Spirit Traces

Spirit Traces is an Adventure Mission on Herta Space Station.
==Acquisition==
*After completing the first Adventure Mission in this chain, Ever-Changing, read the message from Asta.
==Steps==
# Discuss the Letter From Locus Silentii with Asta
# Head to the storage zone to look for the Xenohydro
# Comfort Lamina who has been verbally abused
# Follow Lamina to the Xenohydro's hiding place
# Find a spot with a clear view of the opposite side
# Investigate the traces of the Xenohydro's past activities
# Follow Lamina to the Xenohydro's hiding place
# Disable the Xenohydro's trap
# Discuss the potential hiding places with Lamina for the last time
# Follow Lamina to the Xenohydro's hiding place
# Investigate your "mirror image"
# Persuade Lamina to repent
# Tell the lead researcher about the Xenohydro conspiracy
# Witness the scene of the fans of Master Capote having their hearts broken
==Dialogue==
===Receive a message from Asta===
:
===Discuss the Letter From Locus Silentii with Asta===
;(Talk to Asta)
: Are you all right?
:Asta: The Legion is gone, and the Curios are back. Various departments are returning to their research, and the newly imported goods from the cosmos are beginning to circulate.
:Asta: Everything is going smoothly with Project Revival. So what exactly does this letter mean?
: I heard you are looking for me?
:Asta: (Trailblazer), you're back. Just in time!
:Asta: Thanks to your help and everybody's hard work, the space station is pretty much back on its feet.
:Asta: As a conclusion to Project Revival, I wanted to summon you to witness the fruits of our labor.
:Asta: But just two days ago, I received a strange letter. Now that you're here, perhaps you can help me figure out what it is about.
;(Opens Letter From Locus Silentii)
:Asta: I often hear the researchers praise you for your resourcefulness and good judgment. What do you think? Any clue what this message is about?
: It seems like something from the Department of Implement Arts.
::Asta: Yes, only the researcher called Wen in the Department of Implement Arts would speak like that.
::Asta: However, it was a strange story how I got hold of this letter at the beginning. It was sandwiched in a tome called A Guide to Astral Realm Species on the Conference Room table. Normally, no one looks at it except me.
::Asta: Obviously, someone wanted to hand me this letter in private, so I didn't dare ask the staff in the Department of Implement Arts.
: Who is this Cryptologist From Locus Silentii?
::Asta: As far as I know, there is no one with this title in the space station. It must be an alias.
::Asta: But the identity of the writer is not what I am most concerned about.
: Spirit sounds particularly familiar.
:Asta: Spirit... Spirit... Can it be... The Xenohydro? Well done, (Trailblazer)! You just found the "key" to the text right away. Now everything makes sense!
:Asta: It seems this is no ordinary letter, it's from an informant. Their intention is to report on the Xenohydro.
:Asta: The Xenohydro has disappeared from the space station since it escaped from Mr. Wen Mingde's hands.
:Asta: This letter seems to support the rumor that the Xenohydro was not caught because it has an accomplice.
:Asta: Look at this sentence. "An inquiry into spirit traces, a glance into the site of storage" is obviously leading us to investigate the Xenohydro's range of activities, and "to be an accomplice" implies the existence of an accomplice.
:Asta: As for the other six sentences, in my opinion, some depict the portrait of the accomplice and some describe the real hiding place of the Xenohydro. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to interpret the rest of the message.
:Asta: Now that we are done with other work, this letter falls into our hands at just the right moment. It's high time we put the Xenohydro issue back on the table. (Trailblazer), what do you think?
: I am with you all the way!
: I have a lot going on lately...
::Asta: Please, (Trailblazer). I hope you won't refuse. After all—
:Asta: Considering there may be a traitor among us, if I hand this case to our staff, we might alert the culprit. And (Trailblazer), you're not a staff member, and you've also met the Xenohydro before. You really are the ideal candidate to handle this case.
:Asta: And if there is an accomplice involved, this matter is no longer a simple case of Curio retrieval. It must be handled with caution. Therefore, I would like to ask you to go to the Storage Zone mentioned in the letter and verify the facts.
:Asta: If we can catch either the Xenohydro or the accomplice, we'll be able to interrogate them. Then I can judge whether the accomplice's motive is malicious or not.
:Asta: At this critical juncture, it is up to us to finally finsh Project Revival.
===Head to the storage zone to look for the Xenohydro===
;(Approach Capote and Lamina)
:Capote: I've always been a rather magnanimous person. In fact, here is a chance for you to regain my favor... As long as you are willing to apologize for your behavior!
:Lamina: I didn't do those things...
:Capote: You want to deny the truth!? Lamina, Lamina, you're getting more and more dishonest! Let me help you remember—
:Capote: The mustard in my lunch box, the big hole on the back of my uniform, and this boring letter in reply to the female researcher. Aren't they your doing?
:Lamina: It's true I'm the only person who handled those things, but...
:Capote: And when I was reporting to Miss Asta, you suddenly shouted, "Mr. Capote, it's too late. the Wubbaboos are still waiting for you to play with them!" You made her think I was colluding with Curios and not doing my job.
:Lamina: But I was just stating a fact...
:Capote: We should keep it only between you, and me! How many times have I told you that? You were just going against me on purpose!
:Capote: Forget it. I don't think you are going to repent at all. One day, when you're sick of this place and your future is gloomy, you will come crawling back to seek help from me.
:Capote: Just keep praying that by then, I haven't replaced you with a Renona, an Elena, or a Barbara... or someone else, hmph!
===Comfort Lamina who has been verbally abused===
:Lamina: When can I become braver?
:Lamina: Oh, it's (Trailblazer), the hero of the space station. I've heard so much about you. I didn't expect to have the opportunity to see you up close.
: What are you doing here?
::Lamina: I... I was Mr. Capote's secretary.
::Lamina: But recently, I made a few mistakes when I was running errands for him. So he sent me here to work on the Curio sorting assembly line.
::Lamina: I'm so sorry, you must think I am a joke...
: You did all those things?
::Lamina: You heard it all... Although, I don't remember doing the things Mr. Capote accused me of.
::Lamina: I also suspected someone else, but everything showed that I was the only one who touched Mr. Capote's things.
::Lamina: Maybe "Lamina's law" is really true. In the Department of Ecology, they have a saying, anything that Lamina "can" screw up, Lamina will "screw up."
:: Don't rush to judgment yet.
:::Lamina: (Trailblazer), do you think... there's another explanation for this? Surely not...
:: That's an interesting law!
:::Lamina: Come on, how would you feel if it was called the "(Trailblazer)'s law."
: I have a letter for you to read.
:Lamina: Sure, but knowing me, I probably won't be much help...
----
:Lamina: Well, if I understand correctly, where it says, "An inquiry into spirit traces," it seems to be referring to the Xenohydro, a kind of Curio from our department. And "to be an accomplice" seems to be some kind of accusation.
:Lamina: (Trailblazer), why are you asking me this? Are you investigating the escape of the Xenohydro?
: It's in the storage zone.
::Lamina: Oh!? Really... I've been hanging around here lately, but I haven't noticed anything unusual.
: Maybe it's impersonating you?
::Lamina: Huh!? Did it do those things that Mr. Capote is accusing me of? But why...
:Lamina: As for the rest of the letter, please forgive my ignorance, but I really don't understand it.
:Lamina: But now we know it's in the Storage Zone, and this area is only so large. Maybe we can take the initiative and make a list of the possible suspects.
:Lamina: I'm quite familiar with this place. There are one or two places I know that are inaccessible where the Xenohydro may be hiding. I can take you to have a look.
:Lamina: Actions are better than words. If you don't mind, (Trailblazer), follow me.
===Follow Lamina to the Xenohydro's hiding place===
;(Upon reaching the location)
:Lamina: Ahem, ehem, this room smells humid... It seems the Xenohydro really was here.
:Lamina: (Trailblazer), come quickly. This place is secluded and it's a good vantage point. You can watch the whole room from here.
===Find a spot with a clear view of the opposite side ===
;(Talk to Lamina)
:Lamina: Well... Are you sure we want to ambush it here? We can try making a trap, it's one of our standard procedures in the Department of Ecology.
: How do you make a trap?
: Ambush it in person.
::Lamina: This may not be wise... According to the A Guide to Species in the Astral Realm, the Xenohydro is very cautious and stealthy. If we simply wait for it, it's probably just a waste of time.
::Lamina: (Trailblazer), why don't I show you how to make a trap?
:Lamina: Tightly connect the two disposable kinetic arms. Once the prey steps within range of the power arm, all that awaits them is doom.
:Lamina: To make a disposable kinetic arm, we need to find many intricate parts, Strange Matter of Destruction and Phase Flame...
: I am glad you have such a good memory.
::Lamina: No, astral ecology is a rigorous and beautiful discipline of knowledge. I am simply conveying its charm truthfully.
::Lamina: But you reminded me that it'll be difficult to gather all the materials quickly.
: Sounds like fancy material.
::Lamina: It's okay. In the past, we could take as much as we wanted from the Department of Implement Arts. But now we are short of materials, it'll be hard to collect everything we need soon.
: By that time the Xenohydro will have died of old age.
::Lamina: Well, it won't take quite that long. The Xenohydro has a pretty long lifespan... But we probably shouldn't put ourselves in such a passive situation.
:Lamina: Anyway, we'd better ambush it ourselves.
:Lamina: We may have to wait for a while. Why don't we have a chat to kill time, (Trailblazer).
: Why do you work for Capote?
::Lamina: You're not the first person to ask me this question... Except for his fans, many people have a bad impression of Master Capote. They think he is loud and obnoxious.
::Lamina: But I have been with him for the longest time. I know that Mr. Capote is not a bad person in nature. He is just naturally gifted in many aspects, so he can't understand other people's difficulties sometimes. In short, he is just spoiled by fate.
:: How can you be spoiled by fate?
:::Lamina: With his unusually handsome appearance, his great talent for research, and his lovable outgoing nature... Everything has always worked out well for him. So it's normal for him to think the world revolves around him.
:: You're still defending him.
:::Lamina: No, no, I'm just stating what I see. Since my childhood, my family has always taught me to focus on the positive, so that life wouldn't be so gloomy.
:::Lamina: Not to mention he did give me a job that lets me get closer to the real research work in the Department of Ecology. Although the price was to work as his secretary...
: How do you see yourself, Lamina?
::Lamina: Me? I... I'm just an ordinary researcher. Even that sounds like an exaggeration.
::Lamina: Because... I only got into the space station in my sister's place... Of course, Mr. Capote doesn't know about that.
::Lamina: My home planet is quite poor in resources, and most families can only barely support one person to go on a space journey. My sister was qualified to come to the space station, but she gave me the only chance in the family and in her life.
::Lamina: It's a pity I am such a failure. If my sister were here in the space station, she would be able to make a name for herself. So how do I see myself? I can't... Or dare not answer this question at all...
: That's all for now.
:You and Lamina wait there until very late. The dew has turned to frost, and your belly is empty.
:But nothing happened.
:Lamina: We can't just wait here forever...
:Lamina: *sigh* No sign of the Xenohydro... Maybe it left a long time ago?
:Lamina: We can look for traces left by the Xenohydro in the room and use them to work out when it was last here.
:Lamina: Time to walk around and change my mood...
===Investigate the traces of the Xenohydro's past activities===
;(Investigate first trace)
:In the silver cabin, there are several hairs left from the Xenohydro's sparse fur.
:Apparently, although it is free, the Xenohydro still returns to the Storage Zone to sleep. You can't help but wonder if it has Stockholm syndrome.
:The description of the collectible item nearby has been painted over. This is a sign of anger and frustration exhibited by the escapee.
;(Investigate second trace)
:Can the Xenohydro surf the Internet? You didn't expect to find such an absurd scene.
:There is research data about the Xenohydro left on the screen, showing that the Xenohydro was once here learning about itself.
:At the bottom of the page, there is a line of unsubmitted words:
:"*gurgle* Nonsense, you'll never catch me!"
;(After investigating traces)
:Lamina: The hair is completely dry, and the date on the screen is from a long time ago
:Lamina: Looks like it won't be coming back. Let's keep looking elsewhere.
===Follow Lamina to the Xenohydro's hiding place ===
;(Upon reaching the location)
:(There's also a strong watery smell here... But where's Lamina?)
:(Let me deal with these monsters first!)
;(Enter battle)
===Disable the Xenohydro's trap===
;(After the battle)
:(Darn it, I seem to have fallen for the Xenohydro's trap!)
:(The monster's surprise attack caused some serious injuries...)
:Lamina: (Trailblazer)! Don't worry, I'll treat your wounds. I have a lot of medicine on me. It was originally given to Mr. Capote by his fans among the medical staff. He didn't want it, so he gave it to me.
;(Lamina heals the Trailblazer)
:Lamina: How's that? Are you feeling better now?
===Discuss the potential hiding places with Lamina for the last time===
;(Talk to Lamina)
:Lamina: I found a monster wandering around here, so I hid away. It's my fault that I didn't warn you. That's why you fell for the Xenohydro's trap.
: Stop blaming yourself.
::Lamina: I know... I feel like I haven't really been helping so far, and the Xenohydro is still no where to be found. And I can't think of anywhere else. So... should we give up?
:: It's time to reexamine the letter.
: That crafty Xenohydro.
::Lamina: It must have guessed that someone is going after it, so it sets up a trap along the way. It's hidden and we're exposed. It could be more dangerous if we go ahead. So... Should we give up?
:: It's time to reexamine the letter.
: We can't go on like this.
::Lamina: I underestimated the situation... We put in so much effort and almost got seriously hurt. So... should we give up?
:: It's time to reexamine the letter.
;(Opens Letter From Locus Silentii)
:Lamina: *sigh* Back to square one... Anyway, the useful information should be in the paragraph "An inquiry into spirit traces, a glance into the site of storage. Even with iron shoes worn out unearthly, one has to visit the three depths." Can you see anything useful?
: Site of storage?
::Lamina: It's somewhere in the Storage Zone. The two places we've found so far both meet these conditions...
: Worn out unearthly?
::Lamina: In this sentence structure, the focus should be on the object... Wait a minute, "unearthly" does sound familiar.
::Lamina: (Trailblazer), do you think Unearthly Marvel has anything to do with it?
:: Makes sense!
:::Lamina: Um! I think so, too. Therefore, this "iron shoes worn out unearthly" refers to passing through the road built by Unearthly Marvel.
:: What's that?
:::Lamina: Don't you remember? I heard from Mrs. Hinkel that you once used Unearthly Marvel to help her repair major road defects.
:::Lamina: I think it was when you first arrived at the space station. At the time, word of a "young busybody" was spreading around the space station.
:::Lamina: So this "iron shoes worn out unearthly" refers to the road built by the Unearthly Marvel?
: The three depths?
::Lamina: Since "worn out unearthly" is a condition, then "the three depths" should be the second condition.
::Lamina: Literally, it means going through the depths of three rooms.
:: Why didn't you say this earlier...
:::Lamina: Well... Maybe it's the unraveling of the Unearthly Marvel that suddenly sparked my realization...
:: That's it?
:::Lamina: I think so... Solving riddles is like solving magic tricks. Once you know the answer, you would think it's an insult to your intelligence, but that's just the illusion of hindsight.
: It's all coming together now.
:Lamina: So if the letter is correct, the Xenohydro should be hiding in a place where there's Unearthly Marvel, but also you have to pass through three rooms to get there.
:Lamina: *sigh* If you still insist on continuing, I'll help you to the end.
:Lamina: This time, we won't fail.
===Follow Lamina to the Xenohydro's hiding place===
;(Approach the area)
:Lamina: (Trailblazer), look, after passing through the road that was repaired with Unearthly Marvel, we entered the deepest part where the three rooms are connected...
:Lamina: This is the so-called "the three depths"... Come on in!
;(Reach the location)
:Lamina: I finally got you, (Trailblazer)... Or should I call you... Xenohydro!
:Lamina: Good thing I was on guard. As early as a few days ago, the real (Trailblazer) had already warned me that there may be a Xenohydro wreaking havoc in the near future. I didn't expect you to come so soon.
:Lamina: Let me see, I can just take care of you, bypass Mr. Capote and hand you over to Miss Asta, so I don't have to be a slave anymore...
: What are you talking about?
::Lamina: I'm saying that after all that, the real (Trailblazer) and I finally caught you, Xenohydro!
: I'm not the Xenohydro!
::Lamina: I've caught you, Xenohydro! If you are not Xenohydro, then who that is standing over there?
: I should have guessed...
::Lamina: I caught you, Xenohydro! Enough nonsense. If you're not convinced, sort it out with (Trailblazer).
===Investigate your "mirror image" ===
;(Talk to "yourself")
:Another Me: I finally caught you, Xenohydro. You won't get away this time.
: You're the Xenohydro.
::Another Me: I don't think so. You see, we both have two eyes and a mouth. We sound the same and act the same way.
::Another Me: Since there is no fourth person present, whoever Lamina thinks is the Xenohydro, is the Xenohydro.
: Why impersonate me?
::Another Me: I should be asking you that. I'm (Trailblazer)! The official crew member of the Astral Express, the walking Stellaron vessel...
::Another Me: The invincible conqueror of the Antimatter Legion, the infamous rising star of the cosmos. Who do you think you are impersonating, Xenohydro?
::Another Me: Aren't you using my face to take advantage of my reputation so you can conduct scams in the space station?
: People in the space station will believe me.
:Another Me: Believe? What a joke. Not even Lamina believes you right now, let alone the others.
:Another Me: I warned her earlier that someone might pretend to be me to get close to her. Do you have any proof that you are not the Xenohydro?
: I have a baseball bat.
::Another Me: Baseball bat... what's that? Can you use it to prove your identity? Or is it the only one of its kind in the universe?
:: It's my body.
:::Another Me: Huh? Isn't your body the Stellaron? So it's an external object?
:: It's an artifact.
:::Another Me: I get it, you're the stellaron vessel, fine, but you even have this bad boy? Hey, it's like those guys with the scripts in the space station before. It's pretty cool.
: I can bash you to a pulp.
::Another Me: Is that the kind of violent thug you are? Hey, you don't want to ruin this pretty face, do you?
::Another Me: I advise you to lay down your arms and hand yourself over. Life in the Storage Zone is not so bad. Last time, Mr. Wen Mingy almost went in. You two may keep each other company in the future.
: She and I are partners.
::Another Me: Yeah, let's see what the third-party witness says... Lamina, it's your call.
::Another Me: Lamina? Why aren't you saying anything!? Did you suddenly find your conscience? You want to back out now? *gurgle*
: You just got yourself exposed.
:Another Me: *gurgle* So what? (Trailblazer), I don't think you really understand the situation.
: What's the situation?
::Another Me: *gurgle* For crying out loud. Are you two serious!? Do I have to spell it out for you?
: Don't underestimate me.
::Another Me: Oh... well fine. Then tell me, what's going on now?
::: Do I have to spell it out?
::::Another Me: Don't play games with me! I don't think you understand the situation.
::: Lamina is the accomplice.
::::Another Me: That's right! Good one, (Trailblazer)! But you only guessed the first half of our plan.
::: You want me to take your place as the Xenohydro.
::::Another Me: That's right! Well done, (Trailblazer)! You saw through everything.
:Another Me: I had long guessed that someone would come to investigate my whereabouts, so Lamina and I decided to lure the investigator here, kill them and then hand them in as the Xenohydro, then we'll finally be free.
:Another Me: But I didn't expect you to come. Lamina was soft. She wanted to give you a chance. And so we changed the plan from "elimination" to "persuasion"—
:Another Me: Now if you want to leave this place, you only have two choices. Either obey and go to Storage Zone in place of me, or die and then go to Storage Zone instead of me.
: Why did Lamina help you?
::Another Me: Jeez, is that really what you're worried about? At a time like this? You know what? As your opponent, I feel insulted. *gurgle* I'm gonna teach you a lesson!
: I have a third option.
::Another Me: What's that? To kill me? *gurgle* You talk big! I'm gonna teach you a lesson!
;(Enter battle)
===Persuade Lamina to repent===
:Lamina: It seems you and I are destined to go down together...
:Lamina: Sorry, (Trailblazer)... I'm the accomplice in collusion with the Xenohydro. I'm willing to accept my punishment.
: What on earth is going on?
:Lamina: ...
:Lamina: You know me. You know what kind of person Lamina is.
:Lamina: No talent. No achievements. I can barely prove my value by doing the most trivial jobs.
:Lamina: But working on the assembly line all my life... It's fine for me, but how can I face my family?
:Lamina: They have sacrificed everything for me so that I can come here. Do I repay them... by being a cleaner?
:Lamina: I can't, and I am not shameless enough to do that. Capote was my first springboard to success, the only springboard. Although I had to rely on him, it's still a decent job in the Department of Ecology.
:Lamina: I once thought that if I just served him well, I would at least get a chance to succeed. Hard work always pays off, right?
:Lamina: Until the Xenohydro impersonated me to prank Capote and make a mockery of him.
:Lamina: It's like a mirror, it showed me my pitiful appearance, so humble, so weak, so... powerless.
:Lamina: It also taught me a valuable lesson. Even Lamina can liberate herself from the constraints of others and live like a person.
:Lamina: For the first time, I found that I was willing to trade my mediocre future for a free and unrestrained life.
:Lamina: So I let it all happen, until the rumor that someone in the staff harbored the Xenohydro became widespread. They called for severe punishment for those who did not report relevant information...
:Lamina: That's when I realized that my personal wishes were not important. I can just be a low-level researcher, but I can't let the space station drive me out.
:Lamina: I can't ruin my family's last bit of expectation for me.
:Lamina: When I heard that someone began investigating the Xenohydro and its accomplice, I made up my mind to eradicate my opponent and protect myself.
:Lamina: Finally, I decided to be brave for once, but I didn't expect to be hampered by the bond between us. If only it was someone else who came here.
: I can understand why you did it.
::Lamina: Thank you, (Trailblazer). But I'm not saying this to get your forgiveness. I was just... talking to you as a friend, getting things off my chest.
: Your bravery is wasted in the wrong pursuit.
::Lamina: Is it? Maybe. When a person is pushed to a dead-end, wit might appear cold and heartless. But it's just survival instinct.
;(All dialogue options will lead to the following response)
: You said a lot of things that are unlike the Lamina I know.
::Lamina: Maybe it's because I suppress myself too hard. I am always focused on other people's needs and have forgotten to look inside myself.
::Lamina: If I could see myself in other people's eyes earlier, my life might be different. If it wasn't for the Xenohydro, then it was the letter.
: In fact, everything is written in the letter.
:Lamina: I had already figured that the "accomplice" in that letter was referring to me. It's just that I didn't really... have the courage to face it.
: Better off alone...
: Than to be an accomplice.
: One day, as they turn around...
: A path will be lit by the radiance of the stars.
:Lamina: ...
:Lamina: "Better off alone than to be an accomplice. One day, as they turn around, a path will be lit by the radiance of the stars."
:Lamina: I completely ignored these words earlier. Is this letter... meant to persuade me?
:Lamina: So from the beginning, the informant tried to persuade me to give up my conspiracy with the Xenohydro and live my own life independently...
:Lamina: In other words, independence does not only mean leaving the Xenohydro, but also Capote and my weaknesses.
:Lamina: ...
:Lamina: Now I understand. Although this realization has come a little too late.
: You've committed a crime. You must be punished.
::Lamina: I understand. I'll go back with you and accept due punishment.
::Lamina: But before that, I will prove to you that I have really changed because of this experience.
: I can let you and the Xenohydro go.
::Lamina: Really? Thank you, (Trailblazer). I will keep a closer eye on the Xenohydro and stop him from endangering the space station.
::Lamina: I will also prove to you that I have really changed because of this experience.
: You still have a chance, but the Xenohydro must be returned.
::Lamina: You mean, you won't tell them who the accomplice was? Thank you, (Trailblazer).
::Lamina: I will cherish the opportunity you gave me and I will also prove to you that I have really changed because of this experience.
=== Tell the lead researcher about the Xenohydro conspiracy===
;(Talk to Asta)
:Asta: You're back. Did you conclude the matter?
;(If the Xenohydro was captured)
: I got the Xenohydro back...
:Asta: Well, don't worry, the Xenohydro is of secondary importance... Is that Lamina standing with Capote over there?
;(If the Xenohydro was freed)
: Sorry, I couldn't catch them...
:Asta: Well, don't worry, the Xenohydro is of secondary importance... Is that Lamina standing with Capote over there?
----
:Angry Master Capote Fan: You fraud. You trampled on our sincerity.
:Heartbroken Master Capote Fan: Oh, Master Capote used to be so perfect, and now he is just another deceitful celebrity...
:Wen Shiling: Master Capote! I can't believe you eat mayonnaise. That's disgusting! Give me back the gifts I gave you!
:Capote: Lamina, why did you invite all these people?
:Lamina: I didn't invite them here. I just told them the fact that I was the one who replied to all your fans.
:Capote: Everybody calm down, let me explain later... Lamina, you don't want the benefits I give you at all anymore, do you?
:Lamina: That's right, I don't want any of it. From now on, I won't help you cook, wash your clothes and shoes, write your letters, or be your puppet. Get it?
:Lamina: If you want to find me, remember to ask my secretary Mr. Nonexistent for a number.
----
:Asta: (Trailblazer), what do you think of this?
: I don't know what they are arguing about.
::Asta: I didn't think you can be so tight-lipped, but now, we should be honest and clear this up.
: She'll be able to look after herself.
::Asta: Yes, thanks to your mediation. Not only did you ensure her safety, but also encouraged her to change.
: You seem to know the back story.
::Asta: I thought I was careful, but you still noticed.
:Asta: ...Oops, "Like the risk of falling into the depths when trying to mount the sky." I didn't use any rhymes or enough alliteration for this line. It's still not good enough.
:Asta: Well, actually, the Cryptologist is none other than yours truly. This letter took me more than ten days to to write, and I even had to ask Mr. Wen for advice. It wasn't easy.
:Asta: After I wrote it, I couldn't find the right person to get it delivered. Fortunately, the Xenohydro is just a prankster, and there's no rush to retrieve it.
:Asta: Then you appeared, (Trailblazer). And you turned out to be the best candidate. So I came up with the idea to let you and Lamina share some experiences together, see where it takes you.
:Asta: But now you should also understand that Lamina is actually a kindhearted girl and she deserves another chance.
: You are also very kind.
: She is bound to turn over a new leaf.
: Why go around this massive circle?
:Asta: Well, now that my objective has been achieved, I announce the Xenohydro case is officially over. Here is your reward. Thanks for all your help.
:Asta: Please come back to the space station more in the future. Don't forget, there are a lot of people who've received your help here, and many traces of your hard work throughout the place.
===Witness the scene of the fans of Master Capote having their hearts broken===
:Capote: Sorry, everybody, don't listen to that woman... Let's not gather here. We don't want to disturb the researchers and attract any unnecessary attention from security.
:Angry Master Capote Fan: Everyone in the space station knows that Lamina is your most trusted secretary. What she said must be true!
:Heartbroken Master Capote Fan: Lamina is the leader of your fanclub to some extent. If even she has left you, then maybe you're really not worth it...
:Angry Master Capote Fan: Forget it, there's no point staying here any longer. Can we get our hearts back? Can we get back our laughter and tears? Can we get back our hopes and dreams!?
:Heartbroken Master Capote Fan: I think we should go back and let our hearts heal.
:Capote: Miss... uh... researcher is right! Please go back for now.
: Her name is... uh?
::Angry Master Capote Fan: Oh, see? He doesn't even know our names.
::Angry Master Capote Fan: So what's your name? Why don't we find a place to drink Kali-Kapo later? I need to vent!
::Heartbroken Master Capote Fan: Okay... Okay, but I'm afraid I won't be able to stop my tears as soon as I start to speak...
: Don't you all have to work?
::Heartbroken Master Capote Fan: How can I be in the mood to work? Woo...
::Wen Shiling: Are you asking me? There is really not much research work today.
::Wen Shiling: To be honest, Master Capote really disappointed me. Can't believe I wanted to give all the good things in the Department of Implement Arts. Now it seems we might as well give them all to...
::Wen Shiling: Nah. I should just go play with little Adler.
: Learn from this lesson.
::Capote: Who are you anyway... Mind your own business...
::Angry Master Capote Fan: Oh, he can't even remember our own names. I'm afraid it's hard for him to remember this lesson.
::Wen Shiling: Oh? Can't Master Capote even remember what gift he got from me? Oh no, I have to get back. If those old guys in Implement Arts catch me, it'll get ugly.
:Capote: My ladies! Listen to me, please just go now.
:Capote: Well, I'll send you all a letter of condolence later to mend your hearts. Don't worry, it will be written by myself personally.
:Angry Master Capote Fan: Urgh, who wants that. It will take me forever just to deal with your previous ghostwriter letters.
:Heartbroken Master Capote Fan: Oh fine, just give me one. It'll complete the collection...
:Angry Master Capote Fan: Hey everybody! Nothing to see here, let's bounce!
:Capote: I don't know why Lamina threw that tantrum all of a sudden. There must be an accomplice or someone behind the scenes.
:Capote: Alas, I don't have time to think about it. I still have a lot of consolation letters to write.
;(Mission Completed)
;(Talk to Bystanding Researcher if Xenohydro was freed)
:Bystanding Researcher: Sorry, sorry, I am just here to see the excitement. Don't let the others see me...
:Bystanding Researcher: Hey, it's you! Close Call! Luckily you're not from security.
:Bystanding Researcher: Hey, do you think Capote is over? Will the fans still idolize him?
:Bystanding Researcher: If you ask me, there are just not enough good-looking guys in the station. That's why they treat him like a god around here.
:Bystanding Researcher: *gurgle*...
:It's you?
:I'm better looking than him.
:You ARE better looking than him.
:Bystanding Researcher: *gurgle* I stole some good stuff from Capote. They're for you, (Trailblazer).
:Bystanding Researcher: After all, we used to be inseparable. How can I not look after you?
:Bystanding Researcher: Take it. See you later.
;(Obtained)
===Post-Mission===
;(Talk to Lamina)
:Lamina: Ah... it's you, (Trailblazer). Long time no see. What can I help you — Ah, sorry, I sometimes still revert to my old secretary mode.
:Lamina: I don't need to play the role of that man's personal secretary anymore. It takes a bit of time to adjust, but I know I'll get better at it.
: It feels like you're a lot more energized than before.
::Lamina: I did have some difficulties at first. After all, it was kind of hard to re-position myself when such a busy work schedule just suddenly stopped.
::Lamina: But I soon realized many previous Capote fans were in the same boat as me. We all felt a part of our lives was forcibly taken from us, and we can't help but feel empty.
::Lamina: So, we banded together and met up frequently to talk about our lives and work. Now everyone feels much better.
: How does life feel nowadays?
::Lamina: Feels... "new," I guess?
::Lamina: I did have some plans for self-development when I first arrived at the space station, but those plans were all worn away during my time working as Capote's secretary.
::Lamina: Now that I'm free, I feel like I'm a newcomer at the space station once again. Everything seems so new and the future is so full of possibilities.
----
;(Talk to Capote)
:Capote: ...Hey, don't come up to people all quietly like that! You are going to scare people!
:Capote: Oh... It's you, (Trailblazer). Sorry, I thought those people are here...
: You seem rather nervous.
::Capote: Oh, it's terrible. Do you remember what Lamina did? Now everyone on the space station spites me and ostracizes me! Even those who said they would never leave my fan club are taking the lead in opposing me!
::Capote: I'm in such a pitiable state because of them!
: Who are those people you're talking about?
::Capote: The previous core members of the Master capote Fan Club are now my biggest haters... You've heard about this, right? About how everyone views me after what happened with Lamina?
::Capote: You look to be a smart cookie. You won't be as much of a brute as them, right?
----
;(Talk to Wen Shiling)
:Wen Shiling: Liars are unforgivable! Even death cannot redeem them!
:Wen Shiling: Hmph, I'm going to finish writing this report very soon... Just you wait, Capote!
: Aren't you Master Capote's biggest fan?
::Wen Shiling: Bah! I've never wronged you, so don't give me a title that brings bad luck!
::Wen Shiling: It's all over once I stopped being his fan. Please show me some respect!
: What did Capote do?
::Wen Shiling: Don't you remember? You were there too! Ugh, I don't want to relive that terrible experience ever again.
::Wen Shiling: Anyways, just remember that Capote is despicable!
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