june event.

[falsitates]

JUNE 15, 2021

The heatwave has passed and the weather has never been better. The city is full of life once again, and the streets are busy as people return outdoors to enjoy what summer has to offer. Everything appears to have returned back to normal.

For everyone, but you.

The newcomers are given an envelope that is either addressed to their current residence or placed in their belongings. There is no return address, and inside is a New York state government-issued ID. It appears to be authentic. The residents, on the other hand, receive a similar envelope, but with a SIM card. There are no other notes.

Are these your rewards?

  MISSION BOARD

Your phone vibrates.

It doesn't stop until you pick it up and when you do, it's cold. The buttons do nothing as it shuts down, unresponsive to whatever actions that you take. Then, much like last time, white lettering on a black backdrop appears.

WELCOME TO WEEK THREE.
A NEW MODULE HAS BEEN UNLOCKED.
YOU MAY CHOOSE TO IGNORE IT.
OR YOU MAY CHOOSE TO USE IT.
AUDENTES FORTUNA IUVAT

A new section has been added to the app. It reads as 'missions'. There are currently three tasks available right now.

  BEGINNINGS OF A FOREST

The barrier continues to grow in size. Vitae's outskirts are gradually, but surely, expanding, and in its new area is a sea of trees. There has never been a forest surrounding the city, yet one is unmistakably forming. It's small, extending outside for less than a quarter-mile, and asides from its sudden appearance, there's nothing unusual about it. Only trees, the barrier, and the nagging feeling that someone is watching you.

Nobody in the city seems to notice. When questioned, they claim that the forest has always been there. In fact, the city was created in the heart of a forest, and it has remained that way since its inception. None of them are aware of the fact that these trees were never there until now.

It's as though the forest has always been there.

  DECISION TIME

By the end of the day, your phone vibrates again. A new message appears.

ALLY?
BETRAY?

One of the two choices must be selected. Otherwise, you won't be able to use your phone.

Make your choice.

Comments

[curriculumachine]

[He does stop, instantly, frozen at the sound of that voice. Is the creature with him? Mike says nothing, gripping the handle of the duffel bag tighter.]

[ehero]

[ This gives Judai the chance to run up and come by Mike's side. He slowly moves to step in front of him, half-afraid that the man is just going to bolt. ]

Hey, are you all right? Winged Kuriboh didn't get you too badly, did he?

[ He knows about that whole debacle... he tries to check out Mike's face, eyeing it and standing on his toes to get a better look. ]

[curriculumachine]

[There's a noise of discontent at the scrutiny, but he doesn't move. Judai will find a few scratches and claw marks, but nothing serious.]

Is it... here?

[ehero]

Winged Kuriboh? Yeah, but I won't be summoning him.

[ He only did it last time because he didn't know that the little fuzzball would go out to attack Mike. That's his bad for not asking properly, so he feels bad about this whole thing. ]

Did you treat your face? You should probably put something on those scratches.

[curriculumachine]

[Summoning... That sounds fake.]

I'm fine.

[That doesn't actually answer questions, but whatever.]

I'm busy... Go away.