Ominous Star

Go to Qichi Village

Yangyang: This must be the place...

Yangyang: I sensed something ominous from the leaf back there, but I couldn't pinpoint its source...

Yangyang: And now, the hatred and pain is so strong in this place. I don't even need to concentrate to feel it...

Yangyang: Rover, something terrible must have happened here.

Yangyang: We have to be cautious. This is a Tacet Field. Let's take out those Tacet Discords first.

Clear the Tacet Field

Purge the Tacet Field

Yangyang: I think I've found something, Rover.

Tattered Wooden Plaque

Yangyang: Ritualistic wooden plaques...

Yangyang: But why are they here? These plaques are usually placed in ancestral shrines...

Yangyang: And they seem to belong to a different time...

Yangyang: I remember reading about something like this. People held large-scale ancient rituals periodically in their villages, driven by certain beliefs.

Rover: I see... Let's check somewhere else.

Strange Tacet Discord

Yangyang: Watch out!

Strange Tacet Discord: Ugh... Uh? Uhh...

Yangyang: Something's not right. Why wouldn't it attack us?

Strange Tacet Discord: Nngh... brother...

Strange Tacet Discord: Brother... help...

Strange Tacet Discord: Help...

Yangyang: It seems to only repeat these lines... This is not a common Tacet Discord.

Yangyang: Tacet Discords attack other living beings, because they need to feed on those frequencies to make themselves whole again. When frequencies are scattered and recombined, a new Tacet Discord is born.

Yangyang: This one probably devoured the frequencies of... humans.

Yangyang: Turning the last bits of a human's consciousness into such monotonous mumbles... Are these words the last cries of someone innocent? Who is behind this twisted plot?

Yangyang crouches down, hand on the Tacet Discord's head. As she focuses on the Streams, sorrow fills her expression.

Yangyang: No, that's beyond my ability. I just sensed some complex feelings from it... A mixture of deep sadness and eager anticipation.

Yangyang: It seems to be begging for help, but it's not asking us to help it. I can sense the pained cries of this Tacet Discord... No, the cries of this whole village.

Yangyang: The village is crying, waiting for rescue.

Yangyang: Something truly awful must have happened here... And the victims' Reverberations still linger.

Yangyang: Based on the evidence we've found and the condition of these ruins, that didn't happen all too long ago. I can still feel it in the Streams.

Yangyang: Perhaps the Tacet Field has kept this village from being discovered, or maybe someone has been intentionally concealing it. Anyway...

Yangyang: There must be something we can do. We may find the victims nearby. I can feel someone connected to what happened here is still close... This place is dangerous.

Yangyang: I'll inform Chixia about what happened here. Can we continue our search before the official investigators arrive?

Yangyang: Thank you, Rover. Please stay vigilant.

Yangyang: As for the little one here... Let's leave it be.

Suspicious Embers

Yangyang: The area's a mess, but it doesn't look like a warzone. Someone was hurt and dragged away.

Yangyang: Look, there are many footprints here. These are... traces left by a fight.

Yangyang: Someone was injured...

Yangyang: These cards... I see...

Yangyang: The Fractsidus is likely behind it all.

Rover: The Fractsidus?

Yangyang: Yes. I don't know much about the Fractsidus, but as an Outrider, I've worked on related cases.

Yangyang: It's a group of extremists obsessed with fusing humans with Tacet Discords. They've caused terror attacks of various scales around the world.

Rover: Fusing humans and Tacet Discords...

Yangyang: We've seen signs of their presence in Jinzhou, left by lower-ranked members called "Artificers".

Yangyang: Above the Artificers are the Overseers, leaders with eerie abilities and unknown intentions. They pose a far bigger threat...

Yangyang: No one knows their true intentions. Some members speak of world destruction, while others claim they seek eternal power.

Yangyang: And there is one particularly insane Overseer. He's crazy even by the Fractsidus's standards...

Yangyang: A man who sees no order and revels in destruction... I've seen similar cards in the physical evidence file of the Fractsidus-related cases.

Yangyang: They belonged to this one Overseer I'm talking about. They call him... Scar.

Yangyang: If he's responsible for what happened to these villagers... Who knows what kind of cruel and twisted atrocities he's capable of...

Investigate where the weird noises are coming from

??: Guess you won't need my self-introduction. Aww, I spent so much time on it.

Scar: If you need to hear it from me, then... Yes, I am Scar.

Scar: We deserve a meeting free of such disturbances, don't you agree?

Scar: Don't worry, I don't plan to make you hate me just yet... She is safe now.

Scar: Well, let's just enjoy our time together for the moment. Forget about that irrelevant person, will you? I have a lot to share with you.

Scar: So it's true.

Scar: So you noticed? Aww, I'm flattered.

Scar: No need to be so on edge. By now you should've realized I'm just one of the onlookers.

Scar: But out of all the onlookers, I'm the only one who came forward to meet you, with absolute honesty.

Scar: Before you knew anything about this world, you were already the center of conflict.

Scar: You are the unknown variable we've been waiting for. Forces have been fighting for possession over you.

Scar: From the moment you opened your eyes, everyone you've met, including that girl you care so much about... They all knew how valuable you are.

Scar: The world is a cruel place. You are a living, breathing person, but you're just a pawn to many.

Scar: That's why I'm here... Because I see you as a dear friend, and I want to tell you the truth. I am so, so sorry for everything you are about to face.

Scar: Hehe, I know you are not one I can sway with simple words.

Scar: My goal is simple. I just want to deepen our mutual understanding, nothing more.

Scar: Come on. Observe the surroundings a little more, and tell me what you see.

Scar: As you learn more about this world, your true desires will surface, and our little game will become... even more entertaining.

Scar: Aww. Why do you have to assume we are the culprits?

Scar: Maybe you should be asking me what actually happened here.

Scar: I won't tell you everything just yet. That's too boring. As I said, why don't you take a look around and see for yourself?

Scar: Bravo! Didn't think you'd catch on to that!

Scar: Ah, how typical. The age-old tale of savage wolves and helpless lambs. Good and evil as clear as day. It's a tired story that people cling to in their mundane lives. Oh, how it keeps them in check.

Scar: But let me ask you this: do you truly believe the real world can be that simple?

Scar: Let me give you a couple more tips.

Scar: The truth is far more complicated than you think.

Scar: First, who are the players in our tale?

Scar: An innocent girl, a revered leader, and a flock of simple villagers.

Scar: Next, what makes up our main plot?

Scar: False devotion, fleeting kindness, collective deceit, senseless killings, and... The one vulnerable soul, pushed onto a path of destruction by the masses.

Scar: Now, Rover, the story is yours to spin.

Scar: I'm eager to hear your version after you've learned more.

(Optional) Question Scar

Scar: I see. So you want to cheat, huh?

Scar: A clever move, unbound by convention. I like it.

Scar: But I'm not telling you more. Not yet. Wouldn't want our first conversation to become a boring exchange of words, just parroting each other's lines.

Scar: C'mon. No need to get so worked up.

Scar: I see you're itching for a fight, but our game isn't over yet.

Scar: Strike now and risk being crippled. And what a shame it would be to miss out on these crucial clues right in front of you.

Scar: Aww, are you seriously going to judge me off of those rumors alone?

Scar: I knew it... Gentle lambs like me are bound to suffer. Never given a chance to speak for ourselves...

Scar: Well then, I suppose I'll have to be a little more ruthless with you.

Scar: Play nice and go investigate the clues in this village, then I might show your girl some "gratitude" for leaving us be.

Scar: Otherwise... You may have to bid her farewell. Forever.

Scar: HAHAHAHA! You never cease to amaze me!

Scar: Such a burning desire for battle... How could I have the heart to decline?

Scar: As you wish, then...

Scar: Our story begins here...

Scar: Once upon a time, in a peaceful village lived a flock of carefree lambs.

Scar: Fables, stories told and retold through the ages. The ancient art of conveying hidden truths through fiction.

Scar: But they always draw from real life, don't they?

Scar: The same story gets told by many, and each person brings their own spin, their own focus.

Scar: Whatever you learn from it is just one of countless different interpretations.

Scar: Like us now, caught in a carefully crafted plot line... A scheme I had no hand in.

Scar: This village marks the beginning of my story with Jinzhou... Hehe...

Scar: So that Magistrate led you here to meet me. Heh, such a clever move on her part.

Investigate the clues Scar provided

Follow the TD to find more clues

Investigate places where the TD stayed

Another crumpled page from a children's book, half-buried in the mud.

Scar: One day, a shepherd visited the village.

Scar: Nope, quite the opposite! The shepherd's arrival is only the beginning.

Scar: With a wave of his hand, the shepherd could grant their every wish.

Scar: His flock obeyed, bowing their heads, pleading for better food and shelter.

Scar: They no longer had to struggle for survival, as their once meager lives were replaced with endless luxury.

Scar: What's wrong? Does my story make you uncomfortable?

Scar: Haha... So we agree already.

Scar: You are right, but the world we live in falls short of our ideals. The shepherd still reigns, and the lambs have grown complacent.

Scar: It's up to the two of us to make that ideal world a reality.

Follow the TD to find more clues

Investigate places where the TD stayed

A crumpled page from a children's book, silently resting on the ground.

Scar: The lambs reveled in endless bonfire parties, celebrating their new god every night, except... the one little black lamb.

Scar: As each night passed, it was the only one to notice how its flock was dwindling away.

Scar: Hehe...

Scar: I once believed that too. Thought as long as I paid a high enough price, I could get my desired outcome.

Scar: But true equality is scarce. Always has been.

Scar: The world was never a fair place. Wouldn't you agree?

Scar: To receive equal retribution, one must give more, and more... and more.

Scar: When every wish comes with a hefty price, people weigh their options carefully.

Scar: But when they can make someone else bear the price...

Scar: They all rush to make more wishes. They don't consider they too may one day pay for another's selfish desire.

Scar: Funny, isn't it...

Follow the TD to find more clues

Investigate places where the TD stayed

You find some markings on the walls.

As you lean in closer to look, you notice some faint markings on the wall.

Words like "MONSTER", "WITCH", "BANISH HER" and "ALL HER FAULT" are written thickly on the wall.

A crumpled page from a children's book, silently resting on the ground.

Scar: Later, the shepherd openly blamed the black lamb for the flock's decline.

Scar: On the next day, the white lambs welcomed the rising sun as usual, but the black lamb was nowhere to be found.

Scar: The shepherd introduced an unspoken rule to this village, one that our black lamb violated by telling the truth.

Scar: Suddenly, the once doting "god" stopped fulfilling wishes, because no more sacrifices were being made.

Scar: After witnessing the black lamb's actions, and hearing from their almighty shepherd... What do you suppose the white lambs did?

Scar: Ah, those oblivious lambs. Little did they know, the most fearsome demon was right under their noses.

Tell Scar your theory of what had happened

Scar: Well done. You didn't let any detail slip.

Scar: Now, I wonder. What is your takeaway from this story?

Scar: Answer me, and I'll reveal the truth of what happened.

Scar: Indeed, the direct culprit was the shepherd.

Scar: He held all the power, fulfilling wishes at a price. The lambs knew the risks, yet succumbed to temptation.

Scar: Unfortunately, in the face of such temptation, they disregarded all the hidden risks, as disaster had yet to befall them.

Scar: If they were given another chance... I believe they would still choose the same path.

Scar: Inevitably, they accepted their fate and paid the price when their time came.

Scar: Of course, as always. Life was the most valuable thing they had to offer.

Scar: Here's my final question... What happened to the black lamb?

Scar: Nuh uh... Don't rush, Rover. Take your time.

Scar: What is the truth you've uncovered?

Rover: The shepherd was granting wishes by sacrificing the lives of lambs. The flock found out the truth but chose to be his accomplices, and they willingly offered the black lamb as another sacrifice.

Scar: Hahaha, that's right!

Rover: The shepherd was granting wishes by sacrificing the lives of lambs. The flock never found out about it. They were deceived into believing the black lamb was the culprit.

Scar: Almost there, Rover.

Rover: The shepherd was granting wishes by sacrificing the lives of lambs. The flock never found out about it. Someone came to their rescue, and they all made it out alive.

Scar: Pfft... Really? You're such a good little lamb. So innocent, so sweet.

Scar: Do you really believe a hero would show up and save the day?

Scar: How do you like my story, Rover?

Scar: What really happened here? I suppose you already have it figured out.

Scar: The black lamb who rebelled against the rules, and the white lambs who succumbed to their greed.

Scar: The innocent maiden sacrificed, and the villagers who turned on each other in a ruthless frenzy.

Scar: ...They had it coming.

Scar: Fun answer, but no. Not even close.

Scar: Hahaha... Interesting, Rover! I'm liking you more and more!

Scar: Well then. Let's see if this black lamb is going to end up like you say!

Break Scar's Elysium

Scar: Welcome to the realm of endless chaos...

Scar: Now is your time to think, Rover. What is the right path to take?

Venture deeper into the Elysium

Defeat enemies inside the Elysium

Scar: Shake and shiver, blink an eye, a flock of lambs come passing by.

Scar: Fleece of white, black and red, who's the sweetest one ahead?

Scar: Watch out, my dear. Your pioneers are lying at your feet.

Scar: Don't look back. Join them on this right path, and I've got a scorchingly delightful welcome for you up ahead!

Venture deeper into the Elysium

Defeat enemies inside the Elysium

Scar: Such speed, such brutality... Aah, can't you see? We are kindred spirits, after all...

Scar: Shh... Don't be so quick to deny it. Now that I have you here, standing before me, I'd love to hear your answers...

Find Scar

Defeat Scar

Scar: Tell me. Do you want to be the rule-setting shepherd, or the rule-breaking black lamb?

Scar: If a sane person manages to survive in a realm of lunatics, would you call them the last one of reason... or the sole apostle?

Scar: Think about it. The shepherd is not the preordained embodiment of truth. Once he is gone for good, the black lamb can reclaim the trust of its herd...

Scar: Then... eventually, there will be none left to be "victims" or "oppressors"!

Yangyang: ...Rover!

Scar: Ugh, such a pesky girl.

Defeat Scar and break out of his Elysium

Yangyang: I shattered Scar's illusion. That should've injured him.

Scar: Hehe, should I thank you for showing me mercy?

Yangyang: Stay away from him!

Scar: Ugh. Didn't you promise to leave me some alone time with Rover?

Mysterious Woman in Red: With one condition. I do hope you haven't let that slip from your mind.

Mysterious Woman in Red: Don't let your improvisation trouble others.

Scar: Ugh... Look at you, rushing in to protect your precious "Perfect Movement".

Scar: No worries. I know all the dos and don'ts. I don't need you to tell me what to do.

Scar: Rover, it seems our happy little date... must come to an end.

Scar: But don't forget my sincere reminders.

Scar: Let me know what you'll choose: an unexpected gift, an honest and open exchange, or a highly risky gamble...

Scar: The choice is yours. I know how smart you are. You won't make a hasty decision.

Scar: We'll meet again... in the not-too-distant future.

Yangyang: ...

Yangyang: Scar's Resonance Abilities appear to involve teleportation and the manipulation of space. He trapped me in confinement, and I could only sense that it wasn't far from here.

Strange Tacet Discord: B-brother... Brother...

Yangyang: I've never seen any Tacet Discord display such vivid emotions...

Yangyang: Yes, that is a possibility, since Scar had been here before...

Yangyang: Let's talk about it later. Rover, can you fill me in on what happened?

You tell Yangyang about what just happened and the leads you gathered.

Yangyang: Making up stories based on real life to support his twisted beliefs... That does sound like something he might do...

Yangyang: Two distinct frequencies of Tacet Discords... I see.

Yangyang: I can feel it in the Streams... Over there. Follow me.

Rover: (In the south...)

Sanhua: They are unharmed. Please rest assured.

Sanhua: As you anticipated, Scar did not try to kill them... Yes, I stayed out of it like you asked.

Sanhua: Is everything alright on your end?

Sanhua: ...Please be sure to stay safe, My Lady.

Yangyang: Rover, do you still have the plaque we found earlier? The one broken in half.

Yangyang: Yes, as I thought... I just felt a similar vibration from that direction. Please follow me.

Head to the direction Yangyang pointed to

Rover: It's the missing half... We can piece them together now.

Activate the mechanism with the complete Wooden Plaque

Yangyang: Look, the water is going down!

Enter the cavern

Yangyang: I can't believe it... There's such a big opening down here...

Yangyang: How odd... This place should have been soaked in water, but everything is dry here. Even the vegetation is thriving.

Yangyang: Did Scar do this? Given his powers, it doesn't seem too hard for him.

Go deep into the cavern

Yangyang: That tree... It's stunning. It's almost eerily enchanting.

Strange Tacet Discord: Please... Save us...

Yangyang: Are you trying to tell us about... something hidden here?

Follow the mysterious TD

Yangyang: Where did it go...?!

Yangyang: Is that a... diary?

Investigate the diary pages under the tree

Talk to Yangyang

Yangyang: That girl just wanted to save her village...

Yangyang: But those sacrifices didn't lead to redemption.

Yangyang: I guess the Tacet Discord we saw stayed here to convey her last wishes...

Yangyang: ...Please excuse me.

Yangyang: It's getting a bit too cold here... Can we head back now?

Yangyang: Sorry, Rover. I didn't feel comfortable down there.

Yangyang: The air was heavy in that place, without any wind to speak of, but I could still feel so many emotions and desperate cries for help... I... I couldn't handle it.

Yangyang: The villagers were a complex mix of emotions... hope, resentment, and despair. And as I read the diary, I could feel the intense sorrow and longing of its owner.

Yangyang: What was the diary's owner longing for? Was it the peaceful life she once had, or did she miss her only family—the person who pushed her towards such tragic end?

Yangyang: I wish I could say such tragedies won't happen again...

Yangyang: ...But I still lack the confidence to make that claim.

Yangyang: It was tragedies like this that made me want to become an Outrider... to become someone with the strength to stop them from ever happening again.

Yangyang: Really? Thank you... Rover.

Yangyang: Dwelling on it won't do us any good... Let's go. I'll compile a report on what had happened here, and send it in along with the clues we've gathered.

Yangyang: Yes. Let's go back... together.