Chapter 18 of 50 in the Under Deepspace arc
Characters across this arc
Main Character Xavier Zayne Tara Rafayel Caleb Jenna Josephine Radio Host Hunters Association President
Other chapters in this arc
Under Deepspace · The First Mission · 02-08
Studio Encounter
Following the address Thomas gave her, the Main Character finds a studio at Whitesand Bay and senses energy traces behind the door. Inside, someone is focused on painting — but the moment he turns and recognizes her as the Hunter he met before (back in the Ripples chapter, 01-07), he loses his balance and topples off his tall stool. The player must choose whether to catch him or dodge (a Timed Interaction). Regardless of the outcome, his identity is confirmed: this is Rafayel — the mysterious man from the fish pond, now revealed as the genius painter behind the illusion-causing painting. Their brief, banter-filled exchange reveals his real personality: blunt and somewhat childish, a stark contrast to the cold image portrayed in magazine interviews. This chapter unlocks the 'Tripped' title along with a Spacepedia entry on Mo Art Studio, formally closing the investigation arc that began in 02-01 with their first direct reunion, and paving the way for 02-09/02-10, which clarify the link between Rafayel and the Wanderer tied to the painting.