Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Tainted Moonrise / Story
Satan
>As long as my heart beats, it'll always tell you: please remember.
Consciousness's still a mess. It starts with a connection request in a dream.
You hear Luna calling out to you.
So, that's the deal. This Punishing Virus Haywire has put Luna into a deep sleep.
For some reason, Luna's been blocking all our attempts to connect.
Right now, you're the only one she'll connect to. See this as an opportunity to contain this chaos.
Please help us, for Luna's sake.
[player name]...
I've been... waiting for your arrival all this time.
Instantly, your body falls into an endless drop, like sinking into a bottomless pit.
After what seems like ages, the sensation of falling finally stops. Your previously sealed senses gradually return.
With the chaos gone, you can finally see the world clearly. No buildings, just natural plants everywhere. But the way they look—
Thick, thorny black vines are everywhere. The plants are growing like crazy, but everything's got this dark, gloomy look that just feels oppressive.
Vibrant life and an eerie silence exist side by side here.
You start checking your gear out of habit when a weird noise comes from the bushes. Your hand snaps to your hip, where your gun is.
And just like that, all hell breaks loose. A dark shadow jumps out of the plants, coming right at you.
Quick as a flash, you draw your weapon, chamber a round, and fire. The shadow's howl and the gun's click happen almost at the same time.
Whoosh—
The shadows go right through the bullets, no collision. They keep going like they're passing through the air, then hit the body and explode into bright light.
You touch the spot where you got hit, checking for damage, while swinging your gun back to where the shadow came from.
In response, someone slowly steps out, looking a bit worn out.
My apologies for the less-than-polite greeting.
Forgive my being cautious, you who carry out divine will in the mortal world. No offense meant, but demons are really tricky, and I had to test you my way to avoid more problems.
With a wave of his hand, the glittering particles from your chest solidify into something and then return to his palm.
After checking you're not acting weird anymore, you adjust your gun a bit, but keep it aimed.
I am the divine spokesperson, honored with the title Hierophant. You may call me by my religious name, Lucifer.
Dear ally, I understand you have many questions. Let us address them patiently, one at a time, together.
You bear the breath of divinity—surely you are the savior ordained by the divine. As one who heeds divine will and redeems the world, you and I are natural allies.
"Luna", the name you just said, is someone we both need to find.
Something's off about him, but since he knows Luna, he might have something worth hearing.
Lucifer shakes his head.
I can't do that. Sensing a demon requires the Revelation and the "Heart of Divinity", but I don't have the authority to use them.
That power is for the Savior only, so I followed the divine oracle's guidance and came to find you.
It sounds like Lucifer's "demon" is Luna. I'll need to get more info later. But those two things he mentioned...
Lucifer pulls out the two things he mentioned, which look like a book and an apple.
Even the Savior is only mortal. The path to salvation is difficult, so the merciful divine has given you a sacred artifact to help you.
The book of Revelation will give you divine guidance, and the Heart of Divinity will create a tight link between you and the demon. This will allow you to control and change her, ultimately redeeming her.
Once the evil soul is completely purified—all harm will be gone from the world, and sacred light will return to the earth.
Even though you don't understand why this mindscape is set up like this, you need to work with it. Given your current situation, you have no choice but to play along.
When golden hues—representing maturity—fully cover the Heart of Divinity's surface, it will indicate that you and she have become inseparable, perfectly merged.
This fruit, made from both your souls, is the "heart" of your symbiotic relationship.
When that time arrives, I will bring powerful holy energy granted by the divine. You'll need to use the Heart of Divinity's strong influence over the demon to transform the essence of her soul—converting evil into good.
Sounds like the Heart of Divinity's the only way to connect with Luna right now.
Guess you will have to go with it for now.
But, Lucifer's probably with a group that's against Luna. If he's involved in what's coming, it might not be good for her.
Guess you will have to see what's going on here first.
Not "we", just you.
Unpurified demons are enemies of the divine. My presence would only add to your difficulty in winning her trust.
Have no fear, child. Know that the divine and I are watching with vigilance, prepared to offer aid.
We're running out of time. You have to start your journey now. When the moment is right, I'll come find you.
That's how it is right now. All you can do is use this "sacred artifact" you have to find Luna and get back with her first.
Like Lucifer said, the Heart of Divinity does let you feel a connection to Luna. It's weak right now, but it at least points you in the right direction.
Following the direction you are sensing, you go deeper into the forest. The plants are way thicker than where you started, with lots of big tree trunks making deep shadows. The little sunlight there is even weaker.
Seeing that familiar mark on the tree ahead, you snap to attention and stop.
The Heart of Divinity's something you just got. Putting all your trust in it could be risky, so you've been leaving marks as a backup.
This is the third time you've seen this mark, meaning you're trapped, going in circles at least three times.
This long walk has taken a lot out of you. Since you are stuck here for now, maybe you should rest and figure out how to get out of this.
That apple tree over there looks like a good spot.
Sitting in the shade of the tree, your tired body relaxes, and you start to calm down, failing to notice someone hiding in the tree above.
Heh, finally showed up, huh?
Those words come from somewhere out of earshot, and a cloud of purple mist takes shape in the tree.
All of a sudden, something falls from above and hits your head. You rub your throbbing forehead.
A bright red apple rolls down next to your hand.
Just as you reach for it, the apple starts moving around, dodging your hand like a kid playing a joke.
After watching it carefully, I spot the perfect time to grab it.
The pesky apple is finally in your grasp.
One apple and you're this happy?
As she says this, someone steps out of the purple mist and snatches the apple from your hand again. She holds the apple, still warm from your hand, leaning against the tree behind her.
It took you this long to see me? You're really breaking my heart here.
What's up? Surprised to see me? Or maybe... you're not happy I'm here?
Her eyes are cast down, with a faint red glow.
Hmm—that's a good answer.
Ah, so tell me... how much did you ache for me? Did the nights twist your mind, hunger gnawing at you—or did my face... haunt every shadow behind your eyes?
Luna's expression turns into a mysterious smile, just like that.
Enough. Play time's over, so let's get to business. There, the apple in your grip. Give it to me.
Who thought of such a curious name...? No matter. Pass me the apple.
That's all lies. You've been tricked.
Your apple only wields half of the power. The other half is in my possession.
She says, waving the apple in her hand.
Waiting is meaningless. Press them together, and tremendous power will be granted.
What's the matter? Don't you trust me?
She raises the apple, inspecting it. Her gaze slides down its shiny surface, then she looks straight at you with the familiar red glint in her eyes.
A trade then. Your apple, for mine. Then, we press them together. Surely that will... still the tremors in your hands.
Her voice feels magical, like a wave crashing into your consciousness. Your eyes are locked on hers, caught in a swirling current, and you can't think for yourself anymore, can't escape.
With its oneness restored, the heart will be made whole again.
A "heart" that's just for you and me.
It'll reward you with all your heart's desires... Are you still not tempted?
Something's off about the "Luna" in front of you. Even though you know this, your mind feels trapped by something, stopping you from moving or fighting back.
Ah, that look on your face... It seems you've finally noticed something's off.
What's with the tension? I'm not going to do anything to you.
Because—you're important to her, which means you're important to me too, Com-man-dant.
She still won't come out after all this? Does she think I won't go all the way?
The girl looks upset as she thinks.
This "game" is getting old—how disappointing.
Then... how about you take her "punishment" instead?
With a loud, victorious laugh, she grabs the "Heart of Divinity".
Since she can't be bothered to show up, I'll break the only bond you have.
While she's talking, a creepy purple mist wraps around the Heart of Divinity, crushing it.
How dare you.
"Luna" is cut off by another figure who appears out of nowhere. The newcomer's strength is obviously superior, and the fake Luna gives up on fighting back. Instantly, you feel your consciousness clear, and you're back in your body.
The figure's eyes meet yours.
These two look identical, but it's clear the real Luna is the one who showed up last, based on how they're acting.
Luna, for whatever reason, doesn't look at me much, just turns her attention to the other girl.
I'm pretty sure I warned you about acting recklessly, Chessia.
She's clearly furious, but Chessia doesn't seem scared at all. Instead, she just laughs even louder.
Don't get mad. If I hadn't done this, who knows when you'd have decided to show up?
Oh, are you getting defensive? You finally couldn't resist coming...
Luna attacks Chessia before she can finish talking.
Hmph, someone's got a short fuse. I was just trying to help you.
Seriously, who else would bother with a demon who's lost her memories?
You just don't stop talking.
Luna's face shows a flash of anger, but she doesn't argue with what Chessia said.
You immediately grasp the key points of their conversation. Chessia, seeing Luna's reaction, wears a look of self-satisfaction, while Luna, after a short pause, decides to respond.
Yeah, I've got some memory gaps, but that's none of your business.
When she hears this, Luna pauses, then turns her head. Her gaze becomes suspicious, as if she's considering something.
Yeah... you feel familiar...
Luna's expression quickly reverts to being indifferent.
That doesn't mean anything. Familiarity can come from friends, or foes.
Tell me, what are we to each other?
Can't think of an answer?
Without proof, I can't trust you. You might be just like Chessia.
Hmm? Not even close. This person's got that apple you're looking for, by the way.
This is the treasure you've longed for, the one that'll break you free from chaos...
Chessia looks over at you.
You want both of them, so why not just take them and be done with it?
Don't put me in the same category as you.
If you're too proud to do this, you won't get out of this mess.
All you gotta do is figure out how to make that fruit ripe and golden—then you'll get your memories and power back.
Or would you rather watch it rot and then turn on you, destroying your soul?
And by the way, this fruit can grant your wish as well, you know?
You want to take her with you, right?
You're really chatty today, Chessia.
Why shouldn't I talk? You can't get that ripe apple alone—you still need this person's help.
......
You.
If you want my trust, then show me you're serious.
I'm not sure why you're here, but since you have the Golden Apple, I guess we both want to ripen it, at least.
In that case, should we work together for now?
Luna won't leave now—but once the fruit's ripe and she gets her memories back, everything should be fine.
Yeah.
Keep a better eye on that fruit, or someone might steal it.
Hmph, I couldn't care less.
Well... not right now, anyway.
You're the only one I really care about, Luna.
The girl jumps back to the tree trunk she is hiding behind, leaning against it casually.
Here's a tip—the fruit won't ripen till after the Third Nexus, at the earliest. No point rushing things.
How about you two try to get along better? It might even help the apple ripen quicker.
It's the task you have to do to make the fruit ripe.
This fruit, the "Heart of Divinity" as you call it, is the result of your bond with her.
It's also what you used to call your "symbiotic heart".
There are three parts to a day—morning, noon, and evening. Human life has three stages—youth, middle age, and old age. "Three" has always been a fascinating number, don't you think?
The Three Nexus Worlds, as the name implies, are three different worlds. The fruit needs to grow, and the emotions and influence you create in those worlds feed it, helping it mature.
Each world you experience makes her a bit more whole. When the fruit fully ripens, all her missing memories will be restored.
Alright, that's the rundown. Now that you two have met, the... game's about to start.
Chessia looks at the book, which has been lying there for ages. Suddenly, the pages start turning by themselves, showing writing on the first page that wasn't there before.
One last bit of advice for you two. Since it's your "heart", you should decide what it's made of and what it becomes.
Will the fruit of desire ripen or rot in the end—
Then we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?
