Crome: As the world crumbles

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (align:"<==>")+(box:"===XXXXX==")[= (text-style:"bold","outline")[Cromer: As The World Crumbles] (text-color:#ffffff)[[Start]] (text-color:#c0c0c0) [(link: "Load Game")[(goto: "Load Menu")]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Walking through the grey pavements, the yellow dust invaded my lungs. I kept my eyes straight, black hoodie covering the majority of my face, trying to stay as neutral as possible. The white-clad Guardians stood on every corner, weapons in hand, surveilling every passing person. They were known as the Android Guardians. Instead of faces, they wore masks adorned with silver chains and spikes. Made of Artificial Intelligence, they blended with the human Guards, keeping watch over the people. I made my way through the people, trying to keep a steady pace so as not to draw attention to myself. From the corner of my eye, I saw two Guardians talking to each other while staring at me. My heartbeat started to rise, but I kept up my act. I just had to make it to the warehouse. //Damn it!// The guards started heading towards me. My breathing quickened as stress began to settle in. I had to act quickly. Keeping my pace, I made my way toward one of the government carts that was advertising new propaganda with pamphlets and posters. In one swift move, I pushed it behind me and started running. The Guardians were quickly in pursuit. Making my way through the alleyways, I prayed to lose them. I made a sharp turn to my left, only to be met with a barbed wall. A dead end. With laboured breath, I quickly started analysing my options. Their loud footsteps were a sign they were getting close. To my right, I saw a half-closed door that led into an abandoned building. Without any time left to think, I burst into the building. I made my way to the stairs and started running as if my life depended on it. My ears were buzzing. My lungs were burning, like I was inhaling fire with every breath. I must not stop now. I could not stop now. The Guardians were tight behind me as I burst through the door to the building’s rooftop. I looked behind me. They were right there. I quickly ran to the edge of the building and looked down. The lifeless-like civilians resembled ants from up there. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a second, trying to compose myself. I looked towards the Guardians, taking out the Chromer I had hidden underneath my hoodie. The Guardians quickly stepped towards the hourglass in my hands. I smirked at them. //Is this what you’re looking for?// I taunted them, waiting as they rushed toward me. Before they could grab hold of me, I clasped the Chromer in my hands and dove from the rooftop, the piercing air scratching my face. I closed my eyes, waiting for the impact to hit. A bright light engulfed me, and that’s when I heard the voice: [[Wake up!]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I quickly sat up in my bed, breathing rapidly as I looked around my bedroom. Sweat beads formed on my forehead while I tried to shake the sleep from my eyes. The nightmare felt too vivid. Finally calming down, I glanced around the room. (text-color:yellow) [[Reach for the wrinkled sheet music on my bedside table.]] (text-color:orange) [[Reach for the dusty guitar in the corner of the room.]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I held the wrinkled sheet music and looked at what was scribbled on it. It was the last piece I was working on before the guys and I drifted apart. The memories hit like a painful stab to the heart. Last night, I had gone to the warehouse. I've been going back there often ever since we split up. That place used to be our refuge, our space where we could all work on our dreams together. It was where I could chase my dream of becoming a musician. The place that was once buzzing with music and life is now empty and dead. Like a dark, hollow void, where silence and dust mites rule over everything. Last night, while I was sitting on the rundown sofa, reminiscing about the past, I noticed some paper tossed in the corner of the room. Curiosity got the better of me, and I went to check it out. Unraveling the balls of paper, I came face to face with the last song I had been working on; the one I was writing right up until the day we made the final decision to go our separate ways. Since I was a child, I’ve always been surrounded by music. I used to spend most of my time discovering new artists. Taking music classes was difficult, so I had to find my own ways to learn music theory and figure out how to compose and play different instruments. I grew up in an orphanage and later had to move around between different foster families. As a young kid, it was always a painful jab to see the other children get adopted, especially when they had only just arrived, and I was still waiting. Being in the system and bouncing from home to home made it hard to fulfill my passion for music. So I would often go to the public library to read or rent books about music theory and composition. It was in that library where I met my best friend. She had a darker complexion than mine and hair that stood out from the other kids'. Her black, shiny hair caught the light of the sun and reflected it like polished obsidian. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Her name was Nina.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= //Excuse me, is this seat taken?// The curly-haired girl raised her head, stared at me for a moment, then shook her head no. I nodded with a smile and sat in front of her in the busy library. I quickly cracked open the book and began reading through it, impatient to absorb all the new information on music theory. Eventually, I lifted my head in contemplation, trying to find creative ways to remember the new scales I had learned. My gaze landed on that girl, busy in her own world, reading the book she had chosen. I noticed she wore the same uniform from the orphanage. (text-color:yellow) [//Oh, are you by any chance also in Aurora?//] The big doe-eyed girl looked at me and, with a soft voice, said yes. (text-color:yellow) [//My name is Hongjoong. What’s your name?//] (text-color:navy) [//My name is Nina.//] Smiling at her, I introduced myself. Although shy at first, we quickly got to know each other. She was very sweet and soft-spoken. To my surprise, we had both grown up in that orphanage since we were babies, but we had somehow never had the opportunity to meet before that day. She often went to the library to read. It was her favourite pastime. That day, she asked about what I was reading, and that’s how I unlocked a new interest in her. We soon became close friends, often going to the library to rent books. I somehow became the music teacher, teaching both of us new theories and techniques, practicing sight-reading and composing melodies. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, Nina also became my teacher. I used to be very impatient, always trying to rush through the different theories and chapters, but Nina wasn’t fast-paced like me. She needed more time and sometimes a different approach to understand certain points. Initially, it was very frustrating for me. I had learned to live a fast-paced life in the orphanage. But Nina taught me, with time and effort, that not everything in life had to move quickly. Sometimes it was best to stop and take the time to appreciate new discoveries in life. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[We really became best friends quickly. However, just as quickly, we would lose contact.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= We both knew that people were interested in adopting her. Who wouldn't, really? She was the definition of a dream daughter. But we didn't know that on that rainy morning, she would have to leave without a word. I had woken up to commotion in the hallways. Some kids were running, yelling someone was getting adopted. As if I knew, my heart dropped and I ran to the window. There, in the rain, a black Mercedes car was parked, door open. There, standing, was a man in a suit, holding an umbrella as a woman was getting into the car. Just outside, Nina was standing, staring at my window, where she knew our window was. She couldn't see me waving from up there. By the time I had run downstairs, the car was already driving through the gates. Just like that, I was left alone again, the only reminder of our friendship our letters and sheet music scribbled with notes and drawings. After that, I spent some time here and there, hopping between families but never able to find a permanent home. One or two were borderline abusive, others would realise I wasn't their ideal fit for the family. It was very disheartening. But eventually, I was adopted by a family of three. I ended up having a younger sister and two loving yet distant parents. My adoptive dad was a music teacher and my mother a therapist. Thanks to them, I got to live a comfortable life and was allowed to pursue music. However, I never managed to feel the same closeness I saw between them and my little sister. Somewhere along trying to discover myself, and finally being able to pursue music, I had a new dream: to find my real family. If I worked hard to become as bright as the stars in the sky, I could maybe find my biological family, but also my first true friend. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[With that goal in mind, I worked hard going forward.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= In high school, I still found time to compose and play music. I used to be more of a loner type, until one day I got approached by an intimidating-looking guy during lunch break. (text-color:red) [//Mind if I sit here?//] Looking up, I saw the boy standing with a tray in front of me. I looked around, the cafeteria was pretty empty that day. So I raised an eyebrow at him, shrugging my shoulders. On his school tag, I saw his name was Seonghwa Park. (text-color:red) [//Aren’t you bored or lonely?//] The boy asked me while chewing on a piece of breaded pork cutlet. I shrugged, taking a sip from my juice. (text-color:yellow) [//I am used to it, so I guess I don’t mind.//] The boy cleaned his teeth in annoyance. (text-color:red) [//I think having friends can make things easier. We’re in the same class, yet I never saw you talk to anyone.//] My eyes flashed briefly with shock at the realization I had never even taken the time to notice the people in my classroom. I looked down, embarrassed. (text-color:red) [//You never noticed, did you?//] Seonghwa smirked in amusement. Looking at his watch, his face flashed with stress. (text-color:red) [//I have to get ready to go to cram school. See you tomorrow!//] He quickly took his bag and tray and left, leaving me confused and lost in thought. We rapidly became friends. I felt quite sad for him and also kind of stuck with him at first, but we quickly became best friends. Seonghwa had some perfectionistic tendencies... No, not some. He was the definition of perfectionism. Always having to follow his plans to a T. The time I got to visit his home and see his room, I grew concerned. There, in his bedroom, was a wall filled with post-it notes, reminders, and planned milestones. I had tried to talk him into seeing a therapist. I felt relieved when he finally started seeing one, but it wasn’t much of a help. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Surprisingly, a random girl would be the catalyst to breaking his harmful perfectionistic ways.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Amongst the blossoming friendship between me and Seonghwa, I found an abandoned warehouse near the school during one of my strolls. It was the perfect spot to have some peace of mind and compose. And it was initially my secret spot, just for me and only me. Besides the warehouse though, I had another spot for when I wanted to contemplate or meditate: the school rooftop. Although it was out of bounds for us students, I had still found a way to sneak up there; and I’m pretty sure many others did so too. Yunho would be the confirmation of that hunch I had. One afternoon after class, when Seonghwa had left to go to cram school, leaving me back to my solitude, I decided to go to the rooftop to empty my head. When I arrived there, I was greeted with the sound of sniffing. Following the sound, I'd be met with the sight of a tall guy sitting on the ground, hands hugging his knees, head nesting in between them. (text-color:yellow) [//Ah...//] I didn't know how to react but be stuck with my mouth half-open. The boy lifted up his face in surprise to my gasp and quickly wiped his eyes with his arm before shuffling to get up. I quickly stopped him by pushing him softly down. (text-color:yellow) [//Sorry for interrupting.//] I said, sitting down next to him, bringing my knees to my chest. (text-color:yellow) [//I'm Hongjoong.//] His puppy-dog face looked puffy from the crying, and it made me want to laugh yet offer him help. (text-color:orange) [//I'm Yunho.//] The tall stranger would finally introduce himself. He was in his first year, making me his senior by a year. We'd stay the whole afternoon on the rooftop, discussing. He'd open up about his hardships. I'd introduce him to Seonghwa after that. And somehow, like that, we would become a trio. We'd eventually listen to music together and start dancing and singing around. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[This gave me an idea, and that's how that secret warehouse would become our safe place.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Initially, it was just the three of us, but with time, our group grew to what we would call Ateez. A group of eight teenagers trying to navigate our tumultuous lives while finding solace and comfort in music and dancing. First, Jongho joined us. Having had an accident that left him unable to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a professional basketball player, he became depressed and lost, not knowing what else could bring the spark and joy back. Then Mingi joined. Outcast due to his low economic status and fighting depression after the loss of his grandma, we bumped into him on the rooftop and grew close with him over time, helping him open up and find joy and strength through our friendship and musical endeavors. Eventually, we bumped into San and Wooyoung. They were close friends, in the same class, and had become best friends almost instantly. We met them on a Saturday, during a visit to a public dance-off contest. Last to join us was Yeosang. On a sunny day, close to summer vacation, a drone flew into our secret spot. We quickly met the owner of the drone: Yeosang. To our surprise, he had made the drone from scratch. He was like a bird in a golden cage, to be honest. He wasn’t living his own life but rather his parents’ dreams and aspirations. The only thing that made him feel alive was crafting things from scratch. Initially, he was against joining us, but thanks to his help fixing some abandoned speakers we had found, we slowly broke through the cage and helped him come out. We became so close it was impossible to break us apart. We felt unstoppable. We were united by our struggles, our dreams, and music. We felt like nothing could get to us. Or so we thought. Eventually, San came to the warehouse looking defeated. His parents were once again relocating because of work. San had tried his best to stay behind, but it was pointless. Somehow, that was the first crack in Ateez. Mingi soon fell back into a depressive episode. He wanted to quit. (text-color: #228B22) [//It’s all pointless, guys, don’t you see it? All these dreams and hopes? That’s all bollocks. A luxury we can’t afford! We’re just teenagers tangled in life’s mess. If we keep focusing on those silly dreams and music, we’re bound to fail. Wake up, guys!//] Mingi said in an emotional fit. (text-color:purple) [//Mingi.//] San called out coldly. (text-color: #228B22) [//This was all pointless...//] Mingi muttered. All of a sudden, Jongho came at Mingi full force, his fist meeting Mingi’s jaw. Everyone was shocked, scrambling to calm the situation. But it was too late. Our group was broken apart. And once again, on a hot and humid rainy day, life went back to square one. We all decided to go our separate ways. We all felt defeated and broken. We started to feel like those dreams and hopes were becoming shackles that held us down instead of giving us flight. Problems were piling up. Arguments became frequent and that was the sign it was time to let each other go our own way. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Through silent tears and heartbreak, we all left the warehouse, picking up our broken dreams on our way out.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= After our group broke up, I kept visiting the warehouse. I guess I was subconsciously hoping that I’d wake up on the sofa and everyone would be there again. Last night, I had once again come here, and that’s when I noticed some crumpled paper in the corner of the room. It was some sheet music, all crinkled up and forgotten iin a corner. It was the last song I had been working on before Ateez became no longer... And here I am again, in the warehouse. All alone. Speakers, piano, table, everything was dusty. A cemetery of our long-gone hopes and dreams. Sitting on the sofa, I pulled out the sheet music and set it on the table. Looking at it, I sighed, my nightmare still keeping me on edge. Ever since we went our own ways, I kept having dreams of the same man in a black fedora. I could never make out his face, which was always hidden behind a hoodie or a black mask that only revealed his tired eyes. Yet somehow, he felt familiar. Those tired eyes looked almost like a reflection of mine. Laying on the sofa, I felt the exhaustion take over me, my eyes closing. (text-color: #938200) [//Your dreams weren’t lost because they were a luxury you couldn’t afford. You lost them because you all decided to.//] Groggy, I looked around. The man was there, sitting on the table, staring at me. (text-color:yellow) [//Am I dreaming again?//] (text-color: #938200) [//Change your mindset, and you’ll see the world in a whole other light. The world you live in isn’t the only one. There are so many more dimensions and realities you can’t even fathom. The world I come from and the world you're in—they’re both real. Different sides of a coin, if you will. I want to tell you everything, but I don’t have time.//] He glanced behind him, then looked back at me. From his pocket, he took out a strange hourglass and placed it on the table. (text-color:yellow) [//What is this?//] (text-color: #938200) [//Chromer. The key that will allow you to find all these different worlds.//] I reached for what he called the Chromer. (text-color: #938200) [//Follow your heart. The map is there.//] Looking up, confused by his last words—I was met with nothing. Suddenly, I jolted awake on the sofa, panting. (text-color:yellow) [//It was a dream again?//] Frustrated by these constant nightmares, I looked at the table... Only to find the hourglass I had just dreamt of standing there. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Pick up the hourglass.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Look around the room.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Standing up carefully, I looked around the warehouse. (text-color:yellow) [//Hello?//] I called out, voice echoing against the empty walls. (text-color:yellow) [//This isn’t funny.//] A chill ran down my spine as unease settled in. My fear was mixing with frustration. I grabbed a baseball bat lying near the dusty speakers and started moving slowly through the warehouse, each footstep loud against the silence. I searched every corner, my grip tightening. No one was here. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Open the warehouse door.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Picking up the hourglass, I inspect it carefully, turning it around in my hands, taking in every detail. It was so elaborate and intricate, it looked like it came from another time. So ancient, you’d think it held all the secrets of the world. I sighed. (text-color:yellow) [//So it wasn’t just a dream.//] While looking at it, I accidentally twisted the top. A soft snap echoed and the sand began to flow upward, defying gravity. Suddenly, the warehouse door creaked open. One by one, the guys walked in, gathering around me. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[All of them wore the same puzzled expression.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:#c0c0c0) [//What the hell?//] Wooyoung blurted out. (text-color:fuchsia) [//What happened?//] Yeosang asked, pure confusion in his voice. (text-color:yellow) [//I... I have no idea.//] I said. Everyone was looking at me. Before I could mutter another word, the Cromer in my hand flashed again. Everyone looked around in confusion, myself included. Although the Cromer had flashed the same light before the guy appeared, we were still in the hideout. We all looked the same too. (text-color:#c0c0c0) [//What the hell, that's not funny.//] Wooyoung said, irritated. And then we heard it. (text-color:#938200) [//Over here.//] A voice whispered to us. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check the direction the voice came from.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Leave the warehouse.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I moved slowly and silently towards the door. My heartbeat was beating loud against my chest. Grasping the bat tightly with one hand, my other reached towards the door, ready to meet whoever could be hiding behind it. 3... 2... 1... Holding my breath, I opened the door quickly and got ready to swing my bat. No one was there. I was all alone. With a sigh, I lowered my arms, letting the bat fall from my hand. I took another look around me before closing the warehouse door. Looking behind me, the hourglass on the table looked as if it was glimmering. I headed towards the table. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Pick up the hourglass.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Taking a look towards the direction of the voice, we saw a man clad in black, fedora hat hiding his face. He was crouching by the piano. We all looked at him, feeling uneasy. I made my way towards the man. (text-color:yellow) [//Who are you?//] I asked, looking at him, frustrated. The man stood up and looked at me, his face hidden by the mask. He quickly started explaining to us that we were in his world. A world where things were dark and gloomy. He told us about the different dimensions. We were in what was called Strictland, governed by evil forces that used advanced technology to control the people. They would steal the memories of people, controlling their emotions, turning them into some sort of living robots. Hypnotised and emotionless, yet alive, with a beating heart, flesh and bones. Z was the ruler, also known as Henry Jo. He had banned music and the arts as a way to prevent people from redeveloping feelings. But what we were all trying to figure out was why the government was after the Cromer. Lost in the discussion with the unknown man, we were quickly brought back to reality. Loud steps and commotion rang outside the warehouse. White-clad giants showed up, just like the ones I had dreamt about. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[The Guardians raided the warehouse.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= We quickly made our way to the warehouse door. (text-color:#938200) [//Wait!//] A man yelled at us. Looking behind me, I saw the black-clad man from my dreams, standing up and reaching toward us. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Stay.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Run away.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= All of a sudden, the discussion we had with that man no longer mattered. We were now face to face with the dangerous Guardians, and they were after the only thing that could bring us back home: The Cromer. I had to protect it at all costs. But I was also responsible for the members' safety. After all, I was the reason they were here with me. Looking around, I decide to: (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take the piece of glass near my foot.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take the Cromer from Yunho.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Attack the giant in front of me.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Esquiving the giant, I leaned down to grab the piece of glass and yelled for Yunho, gesturing to his hand. It all happened quickly. (text-color:orange) [//It’s over here!//] Yunho yelled, diverting the attention of the giants. As they ran toward him, he threw it towards me. I managed to catch it, glass shard still in my hand. (text-color:yellow) [//You want this??//] I yelled, waving in the air the hand that held the glass shard. (text-color:yellow) [//Then take it!//] Throwing the glass shard through the window, I ran towards the guy, concealing the Cromer. While the giants made their way toward the window, I yelled for the guys to run. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[With the Cromer in hand we run outside the warehouse.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//Yunho!//] I yell as I make my way quickly towards him and grab Cromer from his hands. A group of giants start running our way. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Grab Yunho by his hand and run towards the exit.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Grab Cromer from his hand.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I launch myself towards the giant in front of me, fists as my weapon. With a yell, I aim my punch at the giant, but he easily overtakes me. By the time I turn around, I feel a hit against my head and everything turns black. A flash of light engulfs me and I am brought back to that day. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Through silent tears and heartbreak, we all left the warehouse, picking up our broken dreams on our way out.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Outside the warehouse, we are met with a familiar yet strange environment. Our second indication that what that man was telling us wasn’t just bollocks. We run through the street, before Seonghwa yelled behind me. (text-color:yellow) [//Guys, stop!//] Everyone stopped in their tracks, taken aback. We looked between us, worried we had left someone behind, but everyone was present. Seonghwa made his way toward me, angry. (text-color:red) [//Did you really throw the Cromer out the window?//] He asked angrily, grabbing me by my collar. San quickly came between us to stop the fight. (text-color:purple) [//Guys, stop!//] Seonghwa let go of me, anger still boiling in his eyes. (text-color:yellow) [//Chill, I only threw a glass shard.//] I said, showing him the Cromer in my hands. (text-color:#744700) [//Guys, as a reminder, we were running for our lives. We better move on if we don’t want to die.//] Jongho spoke up, moving ahead of us. We all quickly followed him, running further away from the warehouse. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ahead of us we see the entrance to a big forest.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Grabbing Yunho by the hand, I dragged him towards the door while yelling at the guys to run. We heard the piano break apart as we were heading for the door. Glancing quickly behind me, I saw some of the Guardians tackling the black-clad man to the ground. Opening the door, we ran like our lives depended on it. Our lungs hurt from all the running. For a second, we all felt anxious. We were surrounded by familiar surroundings, yet everything looked strange and weird. (text-color:red) [//What the hell is going on?!//] Seonghwa yelled, running ahead of us. (text-color:#228B22) [//Man, this is all crazy!//] Mingi shouted while running. (text-color:yellow) [//I think it’s the Cromer!//] Yunho looked at me, then at the hourglass in his hands. (text-color:orange) [//This??//] He asked, lifting the Cromer in the air. (text-color:yellow) [//Yes! That’s what the man in my dreams handed me.//] I said, stopping to catch my breath. Yeosang looked behind us before he stopped and joined me at my side, out of breath. (text-color:#c0c0c0) [//Hongjoong, you sound delirious.//] Wooyoung blurted out, panting. (text-color:yellow) [//I think that man we saw in the warehouse was the exact same one from my dreams.//] Everyone looked at me in silence, confused, adrenaline pumping through our veins. (text-color:#228B22) [//Guys, look!//] Mingi pointed ahead. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ahead of us we see the entrance to a big forest.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= With a leap towards Yunho’s side, I took the Cromer from his hands. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[With the Cromer in hand we run outside the warehouse.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Throw the Cromer out the window.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Use the Cromer as a weapon to bludgeon the Android Guardians.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Looking at each other and then behind us, we decided to step into the forest. The tall trees cast shadows, keeping the sunlight captive the further we went into the heart of it. Exhausted, with no notion of time or orientation, we stopped to rest. We were certain the giants had lost track of us by now. With a sigh of exhaustion, Yeosang leaned on a tree. (text-color:#c0c0c0) [//Well, I would lie to say I’m not a tiny bit happy.//] Wooyoung’s light-heartedness earned him some angry glares. (text-color:#c0c0c0) [//Hey, I’m just saying—we at least get to be Ateez once again.//] He added defensively, raising his arms as if he were held at gunpoint. Seonghwa stared at him, speechless and displeased. (text-color:purple) [//I don’t think this is the time or place to joke.//] San added calmly, though irritation was still visible. We all stayed silent for a bit before Jongho got up to check the surroundings, unease still thick in the atmosphere. We eventually felt the crash of adrenaline leaving our bodies; exhaustion taking over us. (text-color:fuchsia) [//I’m pretty sure we’re safe now.//] Yeosang broke the silence first. (text-color:yellow) [//Let’s take a moment to rest before we take the next step.//] We all agreed and decided to get comfortable on the forest ground. It didn’t take long to fall asleep on the humid, leafy earth. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Yet luck wasn't on our side.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= We all looked at him, feeling uneasy. I made my way towards the man. (text-color:yellow) [//Who are you?//] I asked, looking at him, frustrated. The man stood up and looked at me, his face hidden by the mask. He quickly started explaining to us that we were in his world. A world where things were dark and gloomy. He told us about the different dimensions. We were in what was called Strictland, governed by evil forces that used advanced technology to control the people. They would steal the memories of people, controlling their emotions, turning them into some sort of living robots. Hypnotised and emotionless, yet alive, with a beating heart, flesh and bones. Z was the ruler. Also known as Henry Jo. He had banned music and the arts as a way to prevent people from redeveloping feelings. But what we were all trying to figure out was why the government was after the Cromer. Lost in the discussion with the unknown man, we were quickly brought back to reality. Loud steps and commotion rang outside the warehouse. White-clad giants showed up, just like the ones I had dreamt about. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[The Guardians raided the warehouse.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Without a thought, Jongho pulled the door open. Everyone started running outside, Mingi grabbing my arm and pulling me out alongside them. (text-color:yellow) [//Wait!//] I yelled at them, but the guys kept pulling me away. For a second, we all felt anxious. We were surrounded by familiar surroundings, yet everything looked strange and weird. We ran like our lives depended on it. Our lungs hurt from all the running. (text-color:red) [//What the hell is going on?!//] Seonghwa yelled, running ahead of us. (text-color:#228B22) [//Man, this is all crazy!//] Mingi shouted while running. (text-color:yellow) [//I think it’s the Cromer!//] Yunho looked at me, then at the hourglass in his hands. (text-color:orange) [//This??//] He asked, lifting the Cromer in the air. (text-color:yellow) [//Yes! That’s what the man in my dreams handed me.//] I said, stopping to catch my breath. Yeosang looked behind us before he stopped and joined me at my side, out of breath. (text-color:#c0c0c0) [//Hongjoong, you sound delirious.//] Wooyoung blurted out, panting. (text-color:yellow) [//I think that man we saw in the warehouse was the exact same one from my dreams.//] Everyone looked at me in silence, confused, adrenaline pumping through our veins. (text-color:#228B22) [//Guys, look!//] Mingi pointed ahead. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ahead of us we see the entrance to a big forest.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= The moment I threw the Cromer out the window, all of the Android Guardians went after it, giving us the opportunity to run out of the warehouse. Outside, we were met with a familiar yet strange environment, our second indication that what that man was telling us wasn’t just bollocks. Everything looked identical, bringing past memories to mind, yet everything felt odd. Almost lifeless and grey. Running as fast as we could, we were finally met with some form of life: a big forest entrance lay ahead of us. (text-color:#228B22) [//What the hell, man?//] Mingi asked, frustration and anger in his voice. (text-color:#c0c0c0) [//Did you seriously throw THE thing that could have given us answers?//] Wooyoung asked, irritated and in disbelief, coming up close to me. I could feel he was close to picking a fight. (text-color:purple) [//Guys, let’s first get into a safe space and then talk calmly, okay?//] San approached us, rubbing the bridge of his nose. We both looked at him and sighed. Ahead of us, we saw the entrance to a big forest. Looking at each other and then behind us, we decided to step into the forest. The tall trees cast shadows, keeping the sunlight captive the further we went into the heart of it. Exhausted, with no notion of time or orientation, we stopped to rest. With a sigh of exhaustion, Yeosang leaned on a tree. (text-color:yellow) [//I tried to do the best I could.//] I finally broke the silence after receiving a few glares from Wooyoung and Mingi. (text-color:#c0c0c0) [//Like when you decided it was best to break us up?//] Wooyoung’s words bit back at me. (text-color:purple) [//Can you for once not?//] San snarled at Wooyoung, the tension rising again. (text-color:purple) [//I’m sure we’ll find a way. For now, let’s focus on finding where the hell we are and what’s going on.//] He added. We started looking around the forest, trying to find a way out. That’s when Mingi called out to us. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[In front of us was a cave entrance; a little girl waving for us to come near.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I launch myself towards the giant in front of me, Cromer as my weapon. With a yell, I aim the Cromer at the giant's head, but he easily overtakes me. By the time I turn around, I feel a hit against my head and everything turns black. A flash of light engulfs me and I am brought back to that day. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Through silent tears and heartbreak, we all left the warehouse, picking up our broken dreams on our way out.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I was startled awake by yells and commotion. The giants had caught up to us. Groggy from the short nap, I leaned on my hands to see my friends getting attacked by the white-clad giants. (text-color:orange) [//Hongjoong!//] Yunho yelled, worry laced in his voice. Looking in his direction, I saw him struggling to save Wooyoung, who was being grappled by the giants. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Throw a rock at the Android Guardian.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Use the Cromer as a weapon to bludgeon the Android Guardians.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Join Yunho, who was trying to pull Wooyoung free from the Android Guardian's grasp.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I quickly grabbed a hefty rock and aimed at the giant that was holding Wooyoung, but it didn’t do much to help. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Join Yunho, who was trying to pull Wooyoung free from the Android Guardian's grasp.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Not knowing what else to do, I decide to join Yunho. The others were busy fending for themselves, some grouped together, successfully overtaking the giants they were against. With a yell, I launch myself at the Guardian, hitting him with the Cromer in my hand. San joined us after taking out one of the giants, trying to help. With a strong thud to its head, San managed to make the giant lose balance, letting go of Wooyoung for a brief moment. We all took off quickly, running away, Cromer still in hand. Suddenly, Wooyoung was hit in the back and fell down. A giant started dragging him and twisting him around by his ankle, pulling him away from us. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Save Wooyoung.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Keep running.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I quickly ran to pull Wooyoung free from the giant’s grasp, the guys’ yells echoing behind me. Wooyoung was fighting, pain visible in his cries for help and on his face. In my attempt to save him, the Cromer fell from my pocket. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong!//] Seonghwa yelled upon seeing the Cromer hit the ground. By the time I realized what was wrong, the giant had let go of Wooyoung’s ankle and grabbed the Cromer. Before we could do anything, the Android Guardians had run off with our only key to going back home in hand. Overwhelmed by all the issues at hand, I stood next to Wooyoung, a bunch of thoughts running through my head at the same time. (text-color:yellow) [//Are you alright?//] I asked, crouching next to Wooyoung, who was holding his ankle in pain. (text-color:#c0c0c0) [//Those tin-foil jerks...//] Wooyoung started insulting them, wincing every once in a while in pain while I examined his ankle. (text-color:#228b22) [//Guys! Quickly, come!//] Mingi yelled for us. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[In front of us was a cave entrance; a little girl waving for us to come near.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= We got further away from Wooyoung, Cromer still in our possession. (text-color:fuchsia) [//We have to find him.//] Yeosang exclaimed in anguish, looking in the direction we had just run from. (text-color:yellow) [//I'm so sorry. We will find him, I promise.//] It felt like an empty promise, even to myself. We had no idea where we were, or how exactly this cursed hourglass brought us here. So how could I possibly know how to find Wooyoung? I could see some of the members looking at me judgmentally, knowing well that I, too, had a hard time fully believing my own words. That’s when our distress came to a short halt. I felt a tug at my shirt, making me quickly turn, ready to fight. In front of me was a little girl. Pure sadness had made a home out of her eyes. She held tightly to my shirt as if I might disappear into thin air, then pointed to a nearby cave. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Looking at each other, we decide to follow her cautiously.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Approaching cautiously, we were met with a boy as well. After guiding us into the small cave, the little boy spoke up. (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//This is my sister. Please excuse her, but she cannot speak. The white-clad giants stole her voice...//] The little boy did the speaking. They were the Grimes siblings. While talking with them, they began explaining in more detail about the place we were in: Strictlan. It once resembled the world we knew. But as technology developed, the government decided to enforce a new policy for the supposed well-being and security of humankind, by running AI simulations and creating a dystopian system to rule over society. The government blamed human emotions for all the wars, crimes, and tragedies happening around the world, so their plan was to minimize emotional capacity. Eventually, that led to banning emotions completely. And the arts were part of that ban. The government believed the arts deeply affected human emotions and could only lead to nefarious results. They explained how the government managed to achieve high economic growth under this strict policy, and people enjoyed material wealth. However, their smiles, laughter, and joy faded, leaving behind emotionless, rigid faces with no life in their eyes. As emotions disappeared, a group of black-clad men with fedoras and masks started to emerge. They danced and sang in public spaces, attracting attention. Through their performances, they slowly began to reawaken people’s emotions, recruiting them in a mission to overthrow the oppressive government. People from all kinds of fields regrouped with these men and formed the “Black Pirates.” The men in black fedoras were soon put on the wanted list, but they were never caught thanks to the Cromer. That hourglass allowed them to teleport. That’s when the government created the Android Guardians, the white-clad giants we had previously fought. The Guardians eventually managed to capture the members one by one. Now, the Cromerr was in their hands as well. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[We need to get Cromer back if we want to go back home.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= The little boy informed us that the only person who could tell us where the Android Guardians' bunker was, was Left Eye. Following the Grimes siblings, we were led to a dumpster. (text-color: #228b22) [//You're kidding me.//] Mingi let out in frustration. It felt like we were near a desert storm; yellow smoke engulfing the dumpster. The little boy quickly informed us that the smoke could cause hallucinations and that we had to be careful. That man who knew of the bunker's location seemed to also spew a lot of nonsense due to the smoke. (text-color: #228b22) [//You guys really will believe a dude that's high as a flying monkey will know where the bunker is?//] Mingi's frustration only grew with time. (text-color:fuchsia) [//We’ve got nothing to lose.//] Yeosang said, getting ready to enter the dumpster. (text-color: #c0c0c0) [//Wait!//] We all looked at Wooyoung. (text-color: #c0c0c0) [//Shall we split up? Half of us go have a chit-chat with the old man and find out where the bunker is, while the other half of us can go search for the girl's voice.//] Wooyoung said. Among their explanations, the little boy had mentioned that his sister’s voice was lost somewhere in the dumpster of stolen emotions and memories. The giants would burn them for energy, while also getting high on the smoke they emitted. Mingi looked at him, dumbfounded, but Jongho joined Wooyoung’s side in agreement. (text-color: #744700) [//I mean, if we’re here, might as well repay their kindness.//] Jongho reasoned logically. Yunho nodded and offered to go with the team that was to talk with Left Eye. (text-color: #228b22) [//What if they already burned it?//] Mingi said, exasperated. (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//It’s not. I can sense it’s somewhere here.//] The boy exclaimed. After a moment of consideration, we decided to split up. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for the voice.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Find Left Eye.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Once in the cave, we were met with a boy as well. After guiding us into the small cave, the little boy spoke up. (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//This is my sister. Please excuse her, but she cannot speak. The white-clad giants stole her voice...//] The little boy did the speaking. They were the Grimes siblings. While talking with them, they began explaining in more detail about the place we were in: Strictlan. It once resembled the world we knew. But as technology developed, the government decided to enforce a new policy for the supposed well-being and security of humankind, by running AI simulations and creating a dystopian system to rule over society. The government blamed human emotions for all the wars, crimes, and tragedies happening around the world, so their plan was to minimize emotional capacity. Eventually, that led to banning emotions completely. And the arts were part of that ban. The government believed the arts deeply affected human emotions and could only lead to nefarious results. They explained how the government managed to achieve high economic growth under this strict policy, and people enjoyed material wealth. However, their smiles, laughter, and joy faded, leaving behind emotionless, rigid faces with no life in their eyes. As emotions disappeared, a group of black-clad men with fedoras and masks started to emerge. They danced and sang in public spaces, attracting attention. Through their performances, they slowly began to reawaken people’s emotions, recruiting them in a mission to overthrow the oppressive government. People from all kinds of fields regrouped with these men and formed the “Black Pirates.” The men in black fedoras were soon put on the wanted list, but they were never caught thanks to the Cromer. That hourglass allowed them to teleport. That’s when the government created the Android Guardians, the white-clad giants we had previously fought. The Guardians eventually managed to capture the members one by one. They told us that’s most probably where Wooyoung was being held captive as well. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[We need to find Wooyoung.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

The little boy informed us that the only person who could tell us where the Android Guardians' bunker was, was Left Eye. Following the Grimes siblings, we were led to a dumpster. (text-color: #228b22) [//You're kidding me.//] Mingi let out in frustration. It felt like we were near a desert storm; yellow smoke engulfing the dumpster. The little boy quickly informed us that the smoke could cause hallucinations and that we had to be careful. That man who knew of the bunker's location seemed to also spew a lot of nonsense due to the smoke. (text-color: #228b22) [//You guys really will believe a dude that's high as a flying monkey will know where the bunker is?//] Mingi's frustration only grew with time. (text-color:fuchsia) [//We’ve got nothing to lose.//] Yeosang said, getting ready to enter the dumpster. (text-color:fuchsia) [//While at it, shall we split up? Half of us go have a chit-chat with the old man and find out where the bunker is, while the other half of us can go search for the girl's voice.//] Yeosang added. Among their explanations, the little boy had mentioned that his sister’s voice was lost somewhere in the dumpster of stolen emotions and memories. The giants would burn them for energy, while also getting high on the smoke they emitted. Mingi looked at him, dumbfounded, but Jongho joined Yeosang’s side in agreement. (text-color: #744700) [//I mean, if we’re here, might as well repay their kindness.//] Jongho reasoned logically. Yunho nodded and offered to go with the team that was to talk with Left Eye. (text-color: #228b22) [//What if they already burned it?//] Mingi said, exasperated. (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//It’s not. I can sense it’s somewhere here.//] The boy exclaimed. After a moment of consideration, we decided to split up. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Find the girl's voice.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Go find Left Eye.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Following the siblings in the search for the girl’s voice, we ended up in a small cave. Apparently, her voice could be sensed there. Taking a moment to think about how we would go about it, we decided the best route would be to send someone in, tied by a string around their waist. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Offer to go in the cave.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Offer to keep hold of the string.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Before we split up to go on our missions, the Grimes siblings filled us in on Left Eye. He used to run a small brand shop selling unique clothing items. He had studied fashion design but was, sadly, often disqualified. (text-color: #7fc5e7) [//We’re sorry, but we are seeking someone with more experience.//] (text-color: #0fc0e1) [//Although you are very qualified for this position, we decided to proceed with the second candidate. It’s purely due to chemistry, but it was still a pleasure getting to know you (nervous laughter).//] (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//We’re sorry, this position has already been attributed...//] Although people at the fashion houses would spew a bunch of excuses, he knew all these rejections were due to his intimidating and unfriendly appearance. He was aware that he had great skills, and those who knew him would attest that he was a warm person filled with passion and creativity. But all this warmth would get lost on a spring day. They were out and about, enjoying the beautiful weather. He had stopped briefly by a shop to check for new fabrics for his designs. However, in that brief moment, his daughter ran to save a flower from traffic, thinking it wasn’t a safe place for a flower to bloom. A speeding car hit her and ran away. Time seemed to stop for him, but the people just went on with their day. Indifferent to the little girl bleeding on the ground. They pretended not to see anything, focused on heading to their own destinations. When the man was met with the tragic reality, he lost his warmth. He became furious and bordered the line of insanity from the deep grief and anger at the indifference of the citizens. Soon after losing his daughter, he wandered into the dumpster. Seeking the help of the intoxicating smoke to numb his pain and heartache. That’s when he met his daughter’s illusion. He thought he had found her again. The illusion was so realistic that he went on believing his daughter hadn’t died that day. Wandering around, talking to thin air, he got scouted by the Android Guardians. Knowing that was the only place he could see his daughter again, he accepted the role of manager of Strictland’s dump. While hearing the story, I couldn’t help but notice the look in Yunho’s eyes. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[A deep empathy and recognition of himself in Left Eye’s pain.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Tying the string around my waist, I nod at my groupmates and head into the cave, secretly anxious about what I would find. Initially, I saw nothing but the humid walls and moss. But deep in the cave, I could see a light growing with every step I took. I felt dizzy, but I kept pushing, the light growing bigger and bigger. All of a sudden, I got blinded by the light. Covering my eyes with my hands, I tried to peek through them. But I was shocked to see myself lying in bed. (text-color:yellow) [//What?//] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Sitting up on my bed, I am met with a familiar sight.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Jongho decided to go into the cave. Tying the string, he reassured us he would come back quickly. The cave, seemingly small, wouldn’t be hard to come and go from quickly. We watched him go in, blending into the darkness the further he went. Initially, it was all going smoothly. Then the movement stopped. We waited in suspense. All of a sudden, the string started moving quickly. I tried to keep hold of it, but amidst my efforts to maintain a strong grip, it snapped. Heartbeat racing, I tried to think of my next move. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Run in the cave.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Freeze from overwhelm.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I took one of the last masks we had and ran into the cave. Searching for Jongho, I saw him inside in a delirious state. In the corner I saw something was glowing a bright light. (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho!//] I yelled at him, but he sprinted past me and out of the cave. Running behind him, I yelled for the others to wear their masks and check what was glimmering in the cave. Still in pursuit of Jongho, I realized we were both heading toward the edge of a cliff. I ran for dear life, trying to catch up, grabbing Jongho with all my might. He was delirious. (text-color: #744700) [//Please take me with you! Please don’t leave me here!//] Jongho kept shouting. We were wrestling, struggling not to fall off the cliff. (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho!//] I kept calling for him, hoping to break through the hallucination he was trapped in. We kept wrestling, getting closer and closer to the edge. (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho Choi!//] I yelled with all my strength. That’s when he stopped for a second and looked at me. I took the opportunity to place my mask over his face. After a few breaths, I could see the haze in his eyes starting to clear. (text-color: #744700) [//Hongjoong?//] Jongho called out in realization, looking around, noticing my grip on him. We were both at the edge of the cliff, planted firmly. (text-color:yellow) [//The guys found her voice. Let’s get out of here.//] I said with a smile, trying to pull his mind out of the fog. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Patting his back, we headed to join the rest of the guys.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Already overwhelmed by everything that had happened, Jongho’s string breaking was what brought me to my limit. I froze, panic taking over me. My groupmates’ voices felt distant, my surroundings starting to fade. I felt like I was detaching from my body and reality. (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho!//] Wooyoung’s voice brought me back to my senses, just in time to see Jongho running from the cave toward the cliff. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Run after Jongho.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Call out after Jongho.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Still shaken from being so close to dying, we all tried to make light of the situation. We rejoiced in the little girl finding her voice, singing and laughing on our way to meet the rest of the guys. Once back at our starting point, we waited for a bit before seeing the other half of the group approaching, accompanied by a big, tall guy. Left Eye was on our team. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Our next destination? The Bunkers.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I ran for dear life, trying to catch up, grabbing Jongho with all my might. He was delirious. (text-color: #744700) [//Please take me with you! Please don’t leave me here!//] Jongho kept shouting. We were wrestling, struggling not to fall off the cliff. (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho!//] I kept calling for him, hoping to break through the hallucination he was trapped in. We kept wrestling, getting closer and closer to the edge. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Put your mask on Jongho.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Call out after Jongho.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho Choi!//] I yelled at him. It felt like my body was paralyzed. Jongho kept running, ignoring our screams. (text-color:yellow) [//It’s the smoke!//] The little boy yelled. The guys started running after him, but it was already too late. Jongho had jumped off the cliff. It felt like we all fought till the end for each other. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Yet luck wasn't on our side.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho Choi!//] I yelled with all my strength. That’s when he stopped for a second and looked at me. I took the opportunity to place my mask over his face. After a few breaths, I could see the haze in his eyes starting to clear. (text-color: #744700) [//Hongjoong?//] Jongho called out in realization, looking around, noticing my grip on him. We were both at the edge of the cliff, planted firmly. (text-color:yellow) [//The guys found her voice. Let’s get out of here.//] I said with a smile, trying to pull his mind out of the fog. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Patting his back, we headed to join the rest of the guys.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//Dude, she's leaving!//] The familiar voice brought me to a realization. I was in Aurora’s Home. Did I travel back in time? But how? (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//The car is already here!//] I heard another voice yell in the hallway. Realizing I was back on the day Nina was adopted, I took off as quickly as I could. I don’t know what got into me at that moment, but I didn’t want to see her leave again without a goodbye. Pushing through the people, I ran down the hallways, heading for the stairs. (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//Hongjoong!//] I heard the voice of one of the caregivers calling out for me. (text-color:yellow) [//Sorry, Mrs. Lee, but it’s an emergency!//] I yelled apologetically, knowing I’d get scolded for breaking the “no running down the corridors” rule. All of a sudden, I felt someone wrap their arms around me, keeping me from reaching the stairs. It was Mrs. Lee. I started wrestling her. I had to reach the stairs. (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//Hongjoong Kim!//] A piercing sound started ringing in my ears, stopping me in my tracks. Wincing from the sharp sound, I looked at Mrs. Lee, but Yeosang’s face started showing up behind her shoulder. (text-color:yellow) [//Yeosang?//] Rubbing my eyes, I saw Yeosang coming closer, while Mrs. Lee put her hand over my face. Panicking, I tried to push her away but I could breathe. Taking a few breaths, I realized I wasn’t in Aurora’s Home. I was hallucinating. (text-color:fuchsia) [//Hongjoong, are you okay?//] I heard Yeosang call out to me, his hand holding my shoulder in place. I looked around and saw us standing near the edge of a cliff. Yeosang informed me with a smile that they found the girl’s voice. (text-color:fuchsia) [//She has her voice back. Let’s go join the guys.//] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[With a pat on my back and a warm smile, we headed to join the rest of the guys.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= On our way to Left Eye’s office, Yunho broke the silence first. (text-color:orange) [//Shall we also help him while we’re at it?//] The guys looked at him, raising an eyebrow. Yunho wanted to help him not just out of sympathy, but from a place of knowing, of understanding what losing someone feels like. He also wanted to help as a way of healing his past self. When we found him on the rooftop, he was in a deep state of mourning and despair. His brother was in a coma, and nobody was sure if he would ever come back. Yunho was the one who had found his brother, lying on the floor with scattered pills and a bottle of soju. Ever since, he carried the feeling of guilt. Guilt for not noticing his brother’s depression sooner. Guilt for not coming home sooner. Guilt for being the one their parents pinned all their hopes on to be the example of a perfect child, while Yunho went off to chase his own dreams and passion. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Agree to help Left Eye.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Refuse to help Left Eye.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Yunho suggested luring him out to an area where the smoke was less dense. Thinking about it, it made more sense to break the illusion and make him realize he was being used by the Android Guardians. It would be easier to gain his help if we exposed how wrongly this government was operating. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Make noise outside his office.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Knock at his door.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Although it pained me to deny his request, we were running low on time. With sadness in my eyes, I apologized to Yunho. With a painful tug at my heart, I walked towards Left Eye's office. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Knock at his door.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= After a second, the door opened to reveal a tall, big man. He had a long beard and looked like a younger version of Santa Claus who went rogue. A patch covered his right eye. (text-color:yellow) [//Hello, Mister.//] The man looked at us suspiciously before glancing behind him. (text-color: #a52a2a) [//Stay inside, sweetheart.//] He said to the empty space behind him, a clear sign he was talking to his daughter’s illusion. (text-color: #a52a2a) [//What do you want?//] He asked in a hostile tone. (text-color:yellow) [//We are new to this place and were wondering if we could get some help reaching the city. We’re currently lost and can’t seem to find our way out.//] I said, nervousness peaking behind my calm demeanor. The man closed the door slightly and gave us another look. (text-color: #a52a2a) [//Black Pirates.//] He mumbled, before picking up a piece of plumbing pipe lying near the door and aiming it at us. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Run.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Fight back.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= We started to thrash around the dumpster, throwing things and stomping on them, making as much noise as possible. Suddenly, the door opened violently and out came a tall, big man. He had a long beard and looked like a younger version of Santa Claus who went rogue. A patch covered his right eye. (text-color: #a52a2a) [//What the hell are you doing?//] He yelled, picking up a piece of plumbing pipe lying near the door and aiming at us. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Run.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Fight back.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Taking off as quickly as we could, we began running methodically. Our goal was to lure him toward the area with the least smoke. It was laborious and exhausting, but we eventually managed to draw him in. In just a few breaths, the man's eyes widened, the pipe in his hand dropping to the ground. We could see the look of realization flash across his face, quickly overtaken by denial. Just moments earlier, he had been yelling for his daughter to get back into the office, promising he’d soon join her. Then, in a heartbeat, he watched her vanish like dust blown away by the wind. (text-color: #a52a2a) [//Sweetheart??//] He yelled, stepping toward the last place he had seen her illusion. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Stop him.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Grab him by the arm.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I tried to fight back, trying to take the pipe from his hand. What I didn’t take into account was that I wasn’t as quick as him. Left Eye swung the pipe and hit my head. For a second, everything faded to black, but soon I saw the black fedora man. His voice was shouting at me from a distance. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Find Left Eye.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//Left Eye!//] I yelled, trying to stop him. (text-color:orange) [//She’s dead!//] Yunho cut me off quickly, stepping forward. (text-color:orange) [//Don’t you realize it? She’s gone! She's dead! You’re actively denying it because you don’t want to believe it. Because grieving her properly would mean accepting she’s not coming back. But you know it already, don’t you?//] Tears welled up in Yunho’s eyes as he walked closer to Left Eye, his voice trembling with a mixture of anger, pain, and empathy. Left Eye picked up the pipe again and swung it toward Yunho. (text-color: #a52a2a) [//I will kill you!//] He screamed. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Get in between them.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Grab Yunho.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Getting in between them, I tried to fight back, but I wasn’t quick enough. Left Eye swung the pipe and hit my head. For a second, everything faded to black, but soon I saw the black fedora man. His voice was shouting at me from a distance. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Find Left Eye.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Grabbing Yunho, I pulled him back just in time. Left Eye’s swing hit a pile of metal and broken windows next to where Yunho had stood. For some reason, he was focused only on Yunho, who was desperately avoiding his attacks. Left Eye only swung more and more recklessly with each failed attempt, shattering everything the pipe hit. When Left Eye started to show signs of fatigue, Yunho stopped running and made his way towards him. (text-color:yellow) [//Yunho!//] We all yelled in unison, afraid he could get injured, or worse. But Yunho had a look of determination in his eyes, a storm of emotions mixing into an unexplainable result. (text-color:orange) [//It’s not your fault.//] He got face-to-face with Left Eye. (text-color:orange) [//You didn’t intend to cause harm to anyone.//] He spoke up, staring into Left Eye’s eyes. After a moment of silence, Left Eye let his tears flow freely, eyes veiled with sorrow and grief. Yunho hugged him and let him cry in his arms. Through sobs, Left Eye called out for his daughter, apologizing to her. He eventually opened up, and just like Yunho, he was filled with guilt and a bunch of what-ifs. Once he had calmed down, we told him everything about us: about how we got here, the Cromer, the attack in the forest, and the Grimes siblings. The man listened intently, emotions flashing through his eyes during our retelling of events. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[In the end, he decided to help us get to the Android Guardians’ bunker.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Making our way back to our starting point, we engaged in small talk with Left Eye, sharing our stories with him and listening to his in return. Before long, we arrived at the entrance of the dumpster, where the rest of the guys were waiting for us. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Our next destination? The Bunkers.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Following the siblings in the search for the girl’s voice, we ended up in a small cave. Apparently, her voice could be sensed there. Taking a moment to think about how we would go about it, we decided the best route would be to send someone in, tied by a string around their waist. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Offer to go in the cave]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Offer to keep hold of the string]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Before we split up to go on our missions, the Grimes siblings filled us in on Left Eye. He used to run a small brand shop selling unique clothing items. He had studied fashion design but was, sadly, often disqualified. (text-color: #7fc5e7) [//We’re sorry, but we are seeking someone with more experience.//] (text-color: #0fc5e1) [//Although you are very qualified for this position, we decided to proceed with the second candidate. It’s purely due to chemistry, but it was still a pleasure getting to know you (nervous laughter).//] (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//We’re sorry, this position has already been attributed...//] Although people at the fashion houses would spew a bunch of excuses, he knew all these rejections were due to his intimidating and unfriendly appearance. He was aware that he had great skills, and those who knew him would attest that he was a warm person filled with passion and creativity. But all this warmth would get lost on a spring day. They were out and about, enjoying the beautiful weather. He had stopped briefly by a shop to check for new fabrics for his designs. However, in that brief moment, his daughter ran to save a flower from traffic, thinking it wasn’t a safe place for a flower to bloom. A speeding car hit her and ran away. Time seemed to stop for him, but the people just went on with their day. Indifferent to the little girl bleeding on the ground. They pretended not to see anything, focused on heading to their own destinations. When the man was met with the tragic reality, he lost his warmth. He became furious and bordered the line of insanity from the deep grief and anger at the indifference of the citizens. Soon after losing his daughter, he wandered into the dumpster. Seeking the help of the intoxicating smoke to numb his pain and heartache. That’s when he met his daughter’s illusion. He thought he had found her again. The illusion was so realistic that he went on believing his daughter hadn’t died that day. Wandering around, talking to thin air, he got scouted by the Android Guardians. Knowing that was the only place he could see his daughter again, he accepted the role of manager of Strictland’s dump. While hearing the story, I couldn’t help but notice the look in Yunho’s eyes. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[A deep empathy and recognition of himself in Left Eye’s pain]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//Dude, she's leaving!//] The familiar voice brought me to a realization. I was in Aurora’s Home. Did I travel back in time? But how? (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//The car is already here!//] I heard another voice yell in the hallway. Realizing I was back on the day Nina was adopted, I took off as quickly as I could. I don’t know what got into me at that moment, but I didn’t want to see her leave again without a goodbye. Pushing through the people, I ran down the hallways, heading for the stairs. (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//Hongjoong!//] I heard the voice of one of the caregivers calling out for me. (text-color:yellow) [//Sorry, Mrs. Lee, but it’s an emergency!//] I yelled apologetically, knowing I’d get scolded for breaking the “no running down the corridors” rule. All of a sudden, I felt someone wrap their arms around me, keeping me from reaching the stairs. It was Mrs. Lee. I started wrestling her. I had to reach the stairs. (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//Hongjoong Kim!//] A piercing sound started ringing in my ears, stopping me in my tracks. Wincing from the sharp sound, I looked at Mrs. Lee, but Yeosang’s face started showing up behind her shoulder. (text-color:yellow) [//Yeosang?//] Rubbing my eyes, I saw Yeosang coming closer, while Mrs. Lee put her hand over my face. Panicking, I tried to push her away but I could breathe. Taking a few breaths, I realized I wasn’t in Aurora’s Home. I was hallucinating. (text-color:fuchsia) [//Hongjoong, are you okay?//] I heard Yeosang call out to me, his hand holding my shoulder in place. I looked around and saw us standing near the edge of a cliff. Yeosang informed me with a smile that they found the girl’s voice. (text-color:fuchsia) [//She has her voice back. Let’s go join the guys.//] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[With a pat on my back and a warm smile, we headed to join the rest of the guys]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Still shaken from being so close to dying, we all tried to make light of the situation. We rejoiced in the little girl finding her voice, singing and laughing on our way to meet the rest of the guys. Once back at our starting point, we waited for a bit before seeing the other half of the group approaching, accompanied by a big, tall guy. Left Eye was on our team. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Our next destination? The Bunkers]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Tying the string around my waist, I nod at my groupmates and head into the cave, secretly anxious about what I would find. Initially, I saw nothing but the humid walls and moss. But deep in the cave, I could see a light growing with every step I took. I felt dizzy, but I kept pushing, the light growing bigger and bigger. All of a sudden, I got blinded by the light. Covering my eyes with my hands, I tried to peek through them. But I was shocked to see myself lying in bed. (text-color:yellow) [//What?//] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Sitting up on my bed, I am met with a familiar sight]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Jongho decided to go into the cave. Tying the string, he reassured us he would come back quickly. The cave, seemingly small, wouldn’t be hard to come and go from quickly. We watched him go in, blending into the darkness the further he went. Initially, it was all going smoothly. Then the movement stopped. We waited in suspense. All of a sudden, the string started moving quickly. I tried to keep hold of it, but amidst my efforts to maintain a strong grip, it snapped. Heartbeat racing, I tried to think of my next move. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Run in the cave]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Freeze from overwhelm]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I took one of the last masks we had and ran into the cave. Searching for Jongho, I saw him inside in a delirious state. In the corner I saw something was glowing a bright light. (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho!//] I yelled at him, but he sprinted past me and out of the cave. Running behind him, I yelled for the others to wear their masks and check what was glimmering in the cave. Still in pursuit of Jongho, I realized we were both heading toward the edge of a cliff. I ran for dear life, trying to catch up, grabbing Jongho with all my might. He was delirious. (text-color: #744700) [//Please take me with you! Please don’t leave me here!//] Jongho kept shouting. We were wrestling, struggling not to fall off the cliff. (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho!//] I kept calling for him, hoping to break through the hallucination he was trapped in. We kept wrestling, getting closer and closer to the edge. (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho Choi!//] I yelled with all my strength. That’s when he stopped for a second and looked at me. I took the opportunity to place my mask over his face. After a few breaths, I could see the haze in his eyes starting to clear. (text-color: #744700) [//Hongjoong?//] Jongho called out in realization, looking around, noticing my grip on him. We were both at the edge of the cliff, planted firmly. (text-color:yellow) [//The guys found her voice. Let’s get out of here.//] I said with a smile, trying to pull his mind out of the fog. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Patting his back, we headed to join the rest of the guys]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Already overwhelmed by everything that had happened, Jongho’s string breaking was what brought me to my limit. I froze, panic taking over me. My groupmates’ voices felt distant, my surroundings starting to fade. I felt like I was detaching from my body and reality. (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho!//] Wooyoung’s voice brought me back to my senses, just in time to see Jongho running from the cave toward the cliff. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Run after Jongho]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Call out after Jongho]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Still shaken from being so close to dying, we all tried to make light of the situation. We rejoiced in the little girl finding her voice, singing and laughing on our way to meet the rest of the guys. Once back at our starting point, we waited for a bit before seeing the other half of the group approaching, accompanied by a big, tall guy. Left Eye was on our team. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Our next destination? The Bunkers]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I ran for dear life, trying to catch up, grabbing Jongho with all my might. He was delirious. (text-color: #744700) [//Please take me with you! Please don’t leave me here!//] Jongho kept shouting. We were wrestling, struggling not to fall off the cliff. (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho!//] I kept calling for him, hoping to break through the hallucination he was trapped in. We kept wrestling, getting closer and closer to the edge. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Put your mask on Jongho]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Call out after Jongho]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho Choi!//] I yelled at him. It felt like my body was paralyzed. Jongho kept running, ignoring our screams. (text-color:yellow ) [//It’s the smoke!//] The little boy yelled. The guys started running after him, but it was already too late. Jongho had jumped off the cliff. It felt like we all fought till the end for each other. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Yet luck wasn't on our side.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//Jongho Choi!//] I yelled with all my strength. That’s when he stopped for a second and looked at me. I took the opportunity to place my mask over his face. After a few breaths, I could see the haze in his eyes starting to clear. (text-color: #744700) [//Hongjoong?//] Jongho called out in realization, looking around, noticing my grip on him. We were both at the edge of the cliff, planted firmly. (text-color:yellow) [//The guys found her voice. Let’s get out of here.//] I said with a smile, trying to pull his mind out of the fog. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Patting his back, we headed to join the rest of the guys]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= On our way to Left Eye’s office, Yunho broke the silence first. (text-color:orange) [//Shall we also help him while we’re at it?//] The guys looked at him, raising an eyebrow. Yunho wanted to help him not just out of sympathy, but from a place of knowing, of understanding what losing someone feels like. He also wanted to help as a way of healing his past self. When we found him on the rooftop, he was in a deep state of mourning and despair. His brother was in a coma, and nobody was sure if he would ever come back. Yunho was the one who had found his brother, lying on the floor with scattered pills and a bottle of soju. Ever since, he carried the feeling of guilt. Guilt for not noticing his brother’s depression sooner. Guilt for not coming home sooner. Guilt for being the one their parents pinned all their hopes on to be the example of a perfect child, while Yunho went off to chase his own dreams and passion. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Agree to help Left Eye]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Refuse to help Left Eye]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Yunho suggested luring him out to an area where the smoke was less dense. Thinking about it, it made more sense to break the illusion and make him realize he was being used by the Android Guardians. It would be easier to gain his help if we exposed how wrongly this government was operating. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Make noise outside his office]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Knock at his door]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Although it pained me to deny his request, we were running low on time. With sadness in my eyes, I apologized to Yunho. With a painful tug at my heart, I walked towards Left Eye's office. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Knock at his door]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= After a second, the door opened to reveal a tall, big man. He had a long beard and looked like a younger version of Santa Claus who went rogue. A patch covered his right eye. (text-color:yellow) [//Hello, Mister.//] The man looked at us suspiciously before glancing behind him. (text-color: #a52a2a) [//Stay inside, sweetheart.//] He said to the empty space behind him, a clear sign he was talking to his daughter’s illusion. (text-color: #a52a2a) [//What do you want?//] He asked in a hostile tone. (text-color:yellow) [//We are new to this place and were wondering if we could get some help reaching the city. We’re currently lost and can’t seem to find our way out.//] I said, nervousness peaking behind my calm demeanor. The man closed the door slightly and gave us another look. (text-color: #a52a2a) [//Black Pirates.//] He mumbled, before picking up a piece of plumbing pipe lying near the door and aiming it at us. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Run]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Fight back]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= We started to thrash around the dumpster, throwing things and stomping on them, making as much noise as possible. Suddenly, the door opened violently and out came a tall, big man. He had a long beard and looked like a younger version of Santa Claus who went rogue. A patch covered his right eye. (text-color: #a52a2a) [//What the hell are you doing?//] He yelled, picking up a piece of plumbing pipe lying near the door and aiming at us. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Run]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Fight back]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Taking off as quickly as we could, we began running methodically. Our goal was to lure him toward the area with the least smoke. It was laborious and exhausting, but we eventually managed to draw him in. In just a few breaths, the man's eyes widened, the pipe in his hand dropping to the ground. We could see the look of realization flash across his face, quickly overtaken by denial. Just moments earlier, he had been yelling for his daughter to get back into the office, promising he’d soon join her. Then, in a heartbeat, he watched her vanish like dust blown away by the wind. (text-color: #a42a2a) [//Sweetheart??//] He yelled, stepping toward the last place he had seen her illusion. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Stop him]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Grab him by the arm]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//Left Eye!//] I yelled, trying to stop him. (text-color:orange) [//She’s dead!//] Yunho cut me off quickly, stepping forward. (text-color:orange) [//Don’t you realize it? She’s gone! She's dead! You’re actively denying it because you don’t want to believe it. Because grieving her properly would mean accepting she’s not coming back. But you know it already, don’t you?//] Tears welled up in Yunho’s eyes as he walked closer to Left Eye, his voice trembling with a mixture of anger, pain, and empathy. Left Eye picked up the pipe again and swung it toward Yunho. (text-color: #a52a2a) [//I will kill you!//] He screamed. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Get in between them]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Grab Yunho]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Grabbing him by the arm, I tried to keep him from leaving the low-density smoke zone. What I didn’t take into account was that I wasn’t as quick as him. Left Eye swung the pipe and hit my head. For a second, everything faded to black, but soon I saw the black fedora man. His voice was shouting at me from a distance. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Go find Left Eye.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Grabbing Yunho, I pulled him back just in time. Left Eye’s swing hit a pile of metal and broken windows next to where Yunho had stood. For some reason, he was focused only on Yunho, who was desperately avoiding his attacks. Left Eye only swung more and more recklessly with each failed attempt, shattering everything the pipe hit. When Left Eye started to show signs of fatigue, Yunho stopped running and made his way towards him. (text-color:yellow) [//Yunho!//] We all yelled in unison, afraid he could get injured, or worse. But Yunho had a look of determination in his eyes, a storm of emotions mixing into an unexplainable result. (text-color:orange) [//It’s not your fault.//] He got face-to-face with Left Eye. (text-color:orange) [//You didn’t intend to cause harm to anyone.//] He spoke up, staring into Left Eye’s eyes. After a moment of silence, Left Eye let his tears flow freely, eyes veiled with sorrow and grief. Yunho hugged him and let him cry in his arms. Through sobs, Left Eye called out for his daughter, apologizing to her. He eventually opened up, and just like Yunho, he was filled with guilt and a bunch of what-ifs. Once he had calmed down, we told him everything about us: about how we got here, the Cromer, the attack in the forest, and the Grimes siblings. The man listened intently, emotions flashing through his eyes during our retelling of events. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[In the end, he decided to help us get to the Android Guardians’ bunker]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Making our way back to our starting point, we engaged in small talk with Left Eye, sharing our stories with him and listening to his in return. Before long, we arrived at the entrance of the dumpster, where the rest of the guys were waiting for us. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Our next destination? The Bunkers]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= All together, we embarked on a still-functioning abandoned ship and began sailing toward an isolated island. According to Left Eye, that was where the Android Guardian bunkers were hidden; in secret and safely away from people. The trip felt long, but we managed to pass the time by singing and dancing. Eventually, we grew tired and took a nap. Upon waking up, I heard some chattering followed by laughter. Curious, I decided to investigate. As I got closer, I could hear faint music as well. From the corner of the stateroom door, I saw the Grimes siblings and Left Eye watching a hologram of him and his daughter playing. The siblings sang and danced along to the music in the video. I couldn’t help but feel a gentle tug at my heartstrings at the sight of such a precious moment. (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//Dancing defines at least the smallest will to live. So, people dance in the breath of hopelessness.//] The little boy told Left Eye, and I couldn’t help but smile. A bittersweet sensation washed over me. I remembered all those moments the guys and I spent together. We each had to fight our own demons, yet dancing and music brought us together. It helped us find a will to live. It ignited passion in us. It helped us push through difficulties and unlock dreams we didn’t even know we had. Maybe we’ll never achieve them. Maybe they are all just luxuries, like Mingi once said. But in the end, it’s better to chase them, even if we fail. Because at least we’ll be able to say we lived a life without regrets; one filled with precious memories. Ahead of me, the sun took refuge behind the horizon, making space for the stars to glimmer brightly, mirroring the light behind all our dreams and hopes. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[The following day, we arrived on the island.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= All together, we embarked on a still-functioning abandoned ship and began sailing toward an isolated island. According to Left Eye, that was where the Android Guardian bunkers were hidden; in secret and safely away from people. The trip felt long, but we managed to pass the time by singing and dancing. Eventually, we grew tired and took a nap. Upon waking up, I heard some chattering followed by laughter. Curious, I decided to investigate. As I got closer, I could hear faint music as well. From the corner of the stateroom door, I saw the Grimes siblings and Left Eye watching a hologram of him and his daughter playing. The siblings sang and danced along to the music in the video. I couldn’t help but feel a gentle tug at my heartstrings at the sight of such a precious moment. (text-color: #9fc5e8) [//Dancing defines at least the smallest will to live. So, people dance in the breath of hopelessness.//] The little boy told Left Eye, and I couldn’t help but smile. A bittersweet sensation washed over me. I remembered all those moments the guys and I spent together. We each had to fight our own demons, yet dancing and music brought us together. It helped us find a will to live. It ignited passion in us. It helped us push through difficulties and unlock dreams we didn’t even know we had. Maybe we’ll never achieve them. Maybe they are all just luxuries, like Mingi once said. But in the end, it’s better to chase them, even if we fail. Because at least we’ll be able to say we lived a life without regrets; one filled with precious memories. Ahead of me, the sun took refuge behind the horizon, making space for the stars to glimmer brightly, mirroring the light behind all our dreams and hopes. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[The following day, we arrived on the island ]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color: #a52a2a) [//We’re here!//] Left Eye’s voice rumbled through the ship, announcing our arrival. We all made our way to the front of the ship and looked in awe at the island before us. Through the dense greenery, we could see pensions and sunbeds scattered across the shore, a sign of a once-bustling tourist paradise. But after a moment of awe, we snapped back to our mission: find Cromer. Left Eye advised it would be wiser for him and the siblings to stay behind on the ship. That way, we could make a quick escape once we retrieved Cromer. And just like that, the eight of us set out in pursuit. Getting off the ship, we looked at the options ahead of us: (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take the left path.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take the right path.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color: #a52a2a) [//We’re here!//] Left Eye’s voice rumbled through the ship, announcing our arrival. We all made our way to the front of the ship and looked in awe at the island before us. Through the dense greenery, we could see pensions and sunbeds scattered across the shore, a sign of a once-bustling tourist paradise. But after a moment of awe, we snapped back to our mission: find Wooyoung. Left Eye advised it would be wiser for him and the siblings to stay behind on the ship. That way, we could make a quick escape once we freed Wooyoung. And just like that, the seven of us set out in pursuit. Getting off the ship, we looked at the options ahead of us: (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take the left path]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take the right path]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I couldn't end this game without thanking the sweetest of friends for testing the game and giving me feedback: * Nina * Eva * Lara * Eyo * Niko Thank you for helping this game sail off smoothly. <3 As you may have noticed, the game ends on a cliffhanger. This is because the game is an ongoing work in progress. More routes will be added so you can experience the game through every member's point of view. Uncover their own stories and challenges, as well as figure out what happens now that the members are back in their own world!

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Deciding to take the left path, we began to move deeper into the forest. At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, but the further we ventured, the more we became surrounded by thick, humid mist. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Go back.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Continue forward.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= We ventured down the path, initially swallowed by nature, but soon a narrow trail revealed itself. We followed it, yellow smoke threading along the ground and occasionally curling into the sky. It was our sign we were on the right path. After a while, Wooyoung’s sudden laughter caught us off guard. (text-color: #c0c0c0) [//What a joke.//] He muttered, his tone a mix of annoyance and amusement. Looking in the direction of his gaze, we were met with the sight of a large, abandoned gallery. Yellow smoke rose softly from different parts of the building, puffing out in lazy intervals. We approached cautiously, checking the entrance. Inside was an empty lobby. Torn posters were peeling off the walls and graffiti was scrawled across every surface. A crooked arrow with the word *Gallery* scrawled on it pointed up a staircase. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Looking at each other we decided to make our way upstairs.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Deciding to take the left path, we began to move deeper into the forest. At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, but the further we ventured, the more we became surrounded by thick, humid mist. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Go back]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Continue forward]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= We ventured down the path, initially swallowed by nature, but soon a narrow trail revealed itself. We followed it, yellow smoke threading along the ground and occasionally curling into the sky. It was our sign we were on the right path. After a while, Mingi spoke up. (text-color: #228b22) [//Guys look!.//] Looking in the direction of his gaze, we were met with the sight of a large, abandoned gallery. Yellow smoke rose softly from different parts of the building, puffing out in lazy intervals. We approached cautiously, checking the entrance. Inside was an empty lobby. Torn posters were peeling off the walls and graffiti was scrawled across every surface. A crooked arrow with the word *Gallery* scrawled on it pointed up a staircase. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Looking at each other we decided to make our way upstair]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= The mist grew thicker with each step, and we all became progressively uneasy. (text-color: #744700) [//Maybe we should go back.//] Jongho said, his body rigid and cautious of his surroundings. (text-color: #228b22) [//I think so too.//] Mingi replied, visibly shaken. (text-color:fuchsia) [//Maybe the mist is a sign we’re close to the bunkers?//] Yeosang tried to reason with the others. (text-color:purple) [//True, maybe it's similar to that yellow smoke?//] San chimed in. The guys looked at me, waiting for me to make a decision. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Continue forward.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take the right path.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Deciding to move forward, the fog grew thicker and heavier. Visibility dropped until it became hard to see more than a few steps ahead. When I looked behind me to make sure everyone was still there, I couldn’t see anyone. (text-color:yellow) [//Guys?//] I called out, panic starting to simmer in my chest. I waved my hands around, but the space around me was empty. (text-color:yellow) [//Guys, can you hear me?//] I yelled. (text-color:red) [//Yes! Over here!//] Seonghwa’s voice rang out faintly through the mist. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Follow Seonghwa's voice.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ask the others to follow your voice.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= The mist grew thicker with each step, and we all became progressively uneasy. (text-color: #744700) [//Maybe we should go back.//] Jongho said, his body rigid and cautious of his surroundings. (text-color: #228b22) [//I think so too.//] Mingi replied, visibly shaken. (text-color:fuchsia) [//Maybe the mist is a sign we’re close to the bunkers?//] Yeosang tried to reason with the others. (text-color:purple) [//True, maybe it's similar to that yellow smoke?//] San chimed in. The guys looked at me, waiting for me to make a decision. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Continue forward]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take the right path]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Deciding to move forward, the fog grew thicker and heavier. Visibility dropped until it became hard to see more than a few steps ahead. When I looked behind me to make sure everyone was still there, I couldn’t see anyone. (text-color:yellow) [//Guys?//] I called out, panic starting to simmer in my chest. I waved my hands around, but the space around me was empty. (text-color:yellow) [//Guys, can you hear me?//] I yelled. (text-color:red) [//Yes! Over here!//] Seonghwa’s voice rang out faintly through the mist. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Follow Seonghwa's voice]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ask the others to follow your voice]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//Don’t move! Just keep talking so I can find you!//] I yelled with all my might. (text-color:red) [//This way!//] Seonghwa’s voice faintly rang through the mist. I began following the direction of the voice, but was quickly stopped in my tracks. (text-color:red) [//Go back!//] Seonghwa’s voice now came from behind me. Confused, I froze. (text-color:yellow) [//I told you not to move!//] I shouted back, loosing my composure. (text-color:red) [//That wasn’t me!//] The voice behind me responded. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong, don't listen to him! I swear I didn't move!//] The voice ahead of me insisted. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ask them a personnal question.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move forward.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move backwards.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//Follow my voice!//] I yelled, looking around me, trying to see through the dense mist—unsuccessfully. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong!//] I heard Seonghwa’s voice yell behind me. (text-color:red) [//I broke my ankle!//] He shouted in agony. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong! That’s not me!//] What sounded like Seonghwa’s voice was now coming from in front of me. My head spun in confusion; my heartbeat thumped erratically in my chest. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move backwards.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ask them a personnal question.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move forward.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//Follow my voice!//] I yelled, looking around me, trying to see through the dense mist—unsuccessfully. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong!//] I heard Seonghwa’s voice yell behind me. (text-color:red) [//I broke my ankle!//] He shouted in agony. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong! That’s not me!//] What sounded like Seonghwa’s voice was now coming from in front of me. My head spun in confusion; my heartbeat thumped erratically in my chest. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move backwards]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ask them a personnal question]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move forward]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//Don’t move! Just keep talking so I can find you!//] I yelled with all my might. (text-color:red) [//This way!//] Seonghwa’s voice faintly rang through the mist. I began following the direction of the voice, but was quickly stopped in my tracks. (text-color:red) [//Go back!//] Seonghwa’s voice now came from behind me. Confused, I froze. (text-color:yellow) [//I told you not to move!//] I shouted back, my nerves fraying. (text-color:red) [//That wasn’t me!//] The voice behind me responded. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong, that wasn’t me!//] The voice ahead of me insisted. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ask them a personnal question]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move forward]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move backwards]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= After taking a few steps forward, I stopped in my tracks. Hesitation settled in first, but eventually, an idea came to mind. (text-color:yellow) [//I need you both to answer one question! Seonghwa, what was a pivotal moment in your life?//] I yelled with all my might, but silence was the only answer. (text-color:red) [//I will answer last!//] The voice ahead of me replied. (text-color:red) [//No, you answer first!//] The voice behind me yelled. After a back and forth of refusing to go first, I let out a cry of frustration. (text-color:yellow) [//Shut up, both of you!//] After a moment of silence, I decided to make them answer at the same time at the count of three. 3... 2.. 1. (text-color:red) [//That snowy night at the fuel station... The girl dancing under the streetlight...//] (text-color:red) [//When we first met at school!//] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take another step forward.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move backwards.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I took a few steps forward. (text-color:yellow) [//Seonghwa, where are you?//] I yelled, blinded by the thick mist surrounding me. (text-color:red) [//Keep going forward!//] His voice rang louder than before. (text-color:red) [//Stop! He’s luring you away!//] Another voice shouted. Frustration boiled to the surface. One wrong move, and everything could go awry. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong, I swear to God I'm over here! I'm getting scared!//] Seonghwa's voice sounded more and more distressed. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take another step forward.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move backwards.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ask them a personnal question.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I turned on my feet and started heading in the other direction. (text-color:yellow) [//Seonghwa, where are you?//] I yelled, feeling lost and anxious. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong! You're getting close!//] His voice rang very near. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong, no!//] I heard a shout faintly behind me. All of a sudden, hands reached out from behind, smothering my face. Panic rose up, and only one thought echoed in my head: (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[We need to get Cromer back if we want to go back home.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I took a few steps forward. (text-color:yellow) [//Seonghwa, where are you?//] I yelled, blinded by the thick mist surrounding me. (text-color:red) [//Keep going forward!//] His voice rang louder than before. (text-color:red) [//Stop! He’s luring you away!//] Another voice shouted. Frustration boiled to the surface. One wrong move, and everything could go awry. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong, I swear to God I'm over here! I'm getting scared!//] Seonghwa's voice sounded more and more distressed. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take another step forward]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move backwards]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ask them a personnal question]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

Passage Text (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= After taking a few steps forward, I stopped in my tracks. Hesitation settled in first, but eventually, an idea came to mind. (text-color:yellow) [//I need you both to answer one question! Seonghwa, what was a pivotal moment in your life?//] I yelled with all my might, but silence was the only answer. (text-color:red) [//I will answer last!//] The voice ahead of me replied. (text-color:red) [//No, you answer first!//] The voice behind me yelled. After a back and forth of refusing to go first, I let out a cry of frustration. (text-color:yellow) [//Shut up, both of you!//] After a moment of silence, I decided to make them answer at the same time at the count of three. 3... 2.. 1. (text-color: red) [//That snowy night at the fuel station... The girl dancing under the streetlight...//] (text-color:red) [//When we first met at school!//] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take another step forward]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Move backwards]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= With conviction, I walked forward, not daring to look behind me. My heartbeat loudly banged in my ears, setting a suspenseful rhythm. With one more step, I bumped into something. (text-color: red) [//Hongjoong!//] Seonghwa's arms grabbed me in relief. As we hugged, the mist began to dissipate. Looking around, we saw the dark, dense, humid forest. (text-color:purple) [//Guys!//] We heard from behind us. Looking in the direction of the voice, we saw San emerging from the dense foliage. He looked completely disoriented and stressed out We quickly made our way toward him. (text-color:purple) [//I was lost in total mist, but no matter where I went, I was led back to the same tree I had marked.//] While San explained what had happened to him, Mingi and Wooyoung showed up together, bearing the same disoriented expression on their faces. Eventually, all eight of us regrouped and decided we should go back. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take the right path.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= With conviction, I walked forward, not daring to look behind me. My heartbeat loudly banged in my ears, setting a suspenseful rhythm. With one more step, I bumped into something. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong!//] Seonghwa's arms grabbed me in relief. As we hugged, the mist began to dissipate. Looking around, we saw the dark, dense, humid forest. (text-color:purple) [//Guys!//] We heard from behind us. Looking in the direction of the voice, we saw San emerging from the dense foliage. He looked completely disoriented and stressed out We quickly made our way toward him. (text-color:purple) [//I was lost in total mist, but no matter where I went, I was led back to the same tree I had marked.//] While San explained what had happened to him, Mingi and Yeosang showed up together, bearing the same disoriented expression on their faces. Eventually, all seven of us regrouped and decided we should go back. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Take the right path]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= In the corridor, several Android Guardians lay slumped on the ground, intoxicated by the yellow smoke. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Quietly move past them.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ambush them.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= In the corridor, several Android Guardians lay slumped on the ground, intoxicated by the yellow smoke. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Quietly move past them]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Ambush them]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= //Coming Soon.// (text-color:orange)[[Wake up!]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= We quietly moved past them and down the corridor, where the entrance to an exhibition room lay. There, we saw glass cases holding eight men clad in black from head to toe. For some reason, one in particular grabbed my attention; a man leaning on the glass wall, barely holding himself up. My instinct was to run toward him and try to help. I started banging on the glass. The man heard the noise and gathered what strength he had left to pull back as much of his mask as he could. Looking at his face, I froze. That man was me. (text-color: #938200) [//You're here.//] He greeted me weakly. (text-color: #938200) [//Listen.//] He coughed. (text-color: #938200) [//We called you here.//] In the midst of his explanation, I shook my head, trying to clear my vision. However, the splitting image of myself remained, leaning behind the glass wall. (text-color: #938200) [//They managed to capture us, and only you can do our job. As you might have noticed by now, the world needs urgent change.//] He coughed between his words. (text-color:yellow) [//Why me? Why my friends? Why the hell do we look alike?//] I bombarded him with questions. (text-color: #938200) [//I don't have enough time to answer everything. Once the smoke fades, the guardians will come back, and we’ll all be in trouble. Do what I do.//] The man came closer to the wall and placed his hand against it, inviting us all to do the same. All of us stood facing our captured reflections and linked hands. An indescribable surge of energy began to swirl around us. (text-color: #938200) [//We all face walls. Sometimes we think our lives would be happier without them, but that’s not true. If we earn things easily, we can lose them just as easily.//] The man told me. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Before I could blink, we were wearing their black suits.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= We quietly moved past them and down the corridor, where the entrance to an exhibition room lay. There, we saw glass cases holding eight men clad in black from head to toe. They all were held in glass cases. Further away we saw Wooyoung sitting on the floor inside of a glass case. Running towards him, I started slamming the case with all my might but to no avail. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Use Cromer to break the glass]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for a way to open the case]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Taking advantage of their drunken state, we decided to ambush them. While we were busy attacking the Android Guardians on the floor, we heard a click. Looking behind us, we saw another one we had missed, his hand pulling away from the side of his temple, where a button was embedded. In an instant, we were overtaken by other Guardians. Only one thought ran through my anxious head: (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[We need to find Wooyoung.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I looked around me, so many questions running through my mind. (text-color: #938200) [//You have to run away before the smoke fades!//] The man resembling me shouted at us. As I ran through the room, I saw San pause and hold something in his hand. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Tell him to run.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check what he found.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Using Cromer, I started bashing at the glass. However, the hourglass in my hands shattered, and a bright light enveloped me. I couldn’t see or hear anything, but one thought ran through my mind: (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[We need to find Wooyoung.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Looking at the glass case, I noticed a small empty space at the bottom. It had a particular shape. Quickly scanning the other cases, I realized that each of them had their own uniquely shaped opening. For some reason, one in particular grabbed my attention: a man leaning against the glass wall, barely holding himself up. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check the peculiar man.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for Wooyoung's case key.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Looking at San, I yelled for him to run. He took a moment looking with sadness and anger at what he was holding. He then made his way towards me. (text-color:purple) [//How can a government do this?//] He asked quietly, almost to himself. (text-color:red) [//I can't see Yeosang!//] All of a sudden, Seonghwa brought to our attention that we had lost Yeosang. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for Yeosang.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I made my way quickly toward San and saw him holding memory fragments in his hands. (text-color: #9fc5e8) [**A memory of confessing to my first love.** **A memory of meeting my newborn daughter.** **A memory of adopting my first dog.** **A memory of my graduation.**] They were all valuable memories that belonged to people. San gently squeezed them, his eyes welling with both tears and anger. (text-color:purple) [//How can a government do this?//] He asked quietly, almost to himself. (text-color:red) [//I can't see Yeosang!//] All of a sudden, Seonghwa brought to our attention that we had lost Yeosang. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for Yeosang.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Running out of the exhibition room to find Yeosang, we were relieved to see him sprinting from the opposite end of the corridor. (text-color:yellow) [//Let’s get out of here!//] I yelled, running with all my might toward the hall. (text-color:fuchsia) [//Hongjoong!//] Yeosang called out my name. Looking back, I saw him toss something into the air, right in my direction. Cromer. I had somehow dropped it.. As I got closer to the stairs, I couldn’t help the smile creeping up on my face. We were finally going to make it back home. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Suddenly loud footsteps thundered behind us.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Looking behind me, I saw the Android Guardians in pursuit. One of them lunged forward and grabbed Yeosang by the neck, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. //Give us Cromer, or we will break his neck.// The Guardian’s voice rang out, mechanical and cold. It felt like a nightmare. If I gave up Cromer, we wouldn’t be able to go home. We’d be stuck here, or worse, captured like the Black Pirates. But if I didn’t give it up, Yeosang would die. How could I let a close friend sacrifice himself for the seven of us? (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Attack him.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Refuse.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Make a compromise.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I lost all sense of reason and charged toward the Guardian, a cry of anger and fear echoing around us. Just a few steps away, I watched in horror as the Guardian twisted Yeosang’s neck. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong!//] (text-color: #c0c0c0) [//Yeosang!//] (text-color:purple) [//No!//] The others screamed behind me. Tears streamed down my face as I turned around, only to feel a sharp thud against my head. Everything turned black. As my consciousness faded, only one thought ran through my mind: (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for Yeosang.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Letting go of Cromer would have meant losing more than one person. It would have meant losing all eight of us. And although I hated to admit it, deep down I knew I would have resented myself in my final moments for seeing what kind of world we were leaving behind. I locked eyes with Yeosang. My gaze brimmed with pain and apologies. (text-color:yellow) [//I'm so sorry.//] A tear ran down my cheek, falling onto Cromer. (text-color:yellow) [//You won’t get anything from us!//] I shouted and twisted Cromer. A second before the bright light engulfed me, I saw the Guardian twist Yeosang’s neck. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[I'm so sorry.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Trying to remain as calm as possible, I forced myself to think quickly. Looking at the Guardian, I yelled with steady determination. (text-color:yellow) [//We’ll hand over Cromer, if you let Yeosang walk between you and us!//] The Android Guardians exchanged glances before nodding in unison. Yeosang walked to the center and stood there. He seemed too calm given the circumstances, but I could see in his eyes that he disagreed with my decision. //Quickly, or your friend will meet you in another lifetime.// The Guardian warned coldly. I took a deep breath to steady myself, then threw Cromer in their direction. That’s when Yeosang leapt forward and caught it mid-air. In one swift motion, he twisted the hourglass. The Android Guardians lunged toward him immediately. (text-color:yellow) [//Yeosang!//] I screamed, breaking into a run. But before I could reach him, Yeosang slammed Cromer onto the ground, shattering it. Sand spilled in every direction. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[A bright light engulfed us.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Opening my eyes, I realized we were back home; in our warehouse, to be exact. San stood motionless, visibly distressed. His voice quivered as he kept counting from one to seven. I looked around the room, searching the familiar faces I knew so well. But one was missing. (text-color: #c0c0c0) [//Yeosang... he's really dead.//] Wooyoung huffed out. In a few blinks, he stormed toward me, grabbing me by the collar. (text-color: #c0c0c0) [//How could you do this?!//] He yelled, tears streaming down his face. Mingi quickly stepped between us, pushing Wooyoung away. (text-color: #228b22) [//It's not worth it. He’s not worth it.//] Mingi spat, his anger clearly directed at me. San let out a guttural cry. (text-color:purple) [//How did all of this happen...?//] He wiped his tears and tried to compose himself. The silence that followed was suffocating. *Knock knock knock* Something tapped against the warehouse door. Jongho, wearing a hard expression, walked over and opened it. But there was no one there. Our hearts dropped. Even if unspoken, we had all hoped, just maybe, it would be Yeosang. Suddenly, something flew in and landed on the floor with a soft thud. (text-color:purple) [//This is... Yeosang's drone...//] San said, brows furrowed in confusion. (text-color: #228b22) [//But who brought it here?//] Mingi added, his voice quiet. I rushed over to check the drone. The others gathered around as its lights began blinking. We all felt it, clear as day. Yeosang was still alive. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[The End.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Opening my eyes, I realized we were back home; in our warehouse, to be exact. San stood motionless, visibly distressed. His voice quivered as he kept counting from one to seven. I looked around the room, searching the familiar faces I knew so well. But one was missing. (text-color:purple) [//Yeosang... he's missing.//] Wooyoung huffed out. In a few blinks, he stormed toward me, grabbing me by the collar. (text-color: #c0c0c0) [//It's your fault!//] He yelled. Mingi quickly stepped between us, pushing Wooyoung back. (text-color: #228b22) [//It's not worth it. He’s not worth it.//] Mingi spat, his anger clearly directed at me. San let out a guttural cry. (text-color:purple) [//How did all of this happen...?//] He wiped his tears and tried to compose himself. The silence that followed was suffocating. (text-color: #c0c0c0) [//What if... what if Yeosang ends up like the Black Pirates? What if he's been...//] Wooyoung couldn't finish his sentence. Standing up, I finally let my fists unclench. My bloodied hands released the broken glass fragments and the last of Cromer’s sand, letting them fall to the ground. (text-color:yellow) [//It's all my fault... If we never went there, none of this would’ve happened...//] *Knock knock knock* Something tapped against the warehouse door. Jongho, wearing a hard expression, walked over and opened it. But there was no one there. Our hearts dropped. Even if unspoken, we had all hoped, just maybe, it would be Yeosang. Suddenly, something flew in and landed on the floor with a soft thud. (text-color:purple) [//This is... Yeosang's drone...//] San said, brows furrowed in confusion. (text-color: #228b22) [//But who brought it here?//] Mingi added, his voice quiet. I rushed over to check the drone. The others gathered around as its lights began blinking. We all felt it, clear as day. Yeosang was still alive. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[The End.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I started knocking at the glass. The man heard the noise and gathered what strength he had left to pull back as much of his mask as he could. Looking at his face, I froze. That man was me. (text-color: #938200) [//You're here.//] He greeted me weakly. (text-color: #938200) [//Listen.//] He coughed. (text-color: #938200) [//We called you here.//] In the midst of his explanation, I shook my head, trying to clear my vision. However, the splitting image of myself remained, leaning behind the glass wall. (text-color: #938200) [//They managed to capture us, and only you can do our job. As you might have noticed by now, the world needs urgent change.//] He coughed between his words. (text-color:yellow) [//Why me? Why my friends? Why the hell do we look alike?//] I bombarded him with questions. (text-color: #938200) [//I don't have enough time to answer everything. Once the smoke fades, the guardians will come back, and we’ll all be in trouble. Do what I do.//] The man came closer to the wall and placed his hand against it, inviting us all to do the same. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Tell him about Wooyoung.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Do as he says.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Looking around, I tried to think of possible places where the key could be. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check the closed door near the exhibition]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check the nearby Guardian's pocket]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (text-color:yellow) [//I need to save Wooyoung first!//] I told him. (text-color: #938200) [//There's not much time left before the Guardians come!//] He hissed at me. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for Wooyoung's case key.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Do as he says.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= All of us stood facing our captured reflections and linked hands. An indescribable surge of energy began to swirl around us. (text-color: #938200) [//We all face walls. Sometimes we think our lives would be happier without them, but that’s not true. If we earn things easily, we can lose them just as easily.// The man told me.] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Before I could blink, we were wearing their black suits]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I looked around me, so many questions running through my mind. (text-color: #938200) [//You have to run away before the smoke fades!//] The man resembling me shouted at us. As I ran through the room, I saw San pause and hold something in his hand. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for Wooyoung's case key]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Tell him to run]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check what he found]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I made my way quickly toward San and saw him holding memory fragments in his hands. **A memory of confessing to my first love.** **A memory of meeting my newborn daughter.** **A memory of adopting my first dog.** **A memory of my graduation.** They were all valuable memories that belonged to people. San gently squeezed them, his eyes welling with both tears and anger. (text-color:purple) [//How can a government do this?//] He asked quietly, almost to himself. (text-color:red) [//I can't see Yeosang!//] All of a sudden, Seonghwa brought to our attention that we had lost Yeosang. We didn’t have much time left before the Guardians came after us. I had to make the decision. Potentially lose a friend, or save Wooyoung? He was trapped behind the glass case, whereas we had no idea where Yeosang could be. We could easily come back to him once we found Yeosang. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for Yeosang]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Looking at San, I yelled for him to run. He took a moment looking with sadness and anger at what he was holding. He then made his way towards me. (text-color:purple) [//How can a government do this?//] He asked quietly, almost to himself. (text-color:red) [//I can't see Yeosang!//] All of a sudden, Seonghwa brought to our attention that we had lost Yeosang. We didn’t have much time left before the Guardians came after us. I had to make the decision. Potentially lose a Yeosang, or save Wooyoung, who's trapped? He was trapped behind the glass case, whereas we had no idea where Yeosang could be. We could easily come back to him once we found Yeosang. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for Yeosang]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= While I was checking the Guardian’s pockets, he groggily started to come to his senses, unbeknownst to me. All of a sudden, I felt a thud. As my consciousness began to fade, only one thought ran through my head: (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for a way to open the case]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I went and opened the door. Inside, a Guardian was slumped on a chair, clearly intoxicated by the smoke. I quietly sneaked around and began searching the office. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check the giant's pockets]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check the desk]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= The desk was a mess of papers, golden ashes, and random items. Rummaging through the clutter, I found a gem shaped exactly like the opening at the base of Wooyoung’s case. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Use the gem]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Looking around, I tried to think of possible places where the key could be. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check the closed door near the exhibition.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check the nearby Guardian's pocket.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Behind it hid the man from my dreams. I started knocking at the glass. The man heard the noise and gathered what strength he had left to pull back as much of his mask as he could. Looking at his face, I froze. That man was me. (text-color: #938200) [//You're here.//] He greeted me weakly. (text-color: #938200) [//Listen.//] He coughed. (text-color: #938200) [//We called you here.//] In the midst of his explanation, I shook my head, trying to clear my vision. However, the splitting image of myself remained, leaning behind the glass wall. (text-color: #938200) [//They managed to capture us, and only you can do our job. As you might have noticed by now, the world needs urgent change.//] He coughed between his words. (text-color:yellow) [//Why me? Why my friends? Why the hell do we look alike?//] I bombarded him with questions. (text-color: #938200) [//I don't have enough time to answer everything. Once the smoke fades, the guardians will come back, and we’ll all be in trouble. Do what I do.//] The man came closer to the wall and placed his hand against it, inviting us all to do the same. All of us stood facing our captured reflections and linked hands. An indescribable surge of energy began to swirl around us. (text-color: #938200) [//We all face walls. Sometimes we think our lives would be happier without them, but that’s not true. If we earn things easily, we can lose them just as easily.//] The man told me. Before I could blink, we were wearing their black suits. I looked around me, so many questions running through my mind. (text-color: #938200) [//You have to run away before the smoke fades!//] The man resembling me shouted at us. As I ran through the room, I saw San pause and hold something in his hand. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Tell him to run.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check what he found.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I went and opened the door. Inside, a Guardian was slumped on a chair, clearly intoxicated by the smoke. I quietly sneaked around and began searching the office. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check the giant's pockets.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check the desk.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= The desk was a mess of papers, golden ashes, and random items. Rummaging through the clutter, I found a gem shaped exactly like the opening at the base of Wooyoung’s case. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Use the gem.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I ran quickly to Wooyoung’s glass case and placed the gem. All of a sudden, I heard a click and the glass case vanished. (text-color:yellow) [//Wooyoung!//] I called out, gently slapping his cheek. Groggily, Wooyoung looked up at me. (text-color:yellow) [//Thank goodness... We have to get out of here.//] I told him, slinging his arm over my shoulder. San quickly joined us, taking Wooyoung’s other arm. Together we slowly dragged him towards the glass case that contained my splitting image. The man came closer to the wall and placed his hand against it, inviting us all to do the same. All of us stood facing our captured reflections and linked hands. An indescribable surge of energy began to swirl around us. (text-color: #938200) [//We all face walls. Sometimes we think our lives would be happier without them, but that’s not true. If we earn things easily, we can lose them just as easily.//] The man told me. Before I could blink, we were wearing their black suits. I looked around me, so many questions running through my mind. (text-color: #938200) [//You have to run away before the smoke fades!//] The man resembling me shouted at us. As I ran through the room, I saw San pause and hold something in his hand. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Tell him to run.]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Check what he found.]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Running out of the exhibition room to find Yeosang, we were relieved to see him sprinting from the opposite end of the corridor. (text-color:yellow) [//Let’s get Wooyoung out of here!//] I yelled, running with all my might back to the exhibition. (text-color:fuchsia) [//Hongjoong!//] Yeosang called out my name. Looking back, I saw him toss something into the air, right in my direction. Cromer. I had somehow dropped it.. As I got closer to the exhibiton Wooyoung was trapped in, I couldn’t help the smile creeping up on my face. We were finally going to make it back home. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Suddenly loud footsteps thundered behind us]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Looking behind me, I saw the Android Guardians in pursuit. One of them lunged forward and grabbed Yeosang by the neck, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. //Give us Cromer, or we will break his neck.// The Guardian’s voice rang out, mechanical and cold. It felt like a nightmare. If I gave up Cromer, we wouldn’t be able to go home. We’d be stuck here, or worse, captured like the Black Pirates. But if I didn’t give it up, Yeosang would die. How could I let a close friend sacrifice himself for the seven of us? (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Attack him]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Refuse]]] (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Make a compromise]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Trying to remain as calm as possible, I forced myself to think quickly. Looking at the Guardian, I yelled with steady determination. (text-color:yellow) [//We’ll hand over Cromer, if you let Yeosang walk between you and us!//] The Android Guardians exchanged glances before nodding in unison. Yeosang walked to the center and stood there. He seemed too calm given the circumstances, but I could see in his eyes that he disagreed with my decision. //Quickly, or your friend will meet you in another lifetime.// The Guardian warned coldly. I took a deep breath to steady myself, then threw Cromer in their direction. That’s when Yeosang leapt forward and caught it mid-air. In one swift motion, he twisted the hourglass. The Android Guardians lunged toward him immediately. (text-color:yellow) [//Yeosang!//] I screamed, breaking into a run. But before I could reach him, Yeosang slammed Cromer onto the ground, shattering it. Sand spilled in every direction. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[A bright light engulfed us]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Letting go of Cromer would have meant losing more than one person. It would have meant losing all eight of us. And although I hated to admit it, deep down I knew I would have resented myself in my final moments for seeing what kind of world we were leaving behind. I locked eyes with Yeosang. My gaze brimmed with pain and apologies. (text-color:yellow) [//I'm so sorry.//] A tear ran down my cheek, falling onto Cromer. (text-color:yellow ) [//You won’t get anything from us!//] I shouted and twisted Cromer. A second before the bright light engulfed me, I saw the Guardian twist Yeosang’s neck. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[I'm so sorry]]] {(link: "Save game to Slot A") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot A")) [ Saved to Slot A! ] (else:)[ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot B") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot B")) [ Saved to Slot B! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Save game to Slot C") [ (if: (save-game: "Slot C")) [ Saved to Slot C! ] (else:) [ Your game could not be saved! ] ]} {(link: "Quit Game") [ (go-to: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles") ]}

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I lost all sense of reason and charged toward the Guardian, a cry of anger and fear echoing around us. Just a few steps away, I watched in horror as the Guardian twisted Yeosang’s neck. (text-color:red) [//Hongjoong!//] (text-color:#c0c0c0) [//Yeosang!//] (text-color:purple) [//No!//] The others screamed behind me. Tears streamed down my face as I turned around, only to feel a sharp thud against my head. Everything turned black. As my consciousness faded, only one thought ran through my mind: (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[Search for a way to open the case]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Opening my eyes, I realized we were back home; in our warehouse, to be exact. San stood motionless, visibly distressed. His voice quivered as he kept counting from one to six. I looked around the room, searching the familiar faces I knew so well. But two were missing. //Yeosang... Wooyoung...// Mingi huffed out. In a few blinks, he stormed toward me, grabbing me by the collar. //How could you do this?!// He yelled, tears streaming down his face. Jongho quickly stepped between us, pushing Wooyoung away. //It's not worth it. He’s not worth it.// Jongho spat, his anger clearly directed at me. San let out a guttural cry. //How did all of this happen...?// He wiped his tears and tried to compose himself. The silence that followed was suffocating. *Knock knock knock* Something tapped against the warehouse door. Jongho, wearing a hard expression, walked over and opened it. But there was no one there. Our hearts dropped. Even if unspoken, we had all hoped, just maybe, it would be them. Suddenly, something flew in and landed on the floor with a soft thud. //This is... Yeosang's drone...// San said, brows furrowed in confusion. //But who brought it here?// Mingi added, his voice quiet. I rushed over to check the drone. The others gathered around as its lights began blinking. We all felt it, clear as day. They were still alive. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[The End.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= Opening my eyes, I realized we were back home; in our warehouse, to be exact. San stood motionless, visibly distressed. His voice quivered as he kept counting from one to six. I looked around the room, searching the familiar faces I knew so well. But two were missing. (text-color:purple) [//Yeosang... Wooyoung.//] Mingi huffed out. In a few blinks, he stormed toward me, grabbing me by the collar. (text-color: #228b22) [//It's your fault!//] He yelled. Jongho quickly stepped between us, pushing Wooyoung back. (text-color: #744700) [//It's not worth it. He’s not worth it.//] Jongho spat, his anger clearly directed at me. San let out a guttural cry. (text-color:purple) [//How did all of this happen...?//] He wiped his tears and tried to compose himself. The silence that followed was suffocating. (text-color: #228b22) [//What if... what if they end up like the Black Pirates? What if they've been...//] Mingi couldn't finish his sentence. Standing up, I finally let my fists unclench. My bloodied hands released the broken glass fragments and the last of Cromer’s sand, letting them fall to the ground. (text-color:yellow) [//It's all my fault... If we never went there, none of this would’ve happened...//] *Knock knock knock* Something tapped against the warehouse door. Jongho, wearing a hard expression, walked over and opened it. But there was no one there. Our hearts dropped. Even if unspoken, we had all hoped, just maybe, it would be Yeosang. Suddenly, something flew in and landed on the floor with a soft thud. (text-color:purple) [//This is... Yeosang's drone...//] San said, brows furrowed in confusion. (text-color: #228b22) [//But who brought it here?//] Mingi added, his voice quiet. I rushed over to check the drone. The others gathered around as its lights began blinking. We all felt it, clear as day. They were still alive. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[The End.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= I brought them to the warehouse. (text-color:yellow) [//I know it looks beyond saving, but trust me, it’s not that bad! We just need to clean it up a bit more, and it can become our secret spot. We can dance and sing and make our own music! Don’t you think it would be great? A place where we can escape and explore ourselves? Where we can freely express ourselves?//] Yunho and Seonghwa looked at me hesitantly, then looked at the desolate state the warehouse was in. In the meantime, I had made my way toward the sofa I had found at the nearby disposal site and brought in here. I sat on it, after putting my bag next to the makeshift coffee table I had made. The guys kept looking at me. (text-color:yellow) [//What? You don’t think it would be a good idea?//] Yunho cleared his throat before speaking, his awkwardness obvious. (text-color:orange) [//I mean, it’s not a bad idea, but don’t you think this is a bit...//] (text-color:red) [//Chaotic?//] Seonghwa completed. (text-color:orange) [//More so scary.//] Yunho corrected him. Initially, they were against the idea. But one day, as I was scribbling song ideas on some spare paper, Seonghwa barged in. (text-color:red) [//So will you help me or not?//] He asked, standing at the entrance of the warehouse. Taken off guard, I quickly made my way to him. There stood Yunho, next to a piano. (text-color:#fcf55f) [> [[That would be the beginning of our group.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[= (if: (saved-games:) contains "Slot A")[ (link: "Load Slot A")[(load-game: "Slot A")] ](else:)[ Slot A: Empty<br> ] (if: (saved-games:) contains "Slot B")[ (link: "Load Slot B")[(load-game: "Slot B")] ](else:)[ Slot B: Empty<br> ] (if: (saved-games:) contains "Slot C")[ (link: "Load Slot C")[(load-game: "Slot C")] ](else:)[ Slot C: Empty<br> ] (link: "Back")[(goto: "Cromer: As The World Crumbles")]