A Blaze in the Dark(Wuthering Waves)

In the streets of Ragunna, you come across a group of thieves who claim to be from the "Black Alley." Before you catch up to them, Zani appears and stops them in their tracks. She proposes escorting the thieves to the Chamber of Discipline with the patrolling Acolytes and making a statement. Meanwhile, you decide to stay behind to investigate a mysterious person calling for help.

Suspicious Figure:

What's taking you so long?

Suspicious Figure:

If we don't bring back the goods, the boss will have our heads！

Suspicious Figure:

Ugh... Oi, best keep your nose out of our business. We're with the Black Alley.

Cautious Figure:

Idiot! {Male=He's;Female=She's} got the stance of a skilled fighter. We need to move!

??:

Excuse me, I… I need your help.

Familiar Voice:

Hey, what's got you two running scared?

??:

Huh?!

A flurry of panicked sounds echo in the distance, and the sense of being watched fades.

Zani:

Rover？

Zani:

Do you know what these two were up to?

Zani:

They were babbling about "hostages" and "feints," and then they came at me.

Zani:

And they just ran after taking one look at you, hm? Seems about right.

Zani:

I have. But that name… it's already...

Serious Acolyte:

You there! What's going on here?

Zani:

Just two thieves. Took care of them. I was about to deliver them to the Chamber of Discipline myself.

Serious Acolyte:

What about {Male=him;Female=her}?

Zani:

Same as you, drawn here by the sound of a scuffle.

Zani:

I know the rules. I'll go with you, make the report, and be done with it.

Zani:

Let me handle this. You'd rather not deal with their questions, hm?

Zani:

So there was somebody else...

Serious Acolyte:

Right, you'll come with me to the Chamber then.

Zani:

This might be more complicated than it looks. Will you wait for me?

Zani:

This won't take long.

You uncover some clues, but none lead you to the mysterious help-seeker. You decide to wait for Zani to return before continuing. After her return, she shares stories about a lone hero who single-handedly wiped out the Black Alley, a known criminal gang. This makes you suspect that the person might be connected to the Black Alley.

Zani:

Here. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Zani:

Mmm... those Chamber of Discipline folk are as difficult to deal with as ever.

Zani:

Well... you know how they are with the Montellis these days. No surprise they didn't share any interrogation details.

Zani:

I told them the thieves claimed to be with the Black Alley, but the Chamber doesn't bother with rumors without solid proof.

Zani:

A gang made up of criminals, although how many joined willingly is anyone's guess.

Zani:

A lot of vagrants were pressed into their service. Pawns in a game of crime.

Zani:

The leadership got wiped out a few years ago by someone working solo. The leftovers? They were screwed. Some are still rotting in prison.

Zani:

Maybe. Or maybe they just wanted to spook you... but they picked the wrong person to mess with.

Zani:

You're still thinking about that person who asked for help, huh? Got any leads?

Zani:

You think she's in the same boat as those vagrants in the past? Forced into something they didn't choose?

Zani:

Ah, Rover, you're the type who can't turn your back when someone asks for help.

Zani:

It's not too late. Got time for a detour?

Zani:

The old entrance to the Black Alley.

Zani:

If they're crawling back from the ashes, we might find a clue or two at their old haunt.

You meet Zani near the ice cream cart in Ragunna. She shares with you that many of the Montelli family's staff have previously run into the same kind of trouble as that night. Zani asks for your assistance in locating the help-seeker, which is crucial to resolving the deadlock in this complicated case.

Zani:

Which one should I pick?

Zani:

Hmm... I'll take all of them. One of each, please.

Zani:

Ah, Rover, you made it. Let's sit over there and talk.

Zani:

I wasn't sure what you liked. It was too hard to choose, so I just got one of each flavor.

Zani:

Work is bitter enough as it is. Why drink something bitter on top of that?

Zani:

Yeah... Still about the stuff from last time.

Zani:

Actually, a lot of the family's staff have been running into the same kind of trouble as that night.

Zani:

So, where should we start?

Zani:

As I mentioned before, many people working for the Montellis have been victims of attempted thefts, like last night.

Zani:

The family has tightened security, but just sitting here waiting won't solve anything.

Zani:

As for the ones we caught... they haven't been chatty. Plus, they've only committed a few small-time crimes.

Zani:

So it would be tricky to use... more extreme methods on them. If we do, it could give the wrong people a chance to twist the situation.

Zani:

You mentioned someone asked for your help earlier, right?

Zani:

We've been trying but haven't found anyone who matches her description yet. She's probably keeping a low profile.

Zani:

But right now, she might be the only lead we've got.

Zani:

So, might I ask you play your face card one more time?

Zani:

Much appreciated.

Zani:

We'll do it tonight. It will be in your hands.

Zani:

Feel free to rest until it's time. I've already made arrangements at a hotel.

Zani:

You know what. I'll be here for a while. If you have any questions, just ask away.

Zani:

Everything is taken care of.

You wake up in the middle of the night and find it difficult to fall back to sleep, so you decide to take a walk. To your surprise, you run into Zani, who also struggles to fall asleep. As you chat away, you uncover her identity as the Blazing Nightwalker. Zani was the one who once defeated that formidable gang.

You take some rest in your room. By the time you wake up, you realize you haven't slept much.

So, you leave the hotel and decide to wander around before the operation starts.

Zani:

Rover? It's not time yet. Aren't you going to rest a little longer?

Zani:

I am resting, alright?

Zani:

What about?

Rover:

A lot of people were targeted, but in the end, they only sent you to handle it?

Zani:

If we send too many people, we risk tipping our hand.

Zani:

Well, the Chamber of Discipline did catch a few perps, but they're not quick to act without solid proof.

Zani:

And... some of the higher-ups in the Order might just be happy to see the Montellis having a little trouble.

Rover:

The biggest issue I find is...

Zani:

Really? That's the biggest issue you find?

Zani:

Alright, alright... You've got sharp instincts. Spending too much time with you, and I'm running out of secrets.

Zani:

I was the one who delivered Talos and those Black Alley leaders to The Order.

Zani:

Yeah, that's me... the Blazing Nightwalker. But honestly? I really don't want to keep repeating that name.

Rover:

By tradition, shouldn't you have revealed your true identity at the end?

Zani:

Oh, you're talking about the stories where, after a lot of hardship and misunderstanding, one side lets the truth out with their last breath, leaving the other to regret it forever?

Zani:

I've got my own ways to keep entertained.

Zani:

Hiding my true identity got old fast. Since you were curious, I might as well just tell you.

Zani:

After all, you're not someone I can't trust, right?

Zani:

The family sent me to handle this, partly because they didn't want a big operation to stir things up, and partly because... well, it was a strategic move.

Zani:

I have to say it again, I never called myself that.

Zani:

Back then, I was just doing what needed to be done. Never planned on picking up a fancy nickname.

Rover:

It's hard to imagine that name suiting you now.

Zani:

Well, that's what work does to you...

Rover:

Do you think this "Talos" is the real deal then?

Zani:

...Not sure. Could just be the same old story repeating itself.

Zani:

Let's call it a cleanup job.

Zani:

If things go smoothly, maybe we can grab a late-night snack after, hmm?

Zani:

I don't think this is serious enough to give it your all.

Zani:

Just do enough to get it done. But keep some of that enthusiasm for the snacks later, hm?

After defeating the gang members, one manages to escape and takes Bakie from Trattoria Margherita as hostage. Just when the situation seems dire, Zani arrives in time and takes him out. And the mysterious help-seeker finally reveals themselves.

Panicked Thug:

Blimey, how the hell are you movin' so quick?!

Bakie:

*Beep*—*Beep*!

Panicked Thug:

Not a chance! It's my hostage now... This is an Echonapping, you hear!

Bakie:

Beep! Beep!

Zani:

Hey! Don't be causing trouble for folks who need their breakfast bright and early.

Zani:

Alright, start talking. Where's your hideout? Who's the one really calling the shots?

Zani:

Looks like we'll have to drag him back. We'll get answers sooner or later.

Zani:

A shame this one's only good for squealing. He's not the one we're after.

??:

Is it... me you're looking for?

Colleen:

My name is Colleen... Please, help me and my friends.

Following the runner's route, you locate the hidden entrance to the Black Alley and confront Talos to put an end to this once and for all.

With the description the runner provided, you find the Black Alley's entrance.

Zani:

Might be a bit late to ask, but… Colleen, you did what Talos asked, didn't you?

Colleen:

I didn't...

Zani:

Did you forget what Rover said? Trust goes both ways.

Colleen:

I… I didn't have a choice! If I didn't, they'd... they'd...you know, hurt me!

Zani:

Then when the time comes, make sure you tell the Chamber of Discipline everything. No lies.

Colleen:

But… but I…

Zani:

Don't excuse yourself by saying you were forced into it. Can you do that?

Colleen:

Fine... I get it.

Zani:

Ugh, don't call me that.

Zani:

Let's get this over with.

Zani:

I'm praying it doesn't reek in there.

Colleen:

Don't worry. It may be an underground waterway, but it's been abandoned for a long time now.

Colleen:

It's not exactly clean, but it's livable. We did some work on it.

Colleen:

The pipes are a maze, though. They split up the territory by rank...

Colleen:

Talos is holed up somewhere deep in the waterway.

Zani:

"Demons always live in hell, like the Primus always stays in the Cathedral." Yeah, that's about right.

Zani:

Oh, and Rover, masks on.

Zani:

The mask makes things a lot easier.

Zani:

It's better if neither of us gets recognized too easily.

Colleen:

H-hey… I'll pretend I don't know who you are!

Zani:

Guess I don't need to spell it out for you.

What made an ordinary Montelli employee become a hero with a dramatic alias? Was it for fame, a commitment to justice, or a desire for excitement in a ordinary life? Perhaps the truth lies deeper beyond...

Zani:

Anyway, that's the real story behind that ridiculous name.

Zani:

Not everything needs to be turned into some grand tale.

Zani:

In this city, it's mostly the same routine every day.

Zani:

How long can I snooze before I'm late...

Zani:

Which time's best to line up to get a fresh wrap...

Zani:

How to sleep without lying in bed for hours...

Zani:

These little routines are fragile. One bad move and they're gone.

Zani:

But likewise, just one bold move is enough to bring them back.

Zani:

Most people got it wrong, slapping that big name on me.

Zani:

It's just part of my routine. Like snoozing, eating, or keeping my hair and horns in check.

Zani:

I was alone back then. I didn't even bother hiding who I was.

Zani:

And that's when the trouble started to find me.

Zani:

I thought, why wait for it to get worse? Better to finish it quickly.

Zani:

But of course, I made it worse... Too fast, too soon.

Zani:

The Montelli family reached out to me and offered to clean up the mess. Even said they'd back me up in the future.

Zani:

So, I changed jobs. The work is the same. No difference.

Zani:

Disappointed?

Rover:

Your instincts came from a good place. A fist might not be as sharp as a blade, but it can still break through deeply rooted problems.

Rover:

And up close, it's gentle enough to protect what's important.

Rover:

So don't let today bother you.

Zani:

No, I'm not letting it bother me.

Zani:

Cleaning up simple scum doesn't weigh on me.

Zani:

Just reliving some old memories, that's all.

Zani:

But you're right about something...

Zani:

What you said just now applies to you, too.

Zani:

The difference, though, is that you are a blade. A weapon that can break the cycle.

Zani:

But you don't seem to realize it. Seeing you has brought some old feelings back to me.

Zani:

Don't you see? Ever since you helped make the Carnevale happen, Ragunna's been different.

Zani:

Things are busier now. There's more work, more opportunities.

Zani:

I told you before that these routines are fragile. One bad move and they're gone, right?

Zani:

So... a stable environment is the only way to reduce the bad moves. That's the way we get to keep our routines.

Zani:

I tried to do that for a long time, but you're the one who made it happen.

Zani:

With fewer bad actors on the streets these days, I... am increasingly irrelevant.

Zani:

Perhaps one day, I'll finally be able to sleep through the night.

Zani:

Of course. It was all part of the routine.

Zani:

I've been thinking... It's a relief that someone like you is willing to step up.

Zani:

Your potential is probably beyond what anyone can imagine...

Zani:

Yet, you still insist on being responsible for everything, no matter how big or small.

Zani:

Thank you. You've done well.

Zani:

Ah, sorry... It's just a habit...

Zani:

By the way, this is for you.

Zani:

It used to be my weapon.

Zani:

You can take it as a token of silence, or as part of an agreement.

Zani:

Oh, as if I'd do that! That would just be getting in your way.

Rover:

(While I wait for Zani, maybe I should search the area where that voice came from. )

Rover:

(Looks like they left by Gondola...)

Rover:

(The trail's gone cold. I'll wait for Zani to return.)

Zani:

This is it. Just hit the right spot, and the trapdoor should open.

Zani:

What's on your mind?

Zani:

Mmm... I have some past experience...

Zani:

Let's focus on what's in front of us first.

You and Zani reach the entrance of the Black Alley, and attempt to unlock the trapdoor, but it won't budge. Right at that moment, two masked thugs confront you and announces their plans to rebuild the Black Alley before they attack you.

Aside from a few broken rocks, only silence greets your efforts.

Zani:

Strange... my memory shouldn't be failing me, should it?

Masked Big Brother:

Who's causing trouble here?! Don't you know this is the Masked Brothers' turf?

Masked Little Brother:

B-Brother... they look tough...

Masked Big Brother:

What's there to be afraid of? We are the ones rebuilding the Black Alley!

Masked Big Brother:

Now, how about you hand over some coin, eh?

Zani:

Well, that was a wasted trip.

After defeating the masked thugs, they reveal that the entrance to the Black Alley was destroyed by a ruthless woman weeks ago. Zani escorts them to the Chamber of Discipline and will reach out to you in the following day.

Masked Big Brother:

Wait, mercy! We were blind. Please just let us go this time!

Masked Little Brother:

Told you, didn't I? Told you they were tough! Why do you never listen to me?

Masked Little Brother:

Is this place cursed? Every time something happens, it's never good news.

Masked Little Brother:

Just like the last time...

Masked Big Brother:

Yeah, weeks ago. There was one hell of a racket. We thought the whole place was falling apart.

Masked Big Brother:

Turns out, it was a bloody terror of a woman. Saw us, didn't say a word, just pulled a blade on us.

Masked Big Brother:

We were lucky to get away. Took us two weeks to come back.

Zani:

Perhaps... but the real question is why.

Masked Big Brother:

Then... everything's good now, right? We'll just be on our way.

Masked Big Brother:

Quietly...

Zani:

Is that all the nerve you've got? And you call yourselves the ones to bring back the Black Alley?

Masked Big Brother:

Well you got to have something to make folks fear you, right? One of you looks soft, and the other looks halfway worked to death... I liked my chances.

Zani:

How many times have you pulled this off?

Masked Big Brother:

Not even once!!!

Zani:

Save the rest for the Chamber of Discipline.

Zani swiftly subdues the two would-be escapees.

Zani:

Rover, I'll keep digging into the Black Alley and what happened today.

Zani:

I'll let you know when I have something.

Zani:

It's getting late. We'll pick this up tomorrow, once I've got more to go on.

You receive contact from Zani, informing you that the thugs are led by a woman named Talos, who was believed to have vanished with the Black Alley years ago. Zani also mentions that the rumored hero behind Black Alley's takedown is referred to as the "Blazing Nightwalker." She then suggests you meet her in the city. You can sense her hesitation when mentioning that name.

Zani:

Rover, I've got some updates on the situation.

Zani:

The name of their leader—Talos.

Zani:

Mmm... that name should've died along with the Black Alley years ago.

Rover:

You mentioned before that someone single-handedly wiped out the upper ranks of the Black Alley. Any idea who it was?

Zani:

Well... the rumors call them... the "Blazing Nightwalker."

Zani:

The Blazing Nightwalker. Ugh, don't make me say it again.

Zani:

If you're free, come by and we'll talk. There's something I could use your help with.

Rover:

(Should I head straight for the hotel, or dig a little deeper first?)

Before getting some rest in, you decide to inquire Zani for more information about the case. Seeing that she has experienced past events, she might help you piece together some parts of the puzzle.

Zani:

Something you wanted to talk about?

Zani:

Ragunna once went through a hell of a time. The Order was hit with major losses, including many of their best. The chaos lasted for quite a while.

Zani:

Yes. The Order is by no means above reproach, but you cannot deny they keep Ragunna stable.

Zani:

The Black Alley was born when that stability fell apart. Criminals from every corner banded together, and law-abiding citizens paid the price.

Zani:

To make things worse, they forced a lot of vagrants into their ranks, using them as tools for their dirty work.

Zani:

Their eyes and ears were everywhere. The Order tried several times to wipe them out, but each time they came up empty.

Zani:

Then one day, the Chamber of Discipline managed to catch the ones pulling the strings—they were found tied up and served on a platter. That's when the Black Alley taken down.

Zani:

As for the Blazing Nightwalker... and Talos, that's the names the Black Alley gave them.

Concierge:

Hello there, {Male=Mr.;Female=Ms.} Rover

Concierge:

Ms. Zani has already reserved a room for you. Ready to check in?

Concierge:

You've come to the right person.

Concierge:

I was once saved by the Blazing Nightwalker myself. Ragunna wasn't nearly as peaceful back then as it is now.

Concierge:

I was heading home later than usual when I ran into some Black Alley brutes.

Concierge:

If it hadn't been for the Blazing Nightwalker, I'm sure they would have robbed me blind.

Concierge:

I had an entire month's earnings on me!

Concierge:

Well… It all happened so quickly, and it was dark, so I didn't get a proper look.

Concierge:

All I saw were a pair of blazing eyes. Guess that was where the name came from, eh?

Margherita:

Any nibbles you're hankerin' for today?

Margherita:

Oh, I've heard some of the patrons talkin' about em'! Sounds like someone who can really give a good thrashin', eh?

Margherita:

But those who got a beatin' were bullying thugs, taking the weak for a ride. Honestly, they probably had it comin'.

Margherita:

But that's all from ages ago. Ye know, they say the Blazing Nightwalker only frequented the dodgy areas anyway.

Margherita:

Since the city's been safer, I don't hear much about 'em anymore.

Passing Acolyte:

Honored Laurate, may I be of service?

Passing Acolyte:

Ah, yes... I remember the stories from long ago.

Passing Acolyte:

Back then, the Order had yet to recover from the devastation of the Second Black Tide, and our peacekeeping forces were stretched thin.

Passing Acolyte:

In those neglected corners of the city, crime took root and chaos spread like wildfire.

Passing Acolyte:

That was when this righteous figure first made their presence known.

Passing Acolyte:

The Chamber of Discipline received criminals bound and left at our doorstep every day. However, the Blazing Nightwalker vanished without a trace.

Passing Acolyte:

I suppose, once the situation improved, they faded into the shadows. May the Sentinel bless them.

Passing Acolyte:

It was a special time in the city's history. What the Nightwalker did still stirs debate to this day. Everyone has their own theories.

Passing Acolyte:

Some of my brethren believe their actions overstepped the bounds of the Order's teachings.

Passing Acolyte:

But when you look at the results, they clearly align with the Sentinel's will of salvation.

Zani:

It's almost time. Let's split up and prepare for the ambush.

Zani:

Let's see if we can catch them in the act.

Rover:

(Zani is clearly doing more than just "enough to get it done," but I'll hold off on mentioning it for now.)

Rover:

Someone's making moves. But they just seem to be petty thieves.

Zani:

Got it. You're clear to act when you see fit.

Zani:

I'll watch your back and keep an eye out for anyone trying to shadow you.

Cocky Thug:

Figured someone was waiting for us. But you walked right into it, didn't ya?

Cocky Thug:

Alright, boys! Let's put 'em down!

Zani:

Need a hand?

Rover:

I've got it covered.

Cocky Thug:

Ugh... You hit harder than I thought...

Cocky Thug:

Well, my boss gave me this—!

Zani:

Let's move in. Now!

The mysterious help-seeker, Colleen, admits she is from the Black Alley, a place that was once home to the homeless but is now seized by Talos and her gang. Colleen warns that Talos possesses a Terminal of unknown origin. You and Zani are determined to stop Talos from exploiting its power.

Zani:

Before we go any further, shouldn't you explain who you are first?

Colleen:

I'm from the Black Alley...

Colleen:

No, no, no... The Black Alley is more than just the gang! It's the place too.

Zani:

The entrance to the Black Alley is shut. It's done.

Colleen:

You're right, Talos destroyed it. But there's another way in...

Colleen:

It used to be a home for vagrants like us. A few scraps, a couple of jobs... just enough to get by.

Colleen:

But then she came, and it all went up in smoke...

Colleen:

She came in claiming this place was hers since they owned it before.

Colleen:

Told us, if we wanted to stay, we had to follow her rules. No other choice.

Colleen:

Steal, lie, cheat, rob... same as the old days. Give her your tribute, or... or you get a beating.

Zani:

A fish that slipped the net...

Zani:

Sounds just like how the Black Alley ran things... But do people actually accept her as the acting Talos?

Colleen:

Some people did. They wanted to, you know? The ones with the dirty hands already. They were easy.

Colleen:

But the main reason is that no one can stand up to her...

Colleen doesn't answer your question, instead she looks at Zani with a conflicted and wary expression.

Zani:

I'll wait outside.

Zani:

Rover？

Rover:

Colleen, if you can't trust my friend, then I can't offer you my help.

Rover:

Trust goes both ways. You can't ask for help with one hand while holding a knife with the other.

Colleen:

I... I...

Zani:

The operation is a wrap. Bring the ones we caught in and then everyone can call it a day.

Voice in Terminal:

Got it, Ms. Zani. Any leads on your side?

Zani:

No, nothing to report.

Voice in Terminal:

Ah, looks like we'll have to try again tomorrow.

Zani:

It's just us now. Anything else bothering you while I'm at it?

Colleen:

A Terminal... Talos also has a Terminal. It lets her transform into a powerful Echo.

Zani:

So that's it. You are worried the Terminal was supplied by someone from the Montelli family, aren't you?

Zani:

That's why you doubt us and prefer to put your faith in a wayfaring Laureate, hm?

Colleen:

I'm sorry...

Zani:

There's no need to apologize. You're a victim in this, with every right to be suspicious.

Zani:

So then, Rover, what do you think we should do?

Zani:

*Sigh*... Who told everyone to call it a day again?

Zani:

As an employee of the Montelli family, I have an obligation to stop any Terminals from being misused.

Zani:

I'll just have to ask the boss for double overtime pay and an extra vacation after this.

Zani:

Are you really bringing up something so depressing now?

Colleen:

Thank you, thank you both!

Colleen:

Talos has us blindfolded whenever we leave the Black Alley. Keeps us from knowing the new entrance. A runner takes us to the meeting spot.

Colleen:

I'll take you to him.

Colleen:

That's his hideout. Over there.

Colleen:

He's a slippery one. One wrong move, and he'll be gone, off in a Gondola before you can blink.

Zani:

Looks like we're thinking the same thing.

Zani:

I'll cause a distraction up front. Leave the show to me.

Zani:

And you'll move to checkmate.

Following the plan, you move to the rear of the hideout. You signal Zani to initiate the operation once in position.

Zani:

Same as usual. Just another day's work.

Runner:

Wait, wait! Wait, wait! You're after the Black Alley's entrance, aren't you?

Runner:

I know my value to people.

Runner:

Now that you've got me, no point in resisting. The longer I hold out, the more pain I'm asking for.

Runner:

Smart people know when to give in. It's how I stayed alive.

Zani:

Rover, have you got him?

Zani:

So we won't need to "help" him talk after all.

Zani:

Once he coughs up the entrance location, we'll head straight there from here.

Zani:

The family is almost on site. They can handle the cleanup.

The runner's men rush out in an attempt to overwhelm Zani with their numbers.

Meanwhile, you intercept the runner attempting to flee.

You order some late night snacks at Trattoria Margherita and looks for a place to rest.

The next day, you get a call from Zani as you're wandering on the street.

Zani:

Protecting the rich...

Zani:

Is not exactly the work I find meaningful.

Zani:

But I get to slack off

Zani:

Nothing to complain about...

Zani:

Late again...

Woman:

Help!

Ruffian:

Heh heh heh...

Ruffian:

You're all out of luck, sweetheart!

Zani:

Hey.

Woman:

Thank you! Thank you!

Zani:

"Thank you"...

Zani:

Have I ever thanked anyone so earnestly before?

Zani:

What was I thinking back then?

Zani:

Wishing someone would stand up for me...

Zani:

Right?

Zani:

...I'll walk a little longer.

Thief:

Who are you?

Thief:

Mind your own damn business!

Thief:

It was you yesterday...

Thief:

Err...

Thief A:

Have you heard...

Thief A:

About that one?

Zani:

The Blazing Nightwalker...

Zani:

How overdone...

Zani:

Huh... time to work again.

You pick up the drink Zani left behind. It's an energy drink you rarely see, advertised as capable of providing lasting energy.

From what you know, most Vault employees rely on strong coffee to stay fresh.

This drink tastes fine and isn't bitter at all. Maybe Zani drinks it because she doesn't like something that's bitter. Or maybe...

A shocking thought crosses your mind: What if... it's because even the strongest coffee has no effect on Zani?

No, no. That's not possible.

You wait on the roof for some time. As you anticipated, several suspicious men begin to appear.

You board the Gondola and enjoy a pleasant day in Ragunna.

As night falls over the city, you get off the Gondola and notice two suspicious figures nearby...