Miracle Snow

Enikk, how many resources are currently available?

If limited to a radius of 2km, there are enough resources to last for 2 weeks.

Is that it? I thought there'd be some leeway, since it's winter.

Drinking water consumption has been reduced, but we have been using a lot of water for washing.

It's because of Missilis. They have been so gung-ho about selling these new boiler systems.

With that small a radius and a short time span, we're bound to get complaints.

So are we just going to cancel it?

There's not much else we can do.

...

People are going to be upset.

Don't be so glum, Ingrid!

I have spied, with my little eyes, a grand location!

What location?

Voilà!

That... just might work.

It's fair to everyone as well, so we shouldn't hear any complaints about unequal treatment.

Isn't that outside the Ark's jurisdiction, though? Will it not be difficult to control?

I don't see any potential issues. This area utilizes the same weather system as the Ark.

Magnifique!

Very well.

Enikk. Proceed.

Yes, sir.

For the next two weeks, artificial snow will be implemented within the confines of the Amusement Park at the Outpost.

Very good.

... Has it really been 15 years?

Mustang, start spreading the word. For the next 2 weeks, the amusement park is open to the public.

I'd appreciate it if you could also oversee the Amusement Park in the interim and ensure it runs smoothly.

Oui oui!

Ingrid, you're responsible for crowd management and safety concerning the elevator leading to the Outpost.

Also, assign more troops for us to safely wipe out all Raptures.

Leave it to me.

Shall we make a move then?

Oh, Enikk.

Yes, sir?

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, sir.

Helloooo Lupins! Can you guess where I am?

The Amusement Park at the Outpost!

Notice anything special? It's snowing!

It's been decided this is the only place where we'll have snow this year.

You know me, I'd never miss a chance to see the snow! So, here I am.

You know what? It has been 15 years since it has last snowed.

I'm not too sure about the specifics, but making snow seems to use quite a lot of water!

That's why it's restricted to such a small area. There isn't a suitable spot in the Ark, either.

But it's better than nothing. At the very least, we'll have a white Christmas this year!

Not only that, but all the rides are fully functional again.

It's all thanks to a certain someone that we all know and love...

And so, the special guest I've invited today is...

The master of the Outpost! The Commander!

Commander, Sweetie!

Why don't you say hi to our Lupins, Sweetie?

C'mon, you gotta liven it up a little...

... Ya know, engage with the audience.

...

All righty, then.

Today, we've got a special treat for you all. We've prepared a special White Christmas stream!

What exactly will we be doing for this special occasion, you might ask?

Why, I'm going to be Santa Claus for a day!

Sweetie and I are gonna go around the amusement park and interview anyone we come across.

They'll have to answer the questions they draw randomly from this bag!

Anyone who gives us an interesting answer will get a prize!

We've prepared mystery prizes ranging from R Class to SSSSR Class!

Shall we get started, Sweetie?

Gahh!

Aghhh!

Wow, even Nikkes are allowed on these rides?

Let's go on the Ferris Wheel once we're done streaming. Just the two of us!

Check it out, Lupins! We're now in front of the merry-go-round.

Let's find someone to interview... Hm...

Vroooom! Go, Black Typhoon!

...

Looks like there are plenty of unusual sights around us.

Merry Christmas, you two.

...

Sugar, may I ask... Why are you riding a motorcycle on a merry-go-round?

I wanna see which is faster, Black Typhoon or these horses.

But the merry-go-round rotates automatically...

Shh! Don't distract me! I need to focus!

...

N-no... But I wasn't planning on interviewing Sugar in the first place.

Ahhhh!!

... What's Milk doing here?

I'm practicing my pursuit techniques by trying to chase this car.

I see.

*Yawn*

... I won't even bother interviewing her.

You know, I worked really hard on this bit.

But now I'm starting to question myself...

Wow, so pretty!

Hmm?

??

...

Oh! Hello, Teacher.

Hehe, I'm happy to see snow for the first time in my life.

I'm only here because my notebook suggested I should check out the Amusement Park. And I'm glad that I did!

Who's this pretty lady with you? Is she your significant other?

Oh, hi! I'm Rupee. Haven't we met each other before?

I don't believe so. Anyway, nice to meet you.

Likewise.

Oh, right. Is it okay if I ask you a question?

If you answer well, you might just get a gift from us.

Whoa, sure!

All right, then...

Now, the question I have for you is...

...

...

Is everything okay?

... Today is just... not my day.

Huh? What's the question? I wanna see!

It's nothing, it's just...

Oh, I just slept all day last Christmas!

I'm told that if I can't recall what I've done on a particular day, that's only because I was sleeping.

Oh, you don't say? Interesting!

Well, as promised. Here's a little gift for you!

Do you want to pick one of the raffle tickets from this bag?

Sure!

Now, open it up and see what you've won.

Erm... It's a... One Wish Pass?

!!

That's the SSSSR Class gift!!

... What's that?

That means we'll give you whatever you want!

Wow! Really?

You betcha!

But to have the top prize appear so early isn't exactly great for the live stream...

So, would you like to tell me your wish, Anne?

Hm...

Oh, I know!

I want everyone to be happy this Christmas!

...

I-I see! Got it! I'll make your wish come true!

E-even if I'm not sure how exactly...

You tell me. Don't you have any ideas?

...

...

Hey, that's a great idea!

I'll call it Operation Christmas Cheer.

Whoa, that sounds cool!

...

Actually... If you're up for it,

we could really use your help, Anne.

I'll be Santa Claus, and you can be a Christmas fairy.

Seriously? Yes, I'd love to!

Just so you know, I'll be livestreaming the entire time. That won't make you uncomfortable, will it?

Whoa, you are? So that means I'll show up on screen?

Of course! I'm all right with that!

Perfect! Hehe. Then, wait just a sec.

You hear that, Lupins? We'll be having two special guests with us today!

Let's give a warm welcome to the adorable Anne!

Hey, everybody! I'm Anne, and it's nice to meet you!

...

I'm planning to convert this livestream into a video

and give it to Anne.

That way, it'll become a lasting memory for her.

Hehe!

All right, Anne, shall we?

Let's!

Everybody is already in such high spirits. Do you think there will be anyone who needs cheering up?

I don't know for sure, but off the top of my head, I'd say that we could find some lost children.

Oh, yes. We did pass by an area that was thronging with people a while back.

Do you remember where it was?

Sure, follow me!

Wow, there she goes! She simply can't be defeated, folks!

That was Exia's 82nd consecutive victory.

Simply remarkable! I believe we have a Final Quest champion in our midst.

Hehe!

The next round of players are getting themselves ready, so Exia, please hold on for just a moment.

Sure thing.

Hey, Noob!

I'm participating in an offline Christmas event for Final Quest,

where all of the top players compete with each other in PVP matches and cosplay.

Then they will then be ranked on the PVP and cosplay scores they've attained.

Right now, I'm sitting pretty in first place!

I know participating in events like this is frowned upon,

but the top prize is too good to resist.

I mean, look! It's a Mach III Supersonic Horse Mount!

What's more, there's only one in the entire server, and it's even a Christmas limited edition!

Who are you cosplaying as?

!!

Wait, aren't you...

??

...

Erm, I mean... I'm cosplaying Rudolph, a character in the game.

He runs fast like a speeding bullet! Although their speed is the same, he looks much faster because of his motion.

This costume is really nicely put together. Did you make it yourself?

Nah, it's store-bought.

Oh, right...

...

Let me tell you something, Noob.

I've never been so happy in my entire life.

Facing off against top players, and the promise of a unique mount...

What else can you ask for?

I thought so too. This is a place where only people who enjoy this game gather.

It's just brimming with positive vibes!

Such pain... Such misery...

Is there anyone more miserable than me in this world?

Eh? Everyone, look! There's an unhappy person over there!

I'm just so miserable... While everyone's embracing the holiday cheer, I'm just sinking deeper into the mire.

If only someone were here to save me from this woe...

We'll help you!

Really?

At last, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel...

Do you play this game too?

Yeah. I haven't been at it for long, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it.

Look at all the happy faces in this place! What's gotten you so down?

This is a great place to have fun. Can't you just be happy?

That's the problem. It's precisely because I'm happy, that I'm unhappy.

Huh?

No can do! She might really be suffering!

Anne is right. How can you be so cold, Sweetie?

??

??

I wanted to participate in this event too. It'd be a chance to show what I'm capable of, and walk off with some cool prizes.

That way, I could feel proud of myself for accomplishing something.

But due to my hectic work schedule, I only found out about this event at the eleventh hour.

I was in such a hurry that I forgot to bring my controller.

Sure, this game can be played with a keyboard and mouse, but I've always preferred using a controller.

If I have to use a keyboard, there's no way I can play to the best of my abilities.

So here I am... Forced to stand on the sidelines, whilst wallowing in my sorrow.

Will this nightmare never end?

Can't you just go home to get your controller? I'm sure you'd make it back in time.

No, there's not enough time. The event will be over by then.

Is there any way we can find a controller for her, Rupee?

Hmm... I don't think the Amusement Park sells this sort of thing...

!!

...

Oh, you guys! I'm so touched by your words!

Y'all are truly my lovely Lupins!

For anyone who can send a controller over, I'll toss in one of my very own personalized scarves, signed by yours truly!

It'll be like a gift exchange!

Um, excuse me...

Yes?

Since they'll be sending one over, it'd be great if they could send a Christmas limited edition controller.

It's a new model that's about 20 grams lighter...

I-I see...

Hear that, Lupins? Does anyone own a Christmas limited edition controller?

Did someone order a package?

... Weren't you just on the merry-go-round?

All five races ended in a draw, so I figured I might as well clock some hours instead.

Here. Can someone sign for this?

Sure, I'll sign for it.

Delivery complete.

You should be good to go now, right?

Yes, I'm all set!

Good luck!

...

Thanks, everyone.

I've got this in the bag.

Are there any contenders who can actually beat Exia?

Well, looks like we've got ourselves a challenger! Put your hands together for Black Rose!

And she's got a controller in her hands! How very unusual!

Now, will Black Rose become Victim Number 83? Or will she be the underdog who dethrones our reigning champ?

Let the battle begin!

... Not only did I lose,

but it was also a crushing defeat.

It's all right! I'm sure you'll win next time.

... Thanks.

To be honest, I felt that we were equally matched in skill.

But this infernal controller is what did me in.

Eh? Is it broken?

No, it's because it's a limited edition...

I didn't want to wear it out by pressing too many buttons.

For the sake of protecting something precious, you've given up another precious thing.

It must not have been easy to make that decision. Good for you!

Thanks for cheering me up. You're such a wonderful person.

You're not still unhappy, are you?

...

No.

It's all thanks to you.

What's more, I've got a limited edition controller now.

Speaking of which, can I keep this?

... Yeah, it's all yours.

Fantastic! I haven't been this happy in ages.

Hehe. Glad to hear that you're happy.

I should get going. Duty calls.

Thanks again, everyone.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you as well.

... I'm pretty tired.

Yeah, it's already dark! Shall we call it a day?

...

Nah, we can still hang out a little longer. There's still plenty of time left.

Eh? We always have tomorrow.

Tomorrow...

Yes! Not gonna lie, I'm a little tired myself, too.

All right, let's call it a day and meet up again tomorrow.

...

What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?

N-nothing... We're just exhausted, that's all.

I know right?

No need for us to go overboard. Why don't we just meet here tomorrow, say... 8:00 AM?

... Sure.

I'm just gonna head in first! Get some rest, both of you!

See you tomorrow then!

Yeah, see ya!

...

I-it's okay. We've captured loads of footage.

We'll just show it to Anne tomorrow...

and pick up... where we left off... tomorrow...

...

She won't remember me tomorrow, will she?

She's so nice...

I feel so bad about this.

... Yeah.

...

Yeah.

Ummm... I just don't know what to do.

Ugh, I'm afraid I might mess things up.

I think I should bring up what happened yesterday,

but she would have no idea what I am talking about.

How can I not?

H-hold my hand, Sweetie.

If I'm about to make a mistake, give it a squeeze. Got it?

Whew, here we go.

Teacher! Rupee!

Hey, guys! You're early!

... Wha?

Let's go, we've gotta start spreading that holiday cheer!

Where shall we go today?

Um... Can I ask you something? What did we do yesterday?

Yesterday? We gave that lady a controller for her game.

You... actually remember?

Are you okay, Rupee?

...

Sweetie... How do you explain this?

No, no. I don't want to hear it.

All that matters is Anne still remembers what we did yesterday.

I'll believe that this is the makings of a Christmas miracle.

I-I think you may be right.

It must be a Christmas miracle.

But even miracles must come to an end...

...

Anne, can you come here for a moment?

??

Ta-dah! This is a special outfit I've prepared for today!

Wow!!

Do you like it?

I've never worn something so beautiful before!

I'm glad you like it.

I'm not sure if it will be comfortable for you, so why don't you try walking around for a bit?

Give yourself a chance to move around in it. We'll be waiting over here.

Make sure you tell me if something is uncomfortable.

Okay!

Last night.

I was a little worried about the size, but it looks like it fits her quite nicely.

...

I thought that she wouldn't be able to remember yesterday's events,

so I wanted to make today a more special day.

What's more special than wearing a special outfit...

... especially if one of your closest friends made it for you?

I want today to be so special

that it'll be a day she'll never forget,

not even when her memory is wiped.

All right!

It's perfect, Rupee!

It's really comfortable!

That's great! How about we go for a walk then?

Sure!

...

Good mooorrrrning, my lovely Lupins!

We'll be picking up where we left off yesterday, spreading the holiday cheer!

It's great to be back!

Heehee.

I hope everyone gets a chance to try this!

Hehehehehe!

The strawberry waffle was so delicious!

How about the parfait?

That too!

Are you okay, Teacher? I don't think you've eaten much today.

I sure am! Well, at least when it comes to dessert, hehe.

What shall we try next?

Sorry to bother you,

but can we take a moment of your time?

Huh? Poli? Miranda? What's going on?

We've received reports of people losing their sense of taste at the Amusement Park.

Do you know anything about it?

... People's sense of taste has disappeared?

Apparently, none of them can taste a single thing.

It seems that all who filed a report had recently consumed something at the Amusement Park.

We suspect there may be a shady food stall operating here illegally.

Oh my gosh! Do we have to shut this event down?

I don't think so. Everyone will regain their sense of taste eventually.

It's either an innocent mistake, or a very bad joke.

If you see anything suspicious, please contact us right away.

Have a good day!

What does that lady mean by losing your sense of taste?

It's not good to lie, Sweetie.

Losing your sense of taste means that you can't taste the food you're eating.

That's... horrible, especially when there's so much delicious food out there!

We have to do something about this! After all, this falls under spreading Christmas cheer.

Sure, but how?

We'll just have to try out all the foods available at the Amusement Park!

Whoa, that's a great idea!

Let's go!

Hmm... I think that's all of them.

Did you guys notice anything out of the ordinary?

Ugh... So full... I can't take another bite...

Oooh, look! They're handing out cookies over there.

Let's go check it out.

Hm... Are you sure?

I hope they're handmade...

...

Over there, Sweetie.

Come try these mindfully delicious homemade cookies!

Step right up and try them out for free!

Baked with the finest ingredients, as well as love!

...

Oh! Hey, guys!

Sorry, I'm a bit swamped at the moment.

Just one minute.

She's fooling them all with her outfit and affability.

If we don't do something, everyone's gonna lose their sense of taste.

These cookies sure look delish! I'm gonna get in the line.

Hey! What are you doing, Teacher?

Oh... Is that so?

Anyways, let's contact Poli, Sweetie.

Hm...

I-I'll leave it to you, Sweetie.

What did Poli say, Sweetie?

A booth? But what are we gonna be selling?

You got that, everyone?

If you send over some carbonated drinks or chocolate, you'll receive my newly released handkerchief!

It seems that we've received over 100 donations already! I'm so blessed to have Lupins like you!

Wow, look at all this stuff!

Want some, Anne?

No, these people need it more than I do. So I'll have whatever's left over.

Hmm? There's another delivery. I'll go sign for it.

I'll go with you.

No, you're busy enough as it is. Let me help you with that.

She should be ashamed of herself, duping these people with her ridiculous outfit and dodgy cookies.

Oh, really?

That is what you think?

You think so?

I'll be sure to wear it next time!

What's in it for me, though?

Oh my gosh! Seriously? No way!

Sweetie, behave yourself!

...

... You'd definitely look good in it, too.

All right, that's enough fooling around.

I think Emma is about to start again.

Let's get ready, too.

... We're still a little short on the items, but there's nothing else we can do about it.

Let's just try to save as many as we can.

Rupee, Rupee!

??

We've just received a massive delivery!

Huh?

You've got another delivery, a big one this time.

Courtesy of the Talentum.

Huh? My squad?

Yep.

Sign here please...

Delivery complete.

...

All right! Now, we've got a fighting chance against Emma!

It's time for a showdown!

We're gonna come out on top, aren't we, Anne?

You bet!

Can I have a cookie?

Sure, here you go!

Oh! It looks fantastic!

Hehehe. Of course, I made it myself!

Enjoy!

Yes, thanks.

??

What the...?

Huh? My tongue feels rather...

Just a moment!

Here, have some soda and chocolate, too!

Oh, are they free of charge too?

Yes, they come free with every cookie!

Awesome, thanks!

You're welcome!

Is that everyone?

Yep, it's all done!

Phew... that was rough.

Phew. We did it, guys.

You've done well too, Emma.

To be honest, I think this batch of cookies is rather bland and dry.

Fortunately, all that soda and chocolate made up for that.

We make a pretty good team, don't we? We should do this again sometime.

Um... I'll think about it.

But it feels nice to be handing out gifts to people!

...?

Anne, was it?

Yes, that's me!

Aren't you just adorable? You look like a real fairy!

And you make a pretty good Santa, too!

Hehe, thanks!

Oh, do you want some cookies? I've still got a few left.

Oh! No, thanks... We're still quite full from...

Yes, please!

All right, here you go.

Thank you!

Anne...

...?

Wow, what a unique flavor!

Hehe. You think so? Do you like it?

I love it!

Hehe. That's nice of you to say, Anne.

...

I'll be sure to make some extra cookies for you next time.

I hope you won't be forgetting that flavor anytime soon!

I won't, trust me!

Good.

You're so warm and cuddly.

Oh, umm... Thanks?

Come and give it a try, Teacher! She's super warm and cuddly!

Wait a minute...

How would you know that?

You better be!

Commander, don't you remember? A while back, you and I...

... Did what with Sweetie?

... Oh, sorry! I mistook Commander for someone else. My bad.

Is that so?

Anyway, shall we continue with Operation Christmas Cheer?

I... actually...

Can we call it a day? I'm pretty beat.

... Really?

Yeah, sorry.

No need to be sorry.

Let's call it a day then...

Shall we... meet up tomorrow?

Sure thing!

...

It seems that... Anne won't be coming.

I was kinda expecting this to happen, but now that it really did...

It hurts all the same.

Sorry for being late! My stomach wasn't feeling well earlier...

I think I ate too much yesterday...

!!

Um... I didn't keep you guys waiting for too long, did I?

No, we just got here.

Yes, Teacher?

Hmm... Nope, not at all!

I feel great!

Okay, I will!

Yes!

We should be there any minute, right?

Yes, it should be that building up ahead.

Wait, let me catch my breath!

Sure, take your time.

Whew... All right, I'm good!

Let's keep going?

Yes!

...

Are you okay?

...

Hello?

Huh? What? Sorry, is there a problem?

I was asking if you were okay.

... Why are you asking me that?

That's because you look unhappy.

...

It's okay. A child like you shouldn't worry about things like this.

In that case, let us adults worry about it!

??

We're going around spreading holiday cheer.

If there's anything keeping you down, then we'll make sure to lift your spirits!

Uh... That sounds pretty stupid to me.

How can you call doing a good deed stupid?

...

Sorry, I'm just rather sensitive during the holidays.

Won't you tell us what's wrong?

Hm...

It's just that I don't remember much from when I was a human.

The only memory I have is of me celebrating Christmas 15 years ago.

Since it's my sole surviving memory, I tend to feel rather down around this time of the year.

How come?

Well, that's because I know I'll never have memories like that ever again,

especially since my family is long gone. I'm the only one left here.

So, every time Christmas rolls around, I miss my family more than usual.

...

How did you celebrate Christmas with your family?

We would decorate a Christmas tree.

It wasn't anything big or fancy, but our family would decorate it together.

It was no museum piece, but to me, it meant everything.

So there... That's why I'm miserable.

If I knew this is how it would be, I would rather not have any memories at all.

Don't say that!

??

Memories are precious things!

...

...

Where can we find a Christmas tree?

... I'm not sure. Probably on the surface somewhere, but I don't remember exactly...

Stop it. You can't fool me.

... Fine, I remember. But so what? It's not like we can go up to the surface.

What kind of Commander would go up to the surface just to look for something a mass-produced Nikke remembers from her childhood?

... What?

Yeah, Teacher will take you there, no problem!

Sweetie definitely will.

What do you mean?

A Christmas tree is a cherished memory that reminds you of your family,

so we'll help you find it.

All right! Let's get going, Anne!

Yes, Rupee!

For the Christmas tree!

For the Christmas tree!

Encounter!

...

...

...

She looks happy.

... Yeah.

People do seem happy when they relive memories.

For a lot of people, it's the thing that keeps them going.

...

Let's wrap up today's stream

and grab something to eat.

... Sure.

Hmm?? What's wrong?

No, I'm fine.

...

Then why do you  look so unhappy, Anne?

Seems to me, we've got to keep spreading Christmas cheer.

Huh? What?

So what makes you happy, Anne?

Being with you and Teacher makes me happy.

Anything else that makes you even happier?

Listen to your heart and tell me what you want most.

...

Anne.

Listen to what I'm saying.

We're your friends, so you can trust us.

You can tell us what you really want and what would truly make you happy.

You can even vent on us if you want to.

But...

Do you trust me, Anne?

... Yes.

You trust Sweetie too, right?

... Yes.

Then tell us.

It's all right.

You can do it.

I was... really happy...

I mean, I was really happy earlier.

... I guess you now know what your wish is.

... Yes.

Did you figure it out when we came to the Christmas tree?

... Yes.

C'mon, tell me. I'll make your wish come true.

Right, Sweetie?

Um...

I...

I want to meet my mom.