Absurd Tale/Mask Town

Overview • Absurd Museum • Mask Town • Backstage Story • Spooky Scribbles

Read the story stages and pass styling stages to obtain Painted Masks . Story levels do not require spending currency, and there are 5 chances to pass styling stages every day. More tries can be bought for 6 .

Opening[]

Script:

(A beam of light hit the center stage as the music stopped.)
(The curtains at the rear stage gradually drew open, and in the deep shadows out of the spotlight's reach lay a dark entrance.)
(Under the spotlight, a caped messenger bowed to the audiences.)
Fantasy Envoy: The overture of fate has been played and the drama is starting momentarily. Do enjoy this brief moment.
Nikki: Eh? Has it begun?
Momo: Why does this immersive drama by December Troupe feel weird to me...
(The dark entrance looked blurred as if it was covered by an illusionary barrier. A muffled sound rose from within.)
Fantasy Envoy: Walking through this door, you'll find yourself in Dareme town, the destination of every dream chaser.
Momo: I wonder what awaits us there... Nikki, let's go!
(Nikki and Momo stepped onto the stage and walked into the shadow.)
Fantasy Envoy: However, Please be careful... [sic]
Nikki: Is there anything we should be aware of?
Fantasy Envoy: The fruit in the Garden of Eden is tempting but depraved. Be vigilant and heed the voice among the chaos.
Nikki: The voice among the chaos... What's tha...!
(Before Nikki's finished, a force from behind pushed them to the unknown side.)

Pray[]

Script:

(A bird flew across the clear blue sky, and settled on one of the white pillars that stood solemnly around a stone figure.)
(Crowds of people were sitting below and around the raised platform where the stone statue was perched on. In the silence, everyone gazed in the same direction fervently.)
(Suddenly, a loud cry came from nowhere and startled the bird resting on the pillars.)
Norris: All we have today is attributed to gods' mercy. Be devout and you will be blessed.
(A robed young man stood by the stone statue, half of his face covered by a white mask.)
(He stood on high ground, and spoke in a cadenced tone.)
Norris: The oracle brought everyone the will of gods, and I'll be leading you to the path of holy light.
(Nikki and Momo stood outside the crowd and watched from afar.)
Momo: What's going on here?
Nikki: I've no idea as well... Seems to be a rite of some kind.
Norris: Silently say your wishes and the gods will hear you.
(Facing the stone statue, the young man crossed his arms on his chest.)
Norris: The stronger your desire is, the further your wish will be conveyed.
(As the young man finished talking, the believers started praying to the stone statue with their hands folded and eyes closed.)
(On the raised platform, half of the statue's face was covered by a mask, making its look beyond measure.)
Momo: Is that a wishing rite? I also want to make a wish! I want countless grilled fish!
(The young man turned and looked down at the believers. His mask gleamed a strange glow under the sun.)
Norris: The gods will choose the blessed ones. The chosen will be granted with godlike powers and the wishes you are making now will come true.
(As soon as he stopped, there was a commotion in the crowd. A man suddenly sprang to his feet.)
A Man: It's me! I've become the chosen one! Hahahha... I can finally live better than anyone else and nobody will ever look down at me!
(A gorgeous mask appeared on that man's face out of nowhere and even behind the mask, one could tell how great his joy was.)
(He laughed and danced around in the crowd. Everyone was looking at him, some envious, some wishful, and the others disappointed.)
(The young man looked over at the man in the crowd from the raised platform quietly. Under the glaring sun, he seemed to wear an inconspicuous smile.)

The Chosen[]

Style:

Script:

(As the rite ended, the crowd disassembled.)
(Nikki and Momo were the only ones left and they looked towards where the idol stood.)
Momo: Nikki, did you see that? A mask suddenly appeared on that man's face!
Nikki: Yes, I saw it too. And he kept shouting about being the chosen one... Does it have something to do with the rite?
Anne: I guess you aren't townsfolks here.
(Nikki and Momo turned around and saw a little girl by the tree, who was popping her head out, looking at them curiously.)
Anne: Everyone in this town knows about the rite. So... Who are you?
Nikki: Hi, I'm Nikki and this is Momo. We're new here.
(The young girl let her guard down and walked out from behind the tree.)
Anne: I see... Nice to meet you, I'm Anne. I guess this is your first prayer rite huh?
Momo: Prayer rite? You mean the rite just now?
(The young girl nodded then looked at the idol in the distance longingly.)
Anne: That is the statue of Irus, the Goddess of Dream. She is the protector of our town and we always pray to her.
Nikki: Who is that masked young man? And the mask that appeared out of nowhere... What's that about?
Anne: You mean Lord Norris? He is our well-beloved oracle, and the first chosen. As for the mask, it all started with the 'Miracle' three years ago.
Momo: Miracle?
Anne: One morning three years ago, a mask suddenly appeared on the statue and from that day on, the blessing of the chosen started.
Anne: Those who were blessed will acquire a 'Chosen Mask' and after wearing it, every wish was fulfilled. The foolish became intelligent and the weak turned strong...
Momo: That... That sounds incredible!
Anne: Indeed. So from that day onwards, the town will hold a prayer rite every once in a while and everyone wishes to be the next chosen one.
Nikki: But how can a mask be so powerful?
Anne: You don't believe it? Come with me and let's watch Sonia's dance performance. She's my goddess and she's also one of the chosen.
(Anne talked with her head raised, beaming with pride.)
Anne: Sonia is was [sic] one of the best before she became the chosen. After she was chosen, her dance became even more miraculous. Come and see for yourselves.
Momo: Let's go, Nikki!
Anne: But she'll be performing at the town theater so it's best to change into a set of gorgeous and elegant outfit before going there.

Paradise Lost[]

Script:

(Bright light kissed the stage, and a woman in a gorgeous dress was dancing in the spotlight.)
(Every move was perfect, as if after careful calculation. Every stretch hit the right spot incredibly.)
(She spun and jumped in the music, her movements smooth, natural, and faultless.)
(She was wearing an exquisite mask that covered half her face and under the halo on the stage, it looked as if her face and the mask had become one.)
Momo: Nikki, I'm coming to believe about the chosen one...
Nikki: I have never seen anything like this.
Anne: That's everyone's reaction when they first saw her dance. This is the dance Sonia is best at, 'Paradise Lost'. It was popular even before she became the chosen.
(Dim light shone on her face as Anne's eyes were glued to the stage, and in them was this burning passion that danced along with Sonia on the stage.)
(As the performance ended, Sonia bowed to thunderous applause and made her exit.)
(However, Anne looked somewhat lost.)
Nikki: Anne, are you okay?
Anne: I want to dance on the stage like Sonia does one day but I'm nowhere near her... Should I give up dancing or count on the subtle chance to become a chosen?
Nikki: Why would you want to give it up? And you don't have to a chosen to become a great dancer! [sic]
Momo: Yeah. You told us that Sonia was already an excellent dancer before she became the chosen one. You can also be like her.
Anne: I've always admired Sonia and being a dancer like her has always been my dream. How wonderful would it be if I could dance before her.
(Anne muttered, feeling a sense of loss.)
Nikki: This is not impossible! Why don't you give it a try?
Anne: I...
Nikki: The performance just ended. I think Sonia hasn't left yet. Let's go to backstage and see if we get to meet Sonia.
(Three of them came to the backstage but were stopped by a serious man in a suit at the entrance of the lounge.)
Manager: Who are you? This is Sonia's greenroom. Only staff members are allowed to enter.
Nikki: We are big fans of Sonia. Can we please meet her? Just one minute will do.
(The man shook his head and refused them.)
Momo: Nikki, what now?
Anne: Nikki, maybe we should...
(Anne pulled at Nikki's sleeves timidly. Suddenly, there was a stir coming from the lounge.)
(They could hear things crashing down onto the floor and a woman shrieking from inside the room.)
Momo: What's happening?
(Hearing the noise, the man strode over to the lounge and knocked on the door.)
Manager: Ms. Sonia, are you all right?
(No one responded. It was quite a while before the door was gently opened.)
(Sonia stood at the door with her messy hair, and it seemed that she had just recovered from a panic.)
Sonia: It's alright. My mask disappeared... But I just found it.
Manager: Okay, this is too important...
(Sonia talked briefly with the man, then closed the door.)
(Before the door was closed, Nikki got a glimpse of Sonia's face, so weird without the make [sic] on it.)

Accident[]

Style:

Script:

(In an empty theatre, all the lights went off and there was no more audience in sight.)
Anne: It's impossible for me to realize my wish.
(Lowering her head, Anne was down in the dumps.)
Momo: Don't be so upset, Anne.
(Momo pulled at Nikki's sleeve.)
Momo: Nikki... Is there anything else we can do for her?
(Nikki glanced toward the backstage, and recalled back the back entrance she saw when they came.)
Nikki: Anne, let's change into elegant and pure dance dresses . Stay here. I'll be back soon.

Concluding Dialogue[]

(At the theater back entrance, Sonia, with the mask removed, was just about to leave when a figure suddenly stood in her way.)
Sonia: And you are...
Nikki: Hey, I'm Nikki. May I ask you a favor?
(On the pitch dark stage, a girl in a dance dress was on tiptoes as she danced under the faint light.)
(Her dancing wasn't perfect but every movement flowed smoothly. Obviously, she had practiced them thousands of times.)
(She closed her eyes and lost herself in dancing. As she danced on, she was increasingly immersed in it. Her disappointed expression was gradually replaced by excitement.)
Momo: Look! Anne dances so beautifully!
Nikki: Yea. I feel the same way as well. I'm sure Anne loves and enjoys dancing very much.
(Sonia seemed touched when she was watching Anne's dancing on the stage. Anne seemed to remind her of something and she got lost in her thought.)
(Anne halted and looked at Sonia below the stage, her cheeks flushed.)
Anne: Miss Sonia, I've always admired your dancing. This is your debut dance and I've practiced it for quite a while... Would you mind finish the rest of this dance with me? [sic]
(Sonia nodded and walked onto the stage.)
(Their gazes met before Sonia took a deep breath and caught the beat to follow Anne's movements.)
(THUMP! Sonia fell down on the stage after a grand jete.)
Anne: Miss Sonia!
!!!

Mask[]

Script:

(Sonia had fallen down on the stage in the dim light. Her long hair covered her face and made it hard to tell her expression.)
(Panicked, Nikki and Anne went to her, trying to support her up.)
Nikki: Miss Sonia...
(Pushing their hands away gently, Sonia looked up with a smile.)
Sonia: I'm all right. It is probably because... I'm a little tired...
(She looked pale as she pressed her lips together, her smile forced. As she stood up unsteadily, her hand turned dusky blue from gripping her dress with too much force.)
Sonia: Your performance was very impressive. I've got some things to do. I'm afraid I have to go now.
(She smiled at Anne again, then gathered up the hem of her dress and fled off to the backstage hastily.)
Anne: Miss Sonia!
(Anne was at a loss when she saw Sonia left disconcertingly.)
Anne: Sonia has been performing this dance since very long ago. How come...
Momo: What is going on... Nikki, what's on your mind?
(Momo's voice interrupted Nikki's thoughts. She came back to herself.)
Nikki: Something is wrong, I think. Wait for me for a moment.
(With this, Nikki went after Sonia in the direction Sonia left.)
(The backstage lounge was as pitch black. [sic] As Nikki opened the door by a crack, she found Sonia in the shadow.)
(Sonya [sic] huddled on the floor in front of the mirror, burying her head into her arms. An exquisite mask lay quietly at her feet, the one she wore when performing on stage.)
Sonia: The gift from God comes with its price...
(She murmured quietly and lifted her head with the mask in her hand.)
Nikki: So the price is... Sonia won't be able to dance without that mask?
(Sonia looked over at the door as if she woke up with a start.)
Nikki: Does the Chosen Mask... fulfill any wishes as the rumor goes?
Sonia: That's right. My wish is to be a perfect dancer. As long as I wear it, my dance will immaculate [sic] and the applause for me will never die.
(Sonia looked at the mask and thought aloud.)
Nikki: Miss Sonia, why do you want to be the most perfect dancer?
Sonia: I enjoyed the pleasure dancing brings me and also how freely my body and soul bloom while I'm dancing, just like Anne. But that hasn't been it for quite a while...
(Nikki turned on the lights. The lounge was lit brightly instantly.)
Nikki: So as a matter of fact, this Chosen Mask didn't fulfill your wish. Instead, it went against the original intention of your wish and it cost you even heavier.
Sonia: Yes... When I took off the mask that day, I realized that I've forgotten how to dance. I cannot live without it. I need it to be the perfect Sonia on stage.
Nikki: But is the masked Sonia... still the real you?
(Sonia made no reply. She lifted her head and gawked at her reflection in the mirror. That familiar face felt strange to her at that moment.)
Sonia: When I first became a chosen, I was completely immersed in the ecstasy of the omnipotence given to me. But gradually, I realized that the one on the stage was not me.
Sonia: I was more like a puppet, whose every movement was choreographed and manipulated.
Nikki: If the so-called God-given gift has become a tool to control you, then it's not something worth rejoicing.
Sonia: But...
Nikki: Although Sonia danced impeccably with the mask, the true Sonia, the one before the chosen, was already popular and well-loved.
(In the mirror, Sonia's blank eyes were illumed by a ray of light bit by bit.)

Norris[]

Script:

(There was only a ray of faint light in the darkness.)
(Sonia stretched her arms and started dancing, embracing the light.)
(It was as if she had returned to her first performance. She was so nervous her palms became moist. The seething passion was conducted to every inch of her skin through her veins.)
(She closed her eyes and soaked herself in the fascinating and unrestrained experience brought by music and dance.)
(At that moment, she finally found her answer.)
(Her dream was never about the illusory perfection. It has always been for passion.)
Momo: Sonia will definitely return to her original self again.
Nikki: Yes. I also believe so.
(Nikki and Momo stood at the far end of the stage and looked at Sonia who was practicing like a beginner, with Anne encouraging her by her side.)
Nikki: But this incident of Sonia makes me feel that this town is a little weird, especially when it comes to the chosen.
Momo: How can you call it a blessing when Sonia can no longer dance without that mask?!
Nikki: What will happen to the other chosen ones if they take off their masks? I assume that there must be secrets shrouded behind the Chosen Masks.
Momo: Perhaps, we'll uncover a grand conspiracy!
Nikki: Momo, do you remember the rite we saw when we just arrived at this town?
Momo: You mean that prayer rite?
Nikki: Yes. The idol at the prayer rite was also wearing that queer mask. Anne said that idol blessings came along with a miracle, which was when the mask appeared on the idol.
(As a cold breeze blew between the stone columns, the cawing of ravens abruptly interrupted the silent night.)
(At this moment, there was no one but a stone statue standing alone at the square.)
(Nikki and Momo came before the stone statue.)
Momo: Nikki, do you think there's anything weird about this stone statue?
(Nikki scrutinized the stone statue and found half of its face covered by a mask. There were no gaps between the face and the mask. They looked like an integral whole.)
Nikki: Anne said that the mask appeared on the idol's face suddenly, but the mask looks like it has been there from the very beginning... That's so weird.
??: Of course, this is because it's the power of a miracle
(Startled by a sudden voice, Nikki and Momo turned around to find a young robed man. Wearing a white mask and a faint smile, he looked at them.)
Momo: You're... the oracle at the prayer rite?!
Norris: I'm Norris, fellow strangers. It's not prayer time yet and this is no place for you.
Nikki: We... We came here because we're curious about the blessings from God.
Norris: Oh? What do you want to know? As an oracle, I can answer your questions.
(Norris looked at both of them curiously.)
Nikki: Anne told us that you were the first chosen in town... So this mask... Can it really fulfill people's wishes and dreams?
Norris: Of course, it's a gift from God. With a Chosen Mask, you will possess the partial power of God to realize your wishes.
Momo: But they have to pay dearly for it once they take it off!
Norris: Then don't take it off. Isn't it nice to realize your dream?
Momo: But, but...
Nikki: You lose your true self once you wear the mask, and that's not fulfilling wishes, -that's just manipulation!
Norris: Hmm. I won't word it that way...
(Norris suddenly looked up to meet Nikki's gaze. The waves of a dark undercurrent in his deep-set and pitch-black pupils were like a deep vortex.)
Norris: But haven't you heard it before? Those voices from the bottom of your heart.
(Norris soft and slow voice bore ineffable power. Nikki's eyes lost focus as she looked at Norris' eyes blankly.)
Norris: For those humble souls, only those impossible dreams can bring them hope.
Nikki: Hope...
Momo: Nikki, are you okay?!
(Nikki whispered Norris' words over and over again, slowly offering her hand.)
Norris: That's right. Hope. It's the source of power, the steps to rebirth. Worship it, touch it, and possess it...
(The demagogic voice continued to bewitch Nikki as she blankly reached out her hand to touch the mask on the statue's face.)
(In a split second, Nikki plunged into chaotic darkness.)

Chaos[]

Script:

(The chaotic black fog pervaded the whole space. Stillness reigned, with only the clash of silence.)
Nikki: Where am I?
(A voice arose from the void.)
??: Did you see that?
(The black fog extended from a dot into images after images in the void.)
(Successful actors being applauded by audiences, merchants sleeping on the bed of gold, gifted talents stepping off podiums under envious gazes.)
(Their masked faces were vague, but their postures were that of triumphant people.)
??: The masks help them become who they want to be. Don't you desire that as well?
Nikki: Who... are you?
??: I am you. I can hear your deepest desire and I also know you crave it. You're eager to be omnipotent.
Nikki: No, I...
(That voice seemed to give a little puff and the images in the void disappeared. The black fog dissipated but instantly reappeared, completely enveloping Nikki.)
??: I know that you hate your powerlessness.
(That voice whispered to Nikki softly and intimately.)
(Familiar images appeared before Nikki one after another.)

(A blue bird hovered over the tower, crowing a mournful song of destiny.)
(Below the floating black feathers, a pair of hands bitterly pushed away her embrace.)
(Intertwined layers of cobwebs ensnared the images, tearing them into pieces.)
(She saw a crack in the sky, and in the crack, there was nothing but red.)
(There were numerous faceless bodies chained by grey shadows, helplessly struggling.)
(She also heard the voice that she had been hearing numerous times.)
('The chosen girl', 'You're the only variable of Miraland', 'Only you can save Miraland'...)
??: Can you really do it?
Nikki: Can... Can I?
(Nikki fell into confusion. The perplexity that had been entangling her broke through the soil like thorns, flaunting its bloody spines wantonly.)
??: Wear it, and become the real savior. Wear it, and fall into the abyss with me. Wear it, and you can...
(That voice with demagogic power gently fiddled her nerve.)

......No.

(For an instant, all of the voices were gone.)
(Nikki heard a voice speaking from the bottom of her heart.)
Nikki: No, I won't wear it.
(The soft voice paused for a bit and continued with a restless hint.)
??: Why not? The power of savior... Don't you want it?
Nikki: I do, but I also know that once I wear it, I'm no longer what I am.
Nikki: I've no idea why I was the chosen one, and I've had doubts about all these... but I know I have to face all that has happened and will happen myself.
Nikki: You know nothing about me. I know I don't have that godlike power, but I'll protect everything I cherish in my own way. This is what I really wish for.

I will not give up.

(Those fragmented and blood-stained images vanished at the strong and powerful answer. At that moment, Nikki seemed to see her own figure, and to hear indistinct ravings.)
(The chaotic black fog that occupied the void turned into foam all at once and Nikki seemed to have heard a crack.)

Faith[]

Style:

Script:

Momo: Nikki!
Nikki: Momo? I...
Momo: You touched the idol and turned into a rock... I was terrified to death!
(Nikki came to her senses and found some debris at her feet. She then looked up, only to find the idol unmasked, changing into its original state.)
Momo: I don't know what happened just now. Somehow, the idol's mask suddenly shattered, and then you sobered up.
Norris: Huh? How is it possible?
(Norris sounded astonished.)
Norris: You actually resisted the temptation... It looks like I belittled you. But even so, what can you change?
Nikki: The mask is broken. You can't use it to deceive people anymore!
Norris: Really?
(Norris scoffed.)

(The black fog spread from the corner of his eyes, creeping over and dyeing his white mask black.)
(The strange look in his eyes was bewitching and deceptive.)
(Countless masks emerged from the dark fog around him at the snap of his fingers, like countless greed eyes.)
Norris: No one can ever resist such temptation of desire. It's the greed of humans that nourishes the demons and the idol is but a medium. And now...
Momo: What... What are you going to do?!
Norris: Since you ruined everything, I might as well turn the entire town into the devil's puppets. People will give themselves up for the demon will realize their wishes... [sic]
Nikki: No. You cannot do this!
(Black fog spread from Norris like growing thorns, occupying the entire square, reaching even places farther afield.)
(The black fog was ominous, evoking the people's deepest fears.)
Momo: What are you doing... (cough) Stop...
(The black fog as thick as a black curtain enwrapped Nikki and Momo, suffocating them. It was as if something in their souls was slowly extracted.)
(Nikki's vision gradually blurred. In a trance, she thought of Sonia on the stage and of Anne with her sincere smile.)
(Then again of herself, in the chaos.)

I will not give up.

I will use my own way to protect what I cherish.

(Suddenly, a ray of glaring light burst out of the idol.)

(The dazzling white light pierced through the black fog, shining on Nikki like warm streams, washing away her restlessness and fears.)
(A pair of gem earrings appeared on Nikki's ears. Auspiciousness enveloped her and Nikki felt an unprecedented calm.)
(She knew that it was the power of courage and faith.)
(She finally caught the blurred voice in the chaos clearly...)

I believe in you. Fight to the end.

(Nikki opened her eyes and saw everything before her.)
(I'll never stop fighting .)

Concluding Dialogue[]

(As the holy white light dispelled the black fog, the mask on Norris's face cracked.)
Norris: No way. It can't be...

(The mask on Norris' face shattered into pieces, in the brilliant light. Unmasked, an incredibly pale face in deep misery and pain was revealed.)
(Norris's eyes were bloodshot as he clutched his heart in pain as if something was struggling and tearing inside of him. When the black fog finally left him, Norris fainted.)
(Everything became quiet again.)
(When the last bit of black fog was swallowed by the light, a gentle and weird voice was heard.)

To a humble soul, the abyss is everywhere.

I shall bloom eternally in the desire.

Ending[]

Script:

Momo: Nikki, how did you defeat the devil just now?
Nikki: I'm not sure either... At the last moment, I seemed to suddenly possess incredible power. Is this part of the experience?
Momo: So thrilling. That was so real!
Nikki: That's a really interesting experience though I've no idea how I did it!
Momo: Eh? Nikki, your ears...
(Nikki reached for her ears.)
Nikki: Oh! These are the earrings that suddenly appeared at the end of the game. I can actually wear them out?
(Nikki and Momo turned to the man standing in the shadow with questioning airs.)
(Fantasy Envoy seemed surprised as he looked up. He then half squinted and scrutinized the earrings for a while.)
(The earrings inlaid with lovely translucent rubies twinkled warmly under the stage lighting.)
Fantasy Envoy: This is just a pair of common earrings. It's a lucky gift for this immersive drama experience.
(Under his cloak, the Fantasy Envoy smiled meaningfully.)
Fantasy Envoy: Not everyone gets to receive these pieces of luck. One day, it may bring you unexpected surprises.
Nikki: Surprises?
Fantasy Envoy: The story is coming to an end. Thank you for joining us and we hope that this has been a wonderful experience for you.
(The stage lighting went out and the curtains were closed, insulating all sound.)