Crying Tape and Recorder

Crying Tape and Recorder is notable because it serves the following role: xu Yin's anchor and Chen Ge's principal means of carrying and summoning him. Its importance comes from demonstrated use and custody rather than an assumed artifact rank.

History

The crying tape comes from the Wheel of Misfortune, and Chen later obtains a recorder so it can be played in the field. The man’s crying is Xu Yin’s anchor: playback calls or signals him and lets him accompany missions while his relationship with Chen develops beyond the original recording. (Chapters 150–151, 196–209)

Abilities and properties

• Playback permits Xu Yin to emerge or respond during supernatural danger. (Chapters 198–209, 234–275)
• The recording carries grief intense enough to disturb listeners even before Xu Yin manifests.
• The device can be unavailable, silent, or overwhelmed by stronger door-world rules; it does not make Xu Yin a mindless summoned weapon.

Ownership and custody

Chen Ge carries the tape and recorder through successive missions. Xu Yin remains the person bound to the medium, while the equipment stays active in the House of Horrors after his advancement to Red Specter. (Chapters 288–394, 408–462, 672–709, 834–906, 950–1149)