Story Reader / Main Story / 34 Dream till the Timeless End / Story
Bane's Capital
City Hall
16:30
Line Spacing: 2
Massive buildings shatter and dissipate like mirages all around and turn into white mist, as if the opera is approaching its finale...
You arrive with Iris at the theater's edge and cross the boundary between reality and illusion—
A brilliant twilight descends once more.
You see a visibly excited crowd exiting the City Hall, with Jonathan at their center. Dandelion is anxiously gesturing to him on the side.
The two turn in your direction with grave expressions. They freeze for a moment when they see you and Iris, then break into smiles and wave their arms.
Huff...
Iris stays silent, exhales deeply, then breaks into a soft laugh.
Hey... hey, I know everyone's excited, but this is just the first step, folks! The first step!
We still have a lot to prepare. Try to calm down, please. I need to check in with my team first.
Jonathan quiets the crowd and walks over with Dandelion.
I pat Jonathan on the shoulder.
Hah... It's not that simple. We're still a long way off from actually signing "The New Earth Codex." Right now, Bane has only expressed interest in the idea.
I'm afraid I'll be staying here for the next few months.
Hah... Not quite. We're still a long way off from actually signing "The New Earth Codex". Right now, Bane has only expressed interest in the idea.
We still need multiple rounds of negotiations, reviews, and signatures... Just the preliminary consultations for the treaty will take a full week.
But it's already a very promising start.
Jonathan looks at Iris as he speaks. His expression suddenly changes, like he remembered something.
It's... it's over now, right?
Iris is amused by Jonathan's action. She presses her lips together, exchanges a glance with you, and gives a serious answer.
Yes, it's over. Bane has chosen a side, and the general direction is set. It's no longer something Lueya can change with a few attacks. From now on, you don't have to worry about your safety.
Phew... Thank goodness.
Huh?
Um... really? I thought, in the beginning, you told me...
That it's only "over" after the formal signing of the codex? Don't we have one more week...?
...
Iris pauses for a split second without being noticed and dismisses Dandelion's claim with nonchalance.
Things don't always go as planned, and besides, isn't the treaty signing process starting tonight?
Ah yes, thanks to our preparations, Bane is quite satisfied with our... with the attitude shown by the United Government.
As a gesture of goodwill for our concessions on certain terms, they're hosting an evening reception at the Yuqin Hotel for our delegation, symbolizing the official start of the treaty signing process.
Once this news is made public, it means that Bane is announcing their position to the entire international community.
Come with me, please. Without any one of you... I never could have accomplished any of this.
You want to decline. The mission is done, and you need to go back to the correct timeline as soon as possible.
But you change your mind the moment your eyes meet Iris's.
Before we part, there's still a bit of time.
Your last shred of hesitation vanishes when you meet Iris's gaze.
Before we part, there's still a bit of time.
Then...
Jonathan's eyes dart between you and Iris. Something clicks, and he grabs Dandelion and leaves with a knowing smile.
Huh? What are you...?
See you two tonight! Dandelion and I will wait for you at the hotel.
Iris, give F.O.S. a proper makeover. It's on me!
Psst...
Ahem... F.O.S.?
Would you accept my invitation?
You feign annoyance with a small huff as Iris extends her hand, but ultimately hold it.
Bane's Capital
Shopping district
18:30
Line Spacing: 2
The festive marketplace is lined with promotional signs for sales, discounts, and free gifts.
You stroll into several clothing stores, patiently standing like a mannequin while Iris takes her time shopping.
You give her a helpless look before Iris finally notices your expression. She holds down a laugh as she calls over a clerk to pay.
I'll take all these, plus the one F.O.S. is wearing now. Everything together.
Here, go change.
You take your own clothes from Iris and enter the fitting room.
When you come out, you notice she's carrying several shopping bags.
We're done. Let's head back.
You reach out to take the bags from her, not understanding what she means.
I just wanted to fulfill a little wish of mine. I know you wouldn't be comfortable wearing these. We'll just take them home.
As she speaks, Iris steps back a little to look you up and down.
This outfit definitely suits you better. You look more lively in this.
<size=30>And it gives me peace of mind.</size>
Excuse me, thank you for shopping here. Here are your card and receipt.
It's a small gift for spending a certain amount... The Kowloong New Year is coming up.
The clerk smiles and hands another elegant little bag to Iris.
Happy New Year in advance.
Oh... thanks.
Iris accepts the item with a smile and gives you a meaningful wink.
Don't worry, I'm not planning to ask him for reimbursement... because...
I definitely wouldn't want to buy you clothes in his name.
As you exit the store, she immediately opens the gift from the shop and holds it up to her face with delight.
Sparklers.
Some traditions in Bane are strangely similar to Kowloong's. Before...
Iris suddenly mumbles her words, as if she's said something sensitive.
I learned about them while studying cultural geography, but I've never actually tried them before.
With a flick of her fingers, brilliant colors burst from the tip of the sparkler. Iris holds up the sparkling light, her pupils growing ever brighter in the colorful glow.
Something stirs as blurry figures flicker through your memories. It feels like something is about to surface...
Your empty hand reaches out, but finds nothing.
There's barely a step between you.
Iris doesn't notice your actions as she twirls the sparkler, drawing line after line in the air.
...I'm not telling you.
As one sparkler burns out, she quickly lights another and repeats the same shape as before.
[player name]... Selena.
She wants to connect these two names together in her heart, even if only for the brief flicker of a sparkler's light.
It rained earlier, leaving shallow puddles across the ground that reflect the setting sun, making the scene all the more brilliant.
Iris crouches down, silently watching the sparkler's flickering reflection in the puddle.
...It's almost out.
The sun is about to sink below the horizon, and this dream, stolen from the weave of time, is about to end.
It's... getting dark.
...Yeah.
...
Iris doesn't answer, nor does she look up. She continues to gaze at her own reflection in the puddle.
...Do you want to come find me?
...You can't.
We are... too far apart. It's like going from the very top line of a musical staff to the very bottom.
The distance from one to five, in terms of time, is already very long.
If you want to contact me...
Just write me letters.
Iris smiles in the reflection, but ripples suddenly disturb the puddle, hiding her expression.
I'll write to you too and maybe someday...
Our letters will bridge space and time, allowing us to meet again.
I just hope you won't find me annoying. I might write about lots and lots of trivial things...
You sit with Iris in silence, watching the flicker burn.
