An Unexpected Turn of Events

* Rewards
* Characters

 350 60 6 100 fReeStyLE Peppy 20,000

Arlan, Asta, Capote, Dan Heng, March 7th, Peppy, Trailblazer

***An Unexpected Turn of Events*** is the first and only mission in Arlan's Companion Mission chain. It is part of the The Dawn After the Dark chapter that takes place on the Herta Space Station.

## Acquisition

After reaching Trailblaze Level 12 and completing Trailblaze Mission *Long Wait for the Blade's Edge*, read the message from Asta. The message is received after teleporting to Master Control Zone.

## Steps

1. Find out more details from Asta
2. Follow Peppy
3. Fish out information out of Professor Capote
4. Talk to Capote's fans
5. Pass on all the clues you learned to Asta
6. Keep following Peppy
7. Learn about Arlan's trial from Dan Heng
8. Pass on all the clues you learned to Asta
9. Keep following Peppy
10. Track down the suspicious crystals and find Arlan
11. Defeat the mutant creatures
12. Ask Arlan about the trial
13. Keep interrogating Arlan to get to the truth behind the trials

## Gameplay Notes

* When questioning Arlan, submitting the wrong evidence has no negative result and only requires you to try again. However, the correct pieces of evidence to submit are:
	+ Trial of the Heart - Master Capote's Life Wiki
	+ Trial of the Mirror - Arlan's ID Pass
	+ Trial of the Self - Photo of Arlan's Back
* Upon completing this mission, Arlan will become a visitor to the Astral Express.

## Dialogue

### Receive a message from Asta

(Open message from Asta)
**Asta:** (Trailblazer), you said you're back at the space station?
**Asta:** There's something that I can only talk to you about...
**Asta:** If it's not too much trouble, could you come over for a chat?
 I have a bad feeling about this...
**(Trailblazer):** I have a bad feeling about this...
**Asta:** No, no! It's not anything weird. I just need to discuss something with you in person
**Asta:** Since it's just kinda embarrassing to talk about it over messaging
 No need to bother you. I'm headed back...
**(Trailblazer):** No need to bother you. I'm headed back to the Express
**Asta:** Hey, stop teasing! I really do have something urgent to talk about!
**Asta:** I'll be waiting for you at the usual spot. Please hurry
(Accepted Mission **An Unexpected Turn of Events**)

### Find out more details from Asta

 **Step Description**

Asta seems to have encountered something worrying indeed.
She's waiting for you at "the old place." Head over and find out what happened. Master Control Zone

(Approach Asta)
**Asta:** Finally, you're here. This is urgent, so I'll cut to the chase — Arlan's disappeared.
 Disappeared?
**Asta:** Yes, I can't find him. He's not answering his messages or calls.
**Asta:** In all the time since I took him in, this has never happened.
 Have you checked the surveillance cameras?
**Asta:** Of course! I didn't see him...
**Asta:** Parts of the surveillance system were destroyed when the Legion invaded — it still hasn't been fully repaired. Maybe he took advantage of a blind spot.
**Asta:** It's been thirteen hours since he last contacted me. He usually takes less than 13 seconds to reply to my messages!
**Asta:** I looked everywhere and couldn't find him, so I checked the Security Department's work plan records. This is what I found!
**Asta:** Look, at his last work objectives entry: "Of the heart. Of the mirror. Of the self." It's so strange...
 The entries for last week are pretty odd too.
**Asta:** ...Ahaha, d-don't worry about those.
 Sure is.
**Asta:** I knew it. (Trailblazer), you think so too, right?
 I think guys his age do tend to write like this.
**Asta:** ...B—But he's never written poetry before!
**Asta:** \*sigh\* I asked people in the Security Department, but none of them thought it was concerning. They said stuff like:
**Asta:** "Brother Arlan is a grown man with his own plans!"
**Asta:** I couldn't get them to listen at all, so I'm asking you for help.
 You don't have any clues, how can I—
 Guys his age just need "alone time" sometimes!
**Asta:** Why are you acting like those Security Department idiots!? Stop fooling around and help me!
**Asta:** I have a secret weapon! Say hello to...
**Asta:** Peppy!
 Peppy?
**Asta:** Mm-hmm, Peppy's my dog — Arlan's looked after him since he was a puppy. They're great friends.
**Asta:** Peppy knows Arlan's scent — maybe he can track him down.
 Then... am I still needed?
**Asta:** Y—Yes! Think about it — if people see me, the acting lead researcher, searching for Arlan...
 Then get Peppy to find Arlan.
**Asta:** Peppy can't go alone. What if he gets lost too? And I can't go with him — if people see me, the acting lead researcher, searching for Arlan...
**Asta:** Wouldn't that... Wouldn't that make Arlan look incompetent as head of the Security Department?
**Asta:** ...Let's go together! Relax — Peppy doesn't bite.

### Follow Peppy

 **Step Description**

Sniff sniff, sniff sniff
Follow Peppy! Master Control Zone

(Follow Peppy until destination is reached)
**Asta:** That's... Professor Capote? Are you sure Arlan was here, Peppy?
**Peppy:** Woof!
**Asta:** Weird. Why would he visit this Casanova?
 Casanova?
**Asta:** Look at all his fans! Need I say more?
 I thought you said his name was Capote...
**Asta:** Haha, he probably should've been named Casanova... I've gotten used to saying it, anyway.
**Asta:** Behold, the winner of the "Most Awesome Researcher" contest.
**Asta:** Hmm, it's better if I don't show my face... (Trailblazer), see if you can get some intel out of him.

### Fish information out of Professor Capote

 **Step Description**

Professor Capote seems to know something about the trials.
Carefully fish out some useful information from him. Master Control Zone

(Talk to Capote)
**Capote:** I must confess that I, too, was terrified. Petrified, even! But there remained a light in my heart. A light that led me onward!
**Capote:** That light... was the happy smiles on all your faces!
**Researchers:** Ah! Master Capote thinks about me!
 (Nod in approval)
**Capote:** Oh, it's you! Long time no see. How are you?
**Capote:** I'm a bit busy here. If it's not urgent, come back later.
(Dialogue continues below at **You've asked Capote about Arlan...**)
 (Look skeptical and scoff)
**Capote:** Oh, it's you! Long time no see. Are you okay? You look troubled — that's quite a wrinkled brow.
**Capote:** Come! Join the others and listen to me recount the tale of the Legion's invasion. I'm sure your memory of the events will dispel your worries.
**You've listened to Capote for a long time, thus gradually forgetting what you're going to ask...**
(Must talk to Capote again)
(Talk to Capote again, if the second option was selected)
**Capote:** The Antimatter Legion barely missed me, and that's when I saw your faces... It was all I could see. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be standing here today.
**Researchers:** Ah! Long live Master Capote!
 (Nod in approval)
**Capote:** Aha, I see you no longer look troubled. There is only one word to describe your expression: Enlightenment!
**Capote:** Such is the power of my rhetoric! It creates an energy that uplifts the soul.
(Dialogue continues below )
 (Look skeptical and scoff)
**Capote:** Oh, still troubled? You must be ill! You look pale and your pupils are gray... That's fine! I, Capote, never waver in my support! I shall double my efforts to heal your heart!
(Repeats until the (Nod in approval) option is selected)

**You've asked Capote about Arlan...**
**Capote:** Arlan? Uh, yes... I know him. After all, my calling is to light up the heart of every person on the space station. As to his current location...
**Capote:** Forgive me, but I cannot tell!
**(Trailblazer):** (Insert dramatic pause and sudden drama here...)
**Capote:** Everyone knows the most important word in my life is "principle." Without principle, what difference would there be between a person and a mechanical arm?
**Confused Researcher:** Wait a minute... last time he said the most important word in his life was "illumination..."
**Steadfast Researcher:** We need to update Master Capote's Life Wiki! This will be version 12.0 of his life keywords!
**Capote:** Ahem, uhh... Anyway, I do not lie. I can tell you that I did indeed meet Arlan recently, and I know where he went.
**Capote:** Regrettable, I already swore on my life that I, Capote, would never tell anyone Captain Arlan's secret!
 (Exaggerate the urgency and importance of the situation)
**Capote:** You don't understand what I'm trying to say at all!
**Capote:** Crises, disasters... these are just mirages of the material plane! A person's character and the vows of humankind are most precious — they must be protected at all costs!
**Capote:** All you see are minuscule risks of the immediate situation... but did you ever consider that if I, Capote, abandoned my principles, then the hopes and dreams of hundreds of fair ladies would be dashed?
**Capote:** I am their lighthouse, and I will NEVER allow myself to be tainted!
**Touched Researcher:** \*sniff\* Oh, Master Capote is so considerate...
**You've listened to Capote for a long time, thus gradually forgetting what you're going to ask...**
**(Trailblazer):** (Wow, the cringe is strong... I need to remember what I came here for!)
(Must talk to Capote again)
 (Spares no effort in praising Capote's character)
**Capote:** Seems like you already know what kind of person I am.
**Capote:** Captain Arlan had a similar expression to yours when he found me. He was anxious and desired an answer.
**Capote:** But answers are not easy to give. Besides, he wanted to master a trial of the heart that would thoroughly change him, and that would be even more difficult...
**Capote:** You can't even imagine the difficulty of the trial. I was tired merely from the act of imitating that way of talking with him! Thankfully he... Ah! Ahem, no more. No more!
**(Trailblazer):** (His words match Arlan's work plan records. Seems like he does have key information.)
(Dialogue continues below at **You've asked Capote about the Trial of the Heart.**)
(Talk to Capote again, if the first dialogue option was selected)
**Capote:** Seems like you already know what kind of person I am. I'm telling you, quit while you can and don't waste your time and effort here. You can see that I, too, am quite busy.
 (Exaggerate the urgency and importance of the situation)
**Capote:** \*sighs\* I didn’t take you to be so stubborn. The light in your heart has been clouded for too long!
**Capote:** But I, Capote, will never give up on anyone. Even if I have to talk through the day and into the night, I will make you understand!
**You've listened to Capote for a long time, thus gradually forgetting what you're going to ask...**
**(Trailblazer):** (Wow, the cringe is strong... I need to remember what I came here for!)
(Repeats until the (Spares no effort in praising Capote's character) option is selected)
 (Spares no effort in praising Capote's character)
**Capote:** Seems like you already know what kind of person I am.
**Capote:** Captain Arlan had a similar expression to yours when he found me. He was anxious and desired an answer.
**Capote:** But answers are not easy to give. Besides, he wanted to master a trial of the heart that would thoroughly change him, and that would be even more difficult...
**Capote:** You can't even imagine the difficulty of the trial. I was tired merely from the act of imitating that way of talking with him! Thankfully he... Ah! Ahem, no more. No more!
**(Trailblazer):** (His words match Arlan's work plan records. Seems like he does have key information.)
(Dialogue continues below)

**You've asked Capote about the Trial of the Heart.**
**Capote:** I-I didn't say that! Did you mishear it?
**Capote:** Ahem... What I said was "Life is a trial, and you need to be true to yourself."
**Capote:** So, I know nothing about anything you said about Captain Arlan. Ahem, I need to head to a meeting now. Can we talk later?
**(Trailblazer):** (I can't let him get away like this. If he doesn't want to tell me, then...)
 Threaten Capote with dismissal from the space station.
**Capote:** Y—You dare to utter such a threat!
**Capote:** Listen here, leaving aside the fact that you don't have the right to dismiss me, I wouldn't yield even if Lead Researcher Asta — no, if Madam Herta herself commanded me!
**Capote:** Why not threaten to KILL me while you're at it? I've said it once and I'll say it again — I will not yield!
(Dialogue continues below at **Touched Researcher:** \*sigh\* Master Capote is so courageous...)
 Tempt Capote with a promotion.
**Capote:** D-Don't joke about that! Promotions have a strict assessment process!
**Capote:** I did hear that the space station gives special benefits to morally upstanding researchers... but those are just rumors — even the oldest staff have never witnessed it!
**Wrathful Researcher:** Stop looking down on Master Capote! He's not the kind of person you think he is!
**Furious Researcher:** Master Capote's Life Wiki, Version 4.0: Master Capote doesn't care about rank. Everyone knows that!
**Wrathful Researcher:** Even if you promoted Master Capote to acting lead researcher, he wouldn't tell you about the trial!
**Capote:** ...I—Indeed! I won't forsake my precious morality for something so base!
**Capote:** How could you think up something so terrible? You're not just lost, my friend — you've completely strayed from the narrow path!
**Capote:** I need to give you a thorough education on human ethics — we'll need to sit down and go over it slowly...
**Wrathful Researcher:** No need to bother Master Capote! We'll fix this injustice for you ourselves!
**You've been surrounded by the Master Capote Fan Club and listened to a frustratingly long lecture, thus gradually forgetting what you're going to ask...**
**(Trailblazer):** (Wow, the cringe is strong... I need to remember what I came here for!)
(Must talk to Capote again)
(Talk to Capote again, if the second dialogue option was selected)
**Capote:** They went through everything with you? I'm sure you reflected deeply on your actions.
**Capote:** I'll pretend I never heard the things you said. Think before you act in future [*sic*], please.
**Capote:** Of course, if you haven't reflected enough, we can always talk more in private... Right now, I need to hurry to a meeting!
 Threaten Capote with dismissal from the space station.
**Capote:** Y—You dare to utter such a threat!
**Capote:** Listen here, leaving aside the fact that you don't have the right to dismiss me, I wouldn't yield even if Lead Researcher Asta — no, if Madam Herta herself commanded me!
**Capote:** Why not threaten to KILL me while you're at it? I've said it once and I'll say it again — I will not yield!
 Tempt Capote with a promotion.
**Capote:** You really know nothing about repentance! You're totally corrupt!
**Capote:** Now, let me tell you exactly what—
**Wrathful Researcher:** Wait, Master Capote! Don't impart your wisdom to this person. They don't deserve it!
**Furious Researcher:** That's right! Even we don't get to receive personal instruction from Master Capote!
**Wrathful Researcher:** Leave it to us, Master Capote!
**You've been surrounded by the Master Capote Fan Club and listened to a frustratingly long lecture, thus gradually forgetting what you're going to ask...**
**(Trailblazer):** (Wow, the cringe is strong... I need to remember what I came here for!)
(Repeats until the (Threaten Capote with dismissal from the space station.) option is selected)
**Touched Researcher:** \*sigh\* Master Capote is so courageous... We're so lucky to be his fans...
**Thrilled Researcher:** He said the exact same thing when he promised Captain Arlan.
**Touched Researcher:** Yes, the part about not yielding... It's making me tear up! \*sob\*
**Thrilled Researcher:** I'm gonna print out the **transcript of the conversation** as soon as I get back today! The fan club needs to recite and memorize it!
**(Trailblazer):** (Transcript? They've recorded Arlan's conversation with Capote...?)
**(Trailblazer):** (I didn't think a clue like that would suddenly pop up...)

### Talk to Capote's fans

 **Step Description**

One of Capote's fans has a transcript that contains important clues.
Seeing as you can't get any useful information out of Professor Capote, keep digging from another angle. Master Control Zone

(Talk to the Researcher)
**(Trailblazer):** (This is the one who mentioned the transcript just now...)
**Seemingly Vigilant Researcher:** Hey, you've been talking Master Capote's ear off this whole time. Do you... want to join the fan club?
**Ruminative Researcher after a Long Period of Thinking:** I bet you do... You wouldn't have known about Captain Arlan's meeting with Master Capote unless you had an interest.
**Seemingly Vigilant Researcher:** You even memorized the internal testing content for version 12.0 of Master Capote's Life Wiki!
**Ruminative Researcher after a Long Period of Thinking:** You must be one of those super fans that stayed under the radar. \*sigh\* We've been careless.
**Less-Guarded Researcher:** We're on the same side after all! Here, this is our latest welcome bundle for new members of the fan club, and I'll toss in an updated version of Master Capote's Life Wiki!
**Smiley Researcher:** Aww... He looks really cool in the new limited-edition snapshots~
(Obtain  Master Capote's Fan Reply Card ×1,  Master Capote's Limited-Edition Snapshot ×1,  Master Capote's Life Wiki ×1)

### Pass on all the clues you learned to Asta

 **Step Description**

You learned quite a few things from Capote's fans.
Give everything to Asta and see if she has any more ideas. Master Control Zone

(Talk to Asta)
 We've got plenty of clues...
**You've told Asta about what just happened and the clues you found...**
**Asta:** \*sigh\* What happened to you Arlan? Why did you have to get that sleazy Capote to help you with a trial?
 Let's look at these materials first.
**Asta:** Yeah, I guess that's our starting point.
 That Capote does have something about him...
**Asta:** I heard he's good at rallying people to his cause... Ugh, never mind, let's stay on track and find some clues.
 Read the fan reply card.
**Asta:** This handwriting looks familiar... Is it Arlan's...?
**Asta:** "Against the scorching sun, a beautiful flower will never endure. Within my fair embrace, my love for you is tender and pure."
**Asta:** Yuck, so slimy... it does sound like Capote.
 Look at the limited-edition snapshot.
**Asta:** Looks like a candid shot... but surely he knew it was being taken — it's autographed.
**Asta:** There's a figure that's not quite in the shot. Is that... Arlan!?
**Asta:** So Arlan did go to see Professor Capote. This is the evidence.
 Read Master Capote's Life Wiki version 12.0.
**Asta:** ...Even the space station handbook doesn't get updated this frequently.
**Asta:** Is this... an audio transcript?
(Opens Update Notes for Master Capote's Life Wiki Version 12.0)
 We have enough clues.
**Asta:** So... the trial of the heart means knowing how to deal with an overbearing boss.
**Asta:** So that's... how Arlan sees me...
 Maybe it isn't about you.
 Don't be too hard on yourself.
**Asta:** I need to talk to him — let's hurry up and find him.
**Asta:** Peppy, it's your turn again.

### Keep following Peppy

 **Step Description**

Sniff sniff, sniff sniff
Keep following Peppy! Base Zone

(Follow Peppy)
**Peppy:** Woof!
(Follow Peppy until destination is reached)
**Asta:** That's... Dan Heng and the Security Department staff!
**Asta:** There are still remnants of the Antimatter Legion in the space station. Let's go help them!
(Enter battle)

### Learn about Arlan's trial from Dan Heng

 **Step Description**

The last of the Legion have been cleared out, and it's now safe to ask about Arlan's situation.
Ask Dan Heng about Arlan's trial and his current whereabouts. Base Zone

(Talk to Dan Heng)
**Dan Heng:** ...What are you doing here?
 I'm here to protect a friend's secret.
 I'm here to find a lost friend.
**Dan Heng:** ...Then be careful. There are still Legion remnants in the area.
**Dan Heng:** Arlan isn't here right now, so we need to step up the space station's security. Spare no effort and stay focused.
**Member of the Security Department:** Yes, brother Dan Heng!
 You saw Arlan?
**Dan Heng:** Yes, he's with March.
 Check you out, calling the shots...
**Dan Heng:** \*sigh\* I'm only helping Arlan. You're here to look for him, right? He's with March.
**Dan Heng:** But I suggest you don't bother him. He's given himself a personal trial.
**Thrilled Member of the Security Department:** Brother Arlan's special trial? He's a man among men, a lion among tigers! He's already reached great heights, but still he wants to improve!
**Excited Member of the Security Department:** That trial... I bet it's even more intense than physical training! And brother Arlan already challenges himself to the limit in that department — he runs 21,358 meters around the space station every day! An eagle among wolves! Always so hard on himself!
 What kind of trial is it?
**Thrilled Member of the Security Department:** I think it must have something to do with the mind. He probably found a waterfall and asked Ms. March to lower the temperature to freezing point!
**Excited Member of the Security Department:** No way! Brother Arlan's trial wouldn't be as simple as just standing under a waterfall! I think he wants to learn fighting skills from Ms. March.
**Dan Heng:** ...They're not correct, but not wrong either.
**Dan Heng:** Arlan came to me to learn how to manage pressure from his boss.
**Dan Heng:** ...So I sent him to March. If he can manage her, then he has nothing to fear.
 He's a bear among horses!
**Thrilled Member of the Security Department:** That might be a metaphor too far.
**Excited Member of the Security Department:** Brother Arlan runs like a horse and fights like a bear. I think that's a great metaphor!
 That's pretty sadistic, Dan Heng.
**Thrilled Member of the Security Department:** I think brother Dan Heng is pretty smart
**Excited Member of the Security Department:** Brother Arlan only has that one weakness in his armor, but he won't ignore it! He's too awesome for that!
**Dan Heng:** ...Arlan and I decided to switch our assignments. He went with March to investigate a suspicious crystal, and I've taken up his patrol.
**Dan Heng:** That's all.
 Did Arlan leave anything with you?
**Dan Heng:** He gave me a pass for access across the space station while on patrol.
**Thrilled Member of the Security Department:** I found a broken ceiling tile. This mark... it must be from where Brother Arlan smashed it down!
**Excited Member of the Security Department:** Move aside. What kind of clue is that? This floor tile I found is way better! Look at the footprint — it's the right size, not to mention the angle of motion... This is proof of brother Arlan in combat!
 "Of the mirror..." Did Arlan mention what that meant?
**Dan Heng:** He said he read an anonymous hanwritten journal in the space station — it contained 36 different strategies to do with managing pressure from one's boss.
**Dan Heng:** It also contained some information on trials.
**Dan Heng:** Firstly, the trial of the heart. One needs to acknowledge the pressure in one's heart, and only then can one face it.
**Dan Heng:** Secondly, trial of the mirror. Like a mirror's reflection, one needs to personally experience the pressure others feel in a job in order to understand it.
**Dan Heng:** Lastly, trial of the self. One places oneself within that pressure to complete a transformation.
**Dan Heng:** I believe he came to me to complete the trial of the mirror.
 Do you know why Arlan is undertaking this trial?
**Dan Heng:** No. He didn't say, and I didn't ask.
**Thrilled Member of the Security Department:** Brother Arlan doesn't need a reason to improve himself! You don't understand him at all!
**Excited Member of the Security Department:** Brother Arlan is a fierce fighter with an eye for detail. If you don't understand his reason for doing things, maybe that's because you're too zoomed in.
**Thrilled Member of the Security Department:** He's just staying ahead of the game is all! He's the space station's coldhearted hawk, the Security Department's alpha wolf!
 I don't have any other questions.
**Dan Heng:** If you want to find Arlan, just contact March.
(Obtain Arlan's ID Pass ×1, Broken Ceiling Tile ×1, Footprint ×1)

### Pass on all the clues you learned to Asta

 **Step Description**

You learned quite a few things from Dan Heng and the Security Department staff.
Give everything to Asta and see if she has any more ideas. Base Zone

(Talk to Asta)
**Asta:** Job pressure... how to manage your boss...
**Asta:** Arlan... I'm sorry. I never knew I was giving you so much pressure...
 Calm down. Let's look at the clues first.
 Maybe he doesn't mind...
**Asta:** Mm... I need to feel the pressure he's feeling so I can understand what it's all about.
 Arlan's ID Pass
**Asta:** Ah, there's a photo of Peppy on the pass...
**Asta:** I got Arlan to look after Peppy because I thought they got along... but was that giving him too much extra pressure?
**Asta:** Maybe he printed out Peppy's picture as a way of forcing himself to remember his responsibility...
 Broken Ceiling Tile
**Asta:** Look how smashed up this ceiling tile is... Arlan must have bottled up his frustration and had no way of releasing it — so he took it out on the monsters!
 Footprint
**Asta:** It's Arlan's shoe size alright — and this actually came from a pair of shoes I bought for him.
**Asta:** Maybe even these shoes are painful shackles for him...
 Let's skip the clues for now.
**Asta:** Yeah... We need to find Arlan quickly. I need to apologize to him in person!
**Asta:** Peppy, let's get going.

### Keep following Peppy

 **Step Description**

Sniff sniff, sniff sniff
Just showing Peppy a photo of March 7th is enough for it to accurately locate her. Feels like it's using more than just smell to recognize people... Supply Zone

(Follow Peppy)
**Peppy:** Woof!
**(Trailblazer):** (So Peppy can locate March just by looking at a photo of her...)
**(Trailblazer):** (...Is he really using scent to track?)
(Approach March 7th)
**March 7th:** \*gasp\* What a cute doggy! ...Oh you're here too.
 Is Arlan not with you?
**March 7th:** He was, but not anymore.
**March 7th:** He wanted to go investigating on his own, so I let him~
 Nice of you to acknowledge the canine before me.
**March 7th:** Hey! He's a new face, and you're not.
**March 7th:** Huh, this little guy looks familiar... AH! Are you Arlan's Peppy? Awwww I'm sowwie, you master isn't here. He's gone off to investigate~
 Did he mention anything about a trial?
**March 7th:** He kept harping on about Dan Heng being a "true warrior" or something...
**March 7th:** Oh, he did say that completing an assignment with me would help him "complete the final trial."
**March 7th:** Hehe, it felt like he learned a lot from me. Then again, everyone has a lot to learn from me, hee-hee~
 Why did you split up?
**March 7th:** We were investigating suspicious crystals together, but he said it was all pointless if he couldn't "transform" himself...
**March 7th:** I could tell he was giving himself a lot of pressure, so I gave him a suggestion~
**March 7th:** I told him actions speak louder than words when you wanna prove yourself... I was just thinking out loud really, I had no idea what kind of trial he was doing.
**March 7th:** But when he heard that, he said "Mr. Dan Heng was right."
**March 7th:** And then he just left. I took a photo of him — he was doing one of those tough guy walks!
**March 7th:** Come to think of it, maybe I shouldn't have left him alone. Take me with you if you're going after him!
(Obtain  Photo of Arlan's Back ×1)

### Track down the suspicious crystals and find Arlan

 **Step Description**

Based on what March 7th said, Arlan should be investigating some suspicious crystals alone.
Go deeper amongst the suspicious crystals, and look for Arlan. Supply Zone

(Investigate the Fragmentum)
**Asta:** I read that a Stellaron's internal fluctuations will cause a Fragmentum to appear.
**Asta:** Did Arlan...
**March 7th:** Hey, relax! I've seen plenty of Stellarons — it'll be fine.
**Asta:** I hope Arlan is safe.
(On the way to the destination)
**Asta:** The extent of the corrosion here is a lot worse than I imagined. Mrs. Hinkel did say the clean-up had been slow in places...
**March 7th:** The Fragmentum has a big influence on the space around it. All this electronic equipment on the station must short-circuit pretty regularly, huh?

### Defeat the mutant creatures

 **Step Description**

Somehow, these turned out to be a brand-new kind of monster that not even Arlan, the big brother of the Security Department, has seen before. They are not to be taken lightly at all!
As for the trials... just focus on killing these monsters first! Supply Zone

(Approach Arlan)
**Arlan:** Lady Asta, you... why are you all here?
**Arlan:** I've never seen anything like this before. It looks like some kind of new entity — it must have mutated after being corroded.
(Enter battle)

### Ask Arlan about the trial

 **Step Description**

With the monsters finally dead, now is the time to ask Arlan about the purpose of this mysterious trial.
Despite all the clues you've gathered, it still doesn't feel like the truth has been revealed. Supply Zone

(Talk to Arlan)
**Arlan:** Are you okay, my Lady?
**Asta:** Arlan... I...
**Arlan:** Lady Asta? Why are you crying? Are you hurt?
**Asta:** I'm sorry!
**Arlan:** Huh...?
**Asta:** It's all my fault — I've been putting too much on your plate. That's why you looked up ways to manage the pressure...
**Asta:** I—I honestly didn't realize that... these thing would bring you s—so much... stress.
**Asta:** I just want to say... I... I'm sorry! \*sob\*
**Arlan:** My lady, I...
**Arlan:** You didn't give me any pressure!
**Asta:** Arlan, you don't need to hide this from me any longer. (Trailblazer) and I know all about the trials you're putting yourself through!
**Asta:** If you can't forgive me right now, then... I—I'll reflect further and... find a way to prove that I'm willing to change.
**Arlan:** But, my lady...
**Asta:** Firstly, your trial of the heart! You went to Professor Capote and asked him to simulate conversations with you so you could better understand your boss.
**Asta:** And the evidence is...

### Keep interrogating Arlan to get to the truth behind the trials

 **Step Description**

Looks like Arlan doesn't plan on spilling the beans in front of everyone.
Use the clues you've already gathered to help Asta prove her hypothesis is correct. Supply Zone

(Talk to Arlan)
**Asta:** Firstly, your trial of the heart! You went to Professor Capote and asked him to simulate conversations with you so you could better understand your boss.
**Asta:** And the evidence is...
(Submission menu opens)

* Master Capote's Fan Reply Card
* Master Capote's Limited-Edition Snapshot
* Master Capote's Life Wiki

(If Master Capote's Fan Reply Card is submitted)
**Asta:** This handwritten fan reply card!
**Asta:** This is your handwriting, Arlan!
**Arlan:** I...
**Asta:** No need to explain! This is Professor Capote's autograph alright, but you can't hide your handwriting. The way you join your letters is no different to your childhood diary entries.
**Arlan:** ...I—I did write this for professor Capote.
**Asta:** You're the head of the Security Department — you don't have anything to do with Professor Capote. Why did you suddenly start writing his reply cards for him, huh?
**Asta:** Hmph, d—don't go spilling the beans just yet!
**Asta:** (Trailblazer), this evidence is a bit of a stretch... Do we have anything better?
(Returns to submission menu)

(Submit Master Capote's Limited-Edition Snapshot)
**Asta:** This limited-edition snapshot!
**Asta:** This was taken by a member of the Master Capote Fan Club less than 24 hours ago. In other words, you went to find Professor Capote today...
**Asta:** ...and stopped responding to messages in the same time window!
**Arlan:** I... This is just...
**Asta:** N—No need to launch your defense, we haven't got to the core yet!
**Asta:** (Trailblazer), this evidence is a bit of a stretch... Do we have anything better?
(Returns to submission menu)

(If Master Capote's Life Wiki is submitted)
**Asta:** Master Capote's Life Wiki version 12.0!
**Asta:** This transcript records what you asked Capote to help you with. Here we can see a bossy manager and you being asked to do things outside of your job description.
**Asta:** Clearly, Professor Capote is unlikely to master my speech or mannerisms any time soon... But the content is the key here!
**Asta:** I am the source of your pressure!
**Arlan:** My lady, I did speak to Professor Capote, and I did ask him some things.
**Arlan:** But they had nothing to do with you! I've never experienced any pressure with you...
**Asta:** Oh Arlan, won't you accept my apology?
**Asta:** \*sigh\* I'll just have to show you more evidence.
(Continue onto dialogue below)

**Asta:** We know the essence of your trial of the heart, and we also know that you asked Dan Heng to help you complete the trial of the mirror.
**Asta:** I'm so sorry, Arlan. Until I spoke with Dan Heng, I never realized how much pressure was on your shoulders.
**Arlan:** Miss, I really don't...
**Asta:** Hold it! I have evidence...
**Asta:** And the evidence is...
(Submission menu opens)

* Broken Ceiling Tile
* Footprint
* Arlan's ID Pass

(If Broken Ceiling Tile is submitted)
**Asta:** This ceiling tile!
**Asta:** This... umm... ceiling tile! You... you broke it!
**Arlan:** Sorry... I'll get it fixed later.
**Asta:** I know you can be tough, but you're not violent by nature, Arlan — quite the opposite! Breaking a ceiling tile like this shows how much pressure and anger you were carrying around!
**March 7th:** Uuh, eh-he... This interpretation is sounding a little odd... Do we have any other evidence?
(Returns to submission menu)

(If Footprint is submitted)
**Asta:** This footprint!
**Asta:** I bought these shoes for you — I remember the size and the design. This is undoubtedly your footprint.
**Asta:** But I can tell a lot from the details, such as... umm... y—you used a lot of force! You had a lot of pressure, so you stomped really hard!
**March 7th:** She can't even make things up anymore. You have more evidence, right?
(Returns to submission menu)

(Submit Arlan's ID Pass)
**Asta:** Your ID Pass!
**Asta:** This isn't just any old station pass, is it? There's a very important photo on it!
**Asta:** A photo of Peppy!
**Arlan:** Lady Asta, I like Peppy a lot, so I...
**Asta:** No, no, Arlan. You don't need to find excuses for your actions. \*sigh\* Maybe you've actually convinced yourself...
**Asta:** The combination of your simulated conversations with Capote and the entry in your work log about playing holodisc with Peppy...
**Asta:** It points to one thing: Me getting you to look after Peppy is the greatest source of your stress!
**Asta:** Y—You even printed out a photo of Peppy to constantly remind yourself to look after him! \*sniff\*
**Asta:** I know exactly what message you're trying to drill into yourself by sticking this photo onto your pass: "Arlan, taking Peppy out to play is an assignment from Lead Researcher Asta — you better throw that holodisc like it's a full-on discus! If you spare any effort... Lady Asta will find out and punish you terribly for all eternity!. [*sic*]" \*sniff\*
**Arlan:** M—My lady, don't you think that's a long thought to think...?
**Arlan:** Lady Asta, please, I didn't do any of these trials because of you.
**Arlan:** I always try to complete every assignment you give me, regardless of whether it's within my job description.
**Arlan:** I... really like taking Peppy out to play.
**March 7th:** Asta, I don't think Arlan is upset with you.
**Asta:** But Arlan doesn't have any other bosses — who else would it be? March, he asked to accompany you so he could learn how to manage his stress, right?
**March 7th:** Huh? Arlan wanted to go on assignments just to experience stress!?
**March 7th:** Phew... Good thing I let him go alone — my calming influence would've ruined his training.
**March 7th:** Hehe, guess I made the right decision after all.
 Dan Heng was right.
**March 7th:** What did he say? That I'm good as solving people's problems?
**Asta:** Ugh, Arlan, all I want you to understand is how sincerely I'm reflecting on my actions. Please accept my apology!
**Arlan:** But, my lady...
**Asta:** Stop!
**Asta:** Arlan, I understood the level of stress you're dealing with as soon as I saw this photo.
**Asta:** And the evidence is...
(Continue onto dialogue below)

(Submission menu opens)
(Submit Photo of Arlan's Back)
**Asta:** Arlan, I understood the level of stress you're dealing with as soon as I saw this photo.
**March 7th:** Didn't I take that photo?
**Asta:** I'm always giving you tasks and assignments, but I never actually see how you take to the battlefield...
**Asta:** ...when I saw this photo, when I saw you fighting alone just now...
**Asta:** I'm just sorry that I gave you the stress of all my private affairs on top of an already stressful job.
**Asta:** Please forgive me, Arlan.
**Arlan:** ...
**Arlan:** My Lady, I... I'm very touched, but...
**Arlan:** I started this trial because of Madam Herta.
**March 7th and Asta:** What!?
**Arlan:** Whenever she's back on the space station, Madam Herta assigns me things outside the Security Department remit.
**Arlan:** Even if I dared to refuse, I wouldn't know how. She's just... too overbearing.
**Arlan:** Whether it's helping her test some new specimen, or looking for ancient documents I've never even heard of...
**Arlan:** ...Assignments like those were okay before the invasion, but now I need to focus on clearing out any last traces of the Legion.
**March 7th:** Aha! So, you're trying to learn how to reject Herta, and then put it into practice!
**Arlan:** Yes. I found an anonymous handwritten journal while I was cleaning up — it mentioned 36 different strategies for relieving pressure. That's where I read about the trials.
 Of the heart, of the mirror, of the self...?
**Arlan:** Yes. There were detailed notes, so... I wanted to give them a try.
 Those trials really made Asta worry.
 Don't just read any anonymous journal!
 Did you really think it would help...?
**Arlan:** I'm sorry, my lady... I didn't want to bother anyone, so I didn't mention it.
**Asta:** So... you don't feel pressured around me?
**Arlan:** I've never felt pressured around you, my lady.
**March 7th:** Alright, alright — it's all a misunderstanding. You two should reflect on your actions!
**March 7th:** Right, (Trailblazer)?
 You need to talk to each other more.
**March 7th:** Yeah! See, the two of us would never have misunderstandings like this.
 Anyways, Dan Heng was right...
 You both need to start saying what you're thinking.
**March 7th:** Yup! I always say what I'm thinking.
 Anyways, Dan Heng was right...
 You both need to use your brains more.
**March 7th:** That's righ— Hey! This is supposed to be a happy moment!
 Anyways, Dan Heng was right...
**March 7th:** You keep saying that — what did Dan Heng even say...
**Arlan:** ...Thank you for helping Lady Asta... and for coming to find me.
**March 7th:** You're welcome! Although if you really wanna thank me... let me play holodisc with Peppy — pleaaaase~?
(Complete)

(**Visitor Verification**)

(Arlan has become a visitor to the Express. You might come across Arlan when you return to the Express)
(Obtained  Peppy (Profile Picture))
(Obtained  "fReeStyLE")
(Achievement Unlocked The Sorrows of Young Arlan)

### Post-Mission

(Open message from Herta)
**Herta:** I see that (Trailblazer)'s coordinates are still at the space station. Maybe it'd be easier to chat in a group
**Herta:** There's a batch of my old manuscripts in the space station. And you know how I've been writing a book for the IPC. So, I've been thinking... maybe how I could just copy and paste a few pages of my old manuscripts for the extra book content.
**Herta:** One of them is called decompression equation 36 or something. I cant remember the exact name. Anyway, that's the content. After you clean up the Antimatter Legion, help me find it and send it to the office
 Mission accomplished
**Arlan:** ...Got it
**(Trailblazer):** We found it.
**Herta:** Send it over then. Incidentally, I do have an experiment that could use some help from both of you
 None of my business
**Arlan:** ...Got it
**(Trailblazer):** Not interested. Good luck Arlan

(Talk to Herta)
**Herta:** Hmph, I haven't completely lost my interest in you. Ask what you gotta ask.
 You know, Arlan is afraid of you.
**Herta:** The boy that tags along with Asta all the time? Okay, whatever.
 He feels great pressure when you are present.
**Herta:** Doesn't matter. As long as he keeps running errands for me.
 He doesn't know how to get along with you.
**Herta:** And yet he survived, no? He'll figure it out.
 What do you think of Arlan?
**Herta:** Honest fella, does what he's told.
 That's all I wanted to ask.
**Herta:** Okay.

(Talk to Arlan)
Main article: Supply Zone § Dialogue

## Change History

Released in **Version 1.0**[Create New History]