Paving the Way
Accept location View on map ↗
Brief
The bridge connecting the Valley Pass to the Power Plateau has been destroyed. You must search for another way.
Unlock
Rewards
Operational EXP ×600 Operational EXP ★★★★★ Raises the Endministrator's Authority Level. 
Origeometry ×3 Origeometry ★★★★★★ An extremely rare crystal habit of Originium with many potential uses. 
Intermediate Combat Record ×33 Intermediate Combat Record ★★ A material that provides decent EXP for leveling up Lv.1-60 operators. Overview › 
Arms INSP Kit ×25 Arms INSP Kit ★★★ A material that gives decent weapon EXP. Overview › 
T-Creds ×7,400 T-Creds ★★★★ TC for short. This currency is recognized and used in many places. 
Basic Expansion Core ×1 Basic Expansion Core ★★★★★ Unlocks the next phase of the Basic AIC Plan. 
Valley Regional Development Metric ×200 Valley Regional Development Metric ★★★★★ Construction and development work in Valley IV will raise this development metric. This can raise... Opening dialogue
3
A
Andre
That little buddy over there is the Protocol Datalogger. It helps with technical verification.
A
Andre
It collects ambient data, and provides our AIC Factory with solutions tailored to local conditions.
A
Andre
Relevant data can then be quantified and processed into our AIC Index. Give it a shot, Endmin.
Steps
1 Return to the Control Tower and come up with a plan View on map
Dialogue
A
Andre
Endmin, Supervisor Perlica! What happened at the Valley Fort? We just heard something...
Perlica
The chief of the Bonekrushers was at the Valley Fort. She blew up the bridge before she left. We were right behind her, but it was too late.
Q
Qin Jiangchi
That road is our shortest way to support the Power Plateau. Air support would be difficult as our flying vehicles would be affected by the Ankhors... These people have made their goals quite clear.
Perlica
I hope he can stay safe and keep us updated on the landbreakers' movements... Director Qin, is there any other way to reach the Power Plateau?
Q
Qin Jiangchi
We can reach the Power Plateau by going through the Originium Science Park... But that is the longer route, and...
Q
Qin Jiangchi
The Ankhorfall triggered a huge landslide. Cleaning it up will be difficult. Andre, report — what's the situation in the field?
A
Andre
It's bad. The road is completely blocked by a significant buildup of rocks and rubble. Our surveyors just sent us the details. Take a look!
Q
Qin Jiangchi
Supervisor Perlica, we are currently occupied with the Hub Base recovery. Organizing the landslide-clearing team may take a while.
Perlica
Traces at the scene match the patterns. But how did Nefarith...?
Q
Qin Jiangchi
Uh, Supervisor Perlica?
Perlica
Oh ... apologies. I was a little distracted. Please, make haste with the preparations. The true objectives of our opponents must be identified quickly.
Q
Qin Jiangchi
I understand. These Landbreakers are far beyond ordinary bandits.
Perlica
Director Qin, have we ever detected any individual in Valley IV who is ... capable of manipulating the Æther directly?
Q
Qin Jiangchi
What?
Q
Qin Jiangchi
No, such abilities are not possible. The Æther is simply too dangerous. Our attempts to study the Æther are severely hampered by its lethality. No human individual can make direct contact with the Æther safely...
Q
Qin Jiangchi
After all, the Æther is the "side opposing the origins of life"... right?
Perlica
Yes, but we're all familiar with the textbook footnote on this quote. The Terrans did not have a full understanding of the secrets held by this planet.
Q
Qin Jiangchi
...That's true. In any case, there are plenty of matters on our hands that we must deal with.
Perlica
Okay, is there anything we can do to help?
Q
Qin Jiangchi
Yeah... Please help Andre at the Core AIC Area. We'll be preparing our supplies at that place.
2 Story update To clear out another way to the Power Plateau, work with the UWST crew mates and use the AIC Factory to prepare various supplies.
Dialogue
Q
Qin Jiangchi
The Security Division and the crew mates managed to find some pieces of gear from our stockpile. Though they're not top notch, equipping them is at least better than nothing.
Q
Qin Jiangchi
When the Ankhor came crashing down on us, I did my best to keep my cool and soldier on. But truth be told, my mind turned into a total mess.
Q
Qin Jiangchi
Your intervention helped us through the worst of this crisis. You also sped up our recovery and post-disaster relief work...
Q
Qin Jiangchi
It is my genuine wish, on behalf of the Hub Base and all site personnel, to express our everlasting gratitude for your help.
Q
Qin Jiangchi
Oh and by the way, I actually planned a nice little reception for you. Once things get back on track at the Base, I'll try to organize another party for you.
Q
Qin Jiangchi
Endmin, Supervisor Perlica, and Operator Chen...
Q
Qin Jiangchi
Never bite more than you can chew, and do not press a desperate foe. It's always better to be safe than sorry. You already did a lot for us and people at the Hub Base only wish to see you return safely.
Perlica
I understand, Director Qin. We all do.
Chen Qianyu
Heheh. You can count on me!
Q
Qin Jiangchi
Alright, then. Good luck out there.
3 Meet with Andre at the Core AIC Area View on map
Story update
To clear out another way to the Power Plateau, work with the UWST crew mates and use the AIC Factory to prepare various supplies.
Dialogue
P
Pocus
Greetings, Endministrator!
P
Pocus
Let me introduce myself. I am technician Pocus from the Endfield Engineering Division. I'm also a technical ops for the AIC!
P
Pocus
As you can see, I've deployed plenty of Protocol Dataloggers in this area. Once enough data has been gathered, they'll behave like this — it's a special signal to retrieve the data.
P
Pocus
This particular datalogger is ready for interaction and retrieval. Go ahead and try it out. In more complex environments, a single datalogger might generate multiple AIC Index points at once.
4 Meet with Andre at the Core AIC Area View on map
Story update
To clear out another way to the Power Plateau, work with the UWST crew mates and use the AIC Factory to prepare various supplies.
Dialogue
A
Andre
Hoo! Activation success...! Can you hear me? Helloooo? Are you there, my little buddy? TA-TA?
T
TA-TA Prototype
*Happy emote*
A
Andre
Absolutely wonderful! This proves my repair work was a success!
A
Andre
This here is Operator Chen. This is Supervisor Perlica. And this ... is our Endministrator!
A
Andre
This little buddy's smart module is what Yvonne slapped together in her spare time. Though it might offer a bit of fun, the module's functions are rather limited.
T
TA-TA Prototype
*Confused emote*
A
Andre
*Embarrassed whimpering*
A
Andre
Endmin! Supervisor Perlica! YOU MUST BE MY WITNESSES! I did nothing wrong! I did my best!
A
Andre
Oh, thank you so much, Endmin!
A
Andre
*Gasp* That's cruel...
A
Andre
Hooo... In any case, I have plenty of legitimate reasons to reactivate the Prototype.
A
Andre
Ok, listen. I found abnormal energy fluctuations coming from the Valley Fort. They appeared shortly before the Ankhorfall. The intervals between these fluctuations are nearly identical to the intervals between the Ankhors' arrival.
A
Andre
They are just too similar so I have to conclude there's a link between them. I don't know about the details or principles of how it happened, but this feels like a valuable finding we should look into.
A
Andre
Even in maintenance mode, the Prototype can still monitor and log ambient data of its surroundings. Thanks to the parts you retrieved, these datalogs have now been successfully decrypted.
Chen Qianyu
Is that why you told us to come over? Alright, stop hoarding the info to yourself. Tell us what you discovered.
Perlica
Then we should try to contact the Valley Fort quickly... Let's head to the Control Tower. We can probably use the comms node there.
5 Go to the Protocol Datalogger View on map
Dialogue
A
Andre
Endmin, do we have the required Originium Ore and Amethyst Ore?
A
Andre
Nicely done. Our energy problem is now history.
A
Andre
The landslide-clearing team has been assembled. Once the preparations are complete, the team can begin their work.
Perlica
Good job. Is there anything else we're short on?
A
Andre
A lot. Gear, tools, overhaul kits ... but we should be able to take care of them. Vannikov is responsible for directing the work on the site. You can talk to him to learn more about the situation.
A
Andre
Don't worry. We still have time.
7 Interact with the Protocol Datalogger to collect AIC Index points No map marker available
Dialogue
V
Vannikov
So you really are the Endministrator! Thank you so much for helping our crew mates out there. Everyone's ready to get some work done but we ... got a small problem...
Perlica
There's no need for such formalities here. Given the urgency of our situation, just go ahead and tell us what you need.
V
Vannikov
Mr. Andre insists that we equip Æther counters during work. The issue is, these devices have quite a heavy load, and we haven't had time to modify our standard coveralls.
Perlica
I understand Mr. Andre's concerns. Mr. Vannikov, if modifying your standard crew coveralls is a problem, we can produce new protective suits for your crew.
V
Vannikov
What...? But I don't think we can just build a garment factory right now...
Perlica
Endfield has a comprehensive plan for precision manufacturing, centered around our Protocol Automation-Core. We can get started on it right away.
8 Open the AIC Factory Plan and research: Mining II
Dialogue
?
The Landbreakers have been knocked out by the fierce attack for now.
V
Vannikov
Hey friends, how's it going? We're almost ready — just wrapping things up.
V
Vannikov
Oh! They look wonderful! We can definitely use them! Thank you so much, Endfielders.
V
Viktor
Brand new gear out of thin air... Incredible. You made all these with your AIC system?
D
Dahlia
I heard so many stories about you Endfielders but the real deal is just ... impressive! If things were always this effortless, life would be a breeze!
V
Viktor
Alright! I'm ready for the job!
A
Andre
Everyone seems pretty pumped, Endmin!
A
Andre
Now that the crew is ready, our next step is to repair and modify a suitable vehicle.
A
Andre
The field crew can take care of the disassembly and replacement of parts. I gotta work on a suite of customized components. They will give the vehicle some essential upgrades.
P
Pocus
Endmin, research the Parts Fitting tech on our AIC Factory Plan. After that, we'll be all set.
V
Vannikov
Okay, then. We'll be waiting for your good news.
Radio
P
Pocus
Alright, Endmin! Let's start with our Electric Mining Rig tech upgrade!
Fiona the Comms Officer
Hey guys, time to head to the PAC and make some gear! I'll show you the ropes.
9 Place Electric Mining Rigs on the Amethyst mining spot and power them up View on map 1 View on map 2
- Place Electric Mining Rigs on the Originium Ore mining spot and power them up
Radio
A
Andre
Endmin, we need to prepare some Originium Ores and Amethyst Crystals.
10 Place the Amethyst Ore moved to the Depot in the Backpack
- Place the Originium Ore moved to the Depot in the Backpack
Dialogue
A
Andre
Endmin, how are we doing with the upgrade parts?
A
Andre
This is it! Wonderful!
V
Vannikov
Reverse gear. Check. Stabilizing outriggers. Check. Initiating signal testing... All good!
V
Vannikov
Construction vehicle upgrades are complete. All the moving parts are in place — This efficiency is miraculous! It's like a dream!
A
Andre
A dream that's coming true! The AIC Factory is working far better than I expected. We gotta expand our mass production plans...
Q
Qin Jiangchi
And make sure you give me the new budget as soon as you have it.
Perlica
Endfield has constructed many large industrial machines, but this is our first time using the AIC to build one on the fly.
Perlica
This is a first step towards our grand vision... Endmin, just imagine how many lives we can improve with our construction capacity!
Q
Qin Jiangchi
Prep work seems to be going well. We finally have some good news for a change.
Q
Qin Jiangchi
The Quarry suffered significant damage. We received multiple distress calls from the crews there.
Q
Qin Jiangchi
We've dispatched a rescue team but it was hastily prepared. They might not be able to cover all scenarios. I hope you can check the area if you have the time to spare, Endmin.
Perlica
Um... Our preparations seem complete, but...
Perlica
No, sorry. It was nothing.
A
Andre
In any case, we should make sure all preparation work is carried out accordingly. Pocus and I are ready to help if you have questions about the AIC Factory.
P
Pocus
If you want to add more features to our AIC, you can use this Expansion Core. It will provide a more advanced factory development plan.
Perlica
There are many things we can do — expand our AIC Factory, help crew mates in the other areas, and much more.
Perlica
The decision is yours, Endministrator.
A
Andre
No rush. Go ahead and do your thing.
13 Open the AIC Factory Plan and research: Gearing Tech
14 Complete the simulation: Gearing Unit
16 Place the Gearing Unit in the Core AIC Area View on map
Radio
Fiona the Comms Officer
We'll need some Amethyst Components. They're essential for gear manufacturing.
18 Make the gear: Miner Overalls
Radio
Fiona the Comms Officer
It's done. Endmin, we can now hand them out to the crew.
20 Open the AIC Factory Plan and research: Parts Fitting
Radio
Fiona the Comms Officer
The core component of the drill requires Amethyst Parts. Let's make some with the Fitting Unit.
21 Use the Fitting Unit to produce Amethyst Parts and put them in the Backpack
Radio
Fiona the Comms Officer
Give the Amethyst Parts to Andre, and we'll just wait for them to finish the work.
Other dialogue
5 Game scripting dialogue not tied to a specific quest step.
A
Andre
According to our grand development strategy, this AIC sector is still in its infancy.
A
Andre
Usually, production lines can't be built overnight. But technological advancements we made in Valley IV can now speed things up. Well, things can be faster at this place, at least. The other sites might not have our more conducive environment.
Perlica
We'll also need plenty of electricity and power to manufacture large machinery and equipment...
A
Andre
The landslide-clearing crew will be assigned a multi-purpose drill. This big boy will need plenty of Originium Ore as fuel.
A
Andre
We must boost our mineral mining efficiency. To do that, we should first research the right tech upgrades in our AIC Factory Plan.