Utterance of Marvels: II

Now it’s time to use the Glider module. Rover, let me help you activate it.

Hmm... Your Terminal's got a different look, but the functions are pretty much the same.

There’s still some distance to the Huaxu Academy. Let’s see who reaches there faster!

I just installed some apps for you. Please try looking for one that’s called Utility on the Terminal.

See? Just open the Utilities, select the Grapple, and there you go!

If you wanna be a hero like the Jinzhou Speedster, you gotta master the Grapple! C'mon, give it a shot, Rover!

Yangyang, did you hear that? I-Is that someone crying and wailing?

That should be the Midnight Rangers training camp... Let's not worry about it, Chixia.

Instructor Yhan is in charge of training new recruits. I heard he's pretty tough, but I think Rover can handle anything he throws at {Male=him;Female=her}.

We Resonators can boost our combat abilities with special items. Our Echoes can use them too.

If you feel like it, head to Instructor Yhan at the training camp for extra practice and to get these enhancement items.

The thorns are blocking our path. Weird. We'll have to clear them before we can reach the Beacon.

Please be careful, they look sharp. Maybe we can find something nearby to help us deal with them?

As I make myself reflect on my goals and plans, those voices in the Streams become clearer and everything starts to make more sense.

Rover, perhaps you can give it a try?

That tree... It's stunning. It's almost eerily enchanting.

Please... Save us...

Are you trying to tell us about... something hidden here?

That tree... It's stunning. It's almost eerily enchanting.

Please... Save us...

Are you trying to tell us about... something hidden here?

...Looks like drowning... Strange...

...No visible signs of trauma. Breathing seems... normal. Heart rate... should be fast... I think.

...You're awake.

Let me see! Let me see!

Thank goodness you're awake! Or I'll have to try my last-ditch move—Emergency Skills for Junior Patrollers, Lesson One: CPR!

Erm, never did it on any living person though.

...Chixia.

Sorry, sorry. You just woke up, and here I am, chattin' up a storm...

Are you alright? Do you feel any discomfort?

You can call me Chixia... And, she's Yangyang!

We are in the Gorges of Spirits. It's on the outskirts of Jinzhou, Huanglong.

Your attire doesn't seem local. Are you a roving traveler from afar, or... someone returning home?

So you don't know why you're here, where you're from, or who you are...

Baizhi didn't tell us you'd have these aftereffects when you wake up.

The wind has brought us a warning. The Etheric Sea is converging. It seems a new Tacet Field is taking shape.

That means it's probably gonna get dangerous here soon.

Ugh, I knew it. Our gourds are out of service because of the Etheric Sea's influence. We can't send or receive messages for help now. We better hurry over to meet up with Baizhi at our gathering spot and get outta here.

Guess you really can't recall a thing, but don't worry!

If you got any questions, we can talk as we move. Yangyang and I will give you the full scoop, every little detail, from the get-go!

Rover... can we call you that before you can remember your true name?

We shouldn't stay here. If you don't have other plans, how about leaving with us for now?

Oh, that's great! Let's go together!

Rover, I know you can't remember a thing, but there's one thing I'm 90%... no, 100% sure about you! You must be a Resonator too.

You've got a Tacet Mark on the back of your hand, and you have a gourd. These are proofs you're a Resonator. Your gourd's design looks a bit different from the ones we use though.

Also, we have Resonators who can detect the formation of Tacet Fields nearby, like what Yangyang just did. She can tell all kinds of information by reading the Streams in the wind—that's her Resonance Ability.

—while I couldn't feel a thing, haha.

Plus, not many people are gonna hang out in the wilderness these days, unless they're Resonators.

It may seem all nice and quiet here now, but you never know when a Tacet Discord might pop up outta nowhere!

Oh my, "speak of the devil".

Rover, I know you can't remember a thing, but there's one thing I'm 90%... no, 100% sure about you! You must be a Resonator too.

You've got a Tacet Mark on the back of your hand, and you have a gourd. These are proofs you're a Resonator. Your gourd's design looks a bit different from the ones we use though.

Plus, not many people are gonna hang out in the wilderness these days, unless they're Resonators.

Bravo! So you still remember how to fight despite having forgotten everything, wow.

Watch me lead the charge next time! No one messes with Ma Xiaofa... Ahem, I mean Chixia!

What's wrong? Are you injured from the fight?

You saw our Sentinel in your memories?

Yes, the one we built this statue for. The Sentinel in Jinzhou. There is one capital and six cities in Huanglong, with each city having its own Sentinel. While they share some similarities in appearance, there are also differences.

The Sentinel in Jinzhou is known as "Jué", manifesting in the form of a Loong, like the statue you just saw.

Sentinels are present where civilizations thrive. Huanglong stands out with the highest number of currently coexisting Sentinels, because of its long history and vast land.

Records state the Sentinels in Huanglong were once a single entity. Now they are each responsible for a part of Huanglong.

Naturally, there are Sentinels in other regions too, but far fewer compared to Huanglong.

That was close! You fought so well!

I didn't even get a chance to help and Yangyang just rushed over to protect you like a ma...

Ahem, anyway, Yangyang was trying to shield you, and then BAM! The Tacet Discord was taken care of before I could get a good look!

...Chixia.

Hehe... Oh, by the way, speaking of Baizhi!

We're almost there! The place where we said we'd meet with Baizhi! She's the Resonator I've been talkin' about. Baizhi can heal with her Resonance Ability, and we found you together at the bottom of the gorge.

Baizhi did some first-aid for you. You seemed to have drowned, but your airway was clear. Your clothes were dry and clean too.

Oh and of course, it was Yangyang who investigated your clothes and mouth by feeling it through the Streams! She kept blushing and apologizing to you as she did while you were out cold.

Chi-Chixia!

See? There's a Resonance Beacon over there.

When you see a Beacon, be sure to register and activate it. It's usually safe within a 5 meters radius of a Beacon. It can protect you from danger sometimes.

Rover, could you hand me your Terminal for a moment?

Done. Its design and system version are different from ours, but your Terminal still has the data transfer and other basic functions.

We are almost at the gorge's entrance. There will be a descent, but if your Terminal's Glider module still works, it will make things easier.

I will show you how to use it.

Once we're outta the gorge, there's only a short walk to reach Jinzhou!

Jinzhou is the safest place round here. The Resonance Nexus provides coverage for the whole city. Besides, we've got a protective barrier and strong fortifications!

Hehe, right?

Jinzhou sits between the Desorock Highland and the Norfall Barrens. It's a border city and a fortress. It's very crucial to the safety of Huanglong.

Huh? We've agreed to meet up with Baizhi here... Where is she?

This is the center of the Etheric Sea.

...A Tacet Field?

...When did it show up?

It wasn't here when we just got here.

But I didn't sense a hint of a Tacet Field's presence...

So it appeared while we weren't looking? Like, in the blink of an eye?

Or maybe the Etheric Sea can tell where we are? Could it be following us?

The center of this Tacet Field...

Isn't that Baizhi?!

Baizhi!

BAIZHI!

We are too far away. Perhaps she can't hear us...

Freshly formed Tacet Fields have a Dormant period. During this time, it is relatively safe.

The Dormant period of a Tacet Field varies based on its formation time. Generally, the shorter the formation time, the longer the Dormant period. However, with a longer Dormant period, Tacet Discords born within said Tacet Field are usually stronger.

The faster a Tacet Field forms, the longer its Dormant period lasts. For now, this Tacet Field should be safe.

Accordin' to the Hero Plays, yes! There's a chance for that!

Right. The Glider can't carry us beyond the Tacet Field's range. Besides, Baizhi is there. We'll have to go down and see what is going on.

Baizhi!

Baizhi! We're in a Dormant Tacet Field, right? Why did you come here by yourself?

Baizhi, you know, we... huh?

You are alright, it seems.

You know, {Male=he;Female=she} was super energetic! Handled a super big TD! Way more spirited than me!

I've been keeping an eye on {Male=his;Female=her} condition through the Streams...

Baizhi is just concerned about your condition. She must think we shouldn't be letting you move around that much, since you've just regained consciousness...

...This isn't the place for talking. Let's go.

Yangyang! Rover!

Where are you?

We're blocked outside. We can't get in. Are you alright?

Rover is with me. And... that strange Tacet Discord is here too.

It's the Tacet Discord's ability.

...Be careful.

Yangyang! Rover!

Are you alright? Are you hurt?

Ugh thank goodness! We could see that darn barrier, but couldn't lay a finger on it!

I'm fine too.

I have never seen such a formidable Tacet Discord before, but Rover was able to completely defeat it.

I... didn't really do much. It was all thanks to you, Rover.

That's strange. This place isn't known to be so dangerous...

Anyway, come check this out!

Oh, this is... an Echo.

Wow! An Echo of the Elite Class... Someone got lucky today!

My apologies. We got a little carried away. Does "Reverberation" or "Echo" ring a bell to you, Rover?

Everything in our world is made up of frequencies, and every sound generates a reverberation.

Those "Echoes" are the lingering Reverberations of Tacet Discords after they disintegrate. We can absorb them into the Data Banks in our Pangu Terminals.

Oh, by Pangu Terminal, she means the gourd-shaped device every Resonator has, developed by researchers in Huanglong!

But you see, it's not always we get to find these. Also, there's a limit to what your gourd can absorb.

Absorption is only possible when your Data Bank's level is equal to or higher than the Tacet Discord's level. The Terminal can then convert its Reverberation into an "Echo" for use in battle.

My Terminal issued a warning when it detected that Tacet Discord earlier. It should at least be an Overlord Class.

Rover, would you mind checking your Data Bank level?

No need for that! Rover, why don't you just try absorbing it with your Terminal?

...Oh. So it doesn't work.

No worries! You can start with smaller ones before tackling this guy here.

There should be some sweet Baby Roseshrooms 'round here. Let's go check those out, shall we?

...

We'll need to report the unusual phenomena here to the City Hall and the Academy.

Let's make our exit.

What... What kinda power is that!

Rover, you...

You been playin' the fool all along?

I've never seen a Resonance Ability quite like this. You got any other tricks up your sleeve? Like, eating a whole Tacet Discord? Grilling Echoes alive?

Wasn't it your Resonance Ability?

Rover, are you feeling alright? Any discomfort?

Could it be the side effect of fighting that Tacet Discord? Baizhi, can we take Rover to do a check-up at Huaxu Academy's Resonance Medical Department...

...

Baizhi?

Absorbing Echoes with the human body is not entirely unprecedented.

With the human body...?

I remember Comprehensive Mirror for Historians mentioned this in the Huanglong section's opening...

“... A celestial being descended, commanding the Qiankun's boundless power. Assuming mortal form, they condensed the primordial essence, creating Pangu. Cleaving heaven and earth apart, they aligned the celestial and terrestrial. Their radiance encompassed the four corners. Thus began the illustrious annals of Huanglong, as provinces were first demarcated..."

There was a very strong person way back. Like they held the whole universe right in their hands. As there was no Terminal in those days, they absorbed the Tacet Discords with their bare hands!

and the TD they absorbed was the most powerful of all. That person turned it into the first Echo ever.

Then they used the power of that Echo to rebuild the world, sort out the laws, and that's how the history of Huanglong began...

Actually... I'm not, I hope I was though. That was just some old tales my parents used to tell me, kinda like the Sentinel's Appointment thing.

Yangyang's got an impressive memory for the ancient texts. Me? I just happen to roughly remember what the story's about.

Whether it's true or not, that story happened a long time ago when Jinzhou didn't even exist.

Could it be that Rover's like, the great-great-great-great-great-{Male=granddaddy;Female=granny} of us all?

Let's not jump to conclusions without enough data and proper analysis.

Rover.

It would be best for your well-being to have a thorough physical examination once we arrive in Jinzhou.

While there don't seem to be any immediate side effects following the absorption of that Echo, we cannot rule out the possibility of other latent risks.

Given our lack of data on you and your unusual physical signs, I suggest absorbing another Reverberation with your Terminal when we find one. That being said, please be sure to proceed cautiously.

Yeah, don't go too hard on yourself. You should get a check-up just to be safe. Besides, Yangyang's very worried about you.

If you feel any discomfort along the way, please do let us know.

Why do I get this feeling...

This person our Magistrate was talking about...

...is Rover.

Wow, so this is the true measure of a Chief... I mean, of our Rover!

"This is the true measure of a Chief!"

It's a famous line from a good old Hero Play. It's been runnin' for almost four years! It's a really heart-warming tale about the Chief and their Squad.

Does that Hero Play story sound familiar to you?

Hey, that ain't the point, okay?!

What are your plans now, Rover?

I remember you had a flashback of yourself looking into its eyes when you saw the statue of our Sentinel.

We can't confirm its authenticity, but based on the Magistrate's message, it seems Jinzhou has a lot to do with your past.

Whether you're the visitor our Magistrate mentioned or not, you are surely important to Jinzhou, and you will be our important...

Friend!

We've already entrusted our lives to each other. I've never seen so many TDs packed together, and that Elite one was so scary! Well, you did get rid of most of them, hehe.

Anyway, once we're back in Jinzhou, I'll treat you to that famous specialty from Panhua's Restaurant.

Wait? The signal's back!

This is... a holographic message to all of Jinzhou from the City Hall.

My fellow soldiers and citizens, I apologize for any inconvenience caused. I am Jinhsi, the Magistrate of Jinzhou.

As the Moon-chasing Festival approaches, our city welcomes visitors from around the world. The festivities are highly anticipated by our people, and I, too, share in this joyful sentiment.

Jinzhou has always been a crucial defense against the Tacet Discord Outbreaks, safeguarding Huanglong. We have a heavy responsibility on our shoulders with no room for retreat or failure.

It is the dedication of our warriors, along with the diligence of our citizens, that has allowed us to thrive in peace and prosperity.

Despite the challenges of Tacet Discords, we remain steadfast and hospitable to visitors, upholding our enduring traditions.

With that in mind, I have a favor to ask.

Among our many visitors, there is one visitor that holds utmost importance to me, the City of Jinzhou, and the entirety of Huanglong.

We have awaited your arrival for a long time.

Given the circumstances, you may be feeling bewildered at this time.

You should have noticed some strange happenings related to you.

If you plan to stay in Jinzhou for some time, I would be more than delighted to personally meet you in the City Hall of Jinzhou.

While I cannot guarantee to provide all the answers you need, I will do my best to assist you and provide necessary permissions, if applicable.

This is only my personal request. You can decide your course of action in any way you see fit.

Therefore, I request the people and soldiers of Jinzhou to assist this esteemed visitor when the opportunity arises.

I'm gonna get you one you can absorb. I never go back on my promise! Your hero Chixia's on the hunt!

Can you reenact what you did before?

Hmm, maybe you can only absorb the powerful ones with your body?

Or does it have to be a certain type of Tacet Discord?

Or maybe...

Look! Jinzhou City's just up ahead!

...Rover?

Hehe, there you are.

My dearest...

...seed of fate.

Rover, watch out!

Maybe we should give your Terminal a whirl?

Yay! It worked!

I've never seen a gourd quite like yours before, but it sure is working just fine.

Here we are. Jinzhou's Nexus Tower!

Exactly. Lemme see, uh, think of it as Jinzhou's largest server station, or an integration hub. It's something along those lines. I'm not much of a tech person myself.

Long story short, it's a navigator, a defense system, and a regional information center all in one enormous package.

The smaller ones we ran into earlier are Resonance Beacons.

Data is shared between all Beacons. You activate one, and the entire map's data will be relayed to your Terminal. Pretty nifty, huh?

Just place your Terminal here.

I have the arrangements in place. Rover, you can come visit the Magistrate at any time.

Chixia, do you mind bringing Rover over to the City Hall?

Whew. First time seeing such a crowd in front of the City Hall.

I was surprised too. I've never seen so many non-staff personnel here before.

Most of the people here have applied for an audience, but I heard they've all been turned down.

Most people were advised to leave by the Magistrate's bodyguard upon sending in their applications. The ones staying here are either trying to apply for some other people, or just too stubborn to leave.

The few that made it inside said it only took "one freezing look from Lady Sanhua", and they were compelled to leave.

What kind of description is that? Sounds like they've met some snake-haired lady, and got turned into stone.

She is the Magistrate's personal bodyguard.

Oh, I've heard of her before. She's the "All-round Death Glare slash Terminator Ice Beauty."

...That's what the rumors say, at least.

Rover!

It took you so long. What gives? Was our Magistrate a chatterbox?

So Madam Magistrate's not in the City Hall...

...

The wind is rising. In it, I sense disturbance and unrest.

The increasing Tacet Fields, uncannily powerful Tacet Discords, and now, our Magistrate's absence...

Plus... The mysterious Rover!

I'm afraid...

Well, we've reported to the City Hall, the Ministry of War, AND the Academy. We've done everything we can.

I mean, this is Huanglong! And we're talking about Jinzhou, of all places! We've been through our fair share of unrest over the past thousand years, and we've made it together every time.

There's been TD outbreaks every year, but we can always trust General Jiyan, Madam Magistrate, and our Sentinel to have our backs! We're not ones to mess with.

"United we stand, a bastion of might; one equals a legion, invulnerable in fight"... Well said, Chixia.

Do you have any plans, Rover?

Rover, do you mind if we have a look at the tokens?

So, what's so special about them?

A candy? Oh! I've had these when I was a kid. I think they were called... Sugar pearls?

But I haven't seen anything like this in a while... Went out of trend maybe?

It reminds me of my childhood. I still remember the taste. It was so sweet.

I was really scared of getting my flu shots when I was little, and sometimes the nurse lady would hand out candies like this as a prize for being good.

But... What does it mean as a token?

What do you mean I'm not the VIP the Magistrate's expecting. Go see for yourself, everyone's been talking about it!

"Every guest is important to Jinzhou!"

They didn't tell me I'm not!

Why can't you let me talk to the Magistrate?!

How far did you get? Did you manage to see the Magistrate?

I got to see... Lady Sanhua! She even looked back at me!

And I even got Lady Sanhua's verbal assurance... That I wasn't the guest the Magistrate was waiting for!

But who cares anyway.

I was able to witness Lady Sanhua in the flesh and be rejected by her in person!

I-I don't have candy like that.

But I've got this. It's really good. You, erm, you can have one.

Madam Magistrate said we should be nice to every guest!

I asked around. None of them has ever seen anything like this.

Maybe these sugar pearls were only available during a specific time.

So, what's next? More token research?

Oh right, Baizhi's still waiting for us at the Academy!

Please, follow me.

Pleased to make your acquaintance. I apologize for the delay. My name is Sanhua, the bodyguard of Madam Magistrate.

I regret to inform you that Madam Magistrate is currently away. Prior to her departure, she instructed me to bring you these tokens and a welcome gift.

Lady Sanhua will be with you shortly.

Kindly have a seat.

Madam Magistrate advised you to explore what these tokens represent during her absence. This may help you acquire the information you desire sooner.

I apologize for the inconvenience, but please rest assured: she will be here to meet you in three days' time.

Sorry... I cannot disclose her whereabouts at this time. Please trust me that she is eagerly looking forward to meeting you in person.

Pardon my inability to provide a better answer. Madam Magistrate has a task that she must handle alone, but she has never for one moment forgotten about her meeting with you.

Not knowing exactly when you'd arrive, she had to leave without having the chance to welcome you in person.

May I have your Terminal for a moment?

I need your Terminal for Access Pass authorization. In the meantime, I will configure the latest Utility modules for you.

Madam Magistrate thought you might need it.

The Utility module on your Terminal has been upgraded to the latest iteration. Now all the Utilities, including Sensor, Levitator, and Grapple, should be fully functional.

You are now granted unlimited access to all regions in Jinzhou. I have sent your Terminal ID to every border pass and Resonance Beacon. You will only need to display your Terminal ID, or activate a Beacon with your Terminal for entry.

You are free to visit any part of Jinzhou.

Yes, including the City Hall. You have full access to its facilities.

Also, may I ask... Have you decided your place of residence in Jinzhou?

If not, Madam Magistrate has arranged accommodation for you in advance, here in the City Hall.

I will lead you to your room if you need.

Understood. We will be ready to accommodate you anytime.

Anything I can help you with, Rover?

With pleasure. What do you wish to know about Jinzhou?

The Midnight Rangers, under General Jiyan's command, are a garrison in Jinzhou. They consist of the Vanguards for offensive operations against Tacet Discords, and the Rearguards for city defense.

Additionally, there is a detachment unit called the Outriders, mostly made up of volunteers or reservists who serve as reconnaissance agents.

Most of the servicemen of today are comprised of Resonators.

Please sit here.

Alrighty. What should we do next?

Shall we go grab a bite?

I am to return to the Academy.

The anomalies at the Gorges of Spirits, the resurgence of that Tacet Field, and the many Waveworn Phenomena occurrences... I should report them in time.

Then I'll go submit our report, and prepare the documentation needed for Rover's audience with the Magistrate while I'm there.

It's the political hub of Jinzhou, and where the Grand Library is located.

The City Hall is an important place. Seeking an audience with the Magistrate isn't too difficult, but there are still rules to follow.

Then I guess I'll take Rover over to the Nexus Tower for registration first, and we'll just hang out for a while.

Being new to Jinzhou and all, {Male=he;Female=she} can't be left standing outside the City Hall with nothing to do.

Hospitality is our local speciality, you know!

Then I'll leave you in Chixia's care, Rover. Is that alright with you? I'll give you a call once the paperwork is done.

Leave it to me!

I'll send the Branch of Resonmedical Science a notice. We need to conduct a throughout physical examination on you to make sure you are fine.

Come visit the Academy after your audience if you have no other plans.

Yes. A physical examination would be required to determine if any disease is present. If no medical issues are found, we'll conduct further monitoring and analysis to understand what happened to your body.

Of course, we won't do anything without your consent.

You guys done yet?

What's the hold up. Let's move, then I'll have more time to show Rover around!

We've got loads of fun in Jinzhou! We can go watch Liondances, Hero Plays, Stand-up Shows, and then maybe the Martial Championships... Plus tons of different treats to try out. You think it, we have it.