The scene begins in a vast, silent expanse of space. Stars twinkle like distant memories. Y/N floats effortlessly, suspended in the cosmic void. Around them, golden, ethereal fragments of light drift and pulse, forming indistinct shapes of people and places. A low, gentle hum fills the emptiness.

Suddenly, a figure appears before them. She is a divine, ethereal goddess, her long hair and flowing robes shifting with the cosmic currents. Her eyes hold a deep, sorrowful wisdom. She reaches out a hand towards Y/N, its fingers trailing shimmering motes of light. They don't know who she is, but a sense of warmth and familiarity washes over them.

She gently touches Y/N's chest, and five golden cores emerge, glowing with a bright, pure light. She then inserts these cores into Y/N's right hand. As they are absorbed, a new power awakens within them, forming a swirling, star-like Tacet Mark on their palm. The goddess looks at Y/N with immense sadness, as if she is burdened by the destiny she has bestowed upon them.

Y/N is sent hurtling away from the goddess. The peaceful, crystalline world shatters behind them, replaced by a swirling vortex of cosmic energy and debris. They are being pulled, violently, towards a gaping hole in space that looks like a vortex of pure chaos. This is their entry point to Solaris-3.

The goddess's form fades, her image dissolving into the chaos. Y/N looks down at their hand, where the newly-formed Tacet Mark glows with an intense, burning light. It's a brand—a reminder of the power and the burden that has been placed upon them.

The high-pitched alarm from their suit blares as they slam into the atmosphere of a bruised, violet-hued planet. Flames lick at their protective suit as they hurtle toward the ground. The fragments of light from their dream are now streaks of plasma, burning away as they descend.

---------

Chixia "Strange... no visible signs of trauma. Breathing seems normal. Heart rate should be fast, I..."

Another person, Yangyang, rushes over, relieved.

Yangyang: "You're awake!"

Chixia: "Let me see, let me see. Thank goodness you're awake, or I'll have to try my last-ditch emergency skills for Junior Patrollers, lesson one... CPR. Never did it on any living person though." 

She pauses, then adds with a sigh. 

Chixia: "Sorry, sorry! You just woke up and here I am... chatting up a storm."

Yangyang checks on Y/N, asking if they feel any discomfort. Chixia introduces herself and Yangyang.

Y/N: "Where am I?"

Yangyang: "We are in the Gorges of Spirits. It's on the skirts of Jinzhou, Huanglong. Your attire doesn't seem local. Are you a roving traveler from afar, or someone returning home?" She asks again, "So you don't know why you're here, where you're from, or who you are?"

Y/N: "My name is Y/N."

Chixia: "Baizhi didn't tell us you'd have these after-effects when you wake up."

The group decides to leave the area due to a converging "Etheric Sea," which is causing a Tacet Field to form.

Yangyang: "The wind has brought us a warning. The Etheric Sea is converging. It seems the new Tacet Field is taking shape."

Chixia: "That means it's probably going to get dangerous here soon. I knew it! Our gourds are out of service because of the Etheric Sea's influence. We can't send or receive messages for help. Now we better hurry over to meet up with Baizhi at our gathering spot and get out of here."

Yangyang: "If you got any questions, we can talk as we move. Chixia and I will give you the full scoop, every little detail from the get-go."

Chixia: "Oh, that's great! Let's go together!"

Chixia: "Y/N, I know you can't remember a thing, but there's one thing I'm 90%, no, 100% sure about you. You must be a Resonator too! You've got a Tacet Mark on the back of your hand, and you have a gourd. This is proof you're a Resonator. Your gourd's design looks a bit different from the ones we use though.

Chixia: "Also, we have Resonators who can detect the formation of Tacet Fields nearby, like what Yangyang just did. She can tell all kinds of information by reading the streams in the wind. It may seem all nice and quiet here now, but you never know when a Tacet Discord might pop up out of nowhere.

Suddenly, a low growl rips through the serene forest air. It's not the sound of a beast, but something unnatural—a static, guttural noise that makes the air feel thick and heavy. A creature, its body a grotesque mix of sharp angles and black, shimmering crystals, lurches from behind a cluster of mutated trees. This is a Tacet Discord.

Chixia: "Oh my... speak of the devil!" she whispers, her hand instinctively going to the small pistol at her hip.

The Tacet Discord moves with an eerie grace, its razor-sharp claws leaving faint, distorted lines in the air. Yangyang draws her sword, her posture shifting into a practiced, ready stance. She glances at Y/N, expecting them to take cover, but Y/N's instincts take over, dodging aside as its claw slams into the ground. Energy flares around their Tacet Mark. With surprising precision, Y/N counters, landing a heavy strike. Yangyang moves in, blade glowing with Aero resonance.

Yangyang: "Let me be your blade!"

The Tacet Discord recovers, its body glowing with a malevolent energy as it prepares a counter-attack. Chixia, seeing the danger, unloads a burst of energy from her pistol, the shots pinging off the creature's crystal armor.

Y/N, however, has a different idea. They feel the Tacet Mark on their hand pulsing, a surge of power building within. With a focused roar, Y/N unleashes a powerful attack that sends a shockwave through the creature, causing it to shudder and break apart into a shower of black particles.

The air returns to normal. Chixia lowers her pistol, her eyes wide with shock and awe.

Chixia: "Bravo! So you still remember how to fight despite having forgotten everything! Wow! Watch me lead the charge next time! No one messes with Ma Xiaofa... Ahem, I mean... Chixia!"

She laughs, her bravado returning in the face of Y/N's incredible display of power.

The three continue through the gorge until the terrain opens into a vast clearing. There, towering over the land, stands a colossal statue — the Sentinel Jue. Its draconic form rises toward the sky, gaze fixed upon the distant city of Jinzhou.

Y/N stops, an odd feeling gnawing at their chest. The statue feels... familiar.

The world abruptly distorts. Colors drain, replaced by static and a deep hum. The statue shifts — its massive stone head turning ever so slightly, eyes glowing as though in recognition of Y/N. A surge of resonance rushes through their body before the vision snaps. Color floods back. Y/N stumbles, breathing uneven.

Yangyang: "What's wrong? Are you injured from the fight earlier?"

Y/N: "What is this statue?"

Yangyang: "This is the statue of Jue, the Sentinel of Jinzhou. There are many Sentinels across Huanglong, each one a guardian for a city. They're present wherever civilized states thrive."

Yangyang: "The records say the Sentinels were once a single entity, but now they are each responsible for a part of Huanglong."

Y/N: " I think i just saw it. The Sentinel"

Yangyang: "The Sentinel? You were standing face to face with our Sentinal?"

Y/N: "Yes.."

Yangyang: "One can hardly see our Sentinel with their own eyes. Most people only get the chance during the appointment ceremonies. According to your description, you stood pretty close. Only the Sentinel's appointed Resonator is allowed in its proximity. For now, that person is the Magistrate of Jinzhou."

Y/N: "I don't know. Perhaps it's my imagination"

Y/N: "Are there other Sentinels outside Huanglong?"

Yangyang: "Sentinels are present where civilizations thrive. Huanglong stands out with the highest number of currently coexisting Sentinels, because of its long history and vast land."
Yangyang: "Records state the Sentinels in Huanglong were once a single entity. Now they are each responsible for a part of Huanglong."
Yangyang: "Naturally, there are Sentinels in other regions too, but far fewer compared to Huanglong."Y/N: "What do the other Sentinels look like?"
Yangyang: "In Huanglong, most of the Sentinels take the shape of a Loong In other regions, they manifest in various forms..."
Y/N: "Thank you for the information Yangyang."
Yangyang: "Your very welcome Y/N"
Chixia: "Woah! Darn... That must be an Elite Class."
Yangyang: "Chixia might be in danger. Y/N, please..!"

The Elite Discord roars and charges forward. Before Yangyang or Chixia can even react, Y/N steps ahead, calm and unwavering. With a single swift motion, they dodge the beast's claw swipe and slam his weapon into its chest. The impact sends cracks rippling through its crystalline armor.

The Discord reels back, but Y/N doesn't give it a chance. They dash forward, resonance flaring from the Tacet Mark on their hand. A fluid combination of strikes follows — each precise, each devastating. In mere moments, the Elite is overwhelmed, its body shattering under the pressure.

With one final, decisive blow, Y/N sends the creature crashing to the ground. It disintegrates instantly into black motes that scatter on the wind.

Chixia: "That was close! You fought so well, I didn't even get a chance to help! And Yangyang just rushed over to protect you like a... anyway."

She gestures to a nearby glowing structure.

Chixia:"See, there's a Resonance Beacon over there. When you see a Beacon, be sure to register and activate it. It's usually safe within a 5-meter radius of a Beacon. It can protect you from danger sometimes."

Y/N places their terminal on the Beacon. Chixia observes its unique design.

Yangyang: "Rover, could you hand me your terminal for a moment? Done. Its design and system version are different from ours, but your terminal still has the data transfer and other basic functions."

The Beacon activates, its light pushing back the encroaching shadows. The path forward is now clearer.

Yangyang: "We are almost at the Gorges' entrance. There will be a descent, but if your terminal's glider module still works, it will make things easier. I will show you how to use it."

Chixia:"Once you're out of the Gorge, there's only a short walk to reach Jinzhou. Jinzhou is the safest place around here. The resident Nexus provides coverage for the whole city. Besides, we've got a protective barrier and strong fortifications, right?"

Y/N: "That's sound impressive"

Chixia: "Hehe, right?"

Yangyang: "Jinzhou sits between the Deser Highland and the Norol Barrens. It's a border city and a fortress. It's very crucial to the safety of Huanglong."

Chixia then looks around with concern.

Chixia: "Huh? We've agreed to meet up with Baizhi here. Where is she?"

Then Yangyang felt it — a change in the Streams within the wind. Something had appeared. The sky, once clear, slowly became shrouded in darkness.

Yangyang: "This is the center of the Etheric Sea...

Chixia: "...Tacet Field! When did it show up? It wasn't here when we just got out here."

A Tacet Field showed up in thin air. Even Yangyang can't feel it.

Yangyang: "But I didn't sense a hint of a Tacet Field's presence."

Chixia:" So it appeared while we weren't looking? Like in the blink of an eye? Or maybe the Etheric Sea can tell where we are? Could it be following us?"

The center of the strange, new Tacet Field glows ominously.

Yangyang"The center of the Tacet Field... "

Chixia: "Isn't that Baizhi?"

she asks, a note of alarm in her voice.

Chixia:"Baizhi!"

Yangyang: "We're too far away, perhaps she can't hear us!"

Yangyang: "Freshly formed Tacet Fields have a dormant period. During this time, it is relatively safe." 

Y/N: "During this time?"

She quickly corrects herself. 

Yangyang:"My apologies, I should have said it as temporarily safe. The dormant period of a Tacet Field varies based on its formation time. Generally, the shorter the formation time, the longer the dormant period. However, with a longer dormant period, the Tacet Discords born within are usually stronger. The faster a Tacet Field forms, the longer its dormant period lasts. For now, this Tacet Field should be safe... "

Y/N:" Let's get down there then"

Yangyang: "The glider can't carry us beyond the Tacet Field's range. Besides, Baizhi is there. We'll have to go down and see what is going on. Now it's time to use a glider module, Y/N. Let me help you activate it."

Yangyang assists Y/N in activating their glider, and they descend into the newly formed Tacet Field. They quickly find Baizhi, seemingly unharmed, but with a look of worry.

Baizhi turns around, her expression serene and focused, as if she were expecting them. 

Baizhi: "You are all right."

Chixia:" You know, Y/N was super energetic! Handled a super big TD! Way more spirited than me!"

Yangyang: "I've been keeping an eye on Y/N condition through the Stream..."

Y/N: "What's this. A mind-reading gathering?"

Yangyang: "Baizhi is just concerned about your condition. She must think we shouldn't be letting you move around that much, since you've just regained consciousness..."

Y/N: "...Oh, I suddenly feel sooo much pain."

Yangyang, still worried, steps forward. 

Yangyang: "Are you all right? Where does it hurt?"

Baizhi calmly dismisses the concern. 

Baizhi: "Worry has clouded your judgment, Yangyang. His vitals are stable, with normalized pupils and a steady breathing rhythm. This isn't the place for talking. Let's go."

Yangyang could see pout in front of Y/N

The air thickened, heavy and oppressive, as if the world itself was holding its breath. The Tacet Field pulsed, a distortion in reality, warping light and sound until the jagged cave-like ground began to tremble beneath their feet.

Yangyang tightened her grip on her sword, her expression tense.

From the heart of the swirling energy, a low, guttural resonance echoed, neither a roar nor a voice, but something in between. Then it emerged — the Crownless.

A towering, skeletal figure with elongated limbs and jagged armor-like bones stepped forward. Its hollow face burned with violet light, two piercing eyes glowing with malice. Behind it, black mist coiled and stretched, forming crooked wings that flared wide with each step.

Crownless: "...I sense your weakness."

The ground cracked beneath the weight of its arrival, the purple energy swirling tighter around its form as if the very Tacet Field obeyed its will.

The battle begins. Without hesitation, Y/N sprints forward, their movements fluid and decisive. The Crownless charges with a shriek of scraping metal. Y/N ducks under its first claw swipe and follows up with a quick series of attacks, each strike resonating with a strange, humming energy.

Without hesitation, Y/N charges forward, weapon drawn, clashing with the towering figure. Sparks fly as steel meets corrupted bone. The air hums with each impact, the sound of metal screeching against unnatural flesh.

Yangyang joins in, her blade cutting arcs of green light through the darkness. Together, they launch a relentless assault — Y/N pressing close with swift, decisive strikes, Yangyang striking from above in graceful leaps.

From outside the barrier, their allies' voices echo faintly.

Chixia (muffled): "Where are you? We're blocked outside. We can't get in. Are you all right?"

Baizhi: "Be careful. It's the Tacet Discord's ability."

Yangyang: "Y/N is with me. And... that strange Tacet Discord is here too."

The Crownless lets out a distorted, hollow laugh. Its form begins to shift, wings of darkness unfurling as a glowing violet scythe materializes in its hand. The pressure in the air doubles.

The battle escalates. Y/N dodges a sweeping strike, countering with a heavy blow that staggers the beast. Yangyang weaves in, her sword resonating with the Streams, landing precise cuts at its exposed joints. Their rhythm is seamless, a dance of survival against the overwhelming might of the Crownless.

Yangyang darts in, her sword glowing with Resonance, clashing against the beast's arm to push its swing wide.

Yangyang: "Y/N! Now!"

With a final surge of power, Y/N channels the Tacet Mark, his strike crashing down with explosive force. The Crownless reels, its body shuddering before collapsing backward. Darkness peels away from its frame, leaving behind a fleeting golden glow.

Taking the opening, Y/N unleashes a powerful Resonant strike, holding his weapon  as they slam into the Crownless's chest. The creature reels, its wings snapping wide to buffet them back with a shockwave of violet energy.

The fight intensifies — Y/N and Yangyang working in perfect tandem. She launches aerial strikes to distract it, while Y/N stays grounded, hammering into weak points with relentless precision. The cavern fills with light and shadow, every movement echoing like thunder.

Finally, Y/N channels the Tacet Mark, energy flaring across his body. He dashes forward, evading the scythe's final swing, and drives his weapon deep into the Crownless. The Tacet Discord lets out a warped, echoing shriek. Its body fractures, shattering into motes of golden light before collapsing entirely. The Tacet Field fades, leaving only silence.

Chixia rushes in as the barrier collapses, wide-eyed at the sight of the fallen monstrosity.

Chixia: "Unbelievable... Y/N, Yangyang... you actually defeated that thing?"

Yangyang: " I... didn't really do much. It was all thanks to you, Y/N."

Y/N: "What aree you saying Yangyang. You was so helpful back there."

Yangyang:"T-thank you"

Chixia; "Anyway, come check this out!"
Y/N: "An illusion... left by the Tacet Discord?"

Yangyang: "Oh, this is... an Echo."

Chixia: "Wow! An Echo of the Elite Class... Someone got lucky today!"

Yangyang: "My apologies. We got a little carried away. Does "" or "Echo" ring a bell to you, Y/N?"

Yangyang: "Everything in our world is made up of frequencies, and every sound generates a reverberation."

Yangyang: "Those "Echoes" are the lingering Reverberations of Tacet Discords after they disintegrate. We can absorb them into the in our ."

Chixia: "Oh, by Pangu Terminal, she means the gourd-shaped device every Resonator has, developed by researchers in Huanglong!"

Chixia: "But you see, it's not always we get to find these. Also, there's a limit to what your gourd can absorb."

Yangyang: "Absorption is only possible when your Data Bank's level is equal to or higher than the Tacet Discord's level. The Terminal can then convert its Reverberation into an "Echo" for use in battle."
Yangyang: "My Terminal issued a warning when it detected that Tacet Discord earlier. It should at least be an Overlord Class."
Yangyang: "Y/N, would you mind checking your Data Bank level?"
Chixia: "No need for that! Y/N, why don't you just try absorbing it with your Terminal?"
Y/N reached out with his Terminal, but nothing happened — it didn't absorb the Tacet Discord.
Y/N: "It didn't work. It says I'm Level 0."
Chixia: "No worries! You can start with smaller ones before tackling this guy here."

Chixia: "There should be some sweet Baby Roseshrooms 'round here. Let's go check those out, shall we?"

Y/N: "What will happen if I can't absorb it?"
Baizhi: "It won't take long before the reverberations disappear and the Etheric Sea vanishes. Once that happens, the Resonance Beacon signals will come back."

Baizhi: "The Tacet Field will dissipate, biding time for its next resurgence."

Baizhi: ...

Baizhi: "We'll need to report the unusual phenomena here to the City Hall  and the Academy. Let's make our exit."

Yangyang: "Agreed. Y/N, come on—"

She stopped mid-sentence. Y/N had taken a step to follow but froze. A strange force gripped his arm, tugging it back toward the fading motes of the Crownless. His Terminal remained dark, but the Tacet Mark on the back of his hand flared with sudden light, threads of golden energy spiraling outward.

???: Ughh... Hungry...
???: I'm starving...

Y/N (strained): "...What's happening to me?"

The Crownless's remnants, scattered and fading, were pulled back together—not into its former shape, but into Y/N's glowing mark. The fragments swirled violently, drawn into his body against his will.

Yangyang reached for him, eyes wide with alarm.

Yangyang: "Y/N! Stop—your hand, it's... absorbing it!"

Y/N clenched his teeth as the resonance overwhelmed his senses, flooding him with distorted echoes of the Crownless. His Terminal flickered, unable to control or regulate the process. The air vibrated with unstable energy until, finally, the last mote of the Crownless vanished into him.

Silence fell again. Y/N staggered but remained standing, his hand still glowing faintly.

Chixia (in shock): "You... you actually absorbed it? Without the Terminal?!"

Chixia: "What... What kinda power is that!"
Chixia: "Y/N, you..."Y/N: "W-what am i...?"