The Supreme Gunslinger!

What's that, Mr. Li? Looks really yummy!

It's called the Plumpcake. A traditional dessert passed down in Jinzhou for thousands of years. Try it, you'll love it.

Thousands of years... Then there's gotta be cool stories about it. Right, Mr. Li? Do you know any?

Hmm... Actually, I do. Let's see...

This is a story that dates back to the two Sentinels of Huanglong...

...Hello, Rover. Reminds me of my daughter, that little girl... Can't stop talking when it comes to stories and whatnot.

My daughter's gotten herself into fireworks again lately, and she's been bugging me about seeing some.

Luckily for her, her father's quite the handyman. So I went ahead and set up a stall here for the festival.

Hehe, tell me about it. But that big smile on her face whenever she sees the fireworks... It really gets me going.

Said she wanted to see the biggest and prettiest fireworks.

And so, I've been trying these few days, but she's not impressed with any of my experiments yet. See the failures behind me?

Without a doubt. Tell you what... I think I've managed to get my hands on an ancient fireworks formula just recently.

The ingredients seem kinda sketchy, but as the saying goes, "The weirder it is, the cooler it gets."

Mm-hmm... That's why I think this bad boy has the potential! I'm not so sure about this formula though... It seems more suitable for firecrackers than fireworks, according to my experience.

I have some Pompyrite left, but the other materials are hard to come by. Can you help me find them?

Really? I... Thank you!

Are you going on an adventure, Rover? Encore heard it all! C'mon, let's go together!

It'll be pretty wild wherever Rover's going, little one.

No worries! Encore is super strong! Encore will protect {Male=him;Female=her}!

Uh-huh! What Rover said!

A big adventure to find secret fireworks... Sounds like a great story!

Oh well, then I'll leave it to you, Encore.

You can count on us!

First, the Flarepowder! Says we need to find it around here.

This Flarepowder thingie... Never heard of it before. Sounds kinda dangerous.

So this is Flarepowder... Looks like ordinary dirt to me.

You sure we can make fireworks out of it?

This must be the Low-frequency Charcoal... Aaand, into Encore's pouch you go!

There, that's all of 'em! Let's go find Mr. Xisha!

Charcoal. Hmm... Maybe we can find some around the bonfire.

Let's go, Rover!

Well, that was quick. You got everything?

Yup! Mission Complete!

Ha... Stick around for a bit while I go get these fireworks ready, Rover.

Hmm... these are different from my usual fireworks, and they don't look like firecrackers either.

I might have to ask you guys to go test fire a couple of 'em where it's wide and open and with not many people around, Rover...

Be extra careful, okay?

Yay! Time for some fireworks!

Hmm... Let's try it here, Rover.

So we just set it on the ground, light it here... and ta-da! It's a fireworks show!

Something's not right... Encore, throw that thing away!

*cough*... Are you... Are you okay, Rover?

Encore's alright. Not a scratch. Wasn't scared at all.

But... Are fireworks supposed to be like that?

Hmm, I see... I guess his daughter is gonna feel let down this year.

...Do you hear something, Rover?

Hey, Encore has an idea. How about we use the rest of these firecrackers on them, Rover?

Yep, trying new things is a big part of adventuring!

...Phew. That's most of the firecrackers. Those TDs didn't even stand a chance!

Let's head back, Rover.

Rover, Encore! How did it go? Did the fireworks go out with a bang?

Huh? What do you mean...?

Good heavens...

I'm so sorry, Rover. Are you alright? Did you guys get hurt?

No, not at all. Rover had me covered!

*Sigh* I'm glad to hear that. I should get rid of that formula.

Wait... you're saying we can use this against the TDs? That might actually work out...

I'll talk to the guys at Lollo Logistics and see if they'll give it a shot... Thanks for all your help today, you two!

Don't mention it, Mr. Xisha! Encore got a super cool story out of it!

Rover and the Woolies vanquished all the monsters in the forest. Despite not finding her flowers, the princess brought peace back to the woods!

...Do you understand what she's talking about, Rover?

Whew, I wish I could... Then I may figure out where my daughter's getting all those wackadoo ideas from.

Speaking of my daughter. Thought I finally got it right this time... But it seems I'll have to keep tweaking my formulas. Can't give up just yet.

You can do it, Mr. Xisha! I believe in you!

You betcha. Thanks, Encore!

Oh, Rover! Ya wanna give this a shot?

Well, you're lookin' at it. Moon Shooter. Been helping Qingxi test out the new targets.

Just beat my personal best, but.. I'm still nowhere near the all-time record.

I mean, that record holder hit multiple targets with one shot, can't top that. It's crazy how they pulled it off.

Ready for the real deal, Chixia? I've made some intense Moon Shooter challenges just for the pros.

But I ran out of space here at the Fair... So I moved them to a safe area nearby.

These aren't like the ones you tried at my stall—trust me, they'll be the craziest challenge of your life!

Jeepers! I gotta try that out!

Go ahead, knock yourself out. You can even help me get a feel for the difficulty while you're at it.

What are we waiting for, Rover? Let's go!

Over here, Rover!

Hehe... I hope Qingxi's not gonna disappoint.

You're probably just not warmed up yet. C'mon, another one!

...That's it? Welp, Qingxi was right about these being harder than the ones back at the stall. Just a teeny bit though.

Guess we'll have to look forward to Qinxi's ultimate challenge. She's definitely saving the best for last.

She must have tougher challenges for us. Instructor Yhan wouldn't have asked her to train the rookies otherwise.

Alright. She's got me all fired up now!

Bring it on, Qinxi. I'm game for whatever you're gonna throw at me!

...There it is, Rover!

Time to give this ultimate challenge a spin!

Well, that was something... Humph. But it'll take more than that for me to call it quits! Oh, no, you don't!

I'm not done yet! Again!

Nice. Haven't broken so much sweat while target shooting in a long time. Ha. Not bad, Qingxi. Not bad at all...

That last challenge was really something, huh? But we made it through either way! Gimme five, Rover. Yeah!

Haha. When we team up, we're unstoppable!

C'mon! Back to Qingxi's!

You're back. Looks like you managed to beat all the challenges.

Was there ever a doubt?

Well? How did it feel, Rover?

Hmm... If you say so, then it's safe to say these extra challenges are ready for a broader audience.

Hey, Qingxi. You forgetting someone?

Pfft. Ya think? Oh, I know what you're thinkin', all right—

Easy as shooting fish in a barrel.

H-How'd you guess that?!

Care to give me some pointers on pistol training, Chixia?

Who knows? Maybe we can promote your skills among the Rangers!

Tips? It's just hard work, hard work, and more hard work!

Just hard work? Hmm... That's not much advice.

Okay, then, lemme think... I'd say we also need the "heart of a hero."

Gotta be quick on the draw to protect the innocent, and shoot with absolute precision to stop evil. As a hero, I must strive for perfection!

True, having a strong will to protect is just as crucial.

Thank you. I'll be sure to tell the instructor what you said today.

Don't mention it, Qingxi!

Oh... By the way, Rover, you found any good stuff to eat?

The Moon Shooter game had me all wrapped up. Totally forgot I came here for some snacks.

Now with all that done and dusted, my stomach's starting to grumble...

Nice... Food Hunter Chixia is ready!

Wanna come with me, Rover?

Yeah! All right. Snack time!

...H-How can this be? I was this close...

I'll get it next time!

Hmph. Step aside, it's my turn! I've always had a lucky hand!

Hmm...

Oh, it's you, Rover. I'm watching these people try their luck in the lucky draw.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

...And there it is. Lady Changli wins again. Just like last year, no, just like those every other time you participated in the draw.

Not really... It's probably just luck. This draw's results are solely based on chance, making it impossible for even the most attentive strategy to predict.

Wait, Lady Changli! I just checked the list. Looks like you've won the one and only surprise grand prize of this year's Moonlit Fair!

That's right. Well, I'd say... it's more of a treasure map? Or clues to the actual prize?

...Is that so?

Just some context: our Pioneer Association team found this mysterious platform near Jinzhou.

It was sealed with intricate puzzles, probably the work of the elusive Court of Savantae. We tried everything, but not even one puzzle budged.

Then, someone joked about relying on luck to solve it.

Yup. I realized this was the perfect candidate for Hsin's Fortuity grand prize. Only someone with ridiculous luck could win it.

And who knows? Maybe they'd use that luck to uncover its hidden secrets.

That sounds interesting.

Would you join me, Rover?

Nice. I'll upload the keycode we found and the coordinates of that platform to your Terminals.

I wish you two the best of luck!

...Hmm, these mechanisms remind me of the Court of Savantae's technique.

Interesting. They used overlapping layers instead of their usual designs.

It has four mechanisms that need to be solved in the right order within time limit.

In the worst case, this platform could trigger its self-destruct mechanism and things might not look so good for us...

Just kidding. I bet the Pioneer Association have attempted to solve this puzzle numerous times.

If they knew there was a fail-safe, they wouldn't have made finding this place a prize.

I guess it will just revert to its initial state.

A viable approach. I estimate a total of 24 combinations... If you don't mind, Rover, we certainly can test them out one at a time.

Hmm... How clever.

Have you come up with a solution, Rover?

Very well.

Come, it's time we solve this riddle.

Wrong order.

Let's try again, Rover.

The correct order should be: Yellow, Blue, Purple, and finally, Red.

What is it, Rover?

Well done, Rover.

I wonder what it has in store for us.

It appears there are no treasures here.

Hmm... interesting. This must be the "Riddle Master D's Latest Horror Riddles - Ultimate Collection" mentioned in that memoir.

As I guessed... The book is full of codes and diagrams on Automata Mechanics. It's complex, but it seems to be a guide for creating machines.

Nothing else to see here. Let's make our return.

Rover. You're back! So? Did you find the treasure?

A book? Wait... Could it be... Can I have a look, Rover?

I... I knew it, this is the yet-to-be-discovered latest work of Riddle Master D!

Th-This is wild! I thought these books only existed in legends!

"Riddle Master D's Super-Cool Magic Riddles", "Riddle Master D's Popular Hangout Riddles", "Riddle Master D's Ultimate Brainstorming Riddles"...

These books are our treasures, filled with masterpieces from the Court of Savantae's Riddle Master D.

Our engineers dream of deciphering his works. It could aid explorers in navigating ancient traps.

Do you mind putting this book under the Pioneer Association's care? Please!

You can have them, since they obviously mean a lot to you.

Oh, thank you! Thank you so much! We'll make sure to pay you handsomely for your help!

Hmm... Judging from the end results alone, we did manage to find the treasure, did we not? Only... in a slightly different way.

...So you've noticed? Yes, I've encountered this Riddle Master D in the archives before.

The records mention his numerous creations and literary works. The Pioneer Association should be well-informed on him, since they frequently explore the wilderness.

Though, I wasn't really interested in the so-called treasure to begin with.

For me, the biggest gain today is not the treasure, nor the precious works of Riddle Master D.

Oh well... I wonder what it could be...

I'll let you figure it out, Rover. Hehe... Until we meet again, then.

What is it, Rover?

Defeat the Tacet Discords in the order of Yellow, Blue, Purple, then Red. That should solve the puzzle.

The lantern riddles look fun. Would you like to give them a try?

Well, Rover? Are you up for the challenge?

Look, I've got some tough riddles fresh from the press. Solve three and you'll win the jackpot. It's a collector's item, trust me!

Tough riddles...

Together? Is that allowed in the rules?

Of course, it's a festival after all. What could be more important than having fun? Yangyang, you seemed totally into our riddles. I bet you'd enjoy solving them yourself!

Plus, my riddles are tough! Wouldn't want to have Rover make a fool out of themselves, now would I?

All right! How about we get you warmed up with an appetizer? Riddle Number 1: Round as the moon, with a belly just as white. In the air it may leap, in the waters it may creep.

Name this Tacet Discord!

It's round in shape with a white belly, able to swim in water... Could it be...

Not quite. Try again.

A Gulpuff really does remind you of the moon when it jumps up in the air, doesn't it?

I remember when I was little... I loved the Moon-Chasing Festival. We'd make Plumpcakes in all sorts of shapes, mostly cute round animals...

We all loved the Gulpuff Plumpcakes.

Haha, truly a kids' favorite. Now... On to the next riddle! This one might be a bit trickier!

You're given a cage full of chickens and rabbits. You count 14 heads and 38 legs...

Question... How many chickens and rabbits are there in total? Your five-minute timer starts… Now!

Yeah... Isn't that more like a math problem than a riddle...

Ahem... You see, it's a question with a definitive answer. And since it's hanging under a lantern, let's call it a riddle.

...If you say so. Still, it feels a bit off...

I remember learning how to solve it in class, such as the "half-leg method"...

Okay, I'll see what I can do...

Done! The answer is... 5 rabbits and 9 chickens!

Correct! You figured it out even faster than Mr. Bosong. I'm impressed.

For the last riddle, how about we change things up a bit? You two can pick one from any of the lanterns.

Umm... I don't really see any riddles...

Oh, the riddles here are written in special ink. You'll have to hold them close to a lantern in order to see.

Of course. The more suspense, the better! Solving lantern riddles is like a journey of discovery. You'll have to trust your instincts!

I see... That does make things more interesting.

Huh? Me? Well... Then I'll choose, this one.

Alrighty! Let's see... The riddle has revealed itself！

I am made up of many, but can also be one. I bring people together and make them have fun. What am I?

Name this phrase!

Made up of many, but can also be one...

Ooh. Close, but not close enough!

...I know. It's "Family", right?

Correct!

Bravo. You've completed all 3 riddles. The special prize is yours!

It's so pretty...!

Well, it's not just any lantern.

We were lucky to get this lantern from a renowned collector for our special occasion.

It's said that Sentinel "Hsin" handcrafted it and hid many more in the woodlands, making it a prized possession. Finding one is like getting a year's worth of blessings.

How's that for a souvenir? Congratulations! Endless fortune be with you!

Rover, do you have a moment?

Can we... go on a walk together?

I remember always looking forward to the Moon-Chasing Festival when I was a child.

Fireworks light up the night sky, lanterns dot every street corner, and we indulge in family-made plumpcakes. Every face I see is filled with joy...

...Those memories have grown fuzzy, but I still remember the heartfelt smiles of my loved ones.

I joined the Midnight Rangers to protect their happy smiles... Even if my strength alone won't make much difference, I'll do what I can.

Yes! This is why I love Jinzhou. I love what we've fought to protect.

While I can't be with my family today, the laughter in the air is already making me feel delighted.

As I look at the bright moon, I know they are having a great time somewhere.

Thank you, Rover.

I feel so happy for this moment, and for all you've done.

This year's Moon-Chasing Festival... You've made it feel very special to me.

Indeed! Any other places you'd like to visit, Rover?

Let's take a little break here before moving on to more spots.