Since centuries ago, Gamindustri has flourished as a continent filled with self-expression and passion. Many nations have been born from the desires of Goddesses throughout Gamindustri - most prominently during the Hardware Golden Age, when every nation had been good neighbours and when almost everyone could truly be happy. However, those times have passed. More and more nations have fallen over time, and the last of the Goddesses are stuck in the spiral of corruption. Only one being - the one that has overseen many nations throughout all of Gamindustri's history; the Goddesses' Aide, can save the continent from total despair…

?: "Arfoire… Please… Arise from your slumber… Arfoire!"

Arfoire fell to a knee as her blessed, mummy-like wrappings disintegrated into particles. Groggily, she brang herself to her feet. She looked around and remembered what had transpired just before she was unconscious - she had put herself into hypersleep within her shrine in Celestia. She tried to find whoever called on her to no avail, but after recognising the voice, she knew that she had been contacted telepathically.

Arfoire: "Histoire? Is that you? What's the situation?"

Histoire: "Yes. It pains me to say this, but Gamindustri has fallen into a total share decline".

Arfoire: "What!? When did this happen?"

Histoire: "It was only a few generations ago that I noticed the total number of nations were dropping. It was even later when it had dawned upon me that the CPUs had began to corrupt as well. There are only 4 nations left!"

Arfoire: "It's that bad? Why haven't you wakened me sooner?"

Histoire: "Forgive me, but I thought I could handle it on my own. I didn't want to have to rely on you once again".

Arfoire stood there with a sad look falling down her face.

Arfoire: "Histoire..."

Silence filled the room for just a moment before Histoire could retort.

Histoire: "In any case, I have seen the error of my ways. Please, Arfoire, Gamindustri needs your help now more than ever!"

Arfoire: "I'll gladly help. As Goddesses' Aide, it is my duty to ensure Gamindustri's survival. Please, give me all the necessary details".

Arfoire walked towards the shrine's doors and exited. Blistering white light shone on her as she walked outside to face her true home once more, expecting the welcoming lush wilderness. Instead, shock befell her, as the land was initially unrecognisable. What once had been a beautiful landscape filled with hills and rivers now looked entirely grey. The grass, the dirt, even the sky itself matched the colour.

Histoire: "The nations all have their own problems due to the Inheriting Effect of CPU Candidates, but the one I believe to be of utmost concern is Planeptune. I request that you travel here as fast as you can, as I'm having trouble keeping share energy flowing through the nation by myself".

Arfoire attempts to activate HDD, but ends up dizzying herself instead.

Arfoire: "It seems I cannot enter my Goddess form. I'm sorry, but I won't be able to fly there. It must be due to the Share decline".

Histoire: "I expected such. I will try to keep Planeptune from falling completely as you make your way here, but I do not know how much longer I can generate enough Shares".

Arfoire looked around and spotted the recognisable purple, futuristic architecture of Planeptune, far in the distance. As she began to walk in the nation's direction, she felt beneath her feet an unfamiliar emptiness where once had been flourishing life. It creeped her to her core.

Arfoire: "What is Planeptune going through that would make it such a concern?"

Histoire: "Well, the current CPU; Purple Heart, has had little-to-no interaction with running her nation, not to mention being incredibly lazy. Due to such, the citizens of Planeptune have created their own governing body that effectively controls the entire nation. As you know, a nation without proper interaction from their CPU gathers very little Shares".

Arfoire: "When I put myself into hypersleep, Planeptune was looking to be the most energetic of all the nations. I was sure every nation would be able to uphold themselves, without the need for my guidance. Curse my false judgement..."

Histoire: "The road to Planeptune is sure to be filled with strong monsters in absence of the nations lost to time. Please, stay safe on your journey"

Arfoire: "As do you, old friend".

Arfoire quickened her pace as she head towards the 'Land of Purple Progress'. Every minute she headed down the unbeaten path, the more the grass and the sky slowly gained their colour, and the more she filled herself with frustration.

Arfoire: "It's all my fault any of this happened in the first place. If only I were there... I must make up for my foolishness, for my own atonement and the sake of Gamindustri".

As Arfoire travelled, the severity of the decline dawned on her. She began to notice how empty the plains of Gamindustri had become. It was almost unsettling compared to the crowded past, but there was an odd peace to it all. Eventually, she spotted a small town far off from any neighbouring connections.

Arfoire: "This place doesn't seem to have much divine influence. Perhaps this will be an opportunity to prepare for Planeptune's circumstances"

As she entered the town, Arfoire noticed how rustic the architecture looked - brick houses and tiled roofs. It was a shocking contrast to the distant Planeptune's capital. Even more shocking though was the site of a Guild installation, which was built with the futuristic taste it always had since Arfoire's time.

Arfoire: "To think the Guild would integrate itself here. Well, I suppose it makes sense. The Guild must be funding the town in exchange for quest work. Speaking of, I might as well take on a quest myself as a warm up. Centuries of sleep is sure to have numbed my skills somewhat".

Arfoire entered the Guild. Once again her expectations were twisted, as instead of being greeted by a friendly Guild clerk, there were only quest kiosks and adventurers. Awkwardly, Arfoire walked toward one of the empty kiosks.

Arfoire: "A simple monster-slaying quest should do. Let's see... 'Immediate Jelly Canines'? Seems some dogoos around the town are terrorising the local farmers. Perfect".

Arfoire accepted the quest. Thankfully, the Guild's quest system hadn't evolved too much and was still reminiscent of her past experiences. Arfoire exited the Guild and headed to the bordering farms of the town. She spotted a large pack of dogoos hopping towards the farmland, as if coordinated with a plan in mind. Arfoire ran towards the pack, the dogoos spotting her immediately. The battle had started.

Arfoire summoned her signature dual-bladed sword and grabbed it with her right hand, entering a stance. As the pack of Dogoos bounced toward her, Arfoire majestically slashed through them one-by-one, as if dancing to the tune of their movements. The pack soon realised how outclassed they were and dashed away, their numbers severely dwindled.

Arfoire: "Seems like my presumptions weren't as accurate as I expected"

?: "Whoa! Nice moves, lady!"

Startled, Arfoire turned towards the call and noticed she had attracted some onlookers - a girl with grey skin, green hair and a metal pipe over her shoulder and a white mouse with a suspicious, yet infatuating aura. The girl wore a jacket seemingly designed after her mouse companion. The pair ran towards Arfoire as she desummoned her weapon.

Stranger Girl: "We were gonna take on those dogoos, but you annihilated them so easily! Nice going!"

Suspicious Mouse: "Yeah! The way you slashed and twirled through that fodder, it was as if you were an angel!"

Arfoire: "U-uh, thanks, I guess".

If only they knew how close they were with that assumption.

Stranger Girl: "I'm Linda, and this is Warechu. After seeing those moves, we were wondering if you could... m-maybe, teach us some cool moves?".

Arfoire: "My name is Arfoire. Sorry to say, but I don't really have the time to spend mentoring right now. I have to head towards Planeptune's capital as soon as possible".

Linda: "Well then take us with you! You're probably gonna need a party in order to get through the tougher monsters on your way there, and we'll still be able to learn a thing or two from you!"

Warechu: "Please take us with you! I'd love to see you fight so elegantly and gracefully again- ow!"

Linda lightly hit Warechu over the head with her pipe before her could finish his sentence.

Linda: "Can it, rat! You'll lose us this chance like that, you perv!"

Arfoire couldn't help but chuckle at the pair's dynamic.

Arfoire: "I suppose you're right. Alright, I'll let you escort me through Planeptune, but I must warn you: what I must do is of great importance to all of Gamindustri. Are you sure you're up for anything that comes my way?"

Linda: "You kidding? With a story like that, I can't help but be intrigued! Besides, it's way more fun to beat up monsters with cool people like you".

Arfoire: "C-cool!?"

Arfoire blushed slightly from the compliment.

Warechu: "Yeah, cool! Super cool! The coolest even! Well, maybe not the coolest, there is that one nurse from the capital-"

Linda: "I said can it!"

Arfoire: "Alright, alright! I already said you could come with me. We'll send ourselves off after taking a break. I haven't eaten all day".

Linda: "If you're hungry I know a place. There's this small café run by a family, and they've got some of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten".

Suddenly, Arfoire remembered that her non-existent wallet was dry of credits. However, she also remembered that the quest she just completed would pay her enough for the outing.

Arfoire: "I'll have to return to the Guild and report my quest first though. I'm light on credits as is"

Linda: "Nah, don't sweat it! We'll be happy to pay for anything you want there, our treat!"

Warechu: "Hey! That's coming out of our Guild pay!"

Linda turned the mouse around and crouched down to violently whisper to him.

Linda (Whispering): "Listen, Rat! How many times to do I have to say this? This lady's the coolest broad I've ever seen, and I wanna get on her good side, so just shut your damn mouth!"

Warechu (Whispering): "Alright, fine, I get it!"

Linda stood back up and turned towards Arfoire.

Linda: "Just follow us and we'll be there in no time".

As the three of them were about to leave, another person called out to them. Turning around, they noticed a farmer running towards them.

Farmer: "Excuse me, miss. You must be the one who took out those dogoos, right?"

Arfoire: "That would be correct. I am Arfoire"

Farmer: "Well, miss Arfoire, on behalf of all the farmers of Virtua Village, thank you! Those nasty things have been terrorising us for months, but every time we take down a single one they all just hop off and recuperate like it never happened!"

Arfoire: "It was my pleasure. I wasn't able to take them all out, so would it be best for me to hunt the rest of them down?"

Farmer: "Oh no, that won't be needed. From what I saw you already did more damage to the pack than we've ever done, so I'm sure they won't be back around for a while. Besides, the dogoos are still needed for the rest of the monsters around these parts; getting rid of them all will only make things worse".

Arfoire: "I see. Well, we'll be off now. Feel free to seek me out if there's any more trouble while I'm still here".

Farmer: "Will do, miss Arfoire! And thank you again!"