Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Moonlit Night / Story
You are still seeing couples everywhere on the Nighter deep into the night.
With an assortment of tools in their hands, they gather together as if to make something.
What is everyone doing?
It's from an event of the Double Seventh Festival.
If the craft you made with your lover passes the pre-selection, you'll get the VIP ticket to the mechanical puppet show.
VIP tickets can be used to participate in the lucky draw! The jackpot is a million grubs!
It's nothing compared to the marketing campaigns on the train.
The ticket is just a way to attract people. I was the one who came up with the event!
The Double Seventh Festival is all about "craftiness" and "love."
Do you guys want to give it a try?
Got it, Commandant. You can't find a suitable partner.
Oh, well... It doesn't matter, as long as you work in pairs to make the craft. Let's all join in!
Making crafts...
Lucia looks down pensively at her hands, gently clenching her fist before opening it again.
Although we're installed with some parts assembly knowledge, I don't think it's the same type of crafts you're talking about.
It doesn't have to be "handmade."
It doesn't matter if you buy or trade for it. It's okay as long as you can bring something qualified with you.
It's okay if you don't want to buy a finished product. There are parts on sale over there.
The details of the event revealed by these two alarm you.
So, are you joining? Yes? No?
Commandant, who are you going to work with?
No, it's against the event rules! You must work in pairs.
Of course, it doesn't matter who the guide follows. The rules don't forbid that!
Once you've made a decision, we'll guide the other two!
You guys are always working when you're together. Wouldn't it be great to make some special memories once in a while?
Special memories...
So? Who do you want to spend the festival with?
In terms of this topic, the three people around seem to have different concerns about it.
Commandant, are you buying the craft or making it yourself?
Lucia is thinking about how to accomplish the objective.
Commandant, your wounds have not healed yet. It's not good for you to strain yourself... I'm just a bit worried. Can I stay with you?
Liv is more concerned about your wellbeing than the crafts.
Lee looks around with his stone-cold face, not fully letting down his guard. Noticing your inquiring gaze, he turns to you.
Don't worry about me. I'll go find some parts and assemble them on my own.
Have you made up your mind?
[player name]...
Then we'll get going to find the parts.
And me! Let me be your tour guide.
Right! When it comes to crafts, I've got something in mind! Come on, you have to experience this...
Pulao pats the worried-looking Liv on the back and points forward with a smile.
Eh? A-alright...
Liv is pulled into the crowd by Pulao before she can react. Pulao excitedly continues her introductory spiel as she drags her away.
Yeah.
Commandant, how do you plan to get the crafts? Do you want to buy them at the night market as Liv suggested?
Alright.
Lucia seems to have loosened up and is now looking around.
This isn't our first time on the Nighter, is it?
Though I remember being here, the memory doesn't feel real.
But in my M.I.N.D., I can still feel the anxiety when you weren't around...
I remember tracking your signal to the Nighter, and then...
Lucia looks at the night market in the distance as if sifting for her own figure here in her memory data.
Yes. You came back.
Realigning with the most familiar part of her memory, Lucia comes back to herself and nods.
Then, we fought in the battle together...
Lucia looks through her past, but droops her head again at the foreign feeling of that piece of memory.
Do you mind going on a stroll with me, [player name]? I'd like to find that familiar feeling again.
Lucia moves closer to you. You two walk on the deck shoulder to shoulder. The noises around gradually fade.
Looking at the ring in the distance, you recall Lucia dressing up and dancing there with her sword. Perhaps you should tell her about this?
Yes?
Lucia follows your gaze to the ring in the distance.
I remember that place...
Yes, she did.
You tell Lucia more about what happened here that day.
I beat everyone...
The memory is somehow unreal to me now.
She looks at the ring with a hazy expression. If she stands there once again, could she find more of herself back?
But there are no other contestants there.
...If you insist.
Lucia changes into the Eventide Glow coating and enters the ring again. A fighting puppet, sensing a challenger on the stage, enters the ring as well, standing opposite her.
The puppet seems to be the champion of the last tournament.
It says so here on the notice. Since no one could defeat the puppet in the last tournament, the prize pool has remained.
The prize... is that beautiful statue. It should be enough for the festival event, shouldn't it? Should I participate?
Alright.
Lucia draws her sword and points it at the puppet in front of her. Taking it as a signal to start, it swings its bladed arms at her.
The blade slashes through her blurring figure, only managing to leave two trails on the ground. Lucia has already hopped back, landing on some ornately carved steps beside.
Before the puppet can react, a crescent arc from behind disrupts its footing. Lucia takes the opportunity to jump up and strike at the puppet's head, the flash of her sword blooming like a lotus.
Unable to retaliate, the fighting puppet lets out a hoarse cheer and staggers, then falls to the ground.
Hearing the applause from behind, Lucia sheathes her sword and turns over at you. Under the dim light on the ring, a hint of redness seems to be lining her cheeks.
Really? I'm glad you liked it.
Never thought I'd have a chance to come here and witness your sword dance again.
Looking back, a Construct holding a red umbrella is standing nearby.
It wasn't that long before that last battle.
That last battle?
That's right, I was also here with... "Qu" during the tournament back then.
...
Yazi falls into a short daze, seemingly remembering something, but soon returns to her normal state.
Now that you've won, you should take the statue. It'll be enough for that ruckus out there.
Thank you.
Lucia takes the prize before handing it to you.
Can I give it to you as a gift?
Right...
But it's not worthy of your sword dance. What else would you want?
...What I want?
Lucia lowers her head and thinks for a while, then looks up into your eyes.
I want to... create some new memories.
Memories with [player name].
Yazi points to the opposite compartment where a guqin sits.
Do you wish to learn the guqin?
The guqin...?
I don't know what kind of memories you're referring to, but being taught the art of guqin... was a nice piece of memory for me.
I could teach you if you want.
I'm not sure I'm built for this...
Then I'll give it a try.
I'll upload the guqin score data to her. It'll take but a moment.
The two walk over to the guqin and perform a simple transmission and tuning.
Give it a go.
Lucia nods and sits in front of the guqin. She raises her hand and plucks the strings in front of her. Notes fall into the lake like flower petals and leaves, echoing in the pavilion with the ripples of peace.
All of a sudden, the gentle, breeze-like style changes into a tempest. Her fingers dance over the strings of the guqin, imaginary drums and horns reverberating in unison, like blood and iron burning before your eyes.
The sounds suddenly halt at a blood-boiling climax. And when she resumes, it is followed by a mournful sound, like the night rain falling on abandoned weapons in the wasteland, leaving only sorrowful echoes behind.
After the song, Lucia lays her hands between her knees and looks this way timidly, as if asking for your opinion.
Then I'm relieved. I was worried you wouldn't like this kind of music.
Yes... I feel the same way.
So, are you happy with this extra "prize"?
Yes, thank you.
We were in a hurry, so I didn't get to teach you much. But it's good that you've made some new memories with it.
It's late. I guess the others would be back by now. Go meet the others.
You're right. Let's go.
Commandant...?
Liv seems a bit surprised.
Alright, I'll be the guide for the other two.
Don't you still have to patrol the place?
Guiding IS patrolling.
Lucia falls silent. She merely stares at you two quietly.
Lucia, let's see if we can find any useful parts around.
Yeah, let's meet here after again getting our crafts, Commandant.
Lucia only turns to follow the group that just departed after you nod at her.
(Nods) ...Let's go to the night market and see if there are any crafts for sale that meet the requirements.
You arrive at the entrance of the night market with Liv. The buildings here are still the same as they were, but the vendors look understandably calmer.
I wonder what kind of crafts would pass the pre-selection...
Homemade mechanical puppets! Check it out, 20% off for the festival!
The craftsman yells as he grins at the oncoming guests.
He notices that Liv is not human and freezes for a while, but soon returns to normal.
Nice lady, would you like one? Great for homes and travels, suitable as bodyguards and babysitters, these are simply the best!
Commandant, what do you think?
Well...
It's more than practical. The ones on the left can also sing operas!
I think we'll pass. Thank you.
Let's go somewhere else.
Hey, don't go! I can make it any way you want, it just takes a little time and... some more grubs.
Thanks, we'll be back later.
After saying goodbye to the craftsman with the mechanical puppets, the two of you squeeze into the bustling crowd.
I haven't seen anyone like that man before...
Ah... sorry, you were unaware of the reason for the dispute here before.
Liv explains in detail what happened the last time she was on the Nighter.
I was too reckless... if you hadn't arrived in time, it would have been trouble.
Liv puts her hands on her chest and nods gently.
...I'm glad you don't find me troublesome.
But if I had left a sick person alone, I would definitely have regretted it even more afterward.
(Nods) ...I'm relieved to hear you say this.
How about we go pick out gifts for everyone?
Liv turns around with a smile and walks in delight.
There are a lot of people at the stall over there. Let's go take a look, shall we?
This clockwork frog is so cute! Although it can't be used for pre-selection, should we still buy it for Lucia?
Thank you!
Will Lucia be delighted to see this?
But... it should be fine if you say so.
Liv pockets the clockwork frog carefully and gently smiles.
Hmm... if you say so.
Liv puts the clockwork frog down carefully and gives an apologetic smile.
This set of tools is rare. Would Lee like it...?
You're right... You know everyone so well.
Please, this tool set.
Good choice! Here.
Well, where do you want to go next, Commandant?
Liv sidles closer to you and looks at you in anticipation.
Oh? Who is it for?
Huh? F-for me?
Liv lowers her head and blushes.
I just... want you to recover soon...
As long as you can stay with me... with us, it'd be the best gift for me.
...Is that so?
She clutches her hands, trembling as if hesitating to say something.
Just then, a roar resounds from afar.
Get out!
Please...
Looking in the direction of the roar, you see two slender figures being pushed to the ground. One of them is crawling and grasping at the assailant's leg with a broken prosthesis.
Let go of me!
...This is the item your partner asked for, and I've brought it here... She said she'd buy it...
Brother...
No one wants your rotting organ! Why don't ya take it home and grill it to feed your dying sister!
It's all fresh... and it was preserved in the way she said... W-why won't you...
I said I don't want it!
He stomps on the prosthetic hand clutching onto his left leg, but it does not let go even in its half-broken state.
Hand me a fresh one from your own body, and maybe I'll think about it.
O-okay...
Not expecting that he would agree, the tall man freezes for a minute. He then grabs the boy by the hair and picks him up.
I'll sell anything... if I can get enough money from it...
What do you need money for if you don't have your life to spend it?
If I can get my sister to a safe zone... and get her treated, that'll be enough...
(Sobs)
Hearing this, the man sneers and throws the boy to the ground.
...!
Hmph, the woman who'd buy it turned herself into this a long time ago.
He shakes the bag of grubs in his hands and laughs indifferently.
You might still have a way out if you leave your sister behind.
Commandant! Please... please allow me to...
The tall man grabs a metal plate from his side, but is thrown to the ground the moment he tries to pummel the child with it.
The hell are you?!
Please stop it!
He clearly has not expected a frail-looking girl like Liv would scold him.
Without so much of a further look, he spits in disdain and stands, again swinging the metal plate hard at the two.
But before he manages to do so, he is back on the ground. Liv has not even lifted her hands.
Commandant, you're still wounded. Please don't be reckless!
You... you're a Construct? Tch!
Realizing it, the man takes a few steps back cautiously. He curses and spits, then disappears out of sight.
Don't be afraid, you're safe now.
...
The skinny boy sits on the ground holding his sister in his arms, sobbing frantically.
May I take a look at your sister?
He looks up at Liv in hesitation.
Who... are you?
Trust me.
Perhaps it is Liv's smile, or because of how desperate he is, the boy relaxes the arms that hold his sister.
Liv gently takes the sick little girl and begins diagnosing her.
She's slightly infected by the Punishing Virus, but it appears more severe than average because of her weakened immune system.
Commandant, can I apply a serum on her?
Th-thank you...
Watching the serum slowly injecting into her body, he bursts into tears.
We don't have money for you, but if there's anything we can do...
S-sure I can! Is it for the event on the ship?
H-hold on, I'll be right back!
He takes out the only two grubs he has left and runs over to the place where parts are sold.
Not until the drums of the market closing thump that the little girl in Liv's arms wakes. She tries to stand up and thank the two of you.
How do you feel? Better?
Yes... thank you...
At this moment, a scurry of footsteps travels over. The skinny boy runs over with a small magpie made of old gears and copper wires.
J-just in time! This is for you!
The magpie he hands over looks ancient and rusty from the material, but it is still an impressive and detailed masterpiece.
After carefully putting away the metal magpie, you hand the remaining bag of grubs to the boy.
This is...
Th-thank you...
The boy receives the bag of grubs in excitement with both hands, as if seeing a hint of light in the darkness, and he says nothing but thanks.
What is it?
After realizing this, Liv lets out a small cry.
Ah, I didn't get a chance to buy you a gift... I was planning to buy it at the market...
I don't mind not getting one... What matters is that you... Aw...
Miss... I've got a thank you gift for you...
This garland made of bionic flowers was a thank you gift I got for helping repair a sculpture. Will you take it?
I...
Please take it!
Commandant...
Hearing this, the little girl happily places the garland in Liv's hand.
Would you... help me put it on?
You put the garland on Liv's head and happen to brush her smooth, silvery hair. She blushes.
...How do I look?
...Thank you.
The garland... is the best gift I can think of.
Commandant? You haven't told me what you want.
...Ah.
Liv freezes for a while and quickly lowers her head, putting her hands on her chest. Although you cannot see her expression, you can feel her shoulders slightly trembling.
Thank you... Commandant. Thank you.
...Hmm...
Liv's voice is soft, and she seems to be in a bit of a daze.
Yeah... let's go back together.
You think you can hear Lee sigh.
Don't you have other options?
What's this supposed to be? Some sort of training?
And you think that passes as a craft?
Of course! It's not about looks. As long as you make it delicate enough, there won't be a problem!
...
...It's not like that.
Look at you, all running and jumping. I guess you're almost recovered, huh?
He looks at you in silence for a few seconds.
Never mind... Let's just get it done and come back as soon as possible.
He stops speaking and walks over.
Alright, then I'll show the rest of you around. Lucia, Liv!
Don't you still have to patrol the place?
Guiding IS patrolling.
Oh yeah, by the way, there wasn't a winner in the last fighting tournament, so the prize is still here. Lucia, are you interested? You'll definitely get it if you give it a try.
Is that so? Then let's go take a look.
Liv, would you like to take a look at the night market? There are a lot of interesting crafts on sale right now.
Yeah, I can buy some souvenirs for everyone.
Commandant, we'll be waiting here for you after completing our tasks.
As the three of them walk and talk, Lee turns around and looks at you.
Which way?
No.
...Alright.
The two of you walk along the taffrail of the Nighter, listening to the sound of the waves until the moon shines right above you. The silver threads of moonlight pour from above, softly draping over Lee's silent profile.
Wordlessly, he walks on your left side. Only this time, his pace is slow, unlike his usual self.
You haven't recovered yet.
Last time?
He turns in confusion, unable to comprehend your words.
Do you always keep these trivial details in your mind?
...
Unlike last time, there's no need to hurry now.
Besides, we've been fighting a lot lately. Since it's just a festival, there's no need to tire you out.
Tired? Alright.
He looks around and sets his eyes on a sea-viewing pavilion not far away.
Let's go over there.
After sitting on the bench in the pavilion, you notice that Lee is looking at you.
Are you tired?
That's good.
You wish.
Lee looks away and sits down next to you, exceptionally silent.
The noises of the night market come from afar. Unlike that sparkling place, only moonlight, the sound of waves, and Lee are here.
Regret coming here with me? We can still head for the market and buy some parts there.
It could be nice to walk around, but the long walk must have taken a toll on you, especially with your injuries. You are a little too exhausted for another long trek.
Would you like me to teach you some engineering theory? Not a bad idea to learn something in your free time.
...
...
Shut up.
Look over there.
You follow the direction Lee points and look at the starry sky.
There are three stars in the Milky Way to the southeast, Alpha Cygni, Alpha Lyrae, and Alpha Aquilae.
Lee nods.
In Kowloong, Alpha Lyrae and Alpha Aquila seem to be called "Vega" and "Altair".
Which represent the "weaving maid" and the "cowherd."
I guess they are what the two protagonists in the Double Seventh Festival are based on.
The two stars in the sky are on different sides of the Milky Way. Lee peels his eyes off the sky and looks at you.
The distance between the two stars is 16.4 light-years, or 160 trillion kilometers.
The average length of a magpie is 40 to 50 cm. Even without considering physics, it would take 330 quadrillion magpies to build a magpie bridge...
...
Anyway, the magpie bridge is not possible.
...Humans in the past couldn't explain things beyond their understandings, so they'd make up all sorts of tales to address their confusion.
Even now, with powerful technology and high computing power, there are still things that I fail to understand.
Nothing.
He looks up at the starry sky and stops talking.
Perhaps because of the frequent battles or the unplanned relief, the endless ocean ahead fills you with drowsiness.
The swaying ship with the sound of waves is like a perfect cradle. Even the noises of the night market from afar gradually fade.
...Oh, you.
As you drift in and out of sleep, you seem to hear someone talking.
...You said you'd go with me, but I have no idea how to make you happy.
...The battles have been getting more frequent lately.
I know it's our duty, but I don't want to be commanded by you if you don't care about your own safety.
You want to answer him, but sleepiness sweeps over you and pulls you further into your dream.
[player name]... I don't want that kind of memories anymore.
The moon rises into the sky, and the sea breeze of the night blows across the railings, sending a chill to this quiet place.
You cannot help but shiver, but soon feel some kind of warmth dispelling the chill.
You fall into a deep sleep surrounded by the warmth.
In your dream, there is a piercing siren, but it is soon muffled by something, and its sound falls distant.
Then, a vague figure seems to approach you while being chased by a security robot.
Catch that thief!
Tsk.
So noisy!
As you struggle to wake up, the harsh sounds suddenly disappear.
………………………………
You are not sure how long it has been, but you seem to hear someone sigh in your daze.
...Quite a sleepyhead you are. Learn to put up more of a guard.
You open your eyes to find yourself wrapped in Lee's warm coat. Soft cotton balls cover your ears, blocking the noise outside.
Removing them, you hear the sound of the crowd leaving reverberating from afar. The night market is coming to a close.
You're awake?
There's no need.
He hands over a ship model, which looks almost identical to the Nighter.
I made it while you were asleep. It's probably enough for the event.
Looking closely at the delicate model of the Nighter, you cannot help but find the color scheme of some of the parts oddly familiar. They look like... the police robots on the Nighter?
Well, that's a secret.
He stands up in the dim moonlight.
It's getting late. Let's go back.
