Problem Child is the second episode of A Call From the Hollow's Heart (A) in Phaethon's Story.
Stories
All Hands on Deck- Gone Missing
Steps
- Go back to the parking lot and drive over to the Brant Street construction site.
- Learn more about the commission from the Belobog Industries staff. (0/3)
- Complete the commission via the HDD System.
Dialogue
- (Idle)
- Anton: A FOORKS M1... Oh, oh, oh!
- (Talk to Anton, optional)
- Anton: Oh, Proxy, you're here? I was just admiring your car. FOORKS M1, she's a beauty!
- Anton: Hmmm, you also shortened the suspension, lowered the chassis, and reinforced it. Not bad, it must be pretty steady in a race? Like a tortoise on the loose!
Thank you... I guess?- Anton: So, shall we get in and go?
- (Interact with Business Car)
- Anton: Our base is over at the Brant Street Construction Site. It's been empty for a while, but we just recently started using it.
- Anton: Shall we go now, Proxy?
- Ready when you are!
- (Brant Street Construction Site unlocked)
- I'll finish up soon...
- (Interacting with Business Car again repeats dialogue)
All Hands on Deck
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
All Hands on DeckVideo Summary: Is it caused by logic core failure, Ether corruption, or perhaps something else…?
- (Cutscene Start)
- Anton: We're almost there, our president is just ahead.
- Anton: She may be young, but she's a real beast, so it's okay if you're nervous.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I think you'reI think you're /
Aren't youAren't you) supposed to say "Don't be nervous"? - Grace: Watch out—!
- Anton: Stay back!
- Anton: Hey, what have you done now?
- Grace: Ah, it's you, Anton! The diagnostic is almost done.
- Grace: Just stay like that, don't move!
- Grace: Don't worry, kiddo. I'm just going to install a firewall plug-in.
- Grace: It won't hurt...
- Grace: Whoa!
- Anton: Phew, looks like that's it.
- Ben: Sorry I was late.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): A real beast huh... This is Belobog's (leaderleader /
bossboss)? - (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Ahem... Hello.Ahem... Hello. /
H—Hello!H—Hello!) - Ben: Oh, hello there, (Mr.Mr. /
Ms.Ms.) Proxy! - Ben: Sorry you had to see something like this so soon after getting here.
- Ben: Our president has been waiting for you! Please...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Huh... you're not the president?Huh... you're not the president? /
Oh? So you're not...Oh? So you're not...) - Koleda: What're you doing, Grace? Put me down!
- Koleda: I said put me down this instant!
- Ben: Allow me to introduce our president.
- Koleda: I'm President of Belobog Industries — Koleda Belobog!
Gone Missing
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Gone MissingVideo Summary: Is it caused by logic core failure, Ether corruption, or perhaps something else…?
Story Description: Three of Belobog's intelligent construction machines went missing in a Hollow. To prevent their competitors from maliciously tarnishing their reputation, they hope to swiftly reclaim them with the help of Phaethon.
- Koleda: Hello, Phaethon. Sorry to have you witness the chaos just now. I hope it hasn't got you questioning our professionalism.
- Koleda: We got the call from Anton earlier. Everyone is so relieved to hear an excellent Proxy like you is here to help.
- Koleda: Anton might have already mentioned — our company has taken over the metro project, but it's not going particularly well because enemies keep getting in the way...
- Ben: Uhhh, President... Do you really think we should refer to them as "enemies" in front of (Mr.Mr. /
MissMiss) Proxy? - Anton: Ha? Ben, you're too soft! Those crooks've done so many rotten things that we're well beyond being polite!
- Anton: Besides, the Proxy already accepted our commission, which makes 'em one of us. We don't need to keep secrets.
- Sure, treat me like one of your own!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I agree with Anton. Since we've decided to work for Belobog Industries, you can treat us as one of your own.I agree with Anton. Since we've decided to work for Belobog Industries, you can treat us as one of your own. /
Anton has a point. We'll be working together, so you can consider us one big family!Anton has a point. We'll be working together, so you can consider us one big family!) - Anton: Oooh, I'm really moved, Proxy!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I agree with Anton. Since we've decided to work for Belobog Industries, you can treat us as one of your own.I agree with Anton. Since we've decided to work for Belobog Industries, you can treat us as one of your own. /
- Tell me more about this "enemy"?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Can you tell me more about these "enemies?" This may be helpful in my Proxy work later on.
- Ben: You see... We're considered an up-and-coming manufacturing and construction company that's climbing the ranks in the industry. Thanks to that, we won the rights to the metro renovation project.
- Ben: But since we won the bid, we've become a thorn in the sides of many established companies. They'd like to see us run into trouble and lose the project so they can take it over.
- Ben: At first, these companies convinced the banks not to give us low-interest loans. Then they sent thugs to the site to cause trouble before trying to block our construction and fire code permits. And, there was that stunt they pulled on TV.
- Ben: As if all that wasn't bad enough, during all this scrutiny, there was an "accident" on the construction site...
- Grace: Last week, three kids went missing in a Hollow!
- Ben: Easy there, Grace. You're gonna give our guest the wrong idea.
- Ben: Ahem, (Mr.Mr. /
MissMiss) Proxy, have you heard of our company's self-developed "heavy-duty smart construction machines for in-Hollow use"? - I sure have.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I have indeed. Is that what you meant by "missing kids"?I have indeed. Is that what you meant by "missing kids"? /
I heard about them on a TV show! Wait, so the missing children were... machines?I heard about them on a TV show! Wait, so the missing children were... machines?) - Grace: Exactly! Our competitive edge comes from smart machines that can operate safely in the Hollows for extended periods.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I have indeed. Is that what you meant by "missing kids"?I have indeed. Is that what you meant by "missing kids"? /
- I think I haven't.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Sadly, I don't recall hearing about them.Sadly, I don't recall hearing about them. /
Doesn't ring a bell. Are they important?Doesn't ring a bell. Are they important?) - Grace: Our primary edge comes from smart machines that can operate safely in the Hollows for extended periods. I'm very proud of these kids!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Sadly, I don't recall hearing about them.Sadly, I don't recall hearing about them. /
- Grace: Not only can they effectively resist Ether corruption, they're also highly intelligent and can work autonomously according to the situation within a Hollow. They're even equipped with specially designed language modules allowing them to talk!
- Grace: I've always taken care of them, and I'm the one who improved upon the prototype so they'd be fit for specific jobs. I'm responsible for their routine maintenance and upgrades as well. They're like my children!
- Grace: But a few days ago, after updating their logic cores, three of them ignored my orders and went deeper into the Hollow while working. They still haven't come back.
- Is the logic core malfunctioning?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Could the logic core be malfunctioning?Could the logic core be malfunctioning? /
Sounds like... the logic core malfunctioning?Sounds like... the logic core malfunctioning?)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Could the logic core be malfunctioning?Could the logic core be malfunctioning? /
- Were they corrupted by Ether?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Were they corrupted by Ether?Were they corrupted by Ether? /
Is it possible they were corrupted by Ether?Is it possible they were corrupted by Ether?)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Were they corrupted by Ether?Were they corrupted by Ether? /
- Grace: We still don't know the cause... Both microchip failure and Ether corruption are nothing new for companies operating in the Hollows.
- Grace: But when things go wrong involving Belobog Industries, people are gonna talk.
- Koleda: ...The machines were working fine before. This update was totally unnecessary.
- Koleda: If you hadn't uploaded the code he left behind into the logic cores, none of this would've happened...
- Grace: Now wait a minute, sweet pea. We aren't sure it's a problem with the core, right?
- Grace: Besides, beautiful and powerful machines deserve a matching soul!
- Grace: As the president of a smart machinery development company, don't you agree?
- Koleda: It doesn't matter whether they have a soul — because I'm the president it is only appropriate for me to consider them as assets.
- Koleda:' Putting aside from the issue with our enemies, those smart machines cost a fortune, I can't allow the loss of such expensive company property.
- Koleda: Proxy, we'd like to commission you to lead us deep into the Hollow and retrieve the three machines that got lost.
- Koleda: We already have the rough location of two of them. If there's anything more you wanna know, you can ask either Grace or Anton.
- (Talk to Grace)
- Grace: Oh, Proxy, did Sweet Pea send you to ask about the commission details?
- Grace: I've located the approximate position of a heavy boring machine. If you are ready, we can set off now.
- Having the location info makes things much easier.
- You've been a big help.
- Grace: You're welcome. By the way, Proxy, I heard you can sync with your Bangboo?
- Grace: What modifications did you make? How did you get around the Marcel Group's exclusivity protocols? How does it feel having your consciousness inside a Bangboo? The mapping of the neural network...
- Grace: Ah, sorry, I almost forgot that I should be the one answering the questions. Anyway, if there's ever a chance, please let me study your little Bangboo in the future!
- ...Alright, then.
- (...I'm not so sure I should agree to that.)
- Grace: I'll send you the stats for the boring machine shortly. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
New commission: Mechanical Love
- (Talk to Anton)
- Anton: Hey Proxy! I've just located one of the missing machinery, a heavy-duty grappler. Shall we set off now, or do you have any questions for me?
- Speaking of which, I've been meaning to ask...
- About that "bro" you mentioned before...
- Anton: Oh, so you saw me talking to myself on the side of the road.
- Anton: Allow me to introduce you to my Bro — my jackhammer! If we're heading into the Hollow later, we'll need Grace's help to adjust it and get it into the best condition.
- So that's your bro...
- So this is your bro...
- Anton: It works alongside me every day, so of course it's my bro! And for someone like me who isn't much of a thinker, my bro is great to talk to.
- Anton: I wanted to make a good impression, so I left it behind when I went to see you this morning, but then I felt really awkward without it.
- No wonder! You seem much more upbeat now.
- Old habits are hard to break, huh?
- (Talk to Anton again will repeat the dialogue)
- Anton: Anyway, I'm all set here. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask them! We're all on the same team!
- Keep asking.
- Anton: Oh, what else would you like to know? Fire away!
- What do you do at Belobog?
- Anton: Transcription missing
- Why did Belobog go on a children's program?
- Anton: You must see it too, right Proxy? For such a show to invite us on, they couldn't have good intentions.
- Anton: But Ben said we'd look even worse if we refuse, so we had to accept.
- Anton: We all decided to let the president go on first, but then the program said "We invite guests onto a children's program, not children on as guests!"
- Anton: Good thing she didn't go in the end... That stupid host... He just had to bring up that incident...
- Anton: Ahem! That's all in the past, Proxy! We got this new project based on our merits alone, and we'll definitely deliver!
- Anton: Everyone has a past that they don't want to talk about though, right? Even you guys changed Inter-Knot accounts after certain events? Don't worry, I won't ask for details, hahaha!
- Maybe some other time...
- Anton: Hmm? Hey, no need for formalities here, my friend.
- (Exit dialogue)
- Nah... Maybe not now.
- Anton: Alright! If you ever need to know something, just come find me!
New commission: Let's Go, Bro!
- (Idle)
- Ben: As an accountant, important partners should be met with a professional and courteous attitude.
- Ben: Or perhaps I should just give our Proxy a business card... Uh, if that doesn't terrify them?
- (Talk to Koleda)
- Koleda: ...Honestly, I know Grace is capable, but hasn't she been getting a little carried away lately?
- Koleda: Does a floor sweeper really need voice-activated cooking functions? Who wants it to cook an egg while cleaning the floor?!
- Koleda: And do intelligent machines need to be taught how to sing?! She swore it wouldn't affect their work, but within a week the construction site was as lively as a dance club!
- Koleda: The code that guy left behind... I told her if she wants to study it that's fine, but why does it have to be added to the company product?!
- Ben: That code is also considered a company asset, after all. Grace just wants to put it to good use...
- Koleda: ...
- Ben: Ah, sorry, President, I spoke out of turn...
- Koleda: Oh, Proxy, you're here. Have you spoken to Grace and Anton?
- I've spoken to them both.
- Not yet.
- Koleda: Then you should know a little more about our company and the intelligent machines.
- Koleda: The three smart machines that went missing are a boring machine, a heavy-duty grappler, and a pile driver.
- Koleda: The boring machine and heavy-duty grappler have been found, but the pile driver went further away, so finding it will take some time. And we might need your help.
- Koleda: Let's head out and get those two machines back. With those two we can catch up on the progress we have lost this week.
- (Talk to (SiblingSibling), optional)
- (SiblingSibling): (Wise, you're back!Wise, you're back! /
Belle, you're back!Belle, you're back!) - (SiblingSibling): The commission this time was to find lost machines? Sounds like a pretty serious task compared to the usual ones like finding a lost cat or husband with a secret girlfriend. No wonder Belobog was offering that kind of pay.
- (SiblingSibling): Leave the support work to me. You just focus on getting into the Hollow.
- (SiblingSibling):
- (Interact with HDD System)
- Fairy: Master, two new commissions from Belobog Industries have been updated.
- Fairy: The clients are Anton Ivanov and Grace Howard.
- Fairy: The reward processing account is prepared and awaiting completion of the commissions. Good luck!
Gallery
Video Archive Act Image
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Problem Child |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 「问题儿童」 "Wèntí Értóng" |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 「問題兒童」 "Wèntí Értóng" |
| Japanese | 「問題児」 |
| Korean | 「문제아」 "Munjea" |
| Spanish | Niño problemático |
| French | Enfant à problèmes |
| Russian | Проблемный ребёнок Problemnyy rebyonok |
| Thai | "เด็กมีปัญหา" "Dek Mi Panha" |
| Vietnamese | "Đứa Trẻ Có Vấn Đề" |
| German | Problemkind |
| Indonesian | Anak Bandel |
| Portuguese | Criança Problemática |
Change History
Released in Version 1.0 - Welcome To New Eridu
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