Moments Captured in Light

OPEN CALL: The "Light Chaser Collection" is now accepting submissions! Startorch Academy's Photography Fan Club, Lightborne Horizons, is looking for students who can capture the little wonders of campus life. Whether you're new to the Academy or a returning student hoping to preserve your memories, we invite everyone who loves chasing light and shadow to help us record the brightest moments of our youth. Sign-up Location: Spacetrek Archive, daily from 12:00–14:00.

OPEN CALL: The "Light Chaser Collection" is now accepting submissions! Startorch Academy's Photography Fan Club, Lightborne Horizons, is looking for students who can capture the little wonders of campus life. Whether you're new to the Academy or a returning student hoping to preserve your memories, we invite everyone who loves chasing light and shadow to help us record the brightest moments of our youth. Sign-up Location: Spacetrek Archive, daily from 12:00–14:00.

OPEN CALL: The "Light Chaser Collection" is now accepting submissions! Startorch Academy's Photography Fan Club, Lightborne Horizons, is looking for students who can capture the little wonders of campus life. Whether you're new to the Academy or a returning student hoping to preserve your memories, we invite everyone who loves chasing light and shadow to help us record the brightest moments of our youth. Sign-up Location: Spacetrek Archive, daily from 12:00–14:00.

Unsubscribe.

Eh?! Please don't unsubscribe!

We're an official fan club. We get reviewed by the Startorch Advisory Council every year!

The event is one hundred percent legit!

Thinking

After the event ends, all submitted photos will be made into a time capsule. When graduation day comes, you'll get to open a gift sent by your past self!

How does that sound? Tempting, right?

...Even if you're not great with a camera, that's fine! We just want to see campus life through your eyes.

Thinking

Participants will get rewards, snacks, coffee discount coupons, club merch, you name it… And you can pick whichever reward you like!

Thinking

Okay, I can see I'm bothering you... I'm sorry.

But if you're ever near the Archive, just swing by and say hi. No pressure.

I… even have a tiny apology gift ready. Just a small token.

Well… for the sake of the gift, I'll stop by.

That's wonderful!

Let's meet at the Archive after noon classes, okay?

…Why do I feel like I got set up?

The Photography Fan Club's "Light Chaser Collection" is now officially open for submissions!

Capture the present, ignite the future!

Anyone interested, come on over and sign up!

Eh? Wait, are you… you're {Male=him;Female=her}, right?

I mean, the one I absolutely spammed with messages... You still replied. You're Rover, right?

...I'm really sorry about that. I must have been a huge nuisance.

Here, this is for you.

Canned Surprise!

Hehe, sweets fix bad moods. With any luck, it'll help me recover a few first-impression points.

Oh, almost forgot to introduce myself!

I'm Lianna, Department of Engineering, current leader of the Photography Fan Club.

Nice to meet you, Rover! Welcome to the Light Chaser Collection sign-up station.

Since you're already here, want to register? The event is still open!

Right, right. Guess I'll be your narrator this time.

Ahem! The Light Chaser Collection follows what I mentioned in the messages. Our annual tradition.

But this year, we're aiming a little higher.

Besides capturing the new semester and everyday life, we want to see the little sparks between people.

So, photos with others, or for others... that's what we're really hoping to see.

That way, at graduation, more students will get to open a time capsule full of memories they shared together.

So? Feeling even a little inspired?

Come on, come on. Please sign up! Join the fun!

Rewards are fantastic this year. Not only do you get royalties, but if you submit over three sets you'll even earn "Event Collaborator" credits!

And I added a few extras myself: snacks, fan club merch, that sort of stuff. Added them secretly though, hehe.

I knew you'd say yes! Then it's decided.

Hmm… I have a feeling that you might capture something really special.

Since it's a time capsule event… I should start with the freshmen.

The shopping hub is always busy. Shouldn't be hard to find someone willing to take a photo.

That girl over there… judging by her uniform, she must be a freshman.

Worth a try…

...

Oh, h-hello.

I… um… what do you need?

I'm new here, still trying to figure everything out…

I-I might not be very helpful…

Eh? Take a picture of me?

F-for a time capsule event?

That sounds… really nice.

But I… I don't really do photos...

Back home… being a Resonator wasn't accepted.

People avoided me.

Sometimes they took photos of me, but it was like they were documenting a "freak."

So I…

…I started avoiding cameras.

...

...I see.

This place really is different. The way everyone looks at you… the students, the teachers…

They're calm. Kind...

It feels like I don't have to hide anymore.

…Okay.

H-how about here? The view is pretty…

I don't really know how to pose… Is this alright?

...

It… wasn't as scary as I thought.

...I wish I smiled a little more. It might've looked better.

Oh… thank you.

I think… when that day comes, I'll remember today.

That girl's a freshman too.

But she doesn't look very… approachable.

…Well, no harm in trying.

Lip gloss, blush, eyeshadow… No, matte is so pedestrian.

Ugh… I knew it. It needs to be glassy. Something elegant, but not too obvious, to complement my natural beauty.

Rose pink, out of stock… Champagne, out of stock…

The "Light Chaser Collection"?

Oh—that fan club event. The one that's been spamming my Terminal for two days straight.

I thought the system had glitched. The notifications would not stop.

Sorry, I'm not really inter—

…W-wait.

Have I… seen you somewhere? Was it in that article going around...?

You—Could it really be...

The Laureate of Ragunna, the Champion of Septimont…

Are you the hero who saved Rinascita?!

"{Male=He;Female=She} returned from the depths of the Dark Tide, making the sky and sea remember the roar of dawn once more!"

"Courageous? Absolutely!"

"Dashing? Rumor has it!"

"Mad? Perhaps! But in a world this absurd, a dash of romantic insanity is only fitting."

Ahem. So, is the famed hero of Rinascita asking to take my picture?

Wonderful. I, Rosalia, would never refuse such an honor.

Wait, my hair's a little messy, and is this pose...? Oh, never mind.

This will do. I am perfect already, just as I am.

…This one. Oh, not bad at all!

If this is going into a time capsule, I do enjoy knowing my looks will be preserved like this for years to come.

And if you'd like a copy for yourself… I suppose that's fine too.

After all, it's a masterpiece captured by the hero {Male=himself;Female=herself}.

Hey, you there!

Over here!

Hello! I've seen you running all over with your Terminal. Are you taking photos?

It's for the "Light Chaser Collection," right?

Fantastic! We were just talking about getting a group shot together! The one that'll go into the time capsule, like the message said.

Me, Solvik, Muse, and Flaer. All four of us.

We were just chatting about whether we'll end up becoming "real grown-ups" by graduation.

So we figured, leaving a small memento for our future selves might be a good idea.

Yeah, it's a bit embarrassing to say out loud… but I want to be a Synchronist someday.

Miro and Solvik are more into engineering. Maybe they'll even make it into the Institute.

Let's make a bet right now. First one to publish a paper in Spectrum wins.

Whoa, whoa! That's a top-tier publication journal… Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

By the way, what about you, Flaer? What do you want to do?

I kinda get the feeling you're an all-rounder.

Me? I haven't decided yet…

…I've always gone along with what others expected of me. Followed the path they laid out for me.

So honestly, I don't know what kind of person I want to become…

You're right…

All the more reason to get that group shot!

Since none of us can predict the future, let's at least make sure our future selves remember who we were when we started.

I bet I'll be even more handsome six years from now.

Looks-wise… I don't think I'll change that much…

Alright, alright! Save the speech for later. Everyone hold still and SMILE!

Oh, this one's great! And I didn't blink this time!

Flaer, all I'm seeing are teeth...

C-come on, don't point that out…

Musen, your hair is covering like a fifth of my face.

Huh? It's barely covering anything…

It's fine. I don't mind. Gives me a mysterious, dashing aura.

Funny thing is, we only met a few days ago. We're all freshmen who happen to have dorms right next to each other.

…But it feels like we've known each other forever.

Hey, maybe that's fate.

Or… a tiny miracle born from random cosmic chance.

Thank you.

We'll remember this moment for sure.

Will the photo… fade someday?

Maybe. But the four of us? We'll always be friends, right?

I think I'm almost done with the shopping hub…

Next spot… I should check out the classrooms.

Looks like some students are studying here.

This question… I'm sorry. I think I got it wrong again.

You messed up the second step again.

Stop just memorizing. Here—read this part again. You need to understand how crystals store energy first.

Ah… so I had the flow path reversed…

(A moment in time that makes you slow down…)

(Hmm… maybe years from now, the moments we'll miss most are still these quiet, soft ones.)

Ah, you got it right this time!

Nice. At this rate, Energy Sciences might as well prepare your invitation letter early.

Hehe… thanks for helping me, Chuji.

...

I always thought your personality fit Engineering better…

But seeing you dig your heels in for what you believe in… I have to admit, it's admirable.

…Anyway. Who knows what the future holds.

Oh, sorry, were we being too loud?

So… I'm taking photos for the Photography Fan Club's "Light Chaser Collection." You two looked so in the zone, and I wanted to capture that moment.

If it bothers you, I can delete it right away.

But if you don't mind... could I submit this photo for the event?

Hm? You took this?

The lighting is really good...

Wow, this one looks amazing!

No, no, no! T-that's not what I meant... You always look good, Chuji!

Stop. Don't get cheeky with me.

Ahem. Anyway, if you want to get into Energy Sciences, you've gotta keep grinding.

I-I know…

(Slightly flustered) Ugh, you're impossible…

Anyway, you mentioned the event. What exactly is it?

I see… Right, I remember now. I thought about joining a few years ago, but I always got too busy.

Now I'm not even a freshman anymore, anyway.

I've heard of it too… but I've been so busy catching up on my studies with Chuji that I never looked into it…

No, no. Since the opportunity is right in front of us, it'd be a waste to pass it up.

What do you think, Yoren? You're okay with that, right?

I-I'll follow your lead, Chuji!

Perfect. It's decided then. I'll leave the submission to you.

I can't help wondering… when I graduate, or when Yoren does, what will we be like?

I hope he manages to make me a little proud by then.

—ATTENTION! What was that throwing posture?

If that can were a grenade, you'd have blown yourself in half already!

Ugh… I was just tossing an empty can. How did it escalate to that…

Sounds lively over there. I should take a look.

"Just"? There is no "just" on the battlefield!

Every item you throw away could be a potential resource. Recycle it, reuse it, repurpose it—Understood?!

Well, Mr. Trash Can sure knows what he's talking about…

…I heard that! You will address me by my proper title!

I am the Battle Interface for Next-Gen Operations! Your Tactical Instructor, B.1.N.G.O.!

Currently, ahem… temporarily assigned to environmental cleanup duty.

Hm? Proper manners. Good attitude.

Permission to proceed granted.

Hmm, that actually sounds fun.

Griff, wanna try it?

Sure! How could I miss something this interesting? But…

Hey, hey, can we invite Instructor B.1.N.G.O. to join us?

…Good.

From a morale-efficiency standpoint, group photos enhance unit cohesion.

—Photography request approved!

Hey, Tactical Instructor, what's your approved pose for a good photo?

STAND AT ATTENTION! CHINS UP! EYES FORWARD!

This is the standard posture for taking a picture!

Also, please ensure the archived file is labeled with my full operational name.

My posture's good, but… my expression still isn't serious enough.

Haha! If you stopped grinning, we'd look like we're standing here as punishment.

But the Instructor though, looks ready for war as usual.

Naturally!

Combat Command No. 1: Seize the initiative and demoralize the enemy with superior aura!

And I have a note… the metallic glare on my left shoulder exceeded optimal reflectance in the photo. Adjust your lighting angle next time.

Huh? Does that mean you're planning to join the next Light Chaser Collection too, Instructor?

The growth records of exemplary cadets must be archived regularly.

Then it's settled! Next year's Light Chaser Collection, let's take another group picture together!

Deal! No take-backsies!

Agreement confirmed. Data saved to long-term memory.

For the fifth Light Chaser Collection, the Battle Interface for Next-Gen Operations will perform the photography mission at elevated standards, correcting each cadet's posture and spirit at any moment!

Five photo sets... that should just about do it.

Time to find Lianna and ask about the submission.

Lianna, I've wrapped up the shooting!

Photos are sorted too. What's the submission process again?

Thinking

Huh? Already?

Shocked

That's my Rover. That's some amazing efficiency!

How about joining the club for real?

We're short-handed anyway, and having a pro around to guide the newbies would be perfect.

Save me a spot then.

Haha, all good! Whatever you choose, I'll be the first to cheer you on!

I mean, I would love more like-minded folks in the club, but photography is really about relaxing and enjoying the moment, you know?

Hug

Anyway, back to business!

I'm at the Solis Lens Array in the central area right now. If you've got time, drop by and I'll help you with the submission!

Rover, over here—

Hey, Rover! Looks like everything went smoothly.

Hehe, mind if I take an early peek at your results? I've been dying to know... What does Startorch Academy look like through your eyes?

…These are wonderful.

I can feel it. The eyes behind the lens are thoughtful and kind.

Everyone's smiling so naturally… Those are the kinds of expressions people only show to someone they trust.

But—

I found a little secret.

You're not in a single one of them.

Did you get so caught up capturing everyone else that you forgot to leave something for yourself?

In that case… how about taking a photo with us? With the whole Photography Fan Club.

Today's a fan club activity day anyway, and everyone's here. You may not be an official member, at least not yet, but you're already a storyteller.

I… actually get scared of "forgetting."

I'm always afraid that if I don't collect these precious moments, time will take them away, and I'll never find them again...

So, Rover… let's at least freeze this moment together.

Maybe someday, when you look at this old, faded photograph, it'll pull you and all of us back to this little piece of time we shared.

Alright, everyone! Group photo with our new friend!

Sure!

Oh, Rover should stand in the middle!

Yep! Come on, come on. The spot of honor goes to our guest of honor!

…Ready—

And… done!

...Mmm, what a lovely photo! The sunlight's perfect today. Everyone looks so happy.

Alright, hand me your Terminal. I'll help organize all the pictures and get everything uploaded and submitted.

Let's see… I'll just rename the files, add location and date, a quick caption…

Check portrait permissions, select "Time Capsule Delivery," and tag the event theme…

...

There! Upload complete!

And with that, your submission is officially part of the Light Chaser Collection.

On graduation day, everyone who appeared in your photos—and of course, you, the one who captured these moments—will all receive your own time capsules.

Hmm, but who knows? By then, you might be somewhere far away, doing something incredible.

Oh! Your rewards should process soon. Royalties, and of course, credits. Everything that was promised.

As for the extra goodies I prepared—

I've got bread, instant noodles, and jelly cups! Pick one!

Eh?! All of them?!

Fine! A full snack bundle it is! Here, hold tight!

But, um… besides those, there's something else I wanted to give you. Something a bit more… "personal."

Yep, a senior passed it down to me when I first joined the fan club.

Back then, I used to listen to this album while sorting through submissions for the very first Light Chaser Collection with everyone.

And later, the night before our seniors graduated, we borrowed the Academy's broadcast room and played this song over the speakers for the whole campus.

I still remember. The wind was so strong, and all the photos fluttered in the sunlight. Everyone in them was smiling so brightly…

…I think that might be what "youth" looks like in its purest form.

Rover, I'm entrusting this record to you now.

I hope it keeps you company in the days ahead, and that it sings along with you through all the shining, beautiful moments to come.

Hey, you there!

Over here!