Hmmm... this farm feels like it's missing something... I don't know what that could possibly be though...
Also, that wooden rocker is crooked, I should move it a little bit to the left...
{Administrator Ko De Oako would like to visit the 6th Floor - Aigis Town
Let Administrator Ko De Oako in?
Yes
No
Note: Selecting Yes will remove you from Editing Mode. Any and all changes that are not saved will be deleted.}
I lazily glanced at the System message and tapped on "No". I then sent Administrator Ko De Oako a message.
"One moment please, I'll invite you in a second."
I studied my creation carefully. So far, the Ichor-Petal farm seemed natural enough. With straight, well maintained rows of crops and a rustic house and shed, it set the scene up nicely for a Sub Quest quest about a farmer.
Now all that was left was designating an NPC.
Though I would have to wait for the trial to start to gather enough Stardust...
*Sigh* I hate when the creative process gets interrupted. I never seem to have enough resources whenever I want to build something. This usually leads to me to drop the idea entirely... *Sigh*
Saving my progress and exiting Editing Mode, I sent Administrator Ko De Oako an invite.
With a blue digital flash, Administrator Ko De Oako was floating in the air beside me, overlooking my latest creation.
"Are you done editing yet? The other Administrators and I are getting bored."
"Not quite." I held my chin thoughtfully. "I still have a few resources I need to gather..."
"For that shop you set up without my permission?"
"Exactly." I nodded, unfazed.
"What are you planning to fill it with anyways?"
"Some starter items." I answered truthfully. "Follow me."
I lead Administrator Ko De Oako to a run-down blacksmith's, an old NPC could be found at the front diligently crafting away.
"I figured that since this NPC was designed to be a blacksmith, I'd remove him from retirement and have him craft during his down time. He's currently making some make-shift bows at the moment."
"Huh." Administrator Ko De Oako commented, obviously disinterested.
I then lead him to the only alchemist shop on this floor. It was a well-put little thing with vibrant flowers and various foreign plants adorning its exterior.
"And this is where I'm making potions until I have enough Stardust to make an NPC."
"You are making potions?" Administrator Ko De Oako raised an eyebrow, judgingly.
"Until further notice." I reiterated.
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
"You're not pulling my chain?"
"No."
Administrator Ko De Oako gave me a blank stare.
...
After a moment of silent judgement Administrator Ko De Oako turned his back. "I'm opening the tower."
"Wait! Let me at least put some of what I got into the shop first!" I frantically called out.
***
Upon exiting the elevator, Doug was led to a stall called "Tucer's Goldy Fish". Tucer's Goldy Fish was a vibrant and colorful open stall that showcased a set of wooden tables draped in navy blue cloth with exquisitely designed fish tanks sitting atop it. Found within each fish tank were a variety of Gold Fish found within. The concept of the mini-game it offered was simple. Stand behind a set line and toss a ball into the fish tank you want and you win the fish inside.
After buying a set of balls to throw from the cashier, Doug stood behind the set line, determined.
Cupping the yellow plastic ball in his right hand, Doug carefully felt out what he could. It was flimsy--susceptible to the wind. If he were to throw it, he'd have to consider the direction of the wind. It was light. Incredibly so. Just the slightest toss could send it flying... Doug thought about his previous experiences with other such cheap toys. Given the material it was made of, and its characteristics he felt out, it would no doubt bounce right back if it struck the rim of the fish tank...
"Come on Doug, you got this!" Emma cheered on from the side.
Doug narrowed his eyes in concentration. He bent his back, turned his body slightly to the side, and propped the ball up, eying the distance.
Allison chuckled at his awkward posture.
"I want the blue one! I want the blue one!" Emma chanted, full of unbridled confidence.
Doug took a deep breath, held it, and then tossed the ball. It soared through the air in a graceful arc, successfully landing inside a fish tank with a blue goldfish.
"Yes!" Emma jumped up and down excited.
"Great job." Allison patted his back in congratulations before walking up to the cashier to get their new-found pet.
A wave of relief washed over him as he chuckled. Luckily he was able to score on his first try.
"I want another one!" Emma demanded.
"Of course you do." He ruffled her hair, silently resigning himself to his fate.
As Allison returned with the blue goldfish, Doug's phone's ringtone interrupted the joyous moment.
"I'm sorry, I need to get this."
Emma pouted. "You always need to..."
"Here Emma," Allison presented the plastic baggy, "here's Findale, named after your favorite... uh..."
"Fencer!" Emma corrected, indignantly.
"That's right, Fencer! How are you so smart Emma?"
As Allison tried to console and distract Emma, Doug walked away a couple steps out of earshot, picking up the call. "Good Evening Boss, how may I help you?"
"Your break is over, you have to come back immediately."
Doug pinched the bridge of his nose. He figured something like this might happen. "Is this about that strange System situation that's currently going on?"
"Not just that, but we also have a perp that needs to be tracked down ASAP. Not only did they commit theft, but they also committed battery against an officer. There's information that suggests they're also connected to the Gusto case; they seem to be forming a rap sheet for themselves."
Doug paused, astonished. "Wait, they're also connected to the Gusto case?"
"Yes. I'm guessing you heard some of the details from Rob. If so, you understand how serious this is. With how fast and how dangerous their crimes are getting, we may be dealing with the beginnings of a spree killer."
Doug bit his lip, troubled. "Considering them a spree killer at this current moment is a bit of a stretch, isn't it? They haven't killed anyone yet."
"Yet." His boss repeated.
Doug sighed, glancing at Emma and Allison. "Let me wrap up a few things before I head on back."
"Make it quick." His Boss promptly hung up the call.
Doug groaned. He didn't really have a choice in this matter, did he? He awkwardly walked back to Emma and Allison.
He looked at Allison apologetically and then crouched down in front of Emma. Before he could speak, Emma spoke up. "You're leaving again." It wasn't a question, it was more a statement. A fact that couldn't be denied.
"Yes..." Doug slowly grasped Emma's hand, reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a miniature Lake the Duck figurine, placing it into her hand.
"I meant to give you this after we return home, but seeing as I have to leave first... here." Doug scratched his head nervously. "Don't let my leaving sour the mood. Enjoy the rest of the time with Allison."
She fiddled with the figurine, pouting. The little sailor Duck was waving their hand, as if saying good bye as well. Fitting...
"I'm sorry Allison, it's urgent. I'll contact you when I get back home." He turned to face Allison, meeting her disappointed gaze head on. A rush of guilt reared its ugly head, but he ignored it, rushing to the parking lot as if fleeing.
Just as he was about to exit the main gate, he caught glimpse of the strange woman that went by "Administrator Petrolia" who seemed to be engaged in conversation with a park employee--frowning when he saw something strange...
Upon laying eyes on Administrator Petrolia, a ugly green transparent box faded into existence.
{Administrator Petrolia - The Guilt-Ridden
Administrator of Floors: 16th Floor - Forgotten Oaths, 17 Floor - Hidden Mourning, 19th Floor - Light's Fable}
The Guilt-Ridden? He glared at that bit of text in utter confusion. Was that a warning? And Administrator of Floors... Floors? What did that mean?
As if sensing his stare, Administrator Petrolia turned her head, staring at him coldly from a distance.
A shiver ran down his spine, but he fought against the urge to run away and marched towards her.
"I'm sorry ma'am, this may sound strange, but I need your number before I go."
"My number?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, your phone number. If not that, then your Witter tag." Doug sighed in anxious frustration. "Sorry, I'm in a hurry, I'll explain later."
Administrator Petrolia gave him a dead-eyed stare. "I have no idea what you're talking about, but I suppose I'll see you later." She waved a hand lazily, as if shooing him. "You may leave."
{Administrator Petrolia has used the Skill: [Urgent Callings]
Now checking Wisdom...
Wisdom is too low. You fall under control, against your better judgement.
[You feel the sudden urge to return back to business. Nothing else matters after all.]}
As if in a daze, Doug ceased his desperate attempt to get her contact information and returned to his car, driving off back to the city.