Heartbeat/Story

Overview
 • **Story**

This is the exclusive story that comes with Heartbeat.

Type of stage: Dialogue

*I sigh helplessly after tip-toeing to see the long queue ahead of me.*
**Me:** Hunger marketing works its charm yet again!
*A well-known ice cream store on this street recently sells a one-day limited flavor.*
*The advertisement was so enticing that I simply can't let the chance slip by.*
**Young Girl:** Did you see the guy in front?!
**Girl's Companion:** I did, he's so cute!... Did you get a picture?
**Young Girl:** No... he left in a hurry after getting the ice cream.
**Girl's Companion:** Awh, we can't miss the chance next time!
**Me:** (Who are they talking about?)
**Me:** (Also, isn't Gerald's company nearby?...)
**Me:** (I should ask if he's interested in trying out some new ice cream.)
*I look down to text when a shadow covered my screen. I lift my head again.*
**Me:** ...Gerald?
*Gerald's tall form shields me from the scorching sun.*
*And it just so happens that he's holding two cups of the limited edition ice cream.*
**Gerald:** Surprised to see me?
**Me:** Yes, well... I feel you aren't the type to suffer through a queue to buy something yourself.
**Gerald:** Perhaps not for other stuff.
**Gerald:** ...But ice cream is worth it.
**Me:** (It can't be him who the girls were talking about, right?)
*He pushes the ice cream into my arms mid-sentence, leaving no room for objections.*
**Me:** I can't have this. You've queued a long time for it. It'd be robbery.
**Gerald:** This was meant for you.
**Me:** (Really? I find that hard to believe...)
**Gerald:** We have new progress on our research.
**Gerald:** I thought to invite you to the company tomorrow but, here we are.
**Me:** Foodies run into each other everywhere...
**Gerald:** Now that you're here, consider this the invitation.
**Gerald:** There's something else I want to show you, too.
**Me:** What was it?
**Gerald:** A secret, for now.

### Transcript

*After checking out the progress of the research, Gerald takes me to a corner of his office.*
*Only then do I notice the instrument-shaped electronics in the room.*
**Me:** What are these?
**Gerald:** They are new products in our collaboration with a music company.
**Gerald:** ... The ice creams are melting. Let's eat and talk.
*I hurriedly take out the ice cream, but it doesn't seem to be melting, judging by the shape.*
**Me:** (I bet he's just looking for an excuse to start eating!)
*The thought of it makes me chuckle.*
*Gerald brings the ice cream to his lips, tasting a spoonful.*
*Instead of a dignified corporate CEO, he looks more like a child who just had a bite of his favorite snack.*
**Me:** (I'll have a taste too... Mm! Limited edition indeed, the salty watermelon flavor is so refreshing!)
*I enjoy the delicious ice cream while Gerald speaks.*
**Gerald:** These are VR instruments powered by Endpoint Tech programming that supports sensing devices.
**Me:** But we have real instruments, why create VR ones?
**Gerald:** VR instruments can solve the problem of unnecessary noise for some beginners.
**Gerald:** Utilizing nerve conduction technology, they also create an immersive performing environment for the users.
**Me:** Immersive performing environment? Sounds really interesting!
*He tilts his head up, gracefully accepting my praise.*
**Gerald:** Not to mention some special settings-
**Gerald:** I'm considering implementing an online challenge feature for the VR system.
**Gerald:** It can hand out a 'special reward' for participating users.
**Me:** What kind of special reward? Is it a big one?
**Gerald:** Why don't you try it with me and find out?
*He extends a hand to me, like an invitation to some extravagant adventure.*
**Me:** (Time to change into something gorgeous and lively, suitable for performance.)
### Styling requirements

Tips: Gorgeous and Lively Clothes

Main style: , Sub style:

### Transcript

*We chose the performance mode for beginners. I hesitate when it comes to picking an instrument.*
**Me:** There are only guitar and drums available for the beginner mode, which one should I pick?
**Me:** Gerald, which instrument do you prefer?
**Gerald:** Drums. I like percussion.
**Gerald:** But more importantly, I can master the rhythm with the drum beats.
**Me:** I'll go with the guitar, then!
*I equip the VR device with confidence, and suddenly an ocean of concert lights appears before me.*
*The rays of light shift and interweave, as if creating an enchanting dream.*
**Me:** So this is true immersion! I honestly feel like I'm putting on a concert!
**Gerald:** Here's to furuture collaboration then, guitarist [Player].
*I come to notice that he's already dressed properly like a real drummer in a band,*
**Me:** Alright, drummer Gerald!
*Our preselected music accompaniment begins on cue...*
*The sound of the stereo barricades us from the outside world, so we can enter a new one.*
*But then I realize, my musical talent has its limits...*
**Me:** (I think I played too fast and missed the beat... oh no, I played too slow this time! This is tough...)
*I sigh defeatedly.*
*Suddenly, the beat of the drums grow louder and clearer, as if to guide me back on track.*
*Soon, I manage to find the correct rhythm again, and the duet with Gerald progresses smoothly.*
* **Gerald:** So, everything in order?

**Me:** It's fun, just a bit too fast for me.
**Gerald:** Want me to adjust the difficulty?
**Gerald:** I set a random parameter before, so it might not be perfect.
**Me:** No no it's fine, I'll manage.
**Gerald:** Systems are created to serve us.
**Gerald:** It goes against their purpose if you have to adapt to them instead.
**Me:** Alright, if you say so!
*I prepare to deliver inspiring feedback, but stop as I catch a glimpse of Gerald, sitting by the drum set.*
*At that moment I see his eyes on me, smiling.*
* *He moves the drumsticks around so elegantly, yet the beats are controlled and strong.*

*It feels like he's a natural performer, having perfect mastery over the entire song.*
**Me:** (It surprises me that our first duet together is working out so well!)
*His eyes meet mine again, making me miss a beat of the rhythm.*
*Me must have noticed me flustering, and we both look away intentionally to refocus on the performance.*
*Soon the song comes to an end, but I feel the urge to go again.*
**System:** The performance ended, would you like to enter the Challenge Mode?
**Me:** Yes, may as well try!
**System:** Now entering Challenge Mode.
**System:** Outfit change is still supported in Challenge Mode. Various outfits are available for different music genres.
**Me:** (Let's go with something experienced and lively for the challenge mode.)
### Styling requirements

Tips: Smart and Lively Clothes

Main style: , Sub style:

### Transcript

*I pick out something satisfying before getting ready again.*
**Me:** There's a surprising amount of outfits... you were wearing something from the system as well, right?
**Gerald:** Indeed. What do you think, as a designer?
**Me:** The women's selection looks gorgeous! However, it could use more men's outfits.
**Me:** This style of clothing fits you too. You should explore it more in the future.
**Gerald:** I will not object since it's your suggestion.
**Me:** (It must be interesting to design clothing in a VR system like this!)
**System:** Players please stand by. Challenge Mode initiating...
*The system takes both of us into the Challenge Mode.*
*This time, we're even more in sync.*
*We hardly need to look at each other to score combos, refreshing the system high score over and over again.*
**System:** Congratulations, your rank has surpassed 99% of the users worldwide!
**Me:** Awesome! We can get a special reward with this new record!
**Gerald:** Theoretically yes.
**Gerald:** However, the feature has not been implemented into the system yet.
**Gerald:** But the 'special reward' for you can be an exception.
**Me:** Then I must thank the CEO in advance.
**Gerald:** You're welcome. The reward is yours.
**Gerald:** There are few worthy of doing the challenge with me, and you are one of them.
*I perk up and meet his smiling gaze.*
*To think that he had the same smile as earlier in the duet, I can't help but blush a little.*
*A system notification breaks the silence between us.*
**System:** Please pose with your partner to celebrate the end of the level!
*Gerald and I reach our hands out at the same time for an aerial high-five.*
*In virtual reality, it looks as if our palms do touch, to share the happiness at the moment.*
**Me:** In celebration of our first and successful cooperation!
**Gerald:** Making you happy is indeed worth celebrating.
*His spirited smile seems the most real thing in this virtual space.*

### Transcript

*The performance is over but I'm still deep in the joys of the moment.*
*The cheers around me have not faded, as if I'm still on stage among the ocean of audience.*
**Gerald:** What's the matter, reluctant for it to end?
**Me:** Yeah. It wasn't easy getting through the level - I want it to last a little longer.
**Me:** Maybe we'll never get a score like this again.
**Gerald:** It's possible to use the save feature to record performances.
**Gerald:** That way our session can be replayed in the future.
**Me:** That's a great idea! But, how exactly do we save?
**Gerald:** There's a small button behind the glasses, right side on the inside.
**Gerald:** Simply pressing it and verifying your fingerprint should do.
*I don't see Gerald in my view anymore. He must have removed the glasses and exited the system.*
**Me:** (Button behind on the right side... where is it? I don't feel anything?)
*I search along the right side of the glasses repeatedly. failing to find the button Gerald mentioned.*
*Then I hear footsteps approaching me.*
**Gerald:** ... Still haven't found it?
**Me:** Well, it's not a big deal if we don't save-
*Gerald seizes my right hand and presses my index finger on an obscured area of the glasses.*
*For a moment I am speechless.*
*My VR glasses are removed and a gentle light slowly unfolds before me.*
*Gerald's face appears again, his eyes bright from the light behind me.*
*The notification of saving completion drags my thoughts back into the moment.*
**Gerald:** Hmm, maybe the button placement needs a redesign.
*He points out the lit button on the glasses, which is indeed located in a very small area.*
*The texture also blends in perfectly with the glasses.*
**Me:** It feels like a hidden feature, reserved for the ones lucky enough to find it.
**Me:** Not me, apparently.
**Gerald:** It's alright to be out of luck.
**Gerald:** You can always count on your external support.
*A rare, childish look flashes in his eyes.*
*I chuckle, understanding what he meant with those words.*
**Me:** (The Challenge is over. Let's change back to the usual vitality and sweet style.)
### Styling requirements

Tips: Energetic and Sweet Clothes

Main style: , Sub style:

### Transcript

*We shut down the VR system. The office quiets down as the lights and background track fade.*
**Gerald:** Have some ice cream?
**Me:** Didn't we just finish all the ice cream?
**Gerald:** There's more in the fridge. I made them.
*He turns and takes the ice cream out of the fridge. The unique aroma suddenly fills the air in the room.*
*I can't help but sample a spoonful eagerly...*
**Me:** Mm, it never fails to impress, no matter how many times I have it!
**Gerald:** What's the difference compared to the ones from the ice cream shop?
**Me:** Hm, the texture is different, probably because they use a commercial ice cream maker at the store.
**Me:** Their ice cream is softer, while yours is thicker.
**Me:** Though, your ice cream, just like your performance, is unique.
*As I finish, Gerald's expression shifts, and he cackles mischievously.*
**Me:** ... You were baiting for compliments weren't you!
**Gerald:** No, but it delights me to hear you say so.
*He stuffs a bag of ice cream out of nowhere into my arms as I leave.*
**Me:** That's a lot! Did you buy the ice cream store or what?
**Gerald:** I just tried some different blends.
**Gerald:** Give them a taste, and see if all of them have a 'unique' flavor.
**Me:** (With this amount... I can have a different flavor every day for a month!)
**Me:** This isn't the 'special reward' you spoke of, is it...
**Gerald:** A secret, for now.
*A breeze passes between us. He smiles into the wind, and waves farewell at me.*
*One morning a few days later, there's a knock at the door of the agency.*
**Delivery man:** Hello! Delivery for Miss Detective. Please sign here.
**Me:** Thank you!
**Me:** Odd... Why is there a delivery this early in the morning? I don't recall buying anything recently...
**Ai:** Uh-oh! Send address of the package is Endpoint Tech.
*(The protagonist receives a call from Gerald.)*
**Gerald:** Mars reminded me that the the package has been delivered.
**Gerald:** This is the second 'special reward' for you.
**Gerald:** I hope you'll like it.
* It's more fun hanging out with you.

**Gerald:** ... Shame that I'm on a business trip right now.
* I haven't figured out how to use it.

**Gerald:** I've updated Ai's system. It will assist you.
**Gerald:** But, should you have more questions, you can ask me anytime.
**Gerald:** You could always play remotely with me.
**Gerald:** After all, I am looking forward to when the product is officially released...
**Gerald:** ... and then win the actual 'special reward' with you.
**Gerald:** It's a unique, one of a kind reward in this world--
**Gerald:** That belongs to the two of us.