Arknights: Endfield story · Chapter II: Edge of the Abyss

Forged at the Very Beginning

The Bureau of Swordmancers has completed the work. As promised, the Endministrator now heads to the Institute of Materials Science to look for Zhuang Fangyi.

10 scenes, 87 lines

1. Part 1

9 lines
Ge Yipu

Endmin? You're here!

She left already. In a rush, too. She also brought the Xiranite Nexus along.

...I'm not sure. I did, in fact, ask her about you.

But she shook her head ... said you were too busy with something else.

Oh, before she went, she left you a letter. It's upstairs.

Your choice

Where's Tianshi Zhuang? I hope I didn't keep her waiting.

She told me to meet her at the lab. Where is she?

She didn't wait for me?

A letter...?

2. Part 2

4 lines
Zhuang Fangyi

How are the patients?

Physician Cui

The injured are coming around. Give them some time and they'll be back on their feet. But ... the young girl...

Her injuries are grave. It might affect the rest of her life... A tragedy for one so young.

Zhuang Fangyi

Thank you... I'll take a look.

3. Part 3

10 lines
Zhuang Fangyi

Uncle Zhao...

Sad-looking Tianshi

Tianshi Zhuang... You ... you're here...

Zhuang Fangyi

I came to see her too.

Sad-looking Tianshi

Good. She just fell asleep. If she knew you came, she'd be very happy.

Our girl dreamed of training under you. She wished to fight the Blight Tide on the frontlines. But fortune did not smile on her...

Zhuang Fangyi

I'm sorry, Uncle Zhao. She's a good young lady. Fortune did not smile on me either.

And ... look after yourself. Please, talk to me if you need anything.

Sad-looking Tianshi

It was a great battle... You must be busy too, Tianshi Zhuang. There's no need to worry about me...

Zhuang Fangyi

Uncle Zhao...

Sad-looking Tianshi

It's okay. Just go ahead and do what you need to do. We'll get by. Things will get better... They always do.

4. Part 4

2 lines
Zhuang Fangyi

Shame on me... How could I have acted with such selfishness?

So many people, so many things ... all of them could use your help.

5. Part 5

8 lines
Ge Yipu

Tianshi Zhuang, the file you wanted is upstairs.

You're here on your own? Where's the Endmin?

Zhuang Fangyi

The Endmin... She's needed elsewhere... / The Endmin... He's needed elsewhere...

Ge Yipu

That means you'll head down there yourself. Are you really sure about this?

Zhuang Fangyi

Yes. We've upgraded the Xiranite Nexus. The risks are much lower now. I can do this on my own.

Ge Yipu

Okay ... so anything else I might assist you with?

Zhuang Fangyi

That'll be all, Tianshi Ge. Carry on.

Good. I'll get it signed and archived. Thank you for taking the trip for me.

6. Part 6

7 lines
Zhuang Fangyi

Endmin, apologies for reneging on my promise.

As a leader yourself, I hope you can understand the choice I made.

After all, it was my negligence that placed Wuling in danger. The suffering of the people and the city is my responsibility...

Furthermore, witnessing a project spanning more than a decade fulfilling its purpose... That is the lifetime wish of any Tianshi.

On this quest for discovery, one's final stop is often the starting point of another.

If this becomes my final stop, then use it as your starting point ... for our push towards the North Wuling Exclusion Zone.

You've helped me repair the Xiranite Nexus. That is already more than enough. I shouldn't ask for anything beyond that.

7. Part 7

19 lines
Yan Ning

If we're friends, you should at least share your problems.

Ge Yipu

Tianshi Zhuang, are you sure there really isn't anything else I can help you with?

Lian Xiaowu

Fangyi... You shouldn't be doing this alone.

Mi Fu

Boss, I'm always here.

Operating System Robot Voice

Identity verified. Highest authority level confirmed. Access granted.

???

You've arrived.

You

You told me to meet at the lab, but then you got a head start.

That's why I decided to beat you to it.

Zhuang Fangyi

...How long have you been waiting here?

You

Oh, not too long. Just arrived. What about you?

Something happened...? Why didn't you wait for me?

Zhuang Fangyi

I can do this on my own.

You

...You're lying.

But it's alright. I waited for you, and you're here with me.

We do this together.

Somber Voice

Zhuang, you're the only one left in the science team. The path will be long and hard.

Sincere Voice

You're the only one who can be the viceroy. The completion of Wuling is essential to the Academy. You've got to take on the responsibility.

Inspiring Voice

I'll take on anything if Wuling's safety is at stake. I know you'll always be there and have my back. That gives me confidence!

Zhuang Fangyi

Just fulfilling my roles and performing my duties.

8. Part 8

8 lines

Informed Consent Form for Test Safety

TITLE OF TEST: Field Trial for Rift Sealing with the Xiranite Nexus

Research Center Title: Wuling Institute of Materials Science

PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR: Zhuang Fangyi

GOALS OF TEST: Performance assessment of the upgraded Xiranite Nexus against an actual rift; and evaluate the levels of potential hazards resulting from energy collisions and shockwaves generated by the Xiranite Nexus during the rift sealing process.

RISK REMINDERS: Participants must be as close as possible to the rift to conduct this test, and will therefore be exposed to powerful pulses of Æther energy.

RESEARCHER SIGNATURE:

ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATOR(S): None

9. Part 9

4 lines

Work Handover Document for the Viceroyalty of Wuling Scientific Developmental District

......

If an accident were to occur, the handling of all administrative affairs of Wuling City shall be handled by Watchguard Captain Mi Fu, while Academy and campus matters shall be handed over to Tianshi Ge Yipu.

Signature:

10. Part 10

16 lines

Endministrator:

By the time you read this letter, I will have already left.

Your assistance has improved the Xiranite Nexus, and it no longer poses a threat to Wuling. But an attempt to forcibly seal the rift would not be without consequences.

However, I do know, with certainty, that I can seal the rift on my own. As for the price ... I alone should suffice.

I have penned a letter to grant Ge Yipu and Mi Fu temporary authority over matters of the city... In the end, Wuling will endure and move on, as it has always done.

There was a time when I thought I would never see the departed, that memories would remain as they are — things that linger in our minds.

But you appeared, and the faces of the departed overlapped with the sights. Memories were reignited, one after another, they replayed themselves.

I remember when you first visited the Science Station. I stood in the crowd and gazed at you from afar. I hoped there would be a day when I could share my perspective and ideas with you.

When I finally got my chance, I found myself stuttering and unable to form a coherent sentence... I thought you would probably remember me as a young girl who just kept avoiding you for reasons unknown.

A decade has gone by. You and I are the only ones left from the crowd of yesteryear.

But you still walk amongst us, and you have made me feel that a figment of the beautiful times has remained instead of leaving me completely.

And that is enough...

You are the Endministrator of Endfield Industries, while I am the Viceroy of Wuling.

Wuling is my responsibility, while you are destined to push further into the frontiers and to shoulder burdens of far greater import.

Asking you to join me on this mission is akin to me forcing you to take on my duties, and you have already done so much for Wuling.

So...