Story Reader / Event Story / Magpie's Fortune / Story
You glance around at the unfamiliar scenery and realize the festival crowd has pushed you into a place you don't recognize. Festivals are always packed, but now you truly understand just how overwhelming they can get.
You only manage a few steps before the crowd closes in again, leaving you stuck in place. There's a hugely popular booth up ahead, and everyone is clustered around it, completely blocking your path.
As you hesitate, a yellow loop rolls right up to your feet from out of nowhere. You lean down to pick it up, examining it curiously, when a sudden, familiar voice catches your attention.
Commandant! Over here! Over here!
You look toward the center of the crowd and spot that bright grin you recognize instantly. Standing at the bustling booth, Kamui waves at you with genuine excitement.
He's so excited that he can't wait another second. While you're still hesitating, Kamui slips through the crowded throng and suddenly appears right in front of you.
I knew it was you! Even though we weren't exactly close by, I recognized you in a heartbeat, Commandant!
I'm here for the Double Seventh Festival. I saw an interesting stall and thought I'd check it out. I never imagined I'd run into you, Commandant.
He shifts his stance, signaling you to get a better look at the stall in front of him. A cloth is laid out on the ground, covered with small, finely crafted trinkets. Several of them still have those same yellow rings you picked up earlier.
It's actually a classic attraction from the Golden Age.
Let me think... Ah, everyone back then used to call it "Ring Toss"!
You just toss the rings at the prizes, and anything you manage to loop is yours to keep. Pretty good deal and fun, right?
As soon as the topic comes up, Kamui's face lights up with unrestrained excitement.
You gesture toward the vendor in the middle of the booth, who's busy with something.
Uh... well...
Kamui scratches his head, clearly feeling a bit awkward.
The stall owner says it's basically cheating for Constructs to join this game, so they cover all the prizes, shuffle them, and only then let you toss the rings. On top of that, a Construct only gets half as many tries as everyone else.
They even renamed it "Blind Box Ring Toss", saying that going forward, Constructs would be only allowed to play this version.
Still, no worries! The biggest thrill of ring toss is enjoying the whole process—it doesn't really matter what prize you end up getting.
Now that I think about it, Commandant, why don't we tackle this challenge together? I used to be really good at this, you know!
We have no idea what's under that black cloth anyway, so let's just go with our gut. Follow your instincts and pick whichever feels right, Commandant!
Mhm, isn't this exactly the kind of thing you hand over to someone you trust?
I trust your judgment, Commandant.
After accepting Kamui's invitation and getting the stall owner's permission, the two of you begin the challenge known as "ring toss."
So, for the first ring... where do you want to aim, Commandant?
A quick glance at the prizes on the ground doesn't show any real differences.
Now that you've picked a target, you quickly point out its location to Kamui. He nods confidently, and flicks the ring forward in one swift motion.
Yes!! Nailed it on the very first try!
He lets out a bright laugh, pumped up by the lucky start.
Alright, let's go for the next one...
Teaming up smoothly with Kamui, you score a few more prizes in rapid succession.
Huh? Me...?
Kamui looks at the prizes in front of him, deep in thought.
I've got it! Let's try for those three next!
He points to the three spots where the prizes lie.
I've just noticed that if we connect these points with the places we've already checked, they form a heart shape!
So, what do you think? Pretty clever, right?
Kamui deftly takes down the remaining three targets without a hitch. Now that he's used all his attempts, he happily collects every prize he's earned from the stall owner.
Absolutely! These are all prizes you chose for me, and I can't wait to see what's inside!
The stall owner insists on preserving the spirit of blind boxes to the very end, so even as Kamui takes his prizes, they're wrapped up. He has to open them himself.
The owner said our smooth and fun teamwork just now really helps him draw a crowd. He also mentioned we're welcome to come back and play anytime.
No problem! I'm hoping the next opportunity comes sooner rather than later.
The stall is jam-packed with people, so Kamui brings you over to a quieter spot. Once you find an empty bench, you sit down and check out your prizes together.
Commandant!! Over here—check out all these prizes!
The bench is completely covered with rewards, and Kamui is busy picking them up one by one.
A super-rare collector's comic, a foil card limited to just five hundred prints... and there's this merch! This was the last one I needed for my collection. I can't believe I actually got it from the ring toss!
Kamui happily continues sorting through the prizes, carefully dividing them into two piles.
But that's totally different.
Going it alone can feel lonely... but when you win alongside someone who matters, the excitement goes through the roof!
This ring-toss game feels unique because you're right here with me, Commandant.
And it's not just my achievement. Take a look at this.
Kamui finishes speaking and hands you the item he's holding. When you look more closely, you realize it's the cartridge for that two-player game he mentioned before.
We've spent so much time trying to get our hands on this game without success, and now we suddenly find it here.
Sure enough, every time I'm with you, Commandant, there's always some exciting new surprise!
So next time, you're joining me for these games again, okay?
