It All Started With a Man and a Dog (III)

It All Started With a Man and a Dog (III) is an Adventure Mission on Herta Space Station.
==Steps==
#Meet up with Peppy and proceed to the suspicious room
#Find a way to open the door
#Move forward and talk to the butler.
#Talk to nearby creations to gather clues
#Investigating the nearby terminal.
#Talk to the butler and expose its lies to locate the lost Curio.
#Retrieve the lost Curio
==Dialogue==
;(Immediately after entering It All Started With a Man and a Dog)
:Peppy: Woof woof! Woof woof woof!
: You've found the butler's whereabouts?
:Peppy: (I know where it is — it's hiding in the seclusion zone!)
:Peppy: ((Trailblazer), Peppy knows you've the strongest. Can you come with me...)
:The puppy gazes at you expectantly, tilting its head, its eyes shimmering.
: Fine, I'll play along.
::Peppy wags its little tail at you.
: It has to be me, of course!
::Peppy widens its eyes, awed by your confidence.
:Peppy: (Time is of the essence. Let's go!)
===Meet up with Peppy and proceed to the suspicious room===
:Peppy: (I caught a few whiffs of the Joy Filtration Set in the room. Let's go in and take a look.)
;(Aproach the marked location)
: There's nothing here.
:Peppy: (The scent is faint, probably no more than 20 Herta system hours.)
:Peppy: (This is the monitoring room. It could be carried by someone who was passing by... or it could have been stored here?)
:Peppy: (...Brr, my puppy brain just can't seem to understand. Let's go and find the butler instead.)
:Peppy: (Let's go and take a look.)
===Find a way to open the door===
;(Investigate the door)
:As you and Peppy turn to leave, the automatic door rises, yet suspends awkwardly in midair.
: The door malfunctioned again...
:Peppy: (Is this access control system going to be any good?)
:Peppy: (I remember that the backend of the security system controls the opening of doors. Let me go in and take a look?)
: Activate sync mode.
:Peppy: (Let's go.)
----
;(Talk to the robot)
:Security Robot: The area is closed. No entry.
:Peppy: (Please open the door!)
:Security Robot: (No, you have no authority.)
:Peppy: (This guy's attitude is pretty stubborn. I'm not good at communicating. Can you do the talking instead?)
: (Have Peppy give it a sliding tackle)
::Peppy: (Sliding tackle? I... I can't do it...)
::Peppy lowers its head and stares at its paws, then raises its head and stares at the little robot in the air.
::Security Robot: Please leave.
: (Show the name card to the little robot)
::Peppy: (This is my name card. I demand you open the door!)
::Security Robot: Identify confirmed. Space Station Staff confirmed.
::Security Robot: Sorry, you are non-human. Not authorized to open the door.
: (Have Peppy threaten it with the shutdown button)
::Peppy: (If you refuse to open the door, I will hit your shutdown button and force you to turn off!)
::Security Robot: If threats worked, we wouldn't need security robots.
::Security Robot: Even if I am down, the access control system will still not let you pass.
: (Let Peppy use your name)
:Peppy: (Do you know who you have trapped inside? That is (Trailblazer))
:Peppy: (You should know (Trailblazer) — the one who has the power to single-handedly take on the Doomsday Beast!)
:Peppy: (If you don't open the door, I will get (Trailblazer) to break down this door, shatter your shell with a bat and smash your chip. That will send sparks down your wiring!)
:The little robot creaks as if afraid. It vibrates for an instant in midair before acquiescing.
:Security Robot: ...
:Security Robot: Access control activation is in process. Please hold.
:Security Robot: Access control rights have been transferred. System alert: Warning! Signs of intruders have been detected across the past three months.
:Peppy: (What is this? Is that figure the butler? They are working together?)
:Peppy: (What did it do to )
:Peppy: (The door is open! I'm going to unsync now. (Trailblazer), hurry up and get out!)
----
;(Obtain )
;(Achievement Unlocked Peppybacking)
===Move forward and talk to the butler.===
;(Try to communicate with any creations, optional)
:Ruan Mei's Creation: I—I... No... Don't come closer... Urk...
:Ruan Mei's Creation: The "butler" said that everyone from the outside... are bad... You... Don't come any closer!
;(Talk to the butler)
:Butler: Our door is locked. Where did you come from?
: (Ask him about the Curio)
:Butler: Are you suggesting that I stole from you? Do you know who I am? How could I have done such a thing?
:Butler: Get out! You are not welcome here!
:The butler kicked you and Peppy out.
----
:Peppy: Woof woof! Woof!
:You want to saunter off, but Peppy stops you with its short legs.
:Peppy looks like it has something to say to you.
: Ahhh... I want to transform!
: Peppy! Attack!
:Peppy: (Don't rush in. It seems to have seen you. Let me go first.)
===Talk to nearby creations to gather clues===
;(Talk to the two creations located closest to the player character)
:Ruan Mei's Creation: I don't know. It's better if you ask someone else about it.
:The creation refuses to communicate with you. This seems to be an order from the "butler."
;(Talk to the creation located on the far side of the room)
:Ruan Mei's Creation: Ah, that's... that's hard for me to say.
:The creation gives you a look that indicates the "butler" did not permit it to say too much.
;(Talk to Butler, optional)
:Butler: Where did this dog come from? Shoo, shoo!
:Peppy: (This guy seems arrogant. It's hard to find a way to communicate with him.)
:Peppy: (Search around the area. Maybe there are some useful clues.)
;(Investigate the cake on the table)
:A plate of delectable pastries. It looks like it hasn't been eaten. It is too wasteful to leave on the table.
:Peppy tucks it into the backpack. What a thrifty puppy! I wonder it it'll usually pick and eat all the scattered dog food?
;(Obtain )
;(Investigate the toilet, optional)
:An ordinary-looking toilet. You decide to...
: Let Peppy burrow into the toilet.
::You decide to let Peppy burrow into the toilet. Sadly, with its short legs, the effort is in vain.
: Let Peppy flush itself.
::You remember the "Door to A New World" Curio and convince Peppy.
::What a pity! It can't even reach the flush.
: Kinda gross. Don't touch it.
:You decide to tell Asta later on to give Peppy a bath.
;(Talk to the creation located downstairs)
:Ruan Mei's Gourmand Creation: Hello?
: (Inquire about the butler's secret)
:Ruan Mei's Gourmand Creation: I don't understand what you're saying.
:Ruan Mei's Gourmand Creation: My tummy is growling. If you can get me a tasty treat, then I might be able to understand.
;(Submit )
:Ruan Mei's Gourmand Creation: It tastes like the feeling of being loved — this reminds me of the great Miss Ruan Mei...
:Ruan Mei's Gourmand Creation: This guy is full of hot air, — I have seen it with my own eyes.
:Ruan Mei's Gourmand Creation: It hides the fried rice, and eats it behind our backs!
:Ruan Mei's Gourmand Creation: Hmph, , and that scent... Anyone who smells it can identify it. There is no denying it!
:This gourmand creation points you somewhere.
;(Investigate the marked location)
:There is a suspiciously greasy sheen on the leaves and soil in the surrounding area...
:At your command, Peppy extends its short dog paws and skillfully digs into the planting area.
:A box is emitting an odd aroma...
;(Obtain )
===Investigating the nearby terminal.===
:Unlike other terminals, this terminal can contact the outside world — due to data protection, other terminals are limited within the intranet.
: Check usage logs
::You pull the terminal's usage logs, but the most recent extra-communication logs are empty.
: Forget it. Better not touch it.
----
;(Obtain )
:Peppy: (We've collected enough evidence. Now we can go back and throw it in the butler's face.)
:Peppy: ((Trailblazer), let's go talk to him more once we're back. We'll see what else he has to say. Let's go!)
===Talk to the butler and expose its lies to locate the lost Curio.===
;(Talk to Butler)
:Butler: New face? Are you... a space station researcher?
: Enough of that. Hand over the Curio.
:Butler: What Curio? I have no idea what you are talking about.
:Butler: The two of you, on the other hand — there are monsters rampaging outside, and we've kept the door locked up all this time. How'd the two of you get in? Care to explain?
: You are the one who broke the access control!
: There never was a monster attack!
:Ruan Mei's Onlooking Creation: Mister Butler, is this real?
:Ruan Mei's Onlooking Creation: Ah?
:Butler: Shh, hold your horses. I am Miss Ruan Mei's assistant, and I am responsible for managing everyone. How can I possibly lie to everyone?
: Your identity is also fake.
:Ruan Mei's Onlooking Creation: Ah? Is this true?!
:Butler: Quiet!
:Butler: Miss Ruan Mei taught me. The more you debate, the clearer the truth becomes. Since we are all here today, let's have a debate!
:Peppy: (Lying is second nature to this guy. Today we're going to show him who's boss!)
:Peppy: (Help me, (Trailblazer)!)
----
;(Starts Debate)
:Butler: Actually, based on the social etiquette that Miss Ruan Mei taught me, I should have simply exchanged the pleasantries with the new guests.
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): Miss Ruan Mei really taught you this?
::Butler: Is this not normal etiquette for civilized beings? You don't even know this?
::Butler: I'm unsure what is it about me that you dislike, but I've learned patience from Miss Ruan Mei. If you have a problem, then let it be known. Let's hash it out one by one!
;(Next)
:Butler: Did you know, Miss Ruan Mei created me using rare materials. This makes me innately highly ethical! My character is unquestionable!
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): Extremely high morals? I've even received Praise of High Morals! Have you had them? If you don't even have that, then you are not fit to say you have morals!
::Butler: I am high-born, and it is enough that I received praise from Miss Ruan Mei!
::Peppy: (Something is not right. Everything innate still needs to be nurtured. It didn't mention anything about its motivation. There must be something wrong here!)
;(Next)
:Butler: Your claim of me behaving immorally, deliberately locking the door to trap everyone here is laughable. The access control switch is installed so high that I can't even reach it!
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): Who says that you can't lock the door when it is out of reach? What if you can jump? Or with someone lifting you up?
::Butler: You might as well say I can expand and grow 5 meters tall instantly? It's all slander anyway. Who cares?
::Peppy: (That's not right. The access control system is auto-sensing and managed by security robots! (Trailblazer), it is purposely diverting the topic. )
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Hmph, we have evidence. Look at this!
::Butler: Huh? What does this have to do with what I said?
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): We have evidence! Here is the surveillance footage provided by the security robot!
::(Trailblazer): The one that's acting suspiciously toward the access control system is you!
::Butler: Access control? I have never seen this. It piqued my interest when I walked past it, so I touched it.
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Hmph, we have evidence. Look at this!
::Butler: Huh? What does this have to do with what I said?
;(Next)
:Butler: The thirst towards the unknown is what advances technology. If curiosity is a sin, then I plead guilty.
: (Continue questioning)
::Peppy: (That's something for human society, and you're not human...)
::Butler: ...Do you even see what kind of species you are?
;(Next)
:You notice that the onlooking creations of Ruan Mei do not seem to be wavering.
: Ask again and see what happens...
----
;(Next)
:Butler: You and I, we are not the same species. The "stuffing" inside us determines our character and integrity. Miss Ruan Mei's endless pursuit in advancing lifeforms has led to the creation of the unique being that is me.
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): You're not special... You can't even compare to Peppy.
::Peppy: Yeah!
;(Next)
:Butler: How unique am I as a fellow Ruan Mei's creation? For example, Miss Ruan Mei does not wish for me to be affected by lowly physical needs, so I do not even need to eat!
: (Continue questioning)
::Peppy: (Not needing food means it's advanced? Then the little robot is more advanced than Peppy? Phooey!)
::Butler: I'm sorry, from the complexity of the species, it should be...
::(Trailblazer): (These creations of Ruan Mei clearly eat. It's definitely lying! )
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Not needing food? What is this? Explain yourself!
::Peppy: (It has your scent on it, and your kin can all smell it. There is no denying it!)
::Butler: I... only wanted to try what the space station researchers would eat. I am curious... And when you're curious, it's like that.
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Hmph, we have evidence. Look at this!
::Butler: Huh? What does this have to do with what I said?
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Hmph, we have evidence. Look at this!
::Butler: Huh? What does this have to do with what I said?
;(Next)
:Ruan Mei's creations huddle around gasping in shock. You can faintly hear them discussing character traits and food.
: Ask again and see what happens...
----
;(Next)
:Butler: Ahem, maybe there is something wrong with my ethics, but whatever Ruan Mei assigns me, I will do my best. I have never lied to anyone.
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): You already admitted that you have poor ethics, and you still have the cheek to say that you did not lie to everyone?
::Butler: That's a separate issue. Curiosity kills the cat. These things are common, and I've never denied that I make mistakes dealing with people. But this is not a lie, I have never lied to everyone.
::Butler: If I were like that, why would Ruan Mei even let me be the butler?
;(Next)
:Butler: She and I have always communicated through the terminal. She entrusts me to manage everyone. I've reported everyone's performance to her, and she is very pleased with me.
: (Continue questioning)
::(Trailblazer): Report everyone's performance? Ruan Mei never gave anyone orders. What is there to report? Lies!
::Butler: No, you don't understand her. She actually cares a lot about us. Everything that has happened, even the most trivial details, will be reported to her.
::Butler: Actually, she cares a lot. Since she left, she's been missing everyone.
::Butler: I will tidy up the details of the report: recent food intake, activities, or troubles. Matters big or small, I will report them back to her.
::Peppy: (What is it going to report with those short hands? Can it even reach the terminal keyboard?)
::(Trailblazer): (It tries to divert the conversation. )
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Hmph, we have evidence. Look at this!
::Butler: Huh? What does this have to do with what I said?
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Hmph, we have evidence. Look at this!
::Butler: Huh? What does this have to do with what I said?
: (Present evidence) 
::(Trailblazer): Oh, you used the terminal to communicate with her. But the communication history clearly does not reflect it!
::Butler: ...I used other equipment to communicate with her.
::Butler: I... I... I used other equipment to communicate with her.
::Peppy: (You're lying. This is the only terminal that can communicate with the outside world! All the other terminals can only be used on the intranet!)
;(Debate successful!)
;(Next)
:The onlooking creations of Ruan Mei are extremely shocked — they are enraged at being lied to for so long.
: Ask again and see what happens...
----
:(Trailblazer): Speechless? At a loss for words?
:Peppy: (Your lies have been exposed!)
:Peppy and you exposed the lies of the butler. It stands rooted to the ground, looking at you, distraught.
: Return the Curio!
::Butler: ...I know. It's my fault, and I'm sorry.
: Do you still want to debate over it?
::Depressed Butler: ...No need, I have already lost.
:Ruan Mei's Depressed Creation: The thing is in the back. You can go get it... There are monsters roaming back there, so I dare not go near.
:It keeps its silence, staring at the non-existent gaps in the floor, wishing it can hide within.
:Peppy attempts to communicate with it, but it refuses to respond.
:Peppy: (Forget it. Don't bother. Let's retrieve the Curio. I will unsync first, and you can relax.)
:Peppy unsynced.
:Peppy: Woof!
===Retrieve the lost Curio===
:The Ruan Mei creations that have witnessed this are very upset at the "butler." They no longer want to be friends with it.
----
;(Approach the marked location)
:Peppy: Woof woof woof!
;(Begin battle against , )
----
;(Investigate the Curio)
:Peppy: Woof woof!
:You can see the admiration and appreciation from Peppy's gaze.
:Peppy sniffs the Joy Filtration Set, its tail wagging furiously. Seems like this must be the missing Curio.
:Peppy extends a furry paw towards you, hinting you to grab it.
: Woof?
:Peppy: ??
:Peppy stares at you in bewilderment.
:Peppy: Woof woof woof!
:Peppy stares at you happily.
:Peppy smiles at you, wagging its tail, and signaling you to leave this place together.
----
;(Challenge Completed)
:;(Achievement Unlocked The Art of Deception)
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