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Summer Anecdotes Beachside Respite
>Just leave these right here.
Have a drink and go take a break.
We really appreciate it. Even as a commandant of Babylonia, you're still taking the time to help out with our bonfire party.
You grab the chilled drink and take a big gulp, letting its sweet chill momentarily drive away the summer heat.
The city is buzzing with excitement right now. After the huge success of last year's Paradise Festival, everyone's ready to take a break and have a good time once more.
It hasn't been easy for anyone, so setting aside some time to unwind feels like a must.
There are a lot more street vendors down the road now. It's a nice spot to check out.
I won't bother you anymore. Take care, and have fun!
You watch him walk away, then sit quietly on a bench. All of a sudden, an unexpected voice calls out from behind.
...Commandant?
You turn around to find Bianca, whom you haven't seen in quite a while.
It really has been a while, hasn't it?
Yep.
Bianca casually takes a seat beside you and starts talking about her daily life.
It's not very busy these days, and a lot of people from the Purifying Force are taking leave to vacation here.
For the next couple of nights, there will be a bonfire party on the beach, and I heard it's hosted by Pulao from Kowloong.
Bianca gently brushes back the loose strands of hair draping over her forehead, neatly tucking them behind her ear.
Since there's a concert nearby, folks are referring to it as the "Bonfire Concert".
Tomorrow night, there's also an outdoor movie showing.
But that's set up a bit farther away from the bonfire area.
It looks like a guy named "Beardy" is running the show, and he's going to show off a few of his own movies.
I heard Cerberus has crossed paths with him on a past mission.
Oh, sorry—I'm over here rambling about my own business and totally forgot to ask: How's everything going for you these days, Commandant?
Commandant, you're not heading back to Star of Life these days, right?
That's a relief. I always hope you pay more attention to your well-being.
What about the other members of Gray Raven?
Speaking of which, Constellia really is buzzing with strange rumors right now.
I heard there's a ghostly silhouette roaming the shoreline at night, and at exactly three in the morning, a mysterious mechanoid appears at the crossroads, supposedly granting wishes.
There's also talk of a castle where a haunting song echoes through the corridors.
It's not completely out of the question, I think.
I just think it's fascinating.
Plenty of classic films use urban legends as inspiration.
And sometimes, it's the other way around—some urban legends actually come from those old films.
Peaceful, everyday chatter drifts along with the gentle roll of distant waves, until the sudden call of a seagull breaks the quiet nearby.
The drink is already finished, leaving nothing but ice cubes that collapse with soft clinks as they melt.
Beep—Beep—
Bianca checks the message appearing on her terminal.
I'm afraid today's idle chat ends here, Commandant.
I feel the same way. See you next time, Commandant.
Bianca turns and walks away.
You glance at your terminal—it looks like Lucia and Liv are about to arrive at Constellia.
Standing up, you head toward the pickup spot. There are two routes: one through the bustling commercial district, and another through the quieter residential area.
You arrive at the commercial district, where rows of shops and bustling street stalls line both sides of the road.
As you look ahead, a familiar figure comes into view in front of a nearby shop.
Hey, [player name].
Changyu looks a bit resigned.
I'm working, working. I'd love a vacation, but I'm apparently born to hustle. I still have a job to do right now.
Constellia is thriving these days, with more and more people settling down here.
The train keeps bringing in plenty of newcomers to Constellia.
I'm here to survey the commercial growth. Jamilah wants to form a long-term partnership with this place.
From my perspective, many people are reigniting their hope for the future.
And that's largely thanks to you, Commandant.
Are you shopping alone? Want to join me...
A nearby voice cuts Changyu off before he can finish.
Changyu, regarding that business collaboration, I need your...
[player name], I can't believe I'm seeing you here.
It's been a while. On behalf of Akdilek, I offer you my regards.
If you have time, feel free to stop by Akdilek.
Changyu gives you a "See? I told you so" look and shrugs.
Looks like I've got work—need to head over. I'm sticking around here for a while, so let's hang out another day!
Commandant!
You step into a street in the residential district and immediately hear someone calling you.
Turning around, you spot a blue-haired Construct dashing toward you from afar.
Commandant, I never thought I'd run into you here!
Are you here on vacation, Commandant?
You heard Babylonia has not been paying Echo nearly as much attention these days.
I'm still traveling across the surface, just like I always did. This city is where Lena once came for a mission, so I decided to see it myself.
Commander Nikola has been looking out for me a lot.
He even asked if I wanted to go to Babylonia and officially joined the Task Force.
Well...
I'm still thinking. I'm also considering joining the Control Court.
Commandant, what do you think?
Commandant, where are you headed?
Oh, they're also here!
Commandant, please give everyone my regards.
Alright then, I'll let you get back to it, Commandant.
Echo lifts her right hand and indicates the terminal on her wrist.
I've written a few poems these days...
Ahem... I'll keep in touch with you, Commandant!
You say your goodbyes, head along the planned route to the plaza, and spot three people who have already been waiting for a while.
...
So those urban legends are real?
Yes... and no.
Yes and no?
Indeed.
The four of you walk side by side along the shore, letting the evening tide blow a hint of briny summer air against the skin.
You occasionally break into laughter, like a close-knit family taking a leisurely stroll after dinner.
Following the clues, I found the mysterious mechanoid who appeared at a crossroads at exactly three in the morning, said to grant people's wishes.
Was it really capable of granting any wish?
No, but it was originally a butler-type service robot.
Its logic circuits glitched at exactly 3 AM.
Every time that happened, it would automatically make its way to a crossroads.
Hence those rumors...
So you went to help it this afternoon, right?
Yeah, I fixed it up as best I could.
But it's an awakened machine, so I can't completely restore it...
With your three teammates beside you, you hear distant seagull cries from the sea on your right and faint cheers on the beach to your left, as if people are celebrating around a newly lit bonfire.
For a moment, you feel the word "summer" come to life.
The trio stops talking, looks over at you, and exchanges a knowing smile.
From now on, we will share many more summers just like this.
