Marius "In the Darkness"/Rewards

Story Summary

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

After the treasure hunt event's end, Marius and the main character discuss a strange figure she'd seen earlier in the night. They encounter a man named George von Halen, who is searching for a missing friend named John von Haden. George suspects John ran off looking for treasure that is still rumored to be on the island. George offers the treasure clue in exchange for help looking for John, and the three split up, with Marius and the MC taking a path toward the mountain peak.

After reaching the mountain peak according to the treasure clue, neither Marius nor the MC know where to look next. Marius encourages the MC to rest for a short time and tries to play a leaf whistle to lull her to sleep, but his poor playing has the opposite effect. The two accidentally discover the next clue in the tree they stopped at, then stop for a short rest in the tree branches.

Marius leads the MC to a field of starflowers, where they find evidence that a man has passed through the area. While deliberating the existence of a treasure, Marius places a flower wreath on the MC's head, then the two continue to follow the man's footprints while making small talk about such subjects as Marius' former pet dog.

The two finally come across John, who is hallucinating due to having eaten a questionable fruit, then meet up with George, who admits to having set up this small treasure hunt himself. George insists that he'd found hints of miraculous ruins in old archaeology documents and says he'd obtained and buried a gift for John at the "treasure's" final location. George takes John to recuperate while Marius and the MC retrieve the expensive watch. The two venture into a cave, finding grand murals inside that seem to hint at a secret passage. While looking for it, Marius falls into an unseen opening.

Marius tells the MC not to worry, saying he can't climb up but is sure there's another exit. The MC hears fear in Marius' voice, so she leaves the cave to fire a signal flare and leave some of their belongings in front of the cave, then returns and drops down to help Marius look for the exit. She examines him, and he eventually confesses that he's having bad memories of a time he was pranked and trapped in a similar environment as a child.

As the two search for a way out of the cave, blue fireflies gather in large numbers and seem to lead them a particular direction. They follow and discover a large stone tablet inscribed with a prayer. The MC asks Marius if he has any wishes, and Marius asks to be with the one he loves forever. They find a way out of the cave behind the altar. Later, Marius has the stone tablet translated and discovers it's a romantic oath, and that the blue fireflies were believed to be a sign that Nosta's gods had blessed a couple.

Illustrations

Firefly ShrineMy oath will be engraved in the memory of this ancient site and will endure through the ages.

View from the TopNot everyone will climb a tree or take risks. Finding someone with whom you can connect is truly difficult.

Video Call

Video Call		Marius: In the Darkness (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Marius: Are you busy? Looking things up? Can you tell me what it's about?

Marius: You're right... Fireflies usually glow yellowish green. That day was the first time I saw one that glowed blue as well.

Marius: About that, do you know why the fireflies were gathering that day?

Marius: They're actually... looking for mates.

Marius: I'm not kidding. The rhythmic flashing is their mate searching signal. Every signal is unique.

Marius: However, fireflies only have two weeks to live after they've reached adulthood, max. So their life ends not long after they find their mate.

Marius: Romantic...? I suppose so. They spend their life looking for their other half after all.

Marius: Hmm? I'm not upset. I was just thinking that if it were me, I wouldn't be able to accept things ending that way.

Marius: I feel like... after finally finding my other half, I'd want to live a long life with mine till we get all old and wrinkly.

Marius: Why are you so quiet all of a sudden? Don't tell me you're thinking of someone else?

Marius: Shh... You don't need to be in such a hurry to answer me.

Marius: Of course not. I'm not afraid to know who it is. I have a great deal of confidence in myself.

Marius: What are you laughing at? I'm being such a good boy here. Do I not have a place in your heart...? Man! Looks like I need to put in more effort.

Marius: Just you wait and see. I will definitely show you my unique glow in the future.

Story Locations

Nosta

Nosta

Nosta

Nosta

Main Character's Residence

Main Character's Residence

Story Characters

Marius von Hagen

Marius von Hagen

George von Halen

John von Haden