Truth or Dare

(Idle)

Dialyn: A family heirloom...

Dialyn: Interesting...

(Talk to Dialyn)

Dialyn leans back in her chair. The papers on the table seems to be a newspaper or report. Her eyes and fingers meticulously trace each line of te4xt before her as she furrows her brow.

Dialyn, it's rare to see you so serious.

What are you reading?

Dialyn: I'm not "reading" — it's "dissection." You know what surgeons and detectives have in common? Both professions demand extreme precision, and they hate being disturbed.

Dialyn: Proxy, keep it down. I'm performing surgery on this "Formal Complaint Against the Alliance Logistics Company."

Dialyn: ...Hmm, here's another sentence that dances around the point.

She finally looks up, her gaze carrying an unusual — or rather, unmasked — sharpness rarely seen in her day-to-day demeanor, as she shoves a thin stack of documents into your hands.

Dialyn: Since you're here, might as well put you to work. Be my assistant physician for a bit.

Dialyn: Take a look at this: "Ancient Porcelume Equipment Compensation — Interrogation Records of Mr. Chen."

Dialyn: This Mr. Chen claims that his "Porcelume family heirloom" was damaged by TOPS' logistics Bangboo, and now he's demanding sky-high compensation.

Dialyn: Here's a summary of his statements from three interrogations. With those Hollow-piercing eyes of yours, help me spot any slip-ups from Mr. Chen that could expose the deceit behind his malicious complaint.

A Proxy doesn't specialize in such work. Yet, under Dialyn's part threatening, part pleading gaze, you finally start to process the words on the document seriously...

Evidence Description: The item in question is an old handheld Hollow communication device. The victim claims it has a "moonlight silver" casing, with signs of collision on the lower left corner.

Inquiry Record
Description of Evidence: The item in question is an old-style handheld Hollow communication device. The owner described it as having a "moonlight silver" casing, with a dent on the lower-left corner.

—First Inquiry—
Q: Please describe the damaged item.

Chen: It's an antique communicator that's been in my family for generations. The anti-corruption shell is made of Porcelume, shining with a moonlight-silver luster, absolutely beautiful! It's been passed down since my grandfather's time, so it means a lot to me. It's always been in perfect shape, but after your Bangboo delivered it today, the casing cracked. And now it makes static noises when I turn it on!

Q: Is there any other visible damage?

Chen: Just the dent in the lower-left corner! This is an heirloom, you have to compensate me!

—Second Inquiry—
Q: About the color, last time you said it was "moonlight silver," correct?

Chen: Yes, moonlight silver... though, after taking another look, it's actually a bit warmer in tone, more like... pearl? Getting old, my memory's not what it used to be.

Q: Please confirm one last time the item's details and damage.

Chen: (agitated) This is my family treasure! Pearl silver! The lower-left corner isn't just dented, I just remembered, the impact also scraped off a butterfly-shaped engraving right at that spot! How am I supposed to explain that to my grandchildren?

—Third Inquiry—
Q: How would you estimate the item's value?

Chen: This is my family's heirloom, it's priceless! But if you really need a number... I don't know much about the tech, but it's a long-discontinued limited edition model, you can't buy one anymore! So... it's definitely worth a lot!

Q: You mentioned hearing static noise?

Chen: Exactly! It used to sound perfect, but now it's all harsh and distorted, with this echoing reverb, like shouting inside a cave, it's that signature phase shift unique to the DC-17 model! The whole thing's completely ruined!

—[END OF INTERROGATION RECORD]—

Dialyn: Alright, Proxy. Here are all three interrogation records.

Dialyn: Which record sticks out like a fly in your soup?

Record 1

In the first interrogation record, the victim claimed the antique communication device was "moonlight silver" in color. However, after persistent questioning during the second interrogation, they changed their statement from "moonlight silver" to "pearl silver"...

Dialyn: A discrepancy in remembering item colors... Subtle color differences are indeed hard to distinguish. I'd say it's a common case of fuzzy memory or imprecise description, but I wouldn't call it deception...

Dialyn: I believe it was the third interrogation record that exposed his slip-up. He first claimed he wasn't familiar with the technical details of antique equipment... That's normal, many people don't really know the ins and outs of their family heirlooms, and antique Porcelume equipment is quite an obscure field.

Dialyn: But — "phase shift unique to the DC-17 model" — someone using that kind of jargon is either a tech nerd who memorized the manual, or... possibly a seasoned black market dealer.

Record 2

Dialyn: In the second interrogation record, he suddenly recalled and emphasized that there was a butterfly-shaped scratch in the lower left corner of the communication device. It's a detail impossible to disprove, almost like it was intentionally fabricated to make the story seem more authentic...

Dialyn: Suddenly adding new details? When people are nervous or repeatedly recalling something, they can dig up new fragments of memories... It's suspicious at best, but I wouldn't call it solid evidence yet.

Dialyn: I believe it was the third interrogation record that exposed his slip-up. He first claimed he wasn't familiar with the technical details of antique equipment... That's normal, many people don't really know the ins and outs of their family heirlooms, and antique Porcelume equipment is quite an obscure field.

Dialyn: But — "phase shift unique to the DC-17 model" — someone using that kind of jargon is either a tech nerd who memorized the manual, or... possibly a seasoned black market dealer.

Record 3

In the third interrogation record, when describing the noise, the victim used technical terms like "phase shift unique to the DC-17 model." However, in previous interrogations, he claimed to have no understand of technical details...

Dialyn: Bingo! I'm with you on that!

Dialyn: He first claimed he wasn't familiar with the technical details of antique equipment. That's normal, many people don't really know the ins and outs of their family heirlooms, and antique Porcelume equipment is quite an obscure field. He said that he couldn't understand such equipment and was only concerned about its emotional value...

Dialyn: But — "phase shift unique to the DC-17 model" — someone using that kind of jargon is either a tech nerd who memorized the manual, or... possibly a seasoned black market dealer.

Read interrogation records again

Dialyn: Of course, this is just our speculation about the "truth" based on bits and pieces. We'll need to uncover more concrete evidence to get to the bottom of things.

Dialyn: Well, let's wrap up this first item on the schedule for now. I still have other tasks to finish today. Proxy, if you have some time, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to our next stop, Failume Heights?

(Talk to Dialyn again, optional)

Dialyn: Let's wrap up this first item on the schedule for now. I still have other tasks to finish today...

Dialyn: Proxy, if you have some time, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to our next stop, Failume Heights?

(Idle)

Dialyn: The next stop is Failume Heights...

 Help Dialyn finish today's to-do list

---

Judge Dialyn is running around New Eridu to finish today's to-do list. Through her coaxing, it seems you've become her minion for the day...

Yum Cha Sin Banquet Hall

(Idle)

Dialyn: We're here!

(Talk to Dialyn)

Yum Cha Sin is bustling with customers as usual. Dialyn chooses a corner seat where she can observe other customers without drawing attention. Several exquisite dim sum dishes are already laid out on the table.

Dialyn's gaze and chopsticks are fixed on the glistening shrimp dumplings before her, as if completely oblivious to the "target" nearby...

Dialyn: Proxy, you did a fantastic job on the last mission! This dim sum's your reward~

Dialyn: But don't forget our job today. Mr. Wang over there, the one in that ill-fitting yet expensive gray suit running his mouth, is our next "observation target".

Dialyn: The other party is a businessman who has business relations with TOPS subsidiaries, but TOPS' corporate executives suspect that Mr. Wang's company has been falsifying their records and performance...

So this tea break...

Is actually a work meal?

Dialyn: Work's the main course, the dim sum are the appetizers, and the thrill of exposing deception... that's dessert. Hush, the show's about to begin.

Amidst the noisy crowd, "Mr. Wang's" voice can be faintly heard coming from the neighboring table—

"Mr. Wang:" Our growth last quarter is, without a doubt, strong proof of the market's recognition of our brand value...

"Mr. Wang:" Honestly, those little moves from our competitors? Not even worth sweating over. We're about to push forward our collaboration plans with TOPS...

Dialyn leans in close to you, like a secret agent whispering intel, or maybe something a bit more intimate...

Dialyn: "Without a doubt"... When someone needs to use such absolute terms to emphasize a fact that should rely on data reports or written contracts, it usually means they're either practicing self-persuasion or trying to forcefully convince others.

So it's all just a bluff?

No doubt about it, he's bluffing.

"Mr. Wang:" I'll be honest with you, profit is the last thing on my mind. What I truly care about is the company's vision and ideals...

A soft snort escapes from Dialyn, seemingly mocking the man.

Dialyn: You hear that? "I'll be honest with you"? Those five words are basically the intro for lies~

Dialyn: Usually, this means that even he doesn't quite believe what he's about to say, which is why he needs that extra layer of persuasion.

You seem to enjoy exposing people's facades, huh?

Dialyn: Enjoy it? Nah, this is just... necessary cleanup work before uncovering the truth.

Dialyn: Catching clear signals in the cacophony — I'm just obsessed with uncovering the truth in the moment, not the process of exposing others.

Dialyn: At least in the pursuit of truth, this cacophony is no longer just curses and torment, but weapons of my own choosing.

Does chasing after the truth day after day ever wear you down?

Dialyn's gaze wavers for a moment. After a brief silence...

...Are you tired?

Dialyn: Still better than being wrapped up tight in a web of countless lies, pretending not to notice while you're suffocating...

Dialyn stops commenting of "Mr. Wang's" performance and silently records his statements with her recording device.

After a while, "Mr. Wang" and his companions get ready to leave, having eaten and drunk their fill...

Dialyn: The actors have left the stage. Time for us to bounce too.

Dialyn: I'll keep following up on this scam, but for now... let's get you into some more interesting action.

 Continue helping Dialyn finish today's to-do list

---

Judge Dialyn is running around New Eridu to finish today's to-do list. Through her coaxing, it seems you've become her minion for the day...

Failume Heights

(Idle)

Dialyn: The next mission...

(Talk to Dialyn)

Dialyn: Our next job is...

Before Dialyn can finish her sentence, a soft, stifled sob interrupts her...

You look toward the sound and see a little girl who looks six or seven years old. She is standing alone at the street corner, looking lost and helpless with tears in her eyes.

Dialyn sighs but walks over to her anyway.

Dialyn: This kid must've gotten separated from her parents...

Dialyn: ...What a pain. Can't stand dealing with crybabies.

Even as Dialyn says this, she leans closer to the little girl and speaks softly. Surprisingly, she abandons her usual sweet, performative tone for something slightly stiff but deliberately calm and measured.

Dialyn: Hey there, sweetie. I'm Dialyn, Rep 2493, now officially handling your Missing Person Report.

Dialyn: Stop crying for now, I hate noise... I need your personal information — what's your name, and where did you get separated from whoever was with you?

Xiaoyue: I... I'm Xiaoyue... My grandma and I... we... I lost her at the cable car station earlier...

Dialyn: Your grandma... what kind of clothes is she wearing today? Which cable car station did you get off at?

Xiaoyue: G—Grandma's got a brown jacket and white hair... We... We got off at the station halfway down the mountain.

Dialyn: Proxy, keep an eye on this little one. I'll be right back...

Before you can answer, Dialyn hurries off. Her petite figure disappears in the direction of the distant cable car station...

Xiaoyue: That lady... is she a Public Security Officer?

Just a helpful customer service staff.

She's an awesome Judge.

Xiaoyue: She's... so nice!

You aren't even given time to get anxious as Dialyn rushes back at top speed. A worried old lady in a brown jacket follows after her.

Xiaoyue: Grandma!

Xiaoyue's Grandma: Thank you all so much! This kid disappeared so quickly, I was worried sick!

Dialyn: Just doing my job. Next time, keep a closer eye on your VIP customer. Service complete, have a nice day.

Dialyn: Let's go, Proxy.

Dialyn turns and leaves in such a hurry, it's almost like she's fleeing the scene, escaping from the little girl's bright, sparkling eyes full of gratitude and her unspoken words of thanks.

 Spend today with Dialyn

---

Judge Dialyn is running around New Eridu to finish today's to-do list. Through her coaxing, it seems you've become her minion for the day...

Failume Heights

(Idle)

Dialyn: ...

(Talk to Dialyn)

Dialyn: ...

Dialyn falls silent, seemingly moved by the recent incident...

You're really good with kids, aren't you?

So, that's your gentle side.

Dialyn: Huh...? No matter how harsh I am... helping a lost kid find their parents is basic human decency. That kind of goodwill still exists in my heart, alright?

Dialyn: Besides... it's just standard customer service protocol! Collect info, identify the problem, solve it efficiently! It isn't even that different from handling tough complaints!

Dialyn: I just thought... that kid's crying was getting on my nerves, that's all...

Dialyn: And my initial work schedule has been messed up too, though I don't really care that much about these so-called work tasks anyway...

Another moment of silence passes. Dialyn gazes at the distant sea and speaks softly.

Dialyn: When I was little, I always got lost. I was a reckless kid with parents who couldn't care less.

Dialyn: Back then, there was no Rep 2493 who approached me. There was only noise all around me... the bustling of crowds, the roar of vehicles, and my own unstoppable crying — the sobs of a scaredy-cat...

Dialyn: That's why I've always hated noise since I was little, and hated my weak, crying self standing in that noise... But fate just had to give me the worst noise of all — this curse.

Dialyn: But now I've turned this hatred, this curse into my tool, my weapon... I won't be drowned out by that noise anymore, and I won't go back to being that helpless little brat.

Dialyn: And today, it all came back to me because of that crybaby...

Dialyn: Oh well, who doesn't have some embarrassing childhood stories? Just consider this dirt on me a bonus of working with me today... You better forget what you heard though!

You've still got that gentleness to you even after getting tougher.

Dialyn: ...Nonsense! Being gentle is the least cost-effective strategy in customer service! I just... didn't analyze cost-effectiveness properly today!

Your historical version is super cute.

Dialyn: H—Historical version? Cute? That glitch was already fixed when Dialyn's version updated!

Dialyn: I suddenly understand how Senior Zhao felt when ordering me around — having an adorable and capable junior like you around makes for an enjoyable experience, even if they can't help much.

Dialyn: I bet Senior Zhao thinks I'm a cute and capable junior too.

Dialyn: Today I rate you five stars! Maybe you've got what it takes to be a Judge?

Dialyn: Next time I need help with work, or just want some company, I'll totally bug you again, Proxy!

Trust Rank Upgrade to Close with Dialyn

(Idle)

Dialyn: Shoot, my tasks aren't done yet...

(Talk to Dialyn again, optional)

Dialyn: Today's to-dos are not done yet... all because of you and that brat!

Dialyn: Welp whatever, getting complaints is part of working in customer service~