Third time…

With the box sitting on the bar, Tifa opened the letter and began reading.

“Dear ****,

It would seem that you will be continuing to play our little game. You have no idea how much this pleases us, as we were honestly worried that you would have won the last round. Thankfully, we will have the pleasure of watching your struggles for at least a little while longer.”

Tifa’s breath hitched for a moment, hoping that they meant ‘watching’ in a metaphorical sense.

“For you sake, we hope that you have not opened the box before reading this letter as use of the items in the bonus box are only permitted if they are enabled in advance. If you have opened the box already, then we are sad to say that you have lost the use of those items.”

‘Note to self, keep reading the letters first,’ Tifa thought as she mentally gave herself a pat on the back.

“If you are thinking that such practices are unfair, well we can only say that all good games get more challenging as the game goes on. But have no fear, as while the game will become more challenging, a new element to the game will be added to help you with the increasing difficulty.”

Swallowing thickly, Tifa knew that this was not going to be a good thing.

“What is this new mechanic you ask? Well, we will now include some potential risk and reward trade-offs for you to consider. You may have the option of choosing to use items and accomplish activities which may present new challenges on the path to victory, but will, in a way, make the chances of success much greater. In fact, in some cases, removal of some of your new accessories may be possible.”

Tifa’s eyes lingered on that last sentence which had inspired dread and hope all at once.

“These opportunities will sometimes be explicitly presented and described to you and other times they will only be vaguely identified. There will even be times where they will be present but unmentioned and possibly hidden. Needless to say, it is your responsibility to seek out these opportunities.

I’m sure at this point, you are eager to know the details of this third round; after all, the clock is ticking.

There are two opportunities for you to win. The first is contained within the box which this letter was attached to, and is in the same vein as those you have already completed. The second will require you to venture out into Midgar in order to accomplish it.”

The thought of being out in public as she was now, had Tifa suddenly feeling queasy.

“The specific details of how to reach this task will only be revealed if you fail the first. The directions are sealed within a locked box underneath the items required for you to attempt the first challenge.

As for the bonus chest, it contains two categories of items, with multiple potential sets for you to choose from. The first category of items are mainly there to help you disguise yourself. We imagine that anyone in your shoes would be concerned with being recognized while out and about by those you know.”

The promise of a disguise had Tifa **** to know more.

“The use of these items will impart effects that will persist for the length of our game, but may come with official identification that will further help in remaining unrecognized.

Each set includes things such as cosmetics, and there are multiple sets that range from providing a mild disguise to a set that will make recognition by any who know you, an impossibility.

To select a set, simply set the left dial on the chest. A setting of 0 will decline the use of these items and higher numbers will chose a set with greater effects.

Be warned, that if you opt for a set, you must use it. There will be consequences otherwise.”

Relaxing minutely, Tifa knew that she would be taking a set.

“Choosing to use the second category of items will gift you with one, or possibly two related benefits.

We can reveal that the second challenge will have a target timeframe for you to arrive at the challenge location. A late arrival will make your challenge more difficult, with the penalty increasing the tardier you are.

Choosing a set with the right dial will extend the time in which you can arrive at the location. The higher the number of the set, the greater extension. In addition, the highest number set will also include an access card that will make travel within the city easier.

When making your decision, you should take into consideration that arriving thirty minutes early or more will bring benefits to ease your challenge.

You must set your choices for both bonus sets before you open the box to begin the first challenge. Do not open either set until after you have finished attempting the first challenge.

Good luck, we expect that you will put on a most entertaining show.”

Relieved that she could still choose to use the bonus items, Tifa went to right the chest and untied its bow. Lifting the mock box top revealed that the box was in fact a chest, as promised, with a pair of dials on the lid.

She stared at the two dials, contemplating how far to move each one from its default setting of ‘0’. The disguise items would be perfect in allowing her to keep this game secret from her friends. Which in turn, would let her continue her life as if nothing had happened after she had won.

The time extension items were tempting, as Tifa knew how Shinra’s security could sometimes massively delay travel from sector to sector. Moreover, she had no idea where in Midgar she would have to go or how the current conditions of the city would affect travel time. So in the worst case scenario, picking a set could be the difference between success and failure…or even worse…consequences.

Tifa stood there thinking through her options for quite a while, before she finally reached out to set the dials.