Story Reader / Interlude / Curtains and Canvases / Story
Okay, everybody, time to go! Today, we are going to—
Virtual Center! Virtual Center!...
Alright, alright. Who leaked the information...? It's Virtual Center!
Oh yeah!!
...Oh, so it's true.
I don't want to play those boys' games. There should be something else, right?
...
Hmm... It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the Education Center to the city. Don't fall asleep!
...
So many people here... Let me find an empty corner first.
...Look! It's the latest "Avengers 2"! I wanna play it!
No no! Of course this one is better! "Mailman Simulator"!
Huh—? How can you actually like this kind of stuff? I was wrong about you. We don't have the same taste after all!
...I never said I had the same taste as you. This is a real masterpiece. Do you even understand art?
Art? Art is all about being cool! The popularity is what really matters. You're just playing a game, nothing more! Are you out of your mind?
I-I don't want to waste time arguing with you!
...
Game? Art? They're not the same thing at all. How upsetting.
Ayla? Why are you here alone?
Oh, ma'am, there are too many people around. I wanted to take a break.
You haven't found anything that interests you, have you?
Many came here for the virtual games, but there are other hidden gems around.
A few years ago, when I last came, I watched a virtual theater play.
Theater play? Do those still exist?
It was done in a very interesting way. I remember it was a story about Emperor Nero.
I know! One of the books you brought me mentioned him. Emperor Nero loved arts!
Wow, you even know that... Virtual reality can be used in a lot more places, not just games.
So, what do you think? Do you want to continue exploring these hidden gems?
I got it! Thanks, ma'am!
Sure. Just don't get lost, okay?
Hidden gems, huh... I saw virtual aircraft piloting, virtual science experiments... But none of them is what I wanted.
...
...Hey, what's wrong with that one? There's no one there at all.
I just took a glance. It was a super boring and old-fashioned story-telling machine. Who's gonna listen to those stories nowadays?
We should go. I want to find those exciting virtual weapons!
...Wait, a story-telling machine?
...
Is this the one...? Tempest: Prince & Maiden...?
Is this Selena the author? Looks quite interesting. Anyway, let me try it first!
... (Electronic sounds)
—Welcome, to this fantastic and beautiful world, but at the same time, twisted and filthy—
The story took place in a brilliant era.
There was a peaceful and prosperous kingdom. Like in a fairy tale, people lived in harmony with ample resources.
The king promised his people that all persons living on the land were equal, and had the right to pursue a good life.
Deeply believing in his promises, the people cheered for their king all the time.
But they seemed to forget that the wise king had an inglorious past.
It all started two years ago, on a lonely island—
Ah, what a desolate place this is? I, the proudest son of the King of Naples, find myself upon this foreign field!
That damned and sudden tempest, frightening to behold, overturned a mighty galleon thirty decks in height!
It uprooted the stout mast and shredded a hundred sturdy sails. I don't even know if my brilliant father, the blessed King of Naples, is still alive!
What sin has been committed for beloved father and son to be so cruelly torn apart?
Your Majesty, I am sure your father will be safe.
Majesty, I fear the King has been shipwrecked on another island just as we have.
Then what are we waiting for? Naples cannot last one day without its King, nor can I last one day without my beloved father!
Pass me my sword! No treacherous wood nor wild beast can stand in my way!
Yes, Your Majesty. We will lay down our lives for you!
