The park opens around Namine in warm afternoon light, all worn paths, leafy shade, and a patch of grass marked by running feet. Her holographic body steadies beside the palm-sized terminal, finally able to move.
A small group of children pauses their ball game to stare. They are elementary-school-aged, dressed in bright T-shirts and shorts, with dusty sneakers and sun-warmed faces.
The Park Children
Whoa! You can move! Come play with us!
Their excitement breaks the hesitation. One child gives the ball a gentle nudge, and it rolls across the grass toward Namine, slowing neatly beside her projected feet.
The Park Children
You can kick it back! Then you're on our team!
The children spread out into loose positions, watching the glowing figure and the ball with equal attention. For the moment, nobody runs after it or fills the silence.
✓ Quest Accepted
Earn the children's trust by joining their game
“I kick the soccer ball.”
FAILURE (Poor Agility, rolled +1)
Namine swings her projected foot toward the soccer ball. The hologram passes through it, but the terminal’s light catches the ball’s surface just enough to nudge it sideways across the grass.
The ball misses the children’s loose formation and rolls to a stop beside a park bench, several steps away. Namine’s foot settles back into place, untouched by the attempt.
The Park Children
Whoa, it went sideways!
The children hurry toward the bench, then slow when they notice the ball is still within easy reach. Their disappointment turns into curious inspection of the faint shimmer around Namine’s feet.
The Park Children
Maybe you can guide it with the light! Try aiming beside it instead of kicking it.
The failed kick has revealed a workable detail: direct contact does not transfer normally, but Namine’s projection can disturb the ball from close range. The children wait beside it, watching for her next move.
“I gently kick the ball back toward the children.”
SUCCESS (Poor Agility, rolled +2)
Namine angles her projected foot beside the ball and makes a gentle kicking motion. The terminal’s glow catches it cleanly, sending it rolling back across the grass toward the waiting children.
The ball travels in a slow, manageable line, its shadow bumping over the uneven lawn. The children shift aside, then turn together as it reaches their loose formation.
The Park Children
It worked! You kicked it back!
A child traps the ball under one dusty sneaker while the others gather around, their earlier uncertainty replaced by eager concentration. Several faces look from the ball to Namine’s glowing feet.
The Park Children
Do it again, but aim to us this time! We’ll pass it back.
The children spread out once more, leaving a clear lane between the ball and Namine. Their game resumes around the new rule: her light can guide the ball, even if it cannot touch it normally.
Quest Complete
Earn the children's trust by joining their game
Attribute Upgrade: Agility Poor→Mediocre