Beneath a Melting Night Sky

Read Sigrika's WavesLine message

Check on Denia

Denia has awakened from her dream

Nivora: She's right, little one... You might still have a way out.

Nivora: Because your suffering is nothing like hers. It cannot make you stronger, but neither will it last...

Nivora: Enough staring at the dead bird, Denia.

Denia: Why did you kill it?

Nivora: What's worthless doesn't deserve to continue, see? That was mercy.

Nivora: Just hours ago, you accepted Aleph-1's gift, the first in this world to do so. Now tell me, how did it feel?

Denia: I felt... nothing.

Nivora: So, nothingness. The void. The dark... Our good old friends.

Nivora: But why do you tremble, Denia? Everything begins in the void. And you, most of all, should find it cosy...

Denia: Why... did you kill it?

Nivora: Heh... Self-awareness. A lamentable flaw in the course of evolution.

Nivora: Now, look up, Denia. What do you see?

Denia: ...The void... and the dark.

Nivora: Good. Remember what you've seen.

Nivora: You will accept them, Denia. Become one with them. This is the world's first gift to you, and its last.

White text on black screen

In time, we will all meet again in eternal darkness.

Denia has awakened from her dream

Denia: No...

N.A.N.A.: Vital signs indicate sustained recovery. Voidmatter activity remains within normal parameters. Target frequency has not yet returned to the syntony level. Initiating secondary protocol.

N.A.N.A.: Can you hear my voice, Denia?

Check WavesLine

Head to the infirmary

Abby: So, Denia... You think she's alright?

Rover: (Denia... The Fractsidus made no move while she was unconscious. Have they really abandoned what they worked so hard to achieve? Or are they biding their time for something else?)

Rover: Let's go see for ourselves.

Accept the commission

Arman: Rover is here. Yes, I understand. Please rest assured.

Arman: Sorry to pull you in on such short notice, Rover. I'm Arman, I sent the message. The situation's worse than we anticipated, so I'll keep it short.

Rover: How's Denia?

Arman: She's... awake. But just as we feared, the Fractsidus did something to her.

Arman: No idea. There's not enough time to even determine whether it's physiological... or caused by the Threnodian.

Arman: The New Federation is pressing charges over the Stridergate incident and the residual frequency on the Dimmr Plains. They want Denia handed over immediately.

Arman: We didn't comply, of course. Denia was a Startorch Academy student. Sending her there would turn her into a mere research subject... and cost us our only chance to reach the truth or contest the charges.

Rover: I see the picture... When you say "contest the charges," are you suggesting Denia is the key to breaking this stalemate?

Arman: Exactly. First, her connection to the Voidborne Threnodian has enormous research value. Even with the Stridergate sealed, she could open new directions for Voidmatter science.

Arman: And based on I.R.I.S.'s review of our prior interactions, Denia likely knows the source of the Threnodian frequency on the Dimmr Plains. The reason why her condition is worsening, too.

Arman: If she is willing to cooperate, we can resolve this before the New Fed forces our hand. We treat her. She helps with the report. It'll be a win-win, ideally.

Rover: Sounds like that didn't go very smoothly.

Arman: No. She's been... resistant. To any form of contact.

Arman: This is where we need you, Rover. I'm sure you understand, mental stability is a prerequisite for frequency control. You have prior contact with her, and... your experience with Threnodians also makes you a safer anchor in the negotiation.

Rover: (Denia might be a viable opening. But until I figure out what the Fractsidus is planning and where they are now, I shouldn't commit to anything reckless.)

Rover: I will speak to her and make my judgment from there.

Rover: Also, I want this meeting kept off the record. No files, not even in I.R.I.S.'s archive.

Arman: ...Understood. Then I'll leave this in your hands, Rover. Her identity is only known to very few now, I can assure you.

Arman: We've narrowed down the location, but Voidmatter contamination there is heavy, so cleanup and investigation will be slow. That said, recent spectral analysis points to a direct correlation between the frequency and Denia's physical condition.

Enter the Academy infirmary

Rover: (Whatever her reason was for saving me and Hiyuki back then... she still carried out the Fractsidus's plan.)

Rover: (And the Grand Architect's next move is still unclear... Have to stay cautious.)

Talk to Denia

Keep talking to Denia

Rover: Denia.

Denia: I just saw Sigrika. That was crazy, Rover. I didn't think you'd actually... you know, drive that thing off.

Denia: So... you're just gonna keep staring? Do you always come empty-handed when you visit patients?

Denia: Yeah. I'm dying, right?

Denia: Who knows. But it's not hard to guess, is it? Just like a collar you put on cats and dogs, in case they get ideas.

Denia: Mm, no. "Cats and dogs" might be too generous. At least they can still bite. I'm probably closer to a lab mouse now.

Denia: So, Rover, did they send you to sweet-talk a lab mouse?

Rover: Denia, I'm here because I chose to be.

Rover: We've been on opposite sides before, but...

Denia: There you go, still all serious...

Rover: But I want to try trusting you.

Denia: Right... In that case, am I supposed to look more excited?

Denia: Too bad, Rover, I can't trust you in the same way.

Denia: How honest. I don't hate that.

Denia: If you really want answers, how about we make a deal?

Rover: A deal?

Denia: Maybe you could stay with me for my birthday? This weekend. I'd like to have a good stroll in the Academy again.

Rover: Your birthday is this weekend?

Denia: It could be, or not. Doesn't matter. What matters is... you are there.

Denia: I'm running out of time. Some things deserve a proper ending—with a good day.

Rover: (An ending... What is she planning to do? But in her current state...)

Denia: What, doesn't feel safe even if you're around? Then put another collar on me, or a bomb. What's one more, right?

Rover: ...I'll see what I can do.

Denia: You mean that? But people at the Academy, do they know...

Rover: Spacetrek Collective never made your identity public. So for that day, you'll still be the Academy student Denia.

Denia: (Always the busybody.)

Denia: ...Fine. Then it's a deal, right?

Denia: Relax. I'll cooperate with their research for the next few days. Just don't get your hopes up...

Denia: ...The Grand Architect wouldn't be sloppy enough to leave me unhandled.

Denia: Anyway, no point worrying about it now. I'll see you this weekend, Rover.

Denia: I've never seen her true face. Wouldn't be surprised if the real one's already dead.

Denia: You care about that, do you? I'll tell you more once you've kept your side of the deal.

Leave the inpatient ward

Report what happened to Arman

Arman: Rover. How did it go? Is she willing to cooperate?

You pass along Denia's request to Arman

Arman: A birthday... at the Academy?

Arman: ...I see. That is an unexpected request.

Arman: But if that's the key to cooperation, the Collective will treat it as a special case.

Rover: She said she wants a "proper ending" for some things. But I don't know her true intent yet. We'd better be careful.

Arman: Noted. We'll initiate a full risk assessment immediately, and draft a comprehensive operational and contingency plan.

Arman: Much appreciated. We'll ensure that all procedures and contingency measures are fully in place.

Arman: I'll send you the finalized plan before then. Let's stay in touch on WavesLine!

Wait for two days

Check WavesLine

Pick Denia up from the station

Pick Denia up

Arman: You're here, Rover. The procedure and contact list have been sent to your Terminal. All steps and contingency measures are included.

Rover: Very detailed. I see a Resonance suppression device and declared contact entries. Everyone's agreed on those?

Arman: Yes. At Denia's request, we used her Terminal to schedule the meetings under a recovery discharge notice. She'll be approaching them today as a student.

Arman: The suppression device was... her idea, a guarantee of cooperation. She said it would make things fair, even though she doesn't really need it in her current state.

Arman: Here, take this. If she starts feeling unwell, have her use it. It should make her feel better.

Rover: So you've found a way to relieve her frequency failure?

Arman: No... these are only tranquillizers. We've adjusted the dosage for this operation. As for a treatment plan... we'll try and work out a revised version as soon as possible.

Arman: The diagnosis from Rabelle College shows that the problem doesn't lie with her Resonance ability, but a failure in her self-regulation mechanism...

Arman: We're still validating several hypotheses regarding the symptoms. Hopefully, we'll have answers soon.

Rover: (This is looking grimmer than I thought. Still, if it's related to Threnodian frequencies, the Black Shores might have better solutions.)

Arman: Don't concern yourself with the research. For now, we'll need you to focus on today's operation. Please contact us if anything arises.

Denia: Are we good to go?

Arman: Yes. Hope you both have a pleasant day.

Denia: So, I'll be in your hands today, Rover.

Denia: Even so, you can't walk around with that face. People will notice something's off.

Denia: Come on... Try it like me. Loosen your mouth, relax your eyes...

Denia: There. See? You look nicer when you smile.

Rover: I can do that. But remember your situation, don't—

Denia: Yeah, yeah, I know.

Walk with Denia

Denia: Yawn... Finally, they let me out for a walk.

Denia: Feels kind of nice being a student, doesn't it, Rover?

Denia: Hmm, funny, you'd think there'd be more people here on a weekend.

Denia: Don't tell me they heard I was coming and decided to hide?

Rover: ...

Denia: So that's a yes, then? You could at least say something nice.

Rover: Campus security is still our responsibility.

Denia: Ugh... That kills the mood.

Call the elevator

Prepare to head downstairs

Denia: This way leads to the Garden Zone, right?

Rover: Yes. This is where you're supposed to meet Sigrika.

Denia: ...Ah, Sigrika.

Denia: When was the last time we went shopping together...?

Denia: This way leads to the Garden Zone, right?

Rover: Yes. This is where you're supposed to meet Sigrika.

Denia: ...Ah, Sigrika.

Denia: When was the last time we went shopping together...?

Start the elevator

The elevator has arrived

Denia: If the elevator breaks, do we get stuck here?

Rover: I can cut it open.

Denia: Absolutely not. That's vandalism...

Denia: Wow, the elevator was fast.

Rover: Let's go, Denia.

Denia: Sigh... This feels like walking into an exam...

Denia: You'll have my back when she starts asking questions, right...?

Denia: ...

Denia: So you'd rather do that than share an elevator with me?

Denia: Your guard's up way too high, Rover.

Denia: Sigh... Fine. Can't blame you. Let's go.

Accompany Denia to the garden

Meet Sigrika

Denia: Hey, Rover, uh... Want to swing by the Arcade first?

Rover: Are you trying to avoid Sigrika?

Denia: Oh, so you saw...

Rover: This is your own request. Give me a reason to cancel it.

Denia: The reason is... I-I'm not feeling so great. Maybe we should just—

Sigrika: Senior, Denia!

Denia: ...!

Denia: Wow, hi, Siggy. Did I keep you waiting?

Sigrika: Oh, I see. I heard Denia's been in the ward for quite a few days.

Sigrika: Every time I went to the infirmary, Dr. Luuk said you still needed some rest... So, are you feeling better now?

Denia: Oh, I was better a while ago... Yawn... Guess it's just bad sleep. I mean, a ward's never as comfy as your own room.

Sigrika: Bad sleep... Have you been having nightmares again? I heard what happened last time really affected a lot of people...

Sigrika: You don't think it's because of the Voidmatter contamination, right?

Denia: Of course not... I just pretended to be sick for a bit longer so I don't have to get back to class so soon.

Denia: Relax. Having Rover watch over me is plenty. Come on, Siggy, didn't you want to go photograph the white bird in the garden? It'll be off duty if you don't hurry...

Sigrika: Okay then... Make sure you catch up with us later on, Senior.

Sigrika: Did you know, Nia? The Photography Fan Club is planning to apply for a studio!

Denia: They have budget for that? Was it the prize they won from the campus event?

Sigrika: Yeah. They won't stop talking about how much they owe you.

Take the picture

Sigrika: You're yawning more than usual today. Are you sure it's not some kind of aftereffect?

Denia: No way. I've just been inside too long. Got a little sensitive to sunlight...

Sigrika: No, no, no. You can't stay shut in all the time. A little sunlight is good for you.

Denia: Oh, too bright...

Take a group photo

Sigrika: Look, the Photography Fan Club's here. Wanna go say hi?

Denia: I'll pass... a bunch of camera-obsessed weirdos. Their prize money has nothing to do with me anyway.

Denia: I was the model, actually. Someone came to me and said they'd buy me a luxury buffet if I agreed to pose for a couple of photos while eating... For a moment, I genuinely believed they were being generous.

Denia: I even skipped a meal on purpose. Turned out their "luxury buffet" was the cafeteria.

Sigrika: But the photos came out beautifully. They even made it to the F.U.E.L.'s "A Seal-Proof Guide to Enrollment."

Denia: It's just marketing for freshmen. You smile no matter what you're eating. That's what being a model feels like, I suppose... Besides, you know I never really liked taking photos.

Sigrika: Yeah, you're right. The only time we took a group photo was when Nivora insisted.

Sigrika: Sigh... Speaking of Nivora, I wonder how she's doing now.

Denia: ...Siggy.

Sigrika: Hmm?

Denia: Let's take another photo together.

Sigrika: Really? That's a first for you!

Denia: Alright, ready... three, two, one—

Sigrika: Cheese!

Denia: I'll save the photo on Rover's Terminal for now. We can print it someday.

Sigrika: Look, in the photo! It's the white bird... It flew that way!

Take a stroll

Sigrika: An unidentified rare species... the fabled pure white bird.

Sigrika: It's been a year since we first saw it, and we still haven't gotten a close look.

Denia: Heh... calm down. For all we know, it could just be someone's Resonance ability...

Sigrika: As if. You and your dry humor, Nia.

Sigrika: I'm pretty sure it flew this way... where did it go?

Denia: Why don't we split up? You head that way, Siggy. Rover and I will check this way.

Sigrika: Okay! Ping me on the Terminal if you find anything!

Look for the white bird

Denia: ...So it really is her. That kind of cold frequency is hard to forget.

Denia: Will she be watching us like this the whole time today?

Rover: Hiyuki is just doing her job. And she's kinder than she looks.

Denia: I know... She sometimes reminds me of you.

Denia: What... Are you saying you care about my opinion, Rover?

Denia: Okay, okay. I'll stop... I wonder how Sigrika's getting on. Let's go find her.

Search for Sigrika

Denia: She headed this way, right? Where did she go?

Outside the telephone booth

Sigrika: You can't find it, either? Maybe not today then.

Denia: Seriously, Siggy. If you went into biology, you'd be a legend by now...

Sigrika: Hehe, I just want to confirm a new species before I graduate.

Sigrika: And you really don't come out enough, Denia. A little more activity would be good for you.

Denia: Please, give me a break. I'm not exactly built for running or fighting like you are...

Rover: (Since when are you bad at fighting?)

Denia: Oh, right. Didn't you say you wanted to call home? The booth looks empty right now.

Sigrika: Oh it is! That's rare. There's usually a line here...

Denia: Go on, before they start worrying. I've got some "family matters" to handle too, using Rover's Terminal.

Sigrika: Okay then... See you in a bit!

Make the phone call with Denia

Talk to Denia about the phone call

Denia: I know what you're worried about. I remember everything from back then... Why would I ever contact those people?

Rover: ...Then who are you calling?

Denia: Yeah. It was all made up. To keep her happy. But I didn't realize how much effort it takes to keep a simple lie going.

Rover: This will only complicate things.

Denia: But I can't be honest with her, can I? She's all cheerful on the outside, but she bears more than enough worries for her size... As her friend, that's the least I can do.

Denia: ...I thought you'd put it more gently.

Denia: Alright. Looks like she's finished her call. Let's head over.

Return to Sigrika

Mention ordering a cake

Sigrika: Perfect timing! We should go check out the new desserts!

Denia: This part, finally...

Sigrika: What made you want to buy cake today, Denia?

Denia: You'll find out soon enough.

Head to F.U.E.L.

Buy snacks at F.U.E.L.

Denia: Today's new desserts include: Frostwort Dumpling, Fern Spore Kelp Biscuit, Pine Needle Lichen Roll, and—on special—Jarred Fish Muffin...

Sigrika: Those names sound... intense.

Denia: Do you think you could assemble them into a cake?

Sigrika: What a terrifying thought, Nia...

Denia: I'm just going through the motions... She can eat it for me.

Rover: I happen to know a team that specializes in desserts. We could order a cake from them if you want.

Rover: What kind of style are you thinking of?

Denia: Oh, really? Then can I add Rainbow Bean Pop Rocks? And Creeping Torchpine nuts. Oh, and some Fruit Crackle too?

Sigrika: Denia, you can't put Pop Rocks on a cake. You need to start with a base flavor...

Denia: Hm... okay. Let me think...

Denia: Let's get an orange cake. I promised Sigrika we'd celebrate together. She likes oranges.

Denia: But make sure you add everything I mentioned earlier, okay?

Sigrika: Have you decided yet? What's it going to be, Denia?

Denia: Tonight...

Sigrika: Tonight might not work for me... I... I promised Professor Mornye I'd help out at the Reactor Drive today...

Denia: ...

Denia: Well, that's a shame, Siggy. I was hoping to share the birthday cake with you, but I guess you'll just have to make do with the leftovers.

Sigrika: Then I... I'll leave Professor Mornye a message...

Denia: It's alright, Siggy. I'm sure you've got something really important to do with Professor Mornye.

Sigrika: Well, asking for a day off once in a while wouldn't...

Denia: Nope. No running away from it.

Denia: How can you become the kind of person you look up to, if you run away from something like this?

Sigrika: But... aren't you the one who's been telling me "it's okay to run away" this whole time, Denia?

Denia: It was just to make you feel better. I say it to everyone.

Sigrika: No. You're acting super weird today.

Sigrika: All of a sudden you asked me to come out, had me take pictures with you, revealed it's your birthday, and... told me not to run away... This... It's not like you at all...

Denia: Siggy, I...

Sigrika: Are you hiding something from me?

Denia: Oh, couldn't you be a little less perceptive at a time like this, Sigrika?

Sigrika: If you want me to keep playing dumb, I can do that, and I'll leave it there. As usual.

Sigrika: But, there's only one thing I want to make sure... Will you still be celebrating your birthday this time next year?

Denia: I will...

Sigrika: Then next year... we'll celebrate your birthday together. Promise?

Denia: Promise.

Sigrika: How about we make a cake together when the time comes?

Denia: I thought you said there's only one thing you wanted to make sure of...

Rover: Denia still has some check-ups to do tonight. Maybe after she's fully recovered in a few days...

Sigrika: You sound just like Dr. Herssen, Senior.

Sigrika: It's fine, we've made a promise... Right, off I go to sort out some files.

Denia: You go get those files, Sigrika...

Sigrika: Happy birthday, Denia!

Denia: Phew, that was tough... I'm never good at this with her around.

Denia: Oh, sneaky you, being so nice and kind all of a sudden.

Denia: To be honest, I'm really impressed hearing those words from you, Rover... I suppose you must've gone through plenty of farewells, haven't you?

Denia: All right, break time's over. I almost died of boredom being stuck in the sickbed these past few days. How about you and I go play some video games, Rover?

Head to the Mind Dive Arcade

Mind Dive Arcade I

Denia: Wait, really...? I even gave you the hint.

Denia: Don't tell me you're the type who during a date wants to watch separate movies and just meet up afterward.

Rover: Playing Lahai-Roi Blocks with you brings back bad memories.

Denia: Ugh... You have such a good memory, Rover... Alright, let's start with your game.

Play Catchow with Denia

Mind Dive Arcade II

Denia: I haven't figured out these new games yet. Let's just go play Lahai-Roi Blocks, Rover.

Denia: Awesome! Thanks, Rover.

Denia: Still holding grudges, are we? Or is this your way to get my attention?

Play Lahai-Roi Blocks with Denia

Mind Dive Arcade III

Rover: You were gonna say goodbye to her, right?

Denia: I suppose... I wanted to treat her to some cake, and then get it off my chest when the moment was right.

Rover: You mean the birthday, the goodbye, or you've been lying to her the whole time?

Denia: That way... by the time she realizes I'm gone, she won't feel as upset...

Denia: Knowing your ex-friend died is better than losing an actual friend, right?

Denia: Sigh. That is why I hate people like you.

Denia: Keeping all the burdens on yourself when you know you can ignore them... The exact way of life I loathe.

Rover: But you still encouraged her.

Denia: Messing up little things like this every now and then can actually make you more likable, okay?

Denia: Anyway, it's getting late, we should keep moving... The Archive is usually my favorite place for pastime. I'd like another visit.

Leave the Mind Dive Arcade

Head to the Spacetrek Archive

Talk to Nastasha

Nastasha: Denia? I heard from Arman that you've been hospitalized in the infirmary for the last few days. How are you feeling?

Denia: I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about.

Nastasha: Well, you look paler than you were before. A patient should get plenty of rest.

Nastasha: And this is... Oh, wait, you must be Rover, right? I'm surprised to see Denia with you. She didn't cause you any trouble, did she?

Rover: No, not at all. It's her birthday today, and the infirmary asked me to take her out for some fresh air.

Nastasha: Sure. She wasn't hard to miss for taking naps here in her first week of school.

Nastasha: When she heard I needed data on the Void Storm at the time, she just rushed out of campus with that sketchy bubble of hers... What were you thinking, really?

Denia: That was ages ago... Can we please move on?

Nastasha: Well, I feel I should pass it on to as many people as possible before I graduate. And you—try not to be the hero all the time. Just learn to lean on the people around you more often.

Denia: Graduate?

Nastasha: Here, this is for you. I never got the chance to give it to you.

Nastasha: You were always nagging me about that Royan fairytales collection. I had a friend print it in color.

Nastasha: I had no idea it's your birthday today, so consider it a birthday gift from me, Denia.

Denia: Nastasha, your hands...

Nastasha: Just a minor issue from that incident earlier. Don't worry, Dr. Herssen said I'll barely notice it in a few years.

Denia: It's from that Voidmatter contamination...

Denia: But if it can heal as you said, then... there's really no need for you to leave, right? With all those advanced techs of the Spacetrek Collective...

Nastasha: Well, that's exactly why they deemed it's no longer safe for me to stay here. Something about Lahai-Roi's environment makes the contamination even worse for the nervous system.

Denia: B-But...

Nastasha: Who would've thought my own thesis would set me up for early retirement?

Denia: But you once said... your dream is to...

Nastasha: "Unveil the secrets of Voidmatter particles for all mankind?" I recall saying something like that, yeah... But listen, Denia, dreams are sometimes just...

Denia: No. That's not it. Even someone like me can tell... Everyone here...

Denia: Everyone here signed the agreement. If they choose to leave Lahai-Roi, that means...

Nastasha: Calling it quits? Not even close. Who knows, maybe I'll come back from the New Federation in a couple of years. It's too bad that you'd have already graduated by then.

Denia: Everything that's happened, it's all my fault...

Nastasha: What's with you today? How is this your fault?

Rover: I'm sorry, Nastasha. Denia's not fully recovered yet. You'll have to excuse us.

Nastasha: I see. Keep your eyes on the road. She seems a little off today.

Nastasha: Oh. And happy birthday, Denia!

Take a break by the bench

Rover: You okay, Denia?

Denia: ...

Rover: Your frequency is very unstable now. You should take your meds. Come with me.

Talk to Denia

Rover: Feeling better?

Denia: ...

Rover: (Based on the frequency shown during her complications, things are worse than what Arman said.)

Rover: (At this rate, she won't even last a week... Is this why she chose today?)

Rover: Nastasha's got talent. The Collective won't give up on her.

Denia: ...

Denia: ...You're right... I've been lying to myself all along.

Denia: That's because... a birthday is supposed to be proof that you were born. That's what they always say, right?

Denia: Everyone has a birthday... Sigrika has one, so does Nastasha... Even those TARD-E Units manufactured in factories have their own birthdays.

Denia: But I don't. The Fractsidus has no record of my birth. Nothing to prove my identity.

Denia: There's only this image burrowed inside my head, playing over and over again in my dreams...

Denia: In it, I would always step into the same lake. A woman sways her arms in the wind, crying.

Denia: She stares from afar, calling out to me: Denia, Denia... Dasvidaniya.

Denia: Because I'm running out of time.

Denia: I'm out of time for so many things. But I can at least... try to die with a little dignity, right? I should get to act like a real person. Face what I've done, say a real goodbye... and then just end it the right way.

Denia: What a shame. I even picked a good day to do it, but I never practiced how to properly say goodbye to them.

Denia: Lying... is the only thing I'm good at.

Rover: Is this the ending you're happy with?

Denia: It's just... a reaction. That's all. The idea that everything will just vanish, that it'll all go back to the void... it makes me cry. Instantly.

Denia: Just like years ago... When I touched it for the first time...

Rover: Even after you die, tomorrow, the sun still rises.

Rover: Sigrika and Nastasha's lives will change. They'll lose an important friend. No matter how they ultimately break from the shadows, what is lost... is lost forever.

Denia: Do I deserve to?

Rover: That's not for me to judge.

Rover: But in Rinascita... I've met people just like you.

Rover: In the lives forced upon them, happiness was always fleeting, leaving only pain and fear that never dissipate.

Rover: Yet, even so... they fought for those brief, gifted moments of happiness till the very end.

Rover: You once joked how the great Rover is a savior, but in Rinascita...

Rover: I failed to save them.

Denia: But it sounds like... they made their own choices.

Rover: True. Just like when you tried to drive me away. You also made what you thought was the best choice... You all hoped for more people to survive.

Rover: And so did I.

Rover: So, if the boundaries between humans and creations are already obscure, what is it that determines who we are?

Denia: I... I don't know.

Rover: It's the heart, Denia.

Rover: What you are isn't defined by where you're from, but by your heart.

Denia: This right here. A gift from the Grand Architect—the page buried within my frequency... is here.

Rover: (Could this be... Leviathan?)

Denia: ..."Do find your way home more often"?

Denia: Ha, just as I thought...

Denia: You can really work wonders, Rover.

Rover: Denia?

Denia: You are... literally my least favorite type of person.

Denia: Hmm... Where do I start—

Arman: Rover, we've detected a severe frequency fluctuation! Is everything all right?

Rover: Everything's fine. We'll be back soon.

Arman: Very well... I'll see you soon.

Denia: Ahuhuh... No need to get ahead of yourself now, Rover. You're not quite there yet. I'm keeping it secret for now.

Denia: Plus, we still haven't fulfilled our agreement yet. Can't let the cake go to waste.

Denia: Hmm... Well, that makes things trickier. I... still have things I have to do, after all.

Denia: ...If only today could be a bit longer.

Denia: However, did it ever cross your mind, Rover, that my being alive and staying here might be an even bigger problem?

Rover: ...If you feel you don't belong here, then some day in the future, would you be willing to—

Denia: Stop right there—it was just a joke. I don't want to put you in a tough spot.

Denia: Easy. Today is my birthday. I won't be going anywhere.

Denia: At least to you... this will be my last lie.

Accompany Denia back to the station

Talk to Arman

Arman: N.A.N.A. is conducting a thorough checkup on Denia. I imagine this must have been a very long day for you, Rover.

Arman: Her conditions have greatly improved since this morning. As for the frequency fluctuation earlier... Did something happen?

Rover: About that...

You tell Arman about the book page left by the Grand Architect.

Arman: Residual energy of the Threnodian from Rinascita? Could there be some form of interaction between the Threnodians? Is the Fractsidus actually manipulating her and suppressing her abilities through such means?

Arman: ...It'll be the same as the past few days. Although she won't be sent to the New Federation, she'll still be kept under containment and assist with our research.

Arman: I know what you're thinking, Rover... I've been monitoring your itinerary and field reports all day.

Arman: But even if everyone recognizes her as a victim, the Spacetrek Collective's work and responsibilities will not change for her.

Arman: We haven't had a chance to get it yet. It's still with Zahira. You can only get that specific Fruit Crackle she requested from Zahira...

Arman: But since she hopes you can accompany her on her birthday, I believe you should be the one to personally bring her the cake... We'll be waiting for you here.

Arman: Back when I taught at the Academy, there was a student who would always sleep in my lectures.

Arman: I would wake her up to answer questions on purpose, because she had no idea what she was wasting.

Arman: Later, a TA named Nastasha asked me to go easy on her, saying she could only sleep in a place where she felt secure, and that her grades in my class were still doing well.

Arman: ...I knew that girl had helped collect data for many people in the Department of Voidmatters, but the issue was that I couldn't understand her behavior at all.

Arman: While everyone else was out pursuing their scientific dreams, how can you be here sleeping? Is your dream to be a research assistant for the rest of your life?

Arman: It was after the Threnodian incident that I finally knew the answer.

Arman: To be honest, when I just sent you the message, for a moment I even fantasized a reply in which you plan to take her far away from Lahai-Roi... to somewhere no one could find.

Arman: Haha... I'm glad you didn't do that, Rover, or else we'd all be done for.

Retrieve the cake from Zahira

Zahira: Are you here to pick up the birthday cake? One moment please...

Rover: (Denia... She said she had to take care of something. But what, exactly? Does it have something to do with the Threnodian's frequency in the Dimmr Plains?)

Rover: (If the Spacetrek Collective finding Denia was part of the Grand Architect's plan, then what about removing that page from her? Or maybe...)

Rover: (If I were in Denia's shoes...)

Denia: "Easy. Today is my birthday. I won't be going anywhere."

You see the time shown by the Terminal: 00:15 a.m.

It's past Denia's birthday.

Zahira: Here it is... I know it's a bit late, but I believe it's more than enough to convey your heart.

I.R.I.S.: With her Forte. We've detected residual Voidmatter particles at the platform. Professor Arman was trapped inside a bubble. Luckily, no broken bones.

I.R.I.S.: She hasn't removed her Resonance suppression device and tracker yet. Should we initiate the emergency protocol?

Rover: ...No, give me her location.

I.R.I.S.: Understood, coordinates sent... Good luck, Rover.

Hiyuki: I tried.

Hiyuki: Trees will grow tall, and leaves will turn green, Rover...

Hiyuki: That child simply made a grown-up decision.

Return to Startorch Academy and gather your thoughts

You can feel your eyelids sinking. In a haze, you seem to have returned to that familiar scene again.

Rover: Denia... Do you have any clues about that scene in your memory?

Denia: Nothing.

Denia: It was just a scene. Maybe from some movies I watched as a kid?

Rover: But maybe... in my opinion... you still have a chance to...

Denia: Now you're reminding me of what Nastasha once said.

Rover: Huh?

Denia: "Raise your head, what do you see?"

Rover: Lahai-Roi's night sky.

Denia: True enough. But my reply was "The void. The darkness."

Rover: What was her reaction?

Denia: She said it was actually light fighting against darkness.

Denia: "But it looks like darkness has the upper hand," I said.

Rover: But there was only darkness in Lahai-Roi at the beginning. Then came the light.

Denia: Haha, you answered exactly the same way as she did.

Rover: So light actually prevailed.

Denia: You're right, Rover.

Denia: I guess if you never give up, the story will one day have a good ending, no?