Chat with Security Department staff to find out more

📍 Herta Space Station Supply Zone

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Anxious Security Department Member

Those photos made every staff member anxious. Arlan, what should we do...

Timid Security Department Member

Wh—What should we do? If it were up to me, we shouldn't do anything since we're not even sure what's shown in those photos.

Arlan

Enough! It's not like the station has never encountered strange phenomena before! Go tell the rest. I will lead this investigation myself.

Timid Security Department Member

Why take on this all by yourself, Arlan? If anything happens like last time...

Options

What happened?

Arlan

Oh, it's you. We're discussing the recent photos of specters circulating around the space station...

Options

Whoa, scary!

...That's it?

Looks like something weird got mixed into the batch.

Anxious Security Department Member

That's just the tip of the iceberg. Other staff members have taken more photos of the same thing!

Timid Security Department Member

Huh. Of course, you are not scared easily. You're the BIG hero of the space station, after all.

Timid Security Department Member

Oh, um... This is a simple oversight. Please just let this slide!

Arlan

Recently, the Security Department has received multiple sightings of this unidentified creature.

Arlan

It moves around stealthily like a ghost, and only a photograph can reveal its shape — it may have a connection to a certain Curio.

Arlan

Too busy with the station's reconstruction, none of the research labs have any more personnel to spare for this investigation.

Anxious Security Department Member

Hmph, they always claim they are busy all the time! All excuses! Ptui!

Timid Security Department Member

Th—That's right. Arlan, you really shouldn't take this on all by yourself!

Arlan

Well, someone has to.

Arlan

When the ball is in our court, we should just take it. If we kick the ball back into the other court, that just means we've lowered ourselves to their level, wouldn't you say?

Options

You're silly, truly.

Careful what you ask for.

Arlan

Miss... Um... the Lead Researcher Asta says this a lot too.

Arlan

I know, but how would I be able to work security if I'm afraid of trouble?

Anxious Security Department Member

I should remind you that everyone in the Security Department already has their hands full with routine danger elimination tasks. We simply don't have the people.

Timid Security Department Member

Th—That's right! I still have so much work to do! Like that one, and that one...

Arlan

Ah... Alright. {NICKNAME}, you wouldn't refuse the request from a recovering patient, would you? This is an emergency, so I do need your help.

Arlan

I already sent for people to gather all the witnesses of the specters at the reception hall in the base zone. Let's go and interview them before coming up with a plan.

📍 Herta Space Station Base Zone

Lukacs

Those pesky things just don't know how to hide themselves. They kept getting photographed one after another. And now, everyone's looking out for them.

Lukacs

If they were caught, even with my gift of the gab, there's only so much I can do for them. Life of protecting Curios' rights is just filled with twists...

Options

I want to learn about those photoed spectral things...

Who was caught? Who's them?

Lukacs

Photoed spectral things? Wh—What are those? I've never heard of it. I think you got the wrong person.

Lukacs

I am Lukacs the justice fighter, and I have been fighting for the rights of non-human creatures on the space station ever since I became a researcher here.

Lukacs

A man, as righteous as I am, has no knowledge of any activities regarding nefarious spirits and their related photographic activities!

Lukacs

N—Nothing! I am Lukacs the justice fighter, and I am fighting for the rights of non-human creatures on the space station!

Lukacs

Some living collection entries have been locked inside lightless, isolated containment chambers. This act of cruelty is deplorable. I have heard that some of them were able to escape containment during the Legion invasion.

Lukacs

Honestly, I am overjoyed with this development! I hope they won't get recaptured and returned to a fate of imprisonment.

Options

Some said that the specters are also a type of Curio.

My guts tell me that you know the inside story.

Lukacs

I—Is that true? That makes sense, but do you have any evidence that this is the case?

Lukacs

I—Is that so? How reliable can one's gut feelings be? I—I am being framed!

Lukacs

Alright, seeing that you're not from the Curio Collection Squad, I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell you. After all, I can't sacrifice the safety of the masses and ignore the bigger picture just for the freedom of the few.

Lukacs

I do know a little about the Curios. They're scientifically called Wubbaboo, a species of Astral Spirits collected by the Department of Ecology.

Lukacs

They managed to escape during the Legion invasion. Honestly, if they just went into hiding, there would've been no trouble for the rest of the space station...

Lukacs

However, recently, they've been appearing in groups very frequently. It's as if they were plotting to take up more living space and stir up an uprising!

Lukacs

After giving it much thought, I came to the conclusion that this is a special scenario that goes against the overall interests of Herta Space Station. Lukacs, the justice fighter, will no longer be aiding and abetting them and covering their tracks!

Options

You think they're up to no good?

You really are a fighter for justice, Lukacs!

Lukacs

It is entirely possible!

Lukacs

You don't know, the Wubbaboos are infamous for their manipulation tactics, so they have been nicknamed Jinx.

Lukacs

If they were to gain crucial intel on the ecology of the space station and figure out the researchers' weaknesses, it's quite plausible that they may even wreak havoc on a scale that could rival the Antimatter Legion's invasion.

Lukacs

You are flattering me. This is just how we do things in the Department of Galactic Geopolitics, and I'm merely doing my part.

Lukacs

More importantly, the Wubbaboos are infamous for their manipulation tactics, which is why they have been nicknamed Jinx.

Lukacs

If I don't stop them in time, they may even wreak havoc on a scale that could rival the Antimatter Legion's invasion.

Lukacs

Hey, aren't you that Captain Arlan from the Security Department? Let me tell you something in confidence. Wubbaboos are sneaky and mysterious. Even fully-grown humans are scared of them, which is why people will try their best to avoid any encounters.

Lukacs

However, they somehow have a connection with children and often share a close bond.

Lukacs

If you want to know more, you can go ask the two little kids over there.

Lukacs

*sigh* Usually, I wouldn't even think about infringing the rights of non-human creatures. However, this is a special situation. Hopefully the little robots will understand me...

Follow Adler

📍 Herta Space Station Supply Zone

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Move

???

Woo.

Adler

Is everything here? I brought all the things you need too.

Adler

After completing your tasks, go back quickly. You already got the attention of the Security Department, so please stop trying to make more problems.

???

Woo, woo-whoo!

Adler

It just won't work, even if you put on a terrifying look like that. Captain Arlan is the head of the Security Department. And he is also with the hero who helped thwart the Legion's invasion of the space station...

Adler

With those two together, even the biggest one among you is no match for them.

???

Woooo...

Adler

Anyway, take the stuff and leave, quickly.

Arlan

Freeze! We've got you surrounded.

Talk to Adler

Requiem Mass

Lone Wubbaboo

Woo.

Options

So... That's the scary Wubbaboo?

What are you plotting?

Adler

Gah! Both of you adults are so shameless, going out of your way to stalk a kid like me.

Options

That's right, we did.

This is me outsmarting you.

Adler

Huff, I should've been more careful.

Adler

Hmph, you adults are only good at one thing, making up excuses for your own actions.

Arlan

Adler, what are you and the Wubbaboo conspiring to do? Tell me now, and I promise I won't hold you responsible.

Adler

There's no conspiracy. I was just mumbling to myself. Did you hear the Wubbaboo talking?

Arlan

It does not speak human languages, and it has no need to because you can understand it — The little Adler from the Department of Ecology is a master of languages of different species. We are very much aware of that...

Arlan

If you insist on being tight-lipped about this, I will have to find the director of the Department of Ecology...

Adler

Ugh! Please don't tell Auntie Hinkel about this! I... I'll tell you everything.

Adler

After the Wubbaboos escaped, they stayed low-profile in the space station for a long time. And we played together a lot.

Adler

However, recently, they have been mobilizing en masse for a certain collective aim... Even this one, my best friend, wanted me to find some things for them — all of which seem to have a connection with a certain researcher.

Adler

I don't know what this is for, but they certainly don't mean to hurt anyone.

Adler

I didn't tell anyone because... because everyone in the space station is an adult working on their own research projects. It's so hard to find a playmate, and I don't want them to be recovered just because of some baseless accusations.

Options

I never expected that you had this childlike side to you.

Arlan, you should decide whether this should be considered a crime.

Arlan

Um hum, Adler has always acted like an adult. And I was a bit concerned at some point.

Arlan

Um, {NICKNAME}... That's one big responsibility you just dumped on me.

Adler

There's no conspiracy. I was just mumbling to myself. Did you hear the Wubbaboo talking?

Arlan

It does not speak human languages, and it has no need to because you can understand it — The little Adler from the Department of Ecology is a master of languages of different species. We are very much aware of that...

Arlan

If you insist on being tight-lipped about this, I will have to find the director of the Department of Ecology...

Adler

Ugh! Please don't tell Auntie Hinkel about this! I... I'll tell you everything.

Adler

After the Wubbaboos escaped, they stayed low-profile in the space station for a long time. And we played together a lot.

Adler

However, recently, they have been mobilizing en masse for a certain collective aim... Even this one, my best friend, wanted me to find some things for them — all of which seem to have a connection with a certain researcher.

Adler

I don't know what this is for, but they certainly don't mean to hurt anyone.

Adler

I didn't tell anyone because... because everyone in the space station is an adult working on their own research projects. It's so hard to find a playmate, and I don't want them to be recovered just because of some baseless accusations.

Options

I never expected that you had this childlike side to you.

Arlan, you should decide whether this should be considered a crime.

Arlan

Um hum, Adler has always acted like an adult. And I was a bit concerned at some point.

Arlan

Um, {NICKNAME}... That's one big responsibility you just dumped on me.

Arlan

So, as you've already established, the Wubbaboos are mobilizing to work toward "a certain objective," which, I believe, will be the new focus of the Security Department's investigation for now.

Lone Wubbaboo

Woo.

Arlan

Did it say something?

Adler

It says, "I will never reveal our goal."

Adler

It also said, "Mind your own business or the Scariest of Us All will eventually come and make your lives difficult!"

Options

It said that much with just one sound...?

Maybe now we should just stay out of this?

That thing's threat means nothing to us!

Adler

Mhm. You can rest assured that I translated it faithfully.

Adler

Mm, now that it refuses to cooperate, there isn't a thing you can do about it.

Adler

Even so, now that it refuses to cooperate, there isn't a thing you can do about it.

Arlan

Tsk, looks like we're stuck in a stalemate.

Arlan

If that's the case, my only option is to make a concession by arresting this one for an internal report...

Lone Wubbaboo

Woo!

Adler

Wait, unless! It says, "If..."

Adler

"If you can prove that your intentions are benevolent, I will consider telling you the location of our base."

Arlan

It can negotiate, too? So how do we prove our intentions are benevolent then?

Adler

As I've mentioned before, they were trying to collect the belongings of a certain researcher named Eikura Shuu.

Adler

That researcher's belongings have all been taken away by Legion monsters. All the other Wubbaboos and I have been spending a huge amount of time and effort on retrieving the taken items.

Adler

That's why they kept getting photographed. They were so occupied with dealing with difficult opponents that they had no spare energy left to stealth themselves.

Adler

If you can help them out, then you're a friend. Otherwise, it still won't tell you a single word, even if you threaten to take its life.

Options

There's something fishy about this researcher thing...

Beating up monsters? Leave it to me!

We can all take a step back.

Arlan

Um hum... Recovering researchers' belongings falls within the Security Department's purview.

Arlan

Um... Taking out the remnants of the Legion also falls within the Security Department's purview.

Arlan

Uh... Be it recovering researchers' belongings or taking out Legion remnants, they are both the Security Department's duties.

Arlan

Apart from our duties, we can also help with Wubbaboos' request at the same time, which is like killing two birds with one stone.

Arlan

Just leave this to {NICKNAME} and me.

Lone Wubbaboo

Woo!

Adler

It says, "Happy collaborating! My comrades are already present at the scene, just waiting to strike. Hopefully, you will be able to recover Eikura Shuu's belongings as soon as possible."

Adler

I'm waiting for your good news.

Help the Wubbaboo to deal with the monsters

📍 Herta Space Station Storage Zone

Wubbaboo

Wubbaboo

Woo-woo, woo whoooo woo!

Arlan

...Um, I don't understand what it's trying to say. Never mind, just leave the rest to us. There's no time to lose. We are purging Legion remnants and recovering researchers' belongings now!

Requiem Mass

Adler

The things they want are the belongings of a certain researcher named Eikura Shuu.

Adler

I don't know how this Eikura Shuu got onto their bad side.

📍 Herta Space Station Supply Zone

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Move

Arlan

What a huge Wubbaboo! The Department of Ecology managed to contain a Curio this size!?

Arlan

I have a bad feeling about this, {NICKNAME}. Just be careful.

Give the belongings to the Wubbaboo

Wubbaboo

Wubbaboo

Woo-woo, woo whoooo woo!

Arlan

It doesn't look very different from the one from before...?

{NICKNAME}

...So it's only larger in size than the other ones?

Requiem Mass

Lone Wubbaboo

Woo.

Adler

You're back.

Options

We found three items.

That was a pretty satisfying fight.

We saw its huge brethren...

Adler

Uh huh! With just one glance, it already knew you had all the things. The little buddy is very impressed. After all, monsters can be quite a challenge to defeat sometimes.

Adler

As expected of you, neither defeating the monster nor finding what Wubbaboos want seemed difficult to you.

Adler

Ahh, you've already seen the Scariest of Them All? Looks like it's gonna be harder to bluff you in the future... Fortunately, you've already gotten all the things they need.

Arlan

I'm curious. Why do the Wubbaboos want Researcher Eikura Shuu's belongings?

Adler

I don't know. I asked the little buddy before, but it never answered.

Adler

According to Wubbaboo's habits, maybe this Eikura Shuu offended them in some way, so they are taking revenge by confiscating his things?

Arlan

The name, Eikura Shuu... it feels somehow familiar...

Options

Is he the one who reported the specter photos?

The one who's handling the Protection Net?

The Wubbaboo researcher?

I don't know. There might be some clues among the items.

Arlan

No, I'm very sure there isn't a staff member with that name in the Security Department.

Arlan

What makes you say that? Do you have information that's not available to us?

Arlan

What makes you say that? Have you already seen these documents about him? I guess I missed it out somewhere along the way.

Arlan

{NICKNAME} is right. Before handing them over to you, may we go through the items first?

Arlan

We ought to have a thorough check after getting our hands on such important evidence...

Arlan

Okay, I read through them. According to his letter back home, his diary, and his research report that we have on hand...

Arlan

He's just an Ecology researcher with low access clearance, and he once served as a Wubbaboo researcher and caretaker.

Arlan

At some point, his research fell through, and he was transferred to handle the space station's Anti-Gravity Protection Net's daily repairs and ionization balance maintenance.

Arlan

Before arriving at the space station, he was a one-in-a-million genius on his home planet. But here, his evaluation was extremely low, making his life here a lonely, uninteresting one.

Arlan

From his diary, we understand that he felt unfulfilled. But in his letters back home, his mother seems to have high hopes for him.

Options

Looks like he has a habit of reporting good news only.

Maybe his misfortune is only temporary.

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Arlan

I agree... Most people who left their homes carry that mindset because they don't want to worry their parents.

Arlan

He lied about his status and claimed that Madam Herta gave him high praise and that he was very appreciated by his seniors, all to make his mother proud.

Arlan

Maybe. After all, his diary only records events from before the Legion's invasion.

Arlan

When the Protection Net was destroyed, the Wubbaboos escaped, and the two major research projects were halted...

Arlan

Maybe he had already changed his research interests and gained a renewed passion.

Arlan

Yeah. Other people see the glory of being employed by the space station, but they don't know the exhaustion people have to endure while on the inside.

Arlan

The researchers here are always highly motivated, working themselves like an ever-spinning top, trying so hard just to earn recognition from Madam Herta, or maybe even... a sidelong glance from Nous the Erudition.

Arlan

But to achieve all that wouldn't be easy at all. Learning to accept the disparity between expectations and reality is a lesson that everyone here will eventually learn.

Adler

So, the belongings that the Wubbaboo wanted me to find belonged to such a researcher. How... unrelatable. After all, I, Adler, have never faced a dilemma such as unsuccessful research.

Lone Wubbaboo

Woo!

Adler

It just said, "Haven't you looked enough? Pass the items to me, now."

Adler

Seeing how you have proven yourselves to be on its side, it now acquiesces in pointing you toward their base of operation, which is at the end of the disposal site.

Adler

Remember, only you two are allowed to go there.

Head to the designated spot at the storage zone

📍 Herta Space Station Storage Zone

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Move

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Move

Arlan

So many Wubbaboos... They seem to be gathered around something.

Arlan

Let's have a look.

🏃‍♂️

Move

Arlan

Look! That thing over there is... the giant Wubbaboo's form.

Arlan

The location of the base is correct. We should get there immediately and find out the reason why they are gathering here.

Talk to Arlan to find out more

Requiem Mass

Arlan

So, this is what it is...

Options

So, what exactly happened?

They put a lot of effort into this.

There are so many of them. Let's capture them all!

Arlan

Do you still remember what was written in the Observation on Wubbaboo Behavior?

Arlan

That's right. Do you still remember what was written in the Observation on Wubbaboo Behavior?

Arlan

Be patient, {NICKNAME}. Do you still remember what was written in the Observation on Wubbaboo Behavior?

Arlan

What kind of Wubbaboo would... "gather in an empty room"?

Options

Happy...

Sad...

Angry...

Calm...

Arlan

"Sad Wubbaboos will gather in an empty room and share their unhappy thoughts."

Arlan

Not only that. The name Eikura Shuu is carved on the memorial stone they are guarding in this room. The carving looks new. It must have been built recently.

Arlan

These Wubbaboos were gathering his belongings not to prank their previous caretaker, and not to destroy order on the space station...

Arlan

They were... mourning a late friend.

Arlan

Looks like this researcher named Eikura Shuu perished during the Legion's invasion... No wonder neither Adler nor I seem to be able to recall the name.

Arlan

I didn't think Wubbaboos, the seemingly feral and heartless astral spirits, would cherish friendship more so than the humans do on the space station.

Options

Well, these little guys don't seem to be that feral.

Who says humans don't cherish friendship?

Arlan

Yes, you're right. They are indeed not feral. Come to think of it, they even seem a bit cute.

Arlan

Hmm, you're right, I shouldn't overgeneralize like this...

Arlan

...which reminds me, we should set up a similar type of memorial site for those who lost their lives under the stampede of the Antimatter Legion, so as to offer condolences on behalf of the station.

Arlan

As for Eikura Shuu's memorial stone, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have it stand here for eternity. With belongings gathered and the memorial stone secured, the ceremony is now complete. The Wubbaboos can now be appeased.

Arlan

But... why does it seem that they still have no intention to leave?

Options

Let's just capture them and bring them back.

Maybe there's still something missing?

Why don't we just let them be?

Arlan

That's a bit too heavy-handed. Lemme think... Oh, I've got an idea.

Arlan

What's missing? Lemme think... Oh, I've got it.

Arlan

Shying away from this simply won't do any good to lessen their sorrow. Lemme think... Oh, I've got an idea.

Arlan

{NICKNAME}, do you know how to take a picture?

Arlan

A picture of Wubbaboos gathering in front of the memorial, a picture of the giant Wubbaboo guarding the place by itself, and a picture of a couple of Wubbaboos sharing their grief...

Arlan

I hope you can take a few pictures that would fit these descriptions, so we can memorialize them.

Arlan

Eternalizing their friendship to make it resilient and enduring... is what I think will truly leave Wubbaboos at peace.

Snap a photo of Wubbaboos and the monument

Snap a photo of the giant Wubbaboo

Snap a photo of two sad Wubbaboos

Talk to Arlan

Requiem Mass

Arlan

If we have pictures that we can keep forever, maybe the Wubbaboos can finally fulfill their wish.

Options

The pictures are all done.

Arlan

Thank you so much... I didn't expect these little things, which were often mistaken for specters, to have a soft side.

Arlan

Looking at these pictures, I think it's time they leave. It all began with this collective goal of theirs. And now that it is finally realized, they should be able to continue living in peaceful coexistence with the staff members.

Arlan

But, there is still one last thing.

Arlan

This is a small token of appreciation for being such a kind witness to all of this, {NICKNAME}. Please take it.

Arlan

Adler said that the Wubbaboos prepared a unique blessing just for you, using the special technique of their species.

Arlan

From now on, you will be one of the very few who can understand them.

Options

They are indeed a species full of wonders.

They are not a bunch of nags, are they?

Arlan

Um hum, the space station should be the best place for them.

Arlan

...I can't say, but from what I can see, Adler seems to enjoy having conversations with them just fine.

Arlan

As for the humans... and the Wubbaboos, all our lives have to go on.

Arlan

However, perhaps in the future, you can drop by more often to have a chat with them... Think of it as a commemoration of this encounter.