Conference of the Four

Channel encryption completed. Contact code U3 verified. Initiate connection to the channel.

This is OMV Dijiang. Is the audio channel stable for our three honorable representatives?

This concludes the operational summary of Endfield Industries in Valley IV. The digital report has been distributed to all delegates simultaneously.

Given the threats encountered during our deployment of the Protocol Automation-Core, we conclude that the Zeroth Directive is being targeted and obstructed with deliberate intent.

Pardon if I offend, Endministrator, but I must verify the sections in the report regarding the current state of your memory faculties...

...At least your condition has not deteriorated. I offer you my sincere wish for your speedy recovery.

We need more than just courage and unity to overcome challenges. Planning and contingent alternatives are far more important, and these are the elements that we do not lack.

To refocus on the issue: the harm caused to the people of Valley IV constitutes a serious breach of UWST's core interests. The Bonekrusher Clan will face region-wide pursuit, with authorization granted for immediate neutralization without prior notice.

Although a particular gentleman in our midst is getting excited about certain prospects, we must update all attendants with bad news.

During the Valley IV incident, the Order of Steel Oath picked up signals of non-Aggeloid activities. The location is near a rift along the Northern Front.

......

Also during this time, an Aldertone traveling in the south found tracks that we've never seen before — and these tracks are still giving off Æther emissions as we speak.

I believe everyone knows what this is about. If we were to assume the worst, the great enemy from a century ago is planning a return. Its vanguard has already paid us a visit.

Everyone, let us confront the reality before us. The gravity of the situation leaves no space for delayed or indecisive responses.

Pursuant to the Band Accord, the Accordatories shall restore the special authority level of Endfield Industries regarding the entirety of the Civilization Band, effective immediately.

Priority access and authority to execute on-site disposition shall be restored to the Endministrator in the agreed-upon regions. The Accordatories shall support Endfield Industries in executing crisis management operations within territories under Accord jurisdiction.

We deeply appreciate your support. Endfield intends to initiate a post-incident investigation at the earliest opportunity. Dijiang shall report all investigative findings to the Civilization Band in full.

This vibe reminds me of that meeting ten years ago. Endministrator and Supervisor Perlica, I hope to host you both in the free city of La Fantoma.

...Understood. We shall address this matter with the gravity it demands.

These new findings have everyone on edge... We must begin resolving the matter right away.

Supervisor Perlica, the HAS has sent a set of highly classified authorization protocols. Do you have the time to process them right now?

Okay, Endmin. I'll talk to you later.

Central Ministerial Committee of the United Workers' Syndicates of Talos II speaking. Channel is clear.

The representative spokesperson of the Talos-II General Chamber of Commerce, now connected. Channel is clear.

Affiliated Hongshan Academy of Sciences of Tianshi Bureau of Great Yan. Link verified, channel is clear.

Without further delay, I am Supervisor Perlica of Endfield Industries. I respectfully request the assembly's attention as I brief the current situation.

Pursuant to our considerations of the Band Accord, we —

This is not an isolated incident. The spread of Æther has gained significant speed.

Supporting the Order of Steel Oath is the priority for our Industrial Mothership. We must crush the enemy threat in its infancy.

Suspicious signs have been identified in the Wuling Scientific Developmental District under HAS jurisdiction. We have proactively conveyed this information to the UWST and the TGCC.

Our findings at Wuling share many similarities to the incident at Valley IV. We kindly request that Endfield representatives visit our facility soon to prioritize this matter.

If there are no further matters, this ad hoc meeting is hereby adjourned. We anticipate the forthcoming formal meeting with the Endministrator. Until we reconvene.

Similarities...? Do they include ... Æther rifts?

The sighting was reported by the Wuling Scientific Developmental District. It is also one of the target locations of our current plan.

Given the ties between Wuling and Endfield, I believe everyone understands its importance to the Civilization Band... We kindly request your aid.

......

But our Endmin's lost all memory. We can't force a drowning person to learn to swim. It makes no sense.

Now, now, we didn't come up with the Automated Industry Complex to make bottles and jars. Remember the Assimilated Universe? If the Protocol-Originium can find...

That means you're doing fine. Letting Perlica hang around with you seems pretty helpful for your recovery.

M3, I believe this is the Endmin's "first" meeting with you. And Endmin, you might not remember this, but M3 was right next to me during your awakening.

I'm *also* here to feed you additional intel about that special request from HAS. Perlica, the source of trouble is the Wuling Very Large Rift.

It's the largest Æther rift of the Civilization Band. Unfortunately, we picked up traces of Æther energy activities at that place — traces that are completely identical with the signal samples of Valley IV.

Every Endfielder is working hard to solve this issue, so I'm not too worried about it. What makes me really concerned is you, Endmin.

If something within the Ætherside is still struggling to return to this planet ... then Nefarith is just a small-timer meant to divert our attention.

Our enemies are closely tied to the Æther. The Protocol Automation-Core will be a thorn in their eyes... But they won't slow down just to cater to your memory loss.

Good. You're still your old self. I knew Perlica worried too much.

I really want to be a part of your Wuling trip, but we got bigger problems at other places. Go and deal with Nefarith. I believe we will meet again soon.

Endmin...

...It's got nothing to do with the Sarcophagus. The damage dealt to the Originium is metaphysical in nature. The Endmin's health will *only* get worse with every awakening.

The repairs can only be performed by the Endmin. Our mission is to create favorable conditions.

Yo. Just woke up? We were talking about you just now.

But the memory loss means we're running out of time.

Then you should have faith in the Endmin.

Yes, I was. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm M3. As for who I am... I'm your friend. That should suffice.

M3 is also one of the executors of the Zeroth Directive. She specifically made this trip back to Dijiang in order to verify your status, Endmin.

Nefarith, I bet. She's not even trying to hide her next objective. I think she's doing this on purpose to taunt us.

M3 is one of our elite operators. She is responsible for carrying out combat missions of the highest secrecy and utmost danger.

Although the Civilization Band secured our right of survival during the two Aggeloi Wars, many factions and their stragglers have not given up their dreams of our destruction.

M3 has removed many obstacles, both overt and covert, for Endfield. Her actions gave us the chance to complete our preparations for the Protocol Automation-Core.

Wuling City is a key center of science and research of the Hongshan Academy of Sciences. The HAS is a long-time partner of Endfield. It's also why Chen got involved with Endfield in the first place.

In addition to monitoring the Very Large Rift, Wuling City also built plenty of living amenities in the region.

The city is a home they rebuilt atop a disaster site. It is an inspiring symbol for the people of Hongshan.

Wuling is also pursuing a special research project on something called Xiranite. Their aim is to overcome Ætherside disasters.

Endfield already has plans to deploy an Automation-Core in Wuling City and set up our AIC Factory over there. This operation happens to work in favor of our plans.

That's right. And Chen is quite familiar with Wuling City. We can count on her help for this operation.

Since we're unsure how many cards Nefarith has on her hands, we should be as fully prepared as possible. Once you believe everything is set, we shall depart for our mission from Dijiang.