Story Reader / Event Story / Magpie's Fortune / Story
...Are you sure you want to press it?
Deep in the maze, a Construct and a human stand side by side, silently watching the diamond-studded lever on the wall before.
You're right about that.
An hour ago, the two of you were lured by the promised rewards of the Desert Maze Trial and stepped into the labyrinth, never guessing how many hidden threats lay inside.
You first trigger a nearly invisible tripwire, scrambling to evade a deadly barrage of poison-tipped arrows.
Dashing through the corridors, you touch a loose stone slab and unleash a rolling-boulder gauntlet. Now cornered at a dead end, you face a beckoning door—and a critical choice.
Watanabe methodically inspects every crack in the stone wall, clearing out even the smallest grains of sand to ensure nothing goes unchecked.
Finally, he nods.
Shouldn't be a problem. Let's pull it and find out. There's really no other way.
...
An hour ago, the two of you were lured by the promised rewards of the Desert Maze Trial and stepped into the labyrinth, never guessing how many hidden threats lay inside.
You first trigger a nearly invisible tripwire, scrambling to evade a deadly barrage of poison-tipped arrows.
Dashing through the corridors, you touch a loose stone slab and unleash a rolling-boulder gauntlet. Now cornered at a dead end, you face a beckoning door—and a critical choice.
Even though you're already eager to give it a shot, Watanabe methodically inspects every crack in the stone wall, clearing out even the smallest grains of sand to ensure nothing goes unchecked.
Finally, he nods.
It doesn't look like there's another way. Let's pull it and find out what happens.
After getting the nod from Watanabe, you finally pull the lever.
Rumble—
Grinding against the sand, the stone wall slowly slides aside, unveiling the treasure it guards behind it: a massive chest of gold.
Could this be...
The World Folklore Enthusiasts has set up various mini-games throughout the park, and the Desert Maze's ultimate prize is real gold—attracting crowds of adventurers eager for excitement.
People say this maze trial is the ultimate test of teamwork—only partners who move in perfect sync can uncover the final treasure. Since the park opened a few days ago, nobody has managed to reach this spot.
Who would imagine that all this panicked scrambling around actually lands us at the labyrinth's deepest point... Is this really okay?
Acting in unison, you both step forward toward the golden treasure, then hear a soft "click" underfoot.
You look down and see that one of the floor tiles is sinking, and a menacing red light begins to flash—its flicker quickening right before your eyes.
...
Get out of here—now!
Forget the treasure! Isn't the real problem how the World Folklore Enthusiasts ended up with so many deadly weapons?!
You quickly decide on the best course of action. The moment you lift your foot off the bomb, you dive through the stone door alongside Watanabe, sprinting along the maze's corridors to escape.
Your eyes stay locked on the treasure that shines like a beacon in the darkness. After struggling so hard to reach the maze's deepest area, the thought of leaving empty-handed stings more than you'd like to admit.
Just as you're about to grab it, Watanabe seizes your collar and pulls you away, dragging you through the stone doorway. You bolt down the winding passages, trying to outrun whatever's about to happen.
The countdown of the bombs echoes all around, sending a chill through your veins. You haven't even made it to a safe distance when the first explosion goes off—and then another, and another, in quick succession.
Watch out!
The thunderous blasts detonate right behind you. A wave of heat rolls past but it stirs only a few strands of hair across your forehead. Fine particles of sand and debris rain down.
You squint and look back, realizing the Construct behind you is shielding you from danger.
Suddenly, something blurry whizzes in from the distance and taps you on the head—not too hard, not too soft.
Are you alright?!
You rub the spot where you got hit and give Watanabe a reassuring look.
...You're lucky it's only a stray piece of rubble—at least nothing serious comes of it.
Once we get out, I'm definitely talking to the organization to figure out what's really happening. This is completely unacceptable.
And remember... no matter what comes your way, I want you to put your safety first.
He looks at you intently.
We have been to many places together, and I believe you understand exactly what I'm saying.
You open your mouth, ready to respond to his words of concern, but a sudden glint catches your eye again.
Following your outstretched finger, Watanabe spots the object that just tapped you on the head: a shiny, golden coin lying face-up. A magpie clutching a branch is etched on it, the design clearly visible to both of you.
It's a commemorative coin from this park event... but there's something unusual about it.
Watanabe picks up the coin, weighs it in his palm, and smiles.
It's pure gold. We aren't leaving empty-handed after all.
Let's not let it get us down.
There are still plenty of games around the park, so we can keep looking for more treasure.
And besides... this adventure we're on together is a treasure in itself.
Watanabe brushes off the dust that just landed on him and extends his hand to you.
This is our next chance to travel together, Commandant. Think it over, will you?
