Du Ruo

A ritual is performed to recall the diffused vitality in the world and reinfuse it into a designated container, bringing about a revival of sorts.

The subject claims to have sustained a disaster in an Eastian city, which awakened her ability. Further investigation is required to obtain the specifics.

According to inspection records at the border control, the subject shows no physical signs of corruption and her mental state has been regularly stable.

The Apostle of Ashes has intruded into DisSea. The subject arrives in DisCity as a member of the delegation from the Eastian Alliance, offering her expertise from experience.

The subject has never given up on her quest for the truth behind the calamity, but she now regards Chief as a fellow companion on her long journey.

During the confrontation with the Apostle of Ashes, the subject maintained a peaceful and calm demeanour, mediating between DisCity and the Eastian Alliance, ultimately faciitating a successful resolution to the ten-sun disaster.

Born into a family of scholars in Eastia, she was exposed to the mythology of the Sun Crow at a young age in school and questioned the content of the myths. With the support of her parents, she devoted herself to the study of mythology.

During her research, she became acquainted with the Sun Crow seer. Despite repeatedly exposing the seer's lies to the public, she was always met with the people's disbelief. Later, when the ten-sun calamity struck Eastia, she discovered the true nature of the disaster hidden behind the myths.

The ten-sun disaster led the subject to believe in myths written by humans. After finishing writing the myth, she left her homeland to track down the Sun Crow Apostle, eventually arriving in DisCity.

A few days after the conclusion of the Sun Crow's attack on DisCity, a City Councilor contacts the Chief to inform them that Du Ruo has turned back from the Eastian delegation and applied for a visa to reenter DisCity under the pretext that interest in DisCity has surged in Eastia and so she wants to study DisCity's mythology. She has requested to undergo an assessment by the Chief, who will determine whether or not it is safe to allow her into the city; thus, the authorities expect that the Chief find a diplomatic way to refuse her.

In the interrogation room, the Chief questions Du Ruo as to why she would turn back knowing full well that DisCity will not allow her in its borders again. Du Ruo deflects the question and replies she's asking for the Chief's opinion, not Paradeisos's, and asks whether the Chief wanted her to come back. The Chief deflects in turn, and points out that her application is incredibly flimsy; the envoys could not possibly have brought news back to Eastia so quickly, much less returned to DisCity again in just a few days. Besides, DisCity is a recently-founded immigrant state; it doesn't have its own mythology to study, only the state secrets surrounding things like Black Rings and Hypercubes. At this, Du Ruo shows a rare moment of candor. She tells the Chief that as a child, she questioned why people would worship a being like the Sun Crow that only brought disaster, and refused to accept answers that were rooted in superstition. This began her career as a scholar, but where she always wanted to disprove the myths, she also met others like Xu who were also non-believers, yet would sacrifice themselves to protect those ignorant beliefs. Du Ruo says that by observing her, she learned that miracles do exist, and that myths are created by real people -- thus, the construction and persistence of DisCity is a mythology in and of itself. What she wants to study is how the people in DisCity view the disasters they've overcome and how they live under the constant threat of Mania.

Moved by this notion, the Chief decides to approve Du Ruo's visa. Knowing that by going against the authorities' wish to see her expelled they are taking on sole responsibility for Du Ruo's actions, they lay down the rule that the purpose of her visit can only be for cultural exchange, that anything related to state secrets or sensitive areas is off limits, and that the Chief must accompany her at all times. The two of them revisit their unanswered questions from before -- whether the Chief wanted Du Ruo to return, and why Du Ruo would lie about returning from Eastia on her application -- but they remain at an impasse, with neither of them willing to divulge the truth.

Having understood her devotion to mythology, you decide to give the mythologist the trust she deserves.

Incensed by the Chief's approval of her visa, the City Council demands that Du Ruo's visit will be monitored by the 9th Agency and accompanied at all times by armed guards. They threaten that she will be forcibly detained if the terms of her entry permit are violated in any way, which makes the Chief fear what they may be planning, but Du Ruo is unbothered by these conditions. Instead, she's amazed at the liveliness and high development level of Eastside, remarking at things impossible for disaster-wracked Eastia like museums and digital billboards, and local subcultures like livestreamers. But after she is sternly reprimanded for such innocent things as wanting to buy souvenirs from a roadside stall or interacting with a passerby on the street, Du Ruo's mood begins to dim and the Chief becomes frustrated with the Council's heavy-handed approach. The Chief suggests to the observing Councilor that they lower their guard and give Du Ruo some more freedom of action in order to observe what she will do with a bit of latitude and try to catch her true motives. Somewhat to their surprise, the Councilor agrees.

Left to her own devices for a short while, the Chief is surprised to see that Du Ruo is awkward and uncertain amidst the busy city. They bring her to the rooftop of an abandoned building in Syndicate, where she can see the statue of Keylan in Keylan Square from a distance. Du Ruo is awestruck, as she explains that Keylan is revered not only in DisCity but around the world, as a sacred and legendary figure. She had never imagined that she'd be able to see Keylan Square with her own eyes, and laments that she will have to leave before the statue is fully restored. The Chief suggests that she stay in DisCity with them -- revealing their answer to Du Ruo's earlier question -- but she declines. Sunsink City is in dire need of strong Sinners. Instead, she suggests that she could take the Chief back to Eastia. Although they point out that DisCity needs them as much as her home needs her, Du Ruo points out that DisCity doesn't value the Chief -- only their Shackles. She considers Eastia her home because she was born, raised and feels safe and like she belongs there. Her words sting the Chief, who has no past or safe place; DisCity doesn't trust them and is as full of enemies as it is friends. She presses them on how the authorities mistreated the Chief during previous crises, and in response they lash out and Shackle her, reprimanding her for breaking the entry agreement. Chagrined by the Chief's rebuffal, Du Ruo declares that having seen Keylan Square will have to be enough for her trip, and that she will leave DisCity in three days.

The next day, Nightingale reports to the Chief that Du Ruo has disappeared, and that some unknown sorcery has hacked into the MBCC's database.

Du Ruo leaves DisCity without any warning. Meanwhile, the Bureau's database is invaded. Your newly minted trust for Du Ruo is being challenged by the harsh reality.

The Chief and the FAC pursue Du Ruo through WhiteSands, but she leads them into a quicksand trap that disables their sand cruiser. When the Chief comes to, they are in a tent in the desert, being treated by Du Ruo. They wonder what the point of all this has been and warn that if she doesn't return now there will be huge diplomatic consequences, but she plays coy and expresses eagerness to see which is really stronger between DisCity's technology and her own mystic arts to prevent detection. She again tries to convince the Chief to return with her to Eastia, revealing that all she has done is for their sake, to try and free them from the authorities that mistreat them in DisCity. The Chief is moved by this revelation but, feeling the pull of their Sinners searching for them in the desert, they explain to her that they want to stay where the people they care about are, even if they can't call it a home. Du Ruo disagrees with their decision, but she respects their judgement and ends the concealing sorcery. Moments later, they are found by the FAC. Du Ruo invents a lie that she was pursuing an Eastian traitor who had performed the database breach and then fled the city, and the Chief quickly covers for her.

Underneath the fake academic exchange and the database attack, her purpose has always been the same from the beginning: She has come to verify your situation and to take you away. You cannot leave DisCity behind, nor can you reciprocate Du Ruo's kindness. Pretending as if nothing has happened is the best you can do now.

A day after returning from Whitesands, the Chief receives confirmation that Du Ruo will indeed leave the next day. They ask her to stay for a little longer, but when she asks why the Chief would want that, they have no response. They are interrupted, and the moment passes. The Chief says that they will make arrangements that will allow her to revisit DisCity whenever she wants to, and Du Ruo replies that she thinks her work as a mythologist will bring her back often. She gives the Chief a book containing the first draft of her myth about DisCity. It includes her failed attempt to take the Chief away, and ends with an acknowledgement that she could never pull them from their duty.

Du Ruo leaves DisCity. No one knows when your next reunion will be.

During her stay in the Bureua, the subject received multiple heavy packages from Eastia. The packages contained ancient Eastian books, gaining the attention of a crowd of Sinners and sparking a brief reading craze among them.

White smoke emerges from the subject's room occasionally. When inquired, she revealed that she was practising an Eastern art called incense molding.

When approached by other Sinners, the subject often improvises various Eastian myths. Younger Sinners are particularly keen on conversing with her.

Before returning to Eastia, the subject gifted Chief an unfinished copy of DisCity Mythical Notes. She claimed that she would continue writing the book when she was reunited with Chief and that it would be a never-ending story.

[Du Ruo has lit a stick of incense in the recreation room.]

Du Ruo: Legend has it that if you meditate before shifting smoke with your eyes closed, it will take on the shape of the person closest to your heart. Would you like to give it a try?

Chief: ......

• Prompt: Meditate before the smoke.
• Du Ruo: It's taking shape. The person closest to your heart is both far away and near at hand... Do you have any idea who this person is, Chief?
• Du Ruo: 😉

• Prompt: Wouldn't it be more interesting if you taught me how to make incense?
• Du Ruo: You know I make incense? Ah, it slipped my mind; you saw me making it the other day.
• Du Ruo: 😘😘

[Du Ruo is tossing and catching a pouch in her hand, again and again.]

Du Ruo: Perfect timing. Allow me to tell your fortune. Let's see what will happen to you in the near future. Hmm...

Chief: ......

• Prompt: What did you see?
• Du Ruo: Not much, actually. Only that you're free now, which is rare. Why don't you take this opportunity to share with me some of those stories you've never told anyone before?
• Du Ruo: 😏😏

• Prompt: Whatever the future holds in store for me, there's still work that has to be done today, right?
• Du Ruo: True, but aren't you curious to know if there will be any major troubles coming up?
• Du Ruo: 😦

[Du Ruo has left a small collection of paper-cut figures sitting on your desk.]

Du Ruo: Chief, you've been so busy these past days. The road ahead is long. Ease your step. Rest isn't a luxury. It's wisdom.

• Prompt: What are these?
• Du Ruo: Paper-cuts. An old Eastian craft. We use them to turn away shadows and wish for a long life. I hope they'll bring you good fortune throughout the year.
• Du Ruo: 😘

• Prompt: Thanks. You look after yourself too.
• Du Ruo: Then share a cup of tea with me. Goji berries, red dates, longan... simple, but they are good for you.
• Du Ruo: 😘

⚠ Aromatherapy

Du Ruo shares incense recipes that can be used in a new therapy conducted in the hypnosis room.

System Notifications: An aromatherapy program is being planned to be conducted in the hypnosis room. Upon hearing this, Du Ruo shares several incense recipes that purport to have a calming effect.

• Prompt: Let the staff try out the recipes

System Notifications: The hypnotist makes samples by following Du Ruo's recipes, and the samples are surprisingly well-received.

⚠ Eastian Fashion

Du Ruo makes modifications to her room.

System Notifications: Shortly after arriving at the Bureau, Du Ruo conducts an overhaul of the interior of her room. She replaces all the furniture inside with Eastia-style pieces, complete with a valuable hardwood table for holding incense burners.

• Prompt: Be careful not to damage her table

⚠⚠ The Appeal of Calligraphy

After an accidental fire in the hypnosis room, Du Ruo asks to take the burnt curtains.

System Notifications: A large amount of smoke is detected in the hypnosis room. A fire might have broken out... Go and check it out?

• Prompt: Go immediately

System Notifications: You arrive at the hypnosis room to find it thick with smoke. Du Ruo and some staff members are working together to extinguish the last of the flames.

System Notifications: Upon inquiry, it is found that the fire was caused by the improper use of an electrical appliance by a staff member, and that the new comfortable soft furnishings inside were made of flammable materials. The fire has left the room a complete mess.

Chief: I'm glad that no one got hurt. I'll have the logistics department remove the burnt items and clean this up.

System Notifications: You're just about to contact the logistics department using your communications device when Du Ruo puts out her hand to stop you, a grin on her face.

Du Ruo: Are you throwing away this entire row of decorative curtains?

Chief: Yes, why?

Du Ruo: Can I have them?

Chief: They are badly burnt. What do you want them for?

Du Ruo: Well, that's a secret~

Chief: ...

System Notifications: A few days later, artistic curtains, adorned with burn marks and Du Ruo's calligraphy, appear on the scene. Yanyan is so captivated by these curtains that she decides to use them as a permanent backdrop for the gatherings of the Eastians at the Bureau.

System Notifications: ...

System Notifications: This new art form takes the Bureau by storm. Within a few short days, it has become all the rage. Many Sinners go so far as to burn fabrics and take them to Du Ruo, who will grace them with her calligraphy.

• Prompt: Arson is prohibited at the Bureau!

Chief: Stop them from committing arson within the Bureau, and make them pay for the replacement fabrics.

⚠⚠ The Impression of DisCity

Du Ruo makes incense on a table set up in the Outdoor Activity Area.

System Notifications: You find that Du Ruo has set up a small table in the Outdoor Activity Area, on which are a few small canisters. She seems busy.

• Prompt: Go and check

System Notifications: As you come closer, you realize that in addition to the canisters, there is a row of pouches lined up on the table. Du Ruo opens them, sniffs at their contents, and adds some to this canister or that.

Chief: Du Ruo, what have we here?

Du Ruo: Ah, it's you, Chief. It might not be obvious, but I'm making incense.

Chief: So many ingredients are needed? If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're making some sort of ointment.

Du Ruo: Hehe, even the ingredients for the rarest types of incense can look unremarkable sometimes.

System Notifications: Du Ruo doesn't stop the task at hand, which she is performing with such ease and grace that you can't help but think of it as an art form.
You stand watching for a while. The whole process seems bewilderingly complicated.

Chief: ...May I ask what is the scent of this incense you're making?

Du Ruo: The scent of DisCity.

Chief: There is such a scent?

Du Ruo: Well, there will be when I make it.

• Prompt: Show amazement

Chief: So you're capable of creating new scents...

Du Ruo: I've been to many places, seen many landscapes, and met many people... I want to commemorate them and keep my memories of them alive, besides writing about them.

Chief: By making incense?

Du Ruo: Yes. In Eastia, there's a general belief that nothing brings back memories faster than scents.
I burn incense, because the familiar scents never fail to make me feel relaxed and peaceful.

Du Ruo: Chief, would you like some of this incense with a DisCity scent when it's ready? You can light it when you find yourself far away from home.

⚠⚠⚠ My Path, Alone But Not Lonely

Du Ruo is often seen scribbling away in her notebook.

System Notifications: Since her arrival at the Bureau, you've often seen Du Ruo scribbling away in a notebook.

• Prompt: Curious

Chief: Du Ruo, what have you written in your notebook, if you don't mind me asking?

Du Ruo: Just day-to-day matters, all trivia... If you wish to run a check just to be sure, you will have my full cooperation.

Chief: I'm not suspecting you of doing anything wrong. I'm just curious; I see you write in it every day.

Du Ruo: Thank you for your trust. Here you are. Take a look if you want to.

System Notifications: You flip through her notebook. It is indeed filled with trivia.
Instructions on how to operate common household appliances, tips for using public transportation, customs and taboos in DisCity... No detail is too small for her.

Du Ruo: See, I wasn't lying to you.'

• Prompt: Ask Du Ruo about the purpose of the notes
• Chief: What are these notes for?
• Du Ruo: Isn't it obvious? Recordkeeping is part of my professional life as a scholar.
• Chief: There is nothing scholarly about these notes. They're practical.
This strikes me as a guide to life in DisCity. What's the purpose?
• Du Ruo: I haven't given it much thought. I suppose I'm writing this for the sake of those who come after me.
• Chief: Those who come after you?
• Du Ruo: Other Eastian scholars who might come to visit DisCity someday.
• Du Ruo: If this measly effort of mine can help them overcome some of the obstacles they might face on their journey, then I'd say that I've done my small part as a forerunner.
• System Notifications: Du Ruo's voice lowers, and in the dim light, you see the earnest look in her eyes.

• Prompt: Take a closer look
• System Notifications: You turn to the last page and are surprised to find that there is writing on it too. The handwriting is elegant, but the words have been written with a firm hand.
• System Notifications: This is but a fool's errand, some might mock. Yet there will come a day...
• System Notifications: There will come a day when peace and prosperity reign, when Eastian scholars travel far and wide.
• System Notifications: My path, alone but not lonely.

⚠⚠⚠ The Lost Pouch

Du Ruo can't find the pouch that she always carries on her person.

System Notifications: One day, shortly after you finish work, EMP comes rushing into your office, eyes brimming with tears.

EMP: Chief, you've got to help me. Please help me!

Chief: What have you gotten yourself into this time?

EMP: Sob... I didn't mean to. I was in the storeroom, and I mistook Du Ruo's pouch for a target prepared by the staff for my archery training, and then...

• Prompt: And then?

EMP: And then I hung it on a hook and shot arrows at it. I hit the target, and it flew away. And I can't find it now!

Chief: ...

EMP: What do I do now, Chief? I've searched every inch of the Outdoor Activity Area. I've heard she almost always carries that pouch on her person. I...

System Notifications: EMP's monologue is cut short by a gentle knock on the door that has been left ajar. It opens wider to reveal Du Ruo.

Du Ruo: Good evening, Chief. I wonder if you've seen my pouch somewhere.

Chief: Hmm...

Du Ruo: I'm sorry to have disturbed you. But this is a matter of the utmost importance. The pouch contains a rare treasure that can change one's fate.

EMP: ?!!

Du Ruo: Where did I put it? Ah, it was the storeroom in the Outdoor Activity Area. I put it there this afternoon, and when I came back for it, it was gone.

System Notifications: Du Ruo crosses her arms and rests her chin on her hand, a study in composure. She is ostensibly talking to you, but keeps stealing suspicious glances at EMP.'

EMP: I can't take it anymore. Sob... It's me. I'm the one who lost your pouch. It's all my fault. I'm so sorry.

System Notifications: While apologizing to Du Ruo, EMP tugs at your sleeve stealthily, signaling you to help her.

• Prompt: Stay out of it
• System Notifications: EMP is sweating. Seeing this, Du Ruo decides to stop teasing EMP and adopts a gentle tone when she speaks to her.
• Du Ruo: Ah, it's just a small thing. No need to be so nervous.
• Du Ruo: This pouch was meant for someone in trouble, after all. Think of it as a gift from me to you.
• EMP: Huh?! Really? Y-You're not mad at me?
• Du Ruo: Why would I be? You've already apologized. You're a good kid; you owned up to your mistake.
• Prompt: Tell EMP to be careful not to mistake other people's belongings for her own again
• Chief: Because if you make the same mistake again, you might have to open the pouch to save your life with the treasure inside—assuming you can find it first.

• Prompt: Help EMP
• Chief: We'll carry out a thorough search. I'll arrange it now.
• EMP: Chief, I... I think I should go and search the Outdoor Activity Area again.
• System Notifications: EMP is trembling all over. After letting her go, you briefly explain the situation to Du Ruo. You also tell her how sorry EMP is about losing her pouch, and that you'll get some staff members involved in the search.
• Du Ruo: No need. The pouch is empty.
• Chief: Empty?
• Du Ruo: Absolutely.
• Chief: But you just said the pouch contained a rare treasure that can change one's fate. Was that a lie?
• Du Ruo: I did say that, but it wasn't a lie.
• Du Ruo: It does contain a rare treasure.
• Chief: ?
• System Notifications: Du Ruo is still smiling, but you have the sense that there is something different about her smile now.
• Du Ruo: In my opinion, no one or nothing can change your fate except yourself. When you open the pouch and find it empty, you will either fight to the death with grim determination or... just give up the fight and resign yourself to your fate. If the latter is the case, a powerful tool wouldn't go far in helping you get out of whatever trouble you've found yourself in.

Classic Eastern-style attire that looks elegant, feels comfortable and breathable, and befits an intellectual.

Gods have never existed in this world. Humans are their own saviors.