Chapter note: Some readers have said the plot moves too fast. Part of that is because I'm writing from Griseo's perspective. If she isn't involved in a storyline, assume it unfolds normally, just as it does in the game.
The other reason is that I don't really want to write it out—it would be too much filler. So why am I writing these chapters?
Because I'm waiting for Chapter 100.
Inside the HDD room of the video store on Sixth Street.
Over a remote connection, Hoshimi Miyabi told Zhu Yuan and Qingyi what the heck had happened.
Hoshimi Miyabi: We were in the Outer Ring with Makka Pakka... then we learned about Upsy Daisy... suddenly we ran into Igglepiggle... and finally, Tombliboo...
Qingyi: Blah, blah, blah... blah, blah, blah...
Zhu Yuan: Senior, stop messing around and take this seriously. Hoshimi Miyabi only sounds like that because of the author's divine power.
Qingyi: Ahem. I couldn't help myself. To sum up Miss Hoshimi Miyabi's account: the Vision Case hides a deeper plot; the true villain slips through the shadows; a desperate fight in an Outer Ring Hollow; poor Perlman has been stolen away...?
Wise and Belle gave her a thumbs-up at the same time. "That's Senior Qingyi for you!"
Miyabi fell silent on the channel for a moment. When she spoke again, there was a note of sincerity in her voice. "Yes, that was smooth and neatly phrased. Miss Qingyi, you're welcome to enter H.A.N.D.'s haiku contest sometime."
Qingyi: I'll be there if I get the chance.
Zhu Yuan: Senior!!
Qingyi: Ahem, I was just lightening the mood. So the two store managers appear to be law-abiding citizens living on a humble backstreet, but are actually veteran Proxies with formidable skills?
Wise: Sorry, Qingyi, Zhu Yuan. We really are Proxies.