The Lost Child

Camilla... why was I...

You've been unconscious for five days. Lucky you. Another day, and you might never have woken up.

So, you've been... Thank you...

No need to thank me. You're not who you used to be. Since the request involving the Crystallo of Stella, plenty of commissions have come in specifically for you.

Just make sure you stay alive long enough to finish the gigs.

You little smooth talker. Did you pick that up from Outsider?

Heh, regretting being saved by me? Too late.

Anyway, someone came by a few times to check up on you. It's Rhythm Fischer, a warrant officer in the Escort.

Rhythm Fischer, Warrant Officer of the Cocytus Escort, 6th Legion.

She left a message. Said she'd like to talk to you.

I heard about what happened at Lamenting Lake that day. I know you probably don't want to see her.

But you were the sole survivor of the murder case that night. I doubt she'll give up easily.

The sole survivor?

I should be going.

If you want answers, go to The Asphodel and ask your friends. They've been worried about you these past few days.

(Huh, there are so many balloons around Icelake... Is it some kind of festival?)

(But even with all these festive decorations, the lingering chill in the air is still pretty obvious...)

(I should go check in with Snow and Outsider to find out what's happened while I was unconscious.)

The performers spin inside the music box, while we wander through the maze of Icelake! The fateful twist is near, and the Misty Sea welcomes its new visitors!

Camilla... why was I...

You've been unconscious for five days. Lucky you. Another day, and you might never have woken up.

So, you've been... Thank you...

No need to thank me. You're not who you used to be. Since the request involving the Crystallo of Stella, plenty of commissions have come in specifically for you.

Just make sure you stay alive long enough to finish the gigs.

You little smooth talker. Did you pick that up from Outsider?

Heh, regretting being saved by me? Too late.

Anyway, someone came by a few times to check up on you. It's Rhythm Fischer, a warrant officer in the Escort.

Rhythm Fischer, Warrant Officer of the Cocytus Escort, 6th Legion.

She left a message. Said she'd like to talk to you.

I heard about what happened at Lamenting Lake that day. I know you probably don't want to see her.

But you were the sole survivor of the murder case that night. I doubt she'll give up easily.

The sole survivor?

I should be going.

If you want answers, go to The Asphodel and ask your friends. They've been worried about you these past few days.

It's great to see that you're recovering well.

Would you like something to drink, Officer? Tales of Icelake is on special today, half price!

No, thanks. Imperial Military Code Article 142 prohibits soldiers from drinking while on duty. Besides, I don't drink anyway.

Let's get straight to the point. I'm here to investigate the recent violent incidents in the outer city of Icelake, known as the "Charon Hunt."

This is your first enquiry. I need to verify your identity according to standard procedure. Could you show me your travel permit?

...!

I was in such a rush when I left home that I forgot to bring it. Let me go grab it now.

Your head must still be foggy from your injuries, you left your travel permit at my place a few days ago. I was just about to return it to you. Here you go, Officer.

...Name: Vita. Place of residence: Icelake, Cocytus Region. Occupation: Animal Trainer...?

Wait, aren't you a Phoxhunter?

That's the latest development. She used to take care of dogs for rich folks, but her last employer went broke and couldn't afford to hire her anymore. Hence the career change.

If you don't believe me, you can ask Ms Camilla, she just signed up at her tavern to become a Phoxhunter a couple of days ago. Come on, Vita, show Officer Fischer your awesome dog-training skills.

Come on! Come here, boy!

What, I'm not a dog!

...Alright, I've verified the travel permit. Thank you for your cooperation. Now, let's talk about the attack.

I want to catch the culprit who attacked you and bring safety back to everyone as soon as possible. As the sole survivor of the incident, your testimony is vital for us to fully understand the case. That said, this tavern is hardly an appropriate place for an enquiry...

Ah, got it. Let's get to a quieter place to talk then.

Thank you for understanding. Please come with me.

Hey, what are you waiting for?

Don't tell me you're upset about the travel permit. Well, uh, that was the only type I could get for you. Just roll with it, alright?

...

Alright, I know. You're probably still bitter about Rhythm Fischer for what happened that night.

But, it wouldn't be a bad thing to get on good terms with Fischer. I mean, the Legion's got connections everywhere. Your search for somebody might get somewhere.

Besides, don't you want to take down that dishonorable coward with your own hands?

As for me, I want this whole "Charon Hunt" mess resolved as soon as possible, too. The whole outer city's been on edge, and that rickety old door on my house can't take another lock.

The Legion... Berry's whereabout...

The murders... And the one who attacked me...

*sighs* Fine. Let's do this.

I thought it would be somewhere like an office.

I come here to clear my head when I'm feeling overwhelmed. It's quiet, and there's rarely anyone around, perfect for discussing serious matters.

So, the "Charon Hunt" is a series of murders that took place here in Icelake. I assume you've already heard about it.

November 22, early morning: 5 dead, 1 injured. November 25, early morning: 13 dead.

The attacks primarily occurred in the eastern district, home to many Charon residents, which is why the case has been dubbed the "Charon Hunt."

Yeah, we've heard about that. What do you need from Vita?

I need Vita to provide as many details about the case as possible. In a while, I'll take you all to the scene where she was attacked five days ago. That street is currently sealed off by the Legion.

But I understand revisiting the scene might bring up unpleasant memories. If it's too much for you, we can conduct the enquiry at the Security Bureau instead, it might not be as efficient, but it's an option.

Thank you for your cooperation, Noctoyagers. You're as tough and reliable as they say.

Apologies, I shouldn't have just assumed.

Hehe, don't be fooled by how gentle my Little Minion looks, she's very tough on the inside!

I can assist with your investigation. But we Phoxhunters don't take on jobs for free.

What's your price?

On top of the payment, I need you to promise me one thing, help me when I need it in the future.

...

Alright, I promise you. I'll help however I can.

...Wait! Breaking military regulations is off the table, no murder, no theft... Oh, and absolutely no aiding the Forsakens...!

Whoa, nothing like that! Don't worry, Officer, we're law-abiding folks. It's just that our captain got separated from her family, and might need your help to look for them.

Got separated from your family?

I completely understand how you feel. I barely get to see my family all year round... Once the "Charon Hunt" case is resolved, I promise I'll do everything in my power to help you find your family!

(Uh... Why is she so fired up all of a sudden? I... I can't breathe...)

L, Let's just head to the crime scene first, Officer.

Captain, you're really something, daring to bargain with a legion officer.

Didn't you say she was easy to deal with?

Yeah, but we didn't expect you to go full-on negotiating. It's not like you know what she is thinking. What if she...

I'm thinking about how to quickly reconstruct the perpetrator's profile.

Shh... she heard us. Her hearing is way too sharp.

You flatter me. Staying sharp at all times is essential for carrying out duties more effectively.

(I was not flattering!)

This is it. Vita, does this street look familiar?

Do you recall the approximate time of the attack?

Not really. At the time, I was... not feeling great. I figured I wouldn't be able to sleep, so I decided to take a walk around the city.

As for the exact time... I was preoccupied, so it's a bit of a blur.

Ugh, we should've stuck together that night.

It's fine. It was me who insisted on having some time alone.

(Wait... I remember when I reached this street, the wind had just stopped, and the moon came out. Judging by the moon's position, it must've been... between 4 and 5 a.m.)

(I should tell Rhythm about this.)

Between 4 and 5 a.m... Hmm, that matches perfectly with Camilla Scarlet's testimony. It seems your memory is sharp and hasn't been affected by your time spent unconscious.

Now, about the perpetrator. What can you recall about their features? Even the smallest detail could be helpful.

It all happened so fast... I didn't get a clear look at the perpetrator. But one thing I'm certain of, it... wasn't human.

The last thing I saw before passing out was a monstrous face. Though I'm not sure if it was a Filthoid or something else entirely.

Hmm... A monster. That fits with what we know so far. Is there anything else you can remember?

Wait, there's one more thing!

Please go ahead!

The singing voice...

I remember something following me on this street. Along with its footsteps, I heard... its singing.

Yes, that's it. Its voice was raspy, broken, almost like wind blowing through shattered pipes. But that monster was unmistakably singing.

A singing voice? No one else has mentioned that, Great, this is a brand-new lead! I knew your suffering wouldn't be in vain.

Ahem, Officer, that might come across as a bit insensitive, don't you think?

...My apologies. I was just thinking that with this new clue, we might finally end this case and restore peace to everyone. I didn't mean to trivialise your pain and suffering. I'm truly sorry.

Thank you for your understanding.

How much do you need? If it's within my means...

Seriously? It's obviously a joke... Officer, you must be a Laurelled Charon who's never dealt with the folks in the outer city, right?

If you walked into the slums in plain clothes, I bet you wouldn't even make it to sundown without getting swindled out of every coin in your pocket.

"Laurelled Charon"... I'm afraid I haven't earned that honour yet.

Actually, I grew up in Mist Aken myself. I know what it's like, I know how hard it is for Charons in the outer city to make ends meet. So, when I can help, I do what I can.

Besides, it was I who spoke out of line earlier, so...

Alright, let's put everything else on hold until the "Charon Hunt" case is wrapped up. Since you went to all this trouble to bring me here, let's focus on the investigation and get it done.

About the "monster's singing" you mentioned just now... Do you think you could try humming the melody?

...

Sorry, I couldn't do it. I can't get the tune right.

I understand. Music isn't my strong suit either.

Besides, I only heard it once. It's hard to remember the tune. But if I hear it again, I might be able to recognise it.

I've just been in a coma for too long and forgot. If I hear it again, I'll definitely recognise it.

Alright, I'll count on you to keep an ear out for it then.

What's this... a piece of cloth? It feels pretty nice.

(Berry would definitely love this fuzzy texture...)

Let me take a look... Hmm, it's velvet. Judging by the patterns and creases, it looks like a piece of a stage curtain.

The only place nearby with a stage is the Galea Theatre. They've been preparing for the Silvercandle Carnival, and with all the hustle and bustle, it wouldn't be surprising if someone accidentally discarded an old stage curtain.

(Silvercandle Carnival... Is that what all the decorations are for?)

This piece of fabric alone doesn't tell us much. But if we connect it with the clue you mentioned earlier...

(Hmm... A stage curtain. It does seem to connect to that clue somehow.)

Berry, I...

Ssh...

Are you all right?

Yeah.

Get some more sleep. I won't leave, I'll be right here when you wake up.

It's okay. We should get down the mountain and head to the village.

You wanna go back? There've been roars coming from there for days...

I was thinking, if we could make it home and grab our weapons...

And with your strength, you'll find a way out.

No one's going to save us no matter how long we stay here anyway.

...Let's go then.

Take it easy.

Watch your step.

You're not fully recovered. Are you sure you can do this?

I'm okay. It's just a few scratches.

Don't push yourself too hard. We still have to save some strength for those Filthoids.

Take that sword with you. It might be helpful one day.

Keep yourself safe. I'll take care of these Filthoids.

Is this place... a temple?

...Yes.

Someone once left that flying ship here.

And... a "key."

Listen, thrust your sword right in there.

Like this?

Is this your idea of "accurate intel," Randy? You gave me your word.

The soldiers did their best with the Filthoids. These are indeed unforeseen circumstances. But we did find something valuable on this island today...

Alchemical tools she has used and an airship with a Legion serial number on it.

You realise we're looking for "No. 0," not this useless junk, right?

We've been searching for over a decade... But our maritime unit intercepted several of the villagers' vessels. They might be able to dig up some...

Were those gunshots?

Randy.

Yes, ma'am!

...That's how it happened.

The Filthoids attacked you "for no reason" after you came here, and you managed to open the hidden path "by chance"... Is that really your story?

We're telling the truth! Let her go!

...!

Chief Sibylle, we've checked her spinal structure and confirmed that...

She's the "No. 0" we've been looking for.

...!

Fortune has finally smiled upon me.

Take her back.

As for her...

Remember... Vita, you must remember...

Your power... the power of Resonance...

If you wish to save all this...

Hang in there! I got you...

Berry!

Give it up, No. 0. Even the toughest blade has its breaking point.

Come back with me, and you'll live, so will this kid you care so much about.

Otherwise, she will...

...Give me your word.

Hmm?

I'll go back with you, but you have to promise to let her go.

Give me your word! Or, you can take two corpses back!

Perhaps I wasn't clear, This is not a negotiation, it's an order.

...Berry.

...?! You...!

Get out of here, and live.

No...!!

Quick question, Vita. The "three quick blinks" means...

I've got this, Berry. Three quick blinks means...

"Even if left all alone, you should be brave and live on."

"Until the day we meet again."

Run!

You can't get away!

Quest failed. Try again

Quest failed. Try again

This is my first time in the Cocytus Province. Is this how the people here show their hospitality?

I don't want to bother you, I just want to... strike a small "bargain."

I'll pay you whatever you want, and all you have to do, well, it will be a piece of cake.

The ship is at the mountaintop. After a short break, we'll push on.

...Can't believe we'll be saying goodbye to Purgatorio Island soon.

...You creatures just can't give us a break, can you?

But up until now, there has been no answer. Only endless flowing quicksand covering my vision, and...

him.

No...

Don't... take her...

No chance we're leaving by sea. Guess we'll have to count on that thing...

Listen, there's actually another "ship" on this island, up in the mountain ruins.

A ship... on the mountain?

Yes, a "ship" that flies. Now follow me.

Remem▇▇... ▇▇, you must ▇▇▇...

Your ▇▇... the power of ▇▇...

▇▇▇ wish to ▇ all this...

Wait, I can't hear you...

This is my first time in Cocytus Province. Is this how the people here show their hospitality?

I don't want to bother you, I just want to... strike a small "bargain."

I'll pay you whatever you want, and all you have to do, well, it will be a piece of cake.

About the "monster's singing" you mentioned just now... Do you think you could try humming the melody?

...

Sorry, I couldn't do it. I can't get the tune right.

I understand. Music isn't my strong suit either.

Besides, I only heard it once. It's hard to remember the tune. But if I hear it again, I might be able to recognise it.

I've just been in a coma for too long and forgot. If I hear it again, I'll definitely recognise it.

Alright, I'll count on you to keep an ear out for it then.

What's this... a piece of cloth? It feels pretty nice.

(Berry would definitely love this fuzzy texture...)

Let me take a look... Hmm, it's velvet. Judging by the patterns and creases, it looks like a piece of a stage curtain.

The only place nearby with a stage is the Galea Theatre. They've been preparing for the Silvercandle Carnival, and with all the hustle and bustle, it wouldn't be surprising if someone accidentally discarded an old stage curtain.

(Silvercandle Carnival... Is that what all the decorations are for?)

This piece of fabric alone doesn't tell us much. But if we connect it with the clue you mentioned earlier...

(Hmm... A stage curtain. It does seem to connect to that clue somehow.)

Hey, look! There's a broken weather vane in this rubbish bin. Wow, it looks practically brand new! Someone just tossed it out like that? What a waste... Let's take it with us!

Do you collect weather vanes? That's quite an unusual hobby. I could have one of my subordinates get you a new one, but this is a piece of evidence, you can't have it now.

Uh... I was just saying it offhand. I-It's not like I actually have a thing for weather vanes or anything...

Waaah, someone actually took my words seriously for once... I'm so touched, waaah...

Officer Fischer, when was this street sealed off?

The morning after the first "Charon Hunt" incident.

That's fairly prompt... Since this weather vane is practically new, it shouldn't have been discarded on purpose...

Could it have been the strong winds that night?

No. After the storm five days ago, the Security Bureau did receive numerous reports of property damage, but this weather vane wasn't blown off, it's much more likely knocked down by the perpetrator.

According to Ms Camilla's account, the perpetrator jumped onto the rooftop after engaging with her. This weather vane must have fallen from up there.

(The rooftop... might as well check it out.)

This is it. The break aligns perfectly. Judging by the bending on the base, apparently it was not blown off by the wind, it was struck with force.

And based on the angle of bending, we can deduce the direction the perpetrator fled.

Is this... blue snow?

I've checked, it's a few drops of Phoxichor. When it seeps into the snow, it spreads out like a flower.

Beautiful, isn't it? Every time I see these little blue "flowers," it feels like the day's exhaustion simply melts away.

Look at this colour, the purity seems pretty high. Could there have been a Phoxichor leak?

Hmm... That is possible. But just to be sure, I need to confirm something with Vita.

The Phoxichor... Hmm, there's something I need to ask, just to clarify.

When you encountered the perpetrator, did you notice any strange smells? Something sharp and unpleasant, like a mix of 80% paint and 20% mouldy bread? Sorry, I'm not great with analogies...

(What kind of smell is that supposed to be!?)

Hmm... I'm not sure what you mean, but now that you mention it, I do remember being hit by a sharp, acrid smell when the perpetrator lunged at me.

Oh, so you think this Phoxichor might have come from the perpetrator?

Exactly. The Phoxichor produced by The Aeolipile is mixed with irritant gases. If you noticed a strong smell at the time, it likely means...

The perpetrator was covered in a large amount of Phoxichor. And these blue "flowers" must be traces of it dripping from its body.

There are only a few places in Icelake where someone could come into contact with that much Phoxichor. Combine this with the other clues, and we should be able to narrow down the perpetrator's hideout...

That's right, you saw it too. The perpetrator fled southwest.

If you already know that, why hasn't the Escort gone over there to search?

We're short on manpower, and our intel is incomplete.

We've been systematically combing through the factories, residences, and schools in the southwest, but the sheer scale of the area has made progress slow. So far, there's been no major breakthrough.

To be honest, it's just me and a few of my subordinates working on this case... And one of them was killed by that perpetrator. He was among the victims on November 25.

When we found him, all his internal organs had been crushed, like dough flattened under a rolling pin.

...My condolences.

Catching the perpetrator is the only way to honour him and deliver true justice and closure to all. But... we haven't found that monster yet.

I've requested reinforcements from my superiors multiple times, but my applications keep getting denied, or rather, they say I need to pinpoint the perpetrator's exact hideout before my request can be approved.

Let me guess, it happened in a Charon neighbourhood, and the monster isn't headed for the inner city. So your superiors just don't care, right?

I wouldn't dare make such assumptions.

Heh.

Then let's pick up the pace and help Officer Fischer solve this case as quickly as possible.

Thank you so much!

Looks like that's about it. I don't think we'll find any more clues around here.

I apologise on behalf of the Escort. The fact that such a heinous crime occurred in the outer city is a failure on our part.

Officer Fischer, you weren't in charge of this area before, right? Did you just get reassigned here recently?

That's correct. I used to work on different tasks in the western district. I was promoted to Warrant Officer last month and reassigned here to oversee the safety of the eastern district.

No wonder we haven't seen you before! You come off as... very different from the other soldiers, Officer Fischer.

Different?

Uh-huh! The Escort soldiers usually don't care about what happens to Charons. But you... you seem to care, and you try reeeally hard to protect everyone.

(...Trying hard to protect everyone?)

The Filthoid is highly dangerous. Although it's ceased attacking, it may only be in temporary dormancy. Return to the city immediately, the Escort will take it from here.

...

(Snap out of it... I should focus on the clues at hand for now.)

Based on the clues we have, there are two locations that stand out...

The factory area in the southwest, and Galea Theatre.

Looks like we've come to the same conclusion.

Thank you for what you've done for the city. The information you've provided has been invaluable. Without it, we wouldn't have been able to narrow things down so quickly.

But there are two places! And we've got one, two, three, four people!

I'll take the factory area. It might be easier for a legion officer to investigate that place than civilians, and I have some old acquaintances there.

Don't tell me you used to work there...

Yes. When I was little, I did odd jobs there for quite a long time.

Hah. To think you climbed all the way here, it couldn't have been easy. Though...

Never mind. Let's get going too, Captain.

Hey, you folks over there. The show hasn't started yet.

Oh, it's you, Outsider.

Director Putsch, still going strong, I see. How have you been?

Just drop the pleasantries. You're not exactly the type to hang around places like this. What do you want?

Haha, I'm here on a job. It's about the "Charon Hunt."

Oh, that case everyone's talking about? Do whatever you want, just don't disturb the Magic Flute troupe's rehearsals.

Seriously, you're still rehearsing? I mean it's a huge case with many fatalities! If the murderer is among you, you're all in grave danger!

For a performer, completing a performance is the ultimate expression of life, more brilliant and radiant than life itself. Denying them the stage is a greater tragedy than death.

Everyone, get ready! The third rehearsal of the day starts in five minutes!

...Ugh, she's really not making this easy.

Let's split up and ask around. At least she didn't stand in the way of our investigation.

How many times do I have to say it? Turn off the lights when you're done! If I catch anyone forgetting to turn off the lights or put props back in the storage room again, I'll shove these props down their throats!

"By candlelight, we dance and sing into the snowy night."

Excuse me, may I ask...

...Fifteen flower crowns, check. Nine pairs of riding boots, check. Alright, inventory's done. Now, who are you, and what do you want?

Can you tell if this piece of fabric is from the theatre?

The stitching is a mess, and the pattern's just as bad. Galea Theatre would never use something this shoddy. Who sent you? Are you some tabloid hack trying to smear our theatre?

Whoa, calm down. We're not tabloid hacks. We found this at the "Charon Hunt" crime scene and just wanted to get some information.

...Now you're accusing us of being involved in a murder case!? You filthy tabloid hack!

We're assisting the Escort in investigating the "Charon Hunt" case. This velvet cloth was found at the crime scene, and we need your cooperation to verify its origin.

The Escort... Alright, guess I was too sensitive. Sorry about that.

Ever since that incident two years ago, tabloid hacks have been spreading rumours about the troupe, calling us a fraud. It was so bad that the director fell ill and couldn't get out of bed for weeks.

Anyway, this fabric is definitely not ours. The props inventory is right over there, check it yourself if you don't believe me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got work to do.

Hey, you little punks! Put those wigs back on the mannequins when you're done! Get back here! I swear I'll sew those wigs onto your scalps!

Your throat is too tense. Relax. Let your mouth open fully, and let your breath carry your voice. Place the sound further back, imagine projecting it to a single point at the back of your head.

Sorry, Ms Violetta. I, I'll try again...

Even after all this time on tour, this child still hasn't made much progress... I suppose not everyone can be like Parsifal, blessed with such a beautiful voice.

Hey, there! Your face looks so weird, are you hiding something? This Great Demon King demands a thorough interrogation!

Come on, you can do this... This is the most important performance of the year... We've rehearsed so many times... Everything's going to be fine... It has to be fine...

Hey...! Stop! This Demon King is talking to you!

Are you alright? Do you need to take a break?

No... No time to rest... I have to keep up with rehearsals...

You sure? You look like someone who just crawled out of a coffin.

I...I'm just fine! Everyone's been living like this for over a month now. I just need to keep going... Keep going...

Then, could you tell me if anyone has been skipping rehearsals or sneaking out at night?

No, no one would do that. Everyone's been locking themselves in here for the rehearsals, never stepping outside. If you don't believe me, check the schedule over there yourself... We'll be rehearsing nonstop until the Silvercandle Carnival ends.

Outsider, what exactly is the Silvercandle Carnival?

It's a festival where people put on masks, dress in bizarre costumes, and set aside their identities and races. Everyone gathers at the theatre to watch performances and dance through the night.

For one night, no one cares if you're a Sola or a Charon. All that matters is singing, dancing, and letting loose together.

It's hard to imagine a festival like that in a place like Icelake. People here seem... pretty uptight.

Haha, well, the more tightly people are wound in their daily lives, the more they wish to scream and let it all out once in a while.

Whoa, that microphone's so loud!

Everyone, take your positions! The third rehearsal starts now!

I checked the attendance log, it shows nobody has left the theatre at all for over a month. Even hibernating bears get out more often than this.

With such intensive rehearsals, no one would've had the chance to sneak out and orchestrate a "hunt"... Let's go see if Rhythm has found anything.

That was quick. Faster than most soldiers I've worked with.

Too bad we didn't find anything useful in the theatre. What about things on your side?

The workers at the factory area are all cleared of suspicion. But I did find this at a motor plant.

Isn't that Phoxichor?

Take a sniff.

Eww... so fishy! It smells like... Frostspines! The Asphodel just had a batch delivered a couple of days ago. I spent hours gutting and cleaning them!

Huh, Button Mushroom, you must be a great ballerina! We should've had you perform back at the theatre.

Ballerina? I don't know ballet... Why?

Well, with all the time you spend on your toes bussing tables at The Asphodel, you've got the perfect foundation. Such a waste!

Nah, I always stand on a crate, Wait... hey! That's mean!

*chuckles* Alright, alright, no more messing around. So, Officer, what's your take? Do you think the workers soaked Frostspines in Phoxichor?

No, look closer. This isn't Phoxichor, it's Frostspine fish oil. They just happen to look similar in colour.

I questioned the workers. On the night of the incident five days ago, none of them heard anything unusual. They were so overworked that they barely got four hours of sleep and were completely out cold.

However, something odd did happen. The next morning, a few workers found a harpoon in the plant. No one knew how it got there, but it was inscribed with the words "Property of The Fisheries."

I also found two canisters of fish oil stored in Phoxichor containers in their warehouse. The workers didn't notice anything off because both liquids are pale blue...

Are you saying that on the night of the incident, someone swapped two canisters of Phoxichor with fish oil?

Exactly. And based on the clues we've gathered so far, the suspect is most likely to be...

Didn't you just rule them out yourself?

Oh, I was just kidding, haha!

Hmm... Considering the harpoon and the fish oil, I think the suspect is most likely to be a fisherman.

I've already cleared the workers, they all have solid alibis. Considering the harpoon and the fish oil, I think the suspect is most likely to be a fisherman.

I agree.

...Seriously? Didn't Camilla say you were over the fever?

The honour of the Legion is not to be tarnished. Please don't joke about such things! Considering the harpoon and fish oil, I think the suspect is most likely to be a fisherman.

Most of Icelake's fishermen live in Mist Aken, aka the slums. Let's head there immediately and see what we can find.

This area's full of fishermen. Where do we start, Officer Fischer?

Meow, Meow!

Meow... Meow?

(This cat keeps staring at Rhythm... Could it have picked up on some strange scent?)

Officer Fischer, could I borrow that fish oil for a second?

Here. Did you notice something?

Yeah. I've got a theory I want to test.

Meow, Meowww!

Let's follow that cat, I think it's trying to lead us somewhere.

Sharp instincts. True to your roots as an animal trainer.

(...Thanks for that, Outsider.)

Meow, Meow meow meowwww!

Aha! You scoundrel! How dare you hurt my Little Minion and then think you can hide! Justice has arrived!

Huh? The Escort? Please, don't hurt me! I'll talk! I'll tell you everything!

This area's full of fishermen. Where do we start, Officer Fischer?

Meow, Meow!

Meow... Meow?

(This cat keeps staring at Rhythm... Could it have picked up on some strange scent?)

Officer Fischer, could I borrow that fish oil for a second?

Here. Did you notice something?

Yeah. I've got a theory I want to test.

Meow, Meowww!

Let's follow that cat, I think it's trying to lead us somewhere.

Sharp instincts. True to your roots as an animal trainer.

(...Thanks for that, Outsider.)

Meow, Meow meow meowwww!

Aha! You scoundrel! How dare you hurt my Little Minion and then think you can hide! Justice has arrived!

Huh? The Escort? Please, don't hurt me! I'll talk! I'll tell you everything!

This area's full of fishermen. Where do we start, Officer Fischer?

Meow, Meow!

Meow... Meow?

(This cat keeps staring at Rhythm... Could it have picked up on some strange scent?)

Officer Fischer, could I borrow that fish oil for a second?

Here. Did you notice something?

Yeah. I've got a theory I want to test.

Meow, Meowww!

Let's follow that cat, I think it's trying to lead us somewhere.

Sharp instincts. True to your roots as an animal trainer.

(...Thanks for that, Outsider.)

Meow, Meow meow meowwww!

Aha! You scoundrel! How dare you hurt my Little Minion and then think you can hide! Justice has arrived!

Huh? The Escort? Please, don't hurt me! I'll talk! I'll tell you everything!

...Speak.

I haven't been catching much fish lately, so I stole a couple of Phoxichor canisters to sell... But does that really warrant this many people chasing after me? Officers, please, have mercy! Give me another chance, I beg you...

*sigh* Calm down. Just answer our questions.

I, I'll cooperate with everything I've got! Please don't shoot me!

Have you met her before?

Uh... Someone this sharp-looking and impressive? No way, I'd definitely remember if I'd seen her before!

Heh, quit sucking up and just talk straight.

Five days ago, around 4:30 a.m. where were you, and what were you doing?

I, I snuck into a motor plant during the shift change to, uh, borrow two canisters of Phoxichor...

"Borrow"? Heh, sure. And what else did you do besides "borrowing" the Phoxichor?

Nothing! That's all, I swear!

Is that so? Officer Fischer, remind me, when was the last time that gun of yours made a fresh hole in someone?

Aahhh...! Alright, alright! I was scared they'd notice the Phoxichor was missing, so I swapped it out with fish oil instead!

That's really all I did! I swear, nothing else!

...So you know nothing about the "Charon Hunt"?

I, I've heard of it! It's that horrifying string of murders... Everyone in the outer city's freaking out about it!

Wait... you don't think I'm behind it, do you? I couldn't pull off something like that even if I had ten times the guts!

...Situation understood. Theft of Imperial property is punishable by ten years in prison under the Hyperborean Criminal Code Article 33.

T, Ten years!? Officers, please, have mercy! I'm begging you!

Hmm? Oh, yes, that's correct.

Huh!? Er... I...

W, Wait! I... I have important clues about the murder case! The "Charon Hunt" you mentioned earlier!

Tell us everything! Do not leave out one single detail!

B, But you have to promise me... that you'll protect me! If I talk, that monster might come after me...

I give you my word. That creature won't lay a finger on you.

Alright... That night, after grabbing two canisters of Phoxichor, I was climbing over the wall to leave... and then I saw it...

A monster crawled out of the sewer right in front of me! It was twice as tall as a man, had a Filthoid's head, a bear's strength, and fire shooting from its eyes and mouth!

That sounds... like a Filthoid...

No. Filthoids are unintelligent and typically rampage openly through the streets. The fact that this creature hides during the day shows a level of strategic awareness, it's avoiding detection.

I was so terrified that I threw everything I had at it, my harpoon, the Phoxichor, everything! All the stuff I risked my neck for, gone just like that!

That would explain why the creature was heavily stained with Phoxichor. What happened after that?

How should I know!? I was so scared I even wet myself! I just ran for my life and didn't dare look back...

I've told you everything! Please, officers, you promised to protect me! That monster... I saw it up close! If I hadn't been hiding all this time, it probably would've found me already...

Look, I've told you all I know. What do you say...? Please, about the Phoxichor case. If I get charged...

I'll report your information as it is. Your theft of Imperial property is undeniable, but since you've provided critical intel, your sentence will be reduced in accordance with the Hyperborean Criminal Code.

*sigh* Fine...

Let's move. We'll take you to the Security Bureau, it's the safest place for you right now.

Now we know what the perp looks like and where it's hiding. What's the plan, Officer Fischer?

I'll go into the sewers to find the suspect myself.

My superiors have made it clear, they need the suspect's exact hideout. But the Icelake sewer system is a labyrinth. If I just tell them the suspect is hiding somewhere in the sewers, they still won't grant me backup.

But if I locate the monster myself, or better yet, confront it, the Escort won't have any excuses left.

"The grown-ups refuse to sow or plough, yet they expect a bountiful harvest come winter's end."

What was that?

Ah, that just slipped out... It's a line from the opera Children From the Snowfield...

No, no, I wasn't questioning how the Escort operates... ahem!

No need to explain, Officer Fischer. We get it. It's written all over your face. Don't worry, we won't say a word.

Can't say I'm a fan. It's just something a close family member of mine enjoyed.

Anyway, enough small talk. I need to get moving.

Allow me to thank you again, for everything you've done for the Escort and Icelake.

But before I go... I have two final requests to make of you.

This is the medal I received when I was promoted to Warrant Officer. My name is engraved on it.

If I don't make it back, please go to the Security Bureau under the Escort and inform Chief Damian about what happened to me. Tell him the investigation into the "Charon Hunt" must continue, no matter what.

And second, please have Chief Damian deliver this medal to the 6th Legion in the inner city. It's for a young man named Blues Fischer.

Let him know he doesn't have to wait for his sister anymore. Tell him to stay strong and move on with his life.

Oh, and there's one more thing...

That's enough. There's no "one more thing." In fact, we can't do the first two for you either.

Ah...

Because the Noctoyagers are going with you. No way we'd let you play the hero alone and hog all the glory. Right, Captain?

It's getting dark, Officer Fischer. You don't want to drag this out and risk another victim tonight, do you?

...I see. Let's go, then.

Wait, wait! Aren't you guys the least bit curious about what Officer Fischer's third request was?

Oh, I was going to give you the key to my secret base. All my savings are there. If I didn't make it back, you could go there yourselves and collect your payment.

But since Vita insists, and after seeing what you're all capable of the first time we met... I trust we'll make it back together.