True Colors

Head to the Pioneer Association

Zhezhi: Rover, it's almost time for the dispute hearing.

Zhezhi: I... I still hope you'll come with me.

Zhezhi: I don't mean to burden you, but if you'd like to come, please meet me at the Public Security Bureau entrance.

Meet up with Zhezhi at the Public Security Bureau

Zhezhi: I didn't expect such a big crowd at the hearing...

Zhezhi: Hmm... S-should I take the stand myself? What do you think, little kitty?

Zhezhi: Ah, maybe we can do a little show of... um... paws. Raise your left paw if you think I should testify, or your right paw if...

Zhezhi: W-wait! You raised your left paw before I even finished my sentence... No, that doesn't count. Let's try again.

Zhezhi: Okay, if you raise your right paw, I'll... let someone else handle it.

Zhezhi: Hmm... right paw, huh? Well... I did actually want to tell everyone the truth myself. Let's give this another shot.

Juyao: Ms. Zhezhi, the hearing is about to start. If you would, please join us.

Zhezhi: Now? Y-yes, Madam Juyao! I... I'll be there in a minute!

Zhezhi: Rover, oh, you're here! It's... it's really nice to see you! And... I appreciate you coming.

Zhezhi: I just handed over all the evidence we gathered from Mingyan's studio and the Exile's camp to the Patrollers.

Zhezhi: Now the Shanyun Art Exchange can't deny the fact they were producing and trading art forgeries.

Zhezhi: You're really kind, but... um, I'll be fine to do this myself. You've already helped me so much, even just having you here is a huge relief.

Zhezhi: Some things, I've got to face on my own.

Zhezhi: That said... I, uh, didn't... didn't expect there would be so many spectators coming to watch...

Zhezhi: Thank you! Having you here helps, more than you know.

Zhezhi: It's about time. We should probably go in, huh?

Zhezhi: Eh? B-but... I've... I've never spoken in front of so many people before...

Rover: Don't worry, I've got your back. Just remember, you're the only one who can lay out the truth—the whole truth— for everyone to see.

Zhezhi: ...You're right.

Zhezhi: I was the one who chose to uncover the truth behind this case. I can't back down now, not when it matters most.

Zhezhi: I'll give it my all, I promise. Let's go.

Enter the Public Security Bureau with Zhezhi

Juyao: With both parties present, this hearing is now in session. Let us begin.

Juyao: First, a brief overview of the case before us.

Juyao: Ms. Zhezhi alleges that the guilty party, Mingyan, implicated in the Tacet Discord Assault, was coerced into committing art fraud under duress.

Juyao: Therefore, her mental state was adversely affected, which led to her committing actions contrary to her will.

Juyao: Today, based on new evidence provided by Ms. Zhezhi and the result of this hearing, we will determine whether to revisit Mingyan's charges and consider if the Shanyun Art Exchange is indeed guilty of selling illegal art forgeries.

Baici: What?! With all due respect, this doesn't match what we discussed before!

Juyao: Mr. Baici, I remind you that any evidence or arguments presented before and during the hearing are valid.

Juyao: If you would like to add further information, you are welcome to do so at any point.

Juyao: Now, without further ado, either party may begin their opening statement.

Zhezhi: Madam Juyao, th-the situation is...

Baici: Madam Juyao, as the head of the Shanyun Art Exchange, I, Baici, must clear our name and seek justice here today.

Baici: There are two points I'd like to address. Firstly, the authenticity of our artworks remains unimpeachable. Secondly, Mingyan's provocative creations stem solely from her own greed and vanity. She alone should bear responsibility for the assault.

Baici: Throughout my tenure at the Art Exchange, our foremost principle has been that of integrity, a well known fact. And yet...

Baici: Integrity in business is not enough to stave off discord.

Baici: We are aware of certain painters, rejected by the Art Exchange, nursing grudges, and resorting to threats...

Baici: They bombarded us with spite and slander, causing a public uproar simply because they didn't get what they wanted.

Baici: Should the public be swayed by these slanderous insinuations, that paint us as wicked fraudsters, then I'm afraid justice will never be served!

Juyao: Please control yourself, Mr. Baici.

Baici: Forgive me, Madam, but if this injustice persists, I will have no choice but to sue them for harming the Shanyun Art Exchange's reputation. They have damaged the trust we built with our clients!

Baici: I demand they compensate us for our losses and issue a public apology!

Zhezhi: ...

Yan: I've bought paintings from Shanyun Art Exchange before. They were good quality, and their service was decent. Hard to believe they'd be involved in something like this...

Woyun: The honest always get the short end of the stick... But who's Mingyan? A painter? Never heard of them...

Qianzhang: Tsk, must be some nobody trying to get attention using the Shanyun's name.

Fuqing: Why is the Art Exchange always in the middle of some controversy?

Juyao: Order! Order!

Juyao: You may continue your statement.

Zhezhi: I...

Zhezhi: ...

Rover: Madam, allow us to present our account of the events.

Rover: This all really began three days ago.

Rover: I was entrusted to investigate a certain "Arcane Artist" in the Tiger's Maw.

Gupan: Things are getting awfully strange around the mine lately. Figured you're just the one to untangle this mess.

Gupan: I don't know if you've ever heard of it, but there's a special folktale in Jinzhou...

Gupan: Word has it, there's this mysterious Arcane Artist whose paintings come to life as they paint, as if each brushstroke has a life of its own.

Gupan: Once their canvas dries, whatever they've painted leaps right off the page. Mythical creatures, the whole shebang—all real as day!

Gupan: Lately, I've been receiving reports about eerie monsters wandering the mine at midnight. Some witnesses even ran into them more than once!

Gupan: These monsters, they look like paintings from a distance. But approach them and they're as docile as can be.

Gupan: Reading these reports, I couldn't shake the tale of the Arcane Artist from my mind.

Gupan: Sure, some say it's just a prank or some new Tacet Discord variant...

Gupan: Great! Counting on you to crack this case wide open.

Gupan: Deal! I'll pay whatever it takes to keep the goosebumps coming. I can't wait for you to uncover the truth!

Gupan: Oh, and you might want to chat up the witnesses. Got their names right here for you.

Huaijin: You've come to the right guy. I was actually the first to see those weird things.

Huaijin: I was playing chess with the old miners until midnight, then headed home alone. On my way back, I heard these strange moans, like some kind of monster was out there.

Huaijin: At first, I thought they were Tacet Discords and I was ready to bolt. But then I realized they were different. These monsters... they were being drawn to something.

Huaijin: Curiosity got the better of me, so I took a step closer...

Huaijin: Hmm, maybe... But unlike Tacet Discords, they didn't attack me.

Huaijin: No way... Those monsters showed up in an empty field at midnight, so there was no one around to prank. Besides, what's the point of tricks if there's no one to see them?

Huaijin: Do you think they're related? Did Gupan tell you about that old folktale?

Huaijin: You know, I did see some people standing nearby. Just some shadows, really, 'cause it was so dim.

Huaijin: The light was flickering in the wind, so I couldn't make out their faces. But I knew something was weird with the scrolls they had in their hands. Every time they moved, more monsters appeared.

Huaijin: I'm not sure... but I overheard them talking. No, actually, "arguing" would be more accurate.

Huaijin: I do remember... Wait, you're not seriously thinking of going there, are you? Whatever those monsters are, they're unidentified and dangerous. If you have to go, be really careful, alright?

Jifeng: Oh yes, that strange event. It's the talk of the town right now.

Jifeng: I've conducted several investigations and found that those monsters tend to appear around midnight. Their locations seem random, though.

Jifeng: Fortunately, they haven't caused much harm. I think it's because they always show up and vanish in the dead of night.

Jifeng: If you ask me, these monsters are a new type of Tacet Discord. Since they're unrecorded, our Terminal can't trigger an alarm when they're nearby.

Jifeng: Anything else unusual? Hmm... Yes there was one thing.

Jifeng: Do you mean the mysterious painter who can bring fantastical creatures to life? That could explain it, but a Forte tied to painting is rare.

Jifeng: Aside from the blurred silhouettes I saw that night, I remember hearing voices—like people talking.

Jifeng: The voices came from where those silhouettes were, but they sounded like... vague muttering.

Injured Miner: You see my arm here? The monsters mauled me.

Injured Miner: I heard laughter, voices with them. Will there be half-human Tacet Discords? Like... hybrids?

Timid Miner: Stop. You're giving me the chills...

Timid Miner: Stop being so paranoid. Remember last time, when that guy was collecting laundry on a skateboard and you thought it was a ghost? You need to calm down.

Excited Miner: Our mine is full of urban legends and strange stories. Strange comm message from a mysterious train? A certain survey team's bizzare discoveries underground? And now, a new tale has surfaced!

Curious Miner: What urban legend?

Excited Miner: About the Arcane Artist, of course! A legendary tale with paintings, monsters, and humans? I can already smell the suspense and surprises.

Curious Miner: What is it about, exactly?

Excited Miner: What a fascinating place! So much character and charm. I must write down this story right away.

Curious Miner: Wait. What on earth happened?

Approach the scene

Rover: I've gathered enough information. It's time to check the scene where those monsters were spotted.

Rover: There's... something ahead...

Rover: That figure... that paintbrush... Could it be...

Rover: Nothing here. That's odd... Did I just imagine that?

Zhezhi: R-rover? You're here...

Zhezhi: ...F-finding inspiration.

Zhezhi: Of course not!

Zhezhi: I... I heard about the tale of the Arcane Artist and hoped to find out who they are...

Zhezhi: Bringing painted creatures to life, making fantasies real—it sounds like a fairy tale, but when the Arcane Artist first caught people's attention in Jinzhou years ago, it was more than just a tale.

Zhezhi: Yes, there was once an artist who could create paintings that felt so real, you could almost step into them...

Zhezhi: But these paintings, they strayed from the artist's original intentions and... caused a lot of trouble.

Zhezhi: I don't know who's behind these latest events, but if it's really the Arcane Artist... their paintings will bring nothing but trouble. T-that's why I... I have to stop them, to prevent the past from repeating itself...

Zhezhi: Unfortunately, I'm... not very good at investigating, so I haven't found any major clues yet.

Zhezhi: Is that so? O-ok.

Talk to Shilang

Shilang: Hey, Zhezhi! Long time no see! You need more pigments already?

Zhezhi: N-no, not yet...

Zhezhi: But I've never had the chance to introduce myself properly...

Shilang: Great moment for it! Here's the thing, Rover. I can't say I know Zhezhi very well, but I do know she's got this quirk where her courage tends to crumble right when it's crunchtime.

Shilang: So, when it comes to introducing herself to you, I'd bet money on it she's been mentally rehearsing it for forever before she got the guts to take action.

Zhezhi: No, it's not like that!

Zhezhi: Yes... Mr. Shilang is right. Rover, I've actually been meaning to tell you something.

Zhezhi: Hello, my name is Zhezhi. We have met before, but I'd like to make this a formal request. I would really like for us to become friends!

Rover: Of course, I'd be happy to.

Shilang: Hello? Zhezhi?

Shilang: Hey, what are you waiting for?

Zhezhi: Eh? I... um... Okay! I can do this!

Shilang: (That was a pretty obvious slip of the tongue...)

Zhezhi: Ahem! Nice to meet you, my name is Zhezhi. I'm... a painter. I take art commissions and strive to create beautiful paintings.

Zhezhi: I... I'm not being very articulate... b-but I hope we can be friends!

Shilang: Haha, how sweet! I must say, I've never seen Zhezhi this nervous since she first became one of my cherished patrons.

Zhezhi: W-wait, Mr. Shilang! We're actually here today to talk about the tale of the Arcane Artist.

Shilang: Oh, I know the tale, but I've never come across this mystical maestro myself.

Shilang: Hmm... pigments aren't flying off the shelves these days. Just a few regulars, you know?

Shilang: Oh... but those ore buyers from a while back, they seemed a bit suspicious.

Shilang: They bought heaps of leftover ore—the cheapest type—and told me not to let anyone know they got the ore here.

Shilang: People don't usually buy that stuff. Oh wait, Zhezhi, didn't you buy some once? A long time ago, right?

Shilang: I remember you saying you couldn't afford the fancy pigments, so you made your own. That stuck with me.

Shilang: So when those guys asked for leftovers, I paid extra attention.

Zhezhi: Are you sure you can tell us this? I thought they asked you to keep it a secret...

Shilang: Pft, they turned out to be thieves who stole from me during the night! When I found out, I reported the theft to the Patrollers and that was the end of it.

Shilang: Of course. Help yourself.

Zhezhi: If this is the situation...

Chixia: Hmm? Rover? Hey! Rover!

Chixia: What brings you here? It's been ages since we last met! The Patrol Station's been pretty busy lately, so I haven't had the time to catch up with you.

Chixia: And Zhezhi's here too! Hiya! Do you remember me? We met at the Moon-Chasing Festival.

Chixia: Oh? Are you alright? You don't look well... Do you need help?

Zhezhi: H-hello... No, it's not... uh... no, thank you...

Chixia: The painting we had you do for us during the festival is awesome! Everyone loves it, so we put it up on the wall!

Zhezhi: Really? Hehe, I'm glad you all like it...

Chixia: We'd also like to invite you to our station, so we can formally thank you in person!

Chixia: Wait, how bout' coming to the station with me today? Are you heading back to the city?

Chixia: Oh, is this not a good time?

Chixia: Investigate? About what? A new case?

Chixia: Oh, I get it! In that case, it's probably not the best time for a get-together.

Zhezhi: Sorry...

Chixia: I'm here to support the Patrollers. There was an assault near the mine recently, and they're short on people to investigate.

Chixia: What's odd is those monsters haven't caused any more trouble since we got here. Right now, we're talking to witnesses and trying to figure out what triggered the incident.

Zhezhi: Did something just happen over there...

Zhezhi: You could be right, but there's one other thing...

Zhezhi: After Rover and I bumped into each other, we decided to investigate the surroundings and follow Patroller Chixia to the scene of the incident.

Zhezhi: It was there we learned about the details of Mingyan's offense and the truth behind the tale of the Arcane Artist.

Rover: (Once Zhezhi has the paintbrush in her hand, she begins to speak calmly.)

Rover: (She'll be fine making the statement on her own now.)

Find out about the strange TD activities

Defeat the Tacet Discords

Zhezhi seems to be struggling to tell what she couldn't express earlier, but eventually stays silent.

Zhezhi: If I had been clearer, you wouldn't have had to explain things to Chixia for me.

Zhezhi: Thank you...

Then both of you decide to ask people around about the situation.

Interview Chixia and the researcher

Researcher: According to the preliminary examination, we suspect that these Tacet Discords were agitated by the Frequency Fluctuations from a scroll painting found at the scene.

Researcher: The energy remaining in the painting was generated by its creator's Forte nearly overclocking.

Researcher: The painting needs to be thoroughly examined to identify its connection with the monsters and eliminate any potential risk it still poses.

Chixia: She fessed up when I first started talking to her, but clammed up when I tried to dig deeper.

Chixia: You sure can!

Investigate the painting on the ground

The painting becomes slightly blurry when you stare at it, and for a moment, the scene in it seems to come to life.

Talk to the injured

???: Why...

Zhezhi: Yes, we used to take painting lessons together.

Mingyan: You! I... I didn't...

Mingyan: ...

Mingyan appears to be done talking about the matter.

Mingyan appears to be unwilling to talk with you.

Interview the onlookers

Yinfeng: Only a bit. It looked like she was arguing with someone right before the weird visions appeared.

Yinfeng: I heard stuff like "Don't stop me!" "I've... I've already won!" and "Who doesn't want fame and fortune!"

Yinfeng: It's a good thing they caught that painter. Can't imagine what could've happened otherwise.

Yinfeng: I've met my fair share of artists, but none that would gamble with lives for the sake of their work. That's a first for me...

Su: I saw that painter... She looked like she was losing it—I'm talking shouting, waving her paintbrush around like she was sweeping the sky!

Su: I might be off here, but I swear those things on her scroll started squirming around before the whole swarm of monsters exploded out of thin air...

Talk to Zhezhi

The painting blurs the line between reality and illusion, causing whoever sees it to experience hallucinations.

They repeatedly describe witnessing bizarre, otherwordly visions.

Zhezhi: So... Mingyan channeled her Forte into the painting, creating temporary phantasms.

Rover: The monsters described in the rumors were probably just exaggerated phantasms seen by scared people at night.

Rover: In fact, I had sensed something odd at the mine. But after we met, I thought it was coming from you, so I didn't give it much attention.

Rover: Come to think of it now, it might've been Mingyan's Forte fluctuation.

Zhezhi: So she was there at the same time we were... I didn't even notice her presence...

Zhezhi: She kept squeezing my hand and trying to tell me something, but I couldn't understand what she was saying...

Zhezhi: I think she wants me to continue the investigation. Maybe there's more to this story than I thought...

Zhezhi: Besides, I don't recall her having a Forte before...

Zhezhi: Huh? A-are you sure? I definitely won't say no to your help! Actually, I... I've wanted it since we last met at the mine!

Zhezhi: Then... if you're up for it, I hope you can join me in the investigation. Consider it a formal invitation, Rover!

Zhezhi: You want me to decide? To be honest, I haven't really thought it through...

Zhezhi: Hmm... I remember meeting Mingyan in an art studio in Jinzhou before. I wonder if she kept going there after I left...

Zhezhi: Should that be our first stop? She may have left some of her artwork behind. That could be a good start...

Zhezhi: Okay, let's go.

Zhezhi: After learning about the details of the assault, we decided to push forward with the investigation to get to the truth.

Baici: Pointless! The witnesses on the scene made it clear that it was all because of Mingyan's greedy ambition that she...

Zhezhi: I haven't finished my statement, Mr. Baici!

Go to the studio

Zhezhi: Yes, this is the art studio. My memory did serve me right. Looks like she's been painting here.

Rover: Let's find the clues.

Zhezhi: Okay.

Enter the studio

Investigate the painting paper

Some pieces of paper are put beside the desk. They appear to be softer and lighter than ordinary paper.

Zhezhi: This "White Jade Paper" has a rich history. Its smooth, fine texture holds ink beautifully, exactly what you want for more delicate brushwork.

Zhezhi: Countless masterpieces, both old and new, were painted on this paper. Like Qinan's "Voyage to Yun Mountain" and Yilin's "Qixi's Dawn of Spring," both two good examples.

Zhezhi: Yes, White Jade Hall runs a yearly sale. I attended it two days ago and bought paper with this same packaging.

Zhezhi: Different papers result in different artistic effects. Real artists can always spot these differences, and choose the right paper to showcase various styles.

Zhezhi: White Jade Paper is my absolute favorite, but because it's so expensive, I can only afford to buy it when there's a special sale.

Zhezhi: Buy three, get one free; buy five, get two free; and then there's the additional weekly coupons—I know everything there is to know about the discounts! Hehe...

Zhezhi: Really? Then... I'll count on you next time!

Zhezhi: We have the same painting style, and the quality of our finished works is remarkably similar.

Zhezhi: Even if we use different brush techniques, our similar styles mean we should finish a painting in about the same time.

Zhezhi: Once a painter holds a paintbrush in their hand, they won't stop until every detail meets their standards. It becomes an obsession... I guess this is true for most painters.

Investigate the paintings

Zhezhi: There is a difference. The brushwork on this one, see how heavy it is? You can tell Mingyan was in low spirits. And this one, the strokes are light and fluid. That tells me she was happy when she painted this.

Zhezhi: Yes. To me, painting is like a window into the heart of the artist. When words fail, these feelings can be depicted through brushstrokes instead.

Zhezhi: "Waters and mountains rest by the pane, valleys and peaks in the dream remain. Colors of vanity washed away. The painted world fades, forgotten today."

Zhezhi: Ah, the pigment! When did it get on my clothes...

Zhezhi: Huh? It came off with just a little wipe... Hmm... It shouldn't come off the fabric so easily...

Investigate the clothes

Zhezhi: Hmm... Looks like they're stains from ink and paint that have been washed out over time.

Zhezhi: I used to do this as well.

Zhezhi: After all, fabric used to be a common art material. Besides, using clothes does help to seize fleeting inspiration, don't you think?

Zhezhi: It's a shame the clothes are stained forever, but it's worth it to see how different inks behave on fabric.

Investigate the note

Zhezhi: Being picky about one's work is second nature to an artist.

Zhezhi: I'm no exception... There's never been a moment when I saw my art outshining someone else's. I've always admired my fellow artists, hoping that one day I could be as good as them, perhaps even surpass them.

Zhezhi: I kept painting and improving, but no matter how hard I tried, I always felt it wasn't good enough...

Zhezhi: "This needs to be refined, it's not quite there yet..." "Still short of perfect... Will my client be disappointed?"

Zhezhi: I had these kinds of thoughts every day while I painted. It started creeping into my daily life too...

Zhezhi: It's true that one might find motivation in these thoughts, but they can also lead one astray.

Zhezhi: I felt trapped for ages... until I finally figured out the path I ought to follow.

Zhezhi: Embrace my emotions fully, and create the art my heart yearns for. This is of the greatest importance to me.

Zhezhi: But if I found myself in the same situation as Mingyan, perhaps... perhaps I'd react similarly and lose my way...

Investigate the herb residue

Zhezhi: Hey Rover, have a look at this...

Zhezhi: Seems like this pigment is homemade... but why are there herbs in it?

Zhezhi: Medicinal herb residue?

Rover: She must have been making medicinal remedies recently. This must be the leftover residue she didn't get around to cleaning up.

Zhezhi: I-I've never tried myself... When I get sick, I usually just wait it out.

Zhezhi: My family always brought me remedies and soups. I never thought about how they were made...

Zhezhi: Sorry... I'm just not very experienced.

Investigate the vase fragments on the ground

Fragments of a vase scatter across the floor.

Zhezhi: Then... I'll share it with you...

(The vase must've been on that cabinet, judging by where it fell.)

(Looks like the cabinet used to be over there, but... something bumped into it, and that's why the vase got knocked over.)

(I bet the water on the floor is from the fishbowl... Huh? Why is that water mark in the shape of a Gulpuff...)

(Okay, I've figured it out! That must be the reason. Rover will definitely be impressed with my deductive skills.)

Discuss with Zhezhi

Zhezhi: Ah? Why wouldn't they?

Zhezhi: My family used to have an aquarium at home with lots of Gulpuffs. I thought it was a popular trend...

Zhezhi: Is that so? I-I'll practice more often!

Zhezhi: I see... I guess I jumped to conclusions. I'll do better next time!

Zhezhi: Oh, yes, these are... phantasms I can create with my brush. They only exist for a short while.

Zhezhi: Yes, I rarely need to use my Forte in daily life.

Zhezhi: When it comes to painting, I prefer the traditional way. It helps me to understand my progress and improve my skills.

Zhezhi: An artwork created with Forte is indeed mesmerizing, nearly flawless, but that's not my goal...

Zhezhi: So, I've used this ability less over time.

Zhezhi: Yes. It could be related to my Forte...

Investigate the clues outside the studio

Investigate the footprints

Zhezhi: Hmm... Someone broke into the studio looking for something... or trying to steal something? Probably something tied to Mingyan's paintings...

Rover: This might be related to the Shanyun Art Exchange and Mingyan's breakdown... Let's follow these tracks and see where they lead.

Zhezhi: The clues from the studio led us to an Exiles' camp.

Zhezhi: There, we found new clues that pointed to a hidden player behind all of this...

Go to the Exile camp

Zhezhi: Could it be they transported ore, made pigments from them, and then moved the pigments elsewhere?

Investigate the pigment

A large pile of fragmented ores is mixed with the pigment, unmarked and unpackaged.

Zhezhi: I took a look and noticed that these pigments were handcrafted from these specific ores...

Zhezhi: I did mention this back in the studio... when my clothes got stained by Mingyan's pigments.

Zhezhi: Did she... buy these low-quality pigments from the Exiles? But why did these people break into her studio...

Zhezhi: They are similar. Did she... buy these low-quality pigments from the Exiles? But why did these people break into her studio...

Cryptic Exile: Who are you?

Cryptic Exile: If it's her paintings you're after, why are you here?

Zhezhi: She... she wasn't in her studio, so we thought we could ask around.

Cryptic Exile: I see. Just wait for her here. When she leaves, it usually doesn't take long for her to return.

Cryptic Exile: You're here to buy paintings? That's not how this works. Go on, get out of here.

Zhezhi: W-we are actually here for Mingyan's paintings. She wasn't in her studio, so we thought we could ask around.

Cryptic Exile: ...It's nothing. Just wait for her here. When she leaves, it usually doesn't take long for her to return.

Cryptic Exile: Know her? We go way back. She's... okay in our books. Though she hasn't had the easiest run either, she helped us out a while back.

Cryptic Exile: Guess you could call us friends. She even gifted us a painting. It's somewhere around here...

Cryptic Exile: Ah, here it is! We're no fancy connoisseurs, but even we can tell that girl can paint!

Cryptic Exile: Can't recall anything noteworthy...

Candid Exile: My guess? She's dabbling in some new, secretive art piece. I spotted her taking risky stabs at painting out in the wild.

Cryptic Exile: Well, now that you mention it, I do remember her talking about making art you could "step into" or whatever.

Cryptic Exile: But her little art excursions stirred up some unstable Frequencies. We warned her, but did she listen? Nope.

Chatty Exile: That's right! I saw her paintings myself! Tried to steer her clear, and what do I get? A lecture! Artists, always on their own wild wavelength, aren't they?

Zhezhi: Sorry to interrupt, but mind if I ask what you normally do for a living?

Cryptic Exile: Nope, not many jobs around, just enough to scrape by.

Cryptic Exile: Uh... Oh! Right, haha, you reminded me. We do make and sell pigments occasionally.

Chatty Exile: Oh yeah, Mingyan buys from us often. We give her the lowest price, just as friends do!

Zhezhi: Yes. I think... neither these Exiles nor Mingyan has told the truth.

Zhezhi: I noticed some of the Exiles' hands were blackened... The thought suddenly hit me, what if it's from constant exposure to ink?

Zhezhi: The painting they showed us and the artworks in the studio... they all match what Mingyan described in her diary.

Zhezhi: Her diary shows us she had major mood swings, which really affected her art.

Zhezhi: Good idea.

Zhezhi: Makes sense.

You two patiently wait until night falls.

Approach the Exiles

Zhezhi: OK, I'll use my Terminal to record it, just in case.

Candid "Exile": Ugh, Mr. Baici stopped by again, grumbling about the delay in getting Mingyan's paintings to the Shanyun Art Exchange...

Cryptic "Exile": If Yinfeng hadn't pushed her, she wouldn't have gotten hurt. Now she can't even paint, and our order is gonna be late.

Yinfeng: Hey, watch yourself. I just did what I always do.

Yinfeng: She's been rebellious and a bit too smart for her own good lately. I just wanted her to keep her head down and work. Who knew she'd crack and cause that mess.

Yinfeng: Luckily, I slipped away, and the Patrollers didn't suspect me... No big deal. I pinned it all on Mingyan, so we're in the clear.

Cryptic "Exile": Someone was here earlier asking about her case. No Patrollers, but... Do you think they could find out what we did?

Candid "Exile": Doubtful. They might notice we're making pigments here, but that's it.

Yinfeng: It doesn't matter if they find out. We pose as Exiles, and what doesn't an Exile do?

Candid "Exile": But we should be careful. Remember what Mr. Baici warned us about? Keep these things on the down low, and if anyone finds out, they can't be allowed to trace it back to the Shanyun Art Exchange.

Zhezhi: So this Shanyun Art Exchange has been involved in Mingyan's case right from the start.

Zhezhi: Yinfeng... Yes...

Rover: When I asked him about the incident, he put all the blame on Mingyan, saying she had ulterior motives.

Rover: The Exiles we questioned during the day did the same, trying to divert attention and cover up their own involvement at the scene in the first place.

Rover: These distractions led us to concentrate solely on Mingyan, ignoring other possible angles.

Zhezhi: Okay.

With the Exile clothing in hand, the two of you quickly change into your disguises.

Defeat the Exiles

Inquire the Exiles

Yinfeng: Who the hell are you?! Coming at us like this... Think you can just push around Exiles, huh?!

Yinfeng: Alright, alright! I'll tell you everything!

Cryptic "Exile": Yinfeng! We aren't supposed to...

Yinfeng: What? Can't you see that we're no match for him? Go ahead and pick a fight if you want, but I'm not risking my life for this.

Candid "Exile": If Yinfeng hadn't pushed her so hard, she wouldn't have gotten hurt. Now, she can't even pick up a paintbrush, much less finish this batch of paintings.

Yinfeng: Oh, quick to sell me out, huh? All I did was remind her to focus on her paintings.

Yinfeng: She's been rebellious and a bit too smart for her own good lately. I just wanted her to keep her head down and work. Who knew she'd crack and cause that mess.

Sneak into the camp

Baici: That's quite the story. At best, this merely proves our involvement in the incident at best, yet the real culprit remains unknown. Your accusations are groundless.

Baici: Allow me to remind you, she was the one who created those paintings, insisted on selling them, and concocted the entire terrifying incident.

Baici: Do you honestly believe her paintings would've earned a single penny without my intervention?

Zhezhi: No... Mr. Baici, you're changing the subject.

Baici: How ungrateful. She ensnared us in this debacle, and now you dare to lay the blame at our feet?

Zhezhi: B-Before we proceed, I wish to present this audio recording to the court.

Recording Playback: "Ugh, Mr. Baici stopped by again, grumbling about the delay in getting Mingyan's paintings to the Shanyun Art Exchange..."

Recording Playback: "If Yinfeng hadn't pushed her, she wouldn't have gotten hurt. Now she can't even paint, and our order is gonna be late."

Recording Playback: "She's been rebellious and a bit too smart for her own good lately. I just wanted her to keep her head down and work. Who knew she'd crack and cause that mess."

Zhezhi: Mingyan was initially only making copies. Everything changed after you stepped in.

Zhezhi: Trickery, misinformation, and later on even threats... She was led down the path of forging artworks for you.

Zhezhi: I do understand that... if her own heart hadn't wavered, none of this would've happened... But there was already no turning back by the time she wanted to quit.

Zhezhi: So, saying she was the mastermind behind it all... that's just not fair.

Rover: This evidence clearly shows that these paintings are no ordinary copies, but your way of making a profit.

Baici: Heh, there's no such thing as real or fake paintings. You're not fooling anyone.

Baici: For it to be forgery, there has to be another original artist. These paintings are all the work of Mingyan. Even if she made dozens of identical copies, it wouldn't be considered forgery.

Zhezhi: ...Mr. Baici, do you recognize this painting?

Baici: Well, of course. It's "Serenity of Xiehua Village," the work of the Arcane Artist.

Zhezhi: Then can you tell the difference between this one and the others?

Baici: Of course, this piece possesses a lifelike quality unmatched by any other, all thanks to the Resonance ability of the Arcane Artist—Mingyan.

Zhezhi: However, judging from these paintings, it seems Mingyan's ability never stabilized successfully, except for this original piece.

Baici: What does this have to do with anything? Do you have solid evidence to prove the differences between these paintings?

Baici: What you're saying is all speculation. There's no guarantee a painter won't make mistakes, is there?

Zhezhi: Artists seeking perfection always choose the highest quality pigments for their most important pieces.

Zhezhi: During our investigation of the studio, I accidentally got paint on me and discovered something interesting about the materials used in these paintings.

Zhezhi: The original paintings had pigments that were purer and brighter, able to blend more naturally and retain color for longer.

Zhezhi: In contrast, the forgeries used pigments made from mineral scraps. These don't hold up the same, smudging at the slightest touch.

Zhezhi: We can distinguish the real paintings from the fakes simply by analyzing the ink used.

Baici: Doing so only proves the so-called "original painting" is created differently from the others. Are you implying that Mingyan is only allowed to use a single kind of pigment throughout her work?

Baici: How is this supposed to prove that we are behind the forgeries?!

Zhezhi: ...

Zhezhi: Because the original creator of "Serenity in Xiehua Village" is me.

Baici: Well, that was certainly a touching story. But I'm afraid your words alone won't be enough to prove you created this painting.

Zhezhi: ...Madam Juyao, to prove my statement, I request your permission to use and paint with one of these copies.

Zhezhi: Yes. Mingyan's experience has made me realize something.

Zhezhi: To create art that truly resonates, I must first accept myself.

Zhezhi: The paintings I drew in the past... they were heartfelt creations, pieces of my life. They formed my past and shaped who I am today.

Zhezhi: It's not just about proving a single painting... it's about so much more...

Zhezhi: If my Forte is the cause behind all this, then I must take responsibility... I can't just let this go on and hurt others.

Mingyan's Voice: You... It's you... I've already done everything I can... Why are you still better than me?!

Defeat the Tacet Discords

Mingyan's Voice: You were just lucky... If it weren't for your parents holding your hands... You'd never have what should be rightfully mine!

Mingyan's Voice: Still... I couldn't do it...

Mingyan's Voice: Why... I perfected everything...

Mingyan's Voice: It's all because of your abilities...

Zhezhi: My abilities have nothing to do with it...

Zhezhi: You created masterpieces I wish came from me. Bold, free...

Zhezhi: I know our paintings have their differences, but the heart and soul we put into them are the same.

Zhezhi: You shouldn't see me as a model to follow...

Zhezhi: Only when you connect with your truest feelings can you create an exceptional piece of art!

Leave Ashened Gallery

Return to the Public Security Bureau

Zhezhi: When I learned the truth, I was heartbroken...

Zhezhi: I believed that by sealing my Forte, no one would get hurt because of my paintings. I never expected them to continue causing harm after all these years.

Zhezhi: But Rover's words made me realize something.

Zhezhi: It was never about the paintings themselves, but rather those who sought to use them to hurt others.

Zhezhi: Mr. Baici, you run a highly esteemed calligraphy and painting institution, yet you've suppressed the creative spirit and violated these artists' dignity, all for the sake of wealth.

Zhezhi: Everything they cherished has now become a tool for profit... The works they held dear are just tools for your gain, insulting to both the original artists and their imitators.

Zhezhi: Set before you is the original painting from many years ago and the one I've just completed. Now, everything has been brought to light.

Juyao: We received word from the Public Security Bureau ten minutes ago that they have taken the Exiles into custody and found the location where the paintings were hidden.

Juyao: Mr. Baici, do you have anything else to add to your defense?

Baici: ...

Juyao: Very well. We will re-evaluate Mingyan's charges, determine the Shanyun Art Exchange's involvement in the incident, and conduct a comprehensive investigation as soon as possible.

Juyao: This hearing is adjourned.

Leave the Public Security Bureau

Talk to Zhezhi

Zhezhi: Huh? No, not at all... I was just coming up with things to say as I went. My palms were sweating the whole time...

Zhezhi: I definitely couldn't have done it if you weren't there with me... Thinking about the feeling when we were investigating the case together is what kept me calm during the trial.

Zhezhi: Wh-what I meant to say is, back then, everything I said felt right, like I could just be myself around you. It felt so good to be that relaxed...

Zhezhi: Thank you for helping me through this. You... you helped me find the courage to believe in myself. Thanks to you, look at everything we accomplished.

Zhezhi: The Shanyun Art Exchange is undergoing investigation. It'll be the end of their businesses... And the painters they coerced are finally set free.

Zhezhi: I want to pay Mingyan a visit. After all, she was involved in all of this, and I want to tell her everything.

Rover: My commission started with her, plus you and I solved the case together. Why don't you come with me?

Zhezhi: Is the commission over?

Rover: Yes, I already had it taken care of the day we found out the truth.

Zhezhi: All right, let's go.

Visit Mingyan

Mingyan: Zhezhi... It's been a while.

Zhezhi: Your injuries...

Mingyan: I heard about everything you did. Thank you for freeing me from those nightmares.

Mingyan: You know what, Zhezhi? You may seem soft and gentle on the outside, but if your boundaries are crossed, I think you can be tougher than anyone else.

Mingyan: And... I still owe you an apology.

Mingyan: Forgive me. Because I was so obsessed with wanting to be you... to be better than you, I've caused you so much trouble...

Mingyan: ...The pain of these injuries managed to put a stop to my obsession with imitating your paintings.

Mingyan: Heh. Maybe... I was never meant to be a painter to begin with...

Zhezhi: I brought you a gift...

Mingyan accepts a scroll of painting from Zhezhi, staring at it for a long time after opening it.

Mingyan: Hehe, see...? Only you can create a painting with such life. I still have a long way to go.

Zhezhi: This is your painting.

Zhezhi: It's the one you gave me when we first met.

Mingyan: I... Hehe... How ironic. I've been trying to imitate you for so many years that now I can't even tell my own paintings apart anymore.

Zhezhi: Your paintings were never inferior to mine. Just look at this piece, even you approve of its value. It doesn't matter who painted it.

Zhezhi: Mingyan, I hope you can find your true self, whoever she is. I know you can do it.

Mingyan: ...Thank you for bringing me this painting... Really.

Mingyan opens the scroll painting once again and stares at every detail for a long time. She appears lost in thought. Zhezhi and you leave quietly after seeing this.

Zhezhi: I think it's safe to say she'll give it some thought.

Zhezhi: During the few times we met, she was always passionate about discussing art with me. I think that fire inside her won't just fade away.

Zhezhi: Come to think of it, the deep discussions we had and the painting duels back then felt like true friendship.

Zhezhi: So... seeing her in so much pain, I just had to help.

Zhezhi: To be honest, I didn't just see this case through to correct mistakes or help the artists. Deep down, I...I didn't want to let you down.

Rover: While I have yet to uncover my past and who I am, every moment with you is a new and special memory.

Rover: Thank you for your help, Zhezhi. This experience has helped me understand you and the world a little better.

Zhezhi: Hmm... well...

Zhezhi: Let's take it slow for now.

Inspect the object