(Starfall Combat) Into the End

I Am Not the Blade

Story summary:

"I Am Not the Blade"

This mission is to strike at the heart of Melinoe, eliminating the top-rank Ethereals.
Just before you set off, Miyabi opens up to you...

Tsukishiro Yanagi: ...That concludes the mission content that will be handled by Asaba and Soukaku. Chief, you'll head alone to the central area closest to the Irradiant Core. There, you'll eliminate any high threat Ethereals it has spawned, and reduce the danger there as much as possible before the main forces arrive.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: This is the most challenging and dangerous part of this operation... just like always. Please be careful, Chief Miyabi.

Hoshimi Miyabi: There's that concerned look again. Don't worry, Yanagi. I've got Tailless and the Proxy on my side.

If we're in danger...

I'll shout for help!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Don't worry, Miss Yanagi! If we're in danger, I'll shout for help through Eous' (‍speakerspeakerText for Wise / speakersspeakersText for Belle‍) at full volume!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: It must be a really terrifying enemy to force the Proxy to do something like that.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: That's all for the briefing. Wishing everyone a victorious return!

Hoshimi Miyabi: Hold on, Proxy... I have something to tell you.

Hoshimi Miyabi: About what happened the last time my father invited you to our home... I wasn't angry with you. It was my father who was out of line, I'm sorry for the trouble he caused...

Hoshimi Miyabi: It's just that... I saw a photo of my mother that day.

Hoshimi Miyabi: "Maybe in your eyes, this child is the sharpest blade the world has ever seen."

"But all Mommy really wants is for you to grow up safe and sound. Because the path to becoming a hero often comes with losses that can't be undone..."

"My Miyabi doesn't need the demon sword. I just want her to live an ordinary, happy life..."

"I'm sure you'll become an outstanding person. But I also hope you don't grow up too fast... just a little more slowly..."

"Because growing up is a gift... that comes with a price."

Hoshimi Miyabi: You know, what you told me is almost the same as what my mother said.

Hoshimi Miyabi: I've already found the reason to wield my blade.

Hoshimi Miyabi: I'll keep seeking a purpose that goes beyond wielding the blade.

Hoshimi Miyabi: A hero's battle has to have an end, right? When the day comes that all evil has been eradicated...

Hoshimi Miyabi: When that day comes, ask me again, Proxy. Ask me if I've found a reason to live without a blade in my hand.

Hoshimi Miyabi: This is my one-sided, selfish wish for you, but please, be sure to keep it in mind.

Confirm the next move

(Talk to Anne)

Anne: As much as the Irradiant Crystal Core in the core area is tempting, I still hope the members of Hollow Special Operations return safely...

Anne: Oh, isn't this Chief Hoshimi's little Bangboo? It looks rough and rugged, but it handles even the Institute's newest equipment with surprising skill. Its logic core must be pretty sharp — But then I'd expect nothing less from the Void Hunter's Bangboo.

Anne: The corruption effects in the core area are more intense, and the mutated Ethereals are even more ferocious. While assisting Chief Hoshimi, make sure to take care of yourself too, little Bangboo!

Anne: Why don't you respond like the other Bangboo with "Ehn-ne ehn-ne"? Could you be the smart yet quiet and reserved type of little companion...?

(Talk to Yanagi)

Hoshimi Miyabi: The next operation cycle is about to begin. Yanagi, why don't you take this opportunity to exit the Hollow and rest for a while? I heard from the Proxy that you've been overwhelmed with your official duties and are quite exhausted.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: There's no need to worry about me, Chief Miyabi. Right now, the suppression operation of Melinoe is at a critical juncture...

Hoshimi Miyabi: It's all for the sake of completing the mission smoothly — I'm usually busy dealing with swordplay and combat tasks. At the same time, all those "official documents" and matters concerning Harumasa and Soukaku are left for you to handle. If you're not in good shape, it would be a big problem for me and everyone in Section 6.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Sigh... I get it, Chief Miyabi. Once this task is settled, I'll take a proper few days off — for the sake of Section 6 and New Eridu!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: I should say, the Proxy has taken on much of my work, as well as Asaba's and Soukaku's. Without the Proxy's help, we'd really be overwhelmed.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Proxy, did you hear that? Yanagi's saying she'd give you full marks on the "Squad Member Satisfaction Questionnaire"!

(Talk to Harumasa)

Soukaku: Waaah! Harumasa... that woman at the orphanage... it's just so sad, you know!

Asaba Harumasa: Alright, alright, Soukaku, that woman did what she had to do to see the children smile — of course, that includes you too! If you cry, it will make her sad.

Soukaku: Waaah! Soukaku is not a little kid—! *sob*... Soukaku isn't crying—!

Asaba Harumasa: *Ahem*... Soukaku is indeed no longer a little kid — after all, a new batch of rookies is about to join the HSO officially. Although we won't be taking in new members in Section 6, there are more and more people who have to address Soukaku as "senior" in the executive branch.

Asaba Harumasa: The team members I personally trained are doing quite well~

Soukaku: Harumasa is lying! Nagi told me that it was actually Proxy who personally trained them in place of Harumasa...

Explore the Core of Melinoe

(After entering the elevator)

Hoshimi Miyabi: We are very close to the Irradiant Core, Proxy. The advance squad led by Izumi should also be operating nearby.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Please actively support the advance squad on your way to the destination.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Understood, leave the navigation and technical issues to me!

Look for the advance squad

Hoshimi Miyabi: The path ahead doesn't seem to be passable...

---

(Approach the marked location)

Hoshimi Miyabi: Ether fluctuations detected. Prepare for combat.

---

(After defating the enemies)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Use the disruptor to change the terrain.

---

(After using Ether Phantom Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Done! We can pass through now.

---

(After defeating the enemies)

Hoshimi Miyabi: Look for the advance squad in the surrounding area!

---

(Interact with Agentboo)

Hoshimi Miyabi: It is a Bangboo belonging to Hollow Special Operations. It probably fell here after encountering combat.

Hoshimi Miyabi: If it can be restored to working condition, we should be able to learn the whereabouts of the advance squad. Can you attempt the repair, Proxy?

(Enter Circuit Reset)

(After finishing Circuit Reset)

Agentboo: Ehn-ne... Ehn... Ehn-nu-nha! Ehn-na! (No need to... fight... bad Ethereals! Take this!)

Agentboo: Ehn-ne-na... Ehn-ne! (No... It's not a bad Ethereal creature! It's a comrade-in-arms!)

Hoshimi Miyabi: Any recollection of where the action squad went?

Agentboo: Ehn-nu-ne! Ehn-nah! (My squad was attacked by the Ethereals! I was placed here after being damaged, but the squad is trapped in the area ahead!)

Hoshimi Miyabi: You've been a big help, little Bangboo! Thank you!

Meet up with the advance squad

Hoshimi Miyabi: Advance squad's over there, go and rendezvous!

---

(Idle)

???: Is that thing up there really stable? What if it falls?

???: Relax, even if the heavens did fall, HSOS 6 would be there to catch them.

(Talk to Izumi)

Izumi: Chief Hoshimi! Although we were prepared, we still underestimated the speed of the terrain changes and the threat level of the Ethereals. Our team has sustained significant losses in our encounters with the Ethereals. I will provide the details in the operation report...

Izumi: The technician capable of operating the Ether Disruptor in the team was also injured, so the progress of the advance squad has come to a halt here.

Izumi: Failing to clear a safe path to the battlefield for Section 6 is a dereliction of my duties. I hope Chief Hoshimi will return victorious!

Hoshimi Miyabi: It was just an unexpected circumstance in the operation, no need for grand speeches just yet.

Hoshimi Miyabi: I'll take it from here. Thank you for your hard work, Captain Izumi.

Use the Ether disruptor to pave the way

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Activate the Ether disruptor on the left.

---

(Approach the marked location)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Should we try breaking it?

---

(Interact with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Align the disruptor beam with the receiver to catalyze the Ether crystals.

(After interacting with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): All set! On to the next disruptor location!

---

(Interact with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Align the disruptor beam with the receiver to catalyze the Ether crystals.

(After interacting with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Path connected! Let's move to the next disruptor.

---

(Interact with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Direct the beam to the receiver.

(After interacting with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There's a path now, but... it doesn't seem like we can pass through directly.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): We might need another type of disruptor to make adjustments...

---

(Interact with Ether Topology Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Use the Topology disruptor to adjust the angle of the route.

---

(Interact with Ether Topology Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Set the route angle to the correct position.

(After interacting with Ether Topology Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The route's connected. Let's keep going!

---

(Interact with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Align the disruptor beam with the receiver to catalyze the Ether crystals.

(After interacting with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The route is open!

Rescue the trapped people

(Approach the marked location)

Fairy: Non-Ethereal biosignals detected.

Hoshimi Miyabi: There are trapped personnel ahead!

(After defeating enemies)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Before proceeding, let's ensure that the trapped personnel are secured.

---

(Idle)

Institute Researcher: Wow, this first field study is such an adrenaline rush!

???: Have you finished your paper yet?

Institute Researcher: Oh, don't rub it in! Why bring up such a sore topic?!

(Talk to Institute Researcher)

Institute Researcher: Chief Hoshimi, we encountered the Ether tide during the evacuation, and the terrain has changed... Simply put, we're trapped again.

Institute Researcher: I heard that the Institute's new device can fix distorted terrain, but this guy doesn't seem to know how to operate it. Do they really let idiots like this into the Institute?

Institute Researcher: The Ether disruptor is a new device, and it's completely different from my area of expertise... Anyway, I'm just a foolish Institute member, my life doesn't matter much, but the Irradiant Crystal samples I'm carrying are crucial — they must get back safely!

Hoshimi Miyabi: Leave it to me, I just happen to have a "technician" with me.

Institute Researcher: Hooray for Chief Hoshimi!

Go to the upper platform

Hoshimi Miyabi: Ether fluctuations detected. Prepare for combat.

---

(Interact with Unstable Spatial Fissure)

Hoshimi Miyabi: Enemies incoming — draw your blade!

---

(Interact with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Align the disruptor beam with the receiver to catalyze the Ether crystals.

(After interacting with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Good, the route's connected.

---

(After interacting with Ether Phantom Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Route's clear — let's move forward.

---

(Approach the marked location)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): There's light seeping through the wall...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Should we try breaking it?

---

(Interact with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Anyway, let's connect the path using the disruptor.

(After interacting with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Good, the route's connected.

---

(Interact with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Align the disruptor beam with the receiver to catalyze the Ether crystals.

(After interacting with Ether Beam Disruptor)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It worked! Let's keep moving forward!

Get a Carrot with the Bangboo Workbench

(Talk to Eous)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): This area is riddled with unstable spatial fissures... but we're finally nearing the end of our mission.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Before picking a fissure to dive into, we'll need to run one last calculation at the Bangboo Workbench to make sure it leads to our destination, and not some Ethereal's stomach.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I'm sure Miyabi could deal with such a situation quickly, but why risk getting her clothes dirty...

(Enter Marcel Maze)

Eliminate the enemies

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Take the elevator up and move forward.

---

(Approach the marked location)

Hoshimi Miyabi: Ugh, here come the pesky minions blocking the way.

---

(After defeating the enemies)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Passing through this fissure will lead us to the heart of the Irradiant Core.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Well, based on past experience, we'll encounter some tough enemies on the other side.

Hoshimi Miyabi: It'll just be another fight we'll take on together.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Every time Miyabi says such a cool line, it feels like I'm standing beside a manga protagonist, about to embark on an epic combat.

Izumi: Both of you, the reinforcement combat squad from Section 1 is still on the way. The constantly changing terrain is really causing a lot of trouble...

Hoshimi Miyabi: No worries, Captain Izumi. With me and Yanagi, we can easily take down the enemy.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Though I'd rather play it safe in usual situations, having too many people would hinder Chief Miyabi's combat skills instead.

Izumi: I understand... Then I'll leave it to you two to eliminate the leader, stop the expansion of the Hollow, collect the Irradiant Crystal Core... and all that.

Izumi: Please, save the world in a cool and heroic way once again! Just like every operation of Section 6!

Hoshimi Miyabi: Umm...

Tsukishiro Yanagi: ...Your encouragement and support have been received with thanks.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Ehn-nah-ehn-nu! (It's about to begin! The final showdown of Melinoe!)

Eliminate the highly dangerous targets

Hoshimi Miyabi: So, this is the big boss, Proxy?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): That's right! The notorious Ethereal deep in Melinoe's heart.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Take it down, and we can slow the Hollow's expansion!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The enemy has appeared! Huh, they're looking pretty confident.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: The Irradiant Core can catalyze the mutation of Ether energy, making the Ethereals here particularly vicious.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Confidence alone will not win against Tailless and me.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Draw your sword and go for it, Chief!

Hoshimi Miyabi: Tailless is excited. Does it sense Irradiant Crystal Cores?

---

(After defeating the enemies)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): The enemies have fallen! Well done, Miyabi!

Hoshimi Miyabi: Phew... Well done, Proxy.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Crystals have appeared over there. They must be the Irradiant Crystal Core that the Institute has been searching for, right?

Hoshimi Miyabi: Yes, this unique Ether fluctuation, and the reaction from the Tailless... There's no mistaking it.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Let's go retrieve the Crystal Core and we can return to the Outpost.

Recover the Irradiant Crystal Core

(Interact with Irradiant Crystal Core)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): This is the last (‍Irradiant CrystalIrradiant CrystalText for Wise / Irradiant Crystal CoreIrradiant Crystal CoreText for Belle‍) Core the institute was searching for. Once it's recovered, this operation will come to an end.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Hmm... Tailless is especially restless today, just like when we were in the Outer Ring Hollow...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...! Could it be that Miss Miyabi's sword is about to lose control again? Can Eous's body put the sword back into its scabbard?

Hoshimi Miyabi: Do not worry, Proxy. This time, no strange voices are ringing in my head... Tailless doesn't seem to be attempting to break free from my control.

Hoshimi Miyabi: It's probably just that this weird Irradiant Crystal Core thing has triggered Tailless's activity.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Rather than that, it seems like the Irradiant Core in mid-air is showing some signs of activity...

Fairy: Master, Ether activity changes in the Hollow environment detected.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Foxfire! Foxfire is coming from Miyabi's sword sheath...

---

The core wails in the sky, and the Ether tide sweep across...

In the low murmur of the Tailless, the Foxfires brought about a familiar sensation of dizziness.

...

---

???: ...

Hoshimi Miyabi: Oh?

???: ...

Hoshimi Miyabi: It's so quiet... All those voices, they've all disappeared?

Hoshimi Miyabi: Where are the cries of the Hoshimi family heads, the very ones who persistently urged me only to wield my blade? Have they faded into this emptiness after offering only nothing but grandiose words?

Voice of Nothing: ...

Hoshimi Miyabi: Perhaps, those voices were just delusions that I hadn't managed to sever completely. It seems that my training hasn't been entirely without effect...

Hoshimi Miyabi: No... I hear it...

A barely audible echo resounds from the darkness...

???

(Talk to Miyabi)

Hoshimi Miyabi: I hear it... I...

"Hoshimi Miyabi" — Kill.

Hoshimi Miyabi: What I heard was a voice similar to mine.

Familiar Voice — Only with strength, can you...

Hoshimi Miyabi: Shut up.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Is it my turn to utter such clichéd lines to future generations? — I refuse.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Saying idealistic phrases like "eradicate all evil" while the sword is drawn. When the sword is sheathed, can one forget their disdain and anger toward evil?

Hoshimi Miyabi: If that's the case, is it for the justice in your heart, or simply to find a seemingly righteous reason for the power you wield?

Hoshimi Miyabi: Listen well, "Hoshimi Miyabi". Those with power do not necessarily wield their blades for the right cause, and being weak does not mean one cannot differentiate between good and evil.

Hoshimi Miyabi: One wields the blade while carrying hope, and continues to do so even when trapped in despair. Only then does one earn the right to raise the sword.

Familiar Voice When one possesses strength, don't forget to wield it against evil.

Unfamiliar Voice ...

Hoshimi Miyabi: Huh... Is there... a voice other than "mine"?

(Talk to (ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle))

Unfamiliar Voice "Miss Miyabi..."

Hoshimi Miyabi: Is that... Proxy's voice?

Unfamiliar Voice "Miyabi."

Unfamiliar Voice "Chief Miyabi!"

Hoshimi Miyabi: There's also... everyone's voices.

Unfamiliar Voice "If it's the Chief, she would definitely be able to do it, but when the Chief isn't here, I'll be the one to do it!"

Hoshimi Miyabi: There's no need to be so stubborn, Yanagi. After all, there's also Harumasa and Soukaku...

Unfamiliar Voice "I'm sure you'll become an outstanding person. But I also hope you don't grow up too fast... just a little more slowly..."

Hoshimi Miyabi: Got it, mom. I've grown into a somewhat capable adult.

Unfamiliar Voice "Being a relentless blade is just a projection of my own... and many others' expectations of what you should be, right?"

Hoshimi Miyabi: Proxy... why are you suddenly so worried about me?

Unfamiliar Voice "But beyond being a blade and a Void Hunter, you're still flesh and blood."

Hoshimi Miyabi: Alright, I hear you loud and clear. Not the voice that calls for me to wield my blade...

---

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): ...Miyabi?! Miss Miyabi?! ...ear me? Can ...you hear me?

Hoshimi Miyabi: Mm...? Proxy...?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Yes! It's me, Miss Miyabi! Y–You're finally awake! How are you feeling?

Hoshimi Miyabi: It feels like this conversation has happened before...?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Just now, the Foxfire suddenly erupted from the scabbard — although it wasn't as intense as last time, it seemed to have caused you to lose consciousness again!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): But you didn't faint like last time. You just stood there in a daze. Does this mean...

Hoshimi Miyabi: That's right, Proxy, I'm fine. It's probably just the Irradiant Crystal Core that triggered the activation of Tailless...

Hoshimi Miyabi: But if this had happened during a battle, it would have been troublesome. It's my carelessness that has caused you unnecessary worry, Proxy.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I'm relieved to hear that you're okay, Miss Miyabi. If you had woken up just half a minute later, I would have activated Eous's speaker and shouted for help at full volume...

Hoshimi Miyabi: In that case, the name of the Legendary Proxy would have been ruined, wouldn't it?

Hoshimi Miyabi: By the way, let me tell you a secret...

Hoshimi Miyabi: In Tailless's dream, I heard your voice...