(Now I have retrieved the Magistrate’s message for me from the puzzle box. But it only points me to where the Grand Library is. There is not a meeting time… Something is still missing. I’ve solved the puzzle, the disks have been rotated, and the two symbols are now glowing. With this glowing light, a shadow is cast on two other symbols. The Black Tortoise of North… North to the City Hall. And the time reads… The Shichen of Chou, in the wee hours of the morning.)

Jinhsi: “It’s been three days. We’ve both made it on time. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Jinhsi. It brings me great joy to see you, Rover.”

Rover: “I hope I’m not talking to another projection.”

Jinhsi: “To show up as a projection again would be ill-mannered of me. Please rest assured, it is a real human in flesh you’re speaking to. Despite Huanglong’s advanced technology, such a realistic projection is still impossible. Or perhaps you would like to verify it?”

(Jinhsi smiles and reaches out a hand to Rover. Shake her hand.)

Rover: “Are you injured?”

Jinhsi: “…It is nothing to be concerned about. An emergency forced me to leave, and I only had the time to prepare some tokens for you. Please pardon my lack of hospitality.”

Rover: “Does that emergency have something to do with your Sentinel?”

Jinhsi: “…Yes. The Sentinel of Jinzhou is currently absent.”

Rover: “Aren’t they supposed to stay in their domains?”

Jinhsi: “Correct. The Sentinels guide and guard humanity as a symbol of our civilization. When a region’s Sentinel goes absent, chaos is bound to ensue. As this news could lead to civil unrest, please keep it a secret. Jinzhou’s Sentinel, ‘Jué’, is being held captive by the Fractsidus. I had to postpone our meeting and put all my effort into finding its whereabouts.”

Rover: “I heard you can resonate with the Sentinel?”

Jinhsi: “Yes, our thoughts are connected to a certain degree. I can sense its memories, feelings, and surroundings, though not very clearly.”

Rover: “Have you found it yet?”

Jinhsi: “Unfortunately, I haven’t. I can feel Jué is in danger. The good news is, I have figured out the culprit behind all of this.”

Rover: “Is it Scar?”

Jinhsi: “Precisely. The Fractsidus plans to advance another Lament and cause disasters worldwide. Overseer Scar had several objectives upon infilrtrating Jinzhou:

• To track you down;
• To test your strenghts;
• To make you join their cause;
• To abduct Jué;
• To resurrect the Threnodian in advance.”

Rover: “Why me?”

Jinhsi: “They must have discovered your value, likely from one of Jué’s prophecies. If you join them, they’ll gain significant power. Should you refuse to join, the Fractsidus will likely want to eliminate you so you don’t get in their way.”

Rover: “…”