On the Trail of Destruction

On the Trail of Destruction

Quest giver

Hildibrand

Location

Shaaloani (X:14.9, Y:18.7)

Quest line

Hildibrand Sidequests
┗ Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures Quests

Level

100

Required items

1   Liquor Bottle
1   Sack of Produce
1   Piece of Paper

Requirements

Disciples of War or Magic

Gil

 2,383

Previous quest

A Vandal in the Wild

Patch

7.35

Links

EDB GT TC

“

Where it concerns his assistant's well-being, not even Inspector Hildibrand can maintain his customary aplomb.

— In-game description

Steps

• Speak with Hardiboiled.
• Speak with Hardiboiled and have him accompany you.
• Gather information in Luwateninyawawsa while Hardiboiled and Hildibrand are accompanying you.
• Gather information in Luwateninyawawsa again while Hardiboiled and Hildibrand are accompanying you.
• Gather more information in Luwateninyawawsa while Hardiboiled and Hildibrand are accompanying you.
• Speak with Hardiboiled.
• Search for clues.
• Deliver the clues to Hardiboiled.
• Speak with Kemakka.
• Speak with Kemakka again.
• Speak with Hardiboiled in Solution Nine.

Journal

• Where it concerns his assistant's well-being, not even Inspector Hildibrand can maintain his customary aplomb.
• Nashu's detainment on suspicion of being the vandal has made Hildibrand all the more determined to catch the true criminal. In the course of his inquiries, the inspector was able to learn that a wolflike fiend has been sighted near Luwateninyawawsa, and thus do you make for the settlement in hopes of finding a lead.
• Traversing the red plains of Shaaloani, you and your companions soon arrive at Luwateninyawawsa. This time, Hardiboiled suggests questioning the locals together, and bids you indicate when you are ready to begin.
• At your word, you and your companions proceed into Luwateninyawawsa. With some luck, the residents will have information leading to your lupine fugitive.
  
  ※You must be accompanied by Hardiboiled and Hildibrand to complete this task. Speak with either of them again should you become separated.
• You speak with a farmer who claims to have witnessed a wolflike fiend making off with a sack of vegetables, indicating that your fugitive has been hungry. Making note of this finding, you continue making your way through Luwateninyawawsa.
• The second person you approach has not seen a wolf-fiend, but rather some manner of adorable, squealing creature. While Hardiboiled has heard about such a beast on True Vue, he believes it is unrelated to your investigation, and you look for other residents to question.
• You meet a woman who has caught sight of a wolflike fiend multiple times, in lunyucaua'pya territory to the south of the settlement. Hardiboiled is convinced that the fugitive must be hiding there, and you waste no time setting forth to investigate.
• You come to the Yawtanane Grasslands, the general location of the sighting, but the cauahealoa is not immediately in evidence. At Hardiboiled's bidding, you split up to scour the area for traces of the fugitive.
• Taking yourself around the grasslands, you manage to find a set of clues: a sack of produce, an empty liquor bottle, and─most telling of all─a piece of paper appearing to bear diary entries written by the vandal. Next to the paper was an oglop, but you set that detail aside for now as you hurry to present your discoveries to Hardiboiled.
• A review of the diary entries confirms that, like the thieving eyeclops, the vandalizing cauahealoa indeed serves the mysterious researcher. The fugitive has now been instructed to “put on a bigger show,” to which end the mastermind will provide him with barrels of ceruleum. When Hildibrand reiterates his opposition to violence ahead of a potential confrontation, Hardiboiled reveals his tragic past as a cautionary tale. He, too, once had an assistant, but she was killed by the Crime King when he lowered his guard in a moment of softness. The warning duly given, you and your companions next head to Hhusatahwi, there to alert Kemakka and his Dustwatch to the fugitive's intent.
• When you alert Kemakka to the impending act of destruction, he reveals that the vandal has just announced the train to be the target. The sheriff departs to round up his officers, during which time your party hurries ahead to the station. There, you at last come face-to-face with the vandalizing cauahealoa, who threatens to ignite the barrels of ceruleum placed before the engine. However, the fiend carelessly sets itself ablaze instead, and it takes an inspired moment of collaboration between Hildibrand and Hardiboiled to stop the panicked creature from hurtling straight into the explosive fuel. Kemakka then arrives and has his men take the fugitive into custody, but it is revealed that the sheriff is in fact an impostor, with the Crime King, Carnelian, having assumed his likeness. The villain manages to flee the scene─but not before ominously declaring that the commotion has served its purpose...
• Back at Dustwatch headquarters in Hhusatahwi, Kemakka has scarcely released Nashu from her cell when one of his officers bursts in with dire news: a large shipment of ceruleum has been stolen from Sheshenewezi, with the thieves striking while the watch's eyes were on the train station. Thus do you discover the researcher's true target, albeit too late. Kemakka promises to conduct a thorough investigation in Shaaloani, and having resolved the situation as it stands, you and your companions make your way back to the bright lights of True Vue in Solution Nine.
• With the researcher's grand design and identity still unknown, Hardiboiled says that he will continue working to extract more data from the storage device. He bids you check in from time to time, and you brace yourself for when next the Case of the Fiendish Fugitives resumes.

Dialogue

Accepting the quest

Hildibrand: I cannot bear to imagine sweet, innocent Nashu behind bars. We must apprehend the true criminal and secure her release posthaste!

Hardiboiled: “Sweet” and “innocent” ain't words I'd use to describe a bomb-toting dame, but setting that aside...we know who we're after. We just need to track 'em down.

Hildibrand: A number of residents report having sighted an unusual wolflike fiend. Apparently, it has appeared near a settlement called Lure-them-in-your-trousers.

Hardiboiled: It's Luwateninyawowza. You need to clean the wax out of your ears.
Hardiboiled: Y-Yeah, that's what I meant... Luwateninyawawsa. C'mon, let's see what we can find out there.

Optional Dialogue

Hildibrand: Hm? You are surprised that I have already changed into fresh attire? I fortuitously had a spare set on hand. Insofar as it is possible, one must ever maintain a gentlemanly and dignified appearance!

Speak with Hardiboiled

Hardiboiled: Right, let's question the locals about wolfman sightings. Should be straightforward enough, so we'll stay together this time. Just say the word and we'll get started.

Optional Dialogue

Hildibrand: Luwateninyawowsers! Nothing to it!

Speak with Hardiboiled and have him accompany you

Hardiboiled: Ready? Then lead the way.

Q: What will you do?

> Talk.
> Part ways.
> Nothing.

< Talk. >
Hardiboiled: The swirling sands of a dust storm may hide the truth, but there's nothing my thousand-yalm stare can't pierce.

Hildibrand: Even now, poor Nashu must be trembling in her cell... We must expedite her liberation!

< Part ways. >

System: Are you sure you wish to part ways with your companions?

Hardiboiled: You're taking off? Fine, do what you gotta do. We'll be waiting back where we started.

Hildibrand: You have urgent business? Very well, but please do not take overlong. Nashu is doubtless crying out for deliverance!

Hardiboiled: There you are. Let's get back to business.

Hildibrand: We've awaited your return! Come, let us continue the task of questioning the locals.

< Discuss the oven. (optional) >

Hardiboiled: Wood ovens, eh? Unheard of in Solution Nine. We do all our cooking with electrope appliances.
Hardiboiled: That said, the smoke might give eggs a nice flavor... I'll have to look into it when I get the chance.

Hildibrand: Mother used to roast whole myotragus in a giant oven. She was partial to the billies for the flavor, but I found them a little tough. That has no bearing on my own toughness, mind you!

System: You must be accompanied by Hardiboiled and Hildibrand, and have them at your side in order to proceed with quest objectives.
System: Your companions have yet to arrive. Be sure they are at your side before attempting to continue.

Gather information in Luwateninyawawsa while Hardiboiled and Hildibrand are accompanying you

Rugged Farmer: I saw it alright─a wolflike fiend I'd never seen before. It made off with a sack of vegetables we'd just harvested.

Hildibrand: 'Twould seem our fugitive was famished. Being a wolf, however, would it not hunt for its own food?

Hardiboiled: Whatever it is now, it used to be a man. Wouldn't be odd if it still ate like one.
Hardiboiled: And if it isn't keen on hunting, it'd likely keep close to settlements for its meals.

Optional Dialogue

Rugged Farmer: Now that you lot mention it, there was something man-like about the fiend. The way it looked around to see if the coast was clear, for example.

< Discuss the residences. (optional) >

Hardiboiled: You can see the resemblance between the homes here and those in the outskirts.
Hardiboiled: Was a real surprise when our worlds merged thirty years ago. I was just a greenhorn then, and she was still─
...Never mind.

Hildibrand: The motif on these dwellings is simple yet elegant. I expect Father would appreciate their artistry.
Hildibrand: H-He isn't here, is he? <gulp>

Gather information in Luwateninyawawsa while Hardiboiled and Hildibrand are accompanying you

Kindly Villager (without retinue): What's taking him so long...?

Kindly Villager: What I saw wasn't a wolf-fiend, but an adorable little critter. It kept squealing at me, as if it was trying to say something.

Hildibrand: Oho, I daresay this is a promising new lead!
Hildibrand: I have it! This creature is a minion of the vandalous wolfman!

Hardiboiled: <sigh> You and your soft-boiled guesses. I'd heard about strange squealing critters on True Vue, but I doubt it has anything to do with our case.

Optional Dialogue

Kindly Villager: A friend of mine went to take a look at the squealing critter, but he's been gone for quite a while now. I wonder if he's having trouble finding it...

Gather more information in Luwateninyawawsa while Hardiboiled and Hildibrand are accompanying you

Hardy Woman (without retinue): This ought to be enough.

Hardy Woman: The wolflike fiend? I've seen it south of here. Most folk avoid the area because it's lunyucaua'pya territory, but I go there to gather cactus.
Hardy Woman: And the past few times I did, I saw the creature heading towards the gorge. Even the lunyucaua'pyas give it a wide berth, so it must be dangerous indeed.

Hardiboiled: Our fugitive might be holed up in that gorge. C'mon, let's go take a look.

Optional Dialogue

Hardy Woman: It's no ordinary fiend that can frighten lunyucaua'pyas. If you're tracking it, you'd best take care.

Hildibrand: Is that a linear-cow-pier...?

Speak with Hardiboiled

Hardiboiled: The cauahealoa doesn't seem to be here right now, but this is definitely where it lays its head. I can feel it.
Hardiboiled: Let's split up and search for clues. If you turn up anything, you come and tell me.

Optional Dialogue

Hildibrand: Oh my, what a winsome critter you are...

Vocal Varmint: <squeal> <squeal>

Hardiboiled: Had a thirst, did we...?

Search for clues

System: The sack is laden with vegetables─likely those which the fugitive took from Luwateninyawawsa.
System: The liquor bottle has long since been drained to the last drop. Perhaps it was purloined by the fugitive...
System: Crude words have been scrawled on the piece of paper. An oglop loiters nearby, as if regarding the paper and you...
System: The oglop scurries off, leaving you to devote your attention to the paper, which appears to contain diary entries written by the fugitive.
System: There do not appear to be any more clues in the vicinity. Hardiboiled will want to take stock of your discoveries...

Optional Dialogue

Hildibrand: <squeal> <squeal>

Deliver the clues to Hardiboiled

Hardiboiled: I found this empty liquor bottle. What about you?
Hardiboiled: Good work, Forename. The bottles and the produce must've been taken from Luwateninyawawsa. As for the piece of paper...

Cutscene

Hardiboiled: These are diary entries alright. I'll read them out.
Hardiboiled: (Vandal's Diary) “Another good day's destruction. I reduced the barn to rubble in moments, well before anyone was the wiser. My newfound strength is truly astounding.
Hardiboiled: (Vandal's Diary) “The researcher contacted me. He wants me to put on a bigger show, and will provide barrels of ceruleum for the job. This is going to be my tour de force.”
Hardiboiled: So it's as we suspected. Like the thieving eyeclops, the vandalizing cauahealoa is working for the researcher.

Hildibrand: But I must say, for him to leave incriminating evidence out in the open where enterprising agents of enquiry can easily find is rather careless, is it not?

Hardiboiled: When he was apprehended as a man, he'd left a diary of his misdeeds lying around. Served as incontrovertible proof of his guilt. To do it again, knowing full well how it led to his downfall...perhaps he has some sort of clever design. Or perhaps...
Hardiboiled: He's just an idiot.

Hildibrand: At any rate, if our fugitive has barrels of ceruleum at his disposal, then we must exercise the utmost caution. The tiniest spark could cause an explosion to dwarf even Nashu's Delights, so I ask that you refrain from using your gun.

Hardiboiled: My gun's more versatile than you think.
Hardiboiled: It's capable of converting the lightning it absorbs to other kinds of energy. With the flick of a switch, it can shoot fire and water rounds as well.
Hardiboiled: So if push comes to shove, I'll give the wanton wolfman a hosing down.

Hildibrand: Well now, that is a wondrous gadget indeed. Yet be that as it may, I remain firmly opposed to violence in all forms and elemental aspects.
Hildibrand: Solving cases in a manner befitting a gentleman... Such is the creed of Hildibrand, agent of enquiry, inspector extraordinaire!

Hardiboiled: Hmph. Soft to the core. If you don't harden up, you'll make the same mistake I did...
Hardiboiled: As a rule, I don't talk about my past. But if there was ever a time to break that rule, now would be it...
Hardiboiled: I used to have an assistant too. She was a lot like your own Nashu. A real sweetheart.
Hardiboiled: But she's gone now. Killed by the Crime King because of me. Because I was too soft...
Hardiboiled: The Crime King's descended from a line of mages. Carnelian's his real name, and he can wield powerful magic with a whispered word and a flick of the wrist. Doesn't have to rely on fancy gadgets like ordinary folk.
Hardiboiled: We had him at our mercy, me and my assistant. But then he started spinning a sob story, and like a half-boiled milksop, I lowered my gun.
Hardiboiled: That was all the opening Carnelian needed. He cast a spell before I could blink, and I would've died where I stood...if my assistant hadn't leapt in the way.
Hardiboiled: She wasn't wearing a regulator because she was following my lead. I killed her as much as he did.

Hildibrand: That such a thing should have happened...

Hardiboiled: I was able to catch Carnelian soon after that, but now the bastard's at large again, in a fiend's body.
Hardiboiled: When you deal with villains, you can't afford to be soft. Or one day you or someone dear to you will pay for it.
Hardiboiled: Now then, we've confirmed the vandal's here. But what is it that the researcher wants to achieve with this destruction spree...?
Hardiboiled: Well, first things first─we need to alert the Dustwatch. They'll want to be ready when the vandal strikes next. You know where to find 'em?
Hardiboiled: Hhusatahwi, eh? Right then, let's head over there.

Hildibrand: To think that the detective had suffered such a terrible tragedy...
Hildibrand: I struggle to find the words...

Q: What will you say?

> Just be your usual gentlemanly self.
> It's unlike you to be at a loss for words.

Hildibrand: You are right, my friend. As ever, I shall endeavor to be true to myself!

Optional Dialogue

Nashu Mhakaracca: Nashu Mhakaracca: You must try...<crunch>...these tacos! <munch> Absolutely worth...<crunch>...incarceration! <munch>

Speak with Kemakka (cutscene)

Hildibrand: Stay strong, Nashu! Soon you will be free!

Nashu Mhakaracca: This taco...<crunch>...is amazing! <munch>

Kemakka: Ah, it's you lot. What is it?
Kemakka: I'll be damned... Just a moment ago, we received a message from someone claiming to be the vandal. They've declared that the train's their next target.
Kemakka: I was about to dismiss it as a prank, but having heard your report, I'm inclined to believe the threat is real.

Hardiboiled: Then we need to get to Shaaloani Station right away!

Kemakka: Indeed. I'll gather my men and hurry there.

Hildibrand: As for Nashu...
Hildibrand: 'Twould be best if she remained here for now, I think.
Hildibrand: Detective─keenly though I feel for your loss, I must reiterate my staunch opposition to violence. Whatever may await us, I believe that we must strive for a gentlemanly resolution!

Hardiboiled: The vandal never used to announce his targets. This reeks like a rotten egg...

Shenza: Thank goodness you're here! Please, you can't let that fiend destroy the train!

Hardiboiled: We're on it. Get somewhere safe.

Hildibrand: We have you at last! From gentleman to gentlewolf, I suggest you surren─
Hildibrand: Tsk-tsk, Detective!

Hardiboiled: Over there! A dame in distress!
Hardiboiled: Gah! Of all the times to be out of charge...

Cauahealoa: G-Give a man a fright, will you?
Cauahealoa: Hold it right there! Try anything funny, and I'll torch those barrels!
Cauahealoa: They're filled to the brim with ceruleum─enough to blow us all sky-high!
Cauahealoa: Hehehe, there's nothing you can do, so just relax and enjoy the─ ...Huh?
Cauahealoa: Yeooooooooowch!

Hildibrand: Wait! We must extinguish the fire!

Hardiboiled: Th-The hell you think you're doing!?

Hildibrand: I shall stop this runaway wolf-train!
Hildibrand: I-I fear he is disinclined to stop!

Hardiboiled: Th-They're coming back...
Hardiboiled: ...And they're headed straight for the engine!
Hardiboiled: Dammit... If only I could use my gun...

Hildibrand: A Manderville man...
Hildibrand: And his electrifying handstand!

Hardiboiled: You did good, softy... <pant> You did good...

Hildibrand: You as well, Detective... <pant> You as well...

Cauahealoa: I thought I was done for... I owe you my life.

Hardiboiled: So you don't know anything either.

Cauahealoa: I'm afraid not. I was only doing as I was told.

Hardiboiled: Then the researcher's true objective remains a mystery. This chaos and destruction can't all be for its own sake, can it...?

Hildibrand: If you have learned your lesson, then I suggest you surrender yourself to the Dustwatch. You will be safe in their care, and receive regular meals besides.

Cauahealoa: Alright. I'll go quietly.

Kemakka: Apologies for the delay. I see you have the situation well in hand.
Kemakka: So this fiend was behind the destruction. We're grateful for your help.

Hardiboiled: Despite appearances, he was originally a man, so treat him like one, eh?

Kemakka: Is that so? Understood, he'll be treated with due dignity.
Kemakka: You're still soft, Hardiboiled. As you always were.

Hardiboiled: You... You're Carnelian!

Kemakka: Hmph. I wasn't expecting an interruption so soon.
Kemakka: But no matter. The commotion has drawn you all here as intended.

Kemakka: The villain disguised himself as one of my men and knocked me out. The rest, I believe you know...

Hardiboiled: It seems Carnelian's also working for the researcher, and this was just a diversion. What's that bastard's game...?

Kemakka: Let's head back Hhusatahwi for now. We have to set your friend free, after all. My men can clean up things here.

Optional Dialogue

Nashu Mhakaracca: Zzzzzz... Mmmmmm...tacos...

Speak with Kemakka again (cutscene)

Kemakka: Right, let's get the lady out of her cell.

Hildibrand: Oh, Nashu! Such an ordeal that must have been!

Nashu Mhakaracca: Oh yes, the hors d'oeuvres were quite tasty!

Tonawawtan Officer: Sheriff, we have a situation! A large shipment of ceruleum has been stolen from Sheshenewezi!

Kemakka: What!?

Tonawawtan Officer: It appears the thieves struck while we were dealing with the trouble at the station...

Kemakka: So that was the true target!

Hardiboiled: First electrope, now ceruleum... What does he need all those resources for?
Hardiboiled: As for Carnelian, he ain't the sort to do someone else's bidding. You can bet he's got his own angle.
Hardiboiled: No matter what it is, I won't rest until justice has been served. And next time, my gun will be ready.

Kemakka: You know something about these happenings, by the sounds of it?
Kemakka: So this extends beyond Shaaloani... Even if we had the manpower, the Dustwatch can't go traipsing about in other jurisdictions, so I think it'd be best if we left the matter in your hands.

Hardiboiled: Yeah, you can leave it to─

Hildibrand: Hildibrand, agent of enquiry, inspector extraordinaire! I swear to you, good sheriff, that I shall find and apprehend the villain with grace and nonviolent finesse!

Kemakka: W-We'd be grateful. Naturally, my men and I will conduct a thorough investigation in Shaaloani. If we learn anything, we'll be sure to let you know.

Hardiboiled: C'mon, let's head back to Solution Nine. I could use a hard-boiled egg right about now. Maybe even two.

Optional Dialogue

Kemakka: The ceruleum theft is being treated as a priority matter. We'll leave no stone unturned in our investigation.

Hildibrand: Now that my lightning charge is spent, I feel somehow lackluster...

Nashu Mhakaracca: It seems the inspector was a hero yet again! He never fails to rise to the occasion!

Speak with Hardiboiled in Solution Nine (cutscene)

Hardiboiled: Ahhh, home... I didn't mind it out in the wilds, but for this sentimental old fool, nothin' beats this neon-lit city.
Hardiboiled: Now, I'll get back to working on the storage device. Check in from time to time, in case I've found us a new lead.

Hildibrand: Meanwhile, let us continue along our own lines of inquiry!
Hildibrand: Pray do not blame yourself for your assistant, Detective. The fault most assuredly lies not with you.

Hardiboiled: Hmph, what would a soft-boiled dope know?
Hardiboiled: Just take care of your own, eh?

System: Meanwhile, in Shaaloani...

Scheming Researcher: Excellent. Soon, the plan will come to fruition.
Scheming Researcher: Kanilokka's achievements will be meaningless...
Scheming Researcher: ...Next to what the heavens have gifted me.
Scheming Researcher: You fugitives have served me well indeed.

Carnelian: And you me.

Hardiboiled: Curious about my gun, are you? Come now, no need to be shy.
Hardiboiled: She's a Molt Python Maximum, fitted with a custom short barrel.
Hardiboiled: Being made of electrope, she can convert her lightning charge to fire rounds in other energies. 
Hardiboiled: The double action trigger means she's as fast you are, and the ambidextrous safety means she's at home in both hands.
Hardiboiled: The ventilated ribs help keep her cool and reduce the risk of malfunction when things really heat up.
Hardiboiled: The recoil spring guide rod takes the edge off her temper, while the extra long ejector rod housing serves to...

Nashu Mhakaracca: Are you getting sleepy? Because I sure am! Let's call it a day, shall we?
Nashu Mhakaracca: I don't have anything in particular to say about my alchemy tools. Till next time!

Optional Dialogue

Hardiboiled: Don't worry, Forename, I'm working on the storage device. I'll have more data cracked open soon enough.
Hardiboiled: By the by, I've been feeling eyes on me lately... Not sure who it is, but the softy would probably think it's an admirer.