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

[silentends]

It's fine, I need a bit of a break.

[ It's a good time for him to slow down and catch his breath. He glances towards the notebook. ]

Moss and forest? Only thing that comes to mind is the Shrine and large forest outside it. I've been there a few times. That might not be what you're looking for though.

Is this riddle really hard? I feel a little lost.

[ape]

[ the shrine . . . . . . . . . . hm! well, one thing at a time. he'll start with reciting the riddle by memory: ]

"I'm so hungry. I'm tired. My leg hurts. I want to call out for help, but I can't. The water tastes funny and it's green. No one is looking at me. I want to make a wish too."

[ he gives that a second to sink in. ]

Can you tell me more about that Shrine? What's it for, and forgive my ignorance— prayer?

[silentends]

You want to know more about the shrine? Sure. It's used for prayer or making wishes. There's an offertory box where you can put coins inside. The place looks old now that I think about it. It's dusty down there.

[ Nier just spends a few minutes thinking about the riddle. It's very odd. He has some thoughts on it but he'd like to sort them out more. Explaining the shrine comes first however. ]

I only started visiting the shrine more recently because of my sister. There's a lot I don't know about it.