings.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Let's get going. We need to do a full investigation of this place.

 Continue investigating

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's open the door quick so we can investigate the inside of the factory.

(Interact with the Combination Lock)

System Prompt: Notice: Please use a card with proper clearance and enter the password after the prompt.

(Use card and password)

System Prompt: Incorrect password. Please try again.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Huh, wrong password? Did that guy we caught yesterday hold out on us?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Hold up, everyone!Hold up, everyone!Text for Wise / Everyone, stay calm.Everyone, stay calm.Text for Belle‍) Senior Yinhu already asked. According to the guy we caught, this door's password is regularly updated based on the elevator's code, and the specific rules are in a log next to the door.

Next to the door?

But I don't see anything like that around here.

Alice: Could they have gotten scattered? There are quite a few papers on the ground around here.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Maybe... Let's look around, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍).

 Look for nearby clues regarding the passcode

Ukinami Yuzuha: Why've they got so many passcode doors here?

Ukinami Yuzuha: I'm getting super curious about what secrets they're hiding in here.

(Interact with the Scattered Items on the table)

Log

...5th: The solidification process for this batch of 10 Obscura has been completed. The Obscura will be transported to the Materials Lab tomorrow morning for sample assembly.

Assembly work is expected to be completed next Monday. Please proceed to the main entrance of the Materials Lab that evening to transport the Obscura out of the Hollow via Route C.

Note: The storage location for the Obscura will be notified separately.

...

...7th: Effective today, the workshop entrance password has been reset. The new password is identical to the elevator password.

Alice: Looks like this notebook is the log we need.

Alice: From the text above, the materials lab hasn't been abandoned; the Obscuras produced here are still getting shipped over.

Alice: They need 10 Obscura sample containers at once? It seems like they're running a large-scale experiment.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍That sounds super sus! But never mind that for now — there really is a clue about the password in the log!That sounds super sus! But never mind that for now — there really is a clue about the password in the log!Text for Wise / That does sound suspicious... But never mind that for now, Belle. Look — there really is a clue about the password in the log.That does sound suspicious... But never mind that for now, Belle. Look — there really is a clue about the password in the log.Text for Belle‍)

If it's the same as the elevator passcode...

It should be 110011 here too.

Alice: Hmm, but the pages at the back of the log are missing. The password was probably changed later. Let's keep looking.

(Interact with the Scattered Items by the lab equipment)

Log

...17th: thermosetting unit malfunction has been fixed.

...19th: Password change scheduled for tomorrow. New rule: add 1 to the third and fourth digits of current password.

...

Ukinami Yuzuha: Look, the password's been changed, just as we thought.

The previous password was 110011.

Then add 1 to the third and fourth digits...

Ukinami Yuzuha: Great, that's the new password done and dusted. But don't you think this whole password change is a bit... half-baked?

Komano Manato: Guess the staff here aren't too hot with numbers.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Ah, yeah, just like you, Manato.

(Interact with the Scattered Items on the boxes)

Log

...27th, starting tomorrow, the third batch of explosives will be transported to the lab via Route A and stored in the designated warehouse. All items within the lab and factory premises will be destroyed in the demolition. Removal of items from the Hollow is strictly prohibited!

Critical documents will be destroyed in advance at the predetermined location tomorrow. To ensure on-site safety, all personnel must ensure the gates are closed before entering or leaving. No exceptions!

...

The following day's password will be changed periodically. Change rule: subtract 1 from the first and last digits of the current password.

Komano Manato: Look here, there's stuff about explosives on the log — seems like the enemy's trying to blow this place up.

Komano Manato: But if an explosion happens, it'll be detected outside the Hollow too. Won't that draw attention?

Ukinami Yuzuha: The enemy must have thought of this too. If they're still planning to go through with it, getting rid of stuff here must be more important. At that point, whether the explosion gets noticed or not won't even matter.

I see.

That makes sense.

Ukinami Yuzuha: By the way, what's this "important data" they mention in the log? They even want it destroyed ahead of time. I'm so curious!

Komano Manato: Judging by the date, they've already dealt with it by now. No point dwelling on it. Let's focus on finding info about the password instead.

Komano Manato: Found it, right here — current password: first and last digit minus 1.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Perfect, write it down. Now that we've found all the log pages, we can figure out the current password!

 Open the closed door

(After finding all clues)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): We've (‍gotgotText for Wise / got allgot allText for Belle‍) the clues for the code. Let's try [sic] figure it (‍out.out.Text for Wise / out!out!Text for Belle‍)

(Interact with the Combination Lock)

Ukinami Yuzuha: So? You know the current code now, right?

Of course! (Recall password change)

Ugh... (Let's just ask Fairy)

(The initial password is 110011, in the first change, the third and fourth digits increase by 1; in the second change, the first and last digits decrease by 1...)

Fairy: Very well, Master, here's a little hint: the current password is 011110. No need to thank me.

 Defeat the nearby Ethereals

(Enter the next room)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Watch out. Monsters!

Alice: Look at the drainage channels here! Quite a few obscuras have fallen in.

Ukinami Yuzuha: So this is probably how those shards got out.

Alice: But... why is this place so torn up? What on earth happened?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Besides this open workshop, there are also a few other buildings by the cliff back there. They all seem to be part of the factory.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's take care of the monsters first, then we'll figure out how to get over there and investigate.

(After defeating the enemies)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Is the elevator up ahead still working?

 Use the elevator to go to the upper floor

(Interact with the Elevator Control Panel)

Komano Manato: This elevator seems to be the only way into the building behind us. (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), can you get it running?

Try to start the elevator

System Prompt: Notice: Freight elevator is offline. Please restore power supply to activate.

Of course it's not that simple...

Looks like the elevator's got no power.

Fairy: Please do not worry, Master. I've detected three intact Ether generators on the platforms around the open workshop. They appear to be the power source for the current elevator.

Komano Manato: If the generators are nearby, let's hurry up and get them running.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Hold up, look — there are obstacles on the platform. Those drawers with the Obscuras have popped out.

Alice: Those drawers are equipment used to cure Obscura coating, formally known as thermosetting units. There should be a switch nearby to operate them for easy access to the Obscuras.

Fairy: Affirmative, I've detected the thermosetting unit control box, located to your front-left, Master.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): So it was right there all along. (‍Hmm... looksHmm... looksText for Wise / LooksLooksText for Belle‍) like the circuit's busted though, probably (‍'cause'causeText for Wise / becausebecauseText for Belle‍) the ground around here (‍got all messed upgot all messed upText for Wise / was destroyedwas destroyedText for Belle‍).

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), how about we split up into two teams? Yuzuha and the others can head up to the platform to work on the generator, while we figure out how to operate the thermosetting units and clear a path for everyone.

Alright, let's do it!

 Find the elevator's generator

Ukinami Yuzuha: Come on. Let's go fire up the generator.

Alice: I'll leave the heat thermosetting unit to you two then, Proxies!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): No worries. We got this!

 Defeat the Ethereals along the way

(Approach the marked location)

Komano Manato: Can't believe there are already so many Ethereals here. Wasn't this lab making all those Obscura not too long ago?

Ukinami Yuzuha: It's just like when a house is left empty and gets covered in cobwebs in no time.

 Start the generator

(Interact with the Power Control Lever)

Alice: Got the power up and running!

 Find the next generator

(Approach the blocked path)

Ukinami Yuzuha: The platform's blocked by ejected thermosetting units.

Ukinami Yuzuha: From down below, I thought we might be able to climb over 'em, but now that I'm here... that's gonna be tougher than I thought.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Belle, Wise, it's all up to you now!

Meanwhile, at the plaza below—

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Come on, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), let's go fix the circuits for the thermosetting units.

 Find the thermosetting unit control device

(Interact with the Thermosetting Unit Control Device)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Look Wise, this is the control device for the thermosetting units. The wires run all the way from here to that device on the wall.Look Wise, this is the control device for the thermosetting units. The wires run all the way from here to that device on the wall.Text for Wise / Belle, this machine is the device that controls the thermosetting unit, with wires running from here all the way to the device on the wall.Belle, this machine is the device that controls the thermosetting unit, with wires running from here all the way to the device on the wall.Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): The power light is on, and the status is (‍normal! Huh, butnormal! Huh, butText for Wise / normal, butnormal, butText for Belle‍) the control button shows that the thermosetting unit is closed.

But it's clearly ejected.

What's wrong?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): The control circuit must be broken somewhere. (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), let's check along the wires and see what's wrong.

(Approach the wall)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): The circuit goes into the wall from here.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Looking at the indicator light above, the circuit that goes into the wall is fine, but the circuit going out is broken.

Found the problem.

It's this section in the wall.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍What now? We can't exactly fix the wiring in the wall. Hmm... but Wise, do you feel it? The Miasma's pretty strong around this wall.What now? We can't exactly fix the wiring in the wall. Hmm... but Wise, do you feel it? The Miasma's pretty strong around this wall.Text for Wise / This is a tough one. We can't fix the wiring in the wall. But, hey Belle, have you noticed? The Miasma feels pretty strong around this wall.This is a tough one. We can't fix the wiring in the wall. But, hey Belle, have you noticed? The Miasma feels pretty strong around this wall.Text for Belle‍)

Yeah, I feel it.

Could it have something to do with the circuits?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Wise, check it out withWise, check it out withText for Wise / Belle, try usingBelle, try usingText for Belle‍) your Perception Technique.

(Open tutorial)

Clear the Corrosive Electric Core

File:Tutorial Clear the Corrosive Electric Core 1.gif

Ether particles may sometimes attach to wires inside the Hollow. The crosshairs will highlight wires charged with Ether particles. Follow the wire to locate the Corrosive Electric Core that's causing the short circuit. Press to eliminate the Corrosive Electric Core and restore the circuit to normal.

 Use the Perception Technique to inspect the wiring inside the wall and find the problem

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), let's try the Revelation technique.

Fairy: Track the power lines using the Perception Technique and get rid of the Corrosive Electric Core. Remaining: 1/1

(Disintegrate the core)

(The thermosetting unit closes)

Ukinami Yuzuha: Oh, we can pass through now. Great job!

Alice: Well done, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)!

 Start the generator

(Interact with the Power Control Lever)

Ukinami Yuzuha: Alright, the power is on!

 Continue searching for the elevator's generator

(Approach the gap)

Alice: That gap looks kinda tricky to jump across.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Let's get these thermosetting units to eject. Belle, Wise, I'll leave that to you!

Meanwhile, at the plaza below—

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Got it! (‍Wise, let's get this show on the road!Wise, let's get this show on the road!Text for Wise / Belle, let's get to it.Belle, let's get to it.Text for Belle‍)

 Find the thermosetting unit control device

(Interact with the Thermosetting Unit Control Device)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): It's the same device as before. Let me see... it shows that the thermosetting unit is ejected.

The thermosetting unit is closed though.

Probably the same issue as before.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Alright, let's look along these power lines and locate the problem.

 Use the Perception Technique to inspect the wiring inside the wall and find the problem

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), it's our turn again.

Fairy: Track the power lines using the Perception Technique and get rid of the Corrosive Electric Cores. Remaining: 2/2

(Disintegrate the cores)

Komano Manato: We can get through now. Let's go.

 Defeat the nearby Ethereals

(Approach the marked location)

Ukinami Yuzuha: I've been wanting to ask, don't you think the Obscura look like coffins?

Alice: Huh? ...D—Do they?

Ukinami Yuzuha: And this open workshop is just like a huge mortuary...

Alice: B-But without the thermosetter unit, it'd... and that'd be...

Ukinami Yuzuha: ...Hahahaha!

Alice: Oh, Yuzuha, you're doing it again!

 Start up the last generator

(Interact with the Elevator Control Panel)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The elevator is ready!

Ukinami Yuzuha: You guys take the elevator. We just spotted a path up top. See you upstairs!

 Use the elevator to go to the upper floor

(Interact with the Elevator Control Panel)

Elevator Control Panel: Currently on Floor 1. Go now?

Go to 3F

(Ride the elevator to the upper floor)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Whoa, Wise, look over there!Whoa, Wise, look over there!Text for Wise / Hm? Belle, look over there.Hm? Belle, look over there.Text for Belle‍) There's a pretty stable fissure.

Fairy, where does that fissure lead?

Fairy: Calculating, please wait...

Fairy: Calculation complete. This spatial fissure is one-directional, leading to an abandoned residential area at the outskirts of the Aerospace City.

Fairy: Hypothesis: It appears to be the evacuation point after preparing the demolition.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I see... They put the explosives nearby to make things easier to operate, huh.

There's quite a few buildings beyond the corridor too.

Too bad the road here's collapsed.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Don't worry, we should be able to find another way around later. Let's go find Yuzuha and the others first.

 Move forward and regroup with the others

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), let's go find Yuzuha and the others.

(Reach the top of the stairs)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There's a monster!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Don't worry, we're here!

 Defeat the nearby Ethereals

(After the cutscene)

Komano Manato: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), you two stay back. We've got this!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Right, what were you two talking about over in the corridor?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): We found a pretty stable fissure at the far end of the corridor, with explosives piled up near it.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's likely the evacuation point for when the place was rigged to blow.

(After defeating the enemies)

Alice: We can keep going.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Let's go check out that building.

 Investigate the damaged gate

(Interact with the One-Way Control Gate)

Ventilation Duct

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Ventilation Duct"

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Video Summary: While the mantis stalks the cicada, the finch lies in wait behind it.

Story Description: You decide to make your way inside the room with the jammed door through the ventilation ducts. But when Yuzuha sees the vents, she becomes lost in thought...

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Alice: There are a lot of scuff marks all over the ground... it seems like a fight broke out here.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): The marks lead right through the front door. Looks like the hallway beyond connects to another building... but it's hard to tell how big it is inside.

Feels like we're getting closer to the truth.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Seems like we're getting closer to the truth.Seems like we're getting closer to the truth.Text for Wise / We've gotta be getting closer to the truth now!We've gotta be getting closer to the truth now!Text for Belle‍)

Ukinami Yuzuha: I agree. But this door... Ngh! It's pretty heavy! Looks like it got jammed from an impact or something.

Komano Manato: Here, let me give it a try. HYAH—!!

Komano Manato: Nope. It won't budge at all.

Ukinami Yuzuha: If it's not even budging for Manato, I don't think we'll be able to open it. What should we do now? Maybe Kama can squeeze through the gap and check things out?

Alice: Hold on. There may be another way into the building.

Another way?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Another way?

Really? I'm all ears!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Really? I'm all ears!

Alice: Look, near the ceiling on the left: there's a ventilation duct connecting the two buildings. It should be big enough for us to fit.

Ukinami Yuzuha: !!!

What's wrong, Yuzuha?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What's wrong, Yuzuha?

Is there anything wrong with the ventilation duct?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Is there something wrong with the ventilation duct?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Ah... Ahem, it's nothing. I just remembered a rat got into my house a few days ago. Probably came in through something like this.

Komano Manato: A rat? Since when?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Manato, now's really not the time for that...

Ukinami Yuzuha: Anyway, back on track: I agree with Alice. We should be able to use the duct.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Alright, let's figure out how to get into the duct, Wise.Alright, let's figure out how to get into the duct, Wise.Text for Wise / Okay. Belle, let's figure out how to get into the duct.Okay. Belle, let's figure out how to get into the duct.Text for Belle‍)

 Enter the ventilation duct

(Interact with the Ventilation Duct Opening)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Found a usable entrance, now let's enter the ducts from here.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), I know the ducts look spacious enough, but crawling (‍through 'em's gonna bethrough 'em's gonna beText for Wise / through them is going to bethrough them is going to beText for Belle‍) exhausting. We've been running for a while now... Maybe we should take a break first?

No time! We gotta get into the ducts now!

(Enter the duct)

Take a break here and scout the area while we're at it

(Exit dialogue)

Take a break (Leave the Hollow for now)

(Teleport to Sailume Bay)

(Enter the duct)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The duct is bigger than I thought.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Is everyone here?Is everyone here?Text for Wise / Everyone here?Everyone here?Text for Belle‍)

Komano Manato: Yup, don't worry.

(Tip — dependent on platform)

In the pipe, use W to move forward

In the pipe, push the stick forward to move forward

In the pipe, push the virtual joystick forward to move forward

(Approach the first vent grille)

Alice: Hmm? I think there's something on the ground.

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

(Approach the fan)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What was that?

(Approach the light)

Komano Manato: You alright, Yuzuha? You're quiet.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Huh? Me? I—It's nothing.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I think the Miasma is getting thicker here.

(Continue crawling through the vent)

Alice: There's light ahead. A room on the left!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's go check it out!

(Approach the grille on the left)

Komano Manato: Hm? Look, that's an Exaltist mark!

Alice: But... doesn't this place belong to Porcelumex?

Komano Manato: We need to find a way to get down and take a look!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): This way! There's an exit!

(Approach the end of the vent)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There's a downward vent ahead.

 Investigate the documents left at the scene

(Enter the red room)

Alice: This massive room must be the Exaltist prayer room.

Komano Manato: Look, there's a bunch of objects scattered on the floor!

There's gotta be more to these...

Let's split up and look around.

Alice: Alright.

You split up...

(After the conversation)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Look at all this stuff!

(Interact with the Documents to be Destroyed)

(Skimming through the documents, I can see DESTROY IMMEDIATELY stamps messily stamped all over the covers...)

(Huh? Are these the files that were supposed to be destroyed ahead of time? According to the logs, they should've been dealt with ages ago... Why are they still piled up here?)

(Never mind, let's hurry up and see what these documents say.)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Hmm... these files over here look to be on engineering assets...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Ah, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), check this out! "Approved: Converting equipment factory workshop no. 2 into a prayer room for Exaltist researchers..."

Exaltist researchers...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): I've noticed before, Sarah, Dr. Lohr, and Mevorakh all have really solid knowledge about Hollows.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): And we've also discussed: since the Exaltists want to research Sacrifices, they need lots of funding and a stable venue. We figured they must have someone backing them, but I never thought it would be Porcelumex!

Why is Porcelumex backing them?

Any clues in the files?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): According to the data here, due to bottlenecks in Porcelume purity, Porcelumex has been researching purification techniques. To obtain suitable catalysts, they even secretly conducted... human experiments...

Human experiments?

They're just as evil as the Exaltists!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Agreed. Since they crossed that line ages ago, they turned their attention to the Exaltists, and they've been in cahoots for seven or eight years now.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): As long as the Exaltists provide Porcelumex with the tech they need, Porcelumex gives them all sorts of perks, even the freedom to do their own research... Ah!

What's wrong?

Did you think of something?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), if they've kept this partnership going for so long, with so much funding every year... whoever's involved from Porcelumex's side is definitely no ordinary employee!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Is it Damian? (‍Or his two bosses? Or... Or all of them...?Or his two bosses? Or... Or all of them...? Tooltip for Or his two bosses? Or... Or all of them...?ⓘText for Wise / Or his two superiors? Or perhaps all of them...?Or his two superiors? Or perhaps all of them...?Text for Belle‍)

(Judging from Damian's attitude towards the Exaltists, it doesn't seem like he knows about their connection with Porcelumex. Besides, Damian isn't powerful enough to do such a thing and keep it all hidden...)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): These files are (‍super discreet, nosuper discreet, noText for Wise / really discreet. There's noreally discreet. There's noText for Belle‍) specific names from Porcelumex mentioned anywhere. We've pretty much gone through everything here, let's go check on how the others are doing.

(After talking to one of the others)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's go check on the others.

(After talking to two of the others)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's look elsewhere.

(Talk to Yuzuha)

Ukinami Yuzuha: ...

Yuzuha, did you find anything?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Whoa! Wh—What are you doing, sneaking up on me like that? You scared me!

That's... uncharacteristic of you?

I feel like you just said Alice's line.

Ukinami Yuzuha: R—Really? I was just so focused on looking over these.

Any progress?

Anything worth noting?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Ah, n—not yet... What I mean is, there's a lot to process here. I need some time to digest it all.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Anyway, you should check in with the others first.

(Talk to Alice)

Alice: (‍Wise, you're here...Wise, you're here...Text for Wise / You're here, Belle...You're here, Belle...Text for Belle‍)

Did you find anything?

Why are you so pale?

Alice: I am...? Sorry, I just saw something horrific, and I'm feeling a bit unwell now.

Alice: Look here, it says "Test Subject ES-07, Blood Type AB, Height 125cm... Experiments show that the high-affinity immunoglobulins in ES-07's blood can effectively promote the aggregation of Porcelume components..."

Alice: Not only is Porcelumex conducting human experiments, their test subject is just a child!

What?!

How could they—!?

Alice: Yes, it's true... This plan to research children's Corruption antibodies was called "Project New Leaf." Based on the test subject numbers in the experimental reports, there were probably around a dozen...

Alice: At the start, all the test subject numbers appear in the report, but then they just... they...

(After skimming through the report, it seems these kids were living in a lab inside the Hollow, surviving on advanced air purification systems and regular injections of anti-corruption medicine.)

(An environment like that is inherently harmful to humans, but the lab still kept conducting corruption-related experiments on them. Before long, the number of children... became fewer and fewer.)

This ES-07...

Alice: Yes, it appears this child survived until the end. If the lab reports can be trusted, they not only have a naturally high aptitude for Ether, but they also developed unique antibodies.

Alice: However, according to this report, Project New Leaf was terminated after ES-07's was... "lost." I suppose this child also...

Alice, stop looking.

You should take a break.

Alice: Okay, alright... Oh yes, did you find any clues on your end?

(Talk about your previous discovery)

Alice: I see... From the timing, it seems Porcelumex got into contact with the Exaltists not long after Project New Leaf went bankrupt.

Alice: I'll check those materials you mentioned later and see if I can find any clues that relate to Porcelumex's upper management.

(Talk to Manato)

Komano Manato: Belle, Wise, I overheard your conversation. I found a laptop that seems to belong to the Exaltists.

Is there something inside?

Komano Manato: I didn't understand much on the experiments and technical stuff, but it's got quite a bit on the Exaltists' history.

Komano Manato: Mostly connected to the Exaltist remnants in the Janus Quarter and Mevorakh.

(After browsing through the files on the computer, it seems the author was once Landon's follower.)

(According to him, when many followers were left lost and uncertain after Landon's death, Mevorakh appeared before them as an Exaltist official and settled them in Waifei Peninsula.)

(After the partnership with Porcelumex stabilized, Mevorakh ascended to the position of overseer just as everyone hoped. They publicly declared that the Creator would not mold unwilling subjects and rejected Porcelumex's proposal to continue human experimentation.)

The overseer shut down the human experiments?

But they just used Alleviating Water to hurt the residents!

Komano Manato: Yeah, it really doesn't seem like their style. But these records remind me of something I heard a few days ago: some captured Exaltist members seemed pretty ticked off at Dr. Lohr.

Komano Manato: They said Dr. Lohr defied the Creator's will by tricking innocent people with Alleviating Water, and that's why he was punished...

(Come to think of it, Dr. Lohr did mention something about how he's "done even more than what was asked for"... Seems like things are pretty complicated within the Exaltists.)

Komano Manato: I'll keep looking through the materials here. Belle, Wise, go check with Yuzuha and Alice on their progress.

(After talking with everyone)

Miasma Fiend Appears

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Miasma Fiend Appears"

---

Video Summary: While the mantis stalks the cicada, the finch lies in wait behind it.

---

(A cinematic plays)

Alice: Porcelumex and the Exaltists...

Alice: They've been colluding this whole time...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Hm... Things are looking even more complicated than we thought

(A drop of Miasma falls from above)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Miasma!

(Two large blades fall from above)

Ukinami Yuzuha: Alice!

(Yuzuha drags Alice out of harm's way)

(The Miasmic Fiend reveals itself)

(Cinematic ends)

 Defeat the "white-haired ghost woman"

(While fighting the Miasmic Fiend)

Komano Manato: This is a tough one. Watch out, guys!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), look out for yourselves!

Fairy: Warning. Unidentified individuals detected rapidly approaching Suibian...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Unidentified? Who could that be?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Hello, Fairy? Fairy, answer me!

Alice: What's going on?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I have no idea but we just lost connection with outside the Hollow!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Leave it to me. (‍Everyone else canEveryone else canText for Wise / You guys justYou guys justText for Belle‍) focus on the enemy!

(When the Miasmic Fiend reaches 75% health)

(She regains her health and gains a Miasma shield)

Alice: The monster is recovering?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It can absorb energy from the miasma to revive itself!

Komano Manato: If it just keeps feeding on the miasma, we'll get worn down sooner or later!

Komano Manato: We've gotta figure something out!

(When the Miasmic Fiend reaches approx. 75% health again)

(She once again regains her health and gains a Miasma shield)

Alice: No, it's recovering again!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Listen up, everyone! I have a way out!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Do you remember that fissure? The one I spotted by the connecting corridor at the factory?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The fissure is located right outside this building!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's escape through there, and blow it up with the explosives when the monster tries to get through!

Ukinami Yuzuha: What (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) is saying checks out. Let's do it!

(After dealing sufficient damage)

Unfinished Escape

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Unfinished Escape"

---

Video Summary: While the mantis stalks the cicada, the finch lies in wait behind it.

---

(A cinematic plays)

(Alice, Manato, and Yuzuha manage to counter the Fiend's attacks)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Now's our chance! Through the main gate!

(The group escapes from the facility)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍A fissure! Over there!A fissure! Over there!Text for Wise / Over there! A fissure!Over there! A fissure!Text for Belle‍)

Komano Manato: Let's go!

Ukinami Yuzuha: I'll blow it up!

(Yuzuha ignites the nearby explosives with her umbrella)

(On the other side of the fissure, the gang is surrounded by Porcelumex guards)

Komano Manato: It's an ambush...

(A man emerges from the crowd)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Ferox!

(The guards knock them out)

(Cinematic ends)

Self-Rescue Plan

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Self-Rescue Plan"

---

Video Summary: Break free from adversity, and escape from certain doom.

Story Description: After regaining consciousness, you learn that everyone has been captured by Ferox. Even Manato has been taken away for interrogation. You decide to embark on a rescue mission.

---

---

After who knows how long...

Alice: ...Can you hear me... (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), can you hear my voice?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Oh good, you're awake. Wait, don't move yet.

Alice: Right, the Ether concentration here isn't very high, but if that swelling on your head splits open, the chance of corruption will increase.

What happened afterward?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What happened afterward?

Alice: After you fainted, Ferox and his men brought us here and locked us up.

Alice: But since you're from Yunkui Summit and I'm part of the Inspection Team, Ferox seems unsure about how to handle us.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Gotta say, it's lucky I have you big shots here with me this time.

Ukinami Yuzuha: As for our current location, judging by direction, we're in the valley behind the Obscura factory. This used to be the materials lab.

Alice: Oh, we're that close? Ferox took us on a huge detour. I lost track of where we were going. Yuzuha, your sense of direction is amazing.

Ukinami Yuzuha: It's not really my sense of direction... Never mind.

Ukinami Yuzuha: In short, this is the main base where the Exaltists and Porcelumex conducted their research together.

Where are we now?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Where are we now?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Judging by the direction, we should be in the valley behind the Obscura factory.

Alice: Oh, we're that close? Ferox took us on a huge detour. I lost track of where we were going. Yuzuha, your sense of direction is amazing.

Ukinami Yuzuha: It's not really my sense of direction... Never mind.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Anyway, this used to be the materials lab.

Alice: After you fainted, Ferox and his men brought us here and locked us up.

Alice: But since you're from Yunkui Summit and I'm part of the Inspection Team, Ferox seems unsure about how to handle us.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Gotta say, it's lucky I have you big shots here with me this time.

(Both choices lead to the following)

Where's Manato?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Where's Manato?

Alice: ...

Ukinami Yuzuha: Manato got dragged off for questioning. They were gonna take me, but he broke free and headbutted the guard, so they decided to teach him a lesson. That idiot...

Ukinami Yuzuha: But one thing's for sure: Ferox's the one shipping explosives into the Hollow, and he's in cahoots with the Exaltists.

Ukinami Yuzuha: As for why he wanted to destroy the Obscura factory and the lab, the answer is pretty clear now.

It's because of the regenerating monster!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's because of the regenerating (‍monster.monster.Text for Wise / monster!monster!Text for Belle‍)

Ukinami Yuzuha: Yep. Ferox's people call it a Miasmic Fiend. And apparently, it just showed up near the Obscura factory not long ago.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Ferox sent a bunch of folks to take it out, but they got wrecked, and so did the factory.

Ukinami Yuzuha: The monster still hangs around the factory, but its territory is spreading. I heard the guards say it even made it to the Industrial Port last time.

Alice: Do you think the white-haired ghost the Sailume Bay kids talked about might actually be...

Ukinami Yuzuha: It's gotta be!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Ugh, A-Yue is usually always talking nonsense. I never take any of that seriously.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Back on track: if the monster causes any casualties, HIA or HAND will definitely get involved. And once they start chasing it down, they'll figure out Ferox and the Exaltists are in it together.

So to keep his crimes under wraps...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): So, to keep his crimes under wraps, Ferox had no choice but to get rid of the monster and the evidence.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Oh, and that issue you had with connecting to the outside of the Hollow during the earlier fight, have you fixed it yet?

Nope, still can't connect to HDD at all.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍NoNoText for Wise / NopeNopeText for Belle‍), still can't connect to the HDD at all.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Right before the signal cut out, (‍I heardI heardText for Wise / I kinda heardI kinda heardText for Belle‍) Fairy say something like, "Unidentified individuals detected rapidly approaching." I thought it meant on our side.

Alice: Did something happen over at Suibian Temple too? What should we do now?

We can't sit around and do nothing!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): We can't sit around and do nothing!

We need to figure out how to get ourselves out of this!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): We need to figure out how to get ourselves out of this!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Proxy, you're so good at handling crises. You bounce back so fast! I was kinda hoping you'd say that.

Ukinami Yuzuha: So, a few minutes before you woke up, it seemed something happened and all the guards took off in a rush. Now it's all quiet, the perfect chance to make our move.

Ukinami Yuzuha: A room without windows like this must have some vents for fresh air. Must be hiding in the walls or floor somewhere.

Ukinami Yuzuha: If we can find a vent, we can totally sneak out through the ducts, just like we did in the factory.

Alice: Oh, I see!

Alice: But do you think the vents here are as wide as the ones in the factory?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Sh—Should be fine. Let's just give it a shot.

 Escape from the cell

---

We can't just wait around like sitting ducks. We gotta act and find a way out of this Hollow.

Materials Laboratory

(Talk to Alice, optional)

Alice: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), I'll handle this area. You go search somewhere else.

Alice, are you alright?

I forgot to ask before.

Alice: Thank you for worrying, you're so sweet. I'm fine, no need to worry!

Alice: Just seeing these old operating tables and instruments makes me wonder: were they used to hurt those captured children?

Alice: And these prison-like rooms might have been where they once lived...

Alice: Also, the color of the buildings in this area reminds me of a laboratory I visited as a child! Don't tell me that right on the other side of that wall where I was, those children were suffering...

Alice: Sorry, I shouldn't get lost in these thoughts right now. Better focus on finding that vent.

Intuitive Choice - Alice Achievement Complete

^{[Note 1]}

(Talk to Yuzuha, optional)

Ukinami Yuzuha: Damn it, this thing that looks like a vent is actually just connected to the next room over!

Ukinami Yuzuha: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), I'll check this area. You can go look elsewhere.

Seems like you're back to your usual self.

Ukinami Yuzuha: I've never been a negative person to begin with, and unlike you, who just woke up, I've already accepted the fact that Ferox caught us.

What I mean is...

Compared to before encountering the Miasmic Fiend.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Well duh, seeing all those spine-chilling evil atrocities recorded in those files would make even my brain crash and burn.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Alright, let's get to work. If the guard comes back, all our efforts will be wasted.

Intuitive Choice - Yuzuha Achievement Complete

^{[Note 2]}

(Talk to Eous, optional)

Eous: Enh-na, en-nehne! ((‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), Eous will help look for the vent!)

Thanks for your hard work.

This journey must've been pretty scary for you.

Eous: En-na, enahn, en-neh-nah! (Eous isn't afraid of bad guys, but I was really worried before that they would separate me from you all. Thankfully, since they don't have enough guards, that didn't happen!)

Eous: En-nah, nah-ne. ((‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), I've been trying to search for (‍Belle'sBelle'sText for Wise / Wise'sWise'sText for Belle‍) signal, but I can't sense anything.)

Eous: En-ahn-nuh-nah, en ne, en na. (Suddenly, my connection with the outside world was cut off, like the HDD being unplugged. I'm sorry, I can't help at all...)

(To be honest, I'm really worried about the situation over at Suibian Temple... but let's not make Eous worry anymore for now.)

Don't worry, (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) and the others are pretty sharp!

Let's just focus on getting out of here!

Eous: En na, ne-neh! (Okay, got it, time to focus on escaping!)

(Destroy the Miasma)

Instinctive Choice: Run for It Achievement Complete

^{[Note 3]}

Alice: We found the vent!

Alice: And just like Yuzuha said, it's definitely big enough for us to crawl through.

I don't know if we can actually escape...

But this is the only way.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Yeah, first we need to gather intel, figure out how to rescue Manato, and then escape together.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Let's head out as soon as everyone's ready, or we won't make it before the guards return. Alice, I'll carry Manato's weapons — you just worry about your sword.

Huh? They didn't confiscate our weapons?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Of course, they did, but they stashed everything in the cell across from us. As soon as the guard left, I had Kama sneak them over. Poor thing was totally wiped from dragging Manato's massive sword around.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Alright, let's get ready to head out now!

Let's roll, we're good to go.

Wait a sec.

 Escape from the cell through the ventilation duct

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Alright. Let's hurry and leave.

(Enter the vent)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The Ether must've gotten into the room through here.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Thankfully, no crystals have formed inside.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Yeah, if you used that move from earlier here we'd all get hurt.

(Approach the end of the vent)

Ukinami Yuzuha: Hmm? It's the exit.

Ukinami Yuzuha: No one's here. Let's get down.

 Defeat the Ethereals in the room

(Exit the vent)

Alice: Watch out. Monsters!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Let's be quick and quiet. It'd be trouble if Ferox's men find us.

 Find a way out through the ventilation duct

(After defeating the enemies)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There's a vent in the corner of this room.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Maybe we can use this generator.

(Use Revelation on the generator)

(Open tutorial)

Elevator Device

There's a generator near the lift mechanism. Find it and use the Revelation ability to make the inert refractive Ether change states, making the power lines visible.

---

When wires are revealed, they'll be electrified and the lift platform will rise; when hidden, they're affected by inert Ether, breaking the circuit and causing the lift to descend. Use your abilities wisely to explore hidden areas!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It worked. Now we can get to the vent.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Let's hurry up.

(Enter the vent)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Wonder where this will lead us...

Ukinami Yuzuha: Shh, guys. I think I hear someone next door.

 Find a way through this room

(Exit the vent)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): We need to stop the fan.

(Nearby dialogue)

Nearby Enforcer A: Ugh, how much longer are we gonna be stuck in this hellhole?

Nearby Enforcer B: Seriously, I've never seen Mr. Ferox this rattled before.

Nearby Enforcer B: I can't believe he's losing it over some cult.

Nearby Enforcer B: What do you think the Exaltists are after?

Nearby Enforcer A: Who knows... Just thinking about those lab monsters gives me the creeps!

Nearby Enforcer A: Ugh, just blow this place up already!

Nearby Enforcer B: Oh, besides those brats, I heard we caught one of the cult stragglers too!

(Use Revelation to disable the fan)

Ukinami Yuzuha: Let's get out of here quick!

Ukinami Yuzuha: The vent's straight ahead!

Nearby Enforcer A: The fan's down again? I swear, one more minute in here and I'm gonna snap!

 Escape through the ventilation duct

(Enter the vent)

Ferox: ...I've been backing you for ages, and this is the mess you leave me with?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I hear someone, right ahead!

Alice: It's Ferox.

Ferox: What do you want from me?! Huh?!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Let's get closer and listen in.

(Approach Ferox)

Shocking Truth

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Shocking Truth"

---

Video Summary: Break free from adversity, and escape from certain doom.

Story Description: You learn from Ferox that the Exaltist Overseer Mevorakh isn't dead after all. However, it appears they've decided to stop working with Ferox due to some plan...

---

---

Ferox: Oh, you Exaltists. Look, I've been more than generous to you over the years.

Ferox: As long as you give me the tech, you can carry on with your research and praising your creator or whatever. I've never stopped you, right?

Ferox: But seriously, you caused this huge mess in Waifei, and then just vanished overnight, leaving the Miasmic Fiend in my factory? What's the deal with that, huh?

Weak Cultist: Heh... You mortals just won't get the great Overseer's plan...

(Wait, Overseer?)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Wait, Overseer? Is he talking about Mevorakh?)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ((‍Didn't Shifu defeat them?^{[Note 4]}Didn't Shifu defeat them?^{[Note 4]}Text for Wise / But didn't Shifu take 'em out already?But didn't Shifu take 'em out already?Text for Belle‍) Or... did they fake their death?!)

Ferox: Oh, cut the crap! Where's Mevorakh now? Where'd that guy take the other Exaltists?

Weak Cultist: Hehe... hehe... Hahaha...

Ferox: Take him away and make him talk! He'll crack sooner or later.

Loyal Underling: Yes, sir.

Ferox: By the way, did that young man held in the warehouse out front say anything? Who sent them? A Yunkui Summit disciple and the Thymefield girl? How did they get dragged into this?

Loyal Underling: Uh... He's blacked out twice, but just won't say anything.

Ferox: Well, wake him up and keep interrogating him! This is ridiculous. Why're all these people so stubborn?!

(This is bad! We gotta get Manato out of there!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Oh no, this is bad! We gotta get Manato out of there!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Ferox said that Manato's being kept in the front warehouse. We're getting close... Just need to wait for the right moment to save him.)

Panicked Underling: M—Mr. Ferox! Something's wrong with a monster over by the lab!

Ferox: What do you mean, "something's wrong"? Out with it!

Panicked Underling: While we were trying to take down one of them, those tumor things on its body suddenly burst, and then it changed shape!

Panicked Underling: It was about our height at first, but it grew way bigger and got more aggressive. We had no choice but to lure it to an empty room on the first floor of the lab building and lock it in.

Ferox: Those monsters change shape? What exactly are the Exaltists doing with my lab?

Ferox: Can we get the power in the lab back up?

Panicked Underling: We've managed to restore some power, but at least half of the labs with the cultivation tanks are still down. It won't be long before the monsters inside break out.

Panicked Underling: If even just one tenth of those monsters can transform like that, we don't stand a chance, and the one locked up on the first floor might break down the door...

Ferox: Alright, enough. I get it. Follow me. We need to handle the explosives first.

Then, Ferox and his subordinate hurry off...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): All clear. Let's hurry up and get Manato!

(Approach the end of the vent)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): This should be the place.

(Exit the vent)

Komano Manato: *coughing*

Fierce Enforcer: Spit it out! Or things are gonna get a lot worse for you!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Let's catch 'em off guard and beat their booties!

 Save Komano Manato

(Approach the enforcers)

Fierce Enforcer: Huh? Who's there?! Show yourself!

Startled Enforcer: They're the ones we locked up! How'd they get here?

Startled Enforcer: Call for back— Arrgh!

Alice: I won't let you!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Nice job, Alice! Let's finish this quick!

(After defeating the enemies)

Escape Route

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Escape Route"

---

Video Summary: Break free from adversity, and escape from certain doom.

Story Description: You rescue Manato, and subsequently learn from the guard that there's a fissure inside [sic] nearby laboratory building that can serve as your escape route.

---

---

Ukinami Yuzuha: Manato, are you okay? Oh crap... you're injured, badly!

Komano Manato: I'm fine. Don't worry about it.

But they said you passed out.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Are you really okay? We heard (‍one of Ferox's menone of Ferox's menText for Wise / Ferox's subordinateFerox's subordinateText for Belle‍) say you passed out twice!

Komano Manato: See? I'm awake and all good. Just a bit banged up. Honestly, being sore from a long day at work would be worse.

But you were coughing just now.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Are you really okay? You were just coughing a second ago...

Komano Manato: It was just cause some water got in my windpipe when they splashed me. Compared to these injuries, it's more annoying that I'm soaked.

Komano Manato: Don't worry. We still need to figure out how to escape. If it comes to the point where I think I'm gonna slow you guys down, I'll let you know.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Hey, don't say stuff like that! It's bad luck!

Komano Manato: Sorry.

Guys, let's figure out how to get out fast!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Alright, now let's hurry up and find a way out.

Alice: Um, I know it might sound a bit strange coming from a Thymefield, but... I just want to say that we've actually got a solution right here...

Alice: Do to them what they did to us!

Soon, a bucket of cold water is poured over one of the enforcers...

Awakened Thug: Ugh... *Coughing* What the...

Alice: Oh... He looks really uncomfortable...

Ukinami Yuzuha: No need to feel guilty, Alice. Being nice to bad guys is just being mean to yourself.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Alrighty, you awake? Now, it's our turn to ask questions. If you don't want a taste of your own medicine, you better fess up.

Awakened Thug: Ugh... I'll talk! I'll tell you everything! Just ask!

Where's the nearest exit?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Where's the nearest exit?

Awakened Thug: It's... on the second floor of the lab building.

Komano Manato: The lab building?

Awakened Thug: Yeah, if... you head out of the main gate of the warehouse, it's the building right across. That's it. There's a stable fissure on the end of the second floor that leads to the Industrial Port. That's how we used to get here.

Komano Manato: How can we trust you?

Awakened Thug: I—I—I... I got a phone! It's in my suit's inner pocket, and it has the map!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Oh? Lemme check...

Ukinami Yuzuha: Hmm... just as I thought...

Something wrong, Yuzuha?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Something wrong, Yuzuha?

What is it, Yuzuha?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What is it, Yuzuha?

Ukinami Yuzuha: N—Nothing... He isn't lying. The fissure is hidden at the room at the end of the hallway. But what did you mean by "how we used to get here"?

Awakened Thug: It's the building. It's not safe anymore. The Exaltists are doing some weird experiments in there, and there are monsters in those tanks! With the power cut, a bunch of them have already gotten loose!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Any other exits?

Awakened Thug: Yes, yes! There's a big plaza on the other side of the warehouse...

Ukinami Yuzuha: No, that's the way we were brought in. Ferox went that way just now. If we get close, they'll probably catch us.

Looks like we can only go through the lab.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Sounds like the lab is our only option. I just heard Ferox say (‍thetheText for Wise / that thethat theText for Belle‍) monsters there are under control for now.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Alright, then let's do it.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Thanks for the info, Mister. You can go back to snoozing now.

Awakened Thug: Huh? Hey, wait, no, wait —

Before the guy can say another word, Yuzuha knocks him out cold.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Manato, you okay there? Wanna take a break? Seems pretty safe around here for now.

Komano Manato: Don't worry, I'm fine. I've been sitting around long enough anyway. Was just thinking about stretching my legs.

Okay then, let's go!

Let's all take a break. (Pause Main Story)

 Head to the second floor of the lab building

(Continue the story)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Alright, let's head to the lab.

(Exit the room)

Ukinami Yuzuha: The door is over there!

Alice: Impressive. You just took one glance at the map and managed to remember the layout?

(Head down the stairs to the left of the building, optional)

Ukinami Yuzuha: Wait. That's the place they kept us locked up in!

 Eliminate the Miasma Tumor and head into the building

(Enter the building)

Ukinami Yuzuha: The elevator is right across!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Leave the Miasma to me!

(Monstrous thuds can be heard)

Alice: There's something behind the door. This is where they locked up that monster...?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Let's just get through already!

(Get past the Miasma)

Heretic Jester

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Heretic Jester"

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Video Summary: Break free from adversity, and escape from certain doom.

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(A cinematic plays)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The fissure's on the second floor. Let's move!

(As they make a run for it, a door explodes)

(Manato blocks the debris from hurting (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle))

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Manato!

Alice: Are you okay?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Manato!

Komano Manato: I'm fine

(The Heretic Jester makes its grand entrance)

Komano Manato: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), you handle the Miasma!

Komano Manato: We'll take care of this thing!

(Cinematic ends)

 Defeat the Sacrifice that suddenly appeared

(While fighting the Heretic Jester)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): This presence...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Listen, (‍everyoneeveryoneText for Wise / guysguysText for Belle‍)! Stay sharp! This is a Sacrifice!

Alice: Sacrifice?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Yes! It's a kind of monster the Exaltists have been researching for a long time now!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Has their tech evolved so much already...?

Ukinami Yuzuha: We gotta take it down quick! Before Ferox's men notice us!

(After defeating the Heretic Jester)

(Ferox's men run towards the commotion)

The Last Way Out

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The Last Way Out"

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Video Summary: She had long already made up her mind.

Story Description: Your fight with the Heretic Jester has exposed you. As your pursuers start closing in, Yuzuha suddenly tells you that there's a way to escape via the sewers below...

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Vigilant Thug: I heard some noise in the lab building where that monster was locked up!

Panicked Thug: What... You mean those brats got away? Were they the ones that made that racket just now?

Panicked Thug: Yes! Got it! Let's move. Team A's already gone in through the back door to the second floor. They won't let them get near the fissure. We need to block the first floor door!

On the other side—

Alice: Oh no, I think they heard the fight!

Komano Manato: I hear them from the second floor and outside.

Komano Manato: What do we do now...Ugh — *coughing*!

Manato, wait! Y—You're coughing up blood!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Manato!Manato!Text for Wise / Manato, wait!Manato, wait!Text for Belle‍) Y—You're coughing up blood! You were already hurt, and to protect me, you...

Komano Manato: Urgh... (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), let's put that aside and just come up with a plan... Ugh!

(Try to come up with a plan real quick.)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (There's a lot of space outside and a lot of fog. Can we use the weather to our advantage? But if they block off just a few key routes, we'll never escape!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (What about the second floor? There are enemies guarding the fissure. Do we really want to face them head-on? Manato and the others are already too worn out for another fight!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Focus! Think! What do we do now...?)

Ukinami Yuzuha: Okay, listen up guys. I've got another way out!!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Take the elevator down to the basement, and at the end of the hallway, there's a giant sewer that leads straight to the underground river on Lemnian Island! It's a bit risky, but it's definitely a way out of the Hollow!

Komano Manato: What—

Ukinami Yuzuha: The enemies are right on our tail, so c'mon!

 Follow Yuzuha and escape the pursuers

Ukinami Yuzuha: Hurry up! We're running out of time!

Distant Chaser: Where's team two? They should be here!

Distant Chaser: You guys guard the fissure! We'll go downstairs and check things out!

(Interact with the Elevator Control Panel)

Elevator Control Panel: Which floor do you want to go to?

B1F

2F

Ukinami Yuzuha: Hold up, don't press the wrong button! We can only get out if we head underground!

Go to B1F

(Ride the elevator)

Distant Chaser: No one's here. Did they leave through the front door?

Distant Chaser: Keep looking! They can't be far!

(Enter the basement)

Ukinami Yuzuha: This way. Follow me!

(While heading to the next room)

Ferox: Hey, you little punks! Listen up!

Ferox: Give up and surrender now!

 Defeat the nearby Ethereals

(Enter the room)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Uh-oh, more monsters!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Manato, stay back and leave it to us!

Ferox: Aw, you think you can get away?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Ignore him! Focus on the monsters!

Ferox: Don't forget. I know who you are, and I can always get to your family and friends!

Ferox: And I've got ways to make them vanish without a trace!

(After defeating the enemies)

Ukinami Yuzuha: This way! Hurry!

 Follow Yuzuha deep underground

(While heading to the sewers)

Distant Chaser: Don't tell me they went underground? But that's a dead end down there.

Distant Chaser: You guys, come downstairs with me to take a look.

(Approach the Ethereals)

Ukinami Yuzuha: Ignore the monsters, just charge right through!

Ukinami Yuzuha: The sewer entrance is right ahead!

(Approach the sewer entrance)

Mystery of Origin

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Mystery of Origin"

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Video Summary: She had long already made up her mind.

Story Description: The entrance to the sewers. Yuzuha finally reveals the truth of her origins to you...

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Ukinami Yuzuha: Here we are. This is it!

Alice: It's just as you said, there really is a sewer here, and it's big enough for us to crawl through easily!

Ukinami Yuzuha: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), take Manato. Alice, c'mon; let's rip these boards off. We'll use them to stay afloat.

Alice: Right!

Komano Manato: Yuzuha, how'd you know about this place... *Coughing*

Ukinami Yuzuha: Shh, don't talk. Save your energy. If you pass out in the water, you're done for!

(Wait. Seems like Yuzuha...)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Wait. Seems like Yuzuha...)

Ukinami Yuzuha: ...Yep, you guessed it. I've been here before.

Ukinami Yuzuha: When I was little, I was a test subject for Porcelumex and lived in this lab for a very long time. And I'm the lucky survivor they mentioned in those files they were gonna destroy.

Ukinami Yuzuha: I thought I'd be a test subject forever, but one day, this uncle helped me escape — and we used this exact sewer!

Ukinami Yuzuha: I never thought I'd come back here... and I can't believe they're still up to no good after all these years. And the sewer looks exactly the same...

Alice: Yuzuha...

Ukinami Yuzuha: They're catching up to us. Let's hustle. The water's cold, so stretch out a bit and warm up.

Ukinami Yuzuha: (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), you and Manato should use the same board. You guys go first.

You help the injured Manato and jump into the sewer together...

Komano Manato: *panting* *coughing*

Ukinami Yuzuha: Hold on tight to the float! This river moves fast so we can get out of this Hollow in twenty minutes tops!

Alright, we'll head out first. You guys better catch up fast!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Alice, Yuzuha, we'll head out first. You guys better catch up fast!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Don't worry about us.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Good, they're off. It's your turn now, Alice.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Grab the float. Your turn.

Alice: Wait, what do you mean my turn? Why aren't you getting in the water yet?

Ukinami Yuzuha: You go first. I'll be right behind you.

Stalemate

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Stalemate"

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Video Summary: She had long already made up her mind.

Story Description: To her shock, Alice discovers that Yuzuha has no intention of escaping through the sewers with the rest. Instead, she plans to stay behind and negotiate with Ferox...

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Alice: No, Yuzuha, you're lying!

Ukinami Yuzuha: I'm not lying! There's no time. Let go!

Alice: No, I won't let go! I need you to explain everything first!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Listen, Alice. Don't worry about me. Trust me. I've got this!

Ukinami Yuzuha: I know it sucks, but we lost this round... Ferox will soon wipe the evidence here. I know him. He won't let anyone get away.

Ukinami Yuzuha: But I'm pretty sure that as long as I go with him, Ferox won't bother you guys again!

Alice: What are you trying to say?

Alice: Yuzuha, please, don't listen to Ferox's nonsense! Once we're outside, we'll find a way!

Ukinami Yuzuha: I'm the one who dragged you all into this. It's my fault... So I should be the one to face the consequences.

Alice: What? Why should you be the one to...? I don't understand!

Farewell

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Farewell"

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Video Summary: She had long already made up her mind.

Story Description: To her shock, Alice discovers that Yuzuha has no intention of escaping through the sewers with the rest. Instead, she plans to stay behind and negotiate with Ferox...

---

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(A cinematic plays)

Alice: Yuzuha, please! Just come with me!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Alice...

Ukinami Yuzuha: Don't you get it?

Ukinami Yuzuha: You lost your dad because of me!

Alice: What...

Alice: Did you say...?

Ukinami Yuzuha: Alice

Ukinami Yuzuha: I'm sorry...

Ukinami Yuzuha: I owe you this...

(Yuzuha places her lucky charm — the Magic Sailor Boo hairclip — into Alice's palm)

Alice: What's this...

(She pushes Alice's board into the current)

Alice: Yuzuha!

Alice: Yuzuha!

Alice: Yuzuha!

Ukinami Yuzuha: It's okay...

Ukinami Yuzuha: This will work...

Ukinami Yuzuha: Now, time to do what must be done

(Cinematic ends)

 Return to meet with Ferox

(After the cutscene)

Ukinami Yuzuha: All the nearby monsters are sorted. Time to go and say hi...

Ukinami Yuzuha: We'll be alright. Luck's definitely on my side.

(Approach the corridor)

Pursuers on Site: Found them! In here!

(Approach Ferox)

Standoff

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Standoff"

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Video Summary: A chance encounter that completely changed the fate of two people...

Story Description: Yuzuha offers herself to Ferox in exchange for her companions' freedom, reassuring the skeptical Ferox that she's brought something of interest.

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Loyal Underling: Mr. Ferox, we've got someone!

Ferox: Just one little girl? Where are the others?

Loyal Underling: Well... she's the only one we found when we got there...

Ferox: You useless fool!

Ferox: Hey, kid. Where are your friends? Tell me!

Ferox: I'm sure you all heard what I just said. If you don't surrender, it won't just be you; everyone you care about will suffer too!

Ukinami Yuzuha: There's no doubt in my mind, Mr. Ferox— you are absolutely capable of that.

Ukinami Yuzuha: But seriously, why, at this critical moment, waste your time on these little nobodies?

Ferox: What do you mean?

Ukinami Yuzuha: For a bigshot like you, sir, no one has the power to mess with you, not without solid proof. So, get rid of whatever there is in the Hollow, no one can touch you.

Ukinami Yuzuha: As for the others, I don't even know if they'll make it out of the Hollow. Even if they do, they won't wanna risk their necks ever again.

Ferox: Hah, nice try. You're just saying they're not a threat to me so I'll let them go.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Yeah, all of this mess started because of me, so if you're looking to point fingers, here I am.

Ferox: Taking all the blame yourself? Heh, that's a gutsy move!

Ferox: But seriously, what do you, a clueless little girl, know about cutting deals, huh? What can you even do?!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Mister, don't be mad. You're a businessman. I came to you, right? You can believe I do have something you want.

Mark of Value

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Mark of Value"

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Video Summary: A chance encounter that completely changed the fate of two people...

Story Description: It turns out that Yuzuha has developed special antibodies through previous experiments on her. These antibodies are potentially very profitable for Ferox, who is clearly enticed by this lost treasure now within reach once more.

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Ukinami Yuzuha: Remember this mark?

Ferox: Hmm? That's...

Ukinami Yuzuha: Years ago, there was a special test subject in this lab. Her blood had these amazing antibodies that could push the purity of your Porcelume beyond the company's previous limits and rake in huge profits.

Ukinami Yuzuha: You once said she was worth more than the whole lab and she was like the princess here.

Ukinami Yuzuha: Too bad she vanished one day. You must've felt just as terrible as you do having to give up this lab today.

Ferox: Oh, I get it now... You're the kid who got away! So you didn't die in the Hollow!

Ferox: Someone, grab her!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Nobody move! If anyone takes a step closer, it'll be my blood on your hands!

Ukinami Yuzuha: Mr. Ferox, now that you're remembering all this, how about we cut a deal?

Ukinami Yuzuha: If you let them go, I can help you make back your losses. You know I've got that kind of power.

Ferox: What, you want to be a test subject again?

Ukinami Yuzuha: That's right.

Ferox: Wow... you finally broke free, only to waltz right back into trouble? You really are a lost cause, kid.

Ukinami Yuzuha: No, Mr. Ferox. I'm satisfied trading my freedom for their lives.

"Yep, it's time to return the borrowed luck from that day to her..."

The Unfortunate Lucky One

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "The Unfortunate Lucky One"

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Video Summary: A chance encounter that completely changed the fate of two people...

Story Description: A chance encounter that completely changed the fate of two people...

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	Female Scientist: You're doing great, Yuzuha. This is the last injection for today.
	Male Scientist: Don't bother trying to talk to her. The child won't respond, no matter what you say. Female Scientist: Is it PTSD from the previous corruption immunity experiments? I heard she was the only child who survived.
	Male Scientist: Probably. But then again, if we hadn't taken her back in, she would've starved to death.
	Ukinami Yuzuha: That's right. I'm just lucky to be alive.
	Ukinami Yuzuha: And lately, I've even found a new source of joy— Ukinami Yuzuha: It's this vent here on the floor!
	Ukinami Yuzuha: If you follow the duct, you can crawl into a showroom lab meant for special guests. And from there, eavesdrop on all sorts of interesting things... Ukinami Yuzuha: Wow, I'm in luck. Someone's here today!
	Alice: So this is how Porcelume is made, Daddy? That's amazing!
	Ukinami Yuzuha: Huh? It's a kid?! Looks like she's about the same age as me...
	Lionel: Come, let's visit the next lab. (As they walk away, Alice's hairpin falls into the vent) CLINK Alice: Wait for me, Daddy!
	(Yuzuha catches the hairpin)
	Ukinami Yuzuha: So~ pretty~! What a lucky day this is! Ukinami Yuzuha: But what I didn't expect that day was...
	Ukinami Yuzuha: Because the dose I was given that day was higher than usual, I dozed off in the duct, woozy and dazed... I had no idea how long I slept.
	Ukinami Yuzuha: Oh no... I fell asleep... ???: Wh–What's going on here...
	Lionel: Why is there a child in the ventilation duct?!
	Lionel: What's all over this child's body...? Don't tell me Porcelumex is conducting human experiments?!
	Porcelumex Guard A: Seal all the exits! Someone is escaping with an important research subject! Porcelumex Guard B: If word gets out about our secrets here, it's all over! After them!
	Ukinami Yuzuha: Mister, maybe... you should just leave me. Lionel: Don't say something so foolish!
	(Lionel kicks open the sewer entrance) BANG!
	Lionel: *cough*... Don't worry... We've arrived at our destination. You can get to safety now!
	Ukinami Yuzuha: It's a stream! Lionel: Yes, it leads to an underground river beneath Lemnian Hollow.
	Lionel: Even if the Hollow's structure keeps changing, the water will never lose its way... It will reach the sea for sure.
	Lionel: The current here is fast. Just... Just twenty minutes or so, and you'll be out of the Hollow. Ukinami Yuzuha: Mister... Aren't you coming with me?
	Lionel: You go first. I'll be right behind you.
	Lionel: Hold on tight to the float — don't let go no matter what! Ukinami Yuzuha: Okay!
	Lionel: Alright... Now it's time for me to do what I have to do...
	Lionel: I can't let them discover this drainage route... I have to get as far away from here as possible...
	Ukinami Yuzuha: And as luck would have it, I was free.
	Ukinami Yuzuha: But that same stroke of luck... also shattered her happiness.

Waves and Shimmer

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Waves and Shimmer"

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Video Summary: A chance encounter that completely changed the fate of two people...

Story Description: Cast adrift after leaving the Hollow, you spot a faint light flickering in the thick fog. Is it a glimmer of hope or a looming threat?

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The rushing water sweeps us along as we speed through the underground river made of pipes and rocks.
All we can do is hold on tight to our floats.

So... did the young Yuzuha, who set out on her journey, feel as lost as a tossed leaf drifting on the water?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Phew... *Gasping* *Panting*

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Where are we...?

Komano Manato: It's outside the Hollow... We made it! *Coughing*

Komano Manato: What about Yuzuha and Alice? Did they manage to catch up?

Alice: I'm here... I'm right here...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Alice, why is it just you? Where's Yuzuha?

Alice: Yuzuha... she...

Komano Manato: Wait. Look, something's coming through the fog...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (That shadow, is it... a boat? Are we saved?)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (No, wait! Hold on! They're shining a flashlight. They're searching for something!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Are those Ferox's men? (‍They tracked us here?They tracked us here?Text for Wise / They've tracked us down here?They've tracked us down here?Text for Belle‍) This isn't good. We're about to get caught!)

???: Aha, right there. Sorry about the wait.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Wait, did I hear Miss Isolde? What is she doing here?)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍), it's me! Hang tight. We're coming to get you!