First Resonance(Wuthering Waves)

Yangyang:

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

Chixia:

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

Chixia:

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

Yangyang:

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

Chixia:

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

Chixia:

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

Chixia:

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

Yangyang:

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

Yangyang:

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}.

Yangyang:

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

Yangyang:

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

Jianxin:

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

Jianxin:

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

Yangyang:

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

Yangyang:

Rover, perhaps you can give it a try?

Yangyang:

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

Strange Tacet Discord:

Please... Save us...

Yangyang:

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

Talk to Mortefi

Yangyang:

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

Strange Tacet Discord:

Please... Save us...

Yangyang:

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

Chixia tells you that the Nexus Tower functions as a navigation, defense, and regional information system. You try connecting your Terminal to the Nexus Tower.

Chixia:

Here we are. Jinzhou's Nexus Tower!

Chixia:

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.

Chixia:

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

Chixia:

The smaller ones we ran into earlier are Resonance Beacons.

Chixia:

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

Chixia:

Just place your Terminal here.

Yangyang has made all the necessary arrangements and is waiting for you and Chixia to join her.

Yangyang:

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

Yangyang:

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

A crowd has gathered outside City Hall. They are all eager to meet Jinhsi, but each is turned away by her bodyguard, Sanhua. With questions swirling in your mind, you bide your time and hope for answers.

Chixia:

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

Yangyang:

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

Yangyang:

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

Yangyang:

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.

Yangyang:

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

Chixia:

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

Yangyang:

She is the Magistrate's personal bodyguard.

Chixia:

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

Chixia:

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

You tell Chixia and Yangyang that Jinhsi will meet you in three days and show them the tokens. They recognize the candy, but cannot recall its significance. After deliberation, the three of you decide to seek answers from Baizhi at the Academy.

Chixia:

Rover!

Chixia:

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

You told Chixia and Yangyang about your conversation with Sanhua.

Chixia:

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

Yangyang:

...

Yangyang:

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

Yangyang:

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

Chixia:

Plus... The mysterious Rover!

Yangyang:

I'm afraid...

Chixia:

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

Chixia:

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.

Chixia:

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.

Yangyang:

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

Yangyang:

Do you have any plans, Rover?

Yangyang:

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

You showed Yangyang and Chixia the tokens.

Chixia:

So, what's so special about them?

Chixia:

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

Chixia:

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

Yangyang:

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

Yangyang:

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.

Yangyang:

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

Talk to Mortefi

Actor No. 1:

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

Actor No. 1:

"Every guest is important to Jinzhou!"

Actor No. 1:

They didn't tell me I'm not!

Actor No. 1:

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

Actor No. 2:

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

Actor No. 2:

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

Actor No. 2:

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

Actor No. 2:

But who cares anyway.

Actor No. 2:

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

Head to the Nexus Beacon

You ask a little girl if she has seen the candy before, with no luck. To welcome you to Jinzhou, however, the little girl gives you a candy of her own.

Flow_139000018_1253

You showed the little girl your sugar pearl, and asked if she had seen it before.

The little girl shook her head timidly.

After a tense moment of silence, the little girl seems to have finally made up her mind about a great sacrifice. She offers you her hand, revealing a small piece of candy.

Child:

I-I don't have candy like that.

Child:

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

Child:

Madam Magistrate said we should be nice to every guest!

Your investigation yields little leads. The three of you head for the Academy to find Baizhi.

Chixia:

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

Yangyang:

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

Chixia:

So, what's next? More token research?

Chixia:

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

Receptionist:

Please, follow me.

Talk to Mortefi

Sanhua instantly recognizes you as the guest Jinhsi is expecting. She informs you that Jinhsi is currently away but has left a welcome gift and some mysterious tokens for you.

??:

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

Sanhua:

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.

Receptionist:

Lady Sanhua will be with you shortly.

Head to the Nexus Beacon

Receptionist:

Kindly have a seat.

Sanhua tells you that Jinhsi will meet you in three days time. When asked why she is certain you are the guest Jinhsi awaits, Sanhua replies that she can perceive frequencies, and yours, like Jinhsi's, is pure and untainted.

Sanhua:

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

Sanhua:

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

Sanhua:

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

Sanhua:

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.

Sanhua:

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

Sanhua upgrades your Terminal. You now have permission to travel to any region of Jinzhou without hindrance.

Sanhua:

May I have your Terminal for a moment?

Sanhua:

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

Sanhua:

Madam Magistrate thought you might need it.

You waited for a moment.

Sanhua:

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.

Sanhua:

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.

Sanhua:

You are free to visit any part of Jinzhou.

Sanhua:

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

Sanhua:

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

Sanhua:

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

Sanhua:

I will lead you to your room if you need.

Sanhua:

Understood. We will be ready to accommodate you anytime.

You overhear the sound of Weiqi pieces clicking against a board from behind a door, but find the door is locked.

You heard the crisp sounds of Weiqi pieces being laid down on the board, followed by a long silence.

There was no response. Maybe those inside are too invested in their game of Weiqi.

Talk to Mortefi

You ask Sanhua about Jinzhou, Jinhsi, and the tokens.

Sanhua:

Anything I can help you with, Rover?

Sanhua:

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

Sanhua:

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.

Sanhua:

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

Sanhua:

Most of the servicemen of today are comprised of Resonators.

Receptionist:

Please sit here.

Upon arriving in Jinzhou City, the group prepares to part ways. You leave with Chixia for the Nexus Tower and make plans to meet Yangyang at City Hall later.

Chixia:

Alrighty. What should we do next?

Chixia:

Shall we go grab a bite?

Baizhi:

I am to return to the Academy.

Baizhi:

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.

Yangyang:

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

Yangyang:

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

Yangyang:

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

Chixia:

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

Chixia:

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

Chixia:

Hospitality is our local speciality, you know!

Yangyang:

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.

Chixia:

Leave it to me!

Baizhi:

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.

Baizhi:

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

Flow_139000018_1320

Baizhi:

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.

Baizhi:

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

Chixia:

You guys done yet?

Chixia:

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

Chixia:

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.

Yangyang:

Baizhi hasn't replied to my message. She's probably busy in her lab.

Yangyang:

Over there must be Mr. Mortefi from the Department of Safety. Baizhi once mentioned him before...

Yangyang:

He might be able to help us get in touch with Baizhi, but, erm... it seems we've caught him at a bad time.

Head to the Nexus Beacon

You cross paths with a researcher named Mortefi. After learning the purpose of your visit, he leaves to inform Baizhi of your arrival.

Yangyang:

Anyway... Let's try asking him, shall we?

Mortefi:

...What. You need something?

Mortefi:

I refuse to tolerate the foolish striving of those insatiable slugs. Since it's difficult for our researchers to deal with a man like him, I'd rather handle it personally and swiftly.

Mortefi:

...And you are?

Yangyang:

Mr. Mortefi, please pardon our intrusion. We are friends of Baizhi, and we're here to look for her.

Mortefi:

I see. I hope I didn't cause any offense earlier.

Yangyang:

Not at all, it was us who bothered you...

Mortefi:

Baizhi should be in the Data Analysis Room. I'll go tell her you're here.

Yangyang:

Thank you, sir.

You see Baizhi for the examination. Before she begins, she shares key insights about Echoes, Resonators, Threnodians, and your place in all this.

Baizhi:

I have the equipment ready. I'll need to check your health status and see if there are any unusual fluctuations.

Baizhi:

Now, let's begin if you're ready.

Baizhi:

Do you have any questions before we begin?

Baizhi:

Based on the samples collected, the Tacet Discord you defeated was at least an Overlord Class. After defeating it, you seemingly absorbed its frequency energy with your bare hands.

Baizhi:

Tacet Discords are classified according to the concentration levels of their characteristic frequencies. Generally, Tacet Discords with higher concentration levels are considered to pose greater threats.

Baizhi:

The current classification levels, from lowest to highest, are Common, Elite, Overlord, and Calamity. Additionally, there is a special type of Tacet Discord, and we call them the Threnodians.

Mortefi has cracked the sundial's secrets. He explains what it looks like inside and how it works, but is interrupted by a call. You and Yangyang decide to explore the room until he is free.

Mortefi:

Here's your sundial. Intact as it was.

Yangyang:

Mr. Mortefi, can we have the test results?

Mortefi:

Simply put, it's hollow. Here, try tapping on it. It sounds different from a solid object.

Mortefi:

It's not just a timekeeping tool; it's an intricate mortise-and-tenon puzzle box.

Mortefi:

This sundial is hollow with an inner compartment. We've scanned it, and there is a small paper scroll inside.

Mortefi:

However, it's missing a crucial component.

Mortefi:

We should be able to spin the wheels on this sundial once the right component is installed.

Mortefi:

Automata Mechanics isn't my field of study. I specialize in developing Tacetite Weapons, but the foundational theories behind these applied technologies are quite similar.

Mortefi:

It wouldn't have taken me this long if we were dealing with Tacetite Weapons.

Mortefi:

Install the missing part, then rotate the wheels to their correct positions, and you should be able to solve the puzzle and access the paper scroll.

Mortefi:

However, I still have no idea what the missing component should look like.

Mortefi:

Well that's a no-brainer indeed.

Mortefi:

We can certainly give it a try. If you're fine with the paper scroll being destroyed by its protective mechanism, that is.

Mortefi:

One moment. I have an incoming call.

Mortefi:

...

Mortefi:

What is it?

Mortefi:

You certainly are well-informed.

Mortefi:

It's indeed beautiful data... Good taste. Well, since you've put it that way...

Yangyang:

Rover... Mr. Mortefi's expression seems to have softened, don't you think?

Yangyang:

We haven't even asked him to help us with assembling...

Yangyang:

It looks like Mr. Mortefi needs some more time. Maybe we should give him some space to concentrate?

Yangyang:

Rover, let's come back later, shall we?

Yangyang:

I mentally prepared myself for the worst, but this place looks... much better than Mr. Mortefi's description, I think?

Yangyang:

Though it is a bit hard to figure out where we should start...

You deliver the parts to Mortefi. Meanwhile, Baizhi completes her analysis of the mysterious tokens. The mangosteen is ordinary, the purple leaf shows signs of exposure to Waveworn phenomena, and the Sugar Pearl is a vaccine that expired over 20 years ago. As you piece together Baizhi's findings and the restored sundial's ancient Sexagenary Cycle, a revelation dawns.

Yangyang:

Mr. Mortefi, we found the parts.

Mortefi:

Good. Bring it to me.

Baizhi:

The test results are in.

Baizhi:

The mangosteen is just an ordinary fruit. It's suitable for regular consumption. We found nothing unusual about it.

Baizhi:

From the purple leaf you presented, I detected subtle fluctuations in Tacet Discord's frequency from two distinct sources, but they were overlapping and difficult to distinguish.

Baizhi:

This is a rare occurrence.

Baizhi:

The scattered nature of these fluctuations rules out the possibility of them being left behind through contact.

Baizhi:

This is not an ordinary leaf, but it doesn't seem to be a Tacet Discord, either. Based on the data we gathered, I believe it was sampled from an area struck with the Waveworn phenomena.

Yangyang:

Yes. The anomalies that occurred after the Lament, including the formation of Tacet Fields, Etheric Sea, Retroact Rain, and gravity loss... These are collectively called the Waveworn phenomena.

Yangyang:

And the Lament was the start of it all.

Baizhi:

As for the sugar pearl... It has been determined to be a type of oral vaccine.

Baizhi:

This sugar pearl expired over 20 years ago. The low-temperature storage life for this vaccine is about 2 years.

Yangyang:

A 20-year-old vaccine...

Yangyang:

...

Yangyang:

Could it be related to the children's epidemic in Jinzhou two decades ago?

Baizhi:

The archives in the Academy should have information on the sugar pearl.

Baizhi:

The archives here are organized in a unique way. You can start by searching the keywords at the lobby terminal.

Yangyang:

Mr. Mortefi?

Mortefi:

The missing pointer has been installed, and now the sundial should be complete.

Yangyang:

So the discs are rotatable now...

Mortefi:

Yes. Align the correct markers with the pointer we just installed, and then you should be able to open it.

Yangyang:

The Earthly Branches and Four Symbols...

Yangyang:

These symbols are related to the Sexagenary Cycle. It's an intricate way of recording time in Huanglong. Nowadays it is mainly reserved for calendars, numerology, and indexing, but it's falling out of daily use.

Yangyang:

Now what kind of information could it represent...

Baizhi:

...It's the filing system.

Baizhi:

Most of Huanglong's libraries and databases still use this method to organize their archives. Namely, the Grand Libraries.

Yangyang:

Yes. The large data repositories located in Huanglong's major cities.

Baizhi:

The Academy's public archives are organized in this manner, too.

Yangyang:

This is Mortefi, a renowned figure in the Department of Safety. He was born in the New Federation, and he joined the Huaxu Academy a few years ago. I heard his talent is truly impressive.

Yangyang:

People say he is a bit scary at first glance, but he's actually quite kindhearted once you get to know him...

Yangyang:

Chixia told me he's quite popular with the kids. Children have been pestering him for all kinds of fancy toys, and he's always open to their requests.

Baizhi suggests running a full analysis on the Sugar Pearl and sundial to uncover more information. Before parting, she encourages you to have a medical examination when time allows.

Baizhi:

Here you are. The data we collected in the Gorges of Spirits has been submitted for analysis, and we'll have the results today. I have the equipment for your physical examinations ready, too.

Baizhi:

Any discoveries during your trip to the City Hall?

You show Baizhi the tokens and tell her about what happened.

Yangyang:

What do you think, Baizhi?

Baizhi:

...

Baizhi:

I have a hypothesis about the sugar pearl, but I need to verify it first. If possible, I recommend conducting non-destructive tests of all these tokens you have.

Baizhi:

Data is always straightforward.

Baizhi:

The first three tokens can be tested at my branch's laboratory. This miniature sundial will require radiographic testing, though. To access the necessary equipment, we'll need to file a request with one of the Tacetite studies related branches.

Baizhi:

Yes, Mortefi is the Branch of Tacetite Weaponry's head within the Department of Safety.

Baizhi:

One moment, please.

Soon after, Baizhi returns with Mortefi.

Mortefi:

Give me the items to be tested. Anything else you need me to know, you can let me know now. You may retrieve your items in twenty minutes, and the analysis report will be ready five minutes after that. Take a right, and you'll find me in the testing room.

Mortefi takes the sundial and gently weighs it in his hand.

Mortefi:

This one looks like the early handiwork of someone I know.

Mortefi:

It's lightweight, and its design differs from that of the typical sundial. And it appears to be missing a part. See, there's a groove here.

Baizhi:

It will take some time before the results are ready. If you have other matters to take care of, you should go ahead. I'll let you know once we have the results.

Yangyang:

Shall we wait here at the Academy, Rover?

Baizhi:

Sure you can, but don't forget your physical examination—I'll see you in a while for that.

??:

Greetings. I was told that you were the ones that helped find Mister Zongye. Please accept my deepest gratitude.

??:

I've prepared a fresh pot of tea, how about I pour some for you while you rest up in the teahouse for the time being?

??:

*Chuckle* Where are my manners. I am Yuanwu. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Chixia:

I'm Chixia!

Yangyang:

I am Yangyang... Master Yuanwu?

Yuanwu:

You know of me?

Teahouse Assistant:

Whoa! Careful Mister Zongye! Really hot pot of tea in my hands!

Teahouse Assistant:

No! My tea!

???:

Watch out!

Chixia:

Wow that was fast!

Yangyang:

Such calm Streams...

Teahouse Assistant:

Oh dear! Thank the heavens you saved it in time, Jianxin!

Jianxin:

Here's your tea. Off to the customers you go!

Jianxin:

Mister Zongye, you're back! Are you hurt?

Zongye:

*Chuckle* Oh, it's you Jianxin, you silly girl.

Chixia:

H-how's Mister Zongye able to recognize you? Weird!

Jianxin:

Jianxin, disciple in training. We've met before.

Jianxin:

Are you the one's that brought back Mister Zongye? Thanks so much!

You find information about the Sugar Pearl's origin. Jinzhou's past begins to unfold before you—a past that may be intertwined with your own. At the same time, you begin to understand the deeper, more pressing reason behind Jinhsi's cryptic messages.

Yangyang:

Rover, about the sugar pearl...

Yangyang:

Life has never been easy after the Lament, but I still remember that sweetness from my childhood.

Yangyang:

The battle against that epidemic in Jinzhou was grueling. Once infected, children either died or suffered life-long disabilities, Resonators or not. With Tacet Discords ravaging Jinzhou and severing all communication with other cities, desperation ran high.

Yangyang:

Words are not enough to convey how desperate people must have felt. They resorted to self-experimentation with a newly developed vaccine, risking everything for a chance. If they failed...

Yangyang:

We owe our presence here to those who came before us. It's important to remember their sacrifices.

Yangyang:

If the sugar pearl points to the information and reports we have just read, what is Madam Magistrate trying to convey?

Yangyang:

Is it related to your past? Or is it...

Yangyang:

According to the reports, the vaccine's creator died three years after its development, with the rest of the team now over fifty.

Yangyang:

...

Yangyang:

You mean... You could be that infant shown in the footage?

Yangyang:

They should be around your age by now.

Yangyang:

Hmm... but {Male=he;Female=she} doesn't have your golden eyes...

Mortefi ends the call. The caller was Xiangli Yao, an Automata Mechanic expert and a Principal Investigator at the Academy. Mortefi will draw up a design for you, but he doesn't have the parts to rebuild the item. He needs you to fetch them from Xiangli Yao's workshop.

Mortefi:

...

Mortefi:

Yes, of course. I've already noticed all that you mentioned.

Mortefi:

Indeed. You just pointed out a blind spot in my thinking.

Mortefi:

Your workshop? That hellish place?

Mortefi:

Heh... Stop sweet-talking me. I get it.

Mortefi:

...

Mortefi:

Sorry for keeping you waiting. Let's get back to the sundial.

Mortefi:

It's a mortise-and-tenon based puzzle box. The missing component in the middle needs to fulfill two entirely different structural requirements at the same time.

Mortefi:

Considering its entire structure, this component needs an automatic buckle that goes down on top of an embedded pointer.

Mortefi:

I'll draw up a design for you. The parts you'll need can be found in Xiangli's workshop. I've already informed him about it; you'll only need to go fetch the parts in his place. He keeps a boxful of them.

Mortefi:

Division of labor is more efficient in getting things done. Besides, I would like to avoid stepping foot in Xiangli's workshop ever again. The mere thought of that place brings me migraines.

Mortefi:

It's a minefield of clutter and chaos. A murky swamp within the Academy walls, as vile and perilous as some primeval forest before the Lament. Any civilized human would find it impossible to stand.

Yangyang:

I see. Shall we go and retrieve the parts now, Rover?

Yangyang:

There are two photos here...

One photo shows a group of researchers led by a woman in her thirties. Everyone looks excited and happy.

The other photo shows an infant in diapers, with a slender hand holding a spoon with a sugar pearl in it, directed towards the infant.

Yangyang:

...

Yangyang:

If I remember correctly, Jinzhou was established during a Year of Wei, several cycles ago. The Jinzhou City Hall and Huaxu Academy were built in the same year.

Yangyang:

The Gorges of Spirits Battle sparked Jinzhou's founding.

Yangyang:

And the formidable Tacet Discord described here... I believe it is the "Crownless".

Baizhi listens to your account but remains unsure of the cause. She needs more data before drawing any conclusions. The good news? Every test shows you are in perfect health.

Baizhi:

Can you give us some more details?

Baizhi:

A giant Tacet Discord with a scythe... It doesn't sound like the Crownless. Might be even higher-ranked.

Baizhi:

This is the first time we've run into anything like this since we put the training ground into use...

Baizhi:

The Sonoro Sphere captures everything that once happened in a specific time and place, be it good or bad.

Baizhi:

We built this simulated training ground after the structure of Sonoro Spheres.

Baizhi:

Our goal was to extract pure Remnant Energy with the simulated Sonoro Sphere, but we cannot guarantee that all "abnormal frequencies" were eliminated.

Baizhi:

Your arrival may have revived the "abnormal frequencies" we accidentally captured.

Baizhi:

Remnant Energy sometimes give rise to memory manifestations of sentient beings. You may have encountered one such manifestation.

Baizhi:

I suspect it could have something to do with your unconscious mind.

Baizhi:

Such anomalies could have been hiding in the simulation, and they 'resonated' with your subconscious. Or perhaps... they were lifted from your subconscious in the first place.

Baizhi:

I'm afraid I can't give you a conclusion yet. Not until we've run a thorough analysis on the data collected.

Baizhi:

I'll also check the simulated Sonoro Sphere again to see what on earth happened to it.

Baizhi:

In terms of bodily functions, you seem to be in perfect health... In fact, all the data look quite good.

Baizhi:

But if you feel anything unusual, please come find me any time.

Yangyang:

I found it... It's located on the "Wei" shelf.

Frowning Staff Member:

Why... doesn't make sense...

Yangyang:

You seem very troubled... Are you okay?

Frowning Staff Member:

You guys are the culprits!

Frowning Staff Member:

It's all because you guys defeated the Crownless!

Yangyang:

But isn't it a good thing that the Tacet Discord threatening Jinzhou has been eliminated?

Frowning Staff Member:

Of course it's a good thing, but it happened to be the busiest time for us...

Frowning Staff Member:

Because of the frequent Tacet Discord outbreaks, our Tacet Discord research department has been extremely busy lately, and now we have this large amount of materials to deal with.

Frowning Staff Member:

I probably won't be able to sleep tonight...

Yangyang:

I'm really sorry...

Frowning Staff Member:

It's okay, I'm just venting. It's also our wish to uncover the secrets of the Crownless as soon as possible.

Frowning Staff Member:

By the way, I heard that you didn't use the Terminal to access the frequency data of the Crownless, but absorbed it directly with your body?

Yangyang:

Yes, from what we've seen, that's correct.

Frowning Staff Member:

The process of transforming Tacet Discord into Echo is actually a process of reproducing frequency data with the Terminal.

Frowning Staff Member:

So as long as we study the Echo obtained from the Resonators, it's basically the same as studying the original Tacet Discord.

Frowning Staff Member:

But it's unheard of to absorb frequency data with the body like you did...

Frowning Staff Member:

I guess you can't summon the Echo for now, what a pity!

Frowning Staff Member:

It would have been such good research material... If it was absorbed through the Terminal, it would have reduced our workload by at least 70%, sigh.

Yangyang:

But there's nothing we can do...

Frowning Staff Member:

Yeah, that's why it's even more regrettable. Maybe the development of science always has to fight against these damn regrets.

Frowning Staff Member:

Thank you for listening to my complaints... Ah, and thank you for defeating the threat to the Crownless.

Frowning Staff Member:

The rest of this should be left to researchers like me. I'm going back to continue my work, goodbye.

Talk to Mortefi

Lizhu:

Hmm... Haha, is that for real?

Lizhu:

Oh, nothing, just checking out the Huaxu Hive. These latest posts are hilarious.

Lizhu:

It's an internal forum of the Academy for casual chit-chatting. You can find basically anything here!

Lizhu:

Oh no. No no no... I really should stop and focus on my assignment now! The deadline is today!

Lizhu:

Oh wait! I know what I should do!

Lizhu:

Here, you can borrow my account. One account can only be logged in from one place at a time, so I'll be able to concentrate on my work, and you'll get to check out the forum! It's a win-win!

Lizhu:

Promise me you won't post anything though. My instructor knows my account name. If he catches me posting stuff on the Hive when I should be working, I'll be screwed...

Liuqin:

Should I join Mortefi's project or not? ...Koko, will you support my decision?

Liuqin:

Ah, you must be Rover. What can I do for you?

Liuqin:

Koko is my little sister, and she's currently the acting manager of Shifang Pharmacy.

Liuqin:

Yesterday, Mortefi invited me to join one of his projects.

Liuqin:

But I'll have even less time to spend with Koko if I joined.

Liuqin:

Yeah, I'd hate to let the opportunity go. It's more than just a project. Being able to collaborate with Mr. Mortefi is an honor in itself.

Liuqin:

I'd say Mr. Mortefi is the most respected researcher at the Academy now, second only to our Principal Investigator, Mr. Xiangli Yao.

Liuqin:

He consistently defends us against unreasonable client requests. I think he rejected over 40 of them during his first week alone.

Liuqin:

Mr. Mortefi even treats us to afternoon teas. He really looks out for us.

Liuqin:

Mr. Mortefi has always aspired to outdo him in terms of research, but it's been proven difficult. Mr. Xiangli is... built different.

Liuqin:

They are both great researchers, and I've learned a lot from them. I'd rather not comment on their relationship lightly.

Liuqin:

About Mr. Xiangli... You'll get it once you meet him in person.

Head to the Nexus Beacon

Smiling Staff Member:

I'm really curious...

Yangyang:

Hello, you seemed to have been staring this way...

Smiling Staff Member:

Sorry, sorry, it's break time now, I'm just thinking.

Smiling Staff Member:

It's my habit, even if my body is resting, my mind can't stop.

Smiling Staff Member:

Yes, I heard that you can absorb the Echo through your body.

Yangyang:

I see, but you shouldn't have to worry, there haven't been any abnormalities so far.

Smiling Staff Member:

Oh, I'm not worried, just curious about the reason.

Smiling Staff Member:

Hmm? What's that you're holding in your hand?

Smiling Staff Member:

Oh, this thing seems to be a children's medicine used in the past in Jinzhou to fight against infectious diseases.

Smiling Staff Member:

It seems like the residents of Jinzhou have all taken it when they were young, and most of the older people know about it.

Smiling Staff Member:

You don't seem to be a resident of Jinzhou, right?

Smiling Staff Member:

It's possible that you haven't taken it, and your parents haven't taken it either...

Smiling Staff Member:

Maybe it's because everyone took this medicine that we lost the ability to absorb the Echo through our bodies through inheritance!

Yangyang:

Ha... I don't think it's a problem.

Smiling Staff Member:

I see, I see...

Smiling Staff Member:

I've been thinking that it's an external factor, but maybe it's actually genetics that plays the decisive role!

Smiling Staff Member:

Alright, break's over! Let's start working right away, we can't let this train of thought break...