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TETHYS ARCHIVES
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"The First Resonator"
Lost Record 07-A (Redacted Copy)
Archive Classification: Ω-Level Access Required
File Origin: Tethys Central Resonance Database
File Type: Resonance Evaluation Record
Clearance Note: This record predates the Jinzhou Foundation Calendar. Portions recovered from fractured Tacetite storage array. Missing data estimated at 37%. Proceed with caution.
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[Resonance Evaluation Report – RA1001-G]
Resonator Designation: REDACTED
Alias (Historical Reference):
"The First Resonator"
Evaluator: Commander [REDACTED]
Date of Evaluation: Year of Wei, Cycle 0.41
Assessment Site: Black Shores Interim Base — Tethys Division
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I. General Observation
Subject exhibits acute retrograde amnesia concerning their Awakening Event.
No temporal markers of resonance onset could be verified. Tacet Mark observed upon right hand, dormant until exposure to high-density Tacet Fields.
During forced exertion tests, a golden concentric halo manifested across irises and Tacet Mark, indicating high-tier Forte activation. No visible post-awakening mutations recorded.
Subject displays a resonance spectrum atypical of any known waveform family — consistent non-convergence across multiple Rabelle's Curves. The waveform's periodic fluctuation classifies subject under Congenital Resonator Type-0, an unrecorded category prior to this file.
Note: Genetic and Tacetite feedback loops fail to stabilize under conventional dampeners.
Resonator retains emotional control but exhibits intermittent silence and detachment during Forte exertion.
II. Overclock Diagnostic
Resonance waveform: Elliptical fluctuation in high-frequency domain.
Time-Domain pattern: stable within 0.02 deviation units.
No signs of Resonant Decay or Overclock Pathology.
Cognitive parameters intact. Subject exhibits tactical precision and an unusual premonitory reflex during live simulations.
Evaluator's Remark:
"It's as though the Tacetite itself obeys her will."
III. Battle Record
Recovered combat transcript from fragmented Black Shores Command logs.
During the Battle of XXXXXX, subject engaged an unidentified Tacet Discord codenamed ["XXX XXXXX"]. Data indicates this entity possessed retro-temporal interference abilities, capable of fracturing causality layers.
Combat duration: Seven minutes, thirty-four seconds.
Outcome: Victory, at cost of mass resonance exhaustion across the frontline.
Eyewitness accounts describe the Resonator standing beside Commander XXX.
Morale surged. The following three days concluded in the reclamation of the western front. Records attribute this victory as the precursor to the Foundation of Jinzhou.
IV. Post-Incident Analysis
Subject entered a dormant state post-engagement.
Resonance activity reduced to undetectable levels for 109 lunar cycles.
Subsequent attempts at reawakening failed until the Solaris Reappearance Event, exact timeline [REDACTED].
Recovered fragments from the Commander's final field log imply personal connection to the subject.
V. Attachment – Jinzhou Foundation Ceremony Record
(Extract 1 of 1 – Visual Sequence Corrupted)
Timestamp indicates Commander [REDACTED] positioned at center dais beside Subject RA1001-G.
Cross-comparison of facial biometrics suggests potential identity overlap exceeding 84%.
Interpretation restricted pending further authorization.
VI. Comment from Researcher #31
"Data fragmentation persists despite multi-thread recovery attempts.
Recommend suspension of automated purges—
Status: File partially restored, chronological markers uncertain.
End of Record.
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(JEFF'S POV)
| Court of Savantae Ruins |
Jeff walked in front of the group, his mind working fast remembering every layout, every switch combination, every hidden mechanism he'd seen before in the game.
"Man, you really know how to solve puzzles, huh?" Aalto said, whistling low as another sealed door slid open with a hiss. He leaned on his pistol, looking both impressed and slightly envious.
Encore bobbed her head eagerly beside him, her twin drones orbiting her hair like tiny moons. "Yeah, mister! You're really smart!"
Jeff chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Lucky guesses, I guess." He couldn't exactly tell them that he'd seen and solved this exact puzzle in a game.
Rover smirked, arms crossed and eyes glinting with quiet pride. The corner of her mouth curled upward a subtle, smug little smile that said that's my man. She didn't even try to hide it.
Aalto noticed and made a face. "Oh, I see what's going on here," he muttered teasingly. Rover just rolled her eyes.
They stepped into a larger chamber circular, dimly lit, with walls. In the center stood a tall, fractured cylinder. Broken cables hung from the ceiling, dripping moisture.
Jeff brushed a layer of dust from a nearby console. "Looks like a control unit," he murmured. His gloved fingers danced across the cracked screen until it flickered to life, light spilling across their faces.
A shimmer of pale blue light formed above the console a hologram. Figures materialized: people in lab coats, transparent and flickering, caught forever in the loop of a forgotten conversation.
Jeff blinked, his expression twisting with surprise. "The fuck is this?"
Hologram — Male Researcher #1:
"That Fractsidus Overseer has been really generous with his sponsorship… It would've taken us much longer to build this place without him."
Male Researcher #2:
"Though he loves to meddle with our experiments a bit too much… well, he's our patron. Can't do anything about that."
Male Researcher #1:
"This lab's location is a bit too remote for me, but as long as we can keep doing our research, I'm fine with it."
Female Researcher:
"Yeah… where else could us 'maniacs' possibly go?"
Male Researcher #2:
"The Committee kicked us out like trash… they'll never understand."
Male Researcher #1:
"As Professor Heisen stated, we're embarking on a monumental endeavor — one that could redefine humanity's future."
Male Researcher #2:
"This time, we'll make the 'divine miracle' happen again. For all of humanity to behold!"
The hologram sputtered, distorting before fading away. A faint electric whine filled the silence that followed.
Jeff exhaled slowly, brows furrowed. "Crazy fucks."
Rover frowned, crossing her arms. "They sound like nutjobs to me."
Jeff gave a small, humorless laugh. "Anything to do with the Fractsidus is crazy one way or another."
Aalto was already halfway across the room, eyes scanning the walls for another panel. "Then let's check the other rooms. If these lunatics left breadcrumbs, I'm following them."
They entered the next chamber
Encore's voice echoed through the gloom. "This place feels like the scary bedtime stories Uncle Aalto used to tell me in here…"
Jeff approached another terminal and activated it. Again, the holographic light rippled to life hazier this time, voices overlapping through static.
Hologram — Male Researcher:
"The experiments have been going smoothly, but we still can't get the desired outcome… Why?"
Another Researcher:
"The 'Artificial Retroactive Rain' project has advanced to its second phase… We've found evidence that this ancient civilization was once the Whining Aix's Mire."
First Researcher:
"We believed we could recreate that 'divine miracle' with the artificial Retroact Rain… Have we been mistaken?"
Second Researcher:
"We have no time left. The 'Artificial Controllable Tacet Field' should be complete by now… We'll have to rely on our backup plan."
The hologram cut off abruptly with a sharp bzzt.
The group stood in unease.
Jeff's jaw tightened. "The fuck is their backup plan?" he muttered under his breath.
Rover glanced at him, her expression serious. "Whatever it was… it probably didn't end well."
Encore's drones let out a low, nervous whir as if agreeing with her.
Aalto rubbed his chin, thinking. "Artificial Retroactive Rain… Divine miracles… They were trying to rewrite time itself, weren't they?"
Jeff didn't answer.
Somewhere deep inside the facility, something changed.
Rover's hand went instinctively to her sword. "...You felt that?"
Jeff nodded slowly, expression hardening. "Yeah."
Aalto cocked his gun, smirking. "Guess we're about to find out what that 'backup plan' was."
The next chamber was smaller, and darker half-buried in dust. Old lights flickered weakly from above, struggling to stay alive after years of abandonment.
Jeff stepped forward first, his hand hovered near the console, eyes scanning its intricate pattern of glyphs.
Aalto whistled low. "You and these puzzles, man. It's like you were born in a lab."
Jeff smirked without looking back.
Rover watched him with a half-smile, her arms folded loosely over her chest.
Encore, meanwhile, crouched near the corner, poking curiously at a console. "Ooh… this one still works! Creepy…"
"Don't touch that," Jeff muttered automatically, activating the console. The familiar shimmer of a hologram came to life before them.
Hologram — Male Researcher:
"How's Subject A038 doing lately?"
Jeff frowned.
Subject A038?
The words hit something deep in his mind. Something familiar.
"Wait…" he murmured. "That sounds—"
—familiar.
Hologram — Female Researcher:
"It has yet to assume a concrete form or exhibit vocalization behavior. In most cases, it remains motionless."
Female Researcher:
"However, we've noticed some behavior discrepancies from our initial expectations, and further observation and research would be necessary."
Male Researcher:
"It's merely a replica, after all. Far from the true form of those… gods."
Male Researcher:
"By the way, things have been mysteriously disappearing lately. Any idea?"
Female Researcher:
"You noticed it too? I thought I was imagining things… and there've been weird noises at the lab late at night."
Female Researcher:
"I suspect it has something to do with Subject A038… lately, its frequencies have shown signs of… hunger."
Jeff's heart skipped.
Hunger?
Female Researcher:
"But it's been under strict surveillance. That couldn't possibly be A038… right?"
Male Researcher:
"I'll check the security cameras once more. Let's increase its rations — we can't afford to let it go hungry."
Male Researcher:
"After all… it's our last hope now."
The hologram flickered out.
No one spoke for a long moment.
Rover turned toward Jeff, eyes narrowing slightly. "You okay? You look pale."
Jeff blinked, shaking his head lightly. His fingers twitched near his neck over his Tacet mark, which pulsed faintly beneath the skin. "Yeah. Just… déjà vu."
Aalto exhaled through his nose. "Subject A-zero-three-eight, huh?"
Encore hugged her echoes to her chest, frowning. "If it was hungry… what was it eating?"
"This is the last room," Aalto said, stepping past the cracked doorway. His tone was forced, trying to sound casual, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed him.
"Hey! Aalto! Jeff! Rover!" Encore called, waving her arm. "Encore spotted something!"
In the center of the chamber, a faint holographic glow shimmered older and weaker than the others.
A gravelly voice echoed through the static, deep and weary:
Elder Male Voice:
"It's getting closer. These will be my final words, haha… If only I had more time…"
The man's laughter was hollow filled with regret.
"I thought my enemies were misconceptions, waning passion, and my own ignorance."
He coughed. The hologram stuttered, freezing mid-motion before continuing.
"Only in the end did I realize… time is my ultimate foe."
"I became blindsided by my fear of death — by an insatiable thirst for truth. Eventually, I derailed our research…"
"It was too late when I finally came back to my senses. We had already walked into that false 'Gate'…"
"Now, I leave my last realization behind…"
"They are our past… but they are also our future. Had I realized it sooner, there might've been a chance to set things right…"
"The future… being, hailing from our past…"
His voice began to break, warping into distortion.
"Please save us… once again…"
"Please… keep pushing forward… until you reach… the real Gate that can change the world…"
The hologram flickered out — and for a heartbeat, nothing replaced it. Then, faintly, a shape began to form.
A woman.
Her image was fractured, blurred — like a dream seen through rain. But even through the distortion, her beauty was ethereal. Flowing hair like starlight. Eyes both sorrowful and kind. A divine presence that made the air tremble around her.
Jeff's chest tightened. He knew that face. Not from this life but from somewhere.
Encore gasped, clasping her hands together. "Wow… she's so pretty…"
Aalto's voice was low, cautious. "Rover… about this person—"
Rover took a step forward, her eyes wide and unblinking. "I think I know her," she whispered. "But… I can't remember why."
Jeff staggered slightly, clutching the side of his head. A sharp pain pulsed behind his eyes brief but violent, like static burning through his mind. His Tacet mark flared faintly, the faint light crawling up the side of his neck.
"Jeff!" Rover's hand shot out, steadying him. "Hey, look at me. You alright?"
"Y-Yeah…" Jeff forced a breath. "Just…got a headache all of the sudden."
Aalto, ever the one to cut tension, exhaled and clapped his hands. "Heh, knew it. Alright, since power's restored, that elevator should finally work."
He turned toward the exit, his coat swaying with the motion. "Beacon's signal's coming from below. Let's go."
Jeff straightened, his gaze flicking back to the fading hologram of the woman. Even as it vanished, he could still feel her eyes on him.
And somewhere deep in his mind… that haunting name surfaced again.
Subject A038.
Then suddenly the air inside the chamber changed. A faint tremor rippled through the metallic flooring as the sound of gears grinding against each other echoed from somewhere deep ahead.
And then, from the shadows, it emerged.
A hulking construct has its core pulsing faintly with red light that resembles a heartbeat. Rusted metal plates were fused together.
Encore's eyes lit up immediately. "Wow! A big clunky monster!" she said, the corners of her mouth pulling into an excited grin. Cosmos and Cloudy, whirred around her like tiny silver moons ready to strike.
Aalto let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Damn... those savants really never run out of surprises, do they?" He squinted at the creature, fingers already flicking across his scanner. "The signal's coming from it. Don't tell me it actually swallowed our Resonance Beacon."
The thing let out a low, distorted growl like static through a broken speaker.
Aalto's tone sharpened. "Yeah, peace isn't on the menu. Everyone, brace yourselves. We'll need to take it down!"
Encore's grin widened. "Aalto, are we doing it like we usually do?"
"Of course," he replied without missing a beat.
"Hehe~ then this big guy's Encore's to tackle!" she cheered, twirling once as Cosmos and Cloudy formed an orbit around her.
"Cosmos, Cloudy — ATTACK!"
They shot forward like twin comets, slamming into the monster's chest and detonating bursts of white energy. Shards of metal scattered across the ground, glowing faintly from the impact. The creature stumbled but didn't fall instead, it let out a mechanical roar, its arms slamming down into the floor.
Encore dodged, flipping backward as sparks exploded around her boots. "Missed me, clunky!"
Aalto, watching the fight, narrowed his eyes. His fingers danced in the air as holographic readings appeared on his visor. "Let me figure out its weakness…" His expression changed, sharp and confident. "I see it now! It's cobbled together from metal parts held by unstable resonance! Aim for the joints use the fallen pieces to disrupt its balance!"
"Got it!" Rover shouted, already sprinting forward. Her sword sang as she swung it downward, cutting through the air with a clean streak. Sparks flew as her blade clashed against one of the monster's legs, slicing through the joint.
Jeff watched her move and then drew his gun. He leveled it toward the creature's exposed shoulder, firing off precise shots. Each bullet hit dead center, the sharp recoil echoing through the facility.
The monster reeled back, stumbling as its arm detached and crashed against the ground with a deafening clang.
Aalto grinned. "Nice one!"
Encore smirked, her drones circling back to her side. "Hehe! Encore's not letting you guys steal all the fun!" She raised a hand, and both echoes pulsed with light before rocketing forward again this time targeting the core.
A blinding explosion followed.
When the smoke cleared, the monster was on its knee, its glowing heart flickering weakly.
Aalto exhaled, lowering his weapon. "Phew. Job done."
Jeff blinked, his arm still raised, smoke curling from his gun barrel. "Damn… they didn't even need our help."
Rover chuckled beside him, brushing a lock of hair from her face.
Encore landed beside them, striking a playful pose with her hands on her hips. "Hehe, told ya! Encore's strong!" she said proudly, chest puffed out. Her echoes bobbed in agreement, making soft humming noises.
But then her grin softened as she tilted her head, gazing at the broken remains of the machine. "Still… why would they keep that big guy here?"
Aalto walked closer, crouching beside the creature's ruined frame.
"According to the logs we found earlier," he began, his voice quieter now, "the researchers who worked here were just a small fraction of the Court of Savantae. The real Committee probably disowned them."
Jeff crossed his arms, frowning. "For what reason?"
"They went too far," Aalto replied. "They were obsessed with studying an ancient civilization they believed were 'divine beings.' But when the Court realized how extreme their methods were… they were exiled."
Rover's voice lowered. "And they came here to prove their theory…"
"Exactly." Aalto gestured around the ruined lab. "They thought those divine beings once visited this Mire. They wanted to recreate their arrival using artificial Retroact Rain. But when they failed, they built this — a 'replica' of those gods instead."
Encore frowned, her usual brightness dimming. "And they fed it... data? Machines? People?"
Aalto nodded grimly. "Frequencies. Constructs. Anything to make it 'real.' They pushed it too far and whatever hunger it had... it learned from them."
He glanced back at the remains at the metal claws and the warped faceplate that still twitched occasionally. "It didn't eat them physically. Their own delusions and fear fed it."
Rover's expression darkened. "So it wasn't a monster at first…"
"No," Aalto said softly, standing up. "But in the end, their obsession made it one."
Jeff looked down at the wreckage one last time, his reflection broken across its fractured surface. "What a crazy bunch," he muttered.
Encore gave a small nod, hugging Cosmos against her chest. The air felt heavier now, the smell of ozone fading into still silence.
And for the first time since entering the facility… no one had anything else to say.
Aalto turned toward them, arms crossed loosely, his usual smirk gone.
"So, Rover… Jeff… it's time I fulfill my promise. What do you want to know about the Black Shores?"
Rover tilted her head and asks. "What exactly does the Black Shores do?"
Aalto gave a small laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "As you probably already guessed, we monitor and research the Lament. We've got Resonance Beacons set up across every nation." He began pacing, his boots echoing on the metal floor. "Our headquarters—our island—isn't just any patch of land. It's built atop a massive Tacetite ore. That ore powers everything we do. Our systems, our defenses, even experiments like this…" He gestured toward the flickering Blake Bloom nearby. "That thing is born from the island's overflowing energy."
Jeff leaned against a pillar, crossing his arms. "You're saying your base sits on a giant battery?"
"More like the world's heart monitor," Aalto replied with a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. "It lets us read the Lament's rhythm. Predict its next strike. But…" His tone dimmed again. "The Lament is always changing. All we can really do is watch it, study its moods, and pray we predict its next move right."
Jeff's gaze sharpened. "So what, you've been watching us too? Stalking our asses?"
Aalto winced playfully. "Alright, alright, guilty as charged." He raised both hands in surrender, the corners of his mouth twitching into a sheepish smile. "But it's not what you think. We don't mean any harm. We just needed to be sure you were… dependable allies."
Rover frowned slightly, arms crossing. "That's one way to earn trust."
Aalto chuckled softly, running a thumb over the edge of his glove. "Fair point. But the Black Shores… we're not some faceless agency. We're a patchwork family of specialists—hackers, demolition experts, even Feng Shui masters." His grin returned, this time bright and mischievous. "You name it, we've got it."
He leaned toward them, eyes gleaming. "And we'd like to have you too. What do you say? Ready to jump aboard?"
Before Jeff could respond, Rover blurted out, "Do you know someone named Camellya?"
Aalto blinked. "Camellya? Course we do." His grin widened knowingly. "Yeah, she's a little… unhinged. But she's one of ours. And—" his gaze flicked toward Jeff, teasing "—she only took that mission because of you. Quite the charmer, aren't you?"
Jeff's brows shot up, lips parting in disbelief. "What the—she tried to jump us!"
Rover shot him a sharp look, cheeks puffed in a small pout. "So she wasn't lying after all."
Aalto raised a hand, laughing under his breath. "I know, I know. Camellya's… expressive. But she wouldn't hurt you. She's got her own way of saying hello."
Rover stepped closer, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Then what are you doing here, in Jinzhou?"
The air in the room seemed to tighten. Aalto's playful expression faded. "We received a warning. Our detection system picked up another Threnodian revival—near Jinzhou City."
Rover's stomach sank. "Another one?"
Jeff straightened, his tone harder. "You mean this happened before?"
Aalto nodded grimly. "Yes. Entire nations wiped out in the past… We can't let that happen again." His voice cracked slightly, and for the first time, he looked serious.
Rover's voice was quiet but steady. "Then… What's our connection to the Black Shores?"
Aalto exhaled slowly, gaze lowering. "Honestly? I'm just a consultant. I don't know everything. But…" He looked up again, eyes locking with hers. "I do know this—this isn't your first awakening. The last time you both woke… it was at the Black Shores."
Rover's breath hitched. She glanced at Jeff, whose eyes widened in shock. "You mean—"
"Yes." Aalto stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You and Jeff share our goal. Fighting the Threnodians. Preventing the Lament's return."
Encore, who'd been quiet till now, suddenly jumped in, waving both arms. "Yep! Encore can prove it! Threnodian bad! Encore and Aalto good! Heroes of justice, ta-da!" She grinned wide, her eyes glimmering like tiny suns.
Aalto chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Trust isn't easy, I know." He reached into his coat and pulled out the Blake Bloom, its surface gleaming faintly under the light. "Remember this? It's more than a symbol—it's also a key. To our headquarters. To answers you're clearly looking for."
He tossed it lightly toward Rover, who caught it in both hands. Her fingers tightened around it, feeling its faint warmth.
"Phew," Aalto said, stretching his arms. "That's that. Beacon secured, secrets uncovered, and a bonus full of Court of Savantae drama. Not bad for one day."
He flashed them a lazy grin. "Glad I got you guys on board. Looking forward to future collaborations."
Rover rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small smile tugging at her lips.
Jeff just smirked. "You're a smooth talker, Aalto I'll give you that much."
"Comes with the job," Aalto said, turning toward the Resonance Beacon again. "Now, let's just check the readings one last time—"
He stopped mid-sentence. The color drained from his face.
"Wait… this is—no. No, it can't be—"
"Aalto?" Rover stepped forward, worry rising in her voice.
Before he could answer, lightning split the sky.
Encore's ears perked up immediately. "Hey, Aalto! WAAAIT! Encore heard lightning! When there's lightning, there's rain—and when there's rain, Encore needs an umbrella! No wait—when it rains like this…" Her voice trembled slightly. "Aalto said we hide!"
Rover frowned, looking up at the darkening ceiling panels as the sound of rain began to echo faintly, distant yet growing stronger. "It's just ordinary rain, isn't it?"
Jeff's gut twisted. "Is this… part of the Court of Savantae's experiment?"
Aalto turned slowly toward them, his face pale as ash. "No…" His voice was almost a whisper. "This is the real Retroact Rain."
The lights flickered violently. Somewhere in the distance, the ground rumbled.
Then Yangyang's voice crackled through their comms, sharp and frantic.
"Rover—! Jinzhou is under attack! It's a TD outbreak!"
The color drained from Jeff's face. He clenched his fists, eyes flashing with alarm.
"Shit just got real."
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Author's note:
Hello everyone, feel free to leave your collections, powers, reviews, and comments as you see fit. That's all; thank you for reading this fanfic, and I hope you have a good day.