imported>Rhetorical |
imported>Elaeagnifolia |
Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| {{tab/start}} | | {{tab/start}} |
| {{tab/header|Story 1}}
| |
|
| |
| '''Scene 1: Conference Room'''
| |
|
| |
| You start to feel nervous the moment you step into the conference room with Marius.
| |
|
| |
| You quickly glance over the nameplates. These are names that only appear on the financial news channels.
| |
|
| |
| Even though you and Marius are the only ones in the conference room, you feel pressured after seeing the nameplates.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' What, are you nervous?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' ...It's my first time meeting such important people, let alone being in a Pax board meeting.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Well, about meeting important people, aren't you with me every day? You don't seem to be nervous around me.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' That's because it's you! It's different!
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' ...
| |
|
| |
| Marius lets out a silent laugh, as if he plans to ridicule you some more.
| |
|
| |
| At that moment, the meeting room bell rings.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Come in.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Vincent Kim|Assistant]]:''' Master Marius, will the board meeting commence at the scheduled time?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Yep, the time is unchanged.
| |
|
| |
| The assistant acknowledges and leaves. You look up at the time on the conference room display.
| |
|
| |
| The board meeting is about to start in ten minutes...
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' If you still feel nervous, just imagine that they're just big talking pumpkins.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' ...?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' What's with the look? That's what they say on the Internet. Relax. Just be your normal self.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' I'm just afraid that I won't do a good job and will damage the firm's reputation.
| |
|
| |
| Marius chuckles after hearing what you had just said.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Ordinary attornies[sic] don't have the chance to become legal consultants for Pax, let alone be on a case like this.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' If Themis trusts you to come and help me, that means you have the capabilities to do so.
| |
|
| |
| His purple eyes are fixated on you, as if he is trying to give you some more courage.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' I believe in you, so you should believe in yourself a little more.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Alright!
| |
|
| |
| After hearing Marius' words of encouragement, the antsy feeling completely disappears.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' It's almost time. Let's sit down and wait for them.
| |
|
| |
| You nod and sit down next to your nameplate.
| |
|
| |
| After everyone has arrived, Marius begins with the main subject of the meeting.
| |
|
| |
| He plans on working with an overseas anime company in hopes of incubating Pax's own new IPs.
| |
|
| |
| Contrary to what you expected, more than half the people reject the idea.
| |
|
| |
| '''Board Member A:''' This proposal is just another icing on the cake. Pax's product chain already covers most of everyone's lives.
| |
|
| |
| '''Board Member B:''' Companies have made large amounts of profit through their own IP. However, their competitors weren't so lucky.
| |
|
| |
| '''Board Member B:''' There are safer choices. There is no reason to choose such a high risk industry. I do not agree.
| |
|
| |
| It seems they're trying to force Marius to give up on this cooperation.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' There will be very limited options left for us by the time you guys can see the future of this industry.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' And high risk often means high rewards. Everyone here should know that better than I do.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Also...
| |
|
| |
| You listen to Marius speak with confidence. The words projected from the terminal changes alongside his voice.
| |
|
| |
| And just like that, going back and forth with the other board members, he continues on for two straight hours.
| |
|
| |
| A few board members' attitudes towards the project loosen up, but they still remain against the idea.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' (It's so hard trying to persuade these people...)
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' ...
| |
|
| |
| It may be your imagination, but it feels as if Marius suddenly shoots a glance in your direction.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Looks like we won't be able to reach a conclusion in a timely manner.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' How about we take a one-hour break? Everybody can get some rest and we'll continue in an hour.
| |
|
| |
| Marius picks up the terminal from the desk, and the two of you leave the conference room.
| |
|
| |
| {{tab/header|Story 2}}
| |
|
| |
| Marius is silent on the way back. He looks to be thinking about something. You choose not to bother him.
| |
|
| |
| '''Scene 1: President's Office'''
| |
|
| |
| Only when you close the office door, does the sound make him gather himself. He breaks the silence.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' (Name), want to come with me to relax?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Right now? But there's the meeting.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' You weren't trying to figure out how to get out of work the whole time you were silent, were you?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' I would never skip work. I was trying very hard to find a solution, okay?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' I saw that you also looked tired during the meeting, so we should take the chance and go out and relax.
| |
|
| |
| You can't help but let out a sigh at seeing him so laid back.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Then what about your solution? Are you not gonna try to figure that out?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Well... just come with me, and you'll understand.
| |
|
| |
| Before leaving, Marius takes off his suit jacket, and finds a hoodie to wear over his collar shirt.
| |
|
| |
| On the way, he takes out his phone and says that he needs to check the address again.
| |
|
| |
| In the end, you follow him to an arcade at the mall.
| |
|
| |
| '''Scene 2: Mall'''
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' "Equipment under maintenance. Will be officially opened tomorrow"
| |
|
| |
| The mascot by the door is holding up a sign. Its mouth is slanted, as if it were mocking the two of you.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Tch...
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' How about we go somewhere else?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' No. They only have it here...
| |
|
| |
| He becomes quiet halfway through his sentence.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Have what?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' You'll see. Wait for me here. I've got an idea.
| |
|
| |
| As you look at him, confused, Marius crosses over the separation tape they put up at the entrance.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' ...He really just does what he wants whenever he wants, doesn't he...
| |
|
| |
| You stand and wait at the original spot. There is no sign of Marius.
| |
|
| |
| Marius and a shop clerk walk out of the arcade chatting in high spirits.
| |
|
| |
| '''Store Clerk:''' The manager also said that it'd be fine. You can give us some feedback when you finish later.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Thanks.
| |
|
| |
| The shop clerk nods and leaves. Marius turns around and bats his eyelashes at you with a smile.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Alright, come on in.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' What did you do?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Don't worry about it. I just helped this place open a day earlier.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' ...What?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Why are you looking at me like that? You think I bought the place?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Did you not?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' The entertainment area in a mall makes barely any money. The profit can only help them break even.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' So based on all that, there is no reason for me to purchase an arcade.
| |
|
| |
| Marius' reaction and expression are so funny that you begin to laugh.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' ...Alright, alright, alright. Then tell me, how did you get them to open earlier than planned?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' I told the staffer that my sister and I are leaving the city tomorrow and want to make some memories here.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' The clerk was so moved by our story that she agreed to let us in.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' ...Really? That simple?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Yeah, ask the clerk if you don't believe me.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' You...
| |
|
| |
| '''Store Clerk:''' Excuse me, sorry to bother the two of you.
| |
|
| |
| Before you could say anything about the clerk being bought over, she brings out a basket of tokens.
| |
|
| |
| '''Store Clerk:''' If these aren't enough, you can come get more from me at the register.
| |
|
| |
| The clerk smiles and nods at you before leaving.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Alright, alright, I believe that you didn't buy the place. Let's go and have fun.
| |
|
| |
| There is nothing else you can do other than to take a deep breath and head inside.
| |
|
| |
| '''Scene 3: Video Game Tribe'''
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' That's more like it.
| |
|
| |
| Maybe it's because you haven't been to places like this for a while, but you have no idea what to do.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Do you know what you want to play?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Not yet. I'm still looking.
| |
|
| |
| You look at the machines as you walk further in. Suddenly, you see something that you are familiar with.
| |
|
| |
| It's a row of brand-new claw machines. A variety of popular dolls can be seen lined up in the machines.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' I can't believe they actually have these here...
| |
|
| |
| You're not sure why they have the puppy stuffed toy you really like from an online comic.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Not bad. This place has pretty good taste. That stuffed toy is an IP under the company that I want to work with.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Ehh?
| |
|
| |
| {{tab/header|Story 3}}
| |
|
| |
| '''Scene 1: Video Game Tribe'''
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Not bad. This place has pretty good taste. That stuffed toy is an IP under the company that I want to work with.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Ehh?
| |
|
| |
| After hearing what Marius said, a thought formulates in your mind.
| |
|
| |
| '''Scene 2: Flashback (Mall)'''
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' How about we go somewhere else?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' No. They only have it here...
| |
|
| |
| '''Scene 3: Present (Video Game Tribe)'''
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' You came here especially for the stuffed toys in the claw machine?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' That's right. I had someone check with the vendor that imported these claw machines before we came here.
| |
|
| |
| He moves the plastic basket full of game tokens in front of you.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' You should know how to play, right?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' I do, but...
| |
|
| |
| You're really not all that great at claw machines...
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Good luck. I've never tried claw machines before, so this one's completely yours.
| |
|
| |
| You look at the big basket of game tokens with mixed feelings.
| |
|
| |
| You're too embarrassed to tell the truth in the face of Marius' look of gleaming anticipation. There is no other way.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' I'll try...
| |
|
| |
| ...
| |
|
| |
| ...
| |
|
| |
| After ten or so rounds at the claw machine. You only manage to make the dog flip over.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' It's in a really bad position...
| |
|
| |
| Seeing you down and beaten, Marius moves next to you.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' I thought you'd be an expert, but you're actually pretty terrible at this.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' It's a process that I want to experience, so that I'll feel a sense of accomplishment when I finally catch it.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' I see. That sounds like an excuse to me.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' No, it's not... Why don't you try then?
| |
|
| |
| You shove the basket of game tokens into his empty arms and walk to the other side of the machine.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Alright.
| |
|
| |
| [[File:Marius "Child at Heart" CG1.jpg|300px|right]]
| |
|
| |
| You were ready to watch him fail, but all he does is to stare and observe the inside of the claw machine.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Can you... teach me how to play first?
| |
|
| |
| He slightly raises his eyes, looking up at you, his expression unchanging.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' You at least know the basic controls right? You should've picked it up after watching me play for so long.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' I wasn't focused on the machine... Come on, teach me. Please?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' ...
| |
|
| |
| Just as you were about to expose his excuse, he suddenly looks down to the ground.
| |
|
| |
| The flashing lights and the sound of the arcade music wraps around him quietly.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' I rarely ever get to come to places like this...
| |
|
| |
| His voice is softer, but you could still hear it clearly.
| |
|
| |
| Marius' studies and work completely occupies his time, and his entertainments are just socializing at parties.
| |
|
| |
| He probably really wants to experience what being at an arcade feels like...
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' It's really not that hard...
| |
|
| |
| You patiently explain the controls to him. Afterwards, a smirk appears on his face as if his plan had worked.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Marius von Hagen!
| |
|
| |
| Realizing that you've once again fallen for his trap, you scream out his name.
| |
|
| |
| He doesn't respond, but places his hand on the joystick as the serious expression returns to his face.
| |
|
| |
| You notice that his expression was very similar to the puppy in the pile of dolls... It's really cute.
| |
|
| |
| [[File:Marius "Child at Heart" CG2.jpg|300px|right]]
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' You have to try to keep the doll from falling after you've caught it... huh...
| |
|
| |
| He recites the pointers you gave him, and takes control of the joystick. The rabbit is in his crosshairs.
| |
|
| |
| After just a minute, there is a pleased look on Marius' face. He places a rabbit doll on your head.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' It's pretty easy.
| |
|
| |
| He then holds and pats the rabbit on the head.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' ... You lied to me about not knowing how to play.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' I really didn't, that's why I asked you to teach me.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Hmph!
| |
|
| |
| You angrily turn your head and refuse to look at him.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' How can you bear to be mad at poor, little me who has never been to an arcade? Miss...
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Pouting doesn't work! That doesn't work on me!
| |
|
| |
| You remove the rabbit from your head and squeeze its ears.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Marius, now that we've caught the doll, isn't it time we started heading back?
| |
|
| |
| {{tab/header|Story 4}}
| |
|
| |
| '''Scene 1: Video Game Tribe'''
| |
|
| |
| You squeeze the doll Marius caught and ask him if he was ready to return for the second part of the meeting.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' I only got one, that's not enough.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Not enough?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' There are so many people in the conference room. One wouldn't be enough.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' You're going to hand out a doll to each of the board members?
| |
|
| |
| You find it hard to imagine middle-aged men and women in well-pressed suits holding on to a furry doll.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Yea, it will help them understand their future partner a bit more.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' ...
| |
|
| |
| You let out a long sigh. This however, does fit Marius' style of doing the unexpected.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Can't you just look for an employee here and buy out the dolls?
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Nope. It's a process I want to experience, so that I'll feel a sense of accomplishment when I finally catch it.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Why does that sound so familiar...
| |
|
| |
| You think about it for a while, but it wasn't until seeing his classic smirk did it finally click.
| |
|
| |
| He's mimicking what you said! Dammit!
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' It's not that difficult anyways. It shouldn't be a problem to catch a few more.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Of course it's hard. You just got lucky.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Really? Let me try again.
| |
|
| |
| In the next twenty minutes, Marius puts on a display of his claw machine talents.
| |
|
| |
| Well, Marius is the real life version of that character on TV that catches a ton of dolls.
| |
|
| |
| As for you, you're in charge of placing the dolls he catches neatly on the machines to the side.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Looks like we almost have a full set.
| |
|
| |
| He says that in a teasing manner as he hands you the deer he just caught.
| |
|
| |
| You ignore him and look at the dolls in front of you.
| |
|
| |
| There is basically one of every kind, all except for the puppy you first set your eyes on.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Ah right, that one is saved for you. You wanted to enjoy the process too right?
| |
|
| |
| He probably realizes that he was being too obvious about it, so he quickly answers before you question him.
| |
|
| |
| He has a pleased look on his face as he steps aside, letting you have a go at the machine.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' I won't lose!
| |
|
| |
| You try another seven or eight times. Not once did you succeed in picking up the puppy.
| |
|
| |
| You take another look at the pile of dolls Marius has caught, feeling depressed.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' It's supposed to be normal to be unable to catch the dolls so easily...
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' If you really want it, why don't you just ask me for it?
| |
|
| |
| That chuckling voice appears at a most inappropriate time.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Oh well, maybe we weren't meant to be.
| |
|
| |
| You leave the claw machine and walk towards the fighting game on the side.
| |
|
| |
| Coincidentally, a character on the auto display just got KO'ed, resembling your situation perfectly.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Main Character|You]]:''' Marius, let's try this VR game.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' Alright...
| |
|
| |
| You insert the remaining coins into the machine in front of you. You waited at the character selection screen, but Marius never came.
| |
|
| |
| You turn around in confusion, but you were greeted by the humongous face of a furry doll.
| |
|
| |
| As the doll moves back, you are finally able to see it clearly. It's the cute yet serious face of the puppy you remember.
| |
|
| |
| '''[[Marius von Hagen|Marius]]:''' It looked like it wanted to go home with you. So I gave it a hand.
| |
|
| |
| You take the puppy and squish its face. The gloominess you felt earlier disappears.
| |
|
| |
| {{tab/header|Story 5}}
| |
|
| |
| {{tab/header|Story 6}}
| |
|
| |
|
| {{tab/header|Text: Stuffed Toy}} | | {{tab/header|Text: Stuffed Toy}} |
|
| |
|
| {{tab/header|Text: ?}} | | {{tab/header|Text: ?}} |
| | |
| | {{tab/end}} |