Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Dreams Inscribed / Story
Test, test... All good.
Is everyone ready?
Sophia scans the room, ensuring to catch everyone's nod of confirmation.
Within the expansive room, the group is seated in a circle on the ground, each member independently operating their own terminal.
And of course, all of this effort is dedicated to fulfilling the task at hand—the sequel of the Dragon Boat Festival film.
Given the unsuccessful attempt at script writing, the group has decided to follow Ayla's suggestion and apply the same method as last year.
Which is facilitating the script writing process through a TRPG game.
Where everyone plays a different role in the world constructed by Ayla.
The Dragon Boat film from last year was adapted from the outcome of a TRPG game that everyone dedicated their efforts to playing.
Despite the roleplay part, it's still just a game, so players are not expected to deliver professional-level performances.
However...
Let's get started.
Are you tired of the hassles of resource transportation? Worried about dealing with multiple trading agencies? Look no further! Akdilek Commercial Alliance is here to assist you, with speed, efficiency, safety, precision, and unparalleled service quality!
We will be your one-stop solution for resource transportation and agency trading. Whether it's ammunition, rations, or medical supplies, Akdilek Commercial Alliance always guarantees top-notch safety measures and offers flexible payment options...
Sophia, are you almost done? This is taking too long.
Didn't we agree on two paragraphs? I haven't finished the second one yet.
There are still about.. two pages left.
I really should've set a time limit instead.
Well, that's negotiating with an ACA member for you.
Guess we should never underestimate an ACA member's ability to maximize value...
In response to the WGAA members' complaints, Sophia simply raises two fingers to make a V sign before resuming her reading of the advertisement script in hand.
It only ends when the anxious WGAA member almost breaks the calibration button on the timer by repeatedly mashing it, and the advertisement has lasted...
Stop.
A full 254 seconds. I seriously doubt viewers will have the patience to finish watching this ad.
Don't worry. They'll have the privilege of skipping ads by purchasing a special membership, and each month it only costs...
You know what, forget about it.
Ayla, the program is successfully activated, and I'll leave the rest to you.
Without waiting for Ayla's response, the WGAA member hurriedly turns off the light.
The spacious room is instantly engulfed in darkness, only to be illuminated as the surrounding projectors come to life.
The virtual world created by Ayla gradually envelops everyone in the room.
...
The ceaseless sound of tides welcomes you, followed by the wind that rushes into your sleeves.
In your sight, the masts of boats still linger on the distant horizon.
As seagulls soar through the sky, they momentarily turn their gaze toward you, taken aback by your sudden presence.
That's right. After one year, amidst Ayla's gentle whispers, you and your companions find yourselves returning to this world once more.
It's just that...
Last time we descended from the sky because the villagers cast some hero-summoning spell.
So it's the same this time...?
Heehee, I'll never use the same setting twice. Get ready for something new, guys.
Not to mention that everyone's in-game character level was already maxed out after the first story.
If we stick to the regular process, you'll just one-shot any enemy you see.
Not the Spectral Dragon with 3000 HP...
Objection! As the Supreme Goddess of Creation in this realm, I declare that creatures as such shall be banished eternally from our midst.
Emm, everyone...? Shouldn't we prioritize finding a landing solution first?
When I looked for a parachute last time, Ayla said such items didn't exist in this world.
And in the end, it was the hero-summoning spell that brought us down to the ground safely.
So we'll go with the same plot this time?
...
...Right?
As I said before, I'll never use the same setting twice.
So, there will be no hero-summoning spell this time.
BOOM!
As the air reverberates with deafening sounds, four towering pillars of water rise from the sea surface.
The fishermen, in the midst of drying their nets, freeze in shock. Only when a collection of blades and spears appear on the sea surface do a few of them gather their courage and paddle over to investigate the situation.
Unfazed by the unusual event, the breeze continues to gently caress the tide until the tranquility is broken by the sudden appearance of a hand on the edge of the reef ashore.
Use... item... [Time Escaper's Pocket Watch].
In a feeble voice, the boy manages to utter a few words. Meanwhile, one by one, his companions also crawl their way onto the shore.
Thank goodness... that you found this item just in time...
Commandant... Where's Commandant?
It's okay, Commandant. We just have to wait for a little while.
Once activated, the [Time Escaper's Pocket Watch] can reverse time, erasing all wounds and curses inflicted upon the targets.
Wow... All my wounds are immediately healed.
It's just that...
It's just that my body feels a bit strange, and the height of my vision has been noticeably lowered.
Is this some kind of curse?
It's not. The [Time Escaper's Pocket Watch] can lift all curses, but the cost of it...
Is becoming what we look like now.
We... we became smaller?
No wonder I struggled a lot to crawl out of the sea. In that case, our character stats...
This is Ayla, the Supreme Goddess. It's my pleasure to answer your question. Due to the effect of the pocket watch...
Your stats have dropped from the formidable hero level to a balanced state where monsters now stand a chance against you.
Well, I kinda had to weaken you, you know. Otherwise, you would simply annihilate every single enemy.
...
Then I suggest you reconsider my proposal about the Spectral Dragon.
But I can't say I didn't see this coming. These minor obstacles won't impede Gray Raven's capabilities, though.
??
The strength of Gray Raven lies in our seamless teamwork and every individual member.
Weakened stats won't even be a problem for us with all the members present.
You mean?
During our last journey in this world, we already acquired powerful weapons tailored to each team member and potent items such as [Time Escaper's Pocket Watch].
Theoretically, except for those pieces with specific stat requirements, we can still tap into considerable potential with other equipment options.
"Ah, I see," Ayla remarks with a hand clap, finally coming to a realization before summoning the control system.
Oh no.
Lee's hand quickly reaches out toward his waist, where his equipment bag hangs, as if trying to grab something before Ayla takes action...
As a result of this speed race, Lee manages to secure the first item in his inventory at the last moment.
Unfazed by the crashing waves and the gusting wind, his small figure shows no fear. In his hand, the item looks almost dazzling under the sunlight.
All set.
...
Yeah, my inventory... is sorted based on the order in which I obtained each item...
Rather than a weapon, what Lee has retrieved from his bag is... a sea conch that couldn't be more common, likely finding its way into his inventory when he fell into the sea.
...
So, we have nothing left now?
Yep, all gone with the waves.
And don't forget to factor in the wear and tear on the equipment's durability.
If we're talking about the items lost during the fall, is it possible to find a way to retrieve and repair them...
Liv shifts her gaze toward the direction you point.
On the far-off shore, fishermen are bringing their fully loaded boats to dock, their cheerful singing resonating through the air.
Amidst their melodious praises of the goddess' gift, they carry a heap of items, recognizable to every Gray Raven member, onto their wagons.
As the sound of the rolling wheels fades away, the air is left abuzz with the lingering echo of their vibrant calls.
Anyone wants to buy scrap?
