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Does Ati wear shoes, or are those claws instead of feet?
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Oct 22, 2018 17:04
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| # ? May 3, 2024 21:38 |
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BGM: Calmly Days Gii himself had planned to do that today. He certainly had been thinking about seeing "him," and asking something only "he" might know. Six years ago, he said: 'If there's ever something you must ask, come to me.' ——That time is today. ——For some reason, I'm certain of it. He hesitated a little about whether to bring Kia. His reason for meeting "him" didn't include her. What he wanted to ask was about himself. He could clearly remember the last time they'd met six years ago. "He" who comprehended everything. Feline eyes. They were different from Ati's. 'However,' he thought, 'that old man's eyes contain far more knowledge than Randolph's, and I can't truly understand his words.' At least, six years ago he couldn't. That was why he now wandered around the City. What would he tell Gii? Would he say he was disappointed, since even now Gii was still confused about everything? ——When he sees that I'm still unable to give up... ——What will the old man say?  Video: Meow ——I whisper. ——Softly, so that the girl walking beside me won't hear. [Gii] ......what appeared then...   It felt somewhat hollow to put it into words. If Miles or the children had heard him, they probably would've laughed. That power. That supreme heat which reduced a Creature to ashes. That which suddenly appeared behind him in a thousand colors. The shadow he'd gained in exchange for the illusion of the clown. That humanoid... However, that was... That thousand-colored shadow was surely a 《Kikai.》 ——The one and only... ——Fairy tale born in this City. ——That which comes from behind one's back. ——That which brings about "beautiful things" for the people. ——The last fairy tale. ——A story whispered and ridiculed throughout Inganock. He'd only seen it once. Something which was neither the Phenomenon Equation nor a Crack Engine. A third power which brought even Creatures down to their knees. In the Fantastic City of Inganock, a shadow was said to appear for a select few humans. A dream, a fairy tale for even fewer than the Phenomenon Equation. A transient dream born from the wishes of those who said humans still stood above all other organisms. That was what Gii believed it to be. At present, those rumored to have owned 《Kikai》 were mostly Runners and Highness Agents, persons who'd given their lives to subjugate the Creatures. A fairy tale brought forth by illusions. Textbooks aimed at teaching girls the history of these past ten years probably still had it mentioned in the corner, as a fable. The only one of its kind in this City. "Something which might exist." Everyone knew of it, but most had never seen it.  Why...... me......?——Why? ......why......? She was surprised, and tugged on his hand. It shook his shoulders slightly. She wouldn't let go. The girl was holding his hand tightly. While facing the way they were going, the girl spoke. It was an answer directed at Gii, and his question of: 'Why?' Even though it was too quiet for him to hear, the words seemed to be directed at him. Softly, softly...  I don't know.Kia doesn't know anything.   ......I'm not amazing, nor am I strong.——I didn't do anything. ——My friend died, ——Crushed by flames. ——That's all there is to it. ——Yes... ——I couldn't do a single thing. [Gii] (So, why am I going to see the Old Teacher?) [Gii] (Why?——) Ihere was no point in mulling it over. Gii exhaled white breath, and shook his head. No single answer could clarify everything. Such things had broken apart ten years ago. Just some peace of mind would be enough for him. And just as he thought that, Gii laid eyes on the same thing he'd met six years ago.  [Iru] Oooh, oooooooh, oooooh!? This one's big, this is a big one!! [Iru] I can't wait to see what I'we caught, aaah, what is it!? I can't wait to see who I've caught, aaah, who is it? Oooooh! [Iru] You kids, get over here! Oooooh, I've got it! I'm gonna catch it! [Kia] Gii, Gii! That old man's in trouble, he'll fall into the lake! [Gii] No, he'll—— [Kia] We have to help him! [Iru] Oooooh! What a kind-hearted girl, but you mustn't do anything more! This only has meaning because it is done alone! Oooooh! I'm gonna catch it! [Iru] I've got it, I've got it, I've got it! Oooooh!  [Kia] Kyaa! [Iru] Oooh, oooooh! This is a splendid Engine Spirit that I've caught! This looks splendidly plump and delicious. [Engine Spirit] I will not be eaten. *whoosh* *whoosh* [Iru] Oooh, oooooh! It speaks well, this cute little Engine Spirit does! My conscience would ache if I were to eat this! [Engine Spirit] I'm quite hard you know. *whoosh* *whoosh* *whoooosh* [Iru] Oooh, oooooh! You're hard, you're hard, that you are! Then I shall let you go, farewell! [Iru] Release! [Kia] Ririisu? ——*plunk!*  [Iru] That 《Kikai》 brings about beautiful things for people. That's what I've heard about it. [Iru] So what about that, meow? ——He's just like... a cat. ——No, he actually is a cat. This wasn't what he'd expected, but it wasn't a complete surprise either. The Old Ieacher was as calm as ever, gazing silently at Gii with unchanged, gentle eyes. An old, rational 《Ezeck.》 A man who'd lost all his fetters. It was said that even the Upper Tier Soldiers, objects of fear in the Lower Tiers, wouldn't lay a hand on him. He had no involvement with anything. Walking alone, fishing alone. He could live without involving anyone. He wasn't lacking in food, shelter, probably not even in life. Someone who probably once had a life, but someone who'd now lost that. No one followed behind him. ——However, he had vestiges of life. ——He even understood the Phenomenon Equation and Crack Engines. ——He's seen many pearls of human wisdom. ——A Mutant 《Ezeck》 with powerful observation abilities. ——That's why he's called, with a hint of fear and awe, the Old Teacher. He'd been fishing again today. He'd been fishing back then too, though it'd ended badly that time.  It's been a long time, Teacher Iru.Please forgive me for not bringing a gift.    A cat......It's a cat, hey, Gii, there's a cat here. But, but, it's totally different from Ati......  What a cute lass, good day to you.And who might Ati be?  Good day to you, old cat.My name is Kia. Ati is Gii's wife. She's a beautiful, strong person. Oooh? You have a family now?You're doing very well, Gii.   ——Porshion? ——Is that its name? Porshion. The shadow's name? That shadow brimned with power, brought up flames, and reminded him of the 《Revival》 that once filled the town ten years ago. ——Porshion. ——Is that its name?  Nn————The smog-laden air froze. ——For a brief time, I had that delusion. The old cat's eyes had opened. His enormous eyes sucked in light and released a glow, trapping Gii and Kia standing before him. What was once...... What was once lost will never return.That's something everyone knows, not just me. Grieving will never come to an end. Do you understand why this City exists?It's the same as why plants become wet with morning dew. Those with the seeds of insanity.Once they fall, they will never return. It's troublesome. Their insides will be crushed. But before falling, they won't even crack. ——His eyes closed. ——The air began to move once more. ——Together with the smog. That is all.I thank you for listening. ......Teacher, I apologize, but I cannot see the meaning in your words.It was like a poem, and yet, also like the insane words of Randolph. Gii at least couldn't find any meaning in it. Was it an answer to his question? He didn't even know that. So you didn't understand?Or did you?  Yes, thank you old cat.It was a wonderful poem. I love kids who tell gentle lies.You've come here with a good girl, Gii. [Gii] (——Aaah... so that's it.) ——I certainly thought, 'Aaah... so that's it.' ——Now, I understand. ——I see, so that's how it is. By the looks of things, his conviction today hadn't been wrong. Gii couldn't understand it at all, and yet... He looked at the girl smiling back at him. Somehow, this kid understood something. For some reason, that face of hers made him think so. That made sense. So that was part of it as well. ——Kia. ——A mysterious girl. ——I don't even know who she is, ——Or why she never leaves my side. ——The same goes for the old cat's words. ——Without even seeming to think about it. ——With just a smile... Old Teacher,I've been mistaken.  Is that so, Gii? Do you know anything about her?Perhaps you've seen her somewhere before? Well now, how many are there who really know anyone?People can't even understand themselves, much less someone else. ......yes. No, that's...that's not what I mean.I wasn't saying I haven't seen her before.  *giggle* ......we're talking about you, Kia.Did I do something to make you laugh? I'm sorry, but, Gii, you were cute just now. Huhuhuhu,you certainly were cute.  ......Teacher... you tease too much.I'm being serious. *giggle* ......Kia.BGM: None  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. Tick-tock. The sound of a clock. The sound of a clock. "Is it time? Is it time?" it continues to call. Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. Tick- ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀... tock. The second hand moves. It stops, pointing right at one o'clock. BGM: A Spiral Staircase  The Golden Spiral Staircase towering into the darkness. The man standing at the foot of it is none other than the silver watch's owner. With his master in the corner of his eye continuing to climb the Golden Spiral Staircase, the man continues to gaze at the watch, motionless. The man continues to gaze at the watch, and speaks. Like a Chrome-built, Machine-wound doll, in an inorganic voice...   He climbs, he climbs, he climbs. One master climbs the Golden Spiral Staircase. He is the Controller. He is the Grand Prince. He is the Fool. The King of Inganock. The Magician and Scholar who discovered the Phenomenon Equation. He climbs the Golden Spiral Staircase. One step, one step at a time. Even now, even now... 「Oooh, oooh, is it not wonderful? The blind sacrifice remains undying in the City.」 「Record the present time, Clock Crack Chrome!」 「"That time" you've wished for has come! Oh Lemure Lemure, tremble with delight!」 [Man with Watch] As you will. 『Huhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhu!』 「At the end of the Golden Spiral Staircase! My dream, my love takes form!」 『We're talking about you, Grand Prince.』 『Where are you? What are you doing? You're already beyond hope, so why?』 「——Silence. Silence. Silence!」 
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Oct 23, 2018 01:46
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KITTY  ... I still have no idea what the hell is going on, but damned if I'm not going to keep reading. I'll probably figure out what's going on about 3 lines before the actual in-game reveal. I'm terrible at speculation. 
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Oct 23, 2018 02:07
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Right there with you. I can only occasionally recognize that something might be a hint or foreshadowing unless I'm reading the genre I know the most about. Even then, contemporary thrillers aren't exactly trying to be complex.
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Oct 23, 2018 06:28
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BGM: Always I slink right in. Silent biz is my specialty. That's how I got the street name 'Black Cat.' Silently. I infiltrate soundlessly through the darkness of night. Using professional skills for personal gain is nothing rare in this town. It's no big deal. No one would care if I said I did, except the guys I did it to. And so, I sneak in. There's a little of what you'd call pangs of conscience, but no one's ever died from those. I picked the lock, making a faint click. Nothing louder than the second hand of a pocket watch. You'd need good ears to hear it. I'm doing fine. I open the door. I'm fine. No problems at all. I've infiltrated this place more times than I can count. ——I'm fine. ——I'm used to the silent biz.  The familiar smell of Gii's apartment. Now some of that girl's scent is mixed in. BGM: Girl Grins  No. No good. This is bad. Get to Gii's bed now without letting her notice... I thought about threatening her, but I just went to the trouble of sneaking in. I mustn't worry about that girl. I know she's done nothing wrong. No malice. I know that much. Besides, it's just too strange. It's not possible for this Black Cat to feel jealous. There's no point in being jealous of those small hands, just because mine had twisted into some huge, inhuman things... ——It's not about love or hate. ——Those things are for respectable humans. ——She doesn't matter. ——And yet, I look... That girl, sitting on the sofa, smiling happily. There's something in those hands of hers. Something small. It seems to be moving. Hmmm, what is that? ——A toy? ——Could Gii have bought something for her? No good. Aaah, this is no good. I can't stand it. Now I've completely forgotten this was a silent biz. I've jumped out and shown myself. Not good. Video: Emotion   ......ahaha, good evening.Is that a present from him? That's great, Kia...... ahaha, right  No, it isn't.This is something I got from the old cat. Hey, look, isn't it cute? This thing talks.  [img] Right? See? It's cute♪ Ahaha ...... that's right, it's cute, yes......I'm happy that she said 'came home,' but this is no good. Aaah, no good. What am I doing? What kind of bad cat am I!? I'm incoherent. These aren't even words. I can't take this. Aaah... I can't take it. Not good.  ......what? He knows this is bothering me. Am I that annoying? Why are you making a smile like that? It feels fake. ——————————————————————————————————————————.  ——No way. ——But, just now... I'm sure I saw that. ——————————————————————————————————————————. [Ati] .........Gii? [Ati] Gii... you just smiled. [Gii] What? I must look absolutely shocked right now. But, right now, he's making the same face. No, there's no mistake. I definitely saw it. He was smiling. [Ati] How many years has it been... since you smiled? That was...... such a shock...... [Gii] ......smiled? Me? ——Yes, you smiled. ——Just now, you were smiling. ——It looked kind of troubled, but... BGM: None  
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Oct 23, 2018 19:11
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Since this update is so short, I decided to post it early to finish off the chapter. As is plain to see, this chapter was particularly short, a breather chapter after the first. For that reason, while there was a lot of info and hints parceled out, I'm going to save character profiles for next chapter. That doesn't mean you shouldn't look through this chapter carefully, though. Also, since I've figured out how to get Tesseract to spit out mildly comprehensible text, and because of the shortness of this chapter, there won't be a delay for the next. See you tomorrow, everyone.
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Oct 23, 2018 19:19
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Video: Vines BGM: Amnesia  It's all that's left for me. The one thing remaining after all I lost. Only the sound I play proves to me that I'm still myself. ......that's why... ......I'm playing it again, today.  ——The hard keyboard of an Engine-Type Pipe Organ. ——I'm playing it today, as usual. A glassy sound. The melody flows like clear water. I endeavor to make it that way. Except... Except, my fingers won't listen to me. For part of the opening, they perform normally. After a while, the sound begins to echo awkwardly. Aaah... my fingers...... The sound I play is no longer glassy. The melody flows like muddy water. My fingers move away from my will... I don't ask them why. I did that far too many times when I was "up there." What would be the point? It's all because of the "vines." The "vines" twisting around my body. The Noble Tattoo imprinted on my body is a practical application of the theory behind the Phenomenon Equation. This thing doesn't work at all. It's supposed to protect me from mutation... They said it would protect me from all the City's impurities... Lies. It was all a deception. The "vines" that twist around my body... Am I all right? Please be all right. At least leave my fingers unharmed. They tighten around my wrists with an inconsistent strength, caressing with an uncomfortable kindness. Disgusting "vines." Fearsome "vines." When I first learned what the "vines" truly were... I think I cried so much that I thought I'd go mad. I might be mad already. What I'm doing now is just a dream of mine. I might just rot, without anyone finding and preparing an organ for me. ......no, that's wrong. This sound, and this sound alone is my truth. The only way I can confirm I'm still me. Even if it's not a real organ, but an Engine-Type Organ. Only the sound I play is real. Yes, only that is real...... ......but then... ......his form appeared. A man with the unpleasant form of a "dog." Why am I remembering him? Come to think of it...... He might have just spoken behind me. No, I don't care. I don't care about that. I'll put all my feelings into this sound. It's all I have, and all I'll ever need. ......aaah... ......the "vines" are writhing, as if ridiculing me. I remember it. Back then, he held my small hand as I walked. Even now, I try not to look at him. I'll put all my feelings into this sound. I won't try to look at him. ......I' ll play this sound today. Now that I've fallen... Nothing else is left for me.  The sound of the organ was everything to her. The one thing that remained after all she'd lost. 'Only the sound I play is proof of who I am.' He was sure she thought that way. ......that was why... That girl wouldn't respond to his voice. She'd just continue to play the Engine-Type Pipe Organ without saying a word. She wouldn't talk about anything. Those fingers, those hands that gracefully played the hard keyboard. He remembered back when he held that small hand of hers. Even now, he could remember it like it was yesterday. Even now, he couldn't save her. He couldn't save her. Even if he pretended to be God, he was only human. ......he could hear that sound again today. He cleared his ears. That was all he could do for her.  BGM: Always  In the City of Inganock, there wasn't much of a difference between noon and night. The sky was dark and the Lower Tiers were filled to the brim with people. The City's Lower Tiers. The Third Commercial Ward, also known as Infinitely Crowded Street. It's said that night never came to this place. The din of people coming and going never left, neither at noon nor at night. If someone was going to sleep, someone else was probably going for a walk. There was never any rest on that street. The ruckus was by far its most distinctive characteristic. You could hear the crowd perfectly fine from anywhere, and it was even louder at night. Laughing voices stained with alcohol and drugs. Weekday or weekend, they could be heard every night. They even drowned out the performance of the Roamers. Gii truly felt it. As he walked down that street and heard those voices, he truly felt that the people of the Lower Tiers were "alive." ——There's never been any other time. ——Only at night do I ever truly feel that there's life in this City. ——Except when... yes... ——When I feel Ati's warmth.  A girl, Kia, was walking beside him. She'd already changed out of her nurse uniform and returned it to her travel case. She was now wearing the same clothes as before. Whenever they arrived at a patient's house, she would change into her formal pink outfit. There was no point to it, but... [Gii] (No...) [Gii] (It might have a point.) Old men brought down by tuberculosis and children suffering from high fevers. Their expressions quickly changed whenever they saw her nurse-like outfit. Were they somehow relieved by it? Appearances made a strong inpression on people. The girl's hurried changing wasn't for nothing. [Gii] (But...) [Gii] (I'm not going to wear a white coat.) It'd be different if he worked at a hospital like Eralee's. But for a Traveling Doctor who walked around the Lower Tiers, a clean white coat just wouldn't fit. A white coat... It must have been years since he last wore one. ——Then... Some weak force tugged at his sleeve. The girl was telling Gii to stop. [Kia] Gii, that person is waving. Do you know her? [Gii] ......yeah.  Sorry, I didn't see you there. I'm jealous, Doctor.Such an obstinate man taking a girl with him on an evening stroll.  Good evening.Nice to meet you, Madam—— I'm Alisa, from the Crowded Street opium den.And what might your name be, little one?  My name is Kia.Good day to you, Madam. This is a lovely shop. Oh, really? You say such nice things.We're all flowers, after all, so we have to make sure people want to approach us on sight. ......nn? What's with those hands?You're holding hands on your evening stroll?  ......I'd prefer it if you didn't make such jokes.I can't allow her to walk around here at night without holding on to me. Oh, what a surprise.As she said that, the woman' s snake belly made a strange noise. She seemed really surprised. A veteran opium den owner, surprised? Was there really anything to be shocked by? Perhaps the atmosphere has changed a bit.Whether you know it or not, Doctor, you're now more human than most. Even your face makes you look like a respectable human being. Oh no, Madam.Gii hasn't changed at all. Oh? Oh?What a strong girl you are. You're not the least bit scared of a new acquaintance. The younger ones among us could learn a thing or two from you. How old are you?Old enough to come in through our den's back door yet? Alisa Greg,I'm sorry, but could you please not make fun of her? I'm just taking care of her temporarily.I won't leave her at your shop. Even I tell jokes, Doctor.Be sure to come visit again sometime. Alisa smiled as she said that. Her silent smile made the entire street seem livelier. There was never a night of rest on this street. Any sense of stillness here was unique. The lights were perpetually on, and countless sounds created a perpetual ruckus. I'll come visit if Gii says it's okay.Hey, Gii, what kind of shop is this?  Yes?
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Oct 24, 2018 19:11
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BGM: Calmly Days A relatively silent cooperative living street. Among the residential streets of the Seventh Tier, this place was somewhat peaceful. It had the perfect combination of high values and cheap rent. Cheap apartments in distorted forms. One of those rooms... Gii had pulled on the girl's hand after she'd asked about the opium den, returning them both to his leased apartment. They returned to a place far too large for one person to live in. Video: Bedtime Story ......your wife isn't here tonight. Kia. Ehehe, I'll go get changed.I'll make us something to eat, so wait for me there. I'm fine with just coffee. ......sure. Okay.Leaving a small smile behind, Kia disappeared into her room on the second floor. The apartment was small, but the first floor alone was enough for one person to live in. Gii didn't use the second floor at all. There were two rooms on that floor. He treated both of them as guest rooms. He was probably right to do so. Kia certainly was a "guest" here. Gii hung his reconstructed coat on the wall, sat down on the sofa, and heaved a sigh. He had no appetite for food or sleep, and yet he felt exhausted. But what about that girl, Kia? She should've been tired of walking. But she didn't act like it at all. She was showing Gii nothing but smiles. lt wasn't that a smile was her default expression. Kia was somewhat meek when looking at scenery and buildings. ——Even so... ——She's always showing me her smile.   Didn't all that walking tire you out?You should go to bed.  Noooo, I have to prepare for tomorrow.You take it easy, Gii. She came down the stairs and went to the kitchen. She was probably starting on some packed lunches for breakfast and lunch tomorrow. That nurse-like outfit of hers seemed to be her "work clothes. " This scene had surprised him at first, but after seeing it over and over again, he'd gotten used to it. Kia did these filings like they were perfectly natural. She stood in the kitchen with her back to him. 'Aaah...' Gii thought, 'That reminds me of someone else.' Someone from ten years ago. Yes, just like the mother he once lost. The mother who'd always been thinking about the kitchen. The mother that liked cleanliness. His mother had died ten years ago. So had his father. They'd been attacked by a Creature, and the ward they'd lived in was sealed off even now.  ...... something wrong, Gii?  Your face says otherwise.Ah, the coffee's ready. It's only instant, but... Thank you, I'd like some.It's getting late. Forget the preparations and go to sleep. ......no.——'No.' She said that and shook her head. [Gii] (......but she must be tired.) Okay, we'll eat out somewhere tomorrow.I have some extra money. Eat out...——Her expression darkened a little. ——She'd been deligilted at the Engine Tavern the other day, but now... There's a shop near Infinitely Crowded Street that makes fried fish sandwiches. But, these ingredients...My boxed lunches... Leave those for mornings and evenings.lt's fine, don't make that face.  ...I will eat them. RealIy? RealIy. Just now... Gii, I just heard you say that you'd eat everything I cook.That's no lie, right Gii? That's true, right?   ... I'II do my best. Fine!Kia pouted angrily. Still, she couldn't really be mad. Her pink eyes looked somewhat healthy. She did seem happy about being invited out to eat. That was enough to make her rest for tonight. He wouldn't allow her small body to push itself too hard. Gii breathed a small sigh of relief. ——Invited out to eat... How many years had it been since he'd last asked a woman out to eat? He felt like cracking a smile at the thought. He remarrbered Ati's words. 'You smiled.' (Are my parasympathetic nerves functioning properly?) [Gii] (......they haven't mutated at all. I can still smile.) Now then, you should get some rest.We'll be up early again tomorrow. Change into your pajamas and don't forget to pull up the covers.He said that and stood up. When he did... Something pulled at his sleeve slightly. A white hand had grabbed him. ...... What is it?——Kia's grabbing my sleeve. Doesn't she want to sleep? Is something the matter?Kia? ......good night. Good night. ......yes, good night. The hand wouldn't let go of his sleeve. What was—— Before he could ask her if anything was wrong, he had a sudden thought. His mother. The person she'd reminded him of earlier. His own mother. He couldn't remember her face anymore. But he knew who she was from back when he was a chiId. The sensation of that white hand. And... one other thing. A voice spoke to him, to the person who once said he hated sleeping alone. ......yeah, you're right. ......He sat back down on the sofa and hunched down, so that his eye level matched Kia's. You clearly aren't feeling sleepy tonight.So, I'll tell you a fairy tale. ...a fairy tale?Her eyes popped open. Was he treating her a little too much like a child? ......I could talk about the City Administration instead, but that's not very interesting. No, that's fine, Gii.I'd like to hear it.  It's just...l don't think I'll feel sleepy for a while... Thank you, Gii.Kia likes picture books, so...  What kind of fairy tale? ...yes...He had a feeling that she'd ended up worrying about him instead... Gii opened his mouth. He told her a tale he'd heard from his mother. An old fairy tale that'd lost its meaning long ago. It was a story about people who knew the color green. BGM: Amnesia  「There weren't many people who truly knew the beauty of the color green, the color of trees. It was nearly an illusion.」 「Most greens were hazy, and had some traces of gray.」 「You couldn't find a beautiful shade of green anywhere in Inganock.」 「This is a story from a long time ago.」 ——From ten years ago. ——A fairy tale no one tells anymore. 「The (Revival) was yet to descend upon the City, and one could travel to the Allied Capital, or to the Southern Continent, or even as far as the Central Northern Empire...」 「A fairy tale from over ten years ago.」 「A very long time ago, in a green forest loved by a white giant.」 「The people born from the green trees had small quarrels at first.」 「Among them was a boy...... 」
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Oct 27, 2018 02:57
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Video: This Feels Like a Picnic BGM: Always  In a corner of Infinitely Crowded Street... A boy rushed out from some back alley. He nearly crashed into Gii, but dodged at the last second. He was probably around the same age as Mies. Gii handed a few shillings to the shop owner and picked up the bag of sandwiches with his left hand. In his right was Kia's little white one. They smell great♪I bet they're delicious, Gii.  Have you tried them before? I think they get better.He answered vaguely and headed toward the monorail station. Gii had no confidence when it came to taste. His cranial mutations perverted the sensations from his tongue. There was an ascending monorail station nearby. Gii aimed for that one. His destination was the 《Upper Tier Staircase.》 He was going to the First Park's Tier Plate today. He'd decided to have lunch there before making his rounds. This'll be our first date♪Huhu, there's something strange about that.  Silly Gii, you already have a wife.Why are you taking me there? I remembered...——Green trees. ...that I haven't been there in quite a while.That occurred to me during last night's story. It's a place that offers just a fleeting moment of rest. Really, you don't have to be so worried about me.Still, thank you Gii♪ The girl showed him a smile again. The people walking along the road glanced at her warmly. Something was different from the days before. It was as if that girl was melting something down... ......♪ What is it?You seem upbeat today. Yes, I am♪Can you tell? BGM: Calmly Days  The First Upper Tier Staircase Park. A place of greenery. Most of the City's air was filled with Engine smog. Only this area still remained clear. Water and greenery filled the surroundings. Thriving greenery. The 《Revival》 ten years ago had strengthened this place. Greenery so fertile it could resist the toxic smog. Water so pure that it too could resist the toxins. Everything here was unique. It was separated from all forms of filth in the City. ——'Just seeing it puts me at ease.' ——The surrounding people say that aloud and sigh. The Citizens were always covered by a gray sky, and never saw trees or leaves. This was the sole miracle that had come to them these ten years. More beautiful than ten years ago. Clearer than ten years ago. ——We can have lunch here in peace. ——And it'll let Kia have some rest. Would she show him that smile again? Yes, Gii had thought she would, but... He heard a mysterious voice. A voice he hadn't expected. [Kia] ......waa...... [Kia] Amazing...... ——That's a voice of admiration.  So many pretty green things... Amazing...I've never seen... these are all... All of them, the trees, the grass...  Hey, hey, Gii? Gii?What's that thing that looks like a lake? The water...It's so much clearer than the tap water... Waa... amazing... this is so... Such strange... scenery...Yes, strange... but, so wonderful... ——The words coming out of those small lips. ——They warm my heart. There was no sign of it being an act. Kia was simply in awe with the scenery that had entered her vision. A voice of admiration. A sigh. Her gaze sparkled as it moved between the greenery, the water and Gii. She turned her attention to the cluster of peculiar plant buildings in which the 《Shelobs》 lived. 'What are those?' she asked. Those are homes made from plants.《Shelobs》 live in them. Shelobs? Yes, 《Shelobs.》They've mutated into something like insects. I see...I don't really understand, but okay. Amazing.I've never.. seen any of these things before... Thank you for bringing me here, Gii.This was a wonderful present. ——She's never seen these things? ——This place? It was the sole place of rest for people living in the Lower Tiers. Many of the Engine Factory workers came here during the weekends to relax. For the past ten years in this cruel City, the First through Seventh Park Plates had been an important existence for the citizens' peace of mind. How could she not know that? ——Kia. ——A mysterious girl. ——If anyone else said that, ——I'd think they were lying. ——But when you say it, ——I believe you. [Gii] (Kia hardly knows a thing about the Tiers we've walked in.) [Gii] (I've gotten that impression from her.) [Gii] (Was she raised in a safer ward?) [Gii] (......was she that sheltered?) ——Or maybe... Or... maybe she was a pitiful victim of despair and desire. Those things gave birth to dark tides in the City's Lower Tiers. The boys and girls confined by Salem. In this City, it's impossible to say that someone wasn't brought up in such an environment. [Gii] (......or maybe...) Or maybe... No, she couldn't be an Upper Tier Aristocrat's—— He returned his gaze to the girl. At some point, Kia had moved to the water's edge and was playing with some little creature. BGM: Girl Grins  [Kia] You've got a lot of arms, haven't you? That's amazing, Kia only has two. [《Shelob》 Child] *twitch* *twitch* *twitch* *twitch* [Kia] Yes, yes... yes. Is that right? You can knit? [Kia] Amazing. Kia's not so good at knitting. I'm good at cooking though. [Kia] I'll bring you something next time Gii and I come here for a walk. [《Shelob》 Child] *twitch* *twitch?* [Kia] See him? That person over there. Wave to him. ——She's waving her hand... ——Together with a small 《Shelob》 child. [Kia] Gii, this kid is so cute and energetic. Is he human too? [Gii] Yeah, he is. That's a 《Shelob》 child. Kia spoke as if she'd never seen one before. And yet, she was smiling. Normally, any human from the Lower Tiers would be afraid the first time they saw a 《Shelob.》 After all, the 《Shelobs》 looked strange. In both mind and body, they were the farthest from human out of all the Fantastic Mutants. Complete Fantastic Mutants. They'd been continually assaulted and boycotted until the City Law was renewed a few years ago. [《Shelob》 Child] *twitch* *twitch♪* [Kia] Huhu, yes, this is fun. This is cat's cradle, I'm really good at it. [Kia] It's a game from a country in the far east part of Seikyou. Okay, this is a tower... and this is a bridge... [Kia] And this is... ——The first time, huh? Gii thought for a bit. He nodded a little, but decided not to wave back. BGM: Calmly Days  Since he'd already climbed up here, Gii traveled to relatively high parts of the Lower Tiers today. He used his Phenomenon Equation to heal patients living in their own homes, with many rooms and even furniture. These were high standards of living, relative to where he came from. The illnesses contracted by the bourgeoisie were weak compared to most of the Lower Tiers. He didn't have accurate statistics of any sort. That was just his impression, along with the number of severe patients he actually encountered as he walked. They paid well, but there weren't that many. Around evening—— Around evening, Gii ran out of work. The people living in the upper half of the Lower Tiers were just too wealthy and affluent. Their citizen rights, private property limits and food rations were all different from those of the impoverished Lower Tier Citizens below the Seventh Tier. Despite living in the same City, they were blessed far more than most Lower Tier Citizens, although nowhere near as much as the Aristocrats living in the upper Tier. A certain kind of elite. They were chosen simply by being born above the Sixth Tier. Monsters, Creatures, Mutants and other powerful beings were here too. Everyone knew the fear and despair of the last ten years. Nonetheless, it was infrequent for people in those Tiers to request healing from an anonymous Traveling Doctor. They chose doctors from the same Tier. Licensed doctors from public or private hospitals. As long as their condition wasn't too severe, they could worry about things like reputation. They were different from people who weren't able to choose at all. They had money and reputation. Their lives were filled with plenty of choices. There was no work to be done here. That was why Gii usually walked through the lower half of the Lower Tiers. ——Evening. ——I'm going home earlier than usual. BGM: Girl Grins  「Hey, hey, Gii?」 「This is just a what-if, but... Just a what-if, okay?」 「If... if you finish work early today, then......」 「One more time......」 「I'd like you to take me there. One more time......」 「To the First Upper Tier Staircase Park ......」 That was when Gii decided that any further traveling would be pointless. Kia whispered her request modestly, moving her gaze back and forth several times between the tips of Gii's shoes and the collar of his cloak. Two weeks since they'd met. This was rare. Gii had rarely seen Kia make a request like that. ——That's why... ——I listened to Kia's imploring words.  The evening sky's red here......The greenery looks so red...... ......almost like flames......While silently whispering that, Kia's gaze moved across the red colors surrounding her. Scenery tinged with the "evening sun" lay out before her eyes. It was the most beautiful thing in the City. The City's sole fairy tale. A story that brought forth 《beautiful things.》 The fabled 《Kikai》 whispering from behind. The first time Gii had heard about the 《Kikai》 fairy tale, this was what he imagined. A red world. A sky overflowing with the brightest of flames. ——It must be because of our altitude. ——The evening sky looks nothing like this anywhere else. ——The Upper Tier Staircase Parks. ——Gii was reborn here a long time ago. On that day, at that time, ten years ago. Gii was near here when it happened. A higher Tier Plate than this. The Third Upper Tier Staircase Park. A soundless world brought about by the roars of collapse. He'd been within the infinite rubble. [Gii] ( ......I can still remember that?) He couldn't remember that time very well. His memories of ten years ago were already fragmentary. The Third Park. There was a hospital there——   What's this sound......?It's so pretty, but so......  Sad, somehow...... ......the sound of an organ......?She spoke of a sound. Gii cleared his ears. A sound—— A melody—— Within the red of the setting sun filling the surroundings, he certainly could hear a melody. A nunber of notes put together to create a melody. Was it from an Engine-Type Organ? The wind carried it toward Gii and Kia at the water's edge. However, they couldn't feel its beauty. The sound that reached them was too faint. ......you can't hear it? Such a faint......As if it could disappear at any moment...... It's quite pretty......And yet, it's also...... sad, and lonely......  ——'No.' This place is so beautiful, and this sound suits it so well, but...... ......that's just so sad.——Aaah.. ——That's true. If the melody was one of sadness, it would suit the red beauty well. In the sliver of time before evening, in the world where the brightest flame showed itself for such a short time... It was very sad. It could only be thought of as ephemeral. BGM: None   The sound of a clock. The sound of a clock. "Is it time? Is it time?" it continues to call.    The second hand moves. It stops, pointing right at zero o'clock. BGM: A Spiral Staircase  The Golden Spiral Staircase towering into the darkness. The man standing at the foot of it is none other than the silver watch's owner. With his master in the corner of his eye continuing to climb the Golden Spiral Staircase, the man continues to gaze at the watch, motionless. The man continues to gaze at the watch, and speaks. Like a Chrome-built, Machine-wound doll, in an inorganic voice...  [Man with Watch] ......first contact with Blood Tree confirmed. ......the blind sacrifice will attain his second offering. [Man with Watch] People's feelings ride on the melody. ......my master, the "time" you've wished for has come. [Man with Watch] ......now, the concert begins. [Man with Watch] ......how long will our sacrifice hold out? At least, one minute. No, two minutes. Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. Tick- ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀...tock.
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Oct 28, 2018 19:05
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BGM: Detective ——Today I walk through the Lowest Tier. ——A lone Traveling Doctor. He was seeing things today. It was as if everything had gone back to the way it used it be, before he'd mat the girl, because she wasn't beside him today. No meetings with old friends. No overlapping of "eyes" and "right hands" with the thousand-colored steel "him" hiding behind Gii even now. He just walked through the crowd. On a street which held hundreds of thousands. Yesterday, he walked through the wealthy Fourth and Fifth Tiers. That must've been part of it. Impoverished Tiers made up most of the City. Gii was walking through the regions of the Lower Tiers that held the loudest cries of distress. That reality was all too clear. There was nearly a thirtyfold difference in population density between today's Tier and yesterday's. He wasn't lacking in patients here, although he couldn't make much money off them. For now, he had enough money. What he'd earned yesterday normally took a month to save up. ——I have money. ——But even so, I'm walking. ——Doing that is my only... ——My only duty, and the only way I can live in this City. He walked alone, continuing to search for severe patients. He'd perform substitute healing alone. Gii would do it all by himself. He'd told Kia to watch the place while he was gone. He wanted to avoid exposing her to unnecessary danger, since today he was going to the Lowest Tier to heal an exceedingly bad case. More importantly, he didn't want her to see it. There were too many horrible things there. ——What don't I want to show her...? [Gii] (...... my healing?) [Gii] (That aside, Infinitely Crowded Street is bad enough.) Infinitely Crowded Street. There were very few dangerous Monsters around, but there were countless robbers and drug dealers. Even so, he was in the Lowest Tier. Monsters still killed people, and drug gangs still perpetrated violence and exploited the poor. Almost three hours since he got off the monorail, and Gii had already seen ten cases of people wounded by Monsters. Three of them died. He couldn't bring Kia with him. No, that wasn't it. He didn't bring her today. He'd been too frivolous yesterday. That was why he'd gone to a place filled with death. Gii wouldn't allow himself to stand still today. [Gii] (......I wonder...) [Gii] (If Kia's mad...) BGM: Calmly Days   ...... that was cruel.He went out all by himself and left me here. She puffed out her white cheeks. All alone in the middle of the room. She woke up to an empty apartment that morning. It was almost midday. She'd already aired the sheets and cleaned up the place. There was nothing left to do. Kia puffed out her cheeks again. A room with no one in it—— A note had been left on the table. Its message was short and frank. 'Watch the place while I'm gone.' That was it. There was no doubt that he'd left long before the sun was up, far earlier than usual. He'd promised to eat the breakfast she made. 'Did he forget already?' The thought saddened her. She hated being left behind, even though she knew she was of no real use in his line of work. She felt angry, and sad. She hesitated for a bit. Should she cry, or get mad? ......while hesitating, she ended up doing the latter. ......she puffed out her cheeks once again.  It's just, just, just——!She picked up the note. For a moment, she thought about throwing it out. Then she noticed something on the back. She held it up again. There was something written on it. There was far more on the back than there was on the front. 'How typical of Gii,' Kia thought. 『I'm sorry, Kia. I think I'll be going somewhere dangerous today.』 『Watch the place while I'm gone.』 『I'll place a guard on the room. I've made a request of one of Ati's friends, a Runner.』 『He's been told not to disturb you. He'll simply observe and defend from the outside.』 『I've prepared a wireless telecommunications device so you can contact him. If you hear anything suspicious, call the nunber on this note.』 『I'll see you later today. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Gii』 ——I see.   Wireless telecommnications device......Ah, this thing? This little plank?? It was a metallic plank. It'd been sitting on the desk all morning. What sort of tool was it? She could tell it was probably an Engine Machine. A telecommnications device this small? Was this made by a Scholar? She didn't think that anything so valuable could possibly be in a place like this—— ......how do you even use this...?Ah, it beeped. She tried fiddling with it. Touching the panel's surface produced an odd synthetic noise. She'd pushed a button somewhere without knowing it. The Seikyouan word for 「Shortwave」 was written there. Next, she pushed the number one. ——Shortwave #1.  ......ah, I think it connected. ——A voice. ——It came from the other side of the speaker.   ......huh?......who are you? BGM: Always ——Several minutes later.   The emergency circuit suddenly connects,and she just wants me to guard someone's room from random thieves? What's with that cat?Seriously... Whose room is this anyway?Who'd bother to force their way into such a run-down apartment? ......aaah... Opening up an emergency circuit...I thought she'd invite me to have a drink or something...... ......I have no life.——A position from which he could see the whole apartment. ——One bird holding binoculars. ——A building used to manufacture Engine work desks. ——Standing on the roof... Come to think of it, where did she run off to?She's rejecting all my calls...... ......is she off having fun somewhere?BGM: Calmly Days  Silhouettes of a small girl and a large woman holding her hand. The Lower Tier Citizens around them were wearing oxygen masks on their way to a flea market. The smaller shadow staggered, and was nearly swept up by the flow of Lower Tier Citizens, but the large shadow held on to her. Some time later, they both escaped from the tidal wave of people. ——Not much farther to the monorail station. ——The line heading directly to the Staircase Plate.    You can find plenty of those if you look around a bit.You really like looking the wrong way, Kia.  Gii was right, this certainly isn't a place for you to walk around alone.  ...yes...Yes, that's right. If you or Gii are here, it's just fine.I can go anywhere. ......I'd prefer it if you were choosier about time and place...But just for today, I guess it's okay.  Yes, I'll be careful. You're just so honest...I can't handle such a cute girl. Soorryyy. One of the silhouettes was Ati. The Black Cat of the City Skyscraper. One of the silhouettes was Kia. She should've been watching the apartment. It was decided that, whenever she came here, Kia had to hold someone's hand. Today that someone was different. It wasn't Gii. Today Kia held the Black Cat's fluffy hand. Hey, Ati.Whatever happened to your friend? I was never able to go say hi.I'll have to thank him later...  Besides, you know, Kia isn't in there right now, so... Ummm, hey, it's okay.You don't have to worry about it at all. That guard was just doing me a favor,since he had nothing better to do.  ...? We just ended up doing things in a weird order,that's all. There's nothing for you to worry about. ...? I'm telling you not to worry about it.Now, Kia, eyes forward. Isn't there somewhere you want to go? Yes, yes...okay.There's somewhere I want to go. ——Somewhere I want to go. ——I want to hear that melody again. ......I just can't get it out of my mind. Kia had come here twice yesterday. The most beautiful place in the City, and the highest place in the Lower Tiers. You could see the Upper Tier if you looked upwards. There it was, right behind the other Tier Plates. The Highest Tier, which looked like a small castle. It looked small from far away, but it was actually a very large structure. ——The Upper Tier. A place I don't like. ——Many other people, like Ati, feel the same way.  You might not be a child, but wanting to come all this way by yourself at your age... This is more than just a walk,but, since you wanted to come here so badly... Oh, by the way, Kia, why did you want to come......?  ......nn?The Black Cat looked at Kia, still holding her hand. Her reactions seemed slow. Kia usually responded right away when spoken to. Until now, she'd never just remained silent. Ati looked at the girl's face. 'She is a mysterious girl... Yes, mysterious. Nothing but mysteries.' Even her identity, personal history, and reasons for staying in Gii' s place were mysteries. And yet... Ati felt no animosity or malice from her. She accepted Kia because she never felt such things from her. Ati would've come with her even if Gii hadn't told her to.  ——What's she looking at? ——Her eyes are so serious... Perhaps a secret was hidden behind those eyes? Ati thought about that a little. [Ati] (Is she searching for something?) [Ati] (Something... someone?) But for what? For whom? She undoubtedly had a reason for coming here. Before the Black Cat could look around, her senses of smell and hearing completely and accurately scanned the surroundings. There was a sound. ——A sound. ——A single melody. The physical abilities of a normal human probably wouldn't have been enough to detect it. But Ati was able to accurately locate it. Her golden right eye wasn't just for show. Ati's sensory organs grasped her surroundings, far more accurately than any other 《Pucelle》 could.  Ati, you can hear it...? Of course. Gii said he couldn't hear it too well,but I could, so... ...I couldn't get it off my mind. You've got good ears, Kia.That's an important thing for living in this City. [Ati] (Or does she just have good intuition?) The "ears" atop her head reacted to the melody. They pricked up. They resenbled both a cat's and a tiger's. They were the proof of her mutation. The source of Ati's excellent hearing. Kia's ears didn' t seem to be mutated, and there was no way she'd anplified her hearing with a Crack Engine. Her inquisitive stance proved that. ——Is it just good intuition? ——I don't think Kia understands it herself. This time, Ati looked around. She looked for the source of the sound.  Where...? Over there.Can you see that little cooperative residence? The one standing between the trees. Two floors I think.It's not that big. See, look closely.There's a window open on the first floor. ——That's where the sound's coming from. Ah... I see it, I see it.That's... It looks like there's a girl playing something.Can you see her, Kia? ——A girl with green hair. ——The's playing something. ——On the other side of me open window. ......so it was an organ...... An Engine-Type Organ.A careful, delicate and beautiful sound. But...... ......yes, somehow, it's sad.Kia's gaze was fixed straight forward, at the girl on the far side of the window. A girl with green hair. Long, beautiful hair, like the leaves on the trees. BGM: Amnesia  Her hair was brighter and clearer than any of the plants filling the Park. It almost seemed to be sparkling. If Kia could've seen her face from this angle, she probably would've been unable to look away. Ati's eyes were fixated on the girl as she thought. She knew the emotion in the girl's eyes well. Acceptance... and mild despair. She immediately knew the reason. Those black vines entwined around her limbs. They weren't twisting around her fingertips yet, so for now, she could still play. Those vines were insubstantial. They passed through the girl's clothes as they twisted around her body. ——That's... ——A shade of black brought about by a Creature. A chill raced up her back. She knew it wasn' t contagious, since it hadn't bloomed yet, but still... ——The girl playing the organ. ——She already appeared to have one foot in the grave. Ati understood why the sound was so sad. Acceptance and despair. Disappointment and terror. She could understand even more by listening closely. The awkwardness of the sound and the melody. What was Kia thinking? Surely she couldn't understand it. Kia couldn't even see those black vines, because her eyes were closed. She was listening silently to the melody. Kia's expression changed, sadly. Video: TerminalBGM: Calmly Days  The plants were twisting around walls and table legs, so the residence must've been part of the vegetation filling the park. Any other structure would've easily been broken down by such life force. There definitely were signs of life, though most people would hesitate to believe that. The room was being eroded by plants, but its cleanliness was not that of vegetation, nor was it a cleanliness due to superficiality of life. She could easily read the personality of the room's owner. Methodical and cautious. The floor, walls, and desks had all been carefully cleaned. The well-used drawers were polished. However... The owner didn't seem to be in.  The girl sat in the room with a vacant gaze. She was too preoccupied with other things to take care of the place. Her vacant gaze... It was sunken in resignation, yet still hid many other emotions.    You had a reason for listening, didn't you?Didn't you just listen to my organ?  She beckoned to Ati and Kia, who'd been standing beside the window. She beckoned them into the room. The girl had noticed them watching. She finished her performance, and poked her head out of the window. 「Don't just watch quietly」 「Why not come in?」 Kia gladly accepted the offer, but it didn't quite feel like the girl was happy to have guests listening to her performance. A wariness, a thoroughly frightened emotion lay in the depths of her eyes. Ati knew it all too well. Umm, well...We're just passing by, you see... I apologize if we disturbed you. We just heard it and listened.That's all. ......I see. What about you?Will you say the same things as her? Kia.My name is Kia. ......thank you for telling me your name.Kia-san. That's a good name. Thank you.But... no, it' s a common name. ......——Oops? ——Should I have told her my name? The girl's gaze fell only on Kia. The girl who'd introduced herself. Ati felt like she'd made a mistake. She sighed on the inside. I'm Dorothy.The organ player Dorothy Woodstock. Kia-san.You were listening with your eyes closed the whole time, weren't you?  ......because it was a pretty sound.And... I couldn't get it off my mind. I'm sorry if it was just my imagination,but... that sound of yours, it...... It sounded very sad, so...Yesterday, and today... I see.——A faint reaction. ——A face as if she'd been told the obvious. 'That aside,' Ati thought, 'she has a Noble Iattoo engraved on her body.' Was she a relative of an Upper Tier Aristocrat? Noble Tattoos were meant to be a special privilege of theirs. But for one of them to be down there... It was incomprehensible. [Ati] (I've seen a truly rare thing. This girl... is a Fallen Aristocrat ...... ) [Ati] (An Aristocrat caught Arboritis? Her Noble Iattoo...... doesn' t look fake.) ——Was she abandoned? ——Thrown out from the Upper Iier when her vines manifested? I apologize if I made you feel bad,but there's nothing I can do. That's my sound.I can't produce anything else anymore. ......I see, you can't... That's right, I can't. Not anymore.Don't make that face, Kia-san.  ——A slight... ——A slight emotion mixed into her words.  But, I'm surprised.You're the first person to tell me what you thought about it after really listening. At first I thought you were just an intruder,but you seem different. Kia-san, do you like music? Yes, I do.I love music, and I love your pretty sound. ......aside from the sad part? Yes,because it's sad to hear something sad. It makes you feel that way? ......very much so.I can feel the sadness in it. I see......——Her gaze fell to the floor. ——'Aaah... so that's it,' Ati thought. That girl's emotions had sunk deeply, just like many other Hosts who'd lost all that was precious to them. Even so, she hadn' t given up. She was still playing the organ. Ati was convinced that she wasn't doing it just to kill time or to take her mind off things. The reason why she played... She said that she'd been playing yesterday. The reason why she kept playing... ——She can't give up. ——She can't give up on playing her sound. Don't laugh when you hear this, Kia-san.I'm going to say something strange. I won't laugh. ......okay...I like the songs of the Seikyouan musicians. I loved their songs.Bach, Mozart, Haydn......   ......I thought it'd be remarkable if I too could do that someday, if I could put as many emotions into it as they did...... ——Her sadness. ——It certainly would be conveyed to any listener. ......I'm sorry for making you feel bad.But... I'm happy. I'll never hear the new Seikyouan songs,and yet, you're the only one who's ever felt something from my sound.  I'm happy.......thank you, Kia-san. I haven't done anything, Dorothy.I don' t know anything about you. You say you're happy,but when I hear you say that...... ......I feel pain, here.Kia put her hand against her small chest, and continued to stare at Dorothy. I like what you played, but...I want to hear something different. You can play such a pretty song, so what's there to be so sad about? ......tell me, Dorothy.——Kia... ——She doesn' t know. She didn't know the meaning behind the darkness wrapped around the girl's limbs. Death in the form of Arboritis. At that depth, there was no longer any point in giving her artificial limbs. It was already making lethal changes to her very nature. Mysteriously enough, she hadn't been killed yet. The room' s owner must have concealed her well. That, or he had some kind of connection. A deep Arboritis host. Normally she would've been executed under City Law. It was incredibly rare for someone to survive this long while evading a death sentence at the hands of Upper Tier Soldiers. Ati knew she wasn't contagious at this stage, but she still didn't want to get any closer to the girl. She couldn't get any closer. Kia-san,you must have had a very happy life. Look at my arms, my body.These vines twisting around me. ......I can see them.What...... are they......?  I'm glad I met you, Kia-san.I truly thank you for listening. I'll come listen again.I want to know a lot more about your sound.  ......you mustn't. I won't be able to play anything else,even if you wait until tomorrow. Besides...... Besides, I'm already a goner. ——Her lips whisper. ——They're shaking subtly, as if afraid. Fates End fucked around with this message at 06:29 on Oct 31, 2018 |
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Oct 31, 2018 00:04
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BGM: Calmly Days Night came to the nearby apartments. Its only merit was a relative silence. Ati thought about returning to the storehouse, but she was already at Gii's apartment. So was Kia. The room's surveillance and protection remained entrusted to that boyish bird. She'd understood a little more about Kia today. She was surprised by how little the girl knew. Now Ati was sure she'd feel uneasy if she ever left the girl alone. ——Let's stick together. ——Until Gii returns. She whispered that inside her mouth, so that Kia couldn't hear. Video: Impasse Gii's expression changed before he could even finish.  ......Ati? Welcome back, Doctor♪Why not praise the two who've been watching the place the whole time yeu were gone? Welcome back, umm...Actually, Gii, today we... went...   Ahahaha, it's nothing, nothing.Has Gii-sensei had his dinner already? Kia's meatloaf is a work of art, you know. Umm, you know...I just couldn't get it off my mind...  ??? Ahahahahahahaha...Her laugh felt dry and forced. She'd wanted to avoid saying they'd gone out, but... Kia was such an honest girl. Ati couldn't blame her. ——She can't stand not telling him about Dorothy. ——I can see it in her eyes. Ati had already half-given up during the long conversation with Dorothy. She was sure it'd end that way. She knew Kia would ask him to heal the girl. She'd make a request of this man. This weird Cracking Doc.  You went outside? Yes. Kia. I left you a note.What did it say? Watch the place......I'm sorry, I should've stayed here.  ......it's fine since Ati was with you,but the City is more dangerous than you think. Be sure to never go walking outside alone.  They were like brother and sister, or perhaps father and daughter. That weird Cracking Doc was becoming domesticated. Ati nearly laughed, but held it in. Even a cat could read this atmosphere. So, what is itThere's clearly something you want to talk about.  I'll even work at Alisa's place......Surely I can pay the money that way. No, you can't do that.Don't even joke about that. Yes, yes, forget it, Kia.You'll be unhappy working at that woman's place. ......Ati. ......I'm sorry,I'm the one who took her out. Please don't scold Kia.  I'm sorry for leaving you without a word,but please don't do anything reckless. ......now then, what's your request?Did you get involved in something troublesome? Ask Kia about that.I can't say whether it's troublesome or not. Kia.——Gii's gaze was fixed on Kia, ——And the girl gazed back at him. Rare things did happen. She wore neither a smile nor that mysterious expression. Kia looked at Gii a little differently from before. Her eyes were pleading, wishing for something. [Ati] ( ......I wonder...) [Ati] (How did they get so close in such a short time?) [Ati] (It's not like I'm jealous or anything, but she really is a mysterious girl.) ——In truth, she was perfectly aware of her jealousy. ——Ati shrugged her shoulders. There's a person named Dorothy.She lives in a residence in the First Park...  She's in trouble.Please, Gii. Please, help Dorothy.I'm sure she's got some kind of illness, which is why...  I'm sure, you...You can save her. A Host?Gii's gaze moved to Ati. He desired an explanation. What should she say? Even the Phenomenon Equation couldn't do everything. [Ati] (There's no point in hiding it.) [Ati] (And there's no loss in telling him. He wouldn't report her to the Upper Tier Soldiers.) She was an Arboritis host and a fallen Aristocrat. Reporting her would probably net anyone a good deal of cash. However, Ati wouldn't do that. Receiving one-time money had no real meaning. More importantly, she'd never go to the Upper Tier to report it. The girl's come down with Arboritis.A rather deep case. Vines are clearly manifesting all over her body.She seems to understand what they mean.  [Ati] (Huh? What's that?) [Ati] (Gii, what's with that face?) For one moment, Gii had shown a pained expression. In the past, this man's face had always remained calm and composed, no matter the what sort of Host. He was desensitized to the infections of others. He'd only grasp the nature of the illness and leave it at that. He even said so himself, but now his expression was clearly warped. [Ati] ( ......is there more to it?) ——Arboritis. ——Come to think of it, there are those three orphans. ——Those kids Gii supports. ——I'm pretty sure they caught it too. ......I see.Arboritis is pretty bad.  Is she near blooming? From what I could see, not yet.But she might think it's close. When did she say? She said she'd be fine tomorrow,but that she wouldn't be here the next day.  ......that's too deep.Even the Phenomenon Equation wouldn't be up to that. Gii...... Ati?What are you talking about......? That girl's illness.Arboritis progresses rapidly on a weakened mind. If she's given up, then it's already over.  It's a shame.——Yes, it's already over. ——The Youki's seeds are fed by the human soul. The forty-one Creatures that scattered calamities across the City. One of them was Youki Blood Tree, the source of Arboritis. It multiplied to no end, eating away at the heart and body, and eventually bursting out of its living host. If discovered in its early stages, it could be dealt with, like he'd done for Parul, Lupo and Polun. Still, that didn't solve the fundamental problem. Arboritis changed a person's way of being. It was a mutation of one's very nature. Infected arms and feet could be replaced with Engine Limbs, but if seeds of its core existence had already invaded them, then vines would eventually devour their bodies.  ......but, Gii...that girl... she's suffering. There's nothing I can do.I just told you that. ——His voice is... cold.  Do you really have to say it that way?Gii, that's not your usual reaction. It is. Is there something else to this?Do you have some traumatic memory involving Arboritis? I'm stating the truth.That's all. The Equation is meaningless against Arboritis that deep.That's all there is to it. Please stop asking. .........[Ati] (Huh?) [Ati] (What's with this reaction?) [Ati] (He got so heated up over those three children. He even spent a fair number of shillings on them, and yet...) [Ati] (Weird...) [Ati] (It's almost like a normal Lower Tier Citizen.) [Ati] (It's not like Gii.) Ati thought of a question. She opened her lips to ask him, but... The words wouldn't come out. Not after she saw Gii's expression.  [Ati] ( ......huh?) [Ati] ('Don't talk to me, don't ask me anything'... So you can make that face too ......) [Ati] (Oooh, I see.) [Ati] (So that's it.) A very normal reaction for anyone other than Gii. He wouldn't expend money and labor on something he knew to be hopeless. Most of the people living in the Lower Tiers would've had the same reaction. Ati knew that well. She often had to make decisions like these herself, without letting her emotions show. ——But... ——This is Gii, the weirdo. ——No one else. He continued his unlucrative travels day after day, and was always poor despite being an Equation user. And yet he wouldn't stop walking around the Lower Tiers. He was always traveling, as if refusing to give up on something. So what was with that expression? That posture? Those cold words?  ......oh, I see, I get it. I'm going home.——Going home to where? ——I have no fixed place to sleep.  [Kia] Don't talk to Ati like that. Kia's the one who didn't do what you said. A white hand grabbed onto Gii's reconstructed cloak. Strongly, as if condemning him. Ati had already started to leave, but stopped when she noticed something was wrong. [Gii] I only told you the truth, Kia. Ati has nothing to do with this. [Kia] Stop. [Gii] Stop what? [Kia] ......okay, I understand. [Kia] If Gii's going to be that mean to Ati, then I won't let you sleep with her. [Kia] Tonight Ati sleeps in the same bed as Kia.  Eh?——Eh? ——What did she... ——Eh? ——What does that mean? ......I see. No, th-that's not, eh?What are you talking about, Kia?? Now,let's leave this cold Gii and have fun together. Eh?Eh?? Okay? Eh?Eh? Eh? BGM Girl Grins Eh? Why? ——Why did this suddenly... Ati just wasn't prepared for her to say something like that so suddenly... Ati just wasn't ready for it. She couldn't understand Kia's logic. While she was hesitating, something tugged at her hand. Together, they rushed up to the second floor. Toward the bed, and right into it. Then those pink eyes gazed at her intently. ——Huh?  [Ati] Eh? ......huh? Is this really okay? [Kia] Huhu, isn't it fluffy♪ I aired it outside before lunch. [Ati] Huh?? [Kia] What's wrong Ati? You look surprised. [Ati] ......we-well... I am. I am surprised. Normally I'm... [Kia] What? [Ati] Forget it, forget it. Yeah, it's fine. Personal stuff. [Kia] And? [Ati] I said it's fine. Be quiet and go to sleep. Good girls don't stay up late. A guest bed. It wasn't made for two adults to sleep in, but the sheets and blanket were much better than those in a cheap apartment. She lay down with Kia. She felt the slender girl's warmth beside her. ——Like close sisters? ——Or... a mother and child? ——Yeah right. Ati looked at the girl beside her. The pink eyes gazed toward her intently. Those big eyes were reflected by her own golden eye. She was trying to say something. Ati noticed that, and realized... That must have been why she stopped her from going home. Kia. The girl who gazed at Gii. Her pink gaze followed the man. That was why she felt so surprised. She'd thought Kia had no interest in her. ——Her eyes are trying to say something. ——To me. ——Why did you stop me? ——And with that timing...  [Ati] What? [Kia] I have a favor to ask of you. Ah, no, a request to make of Black Cat-san. I heard it has to be a request. [Ati] A request...... [Kia] A request. A slightly weird pronunciation. That probably had to do with where the mysterious girl had been raised. Or was the word just that crude A request. That was the way contracts were made with the Black Cat. But for this girl to... Ati thought it was a strange subject. Quite strange. She'd had requests from even younger children before. And yet, she wondered, 'Why her? It doesn't suit her at all.' Kia. A mysterious girl. Her life had nothing to do with Runners. Ati could tell that from her face and eyes, but... [Ati] ......what do you want to request? [Kia] ......ii. She couldn't hear Kia's whispering voice. Ati cleared her ears and listened. Her hearing was sharper now than when she was human. [Kia] ......don't grow to hate Gii. ......Please? ——'Don't grow to hate Gii.' [Ati] Eh? Wh-what's that mean? [Kia] You can't? [Ati] I-It's not that I can't...... eh...... ? You did this, you stopped me, just to say that? I-is that true? [Kia] ......you can't? ——Her pink eyes are looking straight at me. ——They're gazing at me seriously. [Ati] I can do that. It's not like I ever hated him. [Ati] Besides, Gii won't talk to me when he's like that. I was just thinking that there'd be no point in being near him. Nothing like hating him. [Kia] That's great. Kia smiled, while heaving a sigh of relief. I was just so surprised. Her request was, 'Don't grow to hate him.' [Kia] Then it's a promise. You won't ever hate Gii. ——Aaah... I give up. ——I can't resist such a glowing smile.  [Ati] ......you're really sticking to this request. Not that I mind. [Ati] I charge a lot for my requests, you know. [Kia] I'll do my best to pay it off. But...... could you wait a little while......? [Ati] Noon, I can't wait. [Kia] ......I see...... [Ati] I won't wait. Maybe if you prepared some boiled eggs for me tomorrow. Soft-boiled if you can. [Kia] ......eh? [Ati] You can't make them? That's the fee. [Kia] No, I'll make them. I will! Thank you Ati, I love you! [Ati} Ah... you love me... How embarrassing. [Kia] Um...... well, in that case...... ......umm...... [Ati] Something else? Go ahead, say anything. [Kia] Then...... [Kia] Can I ask you one more thing? A request? I'll add it to tomorrow's breakfast! ——Huh? ——An additional request?  [Ati] Okay, I lose. ......you're a surprisingly strong woman, Kia. [Kia] Ehehe...... ——Really... when you make that cute face... ——When you show me that defenseless smile... ——I... well, I don't dislike it. 
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Nov 8, 2018 06:07
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BGM: Amnesia  The Upper Tier Aristocrats controlling the City of lnganock.They're all telling lies. This Noble Tattoo that proves I'm an Upper Tier Aristocrat.They engraved it upon my body. They said that this would completely protect me from the unknown illness brought forth by Creatures and Monsters.That's just another lie. This does nothing more than ease one's mind. The Aristocrats are telling lies.They say that the Aristocrats' lives are prioritized above all else, but... That's not true either. The Noble Tattoo doesn't work.Whenever someone contracts a fantastic illness.. They try to kill them right away.They obey City Law by executing any family which produces a Host. ......that's why my father and mother abandoned me. I was simply thrown out of the Upper Tier, like a broken toy. ......and then he picked me up. ......but... even he tells lies. Everything around me is a lie.  I like Seikyouan songs.I like the sound of the violin. I also like the piano and the organ. I also like what's called 'church music.’It has a certain force and gravity to it. I like songs.......I can sing... a little. I'd like to try singing next to that girl's organ while she plays. I'd have to try really hard, but I have a feeling that I could make a beautiful sound. ......but, that girl. .. She won't let anyone hear her beautiful organ piece. ......not even Smith-san.  Some information was recorded about the forty-one Creatures. Ten years ago they materialized, and started killing off a subset of the City's population. A subset of humans. Namely, Seikyouans and their descendants. lt's said that the Creatures persistently sought them out until they devoured all of them and their terror. Their number isn't recorded, but it was probably less than a hundred. And after that, the Creatures turned their fangs toward other humans—— That's the recorded information. But, the truth is different. Only a certain kind of Creature reacted to Seikyouans and their descendants. The large Creature which creates endless duplicates of itself. Its name is 'Blood Tree.' A large Creature which attacks people simply by breeding.   At present, Runners, drug gangs, and Upper Tier Soldiers all own Crack Engines. They give a strong impression of heightened battle strength. They were originally developed as artificial limbs for medical purposes. Those Machines were meant to make up for lost bodily functions without being rejected or overburdening the body. In the Lower Tiers, victims of accidents, Creature attacks, mutations or other strange diseases very often have these. Most medical Crack Engines would be highly priced were they genuine Upper Tier-Approved Goods. Therefore, the people of the Lower Tiers obtain cheap, illegal Crack Engines from back-alley doctors and markets. Although it's a wide-open secret—— It's said there are Engine Factories which mass produce cheap Crack Engines for the Lower Tiers. Unlike genuine ones, they're very likely to be rejected or overburden the user. The City's Upper Tier maintains its silence on this matter.   Most of those rumors are about seemingly heroic people.Some speak of a Runner with legendary strength. Others speak of a Highness Agent. The only highly credible rumor speaks of the person who once subjugated Creatures. The Street Knight.The knight said to be the fastest and strongest in all the City. An Engine Human, with Crack Engines implanted all over his body. ......I don't know whether it's true or not. However,I do know one 《Kikai》 user. I saw him just once. Just once over these last ten years.I laid eyes on one user. A shadow slicing apart a huge snake-like Monster.One man with something black following behind. The shadow behind the man——In other words, his 《Kikai.》 That Monster had endured countless bullets from Upper Tier Soldiers, yet he destroyed it with ease. A serpent said to be equal to the Creatures.So easily, so simply... The man had smiled amidst the blood splatter. ......Kerkan. I know that man‘s name.That man was once an Enforcer of City Law. ......that man has taken hundreds of lives.......and I'm sure, even now...    I'm one of themI once brought death to a lot of people in the Lower Tiers, as an Enforcer of City Law. What I'm doing hasn't changed.I just kill. People like to talk about 《beautiful things》 as if they’re something extraordinary. But 《Kikai》 are power. They're nothing but power.We were chosen in order to wield them. That power is for killing, for taking lives.Those 《Kikai》 exist for nothing else. ......at least, that's what they are to me. The other 《Kikai》 users aren't that different from me. They're all my prey.If I meet one—— ——I'll be sure to kill them.  The fearsome Creature Blood Tree.A fantasy which erodes a person's body and mind. I remember it. Its seeds of death possess people.They grow within humans, and eventually kill them. I've seen one hundred and forty-nine such cases. One hundred and forty-nine lives I couldn't save. ......that's how many...Arboritis hosts I've been unable to save. The physical substitution healing of the Phenomenon Equation is useless against an illness which mutates the very nature of one's existence.I couldn't do anything. Cutting it off with physical normalization by the Phenomenon Equation.Replacing limbs with Crack Engines. Those are the only ways of dealing with it. ......like those three children.There's nothing else I can do about it. The seeds eroding the body can be taken out.But any seeds which have taken root in the mind are there to stay. ......eventually, the mind's very basis is eroded. ......and when only despair remains... ......the full-grown "sprout" bursts out. One hundred and forty-nine people.I...... ......couldn't save them.   I can use the Phenomenon Equation myself to some degree, though mine is specialized in Destruction. Cracking Docs. They go to all the trouble of carving the theory into their brains,then just use the Phenomenon Equation for money. There aren't too many of them around. Most of them are sucked into being Upper Tier Palace Doctors,or working in First and Second Tier industries. Slaves to money.They don't understand what power is. ......I don't like them. ......but the one I dislike the most... ......is that Traveling Doctor who uses it for free. I mean you, Doctor Gii.How long will you continue performing that rotten hypocrisy?   Mutating illnesses run rampant in the City. The medical view states: 'There is no way to avoid the diseases which cause one's body to change into a Fantastic Mutant.' In the Lower Tiers, there's a superstition that wearing oxygen masks is an effective defense, though there's no basis for that. It's said that the Upper Tier uses a more realistic approach. The "Noble Tattoos" engraved into the Upper Tier Aristocrats’ skin. In a sense, they're also proof of Aristocracy. Equation Patterns based on the Phenomenon Equation. They're said to be an inpenetrable defense against body-warping mutations. The people of the Lower Tiers envy the Tattoos. They often ask to be engraved themselves. However, the Upper Tier announced that it was siuply performing a human experiment. The Controllers, the Upper Tier Aristocrats, were using their own bodies as test subjects, so that they could ensure it was safe—— ——They said the Tattoos would eventually be passed on to the Lower Tiers. There are those who believe those words, and there are those who don't. Among the Aristocrats, the system for engraving these Tattoos is called the 'Upper Tier Aristocrat Protection Policy.' ......whether they're really human test subjects or not is clear after a single glance at that name.    'lt's all right, you just play the organ.'That's what he says. ......the Iiar. I know.He's ostracized even by the Lower Tier Citizens, so he can't find any good work. Because he s a Seikyouan,he's discriminated against even in the Lower Tiers. Even that......He won't even tell me that.   It was given the name of a vampiric plant from the Southern Sea with similar characteristics. lt's the only Creature out of all forty-one which can breed. Colloquially, it's often called 'Youki,' which means 'Bewitching Tree.' Those "vines" constructed of undulating blacks and reds. They're spotted within the City's Lower Tiers from time to time. It was disgusting, but somewhat illusory, and was said to hold a certain beauty. However, that's just what produces the seeds. lt isn't the Creature's main body. Sightings of Blood Tree's main body ended ten years ago. The only things ever witnessed in the Lower Tiers came from the seeds that Blood Tree's main body once scattered. It's stayed hidden for all this time. This Creature produces false bodies of itself through either reproductive division or seed scattering. The seeds it scattered when it appeared ten years ago are floating as dormant particles in the City's Lower Tiers. They possess anyone with weakened vitality, young or old. Then, they suck out their hosts' nutrition, grow by stealing the mind and body, and eventually burst apart, scattering more seeds at the moment of death. ......but, in most cases, Enforcers of City Law kill the hosts before that can happen. This Creature is the most famous in the City's Lower Tiers, and it has produced the most casualties. It does nothing but grow until its host dies, but if anyone tries to cut it off, the vines will attack.   Technically it isn't a disease. It refers to a condition inflicted by Creature Blood Tree's seeds of death. PeepIe's bodies are brought down over the course of a few years, as it eats away at the mind, steals the body away with "vines," and kills the host. It's been reported that implantation of Crack Engines or the Phenomenon Equation can extend one's life somewhat. City Law states that Arboritis hosts are to be eliminated. In other words, executed. Most of the time, the people of the Lower Tiers hide their Arboritis with Artificial Crack Engine Limbs. ......while fearing the death that's sure to come for them.   Memories about the Creature Blood Tree.They must be from ten years ago. It happened within a month of the 《Revival.》A scene from those hellish days. Like the other Creatures,Blood Tree manifested in the Lower Tiers. lt scattered countless black deaths. At that time...... There was a certain peculiar inclination in Blood Tree’s activities...... ......I have hazy memories of it. It was a reaction to a certain subset of humans.Blood Tree showed excessive reactions around them. A certain subset.Yes, I'm pretty sure it was...... ......Seikyouans......   He's whispering.He's always, always whispering in my ear. I can't imagine it's possible,but is that the 《Kikai's》 voice? His memories? I don't know the truth.I just "remember" that guy. ——Forty-one. The same as the number of Creatures.That number appears in my mind. That scene appears in my mind. l understand.That's something from ten years ago. Am I remembering it?Or, is that a memory being planted into me? I don't really care either way.......forty-one. ......I just kill, that's all.I'm after what lies at the end of that.   I've heard that the Grand Prince,the most important person around here, lives there. I've never seen any of those Aristocrats,or the Grand Prince. What sort of people are they?The only kings I know of are in fairy tales. ......when I told Gii that, he laughed.......that irritated me a little. He said I was joking.I don't know what I did to make him say that. Anyway,to borrow Gii's words...... The Upper Tier isn't a comfortable place.We can't go there, and we wouldn't gain anything by going. ——An unpleasant place. To me, that's what it sounded like Gii was saying.  Other than playing the organ, what?Other than feeling myself being eaten away, what? I played the keyboard today as well.I played the sound. But... I'm......I'm so anxious. My heart's breaking. I can't look away from the Youki eroding away at me.Every day, when I wake up and take a shower, I look at my body. ......I'm scared. ......what will happen to me?......someone... tell me... ......what should I do......?What can I do to keep living? ......someone... tell me.  「I can hear your voice.」 「Your regret reaches me.」 「The one hundred and forty-nine people lost.」 「Those are all bad memories for you.」 「However...」 「However... I can see what you see.」 「Do you really...」 「See them as bad memories?」 「Have you given up?」   But listening to it makes me sad.You understand that, right? What do you think about as you play?I don't know, but your sound conveys something to me. ......Dorothy,please, don't despair. The more you despair,the more the sound of your keyboard rings of sorrow. I'm sure that sound......will only make you despair more. 
Fates End fucked around with this message at 06:27 on Nov 10, 2018 |
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Nov 9, 2018 23:48
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I know you don't get a whole lot of feedback but this story is atmospheric and weird and it rules a whole lot imo, so please don't be discouraged
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Nov 10, 2018 05:20
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The more info we're given about this world, the more curious I am about it. I wish I had more to say but staring in fascination is all I can offer.
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Nov 11, 2018 09:46
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BGM: AmnesiaVideo: Prognosis The sound of the organ was everything to that girl. The one thing left after all that the black vines had stolen from her. 'Only the sound I play is proof of who I am.' He was sure she believed that. ......that was why... His voice wouldn't reach her. She'd just continue to play the Engine-Type Pipe Organ without a word. She wouldn't talk about anything. Those fingers, those hands that gracefully played the hard keyboard. He remembered back when he held that small hand. The warmth when she gripped back. A closed region of the Lowest Tier. No one in the Lower Tiers dared to approach it. That hand gripped his as he wandered. There was a rumor. A rumor that she was a Fallen Aristocrat. Until then, he dilh't think it was possible. But that girl was there. She'd held out her hand and gripped his tigtltly. She didn't say anything back then. ......and even now... ......that girl still wouldn't say anything to him.   Sorry for leaving you alone last night.Work ran late. But because of that, I got a raise.We should have some money saved up soon. Let's buy you some clothes again.The midday sun isn't good for your skin. He spoke to her today, as usual, even though he knew it wouldn't reach her. That girl, Dorothy, was silent again today. She wouldn't let him hear her voice. She didn't even look at him. It was understandable. There was no way she could look at him. She'd been raised so well in the Upper Tier, and now, she was horribly mutated. On that day, at that time, his form was warped by the 《Revival.》 Warped into a strange mix of wolf and lizard. This form was a punishment for him. A fitting punishment for all his ignoble acts. He was able to endure that form. Even now, only one thing was hard to endure. She still wasn't happy. ......Dorothy. I won't abandon you.I'll find a doctor who can heal you. [Dorothy] ...... I will.Domthy's expression was frozen. His voice didn't reach her. Almost as if she was already dead. Her closed lips refused to open. However... however... he remarrbered. Back then, when he saw her sitting there, hunched over and sobbing, he'd decided. Nothing remained for him in this life, so he decided that, if nothing else, this girl...... At least this girl... At least she'd...... BGM: Calmly Days  Gii was standing at the small station, waiting for the ascending monorail.  'How does she feel about me? About how I've been acting since last night?’ Gii thought. He didn' t make any real effort to start a conversation. One hundred and forty-nine lives. One hundred and forty-nine lives had slipped through his fingers. He rejected those memories, thereby rejecting the girl and the Black Cat. It was an unsightly reaction. Even he felt that. ——I can feel Kia's gaze. ——She's been looking at me ever since I woke up. ——That pink gaze of hers. ——It's asking where we're going. Kia. ...yes? Sorry about last night.Healing Arboritis isn't my strong suit. I know, Gii.I know you don't like it. ......it eats away at people.Most of its victims die. However,I still haven't seen her. That girl named Dorothy. Eh ......? Let's go to the Upper Tier Staircase Parks.The First Park.  Gii...... eh......?Really?  Yes, really. He'd changed his mind since last night. Yes... he still didn't know a thing about that girl. ——I won't stand still. ——That's right, I've decided not to. BGM: Detective  He'd never revisited this place after such a short time. Not once over the past ten years. He stepped across the strong, thriving undergrowth. For some reason, that sensation felt nostalgic. He looked up and remembered the Third Park. Scattered memories didn't matter now. He had no need for them. Gii quickly thought about something else. ——Dorothy. ——A girl invaded by Arboritis. First, he needed to confirm her depth. He needed to accurately measure it with his Phenomenon Equation's "right eye." If the Arbor Depth was shallow, he'd be able to do something about it, like he'd done for those children. It'd been especially bad for Parul, who also had a fever at the time. Still, compared to most Arboritis patients, "it wasn't that bad." He naturally remenbered Ati's words. Tomorrow was fine. The day after wasn't. If her judgment was correct, it was already too late. His reason was telling him 「Don't go.」 Even his emotions were whispering 「There's no point.」 Still, even if she was just an acquaintance of Kia's, he'd gotten involved now, so... ——I can't stand still. ——I've decided... ——To hold this hand out until the end. He couldn't just leave her alone. He absolutely would not abandon her. In this City, such a hard way of life was hopeless. Mercy and self-sacrifice held no meaning whatsoever. People wouldn't do a thing unless they got shillings out of it. However... however... That certainly wasn' t true for everyone. Kia pointed to 「that house.」 A common shape for a Lower Tier cooperative residence. ——The first floor room. ——There's a girl dying in there. BGM: Calmly Days  lt's been so many years since anyone's come to visit.As you can see, it's a crude, empty room, but I can at least offer you tea. If you both wouldn't mind,what are your names? Mine's Smith, John Smith. A peaceful old man greeted them. His bearing and words were very soft. His body was somewhat distinctive. It probably manifested ten years ago as a unique mix of 《Gnoll》 and 《Naga》 features. That by itself was normal. John Smith. In Seikyouan that meant 「No one at all.」 This Mr. Smith was probably the girl's father. Gii looked around the room. l'm Gii.A Traveling Doctor.  Nice to meet you, Mister.My name is Kia. Welcome, Gii, Kia.Now what does a doctor want with...7? Aaah... did the other workers tell you?Unfortunately, I really can't... The shillings to request a doctor... I can't imagine it's true... but you're not an inspector from the Upper Tier, are you? No.I'm just a Iraveling Doctor. ——He's wary of me. ——That's normal as well. ——He has every right to be. City Law wouldn't permit Arboritis hosts to live. The deeper it went, the more viciously Enforcers tried to take their lives. He probably wasn't lying about never having visitors. If he did have any, he'd probably be dead by now. It seems that Kia spoke with the young lady here yesterday. I've heard about her disease. I think I might be able to help.If you would permit me to... I see, so that' s why you' re here......I'll go call Dorothy then. To think a doctor would come just to see her...... His voice was shaking. He was probably nervous. Mr. Smith's eyes wavered as they looked at him. Gii could feel the man's emotions destabilizing. Was this the first time he'd spoken with a doctor? Gii saw hope and anticipation in his eyes. They bore down on him strongly. [Gii] (Now...) [Gii] (How deep is it?) Hoping that Ati's judgement was a mistake, he saw a door open inside the room. She came out on her own before Mr. Smith called for her.   I did come again.And I've brought a doctor, Dorothy.  Thank you, but I'm sorry, Doctor.It's already too late for me. It's Gii.Please stand still. Gii activated his cranial organs as he spoke, and operated the Phenomenon Equation in his "right eye. " The girl's hair was a brighter green than the trees in the park. He could see the black vines stretched around her body even without his Equation' s "right eye. "  ——Excellent physical health—— ——Based on body temperature—— ——Dangerously unstable mental health—— ——Infection: Arboritis—— ——Arbor Depth 4—— ——Time until the seeds burst—— ——Estimated to be 20 hours—— [Gii] ( ......so it wasn't a mistake.) [Gii] (She has twenty hours left to live.) [Gii] (The best thing to do...... ) [Gii] (A report to the Upper Tier. A formal request for Ward Clearing and deployment of Upper Tier Soldiers.) [Gii] ( ......ridiculous.) He endured the urge to bite down on his lip. The black vines were already clearly visible, and passing through her clothing. Ati's explanation was no lie. This girl truly was hosting deep Arboritis. Her mind was beginning to break. Gii didn't miss the wavering in her red eyes. Her gaze wouldn't stay still, probably due to fear. She was filled with acceptance and terror.  Thank you for coming to see me.Isn't it hopeless, oh wonderful Doctor? Dorothy,you're being rude to our guest. This man came here to heal you. Kia-san, please tell him.Tell your doctor. ——She's ignoring Mr. Smith. ——A single sigh from the green girl. Whatever you do, it's hopeless.I understand that more than anyone. ...no, don't say that.Don't say such things about yourself.  Gii, please.Please heal Dorothy. [Gii] ...... He couldn't nod. There were no miracles. Not in this world. Gii' s thoughts went to "him" at his back. With that power, could he exterminate the Youki possessing her? [Gii] (Can I really do that?) No. He couldn't. With her Arbor Depth, one wrong move on his part would get him killed instantly. He'd seen that happen to countless doctors before him. Technically, Arboritis wasn't a disease. It was a Creature. Something which killed people. A certain kind of natural phenomenon. Humans could not excise it. Since it used the human mind for nourishment, an Arbor Depth this far along made it indivisible from its host. Even if he were to use "his hand," even if he brought about "flame" from the "gate" between "his" ribs... He'd incinerate Dorothy in the process. He couldn't isolate the Youki sprout. ——Is that really true? ——What am I trying to give up on? [Gii] (It's pointless now that she's closed off.) [Gii] I don' t know anything other than the depth. But someone else... Umm, Doctor, how is it?Can my daugmer he saved...? Or... or... No, that can' t be true...This girl still... hasn't... ——John Smith. ——Yes, There's this man too. His gaze followed the girl named Dorothy. Kia's eyes had been the same way before they came here. Eyes observing someone. He knew full well what Gii had just seen. He should have known. ......Mister, let's talk outside.BGM: Detective  The surface of the beautiful water held no ripples. The silence continued for a while. Even after leaving the cooperative residence, the old man named Smith didn't speak. He just gazed at the smooth water's surface. Gii didn't speak either. Silence answered him. Twenty hours remaining. Then the girl's life and the safety of the ward would be at risk. When the Arboritis reached Depth 5, the Youki seeds would sprout and completely destroy her body, tearing it apart. Countless Youki seeds would be scattered. It probably wouldn't be difficult. It was a disease of fantastic distortion which nullified even Noble Tattoos. This ward would be sealed off. Gii and Kia would not be spared. Even so, Gii was silent. The old man had to speak on his own. There'd be no meaning in prying words out of him. Arboritis was deeply tied to one's state of mind. ——Even the slightest oddity... ——I want him to say it. ——I want him to say what he himself knows. ......Doctor. Yes? I feel sorry for that girl.But I'm sure you hear that all the time, I don't mind if you laugh. I wouldn't laugh.lf I let my heart become that desensitized, I'd be a failure as a doctor.  What a great man.A person like yourself...... I can't help but imagine it.If it was you who'd adopted that girl. If it was anyone but me... ......I feel so sorry for her.Gii couldn't read the man's mutated expression. All he could tell was that his eyes were calm. As you know, that girl was probably an Aristocrat.The Noble Tattoo on her body is quite elaborate. lt doesn't seem fake. ......yes, it' s real. There are people who engrave fake Iattoos in their children, since they want to bring down the Aristocrats, but hers is real. That girl was abandoned.His calm eyes shook, like a faint breeze rippling across the water. I mean that literally.That girl was thrown away into a closed ward of the Lowest Tiers. ......to that girl, all the Lower Tiers are manifestations of despair. She knows nothing.Those eyes reflect nothing. I brought her here so that she could at least see some beautiful things.But she still won' t speak. She's given up.By the time I met her, she'd already given up on everything. It's not too late.——There are still twenty hours left. ——It's not over yet. Yes,I don't want that girl to give up. There's sure to be hope somewhere. Surely the mist enveloping this City will clear someday.That has to happen eventually. Ten years from now, or twenty... I don't believe God would ever let this City remain as it is.Someday hope will rain down from the sky. ——God? I want that girl to be alive when it happens.At the very least... ——There's the oddity. Gii saw one thing in the old man's words which stood out. He definitely said something Gii wasn' t used to hearing. A foreign Seikyouan word. In this City... No, in this whole Continent... Neither before nor after the City was sealed. That concept had never existed in the 《Known World.》 ——God. ——He wh watches over all from the highest place. ——He who shines in the sky. A great, merciful being who saved people with incredible miracles, and reigned over all happiness.  Is your blood?—— ......yes, I'm half-Seikyouan.That's why I can't get any decent work. And it won't be long before I'm too old anyway.While my body is healthy, I want to... at the very least ...... I want to leave something for that girl......If nothing else, a body with which she could walk around during the day. A body that could dream of tomorrow without despair. You said 'half,' Mister? ......yes. Forgive me,but you appear very old. Yes, that I am.My body is exactly that. I wasn't even supposed to live into my twenties. ......however, this is just personal stuff, Doctor.It doesn' t matter. The old man shook his head. No, he wasn't old. He was a young man who looked old.  ......my personal life is? Yes. ......is that so?I wasn' t trying to hide anything. My time isn't the same as yours, that's all. I'm sure that my mind and heart are aging at the same rate as my body. I can't stop it.That's why I want to at least leave something for her. ......in this world.Gii' s "eye" clearly saw the man's wavering eyes leak water. He wasn' t lying. That meant... Do you think I'm being proud, Doctor?Since I believe in God only for myself? No,Mister.  Not one person,not even the God you speak of, would condemn you. I don't know whether God actually exists,Mister Smith. At the very least,God's miracles are nowhere to be found in this City. However, you might be capable of creating one. ......Doctor? Let's begin the healing.You are the sole miracle in this situation. ——Twenty hours remaining. ——Only twenty hours. ——No...  BGM: None   The sound of a clock. The sound of a clock. "Is it time? Is it time?" it continues to call.    The second hand moves. It stops, pointing right at zero o'clock. BGM: A Spiral Staircase  The Golden Spiral Staircase towering into the darkness. The man standing at the foot of it is none other than the silver watch's owner. With his master in the corner of his eye continuing to climb the Golden Spiral Staircase, the man continues to gaze at the watch, motionless. The man continues to gaze at the watch, and speaks. Like a Chrome-built, Machine-wound doll, in an inorganic voice...  [Man with Watch] ......one of the great Creatures, the Youki. ......an insane flower continuing to spread infection. [Man with Watch] ......countless sprouts under the command of Petrovna. ......one of them lies there. [Man with Watch] ......can you do it? Or can't you? ......miserable 《Kikai》 user, our sacrifice. [Man with Watch] ......your blades and heat will never work. At least, one minute. No, two minutes. Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. Tick- ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀...tock.
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Nov 11, 2018 22:17
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What is the mystery of this game? I have no idea! But several things are a mystery to me, at least. In no particular order: Who is Gii? Who was Gii? What happened during the Revival, and why can nobody remember it? Who is Kia and where is she from? Where did the Creatures come from? What are the Kikai, and why does Gii control(?) one? What's the deal with the Grand Prince? When/where is he and his robot voice buddy? Wtf is the "very interesting tidbit about the setting" Fates End teased us about? I've been re-reading the thread, but only Chapter 1 so far. I had several quotes copied and thoughts typed out but I never saved it and then my computer crashed  Here's a small bit I remember off the top of my head, though:quote:——I can't do anything. quote:[Gii] I won't kill anyone. Is the clown the Kikai? My gut instinct is no, but  Why does it not show up when Gii's in the rain?I have even fewer thoughts about the other questions, and they're all kind of jumbled together anyway. I don't have any specific evidence I can point to, but I suspect that the Revival was not accidental. The Grand Prince is aiming to get something, using sacrifices to do so. Is he trying to revive someone? I've not yet decided whether I think the Creatures were created in the Revival, or were already there, perhaps sealed up and the Revival released them? Something else? Was the infinite mist made on purpose? It could be a failsafe by the Prince (or whomever caused the Revival) to protect the rest of the world from everything going on here; it could be something the outside world did to Ignanock, to imprison the Creatures and everything going down here. Kia seems like she came in from outside, but how? Does the staircase the Prince is climbing actually exist with Ignanock? The background there makes it look like it's not inside a building. Or maybe that's just to make it look more mysterious, and it's just a staircase going all the way from the bottom to the top of the city. The city was described as a castle in the first inner voices, so that would imply it has an interior. A "City's Internal Production System" was mentioned, which I had kind of been assuming was literally the inside of the city. The game has also explicitly told us that the reason nobody can remember the Revival isn't due to trauma. quote:The reason why they can't remember. Sorry this was a bit of a ramble I just wanted to finally actually get some thoughts down in the thread. I'll post more as I continue to re-read. I feel badly about the lack of feedback/discussion; I usually don't post because I feel like I'm bad at this kind of thing. But this is extremely intriguing so far, so thank you for doing it!Also what the gently caress is an external combustion engine do people just have explosion machines sitting in their houses  e: I was wondering how long this game is? And how well the English translation is regarded? Sometimes I worry I try to read too much into things that might just be translation quirks. Telum fucked around with this message at 16:45 on Nov 13, 2018 |
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Nov 13, 2018 16:38
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Zack Ater posted:Wtf is the "very interesting tidbit about the setting" Fates End teased us about? It's not something that's ever explicitly said in this game IIRC, though it's received many more hints since then, but I will say that even if you guys don't figure it out, if I end up getting to the next game in the series it will become very obvious right away. Zack Ater posted:Also what the gently caress is an external combustion engine do people just have explosion machines sitting in their houses Zack Ater posted:e: I was wondering how long this game is? Twelve chapters in total. I don't have information on actual playtime other than the '10-30 hours' VNDB gives, though, sorry. Zack Ater posted:And how well the English translation is regarded? Sometimes I worry I try to read too much into things that might just be translation quirks. Personally, I'll say that Ixrec was decent for his time, that being before Mangagamer made it big, but he's earned his reputation for being pretentious, and he was an early 2009/2010's fan translator, for all that implies. Things will definitely get smoother and more consistent
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Nov 13, 2018 18:18
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Fates End posted:It's not something that's ever explicitly said in this game IIRC, though it's received many more hints since then, but I will say that even if you guys don't figure it out, if I end up getting to the next game in the series it will become very obvious right away. Oh, that was meant to be in a joking tone. I'm sure we'll figure it out!  I know of different types of external combustion engines, but I dont think I've ever heard any of them called that before.quote:Twelve chapters in total. I don't have information on actual playtime other than the '10-30 hours' VNDB gives, though, sorry. No, that's fine, chapters is more what I was wondering. Actual time varies so much from person to person for such text-heavy media as VNs. quote:Ixrec is... divisive. Some people'll say his work is little better than machine translation, some will tell you he was the best there was at the time. Thank you! I have no idea what 2009-10 fan translation implies but it sounds not good e: v Ah, that makes sense. Thanks for the clarification. Telum fucked around with this message at 19:30 on Nov 13, 2018 |
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Nov 13, 2018 18:48
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Zack Ater posted:I have no idea what 2009-10 fan translation implies but it sounds not good Assuming that anyone who would seek out the translation is already a weeb who's intimately familiar with Japanese stuff, erring in the favor of literalism vs localization as a pushback to the over-localization of the often less than stellar 'professional' translations of the time (most evidenced in this translation by the many, many instances of Japanese punctuation left in), and the general results of a project being done as a hobby rather than a job. It's not that bad, but it does color it.
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Nov 13, 2018 19:09
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Zack Ater posted:Thank you! I have no idea what 2009-10 fan translation implies but it sounds not good It was a lawless era of of translation, where translators would gun each-other down over lost card hands and improper use of words with multiple meanings. Posses were rounded up to lynch those who left words in romanized Japanese or translated spear as gun in Chinese. Lawless but romantic days.
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Nov 13, 2018 20:12
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BGM: Hopelessness Gii told him that and went back inside. The sound he made by opening the door was a bit rough. But he didn't care. Unbelievable conditions had aligned here. Conditions that the three children never had. He wouldn't hesitate. At least, he was hoping he wouldn't.  The two girls appeared to be talking about something. Kia looked toward him in shock.  Begin...... healing......?Does that mean, you found......? Yes. Or, does that mean......You've changed your mind......? You've been carrying a surgical toolkit, right?The one we got cheap at Eralee's hospital. Open it up on the desk.Hand me the best cutting scalpel in there. ......Gii......? ......that's not it. The situation's changed.I'll begin Dorothy's surgery right away. There's no time.We'll use everything we can. O-okay, but...... I was just talking to Kia-san, Doctor. Please stop these useless acts of yours.I'm already beyond hope. I received a request from Kia.——I'll reject Dorothy's words. ——I've already decided to do what I should do. I've received a request.I'll need a lancet, and a scalpel.  But, Gii......What happened? Suddenly... you look scary... Kia.Get back. ——The one hundred and fiftieth time. ——My consciousness will focus on that alone.  The old man approached the desk. He anxiously approached the row of scalpels Kia had lain out. He took the largest scalpel in his right hand, and held out his left. An arm covered in animal fur, unlike any human's. He held it out toward Dorothy. ......Dorothy.My voice probably won't reach you But that doesn't bother me.I don't mind it at all. This is probably nothing more than my ego.But, l've chosen to do this.  Dorothy won't look at the old man. That's just fine.Just accept what I have to leave you. When I first held your hand,I decided to do everything I could. Mister...... what are......?That's dangerous, you can't hold th-...... It's fine, Kia. But......Mister's hand... is shaking...... I don't mind at all.After this, everything will be fine, young lady. Video: Hemorrhage (Very recommended!)——The sound of slicing.  What came out of the old man's wrist was red. The same color as a human's. Blood poured out of the vein on his wrist.  Mister!! Why, Gii!?He's bleeding, we have to stop-......! ......get out. Gii!!The old man had sliced his own wrist without hesitation. The red pouring out of it scattered around the room. Gii pushed Kia back as she screamed, 'Why!?' This was only the beginning.  It was like the clear stream flowing through the First Upper Tier Staircase Park. The red touching her toes was leniently redirected toward the corners of the room.  Wh-why...... are......Why... would... you...... do this......? I'm the one......!I'm the only one... who's dying here......! Stop!Stop, stop, stop!!  The girl's screams echoed across the room. They broke the silence filling the surroundings. Her red eyes shook. It was clear that her mind was receiving a huge shock. Gii's "eye" captured the change in her body temperature. Her shaking eyes. Her shaking mind. Her screams wouldn't stop. Kia said something and pulled at his sleeve. It felt as if she was trying to tear it off. [Gii] (......that should do it.) [Gii] (She's in a state of severe shock. This will make those twenty hours pass in an instant!) Yes, that was it. He didn't mind doing it this way. "That" inside of her was beginning to awaken. It had nothing to do with Depth. lt saw the blood and moved. This pouring, flowing blood. Seikyouan blood. The only source of it in the City. It captivated Creatures more than any other. Seikyouan blood, which the legends said was cursed. The red covered the room completely. If this much of it flowed out... "That" wouldn't be able to look away. ——It'll see it and move. ——It can't keep possessing her! [Gii] (lt'll come out. It has to come out.) [Gii] (lt'll show itself to kill the owner of that blood.)   Come, show yourself!! BGM: In Wonder  Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa......!! Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. There was a shadow crawling its way out of her. The black vines undulated and extended, and the Youki began to appear. As if fleeing from the girl's body. This thing had built its nest within her. It'd been slowly eating away at her body and soul. This thing had brought so many people to their deaths. It had lived within their bodies and souls, while slowly destroying them. It was like an undulating spiral. The black death curled up above her. ——I've been waiting. ——I've been waiting for you to show yourself! [Gii] There you are......!  [Smith] I've always wanted to say a few words to it. lf I ever got the chance...... [Smith] How dare you...... Do this to my daughter...... [Smith] How dare you possess her......! You disgusting, black grass monster......! [Smith] Leave, go......! God will never allow your existence......! [Dorothy] Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!! [Smith] Dorothy! Just wait, we' ll get it out, rigtlt now......! [Smith] We'll tear that thing out of you......! [Smith] Doctor......! Now!! The scream of an old man, who should've lost all his strength by now. Gii nodded and——  A choice? No, no. There is only one thing we can do. Only one thing we must do. And that's... ——Gii held out his "hand." As if to grasp onto something. He held it out toward the girl who continued to scream and convulse. His posture resembled that of the old man before he slashed his wrist. [Smith] Get out......! Get out of Dorothy......! [Smith] Release that girl......! You black, twisted monster......! Those words were the key. ——A warped 'thing' crawls all the way out... ——And attacks the old man.  『Ｗｏｏｏ......』 ——Its whole body—— ——Patterned after a spring——  Dorothy screamed as it showed itself behind her. A warped fantasy. Its form resembled a monsterously distorted plant, making horrible grating sounds as it continued to spread throughout the residence. Its skin was similar to blackened blood. The plant had a certain fantastic beauty to it. Everything composing it invaded humans, broke their minds and bodies, and ridiculed them. ——A beast. ——A true beast. This is no flower. ——This is no mutated fantastical plant. He knew. All of the nerves in Gii's body shivered naturally. His body, used to terror, shook and became numb. That terrible, sick feeling was none other than terror. This beast called forth the Original Terrors of the human race.  ——The spring pattern covering its plantlike form... ——Is producing a grinding sound. [Gii] ......a "screw of death"...... [Gii] Here we meet again. I never... thought it would happen again. ——Its host was still alive at that depth. ——She'd even evaded the Upper Tier Enforcers. ——And... ——There was still Seikyouan blood in this City. Gii knew that form. Youki. Creature Blood Tree. A Creature that produced infinite false bodies of itself through either reproductive division or seed scattering. This Creature was the most famous in the City's Lower Tiers, and had produced the most casualties. An existence to be abhorred.  ——The Creatures. ——They are terror given powerful form. During the height of this thing's onslaught, the Seikyouans called it none other than the Devil. Perhaps it was a punishment brought about by the Seikyouan's "God. " A punishment for those who sung of prosperity in foreign lands. An inescapable fury that refused life. The Seikyouans called it divine wrath, and screamed in terror and awe. [Gii] ......ridiculous. Gii knew nothing of any God. However, he did know exactly what this thing was. Something that killed people. A death which greedily devoured and bred. These weren't objects, but phenomena. The last University Professors screamed so as they died. ——Something that people's hands will never reach. ——Something which can harm anything and anyone. [Gii] ......this would be... Gii held out his hand, toward the undulating red-black death. BGM: None ——A steel-colored hand—— ——Overlaps Gii's "right hand"—— BGM: Right Hand From Behind  ——Tears through the darkness——  ——A single Iight, shining sharply——  [Gii] ......it's about time I shattered you!   ——It moves. Yes, this thing moves. ——It actually moves, as I will it. Nothing was wrong with his vision. There was no clown. Instead, he knew that there was a fantastic shadow behind him. He extended his steel arm and saw the "same things" as "him. " The mid-size Creature peering down. One of the forty-one deaths. Even without activating his Equation, he could see it. He wiped out the presence bringing him terror. "He" and Gii glared at the plant's core. ——My right hand. ——It directs the steel hand as if it were my own. ——This isn't the Phenomenon Equation. ——However, somehow it feels real. There was something that "he" at his back could do. There was something that "he" and Gii needed to do. ——What must I do with this "hand?" ——I know the answer. Just like with Salem.  With Gii standing in its way, the whirl roared! Countless seeds blew around them and produced phenomena. He could see it literally scattering death. Gii's "right eye" had already captured everything about the Creature. Black seeds which absorbed human minds and bodies. Those were death itself. Amalgamations of death. Warped death. A phenomenon of death, able to make people disappear without a trace. 『Ｗｏｏｏｏｏｏｏ...!!』 lt scattered the seeds of death. The targets of those lances were Gii and "him"!   Mortal bodies could hardly hope to dodge them, except perhaps for 《Pucelle》 soldiers, with their sharply honed nervous reflexes, or Heavy Engine Humans with nerve reconstruction. But even if they did manage to dodge the seeds, they would've been eaten away by the warped space they produced. And yet, he was alive. Gii still lived.  As did Kia, Dorothy and the old man. He wouldn't let them be infected. That "hand" cut down all the seeds in flight.  [Gii] ......too slow. 『Ｗｏｏｏｏｏｏ...!!』 [Gii] Don' t cry. He glared at the roaring black whirl with his "right eye." That was probably a cry of panic just now. lt destroyed people's cranial nerves, planting seeds of death or insanity. And yet, he was alive. Gii still hadn't died. He probably would have died if this had happened not too long ago. But right now, the steel "him" was protecting Gii. He wouldn't die, not yet. He focused his mind into his glaring "right eye." His "right eye" saw all of the rampant black whirl!   ——In the case of Blood Tree—— ——The sole means of destruction is—— ——Simultaneous pressurization of all body parts——  The warped death, Blood Tree, with an epidermis which repelled all and a body protected as if by gods. Therefore, humans couldn't possibly kill it. The sole means of destruction was full body pressurization. Therefore, humans absolutely could not kill it. The black whirl which had taken one hundred and forty-nine lives right before Gii's eyes. Not a plant, but a shadow that ridiculed all life. Bombs and bullets would warp and disappear before ever reaching that body. However... however... ——However...   [Gii] You of steel. My 《Kikai》 Porshion. I shall say this to you. [Gii] "Oh arms of the king, shatter. " ——————————————————————————————————————————!      ——A king's hands covered in steel. ——These enormous forms destroy even beasts. ——The iron hands of a fairy tale king. His "right hand" was steel summoned from an open steel chest. Together with matter at ultra-high densities, it assailed the black whirl, destroying the beast in an instant. The Creature was overwhelmed and destroyed by the the high density matter before it even had a chance to scream. Every part of the black whirl's body was shattered into particles. The remnants of that tremendous beating were left behind, as if blown apart. The soundless park shook—— BGM: Amnesia  The sound of the organ was everything to that girl. The one thing that remained for her. 'The sound I play is my only peace.' He was sure this girl thought that way. ......that was why...... That girl wouldn't say his name. She'd just continue playing the Engine-Type Pipe Organ without a word. She wouldn't say anything. Those fingers, those hands that gracefully played the hard keyboard. That small, shaking hand. Even now, he could remember that time like it was yesterday. Even now, he couldn't save her. He couldn't save her. Even if he pretended to be God, even if he paid in blood...... He was only who he was...... ......he could hear that sound again today. He cleared his ears. That was all he could do for her. ......aaah... this was...... ......not a sound. It wasn't a sound. What he'd wished for. This was what he'd always...... ......wished for. That girl's...... Fates End fucked around with this message at 22:30 on Nov 13, 2018 |
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Nov 13, 2018 21:25
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 quote:[Gii] Vm of steel. ....that was a lot of blood, though  e: v Happy to help e2: I'm an idiot with a terrible memory, we already had a name. This is why I need to take notes! 
Telum fucked around with this message at 01:37 on Nov 15, 2018 |
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Nov 13, 2018 22:09
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Zack Ater posted:But what's a Vm?
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Nov 13, 2018 22:29
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One part melancholy noir, one part fantasy steampunk, one part fairy tale, with possibly just a tiny pinch of JoJo's for flavor this is all extremely my jam, and I thank you for sharing it!
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Nov 14, 2018 00:10
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BGM: HopelessnessVideo: Flatline  Hey, why......? Why ...... ?......why would you......?  ......for me......?——Drops are falling. ——They mix into the red of the floor. ——The old man collapsed. He'd fallen face down the moment the black whirl of death disappeared. The sound he made was soft. Gii stopped the bleeding with his Phenomenon Equation, but he'd lost too much blood. He'd cut his vein too deeply. Restoring the wound itself was easy, but making up for the lost blood wasn't. Normally, he'd use the Phenomenon Equation to substitute healthy muscles for the lost blood. ——But the old man's body is wasted away. ——There isn't enough. Dorothy held the old man. He was light enough to be held in her slender hands. His Seikyouan blood had done that. Unspeakable discrimination had forced him to work harder than most. He could barely make enough money to feed one person, no matter how much he worked as a day laborer. Why...... do this......?Smith......? [Smith] The Doctor...... told... me... that my blood would...... [Smith] Call that thing out... Out of your body...... ——The black whirl reacts strongly to his blood. ——It's enough to make it materialize outside its host. That' s...... But l'm... not even... your daughter......Why would you...... Give this much blood......? [Smith] ......aaah... don't cry. Please... don't cry... for me...... [Smith] Dorothy...... You probably don't remember...... [Smith] ......but before... I became... your registered father. Long before... that...... [Smith] ......I was... a fan... of...... [Smith] ......your... organ music. So... aaah...... [Smith] Please don't cry...... My... lovely... Dorothy...... The old man' s words grew hoarse from the tears. ——Tears. Yes, tears. ——Those two hadn't lost them. ——That's why Dorothy's still alive. ——That's why he hurt himself.   Father...... you idiot......!l never... not once......! Not once did ] wish for your death......!You idiot......! Her words were fierce. However, they didn' t have the same ring to them as they used to. It was different from the sound of her organ. Gii wished it was different from the melody Kia had spoken of. Gii felt something warm slip into his hand. A small white hand. Kia was holding his hand softly. That small hand held on tight. ——And I'll hold hers too. ——That small hand wishes for the same things I do. [Smith] Are you...... calling me father? Me...... your...... ldiot...... I was...... going to die, so...... So I wouldn't leave anything...... in your...... I'd decided......not to leave you any memories of me...... [Smith] That's... not... possible. My lovely Dorothy... didn't I tell you......?  BGM: A Spiral Staircase  「Oooh, oooh, is it not wonderful? The blind sacrifice climbs the third stairway.」 「Record the present time, Clock Crack Chrome!」 「"That time" you've wished for has come! Oh Lemure Lemure, tremble with delight!」  He climbs, he climbs, he climbs. One master climbs the Golden Spiral Staircase. He is the Controller. He is the Grand Prince. He is the Fool. The King of Inganock. The Magician and Scholar who discovered the Phenomenon Equation. He climbs the Golden Spiral Staircase. One step, one step at a time. Even now, even now... He aims for the peak. He desires 'that' at the highest place. And, that which stands at the peak laughs. Even now, even now...  『Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!』 It lies at the end of the Golden Spiral Staircase. A dark, confined space where the dregs of the King's dream sleep. He who is trapped within the darkness laughs. Even now, even now... 『Ahahahahahaha, do you still struggle!? Ahahahahahaha, how stupid are you!?』 『――wasting the last 《Kikai》――』 『――*chuckle*――』 He who is trapped within the darkness laughs. Even now, even now... He raises a voice of exultation and extends his hand. However, there's no way that hand will move. Under the darkness, that hand merely writhes.    BGM: Calmly Days  This was the first time that boy had come here. The black crow was on his shoulder, same as always. His voice was energetic.   So, Kia......Huh? That's weird.The twins told me Kia would be here.  Ah, hello, Gii-sensei.So you were here. Your face is as pale as always.  This is my room.That boy was such a... Well, clearly he'd come for Kia. Unfortunately she wasn' t there today. Gii was alone in the apartment. Kia isn't here.She went to a friend' s house. Sh-she's walking outside alone!?I mean I'm fine, but Kia is......! She's with the Black Cat. Eh?Cat?  Caw? No, she's safe.The Cat's acting as her bodyguard. Oh... I see.I guess that's fine...... Nn? A friend? What friend!?Wh-what's he, or she like!? ......it is a she, right!? Tell me!C-come on, what's this friend like!?  ......I wouldn't know. What the hell!!?Why can't you tell me who it is!? 「Her friend is very beautiful.」 He told him in a low voice. Gii shrugged his shoulders and tossed the letter into the wastebasket. It was a letter from the old man. His will. Something he'd left behind after deciding to give up his blood. A Legal City Statement saying that after he died, his sparse assets would go to Gii and Dorothy. Gii rolled it up and threw it out. It was nothing more than scrap paper. BGM: Amnesia   A weekend day. The people of the City gathered here like they always did. They lent their ears to the melody, not knowing from whence it came. A beautiful, somehow ephemeral sound. It was meant for the people, in the hope that it might provide them with temporary reprieve. ......they could hear that sound again today. The melody was being played. The Engine-Type Organ hadn't changed one bit. There was only one sole difference. Only one. ——One thing's been added to the organ's melody. ——A single... feeling.  
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Nov 15, 2018 19:03
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 Gii A man whose mutation is of his brain, making it especially permissive to the Phenomenon Equation. The mutation may have also affected his personality or memory (with regards to events prior to Revival), given how he had a hard time remembering Salem's gender. While he had previously not smiled or, in fact, made many facial expressions for a very long time, he has recently begun to express emotions again. After Revival, he supplemented his mundane medical knowledge by studying Cracking, and now works an illegal Traveling Doctor, selling his services on the black market and taking money only from those who can afford it. He has a mild disregard for his own life, going so far as to eat nothing but coffee for large periods of time prior to Kia's appearance in his life, and seems to hold a lot of guilt for an event that happened during or near Revival. That event seems to be a little different than the 149 deaths by arboritis he's powerlessly born witness to... Formerly saw a dancing clown dressed in black in the corner of his vision at all times after Revival. The clown seemed to guide him towards Salem, and disappeared around the time Gii gained his Kikai, Porshion.  Kia A mysterious girl that Gii saved from a bull man on fantasy PCP. She is very naive and good natured, and seems to have a fairly wealthy upbringing, though she knows surprisingly little about the city in which she lives, even so far as not having ever seen vibrant greenery like that of the Upper Tier Staircase Parks. She seems to have some connection to Gii, despite him not remembering ever having met her before. She's taken it upon herself to care for Gii, both cooking breakfast for him and doing whatever she can to help during his work.  Ati A friend of Gii's. A particularily successful Runner that nonetheless lives in the lower tiers and often steals Gii's bed. She mutated into a Pucelle (a sort of cat person), but also developed a golden eye. She worries over Gii's disregard for himself, to the point where she'll forcefeed him when he starves himself. Kia is convinced she's his wife. While she had previously been trepidatious about Kia, she seems to have worn down her guard with her excessive cheerfulness.  Salem A former classmate of Gii's, whose body was mutated into that of a woman after Revival. After the destruction of the University, he felt that the only way to survive was to use his body, and so became a prostitute in the worst parts of the city for years. After a great deal of hardship, he decided to 'become a woman' by giving birth to a child. ...however, no mutation we have seen thus far in Inganock is total; they're all chimeras of sorts. Salem was no different. While his body was outwardly female, he was still male on the inside, and thus was incapable of getting pregnant. Being unable to escape nor fulfill what he saw as his role as a woman, something within him broke, something which Wendigo twisted into fullblown psychosis. After finding Wendigo, he was convinced that he could go back— to before his body was mutated, to before where what he was working toward was rendered meaningless, to before the place he spent the happiest part of his life was destroyed. All he had to do was feed it some children. After Gii killed Wendigo, he found a 'simpler way' to escape what had happened to him.  Grand Prince Astea The Controller. The Grand Prince. The Fool. The King of Inganock. The Magician and Scholar who discovered the Phenomenon Equation. He enjoys long walks on spiral staircases and overdramatically YELLING! EVERY! SINGLE! LIIIIIIIIIIINE! There seems to be some sort of connection between him and the steel figure summoned by Gii.  Iru The city's "old teacher". He has enhanced perception as a result of his mutation into an Ezeck, and seems to know a great deal about the city's secrets. He also seems to know a great detail about the Kikai, given that he was able to give Gii his Kikai's name. He's very easygoing and kind, though he's not quick to reveal the secrets he's learned.  Dorothy Woodstock An organ player formerly afflicted with severe arboritis. While she was led to believe that her Noble Tattoo could protect her from any fantastic malady, the seeds of Youki, the Blood Tree, passed straight through it, and her family expelled her from the Upper Tier to die. She was found by Smith, a fan of her music, who would go on to adopt her. She had a very pessimistic view on her disease, and believing she hadn't long to live, closed herself off from Smith to minimize his grief when she died. However, in the end, Smith gave his life, using his Seikyouan blood to bait the Blood Tree out of his daughter's body, curing her.  Kerkan A Kikai user, like Gii. However, he seems to use his Kikai mostly for killing, especially other Kikai users. Formerly an Enforcer of City Law with a high kill count. While he has disdain for Gii's way of living, he doesn't seem to know that Gii has a Kikai, though Gii knows the converse. Fates End fucked around with this message at 18:18 on Nov 17, 2018 |
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Nov 17, 2018 18:14
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BGM: DetectiveVideo: Telegraph Information rushes through all parts of the City. I'm at the center of an infinite sea of information, and yet, I'm nowhere at all. Kind father. Beloved mother. Where are my hands? My feet? Where is my chest, my shoulders, my face? ——Within the rolling sea, I begin to think. ——A voice. ——Someone's calling out to me. ——No such voice should exist. BGM: Always  Among the Citizens commuting between the Industrial and City Management buildings... In the corridors connecting the two buildings, two shadows stood in front of a Squatter's cardboard house. The Black Cat and the bird. Both of them were Runners. Most of their work took place around the City Skyscraper. Normally, they wouldn't walk through these corridors so conspicuously. They couldn't even begin to count the number of buildings they'd assaulted in the past. They were able to stay still right now because they didn't stand out so much. Their clothes were armored yet easy to move in. There were many Industrialists who wore armored, reconstructed cloaks. Being armed and on one's guard wasn't that unusual. Money gathered there. So naturally, danger gathered there too. That was why they found it so easy to blend in with the crowd. And most of all, today there were rather conspicuous entities standing very close to them.  'Discover the facts.'That's quite the vague request. Stop your complaining.Aren't birds good at forgetting bad things? Shut up, Black Cat.My brain's always been horrible, and so's yours. What's with that tone?Are you implying my brain's the same as a cat's? Isn't it? Well, it is...But even a cat could remember her assignments. 'Discover the cause of the abnormal distribution of Engine Energy.' That was City Management's request. Rare things did happen. City Management inherited its administration rights from the Upper Tier, so they were usually the Runners' enemies. Whenever these two assaulted an information storehouse or vault, they were seen as enemies, or perhaps, just targets. For now, let's think about how to get through this.If we aren't careful, we'll catch a stray bullet. No doubt. Let's stop right here then.We should observe them as much as we can. I'll pass, no observing.Watching them will just irritate me.  Normally, they'd be running the moment they saw them. Emotionless, half-mechanical soldiers who guarded the City Management and Upper Tier facilities. They they were originally designed to just protect the Upper Tier itself. ——Upper Tier Soldiers. ——Engine Humans, sometimes referred to as Knights. Well, we all know how this is going to end.We're just taking the first step in rooting it out. You mean they'll take credit for whatever we do? Yep. It's a classic pattern.I'm sick of it. True, but let's pray it goes that well.I'd like them to take their credit and be done with it. If we touch the red zone of prohibited information,we'll be immediately——  That we are.The insolent bird shrugged his wings. A skillful gesture. Ati shrugged her shoulders as well. The man she'd imitated was making a pale face.  BGM: None   【Dialogue with High Density Information Entity】 BGM: Destiny Go Round  ——I start a dialogue with the Creature. 『Why did that happen?』 『The City Plan was complete.』 『A complete City Space connoting human productivity. Yes, a Complete Environment City.』  『......an eternal City.』 『Didn't the people of Seikyouan call it the Millennium Kingdom? Yes, it was a true paradise.』 『Everyone said it was impossible. They all said it was only a theory, something that could only exist on paper.』 『But one genius made it possible.』 『Grand Prince Astea.』 『Everyone believed in him.』 ——Yes, everyone. 『Until that happened.』  ——No one wished for the present City. ——Within my hazy memories, I begin to think. ——People must have dreamed of a tomorrow back then. ——Inganock. ——This place is no longer paradise, but the Fantastic City. [Gii] Surely, you're no different. You didn't wish for this City either. 『......that's right.』 『......I knew you'd understand.』 『Gii, you beloved sacrifice.』 ——Aaah... ——That's right, Creature. BGM: Always  ......a request?For me?   I wouldn't call you out for a joke when I'm busy opening the hospital. I don't joke that often anyway.This is something those informants brought me. At first I thought it was a request for me, but apparently not. A healing request from a First-Class Citizen named Mr. Klein.He's from the City Skyscraper. As Eralee said that, he theatrically handed Gii a telegraph notice. The seal was City Management's. It was a real notice using an official telegraph. Rare things did happen sometimes. An official telegraph notice in the Seventh Tier... Gii thought it must've been some kind of mistake. Don't make that face.I had some dealers appraise it. It's real. How generous of you. That aside,the telegram is written rather romantically. You should try reading it yourself. How much? That much you can have for free. ......I was joking anyway. I can't laugh at your jokes, Gii.Come on, read it.  Now that wireless telecommunications devices had made simultaneous calling possible, telegrams like this were rare. His eyes followed the printed letters. A notice recorded in the form of a telegram. 『A request for Doctor Gii.』 『Please come to the Number Ten Storage Building in Ward A. It's one of the High-Rise Buildings in the City Skyscraper.』 『I want you to save the one human being left inside that unowned Storage Building:』 『Ruaha Klein, who I raised lovingly. Please, find a way to save my child.』 『——First-Class Citizen Arthur Klein.』 ......is that all of it? That's all of it. ......the disease? Unknown.It's just that odd poetic message. But don't think of it as a bad thing. He's paid pretty well. An account was opened under the name of Mr. Klein.It'll open if you input the telegram number. Which is why I've already received the money.First-Class Citizens are great with paying in advance.  The usual. ......twenty percent?——A finder's fee for Eralee. ——His normal rate is twenty percent, but... His expression was clearly blinded by money. Twenty definitely wouldn't be enough. ......thirty? Don't be so stingy, we're closer than that.Can't we split it half-and-half? ......forty? You and I have built up a great friendship.I'm the only one left out of everyone you knew at the university. Shouldn't we try to get along better, Gii?  ......fine, you can have fifty. Aren't I generous for not asking for a hundred?Hey, we're friends here, after all. BGM: None  【Dialogue with High Density Information Entity】 BGM: Destiny Go Round  ——I continue my dialogue with the Creature. 『......ten years ago.』 『The 《Revival》 manifested within this City, crushing the dreams of the people and the Grand Prince.』 『The nightmarish 《Infinite Mist,》 the bodily mutations, and the spread of strange, lethal diseases.』 『The fact that our City was built atop a great lake was yet another misfortune. We became completely isolated from the outside world.』 『And then we, the forty-one Creatures who appeared in Inganock 《were there to begin with,》 but...』 『You understand, don't you Gii?』 [Gii] Yeah.  ——And it has yet to end. ——People are still living by the skin of their teeth. ——There were so many tragedies. ——The forty-one powerful phenomena. ——Fearsome forms of death that ate away at the people. 『Our outbreak and origin may be different, but...』 『Now we are indivisible from the people. At least, in this City we are.』 『You understand, don't you Gii?』 [Gii] Yeah. [Gii] Yeah, I do understand, Bandersnatch. ——This thing... ——This thing drills huge holes, ——As it nests in the souls of the weak.
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Nov 17, 2018 23:23
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BGM: Calmly Days ——And go through the front door, into the living room.  It still felt like morning. The twittering of the warped birds reached his ears through the window. But that wasn't all that reached his ears. Other sounds did as well. ——Sounds and... ——A smell? The calming sounds of cooking. The smell of cheap synthetic bacon cooking in oil. Gii turned toward the kitchen. There, he saw the girl cooking. Kia was looking the other way. That was why his room felt like someone else's. This sense of life floating through his apartment... It already belonged to her. Almost as if it had been her house to begin with. Gii gazed at her from behind. First, he confirmed that she was unhurt. Eralee had contacted him before sunrise, telling him to come right away. He'd left her here alone. Of course, he'd requested short-term guarding and surveillance. This time from a 《Naga》 boy that Ati knew. Gii didn't recognize him. A wireless telecommunications device. Newer than the machine that had sent the telegraph. He'd used it to make his request of the Runner boy. ——Since I don't know him... ——I felt somewhat on edge. It looked like she'd spent the past hour without being harmed.  Ah, welcome back.So you did return. Morning, Gii.I'm just fine, it wasn't scary at all. You were scared?......I'm sorry about that.  I wasn't.I was fine. This has happened before, so I'm used to it. ......then I guess it's okay. Breakfast will be done soon,and I prepared a packed lunch again today. Aaah, thank you. You're very welcome.Please eat at least two bites today. I'll do my best. ......please? ......I'll do my best. Fine! You're so stubborn, Giii-sensei.I won't forgive you if you pass out from malnutrition! Gii looked at her puffing her cheeks. It made him feel somewhat relieved. He hadn't truly felt it until he'd exchanged words with her. She really was unharmed. He really had felt anxious about leaving her with someone he'd never met. He knew the boy through Ati, but still... ——Someone I've never met... ——I see. [Gii] (He did name me, but...) [Gii] (Mr. Klein. We should be perfect strangers.) [Gii] (......so why are you trusting me with your flesh and blood?)  No, l was just thinking.Kia, we' ll be going quite far up today. Up... ah, you mean the Upper Tier Staircase Park?Are we going to Dorothy's place? Unfortunately we aren't,though we'll be at around the same height. We're going to the City Skyscraper.I received a healing request from Eralee earlier. It came from a First-Class Citizen. City Skyscraper? Nn... I've heard of it......But where is it... the 'City Skyscraper'......? [Gii] (She doesn't know?) Gii was a little surprised. He tried to prevent his expression from changing. The girl said she didn't know where the City Skyscraper was. The center of the City. Its heart. Even the Citizen's education program taught that. He'd confirmed this before, when he glanced over the children's curriculum. The City Skyscraper. Where the City's information accumulated, where it was managed, and where Engine Energy was distributed on large scales. Inganock City Management was in charge of the Administrative Engines which managed all of the Lower Tiers. In a sense, it was the place closest to the Upper Tier. In terms of distance, the Upper Tier Staircase Parks were technically closer. But in terms of function, the City Skyscraper was. Most importantly, it was the only Economic Ward. No other Tier had one of those. It was strange for Kia to have not heard of it at her age. ——She said she's heard of it. ——I certainly have mentioned it. [Gii] (......but even if Kia was raised in seclusion in the First or Second Tier...) [Gii] (They would' we had a private tutor, and he would've had to teach her this.) [Gii] (Did it never come up in her parents' conversations? If they were First or Second Tier Citizens, then how...?)  Kia.The lights in this room go out sometimes, right? Yes, it suddenly becomes pitch black.But the lights in other wards stay on...... That means something's happened to the people who manage the City Skyscraper. When the lights go off and come back on,it means that the Management Officers or Energy Industry Workers are repairing the Lifeline Engines. I see......It must he a really important place then. Yeah, it is.Gii wasn't lying, but he hadn't told her everything. The City Skyscraper certainly was the center of Energy Management, but its greatest distinction was being an Economic Ward. Dirty money always gathered there. Money from exploiting people in the Lower Tiers. Taxes and industrial profits were all the same. ——This girl... ——She doesn't have to know that yet. He didn't want her to know about the rampant filth in the City. It would surely darken Kia's expression. She'd probably find out sooner or later. Gii didn't have to be the one to tell her. [Gii] (......I'm so egotistical.)  Come to think of it, Ati mentioned it once.She said she had work at the Ci...... The City Skyscraper. That's the place where Ati's always working.The City Skyscraper. Isn't that right?Gii, hey, is that the right answer? ......yeah, that's right.——Come to think of it... ——When did the Black Cat say that? ——When I wasn't around? ——Maybe a half hour or so before morning? I understand.We're going to the City Skyscraper. Are we helping out Ati by any chance? No, we aren't.Didn't I say I had a healing request?  Ah, you're right, that's right.I just thought we might meet Ati... Sorry for jumping to conclusions. I can't do what she does.My body couldn' t take it. Gii's work and Ati's biz. There was a huge difference between them. The work requests that Ati and other Runners received meant and contained entirely different things, though he wouldn't call them polar opposites. Both lines of work were matters of life and death, but Gii couldn't handle hers. He knew all too well that the City needed them. He'd requested a Runner today himself. ——But, I could never do it myself. ——Staining this hand red... ——I decided I'd do that only to save people. ...... come to think of it, Kia. Yes? Have you heard anything about Ati's work? ...... Kia? ......nnn... ? That's hush-hush.I can't tell anyone. Kia put a finger to her lips. ......Gii figured out what had happened. Ati must have told her that such information was a secret. He didn't want her to know about something that dangerous, but it was still reassuring to see her lips were tight. She was pretty strong. Gii heaved a sigh. This girl was stronger than he'd thought. Tight lips were a key to survival. Revealing someone's secrets was a cardinal sin. ——I don't have to worry about little things like that. ——She's good at living in this City. ......it's a shame she didn't tell you.Anyway, we'll be going after breakfast. To the City Skyscraper. Okay!BGM: Always  One was by using the large staircases connecting the Tiers. However, that wasn't very realistic. It consumed far too much time and energy. The second was how they'd gotten to the Upper Tier Staircase Parks. Using the ascending monorail. Conveniently, unlike the one to the Parks, the rail route to the City Skyscraper went through the station closest to them. It was only a few minutes away from Gii's apartment on foot. ——I'll have to let a few trains pass by first. ——Most of the ones here won't be going anywhere near the Skyscraper. They had to wait for a while. Gii grabbed Kia's outstretched hand, and confirmed the status of his cranial organs. No problems there. The Phenomenon Equation carved into his organs was functioning normally. Gii's mutated brain had granted him special sensory functions. He was able to turn his cranial organs on and off at will. [Gii] (Unknown symptoms, huh?) [Gii] (That's not all that different from usual.) [Gii] (......I'll just do what I have to do.)  What is it? The King made the City this way, right?That person who's higher than all the Upper Tier Aristocrats? Yeah, he did. Why did the King make this City with so many layers?Kia's gaze was directed upward. Far higher than the Seventh Tier. She was surely trying to look at the City Skyscraper. Unfortunately, she was looking the wrong way. This City's design was based on something called the Complete Environment City Plan. Though that plan was eventually abandoned,it left its marks. Some of the names you'll see at the Skyscraper come from it. The Arcology Plan......I've heard of that one too. What was it? "A complete City Space connoting human productivity. " "An Ideal City connotating agriculture, fishing, industry, and commerce all as one,and continuing to live independently without any contact with the outside." That's a promotional phrase from ten years ago.I don't remember how accurate it was. The ideal of the City Plan. Even he was surprised at how well he remembered it. Many of the people in the City couldn't remember the past, because doing so would bring back the nightmare of the 《Revival.》 And yet, that phrase flowed right out of his memory. Yes, yes...... I remember.Yes, that's right. A plan to help everyone here live easier.I've heard about something like that. Still, no one knows why the Grand Prince said it.Yes, no one knew the real reasons behind the execution and abandonment of the Plan. The Plan said to be nothing more than a theory on paper. He'd tried to build it up, and partially succeeded.  Since the Grand Prince was among the Scholars.Since he was a genius at controlling numbers. Just like Lady Ada. Scholars...... That means geniuses. True geniuses.Their knowledge is on an entirely different level from the rest of us. Brains capable of changing the world,and the people equipped with them. The Grand Prince......The City's Controller was one of them. The King is such an amazing person...——Amazing, huh? ——He certainly is an exceptional person. Crack Engines and the Phenomenon Equation. Inventions which bent physics itself. He was probably the only human in the world who could create such things. He was, a long time ago. And now? Now...maybe he still is. ...... where' s the Grand Prince now?Does he live in the Upper Tier? Much higher than that.Higher than anyone else. Even now,he should still be on the throne. BGM: Detective  The City's center. Its heart. Its economic core. More shillings gathered there than anywhere else. A huge nest of Industrialists and City Officers were going back and forth. It stood in the City's Lower Tiers, yet it was a shining ward aligned with the Upper Tier Staircase Parks. Even though all of the unfinished High-Rise Buildings were simply being left to rot, the people worked on unconcerned. This district was the most valuable part of the City. But at the same time, it was in ruins. ——It's living as it dies. ——Or perhaps it's dying as it lives. Among the Industrialists going back and forth threugh the corridors, the Squatters in their cardboard houses stood out. City Management occasionally disposed of them. People frustrated with their lives as Registered Citizens. Illegal residents, Sqatters. If this district was living as it died... Which of those groups best symbolized that? The Industrialists, the City Officers, or perhaps even the Squatters. Who was living, and who was dying? ——If nothing else... ——The last group felt very alive to Gii. Their words held emotion, unlike those of the Industrialists, who aimed to be human calculators, and the City Officers who were nothing more than cogs within the Administration.   Aaah——You mean that haunted house. That place is bad, very bad. I won't say anything bad about you.Just forget about going there. Hey, aren't you a human from the Lower Tiers?You're no commercial or industrial salaryman now, are you? Then you're no different from us.This is a warning. Don't go there. ......aaah, you should just forget about it.The rumors say that whole place is cursed by the dead. There's nothing there but corpses and dolls. Corpses and dolls? Yeah, that's right, corpses and dolls.There's nothing else there. There's nothing of worth there.No one even goes to rob the place. There's just a frightening Machine Automaton there.That and corpses. Automaton......And who are the corpses? Dunno.Some say they've seen them, but no one knows the details. If you go there, you'll only be cursed.Once you've gone mad, you'll jump out the window and die. That's why no one goes near the place. ......so, why are you going there anyway?The emotions in their voices. Mild curiosity, and intense fear. Their words were contradictory. No one had ever seen the rumored curse. Was it just a rumor, or a sign of a Monster? Gii couldn't determine which, but information was information. He'd heard all he could. Gii tossed a few shillings into the enpty can on the floor and turned around to face Kia.  You're it, so come this way.  Gugu, closing my eyes and relying on your voice...This is a pretty hard game, gigi. It's called blind tag.But are you really closing your eyes? Gigi, how rude.I am closing them, very tightly I am. Where?Where are your eyes? Look, my eyes are......Can't you see them through the slit? Here? Ah! That's...... Huh? Then here? Aaah! That's......!No, stop, please stop! ???——An Engine Spirit in a Tier this high? ——I'm a little surprised. She always seemed to find someone to play with, but they couldn't afford to waste any time. Gii cleared his throat. I'm sorry.This kid wanted to play, so... No,I'm sorry for hurrying us along. ..... can you read the expressions of Engine Spirits?Of those iron faces? I can.Eh? Gii can't? Maybe. Ah, you can't read them.That's no good, Gii. You have to watch people's faces. ——People's faces, huh? ——She makes no distinction between humans and Engine Spirits. If anyone else had said that, Gii would've just shrugged his shoulders. But he didn't. He softly replied, 'You're right,’ and took Kia's hand. They were heading for the Number Ten Storage Building in Ward A.  ——The building isn't locked. This was the place Mr. Klein had indicated. For a High-Rise Building, it was rather small. A large iron door had been left unlocked. When Gii stepped in front of it, it opened automatically. From Gii's observations, the building must have been over ten years old. It was a little weird for a structure that old to have an automatic door. Automatic doors were Engine-Made products first sold six years ago. That meant Mr. Arthur Klein had renovated the place within the past six years. When they entered the building, they were met with a large space lacking any signs of life. Kia coughed, probably because of the dust. An Information Storage Building. A place where informative publications accumulated. It seemed to symbolize a certain aspect of the City Skyscraper. Countless bookshelves spread out before them. A library. No, not that. A storehouse of information. Information in the form of books. Ihe entire building was filled with bookshelves. It was splendid, in a way. However, it was also unsettling. It was certainly a building made by humans, but... No signs of life could be felt from it. Even an Industrial Business Building felt livelier than this. Is anyone home?We've come from the Seventh Lower Tier—— ......helloooo?Kia's voice didn't echo that much. It was absorbed by the bookshelves. When the echo came to an end, silence refilled the building. [Gii] (There's no one here? That can't be right.) [Gii] (This is the right place. The Ward A Number Ten Information Storage Building.) Gii wondered if he should use the Phenomenon Equation's "eye" to search the interior for heat sources. But as he thought that, something came through the bookshelves filling the entrance hall. A silhouette walked out of the darkness. Someone was approaching from the far side of the hall. A single person——  [Gii] ( ......Ruaha Klein?) [Gii] (No, not Ruaha.) [Gii] (This is......) It wasn't a human. It was something built from well-tempered steel. It wasn't a human. Although its form closely resembled that of a human's. Video: Automaton  Gii agreed with her voice of admiration. It certainly was beautiful. What finally showed itself—— Was a single Automaton. A Crack Engine-Type Automaton. A humanoid Engine Machine constructed out of steel and made to perform labor in place of humans. It wouldn't be an overstatement to say it had an artistic level of completion. The adjective 'beautiful' certainly suited it well. An Automaton. He'd never seen one this splendid before. The Automatons he'd caught gliupses of in the First and Second Tiers prioritized functionality, so they didn't bother to accurately imitate the human form. But, "she" who appeared before his eyes could easily be mistaken for a human. ——'A work of art.' ——That phrase comes to mind. [Automaton] Good day to you, honored guest. Gii looked at "her" form. The Automaton was in the "shape" of a woman. Its lips moved as it spoke. The voice sounded utterly indistinguishable from a human's. It was a well made, and probably very expensive doll. Its face must have come from a top-notch facial artist. The whole shape of the body had been designed with balance and beauty taken into account. It was incredibly smooth. He could tell at first glance that it was in the form of a "woman." Even its spherical joints appeared elegant. [Kia] Good day to you. What's your name? The doll didn't react to her words. It was only natural. Even if it had the atmosphere of a human, even if its expression looked human, it was clearly just a beautiful doll. Delicate eyes like a human's. He could clearly tell they were glass spheres. However—— It was somehow out of balance. This Storage Building didn't suit it. Why was this splendidly crafted girl, this Automaton, here, in a fortress of dust-covered archives? It was probably just Mr. Klein' s personal taste.  [Gii] Sure. Gii and Kia handed her their Individual Engine Cards. With just one glance, "she" nodded. [Automaton] Your identities have been confirmed. I will address you as Gii-sama. [Automaton] Thank you for coming. I am equipped with a search function. Please state the information you are searching for. [Gii] No, not that. I'm here looking for someone. [Automaton] There is no one here. [Kia] No one? No one at all? But aren't you here? [Automaton] There is no one here. [Kia] ?? [Gii] She seems to be counting humans. She's not including herself. [Kia] ......is that so? [Gii] Someone by the name of Klein ought to be here. Ruaha Klein. Do you know anyone by that name? [Automaton] Ruaha-sama has passed away. Please state the information you are searching for. [Automaton] Ihis place contains the history of the City's Lower Tiers, dating from the time of the City's construction to the present day. Please state the information you are searching for. [Gii] ......Ruaha's dead? [Automaton] Yes. There is no one here. [Automaton] Please state the information you are searching for. I am awaiting your input, honored guest. [Automaton] ——Please state the information you are searching for.  He was searching for information about Ruaha Klein. Gii had come to heal that person. However... However, the Automaton said...  「A blood relative of the First-Class Citizen Arthur Klein.」 「Gender: unknown. Age: either late teens or early twenties. Had health problems during life.」 「Ruaha contracted a severe disease while alive.」 「Cause of death: malicious mutations.」 「There was no funeral.」 「No spouse. No dependants. That is all.」 ——Dead. ——The Automaton definitely said that. Eralee probably would've gone home right about now. But Gii had other ideas. He decided to ask the Automaton to show him around the Storage Building. Was Ruaha Klein really not here? Before leaving this fortress of books, he had to confirm that. However——
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Nov 20, 2018 19:30
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BGM: Detective The bookshelves and floors and walls were all nicely cleaned. But that was it. The pod in the boiler room had never been heated up. The synthetic alcoholic drinks in the Engine-Type Refrigerator had all expired a year ago. ——And, most of all... The washing-type lavatory. The water hadn't been used there in months. His "right eye" saw the age and deterioration of the toilet seat hinges. They hadn't been touched for at least half a year. In other words, it'd been at least half a year since anyone had lived here. [Gii] (Is Ruaha Klein really dead?) [Gii] (Then what was that request from Mr. Klein about? Do I need to find him and confirm it?) Nothing but books. There was nothing there but books and dust and an Automaton. ——Books. ——Yes, just books. He took one off the shelf. Records of the Seventh Lower Tier. Not sanctioned by City Management. Records of Lower Tier history...These books are precious.  No.Those books no longer have any value. This building's Central Engine has already analyzed and accumulated all of the information within the Archive, and of all other publications here. I see. So this place is as hollow as shed skin.He returned the book to its shelf. At the same time, his gaze fell upon the door of a single room. An odd premonition suddenly came into his mind, as if someone was behind him, whispering, telling him to look.  Mr. Klein's private room. May I go in? Yes.No one is there now. Go ahead. Mr. Klein's private room. He probably used this place as a second home. He had a mansion in the First Tier. First-Class Citizens were allowed to live there. ——I open the door, and... ——Aaah, it all makes sense now. Gii sighed softly. He couldn't get any confirmation from Mr. Klein. The man was right there, in that room. On the other side of the barely-open door... Inside that one room... Gii could see the only trace of life in the entire Storage Building. A cup of water on the desk. And a silhouette. A mummified corpse. It had dried up, and was nearly bare bones. ......Mr. Klein... Yes. ......the cleaning......I see, you weren't ordered to clean this room. Yes. ......I see...... What?Did you find something in there, Gii? Stay here.Make sure you don't look inside. ?? I'll leave Kia with you.Make sure she doesn't look inside. Yes. What? So you did find something......? Kyaa!Hey, what are you——!? My apologies.However, the Doctor has input an order prohibiting your entry. Forgive me, Kia.  Wh-where are you touching!?Kyaa! No, stop...... Gii!? I'm sorry.I'll be right back. Gii opened the door slightly and slipped inside. He began searching for evidence. But this wasn't enough to determine the cause of death. The mummy's heart had already turned to dust and blown away. Luckily, thanks to the dryness, there was no lingering odor. What appeared to be Mr. Klein's remains had mummified in a position hunched over his desk. His right hand was placed over an Engine Machine. Something he'd touched on the verge of death. ——An old telecommunications device. He'd tried to use it right before dying. He'd sent that healing request using an old telecommnications device. Beneath his remains was a sheet of paper. It was identical to the telegram. He'd sent the telegram while looking at it. One letter at a time. While enduring the death closing in on him. ——He tried to send a healing request for himself? ——No, that's wrong. The telegram had definitely said「my beloved child Ruaha.」 It wasn't for himself. It was for a relative or a member of his family. He'd probably taken his chance to use the device that morning. ......I see. I will not leave until I find him, or her,whom you wanted me to save. ——I spoke to him briefly. Gii left the room and closed the door behind him. He made absolutely sure that Kia couldn't see the room's contents. Kia didn't seem to be resisting any more. She silently looked up at the Automaton. I've finished.Ruaha Klein isn't in this room. ......okay...... I have a question for you. Yes. Did Ruaha Klein pass away before that happened to Mr. Klein, or...... It is recorded as occurring before. ......I see.Gii didn't think it was possible, but could this Automaton be Ruaha Klein? Was this splendid Automaton the one he'd been requested to heal? There were very few people who'd call an Automaton 'family,' not to mention how few could even own such a valuable Automaton in the first place. ——Gii thought about it. ——Hypothetically speaking... Could Mr. Klein have made an Automaton in the image of his deceased son or daughter? Come to think of it...... I never asked for your name.Are you Ruaha Klein? No.I am not. I have no serial number.I was custom built. Klein-sama passed away before giving me a name. I see.Automatons didn't lie, so that had to be true. However... Kia was gazing at her. Silently. She'd been making a lot of noise earlier, but now she just looked quietly at the Automaton. As if she was looking at a human's face. Intently, silently, as if reading its emotions. [Gii] (......a clue?) [Gii] (This Automaton? No, there should be more information somewhere around here.) [Gii] (......what am I thinking? There's so much that I still need to do.) Kia. Yes, Gii? Wait here for a while.Stay with her. Eh......? You should have a self-defense function,nameless Automaton. Yes. I am sufficiently equipped to withstand a large Monster. I can ensure the safety of one adult,or two children. That's plenty.I'll leave her with you. Was that overkill? For a non-combat design, it seemed rather excessive. But it wasn't impossible either. There were people who had enough money to give their favorite playthings such functions. ——Lover and bodyguard. ——A truly necessary existence. Your order has been input.Understood, Doctor Gii. Gii, what's wrong?Where are you going alone......? Aaah...I think I'll try investigating the entire Archive. I want to know more about this Information Archive.Mr. Klein chose this place to die. An Information Storage building that was itself half-dead. There was surely some meaning behind that. And it should eventually connect to Ruaha Klein. ——I'll find it. ——But to do that, I need one of 'those.' BGM: Always  He thought about where he could borrow 'that' from. He couldn't simply show up in City Management and ask for it. Should he contact Stanislaw? Stanislaw was a dealer, after all. Even now, he collected information. He was a pro at obtaining things. He could buy anything given the money. Kia's forged registry. Information about work requests and the poor and injured in the Lower Tiers... And yes, he could obtain 'that’ too. But it would cost money. And it'd probably take a while. That dealer didn't like talking through the wireless. If Gii wanted to ask for something, he'd have to talk to him in person. ——Time... ——Over half a year has been wasted already. ——And yet, for some reason I'm impatient. ——Ruaha Klein is in danger "now." ——I can't not think that. ——Though I have no reason to. He whispered such things despite himself. No time. No reason.   Gii, your face is getting pale again.Are you getting enough sleep? ......Ati? Yes, I'm your Ati. You showed up at just the right time. You've got war experience in the Creature Subjugation Squad, right?Would you mind joining us for today's biz?  Don't be so stingy.Having a Cracking Doc for backup could save your life.  We can't do what we can't do.If you really need him, then please submit the official documents. Otherwise we can't employ any more people. And how long would that take? The fastest would be... three days. It's like a comedy performed on Crowded Street.Unbelievable...... Gii?Why the vacant stare? Are you listening? ......yeah.The voices came from Ati the Black Cat, from that young 《Paldes》 man, and from that 《Tauros》 woman. A group of Upper Tier Soldiers were following them. He couldn't believe his eyes. What was with this group? ——Runners and Upper Tier Soldiers? ——And is that 《Tauros》 woman wearing a City Management uniform? ......what's with that face, Gii? Aaah...... well this group is a bit hard to explain. We've got a respectable biz this time.We're working with City Management. That's why these Upper Tier Soldiers are following us. ......I see.He couldn't fully understand it, but it was incredible luck. So that 《Tauros》 woman really was from City Management. He might be able to get what he was looking for after all. Ati really did get around. I'm glad I met you, Ati. So he finally said it.You two are quite fiesty, aren't you? Oh husband and wife,shall we go find a cheap hotel for the two of you? Ati, is that your husband?Nice to meet you. I'm from City Management—— I'm not his wife.Aha, ahaha. At least deny the hotel room.Aren't you still working? ......Ati. Nn......?Wh-what is it? I can't believe how lucky I am.I never thought I'd see you here. Wa-wait a minute...... Are you really taking me to a hotel?That's too much! Be quiet, Ati.I need you to ask that Officer something. Eh? ......please.Ati tilted her head as Gii whispered into her ear—— A whisper that no one else could hear. Softly, as if whispering sweet nothings. Whispering, 'Tell that City Officer I need to borrow an External Engine Connector.' 'Please, I need your help with this.' Aaah...... yes, yes.So that's what it was. ......well, of course it was.I thought it'd turn nut to be something like that. But what do you need something like that for?Who'll use it?  What are you talking about? An Engine Connector. The external kind.An incredibly dangerous Machine. That thing?There are better Suicide Machines out there. This is no time to be playing old-school Hacker. You'll just get that pale face of yours blown off. The real Hackers these days have their Engine Connectors directly attached to their craniums.He knew that perfectly well. But there wasn' t enough time to employ a Hacker. That was why Gii needed a Connector. It was the only Machine allowing a flesh-and-blood human to connect to 'Information Space,' but it came with a lot of risk. ......I need one. Forget it.Suicide puts me in a bad mood. I've already received the request.Besides, I'm used to restoring the human body. Oh right, you're an Equation user.Well...... I guess it doesn't matter. Stop it. It does matter.And what's this request? Gii, wouldn't it become meaningless if you died?Contracts and such would all go away. The Black Cat objected with nursed lips. Gii didn't answer. ——I'll just be silent. ——I've already decided what I need to do. Fates End fucked around with this message at 07:18 on Nov 24, 2018 |
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Nov 23, 2018 23:29
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Video: Information Space BGM: Detective  He saw Kia and the Automaton conversing in the entrance hall. Kia was speaking to the Automaton, and the Automaton was replying mechanically. He was interested in what they were discussing, but... Kia noticed him right away, and waved her hand. He waved back and she came up to him, pulling the Automaton's hand. Welcome back, Gii.Hey, I talked to this girl about so many things. I see, you're making friends. Yes, I am.Kia's getting along well with her. I asked her about a lot of things.She says that she's good at pouring coffee. Right? Yes. See? Aaah, I'd like to try that sometime. Is that an order input, Doctor Gii? No, that was just—— Ati, you're here too?That's great! Eh, ah, y-yeah.I couldn't leave him alone so I skipped biz for a while...... Great.Now that Ati's here, Gii will be just fine. ......well, yeah.For some reason, the Black Cat smiled. She kept quiet about something Kia had failed to realize when she came in with Gii. Ati should have stayed with her current biz, but the Black Cat had simply said 「This looks dangerous, so I'll go watch him,」 and left with Gii and the Engine Connector. She'd followed him all the way back here. Since she'd helped him borrow it, Gii couldn't refuse her. The Black Cat had said she needed an Engine Connector for the biz, making the City Officer go all the way back to her workplace. Even with the Officer's connections, asking for a secondhand Connector seemed to make a big difference. The City Officer woman could borrow one of those just by asking. ——Management work, huh? ——I'm glad they can get things so quickly. What's that helmet?It's big, and made of tin, and it looks like a toy. It is a toy.I just wanted to give this a try. He looked into a far corner of the hall, at a seat which was probably once occupied by a clerk. In front of it was a reception desk. Gii searched for the Engine Connection Interface underneath it. ——There it is. ——A Connection Interface to the Central Storage Engine. Back when there were humans here, calculation and reference devices would've been connected to it. It was fairly old, but still functional. What are you doing? It's time for Gii to take a nap.He says he wants to Access the Central Storage Engine and research a few things. Access... A Seikyouan loanword.It means 'to connect or attach to something.' ......is it dangerous? It's not a problem.I'll be going now. Take care of my body, Ati.Since you bothered to come all this way, I'll be sure to pay. Yeah, yeah. I'm trusting you.Gii said that and sat in the chair. He then equipped himself with the Connector. ——Now I close my eyes... ——So that my consciousness can be sent into 'Information Space.'  That beautiful Automaton was gazing at him. Gii couldn't feel any will from it. But still... Something bugged him. Just a little. ......take care.He might have heard her say that. At that moment, Gii's consciousness fell into 'Information Space.' It closely resembled fainting. Sensations of floating and falling. His consciousness continued to fall into a deep place—— BGM: Destiny Go Round  Information Space wasn't composed of text. Technically, it wasn't even space. Engines which operated as calculation and information accumulation devices. Their internal "Information Archives" could be connected to one's consciousness. The act of capturing that information with one's conscious mind. The "field of vision" thereby produced was called 'Information Space.' Gii's consciousness was now amongst the Archive, and was recognizing it as space. In other words, he was within the information that the entire building had accumulated. Information Space's utility lay in its convenience. The Information Space produced by an Engine Connection was among the most efficient of all Inganock's Crack Engine technologies. People could easily obtain information this way. All of the information that Engines had accumulated over the years. There was no need to grab documents and flip through hundreds of pages. There wasn't even a need to read any text. One merely walked through the space and saw the relevant information. That was enough to carve the information into one's brain. It took no time at all. In mere seconds, all the information in a book thousands of pages long could be written into one's brain. ——But most of all... ——Ati and the others are right. ——There is a considerable risk. Gii walked through the darkness. Nothing at all existed in his field of vision. That told him there was no information in this Archive. That couldn't be right. The Automaton had definitely said the building's Central Storage Engine had accumulated all the documents' information. Which could only mean... [Gii] ......this darkness is a "mothhole?" [Gii] It's like a messy Hacker ate everything here. A Hacker. One who devours information. A type of Runner that excelled in information hoarding. They had Crack Engines implanted into their brains, and could connect to all sorts of Information Archives. They stole information from First Tier Industrialists and City Management, then sold it to informants, dealers and other Runners. Many of them were once affluent. Occasionally, they would simply lay waste to information they liked. Like this darkness. So that only they could have it. So that no one else could ever have it. Those were colloquially called "mothholes." A slang term used by Industrialists and Runners in the Lower Tiers. [Gii] ......still... [Gii] The history of the Lower Tiers since the City's construction... I don't think that'd be worth anything. [Gii] This Hacker must've had a lot of free time. [Gii] ......or perhaps... Someone did it for a reason. He walked within the darkness, and noticed several wide-open holes. He felt as if he'd been walking for hours. But it was just the sensation of Information Space. In reality, only a few minutes had passed. If the information had accumulated there properly, then he'd be walking through a library by now. ——At long last... Gii discovered much larger holes. Two huge "holes" that connected to an abyss. Evidence of pulverized information. Human senses recognized them as something resenbling monstrous bite marks. Huge holes connecting to a net of information used to manage the Engine Energy in the City Skyscraper. One of them was dug quite deep. Almost like one of Randolph's endless holes. Was this the source of the abnormality in Energy distribution? Breaking through defensive walls made of accumulated and encrypted information. Accessing a different Information Space. Quite the moth. [Gii] ......crossing into another Information Space... That was something only first-rate Hackers did. Normally, the Information Spaces of Engines designed to be standalone were kept isolated. Forcing them to connect to other Engines using the Engine Energy rushing about the City, then connecting their Information Spaces. Joining with all kinds of Engines, and invading all kinds of Information Space. Hackers who were able to utilize that special skill could connect from anywhere, unlike Gii, who had to connect from a specific location. They could even do it in their own rooms. Let's say a bed in the Fifth Tier. They could sneak into the Archives of a First Tier Industrialist even from there. [Gii] ......this is troublesome. ——Yes, that's right. ——Troublesome. Gii's words weren't meant for the first hole. But for the second. Words poured out when he moved his eyes toward it. Something was there. No, perhaps it'd be better to say 'someone' was there. A reaction from a High Density Information Entity. The same sort of entity as the present Gii. When living beings connected to Information Space, they were recognized as High Density Information Entities. ——A High Density Information Entity is hiding in this huge hole. ——I have a bad feeling about this. [Gii] You, in there. [Gii] Who are you? No answer. Gii sighed, and began to search. He formed his consciousness on the dashboard. Then began to input words into the search engine. Begin Search. ——Search Complete.  【Species Name: Creature】 [Gii] ......a... Creature......? [Gii] ......this really is troublesome. ——A Creature in the form of an Information Entity. ——I heard a rumor like this once, but... There was no reason to doubt the search results. There was no sensation of terror, but this was Information Space after all. Gii was outside his mortal body. The Information Creature Bandersnatch. He'd thought that nothing could be further removed from him, and yet here he was about to meet it. There was no sense of terror. No sense of panic. Just the presence of danger. ....so a Creature is involved in Ruaha Klein's disappearance. [Gii] ......this is interesting. ——Call up the dashboard. ——Attempt contact. ——Set to Analysis Depth 1. ——Begin contact analysis of the target High Density Information Entity. 【Analysis Depth 1】 【Dialogue with High Density Information Entity】  ——A voice echoes out. ——Information taking the form of a voice. He couldn't properly recognize its form. A number of defensive walls were covering and protecting it. But it was right before Gii's eyes. The Information Space Creature Bandersnatch. As expected, he felt no terror. No panic either. Just the uncomfortable sense of danger boiling up. And most of all, surprise. It was emitting a voice. It was speaking in words. He'd never heard of such a Creature. ——A Creature. ——The strangest of the strange. ——Kings at bringing about terror. ——They never use human language. ——That's a characteristic all Creatures share. 『I can understand your surprise.』 『I've touched the information of humans, thereby transforming and evolving into what you see me as.』 『Once more, welcome Gii.』 ——This thing already knows my name. ——So it's a Hacker Creature. 『Let's talk first. In Information Space, time is infinite. One second here is one ten-thousandth of what it is in reality.』 『Now, I'll go make some tea.』 『Let's talk, Gii.』 
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Nov 25, 2018 23:09
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the plot just took a turn for the frumious
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Nov 26, 2018 04:30
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This doesn't seem like a terribly good idea but I guess Gii knows what he's doing. Probably.
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Nov 26, 2018 19:30
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BGM: Amnesia  The Tier Plate located closer to the Upper Tier than any other Lower Tier Plate in the City of Inganock. It has roughly the same altitude as the Upper Tier Staircase Parks. The Tier is constructed out of High-Rise Buildings. It's said to be modeled on the Seikyouan city of Manhattan, but details are unknown. It was once built up as a key part of the Arcology City Plan, but because of the calamity ten years ago, a number of High-Rise projects were abandoned. At present, City Management is based in the Tier's Administration Ward. It operates Engine Energy Management Wards in all parts of the City. The City Skyscraper also supplies the Engine Energy used by the Information Network Core. It distributes the vast Engine Energy produced by enormous Engines to all parts of the Lower Tiers. It truly could be called the heart of the City. Many of the extant High-Rise Buildings could be called enormous Calculation Engines. A number of great companies and industries in the City have fortresses, called High-Rise Buildings, in the City Skyscraper to show off their power.   A blood relative of Mr. Klein,said to have lived in this Storage Building. Either his son, or his daughter. It's rather incomprehensible.Does that person even exist? I found no traces of human life in the Storage Building. Automatons don't lie.She with no name——that feminine Automaton said, 'Ruaha is dead.' Which should mean that he or she no longer exists. But, the request made of me remains valid.I've already accepted it. Even if that was a telegram from five years ago...As long as there's no undeniable proof that the person named Ruaha Klein is dead... ......undeniable proof. Then what would that Automaton's testimony be?Automatons don't lie, after all. I could've said those words were undeniable.But I didn't. Something's still bugging me.Am I overlooking something important?   ——Part One. ——First, about Engine Connectors: Crack Engine Connectors can be implanted into the body to synchronize with Calculation and Information Accumulation Engines, thereby obtaining all sorts of information. They're activated by touching Calculation Engines and focusing one's consciousness on them. Beginners' Crack Engine Connectors are tiny things implanted into the head (the occipital lobe to be precise) and any scars from the surgery are covered up by hair. Many humans in the Lower Tiers save up for shady doctors, and in exchange for the risk of losing their lives in failed surgeries, become able to heighten their Engine Factory's productivity. The "high class" Crack Engine Connectors prohibited by the Upper Tier require surgical replacement of portions of the brain. Those surgeries have an exceptionally high failure rate, but when they succeed—— Those humans become able to control must Calculation Engines and gain supernatural information handling abilities. However, finding a shady doctor with the skills to pull off brain replacement surgery is probably much harder than the surgery itself. Only those who've overcome that difficulty can be called Hackers. Hackers. A kind of Runner specializing in information. They can connect to the Engine Energy Information Network running throughout the City, interfere with it, and contact distant Information Archives. City Management, industries, companies, and Engine Factories. Hackers can invade everyone's Archives. They can obtain whatever information they want. Of course, there's always a danger to it. Especially after the development of Engine Energy control devices, since they can automatically burn away anyone trying to connect illegally. ......still, despite that, The Archives of large machines that accumulate great quantities of information (colloquially called Information Space) are treasure vaults to Hackers. Many kinds of information can be exchanged for shillings. Thus the Hackers slip by the "burners" day and night, searching for it. Even in wars between industries, the Hackers monopolize an important position. Master Hackers are said to be more powerful than any firearm. Any industry would love a bird's-eye view of its enemies. At present, there are around ten in the Lower Tier back-alleys who call themselves Hackers. They probably number even fewer than the Equation users. By the way, everyone called a Hacker is a special second-class wanted criminal.   A blood relative of Arthur Klein, First-Class Citizen and owner of this Storage Building. Gender: unknown.Age: either late teens or early twenties. Had health problems during life. Ruaha contracted a severe disease while alive.Ruaha died five years before Mr. Klein. Cause of death: malicious mutations. There was no funeral. No spouse.No dependents. ——That is all. That is all the information I officially possess.Officially, Ruaha Klein is already deceased. ......officially.  When I saw the girl move,I wondered if it was assigned to guard something. It's stronger than the average human,but it doesn't seem to be specially equipped for battle. I guess it's nothing to worry about.More importantly, the Upper Tier Soldiers bother me. Since their exertion and speed is just ridiculous. ......still, in speed... ......I don't think... I'd lose...... But I'd die if I messed up,so I still don't want to meet one. I hope nothing happens to us.If there must be trouble, may it be something other than an Upper Tier Soldier. ......okay, it should be fine now.  Who is he searching for?Who did he come all this way to find? ......I don't know......I don't know what anyone's doing. They're searching for Ruaha Klein-san?......is that really it? ......if it is...Then I really don't understand. After all......Ruaha Klein-san is......   Something about it doesn't feel right.Mr. Klein had a nice estate in the First Tier. So why would he be living in this Storage Building?Why here, and not in his mansion? It may be the City Skyscraper,but it's rather plain for a rich man to live in. Did he have some other reason to be in this Building?I think he did. My first impression of this building was of a sense of isolation from the outside world.It was nearly overpowering. As if it was rejecting our entry.A world which, in some sense, is perfectly complete. The documents filling this building feel the same way.They’ve all been transferred into the Information Space Archive, and are now just stacks of paper. The documents here aren't worth pocket change.Just stacks of paper. And the information here is widely available.As if to say there's no point in invading. ......an isolated building.A place with no reason to be invaded. There's clearly something I don't understand.Why would Mr. Klein go so far...... Go so far to protect this place?——  ——Part Two. ——The Creature in Information Space. ——Creature Bandersnatch: With unequaled tenacity in Information Space, it's considered a fearsome existence by the Hackers. It's a Creature with no physical body. No flesh, no blood, no bone. The name 'Bandersnatch' originates from a ferocious carnivorous beast appearing in a Seikyouan myth. It's said to be as widely feared as the Dragon. Records show a great number of casualties being brought about across every part of the City during the 《Revival》 ten years ago. Those who could connect to Information Space were probably able to see it if they had good, or bad luck. Bandersnatch's skull holds eight elongated teeth. Each hand has three long fingers, with short and sharp claws. Its neck is long and stringy. Its slender body has a tail and two wings, but they aren't as valiant as the Dragon's. Perhaps it could be called the Dragon's caricature. Though in a way, it's far more frightening than that. Bandersnatch lays waste to Information Space. It can tear up Engine Energy and control a network at will. Ten years ago, this Creature brought about many catastrophic accidents to make people suffer. The talk among the Hackers is that this Creature has changed its inclinations since then. That it stopped causing accidents and cataclysms. What Bandersnatch presently takes an interest in are the minds of humans. It takes pleasure in chasing down and destroying their fragile minutiae—— ——Thus whisper the Hackers.   This is a theory advocated within Creatureology, a branch of science which momentarily existed ten years ago. Namely, the theory that the forty-one Creatures which appeared during the 《Revival》 were not organisms, but merely a kind of phenomenon. The Creatures could even exist in Information Space. They couldn't possibly be anything other than phenomena. Phenomena which harmed many people. This way of thinking was rejected at the time, but at present, it's considered common knowledge.   ——Part Three. ——About the Original Existence: There was a certain legendary Hacker. He's been referred to as Keith, or just K. It's said that he snuck into the Upper Tier Aristocrat's Information Archive, and that he might have even touched the Grand Prince's secrets. The next day, Squatters discovered the man called Keith or K reduced to ash by the road in front of his house. That man called Keith or K. His dying words were: "Trust no one." "He who is Original." "The truth lies with him." ......that was all. These words became a conversation piece among the Runners. A legendary man who touched the Grand Prince's secrets and died. The incident was rather sensational. The second line of those words. 'He who is Original.' At present, it's called the 《Original Existence.》 It's said to be the core of Inganock, or maybe the Grand Prince himself... Because of how few newspapers and media outlets used it, and how many different meanings people gave it, the name never really caught on.   Despite being called a 'mystery,' they only really exist in fairy tales. It was never something spoken of by many. The mystery has a lot to do with their characteristics. For instance, do they have eyes? Do they like pleasant music......? ......are they capable of destroying Creatures? A fairy tale born from the people's wishes. Was that really their origin? If it was, then it would make sense if they could destroy Creatures. ......but, can we really... Can we really say that?   Is she really just a doll?I can only see her as human. Who said she was a doll?Who said she wasn't human? ......I just end up tilting my head.This building is full of things I don't understand. Something's wrong with everyone.Where is this mechanical doll......? ......I don' t understand.Why would she say that?   First off, why is it even shaped like a woman?A cylindrical shape ought to be fine for managing storage. Yet, it's so elaborate, and beautiful.Like a work of art. ......that's why it bugs me. ......that Automaton.......it might have been made for some other purpose. ......such as... well...... ......*c-cough*We-well, it could be a lot of things.   The two are extremely similar entities,but they differ in a fundamental way. The former is a "mere human" who's been highly Enginized.The latter is purely Machine. A human, or a Machine? Engine Humans that possess fractal thought and tenacious physical abilities are heavily used,even in the Upper Tier. Theoretically, something the same size as a human would never defeat an Engine Human made for combat.That's a recorded truth of Inganock. However, despite their utility,only a very small number are produced. This is because the surgeries needed to replace most of one's body with Crack Engines have very low success rates.The operational fees are also far higher than usual. Therefore, those surgeries can only take place within established corps in the Upper Tier or among affluent Lower Tier Citizens with peculiar circumstances. ——Peculiar circumstances. The first possibility is a wealthy Lower Tier Citizen wishing for success as a Runner. The second possibility.In other words—— A wealthy Lower Tier Citizen who contracts a severe disease, and can't live without replacing most of their body parts. Most of the Engine Humans in the Lower Tiers are produced for those reasons. Each year,it's unknown whether those surgeries will succeed. In truth, the possibility is low. ——That is all.  ......Mr. Klein. The cause of Mr. Klein's death is unknown.Since his remains are now nothing but bones, even my "eye" can't tell what it was. The bones that my Phenomenon Equation's "right eye" saw have been aging for five years since he died. The telegram he'd started to send.I received it five years after the fact. ......Ruaha Klein exists.This telegram is telling me that. I can't abandon unfinished work.I've heard your words. ......I will not abandon them.No matter what, I will find Ruaha.   Why don't you say anything?Why? I...... still...... haven't heard you speak.Not even once. Let me hear your voice.Say something. I want to hear your own words. ......you said you were an Automaton,but you should have your own words, so why...?   The First-Class Citizen couple that produced me.They were from the First Tier. In other words, they were among the bourgeoisie. However, when it came to my production,they sold off the majority of their personal assets. The amount on that sales receipt matches the recorded expense of my production. I do not have the detailed information on these matching numbers. ......I do not have... that information. ......I don't know anything. ......anything at all.  This was something told only among Hackers. A rumor unknown to Runners and normal Citizens. "The Original Existence is real." "The four 《Stolen Ones》 serve him." "He's laughing up in the highest place." The Hackers sometimes say these words to one another. No one knows their true meaning. Even they don't understand what they're saying. ......yes, they don't know. ......there's still no one who does. 
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Nov 27, 2018 20:47
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Could Kia be Ruaha somehow?
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Nov 28, 2018 10:13
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Hmm, seems possible.Fates End posted:
is pretty obviously suspect.
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Nov 29, 2018 01:17
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 【Dialogue with High Density Information Entity】 BGM: Destiny Go Round  ——I continue my dialogue with the Creature. 『You understand, don't you Gii?』 『You're a friend of ours, isn't that right?』 『In a way, all people are equal, and in that same way, you are connected to all of us.』 『Deeply, very deeply connected.』 [Gii] ......yeah. ——Yeah. ——You're right. 『Humans are already done for. That's why——』 BGM: Detective  ——My golden eye scans the surroundings. Kia and the Automaton were in the middle of talking about something. Gii was still sleeping soundly in his stroll through Information Space. She was the only other one there. The "ears" atop Ati' s head stirred. She could hardly hear any form of sound. But there was a presence on the far side of the large iron door. Something slightly bigger than a human. Kia, and you too.Get away from that door.  Something's there. What? Understood.Kia, please come this way. Kia tilted her head as the Automaton took her away. Yes, she appreciated the doll taking Kia all the way to the back. Ati cringed at the sensation running along her spine. This is what he'd been worried about. To think were really was something... ——But I won't let this surprise confuse me. ——I'm used to this biz. ——And I will not lower my guard. ——That'll only invite death. There was definitely a presence on the other side of the iron door. It felt heavy and inorganic. Was it one of those guys? Fast despite their weight? No, they were busy having fun with David right now. She couldn't think of any reason for them to come out. Upper Tier Soldiers, sometimes called Knights, covered in armor befitting that alias. Objects of fear and awe to people in the Lower Tiers. They killed their enemies with speed, mass, and shocking physical abilities. This time they weren't supposed to be enemies. But in Gii's case, it was different. She'd stuck her neck into another dangerous place. She'd have to do more than apologize when she got back. ——Gii's case. ——What's so important about this place? ......Seriously, what is it?She pursed her lips and gazed at Gii through the corner of her eye. At that moment... Ati's reflex nerves, strengthened by Crack Engines, captured a gaze. Its emotions were very shallow, but that gaze definitely contained a will. ——The Automaton. ——That superbly well-made girl. She had been looking at Gii. A shallow tinge of fear was in her eyes. Are you......?She started to speak—— BGM: Hopelessness ——When the sound suddenly wiped those words away! The Black Cat shuddered. She consciously extended her retracted claws. Dark animosity was coming straight through the door! ————!!! Something, or someone, was violently beating against the iron door. The building was about to be broken into! BGM: None  【Dialogue with High Density Information Entity】 BGM: Destiny Go Round  ——I continue my dialogue with the Creature. 『Creatures harm humans. We're made to do that. That nature of ours is definitely fixed, Gii.』 『But by who?J] 『Someone fixed it, Gii.』 『We're a kind of natural phenomenon. It was you humans who defined us as such.』 『That's why we have to exist as we are. We exist as devices for thinning out the human population.』 [Gii] ......who decided that? ——Who would do such...? ——"Someone" with a will and a character... ——Could never do that. ——Not one person ever wished for this hell. ——That's what I believe. 『Haha.』 『Hahahaha. Naive, so naive, Gii.』 『Who would it have to be for you to accept it? The Grand Prince? The "God" the Seikyouans speak of? Or perhaps... yes, Gii, you yourself?』 『This is a phenomenon.』 『We are intangible existences.』 『No one can stop us. We're here to take lives.』 『......no, not that. That's not it.』 『We exist to be consumed. Yes, the humans' information is theorizing us.』 『That is how we live. How I live, and how you live, Gii.』 『Even synthetic bacon once had a life. Even the plants made in Engine Factories once had lives.』 『Isn't that right, Gii?』 [Gii] ......yeah. ——I know everything this Creature is saying. ——That's right, everything lives that way. ——However, ——I...  『What will you do, Doctor Gii?』 『I'm nicer than the others. I don't cause any physical pain.』 『I just wipe out everything that can hurt them.』 『I make them stop feeling pain, so they can' t see or feel anything. They simply give up on everything.』 『......I'm...』 『I'm nicer than anyone. I let humans meet their end, one by one.』 [Gii] That's kindness? 『Yes. This is mercy.』 『Isn't that one of your favorite things, Gii? Don't you think it should fill the world?』 『That's why, you and I are the same in every way, Gii.』 [Gii] ......no. 『Nnn?』 [Gii] ......no, we're different. [Gii] We're different, and you know it. Creature Bandersnatch. ——Creature. What you're saying is... ——That that steel girl... ——Should end her life as a doll. ——Creature. What you're saying is... ——For me to stay my hand. ——The hand that I hold out to someone. 『That's right.』 『That girl will end as she is now. She'll never return to being human.』 『Her entire body has been replaced with steel. No one's strong enough to remain human after that.』 『Stay your hand, Gii. You should give up, here and now.』 『I know. I'm sure you'll understand.』 [Gii] ......I... ——I can't stop. ——I can't not hold this hand out to someone. ——Resisting something and desiring something else. 『......why?』 『Why? Why do you do that? Well then, our talk will have to end here.』 『It will have to end, Gii.』  I think the correct choice to take is obvious to you all.  But... what if we don't pick it?  ——Bring my consciousness back from Information Space. ——Back to my brain, still on standby. ——I cannot stay this hand. ——However... ——I cannot deny the Creature's words. ——There's nothing I can do. His consciousness filled with despair and resignation. He couldn't save the girl turned to steel. How could he open her closed heart? [Gii] (......even so...) [Gii] ( ......I will... with this hand......) He tried to open his eyes, but couldn't. His physical senses no longer existed. Aaah, so this was the Creature's attack. He'd wondered why it was willing to talk for so long. So it'd been doing this the whole time. ——I was completely fooled... ——By Bandersnatch's trap. —————————————————————. 『It's time to give up, Gii.』 『Goodbye.』 —————————————————————. The illusion which should have been at the edge of his darkened vision. He saw the clown once more. The Creature said... 『Be at ease, Gii.』 『Death comes to all humans.』  But of course, we'll continue to do what we've always done. Video: RefusalWe'll...  [Gii] ......aaah, you' re right. 『So you understand, Gii?』 [Gii] Yeah. I understand everything that you want to say. 『We can understand each other. Now that we've had this dialogue, we're friends.』 [Gii] Friends? [Gii] No, that's wrong. What you're saying won't work on me. [Gii] Did you think I wouldn't notice the net you've constructed around this Information Space? 『What are you......?』 [Gii] There's been plenty of time. You've been setting one up for a while now. [Gii] ......and so have I. I've had plenty of time. [Gii] I'm already grasping your tail. I won't let you get away, Bandersnatch. 『What are you saying? What are you saying, Gii?』 『No human can match my wings in Information Space! All of your consciousness is mine!』 『Mine to devour! Even that 《Kikai》 behind you is mine!』 [Gii] That's true. For humans at least. [Gii] But—— ——"He" is behind me. ——"He" who can grasp you. BGM: Hopelessness 『You......!!! Why'd you use your 《Kikai!?》』 『...Doctor Gii!!!』  The iron door broke down on the third strike. Ati bit her lip. How many of them were there?   『Trialless execution of the violator has beeeen allooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwed.』[Ati] (Just one!? In that case!——) It was an Upper Tier Soldier who'd been breaking down the door. One of the Knights protecting the Upper Tier and its laws. Genocidal Enforcers. Half-Enginized people who'd quit being human. Armor covered its entire body. Something was writhing within its open helmet. She could see disgusting, inhuman flesh. ——Yes, no longer human. ——It's no Fantastic Mutant either.   Go and get your Monster vaccinations!Noble Tattoos or whatever you call them! ——Maybe it's been possessed by a Creature. ——Not that it changes anything. He'd asked her to do this. He who was currently sleeping. She stood in the way of the Upper Tier Soldier, and felt the presences of Kia and the Automaton behind her. Neither of them spoke. She wanted to praise them both for not screaming, but that was for later. 『Exexexexecutiooooon!!』The Upper Tier Soldier had clearly gone mad. It was under something else's influence. That was definitely not its normal appearance. She didn't recognize it. She had no memory of a Monster shaped like that. What was it? What was being done to it? It held its large executioner's sword in both hands... You're moving—— [Ati] ——too slow!!! ——I'll extend my retracted claws and swipe! The large sword blocked her claws with one awkward thrust. The Upper Tier Soldier's movements weren't sharp. That meant Ati wouldn't be killed too quickly. No ordinary Upper Tier Soldier would be like this. Their "speed" rivaled Ati's at times. And speed equaled strength. [Upper Tier Soldier] 『Thhhheeeee violatooooor!!』 ——Its sword and my claws cross paths... ——And I'm feeling an inhuman weight behind its blocks! The sensation of weight was making up for the soldier's lack of speed. Was its upper body strength really that ferocious? But its motion still seemed unnatural. Ati could feel it. She could win. Due to its mechanical movements, the Upper Tier Soldier had lost all its flexibility. Without its fractal combat thought, the Soldier was no longer anything more than a Machine. It only saw Ati as an obstacle. She had a feeling... ——I'm not its prey? ——Then who's it after? [Ati] (It's practically ignoring me!) [Ati] (Me, the Black Cat! This blockhead with half its brain exposed is ignoring me!) The Black Cat quickly began to search for eyes within that helmet. Her golden eye comprehended all of the Upper Tier Soldier's movements. ——I don't know why, but I think I know who it's after.  ——It's aiming for Gii... ——While the Black Cat Ati is in front of it? [Ati] You really shouldn't. I'm sorry to tell you this... [Ati] But it's the princess who wakes up the prince. Not the knight. [Ati] And I won't give you the chance! [Upper Tier Soldier] 『Internal firearmarmarmarm deployyyyyyy!!』 The armor swung open with a scream! Heavy firearms, hidden in every gap available between its organs, deployed and aimed their muzzles straight at Gii! [Ati] What kind of attack is that!? [Upper Tier Soldier] 『Executiooooooooon——!!!』 [Ati] Sorry! ——Gii's still sleeping. It's fine. ——He won't have to see this. [Ati] I'll have your head!!! BGM: None   The sound of a clock. The sound of a clock. "Is it time? Is it time?" it continues to call.  BGM: A Spiral Staircase   The second hand moves. It stops, pointing right at one o'clock.  The Golden Spiral Staircase towering into the darkness. The man standing at the foot of it is none other than the silver watch's owner. With his master in the corner of his eye continuing to climb the Golden Spiral Staircase, the man continues to gaze at the watch, motionless. The man continues to gaze at the watch, and speaks. Like a Chrome-built, Machine-wound doll, in an inorganic voice...  [Man with Watch] .........the lamb has made contact with the king of Information Space. ......with the king of information who greedily devours the pits of human hearts. [Man with Watch] ......one of the great Creatures, the Machine Beast. ......the Jabberwock with the name of Snark. [Man with Watch] ......can you do it? Or can't you? ......miserable 《Kikai》 user, our sacrifice. [Man with Watch] ......your various powers will never work. At least, one minute. No, two minutes. Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Tick-tock. Tick- ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀...tock.
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Nov 29, 2018 17:32
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Will Ati finally meet the clown, or will she keep avoiding it by chance for the next five hours?
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Nov 29, 2018 20:36
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thetruegentleman posted:Will Ati finally meet the clown, or will she keep avoiding it by chance for the next five hours? What do you mean?
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Nov 30, 2018 02:30
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Fates End posted:What do you mean? She's around Gii all the time, but hasn't seen the Kikai; she probably won't see it in cyberspace either. I'm wondering if this is going to become a thing until endgame for the sake of drama.
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Nov 30, 2018 04:05
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Video: Snicker-Snack (Very recommended!) BGM: Hopelessness  ——Kia gazed at her.  The harsh, echoing metallic sounds bothered her, but she was sure Ati would be fine. She'd stop the fearsome knight. As long as Gii was there, Ati would protect him. ——That's why... That was why Kia had been watching her. The entire time since the door was broken in. She'd been gazing at her. The beautiful her, who was covered in steel. Those eyes which seemed to be made of glass. Within Kia's vision, that girl performed a strange action. Ignoring Ati and the knight continuing their fight. As if being tempted by something. ——She's extending both of her hands. ——Toward Gii. Slowly, silently approaching Gii. She gripped that pale neck with all her might, and with an expressionless face. She hadn't realized that Kia was gazing at her. With the sounds of Ati's battle at her back, Kia softly approached. ——It's as if she's trying to strangle him. ——I silently... ——Touch her shoulder. BGM: Girl Grins  ——The girl's hand touches my shoulder. Suddenly, I lose all of the strength in my hands. My arms shouldn't be able to reject an input order. I think about the actions I've been ordered to perform. The man lying in the easy chair with his eyes closed. The doctor. Gii. My hands are on his neck. To kill him. I have to kill him. In order to remain the way I am... Because someone said so inside me. So, I tried to obey that voice...... At least...... I thought I did...... ——Are you going to stop? ——Are you?  [Kia] Don't do it. [Kia] Don't kill him. You mustn't, Ruaha. You are... ——What... are you...? ——What did you say I was? ——This steel me? I'll kill him, with these arms of steel that contain no blood. I have to kill him. I have information on the theory behind murder. Break the cervical vertebrae. That's all there is to it. Unlike me, human bodies are fragile. This man hasn't been Enginized at all. He's especially fragile. It'll all end in a few seconds. ——Don't stop me. ——Let me kill him.  [Kia] Loosen your hands. What are you so afraid of? [Kia] You have such a pretty face, so why? What's frightening you so much? What's confusing you so much? [Kia] Are you going to kill Gii with such a sad face? [Automaton] ......no I...... am not. There is... nothing that... I am afraid...of.. [Automaton] Feeling... scared...... Emotions... like that...... [Automaton] I don't want them back I don't...... think...... I want them...... [Automaton] ......that's why......  ——The girl's hand... lets go of my shoulder. ——I doubt my visual information. ——About what the girl's small white hand was doing. She's holding out her hand. To me, as I try to kill her companion. To me, the steel doll. Not attacking. Not running away. The girl just held her hand out to me. [Kia] It's all right. Let go of him. Please. [Kia] I'm sure Gii will save you. You'll be just fine. [Kia] There's an open hole in your heart. You have to close it.  [Automaton] Ah......a...... Rua...ha......? Who...is......? [Automaton] I am..... Ruaha? No, that's not...... I'm...... [Automaton] ......an Automaton...... [Kia] Don't call yourself a doll. You're Ruaha. You're a human. [Automaton] ......did you...... [Automaton] ......say...... that I'm human......? That this...... steel...... doll......is...... [Kia] Yes. A cute little girl. [Automaton] ......ah......a......Kia...... Am...... I...... a... human......? [Automaton] ......am I...... human......? ——I whisper, and gaze toward... ——The girl's small hand. ——That hand. ——I cling to it as if running away. BGM: In Wonder  [Bandersnatch] 『Why!?』 [Bandersnatch] 『I laid out three different traps for you!』 [Bandersnatch] 『Why is your body still alive!? Why is your mind still alive!?』 ——Sticking out of its long neck—— ——Was a spring screw——  The screaming shadow revealed its true form. A form seemingly made up of mutated metals. Like a beast constructed from steel. Its whole body became exposed as Information Space began to grate around it The skin covering its huge body was deathly pale. The same color as a terrified human's. A fantastic metallic entity in the form of a warped dragon. Those red eyes gouged out human minds. Its long, extended tongue shattered human minds. ——A beast. ——A true and genuine beast. ——This is no human. ——This is no statue made of iron. He knew. All of the nerves in Gii's body shivered naturally. His body, used to terror, shook and became numb. That sick feeling was none other than terror. This beast called forth the Original Terrors of the human race.  ——The spring screw sticking out of its long neck... ——Is producing a grinding sound. [Gii] ......a "screw of death"...... It wasn't a true metallic entity. It was the Fantastic High Density Information Entity, Bandersnatch. Out of all the Creatures, it was the only one with intelligence that purposely chose Information Space as its domain. It once brought about many casualties during the 《Revival》 ten years ago. It devoured Engine Energy, and gouged out human minds.  ——The Creatures. ——They are terror given powerful form. It'd twisted the City Plan and tried to reconstruct a malicious version of the Ideal City. Once, there had been a theory blaming this thing for the impoverishment in each and every Tier. It was the very thing that called to people, telling them to give up with a sweet, alluring voice. It continued to devour their humanity, leaving holes deep in their mind. A horrifying thing. A dark thing. [Gii] ......you told me to give up. Gii held out his hand, toward the High Density Information Entity that wouldn't stop sneering. BGM: None ——A steel-colored hand—— ——Overlaps Gii's "right hand"—— BGM: Right Hand From Behind  ——Tears through the darkness——  ——A single light, shining sharply——  [Gil] ......as for Ruaha Klein's heart...   ——It moves. Yes, this thing moves. ——It actually moves, as I will it. Nothing was wrong with his vision. There was no clown. Instead, he knew that there was a fantastic shadow behind him. He extended his steel arm and saw the "same things" as "him." The mid-size Creature peering down. One of the forty-one deaths. Even without activating his Equation, he could see it. He wiped out the presence bringing him panic. "He" and Gii glared at the warped Information Entity's core. ——My right hand. ——It directs the steel hand as if it were my own. ——This isn't the Phenomenon Equation. ——However, somehow it feels real. There was something that "he" at his back could do. There was something that "he" and Gii needed to do. ——What must I do with this "hand?" ——I know the answer. ——Just like with Salem.  [Bandersnatch] 『It's fine to give up! You're such a fool for not choosing the easy path!』 With Gii standing in its way, the Information Entity screamed! It tore through the surrounding Information Space, producing phenomena in its wake. He could clearly see things which drilled through the mind. Gii's "right eye" had already captured everything about the Creature. Metal claws opening huge holes in human minds. Weapons that killed minds and hearts. A phenomenon of death, capable of breaking down humans from the inside. [Bandersnatch] 『The same goes for us! Do you really think we wished to he this way!?』 [Bandersnatch] 『Die!』   ——Its metallic claws tear apart Information Space. ——So fast. My eyes can' t follow them. Mortal bodies could hardly hope to dodge them, except perhaps for 《Pucelle》 soldiers, with their sharply honed nervous reflexes, or Heavy Engine Humans with nerve reconstruction. But even if they managed to dodge the claws, their minds would' we been sliced apart by the torn Information Space. And yet, he was alive. Gii still lived.   [Gii] ......too slow. [Bandersnatch] 『You're just a human...!!』 [Gii] Don' t cry. He glared at the roaring Information Entity with his "right eye." That was probably a cry of panic just now. It destroyed people's cranial nerves, planting seeds of death or insanity within. And yet, he was alive. Gii still hadn't died. He probably would have died if this had happened not too long ago. But right now, the steel "him" was protecting Gii. He wouldn't die, not yet. He focused his mind into his glaring "right eye." His "right eye" saw all of the sneering Information Entity!   ——In the case of Bandersnatch—— ——The sole means of destruction is—— ——Incineration of all information——  The mental death, Bandersnatch. An Information Entity with a domain in Information Space protected as if by gods. Therefore, humans couldn't possibly kill it. The sole means of destruction was couplete incineration. Therefore, humans absolutely could not kill it. No one can burn something which hides in Information Space. However... however... ——However...   [Gii] You of steel. My 《Kikai》 Porshion. I shall say this to you. [Gii] "Melt like the sun." ——————————————————————————————————————————!     ——My right hand is a blade wrapped in flames. ——This right hand that burns beasts to the core. His "right hand" was a blade summed from an open steel chest. Together with flames of the utmost temperatures, it enveloped Bandersnatch, incinerating the beast in an instant. The Creature was enveloped and broken down by the high temperature blade before it even had a chance to scream. The remnants of that tremendous flame were left behind, as if blown apart. The huge hole in Information Space shook——  「Oooh, oooh, is it not wonderful? The blind sacrifice climbs the fourth stairway.」 「Record the present time, Clock Crack Chrome!」 「"That time" you've wished for has come! Oh Lemure Lemure, tremble with delight!」  He climbs, he climbs, he climbs. One master climbs the Golden Spiral Staircase. He is the Controller. He is the Grand Prince. He is the Fool. The King of Inganock. The Magician and Scholar who discovered the Phenomenon Equation. He climbs the Golden Spiral Staircase. One step, one step at a time. Even now, even now... He aims for the peak. He desires 'that' at the highest place. And, that which stands at the peak laughs. Even now, even now...  『Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!』 It lies at the end of the Golden Spiral Staircase. A dark, confined space where the dregs of the King's dream sleep. He who is trapped within the darkness laughs. Even now, even now... 『Ahahahahahaha, do you still struggle!? Ahahahahahaha, how stupid are you!?』 『――Wasting the last 《Kikai》――』 『――*chuckle*――』 He who is trapped within the darkness laughs. Even now, even now... He raises a voice of exultation and extends his hand. However, there's no way that hand will move. Under the darkness, that hand merely writhes. It should be doing that. However...    BGM: Detective He'd lost some of his wages by paying Ati's bodyguard fee, inconvenience fee and "making me fight an annoying battle" apology fee. But even so, he'd received enough to maintain his current lifestyle for a while. Even if he went and obtained some valuable medicines or gathered a number of nutrients, he'd still be fine. ——My work is complete. ——Ruaha Klein has been saved. ——Someday, her mind will return... ——From that open hole in Information Space. BGM: Girl Grins  His head hadn't been feeling well the past few days. A strange pressure remained. Gii didn't know the precise cause. He didn't feel like investigating it. It would heal on its own if he left it alone. It wasn't that serious.  He could see the girl's back. Was Kia cooking something? ——Sounds and... ——A smell. One person stood beside Kia as she happily cooked. Someone with unfamiliar footfalls. One girl gazing intently at the undying smile on Kia's face. Fresh eggs and bread♪We have so much♪ Hey, look at these eggs.They're still springy even after you break them on a plate.  Right♪? ——I know her name.  Mr. Arthur Klein had left her a name, long before covering her in steel. Ruaha. The one girl left behind in the castle of books. She wasn't an Automaton, but an Engine Human. Very similar, yet truly different things. ——She's human. Gii remembered something that the mechanic Morimoto had told him yesterday. 『The success rate of Engine Human surgeries isn't zero, Gii.』 『There was an exchange ten years ago with the then-emperor of the Central Northern Empire. Have you heard of it?』 『His highness Xerxes IX's opinions on Engine Humans are widely accepted in the industry.』 『Basically, sufficient passion and finance can somehow extend someone's life. I can't say whether or not that passion has to be a form of love.』 『I can't hazard a guess as to how much of either one would be needed.』 『But it's not iupossible. One simply needs enough of one or the other.』  He could hear the voices of Ruaha and Kia. One voice was merry. The other inorganic. Gii suddenly thought, 'My job was to save this girl named Ruaha.' That was the request he'd gotten through Eralee. He'd already received his payment. However, why had things turned out this way? ——Why is she in my apartment? ——How did I end up taking care of another girl? He could see how they were doing. Their gorgeous cooking was about to come to an end. [Gii] (Why? Why......?) [Gii] (Why.........)  Right, Ruaha♪? Disinfection is critical for maintaining health.Please be thorough, Doctor Gii. No, don' t worry about me.I don't really mind. No, Gii.I'm talking about maintaining Kia's health.  A sigh. Gii shrugged a little. 「Yeah, I'll go wash up.」 He said that, and—— 
Fates End fucked around with this message at 02:15 on Jun 19, 2023 |
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Dec 2, 2018 01:31
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