Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Farewell to the Past Year / Story
You follow Watanabe's lead to an emptier spot of the camp.
The children you saw running before are now gathered there, keeping busy among themselves.
Watanabe slows down his pace, and you are confused about what he is intending.
Hey, what do you guys think about these...
That's about the right amount... And then it's up to how fast we can act. Or else we'll get discovered.
Is it because of the "supplier"? I heard from my uncle about some product testing... That's why Uncle Watanabe and the others are heading out.
...But if you think about it, the supplier also has it pretty rough, having to work at a time like this.
Wait, it should go like this... like this! Twist this, and then... Argh!
You're right, but don't fold it with so much force! Gently!
How about it we hang it right outside the entrance? They can see it once they come back...
And this one too! We can glue this by the gate!
All the children turn around at the same time, the excitement on their faces barely hidden.
The little girl is the first one to react. She steadies herself and watches you approach nervously.
Maybe it is the sound of your footsteps or your wavering shadow that has warned them, but the children immediately notice your presence. They are surprisingly alert.
They only relax until they realize that it is Watanabe who is heading toward them.
Uncle Watanabe! Oh, and the supplier!
Aren't you going on a mission, Uncle Watanabe?
Xiuyong and Deckard deliberately step forward, blocking Ann and the things she is holding in her arms from your view.
Watanabe acts like he has not noticed what they did, and he crouches to their height with a solemn and respectful expression.
I am, but that is going to take a while to prepare, so I am here to check and see how your mission's going.
...Even so, you should have said something. It's pretty rude to just sneak up on us!
Your enemies won't greet you before they sneak up on you. I'll let you off this time since it's your first mistake, but not a second time, got it?
Got it!
You silly! You should have said, "Yes, Sir!"
The girl hiding behind them suddenly speaks, standing on her toes to look at Watanabe between the two boys.
The boys notice Watanabe's gaze shifting, and they move up to keep the girl hidden.
So, Uncle Watanabe... I mean, Sir! Are you here to give us a new mission, Sir?
We have finished mowing and patrolling as you ordered, Sir! We're free to take new missions now!
Smart kids. You're right, I've got a new mission for you.
Watanabe stands and turns to you with a very friendly wink.
As you know, this is [player name], our supplier who just arrived.
Your job is simple—
I'm heading out for the tests very soon. Once I leave with the adults from the combat team, you're in charge of keeping an eye on our supplier from wandering inside our camp. Understood?
What are you even talking about? The Forsaken never asks a guest in the camp to partake in a mission!
Watanabe smiles, slyly.
More or less. Think of it as a cooperative mission.
Watanabe shrugs, smiling slyly.
His comms ring right after he finishes speaking.
Watanabe turns away from the three curious children, one of his hands spontaneously petting one of their heads.
Sir, the object the supplier brought is ready.
The tests can begin soon. Please come over if you're available. We're about to leave.
Watanabe just gives him a slight nod before ending the conversation. And then he leans in toward the children again with his serious face.
Do you understand your missions, Forsaken reserves?
Understood! We will complete our task, Sir!
Their mannerism is far from the military standard, but the children still sound quite authentic in front of Watanabe.
Watanabe straightens up, patting the children's heads one by one, then he turns to look at you and speaks again.
Simply put, you'll stay here with them when we're out collecting data.
They're an energetic bunch. I'm sure you'll keep each other occupied, and I won't have to worry about you wandering in my camp.
See, an adult wouldn't have said that.
Maybe, maybe not. As your business partner, I simply don't think my supplier needs to go nosing about other people's business.
Stay awake, stay energized, [player name]. Good luck.
We'll be heading out, and I'll try to get it done as soon as possible. I'll see you later.
