Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Heart's Whispers Across Time / Story
Whoosh—even the earmuffs can't stop the sound of the clay disc flying.
The orange blur makes a perfect arc under the lights, about to reach that invisible apex point.
The hand gripping the wooden forestock lifts slightly, while the other hand, which controls the firing, has reflexively positioned its index finger on the trigger.
Now—
The blast from the gun kicks the stock against your shoulder, and you get that familiar gunpowder smell.
You barely see the shot leave the barrel before the clay pigeon explodes into orange smoke.
Hit! Let me check the speed... 26 meters per second! You've got sharp eyes, Commandant!
Hey [player name], want to try some clay pigeon shooting?
Bridget's about fifty yards away, leaning on the clay pigeon launcher, waving you over.
Since it's your birthday, I'm going all out now!
Ready, [player name]?
You double-check the chamber, then grab two shells from your pouch and load them into the barrels.
Alright, ready—
She taps the machine's screen a few times, then turns and runs to you.
You instinctively point the gun barrel toward the clay pigeon launcher, but no high-speed spinning disc shoots out from the top of the cylindrical machine.
Relax, it's on a timer. The Support Force's safety protocols—they're super strict!
I got this, no worries.
Bridget smiles, then steps beside you and puts her left hand on your left arm next to the wooden forestock.
Remember, you're using my break-action shotgun today, [player name].
This old gun's reliable, but all the races mean she's got some quirks now.
Ballistics, you know, they never go by the book.
My Commandant's gotta be the most experienced with sidearms on the battlefield...
But this time, how about letting this old gun's owner give the commands?
Three short countdown beeps draw their attention, and soon the cylindrical machine emits a muffled buzzing sound.
The machine throws out two blurry circles, crossing paths in the air.
Bridget guides your arm, helping you move the barrel in a smooth arc.
At the same time, she taps your shoulder.
Bang! Bang!
Two loud bangs happen almost at once, transforming the airborne discs into clouds of colorful mist.
Eject, reload!
In under three seconds, you finish. Bridget helps you aim again.
The clay pigeon launcher starts up again, ready for more.
A dozen or so spent shells scattered across the ground emit wisps of smoke, while scorching air fills the surroundings.
Lowering the barrel, letting your nerves settle down.
The colorful clouds are still there, making it feel unreal under the starlight.
The colored bits aren't just floating around—they're making a pattern recognizable to the human eye.
H...A...P...P...Y...B...I...R...T...H...D...A...Y?
[player name], Happy Birthday!
Before you can even process what you saw, her happy voice cuts through the gunpowder smell.
Hey, even small surprises take some planning, you know?
Looks like she planned the colors and where they'd fly.
Bridget puts her hands over yours, helping you lift the heavy shotgun.
Even though my current frame can handle trouble with Tactical Tonfas...
Back when humans were still around, this shotgun my mom gave me was all I had to protect myself.
Every night in my sleeping bag, seeing this old gun in my bag... with the campfire crackling, makes me feel safe.
This shotgun's not as strong as modern guns, but it's like a good luck charm, and it's been with me all this time.
I want you to feel that same sense of safety, [player name]!
Let's go back together, I want to help you find the best spot for that gun in your room, [player name]!
