Story Reader / Event Story / Stellar Narratives / Story
First set, stretching exercises. One, two, three, four...
Following the broadcast count, No. 21 perks up her wolf ears and raises both arms straight out in front of her.
Am I doing this right, Commandant?
Ah...
Incorrect. Start over. Incorrect. Start over. Incorrect. Sta—
Grr... I'm gonna tear you apart!
Violence prohibited! Security!
Don't stop me, Commandant. This stupid machine is picking on me!
I'm following protocol. If you want your stamp and the prize, you need to follow the rules!
This is one of the Double Seventh Festival activities. The banner says anyone who completes the radio calisthenics gets a stamp.
These stamps can be exchanged for prizes.
I want that big wolf...
Drawn by the plush wolf on display, No. 21 eagerly joined the calisthenics, but without ever having learned it, she failed miserably.
That's why I got the Gray Raven Commandant to guide you. Do the calisthenics right and you'll get the stamp. Please stop biting. Machines can feel pain too!
Bad...!
...Alright. I'll do as you say, Commandant.
We agreed that once I finish the leg kick exercise, I get the stamp.
Why would I lie? Hurry up and do it!
The mechanoid restarts the broadcast, and the familiar opening tune of radio calisthenics fills the air.
Commandant, could you go over the leg?kick exercise again?
With a bit of time before the third section begins, No. 21 tugs on your sleeve, wanting to review.
You said it has eight counts.
Left foot forward three steps, arms raised... How far is three steps? My steps are smaller. I need two extra.
Uh...
She always forgets the lunge, clenching her fists and shaking her head hard as if trying to force herself to remember.
First count, left foot... no, right foot forward into a lunge, arms up.
Second count, left foot kicks forward, arms swing back... then switch to the left... right? Left?
It's common to mix up left and right when you're flustered. The best fix is physical guidance. You step in, place your hands on her shoulders, and gently turn her 180 degrees while talking her through it.
Left side first, then right. Right, Commandant?
Her tail sways with satisfaction at your approval, but this time she doesn't nuzzle closer. She stays in position and recites the last count.
After the eighth count... start again from the first.
Looks like you've got it.
Alright, that's enough. Time for the third section!
Got it.
No. 21 will do it perfectly!
Third set, leg kicks, begin!
Ready and focused, she moves in rhythm with the broadcast.
Five, six, seven, stop.
She draws her feet back into a standing position. The exercise is complete.
Did I pass?
Mmm...
Yep, you passed.
I passed, Commandant!
Yes. Then I can take the big wolf home as my prize.
One stamp isn't enough for that.
You have to do the exercises daily for them to mean anything. If you could get the prize in one go, what would be the point of stamps? Come back the next two days.
...
I knew it. You're a bad guy!
Security!
Quick! Get her off me!
Help! The Commandant from Babylonia is siccing a Construct on me!
Under her relentless attack, the mechanoid gives in and hands over the wolf. In return, No. 21 has to come back for exercises the next two days.
The wolf... You take it, Commandant.
When I saw it, I thought of you, Commandant. And how I can't always be with you.
So you'll treat it as my stand-in. When I'm not here, it'll mark my territory for me.
Yes. Put it somewhere obvious so everyone knows your room belongs to No. 21.
And don't forget, you still owe me two more days of exercises!
...I hate doing exercises.
As thanks for the big wolf, I'll spend more time with you.
She freezes for a moment, then her lips curve into a small, warm smile.
The big wolf did its job, Commandant.
