**Hikari: First Interlude (Version 0.03.09p) – Game Overview**

**Introduction**
*Hikari: First Interlude* is a narrative-driven adult visual novel that blends sci-fi, romance, and psychological drama. Set in a dystopian future where humanity has fallen under the oppressive rule of the New Meritocracy, the game follows the journey of the last surviving Guardia—a once-revered warrior order—and his unlikely companions as they navigate political intrigue, personal trauma, and forbidden desires.

Players assume the role of **[mainChar]**, an exiled Guardia who awakens from stasis to find the galaxy drastically changed. With the remnants of his order gone and the Loci (a mysterious alien threat) still lurking, he must forge new bonds while confronting his past. The game explores mature themes, including power dynamics, emotional vulnerability, and the consequences of forbidden relationships.

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### **Plot Summary**
After awakening aboard a New Meritocratic Ferry, **[mainChar]** finds himself surrounded by three key companions:

1. **Tsuki** – A sharp-tongued Shaddaow (a vampiric being that feeds on Guardia energy) with a complicated history with **[mainChar]**. Though she acts tough, her loyalty is undeniable, and her relationship with the protagonist is fraught with unresolved tension.
2. **Sasayaki (Sasa)** – A disgraced princess of the fallen House Chosinsei, seeking redemption by becoming a Guardia. She is intelligent, haughty, and harbors secrets about the New Meritocracy’s true nature.
3. **Hikari** – A young, naive girl rescued from a Loci attack. Unbeknownst to her, she has been forcibly bonded to **[mainChar]** as his Yonin (apprentice), awakening latent desires and powers she doesn’t understand.

As the group travels aboard the *Aquila*, a ship ruled by the polygamous Captain Krish the Potent, they must navigate dangerous social hierarchies, avoid drawing the captain’s ire, and uncover the truth behind the Loci’s resurgence.

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### **Gameplay & Mechanics**
*Hikari: First Interlude* focuses on **player-driven narrative choices**, where decisions affect relationships, story outcomes, and character arcs. Key features include:

– **Dialogue Choices:** Players shape **[mainChar]’s** personality through responses—ranging from supportive to dismissive, playful to authoritative.
– **Affinity System:** Interactions influence how companions view the protagonist, unlocking different scenes and endings.
– **Mature Themes:** The game explores intimacy, trauma, and power imbalances, with optional adult content tied to narrative progression.
– **Branching Paths:** Key decisions (e.g., how to handle Hikari’s awakening desires, whether to trust Sasa’s motives) alter the story’s direction.

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### **Key Scenes & Themes**
1. **The Bonding Incident**
– After giving Hikari a necklace that once belonged to his late mentor, Midori, **[mainChar]** unintentionally forms a psychic bond with her. This triggers Hikari’s latent arousal, forcing him to guide her through her first sexual experience—either tenderly or exploitatively.

2. **Power & Exploitation in the New Meritocracy**
– The ship’s society mirrors the galaxy’s oppressive regime: women are either wives or daughters, traded like commodities. Players must decide whether to conform to this system or resist it.

3. **Tsuki’s Complicated Loyalty**
– Tsuki’s vampiric nature means she depends on **[mainChar]** for sustenance, but her resentment over past betrayals simmers beneath the surface. Players can mend their relationship or deepen the rift.

4. **Sasayaki’s Hidden Agenda**
– Sasa’s true motives for joining the group remain unclear. Is she seeking redemption, political power, or something more personal?

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### **Art & Tone**
The game blends **sci-fi aesthetics** with **intimate character drama**, featuring:
– **Stylized Visuals:** Detailed character sprites, expressive animations, and moody backgrounds.
– **Dark Humor & Emotional Depth:** Crude jokes contrast with heavy themes of loss and survival.
– **Erotic Elements:** Adult scenes are woven into the narrative, emphasizing emotional stakes over gratuitous content.

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### **Conclusion**
*Hikari: First Interlude* is a provocative, choice-driven experience that challenges players to navigate a brutal world while managing fragile relationships. Will **[mainChar]** uphold the honor of the Guardia, succumb to temptation, or forge a new path? The answer lies in the player’s hands.

**Current Version (0.03.09p) Notes:**
– Early build with focus on narrative groundwork.
– Multiple endings hinted at but not fully implemented.
– Expansions expected for companion backstories and faction conflicts.

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**Final Thoughts:**
For fans of mature sci-fi VNs like *Saya no Uta* or *Katawa Shoujo* (with darker themes), *Hikari: First Interlude* offers a gripping, emotionally charged journey—where every choice carries weight, and no ally is without secrets.

*(Note: This description is based on the provided script excerpts; gameplay details may evolve in future updates.)*