Unrequited Love

Endmin, you've come as well? Would you like to join us for some tea?

Lady Si, this tea of yours is truly one of a kind. No other place could brew such a fragrance.

It's grown in the painting. Of course it's different. Like it? Come by often. I'll have my assistants gather more for you next time.

With the heavy workload in Wuling, you should really take more time to relax, Tianshi Zhuang.

Speaking of Wuling... I've heard some strange rumors lately. They say there's a ghost haunting the city.

A ghost?

Some claim they've seen shadowy figures while jogging at night, while others mention academy vending machines mysteriously dispensing items on their own...

If that interests you, we might as well go together.

I just wrapped up my work, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to visit Lady Si and see the painting for myself.

Nope, I didn't ask her to come. I'm just here killing time.

My apologies for arriving uninvited. I just wrapped up my work, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to visit Lady Si and see the painting for myself.

Then I'll have to visit you more often.

Such rumors are common, yet their causes differ each time. Lady Si, you've seen too much to be unsettled by whispers, haven't you?

Unsettled? No. Just small storms in a teacup. No real chaos. Boring.

Ahem. Just remembered — I lost a teapot the other day. Couldn't be bothered to look for it then... Anyway, I've got things to do. I'll excuse myself now.

......

Any insights, Tianshi Zhuang?

Only a few guesses for now.

Mi Fu just contacted me. That "ghost" has caused some trouble at the Bureau of Swordmancers. I'll head over and see for myself.

Okay, so where did this ghost come from? And why is it so obsessed with us?

You seriously don't know the story? Long ago, a disciple spent an entire lifetime trying to master the "Three Swords of Mastery", yet never succeeded.

So he never graduated. Died here, full of regret. And that grudge turned him into a restless ghost!

Remember that light in the hallway that keeps flickering for no reason? Yeah, he loved working out right there!

AAHH—!

And the sword pells? Should be obvious, right?

That ghost stood right beside one, muttering nonsense. You know what that means? It means he still can't accept he never made them rise!

AAAHHH—!!

Oh, and the Hongyun Express Station...

Y-you're the Endministrator of Endfield Industries?! And Viceroy Zhuang...

The station should be a package drop-off point. Did something happen there?

W-well... Last night, every single locker at Hongyun was wide open! It had to be that ghost...

But ... weren't those lockers only installed a few years ago? They've got nothing to do with the ghost... right?

What do you know? He never had anything like that, so of course he's bitter...

You two again! Quit spreading nonsense! Did you finish fixing those security cameras?

M-ma'am! Almost done ... just one more. We'll get back to it right now!

Sorry you had to witness that, Endministrator, Viceroy Zhuang, and Supervisor Perlica.

There is no need to worry. We received word from Mi Fu and came to take a look.

Please, follow me to the sword pells. Something strange has indeed happened there.

Here we are. Those two may have exaggerated the story, but they weren't pulling it out of thin air.

Last night, the Bureau's power system suddenly failed. Quite a few Tianshi and disciples working late got trapped inside the building.

It's fixed now, but we still have no clue what caused the outage.

The incident at the Hongyun Express Station happened around the same time.

If I recall correctly, yesterday was the Bureau's public open day, wasn't it?

Exactly. We suspect someone took advantage of the open day to sneak in.

Worse still ... just before the outage, our cameras captured a figure muttering near a sword pell.

Can we see the footage?

Sure. But we'll have to go to the main control room.

Is he ... talking to that sword pell?

It seems so.

Is he not with the Bureau of Swordmancers?

No. Captain Mi Fu believes it's someone putting on a show. She's already got a citywide search going for suspects.

Anything suspicious on the other cameras?

Due to last night's power outage, the video cam by the sword pells on the first floor was damaged, so Captain Mi Fu hasn't reviewed the footage yet.

Could you zoom in a bit? I want to get a better look at his features.

Of course. It was dark at the time, so the footage is grainy. But we can pause it, extract a frame, and enhance the image.

It's pretty simple. Endministrator, you're welcome to try it yourself.

More or less the same. Nothing unusual overall. However...

It's mostly repaired, but the device is still offline. You can only check the footage locally.

Maybe those cameras caught something different. If you're interested, you could go take a look. I'll mark the locations for you.

Thank you. We will head there now.

Boss, great that you're all here. Here are the suspects.

This one's Mei Yun, a native Wulinger. He's been lingering suspiciously around the Bureau of Swordmancers and refuses to state his purpose.

This one's Zhai Jiali, but his ID is fake. He's as stubborn as a dead fowlbeast and insists he's from Wuling.

And this one says his name is Ming Quan. He won't give us anything else, and there's no record of him in the system either.

These three are our top suspects. Whoever's pulling the ghost act is definitely among them.

But we still don't have solid proof. We'll need to keep looking.

Perhaps you should leave the questioning of the suspects to us. I believe the Endmin will be able to draw out more details.

Actually, we found some clues inside the Bureau of Swordmancers.

Oh? What did you find?

Could these tracks be from a pantailbeast?

Unlikely. Pantailbeasts are very common in Wuling, but I've rarely seen tracks like these.

An animal even Tianshi Zhuang doesn't recognize... Could it have something to do with the blurry figure we saw in the footage?

Whoever left these footprints probably stepped in something, which is why they're so unusually clear.

But for some reason, the footprints go from the hallway into the courtyard, then just stop by the pool.

We also found a Fortune Connect-and-Win winning ticket, though it cannot be validated anymore. What a pity.

Tsk. Looks like we watchguards missed quite a few things.

Then we'll go with your call, boss. I trust the Endmin too.

This is the footage we found from the newly repaired camera. It captured the moment that strange figure vanished.

We played the footage in slow motion and confirmed he didn't vanish, but moved in a very unusual way.

I swear I'm innocent! I told you, I was just there looking for something. Please, just let me go...

Ugh, fine. I'll tell you. But you have to promise not to tell anyone else.

A lottery ticket...? Endmin...

Yes!!! This is the one! My winning ticket!

Why was your lottery ticket in the Bureau? Spit it out! Were you the one causing trouble there last night?!

Huh? N-no. Truth is, I-I saw a ghost!

I came for the Bureau's open day yesterday. And guess what? The lottery ticket I bought on a whim actually won!

I was so pumped, so I treated myself to hot pot... Heehee, maybe drank a bit too much. Next thing I knew, I was out on a bench in the Bureau.

When I woke up, it was already dead dark ... and the hallway light wouldn't stop blinking! On, off, on, off...

Then — WHAM! — all the lights went out. And then — WHAM! — every single locker at the Hongyun Express Station burst open...

It was terrifying! Dark as pitch, cold wind everywhere... I ran for my life! Then I saw a person by a sword pell, just staring at me...

No, no, no. Not a person. A ghost it must be! Before I could even blink, the guy ... the ghost disappeared without a trace!

I tried to run, but I tripped and fell into the pool... Ended up swimming all the way to the gate. The ticket must've fallen out right then!

Nice story. But you got any proof?

Actually ... we might.

You're saying ... the footprints and the lottery ticket both belong to him?

If he really went to a hot pot eatery, that would explain both the unusually clear footprints and the chili oil stains.

So he probably stepped in chili oil there... That actually fits both his story and the strange footage.

Tsk. Then it's probably not him.

Finally! Someone with some sense! Wait... Chili oil stains on my lottery ticket? Where?!

Let's not rush to any conclusions just yet. We should have a word with the other suspects as well.

That's ... that's not fair!

Uh... Hmm...

I was looking for ... a Fortune Connect-and-Win lottery ticket! A winning one!

My ... one shot at happiness...

I am from Wuling! For real! You can't just hold me here without any proof!

Real locals don't need to fake their IDs. There's no "Zhai Jiali" in the system.

Uh... okay... Fine. G-go ahead and ask.

The track... It's the Jogging Trail! Hah, that's easy! Told you I'm from Wuling!

S-slogan? Who reads the slogan on the ground? Do you know this slogan?!

That's exactly what it says. I remember every word.

I-I just don't run often, okay? That doesn't prove anything!

That's exactly what it says. I remember every word.

I-I just don't run often, okay? That doesn't prove anything!

...That's one strange slogan! Who even came up with that?

What's with you Wuling people? Are you all obsessed with fitness or something? Every single one of you?

"You Wuling people"? That just gave you away. Tell me — why pretend to be from Wuling?

I... Ahh, fine. I'll tell you the truth...

My name is Zhai Jiali — that part's real! I'm not a Wulinger, but I'm not some bad guy either...

I came to Wuling City for the Chubby Lung specialty store. They're selling this city-exclusive, limited-edition, ink-wash Chubby Lung!

The sale starts today. You need a Wuling ID to buy one — one per person... So I faked one. I've been waiting in line since last night. All the way till this morning!

So, you've been waiting in line at the Chubby Lung store since yesterday?

Yeah! It's insanely popular, rare, and perfect! The horns, eyes, tail ... totally different from the other Chubby Lungs...

I'll send someone to confirm...

He wasn't lying... He really was waiting in line at the Chubby Lung store all night.

The moment I saw it in that brochure, I knew this Chubby Lung was meant for me. It's the only light I'll ever need for my entire life...

Okay, enough. You're cleared.

Great! So I'm free to go? Next, I'll just...

Next, someone will escort you to the Chubby Lung store. There, you'll return the Chubby Lung you bought using the fake ID.

Wha...?

......

......

......

...Endmin, let's come back to him later.

It doesn't seem we've uncovered much...

Endmin...

That Ming Quan guy still hasn't said a thing. I'll go make him talk.

C-Captain! We've got a problem! Ming Quan is gone!

Gone? What do you mean, gone? Did you let him just walk off?

I... I looked away for a second. When I looked back ... he was just gone...

He vanished into thin air... Just like the figure by the sword pell in the footage.

Something's happening. Let's move!

My sweet pillar, I'm back. I've figured everything out.

Sweet pillar...?

......

Why the silent treatment? Are you mad that I wasn't here with you last night?

My sweet pillar, I've finally realized — what I feel for you ... is love!

Huh!

Was that a...

That's correct. Waregeists don't come out often, so it's normal you don't know much about them.

Lady Si? What brings you here?

One of my waregeists caused trouble, so I came to take a look. But ... this is a bit messier than I expected.

That little one only recently took form. I never thought he'd wander all the way to Wuling and ... fall for a Tianshi Pillar.

Endmin, you sound almost disappointed.

So if Lady Si takes him back, that should settle things, right?

Taking him back is easy. The tricky thing is, newly formed waregeists are naive and stubborn.

Even if I force him back, if he can't get over that pillar, he'll just sneak out again someday.

He caused a bit of trouble, but nothing serious. I can't just erase him or lock him up forever, can I?

But if we do nothing, there is no guarantee worse consequences won't follow...

What if ... we could make him give up on the Tianshi Pillar himself?

Are you suggesting that...?

That waregeist ... I mean that gentleman ... appears to be seeking a response from something man-made in the city, especially this Tianshi Pillar.

If we could make the Tianshi Pillar speak and talk him into leaving, he'd probably go back willingly.

Each Tianshi Pillar has a built-in broadcasting system. With Originium Arts, the Endmin should be able to tap into the network and pose as one.

Sounds like a plan. Alright, you're up.

Were you able to connect, Endmin? If so, try broadcasting a message through the Tianshi Pillar.

Endmin? Are you alright? Is there anything I can do to help?

Back when I was studying at Hongshan, my mentor used to call me over the broadcast like that...

Hey ... don't you dare yell my name like that.

It appears everything is functioning as intended. Now we simply need to await Ming Quan's arrival.

Before he arrives, I suggest we withdraw to a less conspicuous position.

I wonder if he'll actually show up...

Of course he will. And if he doesn't, I'll make sure he does.

I wish you good luck, Endmin...

Alright, the rest is up to you.

We'll help as much as we can. Don't worry.

...Those people are gone now. Don't be scared, my sweet pillar. I'll take you somewhere safe ... somewhere far, far away!

Endmin, say something back to him.

Oh, my sweet pillar, you're finally talking to me? This is great... I knew you'd answer me. Just like when we first met.

When I first arrived in Wuling, everything felt new and strange, but like none of it had anything to do with me. Then I found you ... you, who lit up just for me.

My sweet pillar, that flicker of light you gave me back then ... was where it all began for us!

Last night, I searched through Wuling City for anything like you...

But none of them responded to me. Just as I thought, my sweet pillar ... we were destined for each other!

Whenever I'm near you, I feel a warmth — a warmth that shelters and accepts everything.

It fills this hollow shell of mine. It thaws my cold heart. This ... this must be what love is, right?

...Perhaps he mistook the Tianshi Pillar's occasional flicker for a response. That's why he fell in love with it.

If we can help him see the truth, maybe he'll drop the idea of taking the Tianshi Pillar. Endmin, see what you can do.

But ... if this isn't love, then what is...?

My sweet pillar, why did you go quiet all of a sudden?

Endmin, we can help you think of an answer. For example ... love makes your heart race.

Or, being able to feel safe with someone ... is another precious part of love. Right, Endmin?

What... I have to say something too? I suppose love weaves lasting memories and all that... That's what the books say!

Ugh, do we really have to argue about this? This is dumb...

Is that so...? Guess I really don't know much... So, did you ever fall in love?

Ahem. As an ordinary Tianshi Pillar, being here to protect everything in Wuling ... is my reason for existing.

Take me away, and I lose all that. So please, leave! Find your reason for existing and ... your true love.

My sweet pillar... Ah! I get it now! For you, existing means protecting Wuling. So ... to find my true love...

...I should protect Wuling together with you!

How did he get that from what you said...?

But how can I protect Wuling? I'm not a Tianshi Pillar...

B-being a Tianshi Pillar isn't just about what you are. It's also about how you think.

My sweet pillar, everything you say is so deep...

I must also admit, that was deep...

But ... I get it. You want me to respect your duty, find my own purpose, and figure out how to protect Wuling!

Wuling is in safe hands already...

But I still believe we're special to each other. It's just ... I can't prove it to you yet.

I'm so useless... Until I find the answers to everything, I won't bother you again.

But I'll quietly cherish this strange feeling ... and our brief time together. Forever.

Goodbye, my sweet pillar. I'm off to find my answers. I wish you happiness!

He's gone. Does ... that mean it's over?

It's difficult to say how much he truly understood ... but I believe we've accomplished what we set out to do.

I'm sure he'll be a good boy and go home now.

Please. That's nothing. Every single protagonist in "Dust and Blades" is like that. You pick it up just from watching.

I believe I've rested enough. It's time I returned to my duties.

I'm off too. No need to walk me out.

My teapot? ...Didn't we already find it?

Still haven't found that teapot?

We've turned the whole inn upside down. Not even a hint of it...

Perhaps ... we could trouble our dear patron once more...?

Forget it... I'll find it myself!

He's actually talking to that sword pell. C-could he be ... the rumored ghost?

Ghosts can't be caught on regular cameras, right?

You never know. Maybe our Bureau cameras are just more advanced than regular ones.

So ... should we keep watching...?

W-whoa! You nearly gave me a heart attack! E-Endmin, it's you again...!

Ahem. Endmin, this part looks similar to what we saw earlier.

Let's watch a bit longer and see if anything turns up.

He moved...

AAAHHH—!!

It...

I recall there was a scream in the footage earlier. But it didn't seem to come from that figure.

It really is a ghost...!

Let's focus on the matter at hand... Can someone truly vanish like that? This footage shows no signs of art units being used.

Maybe he moved so fast … that it seemed like he vanished into thin air?

Good thinking. Let's go back to the frame right before he vanished, then zoom in.

Yes, right there — the moment just before he vanished.

...What's that?

A teapot...?

...Now I'm even more confused.

Do you mean there was someone else present? That he saw something ... and that's why he walked over and vanished?

That is one possibility. Endmin, do you think you could find more clues in the footage?

There's nothing here...

It seems to be between the sword pells and the courtyard, not far from here. Let's proceed there and take a look.

It...

Looks like we're just about done here. Did you find any clues, Endmin?

There you are. Captain Mi Fu has brought in a few suspects and is awaiting you.

Let's head over then, Endmin.

What's going on? What happened here?

A strange animal j-just came out of nowhere a-and ran right past me. Nearly gave me a heart attack!

A strange animal? Which way did it go?

That way! I've never seen anything like that... It was gone before I could even blink...

These tracks... They seem consistent with the animal tracks we saw near the sword pells.

Whatever it is, let's move! Don't let it get away!

Mi Fu, perhaps you should stay here and let us handle the pursuit. There's still plenty here that needs your attention.

Fair point... Stay safe.

Did something just fly by ... or am I seeing things?

Let's just go with that... Yep. My eyes are definitely playing tricks on me. That's why there's chili oil on my ticket!

Y-yeah! That's right! No chili oil at all! I'm going to claim my prize! Haha ... ha.

I think I just saw some weird creature run past...

Could it be...

...A Chubby Lung?!

This is the main control room. I've pulled up the footage from that sword pell. Please have a look.

There were quite a few visitors yesterday afternoon. Nothing unusual seems to have occurred.

Right there!

Why ... don't you ... respond...

...You are ... not ... the same...

Unfortunately, the cameras weren't back online yet. Nothing was captured.