The Past is the Future: Introduction

Strange, why can't I find it?

Pudding, did you find it?

Woof! Woof!

I'm looking for the gift my sister left for me.

She promised me that if I could get into the Ministry of Development, I could follow the clues to find her gift for me here.

Oops, I'm sorry. Forgot to introduce myself. I'm Shixia.

I've been searching here for a long time, but I hadn't found anything.

Pudding has an incredible nose. In most cases, he can sniff out anything buried underground, but this time he's found nothing so far.

I'm wondering if it could be that I've missed out on some clues, because my sister's a Resonator and I'm not.

Are you a Resonator? Can you help me look for it?

That's great! Thank you!

Where could it be…

Yeah! This is it!

I remember the first time I walked through this waterfall. My sister was overjoyed that I conquered my fear and took that first step.

The next location isn't far. It's right under that tree ahead.

The gift should be around here. Let's look for it.

Hmm? Pudding stopped here. Seems like it found the gift!

Hmm? Pudding stopped here. Seems like it found the gift!

There are Blobflies here.

My sister once told me that Blobflies have a characteristic.

They are drawn to valuable stuff.

I haven't seen it myself, so let's treat it as an anecdote.

There used to be lots of Siluna Fish in this lake.

The silver school shimmered in the sparkling lake.

My sister and I used to catch and grill some.

My sister and I tried grilling them, but they didn't taste great—perhaps she wasn't a good cook.

Climbing this mountain seems like a breeze for you, being a Resonator and all, huh?

We ordinary people might not be as nimble on the rocks, but we've got our own bag of tricks.

One trick up our sleeves is always sticking to the vines.

Look! The lake is heart-shaped.

Hehe, initially, this lake didn't resemble a heart that much.

It took us quite an effort to carve out the heart-shaped contours with shovels. It's pretty cute, isn't it?

And look, we planted this tree in the center of the lake together, when we were kids.

Never thought the tree would actually live.

I once told Shiyu that the branches of this tree looked like a hand.

This is a fantastic lookout point.

When we climbed here before, we sat for a long time.

My sister looked at this scenery and got lost in thought. I wonder what she was thinking about back then.

I suspect she hid a gift there.

Pudding stopped here.

Pudding stopped here.

Pudding stopped here. There are many rabbit footprints.

Looks like the rabbit hole we're looking for is right behind this rock wall.

These are... photos from my school days.

Because I was suddenly surrounded by lots of talented people.

Getting into an esteemed academy with a passing grade was actually pain disguised as luck.

No matter how hard I worked, I always felt like the worst student there.

They breezed through the tests with high grades, but I struggled to grasp the course content.

It made me feel ashamed and lost.

Do you understand that feeling? Like... you know there's a barrier ahead, but you just can't break through it...

My sister noticed how I felt and helped me through those tough times.

She said, "Shixia, you can reach new heights. Don't get stuck comparing yourself to others. Focus on yourself and take a step back to see how far you've already climbed."

That's what she told me.

Though she always says I'm smart, I think she's the wiser one.

Sorry for all this blabbering...

Let's keep moving. There's only one place left for us to check.

Hey, Rover, it's almost time. If you're ready, let's meet at the foot of West Mountain!

There you are! Looks like you're ready.

Many years ago, my sister climbed West Mountain on a rainy night and reached the summit at sunrise the next day.

It's the same hour in the day now. This is when she started climbing. Let's go, we need to reach the summit before sunrise!

No time to chat; let's go!

Look, we caught the sunrise! Fantastic!

If my sister hadn't joined me in climbing these summits, I might never have witnessed such breathtaking scenery.

I feel like I'm beginning to understand the emotions my sister experienced when she reached the summit and made decisions here.

It's as if our hearts are inexplicably connected.

As I gaze upon this scenery, I've arrived at a resolution for the new phase of my life.

I'm one step closer to what I aspire to be.

I'll continue to grow and give my all at the Ministry of Development to make a meaningful impact. I'm not the same as my sister, but there's something only I can do!

Thank you so much! I wouldn't have fully understood my sister's intentions without your help.

Wait, look! Could that be something left by Shiyu?

This is… the token I made.

We exchanged the tokens we made, motivating and supporting each other to pursue our life goals.

Why did she return my token to me…

I understand what my sister wanted to tell me. I won't let her down.

Rover, thank you for accompanying me on this short treasure hunting trip, and sharing in the beauty of this sunrise.

I won't forget about this journey.

Shixia, can you still keep up?

No problem!

My sister used to climb really fast too. I always followed her pace, making my way up.

In the end, I would always reach her side. This time won't be any different.

This is a Grapple generator that shoots Grapple forward when used.

I wonder if my sister left this for the convenience of later climbers…

Looks like we've almost reached the top.

There are a few more sections to fly through ahead.

It's truly remarkable how my sister conquered this summit solo, facing numerous challenges along the way.

The summit is right in front of us; we've made it!

Why is there a chair? Seems like it's been sitting here for ages.

My sister once mentioned a strange chair on the summit of West Mountain. A chair emitting powerful aura, she said. Could this be it?

It looks rather ordinary, though.

The road ahead looks even more rugged, but I won't be stopped.

What kind of person is Shiyu?

She's a bold and curious explorer, always uncovering fascinating finds. She shares her discoveries with the world through submissions to Wutherium Geographic magazine.

While she's daring, she's also very considerate.

If it weren't for her, I might not have as much experience, and I would be even more introverted than I am now.

She brought about a lot of positive changes in me.

Hey there. Here, this is a photo I took on the summit of West Mountain. It's a gift for you.

I've said it before, but I truly appreciate you joining me on this mountain climb.

Though it's a pity that we still don't know what my sister hid under this tree...

How did you know there was something under this tree?

I just found it the other day. It's a letter!

What's in the letter? What's in the letter?

Here. I have it on me.

I can't understand the first half, but in the second half, it mentions crossing the waterfall and finding the tree behind it. It has to be about some hidden treasures!

I wanted to go find the treasure, but I'm a little scared. Is there really a way behind the waterfall?

Don't worry, girl. Just be confident and take a big step forward!

Rover, I have a gift for you. Please come find me when you have time. I'll be waiting for you under the tree behind the theater.

Hmm… I'd better wait here for a while.

If that girl is really going to walk through the waterfall alone, I'd better keep an eye on her.

I did encourage her to give it a shot, after all.

Back then, I couldn't climb the mountain safely without my sister's care and protection.

And this girl is too young. I have to protect her, in case something happens.

It's like I'm unknowingly standing in the shoes of my past sister...

There should be plenty of ingredients around here.

If needed, we can also collect some.

There should be plenty of ingredients around here.

How's it going? Any discoveries?

Oh, how could that be... If I can't find the first gift, how am I supposed to locate the others?

You're right.

Let me check. According to the clue, we have to pass through that waterfall.

The gift should be around here. Let's look for it.

Pudding! Do your best to guide us, okay?

Woof!

This… isn't what I'm looking for.

Pudding! C'mon, let's try again!

This! This is the report card from my first test as a child!

When did Shiyu hide it here…

Yes, when I was about seven, after my first exam.

I didn't expect she'd leave that transcript here...

It's from my very first exam. I messed it up a bit due to carelessness, and I was just one point away from full marks.

While my family celebrated, I was mad at myself…

Looking back, I was too stubborn.

No, no, no, don't get me wrong. I'm not showing off!

You know, pretty much everyone scores high in primary school.

Huh? Are you maybe a foreigner? People in Jinzhou are quite touchy about grades.

Anyway, let's keep moving!

According to my sister's message, there are three more gifts hidden under the trees. We've got to climb higher, step by step.

Follow me. I know this place like the back of my hand.

My sister and I used to climb higher up the mountain from here.

I remember there's some rabbit holes nearby; my sister was really good at catching rabbits.

I suspect she hid a gift there.

Pudding, go, check it out!

Woof!

So she wrote me this letter, but she didn't tell me any of this in person.

I made this model as a child, a witness to my goals.

That's the school all Jinzhou parents want their kids to attend.

But I only got admitted through luck.

The exam questions that year happened to coincide with the key points my teacher emphasized.

My sister didn't know this, so she thought I was smart enough to be admitted...

Let's keep moving. I'm eager to see what else she has in store.

This… isn't what I'm looking for.

Pudding! C'mon, let's try again!

Pudding! Stop! That's not a rabbit hole! I… I can't fight!

Rover, please help me!

Pudding can't climb this cliff.

It's up to us now.

Pudding, good boy, go back home. Be good, okay? I'll bring you tasty treats when I return!

Woof! Woof!

Shiyu left only this sentence about the gift under this tree.

"Direction of the hand, protection of the heart."

Understanding the meaning of "hands" and "hearts" should be enough to find the gift.

Let's look around; maybe we'll catch a spark of inspiration to solve this riddle.

I didn't realize we'd climbed so high already.

I think I found it—the scenery is what she wanted me to see.

The first time I came here, my sister was already too busy to come home often.

But when she knew I was preparing for my exam, she still managed to make some time for me. We came here together to relieve my anxiety.

When I finally made it atop this mountain, and saw how beautiful it is here, I felt the joy of climbing for the very first time.

I thanked her for inspiring me to reach this height.

The vast expanse before my eyes helped cast away all the burdens in my heart.

Seeing such a beautiful sight, my stress lessened, and it definitely helped me passing Leyi Academy's entrance exam.

And there's another important reason.

During the final interview, someone gave up their opportunity. That's how I got off the waiting list.

Growth is perhaps like climbing a mountain, with one peak after another waiting for me to ascend. The pains of blood, sweat, and tears will ultimately transform into boundless joy upon reaching the summit.

Really? What is it?

Is that so? Sounds like my sister did say something along those lines.

These gifts were a record of my efforts, and I thought she was just trying to keep me working hard…

I didn't realize she was dissatisfied with how I viewed myself.

I remember she once said...

"Luck isn't the determining factor for your success, but you are."

Back then, I didn't pay much attention to those words. I just felt I wasn't good enough.

Thank you for helping me understand my sister's thoughts.

Thanks for helping me understand my sister's thoughts. I'll take her words to heart and welcome the new chapter of my life with greater confidence!

Thanks for accompanying me all the way and helping me find these precious gifts.

By the way, Shiyu made her decision after climbing this mountain.

She climbed to the summit of West Mountain... and that was when she decided to become a soldier, and fight on the frontlines.

I've never been to the top of West Mountain. Now, I kinda want to visit the summit she once conquered.

My sister's can't stay with me now, but I can still reach the summit she conquered on my own.

No! My sister managed to conquer the West Mountain on a rainy day. I don't want to lose to her!

I'll wait until it rains. I will challenge her on equal grounds.

Do you want to join me? Only a handful of people managed to climb to the West Mountain's top.

Great! I remember it might rain tomorrow. Let's climb the mountain together!

When the time's right, I'll send you a message, and let's meet at the foot of West Mountain!

Seems we're all rested. Let's keep moving!

So full... Phew... It's been a while since I've relaxed so leisurely.

It kinda takes me back to the days when I came here with my sister.

Yes, but I also worry about her a lot.

Though we're sisters, we're quite different.

I grew up studying for exams, like most Jinzhou kids.

After studying for so many years, I finally got the job I like.

A peaceful life, as calm as dead water. It seems to be my life in a nutshell.

However, Shiyu, my sister, is a born Resonator, and she is good at using her ability. So… we're bound to take different paths.

Instead of spending time in school, she traveled around with her teacher, mastering Martial Arts and engaging in contests to hone her skills.

Eventually, she joined the Midnight Rangers, so we barely see each other—maybe a few times a year, I'd say?

Despite her busy life, I know she cares about me.

In crucial moments of my life, she's always there for me, climbing higher and higher on this mountain together.

Each height where a gift is hidden was once an obstacle for me.

I somewhat understand that she probably wants me to take a step back and reflect on how far I've gone.

So she hid the gifts in these places…

Sorry for troubling you. If only I was a Resonator too...

It's actually so beautiful up here, but few people ever come here to appreciate it.

Let's walk slowly. It's not bad to treat this climb as a sightseeing tour. I will be your guide!

Look! A camp stove!

It's getting late. How about we take a rest here?

A good rest will freshen us up for the journey ahead!

Woof! Woof!

Seems like Pudding is hungry too. They've been helping me find the gift all day.

Let me whip up some Jinzhou Stew. You'll love it!

Oh, do you have a specialty?

That's great! I can't wait to taste it!

...

So the "hand" in the riddle isn't a literal hand...

The shape of that tree resembles a hand, so "the direction of the hand" probably means "the direction of the branches."

If both sentences are referring to something in our surroundings, then the "heart" likely refers to this heart-shaped lake.

So the gift is somewhere around the lake, and in the direction where the branches point.

The precise spot needs to meet both these conditions.

"Hand"… I need to think about what it's pointing to.

Where on earth is it…

If you find anything, please let me know. Thank you so much!

The gift should be nearby. Judging by Pudding's behavior, it should be leading us there!

Let's follow its lead. We will find the gift soon!

There should be plenty of ingredients around here.

If needed, we can also collect some.

Oh my, I only remember there's a rabbit hole here, but forgot its exact spot.

Hopefully, Pudding will guide us right.