Arknights story · First of A Thousand Autumns
TA-1 Surge Against Rocks
Faced with her past and the Feranmut crisis before her, Ch'en refuses to stay uninvolved. The Grand Tutor's sudden visit deepens the wedge between Ch'en and Wei Yenwu, and Ch'en leaves unhappy. When she returns, Wei Yenwu has vanished without a trace.
2 scenes, 479 lines
1. Before Operation
225 lines'Hui-chieh... your name is Ch'en Hui-chieh.'
'Remember this family name. The rest has nothing to do with you.'
'Tal... is my sister?'
'I hate you. And I hate them. I should love you, but right now I hate every last one of you.'
'Hui-chieh, grow up soon.'
'When you grow up... you'll change everything.'
And nothing more.
It's late autumn. If you wait till winter, the roads will be hard to traverse.
...Hmph.
Hui-chieh... you should go back.
I've already told you what you want to know.
So you should understand, all that lies in front of you is none of your business.
Hah... I think you've gotten old, Uncle.
If you were five years younger, we would have crossed swords already.
Your temperament has changed too.
You don’t have many issues here, over the past few days at this posthouse.
Because I still don't trust you.
What you said... about the Grand Preceptor, about your brother—that 'other uncle' I've never met, and the old True Lung...
It's not my place to comment, but if I have to say something, I'm just glad you're not the one running Yan.
I cannot argue with that...
I really do want to know what was going on in your head when you left Baizao, why Mother followed you to Lungmen, and why she stayed.
But at this point, I'm not expecting to hear a fair answer—or an objective account of the past from you.
So I'll find the answers myself—and I'm not leaving until I do.
You have a knack for messing things up when it matters most, especially when it's about you.
To stop you from doing anything stupid again, or even just to keep you safe—I'm not leaving until I'm done.
So let's both save our breath.
...
Hui-chieh... these past few years, you—
Same as always. Nothing worth sharing.
Perhaps it's better to wait until you're willing...
Ch'en Hui-chieh looks out the window.
The lights of the far-off nomadic city have been dim for days, leaving Baizao's skyline vague at night, like the spine of a Feranmut in hiding.
She tries to imagine the colossal creatures from ancient fables only recently confirmed as real to her.
Fine autumn rain drizzles against the window, like pins and needles on glass.
Still no news.
Then that's the best news we could ask for.
There is no hoping for a positive turn of events, at this point.
So, if anything strange happens in Baizao... Yumen won't hesitate to go to war.
This 'bestial Sui' you talk of, the unrest it might cause, and any battle it might provoke... no one's sure how any of it could turn out.
Correct.
So this is the secret Great Yan has hidden for over a thousand years... You two are so alike.
There is a strange detail, though.
Time is running out, but in the past ten days, there have been no more than three Messenger parties traveling between Yumen and Baizao.
When Yumen is facing war, we would expect far more traffic.
Lord Wei, a visitor.
At a time like this...?
Send them in.
I trust you've been well, Lord Wei.
...
Likewise, Grand Tutor.
...
I did not know Lady Ch'en would be here as well.
How do you...?
Ch'en is certain she has never met this old man before.
She cannot tell if it is an austere or kind look in his eyes, but he recognizes her instantly.
Swiftly, he turns that same gaze to Wei Yenwu.
That's another matter, and a long story.
I see.
So you did heed my advice to stay at this posthouse.
I have no grounds to distrust the Grand Tutor.
It has been Messengers, but today the Grand Tutor graces us with a personal visit...
There is something I must make clear to you, Lord Wei.
...
Hui-chieh, leave us.
No need.
Best she stay and hear what I am about to say.
...
The situation in Baizao...
After Mid-Autumn, His Imperial Majesty granted him leave to enter the Tomb of Sui, to try and quell the threat posed by the bestial one.
But the day of the full moon nears, and we've heard nothing from the tomb.
And yet, at this very moment, five Feranmuts have lurked around Great Yan, with intentions unknown.
The Tianshis of the Chamber of Heaven's Designs along with Yan's finest warriors have stationed themselves near the Feranmuts. Great Yan does not fear the coming battle.
But the worst outcome we face, is not just fighting five Feranmuts simultaneously.
No way...
'Intentions unknown'—This gray beard sure can talk.
With the blood feud of the past few millennia, did you think they'd simply show up on your doorstep bearing gifts?
...
I'm sure many are advocating for war at this time.
There is no opinion from any party left to consider.
I fear Great Yan is left with no other choice.
The court must have drafted plenty of plans for this contingency.
Countless plans, and none end without a pyrrhic victory.
But there is still a method yet to be considered.
...!
Tell me, Grand Tutor. Tell me my brother has never conceived of activating Bu Fan himself—
He is the True Lung. The True Lung of Yan.
If the nation is driven to a corner, he is the only one who can do it.
It's absurd!
Lord Wei.
As it stands, there is no longer a need to digress.
Not a single man knew of the secret letter sent to Lungmen until the Imperial Guards set off. And I come today without any attempt to conceal my identity.
I'm sure you understand, Lord Wei.
...
The past... stories from forty years ago, thousands of years ago... it should not end like this.
...And he should never be the one to pay the price.
No one wants to see the worst-case scenario, but we cannot deceive ourselves.
I must remind you—even if merely for Yan's sake, or for the good of the realm.
A backup plan is called for.
Please, just slow down a second.
I don't get it. What does the Grand Tutor mean by a backup plan?
Everything you're saying... what does any of it have to do with Wei Yenwu?
You still don't get it?
You don't know what a backup plan is? Something you do when things go south.
A kingdom cannot be without its king for even a day. A missing True Lung must naturally see his seat filled by another.
When father dies, son takes over, and when elder brother leaves, younger returns. That's how it's been for thousands of years.
And if there's no other choice, this lass will have no choice but to become the True Lung.
What the hell are you talking about?!
...
...Hui-chieh!
Lord Wei.
I do not expect you to have considered all possible angles already.
One must think before one acts, but time is short.
Take care, Lord Wei.
I'll see you out.
No need.
...
I didn't get any of what he was saying.
He had me stay to hear it, but I couldn't make sense of it at all.
Hui-chieh...
All that stuff about Yan probably going to war, but he'll give you time to prepare?
Bu Fan, the Feranmuts... what does any of it have to do with you?
...
Hui-chieh.
Many mistakes from the past... Some I made myself, but others I was powerless to stop.
I only insist on ensuring those irrevocable mistakes do not affect the rest of you.
Because I've never doubted in your potential to accomplish more than we ever could.
This is the worst time you could be saying that.
One more thing.
Talulah...
Tell me. Was she well, the last time you met?
No way. I'm not telling you about her right now.
If you really care, then now is not the time.
Aunt Fumizuki doesn't want you to stay a stubborn old man forever, and she's worried about your safety. And I don't want to—
If you truly care for anyone but yourself, then don't leave them behind.
Tell me, Uncle...
What exactly are you going to do?
...
It sounds like she's doing fine. Well, not bad, at least.
That's not your call to make!
You don't know how much she's sacrificed, and you've no clue what she's—
...
Enough...
If you want to enjoy your pity party here, then have fun.
I'm going out for some fresh air.
...
Fine autumn rain continues unabated, like intermittent thoughts left tangled with no end.
Back up north.
There are people in the mines who need our help.
We're running out of time.
Some of our comrades are staying. They'll take care of each other.
You could join them too, if you're so inclined.
I can't just let you go...
You could follow us instead.
I'd like your help, if it's on the table.
But—
Hui-chieh.
I believe in your words, and your ideals... a place where the Infected are judged fairly... and can live, truly live.
But that place is not here—not in the past, not in the present.
The place we seek lies only in the future.
And must make our way there.
Alright, so on we go... and what next?
Did my past catch up with me... or did I go looking for it? Heh, guess it's less history and more a reality I haven't faced yet.
Talulah, if you were here... what would you think about all these?
Hmph. Overcautious and indecisive. Your courage is for naught.
This lass is unlike her ancestors.
That first Lung's descendants must number at least tens of thousands over the millennia, how many of them were heroes, and how many were mediocrities?
How much can this sliver of that bloodline even accomplish?
With a mind this turbid, as if trapped in a dream, can we really trust her with anything?
Or is it because those old blockheads refuse to bend? No wonder the youths are too inept to handle things on their own.
She's been on quite the journey, so she must have other special skills beyond her brute swordplay.
The vague, mysterious voice speaks again, but she hears it clearly this time.
Only now is Ch'en Hui-chieh sure the whispers that have plagued her all night are no mere hallucination.
Hah, just look at the girl. Inexperienced, yet quick to anger.
I'm glad you want to know, but if you truly seek your answer, why not find it yourself—
Lady Ch'en.
What are you all standing around for... did something happen?
When was the last time you saw Lord Wei?
Barely an hour ago.
So you don't know his whereabouts either.
Wait, you mean—
Half an hour ago, Lord Wei went to rest and dismissed us.
The posthouse owner just realized the room was empty when delivering the food.
We've searched the premises, and found no trace.
Lord Wei is... missing.
...
No note left in the room.
An empty room, as if it never housed a guest.
Lord Wei received a letter, personally penned by the True Lung, summoning him to the capital. We tried in vain to dissuade him. We could only follow.
Let us tentatively assume he is making his way there.
We failed to ensure his safety, and our crime is unforgivable. However, I fear entering the capital now would only—
Don't worry.
Ch'en interrupts the Shadow Guard.
2. After Operation
254 linesReporting in—from the Hour of Yu yesterday to the Hour of Yin today, we have moved more than eighty percent of the residents from the area around the main street to nomadic plate C.
Some residents remain due to official duties, property concerns, or other reasons.
Urge them to settle their affairs at once and leave material goods behind. Time is almost up.
Understood!
Also, strengthen security inspections at checkpoints. Report any suspicious individuals or situations to your captain immediately.
Yes, sir!
So Baizao's already evacuating the population... I wonder if the Sui Regulator has any news from the Tomb of Sui.
That's a lot of sentries... best not draw attention to myself.
Time for a detour.
That's—
Zuo Le goes around the checkpoint, but as he turns a corner, he spots someone who should not be there.
Zuo Le.
The Sui Regulator is aware of your deeds at Mangshan Town and in the Garden of Grotesqueries. I was dispatched to meet you here. You've done well.
You must be exhausted. Go to rest.
Thank you for your concern.
But I have to deliver a token to the Sui Regulator, and share the details of the Placation with the Supervisor at once, so I dare not retire for now.
Just the proof of the Placation. Fret not, just hand it here and I'll take care of it.
As for the report, you may submit it at a later time.
But...
Zuo Le subconsciously rubs the token in his pocket with his knuckles.
This is a special case, so I must submit the token and my report to the Supervisor myself.
Still doubting me, when I have the approval penned personally by the Supervisor for my actions right here?
...
Zuo Le, I know you are very conscientious, but the situation is complicated. You need not be stubborn.
I'm sorry, sir... but this is all too sudden, and I don't know where this change is coming from.
I do not doubt the Supervisor's orders, but could we at least head over to the Sui Regulator together so I can get a complete grasp of the situation?
...
Sir... what is the meaning of this?
Is someone obstructing official duties here?
Stay your hand... for now.
I've never seen the Sui Regulator cooperate with the Patrol Battalion before.
As I said, things are complicated. This is how affairs are handled in wartime.
Zuo Le, tarry any longer and we may hinder our battle plans.
I'm acting on orders. If you have any further questions, save them for the Supervisor herself later.
'Acting on orders'... dare I ask whose orders these are?
That is classified military information that may not be leaked, Lord Zuo. I'm sure you understand, seeing as you grew up in the barracks.
...
Three hundred Candleholders in the Sui Regulator, and none know each other's past.
So, how do you know my background?
Just who are you?
...
Seize him.
Go!
What—?
A black sphere suddenly rolls down to the center of their stalemate, spewing out thick black smoke that spreads quickly through the air.
An ambush! Assume defensive positions!
Just run already!
Zuo Le jumps up onto the eaves, mid-exclamation.
After him!
Footsteps rumble behind the young man as several soldiers rush in his direction.
Form a line! There's still time, no need to rush!
Think carefully. Did you leave it at your desk?
Y-Yeah! Probably!
What's the matter?
Sir!
We finished an experiment outside the city, and only just the evacuation order...
But we left something important in the school laboratory. We'll be back once we've fetched it, I promise! Can we go?
Time isn't on our side, what could be so important...?
It's really important data! We spent years just to collect it!
If we can iron out the issue, then maybe... just maybe...
Show me your student card, and then go over there for a security inspection.
Thank you, sir!
Right, once you get the data, evacuate with the Academy's staff. Make sure you leave within twenty-four hours.
Of course!
Hold it there, girl!
Me?
Young lady, Baizao is undergoing a mass evacuation. There is no entrance to the city without special permission.
May I ask what brings you here?
Ch'en tries to blend in with those entering the city, but the keen-eyed guard spots her immediately, and approaches.
She makes sure Chi Xiao stays unseen behind her.
I'm... looking for my uncle.
He's old, has trouble walking, and brought a lot of luggage on this trip—so my aunt asked me to escort him out.
Hm? But when the Ministry of Revenue issued the evacuation order two days ago, they brought out every elderly resident.
My uncle isn't a local... He's a tourist from Lungmen, who came here for Mid-Autumn.
He's... kind of a loner, and rarely talks to people. He's spent the last two days waiting for me to come pick him up at the inn.
Your papers, please...
...Sure.
Lungmenite... Ch'en Hui-chieh... former Senior Superintendent of the L.G.D.
And you're... an Infected?
I retired from the force because of it, but that was so long ago...
Thank you for your service. You may go.
If you don't manage to find your uncle, seek the nearest guard for help.
But make sure you leave the city within twenty-four hours.
Thanks for the heads up.
Right, could I just ask... Have you seen a tall Lung with red hair and horns pass through here since yesterday?
No...
But the description is somewhat familiar...
Wait, miss! Where are you headed—
A muster signal?!
What's happening over there?
What...?
Retreat! Everyone, run! Take cover!
Attention all units—ensure civilians inside the sentry posts are safe!
O-Over there... what's that black mass?
In the dark of night, as thick clouds shroud the moonlight's glow, an 'army' descends upon the streets.
No commands, no war drums, no rattling of weapons against armor—even their approach makes no sound.
A disciplined, formidable, but still indistinct battalion closes in on the checkpoint with a deathly silence.
Hey... did you hear about the ghosts in Baizao... before the city moved onto a nomadic plate...?
A ghost army...
You believe in folk tales too? Probably a mirage caused by the strange weather lately!
It's way too realistic to be a mirage...
No, look at their armor! It's totally different from ours!
That's no mirage—
The army closes in, and the guard finally gets a clear look at the moving mass. Silent soldiers bear blurry, yet terrifying faces with old, bloodstained armor, like evil spirits from thousands of years ago.
A soldier's spear point nears the guard's neck before he can even react.
Fall back!
A shadow?
The Imperial Guard apprentice slashes forward, but merely changes the spear's trajectory, while the immense strength hidden in the soldier's attack startles her.
The spear point sweeps above her head, but the weapon unnaturally whips backwards, heading for her vitals.
There's nothing inside—
The soldier is destroyed by her slash.
Strangely, the other soldiers do not treat her as a foe, and simply advance along the empty road silently with no discernible destination.
Captain!
Send word to the other barracks: these soldiers are anomalous enemies; exercise extreme caution against them.
They don't seem to be actively hostile, so don't initiate conflict.
Evacuate anyone along the way and be on guard for developments.
Captain, where did they come from? What even are they...?
...Geists.
Dispatch some men to update the Sui Regulator at once.
They're merely marching forward for now, but we cannot allow them to endanger civilians or trespass into restricted areas.
At once!
I fear this unrest indicates whatever's happening inside the Tomb of Sui must be quelled immediately.
Could His Majesty's decree actually be...
Are they... already fighting?
A crimson sword flash?
My goodness... where did this army come from?!
Th-They're headed our way! Help!
'Scriptgeists'....
Still the same old look. Whose ancient dwelling dream is this?
Is it because It woke up? Or because you've returned home?
...
Thank you.
How can I ever repay you?
What? No, there's no need for that...
I don't know where these creatures crawled out of, but they're dangerous. Just be careful.
Ch'en notices the woman calmly ignoring the surrounding commotion. She even turns to look at Ch'en herself.
Um...
Noticing the woman's scrutinizing gaze, Ch'en immediately sheathes Chi Xiao—in vain.
A descendant of the House of Yan.
You must have misunderstood, I—
What say you—what's the difference between forcing one person's will upon the masses, and enlightening the masses with the insight of one mind?
Where's this question coming from?
You do not have an answer now?
This isn't the best time to discuss it.
What a shame.
Perhaps we can continue our conversation another time.
...Perhaps.
The woman does not wait for Ch'en to respond before melting back into the crowd.
Strange lady.
Actually, are these monsters that popped up out of nowhere... related to the 'bestial Sui'?
They seem to be coming from the same direction—
The Patrol Battalion flashes across his view as Zuo Le hides behind a wall.
What's going on inside the city...? Whose orders are they following? And why are they so fixated on this token from the Garden?
That approval letter was indeed written in the Supervisor's own hand... but why would she be working with them—
More troops?!
No, that's... that's?!
Countless paintings flash through his mind, until it stops on a scroll depicting the Great Hunt in the Sui Regulator's hidden collection.
As he stays deep in thought, the leading geist suddenly rushes towards him.
Look out!
The black geist disperses, leaving splotches of black ink on the nearby walls.
My Lord! Are you—
Pester me any longer and I shan't show you mercy!
Th-There's a misunderstanding, sir!
I saw you getting attacked by that monster, so I ran here to help...
You're not apprehending me?
Huh?
My Lord must be joking... I only just received orders to assist the Candleholders in cleansing the monsters...
Have you seen any other Candleholders?
N-No.
(The city is in turmoil, but the Sui Regulator hasn't sent anyone...)
(And the Patrol Battalion... obviously two different directives have been issued...)
(I must get to the bottom of this, once I meet with the Supervisor.)
My apologies... this was my mistake. Please excuse me.
It's dangerous here. Keep safe.
His sword flashes in a spin as Zuo Le dispatches several nearby geists, and he instantly vanishes into an alley.
S-So fast!
Gah... why the rush?
Alright, alright... Here I am, don't get mad now.
It's you—!
You, girl, you're coming with me.
Me...?
You don't get along with that Candleholder boy, and you'll just keep fighting in there. Whatever you're looking for, he can find it for you.
And what is your intention, having followed me the whole way?
Why the attitude? Shouldn't you be happy, reuniting with an acquaintance?
You...
I believe the Old Tianshi has her reasons for letting you go.
But I can't trust you... a Shanhaizhong.
Fine, fine... O righteous and benevolent Lord Zuo of the Sui Regulator, I know you look down upon us lot.
But you're being hunted down by your own people. Surely we can cooperate a little?
I believe there's been a misunderstanding... I'll go to see the Supervisor, and from there, I will naturally—
Hold on, how do you know the Sui Regulator is after me?
You numbskull! They would be walking you back right now, if I hadn't stepped in when they were surrounding you back there!
Wait, that was you—
Duh! Who else would dare get in the Sui Regulator's way?
I saved your life, so could you be just a bit nicer, maybe?
Damn it... these blasted things are crawling everywhere. Situation's even worse than I thought.
Enough nonsense. Where's the thing you got from the Garden?
Hey—
Huff...!
She turns around, pointing towards the growing mass of scriptgeists, accumulating from all directions.
Ignore me, and you'd better have a way to deal with all of that.
Huh?
You know how to use that token?
I... do not.
Then just zip it and hand it over!
...!
After a momentary reluctance, Zuo Le finally takes out the 'doll' he took so much care to keep on himself.
This color... it really is her.
Where did you get it?
In a study, or was it a memorial hall?
I can't recall... I don't know why, but our memories of the Garden are a mess.
I have a question, though. Is this object, as you say, able to stop Yan and the bestial Sui from going to war?
I'll tell you later. For now, we're going to use it to take care of these ugly things!
Mo Yi unceremoniously snatches the token from him.
Hey—!
All to break the stalemate—the only way out.
The girl leaps forward, putting distance between her and Zuo Le.
With ink flowing as years roll on, annals are wrought; through spring and autumn's turns, the tale of countless lives is told—
In the name of the Shanhaizhong, I beseech thee: Fifth of the Twelve, bearing the name Jie—manifest!
She holds the token with a stern expression, and recites her chant—
But it seems... as if nothing is happening?
Huh... so that's not how you use it.
My guess was off...?
What?!
Oh well, works for me.
Let me borrow this for a bit. I'll give it back once I'm done studying it.
Wait! You're not going anywhere!
The geists vanished with the sunrise.
They were all coming from here. So this must be the source.
The Sky Mirror Pavilion... this is the place?
Who is it?
Stop right there!