Luofu Myths: Specterlight Records (Continued)

Luofu Myths: Specterlight Records (Continued) is an Adventure Mission from the A Foxian Tale of the Haunted event. It begins after accepting the "Haunted Photos" Investigation Assignment in A Foxian Tale of the Haunted: Ghostly Grove.
==Steps==
# Discuss with the ghost-hunting squad about the post looking for help.
# Go to the Astral Express and speak with March 7th.
# Investigate the Astral Express (3/3)
# Go to Scalegorge Waterscape and complete Arkeri's journey
# Go to the location in March 7th's photo
# Take a group photo
# Go to the Astral Express and decide upon Arkeri's fate
# Cast the heliobus into the suppression tower
==Dialogue==
===Discuss with the ghost-hunting squad about the post looking for help===
:Guinaifen: (Trailblazer), have you seen that post? I talked to the OP, and she claimed that she knew you.
: March 7th?
: She had a paranormal encounter?
:Sushang: Does that mean the requester is someone you know?
:Guinaifen: Yes, Miss March 7th is member of the Express' Nameless and (Trailblazer)'s important companion.
:Huohuo: Come to think of it, we saw a heliobus wandering around her the last time, and it suddenly disappeared... Could it be related to this event?
:Guinaifen: No point in making wild guesses here. Since the requester is a member of the Crew, we'll leave this matter to you, (Trailblazer).
: Leave it to the Galactic_Baseballer.
: Giving all the tough work to me, huh?
::Guinaifen: Hey, I put all my trust in you. Moreover, you know the requester well, so it's easier for you to handle it.
::Sushang: Is interacting with Miss March 7th... a tiresome job?
::Guinaifen: It shouldn't be. I believe (Trailblazer) was only kidding.
:Huohuo: Here... take this talisman with you. Place it on the suspect and you'll know if that person has been possessed by the heliobus.
:Huohuo: As for the Lunaumbra Gourds... we don't have many lefts now. Please use this modified birdcage to imprison it temporarily and bring it to the suppression tower to subdue it, (Trailblazer).
:Sushang: Huohuo sure did a lot of prep-work... but things seem a little sketchy this time.
:Guinaifen: Whatever works. We'll wait for your good news, (Trailblazer).
===Go to the Astral Express and speak with March 7th===
;(Approach marked location)
:March 7th: (Trailblazer), you're finally back!
: What happened?
:March 7th: After bidding goodbyes to you and Huohuo that day, I returned to the Express to look at my photographs, and guess what?
:March 7th: All my beautiful photos — and I do mean all — have these new and weird shadows inside them. It's so scary.
:March 7th: Say, do you think this Express is haunted? What should I do...
:Explain to March 7th about the ghost-hunting squad and the talisman.
:March 7th: Oh... In other words, this talisman is the same as the one you pasted on me previously.
:March 7th: That sounds like a great idea. We can use it to check every member of the Crew, and we will be able to find the one possessed by the heliobus in no time.
: Let's go.
::March 7th: Great! Sounds like we're investigating a case.
: Stay here and don't wander around.
::March 7th: Huh? Don't fly solo. Count me in too!
: You can take some pictures there and come back.
::March 7th: Ugh... You're trying to get rid of me. No way, this time, I'm coming too!
:March 7th: Don't worry. I'm experienced. When Huohuo placed it on me, I observed how she did it. This time, I want to try placing a talisman on someone else.
===Investigate in the Astral Express (3/3)===
;(Approach Himeko)
: (Paste the talisman on her.)
: The talisman quietly stays on Himeko's clothes. It doesn't have any reaction.
:March 7th: It seems like Himeko is fine, just as I suspected.
:Himeko: Did you bring this toy from the Xianzhou?
:March 7th: It's nothing, Himeko.
;(Approach Welt.)
: (Paste the talisman on him.)
: The talisman quietly stays on Welt's coat.
:March 7th: No reaction. It seems like Mr. Yang doesn't have any problems either.
:Welt: What is it, (Trailblazer)?
:Tell Welt about March 7th's request.
:Welt: I see... I didn't discover any strange occurrences on the Express recently. Maybe the problem doesn't lie with the members.
:Welt: Of course, that's just my unfounded speculation. You should continue your investigation.
:March 7th: Got it. Thanks, Mr. Yang!
;(Approach Pom-Pom)
: (Paste the talisman on it.)
: The talisman quietly stays on Pom-Pom... and takes a few hairs of their body off with it.
:Pom-Pom: Whoa! What are you doing, March 7th?
:March 7th: Oh haha... I'm doing a small test with (Trailblazer). Congratulations, Pom-Pom! You've passed the test!
:Pom-Pom: Don't you treat your conductor like a fool!
----
:March 7th: This shouldn't be the case. Everyone on the Express is normal. Where could the heliobus be hiding?
: Perhaps the problem lies with you...
:March 7th: Me? How can it be? Didn't you test me the last time?
:March 7th: Forget it. Come and slap it on me again.
:You carefully check March 7th's entire person. Finally, the talisman begins to glow. The source of the problem lies with... March 7th's camera.
:March 7th: I can't believe... it's really me.
: It is one of the fragments that escaped the other day.
:March 7th: Oh, no wonder the talisman doesn't react when it's on me. It turns out that the heliobus was hidden in my precious camera! Dastardly!
:Sneaky Heliobus: Ha, I didn't expect you to find me. If that's the case...
:March 7th: Oh no. It's attacking!
:Sneaky Heliobus: P-Please spare my life!
:March 7th: Are all heliobus such wimps?
:March 7th: In any case, you should imprison it somewhere. Don't let it possess anything else again.
----
:Arkeri: *sob* I just escaped not long ago, and now I'm going to be sealed again...
:Arkeri: There's still so much I haven't done... so many sights I haven't seen...
: What were you doing in the camera?
::Arkeri: I don't know what fragmented me...
::Arkeri: The first time I was aware of myself was when I was locked up in a dark place. I had not seen the outside world. But hearing the others talking about it aroused my curiosity!
::Arkeri: I didn't know your little box had so many beautiful pictures, so I got distracted looking at them.
::Arkeri: Then I thought perhaps possessing this box was a good idea. I can take the chance to see all the beautiful scenery.
::March 7th: Hmm, you sound pitiful.
: Why did you look for March?
::Arkeri: I've never thought of draining a human. I was just... attracted by her vibe. I couldn't help but get closer to her.
::Arkeri: We heliobi were born as pure and innocent as her, like a quiet burning flame. I guess, maybe that's why I was attracted by her.
::March 7th: (Trailblazer), when are you gonna praise me like this?
: What do you think I should do with you?
:Arkeri: In ancient times, beyond my memory, the ancestral heliobi wandered around the universe without any intention or worries... And I think that was pretty good.
:Arkeri: I intend to follow my ancestor's example — leave the Xianzhou, rejoin the universe, and live a life of freedom. I don't get along well with heliobi that feed on humans' emotions.
:Arkeri: ...I know it's hard to fulfill this wish. So, no matter what you plan to do with me, please allow me to see the scenery in those photos first.
:Arkeri: If I'm sealed with my regrets, I won't be able to burn brightly anymore!
: March, what do you think?
:March 7th: Hmm... You mentioned before that a heliobus' possession will do a lot of harm to the host. However, I haven't felt anything so far, which means it hasn't done any harm to me.
:March 7th: And since it appreciates my photo, how can it be bad!?
:March 7th: So... I don't see what's wrong with fulfilling its wish. Coincidentally, I plan to walk around the Luofu again to take more pictures, shopping, and enjoy the delicacies. I'll bring it with me then.
: Let's go. Time to shop and eat!
: All you know is to eat...
: Sure, but I'll accompany you.
:Arkeri: Thank you... There are still many kind people in the world.
===Go to Scalegorge Waterscape and complete Arkeri's journey===
:Arkeri: This place is so big!
:March 7th: Yeah, this place has the best view on the Xianzhou.
:March 7th: Let me be your guide today, little ember.
===Go to the location in March 7th's photo===
;(Approach marked location)
:March 7th: Here we are~
:March 7th: Occasionally, dragons appear in the water here. I was surprised when I first saw them.
: There're also dragons on the other side.
:March 7th: Oh, really? Why haven't I noticed it?
:Arkeri: What a gigantic water curtain... It feels like I'll be put out instantly if I accidentally fall into it...
:March 7th: Can the flame of heliobus... be extinguished by water?
:Arkeri: Please don't even think of such thing! You can't risk it! Curiosity kills the heliobus...
:March 7th: *sigh* ...All right.
:March 7th: Speaking of these parted waters, this was actually done by a member of the Crew when he used his hidden power. Amazing, isn't it?
:Arkeri: Wow, he is so powerful! W-Who is he?
:March 7th: He's a Vidyadhara. Uhh, as for the question of what a Vidyadhara is... Sorry, I can't answer that. I'm not good at explaining things, but I can show you what he looked like when he was little.
;(Approach marked location)
:March 7th: Look, this is what Vidyadhara babies look like.
:March 7th: But if they live for a long time, they will return to this form. Hence, they need to rest in the egg for a period before coming out again. I'm not sure whether to consider a Vidyadhara egg as young or old.
:Arkeri: From something so frail to a being so strong... Life is indeed a wonderful thing.
:Arkeri: If that's the case... how did you and the rest control the Vidyadhara and make him use power for the Express crew?
:March 7th: Control? No, he's our friend. Friends are there to help one another and will not force each other to do things they are unwilling to do.
:Arkeri: Friends... I- I don't understand... but I strangely know what you mean.
:March 7th: Let's go to our next stop — Roots of the Arbor.
:March 7th: Hmm, what happened here is still fresh in my mind.
;(Approach marked location)
:Hungering Heliobus: An inferior shell on the verge of becoming a flesh-coffin...
:Hungering Heliobus: This brain has numerous emotions. But what a pity. There isn't any happiness except for bitterness, hatred, and disappointment... Sigh, there's no value in tasting it.
:Mara-Struck Soldier: Ughhhh...
:Hungering Heliobus: Following the trails of human thought, I was hoping to taste some flavor to quell my hunger...
: What are you doing?
: Another escaped heliobus!
----
:Hungering Heliobus: Hey, little fellow. Are these two your pawns? How about giving one of them to me!?
:Arkeri: What do you want? Please do not hurt my friends.
:Hungering Heliobus: Hahaha, your friends? A heliobus treating humans as friends? Hahahahaha!
:Hungering Heliobus: Don't worry. I will swallow you first before accepting your gifts.
:Hungering Heliobus: Come on, make yourself useful, flesh-coffin —
:Mara-Struck Soldier: Uhh.... ughhhhh!
;(Begin battle against , )
----
;(After the battle)
:Hungering Heliobus: What a tenacious will for battle! Cold and resolute.
:Hungering Heliobus: Dull humans! I'm unlucky enough to possess a mara-stuck body, and now, I encounter vicious bandits like you!
: Vile ghost, do you recognize this item?
: Shut up and go in!
:Hungering Heliobus: Ughhhhhhh!
----
:Arkeri: When... when I was locked in a dark space, I interacted with my kind. From their actions, I've seen the way and experiences they had when manipulating humans.
:Arkeri: They absorbed the emotions of the humans and were influenced by their humanity. They became cunning, greedy, and ferocious.
:Arkeri: They... they were attracted by humans' thoughts but became worse than humans. I don't want... to be like them...
:March 7th: Little Arkeri, do you still remember you called us "friends"?
:March 7th: Humans do not only have these negative emotions. Humans are, in fact, very complicated. Sometimes, I feel depressed or frustrated, too. And I'll want to smash and destroy the things around me.
:March 7th: But whenever I return to the Express to chat with Himeko and Mr. Yang, tease Dan Heng, or get (Trailblazer) to watch the stars from the train windows with me, I feel...
:Arkeri: ...Very happy?
:March 7th: No, I feel at peace. Like a star in the sky, it stays where it belongs and exists as itself peacefully.
:March 7th: I can't describe that kind of feeling with words. We humans somehow have the ability to think, to possess a lot of worries and pain, but at the same time, we can also enjoy moments of peace like this one. I guess it's a blessing for us from the universe, isn't it?
:Arkeri: ...
:Arkeri: I don't understand... but I can taste your feelings at this moment, March.
:March 7th: Hehe, that's what it means to be friends. There is no need for many words, and you can understand me instantly with a look. It seems like we are fated to be friends!
:March 7th: Come, (Trailblazer). Help us take a picture to commemorate our trip today.
===Take a group photo===
;(After taking the photo)
:March 7th: Hey, your photography skills are improving. No wonder I have you acting as my personal photographer~
:Arkeri: It's getting late. Thank you, March. I... should return to the cage now.
:Arkeri: Heliobi are very dangerous to humans, aren't they? I guess it's better for me to rest in the dark.
:March 7th: Is that really what you think, Arkeri?
:Arkeri: What I really think...
:Arkeri: I want to go beyond the sky. I don't know how the future will be like, but I'm also keen to experience that peacefulness you mentioned, March.
:March 7th: What do you think, (Trailblazer)?
: I'm sorry. I need to follow the rules.
::March 7th: Uh, that's true... After all, you came here for this mission.
::March 7th: But... the heliobus said it wants to leave the Xianzhou. Seeing that it didn't cause any harm, perhaps we can consider its suggestion?
: I want to release it somewhere among the stars.
::March 7th: Yes, I want to let it go on an adventure, too. We're all companions trying to "Trailblazing" our own paths, right?
::March 7th: But with regard to the Ten-Lords Commission... you probably need to give them an explanation. And besides, this little guy didn't cause any harm.
: I... haven't thought of it. What do you think?
::March 7th: This little fellow is right. It can no longer strut around on the Xianzhou.
::March 7th: But I still wish to release it into the universe. After all, its kind's from there.
:March 7th: I'll return to the Express for now. Let me know once you've made your decision!
===Go to the Astral Express and decide upon Arkeri's fate===
;(Approach March 7th.)
: (March 7th)
:March 7th: (Trailblazer), have you decided on what to do with them?
:Arkeri: I fully trust you, (Trailblazer). Your choice shall be my choice.
: Release them back to outer space.
::March 7th: Great! Let's get to it then.
::Arkeri: I understand... As I hail from the void beyond, I shall return to it.
::Arkeri: I'm very satisfied in this journey. Thank you, March 7th... You as well, (Trailblazer).
: I shall obey the laws of the Xianzhou...
::March 7th: Well... do what you need to do.
::Arkeri: It's so strange. Even as we are about to part forever, I'm once again experiencing... a sense of peace?
::Arkeri: Carry out your duty, then. I shall return to slumber in the darkness for a while longer.
: Let me think about it.
===Cast the heliobus into the suppression tower===
:Expel evil and captured stray spirits... With the support of the Ten Lords Commission's spiritfarers, you seal the heliobi within the Lunaumbra Gourd.
:Huohuo: Don't forget our routine. Miss Gui asked me to remind you to make the post... Please.
: Leave it to me.
: I know. Time to get more fans!
;(Opens A Foxian Tale of the Haunted: Ghostly Grove)
: BREAKING NEWS
::Behind the Ghostly Figure Lurks the Swarm!?
: Mythopedia
::Case Closed! Mysterious Quantum Organism!
: Hottest Scoops
::New Filter Brings False Alarm
----
:Huohuo: Actually, there was once when I was taking a photo... the picture also showed a ghostly figure...
:Huohuo: I didn't dare to tell anyone, so I deleted it and was paranoid for a long time.
:Huohuo: If the ghostly figures on the photos are all as cute and as harmless as this one, it'll be great. But...
:Huohuo: Thank you for your hard work. See you later...
;(If the player chooses to release Arkari)
;(Achievement Unlocked To the World's End)
;(If the player chooses to capture Arkari)
;(Achievement Unlocked Inhibitor Heliobae)
;(Mission completed)
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