Head to the storage zone to look for the Xenohydro

📍 Herta Space Station Storage Zone

🏃‍♂️

Move

Capote

I've always been a rather magnanimous person. In fact, here is a chance for you to regain my favor... As long as you are willing to apologize for your behavior!

Lamina

I didn't do those things...

Capote

You want to deny the truth!? Lamina, Lamina, you're getting more and more dishonest! Let me help you remember—

Capote

The mustard in my lunch box, the big hole on the back of my uniform, and this boring letter in reply to the female researcher. Aren't they your doing?

Lamina

It's true I'm the only person who handled those things, but...

Capote

And when I was reporting to Miss Asta, you suddenly shouted, "Mr. Capote, it's too late. The Wubbaboos are still waiting for you to play with them!" You made her think I was colluding with Curios and not doing my job.

Lamina

But I was just stating a fact...

Capote

We should keep it only between you, and me! How many times have I told you that? You were just going against me on purpose!

Capote

Forget it. I don't think you are going to repent at all. One day, when you're sick of this place and your future is gloomy, you will come crawling back to seek help from me.

Capote

Just keep praying that by then, I haven't replaced you with a Renona, an Elena, or a Barbara... or someone else, hmph!

Comfort Lamina who has been verbally abused

Lamina

When can I become braver?

Lamina

Oh, it's {NICKNAME}, the hero of the space station. I've heard so much about you. I didn't expect to have the opportunity to see you up close.

Options

What are you doing here?

You did all those things?

I have a letter for you to read.

Lamina

I... I was Mr. Capote's secretary.

Lamina

But recently, I made a few mistakes when I was running errands for him. So he sent me here to work on the Curio sorting assembly line.

Lamina

I'm so sorry, you must think I am a joke...

Lamina

You heard it all... Although, I don't remember doing the things Mr. Capote accused me of.

Lamina

I also suspected someone else, but everything showed that I was the only one who touched Mr. Capote's things.

Lamina

Maybe "Lamina's law" is really true. In the Department of Ecology, they have a saying, anything that Lamina "can" screw up, Lamina will "screw up."

Options

Don't rush to judgment yet.

That's an interesting law!

Lamina

{NICKNAME}, do you think... there's another explanation for this? Surely not...

Lamina

Come on, how would you feel if it was called the "{NICKNAME}'s law."

Lamina

Sure, but knowing me, I probably won't be much help...

Lamina

Well, if I understand correctly, where it says, "An inquiry into spirit traces," it seems to be referring to the Xenohydro, a kind of Curio from our department. And "to be an accomplice" seems to be some kind of accusation.

Lamina

{NICKNAME}, why are you asking me this? Are you investigating the escape of the Xenohydro?

Options

It's in the storage zone.

Maybe it's impersonating you?

Lamina

Oh!? Really... I've been hanging around here lately, but I haven't noticed anything unusual.

Lamina

Huh!? Did it do those things that Mr. Capote is accusing me of? But why...

Lamina

As for the rest of the letter, please forgive my ignorance, but I really don't understand it.

Lamina

But now we know it's in the Storage Zone, and this area is only so large. Maybe we can take the initiative and make a list of the possible suspects.

Lamina

I'm quite familiar with this place. There are one or two places I know that are inaccessible where the Xenohydro may be hiding. I can take you to have a look.

Lamina

Actions are better than words. If you don't mind, {NICKNAME}, follow me.

Follow Lamina to the Xenohydro's hiding place

🏃‍♂️

Move

Lamina

Ahem, ehem, this room smells humid... It seems the Xenohydro really was here.

Lamina

{NICKNAME}, come quickly. This place is secluded and it's a good vantage point. You can watch the whole room from here.

Find a spot with a clear view of the opposite side

Lamina

Well... Are you sure we want to ambush it here? We can try making a trap, it's one of our standard procedures in the Department of Ecology.

Options

How do you make a trap?

Ambush it in person.

Lamina

This may not be wise... According to the A Guide to Species in the Astral Realm, the Xenohydro is very cautious and stealthy. If we simply wait for it, it's probably just a waste of time.

Lamina

{NICKNAME}, why don't I show you how to make a trap?

Lamina

Tightly connect the two disposable kinetic arms. Once the prey steps within range of the power arm, all that awaits them is doom.

Lamina

To make a disposable kinetic arm, we need to find many intricate parts, Strange Matter of Destruction and Phase Flame...

Options

I am glad you have such a good memory.

Sounds like fancy material.

By that time the Xenohydro will have died of old age.

Lamina

No, astral ecology is a rigorous and beautiful discipline of knowledge. I am simply conveying its charm truthfully.

Lamina

But you reminded me that it'll be difficult to gather all the materials quickly.

Lamina

It's okay. In the past, we could take as much as we wanted from the Department of Implement Arts. But now we are short of materials, it'll be hard to collect everything we need soon.

Lamina

Well, it won't take quite that long. The Xenohydro has a pretty long lifespan... But we probably shouldn't put ourselves in such a passive situation.

Lamina

Anyway, we'd better ambush it ourselves.

Lamina

We may have to wait for a while. Why don't we have a chat to kill time, {NICKNAME}.

Options

Why do you work for Capote?

How do you see yourself, Lamina?

That's all for now.

Lamina

You're not the first person to ask me this question... Except for his fans, many people have a bad impression of Master Capote. They think he is loud and obnoxious.

Lamina

But I have been with him for the longest time. I know that Mr. Capote is not a bad person in nature. He is just naturally gifted in many aspects, so he can't understand other people's difficulties sometimes. In short, he is just spoiled by fate.

Options

How can you be spoiled by fate?

You're still defending him.

Lamina

With his unusually handsome appearance, his great talent for research, and his lovable outgoing nature... Everything has always worked out well for him. So it's normal for him to think the world revolves around him.

Lamina

No, no, I'm just stating what I see. Since my childhood, my family has always taught me to focus on the positive, so that life wouldn't be so gloomy.

Lamina

Not to mention he did give me a job that lets me get closer to the real research work in the Department of Ecology. Although the price was to work as his secretary...

Lamina

Me? I... I'm just an ordinary researcher. Even that sounds like an exaggeration.

Lamina

Because... I only got into the space station in my sister's place... Of course, Mr. Capote doesn't know about that.

Lamina

My home planet is quite poor in resources, and most families can only barely support one person to go on a space journey. My sister was qualified to come to the space station, but she gave me the only chance in the family and in her life.

Lamina

It's a pity I am such a failure. If my sister were here in the space station, she would be able to make a name for herself. So how do I see myself? I can't... Or dare not answer this question at all...

System

You and Lamina wait there until very late. The dew has turned to frost, and your belly is empty.

System

But nothing happened.

Lamina

We can't just wait here forever...

Lamina

*sigh* No sign of the Xenohydro... Maybe it left a long time ago?

Lamina

We can look for traces left by the Xenohydro in the room and use them to work out when it was last here.

Lamina

Time to walk around and change my mood...

Discuss the potential hiding places with Lamina again

Lamina

The hair is completely dry, and the date on the screen is from a long time ago

Lamina

Looks like it won't be coming back. Let's keep looking elsewhere.

Follow Lamina to the Xenohydro's hiding place

🏃‍♂️

Move

System

(There's also a strong watery smell here... But where's Lamina?)

System

(Let me deal with these monsters first!)

Disable the Xenohydro's trap

System

(Darn it, I seem to have fallen for the Xenohydro's trap!)

System

(The monster's surprise attack caused some serious injuries...)

Lamina

{NICKNAME}! Don't worry, I'll treat your wounds. I have a lot of medicine on me. It was originally given to Mr. Capote by his fans among the medical staff. He didn't want it, so he gave it to me.

Lamina

How's that? Are you feeling better now?

Discuss the potential hiding places with Lamina for the last time

Lamina

I found a monster wandering around here, so I hid away. It's my fault that I didn't warn you. That's why you fell for the Xenohydro's trap.

Options

Stop blaming yourself.

That crafty Xenohydro.

We can't go on like this.

Lamina

I know... I feel like I haven't really been helping so far, and the Xenohydro is still no where to be found. And I can't think of anywhere else. So... should we give up?

Lamina

It must have guessed that someone is going after it, so it sets up a trap along the way. It's hidden and we're exposed. It could be more dangerous if we go ahead. So... Should we give up?

Lamina

I underestimated the situation... We put in so much effort and almost got seriously hurt. So... should we give up?

Options

It's time to reexamine the letter.

📖

Letter From Locus Silentii

Lamina

*sigh* Back to square one... Anyway, the useful information should be in the paragraph "An inquiry into spirit traces, a glance into the site of storage. Even with iron shoes worn out unearthly, one has to visit the three depths." Can you see anything useful?

Options

Site of storage?

Worn out unearthly?

The three depths?

It's all coming together now.

Lamina

It's somewhere in the Storage Zone. The two places we've found so far both meet these conditions...

Lamina

In this sentence structure, the focus should be on the object... Wait a minute, "unearthly" does sound familiar.

Lamina

{NICKNAME}, do you think Unearthly Marvel has anything to do with it?

Options

Makes sense!

What's that?

Lamina

Um! I think so, too. Therefore, this "iron shoes worn out unearthly" refers to passing through the road built by Unearthly Marvel.

Lamina

Don't you remember? I heard from Mrs. Hinkel that you once used Unearthly Marvel to help her repair major road defects.

Lamina

I think it was when you first arrived at the space station. At the time, word of a "young busybody" was spreading around the space station.

Lamina

So this "iron shoes worn out unearthly" refers to the road built by the Unearthly Marvel?

Lamina

Since "worn out unearthly" is a condition, then "the three depths" should be the second condition.

Lamina

Literally, it means going through the depths of three rooms.

Options

Why didn't you say this earlier...

That's it?

Lamina

Well... Maybe it's the unraveling of the Unearthly Marvel that suddenly sparked my realization...

Lamina

I think so... Solving riddles is like solving magic tricks. Once you know the answer, you would think it's an insult to your intelligence, but that's just the illusion of hindsight.

Lamina

So if the letter is correct, the Xenohydro should be hiding in a place where there's Unearthly Marvel, but also you have to pass through three rooms to get there.

Lamina

*sigh* If you still insist on continuing, I'll help you to the end.

Lamina

This time, we won't fail.

Follow Lamina to the Xenohydro's hiding place

🏃‍♂️

Move

Lamina

{NICKNAME}, look, after passing through the road that was repaired with Unearthly Marvel, we entered the deepest part where the three rooms are connected...

Lamina

This is the so-called "the three depths"... Come on in!

🏃‍♂️

Move

Lamina

I finally got you, {NICKNAME}... Or should I call you... Xenohydro!

Lamina

Good thing I was on guard. As early as a few days ago, the real {NICKNAME} had already warned me that there may be a Xenohydro wreaking havoc in the near future. I didn't expect you to come so soon.

Lamina

Let me see, I can just take care of you, bypass Mr. Capote and hand you over to Miss Asta, so I don't have to be a slave anymore...

Options

What are you talking about?

I'm not the Xenohydro!

I should have guessed...

Lamina

I'm saying that after all that, the real {NICKNAME} and I finally caught you, Xenohydro!

Lamina

I've caught you, Xenohydro! If you are not Xenohydro, then who that is standing over there?

Lamina

I caught you, Xenohydro! Enough nonsense. If you're not convinced, sort it out with {NICKNAME}.

Tell the lead researcher about the Xenohydro conspiracy

📍 Herta Space Station Master Control Zone

Asta

You're back. Did you conclude the matter?

Options

I got the Xenohydro back...

Asta

Well, don't worry, the Xenohydro is of secondary importance... Is that Lamina standing with Capote over there?

Angry Master Capote Fan

You fraud. You trampled on our sincerity.

Heartbroken Master Capote Fan

Oh, Master Capote used to be so perfect, and now he is just another deceitful celebrity...

Wen Shiling

Master Capote! I can't believe you eat mayonnaise. That's disgusting! Give me back the gifts I gave you!

Capote

Lamina, why did you invite all these people?

Lamina

I didn't invite them here. I just told them the fact that I was the one who replied to all your fans.

Capote

Everybody calm down, let me explain later... Lamina, you don't want the benefits I give you at all anymore, do you?

Lamina

That's right, I don't want any of it. From now on, I won't help you cook, wash your clothes and shoes, write your letters, or be your puppet. Get it?

Lamina

If you want to find me, remember to ask my secretary Mr. Nonexistent for a number.

Asta

{NICKNAME}, what do you think of this?

Options

I don't know what they are arguing about.

She'll be able to look after herself.

You seem to know the back story.

Asta

I didn't think you can be so tight-lipped, but now, we should be honest and clear this up.

Asta

Yes, thanks to your mediation. Not only did you ensure her safety, but also encouraged her to change.

Asta

I thought I was careful, but you still noticed.

Asta

...Oops, "Like the risk of falling into the depths when trying to mount the sky." I didn't use any rhymes or enough alliteration for this line. It's still not good enough.

Asta

Hehe, to tell you the truth, the Cryptologist From Locus Silentii is none other than yours truly. This letter took me more than ten days to write, and I asked Mr. Wen for advice. It wasn't easy.

Asta

After I wrote it, I couldn't find the right person to get it delivered. Fortunately, the Xenohydro is just a prankster, and there's no rush to retrieve it.

Asta

Then you appeared, {NICKNAME}. And you turned out to be the best candidate. So I came up with the idea to let you and Lamina share some experiences together, see where it takes you.

Asta

But now you should also understand that Lamina is actually a kindhearted girl and she deserves another chance.

Options

You are also very kind.

She is bound to turn over a new leaf.

Why go around this massive circle?

Asta

Well, now that my objective has been achieved, I announce the Xenohydro case is officially over. Here is your reward. Thanks for all your help.

Asta

Please come back to the space station more in the future. Don't forget, there are a lot of people who've received your help here, and many traces of your hard work throughout the place.

Tell the lead researcher about the Xenohydro conspiracy

Asta

You're back. Did you conclude the matter?

Options

Sorry, I couldn't catch them...

Asta

Well, don't worry, the Xenohydro is of secondary importance... Is that Lamina standing with Capote over there?

Angry Master Capote Fan

You fraud. You trampled on our sincerity.

Heartbroken Master Capote Fan

Oh, Master Capote used to be so perfect, and now he is just another deceitful celebrity...

Wen Shiling

Master Capote! I can't believe you eat mayonnaise. That's disgusting! Give me back the gifts I gave you!

Capote

Lamina, why did you invite all these people?

Lamina

I didn't invite them here. I just told them the fact that I was the one who replied to all your fans.

Capote

Everybody calm down, let me explain later... Lamina, you don't want the benefits I give you at all anymore, do you?

Lamina

That's right, I don't want any of it. From now on, I won't help you cook, wash your clothes and shoes, write your letters, or be your puppet. Get it?

Lamina

If you want to find me, remember to ask my secretary Mr. Nonexistent for a number.

Asta

{NICKNAME}, what do you think of this?

Options

I don't know what they are arguing about.

She'll be able to look after herself.

You seem to know the back story.

Asta

I didn't think you can be so tight-lipped, but now, we should be honest and clear this up.

Asta

Yes, thanks to your mediation. Not only did you ensure her safety, but also encouraged her to change.

Asta

I thought I was careful, but you still noticed.

Asta

...Oops, "Like the risk of falling into the depths when trying to mount the sky." I didn't use any rhymes or enough alliteration for this line. It's still not good enough.

Asta

Hehe, to tell you the truth, the Cryptologist From Locus Silentii is none other than yours truly. This letter took me more than ten days to write, and I asked Mr. Wen for advice. It wasn't easy.

Asta

After I wrote it, I couldn't find the right person to get it delivered. Fortunately, the Xenohydro is just a prankster, and there's no rush to retrieve it.

Asta

Then you appeared, {NICKNAME}. And you turned out to be the best candidate. So I came up with the idea to let you and Lamina share some experiences together, see where it takes you.

Asta

But now you should also understand that Lamina is actually a kindhearted girl and she deserves another chance.

Options

You are also very kind.

She is bound to turn over a new leaf.

Why go around this massive circle?

Asta

Well, now that my objective has been achieved, I announce the Xenohydro case is officially over. Here is your reward. Thanks for all your help.

Asta

Please come back to the space station more in the future. Don't forget, there are a lot of people who've received your help here, and many traces of your hard work throughout the place.

I saw a Xenohydro.

Asta

You're back. Did you conclude the matter?

Options

I got the Xenohydro back...

Asta

Well, don't worry, the Xenohydro is of secondary importance... Is that Lamina standing with Capote over there?

Angry Master Capote Fan

You fraud. You trampled on our sincerity.

Heartbroken Master Capote Fan

Oh, Master Capote used to be so perfect, and now he is just another deceitful celebrity...

Wen Shiling

Master Capote! I can't believe you eat mayonnaise. That's disgusting! Give me back the gifts I gave you!

Capote

Lamina, why did you invite all these people?

Lamina

I didn't invite them here. I just told them the fact that I was the one who replied to all your fans.

Capote

Everybody calm down, let me explain later... Lamina, you don't want the benefits I give you at all anymore, do you?

Lamina

That's right, I don't want any of it. From now on, I won't help you cook, wash your clothes and shoes, write your letters, or be your puppet. Get it?

Lamina

If you want to find me, remember to ask my secretary Mr. Nonexistent for a number.

Asta

{NICKNAME}, what do you think of this?

Options

I don't know what they are arguing about.

She'll be able to look after herself.

You seem to know the back story.

Asta

I didn't think you can be so tight-lipped, but now, we should be honest and clear this up.

Asta

Yes, thanks to your mediation. Not only did you ensure her safety, but also encouraged her to change.

Asta

I thought I was careful, but you still noticed.

Asta

...Oops, "Like the risk of falling into the depths when trying to mount the sky." I didn't use any rhymes or enough alliteration for this line. It's still not good enough.

Asta

Hehe, to tell you the truth, the Cryptologist From Locus Silentii is none other than yours truly. This letter took me more than ten days to write, and I asked Mr. Wen for advice. It wasn't easy.

Asta

After I wrote it, I couldn't find the right person to get it delivered. Fortunately, the Xenohydro is just a prankster, and there's no rush to retrieve it.

Asta

Then you appeared, {NICKNAME}. And you turned out to be the best candidate. So I came up with the idea to let you and Lamina share some experiences together, see where it takes you.

Asta

But now you should also understand that Lamina is actually a kindhearted girl and she deserves another chance.

Options

You are also very kind.

She is bound to turn over a new leaf.

Why go around this massive circle?

Asta

Well, now that my objective has been achieved, I announce the Xenohydro case is officially over. Here is your reward. Thanks for all your help.

Asta

Please come back to the space station more in the future. Don't forget, there are a lot of people who've received your help here, and many traces of your hard work throughout the place.

Witness the scene of the fans of Master Capote having their hearts broken

Listen

Capote

Sorry, everybody, don't listen to that woman... Let's not gather here. We don't want to disturb the researchers and attract any unnecessary attention from security.

Angry Master Capote Fan

Everyone in the space station knows that Lamina is your most trusted secretary. What she said must be true!

Heartbroken Master Capote Fan

Lamina is the leader of your fanclub to some extent. If even she has left you, then maybe you're really not worth it...

Angry Master Capote Fan

Forget it, there's no point staying here any longer. Can we get our hearts back? Can we get back our laughter and tears? Can we get back our hopes and dreams!?

Heartbroken Master Capote Fan

I think we should go back and let our hearts heal.

Capote

Miss... uh... researcher is right! Please go back for now.

Options

Her name is... uh?

Don't you all have to work?

Learn from this lesson.

Angry Master Capote Fan

Oh, see? He doesn't even know our names.

Angry Master Capote Fan

So what's your name? Why don't we find a place to drink Kali-Kapo later? I need to vent!

Heartbroken Master Capote Fan

Okay... Okay, but I'm afraid I won't be able to stop my tears as soon as I start to speak...

Heartbroken Master Capote Fan

How can I be in the mood to work? Woo...

Wen Shiling

Are you asking me? There is really not much research work today.

Wen Shiling

To be honest, Master Capote really disappointed me. Can't believe I wanted to give all the good things in the Department of Implement Arts. Now it seems we might as well give them all to...

Wen Shiling

Nah. I should just go play with little Adler.

Capote

Who are you anyway... Mind your own business...

Angry Master Capote Fan

Oh, he can't even remember our names. I'm afraid it's hard for him to remember this lesson.

Wen Shiling

Oh? Can't Master Capote even remember what gift he got from me? Oh no, I have to get back. If those old guys in Implement Arts catch me, it'll get ugly.

Capote

My ladies! Listen to me, please just go now.

Capote

Well, I'll send you all a letter of condolence later to mend your hearts. Don't worry, it will be written by myself personally.

Angry Master Capote Fan

Urgh, who wants that. It will take me forever just to deal with your previous ghostwriter letters.

Heartbroken Master Capote Fan

Oh fine, just give me one. It'll complete the collection...

Angry Master Capote Fan

Hey everybody! Nothing to see here, let's bounce!

Capote

I don't know why Lamina threw that tantrum all of a sudden. There must be an accomplice or someone behind the scenes.

Capote

Alas, I don't have time to think about it. I still have a lot of consolation letters to write.