Temporary Partner (Episode)
Last updated 2025-12-11
This article is about the episode. For the Hollow Event, see Temporary Partner.
Temporary Partner is the first act of Chapter 5: A Storm of Falling Stars (A) in Phaethon's Story.
Parts
- Election Day
- Perlman's Accusation
- The Speech
- The Dark Plot
- Perlman's Confession
- Formidable Ally
Steps
- Drive to the Outer Ring with Nicole
- Talk to Nicole about Perlman's confession
- Discuss Section 6 with Nicole
Dialogue
Election Day
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Election DayVideo Summary: On the bustling day of the election, a crisis brewed in the shadows.
Story Description: The elections for key positions in the city are underway and security is tight. Meanwhile, Perlman accuses Bringer of being the real mastermind behind the Vision Corporation case.
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Perlman's Accusation
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Perlman's AccusationVideo Summary: Knowing too many secrets can occasionally be a burden.
Story Description: Nicole visits the video store and invites you both to meet her in the Outer Ring to discuss the next move.
- A while later, at the backdoor to Random Play...
- [Nicole:' Whew... Made it! Why is traffic in the city always so slow? It's like half the speed of the Outer Ring!
- (SiblingSibling): Maybe because the speed limit in the city is half what it is in the (Outer Ring.Outer Ring. /
Outer Ring?Outer Ring?) (Don't tell meDon't tell me / Don't tell me...Don't tell me...) you've just been speeding this whole time, Nicole? - Nicole: What? Darn it, I have been going to the Outer Ring a lot lately... Good thing they can't give me a ticket because I always take my license plate off before I get back into town.
- (SiblingSibling): ...That's way worse than speeding! Don't bring the traffic officers to our place!
- Nicole: Relax! I double-checked. No one's tailing me. It's just me and my car!
- Nicole: You all heard what Perlman said over the phone. There seems to be more to the Vision scandal. Whether it's true or not, that will decide our next move.
- Nicole: I'm here to take you to the Outer Ring so we can come up with a plan!
Why didn't you bring Perlman with you?- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Huh? If he's so important then why not just bring him back to New Eridu? Why come all the way to get us?
- Nicole: I wanted to, but it's election season right now and security checks in and out of the Outer Ring are ten times more strict than in the city. If what Perlman said is true, PubSec would definitely have arrested him on the way in!
- Nicole: The enemies are out in the open, and we're in the shadows. Based on past experience, we'll probably need a low-key plan.
- (SiblingSibling): (You mean... the Hollows [sic]You mean... the Hollows [sic] Tooltip for You mean... the Hollows [sic]ⓘ /
Do you mean... the Hollows?Do you mean... the Hollows?) - Nicole: Exactly! The main roads are filled with PubSec checkpoints armed to the Bangboo ears. If anything goes wrong and we need to use the Hollows, we'll need a reliable Proxy!
- (SiblingSibling): You only come to us when it's dangerous...
- Fairy: Master: If Perlman's claims are true, he may possess information about the unknown species in the monument at the construction site. This could assist with your long-term objectives.
- (SiblingSibling): Hmm... That's true. *sigh*... The Cunning Hares, Belobog Industries, Victoria Housekeeping, and the Sons of Calydon... It all began with this scandal. What do you think, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle)? - Let's head to the Outer Ring.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): It's time we see this through... Alright, (I'll go, but just me. Belle will stay home and help coordinate remote support through the HDD.I'll go, but just me. Belle will stay home and help coordinate remote support through the HDD. /
let's head to the Outer Ring! But just Nicole and me — Wise will stay home and help coordinate remote support through the HDD!let's head to the Outer Ring! But just Nicole and me — Wise will stay home and help coordinate remote support through the HDD!) - Nicole: Excellent! Seeing it through is the pro move! I'll contact someone who can get us out of the city. Don't forget to bring your little buddy!
- Nicole: Oh, by the way... Can we use your car? If my car gets stopped, my license application is doomed...
- (SiblingSibling): You're driving without a license?!
- (Talk to Nicole)
- Nicole: Ready to go, Proxy? Are we heading out now?
Sure. Let's go!
- Nicole: Okay, let's get ready to set off!
- Nicole: Target: Outer Ring! As for the route... well, you're in charge of driving, so I'll leave the navigation to you!
- Nicole: I'll just be sitting in the passenger seat, observing the nearby Public Security checkpoints.
- Nicole: With my years of street experience, I'll let you know immediately if anyone starts to target us!
- Just wait a moment...
- Nicole: Is that so? Do you also have an unpaid bill to deal with?
- Nicole: Go ahead! I'll be right here waiting for you.
- (Exit Dialogue)
- (Talk to (BelleBelle /
WiseWise), optional) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Nicole's really a piece of work. Why did she ask us to go to the Outer Ring at a time like this?Nicole's really a piece of work. Why did she ask us to go to the Outer Ring at a time like this? /
Nicole just had to make us go all the way to the Outer Ring at a time like this.Nicole just had to make us go all the way to the Outer Ring at a time like this.) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): Are you ready to go, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle)? (Please bePlease be / BeBe) careful! - She's probably just making sure everything's secure.
- It's no small matter, after all...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): They're probably just making sure everything's secure, especially with a higher-up at PubSec suspect in the Vision Corporation scandal... This is probably much bigger than we thought.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): That's true... But now there are PubSec checkpoints everywhere. It would be really dangerous if we had to take a detour through a Hollow to avoid the checks.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (WiseWise /
BelleBelle), if you run into any trouble, (makemake / bebe) sure to contact me immediately! - I'll be careful!
- I'll leave the support work to you!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (You can count on me.You can count on me. /
Of course!Of course!) I'll fine-tune the HDD system to give you the best (support.support. / support, Wise.support, Wise.) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Wise, please be careful! If something goes wrong, don't strain yourself!Wise, please be careful! If something goes wrong, don't strain yourself! /
Belle, please be careful. If you need help, I'll rush over right away.Belle, please be careful. If you need help, I'll rush over right away.)
The Speech
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
The SpeechVideo Summary: The speech is a meticulously orchestrated performance.
Story Description: Somewhere in New Eridu, just as Bringer is practicing his speech, an "old acquaintance" shows up out of the blue...
- Meanwhile... Outside the Dead End Hollow, at the scene of the Vision Corporation scandal...
- Bringer: ...New Eridu is a city of miracles — the only sanctuary that can protect people in this world plagued by Hollows.
- Bringer: That's what the leader of the group of survivors I was with as a kid used to tell me.[Note 1] The days spent wandering the wastelands, hiding from Hollows were harsh. Hope was all that kept me going.
- Bringer: Thankfully, we eventually made it here. Just like the rumors said, the city took us in and gave us the protection we needed.
- Bringer: From that point on, I was determined to do everything possible to keep this beacon of hope safe, to protect this miracle city for everyone!
- Bringer: And that's why I'm running. If I'm elected Commander of the Janus Quarter, I vow to oppose groups like Vision Corporation that disregard human life!
- Bringer: Just like my leader used to tell me: Be a hero for the people... Build... uh... for everyone... um...
- Bringer: Tch, stupid speech...!
- You hear the crisp click-clack of high heels on the floor as a tall figure in black and red slowly approaches, ignoring Bringer's venomous stare.
The Dark Plot
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
The Dark PlotVideo Summary: Conspire in silence.
Story Description: Sarah has a one-of-a-kind piece of intel that seems to be connected to the Hoshimi family...
- Sarah: Haha, didn't you write that yourself? Is it that hard to recite your own story?
- Bringer: Sarah... What are you doing here?
- Sarah: You don't look so pleased. Isn't being appointed the Chief Commander something to celebrate?
- Bringer: ...Cut the sarcasm.
- Sarah: I'm being sincere.
- Bringer: Vision Corporation is done for, H.A.N.D. has what's in the monument, Null Face's attack failed... And don't even get me started on the idiots who couldn't take over the Outer Ring or those worthless gangs!
- Bringer: The plan can't proceed without the Sacrifice sample. You want me to butt heads with the Void Hunter from Section 6? Or am I supposed to be the honest and noble Commander now?
- Sarah: A plan is just a tool to reach a goal, not the goal itself. True believers know how to adjust or create new plans according to the circumstances.
- Bringer: ...Let me make this clear: we're equals. I don't need you telling me how to do things.
- Sarah: Don't get all worked up. I'm here to help you formulate a new plan. Take a look at this...
- She hands over the folder she's carrying. Bringer flips through it skeptically. A moment later...
- Bringer: What? The Hoshimis have a family secret like this?! How come I've never heard of it? Is this intel reliable?
- Sarah: White Noise went to great lengths to obtain this information. It's credible enough.
- Bringer: White Noise? That loser who lost to Phaethon during the Red Fang Gang case? That guy's even worse than Null_Face!
- Sarah: The real deal is on the job this time, not some overconfident underling. Besides, I have a plan to verify the intel's authenticity.
- Sarah: And this plan requires assistance from you — our honest and noble Commander.
- Bringer: ...I'll contact you once I'm done with this damned speech.
- Sarah: Very well. Looking forward to your inspiring words, soon-to-be Commander Bringer.
- Bringer: Hmph...
- Bringer closes the file and gets up to leave. Watching his figure gradually fade into the distance, Sarah suddenly voices a question.
- Sarah: ...That leader of yours, the hero who led you to New Eridu when you were a kid, what happened to him?
- Bringer: ...The night before we reached the city, he became corrupted, and was abandoned by the very survivors he'd been protecting.
A short while later, somewhere in the Outer Ring...
- (Idle)
- Nicole: Fortunately... we didn't get tailed along the way.
- (Talk to Anby, optional)
- Anby: Nekomata, do you think Perlman is lying?
- Nekomata: Hmm... I don't think he's got the brains to lie.
- Nekomata: The real villain should be someone like Secretary Sarah!
- Anby: No, not necessarily.
- Anby: From my experience, it's hard to tell if someone is honest based on their looks.
- Anby: For example, did you sneak into the kitchen last night and steal my burger?
- Anby: When I caught you, you said you were rummaging through the fridge because you were sleepwalking?
- Nekomata: Uh... huh? Did I?
- Nekomata: I don't remember, meow! My memory isn't that good. Meow!
- (Talk to Billy, optional)
- Billy: Tell me the truth. Are you lying or not?
- Billy: If you dare lie to me, I will deliver you the harshest of punishments in the name of the Starlight Knights!
- Perlman: I—I'm telling the truth!
- Perlman: Mr. Smart Robot, you've got to believe me!
- Billy: Hahahaha! I knew you were lying!
- Billy: I'm not a Smart Robot! I'm an "Intelligent Tactical Unit With Firepower-Based Area Suppression Capabilities"!
- Billy: Since you dare to lie, I will cast the "Starlight Knight's Punishment" on you, for those poor people who have been hurt!
- Perlman: Whoa! P—P—Please be reasonable!
- Perlman: Who would even know that?!
- (Talk to Nicole)
- Nicole: Finally, we made it here safely. Nice driving, Proxy.
- Nicole: Of course... compared to me the speed was a little... lacking.
- Get your license first!
- I know how to use brakes!
- Nicole: Hold on, don't get me wrong! I'm not some fool who only knows how to slam the gas pedal. I drive fast because I've got the skills and the guts.
- Nicole: I don't have a driver's license because I don't have time for the exam. Plus, getting a license would mean paying off all those overdue fines... and I don't want to lose money!
- Nicole: ...Let's not talk about that for now. Proxy, do you want to hear what Perlman has to say?
- Nicole: This guy's words don't add up. It's suspicious! Maybe you can tell if he's lying or not.
- Let me give it a try.
- Fill me in on the situation.
- Nicole: Great! I'm relieved to hear that from you!
- Nicole: Now, even if that guy tries to lie, he won't be able to fool us!
Perlman's Confession
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Perlman's ConfessionVideo Summary: The hare's wisdom is in tricking the tiger into going after the wolf.
Story Description: Perlman details the inside story of the Vision Corporation case, revealing that Deputy Commander Bringer was the one pulling the strings. To counter this, Nicole taps into an unexpected connection and secures a formidable ally...
- As the Cunning Hares gather together, Perlman carefully explains the shocking truth. Moments later...
- Perlman: ...S—So basically, despite being the so-called CEO of Vision Corporation, I'm really just a puppet! Sarah's the one orchestrating all the company's major plans, including the old metro construction project!
- Perlman: And the only reason she dares pull all these risky moves is because Bringer's got her back!
- Perlman: They never let me be part of the planning process, they just told me what to do after everything's decided. They even kicked me out to eat in the staff cafeteria!
- Do you have any proof?
- How do we know you're not lying?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Do you have any concrete proof besides what you've told us?
- Perlman: I do! I really do! I've been keeping an eye out when I realized their plans were getting dangerous! I may be the CEO in name only, but I'm still the CEO — I have to sign a lot of documents!
- Perlman: I kept hard copies of every proposal and email related to the old metro project that Sarah worked on! I put them together while they made me eat in the staff cafeteria!
- Perlman: I hid those copies among various construction documents. If we can find them, we'll have evidence of her communications with Bringer, or the account numbers showing their transactions!
- Nicole: Really? With proof like that, we can definitely make a case...
- Belobog Industries!
- Koleda...!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Right! The project went to Koleda's Belobog Industries after the scandal!
- Perlman: What? You know that company with more bears than humans, and more machines than bears? Great! That makes things easier!
- Perlman: Since you know them, maybe they could help us find the evidence I hid!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I see. Didn't think you had that up your sleeve. Seems being CEO wasn't entirely just a title. Belle, I'll contact Koleda now.I see. Didn't think you had that up your sleeve. Seems being CEO wasn't entirely just a title. Belle, I'll contact Koleda now. /
Didn't think you had that up your sleeve... Guess you do have some critical thinking skills after all! Wise, I'll contact Koleda now!Didn't think you had that up your sleeve... Guess you do have some critical thinking skills after all! Wise, I'll contact Koleda now!) - Nekomata: Nicole, sounds like the chubby potato was telling the truth? What do we do next? Take him to Public Security meow? But the bad guys are there!
- Anby: And with the elections happening, Public Security is everywhere in the city. We can't tell who might be connected to the bad guys.
- Nicole: Haha! Don't worry. Unlike this potato here, I, Nicole, am CEO of the Cunning Hares in both name AND skill! I've already got a plan!
- Nicole: My point is, there's always a bigger fish! A wise hare uses the tiger to eat the wolf. So if we want to take down the tiger, we'll need an elephant!
- An elephant?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): An elephant... (But only a handful of organizations in New Eridu have influence equal to Public Security...But only a handful of organizations in New Eridu have influence equal to Public Security... /
There aren't many organizations in New Eridu that can match Public Security's influence...There aren't many organizations in New Eridu that can match Public Security's influence...) The Defense Force, White Star Institute, and... wait! (Do you mean...?Do you mean...? / D—Do you mean...?D—Do you mean...?) - Nicole: Mhm, exactly! I'm bringing in the youngest and the biggest elephant in New Eridu!
- Beep beep!
A loud honk echoes as several trucks with the "Leaps and Bounds" logo drive into the open area. A cute, sleepy face peeks out from the driver's window... - Piper: Hmmm, right on time. Thank you for riding our special Leaps and Bounds shuttle. You have arrived at your destination~
- Soukaku: Whoa! Is this the Outer Ring?! It's amazing! The sky is spinning, the earth is wobbling, and even the air smells dizzy!
- Tsukishiro Yanagi: You're just carsick, Soukaku. Hold my hand and rest a bit. Asaba, are you doing ok?
- Asaba Harumasa: Just... need a minute... This driver is something else! I feel like I'm gonna... urp blargh!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Arranging a secret meetup in the Outer Ring on such an important day... You better have worthwhile intel, Nicole of the Cunning Hares.
- (Idle)
- Perlman: Huh!? Y—You're Hoshimi Miyabi!
- Perlman: I've seen you on TV before!
- Perlman: How come you, Section 6, are in cahoots with the Cunning Hares?
- Hoshimi Miyabi: ...
- Perlman: You! Why are you looking at me like that?
- Perlman: I'm being framed!
- Nicole: Phew... They're finally here.
- (Talk to Anby, optional)
- Nekomata: Th—They're from Section 6... They're so intimidating. I feel like I could be arrested at any moment!
- Anby: That won't happen, they're familiar with Nicole, so they wouldn't go after me and Billy. After all, we're just intelligence brokers on the brink of bankruptcy.
- Anby: Most importantly, it's not the end of the year, so they shouldn't be in a rush to meet their performance quotas...
- Nekomata: Really? Then I can relax.
- Anby: However, it's still too early to be completely at ease. I've heard that Section 6 won't randomly arrest people, but they also won't let actual criminals get away.
- Anby: So... Nekomata, you need to be careful.
- Nekomata: Huh? Anby... what do you mean?
- Nekomata: I may have been with the Red Fang Gang before, but I shouldn't have a criminal record!
- Anby: No, you are indeed a criminal.
- Anby: Last night, at midnight, you stole my egg pudding. The evidence is in the trash can...
- Anby: ...Technically speaking, that counts as theft.
- Nekomata: Hey! Is this really the time to be hung up on that?!
- (Talk to Soukaku, optional)
- Soukaku: I'm feeling so dizzy... Hehe, now everything I look at has two shadows... No, wait! Three shadows!
- Soukaku: Awesome! Now I have three Nagis!
- Tsukishiro Yanagi: Soukaku, stop moving. You need to rest after taking your car sickness medicine.
- Soukaku: Oh... I'll listen to Nagi and stay still.
- Soukaku: Ah... Huh?
- Soukaku: I didn't move, so why are there still three Nagis swaying around? They're moving around perfectly in sync...
- Soukaku: Just like seaweed...
- Soukaku: Seaweed... Seaweed! Swaying seaweed!
- (Talk to Asaba Harumasa, optional)
- Asaba Harumasa: Ughh... *coughing*
- Asaba Harumasa: Huff... haaah... There's something wrong... with that driver... I need some fresh air.
- Are you okay?
- Is everything alright...?
- Asaba Harumasa: Huh? You're... *cough* *cough*!
- Asaba Harumasa: You're... Ahem ahem!
- I'm not "Ahem ahem"!
- Slow down...
- Asaba Harumasa: Ahem... Sorry, I meant, I didn't expect to see you here.
- Asaba Harumasa: But there's definitely something wrong with that driver... Why would anyone race a truck?
- Asaba Harumasa: I'd rather walk back than ride with her again!
- (Talk to Piper, optional)
- Piper: Phew... The people you wanted to see have all arrived safely...
- Piper: There were many checkpoints along the way, and the truck's a biggun so we had to take a long detour just to get here...
- Thank you so much!
- It's good we have you helping out, Piper.
- Piper: Hehe, it's no big deal... lil ol' me just tried my best steppin' on the gas.
- Piper: Boss said that this time, we're only helpin' the Cunning Hares on your account, Proxy... so there's no extra charge. Course, it'd be great if I could at least get reimbursed for gas...
- I'll add it to Nicole's tab.
- I'll get Nicole to pay you for the gas.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I'll charge the gas money to Nicole's account and throw in a few bottles of Nitro-Fuel for you!
- Piper: Wow... Proxy, you're the best!
- Piper: Next time I win a prize draw, I'll treat you to a few drinks!
- (Talk to Nicole)
- Nicole: Hmph! What do you think? Are you impressed by my connections, Proxy?
- Nicole: I, Nicole from the Cunning Hares, am quite a notable figure in New Eridu. Even H.S.O.S. 6 are old friends of mine...
- Nicole: Ahem... If you're willing to give me a 20% discount on the overdue commission fees, I can introduce you to more useful connections!
- How did you find them?
- You know Section 6, Nicole?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I'm more impressed that Nicole could get in touch with Section 6 through private channels... How did you pull that off? Have you been holding out on me?I'm more impressed that Nicole could get in touch with Section 6 through private channels... How did you pull that off? Have you been holding out on me? /
I'm more surprised that you could get in touch with Hoshimi Miyabi herself... Through private channels, no less... Nicole, have you been holding out on me?I'm more surprised that you could get in touch with Hoshimi Miyabi herself... Through private channels, no less... Nicole, have you been holding out on me?) - Nicole: Hehe~ Told ya I have powerful friends! In our line of work, connections are everything! As for how I know that battle-crazed fox... that's a story from way back.
- Nicole: ...When she first joined HAND, she went on a mission and got duped big time — even lost her precious family katana.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): For real? Did you help her see through the scam?
- Nicole: Um, I was the one who scammed her katana...
- Nicole: ...Wh—Why are you looking at me like that? That was my first gig on the street! I had no idea who she was! And she was so naive...
- Nicole: Anyway, I gave the katana back to her in the end... and through that, we got to know each other.
- Is bringing in Section 6 really a good idea?
- Nicole: Don't worry, Proxy. That battlecrazed fox is a reasonable person. She won't give innocent people any trouble.
- Nicole: As long as we tell her the whole story, she should agree to work with us against Bringer.
- Nicole: Proxy, let's go talk to that battlecrazed fox about Perlman!
- Let's go!
- Nicole: Great! This time, we'll definitely get this done!
- Wait a moment...
- Nicole: No rush, Proxy. We'll start whenever you're ready!
Formidable Ally
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Formidable AllyVideo Summary: Sometimes, outside help can also stir up trouble.
Story Description: HSOS 6 receives Nicole's message and comes to investigate Perlman's testimony. They plan to bring you along to verify the details... All the while, an attack creeps closer and closer...
- Section 6 demands to interrogate Perlman alone. The four Executive Officers corner him, forming a makeshift interrogation room in the open field. After some time...
- Nekomata: Is everything okay meow? The chubby potato's laughing one minute, crying the next. Ah, now he's bawling on the floor... What kinda questions are they asking him?
- Anby: Interrogations by the Defense Force have similar effects, but they usually use tools. Achieving this with words alone... These officers are very talented.
- Perlman:...
- Nicole: Eek...! Y—You're done already? That was quick! As expected of the elephant!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Elephant? I'm a Fox Thiren.
- Nicole: That's not important. How did the interrogation go? I wasn't lying, was I? There's more to the Vision scandal! And Bringer's behind it!
- Tsukishiro Yanagi: You are accusing Inspector Bringer of a criminal offense, but the witness's info only indicates another suspect. There's a big difference.
- Nicole: Ohhh~ Thank you for your professional opinion, Miss Class Rep. But your fancy talk isn't helping us decide what to do next!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: I can't say I understand Yanagi's professional opinion either, but I have full faith in her judgment. We need to look further into the Vision case.
- Tsukishiro Yanagi: Hmph...
- Nicole: Are you smirking? Did you just give me an "I won" look?!
- Tsukishiro Yanagi: Not at all, I was just adjusting my glasses. You must be mistaken.
- Nekomata: Hmph! Bet you didn't have very many friends in school, meow!
- Asaba Harumasa: Hahaha, Deputy Chief totally strikes me as the teacher's favorite star student back in school~
- Anby: Stop.
- Asaba Harumasa: Oh? Are you into the star student type? My apologies~
- Anby: I'm asking you to not move any further.
- Anby: 12 o'clock, 9 o'clock, and 6 o'clock... You've been intentionally positioning yourselves to surround us since the conversation started... I don't like it.
- Anby: If you have no other intentions, please stay where I can see you. Do not attempt to leave my line of sight.
- Anby's calm yet firm voice instantly shifts the atmosphere, leaving the quarreling crowd in uneasy silence...
- Asaba Harumasa: Oh my... Very perceptive. Guess it's no coincidence our metal friend has his hand on the holster?
- Billy: I'll take my hand off my holster when Miss Star Student lets go of her retractable blade's handle...
- Nicole: Wh—What? Anby, are you serious? Hey! You better not try anything funny!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: As I said, we need to look further into the Vision case. In addition to Perlman, we'll be taking this one too.
- The youngest Void Hunter in New Eridu glances over, her sharp gaze landing right in the middle of the crowd...
- ...Me?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Huh? You want to... take me in?
- Tsukishiro Yanagi: Seeing you here was unexpected, "Independent Investigation Team Lead." Or should I call you... Proxy?
- Asaba Harumasa: Haha, I knew you were too skilled for the Independent Investigation Team. You've got a side hustle that keeps you sharp, huh? Or maybe investigating Hollow Zero is the side hustle?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Hold on! They have nothing to do with the Vision case!
- Tsukishiro Yanagi: According to Perlman's statements, a Proxy was deeply involved in the entire Vision Corporation scandal. Our investigations also suggest a Proxy was linked to the Belobog Industries construction incident.
- Tsukishiro Yanagi: Plus, Public Security's airship incident and the Outer Ring... If I recall correctly, our Independent Investigation Team Lead also made an appearance at the Outer Ring's important traditional competition. Coincidence? I think not.
- Nicole: It... It IS just a coincidence! They're just an old buddy of mine who sometimes works with us Cunning Hares! Really, NOTHING to do with the Vision case!
- Soukaku: Chill out! It's just some background checks, and then you're good to go! We never bully anyone! Miss Two-Tails... Could you please stop giving me that scary look...?
- Hoshimi Miyabi: This is a crucial time for New Eridu. With leaders of all key sectors gathered together, any mistake could destabilize the city's foundation.
- Nicole: I know that! And that's why I asked you to help me expose the true culprit! Why drag an innocent person into this?
- Hoshimi Miyabi: You've only shown us a fragment of a conspiracy theory, and the full story could be anything. The truth you're pushing is just one version.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Any potential threat to the city must be completely eradicated. That is the fundamental principle of H.A.N.D.
- Nicole: But they're really not a threat or harmful at all!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Eradicate all evil... We decide for ourselves what "evil" is. Even if they're not an evil person, they may still hold important information pertaining to the truth. And your evasive attitude only makes my conviction stronger.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: If you want Section 6's support, please cooperate with us, Nicole of the Cunning Hares.
- The Void Hunter's gaze almost carries a palpable menace to it, making our pink-haired girl — who's consistently undaunted and never afraid — grow unusually flustered. After a brief flickering of her eyes, she grits her teeth and stands in the path of this Fox Thiren.
- Nicole: I changed my mind, I think I made a mistake. We actually don't need your help... If I say that, will you leave? I'll comp all your travel costs!
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Nicole... I'm not the same rookie I was back then anymore.
- Nicole: *scoff* ...You were way cuter back when you were a rookie.
- Nicole: Proxy... I'm sorry. We might not be able to hold them off for long... Run as far as you ca—
- BANG!
A sharp gunshot echoes from not far away, like the crackling of a dry firework on a summer night. Immediately after...
Notes
- ↑ Actual voice-over: "survivor group I was with a kid told me."
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Temporary Partner |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 临时合伙人 Línshí Héhuǒrén |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 臨時合夥人 Línshí Héhuǒrén |
| Japanese | 一時的な協力者 Ichijiteki na Kyōryokusha |
| Korean | 임시 파트너 Imsi Pateuneo |
| Spanish | Cooperación temporal |
| French | Partenaire temporaire |
| Russian | Временный партнёр Vremennyy partnyor |
| Thai | คู่หูชั่วคราว |
| Vietnamese | Cộng Sự Tạm Thời |
| German | Vorübergehende Partner |
| Indonesian | Rekan Sementara |
| Portuguese | Cooperação Temporária |
Change History
Released in Version 1.4 - A Storm of Falling Stars
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