Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Heart's Whispers Across Time / Story
You finish today's plans early and check where your squad members are on your terminal.
A little red dot for Lucia is still at the "Holographic Experience Hall".
Lucia wouldn't usually come here alone. What's she up to?
After showing your ID and following the staff, you open the big white wooden door. You're hit with a salty, wet breeze, just like the ocean.
A vast sky stretches overhead, pristine blue as if freshly washed. Waves roll ceaselessly along the horizon—the scene before your eyes is indistinguishable from a real coastline.
Maybe a bit more to the left would look better?
The black sand underfoot feels real. In the distance, Lucia stands with her back to you, hands behind her, looking up and talking to herself.
Commandant?
Noticing you, Lucia turns around suddenly, her red eyes filled with surprise and delight.
Wait... didn't you say you had a mission today?
Got it. Next time there's an easy mission like that, let me handle it. You've been up late lately—you need to take care of yourself.
As you smile back at Lucia, you hear a familiar metallic sound from above. You look up and see her CUB, Corvus.
The bird-shaped CUB flies around and then drops a few little metal balls.
The little sphere drops through the air, pops open, and shoots out colorful lights. They burst across the sky, blending with the bright afternoon sun.
I'm... getting the holographic fireworks ready.
It's your birthday, after all. I was planning a big surprise for this evening.
Yeah, I have a birthday gift for you too. I'll give it to you later.
Lucia smiles gently as she looks at you, the sea breeze lifting her hair.
Commandant, come on over. There's even more cool stuff to see.
Lucia takes your arm, and you both walk toward the ocean.
Vehicle Request: Boat.
Lucia waves her index finger in the air. Blob-like things appear, growing and shrinking until they turn into a small boat.
I was going to show them later, but since you're here, let's start now.
Please sit and hold on tight, Commandant.
Lucia sits next to you at the back of the boat, waves her hand over the side, and the coast starts to fade away.
This is all a copy of Earth's scenery before the Punishing. Seeing these untouched oceans brings me peace.
Yeah, this place is still in testing. They haven't put in the manual sunlight control yet.
If we get the chance, let's rent a boat and see more cool places, Commandant.
The two of them sit next to each other on the boat, talking about everyday things, like they always do.
As they chat, the land completely vanishes behind them, and the little boat floats aimlessly on the vast blue water.
Before you know it, it's twilight. The setting sun's already painted the ocean gold.
Lucia looks at the blue and gold sky, slowly letting go of the hand she'd been holding.
Commandant, could you close your eyes and wait a second?
As Lucia asks, you lean back and close your eyes. In the dark, the metal gliding sound from the sky becomes remarkably clear.
A moment later, you hear light footsteps and the sound of waves. They come closer and stop right in front of you, and you smell something sweet.
You can open your eyes now, Commandant.
You see a small, beautiful chocolate cake. The white frosting looks like snow, with your name in jam and almonds on top.
Lucia slowly holds out her hand, and with a soft snap, a little flame comes from her fingertip, lighting all the candles and lighting up her face.
I asked the World Government Association of Art to make a special birthday cake for you, designed just how I wanted it.
Happy birthday, Commandant.
Actually, tonight... I have a special favor to ask.
Yeah, I want to borrow a wish from you—
Lucia sits back down next to you, like she always does, her shoulder touching yours.
I wish for my Commandant to be safe and happy every day from now on.
I hope I can be with you every year at this time, like today, seeing more beautiful places and making new wishes together.
A familiar warmth spreads across the back of your hand as Lucia looks at you, her ruby eyes reflecting your image.
Alright then... Commandant, let's blow out the candles together.
With the ocean and candles watching, you hold hands, make a wish together, and simultaneously breathe warm air onto the candle flame.
