Mithril

Ever heard of Second Coming of Solaris before, Rover?

So you don't know about it?

Second Coming of Solaris... It's the fiction that everyone's talking about across Huanglong. It has been a bestseller for three weeks in a row!

Its author, Karl, is from the New Federation. It's his debut work and he's already been named one of the top-earning writers in recent years with this single book.

It rivets nearly all the attention of our editors from the headquarters.

Of course not... Some swooped in only to try to find the trick to write a top seller.

But I can't deny that it's the best piece of work among all the candidates in recent years.

I was taken on an epic adventure through the protagonist while I was reading Second Coming of Solaris...

Oh, I got carried away. Let's turn back to our topic. Rover, we hope you could lend us some help.

The Pioneer Association has reached an agreement on developing a game franchise based on Second Coming of Solaris and the production of the game is already underway.

The development is still at a very early stage. The basic framework is complete, but we're still working on the production of a huge body of art assets.

The dev team is still struggling to find a creative direction that enables them to recapture the grandeur of the world in the novel.

In our meeting yesterday, a few colleagues mentioned that a well-traveled guest had just arrived in Jinzhou... that is what brought me to you.

Of course, we'll let you know whenever there's progress in the game.

Simply put, all you need to do is find us some real-world references that fit the descriptions in the novel.

With these references, the developers can have a general picture of what the in-game world should look like.

You don't need to worry about that. We have a deep budget for the game and you'll be well compensated for your efforts.

Let's begin with today's job if you're ready.

Let me explain our job today.

In the opening chapter, our protagonist paid a visit to a city called Tiancheng.

According to the book, "the cries of peddlers fill the market... a bewildering array of goods lines the shelves of every shop..."

"We had a taste of a local drink served by the hotel. I was caught by total relief though my tongue stung a bit from that bitterness..."

"Even on such foreign land, we feel safe and sound... We stayed there for three days to restore our strengths before we reluctantly said goodbye to this city."

This Tiancheng here is so much alike to Jinzhou.

Anyway, the dev team wants an item that embodies this prosperity of Tiancheng, which is also a significant town scene in the game.

Well, that local drink will suffice.

If you happen to come across some samples, feel free to drop by.

Among all the drinks in Jinzhou, I like tea the most.

...which is also the perfect match for what's in Second Coming of Solaris. Its taste is bitter but persistent on your tongue.

Tea is also the most popular seller here in my shop.

By all means. That's also our greeting to visitors of Jinzhou.

Here. Remember to boil it with spring water. That makes the tea even better!

We look forward to meeting you again. Goodbye.

Enjoying a cup of tea over chitchats in an inn... Seeing the steam of hot tea does make it more vivid.

This would be what our dev team needs. I even can picture the lively Tiancheng right now.

Thank you. That wraps up today's work!

See you tomorrow, Rover.

Let me explain our job today.

In this chapter, they passed right by a valley on their way to Mt. Moore.

It goes: "We ventured through the valley as the night fell..."

"In the sole darkness of night, the Sea of Flowers seemed to fall noir... Pressed between petals and leaves, we walked as clothes uttered gentle friction..."

"Pale and silent as it was, the night permitted our disturbing existence. No, I heard murmurs upon the waves, saying "O travelers O winds..."

Yes. I find inner peace in this.

But to think of what comes after this chapter, I slow down my pace...

Anyway, we need the reference for the Sea of Flowers to create the valley according to this chapter.

If you happen to come across some samples, feel free to drop by.

Rongqing has told me some about this book.

I can't say I have much experience with stuff like this... I'm just too old for a packed page...

You're so sweet. Just tell me if you want to buy some Penjing. I'm giving you discounts!

Well, you certainly can't expect a potted plant to look nearly as impressive as an actual sea of flowers.

But I guess a luxuriant pot of irises may capture the feel.

It originates from Whining Aix's Mire and its flower language is fragile, untold affections. Romantic, isn't it?

It has a short flowering season, making it unsuitable for Penjing. So we usually don't sell them here. But Verina happened to drop by a few days ago and gave me a few.

I'll give one to you if you need it.

You're welcome. Just drop by anytime.

It's beautiful. Thank you for the work. I'll hand it over to the dev team.

It would be easier for them to imagine a sea of flowers with this.

Thank you. That wraps up today's work!

See you tomorrow, Rover.

Let me explain our job today.

In this chapter, our protagonist paid a visit to a mystic island.

It goes: "The autumn seemed to be permanent here. Leaves and foliage were bathed in burning gold..."

"As the sea breeze gently met the shore, a golden shower fell upon our shoulders..."

"For once, I caught a whiff of fragrance in the fallen leaves... It was only many years later that I realized it had been a kind of golden insect hidden in camouflage in those leaves."

The insect served as a metaphor by the author for the following plots.

What's more. At the end of this chapter, the elders of the island would use this insect to—

Sorry, my bad... This is one of my favorite bits so I got carried away.

Anyway, the dev team wants a reference for such an important element in future plots.

If you happen to come across some samples, feel free to drop by.

Do {Male=you;Female=you} like these bugs too?

No, Mingming. {Male=He;Female=She} needs you to answer a question.

Daddy has told us stories about it. The legend of a hero! Do you still remember?

Oh, I know! And a hero and a big bad guy, the Hatless, right?!

So, {Male=you;Female=you} are looking for the insect in the book, right?

A golden fly that smells sweet... Sounds like the yellow butterfly we caught today.

A giant yellow butterfly! Just show {Male=him;Female=her} what we get!

Take a look, {Male=sir;Female=miss}. We had it in the shrubs.

It feeds on honey and smells sweet just like the kind of candy Daddy would treat us to.

Hehe, I kid you not!

Of course! But promise me to come over to play hide-and-seek with us!

Please accept the butterfly. And don't forget your promise!

Until then!

Hide-and-seek! Hide-and-seek!

The bug does have elegant patterns. Thank you for your efforts. I'll deliver it to the dev team.

It will contribute a lot to the building of the island.

Thank you. That wraps up today's work!

See you tomorrow, Rover.

Let me explain our job today.

In this chapter, the true identity of the protagonist's nemesis is finally revealed.

According to the book, it's "...a towering figure with rough edges like a statue..."

"An aura of brilliant stars surrounded this Crownless King like loyal courtiers..."

"It nearly compelled me to bow down... I gathered all my strength from falling on my knees..."

Where did you learn that name?

Second Coming of Solaris has received overwhelming favor for this part. Fans of this book call this mighty figure The Crownless.

So you know the story.

We want something to help the dev team to picture the image of the Crownless.

If you happen to come across some samples, feel free to drop by.

I've read Second Coming of Solaris. A good piece of work, I'd admit... But I've never finished it.

Because it makes me sweat bullets when reading the portrayal of the monsters.

Those monsters in the book... They must be the Tacet Discords.

Yes, they do.

*sigh* I ventured into Tacet Fields a lot when I was young, wishing to get some first-hand reports about Tacet Discords.

But my adventure was cut short by an accident, where I was heavily injured by Tacet Discords. After that, I decided to leave the field and work for the support staff.

This is something I brought from the Tacet Field back in those days. Just take a look at this ominous structure. It's too weird to be a natural formation.

If you're after something related to monsters, just take this.

Don't take it to your heart. Life is much better when you don't have to handle those Tacet Discords.

But it does remind me of those young Pioneer reporters. They can risk everything for a field trip about Tacet Discords. I can't help but worry about them.

Wait, no. Let's continue this topic next time. I'm off to talk to Zhuyi about his dangerous field trip...

How peculiar... I'll hand it over to the dev team right now. Thank you.

I believe the team would have a much more vivid picture of the protagonist's first encounter with the Crownless.

Thank you. That wraps up today's work!

So you know the name? Many take "Big Brother" as a nickname for the Crownless.

Anyway, let's call it a day. See you tomorrow, Rover.

Let me explain our job today.

This chapter recounts how the protagonist met their destined companions for the first time.

It goes: "The most reliable way to find you a reliable teammate is not through good vibes but a good fight."

"And when you're concerned about mutual faith, ask for a bowl of hot soup when you suffer hunger and cold in the wilderness."

During such a hard time, someone offered a bowl of hot soup to our protagonist.

I would remember it for the rest of my life if I were the protagonist.

What kind of food do you think would work best in such a scenario, Rover?

Well, I didn't know you would like that.

Anyway, please pick a suitable dish as a reference for our dev team.

If you happen to come across some samples, feel free to drop by.

Though I've never read the book, the story certainly feels close to home!

I remember back when I was young and my family was struggling to make ends meet, I could nibble on a plain flatbread that the kind old man of the village gave me to get me through the day.

Perhaps it was these days that nurtured my love for cooking.

What could be happier than to please your guests with all your cooking skills?

Speaking of which, here is a specialty I made just now.

It's called Jinzhou Stew, General Jiyan's favorite food of all time.

It's also a taste from their childhood for many in Jinzhou

Hehe, right? A stew of meat and vegetables always serves the best when you're hungry!

Oh, don't forget your urgent errands. Let's continue our food conversation next time. I still have a few dishes to serve.

You can drop by for a slow enjoyable meal when available. I'll cook for you!

It smells good... I'll hand it over to the dev team right now. Thank you.

It should be the ideal food to signify their first encounter.

Thank you. That wraps up today's work!

No, I don't know them.

Anyway, let's call it a day. See you tomorrow, Rover.

Let me explain our job today.

In this chapter, they ventured all the way to the North and reached Mt. Moore, preparing to meet the final enemy.

Before their enemy showed up, the air of Mt. Moore had already chilled the protagonist to the bone.

It goes: "...Obscuring the moonlight, black clouds even made the Mithril on the hills lose its sheen..."

"Everything seemed to be flowing, filling my lungs like condensed ink. As I took my breaths, I was dragged into darkness further."

This part can never cease to impress me with the howling sense of despair, even after all of my repeated readings.

I can't help but wonder, what would induce such a sensational scene? And this Mithrill... what does it look like?

Indeed. The black clouds had an overwhelming presence as they had swallowed the glow of the moon and minerals.

Samples of Mithrill will help improve the mental image of this chapter, I believe.

If you happen to come across some samples, feel free to drop by.

Second Coming of Solaris? I could spare little interest for these casual reads of you youngsters...

...though I do know a thing about this Mithril.

A translucent mineral called Lampylumen would produce an azure shine that makes it even brighter in the dark.

I'm assuming the Mithril probably originates from the Lampylumen.

You've mentioned its writer, Karl, right? I would like to have a little chat with a mineral expert like him.

*sigh* What a shame... As you get older, you'd realize how hard it is to meet someone who shares your passion.

What a coincidence. I happen to keep a Lampylumen remnant left by the previous guest.

The Lampylumen is a specialty mineral only found in the caves of the Panyan mountains.

But if it's useful to you, I'll not reserve it.

You're welcome, hehe! Business is all about honesty and I'd like to maintain a good relationship with my customers.

Do remember to come over next time! Huaipu Mining Firm has the best mineral salt and petrolatum.

Take it. I know you have a busy schedule today.

Wow. This mineral surely fits the depiction of the Mirthril. I'll hand it over to the dev team right now!

When the black clouds veil the moon... This is the perfect trigger!

Thank you. That wraps up today's work!

See you tomorrow, Rover.

Let me explain our job today.

Coming to the end of this chapter, the protagonist engaged in a showdown with the Crownless.

It goes: "...We compromised to the overwhelming darkness... Sword and spear, wand and gem, all had shattered like broken pieces..."

"We stared at the night, almost covered by the rising Crownless... Its gaze pieced like a razor..."

"...We cannot retreat, even wielding the Burning Jade as our only weapon..."

"...March till the end if you're lost in the wild. Rip the moon apart if it fails to shine."

It marks the climax of the first chapter. I have the same exciting feeling as you. I wonder what it would be like in our game.

But with one issue remaining: What exactly is this Burning Jade?

Though it appears in the previous chapters before, the writer has omitted the description of its shape and appearance.

To reproduce the showdown, we're gonna need a reference for it.

If you happen to come across some samples, feel free to drop by.

The Crownless's tyranny rules the failing moon...

...while civilization stems from the silent Burning Jade...

Finally! Someone reaches out to ask me, the most loyal fan of Second Coming of Solaris...

Only the expansive world in the book can match my incessant stream of creativity and overflowing talents for verses...

I know you'll come to me for this, from the moment you joined this project.

Because it's the key to turn the tide in the incredible final showdown!

A precious of such eminence will not tolerate any plain mold in this world.

Such nerve... Fine, I'll tell you. Only in the ever-changing Sonoro Sphere could you find a substantial copy of this Burning Jade.

But it's a piece of cake for a No.1 book fan. I've prepared what you want.

Now, I can give this precious item to you, if you wish.

But with one condition.

I want you to ask Maqi to... add my name to the Special Thanks list.

How can I remain anonymous as the No.1 fan of this book?

Just... do your best. Success only comes after you give it a go!

Here, have it. And don't forget your promise!

I see. It matches the image of the Burning Jade in my head.

I'll deliver it to the dev team. They will need it for the last scene.

All chapters of Tiancheng have been completed.

The Pioneer Association would like to thank you for your continued support, Rover.

Same here.

By the way, Mr. Karl has heard stories about this. He would like to meet you if possible.

Mr. Karl also expressed his appreciation for your help in the game development.

Anyway, our job is done here. But...

The references you brought in made our developers' lives much easier. They would like to come to you for more of this kind of favors. What would you say?

No worries. The Pioneer Association will pay you in full if you agree to help.

Well, until we meet again, Rover!

Well, maybe you should ask the owner of Huaipu Mining Firm. He is a knowledgeable mineral expert.

Since it's about the Mithril, I suggest you go ask for his advice.

If you ask me, there is a clue you can get from one book fan.

His name is Xieyang, often seen around the Jinzhou Institute during the daytime.

He has a reservoir of ideas for this book, generous in providing suggestions. But...

His words are usually saddled with riddles.

We all can tell his passion for Second Coming of Solaris, but that doesn't make our conversations easier.

However, I have the feeling that you can understand him.

Then I'll entrust you to this.

Well, Panhua's Restaurant is definitely one of the must-haves in Jinzhou.

If you need to learn about foods, I suggest you ask for Panhua's advice.

A ferocious opponent... The Crownless... Maybe you should ask someone who frequents the danger zone?

Xianchen over there is an experienced Pioneer explorer. If you need help, how about asking her?

An entomologist... I have no clues.

Maybe you should go to the pond. Some kids are frequently seen catching flies there.

Speaking of the Sea of Flowers, I do visit Bogu's Arbor around the business area when off shift.

If you want to inquire about something related to plants, you can ask Grandma Lin, the owner there, for some information.

Drinks that will prevail on foreign taste buds... Maybe I should do a street interview with those visitors?

The Pioneer Merchandises have been Ganxue's staple. Many visitors bring one of those back as a gift.

That would be a good idea that you ask Ganxue about their comments on Jinzhou.