PNC Story/Ruintop Song Nodes

This is a transcript of event nodes in combat stages of the Ruintop Song event in Project Neural Cloud.

Stage 1

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Quohu – The best source of stories. [What should we think of Professor Teng of Nanyin University's folklore department?] [Question followers: 1040; Question submitted:2053.6.12] [Anonymous: Thanks for the invitation, I'm at Werewolf Village and we just got off the plane. I'm from Nanyin University folklore department's 50th batch of graduates.] [Professor Teng commands tremendous respect in the anthropology world. However, anyone who's interacted with him will be awed by the depth of his knowledge. Still, anyone who REALLY interacted with him wouldn't get the stereotypical "frail, elegant and soft-spoken" image of a university professor from him.] [He's pushing 60, but this crazy old man is a massive narcissist. Both his temper and daily habits defy common sense. He's known for only arriving a few minutes before a lesson is supposed to be over, but he'll manage to cover the entire lesson in those few minutes.]

...He certainly sounds punky enough.

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Nanyin University Campus BBS >> Random Chat Board wubba_lubbadub: I heard Old Teng is thinking about retiring? Anyone know anything about this? rs_137: Supposedly he was diagnosed with early signs of Alzheimer's. I mean, he's old and he's been getting more and more forgetful during class. emmett_88: This guy knows what he's talking about. It's probably true since he hasn't been coming to classes much recently. He submitted a sabbatical request and said he's going to get a Doll custom-made for him to accompany him to fulfil his last wish before retirement.	The years are not kind to anyone.	[Order No. A158657788G1] [Product Model: Customized EF-55 model] [Product Body Type: SSD-55A] [Product Specification list: [Omitted] ...Total of 112 items] [Price Quotation: [Omitted] ...4,187,588 yuan after tax, does not include delivery and special transport fees.] [Estimated Delivery Date: 2056.2.5] [Customer Notes: You can slack off with the other specifications, but make sure she's smart! I put all my retirement funds into her!]	Well, that sounds just like something you would do... Although, "I put all my retirement funds into her" sounds like some kind of elderly scam...

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Engineer: "Are you happy with this customization proposal?" Professor Teng: "No, it won't do at all." Engineer: "Where do you feel the problems lie?" Professor Teng: "If you ask me, a Doll for academic research doesn't need a lot of purely ornamental design elements. I'm not looking for a fashion model. Also, I think her face doesn't look too intelligent. I like to think I'm pretty smart, so my assistant has to look smart too..." (About half an hour passes.) Professor Teng: "And I'm getting on in years and don't like red meat, so I typically only eat fish, so you have to..." Engineer: Alright... Alright... (Another half an hour passes.) Engineer: "...Alright, I understand, we will adjust the customized product to your specifications."

Both Professor Teng's and that engineer's psychological fortitude are quite enviable.

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Engineer: "We made a lot of adjustments adjustments to the product per your suggestions from last time. We'll be going through the live trials now." (About two hours later.) Professor Teng: "Good, good, she's pretty bright, considering she could easily solve a question like that. Definitely on the level of those 42Lab Dolls I've seen before." Engineer: "We're glad you approve of our bespoke product. Are there any other issues?" Professor Teng: It's the same one from before. The body still looks too good, like a model. Hm? Do you understand what I'm getting at here? Still, since she's smart enough, it's not a huge problem."

...

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Professor Teng: "Three hours? You memorized the "Jingkang Miscellaneous Notes" that quickly?" Zangyin: "Indeed." Professor Teng: "Then let me ask you a question. What were the flour-base staple foods in the Song Dynasty called?" Zangyin: "All grain or millet grain-based foods were collectively referred to as "cakes". Professor Teng: "And what were their main types?" Zangyin: "Those primarily made of grains were called cakes. Those baked with fire were called "hot cakes". Those boiled in water were "dumplings". Steamed ones were "steamed cakes". Buns were also known as "cage cakes", after the enclosure used to cook them.

Being a humanoid search engine is the basic requirement for any academic Doll, it seems.

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[2056.3.17] "When I first entered this field, I once visited a place called "Mizune Village" that didn't show up on any maps." "There are many strange tales surrounding that village which have circulated for hundreds of years. Many mysterious things are said to appear when the great fog spreads during the full moon." "That was the most bizarre thing I'd heard in my life, and it decided the path I would take from then on."	The choices in our youth decide our entire life.	"I once tried to organize everything I'd seen and heard in Mizune Village into a book, but I was too busy with work to make it a reality. As time passed, the things about it slowly faded from my memory... I've forgotten many things, and perhaps I might forget it all soon." "Mizune Village has been engulfed in fighting, and I need to go there with Zangyin before it and the mists around it fade."	I believe she'll live up to the Professor's expectations.

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Quohu – The best source of stories. [What should we think of the folklore volume "The Riddle of Mizune Village", published by Professor Teng and his assistant?] [Question followers: 12258; Question submitted:2057.3.12] [Baalia (Actually a goat, game developer): It's probably the most relevant folklore-related work in recent years. Considering the relevant academic field is barren these days, the appearance of a work that is both professionally written and highly readable would draw the attention of the masses and it would be quite extraordinary. Unfortunately, I heard that the author ended up crippled in the process of writing this book... On that note, please refer to my other answer [Link to another page] .] [4126 likes, 893 comments] [NORA_ (Writer, bane of all greenhairs): I happen to know something about that assistant of Professor Teng's. She likes bragging about how to act professional and all that, but in the end she wrote something that reads like a mystery novel. How should I put it, perhaps it matches her standards? Is that something like how "her mouth says no but her body says yes?"] [10 likes, 1919 comments]

Bane of Greenhairs sighted, and her name is Nora.

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[2057.6.5] "Two months after declining to have prosthetics installed, Professor Teng officially retired from the university, owing to worsening Alzheimer's Syndrome and inconvenience caused by the loss of both legs." Zangyin: "Supposedly, he used the royalties from "The Riddle of Mizune Village"to buy a lakeside house and spent the rest of his days there." Zangyin: "Before he died, he turned over everything he learned over the course of his life to Nanyin University to make up for the regrets of his youth."	Surely Professor Teng must have been satisfied to have made his dream come true.	Zangyin: "But Professor Teng wasn't the sort to be so easily satisfied. We were teacher and student, as well as grandfather and granddaughter. He willed half of "The Riddle of Mizune Village's" royalties to me. I then bought a car so I could take him out for a drive and make a certain annoying blackhair eat my exhaust, hahaha!" Zangyin: "However, after our most recent trip out, Professor Teng suddenly asked me... "Excuse me, miss, but what is your name?" I couldn't reply for a very long time.	Those were...probably his memories burning up.

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"Tell me why you want to join Project Neural Cloud." "I heard that annoying blackhair came along too, so how could I possibly NOT be there?" "Also, I want my knowledge and memories to be passed down, so obviously I'd be interested in Project Neural Cloud."	Approved.	"Product Code: EF-55." "Body Code: SSD-55A." "Product Serial Number: EJ92517D13." "Product Activation Date: 2055.11.22." "Product Name: Zangyin." "Neural Activation Percentage: 100%" "EF-55, CALL NAME: Zangyin... Verification complete."	Welcome to Project Neural Cloud, Zangyin.

Stage 2

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The two of them remain buried under the rubble for a long time, but nobody has come yet. Doesn't war go best with drinks...	Drinks are the fuel of war, but the war is over.
	Maybe it isn't time for the bar to really open yet?

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While walking along the main road which is being repaired, Zangyin asks Nameless: "Cyclopes is being rebuilt, right? Did that battle take place yesterday?" "It was five days ago."	Looks like Nameless doesn't want to talk about it.
	I was out for five days...?

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>A while later, Zangyin and Gin hear someone moving rubble outside. >A moment later, light shines in through the removed debris and she hears Nameless' voice: "Why is it you again?"	...It's a long story.
	I should be asking that, why is it YOU again?

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>Gin:"Thanks for your assistance." "Think nothing of it, I just happened to hear people talking about the sound of an explosion near the wall while I was passing by."	Fortunately they don't know what REALLY happened...
	Were you originally from a search and rescue team, Nameless?

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>Zangyin can't help but ask: "Are you SURE you didn't see Little Si?" "Nope, I only saw a white earthworm poke its head out of the rubble, but it disappeared shortly after. That's also why I found you."	A little snake is still a snake, not an earthworm!
	Thank you, Little Si.

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As time goes by, Zangyin starts to feel dizzy. "I think I can smell something... My head is spinning, you wouldn't happen to have realgar wine here, do you?" "Unfortunately, we do not carry such a beverage here. I believe you are simply lacking in operand supplies, leading to lowered functional ability."	That's not important, I heard an interesting rumor...
	I'm so hungry, but I refuse to eat anything that isn't grilled fish...
	I'm sure I'm feeling dizzy because of the smell of realgar wine!

Stage 3

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Gin discovers that the repaired bar's audio-dampening is too strong, to the point where he can't hear music from the back room. "Mr. Gin, the bar has been fixed. Please have a look." "I can't hear CDs playing when I'm in the back."	We installed excellent soundproofing systems!
	That's how it was designed.

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>Nameless: Sortie 705, do you have information on how to make zongzi in your database? >Sortie 705: Sir, I do. According to my information, you need a coffin, a human corpse...	Somehow, I don't think these zongzi are the same kind that Zangyin described.
	Maybe we could... No, we can't!
	To think humans had the practice of eating corpses.

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>Monitor104: Pardon me, Monitor101, but could I ask you to take over my shift tonight? Monitor101: Of course, Monitor104, but why?	I didn't know Agents took shifts too.
	Looks like I accidentally overheard their internal work arrangements, but it should be fine.
	Urge to gossip rising!

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>Monitor101: You must be hungry after saying all that, Miss Zangyin. Have some military canned rations! >The can emits a terrifying stench... Is it really edible?	Looks like I just have to hold my nose and hope for the best...
	Ahaha... Thanks for the offer, but I'm totally stuffed right now! Seriously!

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>"Are Leader and that green-haired Doll still at Plaza No. 3?" >"Leader lost 100 games of Snake, so he decided to try challenging her with Tetris instead." >"How did that turn out?" "Leader lost another 50 games."	Even agents have a hard time escaping the allure of classic games...
	That's just sad now, isn't it? Is that why he can't focus?

Stage 4

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>While bidding Olivia farewell, Zangyin runs into an Agent that looks a lot like 101. >She looks intently at the handgun Olivia is carrying and her expression grows tense.	She looks like she wants that handgun very much. Why is that?
	Looks like this Sector has a lot of stories to tell.

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After Zangyin relays her guess and her request to Olivia, the latter mutters to herself for a while. >"Thank you for sharing this information, Miss Zangyin, but Nameless is an outstanding Battle-type Agent. If you want to stop him, you will need to be prepared." >Saying so, Olivia brings up some heavy milspec weapons.	...I'll just take them for now.
	But I don't know how to use any of them...

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>Gin recalls his time with the Professor as he tries to mix a new cocktail. >"It seems there's a bit too much coffee in the mix."	No, my time with the Professor wasn't bitter.
	Bitterness helps in bringing people to their senses. This is just what the Professor needs.
	Leave immediately.

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>"Leader, we're ready to move out at any time! ...What are you thinking about, Leader?" >"I was thinking that if an agent can't come back any more, then they'd really be dead, right?"	We can't let her die like that.
	Was her wish really what Olivia said? That she wanted to rest?

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>"Hello, I'm Olivia." >"Miss Olivia, I am Gin. Would you happen to know about the Battle-type plaza to which my friend Zangyin is headed?" >"Yes, Zangyin has already briefed me on the situation. Are you worried about her safety?"	Ask her to head there ASAP.
	Ask her to keep a closer eye on Plaza No. 3.

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>Monitor101: Miss Zangyin, do you still need the data for that big snake? >Zangyin: Yes, just replicate this set of data. >Monitor101: Actually, I'd suggest you make some modifications to it. For instance, you could install a new model of anti-ballistic armor plating, as well as dispersing the operand stores within it so it doesn't lose excessive operands if its bodily integrity is compromised...	Battle-Types and Monitor-types have completely opposite ways of thinking.
	Well, that's definitely a Military Sector's way of self-improvement...

Stage 5

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>[Intercepted an email from Oasis to the Cyclopes Sector.] >"Miss Olivia, I've received news from Gin that Zangyin is currently a guest in your Sector. It seems they've sent Nora the Doll to bring her back to Oasis..." >[Decryption complete. Warning: Irregular Agents from Oasis are about to engage in activity. All Watchtowers are to strengthen their defenses.]	Nora, be careful when heading out.
	Ah, they're just a bunch of Lesser Sanctifiers, there's nothing to fear.

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>The Battle-types have surrounded us. >We can't let them interfere in the battle between Olivia and Nameless...	Fight!
	Olivia can handle them.

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>Gin looks thoughtful as he holds the Tamagotchi that Zangyin gave him >Gin: Thank you for your gift, Miss Zangyin. But why a Tamagotchi >Zangyin: So you can raise an electronic puppy with it.	No matter what, the gratitude is there.
	Why do you have to take shots at people when giving them a gift as thanks?

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>The battle between Olivia and Nameless shakes the heavens and the earth. The plaza is leveled by the sheer violence of their clash and there's no telling how much fixing the damage will cost. >Zangyin: Considering how hard Olivia and Nameless are fighting, the repair bills are going to be astronomical. >Gin: Fixing a plaza goes quickly enough, but the operand cost is something else entirely.	The Cyclopes Sector certainly does spend their Operands freely.
	Can't they earmark some of their operands to improve the taste of their combat rations?

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>Olivia: Monitor101, disrupt Monitor104's scans. >Monitor101: Understood... But why would Monitor104 go over to the Battle-types' side? >Olivia: ...Perhaps she misses Tasha too.	Defeat the Battle-types led by Nameless.
	Go around them and continue toward Plaza No. 3.

Challenge Stage

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[????] [Perhaps she inherited the eating habits of that kooky old professor, but Zangyin's pickiness toward food is in a class of its own.] [She doesn't eat red meat, she doesn't drink soda and she occasionally has veggies. However, she loves fish, especially grilled fish. Of course, we're not talking about the kind that's cooked in a pot with butter, chillies and Szechuan peppers. She only eats the kind seasoned with salt and pepper.]

I wonder if these eating habits can be considered healthy or unhealthy.

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[2057.3.5] [At the signing of "The Riddle of Mizune Village"] [Hey, if it isn't Zangyin, I haven't seen you for a few days, but you've started writing mystery novels now? Aren't you supposed to be the hardcore academic type?] [My dear dark-haired lady who is covered in a preponderance of utterly useless accessories, I strongly recommend you buy a copy and read it yourself. If you don't mind, I can even autograph it for you, though I can't make any guarantees about what I'll write, muah~]

She's pretty scary when she's all smiles.

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[2057.4.2] [Zangyin bought a UWatch Series 17. The reason why she bought this smart watch with a battery life of less than half a day wasn't to train herself, view push notifications, or unlock her cell phone.] [She bought it just so she could play the Snake game anytime and anywhere, and so the watch's battery life went from half a day to two hours.]	Why didn't she just buy a portable gaming console...

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[2057.8.16] "The Deceived" (Author: Nora) Chapter 17 [A porcelain plate lay on the table, and upon it lay a succulent, steaming salt-grilled mackerel. The starving green-haired woman was unable to resist the torment of her hunger any longer, and her weak neural cloud could not withstand even the meagrest of temptations. She licked her lips...] [But what she tasted was not tender fish meat and rich oils, but...] [She felt a bolt of pain lancing up from her forearm. In the moment she had taken a bite from the mackerel's meat, she had lost a gory lump of flesh from her wrist.]

You know, if you remove the horror elements, this is actually pretty true to life.

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[????] Jessie: "The Oasis is getting more and more weird pets in its dorms..." Jessie: "First we had cats and dogs, then we had something that looked like a wyvern from a movie and a hamster that barfed rice everywhere once it heard music. And now... somebody's raising a snake in the dorms! If that green-haired lady doesn't give a proper explanation for it, I'll have to take it up with the Professor..."

Little Si isn't a real snake.

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[2056.4.25] [Before visiting Mizune Village, Zangyin bought an old Polaroid camera and a big stack of film rolls, enough to fill up half a suitcase.] [After coming back from Mizune Village, Zangyin and the Professor spent four days and nights developing all the pictures. Supposedly, they contained images of balloons with human faces, a strange snail-shaped monster, a pale-skinned and black-haired high school girl, and stars with eyes.] [After considering the possible psychological influence they might have on their viewers, these pictures remain sealed in Nanyin University's archives to this day.]

Are you sure they're not ELID lifeforms or whatever...

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[????#????] [Oasis Database login complete, beginning audio playback.] "Compared to that black-haired miss, who's suited for sensory horror, this one... Hm, how shall I say this, maybe it's just a difference in aesthetic preference." "Still, it's good to change up your tastes every now and then. After all, I've seen all kinds of fan works involving masked men holding machetes and lady ghosts climbing out of the television."

This is a little out of the scope of common sense.

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[????#????] [Oasis Database login complete, beginning audio playback.] "At first, I thought the "Circumference Scrolls" were esoteric enough, but after seeing her latest work, all I can do is ask those people who enjoy being the high priests of their little fandoms: Is it really fun to write all that hard-to-understand stuff?"	After all, I'm not like a certain shallow titty monster.