Struggling to keep up with Noctis, you make your way arduously up the steep mountain path.
This is what he said a few minutes ago...
What's this challenge nonsense? I can't even make heads or tails of this colorful mess of a map. Whatever, I just happen to want to go hiking anyway!
And getting to do it with you makes it even better!
The regular path is smoother but would have taken longer, which is why the two of you decided to go with a more challenging path that would take less time.
And the price, as you've realized, is having to trudge through mud with uneven steps, navigating pitted ground, and sometimes half-crawling forward.
Hmm, this definitely isn't a human-friendly path. Want me to wait up for you?
You shake your head, refusing his offer to let him know that you can keep up.
The dating voucher that Noctis shoved into your hands is still in your pocket. The challenge printed on the voucher, having been organized by WGAA, requires the holder to travel to a designated location cross-country style to be eligible for a special prize.
Except that this designated location happens to be on a small mountain nearby.
You've hiked your fair share of primitive mountain paths during missions when conditions were less than ideal, and yet you still wouldn't classify this particular trail as easy.
You came here today hoping only to get some exercise in. When this thought crosses your mind, though, you know that there's more you want to do here.
Against me? You're kidding, right?
Well, if that's what you want, I'll give you just that!
With it, Noctis sprints off into the distance and vanishes.
The higher you climb, the denser the branches and foliage become, so much so that you have to first push the plants in your way to be able to find proper footing.
You know that your only chance to outpace Noctis is your knowledge of the map. With this in mind, you cast a glance at the slope ahead, and...
Hey, watch out!
Before you even realize what's happening, Noctis has already caught you from below, saving your foot from stepping into thin air.
Your heart races because you know that you were this close to losing your balance just now. It's only when you know you're completely safe that you let out a sigh of relief.
I know, right?! I was keeping an eye on you! Pretty sure you'd have taken one heck of a nosedive otherwise.
Noctis carefully looks you over. Apart from some mud stains on your clothes, you appear unharmed. Only then does he let out a sigh of relief.
Forget the race. Let's get to the finish line together and call it a tie, deal?
Without waiting for a response, Noctis makes you hold tightly onto his back and sweeps the branches away with his other hand.
Hey, this is much easier. Now I don't have to worry about you hurting yourself.
Resting obediently on Noctis's back, you feel the warmth of his body against yours. He might seem like he doesn't really care about anything, but he clearly has a thoughtful, attentive side to him.
And since you're high up there, can you take a look around and see if you see that prize anywhere?
Want me to lift you even higher? Maybe spin you around a few times?
Nah, I just... didn't want you to come all the way up here for nothing.
Hahaha, no problem! Let me show you what I got!
Being held high up really does help with path-finding. When you and Noctis finally reach the peak, you see Constellia stretch out in its entirety.
You exchange a smile with Noctis and share a loud high-five.
All your fatigue from the journey melts away. A gentle breeze caresses your face where you stand, your heart soaring with the thrill of having conquered the climb.
The path you've gone with was not the easiest, where there is a will, there is a way.
Is this view itself the prize? That'd be such a letdown.
You pat Noctis on the shoulder. The two of you carefully compare your surroundings with the map. Eventually, you find the prize sitting right atop a bare tree stump. It's meant as a special prize for the couple who's found it.
A beautifully packaged rose with glistening water droplets and breathtaking vibrancy, complete with a message card.
"May your journey together be free of obstacles as you walk hand in hand through life."
Whoa, WGAA... they really know how to mess with people.
With a flush on his face, Noctis starts stammering.
I don't need this! H-here, y-you can have it.
Hey... t-take it already!
