If I’m correct, this is my third hour of being trapped in this cave. At least I’ve stopped the bleeding on my right leg with a strip of ripped cloth. I hoist myself up, clutching at the walls. A dozen meters up there, above clumps of vines, I can see daylight drifting in through an opening. That is where I fell around three hours ago. Waterdrops drip from the rocks, landing on my collar, leaving me cold and light-headed.

Zoey: …How pathetic.

Option 1

You: You okay?

Zoey: I’m not dying anytime soon, but things could get complicated if I’m trapped here for too long.

Option 2

You: How did you end up here?

Zoey: It’s a long story. I guess I’m just… unlucky.

A blood-drenched piece of paper slides to the ground. On it are the words “Divine Mountain Resort.” I snort. How ironic.

You: “Divine Mountain Resort”?

Zoey: Yep. That’s why I’m here.

-

I came to the Republic of Wasteland with my father when his army was recruiting here. I took a job from a real estate developer from Apple Federation. They’re a generous bunch, but there was a rumor…

You: What rumor?

At Vanta, there’s a “divine mountain.” Real scenic place. Some guys from Apple Federation were hoping to build a resort there. The development of the area was smooth at first, until a crew was sent to scout out the mountains and never returned. My client seemed really annoyed by the situation when we met up.

Apple Businessman: Crazy, huh? We asked the locals to find the missing crew, but they refused. Said stuff about a curse and a mountain god. There’s no such thing as a mountain god! I bet the crew simply went missing because they were a bunch of fools. We just need to send someone more capable. That’s where you come in! Hurry up and name your price.

Option 1

You: Do you believe in the Mountain God?

Zoey: Whether he exists or not, I can’t let him hold me back.

Option 2

You: Are you afraid?

Zoey: Here in the North, only cowards fear the unknown.

Besides, I’ve just survived a thunderstorm in Snowland of Sword and other devastating disasters. I revere nature, but I believe in human strength too. Weapons and equipment ready, I set off on my way to the Divine Mountain.

-

The trip is unexpectantly smooth. The forest is lush and the air is fragrant. I can’t believe a whole scouting team perished here… I observe the environment carefully and soon realize something uncanny. The mountain is silent. No singing birds, no animal noises except for a few wolves howling in the distance.

I make my way through the bushes to see a deep abyss in front of me. Not too wide, but seemingly bottomless. Could the team have fallen down here? My instincts tell me it’s unlikely. Pondering, I lift my axe up to chop some wood to build a bridge.

That’s when I hear a strange noise behind me. It’s not from a predator, yet I hear smaller beasts, even millipedes, scattering in horror. The noise draws closer, louder, snowballing into a cacophony of dust and debris. I finally realize–it’s a landslide! Gigantic rocks come tumbling down towards me. I desperately scan the place for somewhere to hide and notice an obscure opening. I stumble toward the cave, dodging rocks as I go, but end up free-falling into a deep ravine

-

Dragging my foot and following the tiny flame of the lighter, I walk on in the penetrating darkness. The paths are much more complicated than the ones outside the cave. Looks like they’ve been around for a long time too.

I look down at my feet and spot shredded cloth and scattered bones in the dark soil. Judging from the shape, these are human bones.

Option 1

You: Are they from the scouting team?

Zoey: Probably. From the fabric of their clothes, I’m guessing they’re from an Apple Federation company.

Option 2

You: Did they run into a landslide too?

Zoey: This cave isn’t easy to spot. If it weren’t for the landslide, I couldn’t have come in here.

I gaze into the eerie cave interior, thinking of the wolf howls and sudden landslide, feeling goosebumps. Is there some sort of higher power… that’d trap those who wander inside here forever?

The paths seem to be never-ending, repetitive. My consciousness is slipping away. And my lighter fluid is almost out… Am I really doomed to be trapped here forever?

Suddenly, a soft light shines in the distance, and a mysterious fragrance wafs into my nose. I feel strangely calm. Following the smell, I see a girl in unfamiliar tribal wear in the distance. The warm glow shines on her face. She looks far more mature and graceful than others her age. Wherever her feet land, glowing flowers blood, forming a path forward. I can barely believe my own eyes, but surely my senses can’t be lying to me.

The girl notices me and approaches, the flowers losing their glow in her wake.

Young Girl: I didn’t expect innocents to be affected by the priestess’s trial.

Zoey: Priestess’s trial?

Young Girl: Would you like to come with me? I’ll explain along the way.

She bows in a way I can’t say I’ve seen before. I notice her outfit is more dated than the clothes at a standard Vanta market.

Zoey: Where are you from?

Young Girl: The ancient Vanta tribe from the Divine Mountain.

Zoey: So you guys are not the same as the Vanta tribe that’s not on the Divine Mountain?

Young Girl: We were the same… once.

The girl smiles softly.

Young Girl: Back when the beliefs on this land were still pure, all Vantas were blessed by the Mountain God, Jabarra. But as Vantas started associating with the outside world, taking up science and other religions, our god stopped favoring us. Some of us returned to the Divine Mountain and now live separately from the outside world to retain the connection with our god.

I’ve heard of people who do that. They abandon all progress and civilization for their beliefs. Not my kind of thing.

Zoey: So what’s this “priestess’s trial” you mentioned?

Young Girl: Jabarra has granted us mystical powers so that we can communicate with nature and see into the future. The more skilled ones of us are sent to this cave, and the survivors become priests and priestesses.

Zoey: …

Her eyes are calm, almost as if she could read my mind.

-

We return to the path where I first saw her. Pure white flowers bloom at her feet once again.

Young Girl: Sola flowers represent guidance from Jabarra. Bright flower paths lead to life, and those who ignore guidance are fated to die.

I can’t bring myself to believe her. Are humans granted powers by a god? Impossible. But I can’t scientifically explain how the flowers bloomed either. They bloomed so naturally, like little miracles. The Sola flower buds are slender and curved, like the veins of the land. Their fragrance is lovely and not pungent.

Option 1

You: Will you follow her?

Zoey: I’m curious if this “Mountain God” and “Jabarra” of hers can really save her.

Option 2

You: Is there some other way out?

Zoey: Considering my current physical condition, it’d be better to follow her instead of searching blindly for the way up.

Looks like it’s been here for a long time. Sola flowers sprout along the veins, covering the rocky wall, as if pointing to the exit. I see sunshine seeping in from the cracks and can even hear the wind, but we can’t get the wall to move an inch. I chuckle.

Zoey: Perhaps your mountain god can grant you the skill to pass through rocks?

Young Girl: I’ll do it.

The girl places her hand on my arm and motions for me to move back. I do so agreeably.

Young Girl: The Mountain God will lead us out of here. We shall be reborn in his embrace, through his guidance.

She lays a hand on the rock. Instantly, loud, reverberating roars sound from the outside.

Zoey: I hear… wolf howls?

I’ve fought wolves countless times in the North, but I’ve never heard them howl like this. Wave after wave of wolf howls–as if summoning something, as if waiting for something. Amidst the deafening howls, the cave collapses, sending stones and debris flying. Yet the girl stands unaffected.

I close my eyes tightly as the light pours in. When I reopen them, the girl is already walking away calmly under the bright sun. She’s joined by many dressed like her. They stand alongside the wolves, bowing in front of their new priestess. I follow her through the crowds. She looks at peace, as if she expected this to happen all along. Astounded by the sight in front of me, I stand frozen in place.

Option 1

You: Does the god really exist?

Zoey: How else can you explain the rock-shattering wolf howls?

Option 2

You: It’s incredible.

Zoey: I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.

The crowd finally notices me and begins whispering among themselves. A heavy bejeweled old man points a shaky cane at me.

Elderly: Ignorant fool from the outside world! We hear the rage of Jabarra. We know we’ve got an intruder. Jabarra will punish you! The howls of Anuwa shall bring death! Nature will devour all blasphemous souls! The rocks might not have burried you, but you must still pay!

His voice is impactful, like rocks in water. The crowd argues angrily among themselves. I pull out my dagger and get into a fighting stance, even though I’ve never felt less confident. In the nick of the moment, the young priestess moves between me and her people.

Young Girl: I can sense our guest now reveres Jabarra. She’s already proven her strength and determination to the god. The kind, generous Jabarra has forgiven her. Or else the Anuwa would have shown animosity already.

Following her words, I put down my dagger as a sign of friendliness. I’m too weak to fight now after all.

Young Girl: Please allow this guest to rest here for a few days. She shall show reverence for our god soon. This is my promise to Jabarra.

My experience staying in the Vanta tribe was one of a kind. The tribespeople, following their priestess’s lead, are kind. They gather herbs to help me heal and gift me dyed fabrics. Isolated from the rest of the world, they have a unique style of design, with large, mysterious flora and fauna motifs.

To show them my gratitude, I decide to create a design in the same style. I spend most of the time sketching, grateful for the rare opportunity to enjoy my free time. Sometimes, my surroundings are so quiet that I could almost hear the murmurs of the Mountain God.

-

The priestess initiation ritual is upon us. It’s a moonless night. Dressed in Vanta-style robes, I join the tribespeople in front of the altar. The future priestess comes striding toward the center of the altar, face lit up by the campfire. Her long, white robes drag along, cold and gleaming in the dark night. I was reminded of when I first saw her in the cave. The Anuwa wolves play an important role in the ritual as well. They stand in rows, dressed in gold-lined fabrics.

Young Girl: O generous Jabarra, we of Vanta pray for your blessings.

Following the girl’s guidance, the people of the ancient tribe mutter prayers in a low voice. The Anuwas begin to howl when the people finish. One long cry, and then more, more, in waves.

A sudden, striking howl rips through the skies, I look up to see a huge full moon rising amidst the stars and clouds. It rises impossibly fast, casting its bright glow on the ground, on the crowd, on me. It’s like a soundless voice, like nature speaking words of forgiveness for those who cannot understand its mysteries. Flowers sprouting on rocks… Anuwa wolves summoning the moon… Too many impossible things have happened here. My eyes don’t deceive me. That very instant, I’ve come to believe in the legends surrounding this land. I imitate the tribespeople's actions and pray to their god.

-

In the evening of the following day, the young priestess escorts me to the entrance of the village. I’ve packed all my weapons in my bag. No way I’m leaving things like these on this sacred land.

Young Girl: You’ve seen all there is to see about our home. It’s time for you to leave. May we meet again.

As I leave the Divine Mountain, I gaze back one last time at the vast lands. Wolf howls sound from the woods, as if bidding me farewell. I smooth my fingers over the Anuwa pattern on my dress gently.

I head out to see the machines from the real estate developers hard at work, forcing their way through the trees and rocks. Even after their scouts went missing, they were still eager to claim the lands as their own. How ignorant.

In an instant, the once comforting howls change in pitch. They’re now raging, crushing sounds of fury. The cliffs collapse on themselves, sending rocks and debris flying. The drivers of the machines scream as they’re buried alive. I watch it all happen, emotionlessly, as the sun sets, bringing with it the last bit of nature’s warmth.

-

I never had the chance to visit Wasteland for years after that. I heard the developers abandoned their plans. People still talk about the girl from the mountains who summoned a landslide. They call me the spokesperson of Jabarra. Sounds like a fine title to me. The locals revere the mountains now. The tourism industry is prospering, and business with Apple Federation companies is doing well.

Option 1

You: Is the Mountain God watching over them?

Zoey: Do you think so?

Option 2

You: Makes sense. The tourists from Apple Federation must have helped the economy a lot.

Zoey: And the developers never dared to try and touch the sacred lands again.

You: Do you believe in the Mountain God?

Profile

Zoey | 18 years old | Female

Height 170 | DoB 7/25

Hired to head to Wasteland, where she has witnessed the power of faith and nature.

About Design

Zoey carefully draws down the outline of Vanta Tribe’s clothes under the faint light. Every piece of ornament and fabric here has its own curvature and texture, containing the smell of plants and mountains. The raw power of nature is like a magical magnet, as if it can contain everything, while gently hiding itself from outsiders’ eyes.

Howl of Anuwa

The object of mythical faith is emerging in the endless night sky. Some are waiting, some are recording, and some are praising. But no trace is left in Zoey’s heart. It isn’t until the voice of Anuwa breaks the chaos to greet the moon, that Zoey finally has a glance of the mythical being and accepts its existence.

Flowers of Light and Moon

The flowers blooming at the girl's feet glow in the darkness. The white and slender petals have outlined the earth’s veins in detail. Just like a poem on the mountains written in the nature’s language. Where are they from? The answer cannot be found from knowledge of the past, and perhaps not from the future either.

Exotic Girl

(Not Unlocked - lv.45)

Modern Technology

(Not Unlocked - lv.60)

Crystal Ball for Divination

“Would you like a crystal ball for divination? It’s the Wasteland’s specialty!” Hearing the call, Zoey stops at a stall. Her fingertips move across the countless delicate ornaments, and stop at a humble crystal ball at the corner. The white petals inside the ball look just like those in the mountain that day, plain yet elegant, giving away a faint fluorescence. Of course, the crystal ball cannot predict the future, but it does remind Zoey of the correct direction.

Farewell to Wasteland

(Not Unlocked - star 3-0)

-

Home Screen Lines

“The unique fragrance in the air is from the local plants. When the moon is full, you can hear the howling of wild animals.”

“I can’t acquire the power I want from here. I’m all that I can rely on.”

“The wind and sand will wipe your footsteps. Going forward is the only way to survive.”

“Victory belongs solely to me, but “unexpected events” only makes the game more interesting.”

-

Audio

Summon: “Perhaps, you have also seen miracles?”

Meet: “You can see the fortune-tellers everywhere in Vanta. Some of them might not be very convincing, but many people believe them anyway.”

Select: “Amazing miracles may be born out of the purest faith.”

Awakened: (Not Unlocked)

-

Skill Details

The Call of Flowers - The blooming flowers on the young girl’s toes are the calling from Jabarra.

Moon Night Whistling - Anuwa’s howl cuts through the sky, exposing the cold moonlight behind the clouds.

Tribal Festival - The young girl stands before the altar, listening to nature’s ancient whispers in the moonlight.

(Not Unlocked - TBA - star 3-0)

-

Clothing Set Pieces

Forest Echo (headwear) – A pure austere black is outlined with emerald and gold patterns for a sense of mysterious aloofness.

Realm Ritual (hair) – Dark chestnut hair weaved into thin braids. The golden jewels glisten in the sunlight.

Moonlight Meditation (earrings) – Earrings are fashioned after a delicate Anuwa statue, reminding one of the mysterious howls in the night forest.

Nightlight Focus (necklace) – An exotic chain seems to pull glistening moonlight down to the ancient Vanta lands.

Spirit of Anuwa (dress) – The girl of the Divine Mountain wanders the mountains, dressed in pink sash and adorned with ancient Vantan totems.

Sola Vines (bracelet) – A light bracelet of green and gold made from Sola vines unique to Vanta.

Prophecy Scepter (handheld) – An ancient Vanta scepter passed down for generations, made of undying holy wood and pearls fashioned from moonlight.

Hidden Lands (hosiery) – Dark green plaid diamonds on white socks. The inner-facing area is adorned with rustic gold patterns.

Profile

Qin Yi | 19 years old | Male

Height 179cm | DoB 11/7

The most popular star in Cloud Empire and the founder of the Neverfall Troupe. He has recently established a new troupe in Azureink.

About Design

The subtlety of Cloud ink. The charm of modern punk. The moment when your voice is heard. The moment when the whole audience screams. The instrument in his hands plays secret notes, the dazzling lights shine on the audience… The rock musician on stage is just the protagonist in another play.

About the Ark

In the Ark, Qin Yi can enjoy a moment of peace not disturbed by anyone, not having to think far ahead. But he knows if he wants to survive in this game of power, he has to take the initiative.

About Nikki

She has a power that cannot be underestimated. There’s something about her that makes people want to approach her and find out. it might be a good play to solve those mysteries about her. It’s just when the direction of the play is still unclear, it’s better to stay behind the scenes and wait for the right moment to come.

About Self

He is a famous celebrity in Cloud Empire and an underground rock musician. Even though his identity is ever-changing and his true self is unclear, he always has his own purpose and is always the master who controls behind the scenes.

About Styling Power

As long as you prepare well in advance and anticipate your opponent’s next move, you will always be invincible no matter how difficult the game seems to be.

Livehouse Owner

The livehouse owner of Azureink has seen too many strange customers. He has always been cautious and rarely talks about the identity of his customers. When facing many disappointed fans coming to ask about the disappearing rock musician, he just smiled and pointed to the corner. “Look at the face on that poster. Who do you think he is?”

Rock

The power and emotions screamed through his voice are like a meteor flying in the night. The moment when the sound breaks through and reaches its peak, it is better to let go of all pretensions, purposes, or prejudices and just enjoy the moment.

-

Home Screen Lines

“When the guitar roars at night, conspiracies are actually dancing with the music. Rock and roll is only a disguise; the real climax comes with gunfire.”

“Who will eventually rule Azureink? I’m also curious for the answer.”

“Azureink is more dangerous than it seems. Unpredictable mayhem may happen in even a small bar.”

“Rock and roll can tear through the illusion of life and release our souls.”

-

Audio

Summon: “The stage remains the same, but I never will.”

Meet: “Did you come here for me?”

Select: “Feel free to enjoy my performance.”

Awaken: “I refuse people’s definitions of me.”

-

Skill details

Rock n’ Roll - Immerse in the tides of music. Clap! Scream!

Bass Resonance - Perhaps the often neglected bass resonance is telling a secret.

Real or Fake - Are you sure the one you saw was me?

Short Blooming of Epiphyllum - Emerged in silence, then blended into the night.

-

Clothing Set Pieces

Starry Trail (hairstyle) - The New Year Live is a Cloud annual event with many stars. Qin Yi is performing as part of the show this year.

Rhapsody Overture (handheld) - The stage is the same, but Qin Yi always packs some surprises into the performance. What will the next show be like?

Ink Dragon (leglet) -  A dragon is the centerpiece of the festival decorations in Cloud Empire, seen all over costumes and stages.

Starr Cross (earrings) - Metal accessories shine under the spotlight, like a galaxy of stars.

A Gone Age (bracelet) - A vintage design that brings the new age of heavy metal right back. This New Year’s Eve has a whole different feeling.

Shining Stars (ring) - The whole auditorium becomes silent, and explodes with passion when the rock and roll goes on.

Swaying Light (necklace) - No one expects Qin Yi to have a wild side. But it’s kind of unsurprising, given his versatile style.

Musical Climax (shoes) - Boots in steampunk style that attract attention with every step.

Ink Shadows (coat) - Black tassels fly in a graceful arc. The music and dance have the entire audience enthralled.

Rolling Thunder (gloves) - Qin Yi, an actor, is perfectly capable of rock n’ roll. His many talents have no limits.

Center of Spotlights (bottom) - Spotlights shine on stage, where the music climbs even higher, and explodes into a roaring climax.

The Torn Night (top) - Fireworks illuminate the sky, and fall down in countless sparks. The audience cheers, shouts, and roars for Qin Yi’s show.

Awakened Set Pieces

Cold Wave (hairstyle) - No one knows who the rock musician is, but that face resembles a certain someone.

Night Live (handheld) - Azureink Rock Concerts are sublime. Maybe a legendary rock musician of the past will even come back to the stage.

Ring of Temptation (leglet) -  Control the masses by the mind to create order out of chaos. This is Qin Yi’s way of life.

Burning Shadows (coat) - The rock musician flashes a subtle grin. The grand double show is just starting.

War of Spotlights (bottom) - The bar is a crucible of all walks of life. Secrets are traded under the counter.

Owner: Welcome. What would you like to drink?

REX: Ice water, please.

The owner stops wiping the glass, raises his head, slightly moves the corner of his mouth. He spits out the cigarette butt into the aluminum box aside. He does these smoothly.

Owner: Oh, hi, I thought you were going to rehearse today.

REX: Do you think I need to rehearse?

Owner: I don’t know. I used to think you won’t perform in a theater.

REX: As long as they give me enough money.

A glass of ice water is pushed over. The drops of water hanging on the glass reflect the tiredness on my face.

You: Who are you?

REX: A rock singer named REX. My real name is a secret.

The owner signs and lifts his chin against a wall.

Owner: I suggest you be careful. Don’t underestimate that troupe.

I look at the wall, seeing a poster illuminated by a dim yellow light. The text on the poster is indistinguishable, but the actors in the poster are vaguely visible. On the left side stands an actor from Cloud Empire. He wears a quaint costume and smiles at the camera. On the right side of the poster, a young man with exaggerated makeup with a different style of clothing. He roars at the climax of the music with his fingers clasped on the bass strings.

Option 1

You: The person on the left is Qin Yi!

REX: It’s him, Fair One. I heard he is the best actor in Miraland. The poster is even here.

Option 2

You: The person on the right is you!

REX: Yeah, it’s me. But compared to Qin Yi, I’m just a nobody. I started to sing in this livehouse in Azureink two months ago, and luckily, now I’m the hottest rock singer here. The poster is even here.

Owner: It’s everywhere.

REX: Tut, boring.

Owner: The famous Neverfall Troupe will be open in Azureink and the adress happens to be the port of Azureink Bay. What do you think?

REX: Oh?

Owner: That is not an ordinary theater. Qin Yi is the boss. It is said he has a special relationship with the upper class. And I heard Qin Yi is already in Azureink. In the past few months, they did a lot of things that they shouldn’t do.

REX: So what?

Owner: They’re so ambitious. They want to grab meat from the raven’s mouth. You know that a bird like a raven always holds a grudge. Whoever touches its meat will get their eyes pecked out.

REX: Oh. So what does it have to do with me?

Owner: Seeing as you’re a regular customer, I would like to remind you that the money you don’t have is just a number. I’m afraid someone will die before he gets the money.

REX: Really?

The rainy days in the port are gloomy and humid. The thunder rolls over the thick clouds fitfully like depressing, unrhythmic music. The unnamed livehouse in the Black Street opens as usual until dawn. Late at night is a good time for night owls. Many people sit in there chatting.

REX: It’s so noisy.

Owner: What would you like to drink? It’s on me today.

REX: Why so generous?

Owner: You make my bar popular.

The livehouse owner smiles and glances at a few gangsters chatting not far away.

Thug A: Gee, the wine is strong.

Thug B: So we come all the way here to drink without movies and girls.

Thug A: You don’t understand. I heard that REX often comes here. I want to see him!

Thug B: Hey, isn’t he just a man? What’s so great about REX?

Thug A: You’ve never watched his live show! Let me tell you, although REX is young, he sings really well! How can such a young boy have such a good voice? When I listen to his music, I cast everything away and just want to scream and drink.

The two gangsters talk excitedly. They don’t notice that on the other side of the bar counter, the object of their heated discussion is lazily leaning here.

REX: You scammed for money again. You gave them fake wine.

No one answers. There is no one around the bar counter and the owner somehow disappeared. The checkout is locked, but the bartending utensils are messily stacked on the table.

REX: Finally…

I drink all the liquid in the cup. When I put down the empty cup, I find that the house becomes silent. there seems to be no one else, except for me and the strangers who stand beside me.

Stranger: Are you REX? Our boss wants to talk to you.

A cold barrel is pressed against my waist. A stranger speaks fiercely in a hoarse voice. Their thumb is on the gun’s safety, and makes a click sound.

REX: Well, is this your way of hospitality?

Stranger: Please.

-

There is a red light in the corner, which means someone is sitting there. With a barrel pressed against my waist, I walk to the seat. A man in black gestures for his men to leave.

REX: Master Raven, impressive.

Before the man in black can speak, I sit on the sofa in front of him. At the same time I hear the sound of people pulling out guns around me. I point to the glass bottle on the table at gunpoint.

REX: This wine is very good. Can I drink it?

Raven: No problem.

Raven pushes a classic glass out towards me and puts three ice cubes in it. The amber liquid is slowly poured into the glass, but no one puts away their guns that are pointed at me.

Raven: Now I know why you are popular in Azureink. Why don’t we cooperate?

REX: What business do you have with me?

Raven: What I want is also wanted by Black Owls. Now I need your talents.

REX: So what does Master Raven want me to do?

Raven: I need a spy in Neverfall Troupe.

REX: I see.

Raven: You don’t seem surprised at all.

REX: I thought you would have come to find me yesterday.

I lean back on the sofa casually, and the hitman by my side raises the barrel. But as the metal bracelet clinks, I just hold my arms indifferently.

Raven: Should I say that you are too young and ignorant? Or you just don’t care about your life?

REX: I only know I’m your only choice.

Raven frowns. There is a touch of anxiety on his face. When he sees my cold smile, he snorts.

REX: Azureink is a backwater area. Now someone wants to stir the pot. Your authority is damaged, Master Raven. You must be upset.

Raven stands up. He pulls out the gun that is attached to his waist and presses it against my forehead.

Raven: You know too much. Do as I say, otherwise-

REX: Ah, enough with the tact. You want cooperation, so how much money can I get?

Raven: You’re brave. Asking for money with a gun aimed at your head.

REX: Better than living a poor life.

Raven: You are a bit like me when I was young. Well, as long as you follow my orders, money is not a problem.

It rains heavily. The lightning illuminates the port. A silent agitation sweeps across the dark corners of Azureink. But Everything could be different.

-

The first performance of Neverfall Troupe is being intensely prepared. Countless pairs of eyes are staring at this huge theater. The man standing in the corner of the dark alley seems to be just sheltering from the rail. Half of his face is covered in hoodies. Raven comes from another direction of the alley with a black umbrella.

Raven: How’s it going?

REX: All of your men are already in my band. Tomorrow when it comes to the third act of the play, I’ll be on the same stage as Qin Yi. Then it’s your turn.

Raven: Good, but I don’t need you to do it.

Raven pauses. A grim smile twists his mouth.

Qin Yi: How’s the situation?

Theater Manager: We have a large audience. Maybe the highest attendance in Azureink in ten years, but…

Qin Yi: What is it?

Theater Manager: Although the audience give positive comments, they have never seen you and REX on the same stage. So they are a bit dissatisfied.

Qin Yi: It’s alright. They will see.

-

This is a very interesting play which mixes a classical and elegant drama with a thunderstorm-like rock concert. The interlaced sense of chaos makes every audience feel dizzy. But in this chaos, there seems to have a certain inevitable order. Like Qin Yi and REX, their fates are intertwined and they finally will perform together.

Qin Yi: Hearing the jackdaw cries, how would I… Well, today’s play comes to the end. Come out. You’ve been disturbing me these days.

As the sound of zither ceases, an electric guitar roars. The audience have been waiting for this moment for a long time, and they burst into joyful applause. However, the cheers are paused. Because the band members rushing to the stage carry no instruments but cold firearms.

REX: Look, these guns are not toys.

With a gunshot, the bullet hits the spotlight above the stage. The bulb cracks twice, and the entire theater dims. The audience, as if awakened from a dream, push against each other in fright and manage to get out through the exit.

There have always been gang fights in Azureink. Although the audience is frightened, they soon run away. In the audience-free theater, there is only an actor in a long-sleeved robe and a man holding a gun at him.

Raven: Mr. Qin Yi, nice to meet you.

No one answers. Qin Yi just stands silently with a fan. There were a few pear blossoms on the fan just now, but they had already disappeared in the chaos.

Raven: What’s wrong? Are you scared? I heard Mr. Qin Yi wasn’t so timid.

Raven plays with a gun and turns around. I put my hands behind my back and stand submissively.

Raven: Mr. Qin Yi, Azureink is different than Cloudcrest. Your little tricks are not enough for you to stay here.

Qin Yi: I’m just an actor. I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Raven: Play dumb? It’s too late. If Neverfall was only a troupe, I wouldn’t have bothered you. I feel sorry.

Raven raises his gun, and when he is about to pull the trigger, he freezes. The guys, who stand next to him and should follow his orders, suddenly turn around and zero in on him.

Raven: What the hell are you doing?

REX: Yeah, what the hell are you doing?

In response to Raven, an automatic pistol is pressed firmly against his waist.

REX: Master Raven, have I ever said it makes me feel uncomfortable?

Raven looks at REX in shock. REX looks different. The cynical feeling disappeared, replaced with a powerful vibe. In REX’s eyes lies an icy smile. Raven suddenly realizes REX and Qin Yi look alike. The fact is concealed by their completely different dresses and temperament.

You: REX, you are Qin Yi!

Qin Yi: Yes, REX is Qin Yi. Humans are so amazing. Changing clothes and behavior grants a human new identities. Does this double-sided play surprise you?

Raven: REX, you…

“Qin Yi” on the other side of the stage interrupts Raven. He folds his fan and bows his head respectfully to me.

Underling: Lord, the spies outside the theater have been controlled.

Qin Yi: Well done.

Raven: You… Have you predicted my every move?

I can finally put aside the cynical smile of REX and stare at the upset man coldly. His forehead is exuding fine cold sweat. I can feel his tremors in front of my pistol.

Qin Yi: It’s not difficult.

In Raven’s horrified eyes, I can see my face. I have exaggerated black eyeliner on the corner of my eyes, and a golden tattoo from the neck to the face. I still look like a rock singer, but REX has disappeared.

Since that night in the troupe, Raven, the master of Black Owls, disappears from the underground world of Azureink. Raven’s men all join the Neverfall Troupe and become guards. Azureink is turbulent. The disappearance of a huge power is nothing more than a chip in the porridge.

Theater Manager: Lord, the forces of Black Owls have been settled. We almost control the intelligence network of Azureink.

Qin Yi: Got it. Anything else?

Theater Manager: As you suspected, we obtained many big secrets from the intelligence network. It includes the smuggling records of officials everywhere.

I look out the window. The sky is gray-blue. The sun falls on the deep blue sea, and the numerous large boats in the port are like mountains.

Qin Yi: Not enough. They are trivia.

Theater Manager: But Lord, now the underground forces in Azureink hold silent out of fear. As long as the name of our troupe is mentioned, they have to think twice before speaking…

Qin Yi: They are not Neverfall Troupe’s opponents.

I put down my teacup and smile meaningfully at the troupe manager.

Qin Yi: Do you know who rules Azureink?

After the troupe manager leaves, I sit in the office alone, feeling the sea breeze coming from the window. The salty and humid air doesn’t smell good, but I can observe the scenery of the port here. With the sound of horns, several huge freighters slowly enter the port.

Option 1

You: What’s your next plan?

Qin Yi: Look at the freighters docked in the port. Do you know what they carry? Forget it. You must have no idea. They carry firearms from Rosset.

Option 2

You: Your goal is achieved. What about your identity as REX?

Qin Yi: REX? Maybe REX will sing again. After all, singing rock is a rare experience. What do you think?

Qin Yi: I should wait for the time to work with that person, but…