Story Reader / Affection / Vera: Geiravor / Story
Vera: Geiravor VI
"The hero brings the disaster-summoning red rose to the Demon Lord's hall. Feigning sincerity, the hero confesses their feelings, winning the Demon Lord's trust and favor."
"Then, without hesitation, the hero summons a curse that even the Demon Lord cannot break, grasping and utterly consuming the Demon Lord!"
The data stream flows smoothly, yet mysterious characters occasionally jump out, randomly recombine, then disappear back into the turbulence.
...Data modification detected.
The script program falls silent for a moment, then outputs a brand new sequence:
"Before the Demon Lord vanished, the hero returned to the castle hall and offered an invitation to dance together."
"As they danced until midnight, just as the Demon Lord was about to vanish into the shadows—the hero boldly stepped into the darkness as well!"
"With their divinely blessed constitution that resists all poisons, the hero grasps the shadows in one swift move and instantly masters them!"
Data training and labeling complete.
Process terminated, releasing test ID—
Release, release, release, test, test test... %*&*(%)/~*@)@#!—#
Seething with anger, the human who tore through the shadows "grasps" Hamlet's chaotic data stream.
#*~&$<*!)@*/*/!@{!#!#$~#@*#)—
...Commandant... wake up...
The human's consciousness seems to float in an endless void, with lingering echoes of dance music still in their ears... and a call from the outside world.
But the human has no time to pay attention to those background noises, focused only on crushing this deranged self-correcting system.
...Commandant!
What should we do? No matter how we call, there's no response...
Let's use the first-aid equipment! I think it's stored in...
BZZZZZAP!!!
Clutching their chest, the human bolts upright from the testing pod.
Upon opening your eyes, the anxious faces of Ayla and Leonie hover just inches away.
Ah! Thank goodness, Commandant's awake!
Your condition was getting critical, but the Star of Life emergency team hadn't arrived yet... so we went ahead and used the AED on you!
Are you... still feeling unwell? The Star of Life has a VIP ward waiting for you, and we've reserved a bed...
Watching Ayla's gestures, the human struggles to form coherent sentences, only managing to raise a hand to indicate they are alright.
Phew... you scared me half to death. Hamlet seems to have been temporarily controlled by some virus, locking you and another test subject inside the system.
...Whew, I thought we might have a fatality on our hands. Thank goodness we avoided an accident!
After confirming the test subject is not seriously injured, Ayla and Leonie step forward to remove the virtual connection equipment from the human's body.
When your feet touch the "real" ground again, you feel a momentary, strange sense of unreality.
You raise a hand, repeatedly clenching it tight, the subtle feedback and resistance from muscles reaffirms that you are back in "reality."
Are you... still feeling unwell? The Star of Life has a VIP ward waiting for you, we've reserved a bed...
Leonie turns her attention to the portable terminal in her hand, skillfully bringing up the control panel to examine the data.
Everything looks fine, all the relevant data was successfully collected. But when I think about how this data was gathered under such dangerous circumstances, I still feel quite...
This is the most serious testing issue we've ever had. We must suspend all testing of the new Hamlet plugin, submit all the data from this round, and conduct a complete review and overhaul of the entire system!
Wow... so many intense data fluctuations... The test subject's emotional responses to the script were incredibly rich. This has provided us with exceptionally valuable reference samples.
Never again! I promise!
Leonie offers a quick salute, then hurries away.
I think I've found the problematic module! I'll track it down right away—I won't let Commandant's efforts go to waste! Ayla, I'm counting on you to handle the remaining feedback work!
Leonie rushes out of the room like a gust of wind, leaving Ayla standing alone.
Ayla fidgets with the terminal in her hands, appearing somewhat nervous.
Um... Commandant... could I please ask you to provide some additional feedback about the story elements? I've got the questionnaire all ready!
Whatever feedback you provide, the WGAA will take it very seriously!
Taking the terminal and stylus from Ayla, the human's eyes scan over the densely packed survey questions.
What kind of feedback should you write? Holding the stylus, you hesitate, unsure how to begin.
After experiencing this scripted story... your initial feelings have transformed.
Just then—the sound of an opening door interrupts these thoughts as a figure steps into the room.
[player name]? Didn't expect you to hide here. Are you slacking off?
Gazing at the visitor's red hair and new coating, you feel a momentary disorientation.
Unable to control drifting thoughts, it feels less like standing in the World Government Association of Art's room and more like returning to that ancient castle.
What's wrong, your eyeballs stop working? Want me to fix you up?
Vera leans casually against the doorframe, observing the human's expression, an amused smile playing across her lips.
We're about to head out on a mission, so your leisure time is officially over—even Celica didn't know where you were, and I had to be the one to track you down.
Heh, I figured you'd be here. No one escapes my "investigation."
Just a routine investigation of the conservation area and cleanup around its perimeter. Should be a piece of cake for our renowned "hero," right?
Just so you know, I'll be your partner for this operation.
While missions without challenges bore me, having you by my side might provide... other forms of entertainment.
If I'd kept the puppet in the attic, perhaps I could have found some other amusements before everything ends.
In a daze, those familiar lines stir something within. For a moment, you find it hard to tell whether you have returned to reality or still remain trapped within that virtual castle.
The figure trapped inside the castle begins to overlap with Vera standing before you.
What are you spacing out for? Hurry up and prepare for the mission. I'm not waiting around for you.
Vera's words snap you out of your momentary trance. With no time for further conversation, you have to leave first.
You hurriedly leave the World Government Association of Art to prepare for the upcoming mission.
—Little do you know that behind you, the red-haired Construct stares at your retreating figure with a thoughtful expression on her face.
The script I prepared was "Into the Demon Castle"... how did it become such a mess...?
...Whatever, I'll come back and get to the bottom of this another day. Ayla, I've got to go too. As we agreed before, don't tell Commandant that I was the other test subject.
Ah... okay!
And don't forget, WGAA owes me free opera tickets for the next three whole months—as you promised.
The mission with Vera on the ground has concluded smoothly. Just as she said beforehand, it was nothing more than routine work.
Having Vera as a companion makes everything feel more secure. This time, the mission was completed perfectly without even a scratch.
Finally, on this ordinary afternoon with everything wrapped up, you get a rare chance to enjoy some leisure time.
According to Celica, Babylonia will be hosting a ball this afternoon, open to both staff members and Constructs alike.
The ball will begin at dusk and continue for an entire day, spanning through midnight until dawn.
Since noon, many staff members have been spotted in the hallways discussing what to wear to the ball or planning to invite close friends as dance partners.
But for some reason, you do not feel like joining in that festive atmosphere today.
You recline on the sofa, wrapped in a comfortable blanket, idly flipping through a slightly yellowed paper book.
Though the leather cover shows signs of age, the gold-embossed script still gleams brightly—"Into the Demon Castle."
You remember the slightly surprised look in the librarian's eyes when you borrowed this book.
Would you like to borrow this book?
"Into the Demon Castle"... To be honest, this book has rarely been borrowed since it was added to the library collection.
It's quite unusual for the Gray Raven Commandant to borrow this...
Ever since the "Hamlet" module went haywire, you have been consciously and unconsciously searching for these hero-themed books, curious to see what the original stories were like.
Ohh—I see. Then this legend-themed story is indeed an excellent choice.
The librarian hands over the book with a radiant smile.
Speaking of which, it also has a companion volume. Would you like to borrow that one as well?
I heard it's a story the author rewrote after experiencing a major life change and "turning over a new leaf."
"Reborn: When the Hero Becomes the Supreme Overlord."
Alright, so just "Into the Demon Castle" today—what a coincidence, you're the second reader to borrow this book this week.
Of course, let me check the records. The other borrower is...
Perhaps due to mental exhaustion these past few days, you surrender to the warm drowsiness enveloping yourself while holding the slightly yellowed pages.
Your body seems to continue along that small path in the palace of memories, until arriving before the gates of the Demon Lord's castle.
Swirling snow blankets the castle towers, painting everything in sight a pristine white.
As you push open the ballroom doors, rose petals scattered across the floor swirl up in the breeze, lingering affectionately at your side, releasing a subtle, elusive fragrance.
Soon... The rose fragrance in the air grows stronger, and the uniquely gentle touch of petals lightly brushes against your cheek.
You're really sound asleep...
Such a relaxed look... What a rare sight.
I wonder... would you even feel a blade against your neck right now?
Something seems to touch your face, but it is not the cold edge of a blade—only a soft texture instead.
The touch slides down from your cheek, gently moving to the neck, causing a slight tingling sensation.
Opening your eyes, you see a bright red rose and the even more vivid red hair of the person holding it.
Awake already?
What a shame. I was thinking of doing something else to you.
Heh, "I wasn't asleep"—listen to how exhausted you sound. You're clearly drowsy.
You have no idea why Vera would come to your lounge at this time, but you struggle to find the right words to ask.
Fortunately, Vera already perceives the human's thoughts from their expression.
Judging by your face, are you wondering why I'm in Gray Raven's lounge? Am I not welcome?
After we've been so busy for so long, it's only natural that I, as the Gray Raven Commandant's battle partner, should come and properly "check in" on you.
Though I didn't bring any "get-well gifts" this time—just casually picked this flower from the greenhouse.
Vera casually places the rose into a glass on the nearby table, crystal-clear dewdrops still clinging to its petals.
Hmm? What book are you reading?
Curiosity piqued, Vera quickly leans in—her silky red hair brushes against your cheek, carrying with it a cool, fresh fragrance.
Before you can hide "Into the Demon Castle" under the blanket, Vera's hand firmly grips your wrist and snatches the still-open book away.
Why try to hide it? Think you're too good for this now? You really thought you could keep your little secret from me?
Want to find out what happens when you keep secrets from me, [player name]?
Her face draws even closer, her eyes gleaming with an enigmatic smile.
She raises one hand, points it at your forehead, and makes a shooting gesture.
Gotcha.
Now you're my trophy, under my control.
Hahaha... Prepare yourself to live as my prisoner from now on.
She grips your chin with one hand, forcing you to look up and meet her gaze.
In her other hand is "Into the Demon Castle," open to the page where you left off reading.
Her grip on your chin loosens, and her fingertips gently trail across your cheek.
So the Grey Raven Commandant has such a childish side? Reading a story meant for kids?
Oh really? I'd like to see what kind of "pastime" puts you to sleep mid-reading.
Come on, read this story to me.
Vera releases her hold and lies down on the sofa—kicking you to the corner in the process.
Though you're puzzled by Vera's sudden interest, her request touches something deep within you.
The clock hands tick silently forward as the artificial sunlight gradually sinks below the horizon. Evening approaches.
Faint laughter and music drift from afar—the dance party seems to have begun.
But here in this lounge, only the two of you savor the tranquility together.
Sunset glow streams through the window, bathing you both in perfect light, as if the entire world is enveloped in a peaceful, luminous halo.
You become acutely aware of Vera's closeness, feeling the unique warmth of a Construct radiating through your clothes.
You return your gaze to the page and begin reading, savoring each word.
You're about to turn the page to continue reading when Vera's hand stops yours.
Wait. I've changed my mind. What I want to hear is—how would you finish this story?
If you were writing it, what would happen after the hero enters the castle?
Her pomegranate-red gaze searches yours. As you look into her eyes, something stirs in your heart.
In this moment, you want nothing more than to tell a story that belongs only to you and her.
You set the book aside, gather your thoughts, and begin to tell your own version...
...
The story has reached its conclusion, and you have given the answer that lies in your heart.
—You refuse to accept a predetermined tragedy, unwilling to witness everything end and perish, unwilling to let the story rush toward a silent conclusion.
As long as you follow your heart, continuing to fight and persevere...
Then, a [Good Ending] will always await you.
What a coincidence, you're the second reader to borrow this book this week.
Of course, let me check the records. The other borrower is...
Vera from Cerberus.
As your retelling of the story draws to a close, the lounge returns to its original tranquility.
The rose in the water glass continues to bloom silently, while a gentle breeze carries the melody from a distant ball.
Vera no longer looks at you, instead gazing quietly out the window, seemingly lost in the melody of the music.
Why are you taking it out? Don't you like the flower?
...Or are you refusing the gift I gave you?
You reach out and brush your fingers through Vera's hair, the silky strands flowing like water across your fingertips.
Tch, what's your obsession with my hair?
...Hmph, what a childish trick...
Are you done yet?
A moment passes as you use the rose to pin back Vera's crimson hair.
The blooming rose rests at her temple, its vibrant color especially dazzling against her hair in the sunlight.
Vera smiles, extending her hand in acceptance of your invitation.
Just like that moment at "the castle," she places her hand in yours, exactly as she did then.
Hand in hand, you leave the room and step together into the grand ball.
Gone is the gloomy castle, gone is the cold curse. A gentle breeze carries the scent of roses once more as warm sunlight bathes your bodies.
Alright, my little "trophy."
Then let's dance together... "until dawn breaks."
Library
One month ago
Excuse me... are you sure you want to borrow this book?
A pair of white "wolf ears" perk up from across the desk. Their owner sniffs the air, then nods affirmatively.
Huh? You want the digital version transferred to your Audiovisual Terminal? Ah... that's fine too. Please wait a moment.
Three minutes later, the librarian returns with a beaming smile.
Good news! "Reborn: When the Hero Becomes the Supreme Overlord" has been loaded to your Audiovisual Terminal!
By the way, the WGAA has launched a new service for e-books. It lets you import book content into a specialized virtual reality module for immersive storytelling—it's incredibly realistic! Would you like to try it?
...You want to find someone else to try it? That works too!
