Arrival at Wuling

This is the first time I'm heading back to Wuling, since I signed up with Endfield.

Endmin, we just received a situation update.

The Intel Office sent an update on the Bonekrushers: they are moving towards Wuling. There's no doubt that Nefarith is involved.

Æther depth readings are changing throughout the entire world... Reports from other sites ... do not look very optimistic.

Come on, there's us, right?

Endmin, Supervisor Perlica! Your landing protocol is ready to go!

We've established the drop point inside Wuling City. You may set off anytime.

Understood. Well done, Fiona.

Endmin, I won't allow the Valley IV Incident to happen again in Wuling.

Indeed. Additionally, our partnership with the Wuling leadership is crucial to our cause.

But this also means ... we're short on people...

M3 said that powerful individuals or minds are behind these incidents. She must focus on activities in the north.

I will be syncing additional details to your terminals.

The liaison of our operation is the current leader of Wuling—

Zhuang Fangyi, one of the Tianshi of Great Yan.

Ready yet, Endmin?

Alright. Nefarith will not get away this time.

I've only stayed at Wuling for a year or so, but it's the prettiest city I've ever seen.

It's a form of Blight. Wuling is built next to lakes and rivers. So, the local Blight tends to be associated with water, and will look a little different from the Blight we see in Valley IV.

And since Wuling is close to rivers, the regular tides also intensify Blight activity in the city. But it's no big deal to the locals. They're used to it.

I saw her from afar a couple of times when I was assigned to Wuling for my training...

The only thing I know about her is that she's the youngest Viceroy in charge of an HAS developmental district.

As for other things... They're mostly gossip and hearsay.

People say she never sleeps. If she gets angry, the skies will darken with booming thunderclouds. Some even claim that she's a secret chief leading the Tianshi Bureau of Great Yan...

I, uh... I was only there for around a year! I've actually been an Endfielder for longer than that!

And it was a while ago. There's really nothing much to say.

I can't stand the thought of this peachy sanctuary getting attacked... Endmin, we gotta hurry.

Her students really worship her. That's why the stories keep getting crazier.

Let's not dally, then. Time to move out.

Oh my. Feeling this nice, moist air tells me I'm back at home.

Endmin ... our signals ... interference... We're trying...

Radio is still intermittent.

We've been walking for fifteen minutes ... but we have yet to reach the end of this area.

We can't get in touch with Fiona or Viceroy Zhuang at the moment. Let's keep moving for now.

But this place is a little too quiet. I prefer things lively and noisy.

Weird. The Blight Tide shouldn't have risen yet. Why would our radio comms get interrupted...?

Heheh. I'm quite familiar with Wuling. I *did* live in the city for a while, you know.

I've read plenty of investigative reports about Wuling, but they pale against the actual place.

Yes, but ... we're experiencing an unstable SOW system here.

Its navigation function is out. Chen, do you know the way?

Hmm... To help traveling peddlers, messengers, and tourists, Wuling City has deployed a number of powered rafts nearby. We just need to find these rafts to get our road markers.

Time to roll! Let's follow this trail and look around.

Landing coordinates deviation seems larger than I thought. We may have landed outside the expected zone...

Of course! The grassy fragrance, the rippling of creeks. You can't take in their beauty just by looking. You gotta experience it with every sense!

What does this Yanese character mean...?

Ah. Finally. Other fellow travelers.

We-uh ... we came here for the scenery. You're not local, right?

Are you here by yourself?

Yes, it seems that way for now.

This place is getting pretty unsafe. Are you sure you'll be alright roaming around on your own?

Hahah. Well, I did have quite a few companions at the beginning.

But in the end ... I was the only one left.

No matter. I assume you are heading towards Wuling City as well?

Endmin?

Most gladdening. It will be delightful to converse with fellow travelers along the way.

Ah. Apologies. I am afraid I have yet to fully introduce myself.

I am a traveler who hails from ... Kjersch.

The Free City of Kjersch? The one bound by a ring of snow-capped mountains?

Hmm. You actually know the place.

Will you kindly instruct me on how to activate this raft? I am afraid my knowledge of Yanese technology is rather limited.

It is agreed then... We shall travel together.

Ardashir is my name. As you can see, I am a traveler who intends to visit every corner of this world.

Are you also trying to cross the river? I honestly don't know how to activate this...

My intent was to cross this river and visit Wuling City. I did not expect the vehicles here to be completely unmanned...

It seems this trail has not been used for some time.

Mr. Ardashir, we might need to rest here for a while.

Of course. I apologize for intruding, and I truly appreciate your assistance.

I pray that I have not inconvenienced anyone...

Yet this seems to be the only path. So my dear friends, perhaps we shall have the opportunity to meet again.

I've never seen a bamboo forest with such verdance and lushness.

Nothing... This is my first time listening to a rustling in such clarity. The sound of wind brushing itself against a grove.

He looks friendly, but I just feel there's something weird about him.

I queried the name "Ardashir" in the database...

The only hits are figures of Sargonian history, and other common employees registered at Seš'qa and the UWST. None of them matched his age, though.

...Well, I didn't sense any hostility from him.

Chen, how long would it take us to reach Wuling City?

Won't be long. Once we get through this place, I'll know the rest like the back of my hand.

But this really is the only path. We will run into that young man eventually.

Indeed... Our primary objective is to reach Wuling City ASAP. Time to move, team.

Once again I find myself in a similar scene as before. I seem to be lost...

And it gladdens me so. I knew you would not abandon me.

Ah! My prayers have been answered... I knew you would eventually catch up to me.

Perhaps I was not seeing things. The bamboo trees can actually move... Is it some kind of Arts?

The grove is thinning out. The exit must be near.

Great! We can finally leave this place!

This took longer than expected. We must meet up with Viceroy Zhuang quickly.

"Endmin"... Sounds like a position in an office. Their trust for you is more than obvious.

Before we go our separate ways, I do have a question to ask...

"Endmin".

Might we share a few more words? You have been rather quiet and taciturn throughout our journey.

That is how the other two addressed you. They were not trying to hide anything.

As of now...

Hmm?

...do you approve of your endeavor?

Of course I do.

...The sky is heavy with rainclouds. This weather is most fickle...

Endmin! Over here! I found the road to Wuling City!

I'll take my leave.

Mmhmm.

...You truly have forgotten everything.

Then it is inevitable. You will not forgive us.

Got helpers, eh? A tough nut to crack!

Leave this one to me, Endmin... Huh?!

Wait a minute. That eye patch...

Hmm?

Greenish horns. Lung girl. Silly braids. And the dumb-looking swords—

MASTER CHEN! Hah! I never expected to see you show up here!

CHIEF TANGTANG!

Hah! You behaved well! Approved!

Yeah... Though they count as local Wulingers, many of them are petty thieves and criminals...

Endmin, you alright?

AAAH — CHEN QIANYU?!

AH! TANGTANG?!

Behold! You are addressing the SUPREME CHIEF of Qingbo Stockade — Tangtang!

Tangtang used to be an underchief of the Stockade. Our blades clashed before, and that's how I met her.

I thought Wuling dragged you out by your tail! What brings you back?

And how did you fall into this place? You responsible for that blight-a-trophic racket up there?

Since we've stumbled on the turf of your mighty Stockade, it's only fair we play by your rules!

But ... my companion's never been here before... Can you give us a private moment, puh-lease?

But ... don't even try to run.

*Giggle* This is my turf!

We finally meet again.

You look totally unfazed by this entire thing... How did you find your way out?

I believe fortune was on my side. After our separation, the path I was on remained unchanged.

This has proven to be quite an enlightening experience so far...

It succeeded in startling me at the beginning. But now that I look back at it, my brief jaunt through this bamboo grove actually feels rather intriguing.

You sure live a life of leisure.

Let's continue our discussion outside.