The #girl had been living in a #gloomy and #cramped orphanage for as long as she could remember. The #orphanage consisted only of two floors, yet housed over a hundred #homeless children.
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00:00Judging by your reactions, I'd say I made the right choices.
00:06Anyway, my friends, make sure you haven't forgotten any of your belongings, and let's move on to the next stop.
00:14The most popular amongst the ten joys of Langqiu.
00:20As soon as people hit the streets, no one can resist playing a round of flip and win.
00:31Hey, Master Dong Que, you brought friends. How many rounds this time?
00:38My friends here have important matters to attend to, so we don't have time to get into it.
00:46Can you do us a favor by removing the guaranteed and limited bids and simplify the gameplay? This way, everyone can have a good time.
00:56Oh, certainly. You've supported my business many times before. It's the least I can do.
01:05After a short wait, Xu completed the trial version of flip and win.
01:13In short, the card in front of you consists of one gold, two purple, six blue, and one black.
01:26If you draw a golden, purple, or blue card, I'll give you a small prize of the same rarity.
01:33Keep in mind that since we're playing a simplified version of the game, their value won't be too high.
01:39However, if you draw the black card, all the other cards will be rendered invalid.
01:47So if we draw the black card, it's game over?
01:52Correct. So you can just go for another round. Think of it as testing your luck. Relax and have fun.
02:07Let me see. Ms. Kareli and Ms. Helia drew a blue card, and Ms. Sanadina drew a purple card.
02:18Now it's your turn.
02:22Hesitation leads to defeat. Draw.
02:32What a shame. Another blue card.
02:37I knew it. Well, at least it's not black.
02:44Do you want to take a shot, Song Que?
02:48All right, then. I'll draw in on the fun.
02:56It's a black one.
03:00Well, Master Song Que has had her fair share of golden in this life before, so one black card doesn't mean much.
03:09Yeah, from another perspective, it's actually quite an exciting experience.
03:18Although this round is invalid, could you do me a favor and pick up the card in the top left corner?
03:26M. Perception, when did you arrive?
03:30I've been here the whole time. You just didn't notice me.
03:34At any rate, why don't you take a look at that card?
03:41All right, all right. I'll take a look for you.
03:47A golden card.
03:51You're really something, M. Perception.
03:55After all, you've already eliminated many distracting options for me.
04:02If I can't win even after all that help, then maybe I made the wrong decision in joining this game.
04:11This is just for fun, so there are no real stakes here.
04:18You're right.
04:24Now that we've experienced the culinary and gaming side of Amber Street, it's time for some enjoyment.
04:35The two not count as joy in Lang Qiu.
04:40Well, to be honest, I'd already eaten quite a bit before everyone arrived. I'm still digesting.
04:48Of course, if everyone's hungry, I can...
04:54It's okay, we're not that hungry, but a certain someone seemed to be dozing off.
05:01I'm not sleepy, honestly.
05:06All right, all right, I believe you. Shall we get going then?
05:18The next place we're going is one of the iconic buildings on Amber Street.
05:26The view from here is fantastic.
05:48Yeah, standing here gives you a panoramic view of the whole town.
05:55You won't get sleepy when the wind's blowing in your face.
06:05I'm coming.
06:10What's wrong?
06:12Nothing, it's just my first time being a tour guide, and I can't help but worry if the tourists will find the sights satisfactory.
06:22But seeing everyone's enthusiasm, I can safely assume this trip is going well.
06:28Yeah, I'm enjoying the tour.
06:32A sudden gust of wind lifted the dusty cloak and golden hair, stirring up a long-forgotten memory.
06:40As a guide, she should have shared some interesting historical anecdotes to leave her new friends with an unforgettable impression on Lang Qiu.
06:56But for some reason, as she tried to do so, her selfishness caused her to alter her words with an alarming rapidity.
07:10To be honest, from the ground from the bridge, there's nothing special about the view.
07:17But if you think about how the people below are looking at us, it does lend it a unique feel.
07:28It's like being on stage.
07:32Bingo!
07:34Speaking of stages, there's an old story related to them that I feel is apt here, since the atmosphere is already set.
07:49Of course I want to hear it.
07:54You know, there's something to be said for playing along and creating a little suspense.
08:01I didn't think of that.
08:05But since there aren't many objections, we'll get on with the story.
08:21The story begins a long time ago.
08:25Back then, Oxen and Lang Qiu were still united as one, and the protagonist of the story hadn't even received her own name yet.
08:36However, for the sake of convenience, let's call her girl for now.
08:41The girl had been living in a gloomy and cramped orphanage for as long as she could remember.
08:46The orphanage consisted of only four floors, yet housed over a hundred homeless children.
08:56In such an environment, anything made to take them out of themselves was alluring.
09:03Toys were in high demand, books were luxury items, and a meal with meat was a privilege enjoyed solely by the strong.
09:12The children in the orphanage learned to live in a doggy dog world from a young age.
09:19If they wanted to play with a toy, they had to fight for it.
09:23If they wanted to eat, they had to snatch it from others.
09:27For a girl, unable to stubbornly challenge the child despots who hoarded the pastries and monopolized the toys, she was bereft of calculated strategy.
09:38As a result, she naturally faced exclusion.
09:42She was a perfectly ordinary person who never stood out in any particular way as she grew up.
09:48If it weren't for a fortunate turn of events, we probably wouldn't be hearing her story today.
09:55We usually refer to such people as fools.
10:04However, even though she had to live in a gloomy and cramped orphanage for as long as she could remember,
10:10However, even though she had to choke down leftovers and scrap off footprints on her clothes on a daily basis,
10:24she still carried hope in her heart, yearning for life to give her a reason to be optimistic.
10:31Well, I guess fortune does favor the foolish.
10:35While preparing for a performance, the girl unexpectedly was cast in the role of a villain princess.
10:43The character was a particularly loathsome sort, arrogant, selfish, and temperamental, not dressed in magnificent attire.
10:53At that moment, she suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of happiness.
10:59As tears welled up in her eyes, she began to envision her own future.
11:06She actually likes playing a villain.
11:12That's not necessarily true.
11:15It's just that she realized that in a specific time and space, all the dazzling spotlights and audience gates would be focused solely on those who are adorned in a princess dress.
11:28Even though it was a role that no one wanted to play, she believed it would give her a stage, one big enough to work a miracle that would allow her to leave the orphanage.
11:45Although she couldn't properly explain why, she believed firmly that she would be noticed by the upper class and could transform herself overnight.
11:58However, even while holding on to that belief, she also knew deep down that was impossible.
12:06All she needed was a fantasy to hold on to.
12:11When one fantasy is shattered, there will always be another.
12:15In a sense, the opportunity to perform was perhaps the most realistic among all her fantasies.
12:21After all, a princess dress really can sparkle, and given the right time and circumstances, she would be able to wear one and transform into someone more respectable than anyone else.
12:38Most importantly of all, no one would be competing with her then.
12:43It provided an ideal environment conducive to fantasy.
12:47Just like many years later, she would meet many people who fantasized about dying on a warm bed, surrounded by loved ones, who would only regret their lives.
13:02Yeah, everything was supposed to be, at least, as long as…
13:15There wasn't a power outage that night.
13:24A power outage? That's quite sudden. Could it be…
13:34Who knows? After all, during the days every household had candles as a backup, power outages were fairly common.
13:45Maybe it's like dropping a piece of toast butter side down, unlucky in a mundane way.
13:56But merely due to the fact it happened at the moment the girl was about to speak on stage, it unexpectedly became an event that changed her life.
14:06Naturally, the girl couldn't possibly have realized that at the time, she was lost in her own thoughts, constantly wondering.
14:18Was this the wrong time for her to go on stage? Had she missed her mark? Or maybe she simply wasn't worthy of being a princess or a part of the opera genre?
14:35After pondering over her thoughts, the girl finally mustered up the courage she needed.
14:49And as our grand tale comes to its conclusion, she clutched the hem of the princess' dress, letting it belong to her, and ran.
14:58By the time the lights came on, she was long gone, having left both the stage and the orphanage, and embarking on her journey as a wanderer.
15:09She thus went on to become a common princess.
15:28Hey there, young blood. Got a keen nose, huh? Did you catch a whiff of this exclusive scoop I've got?
15:48Word on the street is, um, I mean, I stumbled upon some pretty juicy news. Burning you into the fold won't hurt.
15:59As a journalist, I solemnly swear that the story is absolutely authentic. So what do you say? Interested?
16:08What news?
16:11Huh, well, don't go broadcasting and everywhere. According to reliable sources, aliens have landed in Oxia.
16:20Where did you hear that from?
16:23I wouldn't dream of revealing my sources. My journalistic integrity is beyond reproach. According to eyewitnesses, these aliens have hats as big as flying hovercars, four hands, and twenty legs.
16:39What's with that look? Let me tell you, this news is absolutely legit. Harold and Maureen both swear they've seen it.
16:48Hey, don't walk away.
16:50No worries, let's just maintain a little mystery, shall we? In a few days, this news will hit the headlines and shock the whole of Oxia.
17:20As in the pre-war times, the Phoenix Continent would become a global power once more.
17:48In demonstrating its influence, it would spread its inventions to the rest of the world, imparting an undeniable impact on the evolution of civilizations worldwide.
18:00The Phoenix Continent's common tongue would go on to be an undeniable lingua franca while the birth of primitive printing press technology signaled that the height of prosperity during the Middle Ages was close at hand.
18:13The Ten Dynasties Period, Year 1496 to Year 1711 of the Old Calendar
18:24The Ten Dynasties Period was a unique time in history. In its short early period, 1496 to 1537, the Central Authority would change hands eight times, averaging one dynasty every five years, with more than 27 different kinds of ruling forces.
18:42By the Middle and Late Period, there were only three remaining powers in the Phoenix Continent, Xinjiu Empire, Mingjiu Empire, and Fangjiu Empire, peacefully coexisting with one another for 150 years, only fighting periodically from time to time.
19:02While this period may have seen a time of political instability and constant war, these localized peoples had a limited impact on the region's increasing material prosperity, as they entered a period of unprecedented cultural and artistic prosperity.
19:18During this time, the influence of handicrafts and commerce on the economy continued to rise while the various ruling powers adopted pragmatic attitudes in competition with one another.
19:31The attitudes would also prove helpful in breaking down the traditional agrarian mentalities. Changes experienced by the socio-economic phase during this time, coupled with the innovation of gunpowder, a key military technology, had laid the foundation for a new age.
19:50I have a meeting later, and I'd appreciate if you could go to the Sea of Data monitoring room and get a few documents from Alarm.
19:59Documents?
20:01Yeah, our company is responsible for development consulting regarding the Sea of Data, so we have a close relationship with the monitoring agency.
20:12Alright, I'll leave it to you then. Thank you so much, have a safe trip.
20:19Thank you.
20:43Hello, Ms. Alarm, we're here to help Shi Lu retrieve some documents.
20:50Ah, the impatience of today's youth. Allow me to check for you. Just a moment, please.
20:58Maybe a little longer?
21:02Just...
21:08Do we still have to wait? By the look on your face, I think you already know where the file is.
21:14That's right. Have you heard of Gilia? She's my childhood friend, a historian. A few days ago, she accidentally left the unfinished manuscript of her new book in my possession.
21:27Ah, so you returned Shi Lu's file back to her by accident.
21:36No, the situation is a bit more complicated. Gilia's son took the file.
21:41Follow me.
21:51Oh no, didn't think there'd be so many girls and kids. Did I scare them? Should I apologize?
21:59Kids? I suggest you refrain from judging people based on appearances. Otherwise, we might view you solely as a rebellious teenager with roots run.
22:11No need for an apology. Is there something I'd like to ask for your help?
22:16That was unimpressive. Fine, what kind of help do you need?
22:21A few days ago, did you accidentally take a document from Ms. Alarm?
22:28Oh, so you're that woman's lackey. Let me warn you, if you don't want to meet a grim fate, don't meddle in our personal grudges.
22:37No, actually, we just...
22:40Stubborn as a horse, huh? Alright then, let's settle this feud in the usual alleyway.
22:46Actually, it's stubborn as a mule.
22:50Do we have to resort to violence?
22:54Wait, any form of fighting is prohibited inside the Antares Tower. I don't want to get in trouble for such weird reasons.
23:03But we're aliens.
23:06Ah, just kidding. We won't let a hand on ordinary people. Besides, fighting is troublesome.
23:14Phew, that gave me quite a scare. But in that case...
23:19Hey, how about we exchange some chits?
23:24Chits? Do you mean ransom?
23:27Oh, it doesn't have to be so formal.
23:30No, the so-called chits are vouchers for exchanging rare items. How about we exchange your documents for equally important items in my possession?
23:41Important items? Well, let's see what you can bring on the table.
23:47Since you're a member of the alley, I assume you always need a trusty weapon. I happen to have a decoy dagger. Are you open to exchanging it for a document?
23:57Really? If you dare to deceive me, I'll... I'll... rest assured.
24:07But as you said, people from the alley value honesty above all else. I never deceive anyone.
24:14Alright then, it's a deal.
24:27It should be nearby. Let me take a look.
24:31Song Que, what are you looking for?
24:35Back in the old days when I roamed the streets, I misplaced a dagger around here.
24:40Ah, I found it. Right there.
24:43Song Que, it makes me feel guilty that you're giving away something so significant for such a trivial matter.
24:49Let's consider another way to exchange it.
24:52Let's exchange it for a document.
24:55A document?
24:57Yes, a document.
24:59A document?
25:01Yes, a document.
25:03A document?
25:05Yes, a document.
25:06It makes me feel guilty that you're giving away something so significant for such a trivial matter.
25:11Let's consider another solution.
25:13It's not that important. I still have around a hundred of these daggers.
25:17But is it wise to hand over such a regulated weapon to a youngster with little experience?
25:28Despite his good nature, what if he acts impulsively?
25:33I've already taken that into account.
25:40Song Que drove the dagger into her own arm. With a loud clang, the blade retracted.
25:47Look, it's a replica.
25:51In the past, I used this dagger to deceive many people, but I've abandoned it here to avoid trouble.
25:58It's an antiquated artifact from Langqiu, more than enough to deceive, uh, help Daiyangmen.
26:08You truly live up to your reputation, Song Que.
26:12I'll take that as praise for my meticulous nature.
26:20Be careful, Song Que.
26:23Don't worry about it.
26:24Let's take care of this first, and then I'll have to go after that guy.
26:54This way.
27:11Let's go!
27:16Let's go!
27:25Xenadia is approaching the target.
27:40There's an explosion nearby. Be careful!
27:44Let's go!
27:45Let's go!
27:54There are many ways to control it. Which one is more suitable for you?
28:04Right there!
28:15Here, I brought it for you.
28:19This says, can I really keep this dagger?
28:24Of course, I keep my word. Now, can you return the file to me?
28:29Of course.
28:31Um, after this transaction, we'll be bodies up the alley.
28:35If you encounter any trouble, just mention the name of Giuseppe, and I'll be there in no time.
28:41Follow me.
28:46Lead the way.
28:52Phew, you finally returned. I thought you might have gotten lost in the sea of data.
28:58I'm sorry.
29:00It's okay.
29:02I'm glad to hear that.
29:04Phew, you finally returned. I thought you might have gotten lost in the sea of data.
29:11It was quite an adventure. As long as the file is intact, everything is fine.
29:16Thank you.
29:19Alright, here, as thanks, a mini cake from Sweet Tooth, a rare limited edition.
29:25Thanks. Wait, didn't you mention you had a meeting to attend?
29:29Video conferences count as meetings too, right?
29:33That's right.