Gold Suspended in Shadows

Head to the dormitory

You remember the place Lucilla mentioned. It should be in the dormitory where you once went looking for Lynae.

You give Abby a gentle pat and step into the laughter and cheers of the Celebration.

Abby: The New Solar Celebration and riddles… Hm, sounds like a blast!

Abby: Here I was thinkin' we could use this chance to relax, but that Architect guy from the Fractsidus mentioned it too…

Rover: Yes. The Grand Architect treats everything happening here in Lahai-Roi as a game.

Nivora: Without you, the game in Lahai-Roi would be so boring! So... you get prizes!

Nivora: At the upcoming New Solar Celebration, among all the lovely students... stands a member of the Fractsidus.

Rover: A Fractsidus agent is hiding among the students, biding their time to strike during the celebration.

Rover: Maybe that's what President Lucilla wants to discuss.

Abby: Makes sense! But what's with the "one from afar" bit?

Rover: Probably a riddle.

Rover: Let's go see the President and find out what she's planning.

Find Lucilla

Lucilla: Mm, I see. I'll count on you, then, Dr. Luuk.

Lucilla: Ah, Rover's here. I'll brief him on the situation.

Abby: President Lucilla! Whaddya need us for? And what did you mean by "the one from afar who touches 'truth'"?

Lucilla: Why don't you take a guess? It means exactly what it says.

Rover: ...The one from afar is me.

Rover: And the "truth" that reveals the door of dreams is...?

Lucilla: You need a good pillow for a good sleep. When it comes to "dreams," that is the absolute truth.

Lucilla: A simple riddle, isn't it?

Abby: Okay... but what's that got to do with us? You didn't call us here to solve a riddle, right?

Lucilla: Think of it as the "Academy's reflection." It's a special Sonoro Sphere formed from the collective emotions of the student body.

Lucilla: It's an inseparable part of this place, a mirror into the thoughts of every student here... a reflection of their "youth."

Lucilla: "Youth"... a fascinating concept. So full of ideals and passion, but also anxiety and sorrow.

Lucilla: The Dark Side absorbs it all, reflecting their truest selves back at them. And that's not all.

Lucilla: Imagine the Dark Side as a vortex. Negative emotions like anxiety and sorrow form its eye.

Rover: They swell and collide, seeping into the students' minds. Over time, they come to affect the Academy itself.

Lucilla: Exactly. It's been troubling the Academy for some time.

Lucilla: Many of our students were hailed as "geniuses" back home, only to discover they're just one of many here. They've given their all, yet find the peak they once stood upon is now out of reach.

Lucilla: The Dark Side forces these young minds to face that "truth."

Lucilla: A harsh reality that can be difficult to accept.

Lucilla: In the end, the Research Institute found a way to confine the Dark Side within "riddles," turning it into a harmless game that students look forward to each year.

Lucilla: Solve a riddle, face your problems, and process the emotions festering in the Dark Side. That was the original purpose.

Lucilla: But recently, something's changed. Dr. Luuk has reported a sharp decline in students' mental states, as if they've been influenced somehow.

Lucilla: At the same time, I've detected a frequency in the Dark Side that doesn't belong to the Academy. It can't be traced or analyzed.

Lucilla: We need more information, but we're stretched thin. Between hunting for the Fractsidus agent, the celebration approaching, and dealing with the students' deteriorating mental health, it's not looking good.

Rover: The Grand Architect intends to create chaos in the Academy to conceal their true objective.

Rover: Looks like we'll have to investigate the Academy's Dark Side ourselves.

Rover: So this pillow… is the key to getting in?

Abby: Hehe, I see! This is our starting line!

Lucilla: Yes. Head in whenever you're ready.

Lucilla: I'll stay outside and keep in touch.

Explore ahead

Rover: So this is the Academy's Dark Side...

Lucilla: That's right. Do you see them? The floating astronaut helmets, along with the desks and chairs?

Lucilla: They are the students' delusions. They took root in the Academy and were shaped by their emotions.

Lucilla: Chapters in their "youth," you might say.

Lucilla: A pillow is an invitation to sleep, just as an alarm clock is a call to wake up. It is your key to leaving this place.

Lucilla: When the Institute bound the Dark Side, they took great care to ensure the students' safety. Every riddle has an answer.

Lucilla: And if the key proves elusive, there are always a few backup measures.

Lucilla: So, breathe easy.

Rover: There's someone ahead.

Lucilla: Likely a Reflection made by the Dark Side.

Lucilla: Hm, that particular student, though...

Talk to the Reflection

Student in Pain: The data's wrong no matter how you look at it! Wrong! Wrong! WRONG!

Student in Pain: You mean... I should just give up? But...

Lucilla: She's not talking to you, Rover.

Student in Pain: Right. It's not like anyone on the team would miss me anyway...

Lucilla: ...

Lucilla: She's no longer a student here.

Lucilla: I remember her. She once proposed a few research hypotheses. Brilliant, just headed in the wrong direction.

Lucilla: But she never could get past that.

Lucilla: The Dark Side absorbed her pain. And here it remains.

Hesitant Student: I'm so… so tired… I don't know what to do anymore.

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: Then why not stay? You've thought about it, haven't you?

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: Just give all your worries to me. Relax. Let me help you.

Rover: This voice is...

Lucilla: Track it down.

Listen to the Reflection

Explore ahead

Excited Girl: You're finally here, Sigrika! Took you long enough!

Excited Girl: You're always studying those runes and never have time for us!

Rover: (Sigrika... I've heard that name before.)

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: It's okay not to know.

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: Just stay here.

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: A break from thinking will feel so good.

Rover: These people are all talking to the same voice.

Rover: Is it influencing them?

Lucilla: Maybe... the signal...

Rover: President Lucilla?

Lucilla: ...Hello? Can you hear—

Lucilla: Find the clock... leave... wait for you outside...

Lucilla: ...

Rover: Signal's been cut off.

Abby: Be careful, Rover. Something smells off here.

Abby: I think it's coming from over there.

Rover: Let's go take a look.

Rover: A rabbit.

Rover: Looks like it's waiting for us.

Abby: These frequencies smell different now... Stay alert, Rover!

Talk to the Reflection

Nivora: That was amazing! I knew you could solve it!

Nivora: No matter what kind of riddle it is, you'll always find the answer!

Nivora: You really are a future Heliodic Six successor!

Rover: (Is that Nivora?)

Explore ahead

Talk to "Mother"

Gentle Mother: I believe in you, my dear girl.

Gentle Mother: You will become an excellent Solsworn.

Leave the room

Defeat the Tacet Discords

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: What's the point of working so hard...?

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: Why not just tell them you can't do it and quit, hm?

???: I hereby illuminate this rune—

???: Begone... at once!

Sigrika: Oh, I know you! You're that freshman who was muttering to himself in class.

Rover: How is it that you're here?

Sigrika: Me? I'm here to solve the riddles, of course!

Sigrika: The picture in my riddle led me here.

Sigrika: But everything's become a bit of a mess. Strange runes were scrawled all over the place. But I've almost figured it all out. The exit is just—

Rover: ...Behind you.

Sigrika: These runes again...

Sigrika: Come on. We're getting out of here.

Escape the Academy's Dark Side

Rover: What kind of riddle did you get?

Sigrika: A picture made of runes. What was yours?

Sigrika: Oh, this way!

Sigrika: I think this is the clock!

Quick! Press the alarm!

Return to the dormitory

Lucilla: Glad to hear it.

Lucilla: Tacet Discords… they have no business being in the Dark Side. It seems the situation is even more delicate than we thought.

Lucilla: And that student you met—

Lucilla: She's considered to be a "future Heliodic Six successor." An A-list student, brilliant in deciphering runes, and passionate about every aspect of Academy life.

Lucilla: Never one to hesitate to lend a helping hand. That kindness has earned her many friends.

Rover: Including Nivora.

Rover: I've seen them together several times. Nivora's Reflection also spoke of her.

Rover: We both know who Nivora really is.

Lucilla: You think Sigrika might be the one the Grand Architect was talking about?

Rover: She may have just entered the Dark Side by mistake.

Rover: Still… Nivorathe Grand Architect could have influenced her more than anyone else.

Rover: Besides, I'm curious about the riddle she received. She said it's some kind of rune picture.

Lucilla: I've reviewed every registered riddle for the New Solar Celebration. None fit that description.

Rover: Then we'll have to speak with her directly.

Lucilla: My thoughts exactly. The New Solar Celebration holds great importance for the Roya. You'll likely find her at the event venue.

Lucilla: Contact me if you need anything, Rover. I'll assist however I can.

Leave the dormitory

Head to the Celebration venue and find Sigrika

Lynae: Huh, Rover? Hey! Over here!

Talk to Lynae

Lynae: Oh, come on! Don't get all formal on me.

Lynae: But look at you! Still full of energy, I see.

Lynae: People seem so out of it these days. Like they've all just crammed for a month of exams in one night.

Lynae: Sigrika? Sure, I know her. We were in the same year. She saved my butt in Royan Cultural History. I never would've passed that exam without her.

Lynae: Now she's, like, my senior or whatever.

Lynae: She actually came asking about how we dealt with that Voidworm a while back.

Lynae: Said she wished she could've been there to help out.

Lynae: Oh, and she's planning to get your autograph, too!

Lynae: Since you're looking for her… oh, right! Let's go ask Denia!

Lynae: She's a friend of Sigrika's and is in charge of the celebration's entrance tickets. She might know where she's at.

Follow Lynae and find Denia

Lynae: Ah, there she is!

Head to the Celebration venue

Denia: She's not here. Probably off solving riddles again.

Isla: That's alright. To be honest, I don't think I can keep doing this anymore. Just... tell her I said thank you.

Denia: Made your decision? Well, no one's going to blame you. Not everyone's built like Sigrika.

Isla: How does she manage it? No wonder they call her a future Heliodic Six successor...

Denia: Your guess is as good as mine. Leaving? Hm, see ya.

Lynae: Hi, Denia! You know where Sigrika's at?

Denia: Here for her help too? You'll have to get in line. She's been running herself ragged with all these riddles lately.

Lynae: She's after "Minerva's Treasure" too? But isn't her sorting exam coming up? How's she handling all that?

Denia: You'll have to ask her. She's the one who has to live up to the whole "Heliodic Six successor" thing.

Denia: Personally? I'd just let it all go. Life would be way easier that way.

Lynae: Yeah, but then she wouldn't be Sigrika anymore.

Denia: Heh. Just wait here, you'll run into her soon enough. She's been in and out of the Dark Side all day. Those portals can open anywhere.

Denia: Who knows? Maybe she'll just fall out of the sky.

Denia: ...Like that.

Sigrika: ...Oh, Denia. Did Isla come by?

Denia: She did. Said to thank you. Looks like she figured things out on her own, so she doesn't need your help anymore.

Denia: Also, you've got visitors.

Sigrika: Upperclassman Lynae! You're back! I'm so glad! And this is… huh?

Lynae: You're the upperclassman now, Sigrika. Rover and I are just lowly freshmen.

Sigrika: M-Me? But I...

Sigrika: Wait—you're the Rover?! I can't believe you're still a freshman…

Sigrika: It's so great to finally meet you! I'm Sigrika. Lynae's told me all about you. I can't believe you're the one who took down the Voidworm!

Sigrika: So, what can I help you with?

Rover: Mind if we talk in private?

Lynae: In private? Uh-oh, sounds serious. You'd better help him out, Sigrika!

Rover: It's nothing serious. I just have a few questions.

Sigrika: Okay then, we should find a quiet spot...

Denia: Go see the Divinator. I'll get you tickets.

Sigrika: Good idea! I can pick up the new riddle while we're there. You're the best, Nia!

Denia: It's Denia.

Denia: Now off you go. Bye-bye.

Sigrika: Alright, alright. Let's head to the Divinator's place. See you later, Lynae!

Lynae: Yeah, I'll get back to work! Bye, Rover. And check your messages when you get a sec.

Lynae: See ya!

Sigrika: Let's get to the venue, Senior.

Enter Rabelle College and participate in the New Solar Celebration

Denia: A celebration of the new sun. For the Roya, it's like... the grand finale of a thousand-year duty.

Denia: I think life feels better without the extra weight.

Denia: Just ask her whatever you want to know. She'll help you, no doubt.

Denia: That's just the kind of predictably boring person she is.

Denia: Huh?

Check the Riddle Leaderboard

Sigrika: Um... Well... I'd like to get a clear photo of a bird. Yeah!

Sigrika: This one's good enough for me.

Sigrika: Denia said this year's theme is all about Royan culture. As a Roya myself, it'd be a shame not to take part.

Sigrika: A good friend of mine loved this event too. We used to solve riddles together.

Sigrika: I don't know where she is now, but I want to keep going, for her sake, until she's back.

Sigrika: I think she'd be happy if I did well!

Grade-Conscious Student: Look, Sigrika just passed your score.

Bored Student: That's a Heliodic Six successor for you. It's only natural.

Bored Student: It would be more of a shock if she couldn't solve them.

Sigrika: ...

Sigrika: Let's go.

Visit the Mind Dive Arcade

Sigrika: Interested? This is the Mind Dive Arcade. The games here are so immersive you can easily lose a whole day.

Sigrika: Then let's go see the Divinator first.

Find the Divinator

Sigrika: This is it. Denia found this spot. It's quiet, and not many people come here.

Sigrika: See? Perfect for a chat.

Sigrika: Senior, you... wanted to talk about what happened in the Dark Side, right?

Rover: (Until I know where she stands, I won't mention the Grand Architect.)

Rover: (I'll see what she has to say about the other topics first.)

Rover: Denia said you've been busy solving riddles lately.

Sigrika: Yes. It's great fun. I'd like to solve as many as I can before the celebration ends.

Rover: Notice anything unusual while you were in there?

Sigrika: Well, everything in there is unusual.

Sigrika: You know how they say the Dark Side reflects people's truest selves?

Sigrika: Once, I saw a black cat that wished to go home. It was a brilliant cat, with black wings to fly.

Sigrika: No, it disappeared in a hurry. Thinking about it now, it was probably someone's delusion.

Sigrika: Such strange, but fascinating experiences. I could spend an entire day in the Dark Side, leaving all my worries behind.

Sigrika: But the disturbances in there lately... You must have heard about them too.

Rover: So those things we saw yesterday…

Sigrika: Yes. Especially that rune that lit up out of nowhere.

Sigrika: See? If I just leave it like this, it's just a normal rune.

Sigrika: But, if I invoke its True Name...

Sigrika: …I can call forth the power sleeping within.

Rover: What invoked the one we saw before?

Sigrika: I have no idea... I tried to trace the source, but those runes seemed to come from nowhere.

Rover: It's worth a closer look. We should go back into the Dark Side.

Sigrika: Then we're going to need this.

Sigrika: Hello? Can you hear me, Didi? Wake up. It's Sigrika. Time to work.

Divinator: Didi… Scientific Divination Unit. The name "Divinator" is retained due to high student approval ratings.

Divinator: User login… Sigrika… Switching to Riddle Channel!

Divinator: If you would like a riddle, please answer my questions.

Rover: A Q&A? Really?

Sigrika: Deep space and the frostlands both represent the unknown... but I like warmer tones. They remind me of the sun.

Sigrika: You answered so quickly!

Sigrika: As for me... guess I'll have to work harder then.

Divinator: Didi... Analyzing data... Presenting results...

Analyze the riddles

Sigrika: Look! Here's the riddle.

Rover: It's a picture.

Sigrika: Yes. All of Didi's riddles are pictures. The way into the Dark Side is hidden somewhere in it.

Sigrika: Look at where the student is standing. Hmm, I think I recognize this spot...

Rover: What's she drawing?

Sigrika: Runes. This one represents the "sun." It's super important to us Roya.

Sigrika: The sun blesses the land with its light. Everyone, from the past to the future, gets to bask in its warmth.

Rover: But this sun seems to be feeding the monsters in the shadows, too.

Rover: Doesn't that seem wrong?

Sigrika: Now that you mention it... it does. And it reminds me of that rune we saw before.

Rover: Then we're on the right track.

Rover: Any other clues on the riddle?

Sigrika: Hmm... Oh, here! A line is written on the back—

Sigrika: Through me, seek the "gift"... seek the...

Sigrika: ...I've got it!

Sigrika: I think... it's telling us to find this sun.

Sigrika: For usthe Roya, the very first rune we ever learn, the most familiar one, is the sun.

Sigrika: To bathe in the blessing of sunlight is its own kind of inheritancegift.

Rover: In other words, finding the sun rune is our way into the Dark Side.

Sigrika: That's right. It's just like a game I played when I was little.

Sigrika: The elders of our tribe would hide runes all over Bjartr Woods, each one leading to the next.

Sigrika: All we had to do was follow the trail to find our way out of the forest.

Sigrika: And now, the sun is the first rune in our trail!

Sigrika: To solve this riddle, you're going to need a guide who really knows Royan runes.

Rover: (She's right. Otherwise, I'd waste too much time.)

Rover: (And if she's connected to the Dark Side's disturbances, it's best I keep an eye on her anyway.)

Sigrika: What's wrong? Don't think I can handle it, Senior? I'm pretty good, you know!

Sigrika: Great! You can trust me, Rover! Let's go find the answer!

Rover: (I should send this riddle to the President as well. She might find something we missed.)

Tell Lucilla about the riddles

Leave Rabelle College

Runes and shadows... The picture from the riddle comes to mind as you glance at a certain spot ahead.

Head to the location pointed by the riddle

Sigrika: When I met you in the Dark Side yesterday, I didn't realize you were the one in Lynae's stories.

Sigrika: She said you're very determined. You always do whatever it is you set your mind on.

Sigrika: I think that's amazing.

Sigrika: Do you have a camera?

Sigrika: Let me enchant it with a rune...

Sigrika: There! Now you should be able to see it too.

Sigrika: Here, try taking a picture.

Use Rune Camera to capture the hidden Runes

Rover: There it is.

Sigrika: A concealed rune won't escape these eyes.

Sigrika: Now, I'll illuminate its True Name.

Sigrika: If we follow its guidance, we'll find the answer.

Follow the guidance from the Rune

Sigrika: I spent so, so much time studying those runes.

Sigrika: Before I realized it, everyone had moved on to more important things… and the game had already ended.

Inspect the location where the Runes gather

Sigrika: See, all the runes lead to this place.

Sigrika: It has to be an entrance into the Dark Side.

Sigrika: Remember you asked what I was doing in the Dark Side yesterday?

Sigrika: I was there for the riddles. But what about you?

Rover: I'm looking into something important. I'm sorry, but I can't share the details with you yet.

Sigrika: Oh that's okay. Just tell me whenever you're ready.

Sigrika: Say cheese!

Do you really believe in yourself? Do others trust you?

Stay here, just stay here... stay with these feelings...

Everything will feel so simple. So simple. So simple...

Rover: What was that noise...

Sigrika: I heard it too. Not sure who was speaking, but… it made me feel uncomfortable.

Rover: Let's head that way and see what's going on.

Talk to Sigrika

Sigrika: Follow me. I've been here a few times.

Rover: ...There's a black hole on the blackboard.

Sigrika: Oh, that one. It's proof of all the tired students dozing off during early 8 o'clock lectures.

Leave the room through the Switchgate

Rover: It's a rune.

Sigrika: I just illuminated its True Name.

Sigrika: We can teleport from here now.

Head to the next room

Follow Sigrika

Rover: These are Reflections created by the Dark Side.

Sigrika: The deepest truths within them… So that's how they see me.

Explore ahead

Follow Sigrika

Solve the first riddle

Gentle Mother: Come, my sweet Sigrika. Solve this riddle.

Sigrika: Mother?

Gentle Mother: Use the ability that brings you such pride. Waiting is the path to your "gift."

Sigrika: ...

Sigrika: I never expected to see my mother's Reflection here.

Sigrika: She's always been proud of me… I won't let her down.

Rover: Let's take a look at this riddle together then.

Sigrika: Yes! We should be able to teleport from here. But… the Flow of its True Name is reversed.

Sigrika: I know… let's try this! This rune can correct it for you!

Pass through the Switchgate

Sigrika: We need to correct them.

Sigrika: That's it!

Wait for Sigrika to decipher the Runes

Sigrika: That rune looks similar to the one I saw yesterday.

Sigrika: I'll go decipher it.

Pass through the Switchgate

Gentle Mother: Forward you must go, my child.

Gentle Mother: Solve all the riddles, and an excellent Solsworn you will become.

Sigrika: …I understand.

Sigrika: No matter what the next riddle is, I will solve it.

Explore the classroom

Sigrika: I solved it! But why…

Gentle Mother?: Too slow, Sigrika… You should have done better.

Gentle Mother?: Are you feeling unwell?

Sigrika: I…

Rover: We've already solved this riddle. Nothing for you here, Tacet Discords.

Defeat the enemies

Sigrika: So this is what Mother thought when I wasn't good enough.

Sigrika: I don't want to disappoint her...

Rover: You are good enough.

Rover: We've solved the riddles. We already know our next move now.

Excited Friend: You're finally here, Sigrika! I've been waiting for you!

Rover: (Nivora… another Reflection tied to Sigrika.)

Sigrika: Sorry…

Excited Friend: It's fine, I'm used to it by now. So, figured out your wish yet? Once we crack these last riddles, we can make it come true!

Excited Friend?: Time's ticking, Sigrika—

Rover: (These Reflections keep pressuring her.)

Sigrika: Sorry, I—

Rover: Don't worry, Sigrika. You're not in this alone.

Sigrika: Riddle solved!

Excited Friend?: Still too slow, Sigrika. You spend all your time deciphering runes. When do you ever have time for us...

Excited Friend?: Or is it that you don't even have a wish? Is that why you can't focus?

Sigrika: I'm sorry… I'll try to be faster…

Rover: Breathe, Sigrika.

Sigrika: I am breathing. I just... if I can adjust the resonance equations, I can speed this up. Then the Tacet Discords won't show up, and I—

Rover: Even if they do, we'll deal with them together.

Sigrika: But Mother and Nivora… I'm letting them down.

Sigrika: If that's what they really think of me, then I have to—

Rover: It doesn't matter. They're only Reflections born of the Dark Side.

Rover: They've been targeting you from the start. Don't give them what they want.

Rover: See? The path is still forming, even with the Tacet Discords here.

Rover: That proves we're on the right track.

Follow Sigrika

Serious Senior: With your gifts, you should be much faster than this...

Sigrika: ...

Serious Senior: Sigrika... You can do it...

Sigrika: Faster this time... I have to be faster...

Sigrika: Yes, Sigrika, you can do this. These runes won't beat you...

Wait for Sigrika to decipher the Runes

Sigrika: Why are the runes interrupted... Am I too slow?

Sigrika: I need to clear the interruptions. But how should I do it...

Rover: I can help. It seems we can smash down from mid-air to clear the interruptions.

Use the Gravity Grapple Rune to alter gravity

Sigrika: Wait, I see it now! The gravity is reversed here. That grapple point will take us up.

Use Plunging Attacks to remove the disruptive Runes

Sigrika: By the Flow of their True Name... I will make this path!

Excited Friend?: Are you sure you can?

Gentle Mother?: You're pushing yourself too hard, my dear…

Serious Senior?: Do not waste your gifts.

Sigrika: …Ugh!

Sigrika: Are you alright, Senior?

Sigrika: Did you get hurt?

Head to to the last riddle

Rover: I'm fine. Are you?

Sigrika: I'm okay… but why did the rune explode? I… I lost control…

Solve the last riddle

Excited Friend?: Hmph... It's already the final riddle. Your last chance to prove yourself...

Serious Senior?: Tell me, what does a gift, or an endowment, mean to the Roya? I want to hear your answer.

Gentle Mother?: You can do this, my sweet child...

Sigrika: To us Roya, the sun is an endowment. For me, the sun is also the first rune I ever learned.

Sigrika: So it has to be the key to unlocking any gift.

Sigrika: That's it. I believe in my choice.

Sigrika: The answer... is the sun.

Sigrika: It's wrong? But why...?

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: A child who fails does not get to leave.

Rover: That voice again.

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: Sorrow, disappointment, self-doubt... Why do you still keep going...

Sigrika: No... my runes! They're not responding?!

Rover: Our attacks are useless. It's feeding on the surrounding energy!

Lucilla: There you are.

???: See? My little pet performed wonderfully, don't you think?

???: So, Rover, what will you do with all these emotions?

???: I'll be watching. I'm going to cherish every second... of the time you've bought me.

Explore the Academy's Dark Side

Luuk Herssen: All clear. No lasting harm. If the runes didn't answer, it's likely because your heart wasn't quite in the right place to call them.

Luuk Herssen: Do you still remember what I told you last time, Sigrika?

Sigrika: You said I should have more faith in myself.

Luuk Herssen: And not to push yourself too hard. Here, have a candy.

Rover: That song we heard… it felt nostalgic.

Lucilla: Fleet Snowfluff's songs always do bring a little warmth to the soul.

Rover: Aemeath...

Lucilla: When we tried to enter the Dark Side to help you, we found our frequencies denied. That thing hijacked it. Only students were allowed in.

Lucilla: So we had to get creative. Luckily, it can't control the emotions already inside.

Lucilla: Every emotion leaves a mark. The fan meeting you held not long ago left the students with plenty of happy memories. That song helped guide you right through that thing's blockade.

Sigrika: It's no ordinary Tacet Discord. What exactly is that thing?

Sigrika: I want to know what I saw in there.

Lucilla: What we can confirm is that the Tacet Discord was sent by the Fractsidus.

Sigrika: The Fractsidus?

Rover: Their Grand Architect tipped us off about their plans in Lahai-Roi, that he will play a game with us.

Luuk Herssen: It seems the "game" she referred to is this riddle event our students are so fond of.

Luuk Herssen: We've already tracked the participants. The effects of these riddles are already spilling into their real lives.

Luuk Herssen: Some abandoned their research projects. Others are lashing out at classmates... and a few have lost control entirely.

Luuk Herssen: These students have all become pawns in the Fractsidus's little show.

Rover: You're one of them, Sigrika.

Sigrika: Me?

Rover: Those riddles and Tacet Discords we encountered in the Dark Side were clearly targeting you.

Rover: I thought you might've been linked to the recent disturbances, but now I see you're just another victim.

Sigrika: What kind of game would do something like this?! We have to stop it. I can help you solve these strange riddles.

Sigrika: Professor, Senior, please let me...

Lucilla: You need to rest, Sigrika.

Sigrika: Why? Because I'm not good enough?

Lucilla: Because it's dangerous.

Lucilla: I see how determined you are. But I won't risk my students' safety.

Rover: Just take it easy for now, Sigrika.

Sigrika: Senior...

Sigrika: ...I see.

Luuk Herssen: I still think we should let her in on our plan. You know how desperately that girl craves validation.

Lucilla: We can. But not while she's like this.

Lucilla: You once said she lacks confidence, Dr. Luuk.

Lucilla: From where I'm standing, she has too much of it.

Lucilla: I see that she's a fighter. She believes she's capable of living up to everyone's expectations.

Lucilla: Or rather, she thinks she must. She may as well be walking a tightrope.

Lucilla: I've seen many students like her.

Lucilla: Every single one believed they could always be the best. That failure wasn't an option. So they pushed, and pushed...

Lucilla: Remember that student I mentioned, Rover? The one with the flawed but brilliant hypotheses?

Lucilla: She didn't just leave Startorch Academy.

Lucilla: The Academy... lost her for good.

Lucilla: She lost her balance on that wire.

Lucilla: That is exactly what the Fractsidus wants to dig their claws into.

Denia: Here you are, Siggy. Where's that new friend of yours? Let me guess... they're off planning something big, but didn't want you in on it?

Sigrika: I just wasn't good enough.

Denia: Here. Dusk Honeypot flavor. I know it's your favorite.

Denia: What if we just dropped the whole riddle thing? Or... is it about proving worthy of being a future Heliodic Six successor?

Sigrika: I just... don't want to let anyone down.

Lucilla: Every single student came to the Academy with a heart full of promise.

Lucilla: That promise is what keeps this Academy standing.

Luuk Herssen: We will not sit back and watch the Fractsidus exploit that. And let's not forget, the knowledge these students hold can shape the future of Lahai-Roi itself.

Rover: Which means we're in a race against time. That Tacet Discord was feeding on energy. If the Dark Side is a vortex of emotion, then that thing is the eye of the storm.

Rover: We have to find it.

Lucilla: You may want to stock up on the candy, Dr. Luuk.

Luuk Herssen: Can I apply for reimbursement?

Luuk Herssen: Anyway, Rover, just get some rest. We'll keep an eye on the Dark Side.

Luuk Herssen: Don't worry. This game won't end the way the Fractsidus intends.

For now, things have settled. While you wait for the next riddle, you've got some "free time" to yourself.

Sigrika: Senior, you're here!

Sigrika: I bought this for you. As a thank-you for your help lately.

Sigrika: That's right! This one is made specially for the New Solar Celebration. I had to wait in line forever to get it.

Sigrika: You never know what funny effect you're going to get! It's different each time. But it's supposed to help with relaxing.

Rover: ...It actually tastes pretty good. Wait—is that my voice?!

Sigrika: Can this really be?!

Sigrika: Let me try one too...

Sigrika: This one… tastes kind of weird—hic! Oh no—no, I wasn't—hic! Excuse me!

Sigrika: I have lungs, not gills—hic!

Sigrika: I—I can't—hic—make it stop!

Rover: ...

Rover: Abby.

Abby: Huh? Think you can just summon—Hey, what did ya just give me—?!

Abby: Chuuu?!

Sigrika: Hic—you sound like a Soliskin now!

Sigrika: This is so much fun! Maybe we should share them with others too!

Follow Sigrika

Denia: A celebration of the new sun. For the Roya, it's like... the grand finale of a thousand-year duty.

Denia: I think life feels better without the extra weight.

Denia: Just ask her whatever you want to know. She'll help you, no doubt.

Denia: That's just the kind of predictably boring person she is.

Denia: Huh?

Sigrika: Hic... Don't worry, it won't last long and—hic!

Rover: I'm okay. But you'd better take it easy...

Head to the entrance to the Celebration venue

Denia: ...If you're looking for a particular stall, find Lynae. If you're hurt, call N.A.N.A. If you lost something, bother that one running around in computers. Just don't bother me, kay?

Sigrika: But I'm here for you, Nia—hic!

Denia: Give me a break, Siggy. Can't a girl just enjoy the fresh air on a beautiful, class-free morning?

Denia: Oh, never mind. Your... excessive cheerfulness just ruined the vibe. Surprised you bounced back so fast. What do you want?

Sigrika: We want to—hic!

Denia: ...Do you want some water?

Rover: Sigrika wants you to try this.

Denia: Why does your voice sound like that?

Abby: Chuuu!

Sigrika: Just try it, Denia! Please?

Denia: …I refuse. The last time I tried your candy, I was shooting rainbow beams out of my eyes and mouth for four minutes and thirty-five seconds.

Sigrika: That was a research sample! This is real! Just trust me and try—hic!

Denia: Case in point. Can someone just solve the riddle of who made these strange candies in the first place?

Denia: If you must find someone to try it, look for Lynae. She'd probably love this stuff. Here, take your tickets.

Denia: Now shoo. See you.

Enter the Celebration venue

Walk around the venue to see if you can meet your friends

Find Lynae

Lynae: Hi, Rover! Hi, Sigrika!

Sigrika: Hello, Lynae—Hic!

Lynae: Why are you hiccuping, Sigrika?

Rover: We just had some Rainbow Bean Pop Rocks. Want to try?

Lynae: No way! Your voice is totally different! Gimme one, I gotta try this!

Lynae takes the candy under your watchful eyes.

Lynae: Oh, that's "awful"!

Lynae: Wait, that "is" what I meant...? Everything is "the same as" what I want to say... Huh?

Rover: It's making you say the opposite of what you're trying to say...

Lynae: Hahaha! This is "not" interesting, how "boring" is this!

Lynae: Aha, so you're taking a break, huh?

Lynae: In that case, you need to take a "bad" rest! Here, I "don't think you should " try this game I co-developed. We "shouldn't" play ten rounds!

Lynae: Raiding time!!!

Lynae: Alright. It's gaming time, Sigrika!

You watch them play. Lynae's hands fly across the screen with ease, while Sigrika scrambles to keep up. It's a welcome moment of peace.

Play games with Lynae and Sigrika

Lynae: Phew, I always "hate" playing games.

Lynae: Ahem, I mean... Never mind. You know what I was trying to say.

Sigrika: You can't talk normally, Lynae.

Sigrika: But don't worry, the effect won't last long. I've already stopped hiccuping.

Lynae: "It's not okay," talking like this is actually really "boring." I'm having a "terrible" time!

Lynae: …I'll wait for it to wear off before I say anything else.

Lynae: By the way, do you still have any candies left?

Sigrika: Of course! I bought plenty. Here.

Lynae: Thanks! This candy is "the worst." I want some other people to try it too, you know, share the "frowns"!

Lynae: Have a "bad" day, you two!

Sigrika: We will. Enjoy your day!

Sigrika seems pensive. Follow her to the second floor

Sigrika looks like something's on her mind. Maybe you should check on her.

Sigrika: Have a "bad" day... Have a good day...

Sigrika: Different words, but you can tell what she means. I guess it's because Lynae always speaks from the heart.

Sigrika: That's really nice.

Rover: So? Did you have a good day?

Sigrika: Hm? Your voice is back to normal.

Sigrika: Well, I guess I had quite a "terrible" rest.

Sigrika: Everyone's enjoying the celebration.

Sigrika: When I close my eyes, I can hear all kinds of voices around me.

Sigrika: Vendors calling out new kinds of Pop Rocks, students cheering about new records...

Sigrika: Some are singing, others are just laughing... It's so nice.

Sigrika: But... besides all that, I still hear other voices.

Sigrika: The ones from the Dark Side, when I let everyone down... they made me feel so lost.

Sigrika: After we got out, you told me to walk away. For my own safety.

Sigrika: But when I was alone, I remembered all the encouraging things people have always said to me.

Sigrika: "You're going to do great things." "You can solve any riddle." "You can do it." "You can prove yourself"...

Sigrika: Their words shone like molten gold. So radiant, and so... warm.

Sigrika: I don't want to be the one to drop them.

Sigrika: Hehe, I like that. The voice of my heart... I've never thought of that before.

Rover: But sometimes, you don't need to overthink what you do.

Sigrika: Don't overthink what to do… So you mean just—

Rover: Just do it.

Sigrika: ...

Lucilla: We have an emergency, Rover. Multiple students are trapped in the Dark Side.

Lucilla: I've already sent the coordinates.

Rover: The Fractsidus are making their move. The situation is serious.

Sigrika: I'm coming with you.

Rover: Alright. Let's go.

Find Lucilla

Talk to Lucilla

Lucilla: Good, you're here, Rover. And... Sigrika.

Sigrika: Professor Lucilla...

Lucilla: I know you want to prove yourself. But in your current state, I'm afraid I can't authorize it.

Lucilla: You must understand how dangerous this mission is. Our enemies hide in the dark, and we still don't know that Tacet Discord's weakness.

Sigrika: No, Professor. Please let me join.

Sigrika: I know you're worried, but I know the Dark Side better than anyone. How can I stand by when my classmates are trapped in there?

Sigrika: I can help you decipher the runes. I can be useful.

Lucilla: These are the students whose signals vanished while in the Dark Side.

Rover: Chisa...? She's trapped in there too?

Sigrika: And also Isla?! Why would she...

Lucilla: They were all in the dormitory hall. Someone must have activated a riddle, and the Dark Side pulled everyone in.

Lucilla: Mornye is already on it. I have her searching for the students' locations.

Lucilla: And this is what I found.

Sigrika: Another runic riddle.

Rover: "Receive the sunlight's blessing"... What could it mean?

Sigrika: It's referring to our rite of passage.

Sigrika: When a Roya is deemed ready to bear the tribe's expectations, we go to the Reactor Drive to be Imprinted.

Sigrika: The Drive leaves markings on our bodies. It is a blessing for the next stage of our lives.

Sigrika: Yes! Three years ahead of schedule. Impressive, right?

Lucilla: The Roya value the gifted and the strong. Adulthood is defined by passing the Imprinting Trial. It's a rite of great importance.

Sigrika: Yes, it's true. I still remember how thrilled I was the night before my Imprinting.

Sigrika: "I will be an adult." "Does that mean everything will finally come easier?"

Sigrika: I wonder if the girl in this picture thought the same. But it doesn't look like she's receiving a blessing... more like she's being chained by it.

Sigrika: What is the person who made this riddle trying to say?

Rover: (Just as I thought, there's something written on the back.)

Sigrika: "Don't think, don't look. To escape from emotion, one must break the chains of expectation."

Rover: "The chains of expectation"... That fits the picture. What if this rune is another ticket into the Dark Side?

Rover: Sigrika, can you decipher it and find the entrance?

Sigrika: No problem.

Rover: Then we're going in and bringing everyone back.

Lucilla: Wait.

Sigrika: Professor Lucilla, I—

Lucilla: I won't stand in your way if your mind is made up. But you will take this.

Rover: ...Her record.

Lucilla: Indeed, I do.

Lucilla: Don't let the shadows inside get the better of you.

Lucilla: Come back safe. Both of you.

Follow the guidance from the Rune

Sigrika: Huh? The trail of runes is leading straight to my dormitory...?

Sigrika: I haven't tidied up... Er, please don't laugh when you go in, okay?

It looks like Sigrika's diary, better not read it for now...

Investigate Sigrika's photo

A photo of Sigrika, Denia, and Nivora. "Best Friends Forever!"

Investigate Sigrika's diary

Explore around to find the Dark Side's entrance

Sigrika: Hiding the way in a drawer? I never imagined this would be a good place to store all those emotions...

Sigrika: Guess we'll have to squeeze our way in!

Rover: (This place… it looks almost the same as last time.)

Sigrika: Senior, Professor Mornye is calling.

Mornye: …Good. I've regained partial control over the Dark Side. Several areas are stabilizing.

Mornye: I've found a few of the students. I'm sending their coordinates to your Terminal now.

Lucilla: We're counting on you to bring them back, Rover.

Find the missing student

Sigrika: This Tacet Discord is just like the one we saw before!

Noisy Voices: STAY... STAY...

Noisy Voices: STAY HERE... STAY...

Find the missing students

Sigrika: We found you, Chisa!

Chisa: ...Ah, hello.

Chisa: One moment. I'm analyzing this piano. If we integrate an electric grill into it and map each key to a control knob...

Chisa: ...Apologies. I was simply occupying my time after getting lost.

Sigrika: How did you end up here, Chisa?

Chisa: The reason is unclear. I was en route to submit a project to the Student Council, but a debate was occurring, so I was waiting nearby.

Chisa: Then I suddenly felt dizzy. When I opened my eyes, I was here.

Chisa: I see you're already familiar with this place. Yes, I did see a few shadows from the past. They turned into Tacet Discords and came at me.

Chisa: Shadows like that can't hold me. Though... I still haven't found a way out.

Chisa: But that's okay. I can tell you have a plan for that.

Sigrika: Yes. We're here to rescue you and the others trapped inside. Let's get out together.

Chisa: I'll come with you. And I'd like to help, too.

Chisa: Glad to fight with you again, Rover.

Sigrika: You fought together before?

Chisa: Yes. Back when we were in Honami. We'd cut through the roads and dash across the city.

Sigrika: That's so cool…

Defeat the enemies

Chisa: Those disturbing shadows again. Stay alert, everyone.

Surprised Student: What's that voice? Why did this happen… What do we do now?

Calm Student: Calm down. We'll find a way out of this.

Sigrika: Found them. Over there.

Find the missing student

Talk to the students

Chisa: Are you alright?

Calm Student: Yeah, we're fine.

Calm Student: We have no idea. Isla is one of our core members. We even gave her a key task for the celebration.

Calm Student: She's always done great work, but lately… She disappeared for days. Left everything unfinished.

Calm Student: We were worried, so we went to talk to her.

Calm Student: But she ran away the moment she saw us. I chased after her, trying to get answers, and then...

Calm Student: Everything went black. Next thing we knew, we were here.

Surprised Student: Why is this happening? Sobs... WHY?!

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: This is all your doing.

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: Your expectations are the chains that bound her...

Surprised Student: This voice again... This voice again...!!!

A Voice That Doesn't Belong Here: Stay... Stay here...

Surprised Student: Aaaaaahhhh—!

Rover: Watch out.

Defeat the enemies

Rover: These Tacet Discords manifested from the students' emotions.

Sigrika: Be careful. They look stronger than before.

Chisa: Let's finish them quickly.

Sigrika: That's all of them!

Sigrika: But they might regenerate soon. We can't stay here.

Rover: Mornye, we need a safe zone. Now.

Mornye: I've located one already.

Rover: Chisa.

Chisa: Mm, I'll keep these students safe.

Sigrika: Everyone, follow the rune path I've laid down.

Sigrika: Senior, let's go find Isla.

Find Isla

Sigrika: Oh, look! Rabbits!

Catch up with the rabbit

Sigrika: There are two of them!

Rover: We'll split up and follow them.

Split up and catch up with the rabbit

Catch up with the rabbit

Rover: Did the rabbit… get bigger?

Rover: No. I've just gotten smaller.

Rover: Looks like I can make sound waves by smashing into the ground.

Rover: This microphone might come in handy.

Sigrika: You're here!

Sigrika: Thank goodness you're safe.

Sigrika: Everything suddenly looked so huge... Well, guess I just shrank.

Rover: It definitely helped us see the world from a better angle.

Sigrika: Isla came to me before, but I was too busy solving riddles. Then I heard she didn't need my help anymore… What happened during these days?

Find Isla

Isla: Are you here to take me back? Please, just leave.

Sigrika: What's wrong, Isla? Please, let me help.

Isla: Help? No. I'm fine right here. Better than fine.

Isla: I don't have to think. I don't have to look at anything.

Isla: You saw it, right? The projects, the assignments... an endless chain. One after another after another.

Isla: I'm so tired of it all.

Isla: I keep asking myself, why does it all have to fall on me?

Isla: "You're so capable." "You're so important." "You're so talented." "You can handle it." Blah, blah, blah... How am I supposed to be all of that at once?

Isla: Hey, I'm talking to you... "future Heliodic Six successor." You hear those voices too, don't you? So tell me. What's your answer?

Sigrika: ...I will live up to everyone's expectations.

Isla: Is that so?

Isla: How do you expect to keep living up to everyone's expectations, Sigrika?

Isla: I've been meaning to ask you. As a future Heliodic Six successor, you're expected to attend all classes, research every rune, and calculate the sun's path… Don't you ever get tired?

Isla: And then I saw you in the Dark Side.

Sigrika: Me...?

Rover: Do you mean her Reflection?

Isla: Yes. I saw what you really feel. And it's the same as me.

Isla: Sorrow, disappointment, self-doubt… Those emotions didn't just fade away, even after passing the Imprinting Trial. And when everyone's expectations keep piling up, higher and higher… they start feeling like heavy chains.

Isla: I heard you say it. You said you wished you could let it all go.

Sigrika: That's not true! No, I actually—

Isla: Why are you trying to drag me back? Answer me. All these chains... how do you intend to break them?!

Sigrika: ...What's the right thing to do? I...

Rover: There's no perfect answer to that.

Rover: She's looking for one, but it's not ours to give.

Rover: All we can ever do is try our best.

See the joy of those gifted with talent

Talk to Isla

Isla: When did the Student Council work start feeling like a weight? I can't even remember... but I kept doing it anyway.

Isla: Why? You should know that better than anyone, future Heliodic Six successor.

Sigrika: You're... you're afraid to imagine what happens if you stop.

Isla: Exactly. What would they think or say if you let them down?

Isla: Do they comfort you, tell you it's okay? Or blame you and ask why you couldn't do better?

Isla: I don't want to think about it anymore.

Rover: No matter what we say, the choice still has to be yours.

Rover: But if you stay here, nothing will ever change.

Rover: What we can do is get you out of here.

Isla: Leave? And face everyone's anger? Their pity?! Their disappointment?!

Sigrika: Oh no, look out!

Defeat the enemies

Isla: I ran away... so why am I still hurting?! What am I supposed to do?!

Isla: You... Heliodic Six successor... You're supposed to understand! You of all people...!

Lucilla: Sigrika, why don't you answer the question… Sigrika?

Sigrika: I, um...

Lucilla: ...Take a seat, Sigrika. You've been distracted lately. Your grades are slipping. Is something wrong?

Denia: The lecture ended a while ago, Siggy. Why are you still here?

Sigrika: The question… I couldn't figure out the answer.

Nivora: Don't worry, Siggy. Whatever it is, I'm sure you can solve it.

Nivora: You're a Heliodic Six successor, remember? Even the riddles of "Minerva's Treasure" are nothing to you!

Isla: What now, "future Heliodic Six successor"? Still planning to keep struggling under that title?

Isla: Still brave enough to promise everyone you'll always be the best?

Sigrika: I'm… still in the Dark Side.

Sigrika: Who are you?

Isla?: Who am I...? Haven't the riddles shown you already?

Isla?: You've never dared to imagine yourself failing. You fear their comfort… just as much as their blame.

Isla?: Is it because you lack the confidence to face falling short? Or because you're arrogant enough to believe you ever could?

Sigrika: You... how do you...?

Isla?: How can I know this?

Sigrika?: Because I am you.

Sigrika?: Haven't you wondered? Why Isla saw you in the Dark Side? Why all those riddles mirrored your life?

Sigrika?: Every change in the Dark Side, every strange whisper you heard, every Tacet Discord you faced…

Sigrika?: They all came from you, Sigrika.

Sigrika?: ...And you, you'll always end up back here.

Explore the Academy's Dark Side

Rover: Sigrika?

Sigrika: I failed… I couldn't do it… I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry…

Rover: It's not your fault, Sigrika. What did you see in the Dark Side?

Sigrika: I don't know. It's all wrong... Why... Why is this happening...?

Sigrika: It felt like a nightmare... No, not a nightmare. It was all real.

Sigrika: It's all my fault. The Tacet Discords, the riddles… all the disturbances in the Dark Side are coming from me.

Sigrika: I'm not brave enough to face failure, so I tell myself I can handle everything. I'm terrified of letting everyone down… of not living up to expectations.

Rover: It was just a nightmare. We got out with those students, remember? You did everything you could, and you did well.

Sigrika: Was it… really just a nightmare?

Sigrika: That voice, the one telling us to stay… I know who it is now.

Sigrika: It's me...

Sigrika: I was the one who made it. That's why I could solve the riddles and see those Tacet Discords. It told me... I would always end up back there.

Sigrika: What should I do to stop it from getting worse?

Rover: There's no "right" answer I can give you.

Rover: But whatever you decide to do, I'll be there to help you.

Sigrika: ...But isn't that just relying on someone else?

Rover: No. The fight is yours to finish. But you won't be fighting it alone.

Rover: You once told me that you hear so many voices when you close your eyes.

Rover: The things you heard in the Dark Side aren't so different from what I'm telling you now. They're all just... voices.

Rover: What matters isn't how they make you feel, but what you choose to do after hearing them.

Sigrika: Even if what I choose ends up making things worse?

Rover: Even then, it'll be okay. At least we've tried our best till the end and have no regrets.

Rover: I know someone who saw her own end coming from a mile away. Someone very dear to me. But she walked right toward it, towards her own sacrifice.

Rover: She wanted to save the world. In the end, she kept her promise.

Rover: What she did... I couldn't judge. Still, I saw her resolve and courage. Those could never be wrong.

Rover: And I... I'm far from perfect. There are things I can't do, either.

Rover: But no matter what happens, I won't regret the choices I've made.

Sigrika: ...

Sigrika: So I should try? Even if I might fail?

Sigrika: Senior, I... need some time to think about this.

Leave for now and let Sigrika rest

The girl lowers her gaze by the bedside, crying quietly. Maybe she needs some time alone with her thoughts.

Reply to Lucilla's WavesLine message

The invitation is oddly timed, but you decide to head to the meeting spot anyway.

Accept Lucilla's invitation and head to the Academy's screening room

Lucilla: Right on time. The movie is about to start.

Lucilla: Come on, Rover. Let's go inside.

Enter the screening room

Find Lucilla

Watch the film with Lucilla

Lucilla: It does. I actually spoke with her after the incident.

Lucilla: She asked what I would do if I were in her place.

Lucilla: I told her I'd do everything within my power not to leave behind any regrets.

Lucilla: But I can say that from the comfort of my experience.

Lucilla: It must have hit her hard.

Lucilla: She's spent so long trying to live up to others' expectations, she's forgotten she needs to face her own first.

Lucilla: And that takes a different kind of courage.

Lucilla: Yes. Mornye confirmed that the abnormal frequency matches the Tacet Discord you encountered. It's the source.

Rover: Now we can finally drag that shadow into the light.

Lucilla: Precisely. It told Sigrika she would always return. To make that happen, it will have to issue a new riddle.

Lucilla: As for the rest, that's up to Sigrika now.

Lucilla: …Look. Even this movie's protagonist is choosing to go back to where it all began.

Lucilla: After everything she's been through, she still chooses to face what she once ran from.

Lucilla: A fitting ending, don't you think?

Leave the screening room

Read Lucilla's WavesLine message

Rover: A new riddle's out… I should tell Sigrika.

Invite Sigrika

Rover: (No reply from her... guess I'll go see the Divinator myself first.)

Head to the New Solar Celebration venue

Find the Divinator

Head to the Divinator

Sigrika: Mm-hmm.

Sigrika: I've been talking to a lot of people lately.

Sigrika: Lynae told me about her past and how she felt lost before she came to Startorch.

Sigrika: But she's happy with her life here now.

Sigrika: Professor Lucilla said that no matter what happens, she believes I can face it. I'm not alone in this. With you, with her, with Dr. Luuk… none of us will let the Dark Side ruin the Academy.

Sigrika: And Denia... She just told me to drop it all and make life easier for myself. That's just her way of caring.

Sigrika: And you, Senior... I remember every word you said to me.

Sigrika: All your voices are like gold... I've been holding them close, thinking.

Sigrika: If I'm the one who made the Dark Side like this, then going back and solving riddles is exactly what the Fractsidus wants, right?

Sigrika: But if I stop now, will the "eye" of the vortex become someone else, and trap them like it trapped me in the Dark Side?

Sigrika: Each of these riddles... is a reflection of my own fears and doubts. Do I run away from it all, or do I go face "myself" in the Dark Side?

Sigrika: Didi, please show me the new riddle.

Divinator: Dididi... to solve the riddle, first—

Sigrika: No, Didi. Just give it to me.

Sigrika: There's only one line on it...

Sigrika: "Go now. To where the revelry began, and face your true heart."

Sigrika: Then it's beginning... must be the entrance to the celebration venue?

Rover: Let's go check it out.

Head to the entrance pointed by the riddle

Sigrika: Look, the entrance rune is there.

Find the Rune at the entrance

Sigrika: A little.

Sigrika: This last riddle says I'll have to face my true heart.

Sigrika: But… what will it look like? My failures? The cost of running away? Or maybe…

Sigrika: Look at me, Senior.

Sigrika: If it gets to that point, make sure to wake me up, okay?

Sigrika: Say cheese!

Rover: (Is this... Sigrika's dorm?)

Sigrika: Let's try looking for "my true heart" here, Senior.

Investigate Sigrika's room

Investigate the diary

Sigrika: Everyone says, "She's a future Heliodic Six successor. She has to be the best."

Sigrika: So I made sure every rune calculation and deciphering was perfect, and my grades were always at the top of every class.

Sigrika: I didn't miss a single course.

Sigrika: I paid attention in every lecture, studied for every exam.

Sigrika: I worked so hard to keep up, but… there's just so much to learn. It feels endless...

Sigrika: Sometimes I can't help wondering, how is anyone supposed to learn it all?

Sigrika: …Ugh. That's not the answer, is it? Let's look somewhere else.

Investigate the photo

Sigrika: Don't look at that.

Sigrika: I... I don't need photos like that.

Sigrika: Nivora always told me I could do anything because I'm a future Heliodic Six successor.

Sigrika: And Denia always says I should ease up a little.

Sigrika: No matter what I do, they're always there to support and comfort me.

Sigrika: Their trust means so much to me. But the more they give it...

Sigrika: The more terrified I am of messing up. Of seeing disappointment in their eyes.

Sigrika: It's that fear that kept me pushing forward…

Sigrika: If… if I were all alone from the start, I wouldn't need to worry so much. Wouldn't it be easier?

Talk to Sigrika

Sigrika: Still nothing here...

Sigrika: Maybe we should just rest and wait for the professors to find us.

Rover: Do you think this riddle has an answer, Sigrika?

Sigrika: …I don't know. Think about it, should finding an answer really be so important?

Rover: The Sigrika I know would still look for it.

Rover: She might lose her way, or feel nervous, but she'd never turn away from a riddle.

Sigrika?: …How strange.

Sigrika?: I'm only saying what she already thinks.

Rover: Those fears are a part of her, but she'll push her way through them to find an answer.

Rover: She wouldn't wish this all away.

Rover: The Sigrika I know always chooses to move forward.

Catch up with the rabbit

Rover: These words are haunting Sigrika.

Rover: She's lost in a nightmare now. I have to wake her up.

Sigrika?: See? You've failed. For real this time.

Sigrika?: You let everyone down. Again and again, they trusted you. They believed you were destined for greatness.

Sigrika?: What a shame. You were always going to disappoint them. Your gifts were only going to lead you this far.

Rover: Don't listen to her, Sigrika! It's just a nightmare!

Sigrika?: Admit it… doesn't that sound better?

Sigrika?: No more crushing expectations from family or friends.

Rover: Stand by your choice.

Sigrika?: No more endless questions from professors. No more pressure to be more.

Rover: You move forward on your own terms!

Sigrika?: Oh, and your dear Senior... you don't need to bother with his expectations either.

Head to the depths of the vortex

Sigrika: Huh…? Am I… back in reality? But why...

Sigrika: Is the celebration over? What is...?

The voices that grieve because of you

Lynae: How could this happen…?

The tears shed in pain because of you

Isla: It's all because of you, Sigrika!

Lynae: How could this happen…?

Sigrika: What happened, Lynae?

Lynae: What happened?! You destroyed the Academy!

Lynae: Why did you insist on going back into the Dark Side? Why did you have to solve those riddles?!

Lynae: It's all gone… everything's gone!

Sigrika: No... please, no...

The anger that rose because of you

Denia: I didn't realize the runes could explode...

Isla: It's all because of you, Sigrika!

Isla: You failed to solve those riddles! You let the Dark Side tear through the Academy! Everyone... everyone's like this because of you!

Isla: Why?! You're a future Heliodic Six successor! Why didn't you stop it?!

Talk to Denia

Denia: All this time, Sigrika, and you never told me the runes could explode.

Denia: How stupid I was to think we'd be best friends for life... I told you to stop chasing those riddles.

Sigrika: No, Denia! Please, listen to me—

Denia: Did you ever listen to me? I'm so disappointed in you, Sigrika.

Check on the student ahead

Sigrika: Senior, w-what happened? Did I...

Sigrika?: It's your fault, of course!

Sigrika: You again... So I'm still in the Dark Side. None of this is real.

Sigrika?: Wrong. This is reality.

Sigrika?: You failed. The Dark Side swallowed the Academy whole. And now—look around! I'm everywhere!

Sigrika?: What do you say, Sigrika? See? You failed again. And this time, it's real.

Sigrika?: You let everyone down. Again and again, they trusted you. They believed you were destined for greatness.

Sigrika?: What a shame. You were always going to disappoint them. Your gifts were only going to lead you this far.

Sigrika?: You knew it all along.

Sigrika?: So why not just give up?Don't listen to her, Sigrika! It's just a nightmare!

Sigrika: Give up...

Sigrika: Those voices...

Sigrika?: See those pictures? Look familiar?

Sigrika?: The you in those frames worked so hard…

Sigrika?: But what did it get her?

Sigrika?: Why keep pushing when you're this exhausted? Why not just walk away from it all from the very beginning?

Sigrika?: See for yourself.

Sigrika?: You would no longer be haunted by their cheering.

Sigrika?: The duties and expectations they placed on you would never become chains.

Sigrika?: And all those tears you cried studying through the night... they'd be gone.

Sigrika?: Admit it… doesn't that sound better?

Sigrika?: No more crushing expectations from family or friends.Stand by your choice

Denia: Or is this really about proving yourself after all?

Lynae: You need to take a "bad" rest.

Sigrika?: No more endless questions from professorsYou move forward on your own terms!. No more pressure to be more.

Lucilla: No matter what happens, you, me, Rover, Dr. Luuk... we won't let the Dark Side ruin the Academy.

Sigrika?: Oh, and your dear SeniorWake up! Sigrika!... you don't need to bother with his expectations either.

Rover: The Sigrika I know would always choose to keep going.

Sigrika: ...Enough.

Sigrika: Maybe you were right about some things. I have asked myself—

Sigrika: Why do I have to live up to everyone's expectations?

Sigrika: People say I'm gifted, but it's not like I can just solve everything effortlessly.

Sigrika: Their expectations are like gold. Bright, warm... yet heavy.

Sigrika: I've never dared to imagine myself failing, scared of seeing the disappointment on everyone's faces. But now I understand—

Sigrika: As long as I keep moving forward, I'm the one holding that goldexpectation.

Sigrika: A friend once told me to "try our best till the end and have no regrets."

Sigrika: "Even if there are things I can't do"—Well, I'm going to do them anyway!

Sigrika: Because then I'll get to see my friends smiling and cheering.

Sigrika: So stop trying to twist what I feel.

Sigrika: You don't get to tell me what I think, or discredit my hard work!

Sigrika: My friends would never blame me for coming up short.

Sigrika: All this time... I was the one holding myself back!

Sigrika: So from now on, I only do what I want to do!

Sigrika?: Why? What can you possibly do?

Sigrika: I can erase you.

Rover: And she's not alone.

Denia: Hmph, really?

Denia: Her life would've been a lot easier if she had just run away.

Denia: But... I guess finding her own answer works, too.

Denia: Hey! They promised not to use that!

Denia: Meh, never mind. They should be fine.

Defeat the Vortex's Eye

Explore the Academy's Dark Side

Sigrika: Thank you, Senior.

Sigrika: When I close my eyes now, I still hear everyone's hopes for me. But I hear something else, too. Their laughter and cheers.

Sigrika: It's like gold flecked with starlight. It tells me...

Sigrika: ...That everyone loved the celebration.

Sigrika: I think that's the answer to the final riddle.

Luuk Herssen: I'd say this calls for the special candy.

Sigrika: Are these... Rainbow Bean Pop Rocks?

Luuk Herssen: With an improved formula. Not on the market yet.

Sigrika: So the one who makes these is—?

Luuk Herssen: Shhh... Our little secret.

Lucilla: Again with the candy, Dr. Luuk? I'll be confiscating the extras.

Lucilla: Well done, both of you. The vortex in the Dark Side is almost gone, and we've already reclaimed our access control from that Tacet Discord.

Rover: (Not completely...?)

Lucilla: For now, just enjoy the celebration.

Lynae: Sigrika! Over here! Chisa's getting a new top record!

Sigrika: Coming! You need to try this, Lynae—it's the new Rainbow Bean Pop Rocks!

Lucilla: Rover.

Rover: The Grand Architect's game isn't over yet.

Lucilla: Yes. There are still more shadows to deal with.

Sigrika: Senior, we're over here!

Lucilla: Go now.

Sigrika: There's a white bird here! I've spotted it several times, but there's no record of it. It's definitely a new species!

Sigrika: Hey, Senior... look over here.

Sigrika: In three... two... one...

Sigrika: Say cheese!

Meet your friends

Things have finally begun to settle. Time to actually enjoy the celebration while you can.

Sigrika: Almost done over here! Good thing you two came to help.

Lynae: Easy-peasy! If anything comes up, just gimme a shout.

Chisa: And me.

Chisa: It's a souvenir ticket for the New Solar Celebration.

Sigrika: Means the celebration is officially over. We didn't have the "Minerva's Treasure" wishing ceremony this year, so the Student Council made these instead. Isla wanted everyone to have something to remember the event by.

Sigrika: Denia was supposed to hand them out, but she's taken a few days off. Odd that Nivora's on leave, too. I wonder if they planned it...

Sigrika: There's so much to do, even with these simple tasks. I'm just glad to have your help.

Chisa: It's nothing. I actually came here hoping to find a location to rebuild that polymorphic thermocyclic composite roasting device.

Chisa: Too bad there isn't one. If there's ever another event like this, I'll make a wish to test some new devices in the Academy.

Sigrika: My wish is—

Sigrika: Heh, I'm keeping it a secret for now! You'll find out what it is once it comes true.

Lynae: Since when did you learn to tease people like that, Sigrika?

Sigrika: Consider it a riddle! Some wishes are better kept to yourself... don't you think?

Lynae: I'd rather find out right now. Chisa, get her!

Chisa: On it!

Sigrika: Hey! No cheating!