Story Reader / Event Story / Stellar Narratives / Story
The camera cuts back to the main screen. You've reached the final round of this year's Block-Pulling Championship.
On the red team, we have Team Block Master! And on the blue team, representing Babylonia, it's [player name] and Karenina—Team Karenina Invincible!
The judge's loud voice hypes up the crowd. Despite the fancy name, the competition area is really just a small, simple tent.
You and a mechanoid sit across from each other at a square table in the middle. The tower of blocks between you is already starting to wobble. A few more moves, and this match will be over.
All right, what's the next move going to be?!
[player name], you better not mess up now!
I would've if I could! But they were too scared to go up against me, so they made you play instead!
Are you two done talking? Hurry up and pull a block!
Yeah, yeah. [player name], go for that blue one. Once you pull it out, the gold one underneath will be exposed.
If you do what Karenina says, the whole tower will be dangerously unstable, and there'll only be a few safe blocks left.
Wow, as expected of the famous Construct from the Engineering Force. That was a perfect move. Looks like Team Block Master is in trouble now.
Trouble? You two brats from Babylonia are the ones who should be worried.
I've been watching every move and glance. That Construct, Karenina, told you to go for the blue block, but her eyes were locked on a different one the whole time.
...So you noticed.
I'd bet anything that, under your little setup, the only block left that can actually be pulled is the one she kept staring at—that green one, right?
It's my turn now. I'm pulling it.
After finishing its analysis, the Block Master mechanoid pulls out a block with such precision that the tower doesn't even tremble.
I win!
Then the tower crashes down.
What? That should've been safe... Karenina, you tricked me!
Just because I looked at it doesn't mean I wanted to pull it. And for the record, I don't need tricks. We could play this game a hundred times and you still wouldn't beat me.
You forget where I'm from. I could win a match like this with my eyes closed.
Hey! That's prejudiced...! Against machines! I'm gonna scrap you for that!
Bring it on!
Someone get over here! They're about to start a street fight!
——Obtained "Legendary Gold-Inlaid Block"——
Heh. One more prize in the bag. By the way, [player name], didn't you promise WGAA you'd bring back some souvenirs?
I helped you, didn't I?
Doesn't matter. The point is, I helped you, didn't I?
At that, Karenina, who has been walking ahead, turns to face you with a smug grin.
Don't push it!
What's with the serious thank-you out of nowhere...?
Whatever. Let's grab more souvenirs. Food's no good. Maybe some locally made weapons?
...
After hearing the question, Karenina freezes in place, then clenches her fist and takes a deep breath.
I knew you'd ask that. Fine. I'll just say it.
[player name], I want you to spend today with me!
No! It's not! Don't get weird about it!
The Engineering Force started messing around before the festival. They voted on who would be the loneliest on Double Seventh.
Tch. I just didn't want anyone looking down on me. And you just happened to be nearby when I got here. Simple as that.
No... This is Double Seventh. You think I'd just grab a random person?
...
Her voice rises, but she lowers her head. Her bangs fall over her face, hiding her expression.
If I hadn't grabbed you at the entrance, someone else might've...
...
You stay quiet for the next ten minutes or so. Neither of you is quite sure where to start or what to say.
...A little more to the left.
After gently patting Karenina's head, you both stand in silence for the next ten minutes or so, listening to the sounds of the crowd around you.
And...
Hmph. You're such an idiot, [player name]. What's with that serious look? I was just quoting a line from a drama I saw the other day!
Anyway, you're all mine today. I'm going to grab you as many souvenirs as I can, and you're not allowed to say no, understood?
Karenina lifts her head, her proud, commanding air instantly returning.
That's better. Come on, [player name], the Double Seventh celebration is about to start!
