M9: Great Cavern of Wonders

Premise

The general "story" of the missions in this set is that Shinra has uncovered a new set of caverns near the northern cave.

Investigation is wrought with difficulty due to both Genesis and Wutai remnants attempting to loot the caverns, as well as the presence of the local monster population, which is strangely overpowered. Machines, infantrymen, and others are used to protect the civilian employees, but a mysterious force seems to turn both defeated machines and humans against their former side.

Ultimately, only Zack is remaining (with all other Shinra, Genesis, and Wutai troops either retreated or lost) and continues further into the caves. This culminates in the last mission, where the source of the mysterious force is shown to be the game's Superboss.

Invitation the the Underground

Underground Caves

We unearthed a second subterranean den near the northern cave.
We cannot determine whether it was naturally formed, or made by human hands.
Shinra sent a science team, which never came back. This is where you come in.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 8-5-6
Chests: Graviga (Materia), Fire Ring, Bronze Armlet, Hypno Crown
Finish Reward: Aegis Armlet

Deeper into the Caves

The caves are larger inside than previously thought.
Headquarters has decided on a thorough investigation, but this is going to be a long-term mission.
Proceed slowly and with caution.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-1-1
Chests: Fat Chocobo Feather, Diamond Gloves, Gysahl Green, MBarrier (Materia)
Finish Reward: Thundaga Blade (Materia)

Marks of an Intruder

Evidence of human life has been found deep inside the caves.
We are obviously not the first ones in.
Investigate the surrounding area; if you encounter any hostiles, you are free to eliminate them.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-1-2
Chests: Lightning Ring, Assault Twister, Barrier (Materia), Mountain Chocobo Armlet, Drainga (Materia)
Finish Reward: Rune Armlet

Genesis's Interception

We are still unsure of Genesis' goals, but the fact that he has deployed troops to these caves indicates that something inside interests him.
Eliminate Genesis' forces while exploring the caves.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-1-3
Chests: Phoenix Down, Adamantite, Crystal Bracelet, Mythril, Shinra Beta
Finish Reward: High Jump (Materia)

Behind the Scenes

A SOLDIER operative in our investigative unit has been taken out by Genesis troops.
Hurry to where the SOLDIER operative was deployed, and eliminate the enemy.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-1-4
Chests: Frost Armlet, MBarrier (Materia), Quake (Materia), Osmoga (Materia), Quake (Materia), Barrier (Materia), Drainga (Materia), River Chocobo Armlet
Finish Reward: Wall (Materia)

Genesis's Threat

Genesis troops have proven to be stronger than initially imagined.
They must be neutralized for our investigation to move forward.
Eradicate the enemy in the surrounding area.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-1-5
Chests: Dark Matter, Stop Blade (Materia), Lunar Harp
Finish Reward: Elixir

Stirrings

The Third Power

We have received reports that there is a third party, other than Genesis troops, in the caves.
Head immediately to the area, confirm their identity, and if hostile, eliminate them.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-1-6
Chests: Black Belt, Gysahl Greens, Graviga (Materia), Magic Up++ (Materia), Hell Firaga (Materia)
Finish Reward: Poison Twister

Weapons Out of Control

Gun Bull Heads have been sent on to fights against both Genesis and Wutai forces, but something has made the machines unable to distinguish between friend and foe.
We have no choice but to enter the deployment area and destroy our own machines.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-2-1
Chests: Phoenix Down, X-Potion, Elixir, Hypno Crown, River Chocobo Armlet
Finish Reward: Hero Drink x2

Continuing into the Caves

This is another request for an investigation into the caves.
All reports suggest Genesis' forces are still active.
You must proceed with the investigation while eliminating the enemy.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-2-2
Chests: River Chocobo Armlet, Phoenix Down, Snow Armlet, Fat Chocobo Feather, X-Potion
Finish Reward: Element Blade

A New Path Discovered

We have reports of a new route found inside the caves.
We assume neither Genesis nor Wutai forces are aware of this path as yet.
Commence your investigation immediately.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-2-3
Chests: Lunar Harp, Gysahl Greens, Adaman Bangle, X-Potion, Crystal Bracelet
Finish Reward: Energy (Materia)

To the Lower Levels

We learned much from the previous mission, including how to descend to lower levels.
We have decided for you to continue your investigation.
Begin your mission immediately.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-2-4
Chests: X-Potion, Death Jump (Materia), Death Twister (Materia), Snow Armlet, 100000 Gil, Gold Hairpin
Finish Reward: Iron Fist (Materia)

Signs of Materia

A strong materia reaction has been detected inside the caves; some sort of materia may be buried in the soil.
Please head to the site and collect the materia.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-2-5
Chests: Zeio Nut, Fat Chocobo Feather, Hero Drink, Gysahl Greens, Diamond Gloves
Finish Reward: SP Turbo (Materia)

In Search of What?

To the End

The full scope of the caves still eludes us.
The subterranean depths keep growing larger, and we have no choice but to explore them bottom to top.
Go to your assigned area and begin the investigation.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-2-6
Chests: Adamantite, Aegis Armlet, Mythril, X-Potion, Lunar Harp
Finish Reward: Hammer Punch (Materia)

Genesis's Challenge

Activity by Genesis troops has been confirmed deep in the caves yet again.
They seem to be conducting a search inside the caves armed with new weapons.
Head to where they were last seen and eliminate them.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-3-1
Chests: Fat Chocobo Feather, Crystal Orb, Poison Blade (Materia), Elixir, Phoenix Down
Finish Reward: Protect Ring

Genesis's New Weapon

The new weapons in Genesis' arsenal seem to possess overwhelming power.
These must be destroyed to halt enemy's offensive. Move to their position with all haste.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-3-2
Chests: Adamantite, Crystal Orb, Energy (Materia), Fat Chocobo Feather, Network Shop Duo item, Black Cowl
Finish Reward: Gravity w/MAG +38 (Materia)

Genesis's Super Weapon

Genesis troops have readied stronger weapons, and only a SOLDIER 1st Class can survive their attack.
Infiltrate the caves and destroy the prototypes before they get the chance to go online.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-3-3
Chests: Fire (Materia), Mythril, Gysahl Greens, Blizzara (Materia), Crystal Orb, Fat Chocobo Feather
Finish Reward: Magical Punch (Materia)

Wutai's Best

Wutai troops thought destroyed have been sighted in the caves.
Their best troopers have quietly moved to lower levels of the caves.
Their goals are unknown, but we must halt whatever plans they have.
Vanquish the Wutai elites.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-3-4
Chests: Brigand's Gloves, X-Potion, Mythril, Status Ward (Materia), Phoenix Down, Fat Chocobo Feather, Shining Bracer
Finish Reward: Escort Guard

No More Wutai

The Wutai in the caves have been eliminated.
Let us take this opportunity to further explore the deeper levels.
Monsters have been confirmed as present, so you must continue fighting as you move downward.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-3-5
Chests: Silver Armlet, Mythril, Elixir, Lunar Harp, Rune Armlet
Finish Reward: Flare w/MAG +30 (Materia)

Realm of Demons

Genesis's Ambition

Genesis troops are advancing again.
Their new frontline weapons are dealing massive damage, but yielding the caves to them is not an option.
Vanquish this worthy enemy now!

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-3-6
Chests: Gysahl Greens, High Jump (Materia), Platinum Bangle, Tarot Cards, Phoenix Down, Dualcast (Materia), Assault Twister+ (Materia), Hero Drink
Finish Reward: 4x Kaiser Knuckles

Genesis's Passion

New Genesis copies, using tactics we've never encountered before, are readying an army and marching into the caves with unstoppable momentum.
Pursue them and stop their advance to prevent them from achieving their sinister goals.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-4-1
Chests: Crystal Gloves, Dark Matter, Wall (Materia), Mythril Armlet, Sky Chocobo Armlet, Rune Armlet, Headband, Gravity (Materia)
Finish Reward: Fat Chocobo Feather

A Fresh Start

Genesis troops are no more. Wutai forces have vanished.
There is nothing left to do but keep moving deeper into the depths of the caves.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-4-2
Chests: SP Barrier (Materia), Kaiser Knuckles, Moon Bracer, Assault Twister+(Materia), Sea Chocobo Armlet
Finish Reward: 1000 Needles (Materia)

Machines Gone Haywire

Shinra's weapons are acting up; something in the caves is making them go berserk.
Destroy our machines to keep them from hurting our own people.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-4-3
Chests: Soul of Thamasa, Wall (Materia), Royal Crown, Kaiser Knuckles, Flare (Materia), Dark Agent
Finish Reward: Precious Watch

Only for SOLDIER

Our own machines have gone berserk, and the losses we experienced are unacceptable.
We are pulling our troops out of the caves, but SOLDIER must keep moving forward.
Take out any monsters in your way!

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-4-4
Chests: Curaga (Materia), Flare (Materia), Adamantite, Magic Master, SP Turbo Attack (Materia), Fat Chocobo Feather
Finish Reward: Murderous Thrust (Materia)

Only for 1st Class

The monsters we've encountered are so ridiculously powerful that SOLDIER operatives are struggling to stay in the fight.
2nd and 3rd Class operatives cannot go any further. We're counting on you.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-4-5
Chests: Flare (Materia), Electrocute (Materia), Drainga (Materia), Hero Drink, Shining Bracer
Finish Reward: Sniper Eye

Unknown Energy

Hojo's Monsters

It seems monsters have been released from Hojo's lab into the caves.
They are unlikely to distinguish friend from foe.
Though we may be breaching the chain of command, you are permitted to fight back if they attack you.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-4-6
Chests: Phoenix Down, Flare (Materia), Wall (Materia), Gysahl Greens, Fat Chocobo Featherx10, Mountain Chocobo Armlet
Finish Reward: Brutal

Further Below

We are thoroughly impressed that you have eliminated Hojo's monsters—no offense to him.
With your abilities, we are confident that you can handle any foe that comes in your way.
Keep up the pace and move forward.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-5-1
Chests: Mythril, Doc's Code, Elemental Ward, Hero Drink, Silver Armlet, Aegis Armlet, Flare (Materia)
Finish Reward: SP Barrier (Materia)

Unusually Strong Monsters

If our data is correct, these monsters are unusually strong; the caves must be the cause.
We are analyzing the monster data from the areas we have already covered, but it's not enough.
Please go deeper and collect more data for us.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-5-2
Chests: Rune Armlet, Gil Toss (Materia), Dark Matter, Tri-Thundaga (Materia), Escort Guard, Elemental Strike (Materia), Chocobo Armlet
Finish Reward: Protect Ring

Abnormal Power

We are fairly certain that the monsters inside the caves are being strengthened by an unknown energy.
The energy seems to grow as we advance further down.
Descend to the next level and help us find the cause.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-5-3
Chests: Royal Crown, Platinum Bangle, Dark Matter, Phoenix Down, Costly Punch (Materia), Jeweled Ring, Osmoga (Materia), Net Shop Shade, Adaman Bangle
Finish Reward: Laurel Crown

A Lonely Journey

You are the only one left exploring these caves; any other SOLDIER 1st Class operatives have long since retired.
The monsters are becoming increasingly vicious. Proceed with caution.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-5-4
Chests: Hero Drink, Tri-Fire (Materia), Elixir, Fat Chocobo Feather
Finish Reward: Hellfire w/MAG +40 (Materia)

Even Deeper

We have confirmed the existence of Guard Hounds from the area you covered in the last mission.
They may have gone berserk by themselves, but it is more likely that there was an external stimulus.
Please gather more information as we continue to analyze our data.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-5-5
Chests: Zeio Nut, Sky Chocobo Armlet, Electrocute (Materia), Good-Luck Charm, Mythril Armlet, Curaga (Materia), Ziedrich
Finish Reward: Megaflare w/MAG +50 (Materia)

Doors to the Unknown

Toughest Monsters

An analysis of the data tells us that the monsters in these caves are exponentially stronger than they are above the ground.
Even those that are relatively docile above ground become belligerent in these caves.
We trust you, but do not let your guard down.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-5-6
Chests: Elixir, Flare (Materia), Hero Drink, Elixir, Wall (Materia), Osmoga (Materia), Mythril, Curaga (Materia), Status Strike (Materia)
Finish Reward: Zantetsuken w/MAG +60 (Materia)

The Lowest Tier

You have almost reached the lowest level of the caves.
We will give you all the support we can.
You may look forward to this mission's compensation. Good luck.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-6-1
Chests: Fat Chocobo Feather, Phoenix Down, Energy (Materia), Laurel Crown, Phoenix Down, Elixir, Ultima (Materia)
Finish Reward: Super Ribbon

Weapons Gone Haywire

It is now clear that the mysterious energy can influence not only monsters, but machines as well.
The mechanical weapons go on unprogrammed rampages powered by a seemingly endless supply of energy.
You're the only one who can solve this mystery.

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-6-2
Chests: Dark Matter, Brutal, Phoenix Down, Gysahl Greens, Adamantite, Silver Armlet, Elixir, Energy (Materia), Hero Drink
Finish Reward: Rebirth Flame w/MAG +80 (Materia)

Biomechanical Threats

Though mechanical, the Master Blades you encountered in your last mission had taken on biological behavior from the unknown energy.
The energy seems to have properties beyond our imagination. It's almost within your reach!

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-6-3
Chests: Flare (Materia), Genji Glove, Fat Chocobo Feather, Kaiser Knuckles, Gysahl Greens, Gold Hairpin
Finish Reward: Exaflare w/MAG +100 (Materia)

Life Form of Energy

Analysis of the mysterious energy has led us to believe that not only does it make machines behave like living organism, but any other life form killed by it could take on an entirely different behavior.
Evidence suggest that a few of our men have disappeared in the lower levels.
Don't let anything take you by surprise!Keep your courage up and move forward!

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-6-4
Chests: Rune Armlet, Phoenix Down, Energy Suit, Soul of Thamasa, Ultima (Materia), Platinum Bangle
Finish Reward: SP Master (Materia)

The Reigning Deity

After the mysterious energy's influence, we are sure that its source is just beyond here.
There's no telling what you may find, but we've come too far to turn back now.
We look forward to reading your report, Zack!

Unlock: Completion of Mission 9-6-5
Chests: None
Finish Reward: Divine Slayer