My name is Graff Filsh.<wait=60> I'm a cat, and I'm 15 years old.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: Graf Filš
⏱️ <wait=...>: Pauses the dialogue for the specified frames (60 = 1 second).
I always try my best...although I'm often depressed.<wait=60> Even compared to your average teenager.
NOTE:
⏱️ <wait=...>: Pauses the dialogue for the specified frames (60 = 1 second).
Doing your best isn't always enough.<wait=60> Life constantly gets in the way.
NOTE:
⏱️ <wait=...>: Pauses the dialogue for the specified frames (60 = 1 second).
That's what I feel, at least,<wait=30> having already lost both my parents.
NOTE:
⏱️ <wait=...>: Pauses the dialogue for the specified frames (60 = 1 second).
So, I'm an orphan...or I would be,<wait=30> if not for that weird, reptile,<wait=30> "investigator" named Brok.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Brok: Brok
⏱️ <wait=...>: Pauses the dialogue for the specified frames (60 = 1 second).
He's cool enough, I guess.<wait=30> As far as legal guardians go.
NOTE:
⏱️ <wait=...>: Pauses the dialogue for the specified frames (60 = 1 second).
I'm at least thankful to study at the coveted Consciousness Center in the Slums.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Consciousness Center: Centrum vědomí (Vědomka)
📖 Lexicon word for Slums: Slumy
Why am I thinking of studies...?
NOTE:
Why can't I have a nice dream for once...
NOTE:
Why is it always about...
NOTE:
Hey, Graff!<wait=60> Wake up!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: Graf Filš
⏱️ <wait=...>: Pauses the dialogue for the specified frames (60 = 1 second).
Hi, Ott.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: Oto
Hey, Graff. Stayed up last night, right?
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: Graf Filš
(Ott is a warthog-otter.)
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: Oto
(Half-breeds are rare in Atlasia. They say only one in a thousand births.)
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Atlasia: Atlasie
(We've known each other for a few years now.)
NOTE:
(I consider him my...)
NOTE:
(Yeah! Definitely.)
NOTE:
(Everyone thinks he's ugly...but he's always been kind to me.)
NOTE:
(We help each other out with homework, and after class we hang out to play games and talk.)
NOTE:
(Pretty much what you'd expect from two Consciousness Center friends.)
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Consciousness Center: Centrum vědomí (Vědomka)
(Oh man. I despise him so much.)
NOTE:
(He keeps getting on my nerves with his superior attitude and flawless grades...)
NOTE:
(I swear, someday I'm gonna smack his snoot so hard he'll finally have a real reason to cry for his bot mama!...)
NOTE:
(Wait... what am I saying?...)
NOTE:
(That's Klay! Not Ott!)
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Klay: Klej
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: Oto
(Am I mixing them up somehow?...)
NOTE:
(Clearly, I'm sleep deprived...)
NOTE:
(We face hardships constantly in the Slums, but there's one thing I know...)
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Slums: Slumy
(He's always there for me...)
NOTE:
(And the same goes the other way around, actually. I guess we're each other's guardian angels?)
NOTE:
(Wow. Pretty deep thoughts for so early in the morning.)
NOTE:
(I can't help but feel sorry for him.)
NOTE:
(Not only must he feel so lonely, with his genetic anomaly being so rare...)
NOTE:
(But everyone avoids his gaze. He's physically unable to stand up for himself.)
NOTE:
(He's the little runt of his family...)
NOTE:
(Somehow, I feel the same way... maybe that's why I feel connected to him.)
NOTE:
You okay, Graff?
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: Graf Filš
Lemme guess. Knowing you, I'd say you're dreading this special day.
NOTE:
(An irresistible cinnamon roll...)
NOTE:
(A golden crust swirled with gooey cinnamon-sugar, melting into every bite... topped with sweet, creamy icing that melts on my tongue...)
NOTE:
(I... really shouldn't have skipped breakfast this morning...)
NOTE:
It's so crowded. Looks like the whole class is here.
NOTE:
Yep. The director is about to make an announcement.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Director: Ředitel
Too bad there's only four chairs. Everyone else has to stand up!
NOTE:
We're sooo privileged.
NOTE:
We would be, if HE wasn't in our group.
NOTE:
Klay?
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Klay: Klej
Easy to pull strings when you're the Director's only son.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Director: Ředitel
Still. That shouldn't stop him from being nicer.
NOTE:
Better avoid contact with him.
NOTE:
Hey, I'll pretend I didn't hear you guys.
NOTE:
Well, the others aren't following the specific courses to become Drumers.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Drumers: Výšiňáci
📖 Lexicon word for Drumer: Výšiňák
I don't get it. Who wouldn't want the opportunity to live safe under the dome instead of this...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for The Dome: Dóm
Hey, since when are you two so based?!
NOTE:
I thought you were pretending not to hear us?
NOTE:
We won't be stuck here that much longer. Just a few more months...and we'll finally have our place!
NOTE:
Oh, come on. Show some enthusiasm! Your evaluations are consistently great!
NOTE:
Better than mine, anyway...
NOTE:
You'll pass, Ott.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: Oto
You can't know that.
NOTE:
Shut up, guys! The Director is here!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Director: Ředitel
Dear students of Consciousness Center S1.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Consciousness Center: Centrum vědomí (Vědomka)
As you know, tomorrow is <col=BLUE>Natal Untail</col>. The supreme holiday of Atlasia.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Untail: (Not translated)
📖 Lexicon word for Atlasia: Atlasie
🎨 <col=...>: Changes the color of this chunk of text (ends with </col>).
Celebrating our traditions is important in our society.
NOTE:
It is a mark of your integration, and proof of your desire to combine your skills into a unified whole. The collective intelligence.
NOTE:
Therefore, it has been decided that this year would be special.
NOTE:
You will be evaluated on your perform...
NOTE:
(Jabber...should have seen it coming...)
NOTE:
<font=emergency>SILENCE!</font>
NOTE:
🔤 <font=...>: Changes the font style, like italics (ends with </font>).
(Good thing she doesn't use that shriek often...)
NOTE:
As I was saying, you will be evaluated to ensure the proper execution of the celebration.
NOTE:
Do not worry! Only a score of zero on your evaluation would get you eliminated.
NOTE:
Let me remind you the grand meaning of <col=BLUE>Natal Untail</col>.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Untail: (Not translated)
🎨 <col=...>: Changes the color of this chunk of text (ends with </col>).
Efficiency, accuracy, and individuality. These are the three words you should strive for.
NOTE:
Starting from teen age and until adult age, on <col=BLUE>Natal Untail</col> day, you must earn enough to pay for one item.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Untail: (Not translated)
🎨 <col=...>: Changes the color of this chunk of text (ends with </col>).
Your money, or more precisely, your Unis accounts, are reset to zero. Parent and friend transfers are strictly controlled.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: Uny/Unů (měna, 2,3,4 Uny, 5 a více Unů, nespisovně Uníky, Uníků)
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: Un (měna Jeden Un, nespisovně Uník)
It can't be relatives of your Consciousness Center friends, either.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Consciousness Center: Centrum vědomí (Vědomka)
Too bad for you, Klay! No cheating this time.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Klay: Klej
Tsk. I don't need that!
NOTE:
This single item must be a precious gift to yourself.
NOTE:
The best gift you could ever want, with a value within the limits of what you've earned.
NOTE:
This tradition allows you a preliminary experience to find your usefulness in society.
NOTE:
Your motivation to earn something good should shine through your work.
NOTE:
What if I don't need anything?
NOTE:
This is good. Sparing earth's resources will always be rewarded...
NOTE:
Easy peasy! Loophole found.
NOTE:
...except during this special day.
NOTE:
Everyone needs something. Listen to your inner self.
NOTE:
In ancient times, citizens celebrated <col=BLUE>Natal Untail</col> in a very different fashion.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Untail: (Not translated)
🎨 <col=...>: Changes the color of this chunk of text (ends with </col>).
They purchased presents for family and friends.
NOTE:
From a flower pot to a new Meety-Me system...anything physical could serve as a present.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Meety-Me: (Not translated)
They also spent countless amounts of valuable energy on lighting for decorations. The direct benefits on humans were vastly underwhelming when put into relation with their immense waste of energy.
NOTE:
While good for the economy, it contributed to further degradation of the planet. And we suffer the effects to this very day.
NOTE:
Our land cannot afford us being irresponsible anymore.
NOTE:
(Yeah, right...as if the Drumers aren't still wasting resources buying stupid things...)
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Drumers: Výšiňáci
📖 Lexicon word for Drumer: Výšiňák
Finally, the big family and friend reunions they organized often resulted in arguments.
NOTE:
What started as a moment of joy ended all too often in depression and break-ups.
NOTE:
A few centuries ago, the tradition was in danger of being abandoned altogether.
NOTE:
The government in-place decided to make substantial changes to accomodate the current situation of the country, and rectified every aspect.
NOTE:
Now, it was focused on the individual self and real needs. More suitable, both for you and your environment.
NOTE:
Is that clear to all of you?
NOTE:
Yes, Graff?
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: Graf Filš
Minus 10 points for wasting the entire class's time.
NOTE:
Wow! You're even worse than usual.
NOTE:
Klay is going to cheat!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Klay: Klej
Do you have any proof, or is this just a baseless assumption?
NOTE:
He's your son! He always does!
NOTE:
But it's true! Come on, everyone, you know I'm right!
NOTE:
The whole class: ...
NOTE:
Minus 20 points for making false accusations.
NOTE:
I appreciated the explanation. It was very clear, concise, and I cherished every word.
NOTE:
Thank you, professor!
NOTE:
However, your obvious attempt to manipulate the review process has been duly noted.
NOTE:
Who, me? I didn't say anything!
NOTE:
So! You have until tomorrow evening to earn Unis through labor.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: Uny/Unů (měna, 2,3,4 Uny, 5 a více Unů, nespisovně Uníky, Uníků)
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: Un (měna Jeden Un, nespisovně Uník)
No friends or family involved. Find your own job today.
NOTE:
Then, buy yourself the best gift you can think of.
NOTE:
Please read and respect the rules. A copy has been sent to your phones.
NOTE:
Disqualification could result in your eviction. It is not worth trying to cheat the system.
NOTE:
Again, keep in mind: accuracy, efficiency and individuality. It must be something personal and useful to you.
NOTE:
Can we access the Drums to find a job or purchase the gift?
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Drums: Výšiny
Sorry. Only the Slums.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Slums: Slumy
Good. We'll meet again here in the evening.
NOTE:
Students, please leave the facility now.
NOTE:
Great. With everything that's been happening lately, I don't have a clue where to even look for a job.
NOTE:
Same for me, really...We have a bad leak from the rain storm yesterday.
NOTE:
I was supposed to help Mom and Dad fix it, but...
NOTE:
...studies are the priority.
NOTE:
I could tell Brok to come help.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Brok: Brok
Naaah, you know my dad. He's too proud to have help.
NOTE:
Where are you going, Klay?
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Klay: Klej
Just so I know what corner of the Slums to avoid.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Slums: Slumy
Then it'll be my pleasure to not tell you.
NOTE:
Hey, how about going together?
NOTE:
Sorry, the rules are clear. We need to do this on our own.
NOTE:
Besides, I'm still worried about our apartment, so I was gonna stop there first anyway.
NOTE:
Later, Ott!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: Oto
Zero Uni...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: Un (měna Jeden Un, nespisovně Uník)
Huh. Guess I zoned out...I'm already back at my apartment.
NOTE:
Let's see those ads.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Ads: Reklama
"Looking for a trash collector and residue cleaner at the old structure..."
NOTE:
"Hairdresser assistant."
NOTE:
That one's too far...and this one...
NOTE:
Brok!!! Watch out! You almost ran me over!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Brok: Brok
Sorry! Thought you were at school.
NOTE:
Not school. Consciousness Center.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Consciousness Center: Centrum vědomí (Vědomka)
Yeah, yeah. What'chya doin' here?
NOTE:
Oh! Yeah... That thing for narcissistic Drumers.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Drumers: Výšiňáci
📖 Lexicon word for Drumer: Výšiňák
<col=BLUE>Natal Untail</col> isn't narcissistic, and it's for everyone.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Untail: (Not translated)
🎨 <col=...>: Changes the color of this chunk of text (ends with </col>).
The goal is to elevate ourselves in society and respect the land we've been...
NOTE:
You're smart, son. Don't buy into that crap.
NOTE:
Aaaanyway, gotta fly. That door won't fix itself, and I'm already late so my client's gonna kill me...
NOTE:
We're supposed to find our job by ourselves...
NOTE:
You can always keep me company on the road.
NOTE:
Nothing like going out in the streets to land a gig. Keep both of your feline eyes wide open!
NOTE:
Dunno...I have the shivers.
NOTE:
It's getting colder this season. Well, sort of.
NOTE:
Hey, maybe we'll get snow this year!
NOTE:
You don't remember?
NOTE:
Once in a while, when the temperature gets low enough, water particles in the air change into ice.
NOTE:
Then they fall from the sky, forming little crystals that pile up into white powder.
NOTE:
Sounds like sand rains.
NOTE:
Yeah, but less threatening! And much prettier.
NOTE:
I...would love to see that.
NOTE:
I wish you could. Atlasia hasn't seen snow in years.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Atlasia: Atlasie
Used to be more often. You must have...
NOTE:
(Roar in the distance)
NOTE:
Errrr...Nothing good, I assume.
NOTE:
But hey, that's life in the Slums!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Slums: Slumy
Let's just press on and...
NOTE:
That's Shay...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Shay: Šej
(Shouts in the phone)
NOTE:
Seems urgent. Gotta go.
NOTE:
But...hey! I was supposed to...
NOTE:
Remember! Keep both eyes open!
NOTE:
He runs pretty fast, all things considered...
NOTE:
No point staying here.
NOTE:
Instinctively, my feet carried me to a very familiar place.
NOTE:
A half-collapsed building, once a student residence, now home to several families...including Ott's.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: Oto
As soon as I arrived, I saw his mom, Nela, wearing boots and a raincoat.
NOTE:
Hey there! Graff, right?
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: Graf Filš
Aren't you supposed to be looking for a small job?
NOTE:
I am. I didn't really plan anything, so...
NOTE:
I see. Let me think...
NOTE:
Then a chubby warthog suddenly appeared, clothes soaked and carrying tools.
NOTE:
Ah, Ott's friend!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: Oto
How about helping us with the roof repair?
NOTE:
Normally I would, but... I'm sorry...
NOTE:
The rules say "No friends or family involved." I don't think this would work...
NOTE:
Oh. My bad, you're right.
NOTE:
Sorry, my mistake could have made you fail.
NOTE:
I wish I could help, but right now I can't think of anyone who might need assistance.
NOTE:
Maybe try the market district?
NOTE:
I'm pretty sure most people already had that idea but... why not.
NOTE:
Well, I wish you and Ott good luck!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: Oto
Yeah! You've got this, boys!
NOTE:
I left and started walking again...
NOTE:
...Okay... I got this...
NOTE:
The market area? Where was it again...
NOTE:
I wandered around the streets.
NOTE:
Near the edges of crumbling underground housings, I encountered toddlers playing in the sand with what I'll simply describe as trash.
NOTE:
Adults busy running around, others with a dazed smile as if they took drugs and weren't in their right minds.
NOTE:
In any case, nobody paid attention to me, and I seriously doubted they had anything to offer me.
NOTE:
There's no better place than the comfort of home, and right now... comfort is exactly what I need.
NOTE:
Surely I'll get an idea if I just walk back and do some serious thinking.
NOTE:
Well... maybe I'll check the Triweb.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Triweb: Trojweb
I leaped into my bed and booted my small computer.
NOTE:
(Sigh) This thing is sooo slow to start...
NOTE:
(Yawn) Better get this over with...
NOTE:
Catching up...sleep...
NOTE:
Graff!!!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: Graf Filš
Don't startle me like that! I almost had a heart attack!
NOTE:
Tell me you bought yourself a gift! Please!
NOTE:
The whole class was there... and you... weren't...
NOTE:
I... overslept... just a tad... I couldn't...
NOTE:
I must go see the Director! Now!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Director: Ředitel
No need. I am already here.
NOTE:
Graff. My duty is to inform you.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Graff: Graf Filš
By slacking off and not even trying in the slightest, you have officially violated rule 11 of the Consciousness Center.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Consciousness Center: Centrum vědomí (Vědomka)
I am sorry. You are an immense disappointment.
NOTE:
I now fear my master in cryo-state is going to force-reset his memory to erase this disaster.
NOTE:
What are you even babbling about?!
NOTE:
According to my stats, your best fit would be a job at the Tri-NecroVerse, for the remembrance of defuncts....
NOTE:
This is a nightmare!
NOTE:
My whole student career... no, my whole future is over...
NOTE:
All because of one tiny mistake?!
NOTE:
Someone must be watching and laughing at me right now... and I'm not paranoid! I just know it!
NOTE:
Yes. There's no way I'll let this be a...!
NOTE:
There's no one in sight and yet...
NOTE:
I'm being watched. I'm certain of it.
NOTE:
I tried to control myself. Walk straight ahead, young man. Don't raise your eyes.
NOTE:
I finally raised my eyes...
NOTE:
Only to meet, face to face, a rodent of some kind.
NOTE:
Move out! They're after me!
NOTE:
The strange mouse disappeared from my sight before my brain could process it.
NOTE:
Wait... someone's... after him?...
NOTE:
I didn't think twice. I dashed toward another path leading out of this area, running as fast as my paws could carry me.
NOTE:
Well, that was a bust... but at least I made it out alive.
NOTE:
Sometimes that's the best you can hope for in the Slums...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Slums: Slumy
Without realizing it, I had arrived in Sector 56X.
NOTE:
Great. Already in the poorest area. That decomposing stench of garbage doesn't lie.
NOTE:
There goes all my chances of making any money...
NOTE:
Aren't you one of those believers?
NOTE:
I am currently setting up my stall. <col=BOLD>Natal Tail</col> is a crucial day for all of us!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Tail: (Not translated)
🎨 <col=...>: Changes the color of this chunk of text (ends with </col>).
And for your business, I bet...
NOTE:
Admittedly yes! Let's praise the almighty for this opportunity to help us celebrate his birth once more.
NOTE:
His birth? Wait, did you say Natal <col=BLUE>Tail?</col>...
NOTE:
🎨 <col=...>: Changes the color of this chunk of text (ends with </col>).
Oh my, it appears you're lacking Untailism lessons.
NOTE:
I dozed off during those...
NOTE:
Well, it's never too late.
NOTE:
What would you say about helping me clean and install my articles, while I'll read you some Un-Tales pages?
NOTE:
Would I earn something? I'm actually looking for a job.
NOTE:
All young lads are following the new <col=BLUE>Natal Untail</col> tradition.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Untail: (Not translated)
🎨 <col=...>: Changes the color of this chunk of text (ends with </col>).
How about this: I'll give you 10 Unis for each client that comes and buys something.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Unis: Uny/Unů (měna, 2,3,4 Uny, 5 a více Unů, nespisovně Uníky, Uníků)
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: Un (měna Jeden Un, nespisovně Uník)
(A risk that nobody comes and buys this junk. I mean, who would?)
NOTE:
Think about it. The better you install and decorate, the cleaner the stall, and the more chances someone will buy.
NOTE:
Your motivation will be indirectly rewarded!
NOTE:
You'll do a fine job! Our protector always rewards the youth.
NOTE:
(I may regret this...)
NOTE:
Oh, pfft. And here I thought I'd found a sucker to do free work.
NOTE:
Let's pray the almighty sends us another lost soul to exploit.
NOTE:
On my way to get this stinky stall out of my sight, I suddenly realized...
NOTE:
Did I screw this up? Was this my only chance to make money today?
NOTE:
As it turns out, I'd spent the whole day chasing small jobs. All for nothing.
NOTE:
It was as if I had blocked myself from the Natal Tail spirit, and some invisible force shut me off from any opportunity.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Tail: (Not translated)
At the last minute, tail between my legs, I returned to the stall.
NOTE:
Too late. The merchant was gone.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Merchant: Obchodnice
Brok and Ott tried to cheer me up, but I knew...
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Brok: Brok
📖 Lexicon word for Ott: Oto
This was all my fault. My lack of trust.
NOTE:
No miracle for me. After this, my morale declined, my grades gradually slipped, and I never graduated.
NOTE:
Now I'm stuck with Brok, doing small jobs in the Slums... for the rest of my life!
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Slums: Slumy
📖 Lexicon word for Brok: Brok
Well, maybe that's not so bad?...
NOTE:
Although, for the sake of this story, it means...
NOTE:
I started helping with the stall. I had no idea what I was doing, but I tried my best.
NOTE:
Meanwhile, the lady started telling me more about her interpretation of the old tradition...which got me intrigued.
NOTE:
<col=BOLD>Natal Tail</col> was all about love and sharing.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Tail: (Not translated)
🎨 <col=...>: Changes the color of this chunk of text (ends with </col>).
Each year, children impatiently waited for this special day.
NOTE:
Parents would cut a pine tree and place it in the center of their home.
NOTE:
Oh, is that why you're selling little trees?
NOTE:
Yes! Aren't they cute?
NOTE:
They decorated them with little balls and garlands, but the beauty came from the tree itself.
NOTE:
They capture how it was like, comfy and warm at home when it was freezing and snowing outside.
NOTE:
And when you shake them...
NOTE:
I see. So that's snow...
NOTE:
Kids loved making snowmen when they were lucky enough to get snow!
NOTE:
Santail was a magical entity wearing red, looking like an old bear with a white beard.
NOTE:
It is said that the Untail sends him to Earth once every year to bring joy to children around the world.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for The Untail: Bezocas
At midnight, he enters homes to drop his presents around the pine tree while everyone is asleep.
NOTE:
Wouldn't that be...privacy violation?...Was he actually a thief?
NOTE:
Not at all. Nobody minded, as he was a benevolent spirit who would never harm anyone.
NOTE:
And if kids hung little socks on their chimney, Santail put candies in them.
NOTE:
The next morning, children would gather up and open their presents with all their family.
NOTE:
Tell me. What magic is there about buying your own gift?
NOTE:
Well...plain logic. No one but me could get the best present for myself.
NOTE:
You'd be surprised.
NOTE:
Sometimes, your closest friends and family can know yourself better than you do.
NOTE:
Children sent Santail a list of the gifts they wanted the most, of course, but he never needed it.
NOTE:
Santail always knew what was best.
NOTE:
Huh...Sounds like a god.
NOTE:
But that misses the point.
NOTE:
It wasn't all about the gifts. Sharing time with loved ones was the most important thing.
NOTE:
It is incorrect to say <col=BLUE>Natal Untail</col>, as our lord and savior, was actually born with a tail.
NOTE:
📖 Lexicon word for Natal Untail: (Not translated)
🎨 <col=...>: Changes the color of this chunk of text (ends with </col>).
I understand the motivation behind the new tradition, but...
NOTE:
It makes me sad. We've deviated so much from the original spirit.
NOTE:
I am convinced all those changes are the reason why we haven't seen Santail for so long.
NOTE:
You know, miracles do happen.
NOTE:
I was wishing for help this morning, and here you are!
NOTE:
That's not even a coincidence, much less a miracle. All of us students are looking for a job today.
NOTE:
If you say so. Personally, I believe.
NOTE:
If you wish for something hard enough, it can happen.
NOTE:
Right...If it's that easy, guess I'll try someday.
NOTE:
Little trees, snow globes, Santail statues, decorations...and I assume those little packages are...
NOTE:
You're selling all the symbols from the old tradition!
NOTE:
That's pretty. I'll take some pictures. Wanna show to all my friends!
NOTE:
I mean...my friend.
NOTE:
The golden Santail statue is gorgeous.
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Isn't it? This is the highlight of my stand!
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It is invaluable, so I always keep it close to me. Please look after it.
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Hey, looks like we have our first client!
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Hello, sir. Would you like anything?
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Just looking. We don't often get religious stalls around here.
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Where's your church?
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Oh, it's not mine. I'm the pastoral assistant.
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It's just a bit further down this street.
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Too bad. They didn't buy anything.
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Have faith. More people will notice. You did a wonderful job!
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Three hours later...we did get a few buyers.
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Good enough to earn me 60 Unis.
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📖 Lexicon word for Unis: Uny/Unů (měna, 2,3,4 Uny, 5 a více Unů, nespisovně Uníky, Uníků)
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: Un (měna Jeden Un, nespisovně Uník)
I was cleaning the stand again. Powder used to simulate snow had spread messily on the table.
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That woman...she bumped right into me.
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My golden Santail! She's stolen it!
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I told you to look after it! What did you do?!
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I...put it to the side of the table to clean...
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I was stunned, frozen in place.
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When I came back to my senses, the merchant had her eyes on me.
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📖 Lexicon word for Merchant: Obchodnice
...with a not-so-happy expression.
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My most precious asset! Gone!
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This is all your fault!
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Wait, what are you doing?
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That won't cover a hundredth of its value, but I have to get my money back somehow.
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But... but! I did the work!
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Good for you. Now observe the result.
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I'm not the thief! What about the Natal Tail spirit?!
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📖 Lexicon word for Natal Tail: (Not translated)
Begone! Danantoell!
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(And just like that, I flunked Natal Untail Day.)
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📖 Lexicon word for Natal Untail: (Not translated)
(Suddenly, I couldn't feel the spirit of this special day anymore... which meant I failed to meet the required criteria.)
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(How could things go so wrong, so fast?...)
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I could still see the thief, so I sprinted straight ahead.
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Luckily, I'm a cat and she was a hippo.
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I managed to catch up to her and, without thinking, tackled her.
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The situation wasn't pretty. She fell onto a rock and her leg was bleeding.
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Nothing too serious, thankfully, but I felt responsible anyway.
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No, this wasn't the time for an apology. Where was that valuable statue?
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Before I could set my eyes on it, a shadow crept behind me.
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The overwhelming shadow of a policeman bear.
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What's going on here?!
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Sir! She stole that!
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The bear had already retrieved the statue.
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Judging from the thickness of those arms, none of us would ever be able to snatch it from him, that was for sure.
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Not that I wanted to. I needed money, but stealing was out of the question.
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He forcefully brought us both back to the merchant, who was relieved...
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📖 Lexicon word for Merchant: Obchodnice
For a short while anyway.
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(Sneezes) A-tcha!!!
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Oh no, here comes my allergy again...
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Danante! The almighty shall find a way to honor you on this holy day!
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...can't believe I was caught by a kitten...
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A sudden pat on my shoulder made me shiver.
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I moved away instantly to avoid his touch.
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He didn't understand why, and to be frank, I didn't either.
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A part of me truly appreciated the big, comforting paw on my shoulder.
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No, it was more than that. It was exactly what I needed at this moment.
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Yet...another part of me screamed deep inside.
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This was out of my control.
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This stall of yours.
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This part of the Slums. Not supposed to have merchants.
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📖 Lexicon word for Merchant: Obchodnice
📖 Lexicon word for Slums: Slumy
Clearly, her business wasn't in order.
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Need to check all this with the chief.
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📖 Lexicon word for Chief: Kápo
Gonna take a while. Everyone, stay...
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I didn't let him finish. This was my call to scamper off like a scolded cat.
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(Sneezes) Aaa-tcha!
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(Sigh...I'm so tired today.)
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(If only I had a colleague...or a friend...)
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The clock was ticking. There was no way I could afford to waste the rest of my day here.
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I felt terrible. That was a disaster.
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I was responsible for the statue getting stolen in the first place. I didn't even think when I moved it.
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I accidentally hurt someone. A thief, yes, but the sight of her blood was still fresh in my mind. I hated it.
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I ran away from a police officer. What will that bear do if I run into him again?
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And in the end, I may have caused trouble to the Untail believer, who was nice enough to me.
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📖 Lexicon word for The Untail: Bezocas
All I had was 60 Unis.
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📖 Lexicon word for Unis: Uny/Unů (měna, 2,3,4 Uny, 5 a více Unů, nespisovně Uníky, Uníků)
📖 Lexicon word for Uni: Un (měna Jeden Un, nespisovně Uník)
Couldn't hope to purchase anything worthwhile with such a pitiful amount.
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Without thinking, my legs led me back in front of my building.
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It didn't take me long to figure out what was coming next...
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