Whispers Beneath the Boughs

I expected Drifters might slip in during the Grand Incense Rite. But in a crowd, they're nearly impossible to pick out. We were fortunate you recognised that girl.

Still... from what you said, it seems you crossed paths with her earlier?

...An was attacked in the wilderness by Sable Bi'an. Su Yi and her companion saved him.

They saved him? That white-haired youngster aside... a Drifter girl playing the hero? Absurd. She's only putting on a show, taking advantage of Huaxu's transition.

The time is near. That dungeon on the western outskirts, how do matters stand there?

Everything is in place. We wait for the final round.

Heh... An old Jishu Sect dungeon, unearthed in the mountains at a moment like this. Even fate seems to be leaning our way.

If the plan holds... the Drifters will crawl back to wherever it is they belong.

And if she needs someone to blame, she can start with her predecessors, those outlaws who dressed their transgressions up as "freedom". And she can blame us as well: fearful, stubborn... still unable to put a wretched past behind us.

I wonder... when An grows up, and learns what his mother and her friends did... will he understand us?

I'm not his mother.

...Right. I forgot.

And I hope An never learns any of this. If he does... I hope he never understands us. He's already been through too much.

Let's hope so.

It's been a long day. I wonder how Su Yi's holding up...

Before I turn in, I should go check on her.

I've finally finished analysing most of the mech-kite Aunt left behind...

She was this good over ten years ago... How much more do I have to refine my skills before I can catch up...?

But this mobility booster... it doesn't belong in this design at all. Why would she install it here...?

Su Yi. There you are.

Vita? Did you need something?

I just wanted to see how you're doing.

Huh...? Oh, are you here to comfort me about what happened today?

Don't worry about me. I'm fine. No... better than fine. I've never felt better.

...Are you sure, Su Yi?

I am. I've realised a few things.

The old me would've been bitter. I couldn't bear to see our predecessors' ideals and struggles distorted into something vile.

But I understand it now. Some prejudices don't melt away. If they choose to blind themselves, cling to their little world, and listen only to the hatred in their own hearts, then sooner or later the world will leave them behind. There's nothing I can do about that.

I'm done trying to change their minds. I just have to beat them... and prove myself.

Su Yi...

Why the worried face, Vita? I told you, I'm fine. Come on, smile. My aunt always said: no matter how hard it gets, you laugh in its face.

Something's happening over there... could you take a look for me?

Wait... were there always this many crates here?

Stop, stop, it's me!

Ow... my poor back... You kids go reaching for your weapons at the slightest thing. Nearly put my back out.

Why are you hiding in a crate in the middle of the night?

Because I was worried about our little Yi, of course!

Ugh... Kids grow up fast. You can't keep them close forever. If I went in, she'd put on a brave face and kick me right back out. So I just lingered outside for a quick look.

Same with this event, she signed up and ran off without a word. Everyone in the Outer Peaks knows what's weighing on her. We understand. But she's a sensitive kid... and she carries it like it's all her fault.

She's always too hard on herself. Thinks she shouldn't be so wilful, so she keeps it from everyone and tries to shoulder it all alone.

Good thing she's got you. With you by her side, I can finally breathe a little easier. So, what did she say to you just now?

She said she's "never felt better"? Oh no... no, no, that's not good.

That girl grew up right before my eyes. I know her too well. The angrier she gets, the calmer she looks. If she's saying she's "never felt better", she's furious...

Most days she's so steady and reliable you forget she's still just a kid. But mention her aunt, and she comes undone in a heartbeat.

Has she ever told you about her aunt, Su Muzhe? How much do you know about what happened?

She said her aunt risked going back into the city to repair Miemeng, a mechapuppet designed for waterworks, and was executed on the spot by a Magistrate of Yingtian.

She even told you that...? Then she must trust you a great deal.

When word reached us, we all knew nothing good would come of it. But nobody could talk Muzhe out of it. She went anyway.

In the end, she couldn't contain Miemeng. It went rampant, tore the eastern outskirts apart, and ruined everything Muzhe had worked for. Yi's never been able to move past it.

We old folk have got one foot in the grave. We've no business meddling in the young ones' old grudges and unfinished business. I just hope Yi figures it out one day, you can't stay chained to the past forever. You've got to keep moving.

Whoa! What was that!?

I followed the sound out here. That wasn't you making that racket, Uncle Tang?

Even if I were clumsy, I couldn't knock over that much in one go. Something's off. Sounded like it came from the entrance to the Outer Peaks.

Got it. It's cold at night, head back and get some rest. I'll check it out.

Stop, stop, it's me!

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.