Enduring Light: Prologue
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
A neon sign with the words "Li Hotel" illuminates the long street.
The swaying neon lights and stream of cars blend to form a picture of extravagance and wealth.
A watchman carrying a kerosene lamp is on patrol. He seems to be blinded by the charming light and stops at the entrance of an alley.
Night Watchman: Boss Li's been missing for more than half a month already?
Night Watchman: *Sigh*... What a shame, he was a good man...
Deep within the alley where the light doesn't shine, a pair of leather shoes step on the cobblestone, walking into the long night.
Night Watchman: Who's there!? Show yourself!
The watchman grows nervous, calling out into the darkness with a slight tremble to his voice.
*Tap, tap*... Whether it's the sound of footsteps or something being hit, the noise echoes in the darkness.
Night Watchman: Wh-Who's there!? Don't move! I see you!
A chill runs down the watchman's spine as a cold hand clamps firmly around his throat.
Night Watchman: It's... you!?
Night Watchman: H-How could it be? Weren't you already dead?
Night Watchman: I remember Boss Yang, he... ugh-
The night watchman slumps to the ground, his mouth open in despair.
The kerosene lamp falls to the ground, sparks flying in every direction.
The night wind blows through the alley, shaking the lamp slightly, like an eye peering into the frigid darkness.
Mysterious Voice: The old city rises from the ground under the night sky full of stars.
Mysterious Voice: How many old tales are hidden within the walls of Xuzhou Town? And how many new tales of woe have emerged as the years go by?
Mysterious Voice: The latest themed experience at Cloudland Park, "Xuzhou Tales," is about to begin...
Mysterious Voice: The hidden story behind the Li Hotel awaits you.
NXX Headquarters Meeting Room
You: Oh, Cloudland Park came out with another themed experience?
During the break after the daily NXX meeting, you casually scroll on your phone and come across a video.
During the holiday season, tourist attractions have once again become the focus of attention.
With the number of searches ever rising, the Big Data Lab has suggested the new Cloudland Park promotional video to you.
You: It looks like it's a mystery game this time.
Marius: Not only that, but there will also be a new, open-world live-action detective event.
You: A live-action detective event?
Before you can react, Marius is already sitting at the table, introducing the experience.
Marius: Yeah, it's a game where the guests take on the role of different characters in the story to solve the mystery.
Marius: Usually, these kinds of games are played in closed venues, but... this time it's different.
At this point, Marius pauses deliberately to keep everyone in suspense.
Marius: As far as I know, the theme park will open an entire newly-built district as the setting for the live-action game...
Marius: Not only can guests explore the setting at their leisure, but they can immerse themselves in the charm of the new district. It really adds to the degree of authenticity.
You: A whole district to explore... That does sound like fun.
You: But Marius, how do you know so much about it... Did Pax invest in this project?
Marius winks at you, smiling meaningfully.
Marius: You interested? I have early access passes.
You: (Looks like I was right.)
Vyn: I am interested.
Luke: Mystery solving? Count me in.
Without waiting for your answer, Vyn and Luke, who hadn't left after the meeting, also joined the conversation with great interest.
Marius: I didn't ask you guys.
Artem: Oh? I thought you purposely mentioned it in the conference room so as to invite everyone to experience it.
On the other side of the long table, Artem turns off the computer screen and walks over as well.
Marius: My bad. I shouldn't have brought it up in the conference room. Next time, I'll wait until you're all gone.
Vyn: First of all, you will not be able to wait. And second...
Artem: Cloudland Park has invested heavily in advertisements for their new themed district.
Artem: Even if you didn't say anything, we would've found out through other channels.
Marius: Hey, why are you guys are so in sync?
Seeing the perplexed hesitation on his face, you quickly interrupt.
You: For an experience like a live-action detective game, I believe we'll have to team up...
You: It wouldn't be a bad idea if we all go together, right?
Luke: You're right, [Player]. I checked it out. Players who wish to participate in the early access experience can only register in a team of five.
Luke: Without us, who would you team up with?
Marius: Hmph, you know about that too?
Luke: I'm a detective, after all.
Marius: Luke, are things at work slow lately? Looks like you're spending a bit too much time learning about this kind of stuff.
Luke: Call it being well-informed.
Vyn: Well, I suppose we are teaming up for another adventure?
Artem: It seems that way.
Marius: Well, usually, at this point, someone will come out and say, "Something always goes wrong when we go on an adventure together."
You: It's just a themed experience, right? Nothing can go wrong... Well, we'll figure it out even if something does go wrong.
As soon as you say that, everyone's gazes land on Marius almost simultaneously.
Marius: All right, I'm in. Nothing will go wrong with me around.
Marius takes out his phone to show everyone that he is sending a message to someone.
At this moment, he doesn't seem reluctant at all. Even the depths of his eyes are glimmering with joy.
You: (It doesn't seem like he was forced to invite the whole team...?)
You: (... Did he plan for everyone to go, but chose not to say so?)
Xuzhou Town Scenic Area
Soon, Marius arranges for everyone to participate in the live-action game and added it to the calendar.
Since this event is early access only, you are the only group in the entire newly-built themed district.
Following the cobblestone road, you all soon enter the "Li Hotel" and are divided into different lounges for preparation.
Li Hotel
After changing your makeup and putting on your outfit, you thank the staff who helped you with the makeover and walk out of the preparation room.
You now have some time to take a good look around the hotel.
You: Compared to what I saw the last time... this place looks completely different now.
The decor has a completely vintage vibe, from the interiors to the furnishings.
You heard that this scene was modeled after a real place, striving to replicate the "Xuzhou Town" in the story for visitors.
???: Why are you just standing there, Little Boss?
You hear a sentence you don't quite understand, spoken in a familiar voice.
You: Huh?
Li Hotel
You look up to see not only Marius, but the other three as well on the long staircase leading from the first floor to the second floor of the lobby.
They, just like you, have changed into their themed outfits. They look elegant, handsome, and graceful...
It feels as though a group of people from an old photograph have come to life and are walking toward you.
Artem: Little Boss, how are the preparations for Boss Qian's 50th birthday celebration coming along?
Luke: When can you let me into the banquet hall? I'm still waiting to take some photos.
Vyn: Mr. Reporter, the guests have yet to arrive. What is your hurry? Besides, the Little Boss still requires time for the preparations.
You: Uh... what?
Marius: Little Boss, why are you still in a daze? You took over the Li Hotel today. Are you not settled in yet?
Feeling puzzled, you notice Luke winking at you.
Luke: We're rehearsing. The rules of the live-action experience state that you have to play the role assigned to you.
You: We're starting already!?
Looks like they had already settled into their characters while you were getting changed.
It looks like... you are the only one out of place.
Marius: Haha, we just wanted to give it a shot.
Vyn: My character is not too complicated, so I was able to adapt quickly.
Luke: My character isn't too hard either. Besides, it's somewhat related to my job.
Luke: Has this all been pre-arranged?
Artem: Possibly. My character is...
Marius: Stop, stop. You guys are all getting out of character!
Marius: I swear on my reputation that all the characters were randomly assigned. No prior arrangements were made.
Marius: I think it's better to wait for it to officially begin before we start discussing information about our characters.
Marius interrupts everyone, as if he is already familiar with the rules of the game.
You: Okay, let me ask you a different question.
You: Where's my character information? I don't remember being told anything... Don't tell me I got an unscripted character...
Luke: Huh!? Didn't you get a character card? I remember seeing some items placed alongside your outfit in the preparation room.
You: (Items... Oh, right! The purse!)
You remember the purse the staff handed to you while you were in the preparation room.
The purse that matches your qipao is weighted, and it seems like there is something in it.
You: (I was so focused on changing into my outfit that I forgot to check out the items!)
You quickly look down inside the purse...
Sure enough, there are many items inside the purse. In addition to your character card, there are other task items.
[Obtain Clue Cards: Little Boss, Photo Half (Left), Anonymous Letter, Telegram, Wilted Flower]
[Obtain Intel: Little Boss > Orphan, Little Boss > Mayfly Association Member, Anonymous Letter > Close Penpal, Anonymous Letter > Wishes in the letter, Telegram > Manage the hotel]
You: (Today is your first day on the job... Everyone at the hotel calls you Little Boss...)
[Obtain Clue Cards: Boss Li, Xuzhou Town]
[Obtain Intel: Boss Li > Mayfly Association Member]
After checking the contents of the purse one by one, you can't help but sigh.
You: It feels like there will be a lot of puzzles along the way. It's going to be complicated.
Luke: Complicated things are worth the challenge!
Marius: Well then, Little Boss, are you ready?
The eager expression in Marius' eyes becomes more pronounced.
Thinking about the expectant expression on his face before you all entered the themed district, you have a bold speculation...
You: Ready. By the way, will there be anything in this event that you personally designed, Mr. von Hagen?
Marius: Hmm... Don't get me wrong, I wasn't involved in the design. I only gave them a little advice on the set and style.
Marius: As for the actual plot, I'm just as clueless as the rest of you.
Vyn: So you were involved, albeit partially.
Artem: It seems that this event was not an "accident," but "premeditated"?
You: That makes sense...
???: Little Boss, there you are!
While everyone is talking, a young man dressed as an attendant suddenly rushes over, waving at you.
Waiter: Boss Qian's birthday banquet will be starting at 5:00 PM sharp. The guests are already arriving...
[Obtain Clue Card: Li Hotel]
[Obtain Intel: Li Hotel > Birthday banquet in the evening]
Waiter: You still need to verify the guest list over in the lobby.
You: (Wow, is that guy a professional actor!?)
Listening to his rapid-fire speech, you are stunned for a few seconds before you remember your identity.
It seems that from this moment on, the live-action detective game has officially begun.
At this moment, you are the new owner who will take over this hotel.
You: It's almost time? Well, I'd better get to it. I wouldn't be able to face Boss Qian if the preparations weren't completed on time.
The attendant accepts with a smile and turns to look at the others.
Waiter: Are they... also the guests for the birthday banquet?
Marius: Who else would we be? Don't you know who I am?
Marius: I'm the president of the Xuzhou Business Association. Boss Qian invited me personally! Look—this is the invitation!
[Obtain Clue Card: President von Hagen]
Marius then takes out a red invitation from his pocket and tosses it at the attendant.
Waiter: Of course, President von Hagen! Welcome! My apologies for not recognizing someone of your stature. Please, come on in!
Marius: Hmph, that's much better.
You: (Marius has a natural gift for acting!)
Luke: Hello! I'm a journalist for Xuzhou News Media. You can call me Journalist Pearce.
[Obtain Clue Card: Journalist Pearce]
Then, Luke takes out something like a certificate to show everyone.
Luke: I spoke to people from the Yingxing Trading Company. I'm here to take photos of the event.
Luke: Boss Qian, Xuzhou Town's most famous philanthropist, is celebrating his 50th birthday. I can't miss out on such a grand celebration or the chance to get my hands on some first-hand information.
[Obtain Clue Card: Boss Qian]
Waiter: Oh... yes, I heard about this! It was Manager Duan of the Yingxing Trading Company that asked you to take photos, right?
Luke nods repeatedly, pretending to be a low-key and humble journalist.
Waiter: Well, you'll have to stay with me off to the side. Don't disturb the guests, understood?
Luke: Yes, of course.
You: As for the other guests, may I ask...
Looking at Marius and Luke's superb performance, you slowly get into character as well.
Artem: I'm Consultant Wing, a financial consultant for Yingxing Trading Company.
[Obtain Clue Card: Consultant Wing]
Vyn: What a coincidence. I am also representing Yingxing Trading Company today.
Artem: Oh, and why have I never met you before?
Vyn: My name is Richter, and I work at Xuzhou University. I'm fluent in some foreign languages.
[Obtain Clue Card: Interpreter Richter]
Vyn: There will be quite a few foreign guests at the birthday banquet. Boss Qian invited me to entertain them and do some simple interpretation work.
Vyn: I look forward to working with you, Consultant Wing.
Artem: I see... You've got your work cut out for you, Interpreter Richter. We have many important foreign clients here tonight.
Vyn and Artem engage in a simple conversation to confirm each other's identity.
The attendant immediately smiles and ushers everyone into the lobby.
Waiter: Manager Duan has been talking about you two in the lobby for a long time. Please come in.
Following the attendant into the lobby, you can see at a glance that there are many people gathered inside.
Most of them don't really react to your group's entrance and carry on with their conversations.
However, the main table is still vacant, and there seems to be no sign of the birthday banquet starting soon.
You: (Which one of them is Boss Qian? Could it be...)
Marius: Hey, why is the main table still empty? Is Boss Qian not here yet? Don't tell me the old man doesn't even care about his own party?
Waiter: He will be arriving shortly. Don't worry.
Vyn: How about sending someone to find him? Delaying any further would be unwise.
Artem: Little Boss, do you mind looking for him?
You: Of course, I...
*Clang*
Before you can finish, a middle-aged man in a suit fumbles into the lobby.
???: Ahh! O-Oh no!
He has a frightened look on his face, as if he'd just witnessed something horrifying.
Waiter: What happened, Manager Duan?
Manager Duan: S-something's happened! It's not good! Something's happened to B-Boss Qian!!!
You: !!!
Luke: What happened to Boss Qian!?
Manager Duan trembles as he points upstairs.
Manager Duan: D-Dead... He... Boss Qian is... dead!
Looking in the direction he pointed at, you see a long staircase leading to the second floor.
The long staircase stretches upward, winding as if there is no end to it and leading to a bewildering unknown.
*Bzzzzt*
You: (What's the sound? Hmm? Is that... an old television?)
Along with the sound of static, on the other side of the long staircase is a dimly lit room with a lit screen...
It seems to be a deliberate cue.
It reminds you all that the "accident" has happened, and the unknown is waiting to be explored.
You: (What happened to there being no accidents this time?)
You: (Then again, I guess a staged accident is hardly an "accident.")
For some reason, you have a distinct feeling in your heart.
This is the moment when the live-action detective game truly begins.
Summary
Character(s)
