New Year's Home Party
Thanks for inviting us to the New Year's party, Captain.
Happy New Year.
Coo!
Thanks. Happy New Year to you t—huh?
Serpang and Toto bowed and came right up to me, holding out their hands.
...
W-what are you two doing?
New Year's money...
Coo...
N-New Year's money?!
Back in the Eastern Continent, grown-ups always gave New Year's money.
You're older than us, right, Captain?
But judging by your face... I guess you don't have any?
I-I did prepare snacks, juice, and food though...
Mm...
Oh well. Guess we'll settle for that.
Coo...
Huh? Ooh! I've never seen these snacks before! Oh, this one is super expensive!
And you even made food from back home!
Coo!
Wow! Thank you, Captain!
Whew... I'm stuffed...
You're a good cook, Captain. That was the best meal I've ever had.
Coo!
Toto also says it was even better than what we had back home.
But still...
Isn't it a bit of a shame to let the New Year pass like this?
...Are you asking if I want to go outside?
Nah, it's too much work.
So I brought something we can play indoors instead!
Coo!
Is that... Momopoly...?!
Momopoly...? Oh...! Is that the western version?
This is the Eastern Continent's famous Rebirth Game. The one with the most money at the end wins.
You can even pick your job! You could be a priestess of a divine being! Sounds fun, right?
This totally reminds me of some other game...
You'll get the hang of it fast. Let's start!
Coo!
We started learning the Rebirth Game rules while playing with Serpang and Toto.
This is fun...!
Coo!
Right? It's super fun!
It feels weird. This is the first time we're the ones teaching you something, Captain.
So let's get serious now.
It's more exciting when there's a prize on the line.
Winner gets the New Year's Limited Edition Special Dessert from Cafe Strega!
And the Captain's paying, of course.
Cooo!
I figured you'd say that.
I'll go first then.
...Hmm, four spaces forward. Job changed to... unemployed.
Not bad. Your turn, Toto.
Coooooo!
Toto moves three spaces, and is now a mascot! Now it's your turn, Captain.
(Roll the dice)
Wow, eleven! You got hired as a manager, and you're way ahead of us!
Amazing, Captain. You might actually win.
Coo. Coooo.
Even without words, I could tell they were lying.
I'll roll again for a bonus move.
Fine, fine. Go wild—huh?
A golden card? Another extra turn?
...Coo?
So I just keep rolling, right?
Maybe it was beginner's luck, but I started pulling way ahead.
Before I knew it, I was one space away from the goal.
Just one more roll and I win.
...
...Coo.
...You're pretty good, Captain. Haven't been this behind since I played with the Sect Master.
But you know what?
The real Rebirth Game starts now.
Whew!
Double sixes! Bonus roll activated!
Coo!
...Hmm?
Next! Tower stack success! Two more bonus rolls!
Coo!
What?!
Continuing on! Changing jobs to Phoenix Priestess! Five more bonus rolls with Phoenix's blessing!
Toto! Victory chant, now!
Coo... Cooo!
Yes! Five more rolls secured! Let's keep it going!
Wait, what?! What even was that last part?!
Whew...
Good game.
Coo.
Wait a second! Something's fishy!
Hmm? What is?
You got thirty bonus turns in a row!
And what even was that "victory chant"?!
Oh, did I not tell you?
I've never lost once in Rebirth Game in my life.
That's why nobody at the Wind Moon Sect bets against me. Toto and I always win.
Coo!
You tricked me...!
Hey now, I didn't trick you. I just didn't mention it.
Cafe Strega's New Year's Limited Edition Special Dessert!
I'll take it, thank you very much. Ehehe!
After that, we shared the special dessert and chatted until we all fell asleep.