Just now, a mysterious message arrived on your terminal.
When you open the mail, its attachment automatically launches. With it, garbled code suddenly fills the entire screen.
Characters gradually emerge from the center of the flickering data stream, forming two phrases—
>>>>>Gray Raven Commandant<<<<<
>>>>>Please help me :(<<<<<
Following the text, a set of coordinates appears, pointing to the lower levels of Babylonia.
The security protocol activates automatically, firmly logging the coordinate parameters before the attachment deletes itself.
When you start reading the email itself, there is only one brief message—
"Come alone"
The coordinates take you through the winding paths of the lower-level warehouses. In the dim lights, the building's structure appears as complex as a maze.
At the end of the path, a burst of electronic static suddenly emanates from the room nearby.
As soon as you enter the room, the iron door behind you suddenly slams shut, its thunderous sound echoing through the pitch-black space.
Ahem—well hello there. I've heard a lot about you, Gray Raven Commandant.
A nearby TV suddenly flickers to life, revealing a figure shrouded in static on the screen as a digitally distorted voice emerges from the speaker.
I am the Wandering Hacker, wandering through the galaxy. I'm in a good mood today, so let's play a little game!
In this room lies a "lucky" hostage from Babylonia, bound and restrained.
Peering into the darkness, a dim silhouette becomes visible. The urge to step closer and get a better look at the hostage's face proves irresistible.
Freeze! Stay right where you are. I've rigged this entire floor with explosives. Take one more step forward, and I'll blow a massive hole right through Babylonia.
As for you and the hostage? I'm afraid you'll both end up as space debris, trailing behind my exhaust fumes on an endless journey through the stars.
You need to answer one question. I'll let you and the hostage leave safely if I'm happy with your answer.
—What significant event happened on this day in history?
You only get one chance to answer that question.
Countless events have happened on any given day in history... This question is way too vague.
Quick! No hesitation—tell me the first answer that comes to your mind.
Pfft... So a promotional video is all they came up with, huh? They probably haven't even created a project folder yet.
...Ugh, it still makes me mad thinking about it. All the cherry cheese bubble tea I'd stocked in the fridge went bad that day.
...Did it crash? Lol.
Did you just hear... something behind you?
Just then, another sharp electronic sound emanates from the TV—
Ahem, I'm afraid that's WRONG!
Uh-oh, Gray Raven Commandant, guess I'll have to blow up a few things now.
BOOM—!
A bright light suddenly floods the room... revealing a space adorned with colorful banners, balloons, and plush toys. Decorations of every kind fill the entire space.
A massive "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" banner catches your eye in the center of your view, and beneath it stands the "hostage"—
A projection of... Teddy, covering her mouth while grinning mischievously...?
One of the most important things that happened on this day in history...
A playful whisper reaches your ears. As you turn around, you see the pink-haired Construct right behind you.
...Is your birthday, Commandant!
She holds a cake adorned with snow-white frosting in her left hand that is decorated with an adorable little bear drawn in pink jam.
I added my security clearance to your terminal last time I was in your office. That's what made it so easy for me to hack it this time.
Did I get you back there with that little drama?
Oh, is that so? So I didn't just see you jump out of your skin just now, Commandant?
Oh? But that's not what the recording shows...
That camera right there caught the look on your face perfectly!
Teddy smirks mischievously as she glances at a camera in the corner.
But hey, I just so happened to have heard about this Wandering Hacker who offers data deletion services.
And you just have to pay them in...
Bingo!
So, what do you say? Want to ask the Wandering Hacker for her help?
Alright, alright. The Wandering Hacker has heard it, and she has a little surprise prepared for you.
Oh? Well, how would you like another little something from the Wandering Hacker?
Teddy meets your gaze, takes a small step forward, raises her right arm, and then—
Snap—she snaps her fingers in the air.
The room's lights dim, and soft, soothing music begins to play.
Colorful ornaments spin in the air, their light diffused and dreamy, transforming the space into something reminiscent of a dance floor at night.
—This intimate candlelit ball is the Wandering Hacker's gift to you.
I've heard that you're always very busy around this time every year, and you always forget your birthday.
Well, what do you know? I happen to have a very good memory.
So... shall we make a promise?
From now on, there'll always be a certain hacker who remembers your birthday, just as reliably as a program that reminds you of all your appointments.
Every year on this day, no matter what happens, she'll come to you and tell you—
Happy Birthday.
And in exchange—
The cake is slowly lifted up, its white candles bright and gleaming, its flames dancing in the air.
Going forward, share some of your wishes and luck with me each year on this day.
Shh, don't blow them out just yet.
She puts a finger to her lips to make a hushing gesture.
The candlelight glimmers brightly, illuminating the mischievous look on the Wandering Hacker's face. Your reflection sparkles in her pink eyes.
Now—
Time to blow out the candles together!
