Our hero has been wandering the Howling Cliffs for long hours, their dark and empty vessel eyes reflecting no curiosity, no feelings—exactly as a vessel should be, following the rules until their soul vanishes from their empty corpse. Echoes of a mysterious voice resonate in their mind: "No will to break. No mind to think. No voice to cry suffering"—words the hero cannot yet comprehend, their memory fractured and incomplete.

No time for contemplation as the hero discovers a breakable rock wall. Breaking through reveals two rocky rooms: one empty, the other containing the corpse of a strange bug. Instinctively, the hero uses their Dream Nail—a gift from the butterflies allowing entry into the dreams and minds of Hallownest's bugs, living or dead. The usual yellow essence radiating from minds is replaced by dark red energy that activates a flame in the previously empty room.

Returning to Dirtmouth, the atmosphere has shifted. From a distance comes the terrifying yet hypnotic sound of an accordion, its rhythm cutting through the air. Approaching Elderbug, the hero receives explanation without needing to ask.

"Oh, hello, little one," Elderbug says. "As you can see, some tents have been erected yonder. Such a shame—I was enjoying Dirtmouth's peace and quiet. That accordion though... beautiful and hypnotic, reminding me of my youth when music was my life elixir. Time doesn't forgive, and I doubt I'll trade sleep for music, no matter how lovely." He chuckles, then coughs softly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll nap on the bench. You may explore if you wish, little knight."

The hero needs no further encouragement, immediately heading toward the tents. The main tent features a hand-drawn sign in reddish tone matching the essence from the Howling Cliffs corpse: "Grimm Troupe." A traveling circus? Why appear now in Dirtmouth when no records mention them elsewhere in Hallownest? Questions multiply with no answers as the hero ventures inside.

The accordion grows louder with each step until the hero reaches its source: an odd bug taller than their small form, wearing a reddish scarf and white mask with vertical eye splits. The hero watches silently with empty curiosity as the bug plays, then stops to speak.

"The mistress awaits you on stage, little vessel," says Brumm. "She wants your presence for her show—truly an honor you should cherish."

His words echo in the nearly empty tent, directing the hero toward Grimmia. But what path will the vessel take?