Story Reader / Festival Event Story / The Destined Surprise / Story
Your consciousness seems to have sunken underwater, your body slowly waking from a long slumber.
Someone gently slaps you on your cheek, the warm touch bringing you some clarity.
In your blurry, dim vision, you see a familiar figure crouched in front of you, his hand waving before your eyes.
Oh, you're awake? The world has been destroyed by the Punishing Virus.
Startled by the horrifying words, you instinctively sit up straight and survey the surroundings, only to find yourself having merely taken a nap in a conservation area lounge.
But the familiar setting heightens your alertness.
Because an "unexpected person" is standing before you.
Alright, calm down. I was just teasing you.
You were taking a short nap during your mission, and I, your malicious enemy, took the opportunity to sneak in and watch you for a while.
The silver-haired Ascendant smiles and waves, but you cannot discern the truth in his words still.
Your memories gradually flood back, and you recall what happened before you arrived on the surface. You fell asleep directly upon returning to the conservation area after the tiring events.
What do you think I want? Or have you forgotten what day it is?
Before you can answer, a cold metal box is thrust into your hands.
Now you know, right?
Indeed. I'm here for your birthday.
At that moment, you finally notice a bouquet of flowers on the small table beside the bed, placed there by someone unknown.
The sunlight outside the window is not the usual bright morning light but more like the early dawn.
Sneaking in to offer you this blessing before the guards find out wasn't easy.
Have you thought about how to thank me, Gray Raven Commandant?
Roland sits at your bedside in the hazy morning light, looking at you with a half-smile.
That's fine by me. A "blessing" is something that takes effect as soon as it's given.
Hmm... Why? Maybe I wanted to celebrate with my worthy rival for a year of good fight?
Aren't you going to open this box?
Don't worry, there's nothing strange inside. It's just a simple "gift."
Under Roland's watchful gaze, you slowly open the box to find it filled with glistening candies.
Would you trust a gift from an enemy? Maybe I sprinkled some poison in there too.
If you don't believe me, how about I fetch you some testing kits?
Oh? And why is that?
Roland raises an eyebrow nonchalantly.
I see. Who would've thought the Gray Raven Commandant could be so sentimental at times?
Roland's ever-present smile seems a bit more mysterious at that moment.
Anyway, I've delivered my "gift." It's up to you what you want to do with it.
The sun is about to rise. Time for me to exit the stage.
Roland stands up from the bed and walks toward the door.
Goodbye. If there's a next year... I'll send you my blessings again.
The silver-haired figure opens the door, letting the golden morning light flood in before turning back with one last smile.
Happy birthday, [player name].
Your birthday party with Gray Raven this year has ended as lively as ever. After the party, you return to the lounge alone.
Back then, the researchers eagerly tested the candy upon your return to Babylonia—just as Roland said, they were just candies. Just a "gift"... and nothing more.
As the digital clock nears midnight, your eyes are drawn to a small, familiar box on the desk.
You are certain it was not there during the day.
You quickly stand up and examine the box under the light. Sure enough, there is a classy birthday card written in cursive, expressing the Ascendant's blessings.
Happy birthday. The candies from last year must be finished by now.
