Hello, this is Director Lee Jong-joo.

This will likely be the last Director’s Note for 2024.

As we approach the final week of 2024, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all players who have been with our game throughout the year.

To celebrate the coming New Year, we’ve prepared some special events for you.

This week’s update will focus on events rather than new content, as we prepare for the major updates scheduled for next week and wrap up the holiday season.

New Year Drop Event
Although the Christmas Drop Event is still ongoing, we couldn’t let the New Year pass without its own drop event. Get ready for another round of fun!

Return of the Pickup Event: Part 2
The popular Pickup Event is back!
This time, the featured characters are Goose, Lodi, and Joanna.

Book of Adventure Double Rewards Event
To kick off the New Year, we’re doubling the rewards for gold and experience, the most crucial resources for growth, in the Book of Adventure.
To ensure fairness, rewards will be doubled for up to three attempts per day, regardless of ticket availability.

New Character Keyword Reveal
The answer to last week’s hint is Una!
Many of you shared creative guesses based on the hints, and we’re excited to introduce Una as this week’s new character.

Hint Keyword Breakdown
Name with two syllables: Exactly as stated.
Importance: A protagonist.
Factory: Helps at the dye factory.
Birth: Discovers the phrase of birth in Leone’s room and plays it on the piccolo to save Revas XIV.
Demon King: Uses the piccolo as an instrument, tying into the pun “piccolo + Demon King.”
Hidden hint: Scenario images showed Una as the leader hero.

While the team easily guessed the keywords during internal discussions, seeing the variety of player interpretations was very rewarding.
Some players guessed Rouca (factory connection) or Rael (Grand Magician = Demon King?), and others speculated that split versions of characters like Savior Avin or Transcendent Mile might appear.

Our approach to “Another Characters” focuses on showcasing different stages of existing characters' lives, with plenty of room for creative exploration.

Though we’re mindful of not overloading the game with too many character versions, seeing alternate versions of main characters from different eras feels compelling.
Future Another Characters are likely to follow this concept.

I had so much fun reading everyone’s guesses that I’m inspired to make the next new character hints even more engaging!

The next new character after Una will also be an Another Character. I’ll reveal the keyword hint next week.

The new Una represents her story two years after the “A Cagesong of the Ocean” episode concludes. She embarks on a journey with Forte, aspiring to grow as a bard.
Her updated design, to be revealed tomorrow, shows a much more mature Una.

Creating original characters for our game requires careful thought, balancing the essence of the original character with the creative freedom of portraying them at different stages in life.

Process for "Another Character” Development
1. Draft character concepts.
2. Obtain approval from Nihon Falcom.
3. Incorporate feedback.
4. Revise concepts.
5. Begin production.

This process takes longer than developing standard characters, as it involves more intricate concepts adjustments.

Characters like Ortega, Milligan, the Flame King, Castle, the Saint of the Swords, and the three sages of El Phildin remain on our wish list. However, these characters require a proper narrative context within the game, so we’ll introduce them when the timing feels right.

While the game is confined to the Gagharv universe, if Nihon Falcom approves of our concept, it allows us to express our creative freedom.
Our goal is to bring to life characters that have previously existed only in lore or to explore alternate versions of familiar faces.

Note on Pure White Gueld
Although we received approval to use an adult version of Gueld, I believe her mystique is central to her character and have decided not to include her as a playable character.
However, her child version appeared in the “A Cagesong of the Ocean” episode, and for fan service (as I’m a fan myself), we’ve implemented her in a limited capacity.

Closing Remarks
Thank you once again for spending the year with us. We’ll continue to strive to deliver better content and more enjoyable experiences in the coming year.

Wishing you a warm and happy holiday season.
See you in the next Director’s Note!

Director’s Note Surprise Coupon
Coupon Code: VFRBG
Valid Until: January 30th, 2025, 14:59 (UTC+0)
Reward: 500 Red Garnets