Lost Gold Artem Investigation 02-03
Overview
- "A turnabout won't reverse the natural order, but the living demand the truth."
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards:
Astral Memory x20
- Unlock Condition:
Emergency Medicine x65, 
Lumber x130, 
MRE x260, 
Drinking Water x195, 
Rain Boots - Note - During its initial limited run, this stage's first clear reward was:
Hunter's Badge x50 - Note - During its initial limited run, this stage's unlock condition was: Emergency Medicine x70, Lumber x140, MRE x280, Drinking Water x210, Rain Boots
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
Woods
After resting, you and Artem continue to walk through the forest.
You pass through a section of tidelands. The muddy trek costs the two of you a great amount of time and stamina.
It's already late in the afternoon by the time you arrive at the abandoned cabin deep within the forest.
You: Is this where Orson was killed?
Artem: Yes.
Artem checks Jack's GPS location. He's heading in this direction.
Thankfully, your landing locations were closer than Jack's, or else you might not have been able to catch up to him.
Artem: He's almost here.
Artem: Before he arrives, let's inspect the cabin. We might find some clues.
You: Okay.
Abandoned Cabin
You and Artem search the cabin carefully.
You: This cabin has been abandoned for too long. There's nothing at all other than some useless pieces of wood.
Artem: Finding nothing is expected, so don't be disappointed.
There are sounds of footsteps outside the door.
You: Is that Jack?
You lower your voice. Artem doesn't say anything but nods to you.
The door opens.
You: Ahh!
???: ...!
As soon as the door opens, you pretend to be scared by the intruder and dramatically jump over to Artem.
Artem shields you as you both warily assess the intruder.
???: You two are...?
He's about the same height as Artem and exudes a manly aura. He matches the photo in Jack's dossier.
He sees your reaction and becomes apologetic.
???: I'm sorry I scared you. I didn't expect to see anyone here.
You: It's okay. It's not like you meant to.
You: We also didn't expect anyone to come here. It's not related to any of the hints in the treasure hunt.
You put on a puzzled look.
You: So what brings you here, sir?
Jack Barlow: I...
Jack is caught unprepared by this question and sheepishly smiles.
Jack Barlow: Actually, I'm a reporter, not a treasure hunter. I'm not here to look for treasure.
You: So you're...?
Jack Barlow: I'm here to do research.
Jack Barlow: And what are you two doing here...?
Artem: We're here to investigate.
Jack Barlow: Investigate?
You show Jack your tablet. The cover of the file shows "The Great Gold Heist."
Jack Barlow: You guys...
Seeing the shocked expression on Jack's face, you suddenly feel relieved.
Someone who wears their heart on their sleeve is unlikely to be a murderer. He still has a chance to turn around.
You: We're lawyers. We like to look into cold cases in our spare time.
You: When we were invited to this event, we heard there was a murder case on Nosta, so we came to investigate...
Artem: Speaking of which, you said you came here for research.
Artem: Did you also come here to investigate the murder that took place in this cabin?
Jack Barlow: ...
Jack Barlow: Yes, I came for that case as well. I'm writing a documentary report for this case.
Jack Barlow: Sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I didn't want to scare you.
Jack Barlow: After all, most people don't want anything to do with murder cases.
You: I see.
You: If you're writing a documentary report for this case, you must know it very well.
You: We only recently started our research, and we found out that there was a lot of evidence that the police couldn't find back then.
You: So we thought that since there's a treasure hunting event on this island...
You: With so many treasure hunters around, we might be able to find what was lost to time.
You: If we can find new evidence, do you think the case will change?
Jack Barlow: You mean a turnabout? That's something only us dreamers would like.
Jack smiles and shakes his head, as if sympathizing with our "naivety."
Jack Barlow: But this is a case of a gang mutiny.
Jack Barlow: Any reversal in the case would only change the matter of who was murdered first.
Jack Barlow: Besides, they're all dead. What do they care if the case is turned around?
You: ...
Artem: A turnabout won't reverse the natural order, but the living demand the truth.
Artem: Sir, as our goals align, shall we investigate together?
Artem: We can share information about the case. Mutual assistance should benefit all of us.
Jack Barlow: Thanks a lot. That's not a bad idea.
Jack Barlow: It's just that... Our professions are different, so our methods and focus might also be different.
Jack Barlow: Also, maybe it's because of my line of work, but I prefer going solo.
Jack Barlow: You know how every reporter wants to get an exclusive story.
You: We aren't reporters, so we won't take away your exclusive story.
You: Who knows, maybe the variety in work approaches might let us dig up more info.
Jack Barlow: Then, how about this? After the event's over, we can talk about the case on our return trip home.
You: ...
Jack's tone of voice is amiable, but his attitude is unyielding.
Artem: Sure. We'll meet up after the event concludes.
Artem clearly notices Jack's wariness, so he abandons the idea of traveling with him.
Jack Barlow: See you guys later. I have other places to check out.
Jack bids farewell and then leaves the cabin.
