GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE story · Event stories
BOOMS DAY
15 scenes, 1,151 lines
1. A Girl's Dream
23 linesWhen we're young,
people often ask us about our dreams.
Some of them say that
they want to be doctors who save lives.
Others proclaim they want to be a hero who saves the day,
like the Ark Rangers.
As for me...
My response is always the same.
I would answer while looking up towards the sky above me:
"My dream is to be able to look at the sky."
The other kids would make fun of me and laugh.
They'd say, "What kind of a dream is that?"
I don't care. I would promise myself over and over again
that one day, I would be able to see the sky. Really see it.
I would see the big wide world where the sun shines bright.
Back then, I didn't know.
How could I have known that in chasing the sun,
I'd end up in a darkened room where the only light is from a video game monitor?
I had yearned to explore this vast planet of ours,
yet I've become petrified of the outside world.
...
I thought I would be the protagonist in this story,
but I'm barely even an ancillary character. How could I have known?
2. Game Over: A
116 linesPrompt: Please introduce yourself.
Hello, I'm Elegg from the Electric Shock Squad.
That should be enough, right?
...
I can say anything I want since you'll edit it later?
Hmm...
Are you sure I can say whatever I want?
I can even talk smack about Ms. Syuen, or divulge company secrets?
...
"Just speak as if you were in front of Syuen."?
Okay...
Prompt: Introduce the Electric Shock Squad.
Our squad focuses on the development and research of various electronics.
Most of the electronic devices you use are products we've created.
The squad consists of just Ms. Trony and me.
I'm in charge of energy efficiency and utilization,
whereas Ms. Trony takes care of all the engineering.
Prompt: What do you think is the best product developed by the Electric Shock Squad?
That's a tough one.
Hmm...
If I have to choose one, I suppose I'd say the converter.
Since it did solve the power problem in the Ark and all.
Prompt: What do you think is the best product humanity has developed?
That's easy! BOOM!
...
Should I go on?
Do I need to explain more about BOOM?
I can talk all day about BOOM!
It's a classic FPS masterpiece, and the protagonist, BOOM Guy...
Oh... I should move onto the next question?
Prompt: What are your goals for the future?
A moment later.
Missilis Tower. Electric Shock Squad dormitory.
Phew... finally back.
I'll never get used to those darned interviews.
How many of these promotional videos is Missilis going to make us do?
How about you join me for the next shoot, Ms. Trony?
*Pow Pow*
On the other side of the tightly sealed door, the sounds of a video game can be heard.
...
How about we grab a bite to eat, then?
A new restaurant just opened near us,
and Ms. Ether said it's delicious. How about it?
*Pow Pow*
Maybe you'd like to play a game together instead?
I'm going for the BOOM speedrun record, and I've been having a blast.
I could tell you about some of the glitches you can take advantage of.
*Pow Pow*
Ms. Trony?
*Pow Pow*
...
Elegg places her hand on the doorknob.
Once she does, the sounds on the other side of the door instantly cease.
... No thanks.
Oh, okay... then what ab...
*Pow Pow*
The game picks back up, louder than ever this time, signaling Trony's unwillingness to continue the conversation.
With some concern, Elegg looks down upon the scattered pieces of paper lying on the ground.
They're from a research log that had been written a long time ago.
Elegg bends down and picks up one of the pieces of paper.
Some words are scrawled on it:
Electric Shock, Research Log.
Month X Day X. A good day to play BOOM at home.
Participants: Elegg, Trony.
Start of Converter Development.
You don't have to remind me, Ms. Trony.
Everybody knows you're the best in the field of electrical engineering.
Trony hastily buries her face between her knees,
and begins to tremble.
Wha... did I say something wrong?
The best... hehe.
Elegg directs her voice towards the closed door.
Ms. Trony, I'll come again tomorrow.
Elegg's footsteps fade away.
*Pow Pow*
Trony, are you sure it's okay to give Elegg the cold shoulder?
If you consider someone your friend, the least you can do is say hi to them.
... It's already too late.
*Pow Pow*
Why did you start playing games in the first place?
... I don't remember.
*Pow Pow*
Then perhaps you should ask yourself...
*Pow Pow*
Is it really okay?
*Crash*
The fighter jet controlled by Trony is hit by enemy gunfire and explodes.
GAME OVER
The game over screen flashes a few times and then disappears.
The screen turns off,
leaving the entire room in darkness.
3. Game Over: B
107 linesThe next day.
Electric Shock Squad Research Lab.
Elegg sits amidst a jumble of circuits and wires, jotting down a research log.
Electric Shock, Research Log.
Month X Day X. I'm dying to get back and play BOOM.
Participants: Elegg, Tr...
Elegg suddenly stops in the middle of typing.
...
With noticeable irritation, she then deletes what she just wrote.
Participants: Elegg.
*Sigh*
Looks like things aren't going too well.
Ms. Ether?
Can I take a look?
Ether sits beside Elegg.
Electric Shock, Research Log.
*Yawn* Industrious as ever, I see. You haven't missed a day with these logs.
If it were me, I'd have quit writing them long ago.
It's not exactly my choice. I do this since I have to.
Ether writes something on Elegg's tablet.
Participants: Elegg, Trony.
Are you sure you're doing everything you're supposed to?
Is that so?
Correct me if I'm wrong,
but hasn't Trony has been holed up in that room for years now?
...
*Yawn* It doesn't make a difference to me whether Trony comes to the lab or not.
It's not like my own work will suffer from it.
The only issue is that not everyone is as understanding,
or as patient, as I am.
You've got until the end of the week.
What?
The higher-ups can't wait any longer.
Please relay to her that
she must decide by the end of this week whether she wants to continue locking herself in that room
or start working for the Ark again.
You make sure she gets the message.
We'll figure out a way to make her work for the Ark again.
A memory wipe, perhaps. If that doesn't work, then something else.
Whatever is necessary to get her to work in the lab.
You know nothing is beneath the higher-ups, so long as it benefits the Ark.
Ah, yes. I almost forgot.
I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but there were six power outages this year.
Before that, we hadn't suffered any outages thanks to your converter.
They were minor incidents, and the general populace is still in the dark about it,
but the higher-ups want you to get to the bottom of what's going on and fix it before the situation gets out of control.
They also want that done by the end of the week.
*Yawn*. Good luck.
After Ether leaves, Elegg stares at the words written on the tablet for a long time.
Participants: Elegg, Trony.
*Sigh*
An agitated Elegg paces up and down the hallway.
I can do this. I can do this.
I can't put this off. Gotta do it today.
Have to do it... for Ms. Trony's sake.
Elegg mumbles softly, psyching herself up.
Finally, she stops in front of Trony's room.
*Pow pow*
As always, video game sound effects can be heard from behind the door.
...
After taking a deep breath, Elegg knocks.
Ms. Trony, it's me.
*Pow pow*
*Pow pow*
I'm guessing you've only had Splendamin and energy drinks as well?
You should come out.
We can...
We can go out and have lunch together.
*Pow pow*
We could play BOOM if you'd like.
Or any other game. It doesn't matter.
I'll play whatever you want.
Just come outside.
*Pow pow*
Ms. Trony.
*Pow pow*
...
*Pow pow*
Ms. Trony!
Once Elegg raises her voice, the sounds on the other side of the door stop.
They say we only have until the end of the week.
If you don't come out by then...
they're going to erase your memory.
So...
Please...
... Come outside.
... Elegg, you can stop now.
It'll be fine.
*Pow pow*
The game resumes, and Elegg and Trony's conversation comes to a close.
4. Last Coin: A
72 lines*Crash*
I hear a sonorous explosion that sends a chill down my spine.
*Crash*
I rush into the Commander's Room, only to be greeted nonchalantly by both Elegg and Exia.
Hehe, hello.
Long time no see, Noob.
What are you two up to?
Nothin'. Just playing some BOOM.
BOOM?
Exia has her face buried in a tablet.
Beside her, Elegg sits with her feet propped up on the desk
as she sips an energy drink.
*Crash*
It would appear the explosions I heard came from this BOOM game they're playing.
Why are you playing here of all places?
Don't bother me, Noob. I'm in the middle of a speedrun.
C'mon Elegg, what do I do next?
Hurry up, time's running out!
You've gotta break through the wall. That one, right there.
The two of them are completely immersed in the game.
At this point, nothing I say would get through to them.
Since I don't have anything else to do, I sit down quietly and watch them.
Clear! A new record!
Totally! A great way to let off some steam.
I told you, BOOM is the best.
Whether you just wanna have some fun,
relieve some stress,
or take your mind off something that's getting you down,
BOOM is just what the doctor ordered.
Now it's time for you to play Final Quest.
Ah, but first...
Noob,
I have something serious to tell you.
Exia hands me a pamphlet.
What's this?
Inside the pamphlet is written:
"Calling all gamers to the Ark Gaming Expo!"
Is this some kind of gaming event?
That's right.
A festival organized by gamers, for gamers.
It's opening tomorrow.
They've even got a real-life event going on for Final Quest there!
I can't miss that.
You've gotta come, Noob.
We absolutely.
Positively.
MUST go together.
Exia edges closer and closer to me with each utterance, her eyes brimming with excitement.
I assume there's a reason it's so important that I come with you?
Naturally.
One of the prizes they're giving out is this in-game skin that you can only get if you and someone else participate as a pair.
We simply must get our hands on that costume!
If that's the case, okay.
Are you here for the gaming event as well, Elegg?
To try and reach a decision, we figured each of us would play the other's favorite game.
Does that mean you installed both of those games on my computer?
You haven't even played Final Quest yet.
The passionate debate between the two gamers rages on.
5. Last Coin: B
80 linesOne hour later... the debate is still in full force.
No kidding... is that even possible?
Such are the charms of Final Quest, my friend! Do you understand now?
It's like BOOM,
but with fantasy elements!
Elegg and Exia are having a ball geeking out about video games.
Really?
Yeah, and the special limited-edition BOOM package will be on display.
Are you serious?!
It's written right here.
Elegg snatches the pamphlet from Exia.
Elegg's eyes dart excitedly over the pamphlet.
Finally... I can get my hands on the limited edition that I've only heard about all these years...
Huh?
Is there a cosplay event too?
Elegg's smile disappears.
See you there.
Exia leaves.
...
Elegg continues to regard the pamphlet, not saying anything.
Is something wrong?
If I recall correctly,
you just claimed, amongst other things, that you play BOOM to get your mind off things.
So tell me, what's on your mind?
All you've told me so far is that you didn't come here because of the gaming expo.
And that's true.
It's just... the real reason I came here to see you...
Is because of someone on my squad.
Trony?
Trony from the Electric Shock Squad.
Despite being a prominent pioneer in the field of electrical engineering, no one has seen her before.
Rumors are swirling about her being some kind of hermetic mad scientist averse to sunlight.
...
I try to put a positive spin on the decidedly negative images of Trony in my mind.
I heard that she doesn't like going outside very much.
That's putting it mildly.
Other people have been much more callous in their wording.
I was worried I would hear the same from you.
...
Elegg grows morose, as if replaying all the derogatory things she has heard about Trony.
I try to keep the conversation moving and not let Elegg fall into a funk.
Did something happen to Trony?
...
She's always been shy, and although she was never a big fan of going outside that much,
she used to at least come out to use the laboratory.
But for a while now, she hasn't even stepped out of her room.
Maybe she needs some time alone. We all need that sometimes.
She hasn't come out since she created the converter.
When was that?
Since before the Outpost was created.
That long?!
You've never seen Trony in person, have you, Mr. Commander?
That's right. I've only heard stories about her.
I've done everything
to try and convince her to come out of her room,
but nothing ever seems to work.
I came here for your help, Mr. Commander.
I'm a bit antisocial myself, just like Ms. Trony, so I don't have many other friends I can turn to.
Okay.
I'm not sure how much I'll be able to help, but I'll try and come up with something.
6. Parallel Lines: A
142 linesI follow Elegg into the Missilis Tower.
Elegg and Trony's lab is located not far from their dormitory.
It's a bit messy, but you should be able to find a place to sit down if you look around.
...
After moving some circuits and wires, I manage to carve out sufficient space to sit.
All right,
I figure we should be ambitious with our goals here,
so we'll attend the Ark Gaming Expo with Ms. Trony to play BOOM.
Is that what you consider ambitious?
You bet I do.
We're talking about finally getting Ms. Trony out of her room, and I'm confident we can do it!
Elegg looks at the Ark Gaming Expo pamphlet with a glint of determination in her eyes.
First things first, can you tell me more about Trony?
Right, good point.
It'd be difficult to come up with a good plan if you don't know anything about her.
What does Trony like?
Hmm...
Let's see...
She loves Ark Ranger Black. She's collected nearly every figurine of him that's out there.
One time, she wanted to attend a meetup event,
so she went out covered head to toe in black. Mask, hat, leotard, the whole nine yards.
The only thing was that she ended up running back here before even setting foot in the event.
That was the first and only time Trony ventured outside the Missilis Tower.
It makes sense that she'd be a fan of that show. That's good to know.
Let me think... what else does she like...
Ah! Shooting games.
She was hooked the moment I introduced her to them.
The first time we played, Ms. Trony thought she had to use her real name as her screenname.
You shoulda seen how embarrassed she got, hehe.
For a while, Elegg relates all things Trony-related to me.
As she recounts every little detail, she is grinning ear to ear the entire time.
You really like Trony, don't you?
... Yes. She's the only true friend I have.
Do you have any idea why she's shut herself inside her room?
Have you asked her?
She doesn't seem very keen on discussing it,
so I've been waiting until she volunteers that information.
Anyway, do you think that's enough information to go on? Have you thought of anything?
I rack my brain for a few moments.
What about this?
Since she likes the Ark Rangers, we can tell her we bought a limited edition figurine.
*Pow pow*
...
Well, if you're not gonna guess, let me tell you.
Today is the season premiere of Ark Rangers,
and I brought you something to celebrate.
It's a limited-edition figurine of Ark Ranger Black!
*Pow pow*
Hehe, what do you think of that?
Would you like to come out and take a look?
You've wanted this for a while now, haven't you?
Look up.
Elegg gazes up in the corner of the ceiling, and sees herself displayed on a CCTV monitor.
In her hand is a roughly shaped lump of clay.
... So you were watching all along.
Hehe, still though, doesn't it look kinda similar to the real thing?
Not really.
Aw c'mon, I spent all night making it.
Can't you at least give it a closer look? It may not be exact, but it looks kinda similar.
*Pow pow*
Are you sure it wasn't just because you tried to pass your handiwork off as the real thing?
No, because I did end up getting my hands on the real thing.
Even then, after all that effort tracking it down, she still didn't budge.
Okay, how about this.
It may not be the perfect plan, but we can say that Syuen wants to see Trony at once.
Trust me, I've already gone down that route as well.
*Bang bang bang*
*Pow pow*
*Bang bang bang*
Syuen wants us to see us!
Remember the screen protector you put on Syuen's phone?
Well, some air bubbles formed, and she's really peeved.
...
...
...
*Sigh* That's obvious, huh?
I guess that was a lame attempt at a lie even for me.
Whatever. Don't pay me any mind.
I'll see you tomorrow.
It didn't feel right lying to her like that,
so I decided to stop.
If I were to bring Syuen into the equation, I wouldn't have the confidence to deal with the real-life consequences.
I see.
Elegg recounts the various methods she has attempted over the past years.
You've tried everything that I can think of.
Yeah...?
I think I might need a bit more time to come up with something new.
But by then, it might be too late.
What do you mean?
We've got a deadline.
How long?
One week. If Trony doesn't come out by then,
her memories will be wiped.
That's why I came to you. You're my last hope.
They're seriously considering wiping her memory?
Have you told Trony this?
Yeah.
Of course I have.
She said she didn't care.
Please, Mr. Commander, can you go see Trony and try talking to her?
I'm no good at talking, so I wasn't able to convince her. But you might.
...
Please, I'm begging you.
Hold on, I never asked you something.
Why is it that you're so desperate for Trony to leave her room?
Elegg slumps for a few moments before answering.
Because she's destined for better things.
Is that why you've never given up on her?
...
I know that
whatever it is that's scaring Ms. Trony right now,
it's something that she can overcome.
It might take months, or it might take years,
but she'll beat this thing.
Someone who can shine as bright as she can shouldn't be holed up in a darkened room all her life.
That's why I can't give up on her.
As Elegg exalts Trony, her own eyes brighten and her voice strengthens.
You should try telling her that.
What?
Be honest with her.
Tell her why you feel she has to come outside.
If you pour your heart out to her, I'm sure that she'll be receptive to it.
You think so?
If you're nervous, I can come with you.
Should we go see her now?
Let's!
7. Parallel Lines: B
58 linesAt that moment, inside Trony's room.
The dim light from the gaming monitor scarcely illuminates the murky surroundings.
Mounds of garbage are piled up everywhere, encircling Trony as she impassively plays her game.
*Pow pow*
High score!
*Pow pow*
Beside Trony,
there is a radio which is playing Elegg's interview.
Prompt: What do you think is the best product developed by the Electric Shock Squad?
That's a tough one.
Hmm...
If I had to answer, I suppose I'd say the converter.
Since it did solve the power problem in the Ark and all.
What do you think, Trony?
...
Do you think the converter solved the Ark's power problem?
Trony.
You know that's not true.
What you saw that day is still there.
...
Running away won't solve anything.
Trony grimaces and changes the channel.
The next channel is playing an advertisement for the re-release of the theatrical film
starring the dark hero who lives in the darkness, Ark Ranger Black.
Trony has seen the movie so many times that she can recite all the lines by heart.
You felt that way when you first developed the converter.
You wanted to be like Ark Ranger Black. You wanted to save the Ark.
But Trony, you saw what happened there...
I don't want to talk about it.
Anyways, if my memories are wiped...
Everything that I saw that day... knowing that my dreams will never come true... I'll forget all of it.
Trony changes the channel again.
This one is broadcasting news about the Ark Gaming Expo.
A festival organized by gamers, for gamers!
The largest gaming gathering in the Ark, the Ark Gaming Expo is officially underway.
As always, we expect many game companies to participate and showcase their latest releases.
Various events have been planned, most focusing on the most popular games,
such as Final Quest, Iron Punch, Dragon Dungeon, and more.
There will also be a Retro Game Week centered around limited editions of various classic games,
including the limited-edition BOOM package.
The Ark Gaming Expo is gathering a whole bunch of attention, and will be held for a week starting today.
Trony, if your memories are wiped,
you would lose everything: all that you saw that day, Trony's dream...
Even Elegg.
Is that what you want?
...
Trony's reflection stares back at her from the monitor.
As she gazes back, the reflection says:
"My dream is to look at the sky!"
8. The Day the Truth Crumbled
54 linesOnce, there was a girl.
My dream is to look at the sky!
Whenever the precocious Trony spoke of her dreams, the other kids were always puzzled.
What kind of dream is that? If you wanna look at the sky, all you've gotta do is lift your head up.
If you ask me, you've already achieved your dream.
And when they asked her these questions, Trony would reply.
The sniggering laughter became louder.
Don't be such a weirdo, Trony.
If this isn't the real sky, then what's the real one like?
It's what lies above all those amazing places we've heard about in stories.
The open sea, erupting volcanoes and everything else waiting for us up on the surface...
above it all, is the real, true sky.
So your dream is to go up to the surface and get torn apart by Raptures?
Her friends laughed at her.
You're such an idiot.
As time passed, her friends would hurl more vicious insults at her.
And every time they did,
Trony would fantasize about how one day, someone would believe her.
That one day, the truth would come to light.
No matter how much her friends made fun of her, Trony never stopped telling them about her dream.
However, things rarely happen according to our plans,
and Trony's dream would soon take an unexpected turn.
Apparently, we're supposed to be able to see something unusual in the sky today.
Yeah, I wonder what it could be.
On a day when many citizens had gathered in the square,
"To protect everyone in the Ark, Nikkes..."
a video was projected onto the Ark's sky display, the Dome of Eternity.
It was a one-minute advertisement consisting of footage of Nikkes defeating Raptures.
The moment had finally come.
Now everyone would believe her.
Trony, however, was unable to continue.
The laughter from her friends which had been directed towards her,
Why does the sky look funny?
Are those... Raptures?
soon gave way to panicked screams.
The woman who had just been looking at the sky with her lover,
No, it can't be! We're underground?! No! No!
was scratching her face in a frenzy, as if her mind was in tatters.
As for the man beside her,
He... hehehe... how could I have forgotten...?
he stared blankly into space, tears pouring down his face.
The truth had finally come to light, and the false reality they had constructed had crumbled.
The ensuing panic and confusing consumed everyone and everything.
Fear, frustration and sadness swept over the crowd,
and all Trony could do was weep.
It was at that moment that she realized:
The truth is better left hidden.
People were simply not ready to accept the truth.
That year, Trony became a Nikke.
That year was the deadliest in the Ark's history.
9. One Step Forward: A
141 linesTrony was turned into a Nikke and joined the Electric Shock Squad.
Upon being activated, she was given one mission directive:
We're to resolve the power issues in the Ark.
It's been ravaged with power outages, and they want us to take care of it.
If the Dome of Eternity shuts down due to one of these power outages...
Suffice to say that it won't be good.
I know that all too well.
... I'm sorry if I brought up a bad memory.
We're probably gonna be too busy for a while to play BOOM. Is that okay with you?
All right,
then we better dive into the research straight away.
I'm looking forward to working with you.
An awfully chipper greeting, considering the circumstances.
It's just a standard greeting. That's what you do when you want to form a relationship with someone.
Elegg grins while hiding a book behind her back,
the title of which is Interpersonal Relationships 101.
Is all the preparation done?
You don't have to remind me, Ms. Trony.
Everybody knows you're the best in the field of electrical engineering.
Trony hastily buries her face between her knees,
and begins to tremble.
Wha... did I say something wrong?
The best... hehe.
Clearly not a big fan of compliments... noted.
Electric Shock, Research Log.
Month X Day X. A good day to play BOOM at home.
Participants: Elegg, Trony.
Start of Converter Development.
*Zap* *Zaaaap*
Something doesn't seem right.
I ag...
*Pow*
Agreed.
D-did I make an error in the calculations?
I checked and double-checked them.
... Again.
Let's run it again.
Electric Shock, Research Log.
Month X, Day X. A perfect day to play some BOOM in the laboratory.
Participants: Elegg, Trony.
Disruption during converter development.
Phew... I'm back.
How'd it go?
I'll never get used to these darn interviews.
Why in the world do I have to promote Missilis anyway...
I'm sure you did a great job.
You should join next time.
...
Ms. Trony?
Just thinking about it makes me feel nauseous.
I couldn't possibly stand in front of a crowd of people.
The moment I show up on the TV screen, Missilis's stock prices will plummet.
Then Syuen will beat me to a pulp.
It's a good thing I uploaded a new copy of my will to the computer. Revision number 427.
It's been an honor knowing you, Elegg.
What are you blabbering about? Don't get carried away by your imagination.
Besides, how come you're so obsessed with writing all these goofy codicils?
Every time I see Syuen, I feel like I need to write another will.
... Anyway, nothing bad is going to happen to you, so don't worry.
More importantly, how was your research today? You must have had a tough time going solo.
It wasn't too hard.
You know the capacitors that measure the power coming into the substation?
I think they may be broken. They haven't been giving out any readings.
I'll check if there's an issue with the power source tomorrow.
You know where the power source is?
It's just a matter of tracing the power back to its source. Nothing too difficult.
Says you. That's advanced stuff that only you could pull off.
Wait a sec... did you just say power tracing?
That's illegal! And you did it behind my back?!
I'll leave the rest of this to you, Elegg.
What?
That's another thing you say to someone when you're getting to know them.
Now is not the right time to be using that!
Electric Shock, Research Log.
Month X, Day X. Clear weather.
Participant: Trony
Error in measuring the power generated in the Ark's power source.
Plan to check the Ark's power source directly.
Elegg absent, report written by Trony.
Based on the observations regarding the amount of power coming into the substation,
the reason for the power outages being experienced in the Ark
are not due to insufficient power generation.
They are instead being caused by an excessive amount of power being supplied throughout the Ark's infrastructure, resulting in a power surge.
Therefore, the converter's task is not to increase the power output,
but in fact to divert excess power generated by the Ark's power source.
End of log.
So tell me, what was the power source?
Nothing special? Is that what you call a machine that generates infinite amounts of energy?
We've dreamt about this for ages!
This means the ability to create an infinite energy source is hidden somewhere in the Ark! Aren't you even curious?
How could it have remained hidden all this time?
What's the truth behind all this? What are we missing here?
I'm tired.
I can imagine, considering how hard you worked on that converter.
Well, you can rest easy knowing that we put a stop to all those pesky power outages.
You should go and rest.
Electric Shock, Research Log.
Month X, Day X. A perfect day to play some BOOM in the laboratory.
Participants: Elegg, Trony.
Converter development completed.
... Ms. Trony.
Electric Shock, Research Log.
Month X, Day X.
Participant: Elegg
After development of the converter, Trony continues to be absent.
The day Trony learned the true identity of the power source of the Ark,
she felt a tremendous fear.
At the same time, a thought ran through her mind.
The truth is better left hidden. People are not ready to accept the truth.
It was for this reason
that Trony decided she would keep the truth hidden,
and shoulder all the fear that came with it herself.
...
As Trony stares at the monitor, she drops the tablet in her hand,
then buries her face between her knees.
As if to block out all sound.
As if to separate herself from the world.
Her body begins to tremble,
and the tears stream down her face, staining her sleeves.
Suddenly, there is the sound of footsteps out in the hallway.
Ms. Trony, it's me.
Elegg?
10. One Step Forward: B
74 linesElegg stands outside the door.
Trony, something happened today.
I met with Mr. Comman...
Wait, no, that's not it.
...
The Ark Gaming Expo is tomorrow.
They said they're gonna have an Ark Rangers meet and greet there. Isn't that exciting?
No, that's not what I'm supposed to say either...
Every time she approaches the door to Trony's room, Elegg stops short and pulls back.
...
Having a hard time?
Yeah...
Expressing your feelings is harder said than done.
Now that I'm actually doing it, I'm kinda freaking out.
Are you scared you won't be able to properly express yourself?
Not at all. This is a perfectly normal reaction.
Really?
But Elegg, nothing will change if you back away from this.
Now is the time to take a step forward.
I know... you're right.
You don't want to abandon Trony and leave her like this, do you?
No, I'd never want that.
Then buck up.
I can tell how genuine you are. I'm sure Trony will sense that as well.
Just gotta be genuine... that's all...
Elegg mumbles to herself as she once again steps towards the door.
After taking a deep breath, she knocks at the door again.
Ms. Trony. It's me again.
Elegg?
I have something to say to you.
Er...
It's about an old story from way back.
Hmm...
When I was young,
I was always bullied by my peers for liking BOOM so much.
They called me a weirdo. Said that I was obsessed.
They said it so much, that even I started to believe it.
I felt like an outcast, like I couldn't be accepted anywhere.
I started to spend more and more time in my room.
...
But then one day,
I heard a girl's voice outside my window, shouting:
My dream is to look at the sky!
That's not the real sky!
The real sky is what lies above all those amazing places we've heard about in stories.
The moment I laid eyes on that girl, she was positively radiant.
The confidence with which she stood by her dreams, no matter what others said...
I wanted to become like her.
To have that same self-assurance. To be able to have my own convictions and stand by them.
I think that's when it happened.
When I first had the desire to install BOOM on every device I could find.
That way, all those people who ignored me before would see just how great BOOM was.
I realize it's a bit of a weird dream, but that's when it all began, hehe.
Ms. Trony,
you're like a beacon of light,
and you shine far too bright to be spending your life locked up in a dark room.
I know that...
whatever it is that's scaring you,
I know that you'll overcome it.
No matter how long it takes,
you will finally overcome it.
You mustn't forget your dream.
You've always wanted to make sure the Dome of Eternity never turned off.
To make that dream a reality, you overcame your past trauma and made the converter.
Elegg, I...
So please, come outside now, and we can play some BOOM like we used to.
Or heck, we could play any other shooting game you like.
I...
*Poof*
All the lights in the hallway cut out.
It's a power outage, and it's affected the entire Ark.
11. Overcoming Fear: A
54 linesThe loss of power causes widespread panic in the Ark.
Even from Trony's room, distant cries can be heard off in the distance.
I knew something bad was going to happen...
Trony, something's wrong with the converter. I've got to go take a look at it.
I'll be right back.
Mr. Commander, let's go.
Footsteps fade away.
...
Trony, if your memories are wiped,
you would lose everything: all that you saw that day, Trony's dream...
Even Elegg.
Is that what you want?
Trony wrings her shirt more tightly.
No... I can't let that happen.
Trony.
Running away won't solve anything.
Trony.
Whatever it is that's scaring you,
you can overcome it.
...!
Didn't Elegg tell you the same thing?
Ms. Trony,
you're like a beacon of light,
and you shine far too bright to be spending your life locked up in a dark room.
I know that...
whatever it is that's scaring you,
I know that you'll overcome it.
No matter how long it takes,
you will finally overcome it.
You mustn't forget your dream.
You've always wanted to make sure the Dome of Eternity never turned off.
To make that dream a reality, you overcame your past trauma and made the converter.
So, let's go outside.
We have something to do.
...
Trony lifts her head.
As she does, she glances at the monitor.
On the screen are the various stats on the HUD for the shooting game,
and above that, a fighter jet that Trony is in control of.
On the HUD, there is a screenname:
"T.Rony"
As the back up power also runs out, the monitor gradually fades,
leaving Trony facing only her reflection in the glass.
With trembling hands, Trony opens the door.
The dark hallway seems both familiar and foreign.
Ark Ranger Black figurines and other merchandise line the entire length of the passage.
Video games, CDs, comics, and more.
All things that Elegg had purchased throughout her years of attempting to draw out Trony.
Trony glances at the gifts that Elegg had prepared for her,
and then rushes outside.
12. Overcoming Fear: B
70 linesI follow Elegg into an unfamiliar building.
Where are we?
This is the substation.
This is where all the electricity produced in the power plant is converted and distributed to various locations.
Basically, how it works is...
Elegg proceeds to bombard me with an in-depth explanation that I only grasp on a superficial level.
If that's the case, then something must be wrong with the converter, is that right?
I point the flashlight where Elegg directs me to.
*Zap* Zaaap*
Watch out for areas where sparks are flying.
I'd be okay, but I don't want you getting electrocuted.
How does it look?
To be honest...
Not so good.
For some reason, more power than usual is being generated from the power plant.
The converter is being overloaded.
Right now, only some areas are experiencing a power outage,
but unless we tend to this quickly, it'll spread throughout the entire Ark.
And that would include the Dome of Eternity.
That would be a big problem.
Exactly.
There was a time when they tried to show an advertisement on the Dome of Eternity.
Once people realized that the sky above them was a fictional construct, they lost their minds.
More than that, I heard many people fell into depression.
Yes, and that was just from a short 60-second advertisement.
Now imagine what would happen if it were to go completely kaput.
We've got to do something.
I know. We've got to do everything we can to prevent that from happening.
*Zap* Zaaap*
While I rewire the circuits here, can you...
I've already taken care of the circuits over there.
Wha...?!
What else can I do?
Ms. Trony?!
Elegg embraces Trony.
... Elegg.
Hehe, it's nice to see you outside.
Oh, sorry, hehe. I'm just so jazzed up!
*Zap* Zaaap*
Perhaps we can save all this for later?
Hehe, you got it. Let's get back to work.
Since Ms. Trony is here now, we should be able to repair the converter in no time.
Mr. Commander, can you go and tell the others that the power will be back on?
I don't want anyone losing their heads out there.
On it.
I'm glad you two are on the case.
Hehe, thanks for the vote of confidence.
Some way behind, Trony hangs her head.
Then I'll leave the rest to the experts.
Okay!
Here you go.
Trony hands the tablet to Elegg,
which displays her calculations regarding the power output.
Holy moly, this thing is outputting twice as much power as before.
No wonder the converter couldn't handle it.
We've got to improve the converter's handling capacity.
Do you think you can do that?
I've done it before.
Yes?
... Same here.
13. BOOMS DAY: A
55 linesNow, all we've got to do is replace this circuit, and we should be done.
What's that?
Hmm...
... I figured.
This incident proved as much.
I'm not sure what exactly powers the Ark, but something like this could happen again.
If we want to solve this problem for good, we've got to find a way to control that power source.
Although it beats me how you're supposed to rein in a power source that produces infinite energy.
Wait, you're scared too?
Of course.
I always thought you weren't scared of anything.
Don't be silly. Of course there are things that freak me out.
Well, you certainly seemed fearless when you secretly installed BOOM on Syuen's phone.
Hehe. Actually, have I ever told you why I like BOOM as much as I do?
Trony shakes her head.
BOOM is an old-school game, so in many ways, it doesn't hold your hand.
It doesn't give you a map,
or tell you where you are on a level.
No information about how many enemies there are,
or item locations.
You've got to figure it all out as you go.
In the beginning, it was really scary. You never know when an enemy would pop out or if you'd fall into a trap.
But as you keep playing, you slowly become more familiar with the layout of the levels.
Where your current location is.
How many enemies are left, and where certain items are.
You find these things out naturally over the course of playing.
After I'd cleared the entire game, I felt a real sense of accomplishment. That's when the BOOM hit me, so to speak.
That's why BOOM is so much fun to me.
We're experiencing the same thing here.
The fact we may not know much is terrifying,
but if we keep gathering information, we'll eventually be able to control this thing.
That's when we'll feel the BOOM, baby!
Here we go.
The newly renovated converter kicks into gear,
and pulse-pounding 8-bit music fills the air, along with a spectacular light show.
BOOM, baby!
All around them, BOOM plays on every visible display.
I figured since we had such a hard day, we deserved to live a little, hehe.
What a feeling...
Elegg and Trony look around the multitude of BOOM images surrounding them, with goofy smiles plastered on their faces.
That was fun! Guess it's about time we head back.
Where?
14. BOOMS DAY: B
55 linesWhoa!
Ohmygoshohmygosh!
Are you seeing this, Mr. Commander? It's the limited-edition BOOM package!
Yes, I see it. We've been staring at it for an hour now.
Noob, let's leave Elegg to her devices.
We should head over to the Final Quest event.
It'll be starting any minute now.
After Electric Shock banded together to solve the power outage crisis,
all of us decided to come to the Ark Gaming Expo to celebrate.
I never thought you'd be joining us, Trony.
It's only because they told me there was going to be an Ark Rangers' meet-and-greet.
I gathered enough courage to make it out here...
but there are so many people...
Never mind. Forget it. I want to go home.
Elegg...
All's well that ends well, I suppose. At least Elegg and Trony are getting along again.
I know you had the day off, Exia, but what about you two?
Could you please get a hold of yourself and answer my question?
Trony, help me out here.
I look over at Trony, who has tears in her eyes.
We are so doomed...
Huh?
...
She seemed pretty angry about something, although I'm not sure what.
I've got it written down here somewhere...
Out of the 427 times Syuen has called us in, there were:
201 outbursts, 149 instances of verbal abuse, 45 flip-outs, and 32 counts of disciplinary action.
...
*Creak*
Trony shudders and slumps, nearly sliding off her chair, but Elegg catches her.
Y-yeah, you're probably right. We did everything Syuen asked us to...
We changed all her passwords from 3 months ago.
We found the remote control that had gotten lost behind the sofa.
Does she always make you do all these menial tasks?
She's just upset because I told her I was going on strike.
I didn't implicate you, Trony, so you don't need to worry.
S- Strike?
...
Time to start will number 428...
I, Trony, a Nikke belonging to the Electric Shock Squad, passed away here on this day.
...
*Creak*
Trony turns pale as a sheet and slumps down from her chair.
T-Trony!
Are you sure you two are okay?
As long as you're getting along, I guess that's all that matters...
15. Their Dreams
50 linesWhat'd you think of the expo today?
It was... exhausting.
And what was that?
Trony looks up at the sky.
Someday I will make it so that everyone can see the real sky.
I do.
Your dream?
You bet. When people can see the real sky, we won't need the Dome of Eternity.
And that means no one will say anything if I install BOOM on it!
Looks like we'll have our work cut out for us.
What do you mean?
You want everyone to see the real sky,
and I want to install BOOM on every monitor in the Ark.
If we want to create a future where the Ark is no longer necessary,
we'll have to bust our butts!
We'll first start by working on the Ark's power source.
We can't leave it as is.
Especially since we don't know when it will cause more problems again.
We've got to find a permanent solution.
Yeah...
We can't continue using the one we've got now.
If we can't find anything viable in the Ark, then we'll find something up on the surface.
Either way, we'll figure it out somehow.
And when that day comes, it'll be a real BOOMS DAY!
BOOMS DAY: END