arrow_back Wuthering Waves Quests 
Huanglong I Act V
Rewinding Raindrops
The previous puzzle's answer has been revealed, but it only leads to another one. With a storm on the horizon, you follow the Magistrate's advice and search for clues about "the Black Shores".
Quest List
After hearing the story, you express your desire to find members of the Black Shores before heading to the Norfall Barrens. Yangyang suggests starting with the Blake Bloom, the organization's symbol.
Chixia:
Woah. First time hearing about all that...
Chixia:
Uhhh... Maybe the Sentinel had its own special ways of picking candidates?
Yangyang:
Or maybe it is their incomprehensible ways that set these divine beings apart from us? Their thinking tends to be elusive to the average person.
Chixia:
Yeah, true. Wouldn't be surprised if Jué decided to make me the Magistrate one day, not gonna lie!
Yangyang:
I understand your concern.
Yangyang:
Madam Jinhsi was only a teenager, and she was suddenly selected to be the Magistrate. It must have been so difficult for her...
Yangyang:
I remember people were skeptical when she first took office.
Yangyang:
Despite her achievements, many believed she lacked the necessary experience and authority in the political realm.
Yangyang:
People only showed their respect to Madam Jinhsi because they trusted Jué's judgment...
Chixia:
Seriously, Lord Jué knows how to choose 'em. Our previous Magistrates were all top-notch at running the show.
Chixia:
And Madam Jinhsi? She's already made this city a well-oiled machine in no time.
Chixia:
I'd have a mental Overclock just trying to keep up with all that paperwork... She was made for this!
Chixia:
Uh, what is that saying again? Real gold never loses its shine!
Yangyang:
Rover, since you are asking about this... Did you get clues about your past from Madam Jinhsi?
Chixia:
The Norfall Barrens?! It's been a battlefield since ancient times...
Yangyang:
Rover, it's dangerous there. The Norfall Barrens is the frontline in our defense against the Threnodian. We must be careful about going there.
You inquire about the Blake Bloom from Grandma Lin, who has not seen it but knows a Resonator skilled in botany. This Resonator is currently in the mountains, where you set off to find her.
Linsu:
Oh, hello! Chixia, Yangyang, what brought you here?
Chixia:
Hey, Grandma Lin! We're here for some stories today, and here's our new friend!
Chixia:
Ta-da! We've got the ultimate badass here! The one who can crush TDs, cook up Echoes, knock Inferno Rider flat, and KO Feilian Beringal with a single punch! The legendary Rover!
Linsu:
Haha, so you are the famous Rover! Oh, youngsters these days are really something.
Chixia:
Grandma Lin, since you're the flower expert, I've got a favor to ask.
Yangyang:
Have you seen flowers like this one before?
Linsu:
Hmm... I'm familar with most of the flowers local to Jinzhou, but this one... it doesn't match anything we have here.
Linsu:
I don't think I've seen anything similar, not even in the plant encyclopedias...
Chixia:
Oh no... If not even a flower expert like you can recognize it, who else could help us?
Linsu:
Oh, Chixia, I'm far from an expert. We've got a plant-type Resonator here in Jinzhou, remember? She knows the plants much better than me.
Yangyang:
Oh, are you talking about that young lady? I always see her helping out at your store.
Linsu:
Yes, she has been a great help. She knows a lot about everything plant related.
Linsu:
And she is such a sweet child. Her smiles always make me happy. She reminds me of the lovely Starflowers.
Linsu:
I'd call out to her: Lil Starflower, it's dinner time! And she'd always answer with her brightest smile. What a lovely girl.
Linsu:
She's probably up in the back mountain doing some field research.
Linsu:
I said I wanted a field in the back mountain and she offered to help right away. That's where she is now, checking it out.
Linsu:
Go in that direction, and soon you'll see a waterfall. Walk right through the waterfall, then you'll reach the back mountain.
Yangyang:
Thank you so much, Grandma Lin.
Linsu:
Oh, anytime, dearie! Don't forget to visit my Penjing shop. I'll have treats ready for you!
Yangyang:
This should be the shortcut to the back mountain. Once we cross the waterfall, we'll reach Mt. Pingting.
Yangyang:
A bridge of flowers... That's impressive...
Resonator Verina identifies the black flower in your photo as a specially cultivated variety. This inspires the idea of wearing a Blake Bloom to draw out members of the organization. But how does one go about conjuring a Blake Bloom from thin air?
Verina:
Hello... Are you lost? Do you need help?
Verina:
Oops, sorry! I should've introduced myself first... I know it's a polite thing to do in Huanglong...
Verina:
It is… It is a delight to make your acquaintance. I am Verina. My "pressure" to have the opportunity to meet with you today…
Verina:
My apologies. I used to live in the New Federation, so I'm not very familiar with the language here.
Chixia:
Hi, Verina! I'm Chixia, this is Yangyang, and {Male=he;Female=she}'s Rover! Grandma Lin told us we should come find you!
Verina:
Oh, right. Grandma Lin talked about you. I left those flowers so she knows how to reach me.
Verina:
What seems to be the trouble? If there's anything I can help you with...
Yangyang:
We're looking for a special flower...
Verina:
Hmm... It's an unusual flower indeed. Pure black flowers are rarely found in nature. We can't rule out the possibility that it's been dyed.
Verina:
When looking at the structure, there are a few types of flowers that seem similar.
Verina:
Take Iris, for example. Its petals are similarly oval-shaped, but it has double petals.
Verina:
It's not Viola, either, since Viola has notched petals.
Verina:
Then there's also the Cliffrecluse, but this flower has a longer stamen and an extra petal.
Verina:
Lemongrass is also similar in shape. It's native to the New Federation, and Huanglong people may not be familiar with it.
Verina:
Though it has a similar stamen length, it has a conical inflorescence with a trumpet-shaped corolla.
Verina:
Oh, and I almost forgot the Pecok Flower! It's a single-petaled flower with a similar stamen length!
Verina:
But... The Pecok Flower has a distinct peduncle, while this one doesn't.
Chixia:
Wow, you really know your stuff! I learned a lot from that!
Verina:
Anyway, this black flower does look very special. There are hardly any similar plants in nature.
Verina:
So, I'm thinking it might be a newly cultivated species.
Verina:
Also, its veins are somehow cross-shaped... I can feel some faint traces of frequency fluctuations on it too. It's a sign of overflowing Remnant Energy.
Verina:
So, my guess is it should be an unique Remnant plant, created by a certain type of Resonance Energy.
Verina:
But in order to figure out the right soil for it, or exactly what type of Resonance Energy it is, I need more than just a picture.
Chixia:
Gosh, help us out, someone! We don't know what kind of flower it is, and we haven't seen anyone wearing it either...
Chixia:
Speaking of that... How does it even work? If I wore this flower on me right now, do I automatically become one of them?
Yangyang:
Chixia, wait, what did you just say?
Chixia:
Uhhh... Yeah? I was just saying if I wore this flower, would they immediately see me as one of their own...
Yangyang:
If this black flower is indeed their symbol, the Black Shores members should immediately notice it on you.
Yangyang:
But to all the other people, it would only look like a peculiar flower.
Yangyang:
Given that... if they are indeed in Jinzhou city, we may only need to wear this flower to lure them out...
Chixia:
Ohh, I see... but how do we get our hands on one?
You meet Yangyang who points out the enigmatic man.
Yangyang:
Rover, there you are!
Yangyang:
We walked on the streets, wearing the Blake Bloom like you said. Talked to various people, but I didn't hear anything useful...
Yangyang:
Nothing in particular, just some small talks...
Kind Man:
Hey, aren't you the girl from earlier?
Passionate Girl:
Yeah! You're so pretty! Can I take another selfie with you? The one we did earlier looked a bit blurry...
Yangyang:
P-please stop teasing me!
Yangyang:
Chixia did say she found someone suspicious... Look, it's him.
You apprehend the mysterious young woman stalking you, only to discover she is a Bloom Bearer from the Black Shores. She shows a strong interest in you and reveals she has been helping you from afar. In a flash, she manages to escape leaving only her name—Camellya.
??:
You're such a box full of surprises.
??:
So we're playing truth-or-dare now? I see... Oops!
??:
Hehe... Getting angry, are we? Sorry, but it's just so much fun to rile you up.
??:
You're the very first person to pique my interest like this. You... have great potential.
??:
Okay, so you're not up for small talk. I'll keep that in mind. You're my mission target, after all.
??:
Bingo! I'm one of the Bloom Bearers of the Black Shores.
??:
This Blake Bloom is our symbol. It represents our mission to save the world.
??:
That's what it says in the rules, at least.
??:
Our plans? Hmm... What is it again? To recruit as many talents as we can, and save the world from its impending doom.
??:
So, are you in?
??:
Nuh-uh, I don't! The world? Couldn't care less. If it's all going BOOM tomorrow, why not have fun while we can?
??:
To stop at nothing for more power, take down any prey without mercy, and indulge in all our desires for the ultimate pleasure...
??:
Well... I mean, I'd love to live that way, but alas, duty calls.
??:
Our "Garden" is home to many green fruits, and we'll make you the most special "Seed" among them all...
??:
My duty is to nurture and safeguard seeds like you, allowing them to blossom into luscious fruits.
??:
Then once the fruit ripens, I'll get to pick it, and indulge the sweetness of my labor all by myself.
??:
You're just like what Tethys has told us... I can feel such explosive potential within you. One day, you'll surely bear the most beautiful fruit imaginable.
??:
No need to be so on edge. I won't do anything... strange, to you, I think?
??:
Actually, I've been diligently protecting you, you know? I got rid of all types of pests that tried to get in your way!
??:
Ew, don't mention me and the Fractsidus in the same sentence. I couldn't care less about their petty games, but if they even think of laying their dirty fingers on you... Hmph. You're mine, and I don't like sharing.
??:
Just a couple tricks and I had those fools flapping around like headless chickens. What a boring crowd.
??:
Woah, don't tell me you haven't noticed?
??:
Enjoyed your nightly rendezvous with that Loong Maiden? You have me to thank for keeping those Fractsidus people away.
??:
Well... I've answered plenty of questions already. Now it's your turn.
??:
Hehe, nothing in particular.
??:
The way you look at me though, it's almost as if... No, forget about it.
??:
But I'll be watching you. You're a very special "Seed", that I am very sure.
??:
I can feel something oddly familiar about you...
Camellya:
My name is Camellya.
Camellya:
Try not to let me catch you so easily next time~!
Rover:
And she's gone... Huh, that was fast.
The "mist figure" of Aalto. It's posed in a weird way, as if he's an eagle spreading his wings.
...Did he leave it here to mock you? You're not quite sure.
In front of the "mist figure", there is a floating line of handwriting, also made out of fog: "We value integrity and quality above all else! New customers enjoy 20% off!"
The girl's name is Encore, and she is Aalto's associate. Just when she is about to divulge a crucial secret, Aalto snaps his fingers and they both vanish in a cloud of mist.
Aalto:
Encore! I looked everywhere for you!
Chixia:
Back off! Leave that girl alone!
Aalto:
Miss Patroller, she's the girl I've been looking for!
Chixia:
Hello, little one. Is your name Encore? Do you know this person?
Encore:
Yes! Encore knows him!
Encore:
Uncle Aalto sells stuff without a license, he listens in on people for commercial secrets, and he loves pulling pranks on us kids... But he’s not a bad guy, really!
Aalto:
Ugh, Encore! Remember our little chat?
Aalto:
What did I say about calling me "Uncle" in public again? I am NOT that old!
Yangyang:
Miss Verina, where did you meet this girl?
Verina:
I ran into her near a cliff on my way home. She was eating a poisonous mushroom...
Verina:
I managed to make her the antidote in time. Imagine what would have happened if I wasn't there...
Encore:
Don't worry! Encore's had plenty of that mushroom already!
Yangyang:
But why did you go to such a dangerous place alone, little Encore?
Chixia:
We've got your back, little one! No worries! Just tell us what you know!
Encore:
Because... Because Encore must keep an eye on {Male=him;Female=her}!
Aalto:
Ahahaha... Kids can have such wild imaginations sometimes, haha...
Encore:
Hey, Aalto? Didn't you send Encore there? Wait... Why are they all giving you the side eye?
Aalto:
Encore... Some things are better left unspoken, you know...
Aalto:
Since the situation has come to this, I've got no choice but to tell you...
Aalto:
Indeed! We're here for business. And it's a crucial one! You wanna know what it is?
Aalto:
Let's go, Encore!
Encore:
Hey, Aalto! Wait for meeee!
Aalto:
See ya! We still have a world to save!
Chixia:
Cough cough... Wait!
Rover:
(The Fractsidus? What are they doing in a place like this?)
Fractsidus Member:
Damn that woman! Always getting in our way... And what are you doing here? Get lost!
Rover:
(...I'll have to take them down first.)
Rover:
(Better hide here for now.)
You track them down and discover they are Consultants for the Black Shores. Aalto strikes a deal to reveal what he knows about you in exchange for your help in recovering a Resonance Beacon from the Court of Savantae Ruins, in Whining Aix's Mire.
Aalto:
...Ha, now you're here.
Aalto:
Well, we weren't really running from you! We just wanted to make sure you were alone.
Encore:
Be good, please!
Encore:
Encore and Uncle Aalto won't do anything bad to you...
Aalto:
That's enough Encore, you're freaking our precious client out.
Encore:
Encore just did as Aalto said! Encore is usually a good girl.
Aalto:
Don't be scared, Rover. We just have a few questions for you.
Aalto:
Was it your idea to have those two ladies wear those counterfeit Blake Blooms and attract our attention?
Aalto:
I must admit, they looked quite convincing. If I was an outsider, I might mistake them for the real deal.
Aalto:
So you worked with a plant-type Resonator... Interesting.
Encore:
A plant-type Resonator? We happen to know someone like that too, don't we?
Aalto:
Yeah. There are more than one of them out there. Not a big deal.
Aalto:
So please, tell us... What do you want from the Black Shores?
Aalto:
Why? Hmm, what if I told you... We have the information you want the most?
Aalto:
Like what they say here in Huanglong: the straight hook is for willing fish to bite. Ta-daa da daah! Your efforts finally caught our attention.
Aalto:
Surprise! The people you've been looking for are right in front of you!
Aalto:
Now, how's that for a piece of intel? I'll let you have it free of charge!
Aalto:
Aww, not that disappointed look! Are we not what you had in mind?
Aalto:
I know you must have a ton of questions for me, but one moment, please.
Aalto:
As you already know, I'm an "information broker".
Aalto:
That means I make deals instead of passing out freebies. You want information from me, you gotta give me something in return.
Aalto:
Relax, Rover. We just want to make a deal with you.
Aalto:
We want you to come with us to an abandoned Court of Savantae facility, to help us recover a "Resonance Beacon".
Aalto:
In turn, I'll tell you everything we know so far.
Aalto:
Our business is centered around customer satisfaction and built on integrity! Otherwise, we wouldn't qualify as Consultants of the Black Shores.
Aalto:
And since you're a first-time customer... I'm pleased to offer you an additional gift.
Aalto:
Here, have this. This should prove we're serious, since you already know what it represents.
Aalto:
And if you still have doubts about us... Just show it to that plant-savvy young miss. She'll be able to tell.
Aalto:
Finally, as a last resort...
Aalto:
Encore, do your cute face, quick!
Encore:
Aww... Pwease help us... Pretty Pweeaaase...?
Aalto:
Look at this poor child, pleading to you like that! How could anyone have the heart to decline?! The deal's settled then!
Aalto:
We'll be waiting for you near this Beacon in Whining Aix's Mire! And don't forget to come alone, okay?
The "mist figure" of Aalto. It's posed in a weird way, as if he's stretching his arms wide for a welcome hug.
...Did he leave it here to mock you? You're not quite sure.
In front of the "mist figure", there is a floating line of handwriting, also made out of fog: "Fate brings us together; may our friendship endure forever!"
The "mist figure" of Aalto. It's posed in a weird way, as if he's making a heart with his hands.
...Did he leave it here to mock you? You're not quite sure.
In front of the "mist figure", there is a floating line of handwriting, also made out of fog: "Patience please, the answer is right around the corner!"
Noticing you are being followed, you decide to send Chixia and Yangyang with the Blake Bloom to search for Black Shores members in the city while you confront your mysterious stalker.
Yangyang:
Rover, have you noticed?
Yangyang:
We've been seeing these black petals for a while now... They're scattered all over the place. I’m pretty sure they're not made by Miss Verina.
Yangyang:
The Streams have been disrupted... Someone has been following us.
Yangyang:
Rover... Are you sure you want us to leave? It could be dangerous for you...
Yangyang:
...Okay. Chixia and I will wear these black flowers and go look for members of the Black Shores in the city.
Yangyang:
Rover, please be careful. Rings us anytime when you need help.
Rover:
(The weird noises persist. They're coming after me.)
Rover:
(If I climb up to that point, I should be able to get behind that person.)
Yangyang calls to inform you that she and Chixia have spotted a suspicious figure on Main Street.
Yangyang:
Rover, what took you so long to pick up the call? Did something happen?
Yangyang:
Is that a friend or foe? Are you hurt?
Yangyang:
The Black Shores... Did she tell you anything?
Yangyang:
Phew... At least you are safe.
Yangyang:
Chixia noticed a guy acting suspicious. I think she's keeping an eye on him.
Yangyang:
Sure, we are in the shopping district. See you then.
After Aalto and Encore depart, Chixia and the others arrive. You brief them on your deal. Yangyang warns that Whining Aix's Mire hasn't been visited in ages due to treacherous weather and urges caution.
Chixia:
Rover, did you find them?
Chixia:
What? Seriously? No way...
Verina:
As I expected! This flower is indeed a type of Remnant plant.
Verina:
And it contains a very unique kind of Remnant Energy. The concentration is much higher than usual, too.
Chixia:
No way, are they really from the Black Shores?
Chixia:
Tsk... Not as mysterious as people make 'em out to be. Well at least they're good at running, I'll give them that.
Yangyang:
What did they tell you?
You explained the current situation...
Yangyang:
That place... I only heard it's an abandoned research institution. There's nothing special about it.
Yangyang:
Because of the dangerous weather conditions in Whining Aix's Mire, it's been ages since anyone went there.
Chixia:
Don't worry, Yangyang. We all know how strong our Rover is!
Yangyang:
Okay... Rover, I'll tell the Academy about this, and they'll help transmit your data from the Resonance Nexus. Then that Beacon in the Whining Aix's Mire should be unlocked for you.
Yangyang:
There have been frequent Tacet Field activities recently. If you're going there alone, please be careful.
Chixia:
Just ring us whenever you need a hand! We'll come rushing!
Emerging from the ruins, you find the sky dark and heavy with Retroact Rain. Yangyang calls to tell you Jinzhou is under attack by a horde of Tacet Discords.
Encore:
Encore heard lightning! When there's lightning, it's gonna rain, and when it's gonna rain, Encore should bring an umbrella...
Encore:
...Uh, no, no no no... Aalto said when it rains like this, we hide!
Aalto:
No... This is...
Aalto:
...It's the real Retroact Rain.
Yangyang:
Rover, Jinzhou...
Yangyang:
Jinzhou is under attack! It's a TD Outbreak!
After meeting Aalto and Encore, you learn that the Beacon is hidden within the Court of Savantae Ruins, a once-revered institution known for its groundbreaking research in Automata Mechanics and strange experiments. Its members vanished without a trace, leaving behind only damaged Resonance Beacons.
Aalto:
Heya, Rover!
Aalto:
I've sent the coordinates of that CSC research facility to your Terminal.
Aalto:
Now that we're in the same boat, let me fill you in on what we're getting into before we dive in.
Aalto:
The Court of Savantae is a mysterious scientific research organization. They are best known for their research in "Automata Mechanics", but...
Aalto:
What really put them on the map isn't that; it's all the bizarre experiments they did.
Aalto:
What's with the psychedelic black light coming from Mourning Aix's Mire, and is that freaky ring in the waters really the lake monster's doing?
Aalto:
One day, a daring young scientist soared into the sky and never returned... Could this be the beginning of another diabolical plot?
Encore:
Aalto, why are you telling bedtime stories now? Is it time to sleep already?
Aalto:
Ahem, my bad. Old habits die hard. But the big part is coming right up!
Aalto:
One day, out of the blue, every single Court of Savantae member VANISHED!
Aalto:
The last words from that mysterious researcher, the Court of Savantae Committee's Chairman, was this—
Aalto:
"You want my research? You can have it! I left everything I gathered in the Court of Savantae's labs. Now you'll just have to find it..."
Aalto:
What do you think, Rover? Aren't you curious?
Aalto:
Haha! I knew you'd be into this like I am! But stories aside, we do have an important mission on our hands.
Aalto:
I suppose the Magistrate of Jinzhou has already told you what we do.
Aalto:
We've set up Resonance Beacons worldwide to monitor the Lament, collecting data in real-time. This is how we predict when the next Lament is happening.
Aalto:
As the saying goes, one miss is as good as a mile. Every single one of the Resonance Beacons is crucial.
Aalto:
After the Court of Savantae researchers disappeared, all of our Resonance Beacons near their facilities were damaged to varying degrees.
Aalto:
Recently, something went wrong with our Lament detection system, and we suspected it had something to do with a damaged Beacon around the area.
Aalto:
That's why we've been sent here, to investigate the case.
Aalto:
While our main goal is to retrieve the lost Resonance Beacon, we also might find some treasures.
Encore:
Aalto, even Encore can tell what you're up to...
Aalto:
It's called seize the opportunity while I can! You're just too young to get it! Come on, let's go!
Aalto:
This is... No wonder...
Aalto:
Those crazy savants... They were trying to recreate the Retroact Rain...
Encore:
Wow! A big cluncky monster!
Aalto:
Damn... Those savants never run out of new surprises for us...
Aalto:
The signal's coming from it. Did it swallow our Resonance Beacon?
Aalto:
Looks like peace isn't an option. Guys, brace yourself. We'll need to take it down!
Encore:
Aalto, we doing it like we usually do?
Aalto:
Of course.
Encore:
Hehe, then this big guy is Encore's to tackle!
Encore:
Cosmos, Cloudy, ATTACK!
Aalto:
Phew, job done!
Encore:
Hehe, Encore is strong! Told ya!
Encore:
Cosmos! Cloudy! You saw anything fun?
Cosmos (Encore):
Reporting in! Cosmos saw nothing!
Cloudy (Encore):
Cloudy saw nothing either, Baa.
Encore:
What?! Go! Go look again!
Verina uses her Resonance Abilities to conjure a black flower that perfectly matches the one in the photo.
Verina:
Erm, I... I could probably make one for you with my Resonance Ability... If you just need something that looks similar...
Verina:
Come on, Verina, you can do it...
Chixia:
No way? That's amazing, seriously! It looks exactly like the flower in that picture!
Verina:
T-thank you, it's nothing... I'm glad I could help.
Chixia:
It's friggin amazing! Could you do that again? Please! I love it!
He introduces himself as Aalto, an information broker. He claims to be searching for a little girl who suddenly appears.
Chixia:
Rover, perfect timing! This guy's been sniffin' around here for a while now. He keeps trying to talk to the elderly and minors! I've been keeping an eye on him!
Chixia:
And I saw a little girl with him! She kept turning her head and looking around, but now she's nowhere to be found. This is super fishy!
Chixia:
Hey, I'm Patroller Chixia. Sir, business license, please.
Aalto:
B-Business license? Uuuhh... Oh! I'm Aalto, just a humble information broker. I've been travelling around, helping people out in my own small way...
Chixia:
I see. So, no license. I bet you don't have a fixed business location either, huh?
Aalto:
...Business location? Why would I need that?
Chixia:
Hmph, now show me your Organizational Accreditation, please.
Aalto:
Well... I am an honest broker of information, always open to negotiations at the right price! I'm the all-time Intel champ, with more Best Seller certificates than I can count...
Chixia:
No license, no clear business plan... You're running an illegal business, then...
Aalto:
...
Chixia:
Who's your supervisor? You should at least have their ID number?
Aalto:
My s-supervisor? Oh right! She's, like, a super big deal!
Aalto:
She's an ancient being, born with this planet we're living on. She's the will of the star, the reverberation of everything in this world...
Chixia:
So do you even have a supervisor or not?
Aalto:
What? C'mon, I already told you about her! Why won't you believe me?
Chixia:
Yeah, yeah! I believe you! I know what's going on!
Chixia:
Now, sir, you're coming with me to the Patroller Station!
Aalto:
Oh, come on! Please, I didn't do anything illegal! I was just looking for someone!
Aalto:
A little girl, um, about this tall... She's the kind to stand out in any crowd!
Chixia:
You really think I'm gonna buy that?
Aalto:
Ugh, you know! You saw her earlier! It's that girl!
Aalto:
Yeah! Exactly! Wait, how do you know?
Chixia:
Cough... We can't let him get away!
Verina:
I-I'll go search in the residential area!
Chixia:
Ugh! What is this? Is he mocking us?
Chixia:
I'll go down that way towards the Patrol Station! I know the streets here like the back of my hand!
Yangyang:
Here's another split in the road...
Yangyang:
I'll go look for him in the square. I'll leave the other side to you!
Aalto:
Huh? Is my TD Detector working? How come it didn't warn us of so many Tacet Discords ahead?
Encore:
Cause they all just appeared outta nowhere!
Aalto:
That's weird... Anyway, let's deal with them.
Aalto:
This is the place.
Aalto:
Ugh, those savants really love their puzzles, don't they...
Aalto:
No wonder folks never managed to get inside after all these years. Their security is top-notch.
Encore:
That's because Aalto set off the security alarm! And now the gate's closed, hmph!
Aalto:
Ahem... Anyway! We've got to figure out how to open it up again.
Aalto is amazed to learn that the Court of Savantae had once attempted to recreate Retroact Rain, speculating on what they sought to achieve.
Aalto:
Never thought they could pull off something like this... Incredible...
Aalto:
The Retroact Rain is essentially a form of condensed Remnant Energy from the Etheric Sea.
Aalto:
Various events across space and time from every dimension are recorded in the form of Remnant Energy. The Retroact Rain conjures illusions of past events for those exposed to it.
Aalto:
That rain curtain we saw earlier was probably the results of their experiments.
Aalto:
Before the Retroact Rain forms, it goes through three stages. In the first stage, it looks just like any regular rain.
Aalto:
And what we're seeing now should be the second stage: Water droplets floating in midair, being absolutely still.
Aalto:
I've heard of plenty independant studies on the Retroact Rain.
Aalto:
Most of the researchers were driven by their obsessions. Some wanted to relive a particular experience, while others yearned to reunite with their loved ones...
Aalto:
But look at all these devices here... The sheer scale of this research is really something.
Aalto:
It really makes one wonder... What on earth were they trying to bring back with such a massive Retroact Rain?
Aalto:
The power system here might still work... Let's split up and find it.
Encore:
Hurray! Woolies, thataway!
You come across a hologram of an aged man, lamenting his unfulfilled research and hoping for a savior 'from both past and future.' A beautiful woman's specter briefly meets your gaze, stirring a sense of familiarity that eludes you.
Elder Male Voice:
...It's getting closer. These will be my final words, haha... If only I had more time...
Elder Male Voice:
I thought my enemies were misconceptions, waning passion, and my own ignorance.
Elder Male Voice:
Only in the end did I realize... time is my ultimate foe.
Elder Male Voice:
I became blindsided by my fear of death and insatiable thirst for truth, eventually derailing our research...
Elder Male Voice:
It was too late when I finally came back to my senses... We... We had already walked into that false "Gate"...
Elder Male Voice:
Now, I'm leaving my last realization behind...
Elder Male Voice:
They are our "past"... but they are also our "future"... Had I realized it sooner, there might have been a chance to get things back on track...
Elder Male Voice:
The future being hailing from our past... Please save us... once again...
Elder Male Voice:
Please, keep pushing forward... until you reach... the real Gate that can change the world...
Blurry Female Hologram:
...
Encore:
Wow... She's so pretty...
Aalto:
Rover, about this person...
Aalto:
Heh, knew it...
Aalto:
Great, now that power's been restored, that elevator should work.
Aalto:
The Beacon's signal is coming from below. Let's go.
Aalto:
Now, this is the last room...
Encore:
Aalto, Rover! Encore spotted something!
Upon defeating the monster, Aalto discloses shocking truths about you, the Black Shores, and Camellya. You learn this is not the first time you have awakened from a long slumber—the last happened at the Black Shores. Before you can ask more, he suddenly flees sensing something amiss.
Encore:
But why did they keep that big guy here?
Aalto:
According to our findings earlier, researchers who worked here were probably only a small faction of the Court of Savantae Committee.
Aalto:
They were likely studying an ancient civilization they deemed to be "divine beings", but later got denounced from the CSC due to their extreme methods.
Aalto:
Somehow, they believed this ancient civilization had once visited the Mire, which led to their attempts at recreating those past events with artificial Retroact Rain.
Aalto:
And when they failed to recreate the Retroact Rain, they resorted to making a "replica" of the lost civilization instead.
Aalto:
To get their desired results faster, they started feeding this "replica" various frequencies, datasets, and mechanical constructs...
Aalto:
And we've seen what that ended up with. It turned into a monster driven by the frequencies of "hunger," devouring everything in its path.
Aalto:
It was probably the culprit behind the disappearance of those folks.
Aalto:
And, I suspect, the Fractsidus Overseer mentioned in that log may have something to do with it all.
Aalto:
Those researchers... They were too obsessed with validating the "divine miracle", they eventually got lured in by that monster's frequencies of hunger and willingly walked into its maw...
Aalto:
The monster devoured them, but not with its teeth... Their own delusions and fear were their undoing in the end.
Aalto:
What a crazy bunch...
Aalto:
So Rover, now it's time for me to fulfill my promise.
Aalto:
What do you want to know about the Black Shores?
Aalto:
As you already know, we monitor and research the Lament, and we’ve got Resonance Beacons set up in every nation worldwide.
Aalto:
The island our headquarters are built on is in fact a massive piece of Tacetite ore, which powers our various energy-intensive operations.
Aalto:
This Blake Bloom is a product of that overflowing energy on the island.
Aalto:
Our island is located in the perfect spot to accurately monitor the Lament, ensuring precise predictions.
Aalto:
...That being said, the Lament's behavior is constantly changing and we are still studying to understand its true nature.
Aalto:
All we can do for now is to observe the Lament, study its patterns, and provide early warnings to countries worldwide.
Young Listener:
Is it a coincidence? Is it fate? Nah, no...
Young Listener:
Oh oops, are you talking to me? My bad, I was lost in my thoughts.
Young Listener:
I'm a student at Jinzhou Imperial Academy studying history, and I'm especially intrigued by everything related to the Sentinel.
Young Listener:
The Sentinel plays a crucial role in Jinzhou's history. But here's something interesting, I'm not sure if you've noticed...
Young Listener:
In our local folklore and tales, the Sentinel is always portrayed as an omnipotent being that transcends human understanding.
Young Listener:
But I believe there must be a pattern in its thought process. The people chosen to become Magistrates must share some similar traits.
Young Listener:
So, I wonder: what criteria does the Sentinel use to select future leaders?
Young Listener:
We were all confident and determined to defeat the Threnodian before. But after that crushing defeat, everyone's confidence took a hit.
Young Listener:
We still wanted to win, to eliminate that dreadful monster once and for all, but... we became more cautious.
Young Listener:
Interestingly, the newly appointed General and Magistrate both seem to be the calm and cautious type.
Young Listener:
Perhaps the Sentinel chooses our leaders based on the public consensus at the time.
Young Listener:
But hey, that's just me thinking out loud. I'm all ears to your opinions. Your take might just open my eyes!
Elder Listener:
Tough break... It's just plain bad luck.
Elder Listener:
So you want to learn more about that battle? Not many youngsters care these days! I'm happy to talk about it with you!
Elder Listener:
People blamed Geshu Lin for his decision to push for an attack during the Retroact Rain.
Elder Listener:
But he's ultimately jut a human like the rest of us. Him having a powerful Resonance Ability doesn't change that.
Elder Listener:
Fate can be a funny thing... Nobody could've predicted that weird rain happening.
Elder Listener:
If our soldiers hadn't held onto the defense lines in the Norfall Barrens to the last minute, Jinzhou might have fallen too.
Elder Listener:
Anyone, even someone like me, would've probably given a similar order in that situation.
Elder Listener:
So, I don't think Geshu Lin should be painted as an unforgivable criminal.
Elder Listener:
General Jiyan is a capable leader no doubt, but let's be real, he only rose to fame for showing up at the right time.
Elder Listener:
Sigh, that's just how fate works sometimes...
Middle-aged Listener:
Maybe he's got his own personality to blame...
Middle-aged Listener:
Oh? You want my take on it?
Middle-aged Listener:
I'm not very familiar with the history, but I did hear some rumors about General Geshu Lin.
Middle-aged Listener:
Compared to all the past Midnight Rangers Generals, Geshu Lin wasn't that big on commanding his troops from behind. He preferred being right there on the battlefield, leading the charge.
Middle-aged Listener:
To achieve his strategic goal, he didn't even hesitate about sending people to their deaths...
Middle-aged Listener:
...Makes sense that he'd refuse to let his troops retreat.
Middle-aged Listener:
People said the troops he commanded were disciplined, but I guess the soldiers obeyed him more out of fear than respect.
Middle-aged Listener:
So, I think you can pretty much have an idea about General Geshu Lin's personality.
Middle-aged Listener:
Honestly, I think he deserved it. The moment he lost his soldiers' support, his failure was pretty much unavoidable.
Middle-aged Listener:
And considering the heavy losses he caused... Yeah, he should be called a criminal.
Aalto:
Crystal potion, glass barometer, instant noodles, packets of nuts... Hmm, nothing too fancy...
Aalto:
Oh wow! A game card that went out of sale decades ago! Aha, lucky me!
Aalto:
Hey, Rover. How's it going on your end? Found anything good? I've collected some things, but not much.
Aalto:
It didn't take us long to solve that puzzle mechanic, thanks to your help.
Aalto:
Haha... You didn't seem to be brute-forcing it, though. Do you happen to know someone from the Court of Savantae?
Aalto:
I'm really looking forward to making more deals with you.
Verina:
Oh, please watch out... It's dangerous to run like that...
Encore:
Here you are! Hurray!
Black Petal:
(The black petals scattered on the ground exude a faint ominous aura. You seem to have seen them on your way here…)
Camellya:
Hmm... Where is {Male=he;Female=she} hiding?
Rover:
Looking for me?
Camellya:
Ooh, here you are.
Yangyang:
The flowers seem to be showing us the way. Let's follow it.
You reunite with Chixia and Yangyang outside City Hall, where the tension hangs in the air. Mentioning Jiyan's name prompts Yangyang to recount a tale about him as told by a certain storyteller...
Yangyang:
...I see.
Yangyang:
Yes... I can feel the tension in the Streams.
Yangyang:
I'm worried something bad is going to happen...
Chixia:
There you are, Rover!
Baizhi:
The Academy has noted a concerning rise in Tacet Field activities. Please use caution when exiting the city.
Baizhi:
Remember to check your Terminal signals, and wear the Academy's protective suit correctly...
Baizhi:
...And don't forget to stay hydrated. Now, I have experiments to run. Take care.
Chixia:
It's just Baizhi being Baizhi. She's a little awkward with showing care, but I think it's cute!
Chixia:
Anyway! Rover, quick, tell us what happened!
After a brief moment of thinking, you gave them a brief run down of your meeting with Jinhsi, but didn’t mention Jué's disappearance...
Chixia:
The Fractsidus again? Ugh, those jerks!
Rover:
Jiyan the General, Jinhsi the Magistrate, and Jué, Jinzhou’s Sentinel... Is there any kind of connection between them?
Chixia:
Connection? ...No idea, but I did hear General Jiyan used to be a military doctor...
Yangyang:
Hmm... Speaking of that, I think we'll need to start with a bit of Jinzhou's past.
Yangyang:
A storyteller near the theater once told us something like this...
Aalto:
Let me figure out its weakness...
Aalto:
I see! It’s cobbled together from these metal parts!
Aalto:
We should target its joints, use the fallen parts to counter its attacks and destroy its unstable structure.
Chixia:
Rover, did you see that? Miss Verina just conjured up this exquisite Blake Bloom out of thin air!
Chixia:
And! It looks exactly like the one in the photo!
Verina:
Erm, it's just my Resonance Ability...
Chixia:
Could you please make another one? Then there'll be one for each of us!
Verina:
Sure, I-I'll give it another try...
Chixia:
Oh, I see! And guess what? Miss Verina just made another Blake Bloom for us. Now it comes in handy!
Chixia:
Easy peasy! I've got this!
Yangyang:
Miss Verina, we should get you home now.
Verina:
Oh? Ah, sure. One moment, please...
Aalto:
It looks like a sundial, don't you think?
Aalto:
Maybe if we spin the dials to align every pointer in the same direction...
Storyteller:
There is still some time before the next session. Here are some books to keep you entertained before that, dear listeners.
Storyteller:
So you want to learn more about that battle?
Storyteller:
They say storytelling inevitably carries some subjective bias, all to enhance the ebb and flow of the narrative.
Storyteller:
But when it comes to the "Battle Beneath the Crescent," we typically avoid adding any of our personal commentary, focusing instead on accurately retelling history.
Storyteller:
But even just telling the story carries a heavy emotional weight.
Storyteller:
Was Geshu Lin truly an unforgivable sinner? Was General Jiyan the perfect hero?
Storyteller:
The sudden onset of the Retroact Rain, the decision of our Sentinel, and the timing behind this series of events...
Storyteller:
I guess it will be up to future generations to figure it all out, haha.
Actor No. 1:
Amazing! It looks so realistic!
Actor No. 2:
Y-you flatter me... Thank you...
Actor No. 1:
I've seen similar petals on my way here...
Actor No. 1:
We request your cooperation.
Actor No. 2:
Huh? Oh yeah, yes ma'am!
Actor No. 1:
Is it a coincidence? Is it fate? Nah, no...
Actor No. 1:
Tough break... It's just plain bad luck.
Actor No. 1:
Maybe he's got his own personality to blame...
Actor No. 1:
Cosmos, Cloudy, it's treasure hunting time!
Actor No. 1:
Let's see. Where are the goodies...
Actor No. 1:
Oh, how I love these stories...
Fractsidus Member:
Damn it! Our plan's all busted!
Fractsidus Member:
It's all that woman's fault.
Actor No. 1:
Oh my, what a beautiful lady!
Actor No. 2:
Can I take a selfie with you, please?
Actor No. 3:
T-thank you for saying that...
Actor No. 1:
Wow! What is this?
Actor No. 2:
Hehe, I can do this move too!
Actor No. 3:
No, don't do that, it's not for kids to try!
Actor No. 1:
Woah! Oh my!
Actor No. 2:
Would it disappear if I touched it?
Actor No. 3:
Oh! Now I've got new ideas for a party dance!
Actor No. 1:
What's this? Magic trick?
Actor No. 1:
Watching this really gets my creative juices flowing. O magnificant rain, you are a gift of the heavens...
Actor No. 2:
And Encore's drinking it all up!
Actor No. 1:
...
Actor No. 1:
The way this thing's designed... It looks familiar...
Actor No. 2:
Encore wanna try too!
Actor No. 1:
Nuh-uh, don't touch that. What if you end up breaking things again?
Actor No. 1:
Our new lab is finally built.
Actor No. 2:
This time... We'll stop at nothing to finish our research!
Actor No. 1:
Why?! Have we been doing it all wrong from the beginning?
Actor No. 1:
How's Subject A038 doing?
Actor No. 2:
Everything's normal, except...
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
That Fractsidus Overseer has been really generous with his sponsorship... It would have taken us much longer to build this place without him.
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
Though he loves to meddle with our experiments a bit too much... Well, he's our patron, can't do anything about that.
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
This lab's location is a bit too remote for me, but I'm okay with it as long as we can keep doing our research.
Hologram of a Female Researcher:
Yeah... Where else could us "maniacs" possibly go?
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
The Committee kicked us out like trash... They'll never understand...
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
As Professor Heisen stated, we are embarking on a monumental endeavor with the power to redefine humanity's future.
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
This time, we will make the "divine miracle" we saw happen again for all of humanity to behold!
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
The experiments have been going smoothly, but we still can't get the desired outcome… Why?
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
The "Artificial Retroactive Rain" project has advanced to its second phase... We have various evidence that this ancient civilization was the Whining Aix's Mire at some point.
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
We believed we could recreate that “divine miracle” with the artificial Retroact Rain... have we been mistaken?
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
We have no time left. The "Artificial Controllable Tacet Field" should be complete by now... We’ll have to rely on our backup plan.
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
How's Subject A038 doing lately?
Hologram of a Female Researcher:
It has yet to assume a concrete form or exhibit vocalization behavior. In most cases, it remains motionless.
Hologram of a Female Researcher:
However, we've noticed some behavioral discrepancies from our initial expectations, and further observation and research would be necessary.
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
It's merely a "replica", after all. It's far from the true form of those "gods"...
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
By the way, things have been mysteriously disappearing lately. Any idea?
Hologram of a Female Researcher:
You noticed it too? Thought I was imagining things... And there's weird noises at the lab late at night.
Hologram of a Female Researcher:
I suspect it has something to do with Subject A038... Lately, its frequencies have always displayed signs of "hunger".
Hologram of a Female Researcher:
But it's been under strict surveillance. That couldn't possibly be A038... Right?
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
...I'll go check the security cameras once more.
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
Let's increase its rations. We can't afford to let it go hungry.
Hologram of a Male Researcher:
After all, it's our last hope now...
The gaps between each "mist figure" are shrinking... Over there, at the end of that alley!
Storyteller:
The honorable Madam Jinhsi, our great magistrate of Jinzhou, was handpicked by Sentinel Jué. Her status as the Sentinel's Appointed Resonator is rare among all past magistrates.
Storyteller:
Our Jinzhou was leaderless for years until Jué finally chose her to be the next Magistrate, and she answered the call.
Storyteller:
To further elaborate, we must start with the "Battle Beneath the Crescent"...
Storyteller:
The Norfall Barrens, scarred by countless wars... Discarded weapons scattered like bones.
Storyteller:
Our soldiers had fought to reclaim the land for years, to no avail.
Storyteller:
Ovathrax, the dreadful Threnodian monster, fed on the frequencies of "weapons" turning our fallen soldiers into deadly Tacet Discords...
Storyteller:
General of the Midnight Rangers, Geshu Lin, bravely rose to confront the threat.
Storyteller:
As twin moons aligned, General Geshu Lin vowed to vanquish evil, raising his blade against the blood-red crescent that foretold destruction.
Storyteller:
His sword blazed with black flames, laying waste to all who dared stand in his way. Victory seemed certain...
Storyteller:
...Until the Retroact Rain began to fall.
Storyteller:
Raindrops fell upwards as in the past. Monsters raged, loyal souls fell to blood-soaked sands... Infernal carnage!
Storyteller:
Issuing his last command, Geshu Lin demanded all soldiers stand firm, no matter what happened.
Storyteller:
Sacrificing his body to the black flames for power, Geshu Lin charged at the Ovathrax with all his might... And he was never seen again.
Storyteller:
After the fall of their leader, the remaining soldiers despaired... Until a deafening roar of the Qingloong struck like lightning. A lone youth bravely stood up to lead. A hard-won retreat!
Storyteller:
After the battle, that young man who tamed the wind ascended to fame, becoming the new General of Midnight Rangers, selected by Sentinel Jué.
Storyteller:
On the other hand, General Geshu was blamed for the massive losses that occurred under his command, earning him a notorious reputation in Huanglong...
Storyteller:
That battle struck us hard, but our Sentinel rose from its long slumber to select a new Magistrate who guide us into the future.
Storyteller:
Despite the previous disaster, Jinzhou was off to a promising start under our Sentinel and the new Magistrate's guidance. The people held hope for a better tomorrow...