Story Reader / Event Story / Stellar Narratives / Story
Perhaps because of the festival, Constellia is bustling with activity during the day. The streets are packed with people, and a joyful festive atmosphere fills the city.
Many shops have long lines—clear proof the heat hasn't melted anyone's enthusiasm. One line snakes from a shady corner, far longer than expected.
At the head sits a young Construct with black-and-white streaked hair. His pencil flies; in three minutes he hands a lifelike manga sketch to the model.
The young Construct has clearly been drawing for a long time. Even though he's in the shade, sweat still beads on his forehead. He glances at the long line that stretches out of sight and wipes it away.
He had originally planned to explore the festival with the Gray Raven Commandant, but since he arrived early and had time to spare, Noan set up his easel to warm up and get a feel for it.
But tourists mistook him for an official artist. Before he could explain, a long queue formed.
There are... surprisingly many customers.
Sorry, please join the line, I know it's long, but—hey? [player name]?
The young Construct's frown loosens as he accepts the electrolyte drink. He eyes the endless line, then gives you a helpless smile.
I'll finish eventually. Shouldn't you be exploring the festival?
True, it's just that most years we enjoy the festival as visitors. Now then, valued customer, may I take a photo?
At those words, you settle into a relaxed pose. From the easel, Noan snaps a picture with his terminal, capturing your easygoing look.
If, after a whole day of fun, you still remember, Commandant, swing back here and collect your sketch.
Noan lowers his voice.
Of course... even if it slips your mind, I'll hand-deliver it to your room.
It's only one more. Go explore, [player name]. If you spot anything cool, report back. After all...
He pauses, jerking his chin toward the endless queue. Half exasperated, half amused, he says in a low voice.
Pretty sure I'm stuck here for the whole day.
The young Construct hurries you off to enjoy yourself. Once you leave, he picks up his brush and pats his tired cheeks with both hands, trying to perk up.
Alright, now to attend to these customers.
Here's your sketch. Thank you. Next!
The line only grows. His manga-style speed sketches, rare in these post-apocalyptic times, keep drawing newcomers.
After a few more customers, the terminal beeps as if it pities his exhaustion.
The "emergency mission" alert forces Noan to lay his brush aside; it seems today's booth shift is over.
With your announcement and guidance, the long line finally begins to move.
The ever-growing line disperses amid complaints of "I waited so long" and "What a shame."
Noan exhales, relieved, and glances at you who rescued him from sketching hell.
[player name], I got an urgent call saying I need to help you. What's the task?
The crowd is gone, leaving only you and the Construct artist. He rises from his easel. Though he speaks in a formal tone, he doesn't seem nearly as serious as he does during official missions.
You both read each other's minds. Noan keeps a casual, perfunctory air toward the "mission," and sees you—who should be grave and urgent—sitting at the easel just as relaxed.
So this is our urgent mission?
The young Construct understands at once and tactfully does not expose the ruse. He is happy to be your accomplice under the name of "false mission intel."
Following your instructions, Noan takes the chair he usually sets out for customers. Seeing you offer no further explanation, he raises his question.
How did you know I wanted to escape?
That really does sound like something I would say...
No wonder it failed. Wishes don't work when someone overhears them, right?
Every manga artist I know prays like that.
During the chat, he settles firmly into position, fully relaxed. You, the famous Gray Raven Commandant, grip the brush with mock solemnity and flash him a thumbs-up.
I didn't know you could draw, [player name].
Looks like I'm the target today... Does this pose work, [player name]?
The young Construct strikes a slightly exaggerated pose, as if out of habit.
It's the classic transformation pose from Cardman Rider... If this one's hard to draw, I know plenty more from the show.
Then you'd better sketch quickly, [player name]. I'm not sure how long I can hold this.
It's not really hard for a Construct. I just wanted to mess with you.
...You're not planning to send that to anyone, are you?
The Construct sits back down on the stool. Without the need to maintain a dramatic pose, he seems more at ease.
Your brush glides softly across the paper. Sitting at the easel, your expression shifts between focus and ease. After some final touches and adjustments, you finally set the brush down.
The linework... these angled shadows... You even captured this little tuft of white hair of mine perfectly...
Thanks for putting so much care into this.
Though...
Hearing the hint in his tone, you wonder if something's missing. You pick the pencil back up.
It's missing a partner. You know how Cardman Rider always fights alongside allies, right? If I'm posing like a hero of justice, then I can't do it solo.
The Construct leans in and gently takes your hand, guiding it as you hold the pencil. His light touch quietly takes over, helping you move it across the page.
The pencil glides across the textured paper, capturing the moment in graphite. In this lively festival corner, you and the Construct stay at the easel. He patiently helps you sketch while your casual conversation becomes part of the drawing itself.
The piece is finished. Next to the sketch of the Construct in his Cardman Rider pose stands a human Commandant. On the figure's shoulder, the emblem of wings and a shield is clearly visible.
Looks better now, don't you think?
It's the perfect piece to wrap up the day's work at the booth.
There's a phase two to this "emergency mission"? What's that about?
Noan, your accomplice in this imaginary mission, finally smiles warmly. He nods and accepts the second phase of your so-called "emergency mission."
Roger... I'll make sure the "mission" is successfully completed.
