Artem "Winning Ball"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 1. Artem is not yet in a relationship with the MC.

Celestine asks Artem and the MC for help with a land transference case in North Stellis -- the owner of "Pop Culture Plaza," Asher "Ash" Siegel, has been impossible to find, leaving his land the last holdout stalling the large-scale North Stellis land reform project. Artem and the MC agree to help find him, going to a nearby mall for costumes so they can better fit in with the culture there. Artem works late reviewing the situation in the area and finds the region is more dangerous than he thought. Wondering whether he should have allowed the MC to come along, he calls Darius to make unknown arrangements. The next day, the two arrive at the plaza. Artem quickly realizes all the merchant stalls in the area are temporary, so his plan to approach the merchants to find the owner through their rental arrangements won't work.

The merchants' responses are so well-coordinated that it seems like they're hiding Ash on purpose. A skateboarding teen approaches the pair after a while, suggesting that Ash can usually be found in a back alley. Artem tries to check the alley alone, but the MC insists on coming along. After arriving in the empty alley, a gang of skateboarding teens surrounds the pair, circling them menacingly and brandishing makeshift weapons. Before the situation turns serious, a young man named Diego interrupts the scene, criticizing the teens for ganging up on the attorneys and reminding them of the "rules of the square." Diego sneers that the developers have sent in lawyers since violence hasn't worked, then tells Artem and the MC to leave, as their home will never be sold and outsiders can't understand. Artem lists a litany of safety issues, both personal and public, that could be addressed by the project, then offers to do whatever it takes to understand Diego's point of view and convince him of their sincerity. Diego challenges Artem to a game of one-on-one basketball. When Artem agrees to the game, the MC withholds her doubts and resolves to cheer him on.

The game opens on even footing after Diego underestimates Artem's ability. Seeing that the entire plaza is rooting for Diego, the MC borrows a loudspeaker to cheer Artem on. As Diego tries to psych Artem out about his great defense, Artem fakes a shot to bait him into making a move, then scores the winning point. A teen nicknamed "Buzzie" claims the match was unfair because Diego fought off a gang the night before. Keeping his word regardless, Diego quietly reveals himself to be Ash, explaining that he doesn't want to sell but promising to consider it while the attorneys take a walk and explore the area. While they do, Artem tells the MC that his father taught him to play basketball, and he asks her to come and meet his father the next time they play together.

Buzzie, who is currently coaching a group of children in basketball, calls the attorneys over. He talks to them about what the community bond that basketball has brought to everyone who lives there, and he explains that if Diego is willing to play with someone, that person must be good. Through the conversation, the MC understands what the square means to everyone there -- hope, freedom, and recognition -- and why they don't want to sell. Artem disagrees, saying the square won't necessarily change after a sale as long as the people who live there don't change, and he resolves to find a win-win solution. The two select a popular milk tea stand to try, getting in line before they realize it specializes in a couple's drink. The MC gets embarrassed at the intimacy of sharing a straw with Artem. Suddenly, a group of ruffians arrives and demands the stall move to accommodate the approaching demolition of the square.

Artem stands up for the milk tea stall owner, warning the new arrivals of the legal consequences of their actions. When they try to bribe Artem, he warns that he'll report the bribery to the authorities, which escalates the situation to violence as the ruffians begin to smash everything in the square. The milk tea stall owner hands Artem a baseball bat and recommends he hide with the MC. Artem directs her to call Darius, but halfway through her report, Diego arrives and takes her phone away, saying the square solves its conflicts internally. Artem reminds Diego that they live in a society with laws, saying that Diego could lose the things that matter to him, like basketball, if he resorts to vigilantism. The violent gang begins to win the battle, subduing Diego as Artem protects the MC from flying shattered glass. Artem tries to leave the MC behind to solve the crisis, but the MC insists on going with him.

The ruffians demand that Diego and Buzzie tell them where Ash is; Artem stalls them, warning against further violence with more legal threats, until Darius arrives and arrests everyone present. At the police station, Darius reassures the attorneys that the residents of the square will be released, while the thugs will be investigated and prosecuted. Celestine comments that the guys from the square see Artem as one of them and apologizes for giving them a case that turned violent. She tells Artem and the MC that Ash has asked for them to represent his side of the land sale, and that since this would be a conflict of interest, Celestine has introduced the buyer to a different law firm and let her case go. Outside the station, Artem and Diego discuss their plans to make the sale work for everyone, such as reduced rent for the current vendors. Artem drops the MC off at home, and the two make plans to see the square again after its development.

Illustrations

DribblingFind the opportunity to break the opponent's hard defense.

Text Messages

Text Message		Artem: Queue (After Story 3)

Text Message script

Artem: Sorry for being late.

Artem: Didn't expect such a long queue at your favorite dessert shop. It could take a while.

No problem.

You: Don't worry. You must be bored. We can chat while waiting.

Artem: Okay.

I've queued before.

You: That shop is always full of customers at this time. The queue is also long, which is a real test of patience.

Artem: I just started queuing. Don't know how long it's going to take.

Artem: What do you do when you're in a queue?

Look for someone to chat.

You: I'll talk to people. But definitely not about work.

You: Queuing is annoying enough, so I prefer something relaxing. What about you, Mr. Wing?

Swipe mindlessly at the screen.

You: Usually on my phone checking out news, gossips and what not.

You: Or just watching videos. Time goes by in a blink. What about you?

Artem: I read most of the time. Either that or work.

Artem: Pretty dull compared to you.

How like you to do so.

You: Haha, that is so you.

Artem: Really? I do like making changes now and then.

Artem: Can I chat with you while I'm waiting next time?

More options have opened up.

You: That's the past. Now you have a lot more choices.

Artem: Yeah, you showed me a new direction.

Artem: Can I chat with you when I'm waiting in line next time?

Not only when queuing

You: Not just when you are waiting. Any time.

Artem: Sure, I will.

Artem: The queue's moving now. I'll take a look at the menu now. See you in a while.

Sure, of course!

You: For sure. In exchange, I'll also do the same.

Artem: Okay, I'll wait.

Artem: The staff is handing out menus. I'll take a look. See you in a while.

Text Message		Artem: Basketball (After Story 6)

Text Message script

You: Mr. Wing, can you teach me how to shoot a basketball?

Artem: Sure. But why are you asking this out of the blue?

Event needs.

You: I was elected to represent my neighborhood in a shooting competition. Mr. Wing's training is definitely needed.

Artem: Sure. Shooting is much easier than playing through the whole game.

I want to look cool too.

You: The way Mr. Wing shoots is really cool. It makes me want to learn as well.

Artem: I can't do much either. But if you want to learn, I'll teach you everything I got.

Artem: Let's go to the city gym when you're free.

Tomorrow

You: What about tomorrow evening?

Artem: Any time for me.

Saturday afternoon

You: What about Saturday afternoon?

Artem: Sure we can.

Artem: I'll make a reservation then.

Artem: And don't forget to bring your sportswear.

I don't have sports attire.

You: Speaking of which, I don't think I have a suitable set.

You: Thanks for reminding. I'll get one online.

Artem: Forget about online shopping. I'll take you to the mall now.

Got it all prepared.

You: Sports attire, socks, shoes... don't worry, I'm all set.

You: Wait a second. I think I forgot to buy knee pads.

Artem: It's okay. I'll take you to the mall now.

Artem: We'll get a basketball as well.

Artem: Mine is old. We need a new one.

Have you used your basketball long?

You: How long have you been using it?

Artem: Almost six years. Old enough to be replaced.

Artem: I'll just use this opportunity to get a new one.

We can borrow from the gym.

You: We don't need a new one. We can just borrow one from the gym.

Artem: The ones they lend in the gym are way too old and dirty.

Artem: I prefer using our own ones.

Text Message		Artem: Artem's Messages (In-Story)

Text Message script

Artem: You haven't told me which flavor you want.

Pudding Milk Tea

You: The review says milk tea with pudding is the best. I'll get that.

Original Milk Tea

You: You can't go wrong with the original. I'll get the original milk tea.

Red Bean Milk tea

You: Milk tea with red bean seems like a popular choice. I'll get that.

Artem: Ok. I'll be there in a moment.

Story Locations

Themis Law Firm
Artem's Office

Stellis Central Business District
Shopping Mall

Themis Law Firm
Artem's Office

North Stellis
Pop Culture Plaza

North Stellis
Alleyway

North Stellis
Streetball Court

North Stellis
Mobile Milk Tea Shop

North Stellis
Pop Culture Plaza

Stellis City Police Department
Municipal Office

Stellis City Police Department
Municipal Entrance

Main Character's Residence
Residential Area Entrance

Story Characters

Artem Wing

Artem Wing

Artem Wing

Artem Wing

Celestine Taylor

Darius Morgan

Diego

Skateboarder Boy

Skateboarder Girl

Audience A

Audience B

Audience C

Buzz Cut Guy

Brave Man

Slacker A

Slacker B

Story References

The Artem "Winning Ball" story contains brief mentions or references of events that took place in the following:

• Main Story 06-03