At night, Rover can find an Elderly gentleman enjoying his time at a table across from the local synthesis terminal,

Jichen: “You’re… What is it again… Rover! Right?”

Rover: “Right. Do you know me?”

Jichen: “Hehe, you’re the savior of Mt. Firmament, Rover. The people of Hongzhen are forever in your and the Magistrate’s debt. Hongzhen suffered the TD Outbreak generations back. It was [the] Sentinel who preserved the town. But the joy we’re relishing now is all thanks to you kids. Out with the old, in with the new. The younger generation is pushing forward. Times sure are changing.”

His gaze departs from Rover, a twinkle of nostalgia adorns his face. Inspired, he begins sharing a tale with them…

Jichen: “See those Midnight Rangers. What a relief. I was worried my old bones wouldn’t last much longer, but now there’s someone to carry on after me.”

Rover: “Why is that? Have you crossed paths with the Midnight Rangers as well?”

Jichen: “You asked the right question. There’s a story behind it. Only a handful of young Mt. Firmament locals know about it. Actually, both Jiye and I are town guardians. When we were young, we learned to fight from a master, before deciding to follow his footsteps and become guardians.”

Rover: “Town guardians? You protect Hongzhen?”

Jichen: “Yes. Speaking of which, Hongzhen has been through some really tough times. Ever since the TD Outbreak, the elders established a tradition of having guardians. From then on, we guardians have been tasked with keeping watch from high places all day, ready to alert everyone at the slightest sign of trouble.”

Jichen: “Hehe, let me toot my own horn for a moment — Jiye and I were the first ones to sense the Temporal Disruption and notify everyone. But the disruption was just an accident. Hongzhen hasn’t had major problems for years under the Sentinel’s blessings. So we are the only guardians left in Hongzhen from our generation. Ever since Mt. Firmament opened, Midnight Rangers are stationed here. Saw ‘em today, young and full of spirit. More impressive than Jiye and I ever were. So I thought maybe it’s time these two old fogeys hang it up. However, Jiye is just too stubborn, especially in his old age. Well, I can’t blame him, really. He’s been at it for most of his life and just can’t let go.”