PNC Story/L.A.D. Riddle Nodes

Stage 1

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The pair are walking along the street outside the venue hall, checking for security loopholes. A girl has been separated from her family among the crowd! "Mama (sob) where are you...	Take her to an eye-catching place.
	Check the surroundings for a worried-looking middle-aged woman.

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Dupin and Aki enter a store beside the exhibition hall and begin a routine inspection. Aki walks right up to a certain item! "It's a natural whetstone shaped like a sword!" "A sharpening stone that's on the level of a work of art is a rare find..." "Man, you sure are well-informed. I didn't expect you to know about this.	"If you like it, then buy it. Don't forget, we've got a mission to accomplish.
	"We have some time before the exhibition ends, let's move on to the next store first.

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A gardener robot hovers at the base of a tree, its little mechanical arms raised to the sky. "【(。ó﹏ò)Φ The floweys flew away—! Collection failed—】 " Several flowers have been blown onto the branches.	It's a piece of cake, so let's help it out.

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Aki suddenly stops walking as the two of them go on their rounds. "I don't think I can go any further." After analyzing Aki's behavior patterns from just now, the reason he stopped is because...	Are you hungry again already?

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Dupin finds a loophole in the wall security camera coverage while the two of them are on patrol. "We need to install a camera here." "Aren't there two cameras watching this place?" "They're out in the open and it'd be easy to destroy them." "That makes sense! I'll follow your decision.	Install one camera.
	Install two cameras.

Stage 2

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Perhaps those idle guys over there know something... Did you just beat them up? Who cares, just ask them. "The f*** are you?" "That's him! He's the one who beat our bros up! Let him have it!	Beatings first, questions later.
	Do they really have usable information to offer? Let's just go.

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Leblanc's also had to travel a long way to get here — perhaps gathering information about outsiders might be helpful? You discover a green-haired traveller eating a grilled fish outside the yakitori store. Could this be LeBlanc in disguise? It might be best to tread carefully...	Go up and make inquiries.
	Observe from the shadows.

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One of the roadside stores has remained open. The proprietor must have seen something... "Yes, I do know something. Would you like to hear something useful or useless?" "Something useful, of course." "Well, how useful or useless it is depends on how much money you have...	Give him some money.
	Just listen to him.

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You encounter Master Yagyu in the hallway. The master stops to size you up before whispering a few words to the bodyguard beside him.	"Do as you see fit, young man.

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There are no clues regarding LeBlanc... The gardener robot walks over and offers you a little white flower. [(*>ω)Φ Cheer up! Here's a flowey for you!]	Accept the flowey.
	Politely decline.

Stage 3

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Head to Aki's room and take a look.	There are no signs of a struggle... Why didn't he put up a fight?
	There are footprints at the door... I need more samples.

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"The night might be able to hide the traces of the truth, but they cannot evade my eyes.'	Now switching to multitasking mode, running multi-level analysis program.

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"Oi, you hunk of junk! You think we've forgotten about what happened earlier today?" "You're a crappy imitation of a human being! While you might not be as easy on the eyes as that little lady, you're probably still worth a lot, right?" The punks are blocking your path! "Thinking of getting away?"	Let's settle this quickly!
	The rescue comes first. Later!

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You consult the security camera footage. The exposed security cameras have all been wrecked. Good thing there were hidden ones as well... A masked figure enters Aki's room and does not appear again in the footage.	Look for clues around the blind spots of the cameras.
	Take some time to compare and contrast body types.

Stage 4

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The exhibition is about to begin. Yet why does something feel wrong? Let's check everything again! But where should we start? Outside the venue.	At the exhibition area.
	The emergency exits.

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A mini-robot stands in the middle of the venue entrance. "【٩(๑>ᴗ๑)۶🏵 Do you want a flowey?】"	Force your way through!
	Enter the venue hall another way.

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Aki walks over, and his gaze settles on your walking stick. "Need me to check your weapon? I'm good with blades and swords of all kinds.	That would be for the best.
	LeBlanc might strike at any time, I'll pass.

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You check the display case. A mini-robot blocks your path. "【ヽ(#`Д´)ﾉ Do not approach the artifact!】" Is something wrong with the mini-robot?	Fix it.
	Ignore it.

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The hamon of the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu is particularly eyecatching under the gallery's lights.	Verify its authenticity with Aki.

Stage 5

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The Daily Glass, Jul 21st 2055 [The crime rates in the various districts of Saint-Germain are climbing — the Italian criminal organization "Forza" is engaged in a clash with the Russian Vory that is rapidly heating up. At the same time, the number of robberies, blackmail, and murder cases is on the rise.] [Law enforcement departments lack sufficiently experienced personnel to deal with the current situation and have no choice but to recruit civilians to assist in keeping the law, investigating cases, and the like. They are currently seeking retired soldiers, intelligence analysts, and detectives. However, applicants were few, and shortly afterwards, the relevant authorities expanded the scope of their recruitment to Dolls.]

What a dire situation. There isn't much you can do when you simply don't have enough people.

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Reporter Thompson: (Sighs)... This is a big scoop. [This is WBC TV news, coming to you live from the scene: The head of the Montmartre Detective Agency, Hercule Christie was murdered by unknown parties while aboard the "Orient Express" headed toward England. Hercule Christie had been working closely with the Saint-Germain police department in looking into cases concerning the Forza and Vory organizations.] Reporter Thompson: (puts down the mike) Who's that guy? Assistant: He should be the newly-arrived detective, right?

Sending a detective to investigate another detective's cause of death? How strange.

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Monthly Kenton, Oct 2055 [After roughly a month of investigations, the San Carlos Police Department and the detective known as "Dupin" have apprehended a team of hired killers. Said team was charged with murdering Hercule Christie and was closely linked to the underground boxing circuit in San Carlos, murdering numerous journalists who attempted to expose the truth. Several of its members have been arrested and are awaiting trial.] [Dupin has refused interviews, but we have learned some very important information concerning him... If the rumors surrounding him are correct, Dupin is a new model of Universal Anything Services Doll. This implies that Universal Anything Services is planning to break into the security and law enforcement Doll market that has hitherto been dominated by Svarog Heavy Industries.]

Why am I not surprised?

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[Reporter Thompson's Diary, 2055.12] "The matter has come to an end; the assassins hired by Santino have been found guilty of all charges, while the "Forza" mob and the Vory have beat a retreat... God knows where they'll be causing trouble next." "Eh... people have praised the skills of Mr. Dupin the Detective, but others have also voiced their objections to it; if even detectives are to be replaced by Dolls, then will there even be a place for humans in the future? Should we all just laze around at home after we're rendered redundant..." "Perhaps it was because he'd considered that point of view, but Mr. Dupin quickly vanished from the public eye. However, he's still surrounded by mysteries, and I'd like to investigate them."

I'm guessing that it'll be a long journey to find him.

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[Reporter Thompson's Diary, 2057.11] "This is the scarred city of San Carlos, fresh from fighting its civil war. Santino, the boss of Forza, set up an underground boxing circuit here. He's done much to make this place worse, much like in Saint-Germain." "I visited this place with our newly-arrived Doll reporter, and we saw a boxing match that left a deep impression on us — a badly-wounded boxer took down a massive mountain of a man with a single blow, and then we glimpsed Dupin on the other side of the audience." "However, we were too late, and we nearly ended up being dumped into a sewer by one of the bouncers."

Mr. Thompson's feet are always one step behind his instincts... Speaking of which, who IS that reporter Doll, anyway? And that boxer sounds kind of familiar.

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[Reporter Thompson's Diary, 2057.3] "It took me a week to book a long-haul plane ticket to Japan —the Phantom Thief "LeBlanc" announced that he'd be stealing a famous blade from the Yagyu Zaibatsu." "Much like Dupin, he took his name from a story character. After that, I had the feeling that Dupin would show up there as well..." "I watched him go around with a laid-back swordsman and pursue LeBlanc at an exhibition gallery. However, I was still too late..." "That swordsman seemed quite hot-blooded, and when I met him at an izakaya after the fact, he told me that Dupin would show up anywhere he thought he'd be able to find a challenge."

Well, he found an important clue at least, right? And speaking of which, did that swordsman like gyutan rice?

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[Reporter Thompson's Diary, 2057.5] "I spent over half a year running back and forth between various places and saw countless striking characters... or rather, Dolls. There was a doughty warrior who had fallen to fighting in illegal underground boxing matches, a swordsman who didn't act like a swordsman in the least, and a Doll reporter who worked in the same place as me and who had been hassling my boss for a long time. However, I still hadn't found any sign of Dupin." "After that, when I decided to go have a meal in Paris while on my break and ended up arguing with a visiting gourmet about taking my place, I spotted someone who looked almost exactly like Dupin. He wore a black suit, a black hat, carried a cane sword, and his eyes were one of a kind. This time, there would be no escape."

That must have been Dupin himself, and the end of Mr. Thompson's search.

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Reporter Thompson: Mr. Dupin, you are exceedingly skilled at concealing yourself, but you probably did not expect someone to single you out in a restaurant. Reporter Thompson: So, you're running that... what's it called, the "Montmartre Detective Agency" by yourself in the 18th arrondissement of Paris? The decor here seems quite aged. Dupin: I like this feeling and I'm used to it. This was also the place where I first met and worked with Mr. Hercule. Reporter Thompson: To each his own, then. I have many questions I would like to ask you... if you'll permit me. (Dupin is silent for a while, then strokes his chin.)

As you wish.

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"Do you have any personal reasons for coming here, Mr. Detective?" "If you wish to hear the answer to that — then so be it. I heard LeBlanc came here as well. We still have a score to settle." "Product Code: Detective-D." "Body Code: SSE-54 [Encrypted]." "Product Serial Number: EAP1809." "Product Activation Date: [Encrypted]." "Product Name: Dupin." "Neural Activation Percentage: 100%" "Detective-D, CALL NAME: Dupin... Verification complete."

Even his base layer code is so mysterious... Never mind, he's a hard pass.

Matrix Mode

Stage 1

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When Dupin finds Centaureissi, she is wiping a fruit platter in the rest area. Clotho is lying asleep on the sofa and Hel rests quietly beside her.	(Question them.)	Centaureissi: Is something the matter?	Dupin: We're looking for the Professor. Do you have any clues about them?	Centaureissi: Hm... Clues, you say... Let me think.	Dupin: When was the last time you saw the Professor?	Centaureissi: The last time I saw the Professor was when they were having afternoon tea in the Ops Room. Centaureissi: Since I was unsure what drinks to serve Miss Millau, I made some alternatives and delivered the tea to the Ops Room. Dupin: I have no intention of questioning your character, Miss Centaureissi, but I wish to check. I hope you will understand.	Dupin: So all you did was serve tea?	Centaureissi: Don't worry, I understand that detectives need extra information. Hm... I didn't do anything else beyond clean up the Ops Room.	Dupin: How many sets of tea did you send over?	Centaureissi: Miss Millau wanted six sets and the Professor wanted one.	I see.

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Is Centaureissi suspicious...?	(Think.)	Miss Centaureissi does things by the book and her words match the action log. Also, she has no motive to conduct a kidnapping.	In that case, we'll move on to the next person... Miss Clotho.

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Dupin: Now then, as for Miss Clotho over here... Clotho: Zzzzz Dupin: ...	Dupin: Miss Clotho? Sorry to bother you.	Clotho: (Snores) You should not disturb... zzzz... a hard-earned rest...	Dupin: This is the first Doll I've seen who can speak while organizing her data.	Clotho: (Snores) I'm sound asleep... and wandering... in dreams...	Dupin: ...

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Clotho: (Snores) I'm sound asleep... and wandering... in dreams... Centaureissi: Clotho seems to be awake, but I've never seen her like this before. Is this something new she's trying?	Dupin: Even if she is, I still need to investigate.
	Dupin: I saw her name in the access log, so I need to keep investigating.

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Centaureissi: Hel doesn't usually rest when Clotho does. Hel, are you online? Hel: Of course, Centaureissi! I'm full of life and protecting my master Clotho!	...	Hel: Much as I'd like to jump up and prove I'm telling the truth, I ate my fill not long ago and jumping up is a bit hard...	Dupin: (She ate her fill?)

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Hel: Hm? Is that a new friend? Hello, I'm Hel, a healthy and honest coffin!	Dupin: Truly, the Oasis is a place of endless wonders. Hello, Hel, I am Detective Dupin and I am conducting an investigation.	Hel: I heard, but the Professor's disappearance had nothing to do with me, or Clotho for that matter. Really!	Dupin: Really?	Hel: Of course. You can trust in my character.	Dupin: (She doesn't seem too trustworthy.)

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Why is Hel full?	There's something inside her.	I need to think of a way to look at Hel's contents.	Let's get some decisive proof.
	There's someone inside her?

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Hel: Erm... Why are you looking at me?	Dupin: I heard you say you were full just now. What did you eat?	Hel: Erm... Ah... Centaureissi: Hel, are you up to your pranks again? Hel: Not really... I... I just had a snack, how is that a prank?	Dupin: ...(I need to find more evidence.)

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"Zzzzz..." A strange voice comes from Hel's tummy.	(This is a little TOO obvious.)

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There's a white sleeve protruding from out the side of Hel's lid. It looks like the Professor's clothing.	(Record the evidence.)	However, it doesn't look like a lab coat on closer inspection...	While it looks a little dubious... I'm sure there's someone inside Hel.

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While it seems suspicious... It's certain that Hel has someone in her tummy. Which part is most suspicious?	The white clothing which looks like it could be a lab coat.	These clues alone aren't enough. It seems a slightly more forceful method will be necessary to get Hel to speak.	If possible, I'd rather not resort to those special measures.
	The strange voice.

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Dupin: Please open up and let us look inside. Hel: Erm... This is an invasion of privacy... How can you just look around inside me like it's nothing, it's so embarrassing...	(Show the evidence.)	Dupin looms over the coffin, and Hel trembles. Centaureissi: Please, Hel. This is important.	(Glare silently at Hel.)	Okay, okay, I'll open up! Hel opens her lid and reveals the Doll within.	Centaureissi and Dupin: ...Miss Millau?

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Just as you're about to leave, Clotho reluctantly stirs from her dreams.	Dupin: ...	You should not... have disturbed... a machine's dreams. I warned you about this before, Dupin.	Dupin: It seems this investigation is destined to be unsuccessful.

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Clotho: Ugh... After the long slumber comes the awakening, and my dreams give way to...	Centaureissi: Clotho, you mustn't get all grumpy when awakened just because you're in a familiar place.	Clotho: I, I'm sorry, Centaureissi... and Dupin...	That's fine. Finding the Professor is the most important thing at the moment.

Stage 2

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After interviewing Centaureissi and Clotho, Dupin returns the unconscious Millau to Persicaria and moves on to the next Doll who might have a clue about the situation.	Dupin: (I wonder how the Professor's doing now?)

Dupin: Let's go to the Security Department.

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The only name left on the break room terminal access log is... Chelsea.	Dupin: Let's go find Chelsea.

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This is not the way to the Security Department.	Dupin: There's no path through here.

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The way to the Security Department ought to be...	Due north.

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When Dupin reaches the Security Department, he finds Chelsea cleaning her gear.	Dupin: Hello, Miss Chelsea. I'm Dupin...	Chelsea: Well, if it isn't the famous Detective Dupin? You look pretty delicate, but you're quite the big guy! Dupin: For you, perhaps. There are advantages to a slender frame.	Dupin: Are you in charge of the Oasis' fire safety?	Chelsea: Of course! I'm the ONLY one in the Oasis who manages the Oasis' fire safety!	Please come with me, then.	Chelsea: Wait a minute, how did things end up like this? You've got no right to arrest me!	The Professor's gone missing and you're the likeliest suspect. Please cooperate with the investigation.	Chelsea: I won't just sit here and take it!	I knew this would happen... Forgive me, then.

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Chelsea: I won't just sit here and take it!	Dupin: (I can't get close to her like this...)

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Chelsea's too agile, I need to slow her down...	Dupin: (Let's see what weaknesses she has.)
	Dupin: (Maybe there might be something helpful nearby.)

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Hm? Is Chelsea's equipment leaking?	Dupin: (I might be able to make use of this.)

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In this case, what's the best way to subdue Chelsea...	(Mention Chelsea's gear so she slows down.)
	(Attack Chelsea's gear and slow her down.)

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Chelsea: Huh? How did these handcuffs get on me!?	An insignificant trick. It is not my desire to arrest a colleague, so if you cooperate with me, I will loosen your bonds.	Chelsea: Ah... I can't tell you yet!	Dupin: Looks like greater persuasion is required
	Tell me, where did you hide the Professor?

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Chelsea: Well, this gear of mine isn't just for show!	Dupin: Chelsea, listen. The Professor might be in danger...

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Dupin: Your gear might be quite potent, but it's nothing I can't handle.	Dupin: (Make a note of this.)

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For a moment, Chelsea leaves herself open...	Attack her weakness!	The battle is decided in an instant, and victory is but a step away...	Let's move on.
	Now!

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Chelsea: Ow, ow! Quit it! I'll talk!	Dupin: You should have done this earlier and saved us both the trouble.	Chelsea: Well, it wasn't time yet. Otherwise how could my prank have worked?	Dupin: Oh? Do you want some more then, Miss Chelsea?	Chelsea: Okay! Okay! I'll talk! Chelsea: Florence told me something big was going to happen in the Ops Room, but by the time I went there, nobody was around and the Professor was gone too.	Dupin: And then?	Chelsea: She must have been trying to pin it all on me and kill two birds with one stone!	Dupin: So Florence was the one who took the Professor?	Chelsea: Yup~ And of course I wasn't going to take the fall for her, so I went over to the Medical Department to grab her, but then I saw her drag the Professor into her office! After that, I came back to the Security Department, where I met you...	Dupin: Well, looks like your prank worked. Make sure you reflect on what you've done here.	Chelsea: Well, I don't mind spending all day in a cell as long as Florence gets what's coming to her!	Dupin: I'm just a detective. Miss Persicaria will be making the final decision.	Dupin makes a call.	Dupin: Hello, Miss Persicaria. Where are you now?	Persicaria: Ah, I'm keeping an eye on Miss Millau at the Medical Department next door.	Dupin: The Professor ought to be in the Medical Department. I'll be there right away. Please wait for me at the entrance.	Persicaria: In the Medical Department!? Oh, okay then, I'll wait for you there...	Dupin: Let's head over there...

Stage 3

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Persicaria is waiting outside the Medical Department by the time Dupin arrives. Persicaria: Is the Professor really in the Medical Department, Mr. Dupin?	Dupin: I think so. However, we'll have to ask Miss Florence for the specifics.	Persicaria: Florence? Did she take the Professor away?	Dupin: That is how things appear from what we know at the moment.

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The two arrive before Florence's door.	Dupin: Excuse me, are you in, Miss Florence?	There is no answer.	Let's check the surroundings.

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There is a "Do Not Disturb" sign on Florence's door. It looks very suspicious.

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The hallway shrubberies in the hallway seem to have been disturbed...

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There are faint scuff marks on the ground... Someone dragged something heavy through here.

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You find an earpiece. Only the Professor uses an earpiece like this in all of the Oasis.

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Right now, Florence appears to be the most likely suspect.	Perhaps the Professor is in there. We need to save the Professor ASAP.	Dupin: I can hear someone in there. Dupin: Desperate times call for desperate measures. If you're in there, Miss Florence, I apologize for causing offence.

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A set of light footsteps hurries up to the door, and Florence opens up, her face still lightly flushed pink. Florence: Honestly... I was sleeping, you know. Why are you so lame?	Dupin: If you were attempting to feign sleep, I should point out that another person already tried that one on us earlier.	Florence: Huh– Someone stole a march on me? Who was it?	Dupin: No comment.	Florence: An unexpected trophy and unexpected pursuers! Hehe, this is quite interesting too.	(Enter and investigate.)

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Florence's room is very clean and tidy. Medicines and daily items are neatly separated. It seems she's unexpectedly self-disciplined.

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A shelf full of drugs has been pulled near the bed. Was the room's owner trying to perform first aid on the Professor?

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Persicaria: ...What did you do to the Professor, Florence? Florence: That seems to bother you a lot, Persicaria. Florence: Don't worry, how could I possibly do anything bad to them? Or would you prefer to check on them yourself? Persicaria ignores her and marches into the room. ... After a tense examination, Persicaria's furrowed brow finally relaxes.	Looks like the Professor's alright.	Miss Florence brought the Professor to her room for treatment before we arrived.	Dupin: In other words, it wasn't Miss Florence who knocked out the Professor and Miss Millau.	Persicaria sighs in relief after finishing her checkup of the Professor. Persicaria: Whew... It's similar to Miss Millau's condition, so treating it was easy. Florence: Saving people IS my job, after all.	Dupin: As I thought, it wasn't Miss Florence who knocked out Miss Millau and the Professor.	Florence: While that sounds quite exciting, I didn't do it. Florence: I just happened to be passing by the Ops Room and saw them both passed out. Then I picked the one I liked more and took them away for treatment~	Dupin: And the trail of clues ends here.	Persicaria: Perhaps Miss Millau might be able to give us more clues when she wakes up...	Dupin: Miss Persicaria, could I trouble you to check on Miss Millau?	Persicaria: Alright. I'll contact the doctor watching over her. Just as she's about to make the call, a petite figure runs up to the door. Bonee: Persicaria, I found you at last! Miss Millau's awake!	(Follow Bonee and head to her ward with everyone.)