A Blaze in the Dark

Take the Gondola and enjoy a relaxing day in Ragunna

You board the Gondola and enjoy a pleasant day in Ragunna.

As night falls over the city, you get off the Gondola and notice two suspicious figures nearby...

Investigate the suspicious figures attempting to enter the home

Suspicious Figure: What's taking you so long?

Suspicious Figure: If we don't bring back the goods, the boss will have our heads！

Suspicious Figure: Ugh... Oi, best keep your nose out of our business. We're with the Black Alley.

Cautious Figure: Idiot! He's got the stance of a skilled fighter. We need to move!

??: Excuse me, I… I need your help.

Familiar Voice: Hey, what's got you two running scared?

??: Huh?!

Zani: Rover？

Zani: Do you know what these two were up to?

Zani: And they just ran after taking one look at you, hm? Seems about right.

Zani: Thieves, you mean? I can imagine why they were fleeing like that.

Zani: I have. But that name… it's already...

Serious Acolyte: You there! What's going on here?

Zani: Just two thieves. Took care of them. I was about to deliver them to the Chamber of Discipline myself.

Serious Acolyte: What about him?

Zani: Same as you, drawn here by the sound of a scuffle.

Zani: I know the rules. I'll go with you, make the report, and be done with it.

Zani: Let me handle this. You'd rather not deal with their questions, hm?

Zani: So there was somebody else...

Serious Acolyte: Right, you'll come with me to the Chamber then.

Zani: This might be more complicated than it looks. Will you wait for me?

Zani: This won't take long.

Look for the mysterious person calling for help nearby

Rover: (While I wait for Zani, maybe I should search the area where that voice came from. )

Inspect the spot where the footprints end

Rover: (Looks like they left by Gondola...)

Rover: (The trail's gone cold. I'll wait for Zani to return.)

Zani: Here. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Zani: Well... you know how they are with the Montellis these days. No surprise they didn't share any interrogation details.

Zani: A gang made up of criminals, although how many joined willingly is anyone's guess.

Zani: A lot of vagrants were pressed into their service. Pawns in a game of crime.

Zani: Maybe. Or maybe they just wanted to spook you... but they picked the wrong person to mess with.

Zani: You think she's in the same boat as those vagrants in the past? Forced into something they didn't choose?

Zani: Ah, Rover, you're the type who can't turn your back when someone asks for help.

Zani: It's not too late. Got time for a detour?

Zani: The old entrance to the Black Alley.

Zani: If they're crawling back from the ashes, we might find a clue or two at their old haunt.

Head to the Black Alley's entrance

Zani: This is it. Just hit the right spot, and the trapdoor should open.

Zani: Mmm... I have some past experience...

Zani: After all, it's not work hours now.

Zani: Let's focus on what's in front of us first.

Aside from a few broken rocks, only silence greets your efforts.

Zani: Strange... my memory shouldn't be failing me, should it?

Masked Big Brother: Who's causing trouble here?! Don't you know this is the Masked Brothers' turf?

Masked Little Brother: B-Brother... they look tough...

Masked Big Brother: What's there to be afraid of? We are the ones rebuilding the Black Alley!

Masked Big Brother: Now, how about you hand over some coin, eh?

Zani: Well, that was a wasted trip.

Defeat the Masked Brothers

Masked Big Brother: Wait, mercy! We were blind. Please just let us go this time!

Masked Little Brother: Told you, didn't I? Told you they were tough! Why do you never listen to me?

Masked Little Brother: Is this place cursed? Every time something happens, it's never good news.

Masked Big Brother: Yeah, weeks ago. There was one hell of a racket. We thought the whole place was falling apart.

Masked Big Brother: Turns out, it was a bloody terror of a woman. Saw us, didn't say a word, just pulled a blade on us.

Zani: Perhaps... but the real question is why.

Masked Big Brother: Then... everything's good now, right? We'll just be on our way.

Masked Big Brother: Quietly...

Zani: Is that all the nerve you've got? And you call yourselves the ones to bring back the Black Alley?

Zani: How many times have you pulled this off?

Masked Big Brother: Not even once!!!

Zani: Save the rest for the Chamber of Discipline.

Zani swiftly subdues the two would-be escapees.

Zani: Rover, I'll keep digging into the Black Alley and what happened today.

Zani: It's getting late. We'll pick this up tomorrow, once I've got more to go on.

Return to Ragunna and wait to hear back from Zani

You order some late night snacks at Trattoria Margherita and looks for a place to rest.

The next day, you get a call from Zani as you're wandering on the street.

Zani: Rover, I've got some updates on the situation.

Zani: Mmm... that name should've died along with the Black Alley years ago.

Rover: You mentioned before that someone single-handedly wiped out the upper ranks of the Black Alley. Any idea who it was?

Zani: The Blazing Nightwalker. Ugh, don't make me say it again.

Zani: If you're free, come by and we'll talk. There's something I could use your help with.

Meet up with Zani

Zani: Yes. The Order is by no means above reproach, but you cannot deny they keep Ragunna stable.

Zani: The Black Alley was born when that stability fell apart. Criminals from every corner banded together, and law-abiding citizens paid the price.

Zani: To make things worse, they forced a lot of vagrants into their ranks, using them as tools for their dirty work.

Zani: Their eyes and ears were everywhere. The Order tried several times to wipe them out, but each time they came up empty.

Zani: Then one day, the Chamber of Discipline managed to catch the ones pulling the strings—they were found tied up and served on a platter. That's when the Black Alley taken down.

Zani: Talos... that was what the Black Alley called their leader.

Zani: That's right. They had a brutally efficient way of picking the leader. Whoever was the strongest got the crown.

Zani: The Blazing Nightwalker was just one of many dramatic titles around Rinascita.

Zani: Ragunna once went through a hell of a time. The Order was hit with major losses, including many of their best. The chaos lasted for quite a while.

Zani: Back then, nights weren't as quiet as they are now. There were always some poor civilians getting hassled by criminals.

Zani: Then someone elusive gradually caught people's attention. They took down those criminals and disappeared right after saving the civilians.

Zani: They never revealed their name, so the people started calling them the Blazing Nightwalker.

Zani: Best to get some rest now. Work starts later.

Zani: Which one should I pick?

Zani: Ah, Rover, you made it. Let's sit over there and talk.

Zani: Yeah... Still about the stuff from last time.

Zani: Actually, a lot of the family's staff have been running into the same kind of trouble as that night.

Zani: They're not anything special on their own.

Zani: What matters is... a lot of the family's employees have been running into the same kind of trouble as that night.

Zani: A vacation is like an ad. Only the ones dishing it out have the power to make it real or fake.

Zani: And recently, a lot of the family's employees have been running into the same kind of trouble as that night.

Zani: Hmm... Maybe that could work.

Zani: As I mentioned before, many people working for the Montellis have been victims of attempted thefts, like last night.

Zani: The family has tightened security, but just sitting here waiting won't solve anything.

Zani: As for the ones we caught... they haven't been chatty. Plus, they've only committed a few small-time crimes.

Zani: So it would be tricky to use... more extreme methods on them. If we do, it could give the wrong people a chance to twist the situation.

Zani: We've been trying but haven't found anyone who matches her description yet. She's probably keeping a low profile.

Zani: But right now, she might be the only lead we've got.

Zani: Much appreciated.

Zani: Maybe some more then?

Zani: We'll do it tonight. It will be in your hands.

Zani: Feel free to rest until it's time. I've already made arrangements at a hotel.

Zani: Everything is taken care of.

Head to Palazzo Agrotta and get some rest

Concierge: Hello there, Mr. Rover

Concierge: You've come to the right person.

Concierge: I was once saved by the Blazing Nightwalker myself. Ragunna wasn't nearly as peaceful back then as it is now.

Concierge: I was heading home later than usual when I ran into some Black Alley brutes.

Concierge: If it hadn't been for the Blazing Nightwalker, I'm sure they would have robbed me blind.

Concierge: Well… It all happened so quickly, and it was dark, so I didn't get a proper look.

Concierge: Very well, I'll show you to your room.

Concierge: Of course. You are always welcome to stay with us.

Rover: (Should I head straight for the hotel, or dig a little deeper first?)

You take some rest in your room. By the time you wake up, you realize you haven't slept much.

So, you leave the hotel and decide to wander around before the operation starts.

Zani: I am resting, alright?

Zani: I'm afraid I can't help you with that.

Zani: Insomnia and I go way back.

Rover: A lot of people were targeted, but in the end, they only sent you to handle it?

Zani: Well, the Chamber of Discipline did catch a few perps, but they're not quick to act without solid proof.

Zani: And... some of the higher-ups in the Order might just be happy to see the Montellis having a little trouble.

Zani: Alright, alright... You've got sharp instincts. Spending too much time with you, and I'm running out of secrets.

Zani: Yeah, that's me... the Blazing Nightwalker. But honestly? I really don't want to keep repeating that name.

Rover: By tradition, shouldn't you have revealed your true identity at the end?

Zani: I've got my own ways to keep entertained.

Zani: Hiding my true identity got old fast. Since you were curious, I might as well just tell you.

Zani: After all, you're not someone I can't trust, right?

Zani: Well, as you have already known, I am the Blazing Nightwalker... though I really wish I didn't have to keep repeating that name.

Zani: Honestly, it's a bit of a burden...

Zani: Oh, and by the way, after you became the Laureate, they're giving you all sorts of monikers too.

Zani: I have to say it again, I never called myself that.

Zani: Back then, I was just doing what needed to be done. Never planned on picking up a fancy nickname.

Zani: Well, that's what work does to you...

Rover: Do you think this "Talos" is the real deal then?

Zani: ...Not sure. Could just be the same old story repeating itself.

Zani: Let's call it a cleanup job.

Zani: I don't think this is serious enough to give it your all.

Zani: Just do enough to get it done. But keep some of that enthusiasm for the snacks later, hm?

Head to the target spot

Zani: It's almost time. Let's split up and prepare for the ambush.

Zani: Let's see if we can catch them in the act.

Rover: (Zani is clearly doing more than just "enough to get it done," but I'll hold off on mentioning it for now.)

You wait on the roof for some time. As you anticipated, several suspicious men begin to appear.

Rover: Someone's making moves. But they just seem to be petty thieves.

Zani: Got it. You're clear to act when you see fit.

Zani: I'll watch your back and keep an eye out for anyone trying to shadow you.

Defeat the gang members

Cocky Thug: Figured someone was waiting for us. But you walked right into it, didn't ya?

Cocky Thug: Alright, boys! Let's put 'em down!

Zani: Need a hand?

Rover: I've got it covered.

Zani: Let's move in. Now!

Catch up with the fleeing gang members

Panicked Thug: Blimey, how the hell are you movin' so quick?!

Panicked Thug: Not a chance! It's my hostage now... This is an Echonapping, you hear!

Panicked Thug: Ha! Ain't no way you'll do somethin' stupid while I'm holding this Echo!

Bakie: Beep! Beep!

Zani: Hey! Don't be causing trouble for folks who need their breakfast bright and early.

Zani: Alright, start talking. Where's your hideout? Who's the one really calling the shots?

Zani: Looks like we'll have to drag him back. We'll get answers sooner or later.

Zani: A shame this one's only good for squealing. He's not the one we're after.

??: Is it... me you're looking for?

Colleen: My name is Colleen... Please, help me and my friends.

Zani: Before we go any further, shouldn't you explain who you are first?

Colleen: No, no, no... The Black Alley is more than just the gang! It's the place too.

Zani: The entrance to the Black Alley is shut. It's done.

Colleen: You're right, Talos destroyed it. But there's another way in...

Colleen: It used to be a home for vagrants like us. A few scraps, a couple of jobs... just enough to get by.

Colleen: She came in claiming this place was hers since they owned it before.

Colleen: Told us, if we wanted to stay, we had to follow her rules. No other choice.

Colleen: Steal, lie, cheat, rob... same as the old days. Give her your tribute, or... or you get a beating.

Zani: A fish that slipped the net...

Zani: Sounds just like how the Black Alley ran things... But do people actually accept her as the acting Talos?

Colleen: Some people did. They wanted to, you know? The ones with the dirty hands already. They were easy.

Colleen doesn't answer your question, instead she looks at Zani with a conflicted and wary expression.

Zani: Rover？

Rover: Colleen, if you can't trust my friend, then I can't offer you my help.

Rover: Trust goes both ways. You can't ask for help with one hand while holding a knife with the other.

Colleen: I... I...

Zani: The operation is a wrap. Bring the ones we caught in and then everyone can call it a day.

Voice in Terminal: Got it, Ms. Zani. Any leads on your side?

Zani: No, nothing to report.

Voice in Terminal: Ah, looks like we'll have to try again tomorrow.

Zani: It's just us now. Anything else bothering you while I'm at it?

Colleen: A Terminal... Talos also has a Terminal. It lets her transform into a powerful Echo.

Zani: So that's it. You are worried the Terminal was supplied by someone from the Montelli family, aren't you?

Zani: That's why you doubt us and prefer to put your faith in a wayfaring Laureate, hm?

Colleen: I'm sorry...

Zani: There's no need to apologize. You're a victim in this, with every right to be suspicious.

Zani: *Sigh*... Who told everyone to call it a day again?

Zani: As an employee of the Montelli family, I have an obligation to stop any Terminals from being misused.

Zani: Are you really bringing up something so depressing now?

Colleen: Thank you, thank you both!

Colleen: Talos has us blindfolded whenever we leave the Black Alley. Keeps us from knowing the new entrance. A runner takes us to the meeting spot.

Colleen: I'll take you to him.

Head to the runner's hideout

Colleen: That's his hideout. Over there.

Zani: Looks like we're thinking the same thing.

Zani: I'll cause a distraction up front. Leave the show to me.

Zani: And you'll move to checkmate.

Following the plan, you move to the rear of the hideout. You signal Zani to initiate the operation once in position.

Create a distraction

Zani: Same as usual. Just another day's work.

Defeat the runner's men

Create a distraction

Defeat the runner's men

The runner's men rush out in an attempt to overwhelm Zani with their numbers.

Meanwhile, you intercept the runner attempting to flee.

Catch up with the runner

Runner: I know my value to people.

Runner: Now that you've got me, no point in resisting. The longer I hold out, the more pain I'm asking for.

Runner: Smart people know when to give in. It's how I stayed alive.

Zani: So we won't need to "help" him talk after all.

Zani: Once he coughs up the entrance location, we'll head straight there from here.

Zani: The family is almost on site. They can handle the cleanup.

With the description the runner provided, you find the Black Alley's entrance.

Zani: Might be a bit late to ask, but… Colleen, you did what Talos asked, didn't you?

Colleen: I didn't...

Zani: Did you forget what Rover said? Trust goes both ways.

Colleen: I… I didn't have a choice! If I didn't, they'd... they'd...you know, hurt me!

Zani: Then when the time comes, make sure you tell the Chamber of Discipline everything. No lies.

Colleen: But… but I…

Zani: Don't excuse yourself by saying you were forced into it. Can you do that?

Zani: Ugh, don't call me that.

Zani: Believe me, I'd kill to be in a bed right now instead of standing out here.

Zani: Let's get this over with.

Colleen: Don't worry. It may be an underground waterway, but it's been abandoned for a long time now.

Colleen: It's not exactly clean, but it's livable. We did some work on it.

Colleen: The pipes are a maze, though. They split up the territory by rank...

Colleen: Talos is holed up somewhere deep in the waterway.

Zani: "Demons always live in hell, like the Primus always stays in the Cathedral." Yeah, that's about right.

Zani: Oh, and Rover, masks on.

Zani: The mask makes things a lot easier.

Colleen: H-hey… I'll pretend I don't know who you are!

Zani: Guess I don't need to spell it out for you.

Enter the Black Alley (Fast Travel available on the map)

Zani: Not everything needs to be turned into some grand tale.

Zani: In this city, it's mostly the same routine every day.

Zani: How long can I snooze before I'm late...

Zani: Which time's best to line up to get a fresh wrap...

Zani: How to sleep without lying in bed for hours...

Zani: These little routines are fragile. One bad move and they're gone.

Zani: But likewise, just one bold move is enough to bring them back.

Zani: Most people got it wrong, slapping that big name on me.

Zani: I was alone back then. I didn't even bother hiding who I was.

Zani: And that's when the trouble started to find me.

Zani: I thought, why wait for it to get worse? Better to finish it quickly.

Zani: The Montelli family reached out to me and offered to clean up the mess. Even said they'd back me up in the future.

Zani: So, I changed jobs. The work is the same. No difference.

Zani: Disappointed?

Rover: Your instincts came from a good place. A fist might not be as sharp as a blade, but it can still break through deeply rooted problems.

Rover: And up close, it's gentle enough to protect what's important.

Rover: So don't let today bother you.

Zani: No, I'm not letting it bother me.

Zani: Just reliving some old memories, that's all.

Zani: But you're right about something...

Zani: What you said just now applies to you, too.

Zani: The difference, though, is that you are a blade. A weapon that can break the cycle.

Zani: But you don't seem to realize it. Seeing you has brought some old feelings back to me.

Zani: Don't you see? Ever since you helped make the Carnevale happen, Ragunna's been different.

Zani: Things are busier now. There's more work, more opportunities.

Zani: I told you before that these routines are fragile. One bad move and they're gone, right?

Zani: So... a stable environment is the only way to reduce the bad moves. That's the way we get to keep our routines.

Zani: I tried to do that for a long time, but you're the one who made it happen.

Zani: With fewer bad actors on the streets these days, IThe Blazing Nightwalker... am increasingly irrelevant.

Zani: Of course. It was all part of the routine.

Zani: I've been thinking... It's a relief that someone like you is willing to step up.

Zani: Your potential is probably beyond what anyone can imagine...

Zani: Yet, you still insist on being responsible for everything, no matter how big or small.

Zani: Thank you. You've done well.

Zani: By the way, this is for you.

Zani: It used to be my weapon.

Zani: Oh, as if I'd do that! That would just be getting in your way.