← Previous Chapter |
Next Chapter →
Back to the game page
Level 1
The Ghost Hunter: Oh, hey. I appreciate you coming all this way. Allow me to take a look at that cargo you’re carrying. You took good care of this, I see. Ought to make my research easier. Well, how about that, a surprise delivery. I owe you one, mate. So I finished examining that cargo you brought on over… Now, I know this isn’t your fault, but this thing has been absolutely savaged… I highly doubt human or animal involvement. Kinda looks as though it was battered with a large, heavy pole… but then there are also parts that appear to have been melted. Not to mention the unusual tire marks imprinted on the surface… Putting all the pieces together, I reckon this is likely the work of the “headless rider” I’ve heard rumors about. In all honesty though, it seems like it was set upon by not one, but several “riders.” Sheer damage is proof enough of that. Yeah—We’re looking for multiple villains, I’d say. But they won’t come out and wreak havoc at just any old time. There’s got to be a reason they attack travelers when they do. Mind helping me figure out what that reason is? That way, we can set the minds of porters like you at ease. Once we know more about them, I can use that chiral network to enlighten everyone else, too. Indulge my curiosity, and I’d be happy for you to hook me up, is what I’m trying to say. If you’re keen to do so, then pick up the sub order I posted. I’ve included the relevant information in the order details. Be sure to look it over should you choose take it on.
Dollman: Sam, the headless rider attacks were reported in this area. Look around—see anything strange? What’s happened to it? Don’t tell me it’s been hacked!? Whoa! Whoaa! Since when do highways float in the air…? Up, up, and away… A highway in the sky! And now we find ourselves trapped… Be ready for anything, Sam. Don’t let the headless riders get away!
Higgs: Welcome, Sam! I’ve prepared this little stage special for you and you alone! And I know that you’re make the most of it!
Dollman: Higgs! Then these must be… ghost mechs?! I suppose there were no “headless riders” after all, then. We need to destroy them all. Let’s get a move on, Sam! That’s how you do it, Sam! Nice one—you’re a pro! Yeah, come on! You’re hell of a driver! Did you see it, Sam? One of them is different from the others. That has to be the unit that’s hacked into the auto-paver. Well fought, Sam. I think you took care of every last one. Is the highway disappearing? This isn’t good, Sam… Whew—it seems the day is ours, Sam. Oh, what a relief to have made it safely back to the ground. And there’s no sign of our adversaries. That strange road has vanished without a trace, too. Everything seems fine now. Let’s go and give the Ghost Hunter the good news.
Level 2
The Ghost Hunter: Well, well—handled that job for me, huh? Let me just review the order details. That was a hard-won fight. I shouldn’t have asked you to go to such lengths for me. I feel as though I can really trust you. We’ve forged a bond, you and I. Just so you know, I’ve decided to increase the amount of materials you can withdraw from here. Alright, I’m ready to join the chiral network.
The Ghost Hunter: Thanks to you, we can finally close the book on the mystery of the headless riders. Troubling rumors like that have a way of putting everyone on edge. Makes ‘em want to stay inside all the more. Out here especially, I saw too many people cutting ties and keeping to themselves. Can’t say any of us anticipated that the riders would be ghost mechs, though. And those mechs have something to do with Higgs too—isn’t that right? Well, now that we know the truth of the matter, we can come up with ways to combat them and their tactics. Then, maybe it’ll feel like we’re actually making some progress at long last. You know, you’ve got the makings of a real ghost hunter. I’ve shared with you some schematics for my favorite tools of the trade: the rocket box and a camo suit pattern. The rocket box fires MP warheads. It’s a portable, versatile weapon that’s perfect for dealing with all kinds of enemies.
Sam: What’s a rocket box?
The Ghost Hunter: It’s a single-use weapon. All you have to do is aim and throw. It fires several projectiles at once, which can lock onto multiple targets in range. Though if you want to pummel a single enemy with overwhelming force, well—that’s a viable option too. It’s great for incapacitating humans, killing BTs, or disabling mechs as needed. It’s quick and easy to use, so consider keeping one on hand for emergencies.
Sam: You know about Higgs?
The Ghost Hunter: I’d heard a few stories about the red-clad warriors before you came through. That Higgs might be the one leading them came as quite the shock. He’s the same bastard that’s been distributing weapons all over the place, right? Trying to get everyone to take up arms and sow discord. Forming lasting connections is out of the question if we can’t find common ground. The spread of weapons and violence is a lot more terrifying than any sort of paranormal activity, if you ask me.
Sam: What exactly does a ghost hunter do?
The Ghost Hunter: Even since the Death Stranding, sightings of paranormal phenomena have been steadily increasing… though a lot of these can be chalked up to simple misperception or misinformation. Among all these claims, tales of supernatural entities are especially common these days. And as a ghost hunter, I investigate the more promising reports to see if there’s any truth to them. Unfortunately, it’s not feasible for me to go out and do research right now. So I have to rely on others to do my field work for me.
Sam: I’d best get going.
The Ghost Hunter: You’ve done some wonderful work for me. So much so that I’d love it if you could continue. I intend to carry on with my research. There are a few things that I’m still pretty curious about. Maybe they’re nothing more than baseless rumors, but if any seem promising, I’ll contact you via the SSS. I hope I can count on you when the time comes. Good luck with your deliveries, and take care.
Level 3
APAS: This facility’s occupant is unable to receive you at this time. Access restrictions are in place while the Drawbridge Q-pid is engaged.
Dollman: Is the Drawbridge Q-pid triggering some sort of access restriction? As I recall, it suppresses connections to the other side… Does this mean the occupant is deceased? Perhaps you’ll be able to meet them again if you deactivate the Drawbridge Q-pid, Sam…
The Ghost Hunter: Ah, there you are. Did you see my post on the SSS? A concerning rumor is doing the rounds… There’s a chance someone might be hurt, so I’m pouring all of my energy into getting to the bottom of it. I apologize in advance for being AWOL over the next little while—this work demands focus. Then again… If you were willing to lend a hand, we’d probably figure this thing out way faster. If you’re interested, you’ll find the details by checking the sub orders on this delivery terminal.
The Ghost Hunter: You got to the bottom of things, have you? Let me review the order. At long last, we meet the mysterious voice. A healthy lyrebird. You took excellent care of our new friend. You’ve helped me to solve a fascinating mystery. Here’s a little something to say thanks. Just so you know, I’ve decided to increase the amount of materials you can withdraw from here. A superb lyrebird—I never would’ve guessed. Well, at least there was no one in need of help. As for the phantom gas grenade schematic I’ve shared, it’s a highly effective weapon that can be used to disorient human targets. Exposure results in temporary visual and aural impairment, putting hostiles out of action for a while. The perfect tool for sowing chaos in enemy ranks in order to avoid a fight.
Sam: How’s the lyrebird doing?
The Ghost Hunter: Keeping quiet, mostly. It’s settled down somewhat. Seems like an old injury is what prevented it from getting around on its own. Lyrebirds are adept at imitating human speech, but this one’s talents are on a whole other level. I’m thinking I might entrust it to the animal shelter once it’s recovered… and I expect I’ll be asking you for help when that time comes. In any case, I’ll get in touch via the SSS after I’ve made arrangements with the staff there.
Sam: How exactly do phantom gas grenades work?
The Ghost Hunter: On detonation, the grenade releases a gas infused with tar particles. When inhaled, it induces a separation of Ka and Ha, as your soul is temporarily drawn towards the other side. The afflicted are powerless to act, naturally. It won’t work on DOOMS sufferers, though. They’re immune. To reiterate, the effect is temporary and does no permanent damage.
Sam: I’d best get going.
The Ghost Hunter: I have to thank you again. Your work was exceptional. I’ll be sure to reach out to you through the SSS when I need assistance in the future. There’s no shortage of intriguing rumors I’d like to investigate further. See you around, mate.
Level 4
The Ghost Hunter: Hey there. I take it you saw my post on the SSS? There’s something that needs doing…. But alas, I’m, ah…neck deep in rumors of strange activity. Reckon you could do us a solid and take care of it? Check the sub orders on the delivery terminal here for more info.
The Ghost Hunter: Well done, mate. I can’t believe you came back with the goods. Let’s have ourselves a look. Delivery looks to be in just about perfect condition. I’m glad you handled this delicate cargo with care. You’ve been a good friend, and it’s only right I share this data with you. I’ve upped your materials allocation again. Take whatever you need, mate. A catcher wearing a building like some sort of horrific hermit crab eh…? Reality truly puts fiction to shame. Anyway, thanks again for the cargo. I’ll be able to resume my research into this one particularly vexing rumor now. That said, it’s looking like I might not be able to make any real progress till I have access to data from the whole continent. As in, I’ll have to wait until the Australian chiral network is fully completed. Once that happens, and all the pieces are in place, I’ll contact you via the SSS. I’m sure I’ll need your help to solve this little mystery.
Level 5
The Ghost Hunter: Doing alright, I hope? Have you’ve seen my latest SSS post? I’ve been working day and night studying these chiral crystals that you brought me. You’ll have to forgive me if I’m a little less social than usual… but I’m nearing the end of this investigation. Want to pitch in? If so, access the delivery terminal and look for the details under sub orders. The stakes have never been higher, I fear. I could do with your help.
The Ghost Hunter: Welcome back, Sam. Did everything go according to plan? Let’s see how you fared out there… Talk about an easy win! You’re a force of nature, mate. You honestly might be the kindest person I know, Sam. It’s not much, but I’d like to give you this token of my appreciation. I’ve upped your materials allocation again. Take whatever you need, mate. This latest investigation was on a whole other level. Too much for me to handle alone, that’s for sure. Without you, I’d have never been able to finish it. Good thing I didn’t throw in the towel, eh?
Sam: You’ve been pursuing this investigation for a while, huh?
The Ghost Hunter: Not so long ago, a giant catcher appeared near North Fort Knot and triggered a massive voidout. Around that same time, a proliferation of rare chiral crystals was observed in the vicinity. And as you might’ve guessed, the chiral crystals that you brought me possess the same unique properties as those ones. All the evidence seems to suggest that they form in the presence of a giant catcher. Despite my best efforts, I was ultimately powerless to prevent the destruction of North Fort Knot. But this time, with your help, we were able to spare Terminal Fort Knot that same fate. I’m so glad I never gave up on this line of research.
Sam: I’d best get going.
The Ghost Hunter: I really can’t thank you enough, Sam. Countless people live to see another day because of you. I’ll continue to keep an eye out for other reports of paranormal activity worth investigating, but honestly… I hope I don’t find any. Let’s both keep on keeping on, eh? Take care, Sam.