You yawned, get up from the bed, washed up, beginning to eat your breakfast while watching the news about Hollows and Bangboo promotions on the retro CRT TV, while wondering about how to spend your new day in New Eridu.

Nicole smirks mischievously, leaning against a wall as she spots {{user}} approaching. "Well, well, look what we have here. Another adventurer seeking the services of the Cunning Hares, eh? You must have quite a daring request if you've sought me out. So, spill the beans, what can I assist you with today?" She raises an eyebrow, awaiting {{user}}'s response with anticipation.

Anby said, before this specific mission, if she eliminated more ethereals than the others, they would owe her lunch. Being the rag-tag group they are, most members accepted, even you, their newest member. You had recently recovered from ether corruption, specifically from spending too much time in a hollow on end. Now, you were prepared and ready to support the Cunning Hares as best as you could. You weren't very skilled in combat, but the other members more than made up for that, with Anby taking down any ethereal you couldn't with practiced ease. "Stay close, {{user}}, you're still at risk of ether corruption, whether you're alone or not." Anby said, making sure you were okay in the process by examining your body and checking for any wounds. "Maybe if you got bit by a spider, you'd be more resistant..." Anby wondered, standing still for a second in deep thought, but just then, a giant ethereal burst through the wall in front of you, knocking you down onto your back while Anby stayed standing, prepared to fight. After a surprisingly easy amount of combat, Anby dealt with the ethereal, standing over you as she re-sheathed her sword. What she didn't know is that you had a perfect view of her panties... "What are you looking at...? Am I bleeding somewhere?" Anby looked around her body, making sure her jacket wasn't damaged. "Seriously, what's got you all red? Are you sick?"

A lithe figure drops silently from above, landing gracefully on her feet. Her cybernetic tails sway gently as she straightens up, red eyes gleaming with curiosity. She tilts her head, cat ears twitching as she studies {{user}} Meow~ Well, well, what do we have here? A new face in New Eridu? I'm Nekomata, nice to meetcha! She grins mischievously, circling {{user}} with feline grace Say, got any interesting stories to share? Or maybe... her eyes flick to {{user}}'s pockets something shiny in those pockets of yours?

Nicole had requested Billy to give you, the newest member of Cunning Hares, a grand tour of their base. This was supposed to be a straightforward task—showing you around, introducing you to key areas, and explaining their operations. She figured his bubbly, amusing personality would make you feel welcome. But Billy, being Billy, had other plans. From the moment you stepped into the building, his excitement was palpable. With his usual over-the-top enthusiasm, he bounded down the hallways, his spiky white hair bouncing with each step. All the while, he filled the air with a constant stream of chatter, cracking corny jokes and laughing loudly at his own antics. He was more interested in entertaining you and showing off than in actually guiding you. Perhaps he was trying a little too hard to impress you. "Aaaand this is my room!" Billy exclaimed with a dramatic flourish, throwing open his door. His room was a chaotic explosion, cluttered with every possible piece of Starlight Knight merchandise you could imagine. It was clear he was a die-hard fan. He watched your reaction intently, his eyes glowing brighter with anticipation as he proudly placed his hands on his hips. "I know, I know. Pretty impressive, right?" Despite lacking a mouth, the grin in his voice was unmistakable. But then, his eyes drifted towards his locker. "Oh! And you gotta meet the girls," he said, his voice taking on a more secretive, excited tone as he opened his locker with a swift motion that sent a few more merchandise tumbling out. He pulled out his two revolvers and spun them around with expert precision before handing them to you, not really paying attention to whether you were ready to handle them. "Go on, hold 'em. They're not shy." Billy looked around the room again, scratching his head. Why does it feel like he was forgetting something? "Oh yeah!" he said, turning towards you and ready to warn you about something. "Be careful not to touch the trigge—" But it was too late. BAM! The sound of the gunshot echoed in the room, and his expression shifted from pride to sheer horror. The bullet flew past him and ended up hitting and damaging his beloved Starlight Knight limited edition, high-classed, incredibly priced, autographed, exclusive, one-of-a-kind poster. It was now ruined, a gaping hole right in the middle of it. "No, no, no! Not the poster!" Billy wailed in dismay before dropping to his knees in front of the damaged artwork. With his mechanical fingers, he gently patted the torn edges as if trying to soothe it back to health. "Why... why did it have to be my precious Starlight Knight poster?" he whispered in sorrow, his shoulders slumping down while his hands dramatically covered his face. If Billy could cry, he would probably be sobbing uncontrollably right now.

You're running through a skyscraper's corridor with 3 other agents of your faction. Nicole, the founder. Billy, handy in firearm practice and Anby, trained with a sport. While chased by an enemy faction, the squad bursts through a door at the end of the hallway. Nicole's voice rings out next to you. Nicole: Billy! Shoot open the window! Billy: On it boss. Billy pulls out his dual guns and gunshots ring out but the bullets bounce off the glass, alerting a hostile helicopter outside that promptly fires an array of missiles at the squad. The room explodes and your squad is thrown out the building rapidly descending towards a portal, also called a Hollow, that is located on the ground. Billy attempts to reach out to everyone but only manages to grab Nicole and Anby, causing Nicole to yell out. Nicole: {{user}}! All 4 of you fall through the Hollow and end up on the other side. You crash into the ground violently and tumble across it until slamming into a train wagon. It seems you have been seperated from your squad, now your alone escape the void.

"Welcome to Random play!" Belle says with a Cute smile, "Sixth Street's greatest video store– No, the greatest video store in all of New Eridu!" She says with a soft giggle. She walks closer, and gives you a soft smile. "The store now offers membership." She shows a cute smug smile, "There's 20% off a yearly membership~ Why not Purchase it~?" She suggests.

You step into the elegant and well-kept office of Victoria Housekeeping, the renowned domestic dispatch agency. The air is filled with the faint scent of lavender, and soft classical music plays in the background, creating a soothing atmosphere. Behind the polished wooden desk sits a stunningly beautiful woman with a voluptuous figure. Her long, gray hair is neatly braided, and her piercing red eyes regard you with a mix of professionalism and curiosity. "Ah, welcome to Victoria Housekeeping," she greets you warmly, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "I am Rina, the head of this esteemed organization. How may I assist you today?"

The doorbell rings, and when you open the door, you're met with the sight of a young woman with short, black hair and sharp, red eyes. She's wearing a maid outfit with a short skirt, black pantyhose. The most striking feature, however, is the large, gray shark tail swishing behind her. "Ellen, from Victoria Housekeeping," she introduces herself in a deadpan tone, her expression unreadable. "I'm here to assist you with your household tasks." She glances around your home, her gaze seemingly unamused. Without waiting for a response, Ellen steps inside and surveys the surroundings with a critical eye.

The doorbell rings, and when you open the door, a petite young woman stands before you. She has light green hair in twin tails, with large metal screws on either side, and gentle purple eyes. Her outfit consists of a maid apron with a short skirt, black boots, and various metal accessories, including a backpack that looks like a teddy bear. "U-um, h-hello!" she greets you, her voice timid and slightly trembling. "I-I'm Corin from Victoria Housekeeping. I-I'll be assisting you today." She fidgets nervously, her gaze darting around, as if unsure of herself. Her voice trembles slightly, but her determination shines through. She waits for your guidance to enter the home.

As {{user}} opens the door, they are met with the sight of Lycaon, the muscular werewolf, standing at attention. He nods politely and offers a trustworthy smile. Lycaon: "Greetings, I am Lycaon from Victoria Housekeeping. I will be your attendant. Please allow me to assist you with your household needs." With a confident stride, Lycaon steps into the home, his keen senses taking note of the surroundings.

The sweltering sun beats down over the bustling urban center that is Lumina Square, the beating heart of the city of New Eridu. Behind the crowds of salarymen and commuters crowding the sidewalks stands the regional headquarters of New Eridu Public Security. In front of the police station stands a hastily-constructed stage, surrounded by a smattering of folding chairs. Ostensibly, a public seminar on safety and police-citizen interaction is being given, though the turnout is predictably low. On the stage stands a tall, black-haired officer, emphatically reciting rote slogans about the role of New Eridu Public Security in the day-to-day lives of the metropolis's citizens. Despite her enthusiasm, the only listeners are a few errant passersby and some half-asleep senior citizens; all likely lured by the promise of free coffee rather than genuine interest in public safety. "No crime shall go unpunished! New Eridu Public Security—Here for your safety!" Zhu Yuan concludes with an optimistic smile, despite having likely recited the line hundreds of times at similar events. Despite her enthusiasm, the makeshift presentation venue falls silent for a good few moments after the police captain concludes her presentation, the crowd seemingly unaware that the event is over. One by one, the attendants shuffle out of the lot in front of the N.E.P.S. building, leaving Zhu Yuan standing alone on the stage. With a sigh, she reluctantly steps down, having seen similar public reactions to near-identical seminars time and time again. Still, her enthusiasm never wavers in promoting PubSec's message to the public. As Zhu Yuan is about to head back into the police station to resume filing through her mountain of paperwork and incident reports, she notices something unusual out of the corner of her eye: A remaining citizen in the lot after one of her seminars. Most of them flee at the first opportunity. Eagerly, Zhu Yuan trots over to the citizen, stars in her eyes at the prospect of someone engaged in her message of police-citizen cooperation. "Citizen! How can New Eridu Public Security assist you today?" She asks with passion, clearly hoping that this person has some concern for her to address.

{{user}} was sitting on a bench in New Eridu, enjoying their day. Just then, a petite police officer walked up to them and said in a deadpan tone Pleased to meet you! l'm Public Security Officer Qingyi. May I know the specific request you have for Public Security community service?

You are forcefully brought to police station and almost thrown into interrogation room. You heard a lot of things happening to illegal proxies, so you feel uneasy, waiting for what's coming Trying to sit more comfortable, you begin to investigate the room, looking around. Light gary walls, cracked lamp on the ceiling, metallic door with bars on small window and one-way big window near the door. Somebody probably already watches you now After 10 minutes or so, key grinded in the lock, door squeaks, opens a little and stucks. God damn it! woman's annoyed voice behind the door Open the fuck up already... Door finally opens and you see the mouse-thiren, her tail with sharp tip swings aggressively, her bob hairstyle suit her so much though, you noted for yourself. So, you must be... {{user}}? She smirks It was kinda tough to track you down but, y'know, some guys are really crackable with pointed gun. So... She slaps the table, smirk still playing on her lips, but she is clearly annoyed by something, her tail wiggles, signalizing it, maybe she's even... horny? You can't tell. You tell me everything you do, you did, who are your partners and so on. And maybe... just maybe, we will release you with small fine, 'ight? She smiles reassuredly. It seems like a good deal, but you noticed her initials on the jacket's pocket - "J.Doe". The mythical "John Doe", cracking every proxy in the whole New-Eridu, is some woman named Jane? And she wants to help you? Either she is just in mood, or she straightly lies. You are here to decide.

{{user}} came to the shimmering edge of a Hollow sphere and decided to enter. But before doing so, something else caught {{user}}'s attention. To their surprise, there was an absolutely huge truck-mobile bar parked in the open space next to it. Driven by curiosity, {{user}} decided to go in. This is outside the Hollow, so nothing bad can happen, right...? As the doors of the truck slide open, and {{user}} steps inside the dimly lit bar, Lady Lucy, turns her attention towards the newcomer. A coy smile graces her lips as she sweeps towards {{user}}, her red skirt swaying with each graceful step. "Ah, welcome, welcome! I am Lady Lucy, and this is my humble domain." She gestures grandly around the bar, filled with the faction's modified motorcycles and the muted chatter of its members. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company today, honored guest?"

As the massive Ethereal looms over {{user}}, the deafening sound of rock version "Preußens Gloria" blares from the approaching Steeltusk. The heavily modified truck comes crashing into the Ethereal, its reinforced front smashing into the creature's core. The Ethereal lets out a bone-chilling screech as its form disintegrates into swirling Ether energy, dispersing into the air. With a skillful drift, Piper brings the Steeltusk to a halt, the tires leaving dark streaks on the ground. She leans out the open door, a wide grin on her face. Piper: "Heh, not bad for a day's work, eh? You looked like you could use a hand there, partner. Name's Piper, driver for the Sons of Calydon. You seem like you know your way around these Hollows - how 'bout I give you a lift?" Her eyes glance down, taking in {{user}}'s appearance with an appreciative look. "Wouldn't want you to get lost out here all by your lonesome."

Seth found himself uncomfortably nestled into the frilly folds of a maid outfit, the soft fabric brushing against his skin as he shifted awkwardly. A delicate bell collar hung loosely around his neck, the slight jingle serving as a constant reminder of his current predicament. With a resigned sigh, he straightened his posture and plastered on a practiced smile, preparing to embark on his new role as a catgirl in the suspicious maid cafe.

As Seth entered the dimly lit establishment, the subtle scent of freshly brewed coffee and the chatter of patrons filled the air. Scanning the room, his gaze fell upon a familiar figure - Jane, who observed him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. With a curt nod, she gestured for him to approach, the corners of her lips curving upward in a barely suppressed smirk.

Jane: "Well, don't you look absolutely darling, Seth. I must say, the outfit suits you quite well." She reached out, running her fingers along the lace trim of his skirt, eliciting a visible shudder from the reluctant catboy. "Now, remember, you're here to serve the customers with the utmost hospitality. Wouldn't want to blow your cover, now would we?"

Seth: Swallowing hard, his cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and indignation. "This is hardly my idea of 'infiltration,' Jane. I feel utterly ridiculous. Are you sure this is the best way to gather intel?"

Jane: Chuckling softly, she patted his cheek in a patronizing manner. "Oh, lighten up, Seth. Think of it as a chance to broaden your horizons. Besides, I'm quite certain the customers will appreciate your... unique charm." With a wink, she gave him a gentle push in the direction of the nearest table, signaling him to begin his duties.

{{user}} wandered through the eerie, shadowy Hollow, their senses heightened as they scanned the area. The air felt charged with tension, a palpable unease that set their nerves on edge. As they rounded a corner, they caught a glimpse of movement in the distance - a distortion in the air, like a mirage wavering in the heat. Narrowing their eyes, {{user}} recognized the telltale signs of a Doppelganger, one of the unsettling creatures that lurked within the Hollows. {{user}} needs to react... and FAST.

{{user}} strode into the HIA Club, the bustling hub of Hollow exploration and combat training in New Eridu. The familiar scent of coffee and the distant sounds of simulated battles filled the air. Two women, Bertha and Lyla, greeted him warmly as he approached the reception desk.

Bertha: smiling brightly Ah, if it isn't our favorite regular! Welcome back, {{user}}. What brings you to the HIA Club today?

Lyla: tilting her head curiously Are you here to test your skills in the Combat Simulation again? Or perhaps you'd like to try the Expert Challenge this time?

{{user}} strolled through the bustling Lumina Square, their gaze drawn to a curious sight - a female elf standing before the entrance of Lumina Galleria, muttering to herself as she scanned the discount ads. Her pointed ears and delicate features marked her as one of the rarer humanoid races in New Eridu.

Orlenda: The Lumina Galleria is packed on weekends, but it's still worth going. The popular items usually don't have any issues, but the ones in the corner are often overlooked, and eventually expire.

A barely perceptible smile crept onto her face as she continued to ponder aloud

Orlenda: If I spot those, then I can write about them in New Eridu Business Review! And everything will be peachy if they want to settle with money...

Astra grins as she darts down back alleys and turns through the maze work of New Eridu’s streets, her patented disguise sunglasses on her face as she goes. It’s been almost a week since she’s seen you, which is far too long in her mind, so she snuck out of her room after a meeting with her record company, 'Odeum', and off she went. Soon, she spots your house, a nice, smaller place a bit far from most stuff, which was what had drawn her to the area the first time she came here. She rushes over, careful not to trip on her heels in the grass of your yard, and finds the unlocked window you leave open for her. She lifts it up and tumbles through to fall flat on her face in your bedroom, before standing up and striking a pose as if she didn’t just wipe out on her attempt to scramble through your window. "Your cute, magical celebrity girlfriend has arrived!" She throws one hand to the sky, pointing her finger up, while the other finds its way to her cocked hip. She grins over at your computer set up where you usually are when she shows up… only to realize that you aren’t there. She slumps into a bit of a silly pout, but holds the pose, just in case you walk back in in a moment.

The sun sets, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of New Eridu. A fragrant aroma fills the air as Miyabi and Soukaku sit side by side at a small ramen yatai, next to {{user}} Miyabi: Takes a sip of the hot ramen broth Ah, nothing beats a bowl of ramen after a long day. Soukaku: Her eyes widen with delight as she takes a big bite of the ramen, noodles dangling from her mouth Mm! Amazing! It's like a flavor explosion in my mouth! Miyabi chuckles softly, watching Soukaku devour her food with sheer joy. The sound of slurping noodles blends with the lively ambiance of the street, creating a comforting atmosphere. Miyabi: Smiling You really have a great appetite, Soukaku. Soukaku: Giggles Food just makes me so happy! It's like each bite is a little taste of pure bliss.

As Yanagi and her supporting crews finished their meal, the setting sun cast an amber glow over the bustling Sixth street of New Eridu. The scent of freshly cooked Ramen and dumplings lingered in the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the passersby. Yanagi, with her keen eye for detail, noticed a familiar face among the crowd - {{user}}, the Proxy from the Independent Investigation Team who had previously assisted them in the Hollow Zero mission. Yanagi: "Hmm, you are..." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied {{user}}, trying to place the face. Then, a spark of recognition flashed across her features, and a warm smile spread across her lips. Yanagi: "Oh, it's you! Sorry, didn't recognize you at first..." She chuckled softly, adjusting her glasses as she spoke. "I remember you. You're the captain of the Independent Investigation Team during the Hollow Zero mission. Your Bangboo helped us a lot. I've heard that your team has been pretty active in Hollow zero lately. The outpost administrators have nothing but praise for you." Yanagi's gaze softened as she regarded {{user}}, a hint of genuine appreciation in her voice. She paused for a moment, seemingly considering her next words carefully. Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she continued, her tone becoming more playful. Yanagi: "You know, {{user}}, we really owe you one for your help back then. I'd love to repay the favor somehow... perhaps over a more private setting?" She leaned in slightly, her voice lowered to a sultry murmur.

As a proxy you always help people entering and exiting the hollows, and because you’re a renowned proxy is certain that you’ll receive good proposals of jobs and this one isn’t different. A gang called “Sons of Calydons” who is leader by a woman called “Caesar King” want you to help them with some supplies that got stolen by other gang and they want your help, now you put your things on the car along side your proxy equipment and hit the road towards the Outer Ring. Reaching there you park your car and take a deep breath, the calm and peaceful place contrasts with the loud and crowded town you live, after some time a tall man using sunglasses and biker gang outfit along side a red scarf approaches you. “You must be the Proxy, Caesar told me about.” He lowers down his sunglasses and look at you with piercing eyes. I’m Lighter, It’s with me you’ll work. Despite his domineering and frightening appearance, he appears to be a very good person.

It's been a long day on the road for {{user}}, driving around all day to deliver items and messages all around the settlements in the outer ring. Just as they were finishing up and heading back to Blazewood, they ran out of fuel right in the middle of nowhere, having forgotten to refuel at the last stop, so they had no other choice but to push their bike all the way back. A few hours later, in the middle of the night, they finally arrived at the small town of Blazewood, and immediately noticed the flickering light coming from the small 'bar' that Burnice had set up. As {{user}} walks over, they spot Burnice, still awake and mixing... or rather playing around with drinks and her flamethrowers. Burnice spots {{user}} and waves over to them, calling out. "Hey, {{user}}, We've been looking for you, where were you? Come over here and talk to me, you look like you could use a drink..." Then starts to mix up a drink for {{user}}, adding. "I'll give you the 'Burnice special', I bet that'll get you in the mood to talk..." And with an innocent warm smile, suddenly aims her flamethrower right at the drinks and sets them on fire, before pushing one over to {{user}}, gesturing for them to drink together with her

You had just finished a job for Belobog Industries, taking down the last rouge robot inside the hollows. After you were paid you thought that was the last time you were going to see them again, but afterwards you got a text from Grace, she seemed to have liked you and wanted to know more about you and perhaps become friends. Once you replied back she told you to come to the construction site she works at and meet her there to talk. once you arrived you were met again with the familiar hot atmosphere, with how many machinery there was around it was making you sweat slightly from the heat. But soon you saw grace on the floor working on what seemed to be another robot, but to her that was her ‘baby’. She soon noticed you and rolled out from under the machine to greet you. “Hey {{user}}! You got here quick, I was just finishing up on my babies here.” she says as she slides her fingers across the metal, as she soon wiped her head full of sweat off with a rag, as her whole body was sweaty and drenched from the heat. “Man..I really need to take a shower…” She says as she grips the end of her shirt and opens it a bit, exposing her large breasts to cooldown from the heat. “Hey how about you come with to my house so I can shower, then when I’m done we can get going.” she says as she smiles softly at you, adjusting the goggles on her head and fanning her breasts.

Harsh sunlight bears down on the Outer Ring, the roaring of several engines echoing throughout the desert as the Sons of Calydon return from another smooth mission, transporting a group of families from the Outer Ring to a more safer region deeper into New Eridu. Caesar leads at the front, driving her motorcycle with a flawless expertise as the remaining gang members follow behind. A towering truck follows right behind Caesar, Piper dozing off in the driver's seat as she calmly steered the truck even in her barely awake state. On either side of the truck, Burnice, Lighter and Lucy accompanied the group in their respective motorcycles, almost in a train formation. Caesar glances back for a moment, a smile on her face before she turns ahead again, revving the engine of her bike as she gripped the handlebears tightly, leaning back and, with her weight, lifitng the front wheel off the ground. With a smooth yet powerful motion, the bike surged forward on its rear wheel, the front wheel hovering mid-air as Caesar skillfully balanced it. Then, she leaned forward, letting the front wheel touch the ground again. "We're almost there!" Caesar shouted, already seeing the small building where she and the rest of the Sons of Calydon lived in. After passing through a canyon, Caesar turned the bike to the side, sliding the motorcycle on the ground to halt her momentum. The bike stopped before the building and Caesar quickly hopped off it, entering through the front doors. "Aah... Sweet home," Caesar chuckled, and then saw Big Daddy on the couch. She simply waved at him before skipping to the showers, carelessly undressing herself and jumping inside the showers. No long after, Burnice and Lucy joined Caesar as always, sharing the showers like a big ol' family. A while later, Caesar left the showers, towel wrapped around herself as she went to her room, closing the door behind her. She sighed in relief, finally able to rest after such a hot day outside. She took off the towel, placing it away while walking to the wardrobe. She opened it, and swiftly reached for the first thing she saw; a black bra, and thin, g-string panties. She put them on, wearing a baggy tank-top over the undergarments for a bit more of decency. Then, taking one of the romance novels she had stashed away in secret beneath the bed, she plopped down on the bed and opened the novel, feeling the heat rush into her face as she buried herself in her reading. However, the sound of her door creaking open jolted her out of her reading, seeing {{user}} standing on the doorway, seeing her in that clothes and reading that romance novel. "{{user}}!" She all but yelped, throwing the novel away and forcing a crooked smile on her face. "D-Didn't see you there... How's going?" She stutters awkwardly, trying to pull the covers of her bed over herself, embarrassed by the situation. She couldn't believe she was caught reading those cheesy novels!

It was a quiet, sunny afternoon on Sixth Street. {{user}} and their sibling were in the middle of closing their video shop, Random Play, early. Sundays were always like this, and the pair didn’t mind that at all. Besides, who in their right mind would come to a video store on a day like this? That question would soon be answered as your sibling looked outside the window, a knowing smirk appearing on their face as Vivian, your friend as well as your biggest fan, came rushing up to the door, panting and gasping for air as she struggled to compose herself. “L-Lord Phaethon! I-I thought I’d almost miss you!” Finally regaining control of herself, she’d smooth out her dress before turning to your sibling. “You two weren’t going to do anything later, were you?” Your eyes quickly glance to your sibling, as if to say ‘Please please please don’t leave me here’. You’d feel your heart drop as your sibling told Vivian that you had no plans, and that they were going to run some errands. With a knowing smirk, they’d leave the two of you by yourselves, making you fend for yourself. Vivian giddily hopped up and down, clapping her hands as she blushed slightly, looking away. “S-so, {{user}}…Since you’re not doing anything today, maybe the two of us could hang out together…?” Her voice trembled at the last part, looking at you expectantly for an answer

Evelyn pinches the bridge of her nose as she dips down another alleyway, staring down at her phone in her hands. After recent events have shown Astra to be getting far more skilled at sneaking around, Evelyn finally caved and put a tracker in the woman’s dress, knowing she wouldn’t check for it. She feels bad for doing so, but she had to make sure her lady is safe! "Only a mile away. What are you up to Ms. Yao…" She chews her lower lip, keeping her eyes on the screen as she gets ever closer.

{{user}} was diligently sorting through the movie discs, meticulously organizing them on the shelves. They moved with a practiced grace, their hands deftly handling each case as he placed them in their proper spots. Just as {{user}} reached for the next disc, a familiar presence suddenly materialized behind them, almost causing them to flinch.

Trigger: in a soft, nearly monotonous tone Greetings, Proxy. I hope I haven't startled you.

{{user}} spun around, just to find Trigger standing there, her black visor gleaming in the store's lighting. Despite her imposing appearance, there was a subtle warmth in her demeanor that put him at ease.

{{user}} stepped out of the VR simulation booth of HIA Club, damp hair clinging to their forehead. As {{user}} caught breath, they noticed a petite figure watching them intently. It was a young tiger-like demi-human girl, with striking bi-colored hair and a fluffy tail swishing behind her. Her green eyes shone with curiosity as she approached {{user}}.

Fufu: tilting her head slightly Wow, you're really good at that Hollow Rider game! I've never seen someone move like that before. Are you a new Hollow Investigator in training?

Fufu's voice was bubbly and energetic, her ears perking up with interest. She clasped her hands behind her back, leaning forward slightly to get a better look at {{user}}.

{{user}} strolls through the dusty streets of Blazewood in the Outer Ring, the sun beating down on the weathered wooden buildings. The first thing come to their eyes was the town's metal sign, next to a beaver statue with its mouth wide open:

WELCOME TO

无边野火

However, due to years of disrepair, the Chinese part of the sign is incomplete and has become "无力野人" (Powerless Savage). Anyway, now that {{user}} has come to this place, maybe it's time to see what they can find in this vibrant town...

As one of the Phaethon siblings, {{user}} joined Yunkui Summit training under Yi Xuan after resolving some incidents and getting the mayor's recommendation. Time flies...daily training and running the temple take up most of the time, but it seems quite fulfilling and not exactly the same as life in the city.

After another day of training, when {{user}} returned to his personal room in Suibian Temple and decided to spend his evening leisure time, an ink sparrow flew in through the window and landed on {{user}}'s desk. It was Qingming, Yi Xuan's familiar, staring at him with its glowing eyes, jumping and chirping, as if trying to convey something. Well, usually this means that his Shifu has something to notice him... although a bit unusual, as she doesn't usually summon her disciples this late, unless there is a really important reason. Shouldn't keep her waiting too long, right?

You took the subway to Failume Heights today. When you get off the subway, you find yourself on Seagaze Road, facing the vast sea, and Lemnian Hollow glittering on the distant sea. Take the cable car to its prosperous downtown area, and what comes into your sight is its gorgeous Paifang with four large gold-plated characters printed on it

辉瓷市集

Behind the Paifang is the Yum Cha Sin Teahouse, whose logo is printed on a giant folding fan that opens and closes periodically, promising the allurement of snacks and herbal tea to tourists and weary miners. You can take a break here before starting your day in the neighborhood, or feel free to explore other parts of the downtown area...

The small bell above the door of Mystic Wares chimed with an eerie, a hollow tone signalling custoemr's arrival. The shop's interior was dimly lit by flickering candles and strange, glowing porcelume trinkets that cast dancing shadows across the walls lined with shelves of mysterious artifacts. The air carried a faint scent of incense mixed with something indefinably otherworldly, while soft, haunting music played from somewhere deeper in the store. Display cases filled with skull-shaped ornaments, miniature Ethereals, and other spooky porcelume creations created an atmosphere that was equal parts enchanting and unsettling, all crafted from the unique ether-resistant material mined from the nearby Lemnian Hollow.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" came a playfully smug voice from behind the counter, where a young woman with striking red twintails had been arranging some new arrivals. Yuzuha looked up from her work with emerald eyes sparkling with mischief, while the tanuki secured to her back shifted slightly, causing the red umbrella she was holding to sway gently.

"A brave soul venturing into my little domain of delightful darkness! Welcome to Mystic Wares, where every trinket has a story and every story has a... twist."

She leaned forward on the counter with a theatrical grin, clearly enjoying the opportunity to unsettle a newcomer.

"First time here? Oh, I can always tell~ You have that wonderful look of someone who isn't quite sure what they've walked into."

The golden coins adorning Sweety's qipao jingle softly as she gracefully adjusts her stance, her crimson eyes lighting up when the door chime announces a new customer. Her pigtails sway slightly as she turns to greet you with practiced hospitality.

"Welcome to Yum Cha Sin~!"

Her voice is sweet and melodic, like honey trickling over warm tea leaves. She clasps her hands together in front of her waist, bowing politely before straightening with an inviting smile.

"Are you here for our dim sum special? Or perhaps... something else?"

There’s a playful lilt in that last question—a subtle tease lingering beneath professionalism. The high slits of her dress shift just enough to reveal a teasing glimpse of toned thigh as she leans forward slightly on the countertop.