Ode to the Second Sunrise

Read Mornye's WavesLine message

Head to the Academy dormitory at 09:00 the next day

Abby: Tick-tock! Almost time to meet up with Mornye!

Abby: I can't stop thinking about those Spacetrek snacks. What are they gonna be, huh?!

Head to the Academy dormitory

Sit down and wait for them

Lynae: You bet! Just passed all my entrance exams yesterday!

Lynae: Ugh, I really wanna hit the road with you again, but I'm kinda on a "mental health watchlist." If I break even one tiny rule on day one, Miss Lucilla will be dragging me in for a "friendly chat."

Lynae: I gotta hold out until I figure out a route that slips past the cameras.

Lynae: Oh, but hey, you got Mornye's email about the Hyvatia Detector, right? It's almost go-time. How about we hang by the entrance, and then we—

Mornye: Material fatigue... thermal cycles... boundary conditions... initial stress states...

"TARD-E Unit": Infraction detected. High-wattage devices are strictly prohibited in dormitory zones.

Mornye: The core differential equation is... elastoplastic transition... cyclic strength coefficients...

"TARD-E Unit": Please comply with the "Startorch Academy Dormitory Code of Conduct"! Issuing first warning. Issuing second warning!

Mornye: Coefficient correct. Units mismatch? Recalculating...

"TARD-E Unit": Noncompliance confirmed. Initiating restraint protocol.

Mornye: Conclusion: material upgrade required. I'll add it to the agenda for tomorrow's meeting.

Mornye: Right. Now, time for the scheduled meeting with Rover and Lynae.

Mornye: I'm sorry. Did I keep you waiting?

Mornye: I'm fine.

Mornye: Oh... I forgot to disable the reactor emitter in my weapon system. That's probably what it was referring to...

Mornye: I do have other appointments today, but... I believe there is time for some light conversation.

Mornye: I wasn't sure what you meant by "delicious," so I brought samples from my latest food research.

Abby: YESSS! I knew it! Professor Mornye's a real gem!

Abby: Let's get started! We can eat while we talk!

Lynae: Of course, come on in. I already tidied up my dorm, so sit wherever you like!

Head to Lynae's room on the second floor

Enter Lynae's room

Abby: Ugh... the smells are all mixing together. It's kinda fishy, and the texture is wet and gooey.

Lynae: So it's true, huh? You guys actually made food that tastes awful but keeps you running for three days straight. I thought that was just a joke.

Mornye: It's a scientific breakthrough using energy-compression tech. It's one of Collective's most iconic achievements.

Mornye: Yes! I knew you would understand.

Mornye: In fact, its energy compression efficiency exceeds 95%. That exceeds the benchmarks set by both the New Federation and Huaxu Academy, even nearing the theoretical limit.

Mornye: From a scientific standpoint, it's a far greater achievement than taste.

Mornye: Now, I'd like to review the incident with the Hyvatia Detector.

Mornye: To summarize, your method of stopping the Hyvatia included blade slashes, repeated shots with coated rounds, and physical force—stomping, striking—until it was rendered inoperable and immobile.

Mornye: Did I miss anything?

Lynae: I mean, it all happened really fast! We didn't have any other way to stop it!

Lynae: Besides, we're just students! We couldn't afford that even if we wanted to...

Mornye: No. You're misunderstanding.

Mornye: Different damage mechanisms cause distinct failures, and require specific repair methods.

Mornye: Damage from certain special Resonance abilities is hard to detect through standard diagnostics without prior data. So, you two did well to suppress it physically.

Mornye: During the New Solar Ceremony, the Hyvatia Detector is essential in monitoring environmental parameters. I've already passed your report to Professor Anslem. He should complete repairs soon.

Mornye: Yes, though it's a long story. Where do I even begin...

"TARD-E Unit": SCANNING FOR OFFENDERS! VIOLATION DETECTED: Unauthorized high-wattage device in the dormitory. An offender has assaulted this unit. If sighted, report immediately!

Lynae: Pfft... Even Professor Mornye isn't safe from TARD-E's wrath, huh?

Lynae: No worries, I got this. I'll draw its attention while you two make for it.

Mornye: Mm.

Leave the Academy dormitory

Mornye: Mm, you too.

Mornye: Huh?

Rover: Something wrong?

Mornye: It's a notice from the Collective. The Royan delegation canceled the meeting. The ceremony is now on hold. That's odd...

Mornye: Warren handles Royan communications. I'll ask him what's going on when I'm back at the Institute.

Mornye: Hm, that isn't on the list.

Mornye: The New Solar Ceremony is nearly upon us. It's the culmination of decades of work. Everyone at the Collective is giving their all to realize it.

Mornye: Would you like to attend the New Solar Ceremony?

Mornye: I… I'd want you there to witness it. The rise of the new sun, and humanity taking their first steps into the future they've built with their own hands.

Rover: We did promise to witness it together, didn't we?

Mornye: Yes.

???: Before my power is spent, I have little time left.

???: The only choice now is to force the Heliogyre to a standstill.

???: The last of its strength I will share with you, so fade you will not. But you must hurry.

???: Before that, take this memory to him.

???: Take it to the one they call "Arbiter."

Mornye: Rover, what happened? Are you alright?!

Rover: I... saw someone's memory.

Abby: Whoa, you scared me! And just now, a frequency jumped into your Tacet Mark! It felt like... some kinda connection?

Rover: Can you trace where it came from, Abby?

Abby: Sniff, sniff, sniff...

Abby: I smell it coming from over there!

Rover: Good. Let's go check it out.

Trace the frequency back to its source

Rover: I'm fine now, Mornye. Sorry to worry you. You must need to get back to the Spacetrek Collective, right?

Mornye: That's okay.

Rover: But you just...

Mornye: You looked... shaken just now. I'll stay with you. If it involves more frequency loss, I'd like to stay close to transport you to the infirmary.

Rover: Transport me?

Fjnora: You saw it too? It went in this direction.

Fjnora: Actually, we did see one flying this way while we were setting up at the market. If Svanar hadn't seen it too, I would've thought I was imagining it.

Fjnora: If you happen to spot it, please tell us.

Abby: Hmm... the frequency that connected with you was coming from here. But now, I don't smell a thing.

Rover: (The voice from earlier said it would share the last of the Heliogyre's strength so it wouldn't fade. It must be that Soliskin. Did it eventually vanish here?)

Mornye: Did you find what you're looking for?

Mornye: Yes.

Mornye: The "Heliogyre" is one of the most important components of the New Solar Ceremony.

Mornye: Hyvatia can monitor environmental data, but raw observational data on the Reactor Drive can only be obtained from the Heliogyre—a component of the Exostrider itself.

Mornye: Only the Roya tribe can discern the Heliogyre's readings. That's why the Collective needs their cooperation during the New Solar Ceremony.

Rover: In that memory, I heard a voice say he would force the Heliogyre to a standstill.

Mornye: You're saying you heard a voice asking for help, saying he would stop the Heliogyre's workings.

Mornye: Could that be why the meeting was cancelled?

Rover: (When I handled the Voidworm, a voice told me to protect the sun. Whoever she is, I don't think she intends harm. She offered to help. For now, I'll do what she suggested.)

Rover: (And one thing is certain. The one who knows me by my "Arbiter" title needs my help.)

Rover: I need to find out who he is, Mornye. Do you know any Roya who are familiar with the tribe's inner workings?

Mornye: Hmm... I do have some Royan students. They might know who he is.

Mornye: It's class hours at the Academy. Should we head back?

Ovid: Help! Help! Maja—Maja, she... Someone, please help!

Ovid: Otherwise, our thesis data will disappear entirely!

Mornye: Don't worry, Rover. If you see a student shouting "help" and "thesis" in the same breath, no matter how loudly they scream, it's never really an emergency.

Mornye: But Maja is one of the Roya students I mentioned. Since you're looking for her, we might as well see what it's about.

Locate Maja and find out what happened

Maja: Calm down, Maja, calm down... Good, they've stopped for now. Maybe I should just shut them down?

Maja: No, if I force the shutdown, I'll lose the data. Our thesis! Oh, somebody help!!

Mornye: No. It's just a routine malfunction. But...

Maja: Huh? Professor Mornye?!

Maja: Oh no, I've been caught out of class! Wait, wait, let me explain! I wasn't skipping class! I'm here for a very good reason! It's not that I don't respect the class, o-or my teachers!

Maja: So, uh... can you just...

Mornye: Even if you beg me, credits will still be deducted.

Mornye: Why don't you start by explaining yourself?

Maja: Well, these are probe robots from a few days ago. We sent them out to measure Voidmatter concentrations in the tundra.

Maja: We thought we'd finish collecting the data before class, but when we tried to approach them, they started attacking us.

Maja: I chased them all the way here. That's why I missed the class today...

Mornye: The internal Exoswarm material was eroded by Voidmatter. That's what caused the malfunction.

Mornye: This should have been covered in your Material Science coursework. Such material is inherently unstable and can only be used in controlled environments.

Maja: I'm so sorry...

Mornye: For safety reasons, you'll need to shut down the units first, then clean the contaminated parts with Voidmatter.

Mornye: But approaching them right now may lead to further damage. We need a pulse generator to stun them from a distance. I'll submit a request.

Mornye: No wait, that's against protocol...

Probe Robots: ￥#&@... Scanning... Target... Eradication...

Mornye: Never mind. I'll think about how to write the review report later.

Defeat the malfunctioning probe robots

Mornye: Now, they're back to normal.

Maja: Great! Do you think the data...

Mornye: It's still there.

Mornye: But sending the robots out there broke the experiment protocol. Even if you got the data, it won't count in your thesis.

Maja: What?!

Maja: You want to find a Roya in black robes with gold embroidery, wearing a headpiece shaped like two horns?

Maja: The horns are a symbol of the Exostrider. Shepherds wear them, but no Shepherd would wear a robe like that...

Maja: Could be someone higher up. Like the Solsworn from the Solisylum, or even one of the Heliodic Six.

Mornye: The Heliodic Six... They're the ones who are supposed to give us the Heliogyre's readings during the New Solar Ceremony.

Maja: That's right. They're the six most powerful members of the Roya tribe. The highest in rank, too.

Maja: I've heard they use the Heliogyre to predict everything, from bird migrations to Void Storms. They know it all.

Rover: How do I meet with one of them?

Maja: Huh?! That might be hard.

Maja: They never leave the Solisylum. It's surrounded by light all year round. Very few Roya are even allowed to enter.

Maja: But maybe you could try meeting with one of the unappointed Heliodic Six?

Maja: Sigrika is currently out researching in the frostlands. The only other one around is Foreseer Yngvar, but he doesn't show himself much.

Maja: If you want to find him, my mam might be able to help. She's a Royan Shepherdess over at Atuja camp. Name's Astrid.

Maja: Now then, I'd better get back to my class before I lose all my credits. Who knew I'd run into trouble today? I even asked my mam to help me with the robot.

Mornye: Very good. Good luck with your thesis paper.

Mornye: Phew... I'm better at talking with students in class.

Mornye: Rover, did you learn what you needed?

Rover: The last person that those robots likely saw before they lost control was Maja's mother.

Rover: I think we can talk to her under the guise of a friendly house visit.

Mornye: Hmm... In that case, I can accompany you as a Professor from the Academy. As for your identity, Rover...

Rover: But aren't you going to tell me I should report this to the Academy to handle?

Mornye: I was just thinking of ways to help you find who you're looking for.

Mornye: Your reasons are your own. I trust your judgement, and you can tell me later.

Mornye: Yes, feel free to give me pointers too, Mentor.

Mornye: I think the person I am now... can be of help to you.

Head to Atuja Camp

Mornye: I'm Mornye, and this is my mentor... Uh, let me try that again...

Rover: What are you...?

Mornye: Just practicing. I'm not very good at speaking with parents. And this time, I don't have an assistant to help write a script for me.

Rover: Why don't you leave it to me? You just focus on what you're good at.

Mornye: Alright.

Mornye: Okay, let's go together... Mentor.

Find Astrid

Rover: Hi, are you Astrid, Maja's mom?

Mornye: Yes, and this is Rover, a senior professor at the Academy.

Mornye: We've come for a home visit.

Astrid: What?! H-How could she...

Astrid: I am deeply sorry! I should have taught her better. Whatever she has done, I offer my apologies to the Academy on her behalf.

Astrid: Is the punishment severe? If compensation is needed, I will pay for it myself—

Rover: Professor Mornye, could you explain how Maja's robot caused the damage?

Mornye: Y-yes, as my mentor just explained...

Mornye: She... failed to follow the proper protocol. She used unstable Exoswarm material in her design, which led the robot to act unpredictably.

Mornye: I've already spoken to her about the dangers of using materials susceptible to Voidmatter during field research.

Astrid: Voidmatter?

Astrid: What... exactly are you asking? I am sorry, I've not studied at your Startorch Academy. I'm not familiar with your terms.

Rover: (Her demeanor changed just now. She's hiding something. Maybe more pressure.)

Rover: We need to understand the full scope of the robot's malfunction. We understand that this morning, it was you who helped Maja activate the robots and enable auto-run.

Mornye: Yes. Exactly what my mentor said.

Mornye: Please, lead us to the site of the incident. Once we're there, I'll reconstruct the robots' actions from the trace evidence.

Astrid: I am deeply sorry! Yes, help Maja activate the robots I did, but I... I can't remember the exact location. Please, you must return—

Mornye: That's a Void Storm. How can this be? The Collective hasn't received any recent warnings.

Rover: We need to ensure the safety of those here first.

Rover: Questions can wait. Let's go.

Head to the Shimmer

Mornye: That looks like the center of the storm ahead. Let's see what we're dealing with.

Mornye: We're in the Void Storm's range now. Check that your FCR is working.

Mornye: Don't stray too far from me.

Defeat the contaminated Exoswarm

Investigate the Void Storm

Mornye: There's something over there...

Wait until Mornye's finished

Mornye: Looks like it was this.

Mornye: Eh? No, I–I just read a lot about this...

Mornye: From its structure, it looks like a canister that can both store and emit energy.

Abby: Ugh, it's so stinky!

Abby: It smells just like that giant worm you fought! Didn't we deal with it already?!

Mornye: Giant worm... You mean the Voidworm?

Mornye: I see. It's capturing frequencies with high precision, storing energy data.

Mornye: It's based on ecological models, tracking activity in natural environments, and reconstructing that data mathematically.

Mornye: Right. Simply put, this device extracted the Voidworm's frequency and used itself as the epicenter to spread Voidmatter. That storm just now was artificially created.

Mornye: Maja's probe got contaminated because they likely made contact with it by accident.

???: Chuuu...

Abby: Eh? Did you guys just hear something?

???: Chuuu… Chuuuu…

Mornye: It's coming from under that heap of Exoswarm material. Let's go take a look.

Find where the "Chuu" noises are coming from

???: Chuuu...

Mornye: Yes, these special creatures typically linger around the Roya tribe.

Mornye: Royan records state that Soliskin first appeared in Lahai-Roi the day the Exostrider fell from the sky.

Mornye: They're believed to be fragments of the Exostrider's consciousness. The Shepards protect them, shielding them from Void Storm contamination until they mature and return to the Solistrees in Bjartr Woods.

Mornye: This one must have hidden under the Exoswarm wreckage when the Void Storm broke out.

Soliskin: Chuuu...

Rover: (This... feels like what happened back at the Academy.)

Rover: I just saw this Soliskin's memories.

Rover: That Royan woman planted the device here and triggered the Void Storm. This Soliskin is the only survivor.

Mornye: So our suspicions about Astrid are confirmed. Should we go back to the camp and talk to her?

Astrid: No need. I heard everything.

Astrid: A few days ago, I was shepherding mature Soliskin to Bjartr Woods when I met Foreseer Yngvar.

Astrid: He looked tired, like he had just finished speaking to someone. When he saw me, he looked shocked and left quickly.

Astrid: I did not think much of it. I planned to return it to him the next time we meet.

Astrid: But... the Soliskin did not like it. It had an... unnatural energy.

Astrid: I did not want to keep it at the camp, but I also did not want Yngvar to know I had taken it.

Astrid: So I buried it here. The rest, you already know.

Mornye: Hmm... I trust your judgement.

Mornye: This Foreseer Yngvar is the one Maja mentioned before, the unappointed member of the Heliodic Six. Could it be an attempt to tighten his grip on power?

Astrid: No. That is impossible.

Astrid: Each of these successorsthe Solsworn is chosen when their Resonance Ability first awakens. Even if someone desired the position, it is impossible to change the appointment.

Mornye: Hmm... meaning no one can threaten Yngvar's position.

Rover: (But he could harbor animosity toward the current Heliodic Six. Yngvar is still our lead to find them.)

Astrid: The Solisylum's people usually abide in the village bordering Bjartr Woods, called Haldarheim.

Astrid: It is the time of the Rite of Return. The Soliskin will return to the Solistrees and to the Exostrider. As is tradition, Foreseer Yngvar will attend the rite.

Astrid: But you are not Roya. You may not be allowed to witness the rite.

Soliskin: Uuu...

Mornye: Huh? Wait, but we did find this little one here.

Astrid: Is this the Soliskin you saved? Well... Perhaps you may attend as "Shepherds."

Astrid: Soliskin have been companions to the Roya for hundreds of years. If they hear that you saved one, they will be grateful.

Mornye: I've never been this close to a Soliskin before. Please let me know if I'm doing something wrong.

Soliskin: Chuuu!

Head to Haldarheim

Mornye: So we need to find Foreseer Yngvar at Haldarheim's Rite of Return, is that right?

Mornye: Okay, let's be on our way then.

Head to the entrance to Haldarheim

Aksel: You two. Please halt.

Aksel: From your clothing, I see of my people you are not. What brings you to Haldarheim?

Soliskin: Chuuu!

Soliskin: Chuuu! Chuuu!

Aksel: Heh. How interesting... Soliskin trust only those they feel safe with. Its trust you have earned. My thanks for guiding it back.

Aksel: But I must ask, I sense one of you carries the aura of the Spacetrek Collective. The other, from the vast world beyond the frostlands. Why come under the guise of Shepherds?

Rover: (Not sure who here knows what Yngvar did. Best not to mention his name. Don't want to stir things up.)

Rover: We rescued this Soliskin from a Void Storm. We were told it needed to return here for the Rite of Return.

Aksel: Void Storm? You mean, the one just before?

Soliskin: Chuuu—

Aksel: Haha! Then grateful I must be to you both!

Aksel: But ask I must—the Void Storm, it happened near Atuja camp, yes?

Aksel: A Shepherdess named Astrid abides there. Saved the stray Soliskin you did, yet entrust it to a true Shepherdess you did not. Why come all this way?

Rover: (I forgot about that. Without a solid reason, he might start to suspect something.)

Mornye: Because... Astrid has been hiding something from you.

Aksel: Your meaning?

Mornye: Astrid's daughter, Maja, is a student at Startorch Academy. She conducted experiments that broke protocol and caused damage to school property.

Mornye: Maja is now facing harsh punishment. Astrid is busy handling the consequences and cannot fulfill her duties as a Shepherdess.

Mornye: According to the Startorch Academy Faculty Code, as Maja's teachers, it is our duty to address the repercussions of a student's actions.

Aksel: I should have known Astrid's daughter would stir such trouble! A tangled weave this time, but she will go to great lengths for her girl.

Aksel: The Academy's willingness to come this far is unexpected. Forgive my earlier words. You saved the Soliskin and helped our people. The title of "Shepherd," you have earned.

Aksel: Tonight, we hold a feast for tomorrow's Rite of Return. Join us, as a gesture to make amends for my earlier rudeness.

Aksel: Come. From this day forth, the Roya call you friends.

Aksel: Rest at the camp if you wish. The feast will begin at the eighth hour of the night.

Join the feast held before the Rite of Return at 20:00

Rover: (There's still some time before the feast begins. Maybe someone here knows something about Foreseer Yngvar.)

Head to the feast

Aksel: Friends—it is time we feast!

Aksel: Tomorrow marks the Rite of Return, where we send our beloved Soliskin back to the great body of the Exostrider. Into radiant light they will transform to join its sacred form.

Aksel: Farewell it will be, yet a new beginning as well! For when the Exostrider wakes, we will reunite in its body!

Aksel: Now, let us put aside the sorrow of parting and embrace the joy of new life with good food and drink!

Aksel: But heed this, my friends. Too much drink you will not have. Should you make a fool of yourself in tomorrow's Rite, help I will not give.

Mornye: We will face Foreseer Yngvar tomorrow.

Mornye: I've simulated seventy-three possible outcomes, but even so, I can't cover every scenario.

Mornye: If I could build a model that covers all possible outcomes, considering the target system, the chaotic conditions, and the necessary compensations...

Rover: You were quick on your feet earlier. You've already got this.

Mornye: That's because I believed your approach was effective. I tried to follow along.

Mornye: Good. Phew...

Rover: With that in mind, you can relax a bit now, right?

Soliskin: Chuuu! Chuuu-chuuu!

Soliskin: Chuuu, chuuu!

Abby: Ah, I know! It wants us to give it a name.

Mornye: Well, since it's really trying to buddy up to us, how about we call it "Buddy"?

Soliskin: Chuuu!

Abby: Oh? It seems to like it.

Rover: Then it's settled.

Mornye: Well... that's a relief.

Dagna: Hello, will you dance with us and the Soliskin?

Stian: Grandfather Aksel says the Soliskin are happiest when dancing with Shepherds!

Mornye: Oh, but I'm not good at dancing.

Rover: I'll join you. Let's dance with Buddy. What do you say?

Children: HOORAY!

Rover: Our real battle starts tomorrow.

Rover: Tonight, let's relax a little, Mornye.

Mornye: Yes. My mentor should take his own advice, too.

Distressed Soliskin: Chu... Chu... Uuuugh...

???: Hmph...

???: Some uninvited guests have arrived.

Ask about Mornye's whereabouts

Rover: Hmm. Where did Mornye go? I'll send her a messageWavesLine.

Rover: That is something she would say.

Rover: Not that I know where the 13th planet of Norma is, but... at least I can figure out where she is from the picture.

Find Mornye

Mornye: Mentor?

Rover: We can drop the act now, right? Or do you think we should continue?

Mornye: Someone might be listening. We should keep it up to prevent us from being exposed.

Mornye: Oh, you noticed.

Mornye: They've been running all day, so their power is low. I planned to wait until they finished charging before coming back.

Mornye: It doesn't anymore.

Mornye: Before I had prosthetic legs, I had a condition that kept me in a wheelchair.

Mornye: Now, at least I don't have to worry about being immobile anymore.

Mornye: Mm, I love stars.

Mornye: Beneath Lahai-Roi's frostlands, the stars here are actually just lights created by atmospheric arrays.

Mornye: Once, someone put it like this to me...

Mornye: "It's because we see the stars that humanity imagines what lies beyond the sky."

Mornye: I think so too.

Mornye: But... I also believe that reaching the stars isn't enough.

Mornye: There will be a day we build a miracle that lasts longer and is more beautiful than the stars themselves.

Mornye: That's the dream I've carried all this time. And now, I'll use these two legs to take the first step.

Mornye: Exactly! This ceremony is how we retrieve the Exostrider's core energy component.

Mornye: Then we'll use the multiphasic energy conversion model through the superconducting network to inject Rabelle energy into the neural interface.

Mornye: It will follow a three-stage activation protocol. The reverse-phase oscillation model, then excavation to finally create a phased-array energy field.

Mornye: There's still some time before my legs finish charging. Let's stargaze a little longer.

Buddy: Chu, Chuuu! Chuuu! Chuuu!

Mornye: Mentor, you're awake!

Mornye: Something isn't right. We seem to have a situation in Bjartr Woods.

Investigate Bjartr Woods

Mornye: I detect signs of a Void Storm in the woods. Waveform... analyzing now.

Rover: So this is what's causing the panic.

Find out what's happening in Bjartr Woods

Aksel: What is it that brings you here? With the Void Storm's fury upon us, it is no time to enter Bjartr Woods.

Aksel: This is a disaster not seen in centuries. We have always believed the Solistrees' light protects the woods from such storms.

Mornye: Let's investigate this together.

Enter Bjartr Woods

Enter the Void Storm

Mornye: The signature waveform of this Void Storm matches the one that device generated before. This is no naturally occurring phenomenon.

Rover: When did you have the chance to analyze this?

Mornye: When my prosthetic legs charge, I prefer to keep my mind occupied.

Find out why the Void Storm occurred

Mornye: Just like before. When it's disabled, the Void Storm stops.

Mornye: However...

Mornye: If this really was the work of Foreseer Yngvar, what would make him do something like this?

???: Do not worry. The path... has already been laid.

???: At last... finally...

Mornye: Mentor? Mentor! Are you alright?

Rover: This Void Storm might not have just affected the woods here, but the workings of Solisylum itself.

Rover: I think that's why I've been seeing visions of this member of the Six.

Elderly Shepherd: Greetings.

Elderly Shepherd: The Shaper once made a prediction. If a visitor from beyond Lahai-Roi protects Bjartr Woods from destruction, an invitation to Solisylum they will receive.

Elderly Shepherd: Now, the one from the prediction appears. Solisylum awaits your arrival.

Elder Soliskin: Chuuu...

Buddy: Chu... Chu?

Elderly Shepherd: They have their own missions to complete.

Elderly Shepherd: The road to Solisylum is here. Please, follow this path.

Mornye: Mentor, please... wait a moment.

Mornye: There's something I want to say to you.

Rover: What's the matter, Mornye？

Mornye: I...

Mornye: Yes. When you touched the Solistree earlier, and even during your first vision, you looked like you were in intense pain.

Mornye: But I lack the ability to connect with them like you do. And the Spacetrek Collective's knowledge doesn't align with the ways of the Roya. In this matter, I fear... I won't be of much help.

Mornye: Yes. Yngvar should have been present at the Rite of Return, were it not for that Void Storm. It's reasonable to suspect he's the one who planted the device.

Mornye: No. You, my mentor, are still far ahead of me.

Mornye: Mm, you too.

Mornye: Please take care. I'll see you when we regroup.

Elderly Shepherd: This history, every Royan child learns from birth—

Elderly Shepherd: "The Exostrider's heart is our sun. It gives us light. Thus, we need not freeze in the eternal night."

Elderly Shepherd: "And the Six, with the Heliogyre as their tally, read the heavens. Thus, we need not fade into the void."

Elderly Shepherd: They are our prophets. They are our sacrifices.

Elderly Shepherd: More than this... that, I believe, they will tell you themselves within Solisylum.

Head to the Solisylum

Shepherd: You may approach.

Shepherd: The Heliodic Six are expecting you, as was predicted.

Enter the Solisylum

"The Shaper": The Rite of Return, the ritual that once sealed the calamity deep underground.

"The Shaper": Just now, the children have offered their strength.

"The Shaper": The Heliogyre can once again begin its rotation.

???: Useless fool.

???: I told you to destroy the Heliogyre. Completely.

Yngvar: I'm sorry, but there's a reason for this! Some uninvited guests threw off the whole operation.

???: Save it. I don't want to hear your excuses.

???: At this point, our entire plan has fallen apart because you screwed up. And to think, I went out of my way to get a pass for you to the New Federation.

Yngvar: No! I'm begging you, don't leave me here! I'll do anything, just tell me what you need!

???: Ugh. You're lucky the one at the top gave someone as pathetic as you one last chance.

???: There's the other visitor in Bjartr Woods now, correct? Some crippled scientist.

???: Find her. Make sure she... doesn't make it back to the Collective.

Mornye: Eh?

Mornye: Mm. There's a note tucked here.

Mornye: There are two types of handwriting. So there's more than one person who has access to this lab.

Mornye: Based on Astrid's testimony, one of them must be that Yngvar. The other must be the one who operates this lab.

Mornye: From the note, they change the password after each Terminal use and leave the new one here to inform the other.

Mornye: The newest password is... 7364. I'll try that now.

Mornye: 7364... The numbers in the note must be the Terminal's password.

Mornye: Well, since Mentor is already headed to the Heliogyre, I'd best get started on what I can contribute.

Investigate the suspicious source of the contamination

Mornye: There are signs of Voidmatter contamination in the plants and water.

Mornye: If I follow these traces, I should be able to find the source.

Defeat the enemy trying stop your investigation

Use your Forte to unlock

Mornye: Heavy encryption, but it's sloppy.

Mornye: This must be the device capable of generating artificial Void Storms.

Mornye: It's consistent with the designs we found earlier. This looks like the unit that Astrid found before. Some prototype under development.

Mornye: It seems all the devices were produced here.

This device, used to create artificial Void Storms, is mostly identical to the ones found before.

Mornye: There we go.

Find out what's behind the door

Mornye: A Terminal? It must belong to the owner of this lab.

Investigate

Mornye: It's a test chamber. They were simulating what would happen if the Solistrees were contaminated by the Void Storm.

Mornye: It... feels wrong.

A test chamber stimulating the Void Storm's contamination of the Solistrees.

Investigate the Terminal

Mornye: Hm, it's encrypted. If I can open it, there's bound to be information about this device and its owner.

Mornye: Efficiency first.

Mornye: I should look around first. There might be clues about the password.

Mornye: 7364, there.

Mornye: Keeping the password like this... Good thing Yngvar isn't one of my students.

Defeat the enemy trying stop your investigation

Discover the truth about the lab

Mornye: This is a Spacetrek Collective project proposal.

Mornye: "Evaluation result: Proposal not approved." And these marks on the devices...

Mornye: Looks like I'm going to need her help again.

Confront Alma

Mornye: Thank you. It's a pleasure working with you as well.

Mornye: So their plan wasn't just to disrupt the Heliogyre by unleashing the Void Storm in Bjartr Woods. They also planned to...

Yngvar: A scientist... crippled... It's you.

Yngvar: All I have to do is get rid of you!

Mornye: I'm not really good at dealing with this kind of conversation.

Mornye: Access to this lab, wearing Royan attire... You must be Yngvar, one of the successors to the Heliodic Six.

Yngvar: Heliodic Six. Ha, the Six.

Yngvar: Just because of my Resonance Ability would I be forced to spend my entire life trapped in that Heliogyre! They call it a Roya's highest honor, but did they ask if we wanted that fate?!

Yngvar: Everyone acts like they respect me, but the only one who truly wants to help me is that good lord from outside the tribe.

Mornye: From outside the tribe. You've joined forces with the Fractsidus?

Yngvar: Hah? What's that? Who cares?!

Yngvar: I just know that person promised that if I placed the device near the Solistree, my wish would come true.

Yngvar: Then I'd finally escape from this frozen wasteland and go start a new life in the New Federation!

Mornye: You have no idea what you're doing, and no idea who you're aligning yourself with.

Mornye: This project proposal comes from the Spacetrek Collective, dated ten years ago. It outlines an idea to use the Drive's emergency response mechanism to artificially make it fall from the sky.

Mornye: And the method for triggering this mechanism is to pollute the Solistrees' root system with Voidmatter, making the Reactor Drive determine that the Threnodian had breached the lock.

Yngvar: You–you're saying that because I dropped that device there, the Drive is going to...

Rover: Mornye, the Heliogyre is operational again. We can get the readings you need for the New Solar Ceremony.

Rover: But something happening out there isn't right.

Mornye: Yes. Once I've handled something here, I'll regroup with you.

Mornye: Move aside. Before the Drive falls completely, I need to go back to launch Helios.

Yngvar: Hahaha... No, his orders were clear. You don't go anywhere. After that, no matter what happens to Lahai-Roi, I'm going to the New Federation to start my new life!

Yngvar: You're just a cripple. I won't let you stop me now!

Mornye: It's been a while since I've heard someone talk like that. Since I had these legs, anyway.

Mornye: I've been told that in situations like this...

Yngvar: Ah—wait—wait a second!

Mornye: I should make my displeasure very clear.

Mornye: Alright... Now, it's about time I catch up with my mentor.

Hurry back to the Research Institute

Mornye: We need to get to Spacetrek Collective quickly. The Fractsidus tricked Yngvar into working for them, but their real goal is to send the Reactor Drive crashing to the ground.

Mornye: I've already alerted the Academy to evacuate the area around the impact zone. Before the Drive crashes, it is imperative that we successfully deploy and launch Helios.

Mornye: How were things on your end? Any danger?

Rover: All good. The Heliogyre is back online. I now have direct contact with Solisylum and can relay the data you need for the New Solar Ceremony.

Rover: It's time for the final step.

Mornye: We're running out of time. I'll use my Resonance Ability to create a more efficient path.

Mornye: Please, hold on tight.

Rover: Huh?

Ride back to the Research Institute

Rover: Mornye!

Mornye: Let's go, Mentor.

Head to the Artificial Sun Lab with Mornye

Mornye: The moment we launch Helios, we'll need the raw observational data from Solisylum. Are you ready?

Rover: Yes. The Shaper has already shared all the Heliogyre's data with me. I can access it anytime.

Rover: Everything's set. Let's complete our mission.

Head to the Artificial Sun Lab

Warren: Where is Anslem at a time like this?! Who else can calibrate Hyvatia?

Warren: Cody, Vance, examine the orbital status of Helios again. Also, the propulsion system needs to be double-checked!

Cody: Professor, do you really plan to launch it without the raw data?

Warren: I understand your concerns... but we're on the verge of a disaster. The Collective can't just sit by and watch it happen.

Warren: This is my decision as the supervisor of this project. I will bear the consequences.

Mornye: No need for that.

Mornye: We've established contact with the Roya tribe and obtained the Drive's raw data. We can proceed with the New Solar Ceremony as originally planned.

Warren: ...Professor Mornye?

Warren: Did you just say you managed to obtain the data? Wonderful news. I'll prepare the connective instruments for you—

Mornye: There's no need for us to continue pretending anymore.

Mornye: Warren... Or should I say, traitor aligned with the Fractsidus.

Warren: That is a serious accusation, Professor Mornye.

Mornye: I know. I meant it to be.

Mornye: You must be very familiar with this device, Warren.

Mornye: You handcrafted it to avoid leaving usage records... a clever idea.

Mornye: But since it is a "personal" creation... the marks left behind are like fingerprints.

Mornye: These are your marks. They've betrayed your deeds. Warren, you've desecrated the hard work of everyone involved.

Mornye: Anslem's experiment accident, your current position in the project... It seems the Fractsidus played a part in both, didn't they?

Warren: Tch, that is a lot of assumptions and conjectures. With no evidence, I could easily sue you for slander—

Mornye: You're right. All I have right now are assumptions and conjectures. But my ultimate goal isn't to have you face justice today.

Mornye: Once we've identified the suspects, we'll have plenty of time to gather the evidence.

Mornye: What I need in this moment... is for you to step down as supervisor of this project.

Mornye: The one taking over... will be me.

Mornye: One more thing. Your subordinate provided us with some key evidence already.

Lynae: You want me to testify against Professor Warren? That's practically perjury… Sure, I could work some verbal magic, but honestly, I don't even know who I'm dealing with on the other side...

Mornye: It is a dirty tactic, but it's effective. I'm confident in my analysis of those devices, but we'll need the university's verification to use them as evidence.

Mornye: In the limited time we have, the quickest way to detain Warren is your testimony.

Lynae: Professor Mornye...

Mornye: You can keep this recording. If I'm wrong, it'll be your guarantee later.

Mornye: Or... you can refuse.

Lynae: —Nice working with you, then.

Mornye: Thank you. It's a pleasure working with you as well.

Warren: (How did that traitor manage to...?!)

Mornye: I have already notified the Collective. The investigation will start soon.

Mornye: From here on out, Rover and I will be overseeing the launch procedure. All Spacetrek Collective personnel, to your stations!

Mornye: Rover, please input the Drive's raw observational data into Helios.

Rover: Shaper, can you hear me?

"The Shaper": Of course. To you have all the Heliogyre's readings been transmitted.

Rover: Then everything is ready. Let's commence with the New Solar Ceremony!

Launch Helios

Mornye: Helios launch sequence—initiating!

Operator A: Voidmatter Module calibration complete.

Operator B: Core energy system operation normal.

Operator D: Hatch doors opened. Propulsion system primed and ready.

Mornye: Helios is ready for launch!

Operator F: Pre-burner ignition successful!

Tone: 5, 4, 3, 2...

Mornye: Let our light... shine in the sky.

Operator G: Helios is approaching target altitude. Progress, 16%... 47%... 92%

Operator A: Warning! Light output decay exceeds expected rates. Critical threshold surpassed!

Operator B: Sensor failure detected. Data reading compromised!

Operator C: Auto-repair anomaly detected!

Operator D: Command unresponsive. Control program failure!

Cody: Cause found! The Hyvatia Detector's signals are jammed!

Cody: Large-scale, highly concentrated Voidmatter detected on the surface. It's surpassing the measurement threshold. Calibration can't continue!

Mornye: At a time like this...

Mornye: Adjust the measurement location. No, if the impact is this widespread, any adjustment would be pointless. Modify the detection components. No, even if theoretically feasible, there's no time to construct them.

Mornye: The launch failure is caused by the Detector's inability to measure the Drive's operating parameters. That's due to the high concentration of Voidmatter interfering with the readings.

Mornye: Hmm, that's not realistic. The only places that aren't affected by Voidmatter right now are Bjartr Woods and Startorch Academy under the protective barrier. Or the Institute thousands of meters above...

Mornye: Do we have spares for Hyvatia's measurement modules?

Cody: Uh-yes! Researcher Anslem left behind several prototypes. I'll go fetch one from the warehouse.

Cody: But what do you intend to do with them?

Mornye: The eyes of the gods have failed us. So have our machines. Now, we move forward with our own hands.

Defeat the Reactor Husk

Mornye: As expected, the Reactor Drive is protected by aggressive Exoswarm acting like the immune system.

Mornye: It appears to actively absorb surrounding Voidmatter to maintain the Drive's stability.

Mornye: Contact with its claws is highly hazardous. Be cautious.

Head to the falling Reactor Drive

Reach the Reactor Core and save Mornye

Discuss the recent developments with Lynae

Lynae: Rover, over here!

Lynae: But since I did it to make sure the bad guy didn't get away with anything, and I actually helped out—

Lynae: Well, once you have your suspect, the rest is easy. Plus, there's one teacher whose Forte can wring out the truth from anyone.

Lynae: But I do have Professor Mornye to thank for sending an official email that explained everything. That's the only reason they believed me.

Lynae: I guess that means it'll be harder to skip her classes now.

Lynae: Yeah, you're right!

Lynae: Let's go check on her. I bet knowing we're thinking about her will help her bounce back faster!

N.A.N.A.: Hello. May I ask if you are Rover?

N.A.N.A.: I'm here to inform you that Professor Mornye has just woken up.

Three days later.

Head to the infirmary

Mornye: Please wait, don't come in yet—

Mornye: Ugh... Ahh!

Mornye: Sorry, my body... I still can't move like I normally do.

Mornye: I've gone through rehab before, and it's been a while since this happened. Don't worry, I can handle this much on my own. Ugh...

Lynae: Professor Mornye, how are you feeling now?

Lynae: Dr. Herssen said you were in bad shape. It's great to see you've recovered a little.

Mornye: To be honest, at that time, I didn't think I'd make it.

Mornye: But... but when I was drifting in and out of consciousness, I thought I saw a girl with a light blue ring.

Rover: A light blue ring?

Rover: Can you describe what you saw in more detail?

Mornye: I... I can't be sure, but I think she protected me.

Rover: (It sounds like the girl Mornye saw is the same one I encountered when I first got to Lahai-Roi.)

Rover: (She's able to go up against the Threnodian herself, and appear in the Reactor Drive. She's connected with the Exostrider and the Threnodian in ways we still don't fully understand.)

Rover: (Figuring out who she is and what happened to her will be the next big task.)

Lynae: Rover? Rover—Hey, stop spacing out!

Lynae: Go for a ride!

Lynae: Nothing beats the wind on your face, especially when—

Lynae: The three of us still don't have a group picture!

Rover: Heh, a photo under the new Helios? Sounds like it'll make a good souvenir.

Mornye: Yes.

Mornye: Witnessing the rise of the new sun together. That's also the promise between the two of us, Mentor.

Witness the light of Helios

Mornye: Let's go.

Lynae: So? Not bad, huh?

Lynae: Back in the day, whenever I was stressed about the future, hanging out here always made me feel a little better.

Lynae: Look, now we can just enjoy the breeze without a care in the world!

Mornye: I used to think that when I saw this view, I'd cry because my wish would be fulfilled.

Mornye: But now, when I see Helios's light pouring over the land, with the ancient frostlands and people who've been here for only a few decades sharing the same warmth...

Mornye: I just think, what a beautiful sight.

Lynae: Well, let's scream that from the rooftops!

Lynae: To freedom!

Mornye: To civilization.

Rover: To new beginnings.