act12mini

November 30th 8:00 P.M.

Dzwonek

The Leithanians had high praise for our city's prosperity, and the parties quick reached an agreement.

It is expected that regular trade will be established between Dzwonek and the Leithanian city of Graufield.

A Leithanien-inspired commercial district is also currently under construction on a new plate, the first phase of a project focusing on Leithanian art and music.

A spokesman for contractor Gale Industries touted the design of the new district, the brainchild of a world-famous architect, and promised that it will become a new landmark for Kazimierz.

The project is expected to be a massive boon for the city's tourism industry...

(Oops, cut this one a little thin...)

Honey?

Why don't you put that away? It's time to pick up our boy from school.

Can't he get home on his own?

I know he says you're nosy, but he doesn't mean it.

Nosy, huh? He's got a noble knight picking him up personally, the ungrateful brat... He was having so much fun playing with those peasants.

Just be patient, dear. You said it yourself: people will forget all about 'Plastic' Szewczyk before long, and then we'll be safe.

...Next up, new Infected riots have been reported in the Old District. The National Council is currently investigating the incidents.

The police have acknowledged that Zeno Shelvin, the Infected ringleader who had previously turned himself in, has escaped custody. A number of officers have been suspended in connection with the escape.

A reward is being offered for information regarding...

You heard the news, right? You should go soon.

We came all the way to Dzwonek, even living among the common folk, but it looks like trouble is never far away.

To think I used to be worried about you getting hurt in the arena, and now I'm worried about our little boy making it home from school.

You're overreacting. The press loves to exaggerate these things.

If they were a real threat, we wouldn't be hearing about public investigations from the National Council.

The only problem is the incompetent police who don't know how to track down the Infected without ID numbers. On their own, they're not much of a—

Of course, the Infected make a good excuse to sell people insurance and protective gear. Especially after what happened at the Major.

Well... If it's so safe, why are you going out in full armor?

Alright, fine, then I won't worry, 'Sir Knight.'

This statue marks the edge of the Central District.

The outer plates are old, and there isn't much to see there.

May I inquire as to the containers stacked up over there?

Ah... that's just an abandoned district.

There used to be a cargo passage leading down to the lower levels. After it was closed, old containers from decommissioned trucks began to pile up.

—O-Of course, we're currently working hard at giving Dzwonek a face-lift. Abandoned districts like these are all slated to be rebuilt very soon, and you won't see any trace of them by the next time you're here.

Is that so? I rather like how the colorful containers come together to form part of the cityscape.

Er, is that so? I-I suppose Leithanians do have an eye for art.

Heh, you flatter me.

It's getting rather late, though. I shan't keep you.

It's no problem at all! It's been my pleasure to show you our city's nightscape.

But you also have the ribbon-cutting ceremony to attend tomorrow. Perhaps we should return to the hotel.

Incidentally, if you enjoy music, I also have a few best-selling albums from Dzwonek here. Would you like to have a listen to them in your room?

Ah, that's very kind of you, but I've already picked the pieces I wish to enjoy tonight. I hope I'm causing no offense?

Er, no, of course not.

Then I will take my leave here. Good night, and we will be back to pick you up tomorrow.

I've asked around, sir.

But are you really sure you want to go at this hour?

Are we being watched?

Not right now, as far as I can tell.

Then let's. I'd prefer to end this trip on a high note.

How do you feel?

How do you think I feel? Does my leg look like it's getting better?

This was from a legit pharmacy, and it cost a pretty penny. It's not working?

Wouldn't be the first time stuff from legit sources didn't work.

What happens to the plan if you can't walk?

Shh...

Someone's coming.

Ahem. Er, may I help you, sir?

We have nothing to do with any attacks, and we don't know that man you're with.

The cops have been here a few times already. Everyone checked out clean.

...I'm looking for the Weaver.

Oh, you're friends with them? Didn't look like it.

Go around behind that dark-red container. You'll find an empty tailor shop with a hidden door in the back, leading to a long alley. Ask around when you reach their warehouse.

Not even a word of thanks?

What'd you expect from a noble?

Back to the plan. You got word from the boss?

Yeah, it's urgent, and it's happening tonight. Getting cold feet?

A little, but it's like fighting gloompincers—there's no turning back.

...It'll be worth it even if just to make the people in high places sweat a little.

I heard they're finally cleaning up that junk across the street, and expanding the commercial district towards the east.

Finally.

Yeah, they should've blown it up ages ago. We've got kids from nearby schools playing hide-and-seek in it, and that's an accident waiting to happen.

Who knows how filthy it is in all those containers and shacks? Homeless, Infected...

Seriously, why do they even want to live in slums like that? Life would be so much better if they left for one of the villages in the barrenlands.

The light's green. Let's go—

A loud noise, and the grey skies of the abandoned district are lit up by flames.

Wh-What was that? Something exploded?

Run!

Why are you just standing there like that? Get out of the way!

...Did I hear you say that kids from nearby schools play in the abandoned district?

*cough* *cough*... Aloisia!

Are you okay, sir?

I'm sorry, I didn't realize...

Don't blame yourself. I'm not hurt, and I was the one who insisted on coming to the slums.

But it looks like there's a wall of rubble between us.

I'll find another path and meet up with you, sir.

The explosion was rather near our position, however.

Please be careful, as this could potentially be a targeted attack.

...Alright, I'll wait here.

I hear voices...

It hurts... ow...

Come on, get this sheet of metal off him! He's bleeding!

I'm trying, I'm trying... it's so dark, I can't see...

What if I make a mistake and open up the wound...

(Even if people are watching... I should be able to use Originium Arts to move some of the stones and metal for them without drawing attention.)

(Was this really targeted at me though? My visit to the abandoned district wasn't on the itinerary.)

(And Aloisia would have noticed if someone was tailing me.)

It's dark... I wanna go home...

You're not gonna leave me, right...?

Hold on, let's grab a rock... Hey, is someone coming?

(A businessman? Government official?)

(No, it's the man I encountered beneath the statue yesterday... with an Infected by his side.)

(He's deeply prejudiced against Leithanien, and the Infected with him doesn't exactly seem like the amicable sort. I should stay out of sight.)