Chapter 19: Shadows Abound

## Script

*Chapter 19*
*Shadows Abound*
*Scene - Never Isle garden fountain*
**Player**: Phew，nice afternoon.
**Player**: Eddie and the other guys are coming back today，right... Ouch!
*Player takes out the Wheel of Fate*
**Player**: The dice，it's getting hot again...
*Suddenly, the area darkens and the Wheel of Fate rises from his hand*
**Player**: ... Wheel of Fate?
*A voice begins talking in Player's head*
**Mysterious Voice**: Why are you so hurt and so confused?
**Mysterious Voice**: It was such a beautiful battle. Let's have a toast!
**Player**: Oh, are you talking to me?
**Player**: And you are...
**Mysterious Voice**: This is not something you should worry about.
**Mysterious Voice**: Victory is more deadly than failure.
**Player**: ... Victory?
**Player**: Are you trying to remind me not to let my guard down?
**Mysterious Voice**: Shhhh, you already have the answer in your heart, Destroyer.
**Player**: ... What? Destroyer? Me?
**Mysterious Voice**: Destruction is the only thing that is eternal.
**Mysterious Voice**: It contains the greatest good and the worst evil.
**Player**: Huh? Who are you? What are you talking about?
**Mysterious Voice**: Hahahaha, it's your destiny to bear all the blames and all the punishments...
**Mysterious Voice**: It's your destiny to engulf them in the worst fear ever.
**Mysterious Voice**: Because you are the creator I hand-picked.
**Player**: I'm confused. Destroyer? Creator?
**Player**: The voice is gone... what the hell was that...
*Player regains his senses*
**Player**: That strange voice, was it talking to me?
**Player**: Maybe what I heard was just someone's voice through the Wheel of Fate?
**Mercy**: Player!
**Player**: Mercy?
**Mercy**: What's up? You were talking to yourself just now.
**Player**: Haha, no I wasn't!
*Choice 1.1 - I was just practicing my lines for the Rupor Show!*
**Mercy**: I see. A new show is coming. I look forward to it!
**Mercy**: No wonder Grandpa Albert came all the way from Kaigon just to purify Rita!
**Mercy**: I should've known he's really here for the Rupor Show!
**Player**: You mean the Albert the 'Glowing Hierophant', the head of the orphanage?
**Player**: Is he purifying Rita?
**Mercy**: Yes. Not just purifying her, he's been also teaching her the gospel of Kaism the entire afternoon...
**Mercy**: They are just over there. Do you want to go have a look?
*Choice 1.2 - I was reminding myself of some chores I might forget!*
**Mercy**: I see. I often talk to myself as well to try to remember things that I have forgotten.
**Mercy**: But... I'd still forget them in the end...
**Player**: Hahaha, that's normal!
**Player**: Wait, isn't that Rita over there?
**Player**: There's someone with her...
**Mercy**: That's Grandpa Albert. He came all the way from Kaigon to purify Rita, trying to mend her ways...
**Player**: You mean the Albert the 'Glowing Hierophant', the head of the orphanage?
**Mercy**: Yes, he's been teaching Rita the gospel of Kaism the whole afternoon...
**Mercy**: Do you want to go and have a look?
*Choice 1.3 - I was memorizing words.*
**Mercy**: Memorizing words?
**Mercy**: Do you have an exam like Kitty and Yaen?
**Player**: Oh, nahh, it's nothing!
**Player**: Wait... over there... isn't that Rita?
**Player**: There's someone with her...
**Mercy**: That's Grandpa Albert. He came all the way from Kaigon to purify Rita, trying to mend her ways...
**Player**: You mean the Albert the 'Glowing Hierophant', the head of the orphanage?
**Mercy**: Yes, he's been teaching Rita the gospel of Kaism the whole afternoon...
**Mercy**: Do you want to go and have a look?
*Conversation continues after choices*
**Player**: Are you sure it's a good idea to let such a dangerous person out in broad daylight here on Never Isle?
**Mercy**: Don't worry. She's been completely sealed by the flux. She's being purified right now, and it's already half-way done!
**Player**: Okay, let's go and have a look.
**Mercy**: Got it!
*Albert talks to Rita in front of the Kaism church*
**Albert**: My girl, I understand your point of view. It might make some sense from a mundane perspective....
**Albert**: But this is not what Kai cares about.
**Albert**: According to the gospel of Kaism:
**Albert**: 'You shall not be afraid of the light because of your sins from the past, nor shall you hide in the dark.'
**Rita**: But I went to the dark side because of someone else's sins.
**Rita**: I guess I should say... this doesn't count as hiding?
**Albert**: Fine, it doesn't matter. Let the past be the past. God never cares about your past.
**Albert**: Also from the gospel:
**Albert**: 'God is just. He shall forgive our sins. He shall purify our crimes.'
**Albert**: God once made an appearance. He told David, the first Hand of Ka:
**Albert**: 'I will offer my compassion to people whether they know me or not.'
**Albert**: 'I'm going to forgive their mistakes. I'm going to pardon their sins. I'm going to let their crimes sink into the deep sea.'
**Albert**: So, my girl, you should not be worried. Kai loves everyone in this world deeply.
**Albert**: Even though you were once a Shadow, even though you have committed crimes, as long as you show genuine repentance, you will be redeemed.
**Rita**: That simple?
**Albert**: Well, that is not simple at all!
**Albert**: First of all, you need to understand god. And then, you need to accept god...
**Rita**: That's why there are so many bad people out there.
**Rita**: No matter what crimes they've committed, all they need to do is to say, 'I believe in Kai,' and then they will be forgiven?
**Albert**: This... from a mortal's perspective...
**Albert**: It is not about being forgiven or not. When a person shows repentance, she has become good again!
**Albert**: If you still punish her, you are punishing a good woman...
**Rita**: That's why everyone thinks it's okay to commit crimes. You will be forgiven no matter what, so just go and kill some people.
**Albert**: This kind of behavior will be disapproved of by god and your own conscience...
**Rita**: But the Shadows' god wouldn't disapprove of this. As long as you become a Shadow, you won't be condemned by your conscience.
**Rita**: In that sense, you guys are not very competitive.
**Rita**: But at least now I understand one thing. After all, Kai is not that different from our god, is it?
**Rita**: They are all just encouraging people to be evil, aren't they?
**Albert**: You! You're hopeless! Nonsense!
**Player**: Hierophant Albert, there's no point in continuing this conversation.
**Rita**: It's Player. I haven't seen you for a while.
**Player**: It's like talking to the wall with these people.
**Rita**: Hehe, that I can agree with.
**Player**: (angry)
**Albert**: Even so, that's not completely true.
**Albert**: This girl Rita, although she's been wrangling with me...
**Albert**: But she did spend the whole afternoon listening to my speech, and she had her own thoughts.
**Albert**: Otherwise how could she come up with all these nonsense arguments, hahahaha.
**Player**: ... You're right.
**Rita**: Hahaha!
**Rita**: I was too bored from being locked up in prison. I came out just to get some fresh air.
**Rita**: Usually people would avoid me or scold me when they see me. But this old man, he tried to have a conversation with me.
**Rita**: Anyway, what you said was new to me. I haven't heard this from anyone before. It was quite amusing.
**Albert**: Hehe, that's good. If it amuses you, I'll come talk to you everyday!
**Mercy**: But grandpa, does it really work... remember how you used to talk to Wolfie everyday...
**Albert**: That was different!
**Albert**: That little mongrel! He was corrupted by Markus!
**Albert**: But you should understand that god's words are very powerful. As long as you listen to them, they will help you in some way!
**Albert**: Just like that little mongrel. Although he still doesn't believe in Kai, he is much more responsible now.
**Albert**: Back then... he was totally unreliable!
**Mercy**: Talking about Wolfie, how come he's still not back? He's been fighting the Shadows out there for many days.
**Albert**: You miss him, do you?
**Mercy**: ... Nahh, I was just asking!
**Albert**: He should be back soon. Will and Eddie are coming back today.
**Albert**: They should be arriving any minute. Jonas is probably at the gate getting ready to greet them.
**Albert**: Do you want to go have a look?
**Mercy**: Sure, Eddie would know when Wolfie's coming back!
**Player**: Hierophant Albert, you wanna join us?
**Albert**: No, I'd better continue with this girl about the gospel of Kaism.
**Albert**: Tomorrow is the day of the Rupor Show. Hehe, I'm giving myself a holiday. I'd better do more work today!
**Rita**: Well, if you insist.
**Mercy**: So, shall we go and welcome General Will and Eddie?
**Mercy**: Goodbye, grandpa!
**Albert**: Sure thing.
**Mercy**: ... Goodbye...Rita!
**Rita**: Um...
**Rita**: Okay... bye.
*At the port, Player and Mercy joins Jonas and the citizens of Never Isle to welcome back General Will, Eddie and Yan Shu-Chi*
**Jonas**: Everyone, let's welcome General Will from his triumphant return!
**Inhabitants of Never Isle**: Welcome, General Will!
**Inhabitants of Never Isle**: General, congratulations on your victory!
**Will**: Well, I agree it's a preliminary victory. We've cleared out some remaining enemies.
**Jonas**: You look especially good today.
**Jonas**: It's been a while since your last significant victory?
**Will**: Haha! It must have cost you a fortune, am I right?
**Jonas**: Isn't it how money should be spent?
**Jonas**: Focus on fighting your battles. Don't say I didn't give you a stage.
**Will**: Hahaha, you still remember that!
**Jonas**: Now, go and greet your brothers. Share your victory.
**Will**: Yes.
**Jonas**: After you finish, I'll need you for something.
**Will**: Oh?
**Jonas**: Don't worry about it, go now.
**Will**: Yeah.
*General Will addresses the public*
**Will**: My brothers and my comrades, after days of searching and fighting...
**Will**: The Light of Purity has achieved great success in clearing out the remaining enemies.
**Will**: We have demolished 29 strongholds, arrested and killed Shadowcult followers...
*As Player is listening to General Will's speech, a mysterious man in Defense Force armor whispers in his ear*
**Mystery Man**: Hey, fellas, still remember me?
**Player**: This voice... is familiar.
*Player turns around*
**Player**: You are...
*The mystery man lifts his helmet...*
**Player**: It's you... what are you doing here?
**Mystery Man**: Follow me if you want to know.
*The man leaves*
**Will**: Of course, if it's based on performance, the top credit goes to Adviser Yan Shu-Chi.
**Will**: It was only because Martin had failed and Rita was caught that the Light of Purity could achieve these successes today.
**Player**: Mercy, I'm a little bit busy, I should go!
*Player follows after the mystery man*
**Mercy**: Oh, what is it?
**Jonas**: ...
*Jonas notices Player leave*
*Scene - Wooded area just outside of Never Isle*
**Mystery Man**: This armor is so heavy...
*The man takes off his disguise*
**Mystery Man**: Phew, I can finally take it off.
**Mystery Man**: Whoever designed this armor, I don't know what he was thinking. This is so heavy that I feel like I'm trapped in some iron box...
**Mystery Man**: I'd either be crushed or suffocated, am I right?
**Player**: I think I've seen you with the White Capes, you are...
**Mystery Man**: Let me quickly introduce myself. My name is Gaar, the most handsome agent from the White Capes.
**Gaar**: Who loves singing, dancing, drinking, clubbing.
*Choice 2.1 - Most handsome? You?*
**Gaar**: Hahahaha, yes, because the rest of us are just too ugly.
**Gaar**: They either look super serious, or they look like a bunch of hicks.
**Gaar**: Would you like to join us? If you do, I'll admit you are the most handsome one there.
**Player**: ...
**Gaar**: Hey, there's no need to frown at me like that. You look like you just got kicked in the balls.
**Gaar**: Okay, fine, don't be mad. I'm not here to make trouble. On the contrary, I'm here to send you a gift!
**Player**: Gift?
**Gaar**: Do you... want to see something interesting?
**Gaar**: About... the Shadows.
*Choice 2.2 - The White Capes? You're with the White Capes?*
**Gaar**: Hahahaha, look at you, so surprised. What now? Never Isle doesn't welcome someone like me?
**Player**: How did you get in?
**Gaar**: It doesn't matter. The Shadows are on a rampage. You are one of us now.
**Gaar**: Don't worry about it!
**Player**: Wait, you said the Shadows are on a rampage... I thought the Shadows were defeated?
**Gaar**: Come on, you call that a defeat?
**Gaar**: The Shadows you destroyed were nothing.
**Gaar**: Plus, Martin and Rita, they are insignificant.
**Gaar**: The Shadows haven't dispatched their main force yet.
**Gaar**: In addition to the Shadowland, there is the Shadow Realm. No one knows where it is.
**Gaar**: Not even the senior Shadow Hierophant.
**Player**: (surprised)
**Gaar**: Are you scared now, my naive little friend?
**Gaar**: Don't worry, they will not want to dispatch the main force from the Shadow Realm.
**Gaar**: They would only reveal their location and their real strength before the final battle.
**Gaar**: But, the Shadowland is planning on something.
**Gaar**: Do you want to see something interesting?
*Choice 2.3 - I thought you were from the Oathblades... or the Order of Equality?*
**Gaar**: Who told you that? Did Miles approve my application to join the Oathblades?
**Player**: ...
**Gaar**: Hahaha, I did plan to join the Oathblades.
**Gaar**: The Oathblades are for real men. They are much more interesting than the White Capes.
**Gaar**: But the Oathblades would not let me join so easily since I've been working for the White Capes for so many years.
**Gaar**: Plus, my price is very high.
**Gaar**: But, today, I'm going to offer you some very interesting intelligence.
**Gaar**: About... the Shadows.
**Player**: Shadows!?
**Gaar**: Right, as a welcome gift.
*Scene continues after choices*
*Gaar hands you a crystal.*
**Player**: This is... a Surveillance Crystal?
**Gaar**: This is the Reflection Crystal. The images captured by multiple Surveillance Crystal are processed...
**Gaar**: And the most critical clips are stored in this crystal - this is the Reflection Crystal.
**Gaar**: I was so busy with this that I didn't even have time for drinking and clubbing anymore.
**Player**: ... So this is the so-called... 'editing'?
**Gaar**: Editing?
**Gaar**: Haha, nice name, this must be terminology from the Earth?
**Player**: ... You know about the Earth?
**Gaar**: Hahahaha.
**Gaar**: Man, how could I not do any homework before sending you a gift?
**Gaar**: There's no free lunch in this world. Do I look like a free lunch delivery guy?
**Gaar**: Okay, let's not talk about this now. Why don't you have a look first?
*Hold the Reflection Crystal firmly, transmit the flux...*
*Player watches the crystal play the surveillance footage*
*Scene - Somewhere in a dark and wild area*
*A priest-like figure with three Shadow Demons looks out over a dark ocean*
**Shadowcult Follower**: It's time...
*The priest waves his large scepter and Shadow Flux begins to rise from the waters*
**Player**: What's this?
*Gaar points to the priest*
**Gaar**: Grey Serpent.
**Player**: ... Grey Serpent?
**Player**: The Bishop of the... Shadowcult?
**Gaar**: Yes, he's the mastermind behind the Battle of Azria. He just came back recently.
**Gaar**: Apparently, he's been planning this for years. Just that this time, I'm not sure who the target is.
**Gaar**: And there's another old guy. You probably have heard of him.
*The crystal switches footage to another location*
*A giant monster rat talks to an armored man emitting a dark aura*
*Many Shadow warriors stand behind the man*
**Player**: What's this?
*Gaar points to the man*
**Gaar**: Rock.
**Gaar**: The founder of the White Capes. He's been brought back to life. He's now the boss of the Deathcult, a branch of the Shadowcult.
**Gaar**: In their words, it's called 'Hand of Death'. And his people are called 'Servants of Death'.
**Player**: ?!!
**Shadow Rat King**: Master Rock, have you dispatched your army?
**Rock**: It's been well taken care of.
**Rock**: Numerous souls will be delivered to the Ghost Hall. The day when the Reapers wake up is coming.
**Rock**: What about Martin?
**Shadow Rat King**: Don't you worry about him. The master has a plan for him.
*Gaar points to the giant monster rat*
**Gaar**: The Shadow Rat King Sraffa.
**Gaar**: He used to be one of the chiefs of the eight Shadowland tribes. It's said that two years ago, he was defeated by Martin and became a vassal of Martin since then.
**Player**: Martin?
**Gaar**: Yes, Martin is from a noble family of the Shadows. They have fiefs in the Shadowland.
**Gaar**: But, one year ago he gave his fiefs to Grey Serpent, who built an altar and a temple of the Shadowcult there.
**Gaar**: And he left behind his wealthy lifestyle and came along with his army to pick fights.
**Gaar**: Do you still remember the Mona Altar?
**Gaar**: It was one of Rat King Sraffa's subordinates who rescued Martin and John.
**Player**: How did you find out all these?
**Gaar**: Hehe.
**Gaar**: With a bit of threats and bribery, most people are willing to work for you.
**Gaar**: ... Including the Shadows
**Player**: ...
**Player**: So where is Martin now?
**Player**: What does Rat King Sraffa mean when he said the master had a plan for him?
*The footage switches again*
*Martin lays on the ground of the forest, wounded*
**Martin**: No, I don't deserve your celebration.
**Player**: Who is he talking to?
**Gaar**: I guess... his inner voice?
**Martin**: But I was defeated completely!
**Gaar**: Anyway, some voice we can't hear.
**Gaar**: Or maybe it's his imaginary voice.
**Gaar**: Or, it could be the Shadowlord.
**Martin**: Why... what do you mean by 'victory is deadly'? You mean...
**Player**: Victory... deadly?
**Gaar**: Hey? Did you think of something?
**Martin**: ... Destroyer?
**Player**: ... It's that the mystery voice!
*"Destruction is the only thing that is eternal."*
*"It contains the greatest good and the worst evil."*
**Martin**: It is because... the nature of destruction is creation... am I right?
*"Hahahaha, it's your destiny to bear all the blames and all the punishments..."*
*"Because, you are my hand-picked creator."*
**Martin**: Ah!!
*Shadow Flux begins to engulf Martin*
**Martin**: Hahahaahah!
*The reflection crystal goes dark*
**Player**: ...
**Gaar**: ... Sounds like you do know something.
**Player**: Alas...
**Gaar**: Are you telling me that you've heard what the Shadowlord had told Martin?
**Player**: Alas...
**Gaar**: ... Really? I made that up. You can't be serious?
**Player**: I did hear that before through the Wheel of Fate.
**Player**: Martin is going to destroy something and bring us fear...
**Gaar**: Oh, I thought you have something new, isn't it quite obvious already?
**Gaar**: It'll be helpful if we know what they are going to destroy.
**Player**: In your dreams.
**Gaar**: Anyway, now that the Shadows have started, maybe you should go and get charged up as well?
**Player**: ... How did you know about the charging?
**Player**: So the White Capes must have...
**Gaar**: You are neither a Gyee nor a Shadow. I'm under no obligation to tell the White Capes about you.
**Gaar**: Okay, you should stop talking and get going.
**Gaar**: Although I can't be sure where the Shadows are going, I'm also not sure if they are going for the Nexus.
**Gaar**: Who knows, they might come straight to Never Isle.
**Gaar**: I'll keep on investigating.
**Gaar**: Anyway, get charged up before the Shadows make a move, that can't go wrong, right?
**Gaar**: Otherwise it'll be too late.
**Player**: Alas...
**Gaar**: Where are you going now?
**Gaar**: It could be dangerous anywhere, so why don't you just pick somewhere convenient?
**Gaar**: Like the Water Nexus?
**Gaar**: You should go to Kaigon and ask someone there to open a portal for you. You'll get there directly, saving you a lot of time.
**Player**: Okay, I'll go to the Water Nexus then.
**Player**: I'm leaving now.
**Player**: Thank you for showing me the Reflection Crystal.
**Gaar**: You're welcome.
**Gaar**: Before you go, this is my advice.
**Gaar**: Mind your own business, get charged, don't get yourself in any trouble and don't try to be a hero.
**Player**: (surprised)
**Gaar**: What? You have questions?
**Gaar**: The Shadows are a huge group. They can afford being defeated ten thousand times.
**Gaar**: But you... you can't afford even one single defeat!
**Gaar**: When you run into some strong enemies, fall back immediately if you don't feel right, understand?
**Player**: ... Understood, thank you!
*Player leaves*
**Gaar**: He is quite a character...
**Gaar**: No wonder the wily old fox insisted on showing him this.
**Gaar**: Such an old fox.
*Scene - Kaigon Cathedral*
*Mike and a handsome man speak with Friar Yancy, Hierophant Asumen, Priest Heather and Su*
**Yancy**: What? You moved away all the artworks from the Elysiann Museum? Why did you do that?
**Yancy**: And yet, now you are inviting us to do a Kaism art exhibition here, what are you thinking?
**Unknown Handsome Man**: Because of art! Because this is art!
**Unknown Handsome Man**: What is art? The nature of art is your inner world...
**Unknown Handsome Man**: Your real emotions, your enthusiasm and love of life, and the secrets in your heart...
**Unknown Handsome Man**: This is the most valuable thing about art!
**Unknown Handsome Man**: She is like wings, taking us towards the gorgeous clouds in the sky.
**Unknown Handsome Man**: She is also like a fountain, always spraying wisdom and pleasure...
**Yancy**: I'm sorry, but I still don't get it...
**Unknown Handsome Man**: Art is not about historical relics, nor is it about archaeological excavation. It's normal that you don't understand.
**Unknown Handsome Man**: It is precisely because of these characteristics of art that I can't bear seeing artworks placed in the same room with other exhibitions!
**Unknown Handsome Man**: They are two distinctively different forms of beauty that should not co-exist!
**Unknown Handsome Man**: As result, the former Elysiann Museum will now officially be renamed Elysiann History Museum.
**Unknown Handsome Man**: Meanwhile, Stifel, the renowned venue designer, has designed and built a new museum.
**Unknown Handsome Man**: The Elysiann Art Museum. It's been completed with perfection.
**Su**: In other words, the Kaism art exhibition will be held in the new museum?
**Unknown Handsome Man**: Right, the new museum covers an area of...
**Su**: Fine, fine! Just take me to the new museum and let me see it by myself.
**Su**: To be honest, I don't even care. I just hope the visitors this time have a better sense of aesthetics.
**Unknown Handsome Man**: You're right. Beautiful things are hard to discover. And doesn't beauty itself mean loneliness?
**Unknown Handsome Man**: It's alright. Under the influence of the new museum's artistic atmosphere, more people will get to appreciate the beauty of your paintings.
**Unknown Handsome Man**: If you have time now, I can show you the new museum. How does it sound?
**Su**: Yes, I have a lot of time.
**Unknown Handsome Man**: Hierophant Asumen, Friar Yancy and Mike, would you care to join us?
**Mike**: Nah, I'm fine. I still have something to do in Kaigon.
**Asumen**: It has been inconvenient for Yancy and I to leave Kaigon recently.
**Asumen**: Su, you are in charge of this art exhibition.
**Asumen**: May Kai bless you! And may the art exhibition be a great success according to Kai's will.
**Unknown Handsome Man**: Thank you! May Kai bless you all.
*Player enters*
**Su**: Oh, why are you here too?
**Player**: Mike, Su, Friar Yancy, what are you guys doing here?
**Player**: These people are...
**Yancy**: This is Hierophant Asumen, the current Bishop of Kaism.
**Asumen**: Hello, Likely One Player, I've heard good things about you.
**Asumen**: May Ka bless you.
**Player**: Oh, thank you, bishop!
**Yancy**: This is Priest Heather. He's in charge of the operation of the church nexus system.
**Heather**: Nice to meet you, Likely One Player!
**Player**: Nice to meet you too.
**Unknown Handsome Man**: So this is Mr.Player. I finally get to meet you in person. You are indeed very charming.
**Unknown Handsome Man**: I've been wanting to meet you. I didn't expect to see you here today!
**Unknown Handsome Man**: Haha, too bad I was in a hurry this morning. Otherwise I would have brought a Lanthal vintage champagne!
**Unknown Handsome Man**: To celebrate this special moment!
**Player**: Umm, thank you. But sorry, you are...
**Mike**: Let me introduce. This is Felix, the Elysiann Chief Executive Officer's...
**Felix**: Yes, I am...
**Felix**: The eldest son of the Chief Executive Officer of the city of blue ocean Elysiann , and Honorary Vice Chairman of the Elysiann Trade Union...
**Felix**: The investor and instructor of Elysiann Sergeant Academy, and the Curator and Director of the Luxium Art Museum.
**Felix**: Felix!
**Player**: Hello.
**Player**: So, do you know...
**Felix**: Are you going to ask what's going to happen to Elysiann?
**Felix**: Yes! Next year will be a historically significant year.
**Felix**: An absolutely fair and open election of the executive officer.
**Felix**: It's going to put me in the center of the historical stage, marking the opening of a new era.
**Felix**: By then, progenitors will remember me as...
**Player**: (This man talks way too much, I cannot let him continue...)
**Player**: (I should pass on the intelligence I heard from Gaar about the Shadows to Friar Yancy and Hierophant Asumen asap...)
**Player**: (And I also need to get to the Water Nexus asap...)
**Player**: Actually...
**Player**: I didn't mean Elysiann, but...
**Felix**: Mr. Player, I understand. Instead of Elysiann, you must want to know more about me as a person.
**Felix**: Well, I do realize that I'm a charming person.
**Felix**: But given we don't have much time today for you and for me...
**Felix**: This short meeting will not be enough for me to show my sincerity to you, nor is it enough for you to get to know me...
**Player**: Okay okay, actually I have some intelligence and that's why I came...
**Felix**: Mr. Player, please don't interrupt.
**Felix**: That is not appropriate behavior for us aristocrats.
**Player**: ... Sorry.
**Mike**: But, Master Felix, we're running out of time. Su is still waiting for you to show him to the new museum.
**Felix**: You are right! It's a shame to waste other people's time.
**Felix**: Even a commoner wouldn't do such a thing. As the upcoming Chief Officer of Elysiann, how could I be so inconsiderate?
**Felix**: I'm terribly sorry. Please excuse me if I have taken up your time.
**Felix**: Mr. Player, when you have time, please do come see me in Elysiann.
**Felix**: I'll show you around my castle and my vineyard. We'll enjoy the best tea and dessert and have a nice long chat.
**Felix**: At night, I will hold a banquet for you during which you will meet all the celebrities in Elysiann.
**Player**: Oh... okay... I'll surely do that when I have time.
**Felix**: Well, I should excuse myself right now.
**Felix**: May Kai bless everyone.
**Felix**: Mr. Su, my private airship is in the south of the city. Please follow me. Don't worry, it's very safe, comfortable and luxurious.
**Su**: (smiles)
*Felix and Su leave*
**Player**: (Whisper) He's finally gone...
**Mike**: Do you feel you never have the chance to speak when talking to this guy?
**Player**: Hmm, a little bit...
**Mike**: Haha, please don't take it personally. It's just who he is.
**Mike**: Even someone talkative like me couldn't find a chance to speak, let alone you.
**Yancy**: Likely One Player.
**Yancy**: Did you have something to say?
**Player**: Yes.
**Player**: I have some intelligence about the Shadows.
**Heather**: Intelligence about the Shadows?
**Heather**: I thought the Shadows were defeated recently. I also heard that although Martin was rescued, he is seriously wounded and dying...
**Heather**: And Rita, she was captured by your people on Never Isle.
**Heather**: The strongholds of the Shadows have been demolished one by one. Are they still capable of causing any more trouble?
**Asumen**: Priest Heather, be patient. Let's hear him out first.
**Heather**: Yeah.
*You tell Yancy and the others what you saw in the Reflection Crystal.*
**Mike**: Martin...
**Yancy**: ... Not only has Martin recovered, but Grey Serpent and Rock are also planning to make a move soon!
**Asumen**: Well, may Kai bless Luxium.
**Player**: Mike, you didn't come to Kaigon for Martin, did you?
**Mike**: Hmm, actually no.
**Mike**: He's the black sheep of the family. Even if I'd be looking for him, I'd be trying to kill him!
**Mike**: But... to be realistic... I should try to avoid seeing him...
**Player**: ... You're not wrong.
**Player**: So, where are Peter and Carter?
**Mike**: Oh, they are in Elysiann.
**Mike**: I'm here for some business. They are still waiting for me in Elysiann.
**Mike**: I'd better hurry back once I finish my work here, haha.
**Mike**: So... I'll talk to you later. I should go now.
**Player**: Okay.
*Mike leaves*
**Player**: (But, without Carter driving for him, is he trying to hitch a ride on my airship?)
**Player**: (Without a car nor an airship... how does he plan to go back...)
**Heather**: Well... wait, about Player's intelligence, I have a question. Where are they getting their army from?
**Yancy**: Maybe from the Shadowland.
**Heather**: ... Can't be?
**Heather**: The entire Loong Mountains are guarded by the Shadowhunters...
**Heather**: If any Shadow steps out of the Loong Mountains, the Shadowhunters would have informed me already.
**Heather**: So... is the intelligence reliable?
**Asumen**: I don't think the Shadows have stepped out of the Loong Mountains.
**Heather**: Yeah... Hierophant Asumen, do you mean the Reflection Crystal clippings are about the Shadowland?
**Asumen**: No, I mean they are coming by water.
**Player**: Water?
**Asumen**: Yes, the Shadowhunter lacks intelligence from the ocean. As long as they stay away from Yan's Broken Toe Isle, they can remain undetected.
**Asumen**: They can mobilize in small batches and hide near the shore. That way it's very hard for us to notice them.
**Heather**: ... Right, it makes sense.
**Heather**: So where will they be hiding?
**Asumen**: It could be anywhere.
**Asumen**: Priest Heather, did you hear anything from the Shadowhunters?
**Heather**: Not at all. The Shadows are still in hiding.
**Asumen**: What about the Water Nexus?
**Heather**: Nothing special came up.
**Heather**: It should not be a problem. It's guarded by Yan, the Mokaro Altar Shadowhunter.
**Heather**: Whenever there's any news about the Shadows, he would immediately inform me in details.
**Asumen**: Okay, that's good.
**Asumen**: Likely One Player, I'm sure you have other business to attend to other than bringing us the intelligence?
**Asumen**: Are you going to the  Water Nexus  to charge your Wheel of Fate?
**Player**: Oh? How did you know?
**Yancy**: Likely One Player, we've all heard about your charging the Wheel of Fate.
**Yancy**: There's a portal inside the Kaigon Cathedral directly leading to the Water Nexus, we can send you there.
**Yancy**: ... Just that, for some reason, I have a bad feeling whenever the Water Nexus is involved.
**Heather**: What do you mean? Do you think the Water Nexus could be in danger?
**Heather**: Are you suspecting the Shadowhunter Yan or me?
**Yancy**: We are all Kai believers, why would I not trust you?
**Yancy**: It's just my feeling.
**Asumen**: Yeah, I've had the same feeling too.
**Asumen**: After all, even the Grey Serpent decides to go himself, and it's been noticed...
**Asumen**: I don't think they will leave us much time for preparation, right?
**Yancy**: Yes, we haven't heard anything from the Shadowhunters. It just means we don't have any intelligence, it doesn't mean the enemies are not coming at us.
**Yancy**: Likely One Player, if you are going now, please be careful.
**Asumen**: Okay, Priest Heather will escort you.
**Asumen**: The portal between Kaigon and the Water Nexus is two-way path. If you are attacked, just return to the portal...
**Asumen**: Say the password 'Kaigon Cathedral', and the Teleportation Arcana will be activated. You'll then be brought back here in Kaigon.
**Asumen**: By then, depending on the situation, we'll either send someone to help you or seek help from the Shadowhunters.
**Player**: Okay. Thank you, bishop!
**Asumen**: You're welcome. May Kai bless you.
**Asumen**: Priest Heather, please show him the way.
**Asumen**: After you send him to the Water Nexus, please go check the Nexus supply system between Miracle Barrier and Kaigon.
**Asumen**: Sorry about that.
**Heather**: You're welcome, Bishop. It is my job.
**Heather**: Likely One, please follow me.
*Scene - Kaigon Cathedral teleportation room*
*Player stands in the portal to the Water Nexus*
**Heather**: Kai, please guide him, caution him and show him the way.
**Heather**: Please lead him with your justice and enlighten him with your wisdom.
**Heather**: Lead him with clouds during the day and lead him with fire at night.
**Heather**: He must follow your justice and kindness, and walk on your way of wisdom and goodness.
*Priest Heather activates the portal*
**Heather**: The circle is activated. Likely One，follow the guidance of Ka and go inside.
**Heather**: Remember，if you run into danger，come back immediately!
**Player**: Okay.
*The portal envelopes Player and he disappears*
**Heather**: Have fun.
*Priest Heather's disguise fades away revealing the robes of a Shadow Priest*
*Scene - Entrance to the Water Nexus*
*Once Player steps out of the portal, he sees a massive battle between the Shadow and Yan's Shadowhunters*
**Player**: Whoa!!!
**Player**: ... I knew it，it's the sea monsters in Shadowland... But look at that number!
**Player**: ... Gotta go inform Kaigon of it and come back to help!
**Cold Voice**: Time traveler，go back.
**Player**: Who's there!?
*Continue to Chapter 20*