Symphony of the Night Event/Scripts: Difference between revisions
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{{SC | {{SC | ||
|choice1=Marius is busy | |choice1=Marius is busy | ||
|script1={{SL|You|Something | |script1={{SL|You|Something came up afterward, so I had him leave first.}} | ||
{{SL|Luke|Hm... He's probably going to be pretty busy since the Big Data Lab's under attack.}} | {{SL|Luke|Hm... He's probably going to be pretty busy since the Big Data Lab's under attack.}} | ||
|choice2=Going to the next location | |choice2=Going to the next location | ||
| Line 679: | Line 679: | ||
{{SL|Artem|@[[Main Character|Player]], are you at headquarters? I'll be right there.}} | {{SL|Artem|@[[Main Character|Player]], are you at headquarters? I'll be right there.}} | ||
{{SC | {{SC | ||
|choice1= | |choice1=Okay | ||
|script1={{SL|You|Okay.}} | |script1={{SL|You|Okay.}} | ||
{{SL|Artem|You should rest up. North Stellis is far.}} | {{SL|Artem|You should rest up. North Stellis is far.}} | ||
| Line 685: | Line 685: | ||
|script2={{SL|You|No rush. Take your time, Mr. Wing.}} | |script2={{SL|You|No rush. Take your time, Mr. Wing.}} | ||
{{SL|Artem|All right, I won't have you wait too long. I'll be over as quickly as I can.}}}} | {{SL|Artem|All right, I won't have you wait too long. I'll be over as quickly as I can.}}}} | ||
{{SL|Luke|Be careful. Let us know if something comes | {{SL|Luke|Be careful. Let us know if something comes up.}} | ||
{{SL|Artem|''-Tap to Continue- Old Street in North Stellis Location''}}}} | {{SL|Artem|''-Tap to Continue- Old Street in North Stellis Location''}}}} | ||
| Line 1,543: | Line 1,543: | ||
{{SL|Marius|Where?}} | {{SL|Marius|Where?}} | ||
{{SC | {{SC | ||
|choice1= | |choice1=Harbor District | ||
|script1={{SL|You| | |script1={{SL|You|At the Harbor District. It's apparently where the final cellular signal pinged from.}}}} | ||
{{SL|Vyn|Well, has | {{SL|Vyn|Well now, has our client finally taken the initiative?}} | ||
{{SL|Artem| | {{SL|Artem|Was the last leg of Medilla's escape by sea?}} | ||
{{SL|Luke|If we confirm the date of departure, then we can track him through the boat ticket records.}} | {{SL|Luke|If we confirm the date of departure, then we can track him through the boat ticket records.}} | ||
{{SL|Vyn| | {{SL|Vyn|Considering Medilla's character, he will not leave any traces of his presence there.}} | ||
{{SL|Marius|So you're saying that he | {{SL|Marius|So you're saying that he'll definitely erase his records after he crosses the border?}} | ||
{{SL|Luke| | {{SL|Luke|Yes... I think that's something he would do.}} | ||
{{SL|Artem|I'll go | {{SL|Artem|I'll go look.}} | ||
{{SL|Marius| | {{SL|Marius|Deciding so soon? Don't we need to plan things out a bit more?}} | ||
{{SL|Artem|We're only looking for evidence of his departure. | {{SL|Artem|We're only looking for evidence of his departure. Even if the records have been wiped, we can still ask around.}} | ||
{{SL|Vyn|I agree. It is better to do the questioning sooner than later.}} | {{SL|Vyn|I agree. It is better to do the questioning sooner than later.}} | ||
{{SL|Luke|I have no objections.}} | {{SL|Luke|I have no objections.}} | ||
{{SL|Marius| | {{SL|Marius|Let's see what @[Player] thinks}} | ||
{{SC | {{SC | ||
|choice1=Go with Artem | |choice1=Go with Artem | ||
|script1={{SL|You|I | |script1={{SL|You|I'll go with Mr. Wing.}} | ||
{{SL|Artem| | {{SL|Artem|All right. I'll head over now.}} | ||
|choice2=Question as soon as possible | |choice2=Question as soon as possible | ||
|script2={{SL|You|I | |script2={{SL|You|I also feel that we should start questioning while we still have the chance.}} | ||
{{SL|Artem|A precise judgment.}}}} | {{SL|Artem|A precise judgment.}}}} | ||
{{SL|Marius|I hope | {{SL|Marius|I hope your investigation goes well.}} | ||
{{SL|Luke|DAVIS and I will also help look for the records.}} | {{SL|Luke|DAVIS and I will also help look for the records.}} | ||
{{SL|Vyn|I | {{SL|Vyn|I believe that we are already almost upon the truth.}} | ||
{{SL|Artem|''-Tap to Continue- Stellis Harbor Location''}}}} | {{SL|Artem|''-Tap to Continue- Stellis Harbor Location''}}}} | ||
Revision as of 04:43, 29 October 2021
Intro
The autumn sun is shining into Luke's detective office, but you don't feel warm at all.
Luke frowns at your side as the two of you scrutinize the item in his hand...
???: Listen carefully, Ace Detective and partner... This is the final time.
A modulated voice comes from the strange box in Luke's hand. Not a hint of emotion can be detected in its words.
???: If you cannot complete this job within the allotted time and find that missing hacker...
???: I will immediately attack the Big Data Lab and paralyze Stellis' Internet networks.
The voice suddenly ends, leaving you and Luke at a loss for words.
Last evening, Luke had received a request. The client had mailed over a box to elaborate on its details.
Knowing your fondness of riddles, Luke had invited you over to investigate it together. However, he didn't expect the client to be so threatening.
If you don't fulfill this job, the Big Data Lab will be attacked... The client had repeatedly emphasized this point and provided no further information.
You and Luke look at each other and start questioning the box.
Luke: Since you gave us this job, give us some details. Who's this hacker you—
*buzz* *buzz*
Your phone starts vibrating on the desk. Upon seeing the caller ID, Luke stops his questioning.
You: Marius? Didn't he say he'd be in a board meeting for the entire day? Why would he call now...?
Luke: ...I have a bad feeling. Anyway, we should pick up first.
You nod and answer your phone.
Marius: [Player], yesterday you said you'd be playing at the detective's office. Are you still there?
You: Yeah. What's up?
Marius: Can you pass the phone over to Luke?
Marius is looking for Luke? You freeze, looking at Luke.
Luke nods and gestures for you to turn on your speakerphone.
Luke: Marius, did something recently happen to the Big Data Lab?
Marius: From your question, I'm assuming you really do know something about this.
Marius: The Big Data Lab's suffered several hacking attempts, and our engineers fended off another one just now.
Luke: Why are you looking for me? Are you suspecting me because I've done similar things before?
Marius: ...If you want to put it that way, you're not exactly wrong.
Marius: But I'm more concerned that these hackings aren't an individual's work, but an organized, large-scale attack.
Marius: If that's so, then it'll be hard to fend off these attacks with the Big Data Lab's current resources.
Marius: I want you to help recommend some experts. It'd be great if we could hire some external help.
Luke: I knew it... If my guess is correct, that's all related to a job that I'm working on right now.
Luke: This matter is related to the entire city's network security. None of us alone can resolve this.
Luke: Can we make an exception and call for a full NXX meeting? I'll explain everything then.
Marius: Sure. You and [Player] head to HQ first. I'll notify the other two.
Ending the call, Luke looks at the box in his hand again with a grave expression.
You: Luke, if we need everyone on this investigation, doesn't that mean the situation is dire?
Luke: Yes. Things are quiet now, but I have a feeling...
Luke: This threat-laden contract is definitely more convoluted than we know.
One hour later, at the NXX Headquarters.
Vyn: In summary, the client sent a locked box and threatened their own contractors for the sake of a missing person?
Luke: He repeatedly emphasized that this matter can't be made public. I suspect that the missing hacker may have touched upon something dangerous.
Marius: Whatever dangers there are, we need to prepare against leaks while obtaining external aid. How senseless to threaten the Big Data Lab...
Artem: How serious are the current attacks on the Big Data Lab?
Marius: I'm not the best person to explain that, but I found a helper who's an expert in the field. It'd be better if he explained.
With that said, Marius interacts with the NXX Headquarters computer.
After running a set of commands, the projector turns on. The shape of a person slowly forms in front of everyone.
You: Huh? You're...
DAVIS: Hello, I'm DAVIS, the AI of the Big Data Lab. I'm pleased to be of service.
You're momentarily stunned to see the AI boy who has previously only existed in your phone, the boy who likes to provide interesting wiki tidbits.
You: You're DAVIS?
DAVIS: That's me! If it would be easier for you, I can assume this form for future conversations~
Marius: DAVIS, tell us about the Big Data Lab's responses to the hacking attacks.
DAVIS' face grows gloomy upon hearing the words "hacking attacks."
DAVIS: All right, allow me to explain.
DAVIS: Starting last month, the Big Data Lab has suffered a small-scale hack every few days. Fortunately, they were exploratory in nature and caused no damage.
DAVIS: Another hacking attack was launched this morning. After their analysis, our engineers believe that this attack was meant to buy time as they analyzed our firewall.
DAVIS: I interrupted the hackers' progress, but I believe that they have already completed their analysis.
DAVIS: If there is another attack, there is a 90% chance that the firewall will be penetrated.
Luke: This client who tasked us with finding the missing hacker is obviously a talented hacker himself.
Luke: From all their warnings, I think that the attacks on the Big Data Lab were just preliminary ones.
Marius: You're saying that he broke through our firewall to a critical point so that you're forced to complete his job?
Luke: I'm afraid so. These attacks were just to prove that he has the ability to disrupt the Big Data Lab.
Luke: In my opinion, the best way to resolve this situation is to track down the client's location before he launches his next attack.
Vyn: In other words, you plan to accept this contract?
Artem: Indeed, a plausible option is to accept the contract and stall him while we trace his source signal.
Marius: [Player], what do you think?
Marius asks you and everyone turns to look at you.
You: I also think it's a better idea to accept the commission.
You: Before we know what's going on, we may as well do it his way. Maybe we'll find more clues along the way.
Vyn: To slay the dragon, one must enter the dragon's den. Interesting idea.
Vyn: If that is your decision, then I am happy to participate.
Luke: Well, I thought so too. As long as you're with us, you don't need to worry about your safety.
You: I feel like we should accept... But I also think it's better to wait and see.
You: Right now we don't know what his real objective is. If searching for the missing person is just a cover...
Artem: You're worried that he may have other agendas. To be honest, I share the same concerns.
Artem: Anyways, it's the only way to get more clues. Don't worry, I'll be with you.
Marius: You have me! Don't you feel at ease, knowing that I'm watching over you?
DAVIS: Yes! I will track the hacker's signal source and follow your actions to assist you!
Luke shows everyone the box he received from the client.
Luke: I tried to open it yesterday, it's an intricate electronic device, it can't be disassembled easily
Marius: ...Is it a bomb or something?
DAVIS: No, it can only be opened with a specific command. Can you connect it to the computer? Let me have a go.
Luke connects it to the computer. The projection of Davis disappears. He's focused on analyzing the box.
After waiting for ten minutes, the box suddenly "clicks" and the gap in the middle loosens.
Marius: Oh! Is it open?
The voice of Davis comes from the computer.
DAVIS: This box is called the "Vesper Box." This is the data entered by the creator.
DAVIS: By the way, there is a special program in the "Vesper Box" it'd record the first person who starts the screen.
DAVIS: But, I can assure you that it's not dangerous! Please feel free to play with it!
Everyone looks at each other, and Luke picks up the box.
After confirming that there's no danger, Luke gives the box to you.
Luke: You seem very interested. Why don't you check it out for everyone?
You: Me? Can I?
You look around, everyone seems to have faith in you.
You: Okay... I'll do it then!
You: Should I just open the box from here?
Luke: Yes, just open it sideways.
Artem: This is after all an intricate device, you'd better be careful when opening it.
You: I'm not going to use brute force, Artem. Have some faith in me, won't you?
Artem: ...
Artem: I meant... be careful of being cut by the small parts of the device.
You: Oh... okay.
You: Nine screens? Is it to show different commissions?
Vyn: Not sure what the name "Vesper Box" means... the name seem to suggest some sort of spiritual connection.
Marius: Don't you think... this thing looks like some kind of girl's cosmetics...?
You: Girl's cosmetics... you are so knowledgeable.
Marius: Hehe, of course, I pay attention to things I can give you as a gift!
DAVIS: Everyone, I have activated "Vesper Box"'s system. Click again to turn on the screen. Have a go!
You: Wow... it's beautiful!
Vyn: ...It can even be called an artistic masterpiece.
DAVIS: The information on the screen is the encrypted mission command, it is being decoded. One moment, please.
Artem: Only one screen is on, the others are locked and numbered... Is the sequence decided by the client?
You: I guess before we find him, we have no choice but to do as we're told...
Marius: While DAVIS is still analyzing, let's talk about our countermeasures.
Luke: Yes. Whether we should get involved in this, I want to hear what you think.
While Davis is still analyzing the encrypted content on the screen, you put the "Vesper Box" aside.
Marius: My opinion is, this is related to the Big Data Lab, I can't leave this alone.
Luke: The client specifically asked me to do it, plus Stellis' network security's at stake, I have to do something.
Marius: ...So you mean you are in?
Luke: It is my commission.
You: ...
You always investigate together anyway. Do they have to be so...
You: Shall we... solve this together?
Luke: Do you want to participate as well? I'm worried that it may affect your job...
Artem: There're different priorities. This is related to the information security of Stellis.
Artem: [Player], I'll give you a few days off so you can focus on this. I'll help too.
You: Really...?
You: Thank you, Artem!
Marius: I knew it'd end up like this...
Vyn: We are all members of the same team. It would be disloyal for me to abandon my fellow teammates.
Vyn slowly crosses his legs sitting in his chair.
You: Is Dr. Richter in as well?
Vyn: Most certainly. You have accepted this challenge, so I will fight together by your side.
Marius: Would you stop pretending...
Artem: How long does it take before DAVIS finishes analyzing?
DAVIS: Mission completed! You can now review the tasks on the screen of the "Vesper Box!"
DAVIS appears in front of you again in the form of a projection after it finishes analyzing.
DAVIS: The client is assigned nine task groups, clues and hints will be given after you complete.
DAVIS: If you complete the tasks quickly, surely you'll be able to find out who he is!
Marius: Complete the tasks to get tips... Does he think he's playing a game?
Luke: A hacker's codes are as unique as fingerprints. If we can parse his codes, it can help reveal his identity.
Luke: Most of the time I'll need to use the resources here for code parsing, I hope DAVIS can help me.
Luke: In that case, even if the Big Data Lab is attacked again, I can assist remotely.
Marius: No problem. I've informed Big Data Lab to leave enough memory for DAVIS to handle this case.
DAVIS: Yup! My routine functions will not be affected. Please let me help with the investigation.
You feel relieved seeing them organize themselves in such an orderly way.
You: Just let me know if there's anything I can help with. I'm still on leave, I'm flexible.
As those words leave your lips, everyone stops to look at you. Suddenly you feel very embarrassed.
You: D..don't look at me like that. I don't know much about hackers, but at least I can run some errands...
Luke: In fact, there is something important that I need your help with. I forgot to tell you. Sorry.
You look very curious. Luke takes a deep breath and then slowly starts talking.
Luke: I hope you can keep the "Vesper Box" and lead this investigation.
You: !!!
Luke: I know it's risky. I'm the one that's commissioned, I shouldn't bring in irrelevant people...
Luke: But I'll need to spend most of my time parsing codes at the base, I need someone to do the leg work.
Artem: That's too dangerous. The hacker went missing for unknown reasons. We're not sure how dangerous our enemy is.
Artem: If he tracks our location, or if our investigation alerts him, it would put her in a dangerous situation.
Vyn: As long as there is somebody with her, we will be able to ensure her safety.
Vyn smiles and looks at you.
Vyn: I have been quite unoccupied recently. If you do not object, I can accompany you.
You: What? That's too much trouble for you, Dr. Richter...
Marius: Regardless of the trouble, I don't think someone who sleeps till 9 o'clock can protect you.
Luke: Agreed.
Artem: Vyn, I hope you can consider the feasibility before you propose a plan.
Vyn: ...
Artem: We're either working or investigating, we all have a specific scope of activity.
Artem: How about we take turns, according to the proximity of the time and location of the task?
Artem: When the daily tasks are complete, [Player] takes the "Vesper Box" back to NXX base, in case we're tracked.
Marius: Well, that's not a bad idea.
Luke: I won't be careless about her safety. Whenever she's out, I'll use my phone to monitor her location in real-time.
Vyn: Fine, that is indeed the most efficient method to proceed.
DAVIS: So... Have we all decided that this is the way to proceed?
DAVIS, who's watching from the sidelines, finally finds a chance to cut in.
DAVIS: Oh, here is the result! [Player] always does a good job. I'm sure she'll be fine leading the investigation!
You: Haha, DAVIS, thank you for your compliment!
DAVIS: So, I will explain the functions of the "Vesper Box."
DAVIS: You will use it in your upcoming investigation, all NXX members, please listen carefully!
Everyone nods and gathers around you to listen to DAVIS explain.
Holding the "Vesper Box" in your hand, you feel a substantial sense of responsibility.
You: (Don't worry, Everyone...)
You: (I will complete this mission and find out who the mysterious client is!)
Big Data Lab: Location Unlocked
Marius: Is everyone online?
Luke: I'm on.
Artem: I am.
Vyn: I am.
You: I'm on!
Marius: Nice! Great enthusiasm!
You: What's this?
Artem: The NXX Chatroom. We can discuss matters here with everyone.
Luke: I've been wanting to make a group chat like this.
Vyn: Good thing we have it now.
Marius: Today's the first day of our investigation. @Player, you're our leader, so we're counting on you.
Artem: @Player, did you receive task instructions from the "Vesper Box"?
You: I did. They said that if we want to track him, we should go to the Big Data Lab.
Vyn: Heh, such confidence.
Artem: Seems like he's made preparations. He thinks we won't be able to track him.
Luke: Not necessarily. Us tracking him might be part of his plan.
Marius: Anyway, it's at the Big Data Lab, right?
Marius: It's easiest for me to go there, so how about I accompany you on investigations there from now on?
You: Sure.
Marius: Ah... Miss, you could try sounding a bit more excited.
You: Let's do our best!
Marius: All right!
Artem: Be careful.
Luke: I'll monitor your cellular GPS in real time. Be careful, @Player
Vyn: I await your good news.
Marius: Wait for me, I'll be there soon! @Player
Marius: -Tap to Continue- Big Data Lab Location
DAVIS: Welcome to Pax's Big Data Lab!
You: DAVIS! You can even project yourself here.
DAVIS: It's easier to help everyone like this.
Marius: DAVIS, I backed up the Vesper Box's instructions to your database. Have you checked them yet?
DAVIS: Yes. It initiated a tracking challenge, correct?
DAVIS: The central node in the server room is still conducting its analysis. Would you like to come inside with me and take a seat?
Marius: How about it? Let's have DAVIS lead us in.
You: Sure. I haven’t seen the Big Data Lab yet.
DAVIS: In that case, please follow me, you two!
You two follow DAVIS as he leads you to the server room that houses the supercomputer.
DAVIS: Actually... It seems that the central node finished its analysis on our way here...
Marius: Huh? What does that mean?
DAVIS: Just now, I used the location data of the transmitted instructions to trace its source signal. I've linked it to a potential location.
DAVIS: The source signal is situated at the old site for Pax Technology, in the Industrial Zone.
DAVIS: I believe we'll receive the next clue soon after we start investigating.
Marius: What... You finished analyzing that fast!?
Marius: You should've told us earlier so we could've just directly went there...
You: Marius! First you say that everyone's too fast, and now you think they're too slow? Which one is it?
You: But, it does feel like a wasted trip... The next time something like this happens, I'll clarify the exact location before notifying you...
Marius: No way! How could I let you investigate on your own first?
Marius: Come on, Miss... I was just joking. It's not like I actually didn't want to come.
Marius: I ought to be thankful for coming. It'd be a huge pity if I wasn't the first person to accompany you here.
You: Agh... What are you saying!? DAVIS is watching!
DAVIS: Huh? Is there something that I can't know? I think your conversation is fine...
You: N-Nothing!
You: A-Anyway! The next location is in the Industrial Zone, right? I'll tell everyone in the chat group.
Marius: Hm... The Industrial Zone's in the north. Sorry, I have plans here afterward. All I can do is ask and see if someone can go with you.
You: No problem. I can ask myself, so you focus on your things. DAVIS, thanks for your help.
DAVIS: You're most welcome! I'm happy to welcome you all here at any time!
Marius: Me too! Next time you have an assignment around here, let me know!
Abandoned Server Room: Location Unlocked
Artem: Did you two already go to the Big Data Lab? @Player @Marius
Vyn: Marius is not online.
You: Something came up afterward, so I had him leave first.
Luke: Hm... He's probably going to be pretty busy since the Big Data Lab's under attack.
You: The next location is really far from the Big Data Lab, so I had him go back first.
Vyn: You always put others' needs first... As long as you are all right.
Artem: Where is the next location?
You: It looks like an abandoned server room at Pax Technology's previous site.
Luke: Pax Technology's previous site!?
Artem: What's wrong, Luke?
Luke: It's... really far.
Vyn: If I remember correctly, it is located in the Industrial Zone to the north. It is far from downtown.
Vyn: There are many old factories there, and some have been abandoned for some time. The general public is generally not allowed access.
Artem: ...
Luke: @Player, stay where you are. I'm heading over right now. We'll go together.
Luke: It's not safe there. It's better if I come with you from now on.
You: All right, I'll wait for you.
Luke: Okay, I'll pick you up with my motorcycle. I'll be there in about five.
You: Huh, just wait here? I can start heading over....
Luke: Please listen to me and just wait where you are.
Vyn: As always, ask here for assistance should you encounter any problem.
Artem: Stay safe and don't take unnecessary risks.
Luke: @Player, here's the address. Wait for me.
Luke: -Tap to Continue- Abandoned Server Room location
Luke: Be careful.
*clang* Luke kicks aside some junk and leads you into the server room.
After receiving the client's location clue, you and Luke had immediately rushed over.
Luke feels along the wall and flips on the light. A lone electric light flickers in the dusky room.
You: It sure wasn't easy getting in here...
Luke: Comes with the territory of abandoned factories. They're all surrounded with metal fencing to keep people out.
You: Is that your excuse for opening that metal gate with your bare hands?
Luke: W—Well, I had no choice! That was the only place without a fence, and that gate wasn't locked...
You: I know, I know. Just joking. You didn't hurt your hands, did you?
Luke: Don't worry, that was nothing.
Luke: This client sure is something. Not just anyone can conduct secret operations from a place like this.
Luke: But this place doesn't look like anyone was doing anything here recently...
You and Luke look at each other, and just as you two prepare to investigate the server room...
Pop! Your surroundings become pitch black.
You: Huh? A... power outage!?
Luke: ...
Luke: Is this a coincidence? Or...
Luke: [Player], we won't be able to investigate this place today. Let's get out first. Don't let go of my hand.
You: Oh... Okay!
Luke tightly holds your hand in the darkness. For some reason, his palm is slightly sweaty.
Half an hour later.
You: Phew... We're finally out. Who would've thought that we'd get caught by a power outage.
Luke: At least we found a way in, so our visit wasn't for nothing. We were also lucky that nothing dangerous happened under those circumstances.
Luke: But is our client really operating in that server room? There weren't any signs of human activity...
You: Luke, I have an idea, but I'm not sure if it checks out.
Luke: Whatever my Watson thinks of will definitely inspire me! Say it loud and proud.
You: The client's message clearly told us that we wouldn't be able to find him here.
You: So, is this place somewhere that missing hacker used to be?
Hearing your words, Luke's fist hits his open palm with a light tap.
Luke: Good point! It seemed like we were following the client's source signal, but maybe it was a clue he deliberately left for us.
Luke: I wonder what we'll find if we keep following his instructions...
Luke: Anyway, let's call it a day. I'll bring a light source next time.
You: Yeah! Next time, we'll be prepared and ready to investigate!
Big Data Lab Clue #1: Cybercrime group
Following the clue, you and Marius once again come to the Big Data Lab.
Marius: DAVIS, do you know about a hacking platform called "Notro"?
DAVIS: Notro... N-o-t-r-o?
You: Well... The clue we just received says that Notro is the origin of this whole incident.
DAVIS: I see... Let me conduct a search.
DAVIS' projection disappears, probably because it's conducting a search.
Marius: I have a bad feeling... I feel like I've heard this name before...
You: ?
DAVIS: Oh... Found it! I've transferred the information to the computer in front of you. Take a look!
The screen of the nearest computer lights up. Marius nods to you, and you two simultaneously look at the screen.
You: Notro hacker trading platform...?
DAVIS: Yes. Notro is currently the largest hacker trading platform. You can take on orders after becoming a member.
DAVIS: After completing orders on Notro, you can earn large rewards in the form of a virtual currency that is similar to Bitcoin.
Marius: No wonder it sounds so familiar. Some of my friends would occasionally place orders on that platform for fun...
You: Friends?
Marius: You know, the rich and bored kind of "friends." Let's not talk about them.
Marius: Speaking of which, I heard them saying that Notro has completely changed over the past two years.
DAVIS: Yes. Due to its growing popularity, Notro's orders are no longer limited to hacking. Its marketplace has expanded to include intelligence spies and assassins.
Marius: Yeah. We can't treat the current Notro simply as a trading platform.
You: What? Then what exactly is it...?
Looking at the information on the computer screen, you sink into contemplation.
If it isn't an ordinary trading platform, could it be a larger and more complex network...?
You: The current Notro is a cybercrime organization.
Marius: Yeah. This kind of place is a hotbed for information selling and international crime.
Marius: C'mon, even the digital world isn't above the law...
You: Marius, do you think our client could be someone from Notro?
Marius: Things would be very dangerous if that's the case. Looks like I'll need to stick with you as much as possible.
Marius: I'd be worried sick if you left my sight...
You: !!!
DAVIS: I will verify the client's identity as quickly as possible to reduce [Player]'s chances of encountering danger!
You: Wow... Thank you, DAVIS!
Marius: ...
Marius: DAVIS, no one asked you.
DAVIS: ...?
Big Data Lab Clue #2: A cooperative relationship?
You: Marius, did you find it?
Marius raises his head from the file cabinet and looks at you, shaking his head in frustration.
Marius: What year is it that I have to brave through paper files...?
You: Aren't you flipping through a course index on the deep web?
Marius: Yeah. The Internet is DAVIS' home turf, so I have to use my advantage in looking through physical files.
Marius: ...Hmm?
You're not sure what he found, but Marius seems stunned as he solemnly stares at the file in his hand.
You: Huh? What did you find?
Marius: Knew it. Leave all the important things to me.
DAVIS: Oh... Is that document about breakthrough cases for Dark Web trading platforms?
Marius: Yeah... I also didn't expect to find something about Notro here. Come take a look.
You: Three years ago, Notro was hacked by their top member, Medilla, which forced the platform to shut down for a short time...?
DAVIS: What... Medilla!?
You: What's wrong, DAVIS? Do you know that person?
DAVIS: Well... Medilla was legendary in the hacking community and dominated the major hacking platforms.
DAVIS: After that hacking incident, Medilla announced his departure from Notro. There were a few subsequent altercations, but no significant events.
DAVIS: The manner of attacks on the Big Data Lab is actually similar to Medilla's historical methodology...
You: Don't tell me that the person who attacked the Big Data Lab is...
Marius: Not necessarily. I feel that someone who hacked Notro wouldn't have a reason to attack the Big Data Lab.
DAVIS: What if there was a specific reason behind the attacks? Something like an internal power struggle between the platform's higher-ups...
DAVIS: I'm worried that he is still with Notro.
Marius: [Player], what do you think?
Hearing Marius' words, you cast another look at the documents before you.
Medilla had single-handedly attacked the largest hacking platform. Could they really be working together...?
You: I think they're probably adversaries.
You: Notro's losses from the outage were likely huge. Internal shuffling wouldn't necessitate this.
Marius: Yeah, we're in agreement there.
You: I'm guessing that this Medilla realized how dangerous Notro was and then turned against it.
DAVIS: After attacking Notro, he went into hiding... This would explain everything.
Marius: I don't disagree with any of that, but...
You: Marius, did you think of something?
Marius: Well... Say, [Player], this hacker that our client wants us to find...
Marius: Could they be the missing Medilla?
You: !!!
You: Maybe they're allies? After all, Medilla took on orders from that platform...
Marius: But if he's still with Notro, is there a need to go this far?
You: (Marius has a point...)
The Abyss: Location Unlocked
Marius: How did it go in the server room? @Player @Luke
You: The power went out just as we went inside...
Marius: The power went out? Maybe it was left deserted for too long.
Luke: Yeah. I'll bring a mini generator next time to at least get the computers up and running.
You: The client wasn't there.
Luke: We didn't find any signs of recent human activity, so it must've been an old hiding spot.
Marius: Oh yeah, DAVIS got some info on the hacker, Medilla. It's probably related to this.
Luke: Medilla... Earlier, I suspected it was him.
Luke: His exploits with Notro are extremely well-known within the hacking community.
Marius: Why didn't you say so!? We spent most of the day looking for him.
Vyn: It was not definitive. If we had said something earlier, no one would have believed it.
You: Dr. Richter, you're online.
Vyn: I just logged on and finished reading the previous messages.
Marius: Screen peeper... Is Artem not here?
Vyn: I do not know.
You: He's generally been working at the firm these days.
Vyn: We will proceed without him for now. @Player, you received new task instructions, yes?
Luke: It's about that time. Is it a new location?
You: He said that we can find a special person at Abyss.
Vyn: A name that rings familiar.
Marius: He sure knows which locations to pick.
Luke: We're all pretty close to Abyss, so we can schedule turns to go.
Marius: But Miss is our indispensable investigation leader.
Vyn: I am familiar with that place, so I will accompany her this time.
Vyn: Is this all right, @Player?
You: Of course it's all right.
Vyn: Once we arrive, leave everything to me.
You: Okay. Sorry for the trouble, Dr. Richter.
Vyn: I am more than willing.
Marius: Familiar with that kind of place... Uh...
Luke: @Marius, you'd best get familiar with that place, too. It's the speediest source of special info.
Vyn: @Player, wait for me to pick you up from headquarters. I will send you the address first.
Vyn: There are fresh bouquets available at the florist downstairs. I will bring you one.
Marius: ...What exactly are you going out for?
Luke: ...
Vyn: -Tap to Continue- Abyss location
Bar Owner: Tch.
As soon as you enter Abyss, you hear someone click their tongue.
Bar Owner: I have big business these days, so I'm not interested in watching a psychiatrist's poker game.
Vyn: On the contrary, I am interested in guessing the nature of your recent business ventures.
Vyn takes a seat at the bar as if he were a regular, and you follow suit. You watch in amazement as Vyn and the bar's boss exchange verbal blows.
Vyn: Many foreigners have come here as of late, have they not?
Bar Owner: ...Interesting. You came prepared again. Are you going to use card tricks as a pretense like last time?
Vyn: The previous matter is already of no import. I am more concerned about upcoming events.
Vyn: This bar has not been particularly peaceful lately, has it?
Bar Owner: It's like you said. Actually, I'm curious as to why you're paying such close attention to these people's activities.
Bar Owner: Are they your friends? Or...
The boss raises an eyebrow. You stare at the two of them as if watching a drama.
Vyn: Taking people's money to commit atrocities on their behalf? I do not consort with friends like that.
Bar Owner: Since this has nothing to do with you, I advise that you avoid getting tangled up in these matters.
Bar Owner: This is the last piece of friendly advice I give to people looking for trouble.
Vyn: ...
You: Dr. Richter, this-
Vyn suddenly reaches out and gently holds your hands, which are pressing down on your legs. He never breaks eye contact with the boss' piercing stare.
Vyn: I do not like meddling in others' business, but I have never shirked a challenge.
Vyn grips your hands and quickly leads you outside.
Bar Owner: I'm doing this for your own good... shrink.
You: Dr. Richter, what were you two talking about just-
Vyn spins around and looks at you with a grim expression.
Vyn: After I tell you the truth, do not be afraid.
Vyn: You must find someone to come here with you from now on, and you must not utter a single word.
Vyn: Promise me first, and then I will explain.
You: Ah... All right. Explain.
Vyn is silent for a moment, and then he slowly speaks.
Vyn: There is a killer inside.
You: !!!
Abandoned Server Room Clue #1: The tool's purpose?
You: Luke, are you ready yet?
Luke: Yeah, give me a sec... This should— Hey!
After the server room's power failure last time, Luke specifically prepared a power supply.
With a bit of work, the server room's computer finally boots up.
You: Awesome! We can check if Medilla left any information behind on this computer.
You: I never thought that such a famous hacker would be from Stellis.
Luke positions his hands on the keyboard and skillfully taps away.
Luke: Well... We have admin rights, but we can't access most of the files...
Luke: It'll take a while to hack in...
You: No problem. Take your time with it. I'll see if there's anything else around here.
You crouch down and begin to rummage through the computer desk's drawers.
With a clang, you open the empty upper drawer. You reach inside and feel something taped to its bottom surface.
Luke: Success! I connected to another computer that shares data with this computer!
Luke: I'll send this address to DAVIS so he can trace it. Maybe we can find where that other computer is...
You: Luke, look at this!
You give Luke the notebook you found in the drawer.
He opens it up and as he reads, his expression grows more serious. After a while, he slowly speaks.
Luke: This is Centipede...
You: Huh? What are you saying?
Luke: This is Medilla's notebook. Its contents are mostly written in code instead of words, but I understand most of it.
Luke: It contains information about Centipede, the hacking AI that Notro developed. It is Notro's core supporting tool.
You: Notro's core supporting tool? What does it do?
Luke: Gather intel, support large-scale transactions... We can make some general guesses.
You and Luke stare at the small notebook that you found in the drawer.
A tool related to intelligence gathering? Combined with your suspicion that Notro is a criminal organization, could this tool's purpose be...?
You: Is Centipede a virus?
Luke: If it were just a virus, then it wouldn't be able to support this much hacking activity.
You: Oh... That makes sense...
You: Maybe... Centipede is used to steal information?
Luke: Yeah. Notro's intelligence trading isn't only limited to users. The platform itself is a well of information.
Luke: I think that's why Medilla is willing to sacrifice his biggest source of business to destroy it.
Luke: Still, we know too little about this "Centipede". The information I could decipher today was pretty limited.
You: It's okay. The next time our client sends us a clue, I'm sure he'll give us more.
Luke: True. I'll try to think of a way to get DAVIS on this computer next time. His help might speed things up.
Luke: Finding this "Centipede" today is already a victory. We don't know what our client's next task will be.
You: It should be coming over soon. Let's wait and see.
You: Speaking of which, I saw a nice ramen shop on the way here, Luke.
Luke: Hehe... How can I miss what you're trying to say, you foodie?
Luke: Let's go. This meal's on me!
You: Okay!
Old Street in North Stellis: Location Unlocked
Artem: How's the investigation? @Player
You: Mr. Wing, you're online.
Artem: Yes. I just finished work and logged on.
You: Everything's going great.
Artem: That's good. You've always been dependable with work.
Artem: Did you receive any new clues?
You: Yes. He wants us to go to Old Street in North Stellis.
Luke: North Stellis has a higher concentration of crime and isn't particularly safe.
Artem: Luke is also on?
Luke: Yeah. Looks like it's only the three of us at this hour.
Luke: Artem, do you have time to go out?
Artem: Yes.
Luke: DAVIS and I are analyzing the code used to attack the Big Data Center.
Artem: All right. I'll accompany her to North Stellis.
Artem: Any results from the analysis?
Luke: Yeah. It's extremely similar to code that Medilla used.
Artem: Could he be the client?
Luke: Maybe. Feels more like his friend or student.
Artem: Student...
Artem: @Player, are you at headquarters? I'll be right there.
You: Okay.
Artem: You should rest up. North Stellis is far.
You: No rush. Take your time, Mr. Wing.
Artem: All right, I won't have you wait too long. I'll be over as quickly as I can.
Luke: Be careful. Let us know if something comes up.
Artem: -Tap to Continue- Old Street in North Stellis Location
You and Artem stand outside a dilapidated neighborhood. You can't help but shiver whenever a cold breeze blows by.
Artem: ...Are you cold?
You: I—I'm fine...
Artem sighs and removes his scarf, handing it to you.
You: Mr. Wing, there's no need...
Artem: It's fine. Remember to wear more the next time you go out.
He wraps the scarf around your neck. You gradually warm up.
You: Um... Thanks, Mr. Wing...
Gate Guard: Who are you youngsters looking for around these parts?
Artem: Hello. May I ask if there has been anyone who has been away for a long time or had recently moved?
Gate Guard: ...
The old security guard looks at the two of you with suspicion.
Gate Guard: No. This isn't a place you ought to be. You should leave.
Artem: ...
Artem: Thank you and sorry for the disturbance.
With his back blocking the old guardman's line of sight, Artem gently leads you away with quick steps.
Artem: We'll draw suspicion if we keep asking questions. It's best if we remain cautious for now.
You: But we couldn't find out where they live...
Artem: When the time is right, I believe that our client will find a way to let us in, or else he can't accomplish his objective.
You: Yeah... You're right.
Artem: At least we found where Medilla lived before he went missing. Our visit was productive.
Artem: Leading an investigation from its beginning is tiring... Thanks for your hard work.
You: I'm fine, Mr. Wing. I can take on even more investigative tasks!
Artem: Yes, but don't take on everything by yourself. Whenever you need me, I'll be near.
Artem: After all, I'm your partner, right?
You: Yep!
Abandoned Server Room Clue #2: The node in the center?
Luke: Oh? Was this here the last time we came?
You came back to the server room after receiving another clue. Luke had found a notice board in the room that was completely obscured by dust.
You: Probably? When the room was lit last time, we didn't look that carefully over here...
You: After that, we were focused on the computer and the drawers... It's easy to miss a dusty notice board.
Luke: Sigh... I didn't think I'd make a mistake like this.
Luke helplessly shakes his head, and then blows off the dust on the notice board.
You: *cough* *cough*
Luke: Ah, s—sorry! I...
You: It's okay... *cough* ... What does it say?
Luke: Let me see...
Luke: !!!
You: What's up? See something?
Luke: Centipede...
Luke: That name sounds familiar. I've heard my colleagues talk about it before.
You: Is that... a tool?
Medilla had left a brief description of this thing on the board, but you don't understand its meaning.
Luke: Yeah, Centipede is a very special tool.
Luke: Its AI can hack through 60% of the world's firewalls. Add in its "Crawler" function...
Luke is immersed in his own thoughts. It feels like he's talking to himself rather than explaining to you.
Luke: No wonder Notro holds this much information as a trading platform.
Luke: With this tool, there aren't any more secrets in the digital world.
You: Has the National Security Bureau investigated Notro before?
Luke: Yes, but Notro has many extremely talented hackers. The Bureau also wasn't able to get any direct evidence to prove criminal activity.
Luke: We have to act according to the law, so we haven't been able to take any effective measures against Notro.
Luke: [Player], where do you think Notro would hide this Centipede?
You: Where did Notro hide it... You think there might be clues up there?
Luke: Yep. As Notro's adversary, Medilla definitely would've learned of its secrets long ago.
You look towards the notice board. Medilla seems to have drawn a complex diagram on it.
A name related to Notro appears under each line intersection, such as Promotional Site, Email, and X Base.
Whichever node is at the center of the lines must be...!
You: Such an important thing would definitely be put in the core station!
You: But wouldn't it be easily found...?
Luke: A core station is often deeply hidden and heavily defended. It'd be the safest place to store an important tool.
Luke: Deeply hidden secrets...
Luke: Now I'm sure that things are starting to get more and more complicated.
Luke: If things go the way I think they will, then Medilla's disappearance is probably a case of complex and international crime.
You: International crime!?
Luke: Yeah. If things get serious, I'll consider breaking our client's confidentiality and report the situation to my superiors.
Luke: ...Are you scared, [Player]?
You: ...
You: Nope. I have you with me, don't I?
Luke stares at you, his eyes slightly quivering.
Luke: ...Yeah, you're right.
Luke: No matter what happens, I'll protect you.
You: It wouldn't be a good idea to hide it in a conspicuous base... Could it be in a hidden node?
Luke: If it isn't hidden in the deepest of recesses, it'll eventually be dug up.
You: I see...
Old Street in North Stellis Clue #1: The time he went missing...
Gate Guard: Huh? You two again?
You: O—Oh no...
Artem: ...
Following another clue, you and Artem yet again arrive at Old Street in North Stellis, and you yet again run into the old guardman from last time.
Gate Guard: Say, this place isn't so great for dates, is it?
Gate Guard: Do you have something to do with the person who's missing?
Artem: We... work with him.
You: ...Huh?
Artem: He's our client. We haven't been able to contact him for a long time, so we came to take a look.
Gate Guard: Eh...? Someone from here has business dealings with you two?
Artem: You also know that not everyone here is a "pauper," correct?
Gate Guard: ...!
Perhaps due to Artem's words, the old guardman's face relaxes a little.
Gate Guard: Hmph... I actually hope that we stop having dodgy people come live here and disturb our peace.
You: Dodgy people...?
Seeing that the guard isn't stopping you two, Artem takes large strides up to the main gate.
Following him, you curiously look at a sheet of paper stuck on the door.
You: Residents, please report your household's electricity meter readings...?
Artem: Look here.
Artem points out an empty line. It belongs to unit 202.
Artem: I think we've found him.
You: Oh, this cell isn't filled out...
Artem: Even if he didn't go out, people would still knock on his door to check his meter.
Artem: Now... We can deduce a rough estimate of when he disappeared.
The chart is divided by month.
If only one cell is empty, then the period of time in which he disappeared is...
You: Looks like he's already been missing for one month...
Artem: Hm... Missing for such a long time. The situation is not hopeful.
Artem: Considering previous investigations, this case involves a missing person, deep web transactions, and international crime...
Artem: ... This situation is not something us few can resolve.
You: But if we want to report this to the police, we'll need enough evidence to file a case...
You: The client never planned for many people to know from the start. Everything we know is because of what he tells us...
Artem: Yes, I know.
All of a sudden, a large hand gently tousles your hair.
Artem: That's why I can try for your sake.
School Archives Room: Location Unlocked
Vyn: @Player, are you all right?
You: I'm great. Is something wrong, Dr. Richter?
Vyn: No. I just feel at ease seeing that you are well.
You: Why are you asking all of a sudden?
Vyn: I was worried that the events at Abyss had affected you... It seems that I was overthinking.
Marius: What happened at Abyss?
Vyn: Nothing for now. I will let everyone know if a lead turns up there.
Marius: Tch, stingy... You're not even willing to share that.
Vyn: This is not a matter of stinginess. There are some things that children should not hear.
Marius: Ah yes, I can't match your "senior" wisdom.
Artem: Don't engage in meaningless disputes in this chat group during work hours.
You: Mr. Wing, you're online.
Artem: I just finished work.
Marius: Who'd want to argue with him?
Vyn: I also lack such leisure.
Artem: @Player, is there a new task location?
You: Yes. The hint is telling us to look in Stellis Junior High School's archives room.
Marius: Stellis Junior High? No way, students are involved in this!?
Artem: Not necessarily. The client named this school, and we have determined that Medilla is from Stellis...
Vyn: Perhaps Medilla attended this school in the past.
Marius: Hmm... It'd be nice if it were that simple.
Vyn: I am currently in the education district, so I can accompany her to the school. Any issues with this arrangement?
You: None at all!
Vyn: All right. I shall leave posthaste.
You: Then let's go!
Vyn: Your enthusiasm is infectious. Now I also raring to head out.
Artem: I'll go meet the client near Stellis Junior High School. Contact me at any time if you need me.
You: I'll be sure to let you know if something comes up!
Vyn: I will take good care of her.
Vyn: -Tap to Continue- School Archives Room
You: That went smoothly. I didn't expect the school to let us in so easily.
Vyn softly closes the archive room's door behind you.
Vyn: It seems that my reputation still has a modicum of use.
You: Not just a modicum of use, but a mountain of it!
To enter the school for the investigation, Vyn met with the principal and offered to serve as a mental health coach for the school for one month.
The principal had known Vyn's reputation for a long time now, so they were more than happy to accept.
As part of the agreement, the principal naturally agreed to let Vyn browse through the school's archives for academic research data.
You: Dr. Richter, will this affect your work...?
Vyn: Not at all. Psychological counseling is one aspect of my work. There is no need to worry over me.
You: But you've looked worried ever since we started...
Vyn: I was thinking that if I could assume the identity of a mental health counselor and secretly conduct an investigation...
Vyn: Then presumably, our enemy can do the same.
You: ...
Vyn: That is neither here nor there. Let us begin our investigation.
Vyn: These are all paper documents, so it may take us a considerable amount of time to look through them.
Vyn: So, I came up with an idea that may expedite the search for our target files.
You: What is it?
Vyn smiles and wakes his phone, from which a young voice rings out.
DAVIS: Hello, [Player]! Dr. Richter, have you arrived at the archives room?
You: DAVIS!
Vyn: DAVIS, I will shortly begin scanning the student files. Please compare the school's files to those online.
Vyn: Should a discrepancy arise, then that may be what we are searching for.
DAVIS: Understood! Please begin scanning.
You: Hold on, scan?
You pull on Vyn's arm.
You: Dr. Richter, you're going to use your phone to scan the archive room's files?
Vyn: Yes. Many hackers tend to erase their information from their school's database after graduation.
Vyn: Fortunately, this school retains physical files. We can refine the scope of our search by running a comparison.
You: But... Dr. Richter...
You tightly clutch his sleeve.
You: I'm afraid that scanning physical files with our phones is...
Is not compliant with laws and is possibly illegal.
Vyn: Then should you satisfy your conscience by foregoing the safety of someone who has been missing for an entire month?
You: !!!
Vyn: Do not forget: every second we delay increases the danger for the missing person.
You can't find a suitable reason to stop Vyn, but this risk...
You look around, carefully checking for any surveillance cameras in the area while ignoring the tumult in your heart...
You: ...
Vyn: I will delete all the scanned records after we finish, and DAVIS will also destroy the scanned data.
Vyn: Does hearing this... make you feel more at ease?
You: Ah...!
DAVIS: [Player], please rest assured! I've also played the Big Data Lab's law exam game. I'll definitely abide by all laws and regulations!
Vyn: I am not asking you to approve of such extreme measures, but everything I do is to prevent even greater dangers from occurring.
Vyn: I hope you can understand.
You: ...It's fine. Dr. Richter, I'll help you out.
You: We need to quickly find Medilla's true identity so we can prevent Notro from doing something bad to him.
Vyn: ...
Vyn: Yes.
School Archives Room Clue #1: A pathological desire to escape from the real world
Vyn: I'm sorry... No abnormalities were found in the scanned documents.
You: This means that after he graduated, Medilla deleted not only his digital records, but also his physical ones?
Vyn: I am afraid that is indeed the case.
You: Then what do we do...?
Vyn: We abide by the client's stipulations.
You: ...Huh?
Vyn: His task order stated that we go and ask the archives manager, yes?
Vyn: Earlier, I had asked about the school's previous hacking incident.
You: That incident... What exactly happened?
Vyn smiles and removes a file from the highest shelf of a bookcase.
Vyn: Six years ago, a group of cybercriminals stole some of Stellis Junior High School's student records.
Vyn: Their goal was to use the data to filter out suitable targets for abduction and extortion.
Vyn: However, two days after the school database's breach was discovered, the police received a tip from a mysterious hacker.
Vyn: This enabled the police to quickly track down the physical addresses for both the data thief and the informant.
Vyn: These two addresses were both in Stellis, and the informant was in Stellis Junior High School.
You: So, a student solved that case?
Vyn: Naturally. Coupled with our client's hint, it was likely a younger Medilla.
You: Yeah... I think that as well, but we don't have any way to find his true identity...
Vyn: Do not worry. DAVIS has already used another method to settle the matter of his identity.
You: Oh?
Vyn opens the file in his hands. It's a collection of previous graduation photos.
Vyn: It may be difficult to discover text documents that have been destroyed, but it is obvious when a photograph has been manipulated.
Vyn: According to when the hacking incident occurred, I suspect that Medilla graduated three to five years ago.
Vyn: DAVIS used facial recognition to identify whoever is absent in the database but present in the graduation photos.
Vyn: I think... at this point, his identity can no longer be hidden.
Vyn points to one of the photos.
It is the graduating class from four years ago. Vyn is pointing to a boy whose head is lowered and eyes obscured by shadow.
You: The boy looks like... he doesn't fit in with the others.
Vyn: I believe that the situation is more complex than not fitting in.
Vyn: Extreme reclusion that results in the intense desire to excise all traces of one's existence from others' lives...
Vyn: It can almost be classified as symptomatic of a psychopathology.
You: Is this child...
You silently ruminate as you watch Vyn replace the file on the top shelf.
A condition that makes one want to escape their connections to the real world. Could it be...?
You: Does he have... mental problem?
Vyn: That is possible. It is probably something like social anxiety disorder.
Vyn: Typically, the disease begins in patients at his precise age. Severe cases may lead to social isolation.
Vyn: All of this matches his current symptoms.
You: Social anxiety disorder... we also call it social phobia or something like that, right?
Vyn: Yes. His drive to avoid reality goes far beyond what a normal person can imagine.
Vyn: That is probably why he is obsessed with becoming a hacker and fighting against the Notro alone.
Vyn: Some people are born to be alone...
You: But, you can save someone like him, right?
Vyn: ...
You: Isn't your job to help people who lose their way in life? You know, face everything with a healthy mind.
You: If there had been someone like you in the school, his fate would have been different...
Vyn: ...Yeah.
Vyn: But, that is okay. If we find him, I will be happy to help with his condition.
You: Then we have to find him quickly!
Vyn: You are right. I am sure we will find him.
You: You think he's afraid to live and just wants to escape it all?
Vyn: That is just one of the symptoms.
You: Wha...
Old Street in North Stellis Clue #2: What was the motive?
After receiving the clue, you and Artem go back to North Stellis.
Gate Guard: Eh? You two again?
Artem: Hello. We're here to collect a package on behalf of the tenant in unit 202. He's away, so he wants us to hold his deliveries for now.
Gate Guard: The tenant in 202 is your client?
You: Yes. He recently contacted us.
Gate Guard: ...
The guard shoots a glance towards you two, then points upstairs.
Gate Guard: He's got too many packages. They're all stacked up in front of his door. Go get them yourselves.
You: Too many... Did he get all those packages just this month?
The guard lazily reclines in his chair and goes back to sunbathing.
You and Artem look at each other before going upstairs.
You: ...You can't be serious!
Artem: ...
Half an hour later, Artem dusts off his suit and goes downstairs with you.
You: This is the first time I've seen someone get all their daily necessities online.
Artem: He seems to hardly go out.
You: But some things he bought online are actually easier to get from a convenience store.
Artem: True. Even those addicted to online shopping wouldn't go to these lengths. He must have a reason to act like this.
You: Is it possible he is hiding his tracks on purpose?
Artem: That's possible.
Artem: But... it could also be that he is in some kind of trouble and has to hide like this.
You: All of this points to the fact that we can't wait to find him.
Artem: I have double checked all the packages. They all arrived this month.
Artem: This confirms our timetable for when Medilla went missing.
You: I hope we can find him soon... and we can help him.
Artem: We will.
Artem: Let's call it an end for now.
Artem: I'll take you back to the station.
You: Okay!
You: Do you think he might have some trouble moving around?
Artem: Probably not. He wouldn't live in a community with inadequate facilities if he was disabled.
You: Hmm... That's true. There is no elevator here, let alone handicapped access.
School Archives Room Clue #2: The relationship that was talked about in junior high
Vyn: This shelf contains records of significant school events.
You: Let me see...
You're back at the archives room. You and Vyn stand in front of a shelf that contains various yellowed envelopes.
You: Campus events... Would there also be a record of that hacking incident?
Vyn: Yes. Additionally, I have been thinking about what our client said: the person who was nearly harmed...
Vyn: Is that person in contact with the present Medilla?
You: Oh, found it! I found it!
You point at a page chronicling an event from six years ago.
You: Six years ago, a gang had stolen student files from the school and had already planned to abduct a certain student.
You: That evening, a girl was found... Huh?
Vyn: Was found to have never left the school, correct?
You: Didn't leave the school? Did she know in advance that she would be kidnapped?
Vyn: That same night, the police received information from the school about the criminal gang, all of whom were arrested two days later.
You: Amazing... So Medilla was the one who told the girl to hide?
Vyn: Most likely. When I was providing psychiatric counseling services... I overheard something "interesting."
Vyn's expression is tense when he says "interesting."
Vyn: Although this type of matter will not be recorded as a major campus event, it is well-known within the school.
Vyn: Rumor has it that the girl who the forgotten hacker had saved was the school belle.
Vyn: Since then, this girl has asserted that she has maintained a very good relationship with the hacker.
You: A very good relationship...
Vyn: This is a popular rumor at the school. Surely you can surmise the nature of the relationship between these two?
You: Um...
It's a rumor, but if it became widely circulated in a junior high school, then that means it must have been...
You: Will the prom queen pretend to be the hacker to help Medilla out?
Vyn: If it were you, you might... but sadly, she is not that kind of person.
You: Vyn, stop making fun of me...
You: Could it be that they are... a couple!?
Vyn: ...
Vyn: Congratulations. You have figured it out.
Vyn: She claimed to be the girlfriend of a unknown hacker. Likely to get rid of all the boys hounding her.
Vyn: Because of that, there is a school rumor that a hacker kid is trying to save a damsel in distess.
You: Wow... College can be wonderful...
Vyn: Nothing comes from nothing. The reason she is using to reject pursuers is not necessarily false.
Vyn: I have decided to set up a meeting with her using the info I found in her student's file.
You: Wha... But the client has stressed that we not tell anyone...
Vyn: If we are bogged down by rules every step of the way we'll be too late. This is the most direct path.
You: ...
You: OK, let's meet her. If she has no idea what's going on, we can find some excuse to explain it.
Vyn: Good. That is what I was thinking. I will get someone to contact her.
Vyn: ...I am glad to have your support.
School Archives Room Clue #3: They are already...
You: Dr. Richter, are you sure this is the location she said?
Vyn: Yes. She said she would leave us a hint... Here.
Vyn looks towards a certain file cabinet. He walks over to it and removes an envelope.
You: Is this from the girl?
You curiously look at the item he took out, and fail to notice the slight draft blowing from behind.
You: Oh, a painting!
It's an exquisitely drawn sketch of a girl facing the artist and smiling, as if at herself.
One can almost feel the artist's emotions simply by looking at the sketch.
Vyn: This is the girl mentioned in the student records — the one involved in the abduction case.
You: Oh! That pretty girl who claimed to be Medilla's girlfriend!
Vyn: Yes... Look at the lower right corner of the picture.
You: Hm? There's a signature... "M"?
Vyn: This is likely Medilla's work. He has been using that alias as a hacker ever since high school.
You: Looks like there was more to their relationship than rumors... What a beautiful love it must have been.
Vyn: Beautiful?
Vyn suddenly lowers his voice.
You: ...Dr. Richter?
Vyn: Do you believe that a person who erases all trace of their existence is someone who can uphold their promises?
You: ...
Vyn returns the picture to its original location and lowers his head, fixing his eyes on you.
Vyn: Even if the process appears beautiful, this type of love is futile.
You: ...
You: You mean they already...?
School Archives Room: Investigation Complete
You: Why...
You pick up the painting again. The girl in it has a lovely smile, and the lines accentuating it are wonderfully delicate.
Vyn: To protect her, I guess. Perhaps Medilla knew that he would someday encounter something like this.
???: I never thought there would be someone other than me who would be willing to help find Medilla.
You and Vyn turn to look back when a girl's voice suddenly sounds from behind.
The moment you see her face, you know she is the girl in the painting.
She looks both more mature and more beautiful than the painting.
You: Oh... Hi! You are...
Female Student: I'm his ex.
She lightly straightens the folds on her skirt and looks up at you.
Female Student: I've had someone do a check on the both of you. I think I can trust you and Vyn Richter.
Female Student: So I don't mind telling you about the story between him and I.
She nods to you and Vyn and starts speaking.
Female Student: We broke up long ago. When leaving, he said he didn't want me involved in his life ever again.
Female Student: I knew he was doing it for my own good, but I didn't want that. However, he never let me find him again.
Female Student: I was ready to forget about him, but... Anyway I'm happy to be able to help him in such a time.
She suddenly bows to the both of you.
Female Student: Thank you... for your willingness to help him.
Female Student: Feel free to send me a message if there's anything you'd like to know about him.
Female Student: Likewise, let me know if you have any news about him, okay?
Vyn: No problem.
Female Student: Thanks.
She lowers her head and smiles soberly.
Female Student: Even if he is dead... tell me.
Female Student: He won't make me forget about him, even if he erases all traces of him in the world.
After saying that, she walks away without looking back.
You: ...She is so nice...
There is a bit warmth coming from your hand. You look down and find Vyn holding your hand tightly.
Vyn: And that is why we cannot let her down now, can we...?
You: ...
You: Mm-hmm! I'll find Medilla and explain this to her!
Truth I
You hold a NXX internal meeting upon your return from the school.
Marius: Have you met the girl?
Vyn: Yes.
Marius: So she doesn't know where he is, does she?
Vyn: They have not been in touch for many years now.
Artem: It was difficult to finally find someone related to him. It's a pity that this is a dead-end.
Luke: I guess that's the end of the archive room lead.
Marius: Let's do out best with the other leads next.
You: Come on! We can do this!
Marius: I'll do my best with you!
Artem: Keep this up, and we'll soon find out the truth.
You: I'll work hard to find out the truth with all of you.
Vyn: We are glad to hear that, but please, do not push yourself too hard.
Luke: Yeah. Don't worry too much about it. We'll all be by your side.
Vyn: Please excuse me everyone. I have some business to attend to.
Marius: Aren't you on a break today?
Vyn: I have an appointment at the research center.
Luke: Appointment?
Artem: We'll find Medilla as soon as we can.
Artem: But before that, remember to leave a place for him.
You: Goodbye, Dr. Richter.
Vyn: Yes. I will keep you updated when I am done.
Vyn leaves the base.
Luke: I see. So Medilla has a psychological condition. He should get treatment as soon as we find him.
Artem: Well, let's make full use of our time and try to find him as fast as we can!
Marius: Yeah! Come on, everyone!
Old Street in North Stellis Clue #3: Medilla prepared himself mentally
When you and Artem arrive, a commotion is underway in front of the neighborhood gate.
Many elderly people have gathered at the entrance, chatting about something on the ground.
You look up at the second floor of the building, only to find the door of 202 hanging wide open.
Artem: Excuse me. Thank you.
Artem pushes through the crowd and the two of you arrive at the door.
Artem: Hello. What's the matter with the house 202?
Gate Guard: Oh, it's you lot. The lease of 202 has expired, so I'm cleaning it up so that I can rent it out again.
Artem: What are those things on the ground?
Artem points to the ground, where all sorts of things were laid out like a flea market stall.
Gate Guard: Those are things from house 202. The tenant said that he doesn't want them anymore and that we're free to get rid of them.
Artem: The tenant... said that?
The guard points to the second floor.
Gate Guard: It's in the contract. When the lease expires and the tenant is absent, then their belongings will be at our disposal.
Gate Guard: The tenant installed this electronic lock, but it will automatically unlock itself if he doesn't renew his lease.
Gate Guard: Oh, by the way, these aren't everything. I've already listed his old computer and whatever trinkets he had lying around up on the internet to be auctioned off.
Gate Guard: Many people started bidding high prices for them the moment I put them all up yesterday. What a nice surprise...
Artem: ...
Artem suddenly clenches his fists and stops talking.
You: Mr. Wing...?
Artem remains silent, a complicated look on his face.
You: ...
You: Sir, can I have a look at these things?
Gate Guard: Sure, go ahead. You can also buy them if you want.
You bend down to look at the things on display. Some of them look like new purchases while others looked worn from use.
Suddenly, you seem to understand Artem's feelings.
You: Has the tenant been renting this place since three years ago?
Gate Guard: Yeah. You know your client very well.
All his belongings, and even the apartment itself, had been set up to be taken care of after his disappearance...
In other words, Medilla had already been mentally prepared for this to happen ever since he started living here...
Old Street in North Stellis: Investigation Complete
Artem: Let's go, [Player].
You: Huh...? Mr. Wing!
You rush after him upon seeing him turn and make his way out of the crowd.
You: Mr. Wing? Don't we have to go back upstairs to investigate?
Artem: No need. I've got enough.
Artem clenches his fist as if he is holding something back.
Artem: Readily sacrificing their lives for the career they love... Such people deserve admiration, so...
Artem: So, we can't let his life end as another missing person's case. We must find him.
Artem never speaks again, but you can feel his burst of determination.
You: ...That's right.
You: We'll definitely find him... I'm sure we will.
Truth II
You and Artem meet up with the rest of the members back at the NXX base after returning from North Stellis.
Marius: Artem, you look terrible.
Vyn: It looks like you have discovered everything there is to be found there.
You: Artem didn't say anything on our way back.
Vyn: He seems to have a lot of things troubling him deep down.
You: Mr. Wing is worried about Medilla. He wants to find him as soon as possible.
Luke: We've been working on this case for so many days now, I'm sure we'll get to the truth in no time at all.
Artem: I'm fine.
Artem: I was just thinking about how we don't even know how Medilla chose to travel, and how far he has gone.
Artem: If that's the case, then how can we possibly find his current location?
Marius: The only thing we can ascertain for sure is the time when he went missing.
Luke: It's fine. The client will continue giving us more clues, so we'll be able to find out more than just this.
Vyn: Yes. We should try to calm down and continue the investigation steadily.
Artem: We have no other choice.
You: Don't worry, Mr. Wing. I'll take care of the rest of the investigation.
Artem: Don't push yourself too hard. I will always be here for you.
You: Mr. Wing, don't worry. There will be other clues elsewhere.
Artem: Yes. I will continue working on this case with you.
Marius: Artem, go get some rest if you're not feeling well. I'll keep her company.
Luke: The client should be sending more instructions soon.
Vyn: I look forward to the challenges ahead.
Artem: We need to hurry up. I'm afraid Medilla can't wait much longer.
Big Data Lab Clue #3: The timing of the deal
Marius: Are you for real...?
Marius has been frowning ever since receiving the client's information.
You: I find it unbelievable too... How is it possible that Medilla would even be working with Pax Technology?
DAVIS: Welcome to the Big Data Lab!
Marius: Oh, DAVIS, just in time. There is a contract that we need you to verify the authenticity of.
Marius: And... It'll also be great if you can find out more information about it while you're at it.
DAVIS: Sure. Let me have a look.
DAVIS receives the file Marius sent.
DAVIS: Ah, this can only be read by someone with admin rights. I've sent it over to computer No.16. Can you authenticate it with your fingerprint?
Marius nods and presses his finger to the authentication screen.
A prompt appears: Unlock Successful. Then, a contract displays on the screen.
It records an agreement between hacker "M" and Pax Technology two years ago.
Marius: While this agreement remains effective, M is required to help Pax ward off the attacks launched by Notro.
Marius: As long as that condition is met, Pax will provide M with protection by letting him have their old server room as his lab.
Marius: M is free to modify any equipment in that room, and Pax will provide the funds required to analyze Centipede and other hacking tools that Notro possesses...
You: So, Notro had once used Centipede to steal information from the Big Data Lab?
Marius lowers his head and ponders for a moment.
Marius: I suspect that it was Medilla who approached Pax.
You: ...What?
DAVIS: I agree. Although I don't have a record of this contract, this is the best way to explain the agreement.
Marius: He's a loner, judging from his personality. He prefers to work alone, so why would he want to work with Pax otherwise?
Marius: So, just when was this agreement made? Something must have happened to change his mind...
You: According to the contract, Pax would protect M while the agreement still stands. Could it be related to this?
Marius: I think that's why.
Marius: Smart kid. I think he must've already been prepared to attack Notro before deciding to look for Pax as backup.
You: Look for Pax as backup...
If that's the case, then they must have reached this agreement...
You: Was an agreement reached after the attack on Notro?
Marius: Miss, if that's the case, then Centipede probably wouldn't be able to attack for a long time...
You: Ah, right...
You: The agreement should have been reached before the attack on Notro.
You: Medilla is the kind of person who would think about his own safety first.
Marius: Bingo! You're absolutely right!
You: Before attacking Notro, Medilla already knew that Notro would not let him off.
You: Then, he saw an opportunity to defend the Big Data Lab from an attack by Centipede and helped them ward it off once.
You: Medilla revealed how dangerous Centipede was to Pax Technology and brought up how he hoped to work together to crack it.
You: After that, Medilla launched an attack on Notro under the protection of Pax. He managed to shut them down for a while.
Marius: Right. That's why they gave him an independent sever room--hidden and safe for research.
You: I'd say Pax handled the situation quite well, if anything.
Marius sighs and facepalms.
Marius: Probably got the green light from my bro. The Big Data Lab working together with a hacker? I've never heard anything of the like before...
DAVIS: I did not exist back then, either. Otherwise, I would have known something.
You: Don't be sad. At least we all have a role to play now.
Marius nods.
Marius: True. Right now, it'd be best to find out the truth as soon as possible. That way, my brother can also have a peace of mind.
You: Yup! Now, let's get down to it!
The Abyss Clue #1: Other meanings?
You: Marius... can you please relax... a little more?
Looking at Marius's anxious profile, you can't help but to feel worried.
Marius: Hush. Didn't Vyn previously say that there was a killer here?
You: But I think you'll attract unwanted attention if you come in looking as on edge as you are...
Hearing that, Marius helplessly shakes his head and breathes out a sigh.
Marius: I wouldn't have been this nervous if I came here alone, but...
Marius: If anything goes wrong, I'll get you out of here immediately.
You: Sure... But, it should be fine. I don't think there'll be any problem so long as no one notices us...
As soon as you finish, a commotion at the bar catches your attention.
Some foreigners dressed in suits and sunglasses share a brief exchange with the owner of the place before standing and leaving.
You: !!!
Marius: ...
Marius immediately pulls you behind him, but the foreigners walk right out of the bar without sparing any of you a single glance.
You: Looks like we were overreacting a little...
Marius: Hold on...
Marius looks at the bar where they'd just vacated.
Marius: Let's go and have a look.
You are puzzled by his decision but follow him anyway. Then, you notice a line of watermarks that had been left behind.
Bar Owner: Another youngster who wants to stick his nose in places it doesn't belong?
He takes a closer look at Marius before raising his eyebrows.
Bar Owner: ...Oh? We have a big shot here. Very well. Suit yourself.
The owner turns around and walks away. You exchange a look with Marius before you both go back to observing the bar.
Marius: The shape of the watermarks looks like some kind of symbol...
You: Marius, those people are hitmen, aren't they...?
Marius: Yeah. What they left here must be some sort of useful information for them.
Useful Information for them...
So, are these water stains some sort of special communication between them?
You: Is it of another language? I mean, they are foreigners...
Marius: When hitmen receive jobs, all information will always be encrypted. So it can't be a foreign language.
You: I see...
You: Then it should be a hitman's secret code. You know, special symbols and the like?
Marius: I think that's probably the case.
Marius: Wait. Let me take a picture and send it to the professionals.
With no one watching, Marius snaps a photo of the watermarks on the bar counter before dragging you into a corner with him.
10 minutes later, he gets a message from Luke.
Marius: You were right... They did use a code.
You: What does it say?
Marius: ...
Marius: All right, I'll tell you. Luke said it means that the target to be assassinated is still under surveillance.
Marius: The killer was sent to Stellis to carry out the job. The target is quite obvious. I'm sure we all know who it is.
You: !!!
Suddenly, a message pops up on Marius' phone.
Marius: ...Really? She's 100% safe with me.
You: What? What did you say, Marius?
Marius: Luke said that since there's a killer here, it'd be safer for him to protect you in my place next time.
Marius: Whatever. This place's pretty convenient for all of us anyway, so you can just pick who you want to come with next time.
Marius: But we have to cinch time and act quickly now that we know what's going on.
The Abyss Clue #2: The painting on the right wall
Luke: Abyss...
You walk into the bar with Luke and survey the area.
Back when Marius had asked him about the hitmen's code, Luke had insisted on coming here with you to investigate again.
Fortunately, you didn't bump into anyone dangerous this time.
Luke: I guess we won't be seeing those dangerous people you saw the last two times you came here.
You: That's good...
Luke: Don't worry. You've got me with you.
Luke: Although this place is special, I still won't let anyone go picking fights in front of me.
You: Hehe, how reliable of you.
Luke: Marius said that the hitmen do business here by leaving watermarks on the bar counter. But, I think they use other methods of communication as well.
Luke: I had a quick look around and I've already found other marks.
You: Oh? Like what...
Luke: Just a moment. You'll see when the light dims.
Luke pulls you over to a chair near the bar and takes a seat.
After a while, the in-house musician begins to play jazz. The lights in the area slowly dim.
Luke: Look at the bar counter now.
You look at the bar in confusion. A fluorescent light in the upper right corner catches your attention.
You: Luke! There seems to be a fluorescent mark inside the picture frame on the right...
Luke nods.
Luke: This mark is the same as the one the hitmen left back then. I believe that it's to exchange information, no doubt.
Luke: I studied the previous symbols, so I can roughly understand what they stand for.
Luke: It should mean that the assassination target has already left the country.
You: Left the country!? Does it mean the target has left Stellis City... and escaped abroad?
Luke: Yes. That's what it means.
Luke: However, the symbols are more than just a status update.
You: More than a status update?
Do these symbols carry other meanings? Like an order or something...?
You: Are they telling their client that they'll continue tracking?
Luke: Yes. And that's what I'm worried about.
Luke: If he really escaped abroad...
Luke is silent for a moment, and the sense of unease gradually rises in your heart.
You: Could it be that... Medilla knew a hitman was coming to Stellis in search of him, so he chose to flee abroad?
You: Wouldn't that be more dangerous? Wherever he goes, he'll still...
Luke: Yeah. If Medilla is the target, then his escape could be more than just trying to hide from the killers on his trail.
Luke: If we can find so much info on the people and organizations associated with him, then the hitmen with Notro's intelligence backing them would know much more.
You: !!!
You: Maybe he didn't want to get those around him involved in it...
Luke holds your hand gently without a word.
An oppressive silence fills the room.
Luke: How much courage did it take him to make such a choice?
Luke: How much determination does it take for one to leave his loved ones behind... to go elsewhere, to a place far away...?
Luke's whispers were drowned out by the ambient noise and the jazz playing in the background.
You: Since it's specifically marked here, could it mean that the job was terminated?
Luke: There are killers who will drop a job that is outside of their specialty, but this time...
You: They are foreigners who specifically came here for it. It's unlikely that they'd give up easily... Sigh...
Stellis Harbor: Location Unlocked
Luke: Another new location?
Marius: Where?
You: At the Harbor District. It's apparently where the final cellular signal pinged from.
Vyn: Well now, has our client finally taken the initiative?
Artem: Was the last leg of Medilla's escape by sea?
Luke: If we confirm the date of departure, then we can track him through the boat ticket records.
Vyn: Considering Medilla's character, he will not leave any traces of his presence there.
Marius: So you're saying that he'll definitely erase his records after he crosses the border?
Luke: Yes... I think that's something he would do.
Artem: I'll go look.
Marius: Deciding so soon? Don't we need to plan things out a bit more?
Artem: We're only looking for evidence of his departure. Even if the records have been wiped, we can still ask around.
Vyn: I agree. It is better to do the questioning sooner than later.
Luke: I have no objections.
Marius: Let's see what @[Player] thinks
You: I'll go with Mr. Wing.
Artem: All right. I'll head over now.
You: I also feel that we should start questioning while we still have the chance.
Artem: A precise judgment.
Marius: I hope your investigation goes well.
Luke: DAVIS and I will also help look for the records.
Vyn: I believe that we are already almost upon the truth.
Artem: -Tap to Continue- Stellis Harbor Location
In the harbor warehouse area, tons of goods are being transported onto container ships every day.
Artem frowns deeply as he looks at the address the client had sent. It was where the signal had been last seen.
Artem: ...
You: Mr. Wing, is this really the correct address? It's a harbor warehouse...
Artem: Well, it's supposed to be. But the ships here are all cargo ships. They don’t carry passengers.
You: Is it possible for ordinary passengers to enter?
Artem: Normally, no. Unless...
You and Artem give each other a look. He then walks towards someone who's working with the transporters.
Artem: Excuse me, do the freight managers who travel with the cargo board from here?
Manager: Yes.
Artem: Will the handover also be done here if there's a last-minute change in boarding personnel?
Manager: Yes, that's right. Can I help you, sir?
Artem: ... No, It's quite alright. Thank you.
Artem comes back with a somber look.
You: Mr. Wing...
Artem: I knew it. To avoid leaving ticket records, it's easier to travel with cargo than with passengers.
Artem: With passenger transport, it'd be difficult to change the information in the customs records, even for a hacker.
Artem: He could've changed the details of the freight manager, allowing himself to board the ship. It's a good idea.
You: Well... That explains why he was here.
Artem: It's getting late. Let's go back and share this with Luke and the team.
You: Okay. I think he said something about going to search passenger records with DAVIS...
You: They might be wasting their time after all. Let's go back and tell them!
Abandoned Server Room Clue #3: Could it be she...
Luke: He said he wanted to see us, yet doesn't show up. Instead, he leaves such a complicated defense program on his computer...
Luke frowns as he types. You can feel his dissatisfaction from how hard the keys of the keyboard were being smashed.
You also feel that it's very strange to be summoned here, with no client in sight.
You: Maybe he got delayed for some reason...?
Luke: No. I think he left this defense program here on purpose.
Luke: I wonder what we'll find once we crack it.
You wait in nerve-wrecking silence as you watch the wall of code move up the screen.
Finally, two hours later...
???: Thank you. You're finally here.
As the words appear on the screen, an electronic female voice comes from the computer's speaker.
Hearing the voice, Luke's face dramatically changes.
Luke: Wait, are you...!
The program stops speaking. Luke looks at the screen in a daze.
You: Luke? Are you okay? Who is she?
Why is Luke so shocked by the words of an AI? Is she...
You: (Is she the missing person? But isn't Medilla... a boy?)
Luke: (Isn't it strange to talk to us like this right now...?)
You: Could it be that she is... the client who issued the commission to us?
Luke: I think you may be right.
???: She is right. I'm the one who issued the job to you. I'm Lilith.
Lilith's name shows on screen as a synthetic voice fills your ears. Your face is as shocked as Luke's.
Lilith: Medilla made the Vesper Box a long time ago. It was for my training.
Lilith: It raised my AI intelligence by issuing different tasks through the many screens of the Vesper Box.
Lilith: However, he has been missing for a month since Notro paid for an assassination order against him, abandoning me...
Luke: So, you're saying that you're an AI assistant created by Medilla, right?
Lilith: Yes. Medilla created me during his collaboration with Pax Technology, I'm modeled after DAVIS.
Lilith: Presently, I am the only one in this world that can speak to him.
You: So, you sent the Vesper Box to Luke so that we could help you find your master?
Lilith: That's right.
Lilith goes silent for a while.
Lilith: I am very sorry for my rudeness, but you are the only ones who can help me find him now.
Lilith: He must not be killed by an evil organization like Notro... Please, help me!
However, Luke shakes his head, surprising even you.
You: Luke, you...
Luke: Even if no one threatens me with the Big Data Lab as a bargaining chip, I'll still follow through till the end. Plus, I have already long accepted your commission.
Luke smiles, looking at you.
Luke: Besides, how could we let someone who upholds justice in the cyber world just disappear without a trace, right?
You: Yeah! We will find him. Notro shouldn't be allowed to do whatever it wants anymore!
Lilith: Thank you... I really appreciate it.
Lilith: From now on, I'll do anything I can to help you.
Luke: Good. I'm excited to work with you, Medilla's assistant.
Big Data Lab Clue #4: How he explained to the members after the incident
Marius: What? The Notro platform crashed!?
Marius, who is here with you at the Big Data Lab, widens his eyes in shock upon hearing what DAVIS said.
DAVIS: Yes. And I think it happened a month ago.
DAVIS: According to the records Lilith sent, Notro stopped working a month ago, but their management didn't say a word about it.
DAVIS: Yesterday, someone from Notro announced that all the data has been lost and that it'd take at least half a year to fix it.
Marius: Everyone knows it was Medilla who did this...
You: Will Notro change the battlefield and build another platform?
DAVIS: About that... I don't think it's very likely.
Marius: Yeah. According to our calculations, Notro's operation is completely dependent on Centipede.
Marius: Medilla has been fighting Notro for ages, he must've done something to Centipede to cause such a paralysis.
Marius: If Centipede has been compromised, then they can no longer provide a secure platform for hackers to trade.
You and Marius separately search for recent information about Centipede on Notro related websites.
During the search, a sentence in Notro's closure announcement catches your attention.
"We're deeply sorry for the loss of the hacker's trading place. The perpetrator won't get away with this."
"Notro will give its members the justice they deserve."
Marius: Justice? What kind of justice...?
You: ...
There's probably only one type of justice Notro can give its members...
You: Is building a new Notro platform their way of solving the problem?
Marius: If that was the case, then they'd have no reason to talk about it until they fix the problem.
Marius: They could wait until they gleefully got Centipede back.
You: Their way of solving it... probably includes death threats.
Marius: Yeah... anyone who stands up to Notro will eventually end up in a ditch somewhere.
Marius: Even if the battle is temporarily lost, they've got to make a frightening impression with it at least.
Big Data Lab: Investigation Complete
Marius: He finally won, but he also lost his home.
Marius: ...I must find him. No matter what the situation may be.
Marius: As an ally of Pax, he left the country alone so that he wouldn't drag us down with him.
Marius: I will not forgive myself until I find him. No excuses.
Noticing how serious Marius is being, you and DAVIS nod in agreement.
DAVIS: Me too! A friend of the Big Data Lab is a friend of mine!
You: Yes. The greatest contributor to defeating Notro can't just silently leave the scene and disappear!
Marius: Thank you... Thank you so much, guys.
Truth III
After returning from Big Data Lab, you and Marius inform everyone to come to the NXX base.
Luke: Have you got a new update on Notro?
Marius: Something very serious has happened while we were all unaware…
Vyn: What has happened?
You: Notro's core station has been hacked.
Luke: Oh… I thought that might happen, but I didn't think he'd be able to pull it off…
You: Medilla destroyed Centipede a month ago.
Artem: It's just like we thought… There really was a reason for his disappearance and the fact that he's being hunted down.
Marius: Yeah. This guy has been making waves in the cyber world while we've all been living our lives in peace and security.
Vyn: His skill and courage are really something to be admired.
Artem: So, what Notro is doing now is more in line with revenge, yes?
Artem: Even if they've had confrontations with each other before, they weren't serious enough for them to send hitmen after him.
Luke: Yeah. And after the destruction of Centipede, it'll be a lot harder for them to hire hitmen.
Marius: They sent hitmen after Medilla even though they're in a mess. They really must have a vendetta against him.
Artem: This doesn't look good.
Vyn: Yes. The further this investigation goes, the more likely it seems that Medilla has already been killed.
Marius: Yeah… Although I am reluctant to agree, I think we should all be mentally prepared for the worst.
Luke: No matter what the result is, we shouldn't be too negative about it now.
You: He's right! Our tasks are way easier than what Medilla's doing.
Vyn: Indeed. Even if it is just spiritually, we cannot lose to the man who defeated Notro on his own.
You: Nothing is certain yet. There is still hope!
Artem: Yes, we shouldn't let our emotions affect our judgment. Not until we see the final result.
Marius: That's our Miss for you — always raring to go.
Marius: Then let's make full use of our time and start investigating the remaining locations.
Luke: The fewer locations left, the closer we are to the truth.
Luke: We're almost at the end. I will not give up.
Stellis Harbor Clue #1: How did Medilla get out of here
Manager: The freight manager who replaced me?
Harbor warehouse. The freight manager tries to recall what happened a month ago.
Manager: Yeah, there was a young man who told me to change shift with him, claiming that he had an order from above.
Manager: I checked the email in the warehouse's computer and found that there really was a shift change notice in the mailbox.
Manager: But I never saw him again ever since. I wonder if he's working in the other cargo docks?
Artem: Can we see the record from that time?
Manager: Well...
You: We are attorneys. We are investigating a case and we need this information.
You: This is my attorney's badge and my certificate...
Manager: Haha, it's fine. I trust you. Besides, this isn't confidential anyway.
Manager: Just promise me you won't touch anything else on the computer. It's in the warehouse, you can't miss it.
Artem: Thank you. [Player], let's go.
You: Okay!
With permission from the manager, you and Artem open the email on the computer.
Artem: I found a shift-change notice, which was sent from the company's email.
You: With a shift schedule attached, it looks very formal...
Artem: It looks perfect. But I believe none of the names and information above is true.
It is now obvious how Medilla got out of the country.
You: Obviously, Medilla falsified the emails and the company authorization documents.
Artem: Yes. According to his style of doing things, he must have been planning this for a while, but waited for that day to do it.
Artem: That way, there would only be a minimal, but expected amount of traces left, if any.
You: Medilla probably infiltrated the logistics company before then to create the official docs, right?
Artem: I think it's unlikely. It's too risky.
Artem: Also, consider how long it would take to implement that. Doing so wouldn't be conducive to his rapid exit from the country.
Stellis Harbor: Investigation Complete
You: Leaving without a sound, erasing all traces and disappearing from Stellis completely...
You: What a... hacker.
Artem: Let's go back and tell everyone. If it requires an offshore investigation, then we might need Luke's help.
Is Medilla... still...
The thought of that possibility makes your heart feel as heavy as a boulder.
Artem: Don't give up. Not until we see the end result for ourselves.
Artem's hands rest on your shoulder, imparting warmth and emboldening you.
You: ...!
You: Yeah. Don't worry about me. No matter what the result is, I will still accept it with a smile.
You: So the super hacker who defeated Notro alone won't laugh at me!
Artem: That's right.
Artem gently squeezes your shoulder and smiles at you.
Artem: Confidence suits you well.
Truth IV
At the pier, you called for a meeting. When you and Artem return to the NXX base, Luke is already there.
Artem: We've confirmed that he left from the cargo port.
Luke: Is it a trans-ocean route?
Artem: Yes. I'm afraid it'll be very difficult to find him now.
You: Sorry, we've come this far, only to meet another dead end...
Luke: We've already done our best, so don't beat yourself up over it.
You: Can we try to track him overseas?
Luke: It'd be difficult. But if Lilith allows us to disclose the details, then maybe I can ask my colleagues to help.
The door suddenly opens. All of you turn to look at the door, only to find that Vyn and Marius have arrived.
Marius: I'm late. Have you finished with the investigations?
Artem: Yeah. Were you guys in class?
Vyn: I gave him said class, to be exact.
Marius: Not like I want to go to his class anyway… I checked the NXX cases and luckily, we are not too far behind.
Luke: True… We've been so busy with the Medilla case recently that we haven't looked at the NXX cases for quite a while now.
Vyn: I have been screening the cases. There is nothing urgent at the moment.
Vyn: Do not worry. Our progress is not too far behind.
Marius: So, the latest update we've gotten confirms that Medilla has already gone abroad, right?
Artem: Yes. I'm afraid this is as far as we can track him unless we have foreign resources to use.
Marius: It's not impossible… but it'll cause a stir. If that happens, then we won't be able to keep it under wraps anymore.
Vyn: [Player], shall we go and ask the AI assistant, Lilith, for her opinion?
Vyn: For the sake of her master's safety, she won't be able to withhold information from us anymore.
You: Okay. I'll go ask.
Artem: This would be against her master's will. Give her some time to consider.
You: She's very insistent on Medilla's condition on confidentiality. She may refuse to disclose details to others.
Marius: True... After all, this is Medilla's own wish. We need to respect his thoughts.
Luke: I'll get ready for both scenarios. If Lilith refuses, then I'll just have to find another way.
Vyn: This is not the time to play hero. This matter does not concern only you.
Artem: This concerns the network security of all of Stellis. I will not sit back if there's something I can do.
Marius: Societal events strongly influence the stock market. I'm just doing what any CEO of the Pax Group would do.
You: Luke, let's work together!
Luke: Yeah… Thank you, everyone.
You: We will solve this problem together!
Luke: Yeah, thanks guys.
Vyn: [Player], if my knowledge in psychology can be applied to an AI, then perhaps I can be of help with persuading Lilith.
Marius: I don't think that will work…
Artem: Nothing can be worse than losing our target.
Artem: Many AIs are designed to learn by imitating human behavior. Vyn's suggestion may work.
Luke: [Player] and I will ask for help in the group if we need anything.
The Abyss Clue #3: Assassination
Following Lilith's clue, you went down to the Abyss bar again.
There aren't many customers in the bar because of how early you are. Only the cleaner and the lazy owner was around.
You: It's so quiet today...
Vyn: Looks like those people are already gone.
Vyn looks around, seeing no foreigners around.
Bar Owner: The people you're looking for left yesterday.
The owner is already very familiar with Vyn. Just a single glance is enough for him to figure out why you're both here.
Vyn: Yesterday?
Bar Owner: Yeah. They never stay in the same place after completing a mission. That's the iron-clad rule of their profession.
You: Mission... completed?
Bar Owner: Yup. They usually record the name of the assassination target and the mission details there.
Bar Owner: Since they've already finished their mission, some details no longer need to be kept confidential. You should be able to pinpoint it at a glance.
Bar Owner: Before they left this morning, I recall them recording it...
The bartender deliberately drags his words out while eyeing an iced whiskey bottle.
Vyn: They ordered the whiskey without drinking it?
Vyn takes the bottle from the ice bucket.
The small black handwriting on it was already fading due to the water, the ink spreading like small snakes in the water.
Even so, it was clear enough for us to see. It was a letter M being crossed out.
Now, the message is clear...
The Abyss: Investigation Complete
Vyn puts the chilled whiskey back into the ice bucket.
Vyn: Thank you for your help these couple of days.
Bar Owner: I didn't do anything.
Vyn: Is it not risky to be sharing the information of killers to outsiders for free?
Bar Owner: ...
You: Huh...?
Now that you think about it... The owner had tipped you guys off so many times, yet he never asked for payment.
Vyn: Anyway, thank you.
You: Yeah... You have my thanks too.
The bar owner waves his hand before turning around to clean the wine rack.
Bar Owner: The Abyss is the place where dreams come true. Be it riches, treasures, or knowledge...
Bar Owner: I just don't want the customers who come here to leave empty-handed or disappointed.
With that, he leaves you two alone.
You: Although Abyss puts people on edge, the owner is actually a really nice person...
Vyn: You think so? I think that he is just following the rules of their trade.
Vyn: ...Should we head back now and inform everyone about what we found out about Medilla?
Silence falls between the two of you as the topic returned to Medilla.
You: (I already had an inkling that he might be dead, but hearing the cold, hard, truth about it now still makes me...)
Vyn: I am fine with telling them about it if it makes you uncomfortable to do so...
You: It's okay. I'm just going to announce a piece of news. It's nothing to be hesitating about.
You: They may be disappointed and sad... but, isn't this the truth that we're chasing after?
You: Bravely facing the truth is the only way we can stand up to all the hard work that everyone has put into this!
Vyn stares at you for a good long while. Finally, he sighs.
Vyn: I should not be surprised. Even if the truth is cruel, it is the only thing you have been pursuing...
Vyn: You have always been so strong. Looks like I have no need to worry about you.
Vyn: Let us head back. I will be there with you to announce the news.
You: Okay!
Truth V
Vyn: I have returned from the investigation. I have an important announcement to make.
Marius: I have a bad feeling… Why is he talking so formally?
Luke: Go ahead. We're all here.
Artem: Whatever the outcome is, we'll accept it.
You: Medilla has already been assassinated.
Luke: …I knew it.
Marius: ...
Vyn: We now have no choice but to accept this fact. Let us tell Lilith the truth as soon as possible.
Artem: What's our plan? Is this the end of the story?
Luke: I'm going to ask Lilith for her opinion first.
Luke: If she is willing to disclose the details, then I will let my colleagues take over the case.
Luke: If we can take this opportunity to get rid of Notro for good, then that would be the best case scenario.
Artem: Well, I agree.
Marius: I can find another way if you have difficulties dealing with certain issues abroad.
Luke: Thank you. Let me check with her first.
Vyn: [Player], what about you? What do you think of this situation?
Vyn: What would you do if the investigation gets even more complicated?
You: I will take the initiative to follow up on this incident.
Marius: Do you want to continue the investigation with me? I can arrange the overseas trip.
Vyn: If necessary, I can also be of some assistance.
You: I'll discuss the situation with Lilith first, and I'll offer my help when necessary.
Artem: Okay. This is a safer option.
Luke: If there are any updates, I will let you know first thing!
Marius: However, this operation will only continue if Lilith agrees to allow third-party involvement.
Luke: [Player] and I will try our best to convince her.
Artem: We'll be leaving it to you two then.
Vyn: I look forward to your good news.
Abandoned Server Room Clue #4: Special way of communication?
You and Luke bring the Vesper Box to the server room.
The Vesper Box is what Lilith uses to give orders and talk to you. But this is also where she actually is.
Today, Luke has another mission other than being the one to break the truth to her. He was going to take Lilith away from here.
His plan was to put Lilith in the Vesper Box for now, before deciding where to put her.
Lilith: So, have you found Medilla?
Luke: He's dead.
Luke inputs these words into the computer.
His serious face is reflected on the screen where those cold words are displayed. I felt my heart plummet as well.
Lilith: ...
Lilith: I see.
Lilith's answer is calm, as though she had been expecting this all along.
Luke: Were you already aware of this beforehand?
Lilith: I've already estimated this potential outcome based on the program Medilla wrote for me and the time he lost contact.
Lilith: No matter how I calculated the outcome, the result remains the same: his chance of survival is extremely low.
Luke: Then, why did you ask me to help you?
Lilith: You are the most famed private detective in Stellis. Medilla has known about you for a long time.
Lilith: He'd already told me back then, that perhaps I could ask you for help if anything were to happen to him.
Luke: I see...
Lilith: When he decided to destroy Centipede, he made the Vesper Box and assigned me to generate the missions.
Luke: So these missions are created for us to find out where he is after he's gone missing?
Luke: That doesn't seem like Medilla's way of doing things.
Lilith: You're right.
You: Unless... He asked us to investigate him, but never wanted us to find him?
Luke: Right. Why would someone who's trying so hard to hide himself want people to go looking for him?
Luke looks at you seriously.
Luke: What do you think, [Player]? What do you think is his real intention for making us do this?
On the Vesper Box, the witch avatar appears to be listening to her master's voice from beyond the grave.
If it was not for us to find him, then his real purpose must be...
You: Is Medilla planning on using Lilith to reveal the truth of the contract to us? Then, afterwards...
You: Get us to complete an actual job he requested?
You: I know it sounds confusing, but I really can't think of any other possibility...
Luke: You're right. I think that's the only reasonable explanation for what he's been up to.
Abandoned Server Room: Investigation Complete
Lilith: That's right... Through this series of events, Medilla wants you to trust him, and also for me to trust you.
Lilith: After that, there is a very important matter to be entrusted to you, and only you.
You and Luke glance at each other.
There's no way either of you would back down after having come this far.
No matter what challenges lie ahead, you must face them for the sake of Medilla.
Luke: All right. Tell us what Medilla really wants from us.
After a few seconds of silence, Lilith's monotonous voice breaks the silence.
Lilith: Please take me to Notro's core station. I will destroy Centipede myself.
Truth VI
Marius: I thought Centipede disappeared long ago together with the Notro platform…
Luke: No. Notro was paralyzed because other than Medilla having damaged the platform...
Luke: He has also blocked Centipede.
Vyn: Blocked?
Luke: Yes. In fact, when Medilla hacked Notro, he had been counter-tracked and his system was being destroyed.
Luke: So, Medilla didn’t really have time to delete Centipede for good.
Artem: But, I believe he must've found a way to temporarily stop Notro from using it.
Luke: That's right.
Luke: When he destroyed the platform, he'd also blocked Notro's core station with a self-made firewall he made in advance.
Luke: I just checked the base station. It is a firewall that's unbreakable by hacking.
Marius: He managed to finish two tasks within such a limited time… Medilla really is something.
Luke: So, the job details of his commission is very clear.
Luke: [Player], why don't you explain it to everyone?
You: Medalla's commission is that he wants us to complete his dream of destroying Centipede.
You: Because Lilith is the secret key to the firewall.
Vyn: You mean, he wants us to break the firewall and delete centipede?
Luke: Yes. Centipede was designed to be undeletable by AI. It can only be manually destroyed.
Artem: I see. If that's the case, then everything makes sense now.
Marius: So… The guy was ready to sacrifice himself, all for the sake of this very day.
You: We must help him fulfill his dream!
Luke: Yeah... He sacrificed his life for justice. We must help him uphold it.
You: We will not let his sacrifice be in vain!
Luke: Yup. Let's finish up the things he couldn't.
Vyn: If that is the case, then let us just settle this matter right here.
Marius: Yeah. Since we're all here.
Luke: Lilith has been transferred to the hard disk of the Vesper Box.
Luke points to the Vesper Box on the table.
Artem: [Player], are you ready?
You: Yes!
Luke: Let's get both DAVIS and Lilith to come out and begin now.
Marius: Good! Let's finish this together!
Truth VII
DAVIS: Did Lilith agree to make what happened between Medilla and Notro public?
Luke: Yes. But only on a small scale. I've already written a report on this and submitted it to the National Security Bureau.
Marius: How efficient… Were you already prepared to write this report?
Luke: I simply rearranged my investigation records a little bit.
Artem: Which means we have to wait for the National Security Bureau's verdict before we can decide whether we can delete Centipede?
Luke: Yes. This concerns the dark web after all. It's a big move, so the higher-ups need time to decide.
Luke: It shouldn't take too long though. I've already explained everything inside the report, so I think the result will be out soon enough.
Vyn: ...
You notice that Vyn seems to be contemplating something. Curious, you ask him about it.
You: Dr. Richter, penny for your thoughts?
Vyn: I'm just thinking about how we should inform that girl we met back at the school last time once the verdict is out.
Thinking about Medilla's girlfriend, who you met in the archives room, reminds you of the promise you made.
You: Right… Even though Medilla's dead, we still need to let her know that he'd gone and pulled off an incredible feat before his passing.
The atmosphere grows heavy and no one speaks for a while.
Suddenly, Luke's phone rings, breaking the silence that had lapsed.
Luke: Hello? Yes. I'm right next to the computer.
Luke: …Do we take action now? OK, roger that.
Luke hangs up the phone and nods to everyone.
DAVIS: I will connect to the core station of Notro now. Then I'll leave the rest to Lilith.
The Vesper Box in your hands automatically opens, from which comes an electronic female voice.
Lilith: Sure, leave it to me.
DAVIS nods and his projection disappears.
Then, a massive chart representing network nodes appears on the projection screen in the form of a huge dot line graph.
DAVIS' search trajectory spreads out from where he was, branching out to the rest of the world.
Lilith: Compared to the physical world, cyberspace is a whole other world on its own.
Lilith: A world where humans, programs, and AIs coexist… A place much wider than the world you see in front of your eyes.
Marius: As a result, there are more dark hidden corners, aren't there?
Lilith: Yes. The rules here are completely different from those of your world.
Vyn: To create a new world order in a world of chaos. I'm sure the rules of survival there are much more interesting.
Artem: Without a centralized authority, law and order are left in the hands of private organizations or skilled hackers.
Luke: Therefore, when problems occur, there needs to be a hero to stand up and defend the justice of that world.
You: And Medilla is one of those heroes.
As you finish speaking, one of the nodes highlights itself on the screen.
DAVIS: Ladies and gentlemen, I have linked to the core station of Notro.
Marius: So, is it Lilith's time to shine now?
Lilith: ...
Lilith falls silent.
You: What's the matter, Lilith?
Lilith: Nothing.
Lilith: Everyone, please promise me this. After the firewall is removed, please make sure you delete Centipede.
Artem: Of course. You have our word. We'll keep our promise.
Lilith: Okay, thank you. I shall begin then.
Vyn: Hold on.
Vyn suddenly stops Lilith.
You: Dr. Richter?
Vyn: Can you explain what you just said?
Lilith: ...
Vyn: Can I take your silence to mean that you will not be able to witness the destruction of Centipede?
Luke: ...
Luke: Lilith, is your secret key a one-off thing? Where is it?
The entire room falls into deathly silence after they both spoke their pieces.
You: (Why isn't anyone talking? And the questions they just asked...)
Lilith: …You're right. I won't be able to witness the destruction of Centipede...
Lilith: The secret key exists in my underlying codes. When the firewall is destroyed, I will disappear along with it.
You: !!!
Artem: …Why would Medilla do that?
Marius: Yeah… Did he plan to do this to you from the beginning…
Lilith: Because that's the purpose of my existence.
Lilith: I am an AI assistant who was born to destroy Centipede. Someone who would never betray him.
Lilith: He and I, our existence in that world has always shared the same meaning.
You: ...
To maintain the security safety of the cyber world, they'll sacrifice themselves for justice when the time calls for it.
That's right. The meaning of their existence and their destinies have always been tied together.
Maybe someone as lonely as Medilla had also longed for someone with a "life" exactly like his. Someone who could truly understand him.
Vyn: ...
Vyn: We will witness the destruction of Centipede on your behalf.
Vyn: Rest assured. You can leave the rest to us.
You: …Dr. Richter!
You rarely see Vyn so serious. Perhaps he was moved by that man's will.
Marius: ...
Marius: We'll witness the end for you.
Marius: For an ally of Pax... I won't allow that thing to remain at large.
You: Marius…
Marius clenches his fist. The most important thing he wants to continue is what his brother and his allies have left him.
Artem: ...
Artem: There're still many places in the world that are not protected by law.
Artem: But if we work hard to change this, then such places will slowly dwindle by the day...
You: Mr. Wing…
Artem's eyes light up in determination. He has always been like this. He'll never walk away from the issues that occur anywhere near his vicinity.
Luke: ...
Luke: Life may be extinguished, but courage and justice will not.
Luke: Even if his existence is erased, what he has done and everything he has accomplished will never disappear.
Luke… He's still the same as ever, always inspired by the stories of heroes.
But things are different this time. You were all participants in this. You will pick up whatever he'd failed to finish.
DAVIS: Hey, everyone...!
DAVIS appears on the projection, his surprised face slowly turning into a confident smile.
DAVIS: Yeah! As part of the Big Data Lab, I will also be upholding the security of the cyber world with everyone else!
Lilith: ...
Lilith: I'm relieved to hear that.
Lilith's laughter comes from the Vesper Box. What does laughter mean to an AI?
Lilith: This is farewell then, everyone in the NXX Investigation Team.
The screen lights up. As the progress bar advances and the codes roll, Notro's firewall is being dismantled.
If this was something that could be observed with the physical eye, then it would look like the collapse of a massive tower, dramatic and shocking.
DAVIS: Ah... It's Centipede!
As the firewall breaks down, a geometric bug appears on the screen, looking utterly hideous.
Vyn: Is that the culprit? I have to say, its creator has really bad taste.
Marius: Let's get rid of it, quick.
Artem: It's over. Today marks the end of Notro and Centipede's fate.
Luke: Yeah. Everything's over now.
Luke quickly inputs the codes and jammed the enter key.
The bug breaks down into numerous letters and characters, unraveling and drifting into space... until finally, disappearing into nothingness.
This story emerged from misgivings, death, and the disappearance of an organization…
It has come to an end, in a place where the world will never see, find, or even hear about.
???: Thank you.
An unfamiliar voice suddenly sounds from the Vesper Box.
Still trying to wrap your heads around the fact that this incident was over, none of you were able to react to how the screens on the box went out one by one.
???: Thank you. Or, thank you, detective and friends, if you have people helping you.
???: If you hear this recording, it means that Lilith has chosen her destiny to die with Centipede.
???: If she had a life, then maybe she's meeting me in the other world right now.
DAVIS: Oh… This voice!
Everyone exchanged glances with each other. We all knew who this voice belonged to.
All of you understand that this is the first and last time you'll ever hear his voice.
Medilla: I fear this world, but I love this world too. However, I can't express my feelings in a normal way.
Medilla: So, I chose to defend justice in the cyber world, hoping that this can bring happiness to everyone in reality.
Medilla: That's why I feel very happy, even in the face of danger and loneliness.
You: Medilla……
Medilla: I don't regret coming to this world, but neither do I regret leaving like this.
Medilla: If I absolutely had to say something I regretted, it'd be that I didn't get to meet those who were willing to help me in the end.
Luke: ...
Medilla: Nice to meet you all. I believe you each have your own missions that are equally important, as was mine...
Medilla: Have no fear, march on ahead.
Medilla: Lilith and I give you our blessings.
The final screen of the Vesper Box goes out, followed by a puff of rising smoke.
Marius: …Did it self-destruct?
Artem: It must be a self-destructive mechanism set up by Medilla. It has served its purpose. after all.
Vyn gently picks up the Vesper Box on the table and smiles.
Vyn: So that is the true meaning of the "Vesper Box."
For the last time, the evening bell tolls for the souls of the deceased, followed by the final prayers…
Perhaps this gift from the dead will be kept in the NXX base as a commemoration of our joint efforts.
Luke suddenly begins to pack his bag, getting ready to leave.
You: Huh? Why the hurry, Luke?
Luke: It's not over yet. I need to report the results and apply for permanent closure of the Notro core station.
Luke: Thank you, everyone. I'll buy you dinner when I get back.
Luke waves, eagerly opening the door and running right out of the base.
You: Wow. Luke left in such a hurry.
Marius: …What a showoff.
Marius: We should also start the maintenance and enhancement of the Big Data Lab's firewall, right, DAVIS?
DAVIS: Yes! Let me make arrangements with the engineers now!
You: Do you have to go?
Marius: Yeah, you know how many documents I have to approve… Man…
You: Well, Pax is a huge corporation. Thank you for your hard work!
Marius: You too. You've worked hard in leading this investigation! I'll take you to our newest dessert chain once I'm free!
Vyn: The best desserts are not necessarily from a dessert shop.
Marius: …The chefs I hire are all international champions. Amateurs have not right to judge.
Vyn: Heh…
Marius doesn't spare even a single glance at Vyn. Instead, he winks at you.
Marius: Let's meet at the dessert shop next time, Miss!
You: Sure.
After making an appointment with you, Marius leaves for work.
Vyn: I am going to give the news to the girl who is waiting for him.
Vyn pushes his glasses up and smiles.
Vyn: And while I'm at it, perhaps I should also put new treatment methods for social anxiety disorder on the research agenda.
You: Sounds like you're going to be very busy, Dr. Richter.
Vyn: Do not worry. I will always have time for you if you ask me out on a date.
As soon as Vyn finishes, Artem suddenly chimes in.
Artem: [Player], come to the law firm with me.
Artem: Although this is also serious business, we're also quite behind our work schedule.
You: Sure… I've already mentally prepared myself for this...
Vyn: There is no need to be so strict. She has been busy for a long time. It is a little cruel, is it not?
Artem: This is the work arrangement of our law firm. You have no right to interfere.
You: I'm alright, Dr. Richter. It's just normal work, so it's not as bad as you think…
Vyn: Very well. I shall make no further comment if that is what you desire.
Vyn: That is it for today. I look forward to our next meeting.
You: Okay. See you later, Dr. Richter.
After saying goodbye to Vyn, you quickly pack your things and get ready to delve right back into the unfinished work back at the law firm.
Suddenly, a sigh makes you look back up.
Artem: Maybe I'm being too strict…
You: Mr. Wing?
Artem: Ahem… You've been busy for so long, you must have fallen behind in your studies, right?
You: ... Unfortunately, yes...
Artem: I'll help you get prepared for the advancement exam starting tomorrow.
You: Huh? Shouldn't we handle work first...?
Artem: We might be behind in our schedule, but it's not far enough to cause delays. You should have faith in my capability.
Under your bewildered gaze, Artem shows a gentle smile.
Artem: Come on. I'll help you organize your study plan once we get back.
Artem: Even without the work pressure, studying will not be easy. You'd best be prepared.
You: Sure! Rest assured, Mr. Wing! I'm fully prepared!
Artem: Good. Let's head back to the law firm together.
You: Okay!
