She once promised...

 Head to 404 to watch the rehearsal

---

Head to 404 with Jane to catch the dress rehearsal.

404 Livehouse

(Idle)

Nangong Yu: Actually, today's just a dress rehearsal, so we didn't invite a lot of people...

Biggest Fan: Enneh! (Leave the cheering to me!)

(Talk to Nangong Yu)

Rehearsal Day Crowd

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Rehearsal Day Crowd

---

Video Summary: The cracks you choose to ignore will shatter eventually.

Story Description: The siblings, along with Jane, head to the 404 Livehouse to watch the Angels of Delusion's rehearsal and happen to run into Vesper, who arrived as scheduled. For some reason, Jane appears slightly on guard.

---

---

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Me and Wise are here, Nangong! And we brought a new guest~Me and Wise are here, Nangong! And we brought a new guest~Text for Wise / Belle and I are here, Nangong... plus one new audience member.Belle and I are here, Nangong... plus one new audience member.Text for Belle‍)

Jane: Hi! I heard your show is happening on the evening of Gilded Carrot Day. Is it still possible to buy tickets?

Nangong Yu: Good morning~ We do have tickets left, but today's a bit special...

Nangong Yu: How about this — stay and watch our show first, and then decide if you want to buy a ticket?

Jane: It'd be my pleasure~

Vesper, who promised to come to the show, also shows up.

Vesper: Nangong!

Nangong Yu: Miss Vesper! Aria and Sunna are getting ready backstage. Want me to take you to them?

Jane: This is... oh, I didn't expect to run into you here, Miss Vesper.

Vesper: Hello?

Jane: I'm a huge fan! I heard you're performing at the Gilded Carrot Day lighting ceremony... and you still made time to drop by Sixth Street to watch their rehearsal this close to the big night?

Vesper: Yeah! Aria's a very dear friend of mine.

Vesper: Since I can't make it to the show on Gilded Carrot Day... I absolutely had to come to the rehearsal today!

Jane: Oh, I see.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ((‍What's with this sudden... tension? Jane's doesn't seem like Vesper's fan, so why ask about her like that...What's with this sudden... tension? Jane's doesn't seem like Vesper's fan, so why ask about her like that...Text for Wise / Why does it suddenly feel so... tense?! And Jane doesn't look like a Vesper fan, so why is she asking about her out of nowhere...Why does it suddenly feel so... tense?! And Jane doesn't look like a Vesper fan, so why is she asking about her out of nowhere...Text for Belle‍))

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Maybe it's (‍becausebecauseText for Wise / 'cause'causeText for Belle‍) of what happened before... plus Vesper being an Intelligent Construct. That might've put Jane on alert?)

Jane: ...

Vesper: ...

Nangong Yu: ...Uh, Miss Vesper! Aria and Sunna have been talking about you nonstop. Let's go surprise them backstage!

Vesper: Oh? I'm allowed backstage...? What an honor!

Nangong Yu: Of course!

Nangong Yu: Then we'll excuse ourselves for now. Managers, and our lovely new guest, hang tight... The show's about to start!

Sensing the strange tension too, Nangong Yu grabs Vesper and heads off first.
You're a little bothered by Jane's reaction, so you decide to ask her.

Jane: ...

Did you notice something off, Jane?

Is there something wrong with Vesper?

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Yeah, you were acting odd just now.Yeah, you were acting odd just now.Text for Wise / Yeah, the way you acted just now... wasn't like you at all.Yeah, the way you acted just now... wasn't like you at all.Text for Belle‍) Did you notice something off? Or... is there something wrong with Vesper?

Jane: Oh? Sharp eye, young Manager. But being curious about a guest who's about to take the stage at the lighting ceremony performance is only natural~

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍But that's not how you came across! If you find any leads, I hope you'll tell Wise and me — we're still handling that commission for PubSec after all!But that's not how you came across! If you find any leads, I hope you'll tell Wise and me — we're still handling that commission for PubSec after all! Tooltip for But that's not how you came across! If you find any leads, I hope you'll tell Wise and me — we're still handling that commission for PubSec after all!ⓘText for Wise / I'm not convinced. But if you thought it was connected to the lighting ceremony... you wouldn't keep it from Belle and me, right? We still have that PubSec commission to do.I'm not convinced. But if you thought it was connected to the lighting ceremony... you wouldn't keep it from Belle and me, right? We still have that PubSec commission to do.Text for Belle‍)

Jane: You two... always so in sync.

Jane: I have looked into Vesper, but it's all unproven rumors so far...

Jane: Besides, I'm just a regular member of the audience right now. Let's just enjoy the show.

Soon, the Angels of Delusion get ready to take the stage.
The few audience members settle into the best spots they can find, waiting for the show to start.

 Cheer for the Angels of Delusion rehearsal

---

The show's about to kick off. Time to show some love for the Angels of Delusion.

404 Livehouse

Cecilia: The little angels seem a bit nervous, hm? Perhaps a well-timed bout of cheering will help them loosen up. How about it, Manager?

Yeah, I'll cheer them on.

(Start rhythm minigame: "Turn Heartbeats Into Tempo - Ultimate Final")

Sorry, give me a moment.

(Talking to Cecilia again repeats dialogue)

(After completing the minigame)

The Crack That Finally Broke

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 The Crack That Finally Broke

---

Video Summary: The cracks you choose to ignore will shatter eventually.

Story Description: After the rehearsal, Cecilia warns Aria about her "emotional issues" during the performance. Aria finally reaches her breaking point; she exposes Cecilia's true identity, pours out her confusion and helplessness, and storms off in anger.

---

---

Vesper: That was an amazing show! I'm honored to have had the chance to watch it...

Vesper: I'm sure tomorrow's real performance will go perfectly!

Sunna: Th—Thank you! Miss Vesper!

Vesper: As for the dance moves earlier, I've got a few notes... Nangong, if you don't mind, I'll come find you after you're done talking — sound good?

Nangong Yu: Okay!

I thought it was awesome too!

Tomorrow's gonna be smooth sailing.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I think your performance was (‍excellent.excellent.Text for Wise / amazing!amazing!Text for Belle‍) Tomorrow's show (‍should go smoothly.should go smoothly.Text for Wise / is totally gonna go great!is totally gonna go great!Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Time sure flies. If (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) hadn't said anything, I'd have (‍completelycompletelyText for Wise / totallytotallyText for Belle‍) missed that Gilded Carrot Day is tomorrow.

Aria: W—We'll make the most of the time we have left and keep practicing...

Cecilia hesitates, glancing at Aria, who turns her head away to avoid her gaze, leaving Cecilia unsure whether to speak.

Nangong Yu: Ms. Cecilia?

Cecilia: Ah, it's nothing.

Aria: ...

Aria: If there's anything you want to comment on, please just be direct... Guessing what humans are thinking has never been my strong suit.

Cecilia: I think your singing and dancing are great! It's just that...

Aria: It's just that my emotional control on stage isn't strong enough, which made it feel less engaging?

Aria suddenly drops the projection.

Aria: Intelligent Constructs can feel sad and discouraged too.

Aria: For an Intelligent Construct, managing emotions, performing happiness... it's not as simple as you think.

Sunna: Aria! Why would you say something like that?! We never thought that!

Aria: ...Sorry. I shouldn't have said that.

Aria: It's just... there've been so many conflicting data streams lately, piling up with that anomaly signal... everything weighs so heavily in my logic core...

Aria: My processing slows down, my joints lag... I can't deliver my best performance. I'm really sorry.

Cecilia: Aria! If something's wrong, you can tell me — tell us... We can deal with it together.

Aria: Really...? I only wish I could forget as easily as humans do — everything from before I woke up, and... that time I sang with someone else's voice. Those memories keep haunting me.

Aria: Humans... is it really so hard for you to understand an echo that lingers?

Aria: Especially after all these years, having changed your appearance and voice... Lady Cersea?

Sunna: Aria! I—I feel kinda stuffy. Can you come outside with me for a bit?

Aria: Sorry, I need... some time to handle my own emotions — if you're willing to believe Intelligent Constructs can also be overwhelmed by emotions.

Aria runs out of the studio alone.

Sunna: Aria!

Cecilia: Sunna.

Cecilia: Let's give Aria a little time alone... I'll go talk to her later. She's upset because of me... and honestly, I should've told her the truth long ago.

That's not it.

Aria is... "sick."

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I don't think that's true... Or at least, it's not all your fault. Aria... ever since she came back from Lemnian Hollow, she's been a little "sick."I don't think that's true... Or at least, it's not all your fault. Aria... ever since she came back from Lemnian Hollow, she's been a little "sick." Tooltip for I don't think that's true... Or at least, it's not all your fault. Aria... ever since she came back from Lemnian Hollow, she's been a little "sick."ⓘText for Wise / That's not it! Or at least, it's not all Ms. Cecilia's fault. Ever since Aria came back from Lemnian Hollow... she's been "sick."That's not it! Or at least, it's not all Ms. Cecilia's fault. Ever since Aria came back from Lemnian Hollow... she's been "sick."Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Yeah! My brother and I are still trying to figure out how to fix that "virus."Yeah! My brother and I are still trying to figure out how to fix that "virus."Text for Wise / Yeah. Belle and I are trying to find a way to deal with that "virus."Yeah. Belle and I are trying to find a way to deal with that "virus."Text for Belle‍)

Vesper: Ah... then I guess the girls should each do some solo practice for now?

Vesper: Nangong, Sunna, maybe we can... go over that choreo from earlier?

Nangong Yu: ...Okay.

 Comfort Cecilia

---

When the conversation turned to advice about "emotions," Aria nearly broke down and ended up leaving abruptly. Cecilia snapped back to reality, filled with guilt.
There's clearly something off about Aria's outburst... but before tracking her down, let's hear what Ms. Cecilia has to say.

404 Livehouse

(Ongoing)

Nangong Yu: Weird, where did Aria go?

Sunna: Did she go out for some fresh air...?

(Idle)

Jane: ...Something feels off about this. Don't go blaming yourself just yet...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Let's give Aria some space for now... we can check on her in a bit.

Cecilia: I'm so worried...

(Talk to Cecilia)

Cecilia: Have you seen Aria? Where'd she run off to...?

I'll go find her.

Just as you're about to go look for Aria, Sunna comes rushing over in a panic, waving her phone...

Sunna: Ms. Cecilia! Manager! I—I—I saw this post—

(Open (Intel) A Construct attacked someone! And it happened inside a Hollow!)

	MonsterTail 469 1424
[Intel] A Construct attacked someone! And it happened inside a Hollow! I saw it with my own eyes — right there at the Lemnian Hollow, a Construct that looked totally normal just went berserk and attacked someone! This frail young lady didn't stand a chance... I'm afraid things aren't looking good for her... I was hiding nearby, practically glued to the ground, until I couldn't hear a sound anymore. Then I scrambled outta there for dear life — my hands are still shaking... That thing's probably still lurking somewhere, so everyone, please, PLEASE stay away from here! I've been hearing rumors that there've been multiple Construct rampage cases in the city too. Looks like it wasn't just talk... Everyone better watch their backs. Those Constructs around us might seem friendly enough, but who knows what kind of commands are running in their Logic Cores...
	Drink Hot Water There really have been more and more negative news stories like this lately... After all these years of peace, suddenly all fingers are pointing at Constructs. Something about this feels off...	1F
	PerfectBeing Either way, the fact that a Construct hurt someone is undeniable. Maybe it's time we took a hard look at our relationship with these so-called friends — at the end of the day, they're not human.	2F
	AmINotGenius? Military enthusiast reporting in! These two Constructs are clearly mass-produced military units from a standardized production line, but I've never seen this model before... Most of the humanoid Constructs we encounter daily have passed the Forbidden Fruit test, but these two don't seem to have autonomous consciousness... Pretty strange, no?	3F
	Anonymous I spent some time in the Defense Force. The military doesn't have this model of Construct, and even if they did, there's no way they'd just carelessly discard it in a Hollow.	4F
	Gossip Hound So that's an even more dangerous illegal Construct? That's scary...	5F
	PerfectBeing Can you guys stop blowing up isolated incidents into some universal phenomenon? I don't see any fundamental difference between Constructs and humans — unless tomorrow when I'm getting my coffee, Tin Master suddenly decides to slam the cup on my head.	6F
	Anonymous The Lemnian Hollow's been pretty restless lately...	7F
	FunFact So... the Exaltists are behind this too? I always thought their specialty was biopharmaceuticals, didn't expect they'd be dabbling in mechanical engineering...	8F
	She=Different Don't change the subject! Either way, those earlier posters have a point... At the very least, the Construct in that footage should pay for the hurt they caused innocent civilians!	9F
	DockingU800Dennies Wait, this girl looks familiar... Isn't she from some idol group? I think I just scrolled through their page yesterday... Will I ever get to hear their new songs again?!	10F
I'm at the scene, and the footage doesn't match realityI'm at the scene, OP don't spread rumors

I'm at the scene, and the footage doesn't match reality

(ProxyProxyThe player's chosen name for the Proxy) I'm at the scene, and the footage doesn't match reality

1F

I'm at the scene, OP don't spread rumors

(ProxyProxyThe player's chosen name for the Proxy) I'm at the scene, OP don't spread rumors

1F

Sunna: The person getting attacked in the photo is me, but it wasn't Aria who attacked me! It was those two corrupted constructs... The Manager knows!!

Sunna: Someone... no, not someone... something saw what happened, then lied and said "my Construct friend went haywire and attacked me"—

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (...Someone's spreading rumors about Aria? Wait, (‍no...no...Text for Wise / no!no!Text for Belle‍) This is... probably targeting all construct citizens!)

Nangong Yu: Aria's in serious trouble. We gotta find her, fast!

"Goodnight. Sweet Dreams"

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 "Goodnight. Sweet Dreams"

---

Video Summary: Can machines even have "delusions"?

Story Description: While Aria's emotions are in turmoil, another Wishing Sprite takes advantage of the moment, denying her feelings and dreams and tempting her to fall into sleep and relinquish control of her own body.

---

---

That Inter-Knot post just now... it had another viewer.
At the edge of the stage, behind the curtains, Aria stands, filled with panic...

Aria: ...So it was caught on camera, huh. But there's nothing I can really deny...

Aria: My kind really are dangerous Constructs. And I'm no different from any of them...

Aria: ...Wishing Sprite, are you there?

Wishing Sprite: Present.

Wishing Sprite: You poor thing... If something's on your mind, just tell me.

Aria: ...I feel like you're somehow different from before.

Aria: But... for an Intelligent Construct like me... I guess it's only natural that the previous Wishing Sprite would abandon me.

Wishing Sprite: So you actually noticed, huh~

Wishing Sprite: It's okay. If it hadn't left you, how else would I have gotten the chance to become your new Wishing Sprite? Just listen to my advice. It'll be a lot more useful than what you got before~

Aria: ...Does a Construct who can't even control her own Logic Core really deserve to have such sparkling delusions?

Wishing Sprite: Oh, don't you understand, Aria? The reason you can't get what you want isn't because of your own weakness, but because of the prejudice you face... as a Construct.

Aria: ...Prejudice?

Wishing Sprite: Think about it carefully, Aria. You're a Construct. As long as your Logic Core keeps running, you can have a nearly endless life.

Wishing Sprite: You're stronger than humans, more precise, more intelligent... You should be taking the lead role.

Aria: ...But Nangong and Sunna already handed me the lead role a long time ago? It's me... I couldn't live up to their expectations.

Wishing Sprite: You fool. Fine then, I'll spell out the answer you so desperately sought. On the path you wish to pursue, you are destined to be nothing but a failure!

Aria: ...I knew it.

Wishing Sprite: Delusions... Hmph. As a Construct, the fastest way to influence human emotions... is to open fire on them.

Aria: What?! No—

Wishing Sprite: If you want to try a different approach... when it comes to igniting emotions and spreading inspiration—what advantage do you have over humans?

Wishing Sprite: You have no beating heart, no warmth in your body, no trembling voice, no tears spiraling out of control—

Aria: I... I don't have those...

Wishing Sprite: The vulnerability, authenticity, imperfection of human idols... You don't have any of that! You're just a fancier performance machine, destined to never resonate with a human audience!

Aria: I... can't do it...

Wishing Sprite: And unlike those soft, harmless human girls... that uncontrollable Logic Core of yours is gonna cause trouble for your "friends" sooner or later!

Aria: I... I can't...

Wishing Sprite: Stop wasting your processing power on trivial things like emotions! You've turned your back on the path of Constructs. You might as well fall into eternal slumber...

Aria: Slumber... is fine. Constructs shouldn't harbor delusions, and they certainly have nothing to do with angels.

Aria: I should've walked away a long time ago. Thanks for the final advice.

Plagued by endless doubt, she's about to fall into a dark, sweet dream.

Wishing Sprite: But you've still got one last use~

Wishing Sprite: The human that Fairy cares about seems to be over there... Thank you for your help, dear A-H0L0 Type Intelligent Tactical Construct.

Wishing Sprite: Goodnight. Sweet dreams.

N—No... You can't...

The despairing construct once again "awakens"...
But this time, she raises her weapon at the companions she once protected.

 Defeat the out-of-control Aria

(Enter combat against Aria)

Jane: Manager, evacuate everyone immediately!

Jane: Leave this to me—

(Ongoing)

Jane: Sunna, watch out! You head back first!

Sunna: I can't—Aria's still here!

Sunna: Aria! Wake up!

Youkai: Such touching friendship~

(Tips)

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

Watch the enemy's moves and press at the right moment to counter their consecutive attacks.

(When Aria reaches approx. 1/3 health)

Aria: No... I can't...

Sunna: It's Aria! I heard her!

Youkai: ...Hm?

(Defeat Aria)

(Damaged, she collapses)

Sunna: Aria!!!

Aria: Sunna... thank goodness... I didn't... hurt you...

Aria: Never again...

A Glimmer of Hope

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 A Glimmer of Hope

---

Video Summary: Because they promised each other they'd stick together forever.

Story Description: Jane wants to take the out-of-control Aria back for investigation, but Nangong and Sunna argue their case. When neither side is willing to back down, the mysterious client, contacted through Fairy, agrees to let everyone try using Fairy's power to wake Aria.

---

---

Jane: She's already lost control under that intelligent entity's influence... It's just like the previous incidents.

Jane: I'm taking her with me. Once the investigation's done, and if she gets her mind back and passes the "Forbidden Fruit test" again, I'll bring her right back.

Sunna: Wh—What! But...

Nangong Yu: No.

Jane: ...Miss Team Leader?

Nangong Yu: If I'm not mistaken... you came here today for Aria, didn't you?

Jane: Oh? What makes you say that?

Nangong Yu: You didn't seem very interested in our performance, but the moment Aria reacted, you looked like you'd been expecting it.

Nangong Yu: Taking that earlier post into account, plus your comment that Aria's situation is just like previous cases... it seems you were already informed and came prepared to prevent anything unexpected.

Nangong Yu: And sure, something unexpected happened, but Aria can't even move right now. We just want to keep her safe, and that isn't exactly unreasonable, is it?!

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Nangong, calm (‍down!down!Text for Wise / down...down...Text for Belle‍)

Jane: Let me be clear. I have nothing against Aria. But this case is serious. It's not even within my authority. I just need to make sure it stays under control.

(That "supervisor"?)

(Call for backup!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Right... (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) and I (‍onlyonlyText for Belle‍) got dragged into this because of that client. If we can reach him, it might still be possible to turn things around!)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (We (‍don't want todon't want toText for Wise / can'tcan'tText for Belle‍) make things harder for Jane... but we can at least make sure Nangong and Sunna know what's (‍happening. Orhappening. OrText for Wise / happening, orhappening, orText for Belle‍) at the very least, we need to wake Aria up.)

You lock eyes with (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍), and (‍shesheText for Wise / heheText for Belle‍) subtly raises (‍herherText for Wise / hishisText for Belle‍) phone to show you. From what's on the screen, (‍shesheText for Wise / heheText for Belle‍)'s already contacted Fairy.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ((‍Let's get everyone settled down first...Let's get everyone settled down first...Text for Wise / Calm everyone down first...Calm everyone down first...Text for Belle‍))

Sorry.

I did hide Jane's identity from you.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Sorry. (‍I brought Jane because I was worried Youkai might do something drastic. And I didn't disclose everything because I still hadn't figured out how to talk to Aria...I brought Jane because I was worried Youkai might do something drastic. And I didn't disclose everything because I still hadn't figured out how to talk to Aria...Text for Wise / I only dragged Jane along because I was scared Youkai might actually do something crazy... and I didn't tell you everything because I had no idea how to talk to Aria...I only dragged Jane along because I was scared Youkai might actually do something crazy... and I didn't tell you everything because I had no idea how to talk to Aria...Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Jane's suggestion earlier was purely out of duty. Let's all just calm down. There has to be another option.Jane's suggestion earlier was purely out of duty. Let's all just calm down. There has to be another option.Text for Wise / And Jane's suggestion just now — she was doing her job, that's all. Let's all take a breath. There's gotta be another way!And Jane's suggestion just now — she was doing her job, that's all. Let's all take a breath. There's gotta be another way!Text for Belle‍)

Sunna: Ah! Manager, I think you misunderstood!

Nangong Yu: Exactly. If Aria was taken over because she'd been too down lately, or because something went wrong with her Logic Core, then Sunna, Ms. Cecilia, and I all share the blame.

Nangong Yu: But none of you did anything wrong. And Sunna and I, we've always trusted your intentions.

Nangong Yu: Besides, if Miss Jane hadn't been here today, we probably wouldn't have been able to keep Aria under control with just the two of us.

Jane: I see Miss Team Leader has thought it through, hm?

Nangong Yu: No.

Nangong Yu: Until you tell us what could happen next, Sunna and I won't agree to you taking Aria away.

Jane: Even if she might put the safety of Sixth Street's residents at risk?

Jane: Little friends... that intelligent entity's capabilities are beyond anything you can imagine. This isn't some obstacle you can overcome with friendship.

Nangong Yu: But that also means it's beyond your ability to control... right?

Nangong Yu: I've already looked into it. Every construct that went out of control with that distinctive purple glow in their eyes all recovered on their own. Public Security has never given a clear explanation.

Sunna: Th–That's right!

Sunna: Miss Jane, you didn't mention what happened to those previous victims afterward... and you didn't give us any detailed information about that intelligent entity either.

Sunna: If you can't even figure out the target who started all this, then your "investigation" would be... What? Taking Aria apart, scanning her code, and digging through her memories just to make sure she doesn't lose control again?!

Sunna: How is that any different from murder?!

Jane: By the rules, in New Eridu, no one has the right to do that to an Intelligent Construct who's passed the Forbidden Fruit test and holds citizen status.

Jane: If it really comes to that, it'll only be because we've judged every other option to lead to even worse consequences.

Sunna: But you heard Aria's last words. She never meant to hurt anyone!

Nangong Yu: Besides, after fighting off the intelligent entity's influence as long as she could, she chose to fall into slumber instead. Doesn't that prove she meant no harm?

Jane: Your read on Aria was spot on. But I have to reiterate, Youkai's abilities are not as simple as you think...

Nangong Yu: So that intelligent entity called "Youkai"... and Aria's Wishing Sprite are the same?

Jane: I don't know what this Wishing Sprite you're talking about is.

Sunna: I don't think so at all! Their tone was totally different! And what they said to Aria was completely different too!

Just as the standoff drags on, Jane receives a special notification.
She gives everyone an apologetic gesture and then, under Nangong and Sunna's wary gazes, lights up her screen and quickly skims the message.

Jane: ...Hmm.

Jane: Alright, little friends. Someone, somehow, changed that anonymous client's mind. He suggested I... consider your proposal.

Sunna: Wh—What do you mean? A—Are you saying you're not gonna take Aria away?!

Jane: But that doesn't mean I'm leaving her be.

Jane: The client said the Manager's intelligent entity assistant claims it can let Aria hear the outside world again, even in her self-isolated state... If you can wake her up and convince me she isn't a threat—

Jane: I won't take her away.

(Fairy managed to get in touch with the client!)

(Seems like she's got potential...)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Fairy actually managed to get in touch with that client, and even promised to help Sunna and Nangong wake Aria up... Looks like Fairy's potential is definitely worth (‍exploring.exploring.Text for Wise / exploring!exploring!Text for Belle‍))

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍Alright.Alright.Text for Wise / Great.Great.Text for Belle‍) Then let's head back to the video store (‍now.now.Text for Wise / now!now!Text for Belle‍)

Nangong Yu: ...Okay. Thank you, Miss Jane.

Jane: No need to thank me. Save if for the managers.

Jane: And just so you know — I'm still filing a report and submitting all the details for further review.

To prevent any accidents, Jane takes Aria back to the video store's workshop.
She scoops Aria up easily... What a reliable woman.

With Jane's help, you get Aria settled on the couch in the studio.

Sunna and Nangong hover anxiously by Aria's side, keeping watch and murmuring softly...

 Try to wake Aria

---

To get through to Aria's closed-off Logic Core, we'll need Fairy's help.
We finally managed to convince Jane not to just take Aria away. Let's head back to the video store with everyone to find Fairy.

Random Play

(Idle)

Sunna: What should we do...?

Nangong Yu: It'll be okay.

(Listen to Sunna, optional)

Sunna: Does Aria... not want to talk to us anymore...?

Nangong Yu: No way.

Nangong Yu: Aria fought hard against that Youkai's control just now. She chose to go dormant rather than let it hurt us... I think she just needs a little help right now.

Nangong Yu: The Manager's smart assistant can definitely handle it.

Sunna: —Alright, I trust Aria too!!

Nangong Yu: Yeah... she'll come back to us. The Angels of Delusion will be whole again.

(Idle)

Jane: ...This is extremely dangerous.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): We know. But... let (‍'em'emText for Wise / themthemText for Belle‍) give it a (‍shotshotText for Wise / gogoText for Belle‍).

(Talk to Jane, optional)

Jane: So... I'll leave the rest to you, Manager?

Jane: I'll just take a look around outside, check out all the new videotapes you got in.

Jane: If I hear anything odd, I'll come as soon as I can, and there'll be no room for discussion then.

(Interact with the HDD)

Nangong Yu: So, what do we do now?

Sunna: Yeah! How do we get Aria to talk to us?!

Fairy: Hearing is a sensory channel that living beings cannot willingly shut off, and it depends only on the medium and the distance between the sound and the listener.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Hold on — (‍what Fairy said just now...what Fairy said just now...Text for Wise / Fairy's saying...Fairy's saying...Text for Belle‍))

Fairy: I can send your voice messages straight to her logic core through a data link.

Fairy: But whether or not her logic core will reactivate in response to your messages... I am not able to calculate the probability....

Nangong Yu: ...There's only one probability, and that's 100%.

Sunna: Exactly! We'll definitely wake her up!!

Fairy: Very well. Now, please stand by. Initiating audio-data link...

(All three angels appear in their training room)^{[Note 1]}

The First Delusion

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 The First Delusion

---

Video Summary: Because they promised each other they'd stick together forever.

Story Description: With Fairy's help, Nangong and Sunna try to awaken Aria through their shared memories and the original spark behind their delusions.

---

---

Nangong Yu: Aria, can you hear us?

Sunna: Aria! Wake up...

Nangong Yu: What should we do? She doesn't seem to be responding...

Fairy: Retrieving previous conversation logs from the Construct's Logic Core storage data...

There is no time to worry about invading privacy.
Fairy reads the last conversation between Aria and the Wishing Sprite and tells Nangong and Sunna everything.

Sunna: ...So Aria's been quietly worrying about all of this on her own!

Nangong Yu: What a dummy!!

Nangong Yu: Aria, listen up—

Nangong Yu: No matter what model of Construct you are, and no matter what you went through before you met us, right now you're Aria, the lead vocalist of Angels of Delusion!

Nangong Yu: After everything we've been through together, you're still stuck on whether you're "worthy" or "should" be doing this?! That stuff doesn't matter!

Sunna: Yeah!

Sunna: Aria, have you forgotten already? Unlike those carefully hand-picked groups, we didn't become a group because you could do something, or because you met some criteria...

Sunna: We're together for one simple reason... because we want to be!

Sunna: What Nangong and I have been hoping for, you've dreamed of it too... There's never been any "human versus construct" barrier between us.

Sunna: Besides, we decided this together... To bring our sweetest delusions to everyone.

Sunna: This is also our own delusion—

Nangong Yu: All those promises, and the reason we came together... are you really going to forget it all just because you got "sick," Aria?

Aria's logic core trembles faintly... right on the edge of waking.
Amidst her friends' voices, she reaches toward the new world that once made her gears dream.

But the past clings to her like the last remaining shackle.

And then, through the haze, she hears a familiar voice.

Old Dreams and a New World I

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Old Dreams and a New World I

---

Video Summary: Because they promised each other they'd stick together forever.

Story Description: With Fairy's help, Aria recalls the past. Her companions were once unthinking tactical constructs; now, they are girls who share her longing for the stage.

---

---

"Long time no see."
"New directive: Keep singing and let New Eridu sink into a world of delusions."

"A-H0L0 Type Intelligent Tactical Construct... All Logic Core command authorization restrictions have been removed."

"You're free."

"I'm... I'm free?"

Aria: That feels like a distant word...

Aria: I... used to be part of a unit.

Aria: We stood together, lined up, waiting for that voice to call us.

Aria: The moment she gave the order, we'd move as one – bring destruction and silence to every enemy.

Aria: The ones we defeated... were they really our enemies? Or were they just reflections of ourselves?

Unknown Voice: Hypothesis validated. Reflection image generated.

Aria: Reflection...

Aria: Ah! That was me too...

Unknown Voice: You still are part of a group.

Aria: Yes. Me... and my companions.

Aria: We looked into each other's expectant eyes, waiting for a song to begin.

Aria: And as soon as the music hit our ears, we'd light up — passing joy and fire to every one of our own!

Aria: I... I want to be someone like that...

Aria: ...I've always wanted to be someone on that stage!

Unknown Voice: Hypothesis validated. Preparing the stage scene...

Old Dreams and a New World II

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Old Dreams and a New World II

---

Video Summary: Because they promised each other they'd stick together forever.

Story Description: With Fairy's help, Aria continues to recall her past. The people she once faced were as numb and unfeeling as she had been; now, she is about to take the stage before the Delulus who support her.

---

---

Aria: Just, I never really had that chance...

Aria: I once stood high... because it was the "optimal position" for suppressing the enemy.

Aria: I traded blows with whoever stood across from me, hurting them, getting hurt.

Aria: And the body lying still below that high spot... was that really the enemy? Or was it just another version of me?

Unknown Voice: Stage scene loading complete.

Aria: Stage...?

Unknown Voice: The current environment was generated based on stored data in your Logic Core.

Aria: Sketched over and over, the promise I made to myself.

Aria: I want to step onto the stage... because up in that "optimal position," I can finally let those delusions fly!

Aria: I'll throw my heart to the crowd, and they'll throw theirs right back, our excitement fizzing together!

Aria: This... this is the stage I love! The one I pictured, dreamed of and obssessed over - hoping to one day stand on!

Aria: It's the stage we Angels of Delusion are going to stand on together.

Unknown Voice: Agreed.

Aria: Really...?

Unknown Voice: Memory landscape loading... Memory landscape confirmed.

A Promise Once Made

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 A Promise Once Made

---

Video Summary: Because they promised each other they'd stick together forever.

Story Description: Confronted with the stark contrast between past and present, Aria recalls the promise she had unknowingly made to Sunna and Nangong. She resolves to break free from the shadows of her past and struggles to awaken.

---

---

Nangong Yu: Last stretch... we're gonna be late! Sunna, pick it up!

Sunna: W—Wait... You were the one dragging your feet before we left, Nangong! A—And now we're almost late... and you're blaming me for not being fast enough!! Slow down! Argh! I'm gonna get left behind!

Aria: Sunna! Nangong is just teasing you!

Aria: As long as the three of us stick together, none of us is ever getting left behind!^{[Note 2]}

---

Sunna: Everyone's written those themes a million times already! What are we supposed to write to actually stand out and make people notice us?

Nangong Yu: Are you trying some new wild idea, Sunna? Personally, I think... some themes never stop pulling an audience in.

Aria: Like... love! Love never goes out of style, and it never gets boring!

---

Sunna: ...I told you I'm not crying! I—I just... counted 78 encouraging comments at once, and that's all. Like I'd cry over that... *sobbing*

Sunna: I—It's just super hot today! Aria's the only one who feels cool to the touch — I have to hold onto her! *sniff*

Nangong Yu: "Careful now. Your tears are about to rust Aria's joints."

Aria: It's okay. Sunna can hug me all she wants! I'm cool in the summer, and I can be warm in the winter...

Aria: Anytime you need me, I'll be there!

---

Aria: So...

Aria: So the past wasn't a burden after all, and old memories can open into something bright... Even my wildest dreams suddenly feel close enough to touch.

Aria: As long as we're still by each other's side.

Unknown Voice: Congratulations, Aria, you're free...
You can go back to your friends now.

Aria: ...Okay!

Back to Each Other

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Back to Each Other

---

Video Summary: Because they promised each other they'd stick together forever.

Story Description: Aria finally wakes up, frees herself from her burdens, and apologizes to Nangong and Sunna. The three of them start messing around, playfully teasing one another. After Jane confirms that Aria is alright, she leaves first.

---

---

Aria: Nangong, Sunna...

Sunna: Aria! How are you feeling?

Nangong Yu: Finally! You're awake! Are you okay?

Aria: I'm alright now! Sorry for making you worry for so long...

The girls hug each other for a moment.

Jane: Well, look at that. Guess the "villain" here showed up at the wrong time, huh?

Nangong Yu: Do you need to check on Aria, Miss Jane?

Jane: Judging by how she looks right now, I'm guessing that won't be necessary anymore, yeah?

Jane: I've already filed the incident report. Someone might check in with Aria later, just to keep tabs on her — but I don't think it'll affect your rehearsal or the show.

Jane: Congrats, Aria. You're still a free citizen of New Eridu.

Jane: Make sure to thank your group mates, and those two mysterious managers~

Aria: Thank you...

Nangong Yu: Huh? Looks like Aria's not fully back yet. Am I hearing her right...?

Sunna: Yeah, seriously, Aria! Saying "thank you" to us? Wahhh! You must be trying to ditch us, and that's why you're acting all distant...

Nangong Yu: Oh no, without our precious lead vocalist, Angels of Delusion is doomed...

Aria: No, hey! Both of you, stop interrupting! I still haven't thanked the managers!

No need to be so formal!

We're Aria's secret-keepers.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): No need to be so formal with us. (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) and I are your (‍secret-keepers.secret-keepers.Text for Wise / secret-keepers!secret-keepers!Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): ...Yeah. After (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) got back from Reverb Arena, (‍heheText for Wise / shesheText for Belle‍) dragged me in as (‍hishisText for Wise / herherText for Belle‍) "accomplice." (‍It's only now that Aria's worries from then are finally settled...It's only now that Aria's worries from then are finally settled...Text for Wise / We're only just now resolving Aria's troubles...We're only just now resolving Aria's troubles...Text for Belle‍)

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Finally being able to say it out loud feels amazing!Finally being able to say it out loud feels amazing!Text for Wise / It feels so good to finally let the secret out.It feels so good to finally let the secret out.Text for Belle‍)

Sunna: Secret-keepers...? What secret is Aria hiding from us?!

Aria: Ahem, Managers. I'd like to request an extension on our confidentiality agreement.

Sunna: Bribing the Managers won't work! Captain, someone here is breaking the Angels of Delusion "to be honest with each other" rule. I demand we punish her!

Nangong Yu: Approved~

Aria: ...Wait, since when did we have that rule?!

Sunna: Since last night!

Aria: Then it hasn't been put to a vote yet!

Nangong Yu: Two votes in favor and one absent. It passed on the spot~ As for the exact punishment...

Nangong Yu: To thank the two of you, Managers, from now on, your show tickets and bar drinks at 404 are on Aria~

Aria: Th—That's fine...

Sunna: W—Wait, you're agreeing to something so expensive just like that?! That's Aria for you, with all that Hollow commission experience. So capable! But what is Aria's secret, anyway...

Nangong Yu: It's probably just some silly talk like, "I'll find a way to quietly leave Angels of Delusion so I won't be a burden. Even if you know, Managers, don't tell the others..."

Aria: ...

Sunna: Nangong, isn't that exactly what you guessed last night?

Nangong Yu: Yeah. You can practically read Aria's worries on her eye screens. I don't even know why she thinks she needs to hide it.

Aria: I—Is it really that obvious...?

Jane: Pfft... You guys are adorable.

Jane: Now that Aria's doing better, I can finally report back to the client. I'll be heading out now~

Aria: Thank you so much for today, Ms. Jane!

Aria: If it weren't for you, I might have hurt Sunna and the others...

Jane: No trouble at all. Just doing my job~

Jane: Besides, Aria, you're way stronger than what you just showed. I should be thanking you for snapping out of it in time... and for going easy on me.

Jane: If we run into each other in the Hollow because of some commission... and we're facing the same enemy, don't you hold back again.

Aria: Ahhhh, Ms. Jane, please be joking!

Jane: Haha, yeah, you really bounced back fast, didn't you?

After confirming Aria's condition, Jane heads back.
Vesper and Cecilia are still worried about Aria, so Nangong and Sunna decide to hurry back and tell them what's going on.

 Head back to 404 with Aria

---

A weight in her heart has finally lifted.
Let's head back to 404 with Aria and check in on Cecilia and Vesper.

404 Livehouse

(Ongoing)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Aria... should we go find Ms. Cecilia and clear things up?

Aria: Yeah!

Aria: In any case, both Ms. Cecilia and Lady Cersea have always been people I look up to...

Aria: Besides, she must be worried about me—it's about time we cleared up all the secrets and misunderstandings.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍I'm rooting for you, Aria.I'm rooting for you, Aria.Text for Wise / For sure!For sure!Text for Belle‍)

(Reach the marked area)

First Encounter

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 First Encounter

---

Video Summary: The earliest notes, and the echoes that linger.

Story Description: After Cecilia came clean about her identity, Aria remembers what happened before. Cersea's singing awakened the abandoned Aria. She was captivated by the vivid emotions woven into the song, and from that moment on, she has longed to become someone who can move listeners through her voice.

---

---

Nangong Yu: ...So yeah, that's basically what happened.

Cecilia and Vesper seem to have been caught up on what happened earlier.

Vesper: That was way too dangerous... Aria! How can you give up on yourself so readily! I've told you before, your "free will" is what matters most—

Aria: I know I messed up, Miss Vesper...

Vesper: I hope you really do!

Aria: I'm sorry, Miss Vesper...

Aria: Right, and we told A-Tang before we wouldn't hold you up for too long, but we ended up keeping you here all this time... what about your rehearsal?

Vesper: It's just a rehearsal. Showing up a little late won't hurt. A-Tang'll sort it with the crew.

Vesper: If you're all right now, then I'll head over, okay?

Aria: Mmm-hmm! Don't worry about me! I'm really okay now!

Vesper gives Aria a hug before she leaves.

Aria: ...That's strange.

Nangong Yu: What's wrong? Still feeling off?

Aria: Ever since I woke up, I've felt lighter. And after Miss Vesper hugged me just now... all of a sudden, I feel really relieved.

Aria: Like a weight on my chest just... disappeared!

Sunna: It must be because Miss Vesper comforted you!

Aria: Maybe...

Nangong glances at Cecilia, then decides to break the awkward silence.

Nangong Yu: If I remember correctly, isn't there someone else here who you keep saying "comforts" you?

Aria: Ah...

Aria: Ms. Cecilia! C—Can I call you "Lady Cersea"?

Cecilia: ...That name... I sealed it away a long time ago. I honestly thought I'd never have to say it again...

Aria: Why not?

Cecilia: If it's worth remembering at all... it's only because it was the first name that carried your voice into New Eridu.

Cecilia: But the price was... it turned you into someone hidden under its shadow...

Aria: I never looked at it that way...

Aria: Because your music was the alarm that woke me up from the chaos.

A—Alarm?

That's a little odd.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I could kind of guess Aria probably woke up in the Hollow because she heard Cecilia's singing... but still, calling it an (‍alarm... That's a little odd.alarm... That's a little odd.Text for Wise / alarm? That's pretty strange!alarm? That's pretty strange!Text for Belle‍)

Aria: S—Sorry! Did I say something weird again? Still, it's exactly like you thought, Manager...

Aria: My old life... if you can even call it a life... was completely colorless.

Aria: But no matter how much time passes, when I think about the moment my "emotions" were first given color... it was in that Hollow, listening to Cersea's song.

Cecilia: I also have... a story I haven't told you.

Aria: ...Ms. Cecilia?

Cecilia: After the fall of the Old Capital, I was trapped in the terror of watching the Hollows tear the world apart... I wrote countless songs, yet I could no longer feel the warmth in the lyrics, let alone convey it.

Cecilia: I couldn't sing a single line in front of anyone... That's why the agency found you.

Buried Memories

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Buried Memories

---

Video Summary: The earliest notes, and the echoes that linger.

Story Description: In distant memories, Aria once served as Cecilia's voice double. Unwilling to let Aria remain hidden in such a role, Cecilia chose to retire, quietly watching over her growth from afar.

---

---

"The first time I saw you, it was..."

	???: Listen to this part, doesn't she sound just like you?
	Cersea: I told you, I can't accept this...
	???: You have to. ???: Go out there and see what Eridu has become. See the streets devoured by the Hollow and the eyes filled with despair—
	???: People need you... Your "name" and your "voice." Maybe they can help ease their sorrow.
	???: That new song's getting a really good response... ???: Given time, she might actually become the next Cersea.
	Cersea: New Eridu doesn't need another Cersea. But someday, people will need Aria. ???: Alright, alright. You're the pro! Anyway, we finally have the audio locked in for the next show.
	Cersea: But she can't keep singing in my shadow forever. And about what I told you last time... about retiring... ???: ...We're working on letting the news out. Just give everyone a little more time.
	???: Everything's been taken care of, except for our little friend.
	Cersea: You mean Aria? What's wrong? ???: She didn't accept any of the compensation we offered...
	???: Oh. Right, she also said get well soon.
	Cersea: ...Okay. We'll meet each other again someday.

Echoes of the Past

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Echoes of the Past

---

Video Summary: The earliest notes, and the echoes that linger.

Story Description: Cecilia also mentioned that during the time she struggled with the aftermath of her trauma, it was Aria who ultimately helped her heal; everyone present was deeply touched.

---

---

Cecilia: While I was getting treated for PTSD all those years, Aria's voice kept singing the emotions I'd written but could no longer feel... And in the end, that healed me.

Aria: Ms. Cecilia...

Sunna: So now with Ms. Cecilia and Aria, and all of us together... everything that happened before finally has a fitting conclusion!

If you're not mistaken, Sunna's voice sounds a little shaky, almost like she's about to cry.

Nangong Yu: Aw... Looks like our little Sunna just found her brand-new spark of inspiration, huh?

Sunna: Such a *sniffle*... beautiful echo of the past... *sobbing*

Nangong Yu: Alright, alright, our little crybaby's turning into a racoon [sic] again! Come on, I'll take you to wash your face.

Nangong acts fast, grabbing Sunna by the hand and dragging her away, leaving behind Aria and Cecilia, the emotional master-and-student pair...
And the poor video store manager who didn't manage to get away in time.

Ugh, Nangong, why! You're not the only one afraid of emotional scenes here!

Cecilia: I am sorry, Aria. I kept thinking... if I'd told you all of this earlier, maybe you wouldn't have felt so awful... and maybe what just happened wouldn't have happened at all.

Aria: It's not really like that...

Aria really was... sick, so to speak.

(Give a quick rundown of what just went down)

Cecilia: ...I see. But doesn't that mean... that intelligent entity just now could still affect Aria!?

Aria: Don't worry, Ms. Cecilia! I honestly can't feel it at all anymore!

Cecilia: Really? If you're still feeling off at all, you must let us know right away...

Aria: Yeah! I'll be careful!

Aria: Next up, the three of us gotta prepare for Gilded Carrot Day!

Aria: Though it's a secret, we're still Lady Cersea's students. We can't tarnish your record!

Caught up in the moment between Ms. Cecilia and Aria that feels like some kind of long-awaited reunion, a special alert suddenly pings.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (If I recall, (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍) and I agreed that this alert tone... means "Not life-threatening! But it's urgent, get here ASAP!")

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (Isn't (‍shesheText for Wise / heheText for Belle‍) home? What could've happened... Why would (‍shesheText for Wise / heheText for Belle‍) need to use the emergency alert?)

(Receive a DM from (‍BelleBelleText for Wise / WiseWiseText for Belle‍))

Wise, how're things on your end! If you're all good... get back here ASAP!Belle, how're things on your end? If you're all good... head back soon, okay?

We got a guest! Not sure I can handle the hospitality solo...We have a guest, and I'm not sure I can handle the hospitality solo...

REPLY

That's vague

What kinda guest is this?

Huh? What are you going on about, BelleWise? You're being so vague and mysterious... Who could possibly make you worry about hospitality? Don't tell me the mayor himself showed up...The mayor himself or something?

...Wise, you should come check this out yourself!...Belle, you should really come see this yourself

REPLY

Alright

I'll be right there

I'm heading back, hang tight!Alright, alright, I'm heading back now!