GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE story · Brief Encounters
Elevator
10 scenes, 946 lines
1. Elevator Ghost Story
95 lines
It's much more spacious than I imagined. I mean, this elevator.
Yes. It's because it is more like a cargo elevator.
It looks like it's still in the testing phase. There're only the four of us, and it's already overweight.
Do you wanna lose some weight?
Me?
Commander, are you okay?
I'm fine.
It's okay to test run, but isn't it a little dangerous? It's clearly malfunctioning now!
I think it's fine. The overweight indicator is just on for no reason.
Ahem, that's exactly how accidents happen.
Speaking of accidents, I remembered something.
Do you know about the elevator accident that happened in the Ark 70 years ago?
Makes you what?
...
It makes you blue?
... Me too.
What happened?
Eh...
70 years ago, more than 200 Nikkes took the elevator and went to the surface.
At that time, the Ark was struggling because of the ongoing war against the Raptures. The situation got worse and worse each day.
Then, people of the Ark blamed the Nikkes because they couldn't defeat the Raptures in battle.
Nikkes were treated like trash in the Ark and were given almost no rights to anything.
Given what was happening, a mass-produced Model ZX Nikke took the lead and rallied many Nikkes together.
They decided to leave the Ark and go to the surface.
They didn't do anything bad to the Ark and its people.
Their only desire was to find a new home on the surface.
However...
The Central Government saw it as Nikkes defecting and forced the elevator to fall.
From a 4 km height, the elevator dropped and headed directly towards the Ark.
If the elevator hit, it would have spelled disaster to the Ark.
...
The 200 Nikkes in the elevator decided to self-destruct
to protect the Ark from the deadly smash.
The elevator just exploded in mid-air.
The Ark only suffered minor damage.
... But those Nikkes, who wanted to go to the surface to run away from human oppression,
were sentenced to their deaths.
Even in their final moments, they did all they could to protect people.
I think that is the noblest thing in the world.
...
The incident was later referred to as the "Goddess Fall".
Enforcement of Nikke rights in the Ark began improving after that.
There's still a long way to go, though.
Thanks to them, we can live the life we have now. We should really be grateful.
How do you feel? About all of this?
... I feel sad about everything.
I feel grateful for them.
What happened after?
The elevator became a common topic in politics after being repaired.
After all, it symbolized the personal rights of Nikkes.
But according to rumors, a lot of accidents have happened after the repairs.
It has never run normally since.
Like... some kind of curse?
Why do you even memorize these things?
...
...
No.
Are... are you... a... a gh... a ghost?
Take it easy. I have confirmed your thoughts.
As well as your Commander's thoughts.
Don't worry.
As long as you remember us.
As long as you still believe that we are noble.
As long as you still feel sad when you think about us.
This elevator will never go wrong.
The 200 Nikkes will protect you.
...
...
The elevator stops.
The door opens.
Come on! Why did you turn the elevator on without me? You forgot about me!
... Anis, what are you doing?
...
Rapi, do you know what's wrong with her?
Anis, are you okay?
... Eh, I'm fine.
Are you scared?
2. Door of Superstition
88 linesIn front of the elevator leading to the surface.
...
...
What are you doing?
Don't talk to me. I'm in the middle of a guild raid.
Me too.
Zing-
The elevator arrives.
All right, let's get on.
...Soon after.
Hey, why isn't Psycontrol working?
Cause it's buffering, duh!
Oh, really?
Are you two participating in the same raid?
Are you two in the same guild?
What a coincidence!
That's not important right now, Black Rose!
If this keeps up much longer,
our guild leaderboard is going to plummet.
We'll lose our chance at the top spot this season.
Put your phones closer to the floor.
Raise your phones high up in the air.
The two of them crouch down and place their phones on the ground.
The two of them stand on their tip-toes and raise their phones up in the air.
The door! Let's get near the door!
What kind of logic is that? There's no way that will work.
Who cares about logic right now! We had that boss on the ropes, but now we might end up getting beaten by it!
!!
They both put their phones right up against the door.
Same here!
Going to the wide feather-
Standing close to the door gives you a better connection?
Yes.
A little closer...
It's dangerous to be that close. Back up a little.
It's a risk we're willing to take.
Psycontrol! My skill cool down is done!
Drag me to the Ug-
Ye-yes! Coming!
Zing-
Yelp!
Noooo!
...
...
They're trying to get a connection.
They were in the midst of a great showdown.
Seems so.
Quite the opposite, it was their savior.
I can't believe it... No, I won't...
Sure!
Why not?
On that note, Psycontrol.
Next time, we've got to get right up against the elevator door from the get go.
That way we'll be sure not to lose our connection.
Roger that!
And Commander, be sure to tell us when the elevator doors are about to open.
...Okay.
...Soon after.
Returning from the mission, the two of them both participated in another raid on the elevator ride down.
This time however, there was no connection to be found, not even by the door. They suffered an ignominious defeat.
3. Breakdown!
90 lines
Something isn't right about this mission.
Why would they have us demolish an abandoned mine? What for?
I still don't get it.
There have been Nikkes working at this mining site for decades. Why would they turn to non-professionals like us to get the job done?
Weren't the workers all evacuated?
They must know something that we don't.
I see you haven't been informed. The miners are all still there.
If I were you, I wouldn't ask any more questions about the Big O, or you may end up six feet under.
That being said,
the Nikkes working there have been doing so for decades now.
They're all older, obsolete models, so renovating and re-using them wouldn't make any sense.
I'm sure you understand what I'm getting at, Shining Head Novel.
*Buzz* *Thud*
?!
The elevator stopped!
What?
Don't panic!
I'll get in touch with Exia and ask for assistance.
They'll be able to reboot the computer in no time.
The two Nikkes exchange glances.
What is that?
Listen up, Watson.
According to my deductions,
what we've got here is not just a simple elevator malfunction.
First off, we must consider the passengers in said elevator.
That would be Watson, Guillotine, and myself.
This is by no means an ordinary grouping of individuals that you would see every day.
Damn straight!
I'm the most mysterious Nikke in the entire Ark.
And you're the most inquisitive.
Put the three of us together, and it's tossing chum in shark-infested waters.
...
That's right. The moment all three of us got together, a perfectly functioning elevator suddenly bit the dust.
Don't you find that suspicious, Watson?
I also know for a fact that Liter checked this elevator not too long ago.
But the maintenance report says the last inspection was 10 years ago.
Then there's no way this elevator would break down so easily.
... Liter is the owner of the Hand of Hephaestus.
Anything she fixes will never break down again, no matter how much time passes.
Exactly. No machinery that Mighty Tools helped to repair would break down like this.
Not unless it had been deliberately sabotaged by someone.
Not only that... um...
Don't worry, I'll take it from here.
Can you feel it, Partner? It started not long ago.
This place is rife with the fetid stench of the "Origin".
Fundamentally speaking, an elevator shaft is a space where things repeatedly ascend and descend.
So some bad mojo may be at play here.
... What are you on about?
I see.
... The flow of air is obstructed inside the elevator shaft...
Plus, the huge vertical drop has caused a change in the atmospheric pressure,
which would make this a prime place to set up a trap of some kind... I think?
You're pretty quick on your feet, Shining Head.
That's right.
Partner, you're a fairly intelligent individual.
It may have taken us a while to get there, but in short,
all the evidence points to one conclusion.
And that is...
A well-planned booby trapped designed to kill us!
... It's one of The Big O's conspiracies to make the demon lord go ballistic!
...
...
...
So what do you want to do?
Can you two reach a consensus first?
Isn't it obvious, Watson?
We must head back to the Ark and apprehend the suspect behind this failed assassination attempt.
Pssh, that doesn't matter. The most important thing is that...
... we need to head back to the Ark and apprehend the suspect behind this failed assassination attempt.
Precisely. This person intends to use us as a blood sacrifice to aggravate the demon lord.
We mustn't allow such a dastardly fiend to go unpunished.
We must return to the Ark at once.
What about the mission?
I agree, let's head back.
We'll just have to postpone it for a week or two.
Yes, and as for the mission, we'll just have to postpone it for a week or two.
A month would be even better.
...
Actually, make that as long as possible. As long as it takes to get from here back to the Ark by foot. Yeah, that'd be the best.
4. Neve's Moving Castle
97 lines
*Yawn*
I know I say this every time, but it's such a long trek here.
I nearly fell asleep several times along the way. Or was it that I already fell asleep several times?
Either way, all I know is that I'm tired now...
Thanks for making the trip.
Try and last until we get to the Outpost.
What's so great about it?
And who would that be?
*Zing*
As soon as the elevator door opens, Neve lays down and falls asleep.
I'm at a loss as to what to do.
Press the button for the Outpost.
...
The elevator starts to go down.
Soon after.
*Zing*
We've arrived at the Outpost, but what about Neve?
Wake Neve up.
Wait until Neve wakes up.
*Poke*
No reaction whatsoever. I might as well be poking a corpse.
She's out like a light.
*Zing*
Sorry.
We'll be leaving soon.
... The elevator starts to go up.
*Zing*
She better be gone when I get back.
You really ought to take her home, Commander.
... The door closes again.
Press the button for the Outpost.
... The elevator starts to go down again.
*Zing*
Hellooo! My lovely Lupins!
The year is nearly over, so I've got something special for you all today.
I'll be doing a special seasonal spooktacular covering seven scary stories in the Outpost! First, we have the tale of the haunted elevator...
EEEEEEKKK!? A dead body!
Relax. She's not dead... not yet at least.
Bu-but if she's sleeping in the elevator, she must be in a sorry state.
Shouldn't we notify the Repair Center?
Or contact the police and tell them there's been a murder!
*Boom*
Neve awakens and slams her fist on the floor.
*Yawn*
Who's making all that noise?
I thought I made it clear that I don't like being woken up.
...
Haven't you heard of that old saying?
Don't wake up a sleeping bear, because if you do...
It'll eat you for dinner!
...
*Gulp*
Wait a minute!
I just thought of a perfect idea for this new spooky series.
Something new and exciting. After all, I've covered winter fashions and shopping a million times already.
Anyway, stay tuned for something really special!
*Zing*
Rupee dashes out of the open elevator doors.
... What should I do now?
Zone out.
Watch Neve sleep.
While Neve has her arms wrapped around me, I rack my brains.
Maybe I'll come up with something.
... Nothing.
Soon after.
*Zing*
...
Don't these deadbeats have any discipline?
What are you doing to do?
...
Without a word, Eunhwa picks up Neve.
You take the other one. Follow me.
Hehe, you're so kind.
Shut it. I'm just getting rid of something that's in my way.
5. Wings of Imagination
106 linesAn urgent meeting has been scheduled quite abruptly.
I stand in front of the elevator that will take me to the Ark.
Wait.
Rosanna blocks my path.
Rosanna?
What? Why?
Rosanna hands me a piece of paper.
I can make out the words "elevator, sign, destruct" on it.
The people who orchestrate these kinds of nefarious attacks
typically exchange coded messages like this
before they put their plan in motion.
And sure enough, there are all these signs plastered on the elevator,
just like it says on the paper.
Isn't it weird?
All these signs, out of the blue, without any prior notice.
...!!
Do you think it's serious?
This is all just a hunch for the moment.
So, if you don't mind, I suggest you hold off on using the elevator.
... I can't.
Why? Is there something wrong?
I have a date.
I have an important meeting.
Only more reason for me not to let you go.
Rosanna says this with a playful smile, but there is an underlying tone of jealousy in her voice which is undeniable.
... Actually, I meant to say that I have an important meeting.
I doubt anything will happen that quickly.
Better safe than sorry.
As Rosanna finishes her sentence, she steps into the elevator with me.
*Buzz*
Thankfully, the elevator seems to be operating without any issues.
See? You were worrying about nothing.
*Rumble*
!!
!!
The elevator stopped!
Seems my hunch was correct.
I don't know if you're listening, but if you are, it would be in your best interest to show yourselves, right this instant.
...
...
There's dead silence inside the elevator.
Maybe it's just malfunctioning.
Maybe it stopped on its own.
...
Rosanna stares at the elevator's ceiling.
If you're listening to me, I have a message for your boss.
If you keep screwing around with me, you'll only be hastening your own death.
*Dooong* *Tangtangtang*
There are a series of small vibrations, and sounds echo outside the elevator.
Haha.
So, it's showtime, then?
I don't know who you are, but you're not making it out of here alive.
*Rumble*
*Buzz*
The elevator starts to descend once again.
*Click*
Rosanna takes out her gun once again.
...
I trust you.
Thanks.
Rosanna gives me a reassuring smile.
*Zing*
The elevator doors finally open.
Huh? Rosanna?
Centi?
Centi stares at us with a wrench in one hand.
What are you doing here?
I'm inspecting the elevator.
How'd you two get in here?
Didn't you see the signs posted in front of the elevator?
We blocked the entrance because of the inspection.
...
Rosanna passes the note with the keywords to Centi.
By any chance, is this note...
Huh? I wrote this.
... Excuse me?
It must have fallen out of my pocket!
Why did you write down 'destruct'?
Oh, that? Once we're done inspecting the elevator, I've gotta inspect the buildings that are possibly going to be torn down later, so I wrote made a note.
...
...
Don't tell me you ignored the signs and got on the elevator anyway?
It's dangerous getting on the elevator during an inspection!
... Sorry.
Good thing we were just running some simple tests, and nothing more than that. I'm glad you two are okay.
Anyway, I better get started with the inspection proper.
...
At least it wasn't as bad as we thought it was.
You really kept your cool back there.
Didn't you say you had an urgent meeting?
Oh, shoot! I've gotta go.
I better get going as well.
Rosanna quickly disappears off into the distance.
6. A Worrisome Team
88 lines
It's been ages since our last mission together. I can hardly contain my excitement!
The only thing is...
I'm on another mission with Teacher?! I must be the luckiest person alive, hehe!
Are these two coming as well?
That's right.
Hello, Viper!
My, my, aren't you a bubbly one?
She sure is.
Does she always throw herself on Honey like this?
I've been trying to get through to her, but she may still act inappropriately at times, Teacher.
So, could you maybe, you know, cut her some slack and let this one slide?
What can I do? I just love Teacher to bits!
With that, Tia inches in closer than ever before.
Don't you think you're getting a tad too cozy with the kid?
How about you scooch over here a bit, Honey?
Viper refuses to give in to this and forcefully pulls me closer to her.
Wa-wait!
*Thud* *Crash*
I lose my footing and end up sprawling out on the elevator floor, right alongside Viper and Tia.
Due to the impact, the elevator rattles and sways with such force.
Are you all okay?
*Rumble*
!
Hmm...?
Eh?
I'm sure it'll be fixed soon, right?
But it's kinda nice, though, getting to spend more time with Teacher, hehe.
Erm...
I think it really sucks being cooped up in this confined space for so long,
so I hope it gets fixed right away.
At some point, Naga darts over to my side.
Methinks you two are a little too chummy with Honey.
If both of you have claimed spots on both sides,
then...
Viper takes a seat right in front of me and wraps her arms around my neck.
I'll choose this spot.
Tia is to my left.
Hehe!
Naga to my right.
...
And Viper in front of me.
Hmm...
Being surrounded by three Nikkes in such close proximity
causes my breathing to become ragged.
It's too stuffy in here...
Can you all give me some space?
Like this?
Against my wishes, Viper draws closer.
!
Right before her face brushed against mine...
Proficient in handling such situations, Naga swiftly pries the amorous Viper off of me.
My, oh, my, look at how innocent you are!
Also, you've got quite the powerful arms there.
It seems I shouldn't underestimate you just because of your age.
Okay.
Phew...
Now that everyone's out of my personal space, I can finally breathe more freely.
*Rumble*
*Buzz*
Look at that! It seems the elevator has been fixed!
And just like that, the elevator starts running again.
Thanks for the help, Naga.
No, I can't believe it took me this long to realize.
I'm really sorry that you had to go through all of that.
It's just that every time I'm near you, it's like all my worries disappear, and I just get lost in the moment.
Hey, don't sweat it. You can relax and be yourself around me.
*Rumble*
The elevator shakes again.
?!
... Is today the day
when this mission is successfully completed?
7. The Elevator Ghost
83 linesI have an urgent meeting to attend,
so I stand in front of the elevator that will take me to the Ark.
*Brrrr*
Oh, hey, Partner!
I notice Sugar getting off her bike
that was loaded with several packages.
What are all these packages?
A request came in for a delivery,
and I'm supposed to meet them here.
I was going to wait for the elevator
but as you can see,
it doesn't seem to be working.
Jeez, is it broken again?
Hmm...
Come to think of it, there's a rumor about this elevator.
Strange laughter can sometimes be heard coming from the elevator when it's faulty.
Hehe. Hehehe.
Y'know, like that.
If you're trying to scare me, you can stop.
You don't have to be scared.
It's just a silly ghost story. Nothing to take seriously.
Anyway, can I ask you for a favor?
What is it?
Sure.
... Do as you please.
*Brrrrr*
Sugar takes off on Black Typhoon.
...
Despite myself, Sugar's ghost tale has gotten under my skin.
They're just rumors. Like she said, there's nothing to be afraid of.
At that exact moment, the elevator starts moving.
*Clunk*
The elevator doors soon open.
Hehe. Hehehe.
Strange laughter can be heard from inside.
!!
Hehe. Hehehe.
Inside, Trony can be seen laughing at a video game cutscene.
...
What are you doing in there, Trony?
I'm waiting for the elevator.
Trony, did you, by any chance, put in a request with Cafe Sweety?
Here it is. You can check to make sure it's all there.
You're working for Cafe Sweety?
That's right. I'm a solver for Cafe Sweety. Mix is the name.
Eyeing me somewhat skeptically, Trony begins to open the packages.
Inside are some Ark Ranger comics,
various game consoles,
cup noodles, coffee makers, and other various items.
Great. It's all here.
Can I ask something?
Why do you need them to deliver all this stuff at the elevator?
Um...
Last time I was at the Outpost,
the elevator broke down and I was trapped inside alone.
So, I thought
it'd be really nice to have a space of my own.
When I'm in here, I don't have to deal with Syuen nagging me about playing video games...
Whenever I want some time to myself, I come here and hang out in the elevator for a while.
...
So, you're the elevator ghost.
Huh?
Nothing. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters.
Mix?
Didn't you say that was your alias?
While the situation is exceedingly odd...
...
at least Trony seems happy.
8. Emergency Patient
107 lines
Th-thank you so much for today...
How does it feel to be outside after so long?
I-it was a little hard coming out...
But I'm still glad... that I did...
I-I was able to see you...
Commander?
Oh, Pepper. Hello.
What brings you down to the Ark?
I had something to pick up.
It's nothing urgent, but it's better to do things right away, right?
Who's this...?
This is Label from the Best Seller Squad.
...
Nice to meet you. I'm Pepper!
Label hides behind me.
Oh... I guess she's shy.
...
A bright and friendly woman...
Everywhere we go... there are women who seem like they could cling to you...
I can't let my guard down for a second...
I thought I would be able to ride the elevator alone with you...
I bet she's not even here to ride the elevator... That's just an excuse...
An excuse to come and see you for a moment... That must be it...
Which means it will just be the two of us in the elevator after all... Hehe...
...
She said she's very shy around strangers.
I see.
I came off a little too friendly, didn't I?
I'm sorry. It's a habit I developed dealing with patients...
*Whirrr*
As we talk, the elevator door opens.
After boarding the elevator, Pepper simply smiles quietly.
This seems to draw out Label, who is no longer hiding behind me.
...?
Label, wait.
It's not that. It's just... Pepper is right next to us.
In this narrow space cut off from the outside...
A man and woman... alone... hehe... Th-there's only one thing that can happen next...
I glance over at Pepper.
She didn't hear...
Let's calm down...
Are you okay?!
*Huff...* Hehehe...
Sudden labored breathing...
That's definitely not normal.
Label, can you look into my eyes for a moment?
!!
Wait, wasn't it just Commander and me alone in the elevator...?
Wh-why is there another woman...?
Hyperventilation, accompanied by hallucinations...
Dilated pupils, shallow focus...
Hyperventilation caused by excitation...
It's hard to make a diagnosis based on the symptoms alone, but it looks like there may be an issue with the brain.
We need to conduct a detailed examination!
It's probably not as serious of an illness as you're thinking...
I thought you said you had something to pick up?
Even so, we must examine her immediately.
As a doctor, it is my duty to do all I can for a patient!
A patient's well-being comes above any personal errand!
I need to save the patient in front of my eyes first!
Pepper grabs Label's hand.
Label, I know this must be confusing to you.
But please listen calmly.
You need to go to the hospital right now for an examination.
Exam...ination...?
You could be experiencing a serious physical ailment right now.
Regardless of what it may be, it's better if we can catch it early.
But I'm perfectly fi—
It's especially dangerous when you believe you're healthy.
Even I can't stop Pepper when she gets like that...
*Whirrr*
Pepper heads to the hospital dragging Label behind her.
All throughout the night...
I receive heartbroken messages from Label.
9. Celebrity Encounter
102 linesMy session with Mint is over,
and now we're waiting for the elevator to head to the Ark.
Mint, you know...
Yes?
You can take your mask off. We're in the Outpost, after all.
I overslept today, so I had to do my makeup in a rush.
You never know who you might run into in the elevator, so I have to be careful.
I always want my fans to see me at my very best, so please understand.
... If you say so.
We step into the elevator.
Just as the doors are about to close...
W-wait up...!
With a soft whirr, the elevator doors slide shut.
Whew... Made it in time...
!
Mint quickly ducks behind me.
Ein?
The elevator jolts lightly.
Ein has her headphones in, watching something on her device.
On the screen, a familiar face is signing autographs for a crowd.
...
Whose fan?
T.T. STAR, obviously.
They're the hottest group in the Ark right now.
Oh right, you work with Anis, so you probably already know them.
Yeah, that's right.
Knew it! Then have you seen this clip? I've been watching it nonstop lately.
Seriously, this totally blew my mind.
Isn't that Mint giving autographs?
Yep!
They say she signed for every single fan who was waiting.
I mean, signing for one or two people up front is one thing, but doing it for everyone? That's seriously insane.
I was nearby that day too, so kinda wish I'd joined the line.
...
Anyway, I heard there's gonna be a T.T. STAR merch shop on Royal Road today,
so I figured I'd swing by to make up for missing out.
And just in case I run into Mint, I brought something for her to sign, too.
Ein pulls out the paper she brought to get signed, her face glowing with excitement.
Gah! Y-you scared the hell outta me!
Wh-who are you?
Are you Teacher's newly assigned Nikke or something...?
Well, that's not entirely wrong, so let's go with that.
... Probably just your imagination.
Y-yeah, I guess...?
So you're a fan of Mint from T.T. STAR, right?
What is it about her that you like?
Her looks? Her stage presence...? There are all kinds of reasons people are drawn to her.
Hmm... I dunno, it's more than that...
Maybe it's the way she really loves her fans?
Don't you think so too, Teacher?
Yeah, that's true.
!
Huh? How come?
Trust me, you won't regret it.
Mint takes the sheet of paper and signs her name with practiced ease.
The pen scratches softly against the paper.
Well...
The elevator jolts lightly.
Mint hands the signed paper back.
Beneath the signature, Ein's name is written along with a small heart.
H-huh? Wait, isn't this Mint's signature...?
Hehe, I was planning to stop by the event for a bit.
So maybe we'll run into each other again later.
Mint lowers her mask.
!!
Well, this busy pop star has to get going now. I'll see you later, okay?
T-Teacher... th-this isn't a dream, right?
Was I really with Mint just now?
I got her autograph, we actually talked... and she even remembered my name?
... Yep.
Can you pinch my cheek real quick?
... You sure about that?
Y-yeah, hurry up!
I pinch Ein's cheek.
...
After that, Ein gets the chance to meet Mint one more time,
giving her an unforgettable memory to brag about to her friends back at school.
10. Solo Fan Meeting
90 linesAfter my session with Black ends...
Hmm? You're heading back to the Ark too?
Actually, I wanted to ask you a favor, Black.
It's nothing major. I was hoping you could meet one of your fans real quick.
She said it'll only take a minute.
Well...
The elevator door slides open.
...!
U-uh...!
Trony collapses to the floor, utterly starstruck.
Come on, don't fall apart over a single word.
Oh, are you the fan Commander was talking about?
Come to think of it, you were at my meet-and-greet during the Ark Gaming Expo, weren't you?
Heh, your time hasn't come yet, Trony.
Then I'll live forever and never die!
...
You said there's something you wanted her to sign, right? Go ask her already.
Y-yeah...!
The new Ark Rangers movie just came out, so...
I was hoping you could sign the ticket...?
Thanks for coming to see our movie.
Where's your ticket?
Just one autograph, right? Hand it over.
Here...!
*Fwoosh!*
Trony pulls out dozens of tickets from behind her back.
Yeah. When you go see the movie, they hand out random ticket designs.
Look.
Some have individual members on them,
some are paired up, and others have all three of you together.
Completing the whole set was seriously... no joke.
I could've traded for them, sure, but... I dunno. It just wouldn't have felt like I completed it myself.
So I cut back on eating, sleeping, and gaming...
and kept going to the theater every single day until I finally completed the collection.
O-oh, it's nothing really...
Clearly impressed, Black carefully signs each ticket one by one.
Heh, your time hasn't come yet, Trony.
Then I'll live forever and never die!
...
Oh, and there's one more thing I wanted to tell you myself.
...
Black, you...
You'll always...
Be my hero!
U-ugh... Ahhh...!
I-I said it! I actually said it out loud!
Trony starts to crumple from nerves,
but Black catches her
before she hits the ground.
...!
Thank you, Trony.
I'd like to tell you the same thing.
You saved the Ark from danger too, didn't you?
So,
that makes you a hero as well.
...!
*Whirr*
Just then, the elevator doors slide open.
Trony quickly runs off.
...
What is it?
I counted those tickets earlier. There were over fifty.
Does that mean she really watched it that many times?
Yeah, I think so.
Yeah... I think that's a good idea.
Black nods, looking touched.
Seeing her like that, I can't bring myself to tell her that fans like Trony are actually the really hardcore ones.