arrow_back Wuthering Waves Quests 
Averardo Vault Act I
Silent as a Falling Leaf
Enter the Averardo Vault and escort the collection to the depository.
Quest List
You receive a letter from Carlotta inviting you to Averardo Vault as an intermediary for an escort mission.
After accepting the request, Zani gives you special security clearance prepared by the Montelli family upon your arrival at the vault.
Rover:
Am I early? Where's that person Carlotta sent...
Confused Vault Staff:
We can clock out now? I didn't know Treasurer Pacino had taken up charity work!
Lazy Vault Staff:
Yeah whatever, it's a paid day off. I could do with a nap anyway...
Zani:
Ah, there you are. It's been a while since we last worked together.
Zani:
I was not expecting you to take this job.
Rover:
Carlotta promised a generous reward once it's done.
Zani:
Ah, well worth the trip then.
Zani:
The family's favor is more precious than money. Remember to use it on something worthwhile.
Zani:
Now about the job—Lady Carlotta must have briefed you in her letter. I'm curious what the Order is thinking stashing their relic in the Montelli vault.
Zani:
At any rate, my job here is to keep you safe. Take this pass, it's the only one that allows visitors access to the vault's interior.
Zani:
Time to go. The Order's rep is waiting for us.
You and Zani head off to meet the representative from the Order. To Zani's surprise, it is Phoebe, the Acolyte who joined your adventure before.
Phoebe:
Mmhmm, I see. You've done a great job—
Phoebe:
Oh, Rover and Ms. Zani! Nice to see you again!
Zani:
It's been a while. Mind if I ask what you were doing just now?
Phoebe:
Oh, we're just chatting. They seemed lonely. Not many people talk to them.
Zani:
This train Echo? It's been running since the vault was built. It chugs along, doing its thing in silence.
Zani:
But I do believe your company has made its day.
Zani:
But if I remember correctly, you are not the representative the Order informed me of.
Phoebe:
Yes, it was supposed to be another Acolyte. But she's busy with the Order's work, so I volunteered.
Zani:
Huh. Did the thought of working with the Montellis scare her away?
Phoebe:
Perhaps, Ms. Zani, but I'm sure she'd think differently if she met a Montelli employee like you.
Phoebe:
Seeing as the Montelli family and the Order are both blessed by the Sentinel, our paths were bound to cross eventually.
Zani:
...I'm glad you see it that way. Now, do you have it?
Phoebe:
Certainly, as you requested, the escorts carried an empty case while the relic stayed with me.
Zani:
Thank you.
Phoebe:
It's an important relic entrusted to the Montellis. That's all I know.
Zani:
Same here, but it doesn't matter. Lady Carlotta gave me this job. I just follow orders, no questions asked. That's how you work for the Montellis.
Zani:
Our top priority is to get the job done, nice and clean.
Zani:
By the way, Rover, the device from Lady Carlotta should have top security clearance, so you'll be able to operate the train Echo. I hope you enjoy driving.
Phoebe:
I'm amazed it's so steady on tracks this steep!
Zani:
Perhaps your earlier encouragement did wonders, miss.
Zani:
There are several tracks reserved especially for us. Just switch over when you see the sign.
Zani:
The vault's security mode has been activated. Someone touched something they shouldn't have.
Zani:
Unlikely. All personnel were sent home at the start of this assignment. The highest security protocols are in place too.
Phoebe:
Should we ask for outside help?
Zani:
We can't, not while the vault's security Echo is there. It's capable of sensing danger.
Zani:
Once it detects a threat, it locks down the vault, jams all signals, and activates a bunch of troublesome Echo guards.
Zani:
Ha, a triple whammy.
Phoebe:
That means there's no way out and no hope for backup...
Rover:
Any backdoors? The Montellis must have designed one.
Zani:
There is, but it's a bit tricky. Anyway, we need to access the security room first. Your clearance might come in handy.
Zani:
Don't worry. Keeping you safe is part of my job.
Rover:
Alright, let's go.
Phoebe:
What are they, Ms. Zani?
Zani:
Not sure, but we'd better take them down.
Broadcast:
Attention all staff. Please cease work at once and leave the vault. We wish you a pleasant day.
Zani:
Don't worry, it's already been approved by the higher-ups. They see this as a valuable opportunity to work with the Order and as such requested your assistance.
Broadcast:
Attention all staff. Please cease work at once and leave the vault. We wish you a pleasant day.
Phoebe:
This vault... feels suffocating.
Zani:
I find it comforting. There's no idle chit-chat here—just work, plain and simple.
Echo Greeter:
Greetings. The Averardo Vault is in lockdown. Please proceed to the train Echo station and take Line 1 to evacuate the vault.
Echo Greeter:
Understood. Current train Echo passengers: 0. You may depart at a time of your choosing.
Echo Greeter:
To depart on Line 1, please present your employee ID, or temporary ID, and a valid emergency pass issued by the security room.
Echo Greeter:
Verifying now. Please wait.
Echo Greeter:
Please present your emergency pass to board the Averardo Vault's train Echo. Running on a specially designed track, the train Echo ensures an evacuation that is both efficient and convenient. We wish you a pleasant evacuation.
Echo Greeter:
Please demonstrate lawful vault entry by presenting an emergency pass issued from the security room located in the next depository. It may be accessed by the train Echo.
Echo Greeter:
Once you obtain an emergency pass, you will be authorized to board. Running on a specially designed track, the train Echo ensures an evacuation that is both efficient and convenient. We wish you a pleasant evacuation.
Rover:
Are you seriously telling me that I have to go deeper into the vault to get out of here?
Echo Greeter:
Processing... Please present your emergency pass to board the train Echo of the Averardo Vault...
Zani:
Security lockdown… That's odd. The Employee Manual says this mode can only be activated by...
Zani:
Um, miss. If I may, what are you doing?
Phoebe:
Me? Oh, this Echo seems to have a headache. I'm trying to help.
Zani:
Wait, even if it is malfunctioning, you shouldn't hit it with your—
Beep... Bleep...
Echo Greeter:
Depository One security module malfunction. Lockdown detected. Emergency pass override activated. Line 1 temporary access granted. Please evacuate via the nearest exit.
Zani:
What the?!
Phoebe:
Is something wrong, Ms. Zani?
Zani:
No... never mind.
After finally arriving at the security room, Zani informs you that to leave the vault you must use your clearance to access its deepest area.
She suggests you utilize the vault's cameras to avoid any possible defense systems.
Zani:
The security control room in this depository is right ahead. You can put your device to good use there.
Zani:
Each depository has its own security room. Just verify your device here to obtain security clearance. It's only valid for this depository, though.
Zani:
Necessary for the vault's security, but yes, it's a hassle.
Zani:
We're stuck here for now, and the only way out is to get clearance from each of the depositories. That means going deeper into the vault.
Rover:
How much deeper?
Zani:
Beats me. The security room only controls the depository it's in and grants access to the next.
Phoebe:
So, aside from a handful of senior members of the Montelli family, no one knows the full layout of this vault?
Zani:
I don't know. Maybe a handful of people who've worked here for over thirty years might.
Zani:
Let's get clearance first. It might help us avoid most of the defense systems triggered by the lockdown.
After reviewing all the surveillance footage, you discover that a person named "Ash" might have taken the vault's security module. You'll need to find Ash to leave.
Rover:
Do the Montellis have a love for building labyrinths?
Zani:
Not really. It's all for the security of the vault.
Phoebe:
Maybe we can make a detour from this side...
Rover:
Wait... something's off with this thing. Has it been tampered with?
Zani:
Let me see... Tsk, someone removed the hidden security module.
Zani:
Check the log file with your clearance... There it is, it was taken by "Ash." The name rings a bell...
Zani:
Yes, the Employee Manual mentions an old employee named Ash who designed most of the vault's security features. But he passed away.
Zani:
It seems this "Ash" also had access to the control room. Could it be... that old woman?
Zani:
This is only speculation, but what if this "Ash" stole from the vault and took the security module? That would explain why a complete lockdown was triggered.
Phoebe:
What's a hidden security module? Is it like a key?
Zani:
Pretty much. It's the monitoring core that powers this entire depository. If we don't get it back, we'll be stuck here for good.
Zani:
A vault employee could easily access the module, but nobody would dare steal it. Everyone knows that'll trigger a lockdown of the entire vault.
Phoebe:
But what if that's exactly what they want?
Phoebe:
Think about it. There's no one in the vault except for us, and all comms are blocked. It's the perfect opportunity for a thief.
Zani:
Don't tell me they're searching for... Never mind, we need to catch this rat before they cause us more trouble.
Zani:
Let's go find out.
Zani mentions rumors about a "secret cache" inside the Averardo Vault and suspects it's what the thief is after.
Log File:
Latest log: Ash
Zani:
So, it seems this "Ash," whoever they are, messed around with the display cases, took the module, and triggered the lockdown that trapped us here.
Phoebe:
Does each display case have its own log?
Zani:
Ah, you know how it is. Some thieves have made "sneaking into the vault" their sole purpose in life.
Zani:
Let's hope this Ash isn't after the "secret cache."
Rover:
What's that?
Phoebe:
Ah, I've heard rumors that the Montelli vault holds the most valuable treasure in all of Ragunna.
Zani:
I doubt it. Not even the most senior Montelli employee knows anything about this so-called treasure.
Zani:
But that ridiculous tale still draws in idiots trying to break in—hundreds of them every year.
Zani:
They think a stolen ID will let them waltz into the vault, but as I said, each depository has its own security module. When the vault is in lockdown, it's impregnable.
Zani:
Not even a single Shell Credit can be taken, let alone any of the vault's artifacts and collections.
Phoebe:
Let's head up to the monitoring room on the top level and check if the old lady we saw in the surveillance footage is "Ash."
Zani:
Some of the defense systems have been activated. We should tread carefully from here on out.
Rover:
There's a covered vase here. What's the story behind this one?
Zani:
Beautiful or ugly, what do you say?
Zani:
The Montellis think so, which is why they don't want to share it.
Zani:
Interesting. It's labeled as a donation from the Order, but the cabinet is empty.
Zani:
"The air collected before the Lament."
Zani:
Ha, it might have some research value if it's real.
Phoebe:
"A mysterious scroll painting that leads to a secluded retreat."
Phoebe:
I heard a tiger ironsmith wielding a greatsword lives inside this scroll.
You encounter a vault employee who claims to be Lily, but she can't remember why she is there. Although you find Lily's identity suspicious, for her own safety, you invite her to accompany you.
??:
...Hello.
Phoebe:
Excuse me, ma'am, do you work here?
??:
Sorry, if this sounds odd, but... I'm a bit confused. I don't remember why I'm here.
Lily:
All I know is that I do work in the vault, and my name is... Lily.
Lily:
But this isn't the section I oversee. Why am I here... Why are you here?
Zani:
Lady Carlotta has tasked us with a special delivery. May I see your ID, Ms. Lily?
Lily:
I only have this card.
Zani:
Thank you. Hmm... Confidential Researcher? The vault does have that position, but a researcher shouldn't be in this section.
Zani:
The ID is real—the anti-counterfeit features check out.
Phoebe:
She doesn't look like she could be a thief's accomplice, either.
Zani:
That thing you're carrying seems to disagree.
Phoebe:
The Order's relics are kept a secret from everyone, including an Acolyte like myself. I can't say what it's reacting to.
Phoebe:
But... I do have a strange feeling about Ms. Lily.
Rover:
She could accidentally trigger something dangerous if left alone. That's the last thing we need.
Zani:
Agreed. And if she is somehow involved, we'd save a lot of effort by taking her with us.
Zani:
I'm sorry, ma'am, but you'll need to come with us.
Lily:
...
Phoebe:
I understand your hesitation, but with the vault sealed, you'll be safer with us.
Lily:
Alright, I'll come with you.
Zani:
Good. Time to use your clearance, Rover. Let's find out what's really going on in this vault.
You use your access to review the surveillance footage, while learning from Lily that she has been working at the vault for at least twenty years, and the "Ash" you encountered earlier was actually an imposter with a stolen employee ID.
In order to recover the security module, you decide to take the train to the Echo depository.
Rover:
More guards are gathering.
Zani:
The longer the vault stays in lockdown, the more defense systems and Echo guards get activated.
Phoebe:
Someone's hiding over there!
Zani:
Ma'am, does the name "Ash" mean anything to you?
Lily:
Old Ash? He used to say he wanted to sleep among the Echoes to study their behaviors. What a stubborn man.
Zani:
So the real Ash did exist. As for that man hiding over there... he might have stolen Ash's ID and gotten stuck here.
Lily:
Ash's ID was stolen? Outsiders couldn't have done that—we've been in here for at least twenty years. Even with my fuzzy memory, I know that much.
Rover:
Twenty years in this vault... Sounds like a living hell...
Zani:
If it were me, I could maybe last... Well, ten years tops.
Phoebe:
But... no one should be working in such awful conditions, Ms. Zani.
Zani:
Yeah, well, personally I just hope to live long enough to make the most out of my retirement someday. Anyway, we've got an imposter on our hands posing as "Ash."
Zani:
Let's take the train to the Echo depository. We must find this thief and retrieve the security module. After that, we can decide what to do next.
Zani:
Stay alert, everyone. During training, I was told to avoid the Echo Depository unless absolutely necessary.
Zani:
Each Echo is unique, and trust me, you don't want to know what happens if one gets damaged.
Phoebe:
Don't worry about us, Rover! Just focus on operating the train Echo!
Zani:
Hold tight! It's just the safety mode kicking in!
Phoebe:
Are you alright, Ms. Lily?
Lily:
I'm fine. Be careful.
Zani:
Ha... I didn't expect this fella in the vault.
Phoebe:
Thank goodness, everyone's safe.
Phoebe:
Be careful, Rover! Something's coming our way!
Zani:
It's a special Echo guard. Tsk, I didn't expect it to follow us this far. We gotta lose it!
Zani:
Tsk, the imposter just ran away.
Phoebe:
There's a book. What is this...
You find a note left behind by Ash for his family, mentioning a treasure deep within the Averardo Vault. You make the assumption that this is where the imposter obtained clues about the "secret cache."
You must get to "Ash" before he can trigger more defense systems.
Phoebe:
It looks like a letter sent to his grandson. And this paper... was it torn from a book?
Zani:
Hmm... I can't understand a word.
Phoebe:
I can make out a little. It seems connected to cryptography.
Lily:
It's an Echo book, young lady, and it seems fond of you. You think you're reading it, but it's actually the book communicating with you.
Phoebe:
An Echo book? Incredible.
Lily:
Yes. It doesn't speak, but it responds to the questions you ask. The more time you spend with it, the more you'll understand it.
Lily:
Old Ash carried this book everywhere. I heard it even helped him design a coded lock for the vault.
Lily:
That letter you saw is indeed a page from this book. I remember Ash tearing it out in a fit once. We all made him clean the bathroom as a punishment, hehe.
Zani:
So, Ash left this letter to tell his grandson about that mysterious "secret cache." Turns out it really does exist.
Rover:
He probably found out about the cache from the letter and is attempting to steal it.
Zani:
Exactly. It's just like Acolyte Phoebe said. He triggered the lockdown to get to the depths of the vault without interference.
Zani:
If he'd acted like a professional and stuck to the plan instead of messing around, we wouldn't be in this mess.
Zani:
We need to find him before he puts himself or others in danger. Plus we need the security module to leave. Let's head to the lower control room and check the surveillance cameras.
Zani:
Since this book belongs to the Montellis, I'll hold onto it for now.
Phoebe:
A mask? Is this also an Echo?
Phoebe:
Let me check... It says the wearer can see their true self through the mask's eyes and bring it to life.
Phoebe:
Its last owner was rumored to steal other people's "desires" at will.
Phoebe:
Hmm... but why did I only see myself?
Phoebe:
This is...
Zani (Contacting):
Just a strand of hair. Nothing special.
Zani (Contacting):
The label says, "A strand of hair that once made a contract with the devil."
Phoebe:
What does that even mean...
Phoebe:
Watch out! It's fast!
Zani:
Ha... what a pain in the neck...
Zani:
The Echo Depository is in complete disarray. Make sure to keep your distance from all the Echoes.
Zani:
The security clearance should give us control over the defense systems… I'll figure it out.
Phoebe:
Look! He's there!
Seeing there's no end to this chase, you decide to use the vault's defense systems to guide "Ash" towards the Echo train terminus and intercept him there.
Zani:
Okay, let's sort out the clues.
Zani:
The lockdown is still in full effect, triggered when "Ash" removed the security module. To escape, we need to retrieve the module and use our clearance to reach the vault's depth.
Zani:
On top of that, thanks to him, we're stuck dealing with the defense systems.
Zani:
So, for both his sake and ours, we need to catch him as soon as possible.
Rover:
He's running blind, getting more desperate as the lockdown escalates. But there's only one way he can go.
Rover:
And only one thing that can take him there.
Phoebe:
The train Echo!
Zani:
Makes sense. He has no choice but to go to the train Echo's terminus. So...
Phoebe:
Without us chasing him, he'll follow the main route and trigger fewer defense systems.
Zani:
That would save us a lot of trouble. I can help manage the security systems. With the clearance, I should be able to override some defenses and open shortcuts.
Phoebe:
That should work. Rover and I will go retrieve the clearance. Ms. Lily, could you stay here and assist Ms. Zani?
Lily:
Of course.
Zani (Contacting):
Rover, can you hear me? The room to get the clearance is right ahead... Wait.
Zani (Contacting):
I see a group of Echoes heading your way. I'll operate the controls and try to block them.
Zani (Contacting):
Mind your step—research value aside, these are worth a fortune. Breaking one could land you a hefty bill from Lady Carlotta.
Phoebe:
Besides their worth, I'd rather we handle this without hurting them... Watch out!
Rover:
They just keep coming… We need to stop them.
Zani (Contacting):
I'll do my best to block them. Acolyte Phoebe, are you with us? This isn't the time for prayers!
Phoebe:
...
Phoebe:
It's finished. We can get the clearance now.
Phoebe:
I'm fine, really. It's just like hauling the Codex around back at the Order... But, uh, Rover, why are you staring at me like that? Is something wrong?
Zani (Contacting):
Stunning work, miss. If I hadn't seen this myself, I'd never believe your staff was meant to be used like that.
Lily (Contacting):
Yes. Very impressive.
Phoebe:
Striking with an appropriate level of force clears the mind, enhancing one's purification.
Zani (Contacting):
Well, well... since when did our Acolyte start cracking jokes? Looks like Rover's humor is rubbing off on you.
Phoebe:
Uh... I wasn't joking.
Lily (Contacting):
...?
Zani (Contacting):
...?
Rover:
...?
Zani (Contacting):
Ahem. Maybe you should grab that clearance before they wake up.
Phoebe:
This should be the place.
Zani (Contacting):
Great, it's working now. One moment... Okay, take the nearby shortcut to the train station. We'll meet you there.
You manage to find "Ash," but he jumps onto a train before you can grab him.
Still, everything is going as planned. The train runs on a single rail, and the final stop is where you will catch him.
Zani:
Everything's under control now. The vault schematics show the next stop is the terminus. That man has nowhere to hide.
Zani:
But I'm not sure where the terminus is exactly. The Employee Manual only states that the Echo Depository is located at the vault's depth, without any further information about the station.
Lily:
My memory is hazy... I do remember something dangerous out there, but that's all. I'm sorry.
Phoebe:
It's alright, Ms. Lily. May the Sentinel guide our way.
Rover:
Whatever it is, we have no choice but to move forward.
Zani:
Right. Let's get this done quickly, Rover.
Zani:
Ugh, it's getting more ferocious.
Phoebe:
Don't worry, Rover. We're all here with you.
Zani:
Well, Sentinel above, if you can hear this, please keep us safe.
Zani:
Here it comes again. Watch out, its attacks are getting faster.
Zani:
Hold tight!
You unexpectedly arrive at an unmarked area on the map. Here, Lily seems to recall some memories.
The Echo train experienced an accident and fell, but fortunately, no one was injured. While the train Echo itself seems to have sustained only a minor scratch, it is now unable to move...
Phoebe:
Phew... Is everyone alright?
Zani:
Thanks to the train Echo, we're still in one piece, though I have no idea where we are now.
Zani:
We'll need it to get to the terminus.
Phoebe:
Please wait... Ma'am, are you hurt?
Lily:
...
Lily:
I'm fine, child. This place feels so familiar. It's like I've lived here for a long time.
Zani:
Any details you can remember would be useful. Since employee training didn't touch on this area, we'll be going in blind in search of the exit.
Lily:
Hmm... this place. I've been here before with many others, but their faces are a blur...
Lily:
Yes, we rarely left this place, but I do remember taking the train somewhere very dark...
Rover:
Are you suggesting that people used to live in the vault?
Lily:
Yes, if I'm not mistaken, a group of scholars made a home for themselves here.
Zani:
It seems the vault's structure is more complicated than we thought.
Zani:
Plus, we need time to find the exit.
Zani:
Let's get going. We need to retrieve the stolen security module. That's our key to getting out.
Phoebe:
"In memory of those who persist in the dark to keep the light. Though our names shall be removed from history, the truth we seek will one day dawn on Ragunna."
Phoebe:
So, people actually lived here before... Ah, Ms. Lily's name is on it, and the name "Ash" too.
Phoebe:
These look like diaries. It's not very polite to read them without permission—
Zani:
"When the green leaves turn red, everything will be back to normal."
Phoebe:
Ms. Zani!
Zani:
We need to be thorough. I'm sure the Sentinel will forgive my intrusion. Anyway, it's just some person's diary.
Aged Researcher:
Your conclusion might be a bit far-fetched, Ash.
Ash:
Far-fetched? For the Sentinel's sake, I've been in the Echo Depository for seven straight days gathering data!
Aged Researcher:
Even so, incorrect is still incorrect. Here, take a look at this control group...
Zani:
Acolyte, should we bring these Reverberations back to the Order Tribunal?
Phoebe:
I think your misunderstanding of the Order runs deeper than you realize, Ms. Zani...
Zani:
My apologies. But why is that thing in your pocket still flickering? Did I say something wrong? Or is it because I haven't prayed to the Cathedral in three months?
Phoebe:
It's just flickering, not burning or reacting in any other way. It should be fine, I think...
Hunchbacked Researcher:
When will all this end? Any ideas, Ash?
Ash:
I suggest you ask those artists. The day they stop tearing up drafts, we can finish the research.
Hunchbacked Researcher:
I'm not talking about the research. I mean us—when will we finally get out of here?
Hunchbacked Researcher:
And you're believer, right? Why not just ask the Imperator when we can leave?
Ash:
...Until the Sentinel gazes upon Their land again.
Ash:
It won't be long. I've heard the situation is improving. The Montellis even promised to send letters to our families.
Phoebe:
...
??:
Are you available now, Lily? There's a problem with the results you gave me.
??:
Lily? Are you there? Lily?
??:
Lily...
Phoebe:
Ms. Lily...
Lily:
I'm all right child. We shouldn't dawdle here.
Zani:
Can you pray to the Sentinel on my behalf, miss? I'd rather not run into any more trouble.
Phoebe:
With you and Rover here, there's no need to worry!
Lily:
Be careful, it's on alert now! You need to force it to stop!
Lily:
Be careful!
Ash:
What the hell is this thing!?
Zani:
Ugh, clumsy.
Zani:
Watch yourself. It's coming at us.
You defeat the Echo guards and corner "Ash." Lily now remembers everything: She, along with many researchers and artists, had been imprisoned by the Order and were deprived of their rights to research and create.
The Montelli family built a sanctuary deep within the vault to protect them. They lived their final moments here.
Lily's soul can finally rest in peace. Before leaving, she urges "Ash" to check the vault's secret cache.
Phoebe:
Are you feeling alright, Ms. Lily?
Lily:
I remember it all now... Yes... I'm no longer...
Zani:
Well, Mr. Criminal, thanks to your actions, we've had to wreck these priceless artifacts.
Zani:
If you stole anything else from the vault, I advise you to surrender it immediately.
??:
Hmph, you Montelli dog! I couldn't care less about that so-called "secret cache"! I just want this place destroyed for good!
??:
Open your eyes! This isn't a vault. It's a nightmarish prison!
??:
You locked up my grandfather, and now you want to do the same to me!
Lily:
You must be the young Ash. I've seen your picture, child. Old Ash spoke a lot about you.
Lily:
As for this vault... Yes, it's nothing but a prison.
Phoebe:
Ms. Lily...
Lily:
But we chose this imprisonment—not just our bodies, but our very souls. Freedom was never an option.
Lily:
We had to erase every trace of our existence to survive, to discover, to create.
??:
...What do you mean?
Lily:
We followed in the footsteps of our predecessors, but one day, we unexpectedly uncovered a hidden chapter of the Order's history.
Lily:
They hunted us down in the name of preserving stability, stripping us of our rights as researchers and artists.
Lily:
The Montelli family took pity on us and came to our rescue. They feigned loyalty to the Order and locked us in this vault, but in reality, it became a refuge for outcasts like us.
Lily:
Five years, ten years, twenty years...
Lily:
We've been trapped here for far too long. None of us have returned home.
Lily:
Ash thought of you till his last breath, my child. He asked the Montellis to send you the letter he wrote on his deathbed, hoping to impart a will to thrive.
Lily:
As for that "secret cache"... If you have the chance, you should go and look for it.
Lily:
We are counting on you now.
Ash learns about his grandfather's fate and the truth about the vault's secret cache. He will now bear the consequences of his actions.
The path has been opened. It's time to leave.
Ash:
So, the Montellis didn't imprison Grandpa... he chose this path himself...
Ash:
That thing he mentioned in the letter... I...
Phoebe:
Please cheer up, Mr. Ash. Everyone was blind to the truth as you once were, but now, we know everything thanks to you.
Ash:
I...
Zani:
Very touching, but I'm not as forgiving as our Acolyte. You have a price to pay for breaking into the vault.
Zani:
The exit is open. You're free to go now. I'll stay to tie up any loose ends.
Zani:
Thank you for helping us again, Rover. I thought this would just be a routine job.
Zani:
Here's the reward Lady Carlotta promised. Naturally, she did not forget to include a little "overtime pay" for your efforts.
Zani:
By the way, miss, I'm sorry but I'll need to take that relic from the Order. Don't worry, the rules still allow you to come and go as you please.
Phoebe:
Of course. I need the Sentinel's enlightenment on certain matters... but I'll still be around if you need me.
You discover that the "secret cache" is actually a tree, and the item the Order requested the Montelli family to transport was a bomb that would react to the Reverberations in the vault.
Ash:
The secret cache... So this is it... Grandpa's true wish...
Zani:
So, you managed to find this place, Rover.
Zani:
We sifted through all the documents on old Ash and the vault before finally locating it.
Zani:
Here it is. This tree—the one where "the green leaves turn red."
Zani:
When the persecuted entered the vault, they would take the elevator to the upper levels for a background check before continuing.
Zani:
For them, the last glimpse of what could be called "scenery" was just this tree on the island.
Zani:
But this tree, fed by barren soil and still waters should never have been able to turn red.
Zani:
By the way, the Order is still up to no good. That relic the young Acolyte brought was a bomb. It reacted to the Reverberations here in the vault... Ha, looks like I'll have to investigate the matter myself. If this keeps up, I might never retire.
Zani:
You've been a great help. Thank you. Lady Carlotta mentioned she left you a special bonus downstairs.
Zani:
I have other matters to attend to. Until next time.
Phoebe:
...
Phoebe:
No... not really. Just bidding them farewell.
Phoebe:
A resolute soul needs no guidance. I simply want to understand the future they've paved the road for.
Phoebe:
...
Phoebe:
...
She will find the path worth her devotion.
Zani:
Keep an eye on the surveillance cameras—they're all interlinked. Guards will be summoned if you're detected by one for too long.
Zani:
With top clearance, you should be able to disable some of the cameras. Give it a try.
Zani:
Active security mode means all the main routes inside the vault are sealed. But with your device, we should be able to override their protocols.
Zani:
These Echo guards are controlled by the security system. You can also command them with your clearance.
Zani:
The higher your clearance is, the more obedient they become.
Zani:
You actually fixed it. What a genius move, miss.
Phoebe:
Oh, that's nothing. If they relapses, I'll be back to perform more percussive maintenance.
Zani:
Take them. They're the "personal bonus" Lady Carlotta arranged just for you.
Zani:
Once we activate the clearance, we should be able to access the elevator.
Phoebe:
Perhaps it can help us deactivate the alarm.
Phoebe:
I'll give it a try...
Black Shores Member:
Somehow, the silent Echo seems to respond to the gentle mumbling.
Phoebe:
They're willing to help us!
Phoebe:
I see.
Phoebe:
Okay, leave it to me.
Phoebe:
Is this the right way to do this?
Phoebe:
It worked! Let's go, shall we?
Zani:
Bad news. I know nothing about deciphering passwords.
Lily:
You might want to try the Echo book. It's an expert at this sort of thing.
Zani:
It's nothing but riddles to me.
Phoebe:
Ms. Zani, the book says the password is "0622," those numbers refer to...
Lily:
The date when an innocent truthseeker was wrongfully convicted by fools. I remember, but the memories hurt.
Lily:
They never hesitated to sacrifice for the truth. They shouldn't have had to carry such a burden.
Phoebe:
Faith tells me that the truth you sought will eventually come to light, Ms. Lily.
Lily:
Perhaps, but for now we must stay focused on what lies ahead.
Phoebe:
How beautiful... but why was it covered?
Zani:
Really? You don't know this painting?
Phoebe:
Isn't it just a landscape?
Zani:
Be my witness, Rover—what I'm about to say is purely to satisfy our Acolyte's curiosity. No hidden agenda.
Zani:
This piece, titled "Ballad Beneath the Stars," may appear simple at first—just a shepherd tending his flock under a vast sky. However, the pattern on the shepherd's clothes resembles the Order's emblem, only flipped upside down, and the number of stars matches the recorded blessings bestowed by our Sentinel Imperator.
Zani:
What's more, the number of sheep is the same as the Sentinel's wings. Given that some fanatics claim the Sentinel's divine messages are fabrications, when you connect the dots, doesn't it seem like this shepherd is hinting at something?
Phoebe:
Uh... What?
Phoebe:
According my interpretation of the Codex, I don't see how this painting implies anything untoward.
Zani:
Maybe not to you or some of your fellow Acolytes, and certainly not to the Montellis or the painter. But there are others who don't share that view and their voices are often the loudest.
Zani:
That's why this painting is covered—to avoid stirring up trouble.
Phoebe:
Very prudent, but it's still a shame people can't admire its beauty anymore.
Zani:
What about the risk of people slandering the Order? Doesn't that bother you?
Phoebe:
Just like some will appreciate a piece of art, others will hate or misinterpret it. The same goes for the Order.
Phoebe:
People's views are shaped by their backgrounds and experiences. What's precious to one might be another's poison.
Phoebe:
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. As long as they genuinely believe it, I don't see a problem.
Phoebe:
Locking this painting away is perhaps the best option for now, but I believe it will eventually return to where it belongs, for everyone to see.
Zani:
If more people thought like you, we'd see a lot less trouble in the world.
Please note that no Echoes were harmed in this quest.
Phoebe:
Sigh...
Rover:
Are you alright, Phoebe? Do you need a break？
Phoebe:
No, no, I'm okay!
Phoebe:
The door is open!
Zani:
Now we need to find the train Echo station. Once we reach the depths of the vault, we'll catch that fool.
Phoebe:
Watch out! It's starting to move!
Phoebe:
Don't worry, Rover. I'm here for you!
Phoebe:
No need to rush, Rover. Take your time.
Phoebe:
That was close! Are you alright, Rover?
Phoebe:
Nice moves! Don't worry about me. I'll keep up.
Zani:
Hold tight!
Actor No. 1:
Why are we getting a day off all of a sudden? What about the meeting today?
Actor No. 1:
Woohoo! A day off! I heard Margherita's just put out something new on their menu. Perfect timing!
Actor No. 2:
Great idea. And since we're getting off this early, there won't be a line, right?
Actor No. 1:
Right, I do have some time off now, but there won't be an extension for the deadline, which means I'll have to take the rest of my work home. So...
Actor No. 1:
So... we don't have to work anymore?
Actor No. 1:
Initiating self-diagnosis... Self-diagnosis canceled by default...
Echo Greeter:
Security lockdown activated. Please evacuate immediately!