u/Yamihara

As mentioned in AG story writing developer note, music production dev note also came along.
TL NOTE: IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED CHAP 22, SKIP READING THIS UNTIL YOU DONE WITH THAT.

Here is the detail:

#Q1 Composers of Aether Gazer, The year-long main story of the Shashvat Arc has finally concluded. Many Administrators mentioned the background music for this storyline. Are there any behind-the-scenes stories about the main story music creation you'd like to share with everyone? 

Polymath9: 

In the main story of version 4.5, we created multiple thematic melodies that run through the entire chapter. 

This version's theme music, "Crossed the Wrath of Gods," is divided into three sections: the first section aims to express the grandeur and sense of crisis of the series' final chapter; the second melody is the theme of "Apophis," used in the battle song "Shadow of the Unsetting Eclipse" for Vert and Osiris's fight against Apophis; the third section is the theme of "Horus."

Regarding the video soundtrack for "Life and Death," we checked the music style with the script planners very early in the production stage, and finally settled on the current instrumentation of piano + violin + guitar, which can be lyrical while also conveying a sense of power. In several scenes between Horus and Ra, we wanted to strengthen "Horus's theme melody," but if we directly used the entire version theme music, the first half would sound too passionate. Therefore, in the background music for these scenes, "Aeons Trodden in Silence" and "Parting at Future's Threshold," we composed a brand new verse and interlude for Horus's melody. The album "Walking Alone with Me Part 3," which includes the two aforementioned pieces, is currently scheduled for release on October 20th 2025. We hope Administrators will give it their full support. 

Electric guitar is one of Horus's core design elements. In addition to specially recording an electric guitar solo for Horus' detection animation, in Apophis' final BOSS battle, to highlight Horus' coolness, we reinterpreted the theme music "Crossed the Wrath of Gods" with electric guitar and added a guitar shredding solo that wasn't in the original theme music. We'd like to specially thank "@Zhang Bapo ZBP," a professional guitarist! The initial shredding melody I wrote was just a demo, because I thought it was too difficult and didn't expect it to be played exactly as is. Unexpectedly, when I finally heard the finished arrangement, it was played perfectly without any changes – a true master!

S9ryne (DashSound Team): 

Hello everyone, Administrators, I'm S9ryne from the DashSound team. I'm delighted to have participated in the creation of the main story music for version 4.5. 

This time, Apophis's BOSS battle music, "Wings Shattering the Long Night," was composed based on the main melody provided by Teacher Polymath9. We hoped to convey the tension and pressure of a final battle, as well as the high energy and hope reflecting the characters and story's tone. So, we ultimately chose a traditional orchestral style combined with rock to match the style of our 4.5 main story. 

In this version's music, the most notable feature is the electric guitar element. Together with guitarist Teacher Zhang Bapo ZBP, we researched and explored, incorporating many experimental playing techniques; this rarely appeared in previous soundtracks, and we hope everyone enjoys it. In the future, we will continue to collaborate closely with Yostar Audio to create more exciting game music.

#Q2 Thanks for the music production sharing from the DashSound team. It seems a part of players particularly love the track "Yet Tomorrow Dawns." Does the composer have any creative details they'd like to share? 

LousikAEy: 

Regarding "Yet Tomorrow Dawns," used during the conversation between the Administrator and Brahma on the rooftop, when composing it, I hoped to convey the grand scale of Brahma's "Pure Land" plan, while also reflecting the struggles of the myriad beings in this world. I used a constantly revolving piano melody and lyrical cello to express this feeling of struggle. In addition, I added clock sound effects to make the overall atmosphere more urgent. As Odin said, "Time is running out." 

Also, I wonder if Administrators have noticed that the melody in Hanan's battle song "City Trembling in Inferno" is actually the "Apophis theme" played upside down? This hints at the relationship between these two characters.

Interviewer: That's such a design ∑(OVO”)!!

Polymath9: 

Yes, indeed, brother, there is. When we create for "Aether Gazer," we strive to provide unique thematic motifs for most important factions. For example, starting from version 3.0, soundtracks related to "Gaea" all share a common "perfect fifth" element, including the Realm Controller (chapter 19 final boss) BOSS battle music, the background music for the 4.0 login animation "Gaea Zero," and this time, the music for the Inspector Ruins, all utilize the hollow feeling brought by the "perfect fifth chord." A perfect fifth is the second simplest frequency relationship interval in music, second only to a perfect octave. We hope to use the unique hollow feeling contained in the "perfect fifth" interval to express the absolute rationality, perhaps somewhat cold and ruthless, side of the "Gaea" system. 

The "inversion" used in Hanan's battle song, and the "retrograde" alongside it, are common compositional techniques in music. In other soundtracks of Aether Gazer, there are also other related melodic themes, which may be related to some undisclosed character backgrounds and plot. Administrators interested in the story might pay more attention to the music itself, and even the titles or descriptions in the archives, when listening to the music later.

#Q3 Thank you very much to the composers for sharing. Below are a few more questions raised by Administrators in the comments section; please answer them. 
I really like "Play the Life Story," the BGM from Brahma's skin story. Can the music team share the inspiration behind its creation? 

LousikAEy: 

When I saw the imagery of the city, Ferris wheel, fireworks, and the very gentle Brahma in front of the Administrator, I felt it was a very warm and touching scene, and this melody then appeared in my mind. At the same time, I also incorporated elements from the game room BGM in Brahma's costume, and finally chose the piano as the main body, adding some synthesizers with a city feel, to write this piece of music. I'm very happy that Administrators enjoy it.

#Q4 Are there any plans for new rhythm game events in the future? 

Polymath9: 

Producer Awei mentioned in a previous live broadcast that starting from version 4.6, rhythm game events will become a permanent gameplay mode. All Administrators are welcome to play and experience it. 

After the rhythm game becomes a permanent feature, we will also update it regularly, including adding new tracks and new difficulty charts for old tracks. If Administrators have game soundtracks they wish to be included in the rhythm game mode, you can also submit them through various feedback channels.

#Q5 I heard that the Xuheng version is being prepared. How is the music for the new Xuheng region coming along? 

Polymath9:

It's being made! It's being made! (New folder.jpg) Recently, we have gradually begun preliminary exploration of the music styles of the prototype regions involved in the new Xuheng chapter. This is also one of our key work priorities for the next stage. We hope to continue using appropriate methods to combine traditional folk art with the unique worldview of "Aether Gazer" to bring everyone beautiful music. Please look forward to it!

TL: This is the end of music production interview. Do you want me to post Hel dev note next? Thanks for your reading.

Some may know, some may not, Yongshi actually released 2 special dev notes back then, one for story writing exclusively, the other is for AG music production. Both was released in Horus patch, which means Global never getting it because we are in Hel patch.

Yes, the dev note is important. AG developers actually announced a "change of direction" back then in Horus patch stream, and this is the result of it. If you want the detail of "direction change" just ask in the comment. This one is about story writing interview; it shapes your expectation about chap 23 onward so please read it if you finished chap 22.

#Q1

The main story updates only once a year, watching it feels so agonizingly slow! Can you speed it up a bit!

Panghu (AG storywriter):

We're already making adjustments!

For a period of time (mainly starting around the CN 2nd anniversary), the number of side stories has indeed been greater than the main story. In terms of story positioning, the main story focuses on a diverse cast, usually involving large-scale events, multiple factions, and important world-building elements. It carries a more crucial mission, requires more comprehensive consideration, and is relatively more difficult to write. After the major arcs of Xuheng, Sasanami, and Molander, while reviewing, summarizing, perfecting settings, and planning future story directions, to deepen and expand the worldview, we hoped to use side stories to tell past or alternative perspectives, paving the way for subsequent story developments. For example, "A Determined Mind" served as the opening for Shashvat, and "Sword Song" and "Mist Phantom Path" introduced the concepts of White mist and the Eleventh Sephira Zone. In addition, we also wanted to use side stories to try out different narrative styles from the main story, providing Administrators with new reading experiences, such as the suspense and tension of "Sound of Rain" or the witty humor of "A Good Show. (Ek Chuah side story)"

At this stage, our goal of worldview expansion has been initially achieved, and the lead writer has a relatively complete plan for the subsequent main story development. We plan to gradually return to a rhythm primarily focused on main chapters, supplemented by side stories. So, as mentioned in the CN 3.5th-anniversary live stream, we are preparing a relatively continuous main story arc set in Xuheng, expected to start from this year's V4.8 version and possibly span until next year's half-anniversary (excluding the summer event version). We hope to present Administrators with a wonderful story!

#Q2 The live stream previewed new Xuheng story content, will Gengchen return?

Panghu:

Speaking of Xuheng, Gengchen is indeed a character that Administrators are very concerned about. As previously revealed to Administrators, Gengchen has only fallen into a "slumber" and has not truly left. She is still silently watching over the land of Xuheng. We have arranged some related plot points for her in the next major Xuheng main story arc, but her official return is accompanied by more important events and missions... We'll reveal more when the time is right.

A key concept of the Xuheng arc is "legacy" – the guardianship of one generation and the pioneering spirit of another. This trip to Xuheng, in addition to exploring solutions to the Cloud Song Ore problem, will also introduce a brand-new region beyond the Five Islands and a protracted battle, showcasing the rich history of this land and the unique romantic charm of Xuheng. Facing new enemies and challenges, Administrators will not only receive help from old friends but also meet a new batch of companions. In short, please look forward to it!

#Q3 Hello? When will Nia be released? Where's my Frey? Where's my Ningishzida? Where's my Vidar? Where's my Poseidon...

Panghu:

Ahem, unconsciously, we've dug so many holes... Thank you very much for your love for these characters. Not only old characters and NPC Modifiers, but we've also seen the passion some Administrators have for certain non-Modifier NPCs. This gives the copywriting team great motivation. Although we really want to bring you all the content you want, our production capacity is limited (Awei (project director), stop rushing me, I'll definitely submit next week QAQ), and we need to proceed step by step according to specific story plans.

For some Modifiers from the early days of the game's launch, we plan to supplement their past, future goals, and their bond with Administrators in new story content, showcasing their growth and transformation. For example, Hel and Hodur, who will appear in new forms in the upcoming 4.6 and 4.7 versions, as well as several other Modifiers who have accompanied Administrators for a long time, are also in our "Advancement" plan.

For some NPCs who have appeared in the story, even if some have not yet been confirmed for implementation, we will try our best to arrange more appearances for these beloved characters without disrupting the story plan. In addition to the main story, activities and the Modifier lounge daily interactions (TL note: there are actually several one, i will post them later) revealed in previous live streams are also ways to produce related content for everyone. For example, Nia, who has recently received a lot of attention, will meet everyone again in the next Administrator birthday story and next year's summer event. We are also currently discussing the feasibility of Nia being implemented as a Modifier in the future. Uh, perhaps... I mean, it might really require opening a new Cthulhu Genzone. What do Administrators think?

#Q4 There are new wedding dresses and vows, what about Vert? How will the relationships between various Vow Modifiers be handled going forward?

Panghu:

Darn it! Comment section! Don't! Keep! Bullying! Our! Vert!

When we first thought of trying the classic "wedding dress" theme, the first person we thought of was Vert, the girl who has accompanied Administrators the longest in the story of Aether Gazer and has remained steadfastly by the Administrator's side through various hardships. It was precisely because of the positive response to this wedding dress costume that we decided to further develop a Vow system that complements the wedding dress. So, with the launch of the new wedding dress costume and Vow system in V4.8, we will also add exclusive Vow interactions for Verthandi's wedding dress costume. At the same time, the Vow system's exclusive story, effects, voice lines, and other content will also be added, and Verthandi's Vow ring item will be given to all Administrators for free! In addition, we also plan to write an additional story about Vert and the Administrator accepting each other, bridging the last gap between their hearts, and achieving "soul link" as the introduction to the Vow system. In this story, Administrators will personally visit Molander to propose marriage and officially marry Vert in Aether Gazer.

Vows, Heart Links, and Casual Observation (gacha skin story) stories all genuinely exist within the main axis of the Gaea world, occurring over a relatively long period of time. Administrators may be able to find relevant information in related texts to infer the time period in which these events occur. In future main/side stories, we will also show the corresponding characters' emotional changes at appropriate times. Furthermore, whether to "single-focus" or "have them all" will be left to the Administrators to decide. Perhaps there will occasionally be some interesting little interludes in the Administrator's daily life, but overall, we will maintain equality, harmony, and stability in the relationships between relevant characters, hoping to provide Administrators with abundant emotional value!

TL: That is the end for Story writing developer note. Thanks for your reading.