Story Reader / Event Story / Magpie's Fortune / Story
No, that's off. I lowered the pitch too much... I need to move it up another.
Deep in the Arctic Route Union exhibit area, you spot Karenina sitting alone on a bench, holding a... strange-looking instrument.
...Commandant?
Karenina looks up and gestures toward a giant sign nearby: "Music Puzzle Zone—complete the challenge to earn the legendary 'Sixpence' pick, 2018 Limited Edition".
The guitar pick once used by the legendary guitarist of the band Her Majesty's—a real rock treasure from the Golden Age. There's no way I'll let anyone else get their hands on something this significant.
The rules say if I solve their music puzzle using this instrument, I can claim it.
This is a traditional balalaika—an old relic. It plays much like a guitar. See? I've already tuned it.
Karenina rises with the triangular instrument in her arms, strums the strings, and sets one foot on the gleaming stone floor. A countdown pops up on the exhibit's screen.
Hmph, as I figured—just a breeze.
Nah, just sit there and watch.
Right after she says that, three glowing tiles light up on the floor at the same time. Karenina stumbles, nearly toppling over.
What the heck?! Who in the world has three feet?!
...Ahem, can you give me a hand here?
Ugh—!
Karenina rushes in, grabs your wrist, and hauls you onto the brick pavement.
...H-hey, don't look at me like that! I'm giving you a reward, okay?
Karenina adjusts her chord positions and strums the guitar again...
The fourth tile! Step on that one!
These squares follow a pattern! Once the next round starts, you're on the east side. Whoa—watch out!
Thud!
Your heads collide with a jolt.
Hey! Watch outttt!!
Karenina darts forward and grabs your arm to keep you from falling.
Are you alright? At least you didn't fall... Wait?!
Y-you're way too close!
Karenina's face turns bright red, and she suddenly looks flustered, unsure how to react.
All because you were right up in my face, watching me the whole time... I got distracted!
All right, let's go again! I'm not making the same mistake twice!
Karenina pats her cheeks to calm herself, then strums the strings again...
The countdown is down to three seconds... The last set of glowing tiles lights up, one to the east and one to the west. A single wrong move and you'll collide...
****! This again?!
As the final note of the instrument rings out, you press against each other to steady yourselves, coming to a halt in the vast plaza.
We did it!
Karenina hoists your clasped hands high overhead.
Then, as if she's just been shocked, her cheeks turn bright red, and she lingers there in embarrassment.
Hey... my hand...!
How long are you planning to hold it?!
Karenina yanks her hand away, her cheeks turning bright red all the way to her ears. The Inver-Device on top of her head stands upright in alarm.
Suddenly, the overhead drone showers confetti in a glittering burst. A transparent, heart-shaped box drifts into Karenina's palm, holding a small coin-shaped pick.
Thank you for visiting our gallery. If you'd like a free video keepsake, please look into the camera.
Wait, we're taking photos?!
Five... four...
Huh? You know how to do that?
Since you didn't hold me back, I'll go along with you. Think of it as a little praise.
...Don't be so silly! Who stands there like a statue when taking a picture? Put your hand like this...
Before you can even process what's happening, Karenina grabs your hand and arranges it to mirror hers.
Snap—
Your skin brushes against hers as the shutter goes off, freezing that slightly awkward pose in the photo.
It's truly a day worth remembering! To celebrate the first time visitors ever solve our gallery's puzzle, your winning footage and stunning photos are on display here for the next 48 hours.
Wha-what? They're showing it to everyone?!
Last, I wish you both a wonderful and joyful Double Seventh Festival. Goodbye!
****! Give me the photo! Get back here!!!
