Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Heart's Whispers Across Time / Story
The space is tight and small. Cold wind hits your face. It's pitch black, and only the walkie-talkie glows a little green.
Just a minute ago, the staff took you and Yata to different rooms, like the game said.
Heh heh heh... Ten years later... I've finally got you both.
Suddenly, a creepy moan comes from the walkie-talkie, making you shiver.
To get out of "Arakami Middle School", you have to find clues and figure out what happened back then...
THUD—Before she finishes, the wall vibrates, and dust falls.
W-Wait, folks! That wall's—
With a thunderous crash, the wall shatters into a gaping hole, and a familiar figure emerges from the breach.
Yo, Gray Raven Commandant, knew I'd find you back here.
F-Folks... you've skipped ahead! You weren't supposed to meet until the end.
Huh? I saw a crack and thought it was a shortcut.
Well... you guys did read the rules, right? About paying for damage...
Ugh, this is on me... Wasn't this supposed to be a totally free escape room? There's nothing free about this.
It's your birthday, right? I heard this place does scary escape rooms, so I thought I'd bring you.
You might forget a regular gift, but a memory like this will stick with you.
I told the staff to make sure everyone would—
—Ahem! Ten years ago, Arakami Middle School burned down. What people don't know is there's a young girl's body under these ruins!
A walkie-talkie interrupts, barely saving the mood that's falling apart with the wall.
It's kind of spooky in here, let's move on... Let's keep going, Gray Raven Commandant.
What's up, you scared of ghosts?
Don't worry, I'll go first. Stay close so nothing grabs you.
You take Yata's outstretched right hand and cautiously step deeper into the darkness.
Even though it's creepy in here, the puzzles are easy. Besides a few jump scares, you haven't had any problems, let alone the ghost you had feared.
Feels like we're nearly done. This is too easy, right?
No sooner have those words been spoken than a tremendous crash echoes in front of them. Looking toward the sound, you see the wooden beam blocking the classroom's side door twisting and warping—someone is ramming it from outside, about to break through!
Quick, hide! I'm coming to get you!
Almost at the same time, Yata clenches her fists, her Powered Arms popping out, ready for a fight.
Tch—now what?
Looking around, the classroom's spotless, with nowhere to hide—except for some lockers in the corner.
Yata rushes to the lockers. Her mechanical arms reach out, trying to open a few doors, but they won't budge.
What's going on? All these lockers are completely locked!
Just by chance, you open the only unlocked locker.
Can you move in a bit? It's way too cramped!
Because she can't pull her backpack in, Yata's mechanical arms twist behind her like tangled wires, taking up even more of the already cramped space.
You two barely fit in the cabinet, standing face-to-face, feeling each other's breath in the confined space.
Hey, wait, what's that behind you—
Before the sentence ends, the locker wall falls apart. You and Yata, who was leaning on you, tumble backward into a bright room—
Leaving the cold room, cheerful music fills the air. You see a "Happy Birthday" banner and a white cake.
Looks like we accidentally made it to the end. I got you a cake, but I didn't expect them to place it right at the end.
Yata stands and stretches, working out the stiffness. She starts to relax.
Phew—that was close, but we did it. What did you think?
You need a mix of excitement and chill. You're always on point at work, but relax when you're off.
Yata leads you to a table, grabs a spoon, scoops some cake, and holds it out to you.
After all that, are you hungry? Try this—I took ages picking it out.
A warm sweetness fills your mouth, getting rid of the tiredness. Seeing your satisfied expression, Yata breaks into a cheerful smile of her own.
You know, you look kind of funny when you're relaxing.
Happy birthday, [player name].
Next time, I'll take you somewhere even better.
