Story Reader / Event Story / Magpie's Fortune / Story
The setting sun gathers its last rays while the lights of Constellia slowly flicker to life. In the midst of the bustling crowd, a girl stretches up and waves both hands at you with an over-the-top flourish.
Hey—Commandant, over here, over here!
She waves you over, but then pushes through the crowd and dashes straight toward you. Under the neon lights, her face glows pink with excitement.
Ta-da! It's the Hover Glider Mountain Climb Contest!
She explains while stepping aside, steering your gaze toward the contestants. They're perched on a hovering surfboard-like device, testing out what it can do.
The rules are straightforward: we're riding hover gliders to scale the mountain. Constellia is launching fireworks soon, and whoever reaches the summit first gets the best view of the show.
And there's a special Double Seventh Festival requirement: you have to ride the glider in pairs.
The girl beams, holding your hand as her eyes arch into crescent moons.
Suddenly, gasps ripple through the crowd. Following the noise, you spot the hovercrafts veering left and right under the competitors' control.
We've got this, we've totally got this!
I've just given it a try, and it's surprisingly similar to Dragon Axe. So hey, I'm basically a pro at flying this thing!
These hovers work like bikes: they stay stable at higher speeds but become trickier to balance at low speeds.
All the contestants are test-driving them at slower speeds right now, so it's perfectly normal if they're having trouble controlling them.
Once the official match begins, I'm sure everyone will gradually pick up the knack.
Heh heh... Hearing that from you, Commandant, makes me a little self-conscious. Alright, we can't waste any time—let's get ready for the match!
A short while into the competition, all the contestants dash toward the summit. But Pulao takes it easy, piloting the hovercraft at a leisurely pace as she glides through the mountain forest at dusk.
Hmm... Are you worried about the fireworks, Commandant?
But honestly, Constellia's summit is already so high that almost anywhere near the top offers a great view. We don't need to rush...
As long as we make it up there before they start, we're set. At this speed, we've got more than enough time.
You have plenty of time to reach the top, but it's actually harder to control the hovercraft when it's moving slowly.
In other words, keeping up a decent speed seems like the easier option...
Hmph. As a veteran of Dragon Axe, I can handle this hovercraft with ease—whether I'm speeding up or slowing down, it all feels the same to me.
As for why I'm sticking to a lower speed... haah...
Pulao stands before you, stretching lazily, then leans closer.
You seize the moment and catch her small frame, feeling her warmth steadily fill your arms.
The hovercraft tilts backward under the sudden shift in weight. With a startled scream, she tumbles straight into your embrace.
Whew... That was really close. Glad I steadied myself just in time.
Commandant, I had a really busy day in Constellia: I helped the Fantastical Mechanical Impressionists find their lost paintings, tested a color?modulating module for the Surrealist Mechanical Fauvists, guided visitors around, and even kept the streets safe...
I'm so happy everyone can rely on me. As a Dragon Child, I've been presenting myself this way for a very, very long time.
But sometimes I also want to depend on someone else... just like everyone relies on the Dragon Children, that person is my own pillar of trust.
The girl in your arms tilts her head up and winks at you with a smile.
She closes her eyes in satisfaction, leaning all her weight toward you.
She scoots forward slightly so she can rest her entire body against you.
Unlike our usual hectic days, today is the Double Seventh Festival, and it's even rarer to share it with you, Commandant.
Mm... I admit it's a bit selfish, but I really want to stroll around at a leisurely pace with you today, Commandant, instead of rushing like we normally do. That's why I've been keeping it slow.
Of course, there's still some time before the fireworks go off, so we can...
Since most climbers have reached the summit, the organizers decide to kick off the celebration early. They'll light the fireworks in five minutes, so anyone still on the way should pick up the pace!
What?! We've only got five minutes left?!
The once-lazy girl snaps upright, her spine going rigid in a heartbeat.
I still want to explore a little longer, but I absolutely have to see the Constellia fireworks with you!
Heh, I've got this!
The girl doesn't look back. Instead, she thrusts out her right hand and flashes a thumbs-up over her shoulder.
So, Commandant, hold on tight—we're about to speed things up!
The hovercraft's engines roar with flames, and the scenery ahead blurs into winding streaks of color, leaving every trace of light and shadow behind...
Whew—we're actually on the summit! Commandant, I knew we could pull this off!
The moment she finishes speaking, a dazzling streak of light rockets into the sky, dancing across the endless night. Its glow gathers, then bursts into sparkling embers.
Countless fireworks follow, breaking free from gravity, leaping and blooming to dazzle the world below.
It's Madam Pulao! Madam Pulao, come stand over here!
As soon as they see her arrive, the contestants eagerly shuffle around, making sure you and Pulao get the best view.
The girl's face shines under the fireworks, radiant and full of life. In her eyes, Constellia's vibrant splendor takes shape, along with the mountaintop contestants who lose themselves in the spectacle, and...
She turns with a smile, her gaze swirling with emotion as she holds your image firmly in sight.
Everyone who depends on her—and the one she depends on—stand close by.
Commandant... thank you.
She settles back into your arms once again. As she relaxes, her body softens, no longer bound by tension.
Aren't Constellia's fireworks stunning? Look—there's a giant panda firework and a smaller one right next to it!
She says this and leans back a bit more, then tilts her head up, catching sight of your eyes once again.
Next Double Seventh Festival, I want to be right by your side again, just like this!
