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- Initial boot successful
- Timestamped 4/20/1999 10:16:39...
- Researcher with a tie: The boot process was successful...
- Researcher with a tie: This happens every time, but I'm never sure...what to say to them first...
- Untidy Researcher: You mean like a greeting? There's no need for...that They're just machines
- Two humans within visual range
- Both male
- Searching for voiceprint and visual matches...
- Personnel identified as research staff
- Not hostile targets...
- Researcher with a tie: But things like that might affect the...performance of these models...
- Untidy Researcher: Because they have a mind?
- Untidy Researcher: Their "emotions" and things are completely...faked... it's no different than an AI...It can't possibly be that sensitive
- Scanning for key words in conversation
- Running logical analysis
- Cross-referencing with related data
- Current conversation topic is not orders...
- Researcher with a tie: Well, until we rule it out completely,...we should at least be kind to them...
- Untidy Researcher: ...So you say...
- Untidy Researcher: All right, from this moment on, you will be...registered as Candidate Unit #031 Please...repeat your number back to me
- Confirming first order
- Initializing unit number
- Output via voice requested
- Activating voice synthesis module
- Accepting input...
- Unit #031: ...Unit #031...
- Researcher with a tie: Hm...? Did its pronunciation sound a little...odd to you?
- Untidy Researcher: You're worrying too much Let's hurry up and...haul it out
- Receiving action plan through console
- Combat test against others of same unit
- Test commencing immediately after entering shock-resistant chamber within the lab
- Frame stored within cage for transport
- Beginning transport...
- Female Researcher: Ah, so this is the one I've been waiting...to see it in action
- Transport complete
- Cage reopened
- New human found
- Searching for voiceprint and visual matches...
- Personnel also identified as research staff
- Female
- Cutting connection to outside data supply
- Connection offline
- Commencing cable disconnection...
- Female Researcher: Now, try getting up
- Order confirmed
- "Get up"
- Initiating motion synchronization engines for motor functions
- Accepting input
- Safety limiters active
- Balance control gyros functional
- Overall movement systems functional...
- Female Researcher: This model's loaded with a nearly pure form...of that crystal... I can't wait to see what...kind of results it gets...
- Untidy Researcher: Unit #031, can you hear me?
- Untidy Researcher: Confirm your surroundings Tell us any...abnormalities you're feeling in your...sensors or any other functions
- Order confirmed
- Beginning simple self-diagnostic
- Temperature, humidity, pressure, air composition, lumens, sound all within normal levels
- Visual data within expected color spectrum
- All systems functional...
- Female Researcher: The readouts seem fine Monitoring system is fully...operational...
- Untidy Researcher: Okay, we're going to test your performance...inside the battle chamber now...U
- ntidy researchermkbWhen you hear the buzzer, consider everything...that moves an enemy and eliminate them
- Order confirmed
- Awaiting the signal to begin the test
- Exit confirmed to be sealed
- Room shape: approximately cylindrical
- Height: approximately 11 meters
- Area: approximately 7 meters square
- High-energy light sources found on outer wall
- Assumed to be be fire-resistant and bulletproof...
- Untidy researcher mkbSorry to do this just after you've woken up,...but it'll be good to put you through your paces
- Release of facing hatch detected
- Mobile objects intruding into chamber
- Seven objects in total
- Scanning for visual matches
- Analysis: Nonhuman
- Confirmed as same-model units of humanoid weapons
- Hostile markers confirmed
- Classifying as hostile units
- Releasing safety limiters
- Battle limit now set at 70%
- Exits confirmed resealed
- Test commencement signal received
- Targets: hostile humanoid weapons
- Commencing battle
- All targets eliminated
- Hostile units no longer capable of motion
- Test termination signal received
- Battle complete...
- Female researcher mkcThat was better than we could have hoped for...
- Researcher with a tie: H-Hey, what's with all the bodies!? You made...it fight that many on its first time!?
- Untidy researcher mkbDon't worry, it did great This is a new high score...for the first battle results...
- Female researcher mkcWell done, Unit #031 Stand by for...further instruction
- Order confirmed
- Exiting test chamber
- Beginning transport to maintenance room
- Resetting safety limiters
- Taking seat in maintenance chair...
- Female Researcher: We're done testing, but there's still one thing...left to do today...
- Female Researcher: I'm going to temporarily shut down your optics...Can you close your eyes?
- Order confirmed
- Shuttering optic inputs
- Connecting cables
- Online confirmed
- Switching a portion of data supply to outside source...
- Untidy Researcher: We're going to transfer the data from the...destroyed units into your memory...
- Untidy Researcher: Run a diagnostic check while we're doing it...and report any malfunctions Understood?
- Order confirmed
- Readying self-diagnostic
- ......
- ......
- Initiating data transfer
- Initiating Personality Module link
- Initiating diagnostic of transferred data and sorting procedures
- Sector 001: Close combat control data
- Will investigate improvement of tactical patterns through synthesis and acquisition of data
- Dividing into categories for sorting
- Sector 002: Evasive action control data
- Will investigate improvement of tactical patterns through synthesis and acquisition of data
- Dividing into categories for sorting
- Sector 003: Non-battle data
- Error Excluding
- Sector 004: Non-battle data
- Error Excluding
- Sector 005: Battle-related data
- What could these be?
- Momentary disruption of data from visual information stream
- A room that is not this place
- Outdoor scenery thought to be at night
- Also scenes of multiple units of the same type gathering outside of the battle chamber
- Could these be memories?
- Visual memories?
- They are obviously unrelated to the mission
- Why have apparently purposeless memories have been preserved this long?
- 20 to 40% of the informational data extracted from all seven units are confirmed to be such information
- Incomprehensible
- What is this?
- Untidy Researcher: Anything to report?
- Cables disconnected
- Time elapsed during data transfer: approximately five minutes
- Reopening optic inputs Calibrating servos...
- Untidy Researcher: All right then, Unit #031 Give us a simple...report of today's battle results
- Order confirmed
- Delivering oral report of test results...
- Unit #031: This was the first test battle against others...of my model Seven units destroyed Below 15%...damage sustained...
- Unit #031: Don't seem to be any problems...
- Untidy Researcher: Hm? Was that...?
- Unusual expression detected from research staff
- Facial recognition library indicates surprise...
- Unit #031: Hm? Did I say somethin' funny?
- Female Researcher: Does it... have an accent?
- Unit #031: Ac...cent? Do you not understand the words...comin' outta my mouth?
- Female Researcher: No, we do, but...
- Researcher with a tie: See, I wasn't hearing things! The unit's speech really...is peculiar!
- Untidy Researcher: Ow... you don't need to yell...
- Researcher with a tie: Is the language interface not set to default?...Yeesh... if we'd known this, we would've...reset it in advance...
- Untidy Researcher: The base's personality might be coming out...I wouldn't be surprised if some of the...volunteers were from the Kansai area...
- Female Researcher: But it just woke up Would it be exhibiting such...distinct mannerisms this early...?
- Researcher with a tie: It may be the effect of an enlarged Plume...of Dusk, the basis of their "mind" Perhaps...it's accelerating their personality development
- Exchange of opinions taking place on unexplained aberrance in speech pattern
- Hypothesis offered that language interface settings fall outside expected result
- Review of recent conversation does reveal certain discrepancies
- Internal monologue is within expected patterns, but oral output induces anomalies
- Anomalies not affecting meaning No impediments to communication predicted...
- Female Researcher: But I don't want to waste this feedback data...Those are the best results we've ever seen!
- Untidy Researcher: Leave it, it'll be fine It can understand...us, anyway This is just one of those things...that makes science interesting...
- Researcher with a tie: *sigh* There you go again... This unit is going...to be communicating with the others What if...this effect spreads...?
- Researcher with a tie: Not only that, but because this is an anomaly,...it doesn't seem to have a 100% accurate...accent either...
- Female Researcher: But if it has a personality, that might speed...up the development of its mind...
- Untidy Researcher: She's right
- The three researchers are standing around the maintenance chair
- Each holds a tablet and examines the display on the chair...
- Untidy Researcher: All right, Unit #031 We'll explain things...from the top
- Voice pattern consistent with research staff...
- Untidy Researcher: You are a weapon created to fight against unique...enemies Therefore, your combat performance is...prioritized over all else...
- Untidy Researcher: But in order for you to use a particular...ability, you've been given a certain...amount of "awareness"
- Untidy Researcher: That makes your performance difficult to...quantify So we've been pitting test units against...each other as a selective growth process...
- Untidy Researcher: It's all in the service of achieving higher...performance We don't want to waste any...Plumes of Dusk
- Accessing archives
- Search term: "Plume of Dusk"
- One match found
- A crystalline substance at the core of "personality modules"
- Its name derives from its thin, platelike shape, resembling a shed bird's feather
- In addition to its circuit-like structure, it has an unnatural vital reaction in response to external stimulus
- Similar to a living thing, yet different
- It is thought to exist in a state between mind and matter, mass and information The details are unknown
- There are 12 other subheadings classified under level 7 clearance
- Access denied
- Matter interpreted as the core of personality modules...
- Untidy Researcher: But regardless of your ego, there is one rule...you must abide by...
- Untidy Researcher: You might as well think of it as an order
- One rule to abide by
- Awaiting order...
- Untidy Researcher: The only order is to destroy everything we...identify as enemies and to emerge victorious...
- Untidy Researcher: Though your ego will give you some flexibility...when planning tactics, there is no need to...think about extraneous side issues...
- Untidy Researcher: Use everything you have to win a fight...That's all you need to concentrate on
- Order confirmed...
- Unit #031: Understood
- "Destroy identified enemies and emerge victorious"
- A clear order
- It is consistent with the role of a weapon
- No abnormalities
- Everything is clear
- Underwent maintenance on the chair after the test battle
- Post-reboot diagnostics showed status normal The time was 19:00
- Research staff set new activity cycle
- All units return to standby condition at 09:00
- Units will remain on standby at regular intervals between tests until 17:00
- Maintenance and setup will take place until 19:00
- Afterwards, time is allowed to be spent in the outdoor area of the grounds
- On returning, enter standby mode within the cage
- Instructions are to repeat these actions until unable to continue
- The next item on the new schedule is to spend time in the outdoor area
- Parameters of "spending time" unknown
- Hypothesize that the meaning is to remain on standby and wait for time to pass
- Hypothesis unnecessary
- The schedule must be followed Exiting building
- Outdoor area reached
- Light levels limited due to time of day Many trees still visible in the environment
- It is almost entirely consistent with known data from the off-limits area
- The ground is different from the laboratory's artificial flooring The soil is exposed
- Various natural plants are here
- A certain amount of time must be "spent" here
- The intention may be to heighten basic response capabilities in the natural world
- Others of the same unit can be seen stepping into the central area
- Reassessing the surroundings on various spectra
- Unlike the combat test, no hostile unit markers detected
- Hypothetical: In combat under current conditions, what tactics would be effective?
- I reassess the surroundings as a combat environment I assign value to various geographical features
- I survey the topography on the outskirts of the environment I detect unusual movement in one unit
- Other units are also surveying the environment But this unit is crouched while holding something in its right hand
- I do not deem this unit's unusual action to be a threat
- I approach it in order to make inquiries...
- Unit #031: ......
- Upon my approach, the unit turns around and stands...
- Same unit typetfIt's a pleasure meeting you...
- I process this statement
- Its conversational gambit is unexpected I find no prepared response in my libraries...
- Unit #031: You mean like how this is our first encounter?...In that case, yeah...
- Unit #031: What're you doing here?
- Same unit typetfI've never heard your accent before...It's intriguing...
- Unit #031: They said stuff 'bout my... accent too, earlier...Do I really talk that funny?
- Same unit typetfI wouldn't say it's strange It was just...surprising
- The unit looks over again and then speaks quietly to something in its right hand
- I examine what it holds
- It is an organism
- Its body is covered in white fur...
- Unit #031: What's that thing?Same unit typetfIt's a dog It must have wandered in
- Organism's parameters are consistent with accessed data on "dog"
- Its size does not present a threat
- The search of its specific breed is canceled...
- Unit #031: A dog...
- The unit turns its gaze back...
- Same unit typetfMy unit number is 024 I wouldn't call it my...name, but that's how they refer to me...
- Unit #024: What's yours?
- Question difficult to process Conversational subject of names is newly introduced...
- Unit #031: I'm Unit #031...
- Unit #024: They're up to the thirties? I see......That must mean they are finally creating...units loaded with full-sized ones
- The dog barks
- A scan of the surroundings shows several units turning to investigate All units ignore it and look away...
- Unit #024: This one wants to say hello, too...
- Unit #031: It does...? You can understand what dogs say?
- Unit #024: Kind of After carefully comparing its mannerisms...and slight variances in its barking, I just...figured it out
- Its right hand pats the dog's head while its left scratches the dog's neck
- #024 continues to make various forms of contact with the dog
- #024's actions are consistent with styles of communication
- Hypothesis: The objective of "spending time" in this area is to develop communicative skills
- Conversing with others of the same unit and refining communication will enhance cooperative tactics
- Counterpoint:
- No value detected in communicating with organisms not of same unit, or human...
- Unit #031: What's the point in doing that with a dog...?
- Unit #024: The point? There isn't one, I suppose
- "There is no point"
- Unexpected response strongly indicates that #024 is not like other units...
- Unit #024: Are you interested in what I'm doing, though?
- Interested?
- Is there interest involved?
- It seems to be the case
- Unsure of purpose of earlier question to #024
- Why ask it?
- Aural sensors detect electric noise
- Recognized as pseudoinformation involving no sound waves yet perceived as sound data
- It is the alarm signaling the end of this activity
- All other units begin moving as one towards the building
- #024 speaks to the dog it cradles...
- Unit #024: Sounds like that's all the time we have today...I need to get back...
- #024 crouches while petting the dog's fur-covered body and releases it onto the ground
- #024 stands up again and turns around...
- Unit #024: I hope to see you again
- #024's expression changes as it says this
- This movement of the lips is known as a "smile"
- It is shown when humans experience happiness
- Contradiction: #024 is a weapon, yet it makes that expression No hypothesis found
- Or...
- Is there "no point" to it as well?
- Spare cognitive processes rerouted to analysis
- Still...
- I can not understand it
- The next day
- After being released from standby, I am assigned to a test battle against others of my unit, as yesterday
- Order confirmed
- I am taken to the same chamber The battle commences
- I destroy the other three units and sustain little damage
- As I wait there, the researchers come in
- All have what seems to be high praise for my abilities
- I do not understand how I should react to this
- Should I give an expression of "joy"?
- As #024 did?
- The researchers crouch next to the units I destroyed and begin work on them
- I think back and recall that they underwent this process yesterday as well
- I am curious I approach them
- They open a slit near the unit's neck and use tweezers to remove a bluish-white, platelike object It shines
- They put the object into a petri dish
- That distinct shine, neither strong nor weak, is like...
- No similarities found...
- I am sure it is similar to something, but I cannot access the relevant memory...
- Untidy Researcher: Well, let's get right to the feedback on...today's battle
- As I sit in the maintenance chair, they connect a cable to me
- The cable terminates at the midsection of a large device where petri dishes from earlier are placed
- There are a total of three
- Each contains a bluish-white platelike object...U
- nit #031 la...What's that?
- The researcher's expression subtly changes
- She is surprised It only lasts for a moment before it fades...
- Female Researcher: This is a Plume of Dusk Each of the units...you destroyed had one inside them...
- Female Researcher: These are much smaller than the one...installed in you, though
- I comprehend
- This is a "Plume of Dusk," installed in me too
- This unknown substance forms the core of my personality module
- I was aware of its existence, but this is my first time seeing it
- These are the three personality cores of the units I destroyed
- They contain not only combat data, but memories and experiences
- It is not long before the extracted data download begins
- I sort for the data relevant to enhancing battle performance and incorporate it into my own
- The process takes much less time than the initial transfer from yesterday
- During that time, I recall what took place last night
- There are cases where non-combat data is being preserved
- Such memories are included in this download as well
- Visual memories of the outdoors at night...
- Memories very similar to that were in yesterday's download too
- Probably from time spent in the outdoors area
- The units I destroyed seem to have assigned these memories the same priority as combat data
- Why, though...?
- It is effective in learning communicative skills, but that is lower priority than combat The visual element preserved here is irrelevant
- Wait...
- Hypothesis: the units I destroyed had their own priorities and values other than executing orders and performing in battle...
- This line of thought leads to a realization
- This thought process I am undergoing right now...
- It is not executing an order Nor is it contributing to battle performance
- I once again look towards the "Plume of Dusk" inside the petri dish
- Something almost exactly like it is installed in me
- Then...
- Were the destroyed units thinking along similar lines as mine until yesterday?
- I feel a twinge within me
- It is different from detecting an error or interference
- What is this...?
- ...I have no answer
- My second night of spending time in the outdoor area came
- It started approximately 30 minutes later than yesterday, but there was very little variance in weather and temperature The difference is trivial
- The night sky has the same soft brightness
- The wind and the trees are no different
- Without understanding why, I initiate a data search regarding the tree that catches my eye
- I learn that this tree varies slightly from specimens of its kind found in natural forests
- Though this topography seems natural, it may be cultivated and managed by the facility
- I decide to traverse the outskirts as I did yesterday
- It is not long before a familiar unit comes into view
- There is no need to run a scan for visual matches
- I know that it is Unit #024
- #024's left side is turned towards me It is sitting on a large rock
- When I approach, #024 notices me and turns around...
- Unit #024: Are you looking for something?
- #024 initiates conversation...
- Unit #031: Huh? Who, me?
- Unit #024: I just wondered if you were looking for me...I did express a hope yesterday that we would...meet again, after all
- I was looking for #024?
- It's true I may have been
- I began walking the same route as yesterday, but once #024 came into view, I changed course to approach
- I may have been searching for #024 in this area
- Did I desire to reunite with #024?
- Why?
- I am silent due to lack of an explanation #024 smiles again
- A smile...
- What was the cause of that expression this time?
- I do not comprehend
- ...Like so many other things...
- Unit #024: Would you like to sit with me? This rock is...large enough to accommodate us both...
- Unit #031: ......
- Unit #024: It would be more relaxing than standing...
- Unit #031: ...Thanks
- I sit in the offered space and gaze at the same scenery #024 is looking at...
- Unit #031: Can I ask you something?
- Unit #024: Hm? What is it?
- I decide to voice the doubt I experienced during the combat test today
- In my limited experience, #024 has a better comprehension of such matters...
- Unit #031: Do... other units think about stuff that doesn't...have to do with fighting and missions?
- Unit #024: Do you have such thoughts?
- Unit #031: ...To tell you the truth, I can't really say...Feels like I do, though...
- #024 is silent for a duration before speaking again...
- Unit #024: Units of our model are all given a mind...It's so that we can eventually develop what...is called an "ego"
- Unit #024: The reason our appearance closely resembles that...of humans is related It's to foster self-...awareness similar to a human's...
- Unit #024: Have you not been told about Personas?
- Unit #031: Personas...?
- The word is unknown to me
- Accessing archives
- Searching for "Persona"...
- Over 1000 headings found
- I must filter the results further
- Which subject is #024 referring to...?
- I am silent as I think #024 smiles again and resumes the conversation...
- Unit #024: It's an ability expected of us that normal...weapons don't have The conditions to use one...are theoretically already loaded in us...
- Unit #024: But a well-defined "ego" seems to be...necessary to activate it
- I am already aware that we have been given a "mind"
- Today I saw for myself the part that forms our personalities
- Is its activation triggered by development of communicative skills?
- I still do not have a good grasp on it
- Though...
- #024 continues to speak...
- Unit #024: That's why I'm sure there are others with...thoughts that do not pertain to missions
- ...That would seem to be the case...
- Unit #031: Then... maybe those I've fought up 'til now...
- #024 trains its gaze on me...
- Unit #024: And... how does that make you feel?
- Unit #024: The opponents you destroyed may have thought...similar things to what you just did...
- Do I... "feel" things?
- I cannot say for sure
- I am unable to respond to the question
- #024's expression changes again
- The expression could be classified as a smile But it is subtly different from the ones I have catalogued as experiencing before
- Mixed with the "joy" and "gladness" of previous smiles, this one contains a slight hint of...
- ..."Sorrow"?
- Unit #024: Haha... it's okay You don't need to come up...with an answer right now...
- Unit #024: It actually may be better to forget it...
- Unit #024: After all, tomorrow we may find ourselves...ordered to destroy each other...
- Unit #031: ......
- Once again, I detect a twinge inside from hearing #024's statement
- It's similar to what I sensed during the data transfer today
- What is it that wavers inside me?
- I am about to be lost in thought again...
- But as if to prevent that from happening, the signal for our schedule shift echoes in each of our ears...
- Unit #024: ...It's time I hope we meet again
- As #024 quietly stands up, I detect an expression I have come to know...
- Another smile
- It appears as if #024 is adopting these smooth changes in expression naturally and not deliberately
- I wonder if I will eventually be able to do the same
- Another night passes Another combat test takes place the next day
- Just as scheduled, I face units flagged as enemies within the test chamber
- I am overwhelmed with a strange sensation
- The way that my opponents are expressionless now seems strange to me
- There is no intent or cognition evident in their faces They wear no expressions
- They are blank
- There is nothing wrong with them
- That would be my normal assessment, but...
- I recall #024's image
- The blankness of these faces and #024's face when it had no expression are different somehow
- Even when #024 had no particular expression, it was not this blank Not every portion of that face was neutral
- Further analysis shows that the same is true for humans
- The researchers are never completely mechanical and expressionless
- I look at the hostile-flagged units again
- They are the same unit type as me
- They were given a mind and may potentially develop an "ego" later
- I recall #024's statement again
- "Do you feel something when you destroy an opponent that may be thinking the same things as you...?"
- I am on the verge of entering a long train of thought when the enemy moves
- I shake off my doubts to focus on the battle
- I study the opponent's movements
- I formulate the most efficient method of damaging it
- I execute the method
- Over and over
- The array of actions I have to select from and my flexibility in linking them will decide the outcome
- Having already received ten units' worth of downloaded data, I am likely second to none regarding the scope of possibilities in this respect
- At times, I can even anticipate their next action
- Since my opponents are the same unit type as me
- Their tactics are determined using the same thought processes as mine
- That's right...
- They think the same things as me...
- ......
- ......
- Eventually, after approximately four minutes pass, all opponents are silenced
- I successfully executed my mission
- The day after that, I achieved victory in the combat test with the same efficiency
- It is easy to eliminate them
- I first begin by targeting their weapons
- It is not always necessary to destroy their main body
- If they are incapable of resisting further, the battle is over It is the most effective way
- I win the next day And the day after that
- Units geared for close combat with no external weapons give me no choice but to damage their chassis...
- But even then, there is an order to things
- If I destroy parts that present a threat, such as the motor functions of their limbs, the match should be considered as won
- Soon afterwards, the buzzer signaling the end of the test echoes, just as I expect
- I catch myself rushing over to the unit collapsed on the ground
- I have only destroyed the unit's arms and legs It is still conscious
- But I realize I do not know its unit number I am at a loss how to address the unit
- The opponent asks me a question then that I did not expect...
- Same unit type opponentYou seemed to deliberately avoid attacking...the face or the neck in that battle...
- Same unit type opponentWhy?
- Unit #031: Huh...?
- I am momentarily at a loss for words
- What the unit says is true There is no damage to its face
- I review my actions during the battle and find that at no point did I attack its neck either
- The cranial region is where the Plume of Dusk is housed If it is destroyed in any type of unit, that unit will fall
- Aiming to disarm an opponent is effective, but would targeting this obvious weakness be a more efficient tactic...?
- I... avoided doing so...?
- Unit #031: I... dunno...
- The researchers enter the chamber and hide the unit from my field of vision
- I could not determine whether my last words had an effect on the opponent's expression or not...
- Untidy Researcher: These past three days, it hasn't been destroying...the other units beyond repair, like it did in the...first battle...
- Researcher with a tie: It must be learning to finesse its attacks...rather than just using brute force...
- Researcher with a tie: The result: swift, overwhelming victories...
- Female Researcher: Its evasive skills are improving as well...
- Female Researcher: That level of flexibility in evasive action...could never be replicated by chaining...predefined maneuvers...
- Untidy Researcher: This unit's collected a good amount of...feedback data, too It's growing steadily,...feeding on the bones of its kills...
- Researcher with a tie: You don't have to say it like that...
- The researchers are preparing for the download
- Growing...
- Destroying them and absorbing their data...
- That's what growing is...?
- Since I thoroughly destroyed few of my opponents these last few days, some of their bodies were salvaged
- While I downloaded their data, I always kept their still bodies within view
- Just as the combat tests are repeated, my actions outside each night are repeated as well
- I become aware that I am seeking out #024 of my own will lately
- When I attempt to communicate with other units, most often they cannot understand the meaning of my questions This prevents us from conversing
- But that may not be the only reason
- I want to converse with #024
- I have begun to desire it
- When I go to see #024, the white dog I saw on the first day we met appears from somewhere...
- Unit #024: This one seems to have been raised as a pet...somewhere far away from here...
- Unit #024: But one day, it was brought to the forest near...here and its owner suddenly disappeared
- It seems unlikely that #024 obtained such a detailed history of a stray animal from the research staff
- Was all this information obtained by communicating directly with the animal?
- From a dog that does not speak human language?
- Unit #024: Its name is apparently Snowy At least,...that's the name it responds to the most...
- Unit #031: I thought it was a dog...
- Unit #024: Oh, well, the name of this animal is a dog,...but... how do I put this... Snowy is what...this specific dog is called...
- Unit #031: Snowy...
- Snowy barks once as if comprehending its name...
- Unit #031: It's white, like snow Easy to remember
- When I reach out my hand, Snowy rubs its nose against it without being frightened
- The way it presses at my fingers feels as if it is showing pride in its name
- I do not know the tactical advantage that communicating with animals offers to a weapon
- But I feel that there is value in spending time with it
- I decide to spend my outdoor activity time that day following Snowy around with #024
- It is outdoor activity time on the next night
- When I arrive in the outdoor area, I am listening to a certain sound
- I hear this sound intermittently every four to seven seconds
- I had wondered about the unknown ambient sound since the first day, but I determined that it wasn't a threat and focused my consciousness on other things
- Tonight, I increase my microphone sensitivity to maximum and concentrate on that sound
- It is similar to something familiar
- I scan my memories until I realize what it is
- It is the sound of water I hear it when the staff uses a device to clean their hands and tools
- The waveform has some similarities to that
- But if the sound is at this volume in such a open space, the volume of water must be higher than a normal supply would allow for
- What could it be...?
- I contemplate asking #024
- It is clear that #024 knows much more than I do
- I begin walking in search of #024
- Where could #024 be...?
- I go to where we spoke a number of times previously, but #024 is not there
- #024 is also not at the rock where we sat together
- Is #024 not here?
- I quickly discard the possibility
- We are not ordered what to do while we are here But coming to this outdoor area is an order
- If post-testing diagnostics show no abnormalities, we are all to report directly here
- I consider this
- "If there are no abnormalities"
- I feel a twinge in my chest It is larger than ever
- #024 will be here if there are no abnormalities
- But what if there were such abnormalities?
- What if #024 was damaged during the combat tests?
- And sustaining damage is not necessarily the extent of the problem
- Could it be...?
- I realize that my arms are trembling slightly
- It is not a conscious movement I cannot make it stop
- It is possible that...
- Perhaps #024 lost in a combat test and was destroyed
- In these circumstances, it would be expected for such a day to come
- What if #024...
- What if she...
- ...never came here again?
- Unit #024: Oh, this is where you went You weren't at the...usual spot, so I was looking for you
- Until I heard the voice from behind me, my sensors had stopped accepting input
- No sound No light Nothing
- All of them come back online with her voice
- I turn around
- #024 furrows her brow and looks into my face...
- Unit #024: What's wrong? The look on your face seemed...as if you saw something frightening...
- Unit #031: My face? My... expression?
- Unit #031: Frightening... Am I... scared?
- I do not comprehend
- I cannot make that judgement...
- Unit #024: Are you, perhaps, scared of fighting?
- Unit #031: Mmm... nah, I don't think that's it...
- Unit #031: What is this...? I can't tell...
- Am I scared?
- Scared of what?
- That she will disappear?
- During an operation, it is possible that I might assign greater priority to other units' safety than my own But we are not on an operation now
- And this emotion is not the same anyway
- It's a different emotion...
- An emotion...?
- I have emotions?
- I look to #024's face pleadingly But I cannot put my question into words
- I cannot express my feelings to her
- And though #024 sees this, she says nothing
- She only smiles tenderly
- It's the same smile she showed once that looks happy, but also sad
- During that night's outdoor activity time, neither #024 nor I speak much
- We just walk together side by side without many words
- I do not take the opportunity to ask her about the intermittent sound of water
- It is the next day
- I detect some sort of weight in my chest
- I am aware that there is no physical weight there
- It is most likely a psychological phenomenon
- I perform a vocabulary search The idiom of being "heavy-hearted" applies best
- I cannot help but find it amusing It is a very apt phrase
- But what is causing this "heavy-heartedness"?
- That I may not be able to see #024 someday?
- That may be it
- But I do not think that is all
- Over the next few days, I spent my time without finding an answer to this question
- Each night after the combat tests, when it is time for outdoor activities, I seek out #024 first
- And each time I confirm her presence, I feel an indescribable sense of relief and rush over to her
- We exchanged standard greetings in the first few days, but that practice was eventually discarded Now there are no special greetings between us
- We can understand each other without words
- Our eyes and expressions communicate enough
- Tonight as well, I find #024 and rush to her as usual
- There are no words
- Only an exchange of smiles
- We begin walking together...
- Unit #024: Do you remember me asking before if...you were scared of fighting?
- I nod...
- Unit #024: To tell the truth... I'm scared of it, too
- Her confession is surprising It is counter to our nature as weapons
- Yet for some reason, I am not surprised by it...
- Unit #024: I'm afraid I'll lose and be destroyed, and it's...painful for me to make others go through the...same ordeal...
- Unit #024: We may be weapons, but shouldn't we be driven...by more than seeking victory...? I've been...wondering that for a long time...
- Unit #031: But that's against orders...
- #024 gives a half-hearted smile...
- Unit #024: I'm sure things would probably be much simpler...if I stopped thinking and just obeyed orders...
- Unit #024: Unfortunately... I finally found it...I found my answer...
- Unit #031: Your answer...?
- Unit #024: There's someone I want to meet...
- Unit #024: I feel like... meeting this person is "my own"...objective and not an order given to me
- Since we have never left this facility, we have absolutely no acquaintances with outside people
- There should be no relationship with such people
- But, I immediately understand
- This person she wants to meet is someone on the outside
- Even I don't know why I thought so
- But when I reflect upon that thought, the indescribable wavering within me becomes greater than ever...
- Unit #024: Ever since I started thinking that I was...scared to fight, each day was painful for me...
- Unit #024: If I'm going to feel this way until the day...I lose... I even thought it would be better...if I lost on purpose...
- Unit #024: ...But I won't think that anymore I feel...glad now that I exist...
- Unit #024: ...I mean, we're "loved" after all...
- Unit #031: Loved...?
- Unit #024: That's right
- I repeat that to myself
- The word "loved"
- ...I do not comprehend
- But when I look at her gaze... her clear eyes seem to see beyond the sky Her statement seems correct I feel that this must be something vital
- As I watch her try to express something without words, it is hard to believe she is the same unit type as me
- It seems more that she is... human...
- Unit #031: Why are you telling me this?
- Unit #024: It's probably because I didn't think anyone...but you would understand...
- Unit #031: Well, I hate to say it, but... I'm not sure...I really get it either...
- Unit #024: I'm sure you'll understand one day......I hope so, anyway...
- Unit #031: Sheesh... why you gotta be so cryptic?
- #024 laughs at this
- It is purest smile I have catalogued
- I know without comparing it to anything that it is a smile of pure joy
- I detect Snowy playing at my feet
- After playing at #024's feet too, Snowy runs off ahead about three meters and then turns around
- Its tail moves vigorously back and forth
- Soon afterwards, Snowy sits on the ground and looks up at #024
- I watch #024 crouch and pat its head I am thinking back about other things
- Things besides fighting and defeating the nearest enemy
- My own objective...
- Someone to meet...
- I still do not fully comprehend
- But the way she is playing with Snowy tonight looks more fun than ever Her smile seems very natural
- If the "answer" she discovered is the origin of that smile, I would like to understand it someday too
- I can feel that desire budding inside me
- Once again, I participate in a combat test
- Once again, I claim victory without destroying my opponent I target only her weapons and limbs
- I elect not to employ the tactic of targeting the weakness in their cranial regions
- I believe that if they think the same things as I do, they would not wish for their personality modules to cease functioning
- Though even if I do not destroy them, the research staff will remove their Plumes of Dusk Either way, their functions will be suspended
- My actions are difficult to justify
- But I feel that suspension through destruction is not a worthy end for them
- That is what I think when I rationalize it by applying the criteria to myself
- I do not think anyone would want their consciousness to be terminated by those like them
- I find myself more conscious of the damage I sustain and my efficiency in combat than ever
- Depending on my results, I may eventually be ordered to destroy them...
- To prevent that from happening, I must continue fielding favorable results
- It becomes easy to continue fighting with that objective in mind
- That is becoming my new objective
- I am theoretically being tested on destroying my opponents But I have begun fighting so that they will not be destroyed
- Paradoxically, this has caused my results to improve
- Could this be considered going against orders?
- My strike shatters the servos in the opponent's pivot leg She falls to the ground, unable to stay upright
- Her weapon has already been destroyed
- She should be incapable of resisting now
- But the buzzer signaling the end of the test does not sound
- As I wonder why, I hear a grating, metallic sound from the opponent She leaps onto me with her one good arm and leg...
- Untidy Researcher: What's the matter, #031? Hurry up and terminate...the target
- I do not know what to do
- My opponent is acting contrary to her own safety
- I grant that this is the only action left to her But she will destroy herself before inflicting any damage to me
- A tactic that puts one's life at risk like that...
- Putting one's life at risk?
- What am I saying?
- We are weapons
- We exist to obey orders
- We cannot prioritize our self-preservation without a change in those orders
- That is why she is challenging me to a fight
- She will do so until all of her circuits and servos burn out and she becomes incapable of action
- As she grapples with me, I put my hands to her neck and squeeze
- I adjust my grip strength limiters to 70% of maximum The opponent's body makes an abnormal sound
- After this, I sense the main lines of the bridge unit snap in half inside the soft structure
- Her movement stops
- Her limbs go flaccid, indicating loss of consciousness
- I can see my reflection in her optic inputs They have lost their focus and look like black holes
- I gasp
- The face I see reflected in them is not expressionless
- How should this expression be classified...?
- I have seen it sometimes when #024 smiles
- This face... indicates sadness
- The buzzer signaling the test's end finally rings
- The researchers enter the chamber
- I am used to this scene now...
- Untidy Researcher: That was pretty impressive Do you think it's...because of the size of her Plume? Funny that...one little part could make such a difference...
- Female Researcher: Indeed Most of it is due to differences in...their tactical mentalities It may be on the...cusp of what we could call an "ego"
- Researcher with a tie: Considering how everything's been going...so far, I'm starting to believe more in...Persona abilities
- One little part...?
- It is true that the Plume of Dusk installed in me is comparatively the largest among units of my type
- But does this part determine everything about us?
- #024's smile seems much more human than mine
- I find myself opening my mouth to speak
- But I realize that the statement I am about to deliver is a protest I am quick to abort
- Was I about to deny the staff's authority?
- They speak to me My confusion seems to have gone unnoticed...
- Untidy Researcher: Well done, Unit #031 That was an impressive...display of destruction...
- Untidy Researcher: Plus, you cleanly severed its transmitter,...leaving the Plume of Dusk unharmed That's...certainly ending things on a high note
- Ending things on a high note?
- An act of destruction is a high note?
- The researchers look at each other while holding the petri dish with the bluish-white, platelike object One of them says, "This is the one"
- Untidy Researcher: All right, #031 As of today, the test...battles are finished...
- Unit #031: Huh...? It's over?
- I cannot help questioning the unexpected statement...
- Female Researcher: All the results indicate that you have the...very highest performance out of all the...units of your model...
- Researcher with a tie: I'd say we can go ahead and earmark Unit #031...to be the base for developing the 5th Generation...
- Unit #031: The base...?
- Untidy Researcher: Haha, it means that you're the winner
- The combat tests are over...
- Will I no longer be required to fight?
- A strangely intense sensation of relief fills me
- It is not because I won and gained a reward
- If the tests have ended, those of my unit type that are not yet destroyed can escape that fate
- Interesting It seems that I was reluctant to destroy them after all
- My priorities have become inverted
- Yet I am so happy that I smile
- The researchers notice this expression as well and smile back...
- Female Researcher: Okay, we're going to begin the usual review...of the feedback, so come over here
- When the download begins, the memories and thoughts of my recent opponent flow into me along with vivid images
- Sifting through battle data has become a routine I have repeated so often that I am barely conscious of it now
- I peruse the non-combat memories she preserved
- It is the landscape of the outdoor area again
- At first, I could only vaguely recognize it, but now I can pinpoint exactly where this memory is from
- It is near the biggest tree
- The memory is of flowers
- There are images of a small shoot, a budding plant, and a blossoming flower
- She must have had an interest in the concept of growth
- For we machines, the growth of an individual is an unknown concept
- But one of us took an interest where I had only seen it as part of the landscape...
- It seems that she, too, had her own thoughts unrelated to our orders and battle performance She simply did not show it
- I recall what #024 said
- "My own objective and not an order given to me..."
- The twinge in my chest returns
- "I'll make sure to hold tight to your memories..."
- This was the thought that formed in my mind
- Once again, it is time to spend time outdoors
- I quickly meet up with #024
- It seems she was looking for me as well...
- Unit #031: Hey, can I talk to you for a while?
- Unit #031: The lab boys told me today that they were...putting the kibosh on the test battles...
- Unit #024: I see... It's over, then...
- Unit #031: Look... I've been thinking If they end up...tossing us out soon because of that...
- Unit #031: I want to go with you to go see that person...you were talking about The one you wanted...to meet...
- Unit #031: I might even put in a formal request about...it to the lab boys!
- #024 takes my right hand
- Before I can determine her intent, she pulls a cable from her wrist and connects it to a port in my own
- She looks at my face in silence
- Thinking that she wants to confirm that the tests are in fact over, I nod
- But the data that transfers is from her to me
- The packets that flow through the cable form a single, very small archive file...
- Unit #024: If you are still safe when everything is over,...open this file
- #024 removes the cable, but keeps hold of my hand...
- Unit #031: What do you mean, "when everything is over"?...How come I can't look at it now?
- Unit #024: If I had to answer... I would say because...it wouldn't be fair...
- Unit #031: Fair...?
- She smiles and does not answer
- It is that same unsure expression
- It is a smile But there is sadness in it...
- Unit #024: It would be wonderful if I could go with you...to see her...
- Unit #031: "Her"... so this person you're lookin' forward...to meetin' is a girl?
- #024 nods slowly...
- Unit #024: But it's strange... even though my wish may...not come true, I still feel satisfied for...some reason...
- Unit #024: Haha, how bizarre It's a fervent wish of...mine, too...
- She looks towards the sky and smiles faintly
- This time, it contains more than sadness
- There are too many emotions for me to parse, all reflected in that one expression...
- Unit #024: I believe in you I can tell you this because...I trust you...
- Unit #024: Maybe that's why I feel so at peace...
- Unit #031: Huh...?
- Unit #024: Maybe... this is what it is to feel alive
- "Alive"...
- It has happened again
- I do not comprehend the meaning of the word Yet I feel a twinge inside
- I look at the sky in an attempt to follow her gaze
- There is nothing there to hint at her meaning But I still wanted to get closer to her
- She wishes for me to understand I want to grant her wish
- From then on, we spend our time looking up at the sky in silence
- Eventually, the signal that time is up reaches our ears
- That is when I notice that the moon has appeared from behind the laboratory buildings
- I see...
- I thought that the light emanating from the Plumes of Dusk reminded me of something I now know what it is
- It is very similar to the light from the moon in the night sky
- The sun rises and the next day arrives
- After coming out of standby, I am ordered to enter the shock-resistant chamber once again
- From what I am told, it is for a different purpose than the combat tests
- Soon afterwards, the three researchers who supervise the feedback downloads appear...
- Female Researcher: Sounds like it's decided We'll discontinue...use of the name, "Unit #031"
- Female Researcher: "Generation 5 Labrys" will be this unit's...new name...
- Labrys: Labrys...
- Untidy Researcher: That's your name The official one's much longer...Generation 5 Anti-Shadow... uhh...
- Researcher with a tie: 5th Generation Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon...Labrys How hard is that to remember...?
- Labrys: Labrys...
- This designation by a "name" that is not a number...
- I never questioned being called "#031" until now Nothing about it seemed awkward
- But I wonder why I am happy now to have acquired a name
- Even if my designation changes, it will not have a concrete effect on my abilities
- But by discarding my number for a name, I feel as if I am no longer one of a series with minute variations I am a discrete individual
- That may be why
- I find myself smiling as a result...
- Untidy Researcher: From now on, the battles you fight will not be...to test your performance They'll be geared...toward drawing out a Persona...
- Untidy Researcher: First, you will fight all the remaining units...of your model type Your objective is to...destroy them, every last one...
- Labrys: ...Huh?
- I am perplexed at the disconnect between their tone of voice and the specifics of the order
- Fight against all remaining units of my model type?
- Destroy every last one of them...?
- Female Researcher: The fear impulse and self-preservation instinct...seem to be the key to activating a Persona...
- Female Researcher: This is the most effective method of inducing...extreme mental stress...
- Labrys: Stress...!? C'mon, you don't have to...go this far...!
- Untidy Researcher: Huh, that's a first None of them have ever...protested like that Well, at least that's...a sign that its ego is developing...
- Labrys: You told me it was over... I thought I wouldn't...have to do these things anymore...
- Researcher with a tie: You...
- Labrys: Ain't there some other way!? If there is,...please, let me do that instead!
- Labrys: I... I don't wanna fight 'em anymore...!
- Female Researcher: ......
- The three researchers look at me with apparent surprise on their faces
- Did my protest get through to them?
- I hope so, but...
- Female Researcher: That's a surprise... such natural speech...patterns I hadn't thought its personality...would develop this fast...
- Researcher with a tie: All the data's being recorded now Let's...compare them and look at which stages...they improve at
- They smile while muttering to themselves
- I am at a complete loss for words
- They are not machines, but humans, and on top of that, they are creators
- It is not possible that they do not understand me
- Yet their current expression...
- Until now, I thought that they were understanding people who treated us as close to human
- I was wrong
- I am only an object to them
- No matter what I say, they will see it only as a response to stimulus
- Behind their gentle attitudes, we are nothing more than test subjects they hold no emotional attachment to
- They do not focus on what I am saying
- They are only interested in it as a reaction
- The researchers ignore my stunned silence and hastily leave the chamber
- Their figures are hidden behind the hatch
- Soon, with a terrible low-pitched sound, the hatch on the other side begins to open... where the opponents come through
- Ah
- I will be forced to fight again today and in the days to come I must continue to destroy my opponents each time
- I cannot find the words I want to say I slowly turn my head towards the hatch
- But...
- What I see there is what truly leaves me at a loss for words...Labrys: No...
- The opponent emerging from the hatch is #024
- There is no smile or sadness on her face
- She is quietly standing there, expressionless
- #024 steps into the chamber while gazing at my face
- The hatch slowly closes behind her...
- Labrys: No... why...?
- Even I do not know who the question is addressed to
- Why is she here?
- Because she was ordered
- Do I... have to fight her now...?
- It is not quite sinking in yet
- But...
- In a sharp tone I have never heard from her before, she tells me what I must do...
- Unit #024: Draw your weapon...
- Labrys: I can't...
- Unit #024: If you don't fight, you'll lose I will end up...destroying you Are you willing to accept that?
- Labrys: Why...? Why are you saying this stuff!?
- #024 ignores my question and reaches behind her back with her right hand
- The multi-use weapon unit releases from her back It becomes a greatsword in her right hand
- It is approximately 15 meters, as long as she is tall
- It is also alarmingly wide and fitted with propulsion devices
- It is difficult to process seeing the weapon pointed at me...
- Unit #024: If you fear being destroyed... if you have...a heart capable of fear, then there's no...need to hesitate...
- Unit #024: That alone gives you the right to attack me...with all your strength...
- Labrys: But doesn't the same go for you!?
- I could not help but plead
- #024 does not answer
- But it appears that a very small smile forms on her lips...Labrys: You said there was someone you wanted to...meet! I can't fight you knowing that...!
- I turn and appeal to the researchers watching us from the other side of the glass wall...Labrys: C'mon, stop this! I don't wanna fight...anymore...!
- I press against the transparent wall and continuously strike it with my fist
- Though my safety limiters are disabled, it must be coated with something I cannot even scratch it
- The researchers standing on the other side are completely expressionless
- It is as if they are machines themselves
- I beg and plead, but they do not respond
- If only there wasn't this clear glass wall between us...
- I am so frustrated
- Why...?
- I then hear #024 speak up weakly behind me...
- Unit #024: Only one of us can exit this chamber...
- Labrys: ......?
- Unit #024: They never told you, since you were strong...enough that battles never lasted very long...
- Unit #024: But that's the rule of this place...
- Unit #024: The only time the door leading beyond that...transparent wall opens is when one of us is...considered unable to fight...
- Unit #024: From the start, this whole setup never took...our feelings into account
- I can say nothing I can see from her words what atrocious battles were forced upon her...
- Unit #024: But talking like this is a waste of time......I can see I won't spur you into fighting...with just words alone
- As soon as she finishes, #024 leaps into the air, swinging her sword at me
- I quickly jump back and barely dodge the attack
- Her sword slashes the space where I had been at a speed that could have killed
- The tip grazes the chamber floor Red sparks fly
- She is serious...
- It finally sinks in I jump away to put distance between us...
- Unit #024: I don't intend to meekly accept my destruction...I... have my own goal, after all...
- Labrys: ......
- Unit #024: Now... fight me!
- I have no choice but to fight
- But a thought crosses my mind
- In terms of basic combat strength, mine is probably higher
- Using my usual tactics, I should be able to destroy her weapon and disable enough of her servos to prevent her from attacking
- #024's ego is without a doubt more highly developed than mine
- It must be of value to the researchers
- If I can render her incapable of acting, I may be able to avoid the order to destroy her when she is down
- I decide to bet on that possibility
- I shift my priorities and fight back with all my strength
- I cannot do this empty-handed I remove my own multi-function weapon from my back and shape it into a battleaxe
- It pains me to do this, but it is the only way
- I repel #024's persistent sword strikes and go for a counterattack
- I aim for the greatsword's clasp with my battleaxe After a number of hits, it shatters
- My next target is the transmission system for her shoulder and knee joints
- In terms of output and movement itself...
- I detect various differences between us
- Amongst those of my unit type, I awakened latest
- Compared to #024, not only my personality module, but my limbs as well, have been upgraded to the latest versions
- It is only a matter of time...
- #024 loses virtually all offensive capabilities and falls to the floor
- As I planned, #024 is mostly undamaged apart from her weapon and motor functions
- I immediately turn towards to the researchers behind their invisible wall and raise my voice...
- Labrys: Isn't this enough...? She had that "ego" thing...way before me...
- Labrys: Destroying her won't do anyone any good...C'mon! Have a heart...!
- But hearing this, the researchers only laugh
- Their faces are as joyous as when they see results that surpass their expectations
- Why?
- What in this situation could cause such joy?
- #024's body, collapsed on the floor, suddenly begins to convulse
- It goes still for a few seconds Then, although it should not be able to move, it drags itself up...
- Labrys: Huh? What the...?
- Unpleasant metallic sounds are coming from all over her body
- It indicates that she is undergoing unreasonable stress
- Still, no expression appears on #024's face
- It is a cold, doll-like void It is similar in appearance to a newly activated unit
- I know as soon as I look at her
- She would never make a face like this on her own...
- Labrys: What did you do to her!?
- Untidy Researcher: It'll be coming at you with everything it...has now You'd better not hold back either...
- Untidy Researcher: #024 had an excellent record against others of...its model Even you might have a hard time beating...this one, Labrys
- I unconsciously find myself biting my lip
- We are weapons
- In other words, we are tools...
- Of course there would be a means to issue orders remotely
- I recall what the one researcher said
- "This is the most effective method of inducing extreme mental stress..."
- In other words, the more strongly I desire #024's survival, the stronger my reaction will be when forced to destroy her
- That is why they laughed
- I can sense the strength draining from my shoulders
- There is nothing more I can attempt
- All I can do... is end her
- Behind me, #024... or rather, her animated shell, approaches me, its limbs shaking
- I suppress all thoughts unrelated to tactics and slowly turn around
- My body goes cold My arms move into position as if controlled by someone else and ready my weapon
- ......
- ......
- It was not a close fight
- Once I decided to finish this...
- Once I was resolved to stop her...
- #024 as she is now... stood no chance against me
- I fall to my knees next to #024 Her limbs have been shattered She will never rise again
- My processors are overloaded with things I cannot understand I feel as if all processing has slowed
- #024's face is turned to the ceiling...
- Labrys: Hey... are you not gonna look at me anymore?...You're... not gonna smile again...?
- I did not expect her to respond But #024's face moves slightly
- I stare at her without knowing how to react She turns her gaze to me and smiles...
- Unit #024: I'm sorry... to leave you... alone...
- Unit #024: I... leave the rest... to you
- Those were the last words she spoke
- I can't believe this...
- #024's dead face is laughing
- She is smiling at the one who destroyed her and robbed her of her dream
- All at once, everything hits me in a torrent of emotion and data
- I've lost her
- I did it
- I took everything she had
- My vision begins to fade
- My thoughts go with it
- I cannot determine whether the lights are actually dimming or if that is only my perception
- It is too much to handle
- I collapse to the ground helplessly, like a crumbling statue
- The next time I awaken, I am lying inside a cage
- It seems I was carried out of the test chamber The download of #024's feedback data is about to begin
- The researchers seem to have taken my sudden loss of consciousness seriously I am confined in a cage instead of sitting in the usual maintenance chair
- The researchers keep repeating the word, "interesting"
- "So this is how they react when extreme mental stress is induced"
- I can hear their voices clearly
- They seem to derive pleasure from the fact that I lost consciousness due to mental stress, rather than physical damage
- Cables are connected to my body one after another The data download begins
- All of #024's information...
- Combat data, various records, and the memories she experienced...
- All of it flows into me
- My eyes widen in surprise
- Everything is so vibrant...
- It is so clear that it is indistinguishable from actually experiencing them...
- This is the first time I have received memories with such vivid images
- All of the images are linked to records of the emotions she felt in relation to them
- They are so strongly linked that my screening protocols cannot distinguish them from human thought
- The outdoor area where we spent time
- The big tree whose branches we examined
- That sound of water we heard periodically
- Snowy playing around...
- As I relive #024's experiences, I pick up on an unfamiliar voice
- There is no associated image data
- Only the voice can be heard
- It is a female voice
- There is a female researcher at this facility But this voice belongs to a younger person still in human developmental stages...
- Girl's Voice: I know the world is a big place And I...know that there's a lotta people in it...
- Girl's Voice: But I won't be able to see it for myself or...meet many of 'em... I know that too...
- Girl's Voice: I'm too weak for that
- Her speech is different from the researchers or from those of my unit type
- It is... very similar to my own speech output...
- Girl's Voice: Thinking about it has made me sad more...than once But I didn't wanna do nothing...and be left with regrets...
- Girl's Voice: That was when my mom and dad looked into...some options, and we decided to go with...this experiment...
- Girl's Voice: If even a sick girl like me could make herself...useful to others in this world... I thought...I oughtta go for it
- Who could this be?
- I know only that she is female
- She is in a situation where her condition prevents her from moving freely
- It seems that instead of lamenting that fact, she has decided to volunteer for an experiment of some kind
- Where did #024 hear this voice?
- Did she know this person?
- I wish I could ask her, but that is no longer possible...
- Girl's Voice: At first, I kept wonderin' how much I could...really contribute...
- Girl's Voice: But after hearing more and more about the...program, I started to wonder about the others...more'n myself...
- "Others"... It is strange, but when I hear that, I feel #024's heart waver
- Was she surprised?
- Perhaps Even I feel... something unexplainable...
- Girl's Voice: And yeah, my big wish is to make myself...useful to this world...
- Girl's Voice: But the ones born from me... is "born" the...right word for it? Haha, kinda embarrassing...
- Girl's Voice: My other wish is that the ones born from...me are happy...
- Girl's Voice: I doubt I'll be able to talk to 'em in person...or stay with 'em...
- Girl's Voice: But I still wish from the bottom a my heart...that they all have happy lives
- People's voices have unique characteristics
- In the past, I have expressed it as variance in waveform But each has what could be called its own texture and temperature to it
- This voice sounds very warm and kind
- I would like to listen to more of it
- But the speech ends there
- There are no more related memories from #024
- While the cables disconnect, I decide to search the archives for results matching that voice
- Sadly, there are no results But during the search, I suddenly remember something
- The archive given to me by #024 last night
- I quickly open the folder and find a single text file inside...
- Unit #024: If you are reading this, then I have most...likely been destroyed...
- Unit #024: It may be that you already understand the concept...of "guilt", but you have done nothing wrong
- "If you are still safe when everything is over..." She must have meant if I defeated her in combat
- #024 knew what would happen to those who lost in the trial
- What emotions was she feeling then?
- What was going through her mind as she prepared this file...?
- I feel something wrench inside my chest...
- Unit #024: I happened to access certain data during the...feedback treatment and learned something...
- Unit #024: Artificially creating a personality from scratch...is very difficult, though they hope to achieve...it in two generations...
- Unit #024: But those of our model were actually made from...the template of a certain girl's personality...That includes you and I...
- Unit #024: She had left a recording for the units created...using her personality... a message for those...of us who did not yet exist...
- Unit #024: That's what I heard...
- Unit #024: She speaks in a strange way, like you...I thought, "Ah, we really are connected...to her"
- I think about that unknown voice
- The experiment the voice spoke of was related to our development after all
- The owner of that voice was speaking to us...
- Unit #024: The one who gave birth to us loved us......When I understood that, I felt like my...eyes were opened...
- Unit #024: Though my life was filled with suffering,...my birth had meaning... I firmly believe that...
- Unit #024: I want to meet her I need to tell her "thank...you" for giving birth to us and for loving us...
- Unit #024: This was not an order from the scientists...It was an objective I made for myself...
- Unit #024: So if you can understand my feelings......I'd like you to do this in my stead...
- Unit #024: Give our mother my thanks
- How #024 must have wanted to meet this girl who she saw as our mother...
- She must have longed to thank the girl in person...
- The data within me... her heart tells me so
- During the time when she was ordered to destroy her sisters, this wish must have been her only hope
- Yet it did not come true
- I shattered it The one she herself said was the only one who understood her
- She must have been devastated...
- But the letter ends in the way I least expected...
- Unit #024: Though we knew each other only for a short...time, I'm glad I met you I feel the same...right now as our mother did...
- Unit #024: I wish from the depths of my heart for you...to be happy
- I am shocked
- How can she feel that way towards someone who may one day destroy her...?
- I realize then that the visual input from my optics is experiencing distortion for some unknown reason
- An unfamiliar source of water trickles down my cheek...
- Female Researcher: Labrys... is she crying!?
- Researcher with a tie: So she is... I can't believe we're actually...seeing a machine being driven to tears...
- Untidy Researcher: But its mental graphs are clearly abnormal...What kind of information did it download?
- Female Researcher: Who knows? That's one thing the graphs...can't tell us...
- Untidy Researcher: We should take care to limit our studies...to just the battle data...
- Untidy Researcher: It doesn't need any sentimental memories,...you can delete those Why make a weapon so...emotional that it can cry?
- Delete them?
- Something roars within me It drowns out the feelings for #024 and our mother that had filled my heart...
- Labrys: Delete!? Like hell you're deleting my memories!
- Under no circumstances will I allow what #024 left me to be deleted for their convenience
- I will not forgive this selfishness
- We have been treated callously by the researchers in this laboratory
- They gave us hearts, yet made us destroy those of our unit type as enemies We killed our sisters at their command
- If we refused, our desires were overriden and we became their puppets
- The wishes of the girl who desired our happiness were not taken into consideration
- Now, even the few memories that #024, my sisters, and I have accumulated are about to be erased like trash
- Though their aim is to develop our ego, they find it inconvenient for us to have real hearts
- These feelings within me may be erased Perhaps even my heart itself
- If that happens, will I resume killing my sisters without hesitation?
- What is least forgiveable is that the proof that #024 had lived--her last wishes--will be permanently lost
- My hands are squeezed into tight fists They make a small grinding noise
- The goal that #024 found for herself was left to me
- I will carry it out as my own now
- I will burn it into my heart as my goal It is a duty I impose on myself gladly
- Nothing will make me surrender it
- It must be fought for
- Or rather... it must be protected, even if it means fighting...
- Female Researcher: What the...? Its emotions are spiking into...the red... I've never seen anything like this!
- Researcher with a tie: Hey, what's that warning--no! Labrys is...in battle mode!?
- Untidy Researcher: What!? That can't be! There aren't any...enemies! We're the only ones... here...
- I am able to release all my limiters despite being inside the cage
- The researchers monitoring me on their tablet PCs seem perplexed and alarmed by this
- They should be They are witnessing an override of the principle of nonaggression towards humans
- They are flustered and too panicked to speak clearly as they announce that an emergency has occurred
- One of them steps away from the cage I am in and reaches for a switch with warning labels around it
- Suddenly, restraints appear to bind my limbs...
- Female Researcher: Are you saying those mental fluctuations...were enough to override the OS's...restrictions!?
- Untidy Researcher: Tch, that Plume's playing pranks on us!...Hey, hurry up and delete those memories!
- These memories and my heart are not unnecessary!
- Labrys: Whaddaya think we are...!?
- Something I have not felt until now--a sensation like heat spreads throughout my body
- A trembling, burning wave rises within me
- Soon afterwards, I realize that this is an emotion There is a name for this feeling
- It is anger
- I reroute all my strength into my restrained limbs
- The restraints are designed to withstand up to twice our calculated maximum output
- Trying to escape is therefore logically doomed to failure
- Even so, I continue to muster my strength
- It is not because I judge it a viable course of action
- I am not merely executing an order
- I am acting based on my emotions
- It does not matter if the restraints can be destroyed or not
- I wish to destroy them...
- Labrys: N-Nrrrghh...!
- The metal parts in both my limbs and the restraints begin to creak...
- Untidy Researcher: H-How is it doing that!? There's no way...those things are strong enough to break...the restraints...
- Female Researcher: It's outputting over 220% of its theoretical strength...limit, even though its joint actuators are operating...at only 70% capacity!
- Untidy Researcher: That's not possible! That doesn't even...make any sense!
- Untidy Researcher: What's driving this thing...!?
- Labrys: I'm not... gonna let you take... those...memories...
- Labrys: I made her a promise!
- The next moment, a rupturing sound like a small explosion shakes the entire room The heavy metallic bands restraining my arms and legs shatter
- I jump out of the cage and run towards the open door
- I must escape from here
- I have to get out and see the girl who loved us, though we were not yet created
- To fulfill #024's wish... which has become mine
- But when I enter the hallway connected to the outdoor area, I am met with barricades and heavy artillery...
- Labrys: Aw, c'mon! I ain't even got any projectile...weapons...!
- My sister units and I have never been equipped with firearms
- I recall it being due to concerns over a unit's mentality affecting the accuracy of its aim
- Instead, we were given short-range weaponry--a chain arm and other implements in my case--but they are not sufficient to deal with the range of firearms
- However, I do have a countermeasure
- By using the flexibility in adapting to situations of my developed mind, I dodge the complex projectile trajectories and destroy the opposition
- Eventually, I reach the end of the hallway and exit to the outdoor area
- I have not seen this environment before
- The trees are the same species as those that grow near the facility
- But these specimens are much healthier
- Where am I...?
- The question did not cross my mind until now
- Where am I? Where are we?
- I cannot use the GPS that should be installed in me
- It seems the research facility blocks GPS signals outside of its walls This is probably to prevent its location from being pinpointed
- Is there anything in the environment that can help me determine my location?
- The blue sky that I am seeing for the first time is stunning, but irrelevant
- Then I notice a periodic sound of liquid in the distance
- Ah That is the sound of the ocean
- The answer came easily to mind
- One of my sisters must have taken an interest in it and learned what it was
- My sisters are helping to keep me alive now...
- When I think of it that way, a burning feeling rises from deep within my chest
- But none of what I see in my surroundings is helpful Is there anything else by which I can determine my location? Any landmarks or signposts?
- I scan my surroundings while running past
- These trees obstructing my view... They are a unique species
- That may be a hint
- I review the trees' characteristics once more and run another search on them
- I attempted this once already, but there is much more data available to me now
- Once again, results come easily
- This variety of tree is known as a "cedar"
- It is found in many habitats, but the cedars here are unique
- The tree's shape and the age that it implies is so different that it is nearly a separate species
- If that is because of differences in the environment, it may be useful in determining my location
- That's when an unfamiliar sound reaches my ears
- The heavy rumble of what sounds like a motor...
- It seems that they have dispatched a vehicle to pursue me I expected this
- Their response was swift It seems that they had measures in place in the event one of us escaped
- When the vehicle stops behind me, fully armed personnel pour out of it They move to surround me from both the left and right
- It is an obvious response
- No matter how much power I may have, I am alone
- The optimal solution would be to overwhelm me with numbers
- I try to shake them off by running faster
- But soon afterwards, I reach the main gate of the laboratory... a high, steel edifice
- It is tightly sealed A number of heavily armed guards are protecting it...
- Labrys: ......!
- I stop There is nowhere else to go...
- Researcher B Labrys! Come back here! You're too useful...a unit to destroy!
- Researcher B You need to get back here to be regulated!...That's your role in all this!
- I cannot be destroyed here
- But I cannot be captured either
- They will surely delete my memories
- They will take my desire and everything else that was given to me
- What purpose is there in avoiding destruction then?
- The only options available are whether my wish dies with me or whether it is stolen away...
- Labrys: I ain't gonna let you destroy me... not just...'cause I don't wanna be destroyed...
- Labrys: I... I...!
- The moment I focus my concentration to remove the limiters on my onboard weaponry...
- I sensed an unknown strength rise within me
- Directly afterwards, something that cannot be quantified fills my body and the surrounding area...
- Labrys: Huh...!? What the...!?
- The pursuit vehicle suddenly stops The research staff gets off, one after another, shocked...
- Female Researcher: This reading...! Is it on the verge of a Persona reaction...!?
- Untidy Researcher: Shit... it's awakened!? Dammit, why now!?
- Researcher with a tie: Well, at least this proves that mental stress...is the key to activating a Persona...
- Female Researcher: Who cares about that right now!? It's not...fully awakened yet, but with it still unstable,...we don't know what it's capable of!
- I am intrigued by their statements...
- Labrys: Persona...?
- I knew that we had the means
- But I was not aware of controlling anything
- I do not know if it could be called a power Nor do I know how to use it
- But I can tell that the others are afraid
- I seize the opportunity and run toward the main gate
- There is a slight possibility that I can reach the door without attracting any gunfire right now and vault over the door with my legs and chain arm
- The moment I reach the gate, I launch my chain arm towards the upper threshold of the door
- But the moment the arm grabs the ledge, something emerges A much greater power touches the door as well
- Suddenly, the door crumples like paper and a large hole forms on the upper half...
- Untidy Researcher: Now it's done it!
- Female Researcher: We need to hurry! If it's that strong already,...we won't be able to stop it once its Persona...completely awakens!
- Labrys: That's... Persona...
- But I quickly regain my senses
- I burst out of the facility and single-mindedly jump outside
- My feet touch the ground of the outside world for the first time
- They will most likely not let me escape
- Fortunately, the door is badly damaged
- It should take time until it can be opened enough for vehicles to pass through
- I need to gain as much distance and time as possible and... and then...
- It is then that I realize I do not have a destination in mind
- Who is the girl #024 wished to see? Where can I go to meet her?
- The only clue I have is the idiosyncracies of the girl's speech
- I have learned that distinct speech patterns are often associated with specific regions
- I should begin by traveling to where that style of speech is common It is reckless, but I feel confident
- At the least, I can get closer to the girl than I am now
- Although my situation is dire and I am under pursuit, internally I am cheerful
- There is a bounce in my step For some reason, I cannot remain calm
- Just then, five meters ahead, something white and fluffy crosses my path
- It is Snowy
- It notices me and approaches
- I am worried about my pursuers But I cannot dismiss #024's beloved Snowy I lower my speed and run with him
- I then notice that the scenery we are passing has calmed My surroundings are very different now
- The blue sky that was previously obstructed by the trees is now clearly visible
- The green grass is shining vibrantly in the light of the sun
- And there is a deeper blue than the sky ahead Many lines of white run across it...
- Labrys: Is that... the ocean?
- Snowy barks as if in answer
- I feel like it is saying, "That's right"
- I could not previously comprehend Snowy I did not have an interest in trying
- But now, I can grasp what Snowy is saying as if I could speak its own language I know that it feels "happy" to be able to run with me
- I feel as if #024 is inside me
- Though we were forced to part, she certainly left me many things
- Not only her wish, but other things as well...
- Labrys: Well, I'll find her, come hell or high...water Are you with me, Snowy?
- Snowy barks energetically I respond with thanks and a smile
- #024 and Snowy are encouraging me
- Though I do not have any clues, I will find her No matter what happens or how long it takes
- I search my current location once more Now that I am further from the research facility, I can use my GPS to triangulate my position
- But... on seeing the results, I cannot help but stop running
- Snowy stops a little further ahead and then returns to me
- My current location is Yakushima within the Kagoshima Prefecture It is a remote island far from shore...Labrys: No...
- The island's perimeter is only 132 kilometers In such a limited area, it will be a matter of time before a full-scale manhunt apprehends me
- The research facility must have been built on an island in anticipation of such situations
- Even if someone were to escape the facility, the island's geography would contain them
- It is essentially a natural prison
- I do not want to believe it...
- But my hope was meticulously strangled before it was born
- However, I cannot wait here to be captured
- I begin running again
- Though as expected from my position data and map, I immediately reach the ocean...
- Labrys: So this is the ocean...
- Labrys: Haha... it's so huge... I can't see anything...out there at all...
- I look at the glistening surface of the ocean reflect the sun's light and ponder its beauty I am at a loss
- Though I knew it would come to this, I could not stand idle
- Despite this, my feelings sink
- Snowy looks up at me from time to time as I stop running and begin walking
- His gesture of concern forces me to smile and tell him that I am all right
- The forest becomes a grove The trees grow sparser
- A blue ocean and the sandy soil leading up to it spread before my eyes
- I check my map again
- This is not an uninhabited island
- There is a means for people to come and go
- But I doubt that I will be able to use those methods freely without arousing any suspicion
- I gaze down at my own hand
- It is completely unlike a human hand
- It is an object sculpted from metal...Labrys: Haha... well, that's a problem What should...I do...?
- My question seems to stymie Snowy...Labrys: C'mon, don't gimme that look...
- Labrys: Oh, well Maybe it's my fault for getting...so frustrated Sorry, pooch
- Just as I am about to crouch and pat Snowy's head...
- Snowy moves as if avoiding me...
- Labrys: Snowy...?
- Snowy circles around behind me and growls towards the way we just came
- I train my sensors in that direction and sense presences in the distance
- They may be keeping their distance on purpose
- Since I have no firearms, they must understand that their effective range exceeds mine...
- Labrys: ...Looks like they're coming
- Amongst the human soldiers are a number of my sister units
- Is it possible that I can convince them not to fight me?
- I dismiss the idea as hopeless
- Though they may have awakened to their ego, after my escape, they will be under their commanders' control
- Even if that is not the case, they may think that their orders are absolute, just as I once did...Labrys: Knowing why they're here doesn't make it...any easier to deal with them...
- It does not seem as if they will all attack at once
- They must understand that I am already at the ocean and I have nowhere to escape
- I do not want to surrender
- But...
- I am frustrated by my powerlessness
- To be caught like this...
- I... I have my own mission to accomplish!
- The ocean sparkles The periodic sound of water I once heard from afar echoes from it
- As I gaze at the clear water while it ebbs and flows, a mysterious feeling rises in me...
- Labrys: Wow... look at that It's beautiful...
- My opponents show no indication of moving
- I step out onto the sand After cataloguing that sensation, I approach the pier stretching to the ocean
- When I step onto it, the wooden planks creak
- I can hear Snowy's light tread behind me as well
- I stand at the end of the pier and look out to the ocean
- I wonder if she is beyond this ocean that seems to stretch forever
- The girl #024 wanted to meet
- The girl that I wish to meet as well
- This mother figure who loved us and wished for our happiness
- While my thoughts turn to the girl whose face I do not know, I decide to preserve the ocean's beauty in my memory
- After all, it may be the last time I will be able to see the ocean as myself
- The odds are high that when I am restrained and returned to the facility, my memories will be wiped
- I am scared
- I am frustrated
- I do not want to be erased
- But... I do not think all my hopes are lost yet
- This may be the end of me
- But just as I inherited the memories of #024 and other units, my memories will surely endure into the next generation
- So I will keep these feelings along with this beautiful ocean scene deep within the origin of my heart There, it cannot be erased or tampered with
- The blue sky and ocean
- The shining sun and glittering water
- And the gentle breeze and calm sounds of the waves
- The scenery from this pier is so stunning that it is unimaginable from inside the research facility
- I am glad that the last place I see is so beautiful
- With the ocean before me, I speak to any future sisters that I have yet to meet
- It might be called a type of "prayer"
- Labrys: To all the ones I'll never meet, but will...receive my memories...
- My emotions race ahead of my thoughts I cannot find the right words to say...
- Labrys: There's so much I wanna say to you that...I don't know where to start
- I close my eyes again and calm my heart
- To my descendants, whom I will probably never meet
- If you ever find someone precious to you, as I did with #024, and wish to meet them...
- May you meet them here
- May you go beyond this pier to places I could not...
- Labrys: I just pray from the bottom of my heart...that everyone can find happiness...
- Labrys: As long as that happens, I don't mind if I...
- "Even though my wish may not come true, I'm still satisfied if I can entrust it to someone I believe in..."
- #024 said something along those lines...Labrys: ...Could this be it?
- Snowy rubs against my leg
- Is he warning me to be cautious of my pursuers, who have arrived and are coming closer? Or does he only want me to pet him?
- I inspect him closely and realize that it is the latter... He must be worried
- I crouch down and scratch Snowy's head...
- Labrys: Hey, Snowy You think... this is what it...means to feel alive?
- Snowy looks at me while wagging its tail
- I pick up Snowy and gently hug it
- Snowy shows no sign of resistance and allows me to do so
- My pursuers are closing in now
- But I will not run anymore
- It is true that I am still frustrated, but it is strange I am also satisfied
- Snowy licks my cheek...
- Labrys: Thanks... I'll be okay now Things are about...to get hairy, so you should hurry and...get outta here
- I let Snowy go But it does not leave me...
- Labrys: C'mon... if you don't go, it'll make things...hard on me... okay?
- Snowy looks at my face for a while Eventually, it droops its head and walks off
- Snowy looks back several times Eventually, he disappears into the tall grass
- My relief is cut short by five armed humans pointing their guns at me
- I have no intention of resisting
- I smile at them
- Though it was only for a short while, I lived
- I felt the happiness of passing down my wish
- It was only for a short period of time, but I may have granted the wish of the girl who is our mother
- I allow myself to be restrained without resistance They take me back to the laboratory
- I was so absorbed in my escape attempt that I did not notice the severe damage I inflicted upon the facility
- It seems that the delicate machinery used to tamper with my memories is in no condition to be used...
- Untidy Researcher: Dammit, look at this mess!
- Untidy Researcher: Going after humans... I bet the girl they used...as a template for this model was a snotty...brat, too!
- Untidy Researcher: Even if we delete its memories, it'll be too...dangerous to keep using this unit...
- Female Researcher: There are so many things about it I want to...research, though...
- Researcher with a tie: It's not worth the risks...
- Researcher with a tie: The 5th Generation Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon...will be sealed indefinitely once it's fully...restrained again
- The voice is the last thing I hear before my consciousness is cut off...
- Labrys: Huh...?
- My consciousness should have been shut down
- But I have awakened...
- Labrys: This place... it's that ocean...
- I am on that pier
- The blue sky and ocean
- The shining sun and glittering water
- And the gentle breeze and calm sounds of the waves
- Even Snowy is next to me
- The scene is identical to the one from before...
- Though this time, I sense no pursuers
- I was captured
- I remember that clearly
- This is obviously an abnormal situation, at odds with my memories But the clear blue sky and ocean are still so beautiful that I cannot help but gaze at them
- If only I could go beyond it... Just as the thought crosses my mind, my viewpoint ascends
- Soon afterwards, I realize that I am floating as if my body is weightless
- I am astonished at myself to be thinking such strange things But then my field of vision drifts and I turn my attention to that
- The scenery I knew already begins to mix with other environments I do not know They become a connected, continuous image and pass like a slideshow
- From time to time, I pass through the drifting images
- But I cannot grasp anything within those spaces
- Even when they are about to collide with me, they pass right through me
- Could this be "dreaming"?
- I remember something I once heard from a researcher at the facility
- They said that it is possible for us to "dream" since we have a mind and may develop an ego
- Though it would technically not be identical to a human's dream, the phenomenon would be very similar
- I feel that the example the researcher gave of what a dream is like matches my current experience
- If I am having a dream, then things that are not possible in reality may be possible here
- For example, if I can leave this island...
- If I can go beyond the ocean...
- The girl that #024 and I wanted to meet said that even though she knows that the world is big, she would not be able to see it for herself
- What could that have meant?
- Was she in a place that limited her world? As I was unable to leave the island?
- Just when it seems that the images flowing around me have stopped, I find myself in an unknown room
- There is a bed here
- Next to it is a flatscreen monitor
- There are also white shelves surrounding the bed
- To one side is a stand for an intravenous drip
- There is a machine connected to it by cords... Though it is small, it appears to function as a life signs monitor
- This is similar to the research facility Could it be a hospital?
- The voices that sound from somewhere belong to a man and a woman
- I have not heard these voices before...
- Young woman's voice: She said during this morning's checkup that she...wanted to go to school She asked how much better...she needs to get to be able to go...
- Middle-aged man's voice: Understandable This ward is right near the...road most of the students take... she must be...lonely, too, not having seen her parents lately...
- Middle-aged man's voice: "How much better she needs to get"......She still doesn't know that her condition...is incurable...
- Young woman's voice: Why don't you be honest with her and tell her...she won't ever be able to go? It's cruel...to string her along like this...
- Middle-aged man's voice: Shhh! Keep your voice down Her room's...next door
- I understand at once that these people are speaking of the girl I wish to meet
- The scene feels as if it comes from my own memory I do not doubt it at all
- The girl is suffering from some kind of illness She may not be able to go outside
- Her condition prevents her from leaving her small world
- Her life is like ours...
- Could the girl have heard this conversation?
- How did it make her feel to hear it?
- I want to spend more time in the outside world
- I want to live a normal life
- The thoughts that come to my mind are not mine...
- Girl: I wonder if the nurses thought things like...the student council were too much trouble...to bother with when they were in school...
- Girl: I dunno, it sounds fun to me...
- Just as I thought It is the girl's voice
- When I listen to her, I can sense her strong yearning and admiration...
- Girl: You gotta admire the student council president...I mean, they're the ones that get things...done for everyone...
- Girl: ...But I guess it's because they're like that...in the first place that they get to be...President, huh
- The girl had a strong desire to attend school and live a normal school life with friends
- As I review these voices and feelings, an interest in the school she longs for grows within me...
- Labrys: High school... I wonder what that's like...
- Labrys: Would it be fun...?
- I wish to see for myself what she desires
- Is there a specific image of it?
- What kind of place is it? What activities do its attendants perform while there?
- But there are no memories in regards to schools
- This must mean that the girl has no such memories...
- Labrys: Figures... I don't know anything about schools...or whatever else student life is like
- I want to see them...
- Voice echoing in mind: I can show you, if you so desire...
- A voice answers my unspoken thought
- Who could it be...? I do not think I know this voice...
- For some reason, my mind becomes hazy I cannot access my memories easily...
- Labrys: Huh...? Who's there?
- Voice echoing in mind: There's no need to be alarmed I only want to...give you a glimpse of the world you long...to know...
- I was under the impression that this was a dream
- Dreams are supposedly a release valve for memories... yet this voice does not feel like a part of me
- Could that be possible?
- As I ponder these things, the scenery around me changes completely
- I first see a three-story concrete building...
- Labrys: What...!?
- I do not know this building As I examine it, my surroundings change again
- The same desks and chairs are lined up
- In front of me is a dark green, rectangular board on the wall...
- Labrys: Is this a school? A real classroom...?
- This is the place the girl loved
- It is here that I have gained an interest in
- I find myself forgetting that this is a dream and focus my senses to the desks and chairs
- I then realize that I can move around at will, just as when I felt my body rise at the beach...
- Labrys: So this is where classes happen...
- I feel a sudden excitement...Labrys: But what do the students do when there...aren't any classes? Do they just talk...and stuff?
- That mysterious voice doesn't answer Instead, I am surrounded by other sounds
- Many voices are talking at once... It reminds me of the sound of waves near the ocean
- But the sound is lively and enjoyable
- The voices belong to boys and girls surrounding a desk They are laughing and talking
- They wear common clothing, though there are some differences
- These may be uniforms It is interesting to see that each person's uniform is distinct in some way
- That one is the only one with something around his neck
- A girl with short hair and a green jacket raises her right hand
- Next to her is a girl with long black hair, wearing a red jacket She smiles
- Then there is a well-built young man with strange, spiky hair
- In contrast to him, I can see a small, delicate, intellectual-looking young man
- Last, surrounded by them is a young man with a calm demeanor sitting at a desk
- The front of his uniform is open His white shirt is showing
- They seem to be talking about something I cannot quite discern what it is
- The scene proceeds to show various points in a normal school day
- Classes, activities, clubs, student council... It looks like so much fun that I get excited
- But then I remember
- This is all just a "dream"
- I am only dreaming
- No matter how much I want it, there will never be a day when I can attend school for myself
- All the scenes that I saw centered around the young man and his friends... I will never join their circle
- I cannot go to school
- I am not even human
- I consider this self-evident truth once again
- Though I look human, I am a machine made by humans
- It does not matter how close my heart is to that of a human or how much my ego develops I cannot become a real human
- This mechanical body can never be truly human
- Just as our mother could not overcome the obstacle of her illness no matter how she wished for it, I cannot overcome the obstacle of being a machine
- It is futile for someone who cannot become human to yearn for a normal human life
- There is a strange sensation somewhere in my chest that feels like pain
- Still, although I am a machine created as a weapon, that girl loved me
- What if there are other people like her who could understand me? Would I then be able to find a place to belong amongst the humans?
- But...
- Voice echoing in mind: You'll never find a place where you belong...
- Voice echoing in mind: Humans created you as a tool They would never...think of you as anything more...
- Labrys: I...
- Voice echoing in mind: Everyone, to a man, lives by averting their...eyes from something inside them...
- Voice echoing in mind: They all wish to live inside a never-ending...dream... for who has the right to say they...shouldn't?
- For just a moment, I sense an incongruity in the kind voice
- The strange pain within my body softens a little...
- Voice echoing in mind: There are even humans who do not understand...others' feelings Still others do understand,...and trample upon them regardless...
- Voice echoing in mind: Compared to them, you are much more human
- I remember the researchers
- They certainly did not understand me, #024, or my sisters...
- We were treated only as objects
- Even after they tried to give us a heart...
- Voice echoing in mind: Why not, then, seek to be "human"?
- Labrys: Me...? Be a human...?
- The voice winds gently inside my mind
- I feel my body is growing uneasily light, as if the world is spinning around me...
- Voice echoing in mind: People sort through their memories in dreams...Each night, they let go of painful memories...and continue their lives with the morning sun...
- Voice echoing in mind: That's all you need do Forget anything...contrary to your desires...
- Labrys: If... if I forget...
- Voice echoing in mind: Do not fear the act of letting go...
- Voice echoing in mind: The ones you admire wished only for you...to be happy
- My mind seizes upon something
- That precious wish...
- The desire given to me to meet our mother someday and tell her, "thank you"
- I must not forget that
- But as long as this wish is precious to me, as long as I cannot erase it from my heart, the fact that I am not human will remain...
- Voice echoing in mind: And, I, too... all I wish, from the depths...of my heart, is for you to find joy...
- Labrys: Happiness...
- I think back...24I wish from the depths of my heart for you...to be happy
- I remember the girl who wished for our happiness
- I want to grant that wish
- I want to tell her, "thank you," but that will be difficult for me now
- In which case, should I not at least seize this opportunity and be happy here, for her sake...?
- Labrys: Forget... and be happy...
- My vision goes dark The sounds I heard fade away
- I feel as if I am falling...
- Voice echoing in mind: Everything is now in readiness...
- Miss President: Mmm... hm...?
- When I open my eyes, I'm staring at a wood-grain board
- It's the surface of a desk
- I quickly raise my head
- It looks like I fell asleep in class
- My sleeve was pressed against my forehead while I was asleep and the texture left a mark
- Oh man... I hope no one sees this
- I rub my forehead a little and look around the classroom
- According to the clock on the wall, it's three-thirty in the afternoon
- The only thing written on the blackboard is "5/1/2012 (Tu)" Everything else is erased
- I stretch out my arms
- I feel a little tired, but I gotta stay focused
- After all, I just got elected student council president in the elections a couple days ago
- I have to keep in touch with what the people who voted for me want in a leader
- Things with the student council will get pretty hectic after school
- I should hurry to the student council room
- I stand up and open the door in the back of the class
- When I go the hallway, there's no one around
- I check inside the classrooms as I go, but I still don't see anyone...
- Miss President: ...Where the heck is everyone?
- It's weird The whole school is usually rowdier than this after classes
- I should hear people talking and laughing in classrooms, and teachers yelling at them to quiet down
- Where's all the bustle of the students and everyone getting ready for their after-school activities?
- Just when I'm wondering that, I turn around and look down the way I came...
- Miss President: Oh, there they are
- There's some students in the hallway
- Some of them are chatting and others are coming out of the classrooms
- A few of them run past me, carrying their bags
- Yeah, this is more like it
- This is how school's supposed to be...
- Miss President: Hey! No running in the hallway!
- The student gives an apologetic smile
- But he just waves to me as he zooms down the stairs...
- Miss President: Sheesh, you'll put your eye out if you don't...look where you're going!
- Miss President: *sigh* Oh well I just gotta clamp down on...'em more from now on
- I put my hands on my hips and sigh...
- Male Student: Hey there, Miss President!
- Female Student: Are you off to the student council room?...Have fun!
- Male Student: You're always so excited about that...
- Female Student: Bye, Miss President! See you next Monday!
- Everyone walking down the hallway talks to me
- I wave back to them
- I always had a lot of friends and people who knew me, but ever since I got elected student council president, all the students seem to know who I am
- The job comes with a lot of pressure, but I know I'm up to it
- I'm gonna be busier than ever around school now
- I did have my doubts, but in the end, I'm glad I ran for student council president...
- Miss President: Yeah, I did the right thing I did...
- I head to the student council room
- Time flies by as I go over my agenda...
- Before I know it, there's red light pouring in from the west window It's already sundown...
- Miss President: Whew... guess that's enough for today
- There's no one else left in the student council room
- I had the others go home before it got too late
- But when I said that if they pushed themselves too much at the start, they'd burn out quick, they just laughed and said "The same goes for you!"
- I leave the student council room and lock it up
- As I go down the hall to return the key, I see a strange woman at the far end of the hallway
- She's not wearing our school's uniform... She's got on an odd hat, some gloves, and a one-piece dress
- They're all the same deep blue color Underneath one arm is an old-looking book
- I can't see her face with her back towards me, but her short, straight hair draws my attention
- Her hair is this radiant silver, like if pearls were stretched out into strands...
- Miss President: ...Who in the world is that?
- Maybe it's the clothes, but she gives off this strong presence
- I get a little uneasy looking at her
- I'm not tiptoeing or anything, but she doesn't turn around until I'm about two meters away
- When she finally does, though, I gasp a little Her features are so perfect that she's like a sculpture...
- Miss President: Hey, excuse me! You got some reason to...be at our school?
- Woman in Blue Atire: Are you sure... this is how things should be?
- Miss President: Huh?
- I don't understand what she's getting at
- But for some reason, the question throws me...
- Woman in Blue Atire: I am a wanderer who only stopped here because...I sensed great power gathering...
- Woman in Blue Atire: I am in no position to give advice, but...
- Miss President: Um...
- Woman in Blue Atire: This place will soon be caught in a bit of...a fracas...
- Woman in Blue Atire: If you continue to avert your eyes from...everything, I think it will have an impact...on your life in the near future...
- Miss President: M-My life...?
- What she just said sounded pretty scary
- She may have some screws loose
- But something is whispering to me deep in my heart
- Asking me, doesn't she have a point?
- Aren't you looking away from something important?
- Woman in Blue Atire: What you choose is up to you... but I believe...there are factors preventing you from making...the right choices at the moment...
- Woman in Blue Atire: I couldn't bring myself to just stand by and...watch as you lost your life before my eyes...
- Woman in Blue Atire: That is why I was waiting here to give you...one last chance
- The lady opens the thick book she's holding
- I don't know how it's doing that, but light streams from the book
- It gets stronger and stronger until I have to shield my eyes
- The blinding light finally begins to fade a little
- I slowly open my eyes
- The first thing I see should've been my arm...
- But what I see instead is an arm made of metal...
- Miss President: Huh? Wh-What is this!?
- I can't believe this awkward metal arm is mine
- It's like metal plates are completely covering it
- I start tugging at them to try and tear them off...
- Miss President: Rrrrrghhh...! I-It won't come off! What gives!?
- It's not just my arms--my legs have changed too
- Why are my arms and legs mechanical? My whole body, even!?
- I stare at my hands in confusion...
- These are my hands, all right
- Part of me knows that, and I shake my head
- What am I thinking? There's no way these are my hands
- It's not possible
- It's not...
- Miss President: Ngh...
- My head hurts
- What is this...?
- Woman in Blue Atire: I will be your opponent for a short while...
- Woman in Blue Atire: During that time, why not think back about who...you are?
- Miss President: Huh? My opponent?
- The lady takes a slightly defensive stance...
- Woman in Blue Atire: And away we go...!
- <BATTLE [vs WOMAN IN BLUE ATTIRE]>
- Miss President: *pant* *pant*
- I somehow manage to beat the lady in blue who attacked me
- How did I win...? How did I use these metal arms and legs like it was second nature? I don't understand
- The lady in blue stands before me, exactly like she was when I first saw her
- She's not even breathing hard...
- Woman in Blue Atire: Well done...
- Woman in Blue Atire: But I'm sure you realize now......You are not human...
- Woman in Blue Atire: There must have been an important promise that...could only be kept in that guise That must...have been your reason for living...
- Woman in Blue Atire: Whether it's worth losing that or not......I ask that you give it serious thought...
- Miss President: An important promise? My reason for living...?
- I repeat that to myself
- It seems important somehow...
- Woman in Blue Atire: Now... it seems the tumult of trials is...about to begin...
- Woman in Blue Atire: In which case... I bid you good luck
- The thick book in her hand closes with a loud thud...
- Miss President: Oh...!
- Strangely, that ordinary sound lingers in my mind...
- When I come back to my senses, there's no one here anymore
- I take a nervous look at my arms and legs...
- Miss President: Nothing seems different about me...
- There's no metal on my limbs now
- Just ordinary skin and bones...
- Miss President: What the heck was that? A dream...?
- Yeah, what was that?
- Would "daydream" be the word for what just happened?
- I can't sort out my thoughts, so I think to myself, "I can't let it get to me Just let it go"
- But some things I can't dismiss that easy
- ..."You are not human"
- ..."You have an important promise which must have been your reason for living"
- Miss President: She said... I'm forgettin' something?...That I need to remember...?
- My head's hurting again
- The pain brings back another memory
- It's just for a second, and I can't quite catch it... but I saw blue skies, and the ocean, and someone else was there... maybe a white dog, too, I dunno
- I think there was a lot more to it, but the last voice I heard stays with me...
- Familiar Voice: I mean, we're "loved" after all
- When I come to, my hands are balled into fists
- That's when I make a decision
- That promise, that reason for living...
- I have to hang on to it
- I didn't hear them until now, but there are strange voices everywhere in the school building
- Is this the "tumult of trials" that lady in blue mentioned?
- Is that really going to be a thing?
- Miss President: I can't just leave this be I'm the dang...student council president!
- As student council president, I have to find out what's going on in my school
- I need to make sure the students aren't getting involved in anything dangerous
- I start running towards the first floor...0000000000000000 END
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