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Gray Zone Exploration

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Revision as of 20:12, 9 October 2024 by 2001:a61:3beb:9d01:dc6a:d3a8:91e5:f884 (talk) (Added skill description to most of the Incident Nodes. Put down (???) for the few I never encountered. I also wrote "for all enemies" even though the ingame-text incorrectly states "for the whole echelon" for the Reducing-Skills. Sorry for the lack o)
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"I can't sleep yet, I still have work to do..."

This article still needs to be completed with this content: guide.
You can help us by contributing.

Gray Zone Exploration (灰域探查) is a game mode added with client 3.0200. The 6th Detachment of the Border Surveillance Corps has returned from a previously unexplored area with great loot, so the Commander has decided to deploy more exploration parties.

Players deploy echelons on a map of hexagonal tiles and capture them to earn points and unlock prizes from the ladder. Tiles contain a small battle map which is entered by expending Exploration Permits (or resources of the player has no permits remaining). Harder fights grant more points, and bonus points are granted for occupying every tile on a map. Time will pass with each battle, switching between day and night battles every three turns. In this mode, damaged T-Dolls will automatically be healed to full health after being withdrawn, unless they are in the Critically Damaged state. Battles can be automated with the AI Proxy Battle function.

Past exclusive equipments can be earned from the rewards ladder, while past exclusive T-Dolls can be dropped from battles. Each season of Gray Zone Exploration adds new exclusive equipments to its pool.

The maximum difficulty of this mode is where vehicle parts are farmed for Mobile Armor.

Nodes

  • Battle Node: play a standard battle map.
  • Boss Node: play a boss battle map and earn bonus points.
  • Fairy Node: assign a Tactical Fairy of the correct type and level to a premade echelon that will fight a normal battle.
  • HOC Node: assign a HOC to an echelon.
  • Incident Node: adds a battlefield effect.
  • Land of Encounters: a mysterious area that is only revealed when on an adjacent tile, leading to Collapse Rift special puzzle maps.
  • Armor Assault (Crystalized only): a 35-stages battle tower for Mobile Armor appearing after beating the boss (not compatible with Proxy System).

Difficulties

The difficulty level can be changed with the dedicated button, but will reset the map progress.

Map Dustbowl Windstorm Vitrified Crystallized
Servers CN, TW, KR, EN CN, TW, KR, EN CN, TW, KR, EN CN, TW, KR, EN
Difficulty Easy Medium Hard Hard
Total points on completion 2490+300 3735+400 4980+500 4980+500
Recommended echelon level 65+ 90+ 110+ 110+
Fairy nodes Rare Standard Standard Standard
HOC nodes None Rare Standard Standard
Mobile Armor nodes and drops Mobile Armor parts None None None Standard

Proxy System

Activating the Proxy System after entering a node will let the game automatically choose echelons or support units to deploy and conduct them in battle. By default, the game will deploy any unit unless the Proxy Planning (flag icon in the exploration menu) has been configured. Proxy Planning is used to mark certain units as active for day or night nodes.

The proxy will be automatically disabled when a unit enters critical condition and control given back to the player.

Planning Mode will be unlocked after beating a boss node for the first time, enabling route planning mode through the nodes to completely automate Gray Zone Exploration.

Rewards

The rewards ladder progresses as the player collects points. At the start of a new season, the rewards listing will have 2 layers, the upper layers will contain a Basic Equipment Indicator, Basic Exclusive Equipment Selection Indicator, and Advanced Exclusive Equipment Selection Indicator at 2000/4000/6000 points respectively, while the lower layers will contain one-time extra rewards. After the ladder is completed, it will reset the reward bracket to 0 and remove the lower layer of rewards for the rest of this season. The rewards from the upper layers will remain unchanged and they can be earned again.

The Basic Equipment Indicator at 2000 points will let the player select a normal 5-star piece of equipment.

At 4000 points the reward is a Basic Exclusive Equipment Selection Indicator which lets the player select an exclusive piece of equipment for a 4-star or lower Doll, including some new exclusives restricted to Gray Zone Exploration.

At 6000 points the reward is an Advanced Exclusive Equipment Selection Indicator which lets the player select an exclusive piece of equipment for a 5-star Doll, including some new exclusives restricted to Gray Zone Exploration.

New content
Season 2000 4000 6000

April 2023 (CN)
November 2023-December 2023 (Global)

PEQ-16A
Mk211 High Explosive Armor-Piercing Ammo
APCR High-Velocity Ammo
Type 3 Armor Plate
AC4 Suppressor
ILM Hollow Point Ammo
Thermoptic Camouflage Cape

Arisaka Armor-Piercing Rounds
7BT1
SBR Custom Handguard

Thompson Exoskeleton
P22 Laser Pointer
Hydraulic Recoil Mitigation System

May 2023 (CN)

PM 5-25X56
Type 57 Signal Flare

Type 64 Signal Flare
M-LOK Handguard

July 2023 (CN)
December 2023-January 2024 (Global)

PM High-Performance Exoskeleton
Medal of Honor

Type 100 Folding Stock
Type 64 Sniper Scope

August 2023 (CN), April 2024 (Global)

Multifunction Crinoline
7N14

M856 Tracer Rounds
DHG Extended Handguard

September 2023 (CN), May 2024 (Global)

9mm UMP Hollow-Point Ammo
.45 UMP Hollow Point Ammo

OMEGA Rail
Barrett QDL

November 2023 (CN), July-August 2024 (Global)

M43 Improved Rounds
Mk948 SLAP

BPR4 & SRM6
ACR Fixed Stock

December 2023 (CN), August-September 2024 (Global)

18.4mm Baton Round
PK Exclusive Tripod

Woodland Camouflage Cloak
S&B762

January 2024 (CN), October 2024 (Global)

Multi-Purpose Headset
PT Sight

Impuls IIA∕C
Wooden Grips

February 2024 (CN)

Pattern 64 Light Webbing
20-gauge Custom Slug Rounds

FA Origin Exoskeleton
GRUNT Rail

February 2024 (Global)

9A High-Performance Chip
Custom 10mm Auto Rounds

Custom Comms Headset
MkV Mobility Skeleton

March 2024 (CN)

Maid Special Chip
RBL Grips

FP-6 Folding Stock
MK5 Signal Flare

April 2024 (CN)

.303 Bren Rounds
MkQ Light Exoskeleton

AA Combat Shield
PT-2 Telescopic Stock

May 2024 (CN)

High Performance Camouflage Exoskeleton
Enhanced Magnum Rounds

PSP Special Rounds
PKP Special Rounds

June 2024 (CN)

Tactical Memory Module
Sten Exoskeleton

8mm Mauser Special Rounds
Black Police Cap

June-July 2024 (Global)

Tactical Headdress
.30-64 Rounds

Recoil Reduction Kit
RFB Quad Rail

July 2024 (CN)

Synthetic Pistol Grip
StG44 Special Chip

SBAL-PL
Black Rabbit Hat

August 2024 (CN)

M13 Receiver
Nagant Exoskeleton‎

WM Reinforced Rounds‎
.223 Competition Ammo

September 2024 (CN)

Woodworking Safety Goggles
Old Camouflage Uniform

mk87 Improved Assault Shield
IS Soft Point Ammo

Incident Nodes

Abandoned Military Base

The exploration team continues on in the sandstorm. The blurry silhouette of a building appears in the distance under the blazing sun... It could be a treasure trove that no one has come across before.
It is an old and very run-down military base. The humans must have left this place in a hurry, or perhaps they knew they would never return again.
The damage to the interior is not that extensive. Only the cobwebs in the corners bear witness to what the building has gone through. The team decides to explore the base once the sandstorm is over:

  • Accidentally activated firepower module. (Increase damage by 15% for Echelon)
    • Accidentally activated overclocked firepower module. (Increase damage by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Discovered burst module. Attempt to activate. (Increase rate of fire by 15% for the whole echelon)
    • Discovered advanced burst module. Attempt to activate. (Increase rate of fire by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Armor-piercing rounds made of common materials. (Increase armor-piercing by 100 Points for the whole echelon)
    • Armor-piercing rounds made of special materials. (Increase armor-piercing by 200 Points for the whole echelon)
  • Obtained rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • Obtained the latest rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • A yellowed booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • A bloodstained booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • Gel balls—you're not getting away! (Reduce evasion by 50% for all enemies)
    • Gel ball blaster—you're not getting away! (Reduce evasion by 70% for all enemies)

There's nothing left here. Everything will be slowly buried by the yellow sand. The humans have already lost their diamonds.

Abandoned Laboratory

Vegetation has filled every crevice in the city and occupied every building... Since the humans' departure, plants have become the only master of this place. The faded text on a nearby sign reads, "Radiation... Center Labora..."
This was once the first battlefield where humankind fought against ELID, but now all that's left is desolation. Some stayed in defiance, while others ran in fear. But the battlefield consumes all eventually.
The team has discovered some leftover test subjects here which may come in useful.

  • A smoke bomb with the word "rainbow" written on it. (Reduce damage by 15% for all enemies)
    • An auto smoke bomb with the word "rainbow" written on it. (Reduce damage by 30% for all enemies)
  • Rail disruptor—what are you looking at? (Reduce accuracy by 15% for all enemies)
    • Modified rail disruptor—what are you looking at? (Reduce accuracy by 30% for all enemies)
  • Portable shield—come test my defenses! (Increase shields by 100 points for the whole echelon)
    • Tactical shield—come test my defenses! (Increase shields by 200 points for the whole echelon)
  • Enjoyed some maintenance with gun oil. (Increase evasion by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • Enjoyed some maintenance with high-quality gun oil. (Increase evasion by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • Excellent thruster. Small size, great effectiveness. (Increase movement speed by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • State-of-the-art thruster. Small size, great effectiveness. (Increase movement speed by 200% for the whole echelon)

The smoke has faded, and everyone has already left for the next battlefield.

Lighthouse

The lighthouse that illuminates one's path is still carrying out its duty faithfully even to this day. If you get lost in the dark, you could go up to the lighthouse. It would at least offer you an embrace.
A lighthouse that is still functional. The keeper has long since gone, but the tower itself is still welcoming all lost travelers with open arms.
Gazing into the distance from the lookout, the city is no longer recognizable even with the map nearby.
All that can be made out is the roaming ELIDs, damaged buildings, and traces left behind by explorers who had come before you—perhaps these could get you to move farther.

  • Obtained rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • Obtained the latest rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • Gel balls—you're not getting away! (Reduce evasion by 50% for all enemies)
    • Gel ball blaster—you're not getting away! (Reduce evasion by 70% for all enemies)
  • Rail disruptor—what are you looking at? (Reduce accuracy by 15% for all enemies)
    • Modified rail disruptor—what are you looking at? (Reduce accuracy by 30% for all enemies)
  • Enjoyed some maintenance with gun oil. (Increase evasion by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • Enjoyed some maintenance with high-quality gun oil. (Increase evasion by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • Night vision module—I can see in the dark. (Increase night vision by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • High-quality night vision module—I can see in the dark. (Increase night vision by 50% for the whole echelon)

It has shown you the way. It sends you off, as it has sent off all travelers.

Convoy Wreckage

The hulking heap shows its former owners' ambition and courage. They once thought there was no stopping them... But they don't seem to be in good shape right now.
Judging by the traces left around the wreckage left on the side of the road, the state-of-the-art equipment was not able to repel their assailants that came in waves. However, nobody deserted the convoy... perhaps they didn't want to, or perhaps they simply couldn't.
The adventurers left their mark, as well as some precious combat logs for the team:

  • Accidentally activated firepower module. (Increase damage by 15% for Echelon)
    • Accidentally activated overclocked firepower module. (Increase damage by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Learned burst technique from the MG Dolls. (Increase rate of fire by 15% for the whole echelon)
    • Learned advanced burst technique from the MG Dolls. (Increase rate of fire by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Armor-piercing rounds made of common materials. (Increase armor-piercing by 100 Points for the whole echelon)
    • Armor-piercing rounds made of special materials. (Increase armor-piercing by 200 Points for the whole echelon)
  • Obtained rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • Obtained the latest rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • A yellowed booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • A bloodstained booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • Gel balls—you're not getting away! (Reduce evasion by 50% for all enemies)
    • Gel ball blaster—you're not getting away! (Reduce evasion by 70% for all enemies)
  • A crowbar that can inflict pain on enemies. (10.000 points for the whole echelon Damage to Enemy with lowest HP every 8 seconds)
    • Mechanical remains. They seem to be under the influence of some unknown force. (???)

Perhaps life is a great adventure with no going back. Some may have already set off on a different journey, while your adventure has only just begun.

Sea of Epiphyllums[sic]

A hidden sea of flowers that nobody knows about, or perhaps those who do know about it all keep their mouths shut about its existence.
Moonlight merges with the petals' glow, forming a lake of silver light. Legend has it that these sacred flowers will emit a light of blessings, and those who are chosen will be forgiven and given passage to paradise.
Perhaps this is a mystery that you should investigate:

  • Accidentally activated firepower module. (Increase damage by 15% for Echelon)
    • Accidentally activated overclocked firepower module. (Increase damage by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Accidentally activated burst module. (Increase rate of fire by 15% for the whole echelon)
    • Accidentally activated overclocked burst module. (Increase rate of fire by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Armor-piercing rounds are scattered all over the ground. (Increase armor-piercing by 100 Points for the whole echelon)
    • High-quality armor-piercing rounds are scattered all over the ground. (Increase armor-piercing by 200 Points for the whole echelon)
  • Obtained rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • Obtained the latest rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • A yellowed booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • A bloodstained booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • Strange signal interference detected. (Reduce evasion by 50% for all enemies)
    • Powerful signal interference detected. (Reduce evasion by 70% for all enemies)

These deathly flowers are surrounded by a ghostly light. The moment they bloom, people will be plunged into hell.

Adventurers

The chances of meeting friends here are not high at all—this place is full of monsters that are incapable of communication, after all. But since we are all adventurers, why don't we say hello?
The exploration team under the command of another commander grin ear-to-ear when they see you—"For heaven's sake, we thought there's nobody alive in here!"
Technically, T-Dolls aren't ALIVE, but who cares? "Friends" are the most serendipitous treasure here.
Even more coincidentally, they have something you want:

  • A smoke bomb with the word "rainbow" written on it. (Reduce damage by 15% for all enemies)
    • An auto smoke bomb with the word "rainbow" written on it. (Reduce damage by 30% for all enemies)
  • Rail disruptor—what are you looking at? (Reduce accuracy by 15% for all enemies)
    • Modified rail disruptor—what are you looking at? (Reduce accuracy by 30% for all enemies)
  • Portable shield—come test my defenses! (Increase shields by 100 points for the whole echelon)
    • Tactical shield—come test my defenses! (Increase shields by 200 points for the whole echelon)
  • Gun maintenance solution. Agility increased after use. (Increase evasion by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • Gun nourishment solution. Agility greatly increased after use. (Increase evasion by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • Excellent thruster. Small size, great effectiveness. (Increase movement speed by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • State-of-the-art thruster. Small size, great effectiveness. (Increase movement speed by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • Large ELID plant. The flower has wilted. (Paralyze all enemies for 4 seconds at the start of the battle)

Although you did not end up going down the same path, you will definitely meet again in the not so distant future.

Human Scientists

Running into a large pack of ELID in the Red Zone isn't anything special. At least, it's no stranger sight than what you're seeing right now—a group of humans in radiation-proof hazmat suits are chattering with each other no far away from you.
It is a research team made up of E.L.I.D.[sic] researchers and geologists hoping to study the ecology of this area and test out the latest E.L.I.D.[sic] medication.
"Humans leave their homes behind in the hopes that they can return some day, no matter how long it will take or how many obstacles they must overcome."
The research team asks if the exploration team could help them gather some crucial data and offers some supplies as a show of gratitude.

  • A smoke bomb with the word "rainbow" written on it. (Reduce damage by 15% for all enemies)
    • An auto smoke bomb with the word "rainbow" written on it. (Reduce damage by 30% for all enemies)
  • Rail disruptor—what are you looking at? (Reduce accuracy by 15% for all enemies)
    • Modified rail disruptor—what are you looking at? (Reduce accuracy by 30% for all enemies)
  • Portable shield—come test my defenses! (Increase shields by 100 points for the whole echelon)
    • Tactical shield—come test my defenses! (Increase shields by 200 points for the whole echelon)
  • Gun maintenance solution. Agility increased after use. (Increase evasion by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • Gun nourishment solution. Agility greatly increased after use. (Increase evasion by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • Excellent thruster. Small size, great effectiveness. (Increase movement speed by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • State-of-the-art thruster. Small size, great effectiveness. (Increase movement speed by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • A spinning top—searching for secrets in the mind.[note 1] (Your units' attacks deal an additional instance of 200-point damage when they pierce through armor)
  • An origami unicorn—may you be protected.[note 2] (Critical rate of your shielded units increases by 100%)

The research team continues on their journey. Humans never know how many more tomorrows they have, but every present moment is spent preparing for a certain moment in the future—at least, that's what they believe.

Vegetation

This is a miraculous sight that no eyes have ever beheld: vegetation has consumed the city and been transformed by radiation storms into a crystalline forest, glistening in the sand and dust.
In this crystalline world, silicificated plants have taken up most of the view. These flowers are practically eternal—as long as their crystalline form isn't damaged, they will bloom for eternity as they remain frozen in time.
The team may not be able to protect this beautiful but fragile rose, but they've still decided to take it with them. Perhaps this is a sign for them to keep going in this expansive and boundless land of desolation.
But even so, it wouldn't hurt to stay for just a while...

  • Strange signal interference detected. (Reduce evasion by 50% for all enemies)
    • Powerful signal interference detected. (Reduce evasion by 70% for all enemies)
  • It feels as if the sound of battle is now far away. (Reduce damage by 15% for all enemies)
    • It feels as if there won't be any more gun smoke in the world. (Reduce damage by 30% for all enemies)
  • Something deep down seems to have been rekindled! (Reduce accuracy by 15% for all enemies)
    • Motivation suddenly fills the heart! (Reduce accuracy by 30% for all enemies)
  • An unknown elemental power has strengthened the whole echelon's shields. (Increase shields by 100 points for the whole echelon)
    • A special elemental power has strengthened the whole echelon's shields. (Increase shields by 200 points for the whole echelon)
  • Enjoyed some maintenance with gun oil. (Increase evasion by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • Enjoyed some maintenance with high-quality gun oil. (Increase evasion by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • An unknown elemental power has increased the whole echelon's speed. (Increase shields by 100 points for the whole echelon for the whole echelon)
    • A special elemental power has increased the whole echelon's speed. (Increase shields by 200 points for the whole echelon for the whole echelon)

This crystalline forest in the deserted city is now a romantic freeze-frame in this dystopia.

Humans in the Radiation Zone

A strange and unfriendly group. They look undoubtedly humanoid, but their exposed arms bear obvious signs of silicification.
After mustering the courage to go up and investigate, the team realizes that these humans—or FORMER humans—are homeless drifters.
They are like sand being blown by the wind, with nothing to hold them down and therefore nothing to fear, which is why they have opted to come into a radiation zone and pen the final chapter of their lives here.
"Rather than trying to live in the Yellow Zone by fair means or foul, it's better to come and have a look at this strange new world," says a human with silicification. "Tomorrow will come, and so will the unexpected. That's just the way it is."
The team receives a gift from them:

  • Obtained firepower module. (Increase damage by 15% for Echelon)
    • Obtained overclocked firepower module. (Increase damage by 30% for Echelon)
  • Learned burst technique from the MG Dolls. (Increase rate of fire by 15% for the whole echelon)
    • Learned advanced burst technique from the MG Dolls. (Increase rate of fire by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Armor-piercing rounds made of common materials. (Increase armor-piercing by 100 Points for the whole echelon)
    • Armor-piercing rounds made of special materials. (Increase armor-piercing by 200 Points for the whole echelon)
  • Obtained rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • Obtained the latest rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • A yellowed booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • A bloodstained booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • Looks like a demolition notice. Seems familiar.[note 3] (Your units' skill cooldowns are reduced by 20% with every use)

No one can control their fate. All they can do is hold on tight to the mast of their little ship when the storm strikes and try not to be consumed.

Corpse of a Gigantic Mutated ELID

A D-Type ELID with a danger rating of S that can only be neutralized by heavy artillery. This big guy looks like bad news even though it's just a corpse.
For some reason, this animal-like D-Type ELID had clearly developed some unique mutations as it cannibalized other ELIDs.
Humans currently know very little about D-Type ELIDs. Judging by existing data, they seem to have some sort of authority over less advanced ELIDs. They can form a pack and become its leader. Some hypothesize that they have evolved some level of intelligence.
The team searches the surrounding area of the corpse carefully and gathers some samples:

  • Obtained firepower module. (Increase damage by 15% for Echelon)
    • Obtained overclocked firepower module. (Increase damage by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Discovered burst module. Attempt to activate. (Increase rate of fire by 15% for the whole echelon)
    • Discovered advanced burst module. Attempt to activate. (Increase rate of fire by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Armor-piercing rounds made of common materials. (Increase armor-piercing by 100 Points for the whole echelon)
    • Armor-piercing rounds made of special materials. (Increase armor-piercing by 200 Points for the whole echelon)
  • Obtained rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • Obtained the latest rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • A yellowed booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • A bloodstained booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • Mechanical remains. They seem to be under the influence of some unknown force. (???)
  • These targets look familiar. What are they doing here? (Summon a group of fully linked targets with 1000 HP total at the start of the battle)

The corpse, once the ruler of this area, still emits a strong feeling of oppression. However, something in the shadows seems even more powerful... You should leave now, and don't look back.

Wandering Droids

These droids, which have lost their synthetic skin, are wandering on the plains, their exposed metallic frames glinting coldly in the sunlight, almost like a scene out of a sci-fi movie.
These droids' neural clouds are largely intact. They seem to have been abandoned here because of their damaged appearance.
The team offers to take their neural clouds so that they can be given new bodies, but the offer is firmly turned down: they do not fear death; in fact, they yearn for this distinctly human experience.
They are extremely kind to the team. Not only do they inform them of the local distribution of dangerous creatures, they even give them a lot of their supplies and wish them good luck.

  • Gel balls—you're not getting away! (Reduce evasion by 50% for all enemies)
    • Gel ball blaster—you're not getting away! (Reduce evasion by 70% for all enemies)
  • A smoke bomb with the word "rainbow" written on it. (Reduce damage by 15% for all enemies)
    • An auto smoke bomb with the word "rainbow" written on it. (Reduce damage by 30% for all enemies)
  • Rail disruptor—what are you looking at? (Reduce accuracy by 15% for all enemies)
    • Modified rail disruptor—what are you looking at? (Reduce accuracy by 30% for all enemies)
  • Portable shield—come test my defenses! (Increase shields by 100 points for the whole echelon)
    • Tactical shield—come test my defenses! (Increase shields by 200 points for the whole echelon)
  • Gun maintenance solution. Agility increased after use. (Increase evasion by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • Gun nourishment solution. Agility greatly increased after use. (Increase evasion by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • Excellent thruster. Small size, great effectiveness. (Increase movement speed by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • State-of-the-art thruster. Small size, great effectiveness. (Increase movement speed by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • A special core that can disrupt enemies. (Daze all enemies for 2 seconds every 10 seconds during battle)

They would like to spend their final moments in peace and perhaps embark on the next great adventure. Leave them be.

Blue Phone Box

This entry is a reference to the similar encounter in the Forward Base.

A blue phone box. Everyone on the team wanders if they're hallucinating, since this thing seems to be EVERYWHERE.
This cuboid blue box looks much bigger on the inside. In the center is a complex control interface. The team gathers around it, but nobody knows how to use this thing.
As if sensing their confusion, a line of text suddenly appears on the interface, "Thank you for visiting me. I can give you some help."

  • A special chip that can disrupt enemies. (Daze all enemies for 2 seconds every 10 seconds during battle)
  • A crowbar that can inflict pain on enemies. (10.000 points for the whole echelon Damage to Enemy with lowest HP every 8 seconds)
  • A short rod with "T..." written faintly on it. (Clear all enemy shields every 10 seconds during battle)
  • These targets look familiar. What are they doing here? (Summon a group of fully linked targets with 1000 HP total at the start of the battle)
  • A strange-looking faux flower. It wilts in a very bizarre way. (Paralyze all enemies for 4 seconds at the start of the battle)
  • A spinning top—searching for secrets in the mind.[note 1] (Your units' attacks deal an additional instance of 200-point damage when they pierce through armor)
  • An origami unicorn—may you be protected.[note 2] (Critical rate of your shielded units increases by 100%)
  • Looks like a demolition notice. Seems familiar.[note 3] (Your units' skill cooldowns are reduced by 20% with every use)

Did we answer the call of destiny, or did destiny lead us to this place? There may be no real answer to this question, but destiny already lies ahead.

Demolition Notice

A crumbling building. Someone suggests exploring it, while others think there won't be anything inside.
In the basement, the team finds an "Area Purge Notice" in a tightly-shut drawer: ...From today onwards, residents have 50 working days to lodge any complaints; after 50 working days, the plan will be implemented.
This notice has clearly been displayed properly, and it was no difficult task finding it inside a locked drawer in the basement, so all the residents must have read it.
Next to the drawers is a small case with no labels. The team hesitate, wondering if they should open it:[note 3]

  • Obtained firepower module. (Increase damage by 15% for Echelon)
    • Obtained overclocked firepower module. (Increase damage by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Discovered burst module. Attempt to activate. (Increase rate of fire by 15% for the whole echelon)
    • Discovered advanced burst module. Attempt to activate. (Increase rate of fire by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Armor-piercing rounds made of common materials. (Increase armor-piercing by 100 Points for the whole echelon)
    • Armor-piercing rounds made of special materials. (Increase armor-piercing by 200 Points for the whole echelon)
  • Obtained rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • Obtained the latest rail integration system. (Increase accuracy by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • A yellowed booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • A bloodstained booklet recounting past battles. (Increase critical damage by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • An origami unicorn—may you be protected.[note 2] (Critical rate of your shielded units increases by 100%)
  • Running equipment. Numbers are flashing on the screen. (Your units' skill cooldowns are reduced by 20% with every use)

What is the answer to the question? What even is the question? Alright, don't ask too many questions. In the end, everything will crumble into dust.

Old Car

An antique sports car is parked quietly on the roadside like a tourist who has stumbled into a place where they don't belong. The chassis, made entirely of stainless steel, was uncommon even decades ago.
The exploration team approach the car, and the gull-wing doors slowly open, revealing the interior—antique instruments, mysterious numbers, an obsolete number pad... Everything shows that it is not a product of this era.
When someone is seated on the driver's seat, the car starts automatically but does not move. A line of text appears on the dashboard: Please input your destination.[note 4]

  • Butterflies flutter. Firepower module activated. (Increase damage by 15% for Echelon)
    • Butterflies flutter. Overclocked firepower module activated. (Increase damage by 30% for Echelon)
  • A string of code activated the burst module. (Increase rate of fire by 15% for the whole echelon)
    • A string of code activated the overclocked burst module. (Increase rate of fire by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • A confidential document. Advanced weapon knowledge uncovered. (Increase armor-piercing by 100 Points for the whole echelon)
    • A top secret document. Advanced weapon knowledge uncovered. (Increase armor-piercing by 200 Points for the whole echelon)
  • Activated aiming accuracy chip. (Increase accuracy by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • Activated advanced aiming accuracy chip. (Increase accuracy by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • A technical manual. Insight gained. (Increase critical damage by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • A development manual. Insight gained. (Increase critical damage by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • An infrared detector in the mysterious lab. (Increase night vision by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • An high-precision infrared detector in the mysterious lab. (Increase night vision by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • A red hot crowbar that can make enemies scream. (10.000 points for the whole echelon Damage to Enemy with lowest HP every 8 seconds)

The sports car is nowhere to be found. What is its destination this time? Perhaps you can ask it about the future the next time you see it.

Athena's Owl

A building that is completely out of place. It looks pristine amid the ruins, and you can just about hear the music playing inside.
A bar that has no business being here. A relaxing minuet drifts through the door as the wooden owl signboard sways gently in the breeze.
The team push the door open and enter the bar. Catching sight of them, the bartender, who has been polishing glasses behind the bar counter, offers them a menu:

  • Beer—find more enemies. (Increase damage by 15% for the whole echelon)
    • Two beers—find even more enemies. (Increase damage by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Godfather—open fire and don't stop. (Increase rate of fire by 15% for the whole echelon)
    • Two Godfathers—open fire and don't stop. (Increase rate of fire by 30% for the whole echelon)
  • Mexican Sunrise—raze everything. (Increase armor-piercing by 100 Points for the whole echelon)
    • Two Mexican Sunrises—raze everything. (Increase armor-piercing by 200 Points for the whole echelon)
  • Blue Bird—today has been quite the lucky day! (Increase accuracy by 100% for the whole echelon)
    • Two Blue Birds—today has been quite the lucky day! (Increase accuracy by 200% for the whole echelon)
  • Harvey Wallbanger—indomitable! (Increase critical damage by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • Two Harvey Wallbangers—indomitable! (Increase critical damage by 50% for the whole echelon)
  • Bloody Mary—are your legs turning into noodles? (???)
    • Two Bloody Marys—are your legs turning into noodles? (???)
  • Golden Dream—to the most beloved you. (???)
    • Two Golden Dreams—to the most beloved you. (???)
  • Margarita—show some optimism, baby. (Reduce accuracy by 15% for all enemies)
    • Two Margaritas—show some optimism, baby. (Reduce accuracy by 30% for all enemies)
  • Angel's Kiss—this is more useful than prayers. (Increase shields by 100 points for the whole echelon)
    • Two Angel's Kisses—this is more useful than prayers. (Increase shields by 200 points for the whole echelon)
  • Casablanca—danger neutralized. (Increase evasion by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • Two Casablancas—danger neutralized. (???)
  • Jack Rose—blooming red. (Increase night vision by 25% for the whole echelon)
    • Two Jack Roses—blooming red. (???)
    • Two Olympias-higher! Faster! (Increase movement speed by 200% for the whole echelon)

The boundary between reality and fantasy has blurred. Perhaps it doesn't even matter whether this is real or not. Even if all of this is fake, it is still a down-to-earth kind of fake.

Gallery

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 This is a reference to the movie Inception.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 This is a reference to the Director's Cut version of Blade Runner.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 This is a reference to the Vogon demolition notice of Earth at the beginning of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
  4. This is a reference to the time-traveling DeLorean car from Back to the Future.