The Posthumous Investigation Walkthrough
Phase 2 — Deep Investigation & Both Endings

🗺️ Phase 2 Overview (Loops 11–25)

Phase 2 is where the case is actually solved. The first 10 loops built the evidence foundation — Phase 2 uses that foundation to construct complete, unassailable accusation chains. The Standard Ending is achievable around Loop 16; the True Ending around Loop 20. Loops 21–25 collect the dialogue-based achievements and the hidden location evidence.

🔍 Loops 11–13: Alibi Contradiction & Means Completion

Loop 11 — Cross-Character Testimony Cross-Reference (3:45:44)

By Loop 11 you have a substantial board, but the Opportunity chain's alibi contradiction is still unconfirmed. This loop is a targeted cross-reference sweep: take every testimony that claims a suspect's location at the crime window and find a contradicting source. The contradiction almost always involves a secondary character who was present at the same location but has been underused in prior loops.

• Open board and trace the Opportunity chain. Identify the gap — usually between a testimony node and the alibi contradiction.
• Target the secondary character most likely to have been present — use their known schedule from Loop 1 mapping.
• Speak to them about the time window. Use any relevant cross-character knowledge to unlock deeper branches.
• If testimony contradicts the suspect's alibi, add to board and attempt the Opportunity chain connection.

Loop 12 — Alibi Contradiction Evidence (4:08:10)

Testimonies contradict — but the game requires physical or documentary evidence to validate the contradiction. This loop pursues the physical evidence that places the suspect at the crime location during the crime window. Refer to the overlooked clue locations from the Tips & Tricks guide — the Port District and bedroom second visit are most likely to contain this evidence if not already collected.

Loop 13 — Means Chain Physical Evidence (4:27:36)

The Means chain requires proof that the suspect had access to the murder weapon or method. This loop focuses exclusively on completing that chain: locate the physical evidence of means access, connect it to the suspect via a deduction node, and verify the chain traces cleanly from Evidence → Deduction → Accusation.

💬 Loops 14–15: Hidden Branches & Board Test

Loop 14 — Time-Window Exclusive Dialogue (4:44:11)

Several dialogue branches only appear in specific time windows — early morning (before 08:30) or late evening (after 20:00). These branches contain supplementary evidence that strengthens existing chains but is not strictly required for the Standard Ending. For the True Ending, at least one late-evening branch is mandatory. Dedicate this loop to all time-window exclusive conversations you haven't yet attempted.

• Before 08:30: revisit any character known to be more candid in the morning
• After 20:00: particularly the primary suspect, who has an evening-exclusive emotional state
• Note any new nodes generated — add to board immediately
• At end of loop, attempt full board trace for all three chains

Loop 15 — Board Completion Test Accusation (5:00:59)

This is your first deliberate test accusation. Before submitting, do the following checklist:

If all five are checked, submit the accusation. If it succeeds → Standard Ending achieved. If rejected → note which chain failed and plan Loop 16 accordingly.

🏁 Loop 16: Standard Ending (5:18:25)

If the Loop 15 accusation was successful, you have already achieved the Standard Ending. If not, Loop 16 addresses the rejected chain. The most common rejection reason at this stage is an Opportunity chain where the alibi contradiction is present as a testimony but lacks a physical evidence anchor. One more return to the Port District (18:00+) or the dawn garden (07:00–07:45) typically resolves this.

After the Standard Ending, your board is preserved and you re-enter the investigation. True Ending requirements are additive — you need the Standard Ending evidence plus the additional items for the extended chains.

⭐ Loops 17–20: True Ending Path (5:34:30)

The True Ending requires three additional elements beyond the Standard Ending: the secondary conspirator's evidence chain, the extended Motive chain from the café meeting, and the secondary conspirator Accusation node on the board. See the Endings Guide for the complete requirement list.

Loops 17–18 — Secondary Conspirator Evidence

Loops 17 and 18 focus on the character who appears peripheral throughout the investigation but is complicit in the murder. Most players have interacted with this character but haven't pursued their evidence trail because it didn't directly relate to the primary murder. Use your full knowledge base to unlock their deep dialogue branches and collect the physical evidence that places them in the conspiracy.

Loop 19 — True Ending Board Completion

Add the secondary conspirator Accusation node to the board and connect it through their evidence chain. The True Ending accusation requires both the primary and secondary conspirator nodes to be active and connected. Attempt the True Ending accusation at the end of this loop.

Loop 20 — True Ending Achieved

If Loop 19's board was complete, Loop 20 begins with the accusation already ready. Verify the board, submit the True Ending accusation, and watch the extended ending sequence.

✅ End of Phase 2 — Completion Checklist

Proceed to Phase 3: 100% Achievement Completion →

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