Frontier Realm

Suddenly, the abrupt braking jolts you awake from your slumber. You find yourself seated on an intercity bus, surrounded by others who seem just as drowsy as you. Glancing out the window, you realize that the bus is still traversing the towering five-story-high overpass, indicating that there's still quite some time left until your destination. With that in mind, you close your eyes once again. [[Drift back to sleep]]

Not long after, you vaguely see a military officer digging a hole with a shovel under the moonlight. It's evident he's struggling. Several bulging body bags are placed next to him, with one bag revealing a bloodless arm. He seems to notice your presence and pauses from his task, looking towards you. 'Are you a soldier?' he asks. [[No, I'm not a soldier," you respond.]]

"No, I'm not a reservist either," you reply. [["Neither am I"]]

He lowers his head and continues digging. "I'm sorry, we don't need you here. My brothers here need the comradeship of fellow soldiers, and I'm enough on my own." You notice that his left arm seems to be injured, causing his digging movements to be severely distorted. [[But you're injured...]] [[Stand by and continue watching him]]

He doesn't respond immediately but looks at you after finishing digging the grave. "At least I'm still alive compared to my teammates. And this is the only thing I can do for them." [[Stand by and continue watching him]]

He lifts one of the body bags and carries it into the freshly dug grave. Then, facing the head of the body bag, he extends his right hand with four fingers together, placing it over his left chest, and then clasps his left hand over the thumb of his right hand. It's a gesture you've seen on TV before. He then slowly begins to refill the hole with the excavated soil. He repeats the process, starting to bury the second body. [[I can help.]] [[Continue watching.]]

He doesn't respond to your words at all, merely taking a momentary pause. You feel like this process has been going on for quite a while. The officer has had to take several breaks, sitting on the pile of soil nearby due to exhaustion. He's covered in dirt from head to toe. [[Wait for -> Next digging step]]

You feel like this process has been going on for quite a while. Occasionally, he needs to take breaks, sitting on the pile of soil nearby. [[Wait for -> Next digging step]]

You watch as he buries all the bodies. Afterward, he lights himself a cigarette. The glow from the cigarette's tip faintly illuminates his stern face beneath the beret, familiar yet unfamiliar. He exhales a puff of smoke, then inhales it back in through his nostrils. "Kid, this is my duty. You don't need to get involved, after all, you have your own." [[I'm not sure what my duty is.]]

Upon dreaming of this scene, you abruptly awaken from the dream, leaving your forehead covered in sweat. You notice that most of the passengers on the intercity bus have already woken up, starting to chat casually. This indicates that your destination—Westlo City—is nearing. [[Check the carriage]]

The intercity bus you're traveling on is quite massive. It has 12 rows of seats horizontally, with a small aisle between every two rows to facilitate passenger movement. Additionally, there's a second level that's almost as spacious as the lower deck, estimated to accommodate over 1000 people. It's hard to understand why people call it a bus when its size resembles that of a yacht. [[Impressive machinery]] [[Just a faster mode of transportation]]

It's hard to believe that within just a few years, they've already been able to mass-produce something like this. You heard on television before that this type of transportation was originally designed for rapid deployment of troops and supplies. Not only is it incredibly fast, but it also doesn't require electronic devices for control. It's a sophisticated piece of machinery, and it doesn't come cheap. [[Look out the window]]

Compared to its massive size, the transportation revolution brought about by this vehicle is even more significant. Previously, the time required to reach stations and airports could even exceed the time spent traversing the city itself. However, with the advent of this large, fast, and agile intercity bus, all such problems are swiftly resolved. [[Look out the window]]

The bus has reached the outskirts of the city. Beneath the elevated road, fields continuously pass by, with sporadic villages appearing and disappearing. At this moment, your attention is drawn to a dynamic billboard standing alongside the highway. It features a young, cute girl dressed in military uniform as its centerpiece. Below her, a caption reads: "Join the big family of the military, we welcome you." This is the fifth version you recall seeing. Previously, there were displays showcasing equipment styles, patriotism themes, and emphasizing the influence of military camps on children. In short, there are different types of recruitment advertisements targeting various demographics. You speculate that this one might be aimed at single young men. [[This is shameless, attracting attention through false content]] [[This is normal, recruitment, like other affairs, requires promotion]] [[It's not my concern, I don't care]]

They're actually associating pretty girls with the military now. What's next, turning military life into a romance drama? I wonder if anyone would really join the military because of such ads. If they do, they're bound to be sorely disappointed in the future. [[Ignore it]]

Understanding the entertainment concept is indeed key to effective promotion. Without incorporating some appealing elements, how else can recruitment be successful? After all, no one would be interested in rough-looking, sun-tanned men plastered on billboards. Featuring some attractive girls can at least draw some attention. [[Ignore it]]

Perhaps these advertisements serve their purpose, but they're irrelevant to you. You have no intention of joining the military or assisting in recruiting more soldiers. You refrain from commenting on things you don't understand; that's your way of dealing with matters. [[Ignore it]]

The drizzle begins to fall from the sky, leaving droplets on the bus window, while distant scenery is shrouded in a white mist. The bus has now entered the city, and familiar buildings from your past begin to come into view. A campus adorned with national flags catches your eye, instinctively prompting you to take a closer look. It's the best high school in the city. You had once considered attending this school but ultimately chose to go elsewhere, alone. [[Perhaps choosing here wouldn't have been a bad idea]] [[Leaving was a declaration to break away from mediocrity]] [[It doesn't matter anymore]]

Staying here would indeed have made everything quite different. You wouldn't have to leave behind familiar streets, childhood friends, and your grandparents. Many of the problems you encounter now might not even be problems anymore, as you wouldn't feel lonely and wouldn't have to shoulder everything alone. [[It doesn't matter anymore]]

Between comfort and challenge, the latter is your only choice. Even if it means bearing all the pressure alone. In your eyes, this is the best outcome. You've seen a completely different world and grown through the challenges you've faced alone. Everything is worth remembering, without regrets. [[It doesn't matter anymore]]

Perhaps nothing really matters anymore. Regardless of the choices made at the time, you couldn't avoid the difficulties you're facing now. Just a few months ago, the government abruptly canceled the college entrance examination. The original high schools were all converted into military academies. Students like you, in their final year of high school, neither fit to take the military academy entrance exams alongside middle school students nor willing to enlist directly, had no choice but to return to their hometowns and seek alternative paths. The high school in front of you seems to be in even worse shape, as it has been directly shut down, silently lying in the midst of the white mist. [[Damn policies]] [[Everything will get better]] [[....]](set: $AttendParade to true)

You're one of the victims of this upheaval, and you have every reason to be angry. The trajectory of your life has veered into the unknown because of it. So, you joined your fellow students in taking to the streets to protest the government's decision to cancel the exams. Day after day, the protests continued, but the government's policies remained unchanged, only emphasizing, "The new world war is about to begin. Please understand, students." After a few more days, you noticed fewer and fewer comrades by your side. Before long, the school rejected your request to extend your stay, so you had no choice but to return home. [[End ->....]]

After the closure of high school, your classmates invited you to join them in protesting on the streets, hoping to change the current situation. However, you declined the invitation. You felt there were many other things you could do, including taking the military academy entrance exams and starting a small business. Later, you heard that the protest started out strong but fizzled out as fewer and fewer people joined in. Despite maintaining optimism, lacking a compelling reason to stay in the big city, you had no choice but to return to your hometown once again, to plan your next steps in life. [[Let's start over ->....]]

High school has gradually faded away, and the drizzling rain makes the city outside the window appear exceptionally quiet. People who have just finished work are wearing raincoats as they move about, and the entire city continues to run smoothly. A thick cloud drifts in from the distance, making everything outside the window even darker, while your reflection on the window becomes more pronounced. You can clearly see yourself. [[With glasses on, you handle things calmly]] [[With a strong physique, no one dares to mess with you]] [[Mature and sociable, you have a good sense of social interaction]] [[Your outstanding appearance draws attention]]

You're obviously a smart guy. (set: $PlayerType to 1) [[Continue]]

You look like a tough guy. (set: $PlayerType to 2) [[Continue]]

From the looks of it, you're a smooth-talking guy. (set: $PlayerType to 3) [[Continue]]

You look like a memorable guy at first glance. (set: $PlayerType to 4) [[Continue]]

As you scrutinize yourself, a dark object fills your window. It's a mechanical behemoth even larger than the intercity bus, bristling with what appear to be drill bits and thick metal armor, with bits of rock and soil lodged in the drills. The people around you are buzzing with excitement. Everyone is looking out the window on your side, and some have even unbuckled their seat belts to press their faces against the glass, emitting sounds of admiration. One father is explaining the steel giant to his children. [[Listen to the father's explanation]]

"Daddy, what is that?" "I'm seeing it for the first time too, but I reckon it's our latest strategic weapon. See those drill bits?" "Yeah, there are a lot of them." "They're used for drilling underground. This weapon can move freely underground using those drill bits without being detected by the enemy. So, it's our secret weapon." "That's amazing! But why is it here?" [[Continue listening]]

"Yeah... I'm not sure either." A man nearby chimed in, "It's to build underground shelters that can withstand nuclear strikes." The father looked surprised, "They brought this thing here just to build underground shelters?" Another person said, "With war looming, using this thing to dig tunnels is the most efficient way." The father glanced at his son and said, "Damn!" As everyone was focused on the massive machine, the bus came to a stop. [[See what's happening]]

Several officers in military uniforms boarded the bus. They instructed passengers to return to their seats and have their documents ready. Subsequently, the officers began inspections from different positions, with one of them not far from you. Two people in front of you seemed a bit impatient: one said, "Why are they checking so thoroughly? It's wasting my time." "Ever since that high school protest, it's been like this." "Is it targeting high school students?" "It seems so, so it shouldn't be too troublesome." After saying this, the inspecting officer arrived in front of them. They quickly rolled up their sleeves in preparation for the inspection. [[Stay calm]]

This inspection is obviously targeting high school students like you. Just as you were thinking this, a military officer diagonally in front of you questioned, "So you admit you participated in the protest!" Then, the guard beside him approached and took away someone around your age, presumably for participating in that protest. Your mind raced. (if: $AttendParade is true)[You once participated in that student protest, and now things are complicated]. You absolutely cannot admit to participating in the protest, or else you'll end up like that boy, being taken away. [[Have your documents ready]]

You rolled up your left sleeve, revealing what looked like a QR code on the inner side of your forearm. Beneath the QR code was a biochip implanted, which contained your personal identity information. You used this chip to board the bus. An officer approached you, scanning the chip on your arm before starting to question you: "Were you previously a high school student?" (set: $Suspect to 40) Suspect Level: $Suspect [[Yes, that's correct]] [[No, I've never attended high school]] (if: $PlayerType is 3)[ [[(Social) "You're absolutely right, but that was months ago."]] ]

The officer glanced at the device in his hand, apparently verifying your response. After a moment, he shook his head, seemingly seeing through your lie. "I hope you cooperate with my work. Which high school did you attend?" Your high school is in Kaining City, where the student protest took place. Should you tell him directly? ( PS: Your biochip contains a lot of information about you. If he suspects you're lying, suspicion level reaches 100, and you'll be taken away. ) (set: $Suspect to it + 10) Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "I attended Kaining No.1 High School" ]] [[Just mention any city]] (if: $PlayerType is 4) [ [[(Charm) "You must be able to guess where I went to school, right?"]] ]

The officer chuckled at your response and glanced at the device in his hand, seemingly verifying your answer. After a moment, he nodded and continued, "Which high school did you attend?" Your high school is in Kaining City, which happens to be where the student protest took place. Should you tell him directly? ( PS: Your biochip contains a lot of information about you. If he suspects you're lying, suspicion level reaches 100, and you'll be taken away. ) (set: $Suspect to it - 15) Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "I attended Kaining No.1 High School" ]] [[Just mention any city]] (if: $PlayerType is 4) [ [[(Charm) "You must be able to guess where I went to school, right?"]] ]

"Alright, I see." he continued, "Do you know about something very serious happening recently related to high school students?" He must be referring to the protest, testing you. Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "Are you talking about the student protest?" ]] [[ "Is there? I have no idea." ]] (if: $PlayerType is 1)[ [[(Witty) "Many people know about it, and it has had a significant impact."]] ]

"Ummm, okay," he said, "Do you know about a recent incident related to high school students that's very serious?" He must be referring to the protest, testing you. Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "Are you talking about the student protest?" ]] [[ "Is there? I have no idea." ]] (if: $PlayerType is 1)[ [[(Witty) "Many people know about it, and it has had a significant impact."]] ]

The officer glanced at the device in his hand, apparently verifying your response. After a moment, he nodded and continued, "Which high school did you attend?" Your high school is in Kaining City, where the student protest took place. Should you tell him directly? ( PS: Your biochip contains a lot of information about you. If he suspects you're lying, suspicion level reaches 100, and you'll be taken away. ) (set: $Suspect to it - 10) Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "I attended Kaining No.1 High School" ]] [[Just mention any city]] (if: $PlayerType is 4) [ [[(Charm) "You must be able to guess where I went to school, right?"]] ]

"Mmm!" he said, "Do you know about something very serious happening over there?" He must be referring to the protest, testing you. Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "Are you talking about the student protest?" ]] [[ "Is there? I have no idea." ]] (if: $PlayerType is 1)[ [[(Witty) "Many people know about it, and it has had a significant impact."]] ]

"Right, it was that violent protest. I have a friend who got injured because of it." He took a deep breath and then continued, "So, what's your take on the students who participated in the protest?" You can see the officer is quite agitated. And this question is asking for your subjective opinion, so it should be easier to answer. Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "Some students were too aggressive, they harmed others." ]] [[ "Students were expressing their dissatisfaction." ]] (if: $PlayerType is 2)[ [[ (Forceful) "Those who resort to violence because of their numbers are cowards." ]] ]

"Oh, you had no idea? I bet there were plenty from your school too." He glared at you menacingly. "I'm talking about that violent protest. I have friends who got injured there." He calmed down a bit and continued, "So, what's your take on the students who participated in that protest?" You can see the officer is quite agitated. And this question is asking for your subjective opinion, so it should be easier to answer. Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "Some students were too aggressive, they harmed others." ]] [[ "Students were expressing their dissatisfaction." ]] (if: $PlayerType is 2)[ [[ (Forceful) "Those who resort to violence because of their numbers are cowards." ]] ]

"That's right, it was that violent protest. I have a friend who got injured because of it." He took a deep breath, then continued, "So, what's your take on those students who participated in the protest?" You can see the officer is quite agitated. And this question is asking for your subjective opinion, so it should be easier to answer. Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "Some students were too aggressive, they harmed others." ]] [[ "Students were expressing their dissatisfaction." ]] [[ (Forceful) "Those who resort to violence because of their numbers are cowards." ]]

"Who gave them the authority to hit people? Those soldiers were supposed to protect the students." He paused for a moment before continuing, "Sorry, I got a bit carried away. Next question." He picked up the tool again and asked, "Did you participate in the protest?" (if: $AttendParade is true)[ If you tell them you participated in the protest, you might be taken away like that boy. But does your biochip really have any information recorded about this?] (else:)[ This question feels the most dangerous; giving the wrong answer might get you taken away. But since you didn't participate in the protest, you don't need to worry. ] Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "I didn't participate in that protest. I hate violence." ]] [["I was involved to some extent."]] (if: $PlayerType is 1) [ [[ (Social) "If I had participated, I would regret my actions." ]] ]

"I agree, everyone is following orders, so why can't students?" He paused for a moment before continuing, "Sorry, I got a bit carried away. Next question." He picked up the tool again and asked, "Did you participate in the protest?" (if: $AttendParade is true)[ If you tell them you participated in the protest, you might be taken away like that boy. But does your biochip really have any information recorded about this?] (else:)[ This question feels the most dangerous; giving the wrong answer might get you taken away. But since you didn't participate in the protest, you don't need to worry. ] Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "I didn't participate in that protest. I hate violence." ]] [["I was involved to some extent."]] (if: $PlayerType is 1) [ [[ (Social) "If I had participated, I would regret my actions." ]] ]

"I fully agree with your view, they're all cowards!" He paused for a moment before continuing, "Sorry, I got a bit carried away. Next question." He picked up the tool again and asked, "Did you participate in the protest?" (if: $AttendParade is true)[ If you tell them you participated in the protest, you might be taken away like that boy. But does your biochip really have any information recorded about this?] (else:)[ This question feels the most dangerous; giving the wrong answer might get you taken away. But since you didn't participate in the protest, you don't need to worry. ] Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "I didn't participate in that protest. I hate violence." ]] [["I was involved to some extent."]] (if: $PlayerType is 1) [ [[ (Social) "If I had participated, I would regret my actions." ]] ]

"Okay, I understand! One last question." "What are your thoughts on the policy of canceling the university entrance exam?" Suspect Level: $Suspect [[ "It has had a significant impact on my life." ]] [["It's there, what can I do about it?"]] [["We're about to go to war, and the country needs soldiers, right?"]]

"Thank you for being honest," he gestures to the guards, indicating they should take you away. You're escorted off the bus by two guards, who lead you onto a military jeep heading towards an unknown destination. After driving for several tens of minutes, you arrive at a place that resembles a police station. The guards hand you over to the "police" waiting here, although the attire of this "police" officer resembles military uniform rather than the familiar police uniform. He handcuffs you and leads you inside the building. [[Follow him]] (if: $PlayerType is 2) [ [[(Strength) Struggle]] ]

"You're just taught to sigh and lament, aren't you? Maybe closing down high schools isn't such a bad thing after all." With that, he turned to the next passenger. You noticed he didn't give that person a hard time, just scanned their biometric chip briefly. Perhaps this inspection was indeed targeted at your group. [[Wait for the bus to start moving]]

"I understand, but people don't just live as individuals; they also need to consider the interests of the collective." He glanced at the passenger sitting behind you. "I hope you can find what you need to do." You noticed he didn't give that person a hard time, just scanned their biometric chip briefly. Perhaps this inspection was indeed targeted at your group. [[Wait for the bus to start moving]]

He seems very satisfied with your answer. "You're a good kid. I hope in the future you'll become one of us. The review is over now." He then moved on to the person behind you. You noticed he didn't give that person a hard time, just scanned their biometric chip briefly. Perhaps this inspection was indeed targeted at your group. [[Wait for the bus to start moving]]

Not long after, several officers finished their inspection. During the process, two students were taken off the bus and driven away in military jeeps. You just watched them leave silently, secretly relieved that you didn't end up like them. Ten minutes later, the bus resumed its journey towards its destination, the West Silo Bus Station. [[Silently gaze out the window]]

Not long after, you arrived at the bus station. As you got off the bus with your luggage, you saw your grandfather waiting for you at the station, holding an umbrella. After a few exchanges of greetings, he took you back home. Once inside, you were greeted by your grandmother, who had been waiting for both of you. Everything here was just as it was when you left, unchanged. You immediately relaxed from your tense state, feeling a sense of fatigue wash over you. The elderly couple exchanged smiles, quickly advising you to rest in your room. [[Lie down on the bed and sleep]]

You lay down on the bed, noticing the familiar scent of the room and the comforting feeling of the mattress. Combined with your extreme fatigue, these sensations quickly lull you to sleep. You don't even have any dreams. Your mind has only one thought: Finally back home. (End of Prologue) [[Start Chapter One]]

You struggle to open your eyes from the depths of sleep and glance at the clock hanging on the wall. It's already past 10 in the morning. Since starting high school, you haven't slept in this late for a long time. A sense of guilt urges you to get up and do something immediately, but upon further thought, you realize there's nothing pressing to attend to right now. Besides tidying up the luggage you brought back, all you need to do is bring the gifts to Grandma and Grandpa. (set: $HaveBottle to false) (set: $HaveNotebook to false)

You followed the man into a fenced-off enclosure, adjacent to another enclosure where a boy of similar age to you was being held. After you entered the enclosure, the man who brought you here unlocked your handcuffs and closed the door. [[“What are you going to do to me?”]]

You bumped the man's arm and successfully freed yourself from the restraints, but you didn't get far before your body involuntarily convulsed, and you briefly lost consciousness. When you woke up, the man helped you up and said, "Resisting will only get you into more trouble. Come with me quietly." He then helped you up and escorted you towards the building. [[Follow him]]

"I need you to stay put here, alright?" he said before turning around and leaving. With the distant sound of a door closing, the space fell into complete silence. The boy beside you initiated the conversation: "Hey! You were on that bus too, right? I think I've seen you before." [[Yeah, you were brought here for what reason?]] [[You must have been the first guy taken off the bus, I remember you too.]]

I reckon it's because I joined that parade event. The entire class went at the time, and if you didn't go, people would criticize you as a coward. What could I do?" He sighed, "Who would have thought it would turn out like this. [[Joining the parade is very brave; you should feel proud.]] [[You are quite timid, not even willing to take responsibility for your own actions.]] [[Everything will get better; there won't be any issues.]]

You're right. At that time, I actually admitted very honestly that I had participated in the parade." The boy regretted, "If only I hadn't told the truth back then. [[So, were you also brought here because you participated in the parade?]]

Perhaps I should feel proud. At least, I shouted out what I wanted to say, better than those who remained silent. Even now, I dare to admit what I've done. [[Yes, you're an amazing person! -> Introduce yourself]]

The boy seemed on the verge of tears, saying, "I didn't hit those soldiers, and I'm not pursuing any interests. I just want to peacefully go to college and become a network engineer. Why is this happening?" He shook his head, "I really wish there was a pill for regret." [["Everything is in the past now. By the way, what's your name?"]]

I feel the same way. We didn't hurt anyone, nor did we do anything wrong. We just spoke out what we wanted to say. We'll be fine. [[No matter how bad it gets, we can always find a way -> Introduce yourself]]

His response was, "Probably, but at that time, the whole class went to the parade. If you didn't go, you'd be mocked as a coward by them. Who would have thought it would turn out like this?" [[Joining the parade is very brave; you should feel proud.]] [[You are quite timid, not even willing to take responsibility for your own actions.]] [[Everything will get better; there won't be any issues.]]

His heart calmed down, and there was a light in his eyes. "I am Wei Fukai from Class 4 of Grade 12 at Kaining First High School. What's your name?" Option: [["I am [Your Name] from Class 14 of Grade 12 at Kaining First High School."]]

He didn't continue talking to you, just sat alone in the corner, hugging his knees. [["Are you okay?" -> Leave the police station]]

"It's really too coincidental. I hope we can meet again after we get out of this place," he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a stone. "Do you still remember the stone with our school's name on it? Later, a group of people smashed that stone directly. I picked up a few pieces there, and this is one of them. Take it as a keepsake." [[Pick up the stone -> Leave the police station]]

Distantly, the sound of a door opening seemed to echo. The man who brought you in has returned, walking up to your cubicle and opening the door. "Someone's here to pick you up. Come with me," he says. You follow him to a single-person office, where you find your grandfather waiting for you. He sees the joy in your eyes but says, "You troublemaker! You've only caused problems for Officer Wang. Hurry up and thank him!" [[ "Thank you, Officer Wang."]]

He said to your grandfather, "Please, don't mention it. It's nothing." Then he picked up the tablet from the desk and began operating it. "In fact, they're looking for students who participated in the parade a few months ago, then compiling a dossier. I'm deleting his file now, or else it will affect this child's future work and life," he said. Your grandfather gave your arm a hard knock and said, "You're causing trouble again, and now you're troubling others." [[Keep silent]]

Officer Wang put away the tablet and glanced at me, saying, "This kid has a promising future." (if: (history:) contains "（Strength）Struggled to break free")[He rubbed my shoulder and added, "He's quite strong too."] "Alright, everything's fine now. You can go." My grandfather quickly expressed his gratitude, grabbed me and my suitcase, and headed out the door. He asked me, "Did it hurt when I hit you just now? That was just for show." [[Follow my grandfather home]]

As soon as you entered, you saw your grandmother waiting for the two of you. Everything here was just as it was when you left, unchanged. You immediately relaxed from your tense state, feeling a wave of fatigue washing over you. The elderly couple exchanged a smile and quickly instructed you to rest in your room. [[Lie down on the bed and sleep]]