Tracking Down Clues
Last updated 2026-06-28
Tracking Down Clues is a Hearsay Commission and part of the Hollow Zero: Lost Void storyline.
Steps
- Have a chat with the strange customer outside the video store
- Inquire about the latest rescue efforts
- Enter Hollow Zero to search for Ray
- Complete the Special Operation "Ray, Vanished" in Lost Void
- Have a talk with Roland about what happened in Hollow Zero
- Complete a Battlefront Purge challenge in Lost Void
Gameplay Notes
Dialogue
- (Talk to Charlie in Scott Outpost before starting the commission, optional)
- Charlie: Officer Ray has gone missing, and there's so much work to do...
- Charlie: Anyway, let me take over her duties for the time being!
Check Ray's Research Log.- (Leave)
- (Idle, in front of Random Play)
- Charlie: Phew... Calm down, calm down.
- (Talk to Charlie)
- Charlie: You... you must be the leader of the Independent Investigation Team that Officer Ray mentioned!
Yep, that's me. And you are?- Charlie: I'm Charlie, from the White Star Institute. I've been assigned to the special research team at Scott Outpost. I apologize for the abruptness of my visit, but the matter is urgent.
- Charlie: Officer Ray specifically instructed that this issue should be brought to you directly.
- What's going on?
- Why me?
- Charlie: After you passed the assessment, Officer Ray started extensively reviewing your profile.
- Charlie: Two days ago, she suddenly announced to everyone that you were her sole designated contact. She instructed that if anything were to happen to her, we should seek your assistance immediately.
- Charlie: The next day, Officer Ray entered Hollow Zero and went missing...
- Charlie: Scott Outpost is currently mobilizing an emergency search for her.
- Ray is missing?
- What happened?
- Charlie: It's better not to discuss the details here. Come with me to the outpost to learn more.
- Charlie: There's one thing that's been bothering me...
- Charlie: It's as if Officer Ray anticipated her own disappearance. Not only did she designate you as her contact, but she also entrusted me with a message for you.
- Charlie clears her throat, furtively glances around to ensure no one else is listening, and mimics Ray's tone in a low voice.
- Charlie: "If one day I go missing, trust no one... not even my colleagues."
- "Trust no one"?
- What does that mean?
- Charlie: I can't make heads or tails of it either. Officer Ray simply instructed me to relay the message to you.
- Charlie: Oh, and there's more:
- Charlie: "You can trust Charlie. She's as reliable as a recorder."
- Charlie: "That might sound like something Charlie made up herself, but I promise I really said it. Not that it matters... you can't verify it anyway."
- That does sound like her!
- Definitely her style!
- Charlie: *sigh* ...Officer Ray has always been like that. It's a real headache for her subordinates, as we never know what's going on in her head.
- Charlie: But, if Officer Ray trusts you, I trust her judgment unconditionally.
- Charlie: So... please join me at Scott Outpost to take part in the search-and-rescue operation for Officer Ray!
- I'll get ready!
- Of course!
- Charlie: Thank you, truly. I see Officer Ray didn't misplace her trust!
- After briefly explaining the situation to (Belle,Belle, /
Wise,Wise,) you follow Charlie to Scott Outpost. - Charlie: I just received clearance from my superiors, which means you are now officially an auxiliary member of this search-and-rescue operation.
- Charlie: It's urgent, so I'll be brief.
- Charlie: Officer Ray has been monitoring the abnormal Ether in Zone A17, where activity recently spiked and exhibited unusually intense fluctuations.
- Charlie: That area's terrain is pretty treacherous, with lots of missing survey teams — it's known as the "Lost Void."
- Charlie: Officer Ray had been persistently applying for permission to investigate the Anomaly Zone to obtain information first-hand.
- Charlie: She said that if her hypotheses were correct, the area could potentially become a source of serious trouble.
- What kind of trouble?
- What do you mean?
- Charlie: Officer Ray didn't tell me. She had been requesting a detailed investigation of that area, but for some reason, the institute never issued an approval.
- Charlie: She seemed quite frustrated about it. Then, during a recent routine investigation, she suddenly insisted on personally leading a team into Hollow Zero.
- Charlie: Before departing, she spoke to Captain Roland and asked him to prepare for the worst.
- Prepare for the worst?
- That doesn't sound good...
- Charlie: I'm not so sure myself. After that, she personally led the team to carry out the investigation.
- Charlie: As soon as the investigation team entered the Hollow, Officer Ray immediately separated from the group and left on her own.
- Charlie lowers her voice, glancing around cautiously.
- Charlie: And with the message she asked me to pass on to you... I'm guessing that Officer Ray has gone to investigate the Lost Void herself.
- Charlie: It also seems like she was wary of her own staff.
- Charlie: It's been two days since we lost contact with her. Captain Roland has sent out search teams, but there have been some strange developments with the nearby Ethereals.
- Charlie: It seems even Captain Roland is struggling to handle them, and the Defense Force is in chaos right now.
- Charlie: If you want to know more, you should speak to Captain Roland.
- Understood.
- Leave it to me!
- Charlie: I knew we could count on you!
- Charlie: I've discussed the rescue operation with Captain Roland in great detail. You can ask him about the specifics.
- (Idle)
- Roland: When you're out there, be on guard against Ethereals!!
- Roland: Make sure to maintain coordination throughout the different zones — do not let the Ethereals converge!
- Soldiers: Yes, sir!
- (Talk to Roland)
- Roland: When you're out there, be on guard against Ethereals!
- Roland: Make sure to maintain coordination throughout the different zones — do not let the Ethereals converge!
- Prepared Soldiers: Yes, sir!
- Excuse me...
- Roland: Oh? You're finally here!
- Roland: Charlie has explained the situation to me. Ray chose you as her contact, and I trust her judgment completely.
- Roland: So, what's your plan for the rescue operation?
- How's the rescue effort going?
- Roland: We've deployed search teams to track her down, but the problem is that the nearby Ethereals have suddenly become more active.
- Roland: ...Just as Ray said they would.
- What do you mean?
- Roland: Before heading into the Hollow, she warned me to keep an eye on the Ethereals in the area, and insinuated that their behavior might change.
- Roland: After her disappearance, things turned out exactly as she predicted.
- Roland: The Ethereals seem to have reached some sort of consensus—they're launching deliberate ambushes on our various outposts and have even destroyed some of our Hollow observation equipment.
- Roland: We've even lost contact with the search teams we sent out.
- How could this happen?
- Did the Ethereals somehow become more intelligent?
- Roland: That's right. It's something we've never seen before.
- Roland: There's an even bigger problem: the unusually coordinated Ethereals have disrupted our cleanup operations, and their numbers are on the verge of spiraling out of control.
- Roland: Residual observation data shows that large numbers of Ethereals from other regions are converging toward this area.
- Roland: If left unchecked, they could potentially gather into an unstoppable wave and overwhelm our defenses.
- Roland: The Defense Force is fortifying their positions and preparing for an all-out retaliation against the Ethereals' impending surge.
- Roland: Hence, I'm afraid I'll have to leave Ray's rescue operation in your capable hands.
- Roland: Ray is an important ally, but our top priority is securing the defensive lines.
- Roland: Both the Shiyu and the Hollow Zero defenses are critical to the safety of New Eridu.
- I understand...
- Of course!
- Roland: If you can locate the missing search team, you might find some valuable information.
- Roland: The Defense Force's mission remains unchanged: preemptively strike and neutralize the Ethereals before they form an offensive wave.
- Roland: We'll do everything we can to put an end to this!
- After marking the target search area for this mission, Roland goes on to assign tasks to the Defense Force.
- Charlie: Team captain (sir,sir, /
ma'am,ma'am,) have you and Captain Roland finalized a rescue strategy? - Things aren't looking good...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): The Ethereals' behavior in this area is highly unusual, and the Defense Force is scrambling to fortify their lines. The search and rescue efforts for Ray will have to fall upon us.
- Charlie: I see... I'll leave everything to you.
- Charlie: By the way, before Officer Ray departed for the Hollow, she left a letter for you.
- Charlie: Here.
- (Ray's Message)
- Dear Head of the Independent Investigation Team, your unique Bangboo and highly efficient Hollow navigation techniques are truly remarkable.
To be honest, your skills and attention to detail strongly remind me of a certain legendary figure I've been following for quite some time...
Perhaps... you're also intrigued by the truth behind Hollow Zero?
I might soon get entangled in certain events. If you wish to uncover more information, I ask for your assistance.
I've already mentioned to those around me that your Bangboo and navigation system utilize my custom technology... So all you need to do is showcase your true skills.
I've left a recording in the data station within the Hollow. If you manage to locate it, you may come to understand the motives behind my investigation.
I've also prepared a few surprising little tools for you — perhaps they'll prove useful.
- Charlie: What does Officer Ray's message say?
- Nothing but some casual banter.
- Charlie: I see...
- Charlie: Oh, right! Officer Ray also mentioned that, as her designated contact, you're free to make full use of some of her experimental special equipment and a few interesting gadgets.
- What are the gadgets?
- Charlie: Officer Ray mentioned that, as her designated contact, you're free to fully utilize some of her experimental special equipment and a few interesting gadgets.
- Charlie: Once you're ready for the rescue mission, I'll hand them over to you.
- (Talk to Charlie again before entering Hollow Zero, optional)
- Charlie: I'll leave the search for Officer Ray to you!
- Charlie: In the meantime, I'll handle her responsibilities!
- Check Ray's Research Log
- (Leave)
- (Talk to Roland again, optional)
- Roland: While searching for Ray was important, we can't simply leave the nearby Ethereals unchecked.
- Roland: If you have suitable candidates, you can send them to participate in Area Patrol.
- Let me see...
- (Leave)
- (Talk to Ophelia, optional)
- Ophelia: I can't help but think Ray's disappearance might be related to those high-threat Ethereals...
- Ophelia: The number of Ethereals in this area is continuing to increase. Someone has to deal with them.
- Check Notorious Hunt...
- Maybe later...
- (Begin Ray, Vanished)
- (SiblingSibling): Looks like there are supplies up ahead.
- (SiblingSibling): Let's check it out—it might be useful!
- (Idle)
- No anomalies detected!
- Stay alert!
- We need to keep a close watch...
- That makes sense.
- Let us head back in one more time!
- No can do, rules are rules.
- Alright, alright...
- (Interact with Supplies Depot)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (There's a ton of gear and supplies here... Could this be the "surprise" Ray mentioned?)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Might as well see what's useful...)
- Surviving Soldiers: You must be the independent investigator Officer Ray mentioned.
- Surviving Soldiers: Be careful. The Etherals around here are acting super weird!
- Surviving Soldiers: They're so strange...
- Surviving Soldiers: Before, we only needed simple bait, and they'd charge right at us. We were able to surround them and eliminate them one by one.
- Surviving Soldiers: But this time, they completely ignored our tactics. Instead, they seemed to be deliberately playing with us, even ambushing our reinforcement squads.
- Surviving Soldiers: In any case, stay safe! Many of our reinforcements have been ambushed.
- How's the situation ahead?
- Surviving Soldiers: The frontline is likely still in the thick of it, with considerable casualties.
- Surviving Soldiers: Although reinforcements have been called, they may be blocked by the Ethereals on their way.
- I'll go and check.
- Surviving Soldiers: I'll leave it to you, then!
- Surviving Soldiers: We'll stay here to intercept and snipe any nearby Ethereals for you. Stay safe out there.
- Surviving Soldiers: If anything comes up, retreat and return to the outpost with us to report.
- (After defeating enemies in Combat - Crisis on the Road)
- Story summary:
-
- Deep within Hollow Zero, a group of soldiers are trapped. They have fallen victim to an ambush orchestrated by Ethereals... Quite unprecedented. Something isn't right... You must find Ray quickly.
- Injured Soldiers: What are you doing here? Are... Are you independent investigators?
- Injured Soldiers: You need to get outta here, now! Something's really wrong around here... Go, go back to the outpost and tell Captain Roland we need reinforcements! Those Ethereals... they're...
- Calm down.
- We're here to help.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Calm down, Roland sent us to find you. Are you a member of the rescue squad? What happened here?
- Injured Soldiers: ...A talking Bangboo? So you're the captain of the Independent Investigation Team that Officer Ray mentioned.
- Injured Soldiers: The Ethereals... they ambushed us. We were following the clues left by Officer Ray, but as we approached this area, we heard a sudden scream nearby.
- Injured Soldiers: We headed in that direction and found a soldier with a wounded leg. When he saw us, he desperately signaled for us to retreat.
- Injured Soldiers: We went to help without realizing what was going on... An Ethereal appeared from behind the ruins, standing there facing us. Then a second one, a third...
- Injured Soldiers: That was when we realized we had been surrounded.
- Injured Soldiers: Those Ethereals used our injured comrades as bait to lead us into a trap!
- Using a soldier as bait?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Ethereals using an injured soldier as bait...? How is that possible?
- Injured Soldiers: Exactly. It's almost like... they were intelligent. I'd consider myself a veteran, but in all my years of service, nothing has ever sent shivers down my spine like this.
- Injured Soldiers: Anyway... We must report this to Captain Roland immediately. *cough cough*
- You should head back now.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): You're right... We have to inform Roland. You should head back now. We'll handle the rest.
- Injured Soldiers: But... we haven't found Officer Ray yet...
- Leave it to me!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I'll take over the rescue. That's an order from Roland. You have to hurry back and report what happened here, or things will get worse in Hollow Zero!
- Injured Soldiers: Understood... I salute you, (sirsir /
ma'amma'am), on behalf of the Defense Force! - After the surviving soldiers evacuate, the two siblings discuss the situation that the soldiers described, uneasy.
- (SiblingSibling): (WiseWise /
BelleBelle)... What that soldier just said... How is that even possible? It's like something straight out of a horror movie. - (SiblingSibling): These Ethereals' behavior is becoming increasingly odd... Perhaps Ray noticed something, which is why she was so insistent on investigating the area with abnormal Ether activity.
- (SiblingSibling): (Anyway, we need to be extra careful.Anyway, we need to be extra careful. /
In any case, we'd better stay on our toes.In any case, we'd better stay on our toes.)
- (Enter Price Difference)
- (Idle)
- Hollow Raider: I'm not one to mess with!
- Hollow Raider: SInce [sic] I've already received my payment, I'll keep him safe no matter what!
- (Talk to Mr. Vulture)
- Mr. Vulture: I heard there's been trouble around here — might be a good business opportunity...
- Ask about Ray's whereabouts
- Mr. Vulture: What? You're looking for someone? Hmm... I might have some clues for you.
- Mr. Vulture: I saw that missing woman before — she kept mumbling about investigating some abnormal zone, then ventured deeper into Hollow Zero by herself...
- Mr. Vulture: If you're going further in to find her, you'd better be mentally prepared. The Ethereals there are no pushovers.
- Mr. Vulture: But more importantly — how about we do some business?
- (Enter Bangboo Store)
- (Idle)
- Bangboo: En-nah-nah~ (Welcome, investigator~)
- Bangboo: Ehn-nu-nah~ (We're not responsible for anything after the merchandise leaves the counter~)
- Aidie: Ehn ahn-en-na-na! (It's you again! Need any help, Investigator?)
- Ask about Ray
- Aidie: Ehn-na en-neh, ehn-na! (So you're looking for a missing person? Erm...)
- Aidie: Ehn-na, ehn-na-neh! (She did exchange some goods with us. Said something about conducting an investigation...)
- Aidie: Ehn-na en-ehn-ahn-na! (We don't know much more than that... If you're looking for her, better bring supplies and be well-prepared!)
- (Enter Combat - Crisis on the Road)
- (Interact with Data Storage Device)
- Fairy: Master, I've read the data storage device here.
- Fairy: There's an additional encrypted file inside, one uploaded by Ray.
- Fairy: The style of encryption is fairly simple. Speculation: Ray left it for us intentionally.
- Can we decode it?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): This must be the clue Ray mentioned. Any chance you can decipher the video data, Fairy?
- Fairy: Master, while you were busy chatting, I decrypted the password and extracted the video data.
- Fairy: Speculation: This might be a combat video recorded in the Hollow Zero.
- Moments later, Fairy plays the stored data and a familiar figure appears on the video.
- (Talk to Ray)
- Ray: Thank you for accepting my investigation request, Miss Miyabi. It's truly a personal career highlight to enlist the help of a Void Hunter.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Let's skip the pleasantries. What's the mission?
- Ray: It's a simple investigation of the Ether Anomaly Zone, commonly referred to as the Lost Void due to the frequent disappearances of investigators in that area.
- Ray: The Ether fluctuations there have been quite unusual as of late. They seem to be synchronizing with the frequencies deep within the Hollow.
- Ray: If we deploy a large-scale force for the investigation, prolonged operations may only serve to attract more Ethereals and cause unnecessary trouble.
- Ray: That's why we need someone like you, a powerful solo combatant, to smash through the Ethereal ranks and collect Ether samples in a short time.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Sounds simple enough — barely qualifies as practice for me.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: All I need to do is slash my way through.
- Ray: That may be an overly simplistic summary... but it doesn't matter as long as the goal is achieved.
- Ray: Oh, here are some gadgets for you. They might come in handy.
- (Obtain Hoshimi Miyabi's Exclusive Gear)
- (During combat)
- Ray: The Ether Anomaly Zone is nearby.
- Ray: We'll need to collect enough samples to complete this mission.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: This feels... so familiar.
- (Talk to Ray)
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Something isn't right up ahead.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: That familiar Ether disturbance... It feels similar to the Dark Wall.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: I'm afraid the investigation has to end here.
- Ray: What do you mean, Chief Miyabi?
- Hoshimi Miyabi: Anything involving the Dark Wall must be reported before we proceed.
- Hoshimi Miyabi: This is an agreement between Void Hunters.
- Ray: So this place is similar to the Dark Wall? And what was that about a Void Hunter agreement?
- Ray: Miss Hoshimi, what exactly...?
- Hoshimi Miyabi: ...
- Hoshimi Miyabi: I'm merely stating my judgment. Due to prior commitments, I can't get into the details.
- Ray: I see... In that case, let's call off the investigation for now.
- Ray: I'll find alternative methods to continue.
- After playing the stored data, the two siblings discuss the video they just saw.
- Story summary:
-
- Ray's video featured Miyabi. Apparently, she sensed something unusual in the Ether Anomaly Zone... But to get to the bottom of this, we'll have to talk to Ray for the full story.
- (SiblingSibling): I didn't expect Miyabi to be involved in this... So she was the one who discovered that abnormal Ether zone.
- (SiblingSibling): But... why didn't she go investigate? And what's this "agreement between Void Hunters"?
- There's so much we don't know...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I still can't wrap my head around this... We'll probably have to ask Ray herself.I still can't wrap my head around this... We'll probably have to ask Ray herself. /
I feel like a lot of things aren't adding up. We'll have to find Ray and ask her.I feel like a lot of things aren't adding up. We'll have to find Ray and ask her.) - (SiblingSibling): The place in that recording is probably the abnormal Ether zone Ray wanted to investigate.
- (SiblingSibling): If we can get there, we might find some trace of Ray.
- Perhaps Fairy can help?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Fairy, can you find the approximate direction of the abnormal Ether zone based on the Ether activity in this area?
- Fairy: Of course, Master. While you were leisurely watching your videotape, I have already scanned the surrounding Ether activity.
- Fairy: I will utilize the landmarks that appeared in the video to guide you in real-time.
- (SiblingSibling): That was fast! Good job, Fairy! I'll let the extra electric bill charges this month slide for now.
- (SiblingSibling): We better get going, (WiseWise /
BelleBelle). Let's find Ray.
- (Talk to Ray)
- Ray: For now, we should retrieve the Hollow observation data nearby..
- Ray: There's an observation point I previously set up nearby. I need to analyze its data to confirm whether my assumptions are correct.
- Ray: The area is swarming with Ethereals, though. We'll need to deal with them quickly.
- (Talk to Ray)
- Story summary:
-
- Ray suspects that the unusual behavior exhibited by the Ethereals is the result of the actions of a troublemaker operating from the shadows... You have to act fast to keep this from escalating any further.
- Ray: As expected... The results match my previous estimates exactly.
- Ray: I did some calculations before entering Hollow Zero. The results showed that the Ether activity here would peak soon. When that happens, it might draw in that powerful being...
- Ray: I'd say its threat level might be on par with Nineveh... No, perhaps even tougher to deal with.
- Ray: After all, it can manipulate Ethereals as its pawns, causing them to behave unpredictably and that's what's been catching us off guard.
- I see...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): No wonder those Ethereals seem (unusually intelligent, they could almost take an IQ test.unusually intelligent, they could almost take an IQ test. /
smarter, like they're starting to grow brains!smarter, like they're starting to grow brains!) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): But what's this entity after, anyway?
- Ray: Its goal is likely to increase the Ether concentration here to set the stage for its own "descent."
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): ...Descent?
- Ray: Yes. Just like how some fish can only survive in saltwater, that entity needs the surrounding Ether to be active enough to move from the depths of Hollow Zero to the outer areas.
- Ray: Increasing the number of Ethereals to amass Ether... That's what the entity is trying to do. It'll make its "descent" when the Ethereal population peaks, and the Ether activity is at its highest.
- Ray: But it's not too late yet. If we can lower the Ether activity in this area by eliminating Ethereals, we can stop it from manifesting and force it back to where it came from.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Eliminating Ethereals... Now that's a job I'm more than familiar with.
- Ray: This is why you're my most trusted independent investigator, so easy to work with.
- Ray: Now that we're on the same page, let's get ready to move. The data shows that entity is fast approaching.
- (After defeating the enemies)
- Story summary:
-
- After clearing out the Ethereals in the anomaly zone, the shadowy figure never revealed itself. Based on the intelligence she's gathered, Ray figures it must be the corrupted being known as "Geppetto." Luckily, you've managed to obtain some solid data during this investigation. Now, it's time to head back to the outpost to report the situation.
- Ray: Unbelievable, we actually did it!
- Ray: The surrounding Ether activity is dropping rapidly... That entity actually backed off!
- Ray: But... it disappeared so quickly. If only it had stayed a little longer, I could've gathered more data...
- Ray: Hm? What's with that look? Relax, I'm kidding.
- Ray: If it weren't for your timely arrival, I'd probably be Ethereal chow by now... Thank you, my most trusted Independent Investigation Team captain.
- The unbearable weight of trust...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): The unbearable weight of trust... Could you give me something less intense next time?
- Ray: Well, even if you say that, an ace like you is someone I call on only in a crisis — just like this one.
- Ray: To be honest, I had anticipated that the abnormal Ether activity might bring trouble, but I didn't expect it to be that particular one...
- Ray: If I'm not mistaken, that corrupted being is the one labeled "Geppetto" in the database.
- You know it?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Geppetto... That's its name?
- Ray: I believe so. I found some of its records when I hacked into the database. A lot of details match the data we just collected.
- Ray: Seems like the higher-ups at the White Star Institute know more than I thought. Perhaps I can access more info if I curb my rebellious streak and act like the obedient little researcher they want me to be...
- Hacking into the database...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Wait. You (hackedhacked /
hackedhacked) into the database? No wonder you got a warning... - Ray: Hey, it was for research purposes. Maybe my methods were a bit... extreme. But the results were good, and I even got details on Geppetto... You see, that's what we call "the end justifies the means."
- Ray: The fact that I'm still standing here chatting with you after hacking into the database says a lot about the higher-ups' attitude.
- Ray: They still need me to handle things in Hollow Zero, so they're turning a blind eye for now. Bringing back data on Geppetto will make me more useful to them.
- Ray: As for the connection between Hollow Zero and the Dark Wall... I should probably wait until things calm down before looking into it further.
- Ray: Plus... Those files on the first-generation Void Hunters really intrigue me. Why would the Institute lock those documents down...?
- What exactly did you see?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): What exactly did you see in the database? I'd like to know the details.
- Ray: Unfortunately, it was just bits and pieces. I'll need time to work through it and verify it. I'll let you know once I have concrete conclusions.
- Ray: After all, there aren't many people I can trust these days — you being one of them.
- Ray: Don't worry, I'll tell you as soon as I have more information, my most trusted Independent Investigation Team captain.
- What are you planning to do...?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Wait, what are you planning to do? Don't tell me you're going to hack into the database again!
- Ray: Oh, don't you worry about it. I'm simply planning to return to the outpost and do some perfectly normal research.
- Ray: But... Just the thought of having to deal with all those questions and paperwork once I get back is giving me a headache...
- Ray: And since I went into Hollow Zero without permission, the higher-ups will be furious. Even if they don't fire me, I'll be writing self-reflection reports for a month...
- Ray: Ugh, all I want is to analyze the data on Geppetto. I don't have time for all that...
- Ray: Oh, by the way, do you happen to have a self-reflection report template I can use? If you do, please send me a copy.
- Write your own reports!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Writing self-reflection reports isn't part of my job... You're on your own.Writing self-reflection reports isn't part of my job... You're on your own. /
No way! I'm not writing that for you!No way! I'm not writing that for you!) - Ray: Alright, alright, I was just joking. I'll have my Bangboo take care of trivial stuff like this. It's used to working overtime after my training.
- Ray: So, my most trusted Independent Investigation Team captain, it's time to take our Observation Data back to the outpost.
- Ray: Don't worry, I'll take full responsibility this time. The glory of being a hero is all yours!
- (Idle)
- Charlie: Officer Ray! You're finally back!
- Ophelia: I even booked the address for the memorial service...
- Ray: *cough* ...I got lost, that's all.
- Ray: I'm back now, aren't I?
- Roland: We owe you big time.
- (Talk to Roland)
- Roland: Ray filled me in. If I'm being honest, we couldn't have managed without you...
- Roland: If you hadn't acted fast and stopped more Ethereals from emerging, things could've been much worse.
- Roland: On behalf of the Defense Force, I thank you. Your contributions will not be forgotten.
- That's going a little overboard...
- Roland: I'm not only saying this out of politeness. In the Defense Force, we actually have a contribution list. I'll make sure your name is on it. It's an honor you deserve.
- Roland: The people on this list are by no means ordinary. The Defense Force meticulously records their life stories—
- Roland: from the moment they make outstanding contributions until their glorious final sacrifices.
- That gives me mixed feelings.
- Take that down! I'm not dead yet!
- Roland: ...Giving praise is not my strong suit; please bear with me.
- Roland: Anyway, back to your latest investigation. The existence of a Corrupted capable of controlling the other Ethereals is truly bizarre...
- Roland: That thing's called Geppetto, right?
- Yes.
- Roland: Good. I'll remember that name. It's certainly caused us no small amount of trouble, and is a formidable foe.
- Roland: I need to come up with a summary of this operation and formulate corresponding defensive strategies.
- Roland: We can't let the surrounding Ether activity continue to increase. We'll need to dispatch more investigation teams into the Hollow soon and organize a Battlefront Purge to clear out the Ethereals.
- Maybe I can help.
- Roland: You're every bit as capable as the investigator Ray selected! However, you've just completed a rescue mission and might be a bit fatigued... You should rest up first.
I rested at the outpost, and the HDD system has been recalibrated.
Everything is functioning normally, and I'm ready to participate in the Battlefront Purge.
Everything is functioning normally, and I'm ready to participate in the Battlefront Purge.
- Ray: Phew... Finally done with reporting in.
- Ray: Thankfully, the higher-ups didn't overreact; they're simply following protocol to hold me accountable for leaving my post without permission.
- Ray: It seems the intel we brought back is incredibly valuable... I owe that to you.
- Be more cautious next time!
- Ray: Yes, of course. Now that I have a reliable ally like yourself, though, I can relax a little.
- Ray: Oh, here, take this!
- (Obtain Damaged Data Card)
-
- Stored in Memory Board
- Ray's experimental Data Card. The data inside has been damaged, and seems to have only symbolic meaning now.
"Don't worry, it only contains some corrupted files."
"Take it away from the outpost and toss it somewhere far... the farther, the better."
- Ray: Don't worry, it's nothing suspicious! Just some discarded documents of mine.
- Ray: Any content of value has been destroyed in accordance with the institute's regulations. Now it can't even be read... nothing but useless junk.
- Ray: Feel free to toss it in the clutter pile. You definitely won't need it.
- What are you up to?
- Something's up...
- Ray: Huh? I'm just giving you some worthless scraps as a keepsake, nothing more.
- I still say something's off.
- Ray: It's good to be skeptical, but being overly suspicious might keep you up at night.
- Ray: Try to trust me a bit more. After all, you're the independent investigator I trust the most.
- (Talk to Charlie, optional)
- Charlie: Great! Seriously, thank you!
- Charlie: If it weren't for you, Officer Ray might have been in serious danger... I'm so glad that you managed to rescue her!
- Charlie: Now that Officer Ray is back, I feel such a sense of relief... I might just burst into tears!
- Calm down...
- There's no need to cry...
- Charlie: I'm not crying yet! Even if I was, it'd only be tears of joy.
- Charlie: Now I can hand back all the work she left unfinished during her absence. I can finally clock out!
- Huh?
- So that's why you're crying...
- Charlie: Don't get it twisted! I'm beyond happy that Officer Ray is safe.
- Charlie: Anyway, it's great that everything's back to normal! Although she did bring back some rather concerning intelligence...
- Charlie: But as long as Officer Ray is here, I feel these problems will eventually be resolved. Meanwhile, I'll do my best to help and deal with the issues at hand!
- (Talk to Roland, optional)
- Roland: I'm currently organizing a purge operation against the Ethereals, but we're short on manpower right now.
- Roland: I understand that you've only just finished your investigation, but I still have to ask — would you be interested in joining us?
- Participate in Routine Cleanup
- Roland: Thank you. On behalf of the Defense Force, I once again want to express our gratitude for your contributions.
- I need to rest first!
- Roland: I see. Get some rest. You've done a great deal already and deserve some time to recover.
- (Talk to Ophelia, optional)
- Ophelia: According to Ray, it was the Corrupted known as Geppetto that caused the Ethereal disturbances in the area.
- Ophelia: We need to clear out the nearby Ethereals to reduce their activity levels!
- Check Notorious Hunt...
- Maybe later...
- (Talk to Ray, optional)
- Ray: What's the matter, my most trusted independent investigator?
- Ray: I'm still studying the data on the abnormal Ether zone. If you'd like to check the research log, feel free to access it yourself.
- Check Ray's Research Log
- (Leave)
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Tracking Down Clues |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 寻踪觅迹 |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 尋蹤覓跡 |
| Japanese | 痕跡探し |
| Korean | 단서 추적 Danseo Chujeok |
| Spanish | Siguiendo el rastro |
| French | À la recherche d'indices |
| Russian | По следам Po sledam |
| Thai | ค้นหาเบาะแส |
| Vietnamese | Truy Tìm Tung Tích |
| German | Auf Spurensuche |
| Indonesian | Melacak Petunjuk |
| Portuguese | À Busca de Pistas |
Change History
Released in Version 1.4 - A Storm of Falling Stars
- All lines mentioning Routine Cleanup has been changed to Area Patrol.
- Tracking Down Clues was released.