Stygian Lacrimosa

W-what the...? Where'd all these Exiles come from?

Fellas, we take these guys out, and the supplies here are all ours!

Tread carefully there. You're in a restricted area. Drop your weapons and back away! You have been warned!

Pfft. We know you're bluffing. With your supply chain bogged down by Tacet Discord activities. You're spread thin in the city.

We're not the only ones screwed over by the weather.

Damn it! These thugs' got it all planned out... Hold line everyone. They're not getting through!

Thank you for your help back there. Could have been a tough fight.

Their leader was right, though. Most of our manpower's occupied with all the mess that's been going on.

They've likely been scouting our supply station for a while. Choose to strike right at our weakest.

Weather here in the Whining Aix's Mire isn't the kindest. The area is covered with fog most of the year, plus the frequent thunderstorms.

These bandits are more than willing to risk their lives just to get their hands on some extra supplies. Attacking civilian settlements, raiding convoys... We've had our share of engagements with them.

Didn't expect that they would come straight for our supply station this time.

Hmph. Bastards must've gotten desperate for coming after our supplies.

I heard from a few civilians at the nearby settlement that supplies are getting harder to come in these days. The TDs' gotten more ruthless, get too close and they'd chase you down no matter what.

And on top of all that... some folks' been saying they're seeing phantoms lately...

*sigh* You need to lay off on the late-night podcasts...

And I'm not making this up. People saw them with their own eyes, I swear!

Anyway. Just consider this as a reminder. The area inside behind us is as dangerous as it looks on the outside.

But before you decide to venture further, you should go talk to Jiuyue. He's a researcher the Academy sent here to investigate all the recent happenings. He'd know more about the stuff than we do.

Err. About Jiuyue... You may be out of luck trying to find him at the moment.

What do you mean... Wait a minute, don't tell me he went into the fog alone again? How many times have I told him not to go off wandering alone? Ugh...

And you. Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?

Well, I was on my way of telling you... if we didn't run into those Exiles...

The supply station haven't got any extra men to spare, and the Exiles might try to make another run at us. But I can't just leave a civilian like Jiuyue on his own out there.

{Male=Mr.;Female=Miss} Resonator, I... There's something I want to discuss with you.

By all means. Please. Under current circumstances, I can't think of a better way.

If it isn't too much of a bother, find Jiuyue, and accompany him in his investigation.

Don't you worry, us Rangers never let goodwill go unpaid!

Sure, I'll put in a good word to get you a fat paycheck for helping out with the government research!

Okay. I'll send you the coordinates of the general area Jiuyue is likely to be in. He should be somewhere near the marshlands. He's got medium-long hair, with a pale complexion, skinny. You'll know it's him once you see him.

Although you're there to assist him in his research, but don't hesitate to stop him if he's trying anything irrational.

He's obsessed with TD Ecoacoustics and can go overexcited sometimes. Almost made himself a mudman diving into a swamp for data last time. Can't handle another episode like that, no way!

Hmm, let's give it another go... Low frequency to level 3... Getting minimal biological response. What if I set interference to half?

Waveband convergence rate at 67%, 70%... 75%... Steadily increasing. It's working!

Shhh, shush...

Be quiet. It's a crucial moment!

"You"... Hmm. "You and I"... Sing... "Song"?

...Sky... What's that supposed to mean? And what is the last word? Love... Sorrow?

No, hold it, I need to hear it one more time... I didn't catch all of it...

...Too late. The signal's already gone...

What? Oh, excuse me! I've been trying to understand this "phantom", and I got overexcited for a moment... And yes, please talk anytime you want!

I'm Jiuyue, a researcher studying the fog in Whining Aix's Mire, from the Academy. I've been researching TD Ecoacoustics in this area.

Rover... I'll be sure to remember that name.

I believe you had a question for me? Please, do ask away.

The Rangers back at the supply station wanted to make sure you were safe. I'm here to help you with the investigation.

Assist me? You're implying that you wish to accompany me in completing my research?

No, feel free to come along! Academia may have its rules, but research has no limits. If you have the drive and determination to seek knowledge, you can become a researcher at any time!

With some extra hands, we can accomplish more. I would definitely welcome your help. Besides, the people at the supply station can rest easy with you around.

I didn't mean to sneak out alone and leave them behind. I just couldn't bear to wait another second before trying out my idea.

Oh, that? That was merely... a small experiment in my research.

I was indeed looking for a way to enter the fog. It was until I actually met a phantom.

It was my first time seeing one in person. Definitely not the rumored Waveworn Phenomenon, but more like an information-filled body that could be decoded.

So, what information does it carry, you may wonder? Could it be related to the cause of the fog?

With this possibility in mind, I followed the "phantom" all the way here. Which leads to how I was using the decoder on my Terminal to decipher it.

Well, certainly. I've improved upon it myself, based on the rudimentary version at the Academy.

The new design can automatically recognize and analyze sounds, making it great for dealing with unknown sources like "phantoms."

Um, you seem like you're even more confused than you were before? Ahhh, Hui told me not to overload people with principles and terms first thing when I meet them, and here I go again...

Anyway... The Ecoacoustics theories are indeed quite complex, and it also involves information transcription and such. It's difficult to explain in just a few words.

Simply put, with this device, we can decipher what the "phantom" is saying.

Uh, yeah. "You", "I", "Song", "Sky", "Love", "Sorrow"... these incoherent words comprise the entirety of its message, but the meaning they point to...

Rover, what do you make of these words?

Hmm? A poem?

I see... With your added interpretation, it does indeed appear more romantic. It's surprising to see that you have such a creative side.

Guess we can rule out the possible connection between the "phantoms" and the fog out there. After all, those anomalies are nowhere near as beautiful as poetry.

Well, at least that's what I deduced from my first encounter with it. I might be proven wrong later on, which is also natural. For now, let's focus on how to get to the center of the mist.

I've been digging through all the data on Whining Aix's Mire, and I think I found a way to make it work. We just have to find the site, reboot the device, clear the fog, and investigate the source!

Luckily, I had brought the ultrasonic pulse chips with me before setting off, so I can share them directly with you.

The actions I just mentioned involve traversing through the marshlands, but don't worry, as long as we have these chips, we don't need to fear the tornado... Wait, where's my backpack?

I'm referring to the backpack in which I keep the equipment for investigation.

Oh no, how can I lose a large backpack like that? All those things in the bag... What about the chips?

Hmm... It was when I met you—no, it was when I was chasing the... Yes, I was chasing after the "phantom"... I got so caught up, I probably forgot my bag somewhere!

Alright, we should make haste and return to where I was before.

*sigh* I got way over my head back there. It's good to have additional verification for my deductions, but it's not right to let it interfere with our original plan.

Now I can see why Hui never lets me go on investigations on my own...

"Bzzz Bzzz... Bzzz... Bzzz..."

Here! This is where I encountered the phantom!

But I don't see my backpack... Maybe we should search the surrounding area?

Let's see... Perfect, nothing seems to be missing.

Thank you, Rover. I'll be sure to keep a firm eye on it from now on!

Now... About the ultrasonic pulse chips we've discussed earlier. Here, put it inside your Terminal.

Dear me. It appears you lack the necessary knowledge regarding the Mire. This calls for a science lesson!

No need to worry, this will not involve any complex principles.

This place is called the Whining Aix's Mire. Named after the bird-like Tacet Discord, Mourning Aix, that lives here. Additionally, as you can see, this place has a lot of marshes.

Because of water temperature differences, there's a large vortex deep in the marsh. It used to be considered a local spectacle, but now with the bizarre fog, it has stirred up dangerous mud and spilled it everywhere.

By installing these chips, we can utilize the resonance of ultrasonic pulses to dissolve the mud.

It's hard to explain, so let me show you. Watch that mud over there.

I'll demonstrate what I mean.

Well? Rather effective, isn't it?

As I predicted. You seemed like the adaptable type.

Now, with the chips installed, our prep work is nearly complete... Now back to the detailed plan of this operation. The first question —

How do we access the center of the fog for further investigations?

Ooh. Now you're making me nervous.

I'm not sure if the Rangers at the station told you or not. But all this fog, thunderstorms, and that huge vortex I just mentioned? They didn't just show up overnight.

The exact spot where it began is now covered in thick fog, so we do know where these odd events originated.

But we still don't know what caused them in this supposedly deepest area. The fog's thick, and wandering into it without caution could mean getting lost forever.

I read that the Court of Savantae Committee once built a dedicated facility here. They even developed suppressors to disperse the fog from the inside.

Yes. Despite of the well-intended attempts of the CSC scholars, the research facilities were eventually abandoned. Without proper maintenance, the suppressors were down soon after and couldn't be located.

With these in mind, our priority is to locate the abandoned facility in order to acquire the suppressors' position and their activation key.

We'll reactivate the suppressors and dissipate the fog as we progress. We should uncover everything once we reach the deepest place.

I agree. Should any aspect of the plan not be executed properly, the entire plan may come to a halt.

However, isn't it part of humanity to not back down when faced with the unknown? If there is a way, we shall try it out and eliminate the uncertainty along the way.

I have confidence, as I won't be alone this time, you will be accompanying me.

This will be my first time working together with anyone other than Hui. As my wife, she has always taken care of me, and as a researcher, she is among the most passionate and outstanding individuals.

Though she's not with me here today, I trust I can successfully complete the investigation with you, my new partner!

Hahaha. Yes! This is the spirit of science!

Now, without further ado, let us set out to the settlement closest to the fog.

During my previous investigation, residents of that settlement mentioned someone named Qisheng who ran into an unknown CSC building while scavenging. It's likely the facility I've read about in the logs.

I've arranged a meeting with him. We should inquire him about the facility's location.

That sound... Do you hear that, Rover?

Oh my...! B-behind you...It's the phantom!

It just appeared behind you out of nowhere... I know it doesn't hurt anyone, but still...

Well, last time I was the one chasing after it, not it jump scaring me!

But it appeared right by our side out of all the places it could be... It's almost as if it were actively seeking any person passing by.

Like the phantom I was following. It immediately stopped moving after realizing I was behind it.

Indeed. Essentially, the information entities serve as a medium for carrying information, and they are not living beings. But perhaps their impulse to convey information can be considered a kind of instinct.

They yearn to be understood, like how we yearn to understand them.

Death... I, cannot return... Resurrect... Not...

Forget me... F-farewell?

L-leave... No, wait. There's still more... And it's gone.

Death. I. Cannot return. Resurrect. Not. Forget me. Farewell... The words are making more sense this time. But it's still pretty hard to understand.

Could it be that different "phantoms" carry different messages? No, that'll introduce too much noise and bring down the effectiveness of communication...

It would make more sense if one message was broken up into separate parts, and delivered piece-by-piece.

Very much so. Yes.

It is possible that the phantoms each carry different bits of the full message. We need to collect all of them to truly decipher it.

As for why and how the message is broken down: It could be purely random, or it could be constrained by the different sizes and energy capacities of the "phantoms".

After all, the information can get lost as they run out of energy. Like our two encounters with the "phantoms", we can only extract so much information from a single one.

Precisely. But did you notice that this phantom we encountered inside the fog seems to be able to transmit more information?

It may be just a coincidence, but I presume the less distance it travels, the less energy it consumes.

Plus, so far they've only appeared within proximity of the fog, suggesting that... the fog may be their origin?

Yes. As Hui mentioned before, Ecoacoustics and Ecology are two deeply connected disciplines of study. Through unraveling hidden secrets in the fog, we may gain a comprehensive understanding of these "phantoms."

Let's press on. It's almost time for our meeting.

Owing to your assistance, perhaps, we were barely stalled or disrupted and made much more progress in decoding on this trip.

Having a partner that you can get along with really makes for an untroubled investigation.

We're here. This is the place we've agreed to meet.

But... Isn't Qisheng a retired army doctor from the Midnight Rangers? This guy looks too young. Who is he?

You must be the researcher from the Academy?

Yes. I am Jiuyue of the Huaxu Academy, and this is Rover. We're here to seek information regarding the derelict Court of Savantae facility recently discovered.

Yet... If my memory serves me correctly, it was Qisheng who had made the discovery. And you are...?

Hello. You can call me Qijie. Qisheng is my father. He was on his way to meet you but ran into a few wounded residents.

Being a former army doctor, he wanted to take care of the injured before coming to see you.

You'll have to wait around for a while. My father was the one who stumbled upon the building in a detour while he was out scavenging. You'll have to ask himself for the details.

It'll be another hour at most before he's back. I'll let you know as soon as he gives me the word.

For the sake of ease, I encourage you not to wander too far during this time. You may walk around the settlement if you'd like.

This is the closest human settlement to the fog and to where the two avian TDs had nested years ago, which formed the unique landscape you see.

Yes, the Mourning Aix... Its cries are filled with mourn and shrill, randomly attacking any human that passes by. Like any other anomaly, it has caused us a great deal of trouble.

But years ago, it didn't behave like this at all. When I was five or six years old, I first saw it with my father.

It soared in the skies with another avian TD, singing to one another. Even as we stood close by, those TDs didn't pay us much attention, as if they only saw each other.

Later I heard that the other TD had died, leaving the Mourning Aix behind. Since then, it has changed, and this whole place has changed with it.

Must be in a lot of pain to be left alone.

And with so much pain, I presume it had to unleash it somehow...

Just as the name would suggest.

Are you saying the Mourning Aix may have caused this fog?

What the...? Who even are you?

Please pardon the interruption. I'm a researcher from the Huaxu Academy on a mission to investigate the fog. Please, I need to learn more about what you've just said.

Well... I guess there's no harm in telling you. It's not like I'm making it up.

We've seen it many times now. The Mourning Aix enters the fog and stays there for a while. But once it gets out from there, a big lightning strikes, and the fog thickens.

The Aix must have done something!

You said you're looking into all this mess, so... you got any conclusions yet? When are we getting rid of this fog?

You're our best bet now. Please make it go away already!

Rest assured, we'll get to the bottom of it!

I-I just can't do it, Grandpa. I can't even get a melody going, and my cheeks are getting sore...

That's because you're doing it wrong, kiddo!

Can we take a break for just a little... Huh? Are you here for my grandpa?

Well, I can't have you waiting on me. Ask away.

Hehe. Then that means I can take a breath for a while!

You little rascal... Ahem. What can this old man do for you, strangers?

Oh, it's nothing serious. We noticed you were teaching your grandson to play music on a leaf. Can it really make the Mourning Aix sing along with you?

Sure it can. It's something that was uniquely popular among us older generations. And all you need, get ready for it...

Is just an ordinary leaf.

See, Grandpa? They don't believe you either!

Shush! Go away, you brat.

Find a leaf and pinch it together on one side like this... hold the other side close to your lips. Now blow along the edge to make sounds. You may even change the pitch—

Indeed. You can turn anything in the world into an instrument as long as you've got the music in you. If you put your heart into it, you can even use it to express your feelings.

When we were young, we would sit on the cliff after a long day of work and play some simple tunes with the leaves.

The Mourning Aix and the other bird TD rarely attacked anyone, and we'd watch the two always flying right beside each other off in the distance, back and forth like a lovely couple.

Some random fellow then suggested that we use the leaves to say hello. So we gave it a try, and to our surprise, not only did they understand us, they even eventually joined in singing to our tunes.

Boy, those were the chill and relaxing days.

Yep. Good times never last.

There was a TD Outbreak... Every TD out there was hungry for the sounds. Human or not human, they'd tear everything to shreds.

Trying to protect its partner, one of the "birds" were attacked and chewed up alive by rampant TDs. The one that survived went mad later because of it, becoming the Mourning Aix we all know today.

Perhaps from its perspective, time forever froze at that moment. From then on, it lived like a zombie, denying and attacking all living things that approached it.

So... you're saying the reason why big "birdie" became the Mourning Aix, is because it lost its loved one?

Like Mrs. Qiu. After Mr. Qiu passed away, she no longer made delicious rice cakes like she used to. Now they taste either salty or bitter.

A bit too early to be getting into these things for your age, don't you think, my boy?

Hehe. I learned it all from Grandpa!

Why you little... You're in for it now. You'll be practicing extra hours as punishment!

In time, one must accept their losses before truly moving on. It doesn't do to dwell on it.

Yeah, it's tough. But there are things I'd always feel driven to do, no matter what.

Things like... exploring the unknown! Like this investigation!

Now, let's push on!

Thank you for your patience, Jiuyue, Rover. I hope you've enjoyed your stay here so far.

Father told me the wounded have been treated, and he is on his way here. Shall we head to our meeting place from earlier?

Sorry for keeping you waiting.

As this fellow researcher had told me, you're here to ask about the Court of Savantae facility, correct?

According to the archives, the Court of Savantae once built a dedicated facility to study the origin of this fog. I guess it could be the one you've discovered.

A research facility for the fog... Hmm... That explains why the facility is equipped for observation, with environmental simulators and a central control panel in the center.

I tried using it. Was still in working condition, but it needed authorization credentials or something.

No need to worry! The Huaxu Academy has dedicated procedures set in place when it comes to matters relating to the Court of Savantae. Prior to my departure, Mr. Xiangli Yao told me everything I needed to know.

I will share with you the coordinates of the facility. But... are you really planning on going there?

I'm aware that you must've done a great deal of research regarding the fog. Yet once you've gone inside, you'll soon realize that the reality is completely different.

*sigh* With all the TDs growing ever so restless, plus those weird "phantoms"... and the mud, it's all over the place...

Yes. With Rover and I's unparalleled teamwork, there isn't a task we can't accomplish.

I understand that you have your reasons for your persistence. But still, do prioritize your safety above all else.

Let me think... Here, I'll mark all the routes and locations I used to reach the facility on the map for you. Follow them closely, and you'll be safe.

Take all the supplies you need from the settlement before you go.

According to Qisheng's map, we should be approaching the facility right about... There! There it is!

TDs... They seem to be covered in... Is that mud from the marsh?

And they're standing right in front of the entrance, of all places... Like last time, we should clear the mud before we deal with them!

Fantastic! Splendid work as usual, Rover!

Let's go inside. If we can gain access to the control panel, we should find further information about the facility and the suppressors.

This must be the control panel Qisheng spoke of.

By the looks of it, the facility has been abandoned for quite some time, and no one's tampered with these controls since.

I... do not know. I failed to find any relevant information when I was studying the archives.

But sometimes, research gets cut short because of funding, outside pressure, or other issues. It's not always the researchers' choice.

Our predecessors were unable to find an answer, but at least they left behind these clues. It's on us to keep their legacy alive and move forward.

Hmm... It's is still in working condition, and there's enough backup power... Now, according to Mr. Xiangli Yao's instructions... Username, and then...

There, I'm in!

Err... Classified documents of team SR-461? Sounds more like some kind of “code of conduct”... Then again, it also feels strange to be one...

But on the bright side, thanks to this strange manual, I now have more information on suppressors. There are a total of three devices... Downloading keycode... Logs... Done!

Rover, I have the keycode. You should keep a backup in your Terminal as well.

The keycode and the suppressors share a same operating system. With this information we can pinpoint their positions neglecting any interference. Now we won’t lose our way in the fog.

The roads ahead should grow increasingly smoother if we activate the suppressors sequentially.

Visibility is lower than I anticipated, and the readings are all over the place... So this is what it’s like to be in the fog...

It’s completely coated in mud... Top to bottom.

Yes. But unlike the TDs, which covered themselves with these substances as protective cover, the suppressors’ operations are completely disrupted by it.

Related or not related, we have to clean the device, or we can’t figure out where its controls are, let alone have it up and running again.

How about we make use of the vortex to give it a deep clean?

A highly compressed jet of water should clean the mud off in one go!

It’s working! Readings show a significant decrease in energy fluctuation. Our plan is a success!

But this... Is this the log mentioned in the classified manual?

The records end at the surveying of the Mourning Aix. Rover, have a look at yourself...

The log states the Mourning Aix carries energy substance into the fog... In doing so the suppressors’ efficiency was reduced, but a deterioration of the Aix’s vital signs was also observed.

Could there be a connection between the Aix and the fog?

It’s the same energy substance taking the form of mud...!

Just like we’ve done it before. Clear the mud before we can activate the suppressor!

Let’s see, this one should also have a maintenance log inside... Ah, I found it!

This one has more entries than the first suppressor. And this time the contents... are a bit different?

I’d have to say, the wording in this log is rather emotionally biased, and even the conclusions are as equally far-fetched.

However... considering how the the previous manual was labeled "Classified", it seems to me that SR-461 a body of a handful of smaller teams, so it’s understandable to have researchers of varying personalities.

Which part are you referring to specifically? The likelihood that the source possesses human intelligence? Or the part regarding the avian TDs carrying human emotions?

Till this day, the Academy has yet to discover any signature of life signs from within the fog, yet I cannot use this as evidence to deny the researcher's speculations.

While hypothesis is one matter, validity is another.

Nonetheless, I'm inclined to believe his theory holds merit. As we continue to prove the feasibility of the seemingly impossible, fewer are the regrets we have to deal with.

That is the...

Hahaha. Yes! The spirit of science compels me!

Maybe this time, as we continue to delve deeper into the fog, we may be capable of verifying some of these speculations, or at the very least... make some progress towards the right direction?

Heh, who knows... Right from the start, I wasn’t even sure if we could complete the investigation smoothly and reach till the end, thus I my mind was only set on completing the task.

Now after actually setting foot inside the fog, I’ve grown concerned of all of this... If Hui was there, I’m sure she’d share the same feeling as I am now.

There’s only one suppressor left. Here’s hoping the fog would clear out once we activate it, and reveal the “source”... We will find out soon enough.

“Follow me.”

I do not know. It’s what the decoder is telling me what the “phantom” is implying at the moment.

Where is it trying to lead us?

There appears to be more structures underground... We should follow it.

More abandoned complex and equipment... Likely belonging to the Jiting, as well.

“Bzzz Bzzz... Bzzz... Bzzz...”

“Humans. The two... Us... Inside device.”

“We are inside the device”? The “phantom” wishes to have use activate these two devices on the wall.

I’ve had experience with similar devices in the past. It usually only contains data such as texts, images, or videos.

The patterns on the wall can be seen as a simple authentication mechanism. By filling in the missing parts and ensuring they’re in the correct order, the device will be activated, displaying the data inside in a holographic projection.

These are videos related to the avian TDs.

In the first footage, the two can be seen flying together, circling each other as if they are in a chorus... Similar to that of what Qijié and the settlers had described. It must be when the other one was still alive.

It matches what researcher wrote in his log!

Could it be that they were the ones that built this facility? We should watch the other video...

Second video. The Mourning Aix is flying through the fog. It seems to be carrying something in its talons, and thunderstorms occuring behind it...

Does this mean the fog was caused by the Aix? Has it been providing the fog with energy all this time?

Sizzle

“Bzzz Bzzz... Bzzz... Bzzz...”

“You and I together... Our songs... Bright skies... Love...”

“Death. I... cannot return... Resurrect... Not... Forget me. Farewell.”

Two pieces of information, released by a single “phantom”... The “phantoms" inside the fog do indeed carry more information, and also grants better decoding results.

Now. Do you feel that the scenes in which these two pieces of messages correspond... feel a bit familiar?

They once sang together across the clear sky and also experienced separation through life and death. The Mourning Aix never once forgot its partner.

By not accepting what it has lost, it can never bear to let go and move on... The tone of these messages, feels more like a story told by the one who had experienced it...

“You” are unable to return, so “you” hope it will forget “you”. “You” mentioned saying goodbye, thus...

Yet. Who are “you”?

If the “phantoms" are just couriers of information, then who are “you” exactly?

“Bzzz... Bzzz Bzzz... Fzzz Fzzz... Bzzz Bzzz... Bzzz... Bzzz, Fzzz Fzzz.”

“No reborn... Go on, pointless... You will get hurt...”

“Bzzz... Bzzz Bzzz... Fzzz Fzzz... Bzzz Bzzz... Bzzz... Bzzz, Fzzz Fzzz.”

“Do not hurt. Yourself... Stop. I. Leave...”

“Fzzz... Bzzz Bzzz... Fzzz Fzzz...”

“Say. Goodbye...”

“Lest us say goodbye...”

...

Huh? Oh, nothing. I-it’s just that I...

Yes, I'm okay. I just had some thoughts about the "I" and "you" from the messages that’s all.

Although it may sound bizarre, but I think... that this should be the most reasonable possibility.

Recall that researcher “12” mentioned in his log that the Mourning Aix's vital signs grew weak each time it left the fog.

It never ceased providing energy for the source, even at the cost of its own well-being. It must think it’s a necessary sacrifice.

The answer is rather clear now.

The source with strong energy fluctuations and an absence of vital signs that we detected in the depths of the fog is a likely indication the Mourning Aix is trying to resurrect the other avian TD.

We may find remains of TDs gathered around it.

Resurrection... it’s out of the question beyond any doubt.

The river you step into again will never be the same river you stepped into for the first time, and things that perish cannot truly be resurrected.

All the Mourning Aix’s doing is merely self-harm... A perseverance to a impossible outcome. Not only that, by doing this it has generated energy anomalies across the area like the fog the mud.

As the fallen avian TD cannot be resurrected, the accumulation of TD remains carry Reverberation frequencies, think of it as an of scraps of consciousness...

Acting out of instinct, it transmits information in the form of "phantoms.” Only the “phantoms” ran into random people wandering on the ground, instead of reaching the Aix flying in the sky.

Yes. If that's the case, then everything now makes sense.

Yes. A love letter that has spanned across life and death.

The fallen TD repeated its calls over and over again, hoping that the Mourning Aix would halt its efforts and bid farewell, the latter is completely unaware of it. Can it really let go of its obsession as the other hoped?

Emotion can be the most uncontrollable force... It can drive an individual to do anything, an can also be there to support them to stand up again and start anew.

We haven't activated all the suppressors yet, and not even reached the source of the fog, but we've already sorted out the cause of the fog.

According to the description of our tasks and mission procedures, if the source of the fog is the accumulation of the TD remains, activating the final suppressor is all there’s left to do.

According to procedure, we should report the Mourning Aix’s situation to the Midnight Rangers and have the professionals handle the remains.

There. That’s the final suppressor.

Considering how the fog significantly dissipated on the outer perimeter. Activating this one, at the very least, should give us a clearer view of the source.

Intensity of energy fluctuations has reached peak numbers... The source of the anomaly. The accumulation of TD remains.

Our interpretation and speculations of the “phantoms" were correct. In attempting to resurrect the fallen avian TD, remains accumulated by the Mourning Aix has caused anomalies in the form of fog and corrosive mud.

The reason for the “phantoms" ability to carry information owes to the scraps of consciousness of TDs inside the remains.

Due to the fragmented nature of these consciousness, they’re inadequate to be fully formed into "it", nor does "it" possess a body that can move or speak as before.

However... there is a way in which we can bring it to see the Mourning Aix! And help them... bid each other a final and absolute farewell!

According to existing theories on Echoes, the residual consciousness can be converted into Reverberation frequencies and stored into a Terminal. Then, with some tweeking, it can be reproduced as a projection to mirrior its original appearances.

An hour at most...

Since the remains were pieced together, the consciousness will be inferior to that of a real Echo, but an hour should be more than adequate for them to confess each other’s feelings.

Now, let’s use the Terminal to absorb the Reverberations from the remains.

Jiuyue: It's the Mourning Aix! Turns out, that golden barrier is its energy field. It’s spotted us!

Jiuyue: Change of plans... We’re doing it now. Time for them to say goodbye.

Rover: How long do you need to get projection going? I'll hold it back while you focus on the Terminal!

Ahh... And there they go, flying off into the distance. Understandable, as they should make the most out of their final goodbye before their energy is completely exhausted.

An unthinkable reunion they’ve been yearning for all this time... A reunion that not everyone has the luxury to experience.

Hmm... Seems like you caught on to it.

You’re right. Love is something that simply cannot be hidden from sight, especially since... Hui’s my most beloved sugar-plum in the whole universe.

Although Hui has parted this world for ten months and thirteen days... I still miss her so much.

She was the greatest researcher of them all. She’d always venture deep into Tacet Fields to acquire the latest data on the TDs.

If only I had been at her side that one time, death wouldn’t have separated us at least. In the end, I wasn’t there for her, so she never came back, and I... am remained here.

To certain extent, what happened afterwards was comparable to that of the Mourning Aix.

I refused to accept her departure, and lived as though entirely stripped of life... I also held on to the illusion that as a researcher, I may be able to find a way to bring Hui back to my side.

Yes. As Xiangli Yao had said to me as well.

How can anyone bear to see the one you deeply love live in a daze? You’d wish them the best and move on.

Even though left alone, there’s no need to be depressed. All there is for me to do is to carry the memories we shared, our past, and continue to move forward and live a good life. This is what Hui would hope for me to do.

I’m sure its what the avian TD would tell the Mourning Aix in their goodbye.

It's hard to say, but I’m hopeful that it’ll be happy ending.

If its capable of garning the determination to ressurect the other at the cost of inflicting self-harm. Then... I’m sure it’ll find a way to move on following it’s companion’s wishes.

Naturally, the Aix will have to endure a period of pain before achieving it, and saying goodbye is the first step to a fresh new beginning.

By all means.

Oh, by the way, have a look at this... I found it after the fog had cleared. Judging by its form, it's the same as the maintenance logs of the first two suppressors. Instead of a research record, this one appears to be more like a draft of a message.

It's yet another emotionally biased writing. However... considering the things we encountered during the investigation, it seems rather fitting.

Jiuyue: The debugging is complete, but we need your power to sustain the projection in the beginning—Wait! It's gone rogue!

Jiuyue: Where is it going... the remnants of Reverberation can't hold out too long... if it keeps up like this... Are we going to miss out on the last chance, too?

Jiuyue: Rover, please! Take the bird-shaped TD with you, catch up with it, and calm it down!

Jiuyue: It's the Mourning Aix! Turns out, that golden barrier is its energy field. It’s spotted us!

Jiuyue: Change of plans... We’re doing it now. Time for them to say goodbye.

Rover: How long do you need to get projection going? I'll hold it back while you focus on the Terminal!

Every single day, it's been fog and nothing but fog... When is it ever going to end?

This weather pretty much sums up my life. No end in sight and no clear direction.

I think... this fog's got something to do with that Mourning Aix!

You sure?

Every time the Aix flies into the fog, there's always thunder and lightning. My friends and I have all seen it...

Curses...! We took the same old verified path as before, and still we got attacked!

Stop your whining. With no end to this fog, those TDs have only gotten more ruthless.

Should I go gather some more Angelica and send them over? If we already have enough, we can just use it as our daily supply.

Hey, have you heard about the "phantoms"? All big, dark, and gloomy...

Cut that out, all right? And talk like a normal person... Who are you trying to scare?

Got you scared? I know you more than you think I do.

Tsk. I go out with the scavenging team all the time. I've even seen the Mourning Aix, what's a blob of shadow gonna do?

Okay, then we'll go check it out tomorrow night.

On second thought... Hasn't it been getting more dangerous out there lately?

Ooh, getting scared now are ya?

Laugh it up all you want. Me, scared? Let's go then, I'm not afraid of anything!

Clear. Targets have been eliminated around the entrance perimeter. All units return to the vantage point for a thorough sweep.

Thank... Thanks for the assistance, friend. We need to get back to our positions. See you topside!

A golden feather and a barrier... They’re some kind of energy barrier, as if to protect something...

Sizzle

Mist, thunderstorms, and the so-called "phantoms", all of these anomalies are due to the Mourning Aix's obsessions.

The CSC seniors were right in judging that there may be a similar bond between TDs as there is with humans, and I was right in judging that you are a very dependable partner.

I wish I could have you as my research partner in the future... Unfortunately, we have to transmit back the data we collect from this operation first.

Anyway, leave the wrapping up and documenting to me. If you have a chance, come find me in Huaxu! Next time we meet, I'll be sure to bring Hoshi's share along and become even more awesome!