Bravely Breach the Hostile Winds

And here's even better news — Arcane's awake.

Endmin, are you alright?

What did you dream of?

The tuning has been successful. Its capacity for Originium energy proves flawless.

Once the Proxy arrives, it might become the mighty weapon we need to seal the Very Large Rift.

She wants to tell us something in person. Chen is already off to talk to her.

Endmin, if you're ready, we should head to the Main Pillar as well.

Tianshi Zhuang and Endmin. You're here.

Maybe you can get this one to be quiet for a while.

Nagging is caring, okay!

Apologies, Arcane. It was my decision that put you at risk.

None needed. You made the right call, Tianshi Zhuang.

The Originium Arts I've mastered failed to kill him... He's not human anymore.

When I woke, I immediately ordered Summit to share the intel.

I knew it...

They're doing everything they can to open the Very Large Rift. But their target is not Wuling...

...It's you, Endmin.

Thank you. But I prefer less nagging.

Why you — Whatever. I don't argue with patients. I'm just glad you're alright.

<entry=narrativeNote_2>Blight Miasma concentrations in the North Wuling Exclusion Zone are spiking. Nefarith's trick has affected the Very Large Rift.

The "truth"...? Was he talking about the Very Large Rift?

An obvious one. The Very Large Rift is increasingly active. We cannot afford to ignore it.

True. If the Xiranite Nexus works as intended, the initiative will be ours.

Once everything is ready, we shall head to the exclusion zone bastion — <entry=narrativeNote_20>Yinglung Pass, and go forward with our plans from there.

The Task Force is standing by. I'm formally reporting back —

You just came around! That body of yours needs rest!

Okay, fine. But at least go with us. Don't want you overdoing it again...

My duty is to handle any Exclusion Zone crisis. No one knows the Zone better than me.

Or are you willing to let the Endmin face even greater risks in the North Wuling Exclusion Zone?

Hold on. The Xiranite Nexus is ready?

Yes, while you were unconscious. The Endmin and I completed the Nexus.

There's still room for improvement, but its state is close to the intended design. I'm confident we can use it to suppress the Very Large Rift.

There are others in your Task —

No. I must lead the Task Force myself.

Arcane, I understand how you feel, but certain things shouldn't be rushed...

Tianshi Zhuang, don't you think you've been repeating those words a bit too much over the years?

But this is different. We have Xiranite, and the Endmin...

This could be a rare opportunity...

Very well. Endmin, please take the Xiranite Nexus and go on ahead to Yinglung Pass.

I've been waiting for this day for far too long.

The Very Large Rift and its changes... Are they a trap?

I shall muster our forces at Wuling. The Exclusion Zone is a dangerous place. A larger force is needed to reach the Very Large Rift.

When Nefarith attacked Wuling, we had to keep the Pass safe and the situation under control. The Yinglung thus sealed this path.

Our vanguards have cleared the areas ahead. We shall carry on as usual.

You're finally here.

Endmin? What is it?

You're back, Captain! And greetings, my Endfielder friends.

Blight activity has spiked. The Blight Miasma has begun to approach the Pass.

With the wrist cuffs, the Yinglungs will hold out for one to two hours.

Where's the Proxy?

Something happened outside. She went looking for the source of the Miasma.

Understood. I'll take it from here.

Roger, ma'am. All units, command has been transferred to Task Leader Arcane.

As long as I stand, there's no question about that.

All Yinglungs, spread out in teams of three. Set wrist cuffs to hot and execute Action Plan B.

Summit, take two men and run the emergency patrol route, then use <entry=narrativeNote_3>sky poles to photograph the Blight Miasma in the Zone.

Yes, ma'am. Holler away if things get messy.

An Yinglung?!

Get back!

Our primary objective is to contain the Blight Miasma. It must not interfere with the mission.

Wait. What's that over there?

Overflow, sync the Depth readings every minute.

A small gift for you.

You're late. It's been ten long years.

Lady Si, how are things in the Exclusion Zone?

Not good. The zone is infested with Blightshades.

An unpleasant shadow is only given form by an undesired light. As long as the rift exists, the Æther shall continue to mimic these lost souls.

Your top priority rests still in Xiranite.

I will take that — Yes, the Xiranite Nexus — Hmm. So it's not just memory loss, your reflexes are slower, too.

We meet again, Endmin —

Ardashir definitely has some valuable information...

Hmph. The name is Si. Don't forget it again.

"Blightshades"? Like the Yinglung-looking enemies from earlier?

We must act with haste. I suggest we deploy our Yinglungs at once, push deep into the Zone, and eliminate the Blightshades to clear out a path.

Eliminate? Sounds like a really stupid plan.

Hmm... I have to say that Little Zhuang's really talented... This thing actually works.

I just strolled through the Zone. The Xiranite Nexus probably won't cut it as is. My presence shall remedy that.

I shall prepare a ritual for augmenting the Nexus. Settle your affairs, and meet me later.

Before I forget.

Ardashir...!

Wh-where did you send him?

A prison. Designed by me, strengthened by a thousand taboos of the Scroll. Should be enough to keep the sandy miscreant in.

I just can't stand listening to him talk. It annoys me so much, I can't focus.

Don't worry. The miscreant asked to be bound and won't be able to move. Go ahead if you need to ask him anything.

Agreed. Let me check on Yinglung Pass first, then I'll take the Endmin to the prison.

Huh? Did you just call me an Ink Spirit?!

YSTF mission logs.

Li, those enemies... The ones called Blightshades, they're...

Lady Si said he gave himself up, but he might have other plans in mind.

...an Ætherside phenomenon, I believe.

Yes. It wasn't too long after the disaster when the Yinglungs found them.

The Tianshi regard it as random incidents that occur when the Ætherside consumes its victims. They are momentary "information fragments".

Blightshades were usually sighted deep in the Zone. Such incidents were very rare as well.

They only mimicked how the victims acted when they were alive. Like a flashing phantom, they would dissipate in a few minutes to half an hour.

I'd never seen so many Blightshades attacking Yinglung Pass.

It feels as though ... they're trying to escape the Zone...

Precisely why we must extract more intel from that Ardashir.

He manipulated rift phantoms at the Marker Stone and knows how to wield the Æther. He might've had a hand in this.

The Yinglung Special Task Force rarely interrogates prisoners... Most of our enemies aren't people, after all.

But this might be a refreshing experience.

You're finally here.

At last a face I want to see. Many lives I've paid to see you again.

I did not think Nefarith would go to such extremes... Still, I have already reminded you, Endmin.

Are there more questions? Or do you wish to examine my testimonies?

The Foundation?

The Very Large Rift is so very close, Endministrator.

It shall confound you, then you shall return to me.

I remain faithful, that all dying Universes rely upon your arbitration for survival.

Till we next meet.

A full-scale war has not been declared. It isn't too late to change your mind.

Ah, forgive my transgressions. Whatever my lord desires to know, I shall present it on a platter of truth.

Ask away.

Our knowledge does not exceed yours. What we did to the Rift was simple... We merely ... "opened" it.

But both you and Nefarith can wield the Æther.

For ten thousand years from Terra to Talos-II, the Terrans also wielded the Originium Arts and developed Originium industry.

But can they truly claim to know the nature of Originium? The answer is negative.

And there is something I must clarify. As a Terran, I was not born with Æther-wielding powers...

Hence, forgive me for my unsatisfactory answer.

Do they remind you of my "tricks" at the Marker Stone? I'm much flattered, Endmin.

The two are indeed alike. Both are "manifestations of Æther energy".

However, those at the Marker Stone were puppets dancing to my strings. These Blightshades are just the victims'...

Enough. Blightshades are just blighted illusions. Don't even think about trying to shake us.

I won't.

She is of a more extreme disposition. Yet strictly speaking, we are both servants of the same Lady.

As for our goal of opening the Very Large Rift, I've withheld nothing from you since the beginning.

We plan to re-create a path into the Ætherside. And you ... will try to stop us.

But I promise you that whatever I said carries no deceit. It is but my sincere wish to make you the lord of all.

Only then will conflicts lose meaning, and mindless violence be gone from sight...

Something that you of the past cannot afford. But you can change, can you not?

Ardashir, a follower of yours in the past.

Unlike fellow comrades who are now history. Cowardly, I sought survival, and found you before the "End" arrived.

Once again I offer you my salutations, Endmin.

No matter. I will not escape. Once you arrive at the Very Large Rift, you will want to see me again.

The secret is not mine to reveal... Memory has left you, but you shall witness and choose. This is how you'll trust me.

......!

I must stay at the main altar to conduct the power of this area, and keep it flowing during the ritual.

Once you return, I shall use the pillar array to imbue the Xiranite Nexus with the focused power, and complete the augmentation.

You'll only need to last till the end of the ritual. It'll be over in a few minutes, and I can handle the rest of the process.

Back already? That means the ritual may begin.

Feranmut Power fluctuations will weaken the defenses and disturb the Blightshades. The process will not be a smooth one.

Take a few hours if you want. Makes no difference.

A little energy and spirit is good. Just be ready.

It's ... uh, an acquaintance of mine taught this process to HAS.

"The eternal night shall be purged by torch, just as Yumen weathered the storms." The ritual is probably inspired by a place named "Yumen".

There, beacon fires were lit at night to provide warning, the flames burning for centuries.

I never been there before, but it must be an incredible city.

Yeah. I wonder where those two are at right now...

Hmph. You really remember nothing...

There are three Balepyre Towers in Yinglung Pass. They are the defenses of the Pass and imbued with Feranmut Powers I left behind.

This ritual will help bring out and direct the energy contained within.

You shall take the <entry=narrativeNote_8>Feranmut Power, then ignite the braziers of the array in the proper sequence to activate the Balepyre Tower.

The process will strengthen the power and focus it at one spot.

"Ignite" and "direct"... Sounds like the beacon towers mentioned in the chronicles of Yan.

Hmm... And you are Perlica? The "Supervisor" personally selected by the Endmin?

Ah... Yes, I am Perlica, Supervisor of Endfield Industries.

Perhaps the Endmin did have eyes for talent.

Done with your questioning? Good. Now go.

And you're right. Your task is to — carry on the torch.

Good job. I approve.

Once again, the Xiranite Nexus focused yours and my powers. As a piece of high purity Xiranite, it should survive its intended function.

But do not get too adventurous. I... AHEM. Someone might get worried.

Someone must stay here and keep the Blight Miasma away from Wuling, so you can focus on your mission.

Hmhmph.

The North Wuling Exclusion Gate is open. This will be a good time to go.

Is there anyone more qualified than me?

Now this ... is the Yinglung Pass that lives up to its name.

Talk to Arcane and check her preparations for battle. I believe she made some progress.

Wait!

Ahem. Are you just going to turn around and leave? Got nothing to say?

Hmph. Good. Now go.

The Xiranite Nexus is ready. The North Wuling Exclusion Gate is open. Once the forces are mustered, we can set off.

I had Summit prepare a few things that might help. You can go talk to him now.

—Some natural minerals can actually exist as gases, and exhibit rather unique properties and functions.

Yinglung has a few tech for processing these mineral gases. Our Task Leader told me to sort and transfer them to you.

We Yinglungs spent years charting this place, and found some useful resources in the Zone.

For our North Wuling Exclusion Zone campaign, the tech will come in useful.

Everyone, our main force is now in place.

Yo. We meet again.

Endmin!

HAH! The Very Large Rift and the Science Station! I never knew I'll ever come back.

Maybe this time we'll really get to ... rebuild our home.

Every Watchguard and Tianshi signed up. We had to limit the number of our volunteers.

We drew lots to choose who'd stay behind and protect Wuling. Tianshi Xi Mo is still a little sad about his pull...

So, we shall bring their blessings and hopes with us into the Zone.

We're finally heading back.

Just how did you fall this far...

The Endfield Crisis Team and I shall lead the way.

...Ardashir.

The raft will bring us there. It's faster.

Hm? A powered raft? Here?

Our way into the underground channels of Yinglung Pass.

After the environment of the North Wuling Exclusion Zone worsened, the surface of the EZ has become unsafe.

Can't you see I'm occupied...? What do you want?

Whatever. I shouldn't be hard on an amnesiac. Especially at moments like these.

Go busy yourself with something else. Come back only when you're done.

There are way more things you have not done properly.

And when do you plan to start remembering?

I told you I'm busy!

Hmm?

Oh?

...Just go already.

Ready?

Then wait for me to lower the Xiranite Nexus and start the ritual.

Do it quickly.

Do not blink.

Before activating a Balepyre Tower, you must first ignite the three altars linked to it.

The trails in the Pass are unique. If you slip and fall into the gorge, no one can save you.

Endmin, you've returned. We verified the details. Our Arsenal Engineers have cleared out some space and started the tests.

Dijiang is literally the largest "Protocol-Originium" of Talos-II. I believe this tuning run will conclude with quick success.

You already did back in Wuling. Now, all we need is to wait patiently.

Actually, we asked you back not just for work. There is a personal side to it as well.

Supervisor Perlica made a complaint. Peace has returned to Wuling, but you seem unwilling to take a break...

You know that once the <entry=narrativeNote_1>Xiranite Nexus is ready, we will head straight to our next battlefield.

So for now, we want you to take a proper rest under our watch. It is necessary.

Take a good rest, Endmin. We'll see you shortly.

From that guy's rantings... our Endmin seems to be related to "the Foundation"?

Perlica, know anything about that?

......

Perlica?

Oh? Yes, what is it?

Uh, got any clues about that, you know, "Foundation" thing?

The Foundation... According to the earliest records, they appeared on Talos-II during the First Aggeloi War, though only briefly. They were thought to be...

...some <entry=narrativeNote_5>Precursor organization.

Wha? Really? The First Aggeloi War?

But, from what I've read, the Foundation should be ... "destroyed" by the Endmin and the <entry=narrativeNote_6>heroes of Terra...

Though plenty of Ankhors and Aggeloi remain in the North, the Order of Steel Oath has not discovered other forms of threat.

I'm not sure myself... But we should cover every base. I will notify our SOW operators... and send a message to M3.

Time to focus on the current mission. Let's go and talk to Lady Si and prepare for the ritual.

The existence of the Foundation was not recorded in most mainstream historical records. It is shrouded ... in mystery.

So how is it linked with the Very Large Rift? Wuling and the <entry=narrativeNote_7>Aurora in the north are half a planet apart!

Please use this moment to rest, Endmin.

Once the Xiranite Nexus is ready, I'll come and wake you.

The ritual has begun. Go and activate the Balepyre Tower. I must stay here to keep the power flowing.

Don't worry. Wuling is under my protection.

Remember, watch your steps. If you get hurt, you might forget things you shouldn't — again.

Summit has a few things for you. Go and find him.

Have faith in Yinglung technology. They'll be useful in your tour of the Zone.