Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Fortune of Spring / Story
Rawr... Meow...
It's okay. Don't be scared.
Lucia and Lee didn't mean to harm you. They were just too anxious.
They won't do it anymore. You can come out now.
Why feed a machine...
Sorry, I was too reckless.
A few minutes ago—
With pale-blue flames coming out of the tailpipe, the tiger-head machine pounced at you. Lucia immediately took action.
The outstanding mobility of Plume allowed her to quickly get behind the machine. Her right hand slammed down, carefully avoiding the machine's blade "ears" and tailpipe flames.
Rawr-meow?
The tiger head sensed the threat and quickly dived, barely avoiding Lucia's attack.
But it only ended up in Lee's trap, completely wrapped inside his blue tactical coat.
Lee had not used any harsh methods as he did not want to break the tiger head. It just dashed around inside the coat cluelessly, trying to find a way out.
Having no luck, it ended up using the blades to cut an opening again.
The Construct tactical coat weaved from special materials did not stand a chance. The tiger head soon broke free and hid under a chair.
Rawrrr-meow!
It made a shaky, threatening sound.
Seeing the machine's stance, Lee and Lucia stopped taking further action.
I don't think it was going to attack Commandant.
Felines often pounce at the person they are close to. That's probably why it did so to Commandant.
Even it wasn't hostile, if it hit Commandant with that amount of momentum, Commandant would have to spend tonight on a bed in Star of Life.
Meooooow!
Seeing Lee and Lucia were still nearby, the tiger head made a shaky roar.
It then moved a little further into the shadow under the chair.
What do we do now?
Now—
Meow... Roar...
Despite Liv's calming words, the tiger-head machine has not let its guard down. It is no longer trying to run away, but still reluctant to get out of the shadow.
I know you're the bravest. Come out now.
Meooooow!
Liv slowly gets back on her feet, looking a little sad.
Sorry, I couldn't get it out.
Sure. Good luck, Commandant!
You slowly squat down to the same level as the machine and look it in the eyes.
Meow?
The tiger head also moves slightly forward, trying to identify the new person.
Commandant, try to calm it down. Be gentle.
Liv lowers her voice behind you, trying not to alert the tiger head.
That's it.
Huh? Will tigers like this treat?
It hesitates a bit, then slowly flies out from under the chair.
Meooooow!
But soon makes another sharp noise after seeing Lucia and Lee standing nearby.
When it realizes they have not taken any further actions, it stops "stepping" back.
Meow?
The tiger head moves toward you with great caution, frequently turning away to watch Lucia and Lee's actions.
When it finally gets into a safe distance, it immediately leaps into your arms.
Me-ow...
The machine gladly rubs against your chest. Thankfully, the jet engine behind its head is not activated this time.
Great. It likes Commandant.
But why did Nanami send it here anyway?
I have checked the package. There was no message left.
You pick up the machine to inspect. It calmly allows your hands to move around its body.
Meow... Meow...
Is it enjoying this?
When you look right into its red eyes—
Beep—Iris recognition passed... What other checks are there? Forget about them. Too much hassle!
Identity confirmed: Gray Raven Commandant [player name].
As a red light scans through your pupils, you hear Nanami's voice from the machine.
It's been a long time, Commandant!
You see Nanami's hologram in the air.
Surprise! The gift didn't come from the Science Council. It's me, Nanami!
The hologram is not real-time, but a pre-recorded video.
So Nanami has not responded to the strange look you give her. Her speech continues.
Now, allow me to introduce my greatest work. Ta-da! Behold, Tiger!
Meow!
Good! I like your spirit!
You must have already found out that Tiger is a combat booster similar to CUBs.
But it can't transform yet, so don't use it for combat.
If there is a chance, I'd like to make you a more powerful "Super Tiger"!
Of course, Tiger is more than just a cat. I put a lot of time and energy into it.
I have prepared more gifts inside its head. There are many things I'd like to share with you all.
But for my own enjoyment... Oops, no, to make Commandant cherish the upcoming festival more, I have also set up some trials related to it.
Of course there will be hints! Go check them out with others, Commandant!
As the video comes to an end, Nanami also disappears.
It started in a rush and ended in one. Just like how she always is.
So Nanami prepared another gift for us. We need to get her something in return.
I wish I can give her the gift in person.
Nanami is hard to track.
Nanami said there was another gift in Tiger's head. Do we have to dismantle it?
Meow?
Makes sense.
Not funny. I don't think she meant that.
You suddenly receive a verification request in the terminal. The other three Constructs also pause for a moment.
I just received a request to connect to my M.I.N.D.
Huh? I got one too.
Same here.
Looks like this is the proper way to unwrap it.
It feels like we are all unwrapping the gift together.
So, are we connecting?
After confirming there is still some time before 23:00—
Roger!
Only regular breathing sounds can be heard in the quiet Gray Raven lounge.
Tiger twitches slightly on the table. Nanami's hologram shows up once again.
She first glances at the three Constructs leaning back on the chairs.
You are sleeping so well.
Then she looks at the only human in the room.
Nanami rests her hand gently on the human's head. The hologram of her hand goes through the hair—
Her hand cannot hold anything.
Still, Nanami gently pats the human, as if the real her is here instead of an illusion.
Commandant, make sure you work hard to find Nanami.
You promised me.
The girl's hologram disappears once again.
