When the Forest is No Longer Dim

Phew, that was close. Thank you so much for saving us! What should we call you?

Nice to meet you, Rover... Oh, I see! You're here to help us, right?

We are members of the Dim Forest exploration team. I'm Qiaomu, and this is Hoohoo.

Hoohoo!

Relax, Rover. He’s not gonna hurt you. Hoohoo's not like those contaminated Hoochief Tacet Discords. He’s a good guide for us.

*An approving hoohoo*!

Our exploration team's responsible for regular surveys of the Dim Forest.

But my teammate Senmin is taking much longer than usual this time... I was really worried about her, so I tried to find her with Hoohoo.

But we ran into the Exiles before we could spot her... We had to request help from the Academy.

Even worse, I still haven't been able to reach her. She's always been in poor health, and with the complicated terrain in there, what if something bad happens...

She has short hair, wears clothes similar to mine, and has a tablet like this.

Haha, you get the point. It's our uniform!

The environment becomes less friendly once you go deeper into the forest. The Dim Forest's filled with poisonous spore dust that can be harmful to our health if we inhale it.

Besides, there's a chance you'll come across contaminated Hoochiefs, and they tend to be pretty aggressive.

Senmin's been there for a long time. I'm really worried about her... I hope everything's okay...

T-Thank you! Let's go! Oh, by the way, please take this.

This is a short-acting antibody that allows you to walk in contaminated areas. I know you have stronger resistance to those toxic spores as a Resonator, but still, it's better safe than sorry.

Her signal vanished here. Let’s check out the area around the central giant tree.

Rest assured. We can protect ourselves. Hoohoo, let's go!

Hoohoo!

Please stay safe... We'll be right there, Senmin!

Ro-Rover! Could you please do me a favor?

We received a distress signal from the Dim Forest reconnaissance team, they seem to be in danger!

You're a lifesaver! I'll send you the coordinates!

The situation's complicated there. Be careful!

Craft "Guardian Pistols"

Looks beautiful, doesn't it? In reality, they're as dangerous as they come.

And the signal from Sensor, it seems to be under the banyan tree, this is really... let me see...

Wait... please wait!

Let me check. As expected, the concentration has almost exceeded Level Two.

Y-yeah. You noticed too, right? The plants nearby are different compared to those outside. Look at that tree in the middle.

The color stands out from the surrounding trees. Is it covered in those toxic spores you talked about?

That's right. It's the central banyan tree of this forest, but now it's been contaminated by spores.

Being a non-Resonator with some resistance, reaching a Level-Two contamination area is already stretching my boundaries.

As a Resonator, your resistance to spores is way stronger than ours, so you're more adapted to this environment.

If you feel any discomfort, let me know. Cough... The spore concentration is already so high, but we've yet to reach the signal's location...

*A worried hoohoo*.

Don't worry, Hoohoo! I'm fine, but the signal's coming from a much deeper part of this area. Senmin's being seriously reckless!

I get that she's eager to solve the issue, but she should've thought twice before charging ahead like this!

I hope she won't end up like her mentor...

*A worried hoohoo*.

Oh, I'm sorry! I need to express this concern directly to her, so she understands just how worried I am, right?

Let's pick up the pace and look for her!

Ah... Thank you, Rover.

You're right. Complaints and worries won't solve anything. Let's move faster and find her! Cough... But it seems my body can't handle any more spores...

Once we go deeper, I'll definitely slow you down. To find Senmin as soon as possible, I'll have Hoohoo accompany you. Meanwhile, I'll be outside, ready to provide any necessary support.

According to research, Resonators do exhibit strong resistance to spores. Yet, at this point, it's unclear if those toxic spores will have other effects on Resonators.

So please don't push yourself too hard! If you feel any discomfort, just come out as quickly as you can!

Hoohoo!

Looks like it's really excited to be your guide! Stay safe!

Please! The key is somehwere in the Exile's living quarters!

H-help!! I'm Qiaomu, a member of the Dim Forest exploration team. Can you please help us out?

Yes, the key! The key to this cage. I saw them hide the key in that room over there. Please, help!

Help!!

This should be the key that Qiaomu mentioned.

Help!! Please help us out. The key should be around here somewhere.

The signal is coming from the west?

Let's go this way, then. What do you say, Hoohoo?

*An approving hoohoo*.

Please stay safe... We'll be right there, Senmin!

Can't find the way? Why not try using your Sensor module?

The first Offshoot Core's... right here. Rover, please lend me your hand to destroy it.

I'll set up the devices and turn them on! These devices will release sound waves that can destroy the Offshoot Cores.

But for us non-Resonators, it's hard to figure out where the sound waves are coming from.

But you should be able to perceive the source of those sound waves. I'll lead the way. Please help me calibrate the devices!

*A cheering hoohoo*!

Rover, are you ready?

*A cheering hoohoo*!

Great! I’m turning on the devices. Rover, get ready for calibration!

Fantastic, Rover! With the Offshoot Core destroyed, the spore concentration in this area has decreased. Besides, Hoohoo and I collected its core!

It's a precious research material! We've rarely encountered a complete core like this before. Maybe at that time they weren't fully formed...

*A proud hoohoo*!

Alright! The next Offshoot Core's in the northeast direction. Let's go.

Next is the second Offshoot Core area... Rover, let's go.

These animals are glowing red...

Yeah, they've been affected by spores. You see? There are scratches on them.

Looks like they've been attacked.

*A worried hoohoo*.

Let's hurry up. You two take care.

Wow, that's so impressive! You took them down in just a few moves!

The red light is getting brighter.

Cough, so does the concentration here...

Luckily, Senmin's not here.

We're approaching the next Offshoot Core. Rover, be careful!

These are... enraged Hoochiefs! They've all been contaminated!

*A worried hoohoo*!

Step back. I'll deal with them!

Seems like the second contaminated area's right here. It's expanded a lot...

Okay! I'm setting up the devices! Rover, I'm counting on you for this one too.

Rover, are you ready?

*A cheering hoohoo*!

Great! I’m turning on the devices. Rover, get ready for calibration!

The spore concentration has returned to normal... Phew, the air feels fresher now! Thank you, Rover! The Offshoot Core here has been successfully destroyed!

How are you feeling? Are you okay?

That's good. What a relief.

How about you, Hoohoo?

*A happy hoohoo*!

Our cute Hoohoo seems happy as usual! Totally different from those contaminated Hoochiefs!

Yeah, Hoohoo's one of the Hoochiefs Senmin's mentor saved. It was Hoohoo who took us to find her mentor.

Unfortunately, we were still late. If only we had arrived a bit earlier...

*A comforting hoohoo*.

I'm alright, Hoohoo. It's in the past now. I'm so glad you haven’t been affected by those spores. That's a relief.

You're a tough one, Hoohoo. Even with a short-acting antibody, it was a struggle for me at that concentration.

It's strange. It's understandable that you're unaffected as a Resonator. However, Hoohoo is an ordinary Hoochief, similar to those already contaminated. How can that happen?

Well, actually, the spore concentration here wasn’t that high before, so... it didn't catch our attention.

Hoohoo?

Don't worry, Hoohoo! No matter what, you're still our best Hoochief friend!

Rover, let’s head back and update Senmin on what we found. We can also see how her experiment is going.

*A happy hoohoo*!

Hey, you see, the Offshoot Core is right in front, I'll be counting on you this time too!

This is it. I never thought I'd come back here after all this time...

Seems like the door's locked.

We might have activated some kind of defense mechanism when we left. Let's look around and see if we can unlock it.

How's it going, Rover? Found anything?

Fantastic! You've got a real talent for finding things. Let's check it out...

...

Senmin...

I see, so she made use of the spores themselves to produce the antibodies.

I've only viewed these spores as a toxic threat, attempting to find a solution to eliminate them. Regrettably, I still haven't grasped what's hidden beneath the surface.

Interestingly, it was my mentor, who didn't focus her research on the toxic spores, who eventually found a way to improve the antibody.

And Hoohoo... It's truly her last achievement. This...

This must be her final lesson for us!

*An approving hoohoo*!

We've got our hands on some core samples too. Time to head back and dive into our research!

You're surprisingly proactive this time.

After all, you were the one who told me solving this issue's the only way to ensure everyone's real safety, right?

C'mon, let's go. It takes time to enhance the antibody, and we won't see any results until tomorrow afternoon, earliest by 6 o'clock.

*An excited Hoohoo*!

Yeah, you're right. Let's head back. See you tomorrow, Rover.

We made it! Let's go inside quick!

Careful of those Hoochiefs! Rover, they're coming!

*An angry Hoohoo*!

I'll deal with them.

Rover, here you are. I have some good news!

Yes, thanks to you, Rover, we managed to obtain the Offshoot Core sample and developed antibodies that gave us the freedom to explore heavily contaminated areas.

Besides! The improved antibody passed the safety testing! There are no adverse reactions, so it's safe to use.

Anyway, I can't thank you enough for your help.

This is the latest antibody. Here you go.

Let's tackle it at its root this time!

We're here. Keep going up from here, and we'll reach the top of the tree.

The Main Core is at the top of it. Rover, we're counting on you.

My, these Hoochiefs are so big! Careful! They've been contaminated!

Step down. I'll handle them!

*A happy hoohoo*!

Hoohoo looks very happy!

Yeah, finally, it's all over.

Yeah... Lush vegetation, fresh air—I guess this must be what my mentor always dreamed of witnessing.

This is also something we've been working towards.

Thank you, Rover. You helped us save this forest.

Thank you, Rover! Thank you, Senmin! And Hoohoo too!

Also, thank you for your effort, Qiaomu. You're right. We made this happen together!

Always see past the superficial details. I think this goes beyond the realm of scientific research.

True. Anyway, we finally made it through this! What do you say? Shall we go catch a movie together during our break?

Hoohoo?

Don’t worry, Hoohoo. I'll be staying with you in the forest before that!

Oops, almost forgot. Your payment!

Here you go. It may not be a hefty sum, but this is all we can put together for now. We are super thankful for your help.

And these. Hoohoo prepared these bananas for you!

Hoohoo!

I have to get back to the Academy and put together a report on this case. Our mission has finally come to an end. Phew...

Thank you, Rover.

Hoohoo and I will still be around. There are so many places in the Dim Forest that are worth exploring!

Especially the Violet Banyan! Hoohoo seems eager to visit it again!

Rover, if you come to the Violet Banyan later, maybe we'll meet again!

Well then, farewell!

Cough... Spores, the Main Core...

*A worried hoohoo*.

Hoohoo...? And you are...

Phew... Good, you're stable now. I just finished treating you. How are you feeling? Can you stand?

Yeah, I'm feeling much better. Thank you, Qiaomu.

I think you owe me an apology! You were already struggling with health problems and you still put yourself in danger! Do you know how worried I was?

If you want to thank someone, thank Rover. {Male=He;Female=She} took great pains to get you out in time!

I'm really sorry for causing you such trouble. Rover, you don't know how grateful I am for your help!

But I had my reasons for doing this... Did Qiaomu tell you about the situation in the Dim Forest?

I see. Let me explain in detail then.

The Dim Forest is infested with toxic spores. Hoochiefs exposed to these spores turn aggressive.

Contaminated animals are dying, and inhaling too many spores also affects people’s health. That's why I told you to be extremely careful.

Therefore, our exploration team has been working to resolve this issue. For example, my mentor tried to find a solution by researching Hoochiefs...

...while we focused on the spores and finally found a way to solve this issue.

The spores in the Dim Forest have been spreading steadily, and we suspect there are cores continuously producing and spreading them.

Therefore, if we can destroy those cores, we can solve the issue.

Yeah. However, it's easier said than done.

We've located several of these cores, some with scratches on their shells. It looks like someone tried to destroy them.

Like I said, the cores are protected by hard shells. Regular attacks won't even scratch them, so we developed a device that can burn through them!

Now, here's another problem. Those cores quickly regenerate after being destroyed. It's quite a headache.

If we don't do anything, the spores will spread even faster, so we have to regularly clear these cores. That's why we're here today.

True, but there's really no need for you to venture so deep into the forest. What on earth happened?

I detected a sudden surge in spore concentration at the central banyan tree. It's the first time this has happened, so I had to figure out the causes.

Guess what? I found the Main Core.

Wait, are you serious? Does that mean we can actually solve the issue?

Indeed! The reason why we struggled to solve the problem for so long is that, we never solved the core of this issue—namely, the spore's Main Core. It's probably been hiding at the roots of the central giant banyan.

And now, the Main Core has finally appeared, right at the top of that tree.

Then we can solve this issue! But...

But getting close to that core isn't easy for us, I'm afraid. The antibodies we currently have can't support us going up there.

Besides, if we don't deal with those Offshoot Cores—oh, that's what we researchers call those cores constantly producing spores—the spores will spread faster than we can imagine...

You're right. Here's the plan: Rover and I will go clear the Offshoot Cores as planned, and you head back to our camp to work on improving the antibodies.

But...

This should be the fastest solution for now, Senmin.

Besides, the antibodies represent your mentor's hard-earned achievement, and you've been eager to improve them to fulfill your mentor's wish, haven't you?

Leave it to us; we can surely handle it well!

I see. Thank you. I'm going back to work on improving my antibodies!

Hoo?

Don't worry about me, Hoohoo. You should go help Rover and Qiaomu. Be a good boy, okay?

*A happy hoohoo*!

Rover, Qiaomu, I'm counting on you!

It's never easy to get someone as stubborn as her to do something...

That obvious? Rover, I'm sorry I made this decision without discussing it with you.

Senmin has been trying to address the toxic spore issue in the Dim Forest.

When I just joined the exploration team, Senmin's mentor was still around. Back then, we tried to find a solution by studying those aggressive Hoochiefs.

Given the aggressive behaviors of Hoochiefs, we used to think that humans couldn’t get along with them.

Her mentor used to say, "There are always more things hidden in a phenomenon. That's why we need to see below the surface."

So her mentor kept communicating with the Hoochiefs as well as treating them. She locked herself up in the lab, immersed in her research.

But one day, when she was interacting with the Hoochief... When we arrived, we found her lying on the ground...

Our lab was occupied by the Hoochiefs, so we could only hastily leave the lab with our research data and essential experimental equipment.

After that, Senmin changed. She took on her mentor's wishes and responsibilities and changed the direction of her research, starting to study the spores themselves.

Slowly, we've made some progress, and now we finally see the hope of solving the problem.

So I don't want her to fall here. I may not be as talented as Senmin and not that helpful in solving this issue... I just want everyone to be safe. That's what matters the most to me.

I can't stand another accident like that. I...

*A worried hoohoo*.

I'm fine, Hoohoo. Your safety is more important! What we're planning to do only matters if all of us can return safely, right?

Y-yeah! Thank you, Rover! Now, let's go get rid of those Offshoot Cores!

Why are there so many dying animals here...

This is not good. Better use the Sensor to speed up.

This seems to be a notebook left by a researcher. "Spores", "destroy"... What do they mean?

It seems this is Senmin's notes, where did she go... Continue to use the Sensor to see.

There's someone lying on the ground up ahead. Is it Senmin? We need to get her out of here quickly.

*An excited hoohoo*!

Rover, Qiaomu, there you are.

While you were cleaning the Offshoot Core, I've been trying to adjust the antibody formula, now it's almost the last step...

However, what I'm going to do is time-sensitive, so it would be helpful if both of you could lend me a hand.

Let me help you.

Thank you both. Rover, please hand me the ingredients; Qiaomu, please count the time for me.

Got it! Happy to help!

Rover, Qiaomu, there you are.

The new one we just made is slightly better than before, but still... This is not enough to protect us in heavily contaminated areas.

Yeah, don't let it get to you, Senmin. It happens all the time, right?

I used to struggle with all my school projects and I almost failed to graduate! Luckily, Senmin pointed me in a new direction for the project back then, and that was how I could...

Direction... Qiaomu, do you think we might need to approach this from a different direction, too?

Do you remember? My mentor was determined to find a cure for those contaminated Hoochiefs, putting all her efforts into antibody research.

The short-acting antibody she left is enough for our daily work, so we held off on further research in this area.

Looking back, it seems we might have taken things to another extreme. My mentor used to say, "As researchers, we need to see beyond the superficial details"...

What on earth have I missed...

Hoohoo.

Hoohoo!

Hoohoo... Wait, why are you starting to copy Hoohoo?

That’s because Hoohoo is likely the missing piece we overlooked!

Contaminated Hoochiefs? What's so odd about that? I suppose there are plenty in the forest?

Senmin, think about it!

With the spore concentration going up, lots of Hoochiefs were affected and thus attacked us. Thankfully, Rover handled them effortlessly!

However, the spore concentration was so high, I couldn't endure it. Not even after taking the antibody. Even though Hoohoo supposedly has stronger resistance than us, theoretically, it shouldn't stay unaffected.

But you see? Hoohoo can't be more energetic right now!

*A proud hoohoo*!

I see. That's strange indeed.

Actually, this reminds me of my mentor's diary. She recorded her interactions with Hoohoo in the lab.

Hoohoo was one of the contaminated Hoochiefs, but its symptoms were mild. After taking the antibody developed by my mentor, Hoohoo's condition improved significantly.

Perhaps the treatment back then enhanced Hoohoo's resistance. Anyway, we can't safely draw a conclusion this yet.

You're right, but...

*A worried hoohoo*!

Hoohoo?

Hoohoo! Hoohoo!

HOO! HOO!

Hoohoo! What happened? Why did it just run off like that?

It seems to be running towards the Violet Banyan.

Careful. Step back.

That's... Hoohoo?! It's fighting those enraged Hoochiefs!

They've been contaminated. If we don't treat them in time, they will...

I'll calm them down.

Phew... Thank heavens we have Rover here.

Hoohoo, why did you suddenly run out?

Alright, the concentration here has returned to normal. Everyone alright? And Hoohoo?

*A proud hoohoo*!

Hoohoo is indeed full of vitality.

You're right; we might have overlooked Hoohoo's uniqueness.

After my mentor left, I stopped researching Hoochiefs. I guess deep down, I felt that studying them wouldn't yield any useful results.

That's probably why I overlooked Hoohoo's uniqueness.

It seems like my mentor just didn't get a chance to announce her findings.

Hoohoo is probably her result, not the antibody.

If that's the case, I think we need to visit our previous lab.

What? That lab? But it's too dangerous! Lots of Hoochiefs are lurking there!

Thank you, Rover. Qiaomu, no matter what you're going to say, I'll go too.

You wish for everyone's safety, and achieving that depends on completely solving this issue, doesn't it?

Well... you're right.

*An approving hoohoo*.

Fine, fine! Just come with us. BUT! Promise you'll take care of yourself, okay?

Qiaomu, Rover, look that at the Violet Banyan.

It's shocking, really. The Violet Banyan was kept safe from contamination, but now...

Remember what I said? The Offshoot Cores regenerate because we haven’t destroyed the Main Core. It seems to be the case here too...

No, it's even worse. It indicates the spread of the Offshoot Cores. If we can't destroy them immediately, they'll...

I'm setting up the devices, and let's clear this Offshoot Core! Rover, I'll leave it to you!

*A cheering hoohoo*!

Rover, are you ready?

*A cheering hoohoo*!

Great! I’m turning on the devices. Rover, get ready for calibration!

Sure, I'll brief you on this. Once we start preparing the antibody, I'll need you to pass over the ingredients I need.

If you're ready, let's get started!

Let's get started.

First, I'll need the ingredient on top of that box, thank you.

Next is the ingredient in the can behind you. Please handle it with care.

Now we need a bit of the ingredient on top of that box.

Now is the crucial moment, please pass me the bottle on the table.

The last step, Rover. I need the ingredient in the can, same as before.

Great!

Looks great!

That's right!

That's not quite right. The first ingredient I need is on top of that box. Thanks, Rover.

That's right!

Phew... finally done. Rover, thank you so much for your help. Now, let's see how it works.

Hmm... I need the ingredient in the can. Thanks, we're nearly there!

Not quite what I needed, but that's okay. Do you see the ingredient that's on top of the box?

This color... no no, I need the bottle on the table, could you please help me?

Strange... Oh, it's the wrong one! The last ingredient is in the can, could you please help me get it?

Here too... These scratches are fresh.

This Sabyr Boar is known for its aggressive nature and powerful attacks, but now...

These traces lead all the way to the Offshoot Core area!

There too! Let's go take a look.

This area is not safe, let's hurry to the Offshoot Core area.

What's wrong with Hoohoo... Rover, let's catch up quickly!

Strange, did Hoohoo find something... I need to go check it out quickly.

I didn't expect to find Offshoot Core here, the spread of the toxic spore is much faster than our model... Rover, I need your help again.

Let's go now!

How's it going, Rover? Found anything?

I didn't expect it to be the same after so long, the mentor...

Let's go, we will definitely succeed!

I hope this time, we can completely eliminate the Main Core that is troubling the forest.

It's up there, Rover, let's go!

I don't know what's waiting for us up there, Rover, be careful.

Rover, if you come to the Violet Banyan later, maybe we'll meet again!

Yeah... Lush vegetation, fresh air—I guess this must be what my mentor always dreamed of witnessing.

Rover, I need you to come with me to the Offshoot Core area.

Huh, is it hard to see the direction of the instruments from below?

Then I'll activate the drone's shooting function to see... Okay, I've transmitted the image to your Terminal, now you can observe these instruments from the drone's perspective!

Hehe, I can transmit the image shot from the drone from a high place to you, so, if there's anything you can't see, just tell me!

Rover, let’s head back and update Senmin on what we found. We can also see how her experiment is going.