The Fall at Dawn's Rise - Slate, Why Neglect That Light's Shade

Investigate the Cleaner and search for clues (0/3)

Mission Description

Cipher brought Kephale's Coreflame to Styxia for safeguarding, then single-handedly fended off the Cleaners who sought to seize it. Yet the threat goes beyond the Council's assassins, for at the same moment, the Flame Reaver's figure has settled upon the nether shore.

Thousands of years ago, in the sleeping quarters of Kephale's priests...

Cipher: Uhh...

Cipher: Seriously, where did they hide that thing...

Cipher: Trash, just trash... What is this? Never mind. I'll take it anyway...

Cipher: ...Ah, I finally found it!

Cipher: It must be this! The Gem of All Worlds that the Chaplain secretly stashed away, said to be a fragment peeled from the Dawn Device...

Cipher: Sniff... sniff...

Cipher: Heh, I can already catch the sweet scent of treasure seeping from this little box. So much for the Chaplain's devotion to faith — it turns out he's just been padding his secret stash...

Cipher: I've been lurking in the Priestly Court for over half a year just for this little trinket! Day after day, listening to those stiff priest apprentices drone on with their prayers. I thought I was going to lose my mind...

Cipher: Good thing persistence pays off, heh...

Cipher: Ah...!

Dying Chaplain: Atti... Atticus... is that you?

Cipher: (Atticus? That name rings a bell... Oh, he's the apprentice the Chaplain favors most, the one everyone expects to be the next Chaplain...?)

Cipher: (Not saying anything would feel awkward... maybe I can hold it together with Zagreus 's ability for now?)

Cipher: (Now... I am Atticus. )

Dying Chaplain: Atti...cus? Why aren't you... responding...?

Cipher: Old... ahem, Chaplain, it's me. I'm here to assist you with your medicine.

Dying Chaplain: Ah... thank you. Without your care, I would've long been claimed by Thanatos and carried to the River of Souls...

Cipher: Oh... no need to thank me, master. It's my duty to care for you while you recover.

Cipher: (This old man is way sicker than I thought... Looks like the priests are deliberately hiding how bad it really is.)

Dying Chaplain: Atticus... I can feel my life slipping away, fading faster with every moment. I don't know when eternal sleep will claim me...

Dying Chaplain: There's one last thing I must tell you...

Cipher: (One last thing? Wait... is he hiding more treasures? Maybe a "Coin of Whimsy"!? Today might just be my lucky day!)

Cipher: (Ahem, calm down, Cifera... Just breathe.)

Cipher: Stay strong, Chaplain. Keep your spirits up and don't lose hope.

Cipher: If there's anything important you need to say... I'm all ears.

Dying Chaplain: Ah... it's so disgraceful that it fills me with shame. Yet, I must speak... for it concerns the fate of our holy city below my feet.

Cipher: (What? The fate of the city's people? Is it that serious? I must find out more...)

Dying Chaplain: The omniscient sky father, Kephale , before they fell silent... I heard their last words at Dawncloud...

Dying Chaplain: It announced: The prophecy has arrived, my mission has concluded, and I shall return to silence...

Cipher: (Oh, the Prophecy of Genesis. The Titan turned to stone... Heard it a thousand times. Old news. What else you got?)

Dying Chaplain: The eternal night is looming, but over the next three hundred years, the Dawn Device will safeguard the holy city, poised for the children of humanity to create miracles...

Cipher: (Mmhmm, the Dawn Device, the miracle of Genesis, the usual clichés...)

Cipher: ...

Cipher: (Wait, did he just say... "the next three hundred years" ?)

Dying Chaplain: I... have concealed the deadline the sky father set for everyone...

Dying Chaplain: I lacked the courage to carve the countdown to the city's new dawn into the hearts of its people...

Dying Chaplain: Atticus, you... are a hundred times more courageous than I am. Can you accomplish... what I could not?

Dying Chaplain: Will you share this harsh truth... with all the citizens of Okhema?

Cipher: ...

Dying Chaplain: Atticus...?

Cipher: ...Ha.

Cipher: Rest easy, master. I will shoulder this heavy burden for you... I'll address the fallout of your indecision.

Cipher: ...

Cipher: Is that right, Seamstress? "Everyone in this world is unique in their own way..."

Cipher: My moment to be a hero... has finally arrived.

Cipher: ...And that was my stint as a priest at Dawncloud. Sure, the story's been slightly embellished, but every word of it is true.

Cipher: These are secrets that must remain undisclosed. I've never shared them with anyone, not even Bartholos.

Cipher: You should feel incredibly honored to be the first to hear this.

Cipher: ...Unfortunately, you can't clap or comment right now.

Cipher: But that's beside the point! Getting to spill the secret I've been holding in for a thousand years feels amazing right now.

Cipher: Honestly, I'm surprised at your persistence...

Cipher: I merely staged a slip-up for you to witness the switch of the Coreflame... Who'd have thought you'd follow me all the way to the Nethershore?

Cipher: That Deliverer kid was spot-on. You rejects, shunned by the Okhemans, have no choice but to keep moving down this dark path...

Cipher: One, two, three, four... wait...

Cipher: What's going on? Your leader Caenis isn't here? Could she be plotting something else?

Cipher: Ah, such a hassle... Well, for everyone's safety, I might as well check if you're carrying anything suspicious.

(Investigate the Cleaner in front)

Cipher: Let me take a look at what's hidden under that mask —

Cipher: Hmm... your face looks innocent enough. Who would've guessed that such a pretty face would hide a heart full of darkness?

Cipher: Appearances can be deceiving. It's a fool's game to judge someone's character just by their looks.

Cipher: It's amazing what the seamstress can do with her divine authority. She sees right through people with that golden thread of hers, beyond whatever facade they put up.

Cipher: As for using divine powers... I'm no slouch myself!

(Investigate the Cleaner on the left)

Cipher: Who came up with this uniform? It's got more pockets than it needs. Nobody wears this style anymore, do they?

Cipher: Back in the days when I was doing honest work for the Goldweaver, I saw my fair share of these...

Cipher: Oh, what do we have here?

The Cleaner's Rendezvous Note

After the Usurper 's death, the Phyton mobilized many refugees to join the garrison and restructured the city 's defenses. The updated schedule is as follows:

Guard shifts at the Marmoreal Market have increased in frequency — from Action Hour to Curtain-Fall Hour, all patrols along the Path of Parting will begin one quint earlier.

Take careful note of these changes to avoid unnecessary complications.

The note appears to have been smoothed flat then curled again, suggesting it was once rolled inside a secret message cylinder.

...

███████ , high priest of the Flame-Chasers.

A middle-aged ███ with gray hair, stooped posture, and a burn scar on the right side of the neck. Visits the chanting hall alone to pray during Entry Hour's first quint █████ .

An exposed iron nail will be placed on the stair railing. █████████ , an accident might █████ silence him permanently.

Dark, crusted bloodstains have obscured the text, and the names have been deliberately smeared away by bloody fingers.

...

Phyton and the Maiden have been frequently visiting the Twilight Courtyard lately to meet with healers.

In their conversations, they've mentioned the Skyfolk and the Daythunder Knight 's past affairs. The day to reclaim Aquila 's Coreflame appears to be imminent —

A thousand-year-old grudge will be settled then. Make preparations, for that moment draws near.

...written on the inner side of a clean bandage, emitting a dry, herbal fragrance.

Cipher: ...A paper note? Talk about old school...

Cipher: Oh, right... once the seamstress's powers diminished, the World Wound Web slowed drastically, from five threads to just two...

Cipher: Looks like I was too quick to judge — physical note-passing still outpaces the reduced threads.

(Investigate the Cleaner on the right)

Cipher: This dagger's got a nice look to it. Let's see it...

Cipher: Wow, it's crafted from Kremnoan steel — these people are well-equipped.

Cipher: By any standard, you all are quite capable. Had you not strayed, you could have been guarding Okhema, securing a stable income.

Cipher: Such a pity... In your next life, remember to choose a safer path, and stay away from dangerous jobs like this.

Cipher: Hmm... no trace of Caenis. Is she hiding too well, or has she given up?

Cipher: Well, I've done everything I could. Now it's in the hands of the Deliverer and his crew...

Cipher: Huh!? What was that —

Cipher: The noise came from above, could it be...

Cipher: Ha... it looks like they pulled it off.

Cipher: The Deliverer's impressive, no doubt, but some of the credit should go to that Gray Mystery from beyond the sky.

Cipher: I've crossed paths with them before. They're a little quirky, but their power? Absolutely terrifying.

Cipher: With the Coreflame of Aquila taken...

Cipher: ...the Flame-Chase Journey is down to its final threat.

Cipher: Ah... they're already here. Barely gave me a moment to catch my breath.

Cipher: Alright then... Guess it's my turn to see what you've got!

Meet the Uninvited Guest

Cipher: Oh! You made it? I've been waiting for you!

Cipher: Black-clad swordmaster, the Flame Reaver, whatever your name is —

Cipher: Look at you, sniffing around like a starving hyena... chasing the scent of the Coreflames!

Flame Reaver: ...

Cipher: What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Or maybe you're just too dense to understand plain speech?

Flame Reaver: ...

Flame Reaver: Throne of Worlds ... Coreflame...

Flame Reaver: Must... take back...

Cipher: You sad little thing, I've got you all figured out!

Cipher: Let me guess — you've been eyeing these last two Coreflames all along, huh?

Cipher: No wings, no allies... what a pity. Even with Aquila's Coreflame sitting idly in the sky, you're helpless to reach it.

Cipher: All you can do is sit and wait for the Chrysos Heirs to bring it down, then swoop in like a brute to snatch it for yourself, isn't that so?

Flame Reaver: ...

Cipher: Hah! Struck a nerve, have I? I've seen you lingering on a cliff more than once, staring hopelessly at the sky. Pathetic.

Cipher: But hey, I'm feeling generous today — I've got a surprise just for you.

Cipher: ... That's right! I have Kephale's Coreflame.

Cipher: But if you think you can snatch it from my claws...

Cipher: ...you'll have to catch me!

Escape the Flame Reaver's pursuit

Cipher: Fun fact! Dolos cats aren't just quick on their feet...

Cipher: They've got the stamina to match!

Cipher: Ow! How... how did you get ahead of me!?

Cipher: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Don't swing that thing — easy there!

Cipher: You're after Kephale's Coreflame, aren't you? Fine, take it! The Deliverer made me steal it! It's no use to me anyway!

Cipher: Look, uh... since we've got the same taste in fashion — all black and sleek — how about you spare this poor cat's life?

Flame Reaver: ...

Cipher: That's the spirit! You get the Coreflame, and I get to keep breathing — everyone wins!

Flame Reaver: Core... flame...

Cipher: Haha! You really are a brainless mutt, aren't you?

Cipher: Woof, woof! Come on. Come on, you're not gonna let a little setback like a lost bone stop you, are you?

Cipher: (...Well, look at that. They actually caught up with me. No one's ever managed that before...)

Cipher: ...

Cipher: It's been a while since I've had a chase this good. Don't quit on me now — I'm just getting into the groove!

Ride the platform to higher ground

Flame Reaver: Cre... ation...

Flame Reaver: Must...

Cipher: You sure stumble over your words, but you've got some speed on you!

Cipher: I'm going to speed up. Don't get left behind!

(Ascend using the platform)

Cipher: Ha, just in time to take a break.

Cipher: Don't tell me that they might already be waiting for me upstairs...

Cipher: What? Still not here? Well, that's disappointing.

Cipher: Oh well, I guess I'll just...

"Ciphainon": ...wait around a little longer for you!

"Ciphainon": Styxia, you're stunning... Oh? Look who it is — the Flame Reaver!

"Ciphainon": First time — wait, no, not the first time meeting you. I'm the great hero of Okhema, the Deliverer of Amphoreus!

"Ciphainon": They say I'm destined to return Kephale's Coreflame and carry the weight of a new world on my shoulders...

"Ciphainon": But hey, fairness is my thing — fairness, fairness, and *Dolos profanity* fairness! You want the Coreflame? Come and get it! But only if you can beat me fair and square!

"Ciphainon": Ugh, boring... I was hoping you'd at least humor me for a little while.

Cipher: Stupid mutt. Fooled by the same trick twice...

Cipher: ...Bye-bye, "Flame Reaver"!

Cipher: Sigh... Not as fun as I'd hoped. I guess a brainless brute isn't much fun when it comes to mind games.

Cipher: (I... seriously can't shake them off, huh... This is borderline impossible)

Cipher: (They're not going to back off anytime soon... Well then...)

Cipher: (...Guess I'll just have to lead it somewhere higher.)

Go to a high ground and lure the Flame Reaver over

(Approach the elevator, optional)

Cipher: The plan can't fall apart... lead that mutt up high!

Borrow the Rune of Recollection

Aglaea: Cifera... Do you still plan to go to Dawncloud?

Cifera: Hmm, I've made up my mind. Don't think about stopping me, Seamstress.

Aglaea: Is it for the Gem of All Worlds?

Cifera: Does it even matter? You'll never guess whether I'm lying or telling the truth.

Aglaea: ...

Aglaea: You're still wearing those golden boots I gave you.

Aglaea: I hope you're not running from someone the next time you wear them...

Cipher: ...

Cipher: Aglaea... did you see that?

Cipher: No one can catch up to me. I'm no longer running to escape anymore.

Pass through the chains and reach the highest point

Cipher: Deliverer! You'd better thank me —

Cipher: Every leisurely second you enjoy... was fought for by yours truly!

Prepare yourself and face the oncoming enemies

Cipher: *sigh* ...

Cipher: You just don't know when to quit, do you?

Flame Reaver: Can't escape...

Flame Reaver: This... is fate...

Cipher: Fate? Hmph, I always thought only privileged city dwellers liked to toss that word around, as if they couldn't get by without using it as an excuse.

Flame Reaver: Cycles...

Flame Reaver: Can't... be broken...

Cipher: ...Cycles, fate? Give me a break! Everyone has to walk their path! Those who cling to gods and prophecies end up as hollow shells of themselves.

Cipher: Back then, I was nothing but a scoundrel, a cheat, clawing and scrambling just to survive in this messed-up world. If I'd given up and played along...

Cipher: This place would've been nothing more than a lifeless wasteland by now.

Flame Reaver: Coreflame...

Flame Reaver: It has to be me...

Cipher: Ugh, my bad. Why bother offering wisdom to a mad dog who wouldn't understand it anyway?

Cipher: Do you know why I dragged you here, mutt? Word is, you've tangled with that golden-haired lion before.

Flame Reaver: ...

Cipher: Looks like there's no getting away from you, and hey, that was a pretty good warm-up. Now...

Cipher: How about we spice things up with a bit of competition?

Cipher: As a fellow heir to the divine authority of Calamity , I've been a demigod for a thousand years longer than the little lion.

Cipher: Now, let me see if you're worth your title, Flame Reaver!

(Begin battle againstFlame Reaver of the Deepest Dark)

Cipher: I've been around for over a thousand years, and I've never met anyone who could match my speed... until now!

Cipher: But speed isn't my only trick. Today, you're getting the full performance!

(Single clone is defeated)

Cipher: Wrong target — looks like you need to work on your aim.

(Multiple clones defeated)

Cipher: I can summon as many clones as I need!

(Entering second phase)

Cipher: Hahaha! Good dog, is that all you've got?

Cipher: I guess your sword skills aren't as impressive as I thought!

(Flame Reaver reduced to 33% health)

Flame Reaver: Resisting... is futile...

Cipher: I've played with you long enough...

Cipher: Time to retreat!

(Battle ends)

(Cutscene begins)

Cipher: ...See you around, mutt!

Cipher: Only a mindless fool... would fall for the same trick three times in a row.

Cipher: ...Victory is mine, fiend!

(Cutscene ends)

A thousand years ago, at Dawncloud...

"The galaxy is vast beyond compare, containing an infinite number of possibilities." Our community needs more information on this page! Can you help out? Click here to add more. The reason provided was: Missing image

???: To all citizens of Okhema — today, I bring you two pieces of news: one sorrowful, one joyous.

"Atticus?": First, let us offer our blessings to the departed. Our beloved Chaplain Phoros has returned to the embrace of Sky Father Kephale. May he rest in peace...

"Atticus?": But citizens, do not grieve his passing! In his final moments, Chaplain Phoros found peace. While he still had his wits, he heard the final words of the sky father...

"Atticus?": And that brings me to the joyous news I share with you today! Before the great Worldbearing Titan fell silent, they spoke one final message to my revered mentor. And now, I shall share those words with every soul in Amphoreus!

"Atticus?": They said: "The prophecy has arrived. My mission is complete, and now I shall fall into eternal silence..."

"Atticus?": "The eternal night is looming, the Dawn Device will safeguard the holy city, poised for the children of humanity to create miracles... forever! "

Grateful Citizen: Until... forever?

Excited Citizen: Sky father's love transcends time itself, stretching across endless eons!

"Atticus?": Citizens, friends! As the newly appointed Chaplain, I propose we host a grand hundred-day celebration at Dawncloud, a feast in gratitude for the sky father's gift!

"Atticus?": Our mission is to transform the sky father's words into unshakable faith. For a hundred dawns, through song and dance, every child of humanity within Amphoreus will come to believe —