Shalom

Her Sinner power is unknown, and there are no known records of her using any. The subject lacks independent combat abilities and relies on Schorl, a product of Paradeisos technology, for communication, combat, and information analysis.

[Data Deleted]

M-value measurement has failed. The numbers are all jumbled, making it impossible to determine an accurate result. Special instructions have been received: No need to apply shackles.

[Data Deleted]

The subject, identifying as a Paradeisos official, suddenly visited the MBCC for a short-term inspection visit.

Currently visiting the MBCC as a Paradeisos representative, the subject claims to frequently meet and share a personal relationship with the current Chief in the past. However, no records related to their meetings can be found in the Bureau's database, and the authenticity of this information is yet to be verified.

The subject can use light tendrils to draw targets into an unknown space and interfere with their minds. She did this to Chief, but the specifics of that incident are unknown. Chief does not currently show any abnormal symptoms.

Following the Rustfire unrest, she secretly went to West District on behalf of Paradeisos to retrieve the missing Shepherd. After being attacked by mysterious forces, she was forced to abandon her mission, marking the only failure in her career. In August, she made notable contributions to the FAC's large-scale operation at BR-002, but was subsequently targeted for assassination by an Underground hitman. Suffering severe bodily injuries and mental corruption, she fell into a deep coma.

On the 13th of October N.F. 112, the Chief is wrapping up the loose ends of Serpent's Mania crisis at the Midsummer Night’s Club. Shalom arrives at the MBCC with a personal escort from the higher-ups. It is specified by the FAC, 9th Agency, and Paradeisos that despite being a Sinner, she should not be Shackled, and has been serving the public for 8 years. Chief heads to the interrogation room to speak with her.

Shalom greets Chief, saying she was at the Midsummer Night’s Club as well and saw them there. She states correctly that Chief likely cannot remember her, and that her purpose was to assess the MBCC and Chief. She mentions that they previously crossed paths at the MBCC, and tells Chief that they can ask her anything. Chief points at Schorl, and Shalom explains that it is an invention from the Ring Research Institute, and is able to do many tasks for her. The subject turns to Paradeisos, with Chief expressing wariness about its motives and operations. Shalom directly tells Chief that they can just admit they despise it, and there is no need for pretences with her. She teases Chief by saying she overheard the MBCC staff insulting Paradeisos, causing Chief to nearly choke.

Shalom expresses that Paradeisos and the MBCC do not have to be opposed, but also tells Chief to hold firm to their own beliefs and goals. She candidly tells Chief that she simply wanted to see them again as well, and asks them to tell her about their journey in the past two months. Suspect R, Zoya, Hamel, Stargazer, and Serpent flash into Chief’s memory. Shalom praises Chief for their accomplishments, but Chief also recalls those they could not save: the Gray Haired Girl, 036, and Earl. Pained, Chief asks Shalom what they used to be like, and if their past self could have handled things better.

Shalom reveals that the first time they met was actually earlier that same year, prior to the Chief losing their memory. The Chief used to be a constant source of anger and chaos, and a huge headache for the MBCC. Their second meeting was at the Midsummer Night’s Club, but Shalom realised Chief was on a covert assignment and did not wish to interfere. She notes that when provoked then, Chief did not allow themselves to fall for the trap, and she has seen that Chief has become adept at using words to play with emotions while attempting to fish for information subtly. Shalom clarifies that she is complimenting Chief for having become stronger and more mature, and continues to lavish Chief with compliments and reassuring words.

Nightingale bursts in, and makes up an excuse to take Chief away. Outside, she appears fearful and tells Chief that they must pass this “trial” safely, before leaving.

The Chief goes to search for old records, but cannot find anything about Shalom’s visit. They attempt to use their Chief credentials to access some confidential records, but are denied. In the MBCC’s daily work logs of the past year, Chief’s name and the title of “MBCC Chief '' both do not appear–it seems that the position of Chief was vacant for nearly an entire year prior to the prison break, with Nightingale managing all official duties.

Shalom is not only an envoy for Paradeisos, but also someone you’ve known for a long time. She knows your current situation and about your past… But many discrepancies keep you on your toes: Is she really an “old friend” you can trust?

The next day, Wynn is found praising Shalom’s kindness and gentle personality with other MBCC staff. Shalom is shown to be highly aware of her surroundings, smiling enigmatically, while Nightingale is deeply afraid of her. Chief is worried that the entire Bureau might be falling under her control and considers Shackling her. Shalom comes up to Chief, and they invite her on a field mission to intercept smugglers.

On the field, Hella is easily swayed by Shalom’s praises. It is noted that Shalom observes Hecate closely with an unusual hint of caution. During that moment of distraction, a blast of Mania firepower attacks the Chief and Nightmare shields them but leaves the other three exposed. Shalom reacts, with Schorl instantly destroying the ambush and devastating the area in blinding blue light. She also steps in front of Hecate, shielding her from the attack and getting hit in the shoulder in the process.

As she leaves, Shalom whispers to Chief derisively, asking if they thought she was going to harm Hecate without reason. Chief contemplates the events of the mission later on, frustrated that they cannot understand her motives at all. However, they soon decide that they must hold to their own conviction and path as always, and send a message requesting to meet her.

In Shalom’s room, Chief speaks candidly and asks Shalom to properly state her position and motives. Shalom agrees, sending Schorl away, then somehow immobilises Chief with a strange light. She persuades Chief to Shackle her and they try to, but an aggressive force inside her pierces out of Shalom’s body in response; another Shackle. Chief is shocked by this, and as they both fall unconscious, Shalom reveals that the those Shackles were placed on her by the Chief before they lost their memory.

You can’t release the shackles because of Schorl’s obstruction. Shalom’s attitude is ambiguous. You’re skin to skin, yet her heart is a mystery. You finally unearth fragments from her past.

Chief opens their eyes and finds themselves in the Consciousness Observatorium, the outermost boundary where human reason can venture into Mania. They move forwards, coming to a narrow rift. Shalom appears out of nowhere, advising them not to go closer. Chief releases the Shackles on instinct, but nothing happens. Shalom tells Chief to give up, as Mania has no sway where they are. She explains that the realm of primordial Deep Mania exists beyond the rift, and that anything that ventures into it will instantly warp and disintegrate. Should a Black Ring fully evolve, it will forge a link to this place. She smiles and explains that she brought Chief here so that they can truly speak freely, as only those with a unique link to this realm can access it, and promises to be truthful where she can, straightforward where she cannot.

The questions begin; Shalom confirms that her visit is both a greeting and a test to gauge the loyalty of the MBCC’s Chief, as Paradeisos wishes to entrust greater responsibilities to them. She explains that as long as Chief does not make an enemy of DisCity, Paradeisos will not harm them. Shalom smiles, but this time Chief notices that it is extremely empty, to the point where it seems as though Shalom is only a husk of a human. She states again that the Shackles on her belonged to the Chief from before their memory loss, and hypothesises that as Chief’s sense of identity has shifted, they lost the ability to link to their old Shackles. Chief attempts to bait Shalom into revealing more by pretending to back off, but she calls them out on this. As a friend, she asks how Chief would feel if she says that Chief’s past self was a fearsome monster who left destruction in their wake, that everything Chief actually cared for was taken away. She asks if Chief would want all that power back, and all of this makes the Chief’s resolve waver. However, Chief focuses and realises that their entire conversation had been a test from Paradeisos. Shalom congratulates Chief on passing the test and informs them that she will be leaving the MBCC.

Shalom bids Chief farewell, then suddenly pushes them into the rift. They land in a sea of flowers that feel strangely familiar, and catch some fragments of Shalom’s memories; this is her way of telling Chief more as a ‘friend’, without breaking the Rules.

Known as Subject 17, young Shalom was a Sinner who harboured intense hatred towards the researchers. As a result of her dissent, she was selected for a trial experiment. The emotional part of herself was ripped out as a monster called Rebel, and sent into the Deep Mania.

Operation Eclipse results in the recycling of the 6th Hush, and Shalom is promoted to Hush-X, the 7th Hush. With the role, she inherited the Second Observation Chamber and the No. 2 Schorl, who is anchored in Rebel. Paradeisos informed her that as Marking consumes a lot of resources, only exceptionally valuable dissenters would be Marked, and the rest merely Shackled. Shortly thereafter, Paradeisos remarks to her about the beginning of the conflict with Rustfire that would lead to BR-002, and that they are keen to discover the true nature of what they retrieved within the Lone Island base and the Underground’s intentions for it. They give Shalom her first observation mission: to seek out the Ultimate Answer identify pathways to it.

The Chief sees Rebel in the flower field, before being expelled out of the realm. Hecate wakes them, saying they had passed out for 4 hours. Nightingale and Hella appear, deeply worried but relieved.

In her car, Shalom and Schorl speak. She notes that Chief has ingested three Corpuses, and Schorl responds that based on prior data, that ‘container’ is on the verge of failure, also stating that Chief is ‘defective’. Shalom dismisses the concern, saying that despite being the final flawed specimen, Chief’s stability is remarkable. Schorl begins to talk about the next generation of Hush, focusing on the marking capabilities and aiming to use Hush to detain Sinners. Shalom excuses herself, saying she is tired.

Months later, Paradeisos members hold a conversation regarding the possibility of using a Purge Order in Syndicate as the chaos and risk of another Black Ring in the district have grown too great. Shalom thinks to herself that the damage Paradeisos is willing to inflict far outstrips the harm from the Black Ring they claim to despise and derides the way their aims have been compromised by fear. However, she knows clearly that she can never voice those thoughts as it would likely result in her immediate destruction. Paradeisos orders her to orchestrate the simultaneous destruction of both the Chief and the Corpseborne of BR-002. She confirms her orders but makes an alternate suggestion: rather than going to such lengths to prevent BR-002 from reappearing, they catalyse the explosion of the Black Ring and thus lure out the Underground Shepherd in order to annihilate her. Her suggestion scares Paradeisos, but she asks if the destruction of the Underground Shepherd is truly what they want, turning their own reliance on logic against them. To herself, she answers the Chief's old question: that what she wants, her true goal, is them. With six months left in her operational life, Shalom resolves to find the Ultimate Answer.

After the investigation, you rush to a new battlefield. Shalom moves on to her next “mission”: To turn into the sharpest tool and orchestrate a grand blooming of flowers.

On the 21st of June, N.F. 113, Shalom’s group of operatives locate Chief on the edge of Syndicate. While her underlings battle Rustfire, she slips out of the firefight into a side door, and finds the Chief's comatose body. She releases her power a little, finding that the Shackles are not fighting back against her Mark. However, before she can use the Mark, she is assaulted by the Mania of BR-002 through the Chief's body. The Rules force her to recoil, and Schorl is simultaneously fried by a burst of electricity before and launched out of the window. As soon as Schorl is gone, Shalom stands up, composed. Donald bursts in and attempts to battle her for possession of the Chief, but his power is restricted by Shalom’s old Mark on him. A sniper fires through the window, striking Shalom through the throat. She collapses onto the ground, and Donald seizes the chance to take the Chief away. Through the Mark, Shalom tells Donald to run as far as they can and keep the Chief safe. With her assigned mission failed but her secret goal achieved, Shalom thinks about what other safeguards she can layer upon the Chief without arousing Paradeisos’s suspicion.

Shalom continues to reflect on what has happened to her, the agony and struggles of Rebel day after day, its grotesque oppression of its own kind, and wonders if she can even be considered human anymore. She recalls her first meeting with Chief at the MBCC. After witnessing a distraught Nightingale fleeing from a holding cell, Shalom enters and finds Chief restrained in a straightjacket. She says that her mission is to neutralize lingering side-effects from prior operations and stabilize their condition; she attempts to Mark the Chief, but they turn the tables and Shackle her instead, fighting and yelling that they will never forgive. The Shackles caused a fracture in the removal of her emotions, allowing her to feel pain and fear once again. Shalom is able to feel hatred for Paradeisos once again, and begins plotting to destroy Paradeisos’s cowardly designs.

Shalom arrives at Erica Villa, and flashes of Christina, Coquelic, and Rahu are shown in the days leading up to the Blue Rain alert of July N.F. 113. Shalom sees Garofano attacking her, and accepts that events have started to move, wishing for both herself and Chief to find their freedom.

In July N.F. 113, HUSH X went to Erica VIlla in Eastside. In August of the same year, the Battle of West District officially began. X was confirmed to have deviated, and the Observatorium was contaminated. The HUSH system was urgently shut down.
The journey is treacherous. May those venturing against the tide eventually find freedom.

As a Paradeisos envoy sent for inspection, she is kind and knowledgeable, and the Bureau staff frequently seeks advice from her. Other than Adjutant Nightingale, most developed a considerable liking and trust for her.

She brought along an array of records, frequently playing music in her room and never turning down an invite to a live performance. Observations show that she doesn't have any specific genre preference. Her playlist even includes a mix of rock and rap.

She is exceptional at capturing human emotions and boasts sophisticated photography skills. The subject has amassed a huge collection of photo albums at home, all filled with portraits she had taken herself. Yet according to unconfirmed rumors, many of these are of those who have passed away.

She has unique taste and insight in the field of flower arranging, but struggles to keep real flowers alive. All the flowers in her room at the Bureau are artificial. She once gave the Chief a floral crystal handicraft that bore a remarkable resemblance to her necklace, calling it a "gift to celebrate our reunion."

[Shalom is pointing her camera lens at you.]

Shalom: Here, gimme a smile...

Chief: ......

• Prompt: ...Huh?
• Shalom: Hehe, your blank expression looks cute.
• Shalom: 😘

• Prompt: Uh... I'm not very used to being photographed all of a sudden.
• Shalom: Is that so? You're so shy, aren't you?
• Shalom: 😏

[Shalom is rummaging through her record collection]

Shalom: What should I watch today...

Chief: ......

• Prompt: "The Video"? What's this one about?
• Shalom: A horror movie in the form of a pseudo-documentary. It's kinda fun, want to see it together?
• Shalom: 😏

• Prompt: "Street Food Warriors"? You collect food documentaries?
• Shalom: Is it weird? It's nice to kill some time with when you have nothing else to do.
• Shalom: 😉

[You receive some irises from Shalom.]

Shalom: Chief, to celebrate this special occasion, I've brought you some irises I've grown myself. Do you like them?

• Prompt: Thank you, these flowers are beautiful.
• Shalom: Mmm... Because this is a reward for behaving.
• Shalom: 😘

• Prompt: Did you grow these flowers yourself?
• Shalom: I visit the greenhouse every day, but I suppose other Sinners help me look after them too. They're all so lovely.
• Shalom: 😘

[You are invited to Shalom's garden, where the moonlight falls pristine and bright, and magnolias are in full, glorious bloom.]

Shalom: Chief, if you ever grow weary, you're always welcome here.

• Prompt: Thanks. I will keep that in mind.
• Shalom: The magnolias here never wither, and I'll always be waiting for you.
• Shalom: 😘

• Prompt: Would I be intruding?
• Shalom: Not at all. You're a guest of honor, one I personally invited.
• Shalom: 😘

⚠ Bad Role Model

Shalom's laid-back style has attracted a lot of attention.

System Notifications: Since Shalom came to the Bureau, she's been ignoring all rules and regulations. This "laid-back" style has attracted the attention of all the Sinners. Some reckless Sinners start to imitate her... and the results are as expected.

• Prompt: Better not to follow her lead.

⚠ Human Observer

A new club called "Human Observation Society" has appeared in the Bureau recently.

System Notifications: Since who knows when, Shalom has started to call herself the president of the "Human Observation Society," even though she's only been listening to vinyl records and watching movies in the Recreation Area every day. Amazingly, it didn't take long before she gathered a bunch of club members.

• Prompt: Club members? More like minions.

⚠⚠ Filling the Gap

Shalom's now lending out pieces from her vast trove.

System Notifications: System has identified an attempt by certain Sinners, including Hella, to congregate and view movies with inappropriate content. Swift measures have been taken to halt this activity.

Chief: It seems like such things have become a lot more common since Shalom started letting other Sinners borrow from her movie collection... Maybe it's time to cut off the supply?

System Notifications: When Shalom joined the Bureau, she didn't leave behind her massive trove. She has a wide range of interests and her collection is all-encompassing, which explains why Sinners keep ending up with some weird reads and flicks.

• Prompt: Go find Shalom

Shalom: Hmm... I get where you're coming from and I'm happy to lend a hand. But you know, my stash is a mixed bag from different eras and sources. Combing through it all on a tight deadline? That's gonna be tough.

Chief: But we can't have Hella and young sinners treating your stash like their jackpot. Seems like a few of them are purposely picking out some stuff that's really inappropriate for their age. This should really be stopped.

Shalom: How about we flip the script? Let's think about it this way. There's meaning behind every move... Their "calculated" choices could be pointing you towards the right course of action.

• Prompt: Doubt

Chief: You mean...?

Shalom: If they're intentionally going for something not suitable for them, it only means they don't really know what they should be reading or watching at this point. They need a nudge in the right direction. Maybe we can get the staff to do some edutainment that speaks their language?

Shalom: Curiosity about the unknown is just part of being human. If you want to do good to them, steering them in the right direction works way better than just blocking stuff... You get what I mean, don't you?

Chief: You know, your point actually makes a lot of sense. I'll step up our borrowing checks and at the same time, get the team on board to guide and educate.

Shalom: I'm happy to help. Chief, I don't like seeing you so weighed down all the time... Take it easy. Why not see this as a chance for something new?

Shalom: Everyone who visits my collection has a purpose. We're always chasing what we don't have... And that's how you can really get to know Sinners better, by seeing what they choose.

Chief: I've been wondering... why collect all these different kinds of music, movies, and books, only to lend them out willy-nilly? Are you trying to find something in them? Maybe something you're missing yourself?

Shalom: Hehe, relax, it's not a battle. Music, movies, and books are all means people use to express their thoughts and feelings. And the way people choose and connect with them? That's like a shared emotional echo.

Shalom: I've never really meddled in the lending process, just watched from the sidelines. And even if I get what I want out of it... it's not like it's going to hurt you, right?

⚠⚠ Plant Slayer

It looks like Shalom's been sneaking goods in with the help of the Sinners who's fond of her

System Notifications: Warning! The key monitoring subject, Shalom, has recently met with multiple contacts in secret room. It is suspected that a handover of items has occurred for unknown purposes. Please intervene as soon as possible!

• Prompt: Check Security Footage

Chief: Just watching the footage, I can't make heads or tails of what Shalom's handed over to them. Anyone she trusts enough for these errands must be pretty good at keeping secrets...

Chief: Looks like we've got only two plays here: catch them in the act or just go ask them straight up...

Shalom: So you're combining both tactics. Solid thinking, savvy choice. You're really coming into your own... Quite impressive.

System Notifications: Having figured out Shalom's exchange schedule and habits with the other Sinners, you catch her red-handed at the entrance of the secret room, just after her "smuggling" escapade.

• Prompt: Cut to the chase

Chief: Given you seem pretty impressed with me, you might spill the beans, right? What's with all the hush-hush? What are you guys really trading? Better not be anything against the rules.

Shalom: Don't worry, I've got nothing to hide from you, and I won't play word games to skew your thinking... Take a good look and see for yourself what I've got here.

Chief: ...This is... an air plant? The kind of plant that lives just on a mist of water?

Shalom: Heh, a touch disappointed? There's no big plot brewing here. My little clandestine meet-ups are just down to a dash of vanity...

Shalom: Let's face it, not being able to get even a hardy cactus to flower isn't something to brag about. And switching out room plants all the time? Doesn't exactly scream "respect for life," does it?

Chief: Is this why you've been all hush-hush, getting other Sinners to sneak Tillandsias in for you...

Shalom: Bingo. Perhaps plants that can bloom have their own sense of pride, shunning care from those lacking heart or soul... But... I still want to give it another shot.

Shalom: Until I can grow a gorgeous flower myself... You, who've peeled back my scars and seen the truth, maybe you'd be up for being my "partner in crime"?

⚠⚠⚠ Gift

With Shalom's birthday approaching, you plan to get her a small gift.

System Notifications: It's almost Shalom's birthday, and you want to get her a small gift.

Chief: But what would she like...

Chief: She seems to be good at photography and flower arrangement? Maybe you can try your luck.

• Prompt: An instant camera
• System Notifications: You've ordered a brand-new instant camera, a type of camera she's never used before. On her birthday, you find her in the library. She's engrossed in a book about porcelain patterns, but she immediately notices you.
• Shalom: Good afternoon, Chief. Can I help you with anything?
• Chief: Nothing in particular... Wait, you're interested in porcelain now?
• Shalom: Not really, I'm just interested in new things I've never come across before.
• Chief: Is that so? Then you might like this...
• Chief: I heard you're good at taking photos, so I got you a camera. It's a bit different from the ones you usually use though.
• System Notifications: You pull out the box-like device, and Shalom smiles gently.
• Shalom: Indeed, I've never used this kind of camera before. You can get the photo immediately after taking it? It sounds perfect for me, thank you.
• Shalom: Would you mind if I take a picture of you?
• Chief: Of course.
• System Notifications: Although it's her first time using this camera, unlike a beginner, she operates it skillfully. After a few adjustments and the flash of light, a photo comes out from the bottom of the camera.
• Shalom: ...Let me share a little secret with you, Chief.
• Shalom: I have taken photos for many people. But... most of them... have already left this world.
• Chief: ! ?
• Shalom: But I hope you can be a beautiful exception, Chief.

• Prompt: A bouquet of flowers
• System Notifications: After much consideration, you pick a large bouquet of flowers and put it in a gift box. On her birthday, you find her in the library. She's engrossed in a book about porcelain patterns, but she immediately notices you.
• Shalom: Good afternoon, Chief. Can I help you with anything?
• Shalom: Ah, don't answer me just yet.
• System Notifications: She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.
• Shalom: It smells wonderful. It must be from the box you're holding.
• Chief: Yes.
• Chief: A lot has happened these days... Let's commemorate it with this bouquet.
• System Notifications: You place the box on the table and open it, instantly filling the room with the scent of flowers. At the same time, you see a smile on Shalom's face that you've never seen before.
• Shalom: It seems you do understand me quite well... I really like it, Chief.
• Shalom: I don't think I've told you why I like flowers.
• Shalom: I'll tell you just this once.
• System Notifications: She pauses for a while, as if to tease you, then keeps talking.
• Shalom: I believe that flowers are like people: the language of flowers is the language of people, and the fragrance of flowers is the heart of people.
• Shalom: Emotions, personalities, thoughts... all of these things fascinate me. Don't you think so too?
• Chief: While I may not love flowers as much as you do, I can somewhat understand what you mean.
• Shalom: Hehe. Do you really?

⚠⚠⚠ Little Trick

Recently, Shalom has been acting quite suspiciously.

System Notifications: Recently, you've started to find Shalom's behavior suspicious. After some investigation, you find that at a specific time every day, she always sneaks off to a corner of the secret room, doing something secretive.

Chief: This doesn't look good.

• Prompt: Take action

System Notifications: You time her entrance into the secret room and prepare to ambush her in there. But to your surprise, she's already inside.

Shalom: Didn't expect this, did you, Chief?

Shalom: Hehe, what a cute expression.

Chief: ...What exactly have you been doing here?

Shalom: Do you really want to know, Chief?

Shalom: As the saying goes, curiosity killed the cat... Knowing too much may not necessarily be a good thing for you.

• Prompt: Just tell me.
• Chief: What if I still want to know?
• System Notifications: As if she's been waiting for you to say this, Shalom pulls out a notebook from behind her.
• Chief: What is this?
• Shalom: My diary.
• Chief: ...So you've been sneaking around here just to write your diary?
• Shalom: Hehe. Chief, your expression right now... it's quite amusing.
• Shalom: It's been a long time since I've seen you looking both nervous and curious, yet also somewhat worried.
• Shalom: What a rare sight...
• Chief: ...So you've been doing all this just to see my reaction?
• Shalom: Exactly, dear Chief.

• Prompt: Never mind.
• Chief: I have to admit, Shalom, you're really good at piquing people's curiosity.
• Chief: But, I'll stop asking now!
• Shalom: Oh, what a rare reaction.
• Shalom: May I ask why?
• Chief: If you were really up to something shady, you wouldn't do it secretly.
• Chief: Rather, you would act openly. Am I wrong?
• System Notifications: You don't see any noticeable change in Shalom's expression. In fact, she seems rather pleased, and even claps her hands.
• Shalom: Well done. It seems you've grown quite a bit.
• Shalom: As a reward, I'll tell you what it is.
• System Notifications: Shalom takes out a notebook.
• Shalom: Too bad! It's just my diary. To be honest, I have been doing this just to get your attention.
• Shalom: Seeing your interesting reactions, no matter how hard it was, it was worth it.
• Chief: I knew it...

Clothing made with Paradeisos technology. Provides a certain degree of defense.

Shh, it's a secret.