3.18am, 24 seconds.
Marie Bell Breguet woke up.
She kicked the blanket and leapt up.
She was in the middle of this dark small room, probably used to keep books inside, and held her breath as she listened in on her surroundings.
(That was…)
She felt mysteriously uneasy for some reason.
She was already in a deep slumber due to the fatigue from the long journey, only to wake up out of a sudden. The heart in her left chest was throbbing violently.
Her feet slowly left her temporary bed, and touched the floor.
There was silence everywhere.
And there were still a few hours till dawn.
The staff were resting their bodies and minds for the arduous task that would await them. The ones who have yet to sleep were probably the night shift workers who were in charge of supervision. Marie too was allured by the urge to snuggle under the blanket again…but held herself back.
She could not leave that strange feeling back then as it was.
She was a genius, and also a Meister.
Ever since her childhood, she had been practically entered different locations every single scene, and detected countless numbers of anomalies and dangers.
The talent and experience was warning her. In this situation, she was able to gain such a feeling because of those factors.
That was why it was impossible to say that nothing happened.
“Who’s there!?”
Marie yelled as she hurriedly got up.
She put on her coat, trudged her heavy feet, and pushed the door aside.
She exited onto the dim corridor, and there was something moving slightly beside the door. It was a bald middle-aged man with a hulking bear-like body, but his existence felt frighteningly nonexistent.
He, Halter, was lying on the floor under a blanket, and slowly lifted his head.
“…What is it, Milady? You dreamt of something scary?”
“You wanna die?”
Marie glared at Halter with an insecure look.
“Get up, you fat oaf. Get all the calculation data of around 120 seconds to me right now.”
“Alright. I’ll get them…ah,also.”
“What’s it!? Hu-Hurry up! Rush!”
In the face of Marie’s terrifying look, Halter said,
“I get it already. Can you please put on some underwear, at least?”
“?”
Taken aback, Marie’s movement, expression and breathing ceased in unison.
“…”
Nothing.
She was not wearing anything.
Or rather, she was naked.
This genius girl had her hands placed on her hips, standing proudly whilst fully exposed.
“09:47, 4 July 2015 (UTC)09:47, 4 July 2015 (UTC)~!!!”
The moment she lifted her head, Halter was nowhere in sight.
The palm she instinctively raised had lost its target, and her face was beetroot as she hurried back into the room.
●
Halter soon came back as according to Marie’s behest.
Marie had randomly picked up the clothes she had discarded in the room, and the instant she wore them, a knock on the door could be heard.
“–You may come in”
She spoke stiffly.
The instant she said this, Halter walked in with a stack of data.
Marie was intending to at least break one of Halter’s shins as she waited, but had to give up on the notion once she saw an observation team members follow behind Halter.
Leaving aside her appearance in front of a rugged hooligan, there was no way she could be disgraceful in front of her elite staff members.
Marie resisted the urge to click her tongue as she shot Halter a sharp glare.
–Die, you hoodlum.
One had to wonder whether Halter comprehended the meaning behind that stare. He arched his body slightly and left the pile of data in his clutches onto the table.
The observation team leader, Hannes, took out a piece of data, and handed it to Marie.
“Professor Marie, from the observation data we have gathered–”
“There’s an intermittent change in gravity?”
Marie seized the opportunity to answer first.
Upon his words being interrupted, Hannes widened his eyes.
“Oh, I`m really surprised. Have you already realized it?”
“Just a wild guess. I had a feeling that would be the case.”
“Yes, it is as you said, professor. The value has increased from 0.92 to 1.04 during this one hour. There has been 3 instances of intermittent gravity changes.”
“…A change of 0.1G? No, it should be a smaller difference, right? It’s a good thing that you managed to observe it. Isn’t this a shock large enough to wake anyone up?”
Halter interrupted with some really sloppy respectful language.
“You’re already made into a cyborg anyway. The Tourbillion mechanism grafted inside you meant that any error levels in gravity changes will be negated.”
Marie answered as she watched the body that was much bulkier and taller than anyone else.
Halter, acting as Marie’s bodyguard and secretary, was originally a ‘technician’ born in the military, and his body was already turned into a cyborg when he was young. His physical power was such that he would wreck a combat automata with a single punch, but in contrast, his delicate senses were not as sharp as a real body.
“Even so, this value is at best about the weight of someone riding on an elevator, no?”
“It’s still enough. That’s still not the main problem.”
“Though the change itself is just erroneous, the problem is the value itself. The values on the frequency graph shows unprecedented situation if we compare the data over the last 30 years. Even though it’s maintaining a constant gravitational value of 1.03…”
“If we read into the observed data, that’s more or less,”
–Marie felt her body weigh heavier, and stopped talking.
It was not a weight that would cause her to collapse, but it was a change that was not to be ignored.
Marie calmly analyzed the gravitational pull weight on her, and murmured,
“–It’s 1.34 now.”
“Professor Marie, this after all…”
“Yeah, we can’t solve this with a simple deduction of ‘just a simple gravity anomaly’. Looking at the rate this changes, everyone above the gears will be affected.”
That meant that,
“In the worst case scenario, we may have a collapse of the city structure.”
“–!!”
Marie’s calm words caused everyone present to tense up.
This extent of gravitational change was at best equivalent to someone in a drunken stupor.
But what if there was a stronger gravitational force than that? Or when zero gravity occurred?
They might end up being crushed by their own weight, or they could be sent flying into space.
Or perhaps the damage could be beyond what the escapement could contain, and the machinery would be malfunctioned.
It would be fine if it were an automobile or a house/mansion, but if the 12 ‘Clock towers’ that controlled the city’s environments and the ‘Core Tower’ that stood in the center, extended towards the stratosphere were to be destroyed–they would not be able to rebuild the city.
This city, Kyoto, would vanish forever.
The ‘Clockwork Planet’, a world comprised of gears, was a black technology nobody could replicate even after 1000 years.
This was the same even for this Meister, one of the 6305 Meisters in the world.
“–Listen to me, everyone.”
Marie spoke.
She looked around at the uneasy looking workers, and spoke with an adamant.
“I suppose everyone has realized that the situation is critical. This certainly is a weird case, whether it was the sudden dispatch or a simple malfunction report–”
Once she spoke till here, she paused.
Her legs were spread as wide as her shoulders, her left hand on her waist as she raised her right arm leisurely.
Though she had the body of a petite girl, she had a queenly vibe to her as she continued.
“Everyone here is recognized as a first-rate technician. Sure, we may not be comparable to ‘Y’ who created the world, but you and I are elites gathered all over the world. Nobody can surpass us, and there is no malfunction we can’t solve. First, we have to think of this and admit this.”
This arrogant-sounding words caused every worker present to change their expressions.
–Right, none of the technicians sent here were incompetent.
All of them started from ‘Rearing’, and after the baptism of working at the scenes, were promoted to Gazelle’. Once they combined their talents and experience together, they attained the level of ‘first-class’, seasoned technicians.
There was no exception amongst them, from the commander Marie till the observation staff; they were first grade talents any enterprises, even the ‘military’ would welcome with open arms.
“Right. We’re the ‘Meister Guild’.”
‘Meister Guild’.
An international organization that aimed to maintain and preserve the planetary structure. More than half of the Meisters in the world were affiliated with this organization full or technicians, and it had the the most cutting edge technology and equipment to deal with all sorts of malfunctions in the world.
Their actions were not hindered by any government or philosophy. They were a non-governmental organization.
This is the ‘Meister Guild’.
“It does look like the ‘Guild’ always has special reasons to hurry us over from one end of the world to intervene here. The ‘military’ attitude does seem to show that they’re doing some unspeakable dealings…well, we’re already used to being hated by them anyway, right?”
There were wry grins showing on the staff’s faces, showing their experiences when dealing with the ‘military’.
“The work this time looks like it’ll take quite some effort, so let’s enjoy it as much as we can.”
Marie’s tone seemed to indicate that was really her intent; she sounded really riled up.
“I don’t know what else will happen, but we can conclude that ‘we don’t have time’.”
In for a penny, in for a pound; with such a mentality, she said,
“Observation team, hurry up and confirm which level of the core tower is causing this. Any ordinary technicians out there will need a year to finish this–I want you to finish this in two weeks!”
“”Roger that!”””
Marie had tasked them with an utterly, ridiculously difficult request, but all the staff present responded enthusiastically.
●
After watching the observation team leave to their work as per instructed, Marie slumped into the temporary bed.
“Ahh…that was tiring.”
“Sure was tough. That was a moving speech.”
Marie groaned as she looked up at the ceiling, and Halter handed her a cup that was giving off steam. Inside it was a thoroughly stirred hot cocoa, filled with much milk and sugar.
Marie got up to receive the cup,and curled her lips into a grimace.
“I’m really grateful to those guys, to be willing to be fooled by this young lady’s speech.”
“Everyone is being fooled knowingly. They’re all adults after all.”
“Really?”
“Of course. How can an idiot be a Meister and really act calmly after seeing a city’s functions.being impaired? I’m a technician stuck at the ‘Gazelle’ level, and even I knew that much.”
“…”
Halter brought a foldable chair to Marie, and sat down in front of her.
“It’s scary. This isn’t something we can put up with. If you mess up here, people will die, and the city will be gone in ashes. There’s no way to salvage it. Despite that, everyone’s working like a gambler, afraid yet willing to bet on–you see, there’s still a young lady who’s still trying to act tough even though she’s waiting herself.”
“…It really does sound silly.”
“Of course. It’s laughable.”
Halter silently gave a smile, and continued.
“You laughed, get fooled, and still acted tough. If such a cute lady is able to laugh it off like that, wouldn’t it be embarrassing for the adults to run away from the line of duty?”
“You sure can talk even though you’re like that, Halter.”
Marie smiled, and brought the cup to her lips.
She enjoyed the sugars of the cocoa, and it created a delightful sensation in her tired brain.
“So, how about you get down to work? As an adult.”
“Yes, as you wish, Milady.”
“Go investigate the ‘military’. I want to know what they know.”
“Hm? They promised to reveal all information to us now?”
“It’s true that there’s nothing suspicious about the simulation data they divulged to us, but it’s not like they’ll obediently hand over all the data to as. I want that proof and contents.”
“You mean–”
Halter hushed his voice and spoke with a stern look,
“–The ‘military’ is hiding news about a fatal malfunction, no?”
“We can at least assume that there’s such a possibility.”
“…Is the situation that bad?”
“Maybe. It is concerning that the ‘Guild’ headquarters never briefed us on anything before sending us all the way here.”
“Private information, maybe? But if they have grasped any hidden secrets the ‘military’ and Japanese government have, the headquarters will at least explain, right?”
“Maybe they don’t have solid proof. Besides, it’s not like the ‘Guild’ has nothing to with the outside world. They can’t ignore the intentions of the 5 great enterprises backing us–and there’s a group of guys wanting to eliminate me.”
“…Hey hey, that’s scary.”
Marie smirked.
“It’s because of this that you’re here, right?”
Marie Bell Breguet.
The youngest Meister in history was the darling princess of the Breguet Company’s chairman, one of the 5 great enterprises.
Due to that talent and prestige, she was already used to the stares of envy and hatred despite her not being criticized straight in the face. There were lots of scoundrels wanting to pull her down, and when those people tried to deal with her through violence, it would be Halter’s job to protect her.
“It’s alright if it’s just me worrying too much, but I want insurance on this.”
“Understood. I’ll go check it out anyway.”
The instant Halter stood up, someone knocked on the door.
“? –Come in.”
“Please excuse me.”
A observation team member, who had just left the room a while back, entered upon being granted the permission by Marie.
“What is it? Any progress in the work?”
“Well actually, I’m reporting about the container for the YD-01.”
“Hm? You found RyuZU?”
Marie inadvertently tried to stand up, and the worker stammered, seemingly having difficulty in talking.
“Well, about that…after analysing the flight trajectory in reverse, we managed to confirm where it landed. We did send a team to the scene to reclaim it…”
“And then?”
Marie felt anxious over how uneasy the worker sounded as she clenched her fists.
“Unfortunately, it fell onto an apartment.”
“…Apartment?”
“Yes. Due to the impact of that fall,well…the entire apartment collapsed.”
“–HUH!?”
Her throat inadvertently let out a strange voice.
At the same time, the cup fell from her hand.
The piping hot cocoa rained onto her knees, causing her to roll about due to the scalding.
The young worker could only ask concernly whilst the genius girl nearly fainted,
“Ar-Are you alright, Professor Marie!?”
“No…I-I’m fin..”
Marie answered as she desperately swallowed the moan that rose to her throat. She grabbed the towel Halter provided as he stood sidelong, and with a teary look, she stared at the worker.
“It-It collap…sed?”
“Y-Yes, well…to put it, it seemed to be an old dilapidated set of apartments in the first place.”
“Wait, hey! Don’t tell me people died!?”
Halter nearly shrieked, and the reporting worker hurriedly denied it,
“No, the good thing amongst all these is that we haven’t found any dead people. There’re only a few people living inside such a large set of apartments, and there was quite some time from the fall till the collapse, so it seemed they were able to evacuate in time.”
“I-Is that so? that’s good…”
Marie answered as she wiped the cocoa off herself, but the worker continued,
“W-Well, about that…it’s not exactly a good thing.”
“? What’s the other problem?”
“In other words, the apartments have fallen.”
“You just mentioned that.”
Marie frowned skeptically, and the staff worker showed an anxious look,
“I’m saying that it fell! The YD-01 container has fallen below the city grid along with the apartments!”
“–!!!”
For the first time in quite a while, Marie felt her eyes narrow into dots.
She then unintentionally asked.
“What did you just say?”
“The YD-01 container has collapsed below the city grid. The good news is that the collapsed rubble is still left in the crust, but it’s likely that reclamation will be very tough as we have no machinery to deal with wood and dirt…”
“Hey…”
Halter could only groan as he placed a hand on his forehead.
This time, even he did not have the luxury to make any cheeky comments, but upon seeing that his master was still shocked, he finally recovered, and whispered,
“…Anyway, let’s contact headquarters. Explain the losses this time to the person in charge of the legal department, and get excavation machinery over here. That thing’s a resource the Breguet Corporation can’t ignore, so perhaps they’ll send someone over once we explain matters.”
“Y-Yes…I guess. I’m sorry, but can I leave the procedures to you?”
“Understood.”
Halter nodded, and brought the reporting staff worker out of the room.
Marie closed the door, and was left alone in the room, curling her lips in a self-deprecating manner.
“…It looks like this is really becoming quite an enjoyable job.”
●
At the same time–3.17am, 46 seconds.
Naoto Miura opened his eyes.
He was in a park, a sports park with a wide field and playground facilities for infants and toddlers to play. Naoto was lying in a rest corner located in a corner of the park, covering his ears and gritting his teeth.
“…Shut up.”
There was a distorted noise.
It was common for him to hear the abnormal unpleasant noises from the city structure, but that was exceptionally shrill.
At the 24th basement level of the core tower, approximately 70,620m down below, the gears were giving off an unpleasant noise.
For this reason, he was awoken up. Normally, such noises could be insulated through the use of his favorite headphones–however, his headphones…or rather.,
“Why…am I sleeping at such a place?”
He murmured to himself, tilting his head.
His body was as heavy as a lead block, for he was sleeping on a hard place. It did not seem as if he had just napped at all.
“You’re awake, Master Naoto.”
A clear, beautiful voice rang could be heard from behind, ringing his head that was yet to be fully awake.
He looked back, and saw an angelic face just inches from him, and inadvertently reared his head back.
Her gold dazzling eyes of precious stones were staring right at him.
She was a breathtaking beauty–yet had the expression of a man-made object that was hard to read into.
…I believe this…?
He struggled to adjust his posture, but tumbled over.
For the heavy pressure was suddenly exerted upon him.
The hand supporting his body slipped, and he fell from the bench
The back of his head then slammed into the sturdy edge of the bench hard.
“OOOUUUUUCCCCHHHHHH!!!! MY HEAD FEELS LIKE IT’S GOING TO BREAK APART!!!”
And as Naoto was groaning away, cupping his head in agony, a lovely voice rang from above,
“This is a new form of gymnastics, no? It certainly is a stylish form that transcends time.”
“That’s not it! What was that just now?”
“A fluctuation in gravity, it seems. I suppose it’s a trivial error in the city structure.”
“The damned government. Just do that maintenance, will ya!”
Naoto grumbled as he got up.
He dusted his clothes, and faced the owner of this beautiful voice.
The girl was seated with her knees on her bench, and Naoto was secretly flustered upon realizing that he had been sleeping on her thighs until the moment he woke up.
“You’re called, RyuZU…right?”
“Yes. I’m the 1st unit for the Initial-Y series, RyuZU.”
Upon seeing her show such an elegant mile as she answered, Naoto’s memory finally kicked into gear as he quickly recalled what happened the previous night.
And then, after sorting through what had happened, he could only laugh blankly,
“…That was a crazy night.”
Everything had been per usual till the moment he returned home.
But once he entered the bathroom, a meteorite fell, and it turned out to be an enigmatic package with an angelic automata within–in the end, he decided to stay within the collapsing building and carrying out a repair work of life and death.
“Ah, right! What happened to my house?”
“If it’s about the house you lived in, Master Naoto,”
In response to Naoto’s words, RyuZU responded with a stare.
There was red smoke rising at the place she was looking up, dissolving into the black sky.
“Is that…the apartment where I used to live?”
“Yes. There was a fire and a collapse afterwards, thus the evacuation here.”
Upon listening closely, he would hear the sirens of the fire brigade amidst the noises in the city.
It seemed this was the park several blocks away from his apartment; upon calming down, he looked around, and affirmed that these were familiar surroundings.
“…Haha, good bye, my home…so I’m now homeless?”
Naoto could not help but cherish the memories as he watched what used to be his home, now no different from a wasteland.
“I don’t have any money too. What do I do now…”
“About that.”
RyuZU spoke calmly,
“I took your clothes and valuables before your home was completely collapsed.”
“What?”
Upon her words, Naoto’s eyes gathered upon the items placed on the table.
“Ohh! My wallet, bank book and seal! And my headphones!”
He put on his favorite cheap headphones without hesitation. Besides the aforementioned items, there was his school bag, uniform, sneakers, handheld devices, and others placed there.
Having thought that his valuables were reduced to rubble along with his apartment, Naoto was squealing for joy at this unexpected outcome.
“Please allow me to apologize for reading your bank book on my own initiative…your name is Naoto Miura…am I correct?’
“Eh?”
The instant she asked him this, Naoto realized that he had yet to introduce himself.
“Ahh…well, yeah.”
“–Then.”
RyuZu remained seated in Seiza as she lowered her head respectfully.
“I am grateful that you did my adjustments. Also, while I am not certain on the details, I do sincerely apologize about destroying your residence, Master Naoto. Perhaps I should bury the heads of the ones responsible into the dirt and make them apologize, for now, I…”
RyuZU was elegant and old-fashioned, but at the same time, Naoto was entranced by the venomous spite in her apology.
The specifications she showed after being repaired was boggling.
Soon after she was rebooted, she had the decision making ability to assess the surroundings.
She had the mobility to escape together with Naoto from the collapsing building.
And also, she even managed to gather all his finances from the collapsed building during the time he was unconscious.
And more important–that fluent apology.
“There’s nothing to apologize.”
Naoto shook his head.
“Anyway, I’m amazed by your capabilities, RyuZU, to the point of tears.”
“That will be perfect. Then, will you allow me to register you as my master and serve alongside you, Master Naoto?”
RyuZU reached her hand at Naoto.
Master Identification .
The bond between master and slave.
“Eh…?”
This sudden abnormal feeling caused Naoto to hesitate.
“No, that, wait…”
RyuZU tilted her little head skeptically,
“Then, is there anything inconvenient? Is it because this flawless, impeccable me will damage your mitochondria-like pride if I am to be by your side, Master Naoto?”
–The tone RyuZU spoke with the instant she was first activated.
Her words were vicious, not holding any punches; for some reason however, there was no sense of dissatisfaction formed within him.
Naoto shook his head, preventing his mind from straying away from the topic at hand, and answered,
“That’s not it, RyuZU. You’re an amazing automata, aren’t you?”
‘Yes. Have you understand?”
“There’re so many parts in that small body of yours, your functions and style are beautiful, you’re a perfect masterpiece.”
“Yes, I am relieved to see that you have such eye for beauty besides being a knothole, Master Naoto.”
“No matter what kind of new automata brands there are, there’ll be none as charming as you, RyuZU!”
“Yes, that is a certainty. Certainly, I have no idea regarding the abilities of the latest automata, but if humanity were to be able to create tools that barely reach the level of my ankles, my mechanical functions would not have ceased for 206 years.”
RyuZU immediately answered with confidence.
These words caused Naoto to exclaim in shock.
“206 years? Speaking of which, when were you created anyway, RyuZU?”
“About 1000 years ago.”
“A millenium–?”
Approximately a millenium ago.
In other words–she was an automata created during the time the Earth was outfitted with gears.
…This is?
Is this the perfect automata that can only be described as ‘ultimate’?
–Right, why didn’t I feel suspicious about it in the first place?
What exactly is ‘she’, this automata even the latest oncs could not compare to.
“RyuZU…what are you exactly?”
“What, as in?”
“That’s what I’m wondering! You fell from the sky! You’re super cute, and have that ‘I am of superior technology’ feeling around you!”
“So what?”
“No, that’s…anyway, I’m a high school student, you know?”
“Is that so? Since you were able to repair me, Master Naoto, I believe you’re the human with the most outstanding technical skills on this world, no?”
“No no no no! How can that be possible? I’m just an ordinary high school student, a failure of humans even. If I’m to say, I’m not popular!”
“–Then, why did you activate me?”
And so, RyuZU asked with an intrigued look.
“Well, that’s…”
Naoto suddenly realized,
…Why?
RyuZU was right? What did he want to do after fixing the automata?
He again turned to face RyuZU again.
–This antique doll was created more that 1000 years ago.
It was true that she has that cuteness, beauty and perfection that was unapproachable.
…But was she too perfect?
She showcased some specifications beyond that of military automata soon after she was activated, to a befuddling extent even, whether it was the conversation before, or the display of emotions. If it was the expression of emotions and daily conversations, the current automata would be able to do them well, but would clearly give the impression of artificial beings.
In contrast, RyuZU had the vibe of a living person.
Even if she was abandoned 1000 years ago, this level of automata could not possibly be something man-made. If it was a civilian servant girl doll created by an enterprise…the specifications were way too high.
What if she was made by the ‘military’?
She did not seem to be mass produced; was she the prototype of a secretly created weapon?
…No no, that would be impossible.
Even if she was a military automata of the latest kind, there was no reason or significance in making her take the form of a young girl.
Perhaps technology-wise, it was plausible, but if such a pretty girl new generation weapon were to be release, there was no doubt that the developer’s head would be sent flying.
The more he thought about it, the more perplexed he got.
What sort of person exactly created such an automata, with what intentions?
–Was she created with abnormal intentions?
–Was there actually a shocking secret hidden within it?
Upon thinking about it, even though she was a flawless, super cute automata…there was no way he could simply invoke a contract in the heat of the moment.
“–Is, that so…”
It seemed RyuZU had sensed Naoto’s thoughts.
She then retracted her outstretched hand silently.
Her temperament, calmness, smiling face showed a all-too-realistic tinge of emotion.
Because of it, the subtle change was clear to see.
“I’m…an existence that’s not need.”
It was a lamentation, one of melancholy and loneliness feeling that she was not needed by anyone.
At that instance, a balance scale appeared in Naoto’s mind.
On both sides were the flawless automata and the unknown risks of being attacked at any given moment.
Which of the two sides was heavier? Perhaps that was the meaning?
…All right then.
Naoto grinned in his heart, and first, he placed RyuZU on the left side of the scale.
The instant he put it on, the scale was weighed down, blasting the table to bits and causing the floor to be blown to smithereens, destroying all of Naoto’s rationality, hesitation, concerns and other important factors, resulting in a deformation–
“I’M SORRYRYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! I REALLY WANT YOUUUUUUU–!!”
Naoto knelt down at the speed of light.
And at that instance, he revealed his true intentions.
“I’m forcing myself too much! I never intended to give up on you! No matter what happens in the future, please continue to take care of my long life from now on!!”
He yelled as he knelt down, his head on the floor, his arms raised as high as possible.
Right, these were clearly the true thoughts in his mind.
Is there anything to think about it? Which idiot will let such a ‘treasure’ get away!
Creator? Original owner? RyuZU’s true identity? Like heck I care about them!
Even if the mastermind’s the ‘military’ or some other enterprise; nothing else matters as long I get RyuZU. That’s for sure!
“–Then, please allow me to borrow your right hand. Also, will you please stand up if possible?”
Naoto stood up as if he was shot, and quickly reached his right hand out.
RyuZU’s hands took Naoto’s palm.
“Then, please excuse me–*aum*”
The ring finger was sucked into the mouth, from the tip to the metacarpal.
A startling sensation ran down Naoto’s back, causing him to inadvertently let out a sound.
RyuZU’s soft, moist tongue was throbbing inside her mouth, licking Naoto’s ring finger delicately as if it was probing into it, wrapping around it, stirring inside. The lubricating fluids secreted from the soft materials was causing bubbles, making a slurping sound.
I’m going to melt. Naoto thought.
Naoto had a feeling that he was being consumed in RyuZU’s mouth for eternity, starting from the finger. The beautiful angelic girl was in doing an obscene act of putting his finger inside her mouth, causing him to feel an inexplicable sense of guilt and unspeakable delight.
Just when Naoto was about to pass out from the scorching sensation burning his mind.
–The sound of countless gears spinning in unison within RyuZU could be heard.
“Nn…ahn…”
Was this the end of the identification?
RyuZU’s mouth slowly left Naoto’s finger.
Ignoring the state of blankness in his mind, Naoto touched RyuZU’s face with his liberated palm. It was a mass of warmth and tenderness…
RyuZU’s eyes were moist as she leaned upon that hand, and at the same instant she exhaled hot air,
“–Initial Y series Unit 01–‘Your Slave’ RyuZU pledges her absolute obedience and loyalty to Master Naoto, always staying by your side until the gears in this body break down and stop.”
These words were far beyond that of an ordinary ‘master identification”. Rather, they were comparable to that of the sacred words of a wedding vow, spoken by RyuZU.
●
“Wait, I…ca-can…”
As the dazzling morning sun seemed to break through the blue sky.
Naoto was huffing and puffing, panting pathetically at the Kamo Bridge railing.
“Th-That’s impossible…RyuZU. I really…can’t do this anymore.”
“Master Naoto, I am really impressed that your frail body is able to last till today considering that you’re panting from this level of exercise.”
“…After, what happened yesterday, haa, and considering that I never slept at all, didn’t have a proper meal…I’m amazed that you’re, calling me weak…when I have, to run to school…”
“I’m honored to receive your praise.”
The sarcasm he managed to say after gathering much courage was easily brushed aside.
They were an hour’s walk away from ‘what was originally’ Naoto’s apartment, moving along the Kamogawa. The white school campus was located at the “Kamogawa Delta”, at the intersection between Takanogawa and Kamogawa
That was the Tadasu no Mori High School Naoto attended in Kyoto.
I may not look this way, but I do have a perfect attendance record. The moment he said this to RyuZU, he was practically dragged along by her, running all the way here…
However, the time shown on the watch was 7.12am…way too much time before class began
In the face of such a fact, Naoto spoke to RyuZU with tears in his eyes,
“Speaking of which, I’m really a homeless person…I should be worrying about things like having a bed or dinner more than rushing to school for class, right?”
“Please rest assured. I shall handle all these matters while you are attending class in school, Master Naoto. If my carelessness prevented you from having a perfect attendance record no matter the reason, my pride too will be gone.”
Naoto cocked an eye at RyuZU,
“Then what if your master nearly dies because of sleep deprivation and excessive fatigue?”
“That is because of your uselessness and weakness, Master Naoto. I shall not bear responsibility for any negligence in upbringing during the time before I arrived.”
“Hm, even though that is the case…”
“To be honest, it is none of my business.”
“You’re really direct!”
Naoto, upon hearing such verbal violence, ended up laughing however.
Every single word RyuZU spouted was certainly vicious, but it was not distasteful.
–It’s definitely not because I got a new interest; Naoto told himself.
“…Master Naoto?”
“Ah, sorry. Speaking of which, what do you plan to do for the aftermath? I only have enough funds for food this month.”
“I never had any expectations regarding your abilities, Master Naoto, so please be assured. I alone can raise money for shelter and subsistence.”
RyuZU said nonchalantly.
And so, Naoto looked displeased.
“Are you going to work, RyuZU? That’s…”
“You certainly do say some strange things, Master Naoto. Please think with your common sense. How do you earn money through hard work?”
“…This is the first time I’m hearing such strange logic.”
“Besides, I am of your possession, Master Naoto. Even if it a temporary matter, it is impossible theoretically or physically for people of humble backgrounds to use money when they do not know the workings.”
“–”
…Is this actually the case of a Tsundere?
Naoto’s lips inadvertently broke into a smile, and he hurriedly changed the topic.
“Then, what do you want to do exactly…?”
“Master Naoto, do not ask too much about such trivial matters. Even if you are down for the count, an elite has to remain positive at all times.”
“I don’t remember being that amazing…but nevermind.”
Naoto sighed as he said, and continued.
“Actually, I spent 3 hours repairing you yesterday, RyuZu…my mind and body are completely tired now. If you can help deal with some troublesome matters–speaking of which, what’s the matter?”
Naoto lifted his head, and saw RyuZU stand still with her eyes widened.
After maintaining that pose for 5 seconds,
“…Sorry for making you worry. I deliberately repeated the words 20 million times in my mind so that I did not mistake what you had just said, Master Naoto.”
“Eh? Di-Did I say anything strange?”
“You said that you repaired me in 3 hours.”
“Eh, yeah. I did.”
“…May I ask a question?”
“Oh. Okay. What’s on your mind?”
RyuZU elegantly pleased her hand on her chest.
“May you tell me–the total number of gears that form me?”
“Erm…4,207,600,008,643?”
“Please answer me, what is the number of regular vibrations in my main cylinder?”
“The largest part in the spine, right? If I’m not mistaken, it’s 6,254,941,395.”
“…How many strands of artificial neural networks are there in my springs?”
“There are 15,945,549,846 directly connected ones, and if considering the ones connected to the resonants, there are 62,945,634,574,578 of them.”
“…Allow me to ascertain, Master Naoto. Have you seen my design plan?”
“No? Anyway, does such a thing exist anyway?”
“It doesn’t. Logically, there shouldn’t be one, which is why I am asking this. How do you know the details of my construct?”
“Why?”
“It is impossible to analyze my structure in a mere 3 hours through the use of a personal simulation device–no, this applies even for professional devices. Thus, I could only assume that you had seen my blueprint before.”
RyuZU persisted with her question, and Naoto looked befuddled as he tilted his head.
“But you’re right in front of me now, you know? Even if I don’t investigate everything one by one, I just need to hear to understand, right? Logically put.”
RyuZU continued to stare at Naoto skeptically.
“This is the first time I am hearing of such strange common sense; sound, is it?”
“Well, I guess it’s kinda like a skill. My hearing has always been better than others, so my ears can hear everything in a machine construct even if I don’t see it directly.”
“In other words, even me?”
“Yeah, I just need to hear. Your body’s so pretty anyway, RyuZU. There weren’t any excess parts in you, so I quickly knew where the fault is. There’s some noise in that wonderful sound, and I was angry, so I started to repair it. I don’t regret this.”
“…”
“Hm? What is it, RyuZU?”
“Master Naoto.”
“Yes?”
“Master Naoto’s a pervert.”
“Yes…huh? That has nothing to do with our conversation, right?”
Naoto got up with a dumbfounded look.
“It’s about time for us to move.”
During the time they were resting, the number of students heading to school was increasing. They stared at the duo while crossing the bridge, murmuring some things along the way.”
RyuZU stared at them in an intriguing manner, and asked,
“…It seems the stares are gathered upon us. What is the reason?”
“Ah, well, it’s because someone like me is being with you, I guess.”
Naoto answered, and RyuZU nodded understandingly.
“It is to be expected that this angelic beauty me, a gift from the heavens, is admired by the suffering, humble peasants. Please pardon me for asking such a foolish question.”
“Eh, that’s somewhat true, but I’m here too.”
“In other words, their awe had multiplied because they have witnessed this heavenly pearl in me stand alongside Master Naoto, the apex of humanity?”
“No, it’s actually ‘why’s that useless bastard being together with such a super cute girl’?”
“Master Naoto, I do find that your appearance is of the lowest denominator, but it certainly does not mean that you are being scorned by those humans that are lower than the ants scurrying on the ground.”
“Even I will cry if you keep that up.”
Naoto was about to pass out on the spot, but shook his head,
“Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I deserve it anyway, and I’m already used to it.”
But in response to his words, RyuZU shook her head unhappily.
“No, it’s not good at all.”
“Why?”
“Because that is irrational and inexplicable. I do not understand what reasons this group of people have in deeming you as someone inferior?”
Naoto raised his eyebrow in disbelief.
“I want to ask instead, how highly do you think of me, RyuZU?”
“Master Naoto, you are the only human who is able to reinstate me from my broken state.”
“But isn’t that just what you see, RyuZU? Most people don’t think of me this way.”
“Is that not because they are inferior, incapable beings who are unable to understand–”
“But they’re the ones who form society, RyuZU. Those who can’t be understood by everyone are no different from non-existences; this is the rule of this society.”
…After a long silence, RyuZU unhappily spoke,
“I do admit it is vexing to be rebuffed by you, Master Naoto, but I do admit that what you said makes sense.”
“So you understand. Is there anything else?”
“Sorry. Is there something else I may ask?”
“Hm? What is it?”
RyuZU called Naoto just as the latter was about to leave, seemed to ponder about something, and asked in a probing manner.
“It seems that such creatures known as humans have a strange habit of using their interest in a large unspecified number of people from the opposite gender as a symbol of superiority.”
“I really want to know exactly where did you hear that from; well, never mind, you’re right. So?”
“Is that the ‘outstanding point’ element commonly understood in the group you belong to, Master Naoto?”
“Hm? That’s quite the leap in topic…”
Naoto tilted his head as he said.
“Anyway, those popular guys will typically get high opinions. They do have people around them after all.”
“–Understood.”
“I’m not really sure what’s going on, but I’ll be going first?”
“Alright. I shall see you later then, Master Naoto.”
Naoto left for the school campus, sensing an inexplicable feeling from RyuZU’s stare.
He passed through the side doors where the shoe lockers were, and went straight for the main entrance. His indoor shoes were already stolen long ago, so he simply borrowed the guest’ indoor shoes.
He hurried towards the classroom as the sound of footsteps rang.
There was buzzing on the corridor as he approached his classroom, but nobody went to greet Naoto upon meeting him. If there was a difference from before, it would be that there were occasional snickering and muttering amongst them.
He entered the classroom, placed his bag on the thoroughly vandalized desk he was so endeared with, and sat down at the chair. It was Naoto’s daily routine to pretend to sleep until the class bell ring, as a mean of passing the time.
He laid down on the bed, and suddenly recalled what RyuZU said.
“Opinion, huh…?”
To be honest, he had no interest after all.
An outstanding weirdo would be accepted simply for saying the right things, while the useless weirdos would be treated as a black sheep.
He had no intention to hide, whether it was his own incompetence or his anomaly.
Thus, this was something he deserved. It was troublesome, but he could not salvage anything.
He thought about these as he laid prone on the table, and really felt sleepy.
…Well, too many things happened this morning, so I guess it can’t be helped…
Normally, he would wake up once the form teacher entered, but he shall sleep for the day.
And so, Naoto gradually fell into a deep slumber.
●
“–Nn..?”
The strange commotion in the class caused Naoto to be awakened.
Is it lunch break already? He stared at the clock, and found that it was 10.46am.
In other words, the 3rd period was starting, and he only slept for 2 hours.
What are they fussing about? Naoto raised his head skeptically.
“Ah…it is sudden, but I’ll introduce a new transfer student.”
The teacher for the 3rd period was at the podium along with a girl.
It was a pretty girl whose presence alone would attract the stares of others.
She had pure silver flowing hair, crystal white skin, thin pink lips, rosy cheeks, and golden eyes that were shining like a crown.
That beauty nobody in humanity could even imagine caused everyone to be stunned.
“…Whatcha doing?”
Naoto inadvertently blurt in dialect.
The girl standing at the podium probably heard him, for she took a step forward and waved her little hand at him.
At this point, the class, which had been completely mesmerized by the peerless beauty, turned their many stares upon their isolated and unimpressive classmate.
“My name is RyuZU Yourslave. I shall be classmates with everyone, but I have no interest in spending any time with common peasant folks, so it is fine even if you do not take care of me.”
The silver-haired girl greeted with a blooming smile, and Naoto again collapsed onto the table.
●
“I assumed that this will clearly show your ‘outstanding aspects’ to your group.”
“–Ahh…well, yeah, I guess. Don’t you know of the term overkill however?’
Naoto shrugged in the face of the surrounding stares.
There was envy, hatred, disgust, malice…if those stares were able to cause physical damage, Naoto would have been shredded to nothingness.
“If the other person’s a beauty like you, RyuZU, it’s a case of ‘why that guy’?”
“..This is my honest opinion, but I feel it is much easier to teach cows how to walk on their hind legs than to find rationality in humans.”
“Yeah, I can’t deny it.”
For Naoto, the day had been havoc for him from the 3rd period onwards.
RyuZU forcefully seized the seat right beside Naoto, and clung onto him during lesson time. When it was time for lunch break at the cafeteria, she sat on his thigh in a diagonal manner ‘Ah–‘ and made Naoto feed her with a monotonous tone. After that, they went to the grass patch in the courtyard, and she grabbed Naoto by the head, forcefully giving him a lap pillow…
Though Naoto was not the type who intended to care about how others viewed him (if he were, he would no longer be able to declare himself as weird), he was not brazen enough to enjoy RyuZU’s lap pillow when the scything pressure upon him could rip him to shreds.
RyuZU too did all sorts of intimate acts with him without any restraint. The classmates were simply watching the duo from afar, abstaining from the usual questions for transfer students. It was only after school that a few bold students stood up.
However…
“E-Erm, do you have sometime?”
“Yes? Is there anything you want with me?”
“Ah, ye-yeah. Regarding your transfer, there should be–”
“But I do not have any particular reason to look for you. If you excuse me.”
“If there are any queries–eh?”
…
“Hey! RyuZU’s really pretty!”
“Yeah, I know. So what?”
“…Eh, let’s think. RyuZU–”
“Will you please not call my by my name directly with that fraction of a brain? And please do not call me affectionately and understand your–no, there is no need for me to repeat it. It will simply be a waste of time.”
…
“Ah–I’m the second year…”
“I suppose you really hate me, deliberately making it all the way here from upstairs and ruin my mood. I do apologize that my senses are not sensitive enough to care for any ants, so please return.”
“Eh, no, but–I’m still rather pop–”
“I already said to disappear from my sights, or–is human language too difficult for you to understand?”
…
“Ah–”
“If you had thought through it and have already planned to say something that will consume the oxygen on Earth, many lives that have made noble sacrifices for your exothermic heat and my irreplaceable time–please continue.”
…
One could say that bodies were lying everywhere.
RyuZU kept giving Naoto angelic smiles whenever she spoke to him, but had a stoic expression when talking to others, monotonous when talking, her devilish verbals jabs piercing through others.
And so, there were boys and girls, more than 20 in total, dealt with tremendous damage during the time Naoto and RyuZU left the classroom till the moment they reached the school gate.
●
Once they exited the school gates, Naoto and RyuZU were headed down the Kamogawa River.
They were headed towards the cross junction at Demachiyanagi, passing by the old men running energetically and college students practising with their musical instruments.
RyuZU turned back and glanced at Naoto, who walked on with heavy steps.
“You look rather lethargic, Master Naoto.”
“Eh, yeah…thanks to you. I guess this is how it feels to be on tenterhooks…”
“You certainly are a scaredy cat to be so mindful of such unremarkable stares–though I am not especially surprised by this.”
“Stop it already. I’m seeing myself in a new realm by now.”
Naoto slouched his body in depression, and said,
“–Speaking of which, I got something to ask you. How did you transfer in?”
RyuZU calmly answered in a matter of fact,
“Of course, I handed a transfer request form.”
“Even if you said it so reactively, is it really possible for you to send the transfer request in this morning, and complete it on the day itself?’
“I merely had ‘a chat’ with the principal.”
“…’Chat’?”
“It is fine for you not to understand, Master Naoto.”
“No wait, why do I suddenly have a bad feeling about this?”
“It’s really nothing much. I simply did some adjustments to the hairy accessory on the hair, and even when serious, I merely said a few words.”
“A threat!? That’s a threat, right!?”
“No. I merely stated ‘a little’ wish right after our chat.”
“…I say, RyuZU, you did say that you’ll settle lodging and money. Are you going to do that through criminal methods…?”
“Master Naoto.”
RyuZU spoke with such an alluring smile,
“Speaking of which, it is an eternal form of common sense–that it is a crime only when found out, no?”
“……Right, I’ll just pretend that I never heard anything. Speaking of which, you said you found a place for us to stay at. Where’s it?”
“We’ll see it soon. It is the hotel right around the corner of that building, called ‘The Uh-huh’.”
“……RyuZU?”
Naoto suddenly stopped in his tracks, and asked,
“If I remember correctly, isn’t that a love hotel?”
Upon hearing Naoto’s doubts, RyuZU widened her eyes,
“–As you say. It is unexpected to hear this from you though, Master Naoto. Have you used it before?”
“That’s impossible. Only the popular folks in class use it often–wait, that doesn’t matter at all! How can we possibly stay in a love hotel?”
“But that love hotel ‘The Uh-huh’ just so happened to have the cheapest rates in the area we’re living in, the Kyoto. The facilities for the residence are most asture.”
“That’s not the problem! If I’m seen walking out from a love story with you, I’ll get expelled immediately, RyuZU.”
“…That is really unacceptable. Now then, I shall hear your noble alternate suggestion, Master Naoto.”
RyuZU frowned, looking somewhat unhappy as she said some spiteful words. Naoto however was frantically racking his brain,
“…An-Anyway, let’s stay at a manga cafe for the night!”
Naoto held RyuZU by the hand and walked off.
They were delayed due to the earlier detour to the love hotel, and because of that, crowds were gathered as they walked down the shopping streets, the surroundings gradually darkening.
The sun had completely set by the time they finally found a suitable manga cafe.
“That’s good. If we wait a little longer, we can get the night package–”
–Naoto looked back at RyuZU, and his expression gloomed.
Three guys flanked her without his knowledge.
They were all young men, probably of college age. One could say that birds of a feather flock together, as their appearances were unkempt, their clothing bedraggled, and they were wearing all sorts of flashy accessories that were clanking.
One of them, hoodlum A was trying to hook up RyuZU in on overly-familiar manner.
“Hey hey hey! Aren’t you quite the remarkable beauty?”
“Yes? So?”
“Ahhahaha, and you even say ‘and so’? You sure are some superior item.”
“Hey hey–you wanna play with us? We’ll treat you to something later~”
Naoto immediately understood what was going on.
These hoodlums, A, B and C were gathered together in an underhanded attempt to hunt the finest prey, RyuZU.
Normally, he did not want to get involved with such people. He would not pay any attention to both parties, and even if he did meet them, he would foolishly laugh and walk away. However–
“!!”
A burning sensation was ignited within Naoto.
Using this impulse, he held RyuZU by the hand.
“Let’s go, RyuZU.”
“Okay.”
RyuZU too nodded, ready to move away. However, the three hoodlums were not going to let go of her so easily.
Two of them encircled Naoto and RyuZU by the front, blocking them.
“Wait a minute, this is a foul now, isn’t it…whatcha doing?”
“She’s going on a date with us later, you know? Step aside, brat.”
Hoodlums A and B were leering obscenely.
The last hoodlum, C was staring at Naoto with bloodshot eyes.
“Who do you think you are anyway? Her boyfriend?”
“Nice gag there, Taku! That’s impossible! Definitely!”
The trio cackled, and hoodlum A, the first one to approached, reached out for RyuZU.
Naoto noticed his actions, and immediately slapped the hand away.
“–Ouch…what’s with you, huh!?”
The trio’s sneers vanished, rage burning in their eyes.
Even so, Naoto hollered whilst spurred by emotions,
“Shut up, don’t you even properly assess yourself and know who you can and can’t get, you self-proclaimed homosapiens!? You’re just thick-skinned, you walking filth!”
–What exactly am I saying here now?
The slightly calmer part in his mind was warning him this.
Though those hoodlums seemed to be unhealthy looking, they were three young men, and he was simply a scrawny, short boy of 16 years old.
If this were to end up becoming a fight, no matter how he struggled, the only future awaiting him would be a sandbag.
If he had tried to do this in a roundabout way, maybe he could have escaped in a peaceful manner–however, he had nary a single regret.
Even if such a moment happened again, he would definitely do the same thing–no, he might even kick the other guy once.
–Right, if they ever dare do anything to RyuZU, I’ll do anything to protect her–
The men’s faces were contorted in rage, intending to grab Naoto.
And Naoto bit his lips as he glared back.
Immediately,
“…Master Naoto, thank you very much.”
A refreshing voice could be heard.
“–My understanding of you has improved by a notch.”
“Eh?”
Naoto inadvertently asked back.
And so, the hem of RyuZU’s skirt fluttered slightly.
That was all Naoto’s naked eyes could identify.
However, the gusts and sounds seemed to have ‘something’ to them as they raced forward, seeming stroking the 3 men.
This was followed by a weird sound.
The men’s shirts, pants, accessories, shoes, underwear, and even their hair was dissoluted like there was an intricate magic trick.
“–I am really sorry.”
RyuZu lifted the hem of her skirt as she bowed at the trio, now naked and lying on the ground,
“I was already in an unpleasant mood due to those unruly people’s attitudes towards Master Naoto, so I couldn’t help but take action. I have no intention on reflecting on this however.”
“Ah, erm, ah…”
“As for your just rewards, you shall be glad that you never laid a hand upon Master Naoto. No matter what kind of pervert Master Naoto is, I do not think he will be pleased to see severed heads.”
RyuZU showed a thin smile on her face.
But her expression was absolute zero, ostensibly staring at flies on rotting flesh.
No matter how unhinged a person was, clearly he would understand what she was trying to get at.
The naked trio scampered like wild dogs, and the commotion get bigger as yelps could be heard, along with the distinct bellows of policemen.
“…O-Okay now, let’s hurry into the manga cafe. It’s too dangerous to go outside in the night, RyuZU!”
Naoto hurriedly pushed RyuZU in the back as he hurried into the shop.
He was a regular customer at this manga cafe.
The shop was wide and bright, completely clean within. The facilities were also well maintained, and the beverage bar had a wide assortment of choices.
RyuZU stopped, and looked around.
“…It’s decent, i guess.”
She pouted unhappily.
“But I do think the environment in “The Uh-Huh” is better. Master Naoto, do you prefer a cramped room instead of a wide comfortable place?”
“Ugh, let’s not talk about it anymore. Forget about it, okay?”
The duo approached the reception area, and a young male attendant walked out from the interior. Upon seeing RyuZU for the first time, he was momentarily stunned, but immediately greeted her with a smile, ostensibly a change in mood.
“W-Welcome. Do you have a membership card?”
Naoto handed his member card.
“I want the night package.”
“If you start now, you’ll have to pay for approximately 1 hour worth of normal rates. Is this okay?”
“Sure. I’ll have that please.”
“Thank you for your patronage. What kind of suite do you want?”
For that instant, Naoto did not know how to respond.
He was looking troubled as he stared at the interior map the shop attendant had handed him. There were cafeteria suites, box suites, business suites, reclining suites…an assortment of suites, but considering that two people had to stay together…
While Naoto was being fickle over this, RyuZU took a step forward from beside.
“Please give us a couple suite.”
“Eh…?”
“Understood. The 4th suite then.”
RyuZU ignored Naoto while the latter remained shocked, and simply finished the procedures swiftly before receiving the card and receipt.
“Wait RyuZU!? What’s the couple suite?”
“Isn’t that what you were aiming for, Master Naoto? I can tell that you have perverse thoughts of embracing me passionately in tight corners inside of lying in a wide room. Aren’t you very grateful for my insightfulness?”
“That’s not it! I never thought of that!”
“Using such considerations, I thus have a suitable explanation as to why you’re refusing to enter a love hotel so stubbornly.”
“I’m still underaged!”
“Do be assured, Master Naoto, no matter the unique desires you have that will never be accepted by society, I shall accept them all without exception.”
“I say–no, never mind. It’s safer if I think about it.”
“Yes. It does seem that the security here isn’t too good. Though there won’t be any issues with me around, it is important to avoid danger.”
“Ah, yeah…”
Avoiding danger for the other guys, anyway, Naoto murmured.
–If some idiot is to tease RyuZU in the shop, there’ll be homicide…!
Once they entered the designated suite, Naoto collapsed onto the sofa immediately.
“…Th-This is a long time…”
His body was completely lethargic, feeling like lead
If this is to keep up, I’ll be sleeping like a bag of dirt. Can’t do this. Naoto took a deep breath to empower himself, and slowly got to his feet.
“Master Naoto, where are you going?”
“I’m going to use the shower. I won’t feel good sleeping like this when I’m all sweaty.”
“I see. Understood.”
Naoto passed by RyuZU while the latter had her head lowered, and went straight for the bathroom.
But soon after walking off, he stopped and turned around.
And then, he asked RyuZU, who was staring at him blankly,
“I say, why must you follow me?”
“…? Didn’t you order me to scrub your back?”
“I never said anything!”
“Really? But it seems that you aren’t that willing to be honest with your desires, Master Naoto. Because of that, I’m trying to interpret the true hidden intent within your words.”
“It’s fine even if you don’t try to interpret them!”
“…Really? Alright then? Did you not wish for me to remove your clothes in such a tight space and provide special service with liquid soap and sponge?”
“…”
“Master Naoto?”
“…It’s fine. No need for that. I’ll bath alone.”
“Understood. I shall return to my seat and await your return.”
“…Yeah. See you later.”
RyuZU bowed and returned back to her seat
Once she had completely disappeared from his sights, Naoto inadvertently fell on his knees.
He wiped the tears off his eyes, muttering to himself,
“…What was I doing…?”
●
“Wah!? What’s this!?”
After having taken a shower, Naoto returned to the couple suite feeling all refreshed, only to find all sorts of magazines and mangas stacked within.
RyuZU, seated on the sofa, was browsing through the pages at an alarming rate.
She stopped for flipping for the time being, and stared at Naoto.
“Welcome back, Master Naoto.”
“Ah, yeah, I’m back…what’re you doing?”
“This is part of intelligence gathering. My mechanical functions have ceas for 206 years, so I do feel it is necessary for me to replenish on modern intelligence as much as possible.”
“…Including these mangas?”
“Popular entertainment are important elements for references.”
“I-Is that so…I’m tired. I’ll sleep then.”
“Nn, good night then.”
After that, RyuZU sat in a Seiza position, facing Naoto.
Naoto sat beside her, and said,
“RyuZU…you don’t need to sleep because you’re an automata. What about your spring?”
“Please do not worry. It is wounded automatically.”
“Oh, I see…eh, wounded automatically? Even with more than 4 trillion gears inside?’
“Yes. And?”
Naoto took a deep breath, and nodded,
“–No, well. It’s strange if I can’t do that much.”
Even the latest generation of automata had be be winded once a week…Naoto again realized the high specifications RyuZU had. A mere spring activation function was nothing compared to the capabilities she had shown till this point…
After convincing himself this, Naoto rested upon his arm, and closed his eyes.
And then, RyuZU’s stoic tone could be heard.
“–Are you ignoring me?”
“Eh?”
Naoto inadvertently opened his eyes.
He saw RyuZU’s extremely displeased look several inches away from him, and gasped.
“Are you ignoring my lap pillow?”
She patted her thighs as she said.
Naoto widened his eyes, and asked,
“…Really?”
“We did it during lunch break in the day. You are now my master, Master Naoto. Is there anything inconvenient about that?”
“No, no problems at all.”
He quickly replied, and laid his head gently on her thigh.
The soft, warm sensation ostensibly made him feel as if he was melting within, and he exhaled slightly, curled his little boy on the sofa, and once he closed his eyes, and somnolence set in.
“Master Naoto.”
“Hm?”
“I’ve been watching you today.”
“Yeah.”
“Allow me to be frank, you are a thoroughly enigmatic person.”
“Maybe. I don’t deny it.”
“Yes. Also, I think you are being too humble.”
Ah, Naoto snorted unhappily.
“Sorry…for meeting such a lousy owner.”
“–It is correct that knowing humility is extremely important…but…”
Naoto was prepared to listen intently regarding the rest.
“…Never mind. Nothing major–good night.”
“…Yeah.”
Naoto soon fell into a deep sleep.
RyuZU stroked his hair gently as she whispered,
“…How exactly does Master Naoto see me?”
There was no reply.
RyuZU too did not hope for an answer.
Through this observation she had for the entire day, she could be certain that he only had interest in robots.
In that case, what he wished from this peerless automata was simply an outstanding machine.
But if that was the case, why did he treat her like a human girl?
“It’s, really hard to understand.”
RyuZU smiled bitterly, lowered her stare, and recalled the scuffle just now.
She could not tell whether Naoto was treating her as his possession or as a girl, but he certainly intended to protect her.
…He really treasures me.
That was the only thing she was certain of, and it was enough.
RyuZU smiled, not showing any malicious intent as she continued to comb Naoto’s hair.
●
It had been 26 hours from the moment the entire staff began analyzing.
The analysis was progressing successfully.
They had confirmed the status of the 2nd level of this 27 level core tower.
Unfortunately, they had yet to find out where the issue was. If they were to progress at this rate however, they could finish analyzing all the levels in around 2 weeks.
Even though they had obtained such reasons–Marie could not bring herself to be really happy.
“…Things are going too smoothly.”
Right, this was the strange part.
If they could proceed with their work smoothly, a simple way of summarizing things was that, ‘Nobody was obstructing them’.
The ones obstructing would be the ‘military’.
Of course, due to the clauses in the agreements. The ‘military’ could not obstruct brazenly, and could at most request to ‘assist'; the ‘Meister Guild’ would then express their thanks regarding such requests, and refuse so as to be able to finish their work successfully. However, the ‘military’ had developed an ego, for they had been maintaining the daily functions of the city as caretakers, and would not treat any ‘outsider’ too kindly for barging in on their work. They had to maintain a reputation to the city residents.
In the end, the ‘military’ would use classified information or responsibility as a shield to interfere with the ‘Guild’ work. The ‘Guild’ would finish their work while trying to avoid the ‘military’.
To the ‘military’, the ‘Guild’ were simply vultures hoping to snatch their jobs and get the accomplishments.
To the ‘Guild’, the ‘military’ was simply an incompetent organization full of hot air.
That had been the organization Marie and the rest faced till this point. However–
“We only saw a few Technical Forces members today.”
They were not unconcerned.
They made a ‘request’ the moment Marie’s group arrived, and at this point, there was a Technical Force member acting as supervisor, watching their actions silently.
That was all however.
After she had refused their request to assist, they simply fell back. This core tower, located at the heart of the city, would typically have more than a thousand staff members, but they left without any further questioning.
Though Marie’s group knew that it was something good, there was something scary about it.
The ‘Guild’ could not decipher their intentions.
There was a sudden gravitational change before dawn broke.
The ‘military’ responded strangely.
Though it seemed to be a small single anomaly, the ‘worst case scenario’ appeared in Marie’s mind once she linked everything together.
“This might be…maybe it is.”
“Meister Marie…”
A young staff member whispered to her.
Once she understood the intentions written on his face, she nodded.
“I know. Don’t worry, I’m already prepared.”
“Then, as expected…?”
“We still can’t be sure of this yet, but I suppose we’ll soon have a result.”
Marie’s expression was clearly faltering as she answered, and once the man noticed this, he cleared his throat and returned back to his position.
“–Okay.”
Marie took a deep breath, and returned to the elevator shaft with steady steps.
The Technical Force supervisor silently followed.
He was probably the superintendent of this facility, and on his sturdy chest, befitting of a soldier, was the insignia of a Gazelle.
As they waited for the elevator shaft, Marie said to the man.
“I intend to go take a breather outside. You won’t mind, right?”
“Go ahead.”
His reply was cold.
Marie however did not mind, and at that instant, the elevator arrived. She walked in, and pressed the button leading to the ground.
Her team was working at a position approximately 8,200m deep below the city area; in other words, the 3rd level. Even when taking the elevator ride proceeding at 1km every second, it would take them about 8 minutes to reach the surface.
During that time, Marie stared at the depth meter on the door. Soon after, it seemed she was finally unable to endure this silence any longer as she turned to say,
“That gun’s the BR-19, right?”
She started the conversation with a cheery tone.
She was staring at pistol on the man’s waist, and the latter did not answer as he stood still. Marie did not mind about his response either as she continued.
“The gun doesn’t fire a bullet through the spinning of the gears, but through the compression and release of the rapid moving air. It has more recoil than any of the previous guns, but uses this recoil to amplify the compression ability of the next shot, which results in it possessing outstanding stopping power. It is normally loaded with 7 shots, and there is a wire meant to prevent any enemy from stealing. The huh, isn’t it the .45? If firepower is of the priority, wouldn’t the short assault rifle BR-sp33 be a more convenient choice?’
As Marie prattled on as she explained this ‘military’ standard weapon, the man could only show surprise at this.
“You understand quite a lot there.”
“Yes. My family does manufacture guns.”
“–Oh, I see. You’re the Princess of the Breguet Company.”
“Do you know? Those born in the Breguet family are taught specific details regarding the product designs and sales. As one of the 5 Great Enterprises, it sells everything from baby cots to large transport carriers. It’s really…”
“Sounds tough.”
“Yeah. I suffered quite a bit when I was young.”
“But to be honest, I really don’t understand the meaning behind that. Unless you’re an employee, is it really necessary for the Princess to learn all this?”
There was a mocking tone within these words.
But Marie smiled, looking as if she agreed with him.
“You think so too?”
“Yeah. I think it’s too much. If you have the time, why not learn some other valuable things?”
“Right. Like this?”
“Huh? Ack–!!?”
The instant the man spoke up, he was sent sprawling on the floor.
“Ah, ugh, ummm…!?”
–He had no idea what hit him.
Even though he was a technician, he would have to accept combat training as part of the military. He was not of the actual combat team, but he would have learnt combat techniques that would allow him to deal with 2, 3 hoodlums.
However, he was subdued by a 16-year-old girl, stripped of his weapon, stepped upon, and had a gun pointed at the back of his head, all these without a chance to fight back at that instant. What exactly was the situation?
“I said it already, didn’t I? I’ve been indoctrinated with all sorts of ‘specific details’ regarding our products. That will include ‘the way to use them’, right? –Will you please be quiet for a while?
“Wh-Wha-what are you doing, you–ugh!?”
“Hey, didn’t I tell you to be quiet, dog?”
Marie spoke condescendingly.
It sounded completely natural, she was neither excited nor nervous.
These words, coupled with the feeling of the gun pointed at the back of the man’s head, eroded his will to resist.
The elevator shaft arrived at the surface.
The doors were opened along with the sound of air being exhausted. Standing in front of them was a hulking giant–Halter.
He peered inside, and patted his bald head.
And then, he spoke to the man Marie was stepping on sympathetically.
“You really suffered there. Well, just think of it as being bitten by a dog–”
“Stop yapping and hurry inside.”
“Right right. Pardon me.”
Once Halter entered the elevator, he pressed the descending button. It again sank below the ground, and after 10 seconds or so, was stopped forcefully.
While the elevator became a locked room, Halter tied the man’s limbs.
The man continued to struggle at this point, but a body of flesh and blood was powerless against the cyborg Halter, and he fell onto the floor, restrained.
Marie stepped on the man’s head.
“How about we make cries in all sorts of places?”
“–Ugh…”
The man still tried to struggle, but Marie would not budge her foot away from his head.
She smirked as she watched him in this state.
“Oh my, what is this now? You still intend to struggle? You look very delighted struggling like this, you pervert.”
“You seem to be in a good mood, Milady.”
“I loved to train dogs when I was young. Any large and stubborn dog would become cute and whimper whenever I leash them in the end.”
Just like this–Marie said as she grabbed the man by the collar, and the latter could only groan as he struggled with his head stomped on, his tie pulled.
“Speaking of which, did you bring the toy here, Halter?”
“Hm, I did…are you really going to use it?”
Halter frisked out a white syringe unwillingly.
There was a silver liquid of unknown nature.
Upon seeing this, the man’s face was contorted with fear.
“Wha…w-wait a sec! What’s that!? What’re you trying to inject me with!?”
“What exactly? Well, of course it’s a truth serum–”
“Wha–”
“–if only. We just so happened not to have it. Think about it, we’re just ordinary citizens after all.”
“What kind of ordinary citizens will act like you!?”
The man hollered.
He said something anyone would wholeheartedly agree in anguish, but Marie did not respond to his topic as she continued to grin.
“Actually, it’s mercury.”
“Mer-Mercury!?”
The man’s eyes widened as he gasped.
“Yeah. It’s the kind used for automata maintenance.”
“A-Are you, serious!? If you really inject that”
“You’ll die, right?”
Marie gave a cheshire grin.
“So what? It’s nothing amazing, isn’t it?”
“…”
The man’s face paled. His lips were tightened, and tears could be seen in his eyes. His limbs were tied tightly, and he was sweating profusely all over.
“Then, let’s decide the rules now, okay? I’m the master, you’re the dog. Answer with a woof no matter what question it is. How about it? Simple right?”
“Do-Don’t think you can get away with it–ack!”
Marie stomped on the man’s face hard.
“Hey, you should be woofing, right? Why don’t you understand such simple instructions? Are you making fun of me?”
“Th-This damned brat…!”
“Are you really hoping that I splatter that pitiful brain of yours? A mere nameless mook still dares to defy me? Know your place, mongrel.”
“Okay now, Milady, we’re getting off topic here.”
Halter spoke admonishingly.
He spoke in a friendly, compassionate tone to the man who was teary and bloodied on the nose,
“I’d say, bro, that Milady might be enjoying things now, but I’m different. I just want to ask about something. If you can tell me honestly, I’ll release you immediately. It’s a promise.”
“U…uu..”
“There’re two things I want to ask about, so listen up? ‘Where exactly is the anomaly occurring’, and ‘how much has the ‘military’ understood about the situation. Can you please tell me?”
“I-I can’t. I can’t say it.”
The man stared at Halter in the eyes, and shook his head timidly.
“I say, bro, don’t add on to my workload, will you?”
“I’ll be killed if I say it!”
“You rather let that Princess toy you to death?”
Halter raised his chin, and Marie readied her syringe delightedly.
“Here’s an advice. That Princess a real Sadist, you know? The female nobles born in France do seriously treat civilian males as mongrels.”
“I-I can’t do it.”
“Bro.”
“If I tell you that, my family that has escaped from the city will be killed by the ‘military’ too!!”
The man hollered as he sobbed,
“Da-Damn it! Just kill me already! I won’t say anything!”
“Hey, calm down bro–no, I should call you Mr Ryoji Nijama.”
“Wha…?”
The man was stunned to suddenly hear his name.
How does he know my name–the instant he shuddered, Halter smiled as he handed something to the former.
It was a small white plastic plate.
An ID card.
“!?”
“You just blurted out that they have already ‘escaped from the city’, right? Currently, there’ only a Nijima family that was originally from this city and has already left…we can confirm it in 15 minutes.”
“Halter, this guy’s useless. Just eliminate him already and switch to the next target. Ah right, don’t forget to kill his family in an accident or something.”
Marie commanded in an arrogant manner.
Halter shrugged, and placed the gun barrel upon the man’s temple.
“That’s how it is–sorry.”
“Wai-Wait! I understand! I’ll talk! I’ll say everything!”
“Everything?”
“Please let me say this, please…”
“Very good.”
Marie stared at this sobbing man with a cold look, and said,
“First question. Where’s the anomaly at.”
“At-At the 24th level.”
“The 24th…it’s rather deep. If I remember correctly, it’s where the air pressure and gravity controls are at, right?”
“Tha-that’s right…there’s a fatal malfunction in the air pressure control core…”
“Very good. You’ve become rather obedient–then, how much has the ‘military’ known?”
“We-Well…”
“There’s no need to ask, Milady.”
Halter said.
“They probably understood everything, and gave up on repairs before this. Though they knew where the all the anomalies are, they won’t provide any information, and even deployed their technicians away. That’s basically what happened, right?”
The man remained silent.
His attitude was the biggest proof.
“Oh…I see. In other words, our job is to save this city with 20 million people that the ‘military’ has given up on.”
“Ha–”
The instant Marie nodded and said this, the man chuckled, and sneered,
“Hahahaha! Try repairing it if you can.”
“–Oh, you’re being arrogant there, huh. Now you’re raising your nose once I treat you a little better. Don’t you know how to learn? Useless dog.”
“Ha–hahahahaha! There’s no way you can repair it!”
“Don’t lump us outstanding technicians with you incapable ones, okay?”
“Humph…I don’t know what kind of big shots you are, but there’s no time for that!”
“…What do you mean!?”
“Exactly what I said! This city’s going to be ‘purged’. 42 hours later!”
–‘Purged’.
This is to deliberately–collapse the city.
If the malfunctioning city could not be repaired, the entire city would be thoroughly abandoned to prevent the error from affecting the entire planetary function. This was what they called the ‘Triage’.”
“–Don’t spout nonsense here! If you’re going to abandon this city 42 hours later, how can you not issue an evacuation order!?”
“We did…long ago to the ‘military’ and government related personnel.”
“!”
Halter grabbed the man by the collar as the latter sneered, bellowing,
“You guys are just going to watch 20 million people die along with the city!?”
“Humph…you guys know more than anyone how many cities were purged due to maintenance failures, and you act all snobbish! The techniques you all are so proud of is basically refined through the sacrifices of many, no?”
“Shut your filthy mouth, you lowlife.”
Marie glared at the man, and growled,
“Right, we’re not omnipotent. There aren’t just one or two cities that are abandoned because we can’t save them–even so, we’ll try our best until the very end. I don’t think we can be compared to the guys who chose to protect themselves and abandoned 20 million people.”
“Huh! You’re saying that we never tried our best either!? Say it then, what’s the reason you appeared here so shamelessly? –Right, we’re intending to abandon this city because of stupid reasons, our superiors’ pride, the system! The reason why you’re here is no different!”
“!”
“What now? I struck the jackpot? ‘Meister Guild’? ‘Guild of Technicians without Borders’? Pretending to have kindly faces!? Those faces are definitely black if you cut them up! Fess up! Is that rumor true!?”
“…That rumor?”
“Don’t play dumb! I’m talking about the rumor where you guys deliberately destroyed a Core Tower and acted like you’re the experts! You guys caused that incident in Amsterdam 2 years ago, right!?”
“–”
Marie swung the syringe down.
The thick sharp needle entered the man’s chest, and he let out a shriek upon seeing this.
“ARGGH! Da-Damn it! You really injected it!? You mad brat!”
“It seems that you’re mistaken. Let me tell you.”
Marie spoke with the gloomy condescending look one would give to an ant,
“What our superiors intentions are, and what we did, none of it will change the fact that you guys, the ‘military’, abandoned 20 million people. There’s no reason to justify it.”
Shut up, you murderer…!”
“Also, stop being so petty with those filthy thoughts of yours. We’ll definitely save this city, this city the ‘military’ abandoned!”
“Ha, hahaha! Stop bluffing! There’s only 42 hours!? There’s no way you can repair it even with a hundred times of that time!”
“At that moment, I’ll just die along with this city.”
“What…?”
Marie looked away from the panting man, and said to Halter,
“There’s no time–let’s go.”
“Understood. What do we do with him?”
“Just do something. How about you throw him in the lowest level and let him die there?”
“Yo-You! That’s not what we agreed on! Hand me the antidote!”
“He’s just a useless dog we have to deal with in the end. There’s no need for him anyway, right?”
“A-Ahhh! Damn it! You intended this right from the beginning, right!? What genius, you bastard! Go and die, you slut!”
Halter’s sent a punch deep into his solar plexus.
The man winced in pain, and passed out. Marie merely watched on, and murmured,
“…He’s a Gazelle and he can’t distinguish between machine mercury and nanogear preserving liquid? I can’t believe such a person is in charge of maintenance.”
“It is harmless to humans after all, but there’s no reason to use it unless the human is made into a cyborg.”
Halter carried the unconscious man on his shoulder as he stood up. He activated the stopped elevator again, and spoke to a frozen looking Marie,
“You alright? You look tired.”
“It’s nothing. This isn’t much.”
Marie lowered her head as she answered.
She took a candy from her coat pocket, and stuffed it into her mouth.
“Leaving aside my matters, Halter, negotiate with the Breguet Family under my name to protect his family.”
“Understood.”
“Also, check on what the ‘Meister Guild’ intentions are in sending us here, as soon as possible.”
“I’ll try. Anything else?”
“Can you buy me some chocolate. Those sweet ones with caramel inside.”
“Hey, you’ll grow fat, you know?”
“Stop yapping. Buy me an entire box so that I can fill my stomach.”
She chewed on the candy and lifted her head,
“There’s no time for any meals.”
●
After hurrying to the workplace on the 3rd level, Marie shouted without even gasping for breath.
“Everyone, please stop and listen to me!”
The staff members who were at work lifted their heads at Marie, trying to understand the situation.
Marie scanned around at everyone’s expressions, and said,
“We’ve confirmed the location of the anomaly! The air pressure containment in the 24th level is malfunctioning! Everyone’s to move out immediately! Those arriving first are to hurry with the observations!”
The staff workers widened their eyes in shock, but got ready to leave immediately. The hall was buzzing, and the Technical Forces members standing in a corner were giving confused looks.
The mechanic chief Conrad appeared beside Marie without her knowledge,
“–That’s amazing, Meister Marie. How did you do that?”
“I just made a heartfelt ‘request’.”
“Oh, I see. Don’t force yourself too much.”
Chief Mechanic Conrad merely grimaced in a reproving manner, but Marie did not continue from this,
“Let’s not talk about this. We got to hurry–there’s only 42 hours left.”
These words caused the observation team to shout,
“What!? We can’t do anything in 42 hours!?”
“Even if we know where the anomaly is, it’ll take us at least a week to investigate the details of the error and test out all sorts of repair methods!”
“Do you want to scamper away instead?”
Green flames could be seen blazing in Marie’s eyes as she stared at her staff team.
“The ‘military’ has given up on repairing this place, and this city is to be purged. The unknowingly citizens are abandoned.”
“What…!?”
“Impossible! There must be a mistake–”
“No, wait, those guys might really do that! It’s the ‘military’!”
Marie’s rage had infected all the staff workers present, and the Technical Force personnel scampered away the instant they were basked amidst the dozens of scathing looks.
Marie clapped a few times, and yelled,
“If it really comes to that, I’ll be in charge of announcing the final evacuation. Let’s hurry first. We can’t wait a single second from now on!”
After this, they were moving at breakneck speed.
In 5 mere minutes, all the scattered equipment and large amounts of data documents were taken away.
Once the last worker left, Marie again scanned the now empty hall, and sighed hard.
She leaned her back on the wall, and slowly fell to the floor, cupping her knees together as she put her forehead on it.
Her arms were trembling.
The sensation of the syringe injecting lingered in her hand.
The sensation of the pistol, the softness of stepping on someone, the man’s vengeful words, everything
–I thought I could do everything.
As long as she gave the order, Halter would most likely take charge; this was his previous profession. However, she did not do so, for if it were her older sister, she would act without hesitation once she felt she had to do so. It was because she had to take action that she felt she had to act on her own will, at least by her own hands.
It was because of this thinking that she made the ‘inquiry’ just now–
But in the end, it was all a mess.
Injecting that syringe was an overboard on her part.
It was a meaningless action, merely meant to sweep aside the frustration. She merely enacted this violence based on her own emotions.
It was the anger against those with the responsibility to save 20 million lives, and who abandoned it.
And also…
“42 hours to repair it–? Impossible…how many trillion parts do you think are in there?”
It was her anger at herself, who bore the same responsibility as those people did, and tried to run away like them.
Her lips were trembling.
“Oh God…”
Marie never believed in God, or at least, she never believed in celestial entities created by humanity that were given names. She always believed in the rationality and knowledge of humanity.
But even with that, she experienced this sudden revelation, done when her mind was running at its limit, a mere meshing of small gears. She believed that on the other spectrum of the highly sensitive logic and spirit, there was an amazing existence humanity could not quantify.
She slowly lift her head, and stood upright.
“–I got to go…anyway, I can’t waste a single second now.”
For the grace of fate would only descend upon those who gave their all.
She wiped away something seeping from her eyes, and proceeded to the 24th level as well.
3.18am, 24 seconds.
Marie Bell Breguet woke up.
She kicked the blanket and leapt up.
She was in the middle of this dark small room, probably used to keep books inside, and held her breath as she listened in on her surroundings.
(That was…)
She felt mysteriously uneasy for some reason.
She was already in a deep slumber due to the fatigue from the long journey, only to wake up out of a sudden. The heart in her left chest was throbbing violently.
Her feet slowly left her temporary bed, and touched the floor.
There was silence everywhere.
And there were still a few hours till dawn.
The staff were resting their bodies and minds for the arduous task that would await them. The ones who have yet to sleep were probably the night shift workers who were in charge of supervision. Marie too was allured by the urge to snuggle under the blanket again…but held herself back.
She could not leave that strange feeling back then as it was.
She was a genius, and also a Meister.
Ever since her childhood, she had been practically entered different locations every single scene, and detected countless numbers of anomalies and dangers.
The talent and experience was warning her. In this situation, she was able to gain such a feeling because of those factors.
That was why it was impossible to say that nothing happened.
“Who’s there!?”
Marie yelled as she hurriedly got up.
She put on her coat, trudged her heavy feet, and pushed the door aside.
She exited onto the dim corridor, and there was something moving slightly beside the door. It was a bald middle-aged man with a hulking bear-like body, but his existence felt frighteningly nonexistent.
He, Halter, was lying on the floor under a blanket, and slowly lifted his head.
“…What is it, Milady? You dreamt of something scary?”
“You wanna die?”
Marie glared at Halter with an insecure look.
“Get up, you fat oaf. Get all the calculation data of around 120 seconds to me right now.”
“Alright. I’ll get them…ah,also.”
“What’s it!? Hu-Hurry up! Rush!”
In the face of Marie’s terrifying look, Halter said,
“I get it already. Can you please put on some underwear, at least?”
“?”
Taken aback, Marie’s movement, expression and breathing ceased in unison.
“…”
Nothing.
She was not wearing anything.
Or rather, she was naked.
This genius girl had her hands placed on her hips, standing proudly whilst fully exposed.
“09:47, 4 July 2015 (UTC)09:47, 4 July 2015 (UTC)~!!!”
The moment she lifted her head, Halter was nowhere in sight.
The palm she instinctively raised had lost its target, and her face was beetroot as she hurried back into the room.
●
Halter soon came back as according to Marie’s behest.
Marie had randomly picked up the clothes she had discarded in the room, and the instant she wore them, a knock on the door could be heard.
“–You may come in”
She spoke stiffly.
The instant she said this, Halter walked in with a stack of data.
Marie was intending to at least break one of Halter’s shins as she waited, but had to give up on the notion once she saw an observation team members follow behind Halter.
Leaving aside her appearance in front of a rugged hooligan, there was no way she could be disgraceful in front of her elite staff members.
Marie resisted the urge to click her tongue as she shot Halter a sharp glare.
–Die, you hoodlum.
One had to wonder whether Halter comprehended the meaning behind that stare. He arched his body slightly and left the pile of data in his clutches onto the table.
The observation team leader, Hannes, took out a piece of data, and handed it to Marie.
“Professor Marie, from the observation data we have gathered–”
“There’s an intermittent change in gravity?”
Marie seized the opportunity to answer first.
Upon his words being interrupted, Hannes widened his eyes.
“Oh, I`m really surprised. Have you already realized it?”
“Just a wild guess. I had a feeling that would be the case.”
“Yes, it is as you said, professor. The value has increased from 0.92 to 1.04 during this one hour. There has been 3 instances of intermittent gravity changes.”
“…A change of 0.1G? No, it should be a smaller difference, right? It’s a good thing that you managed to observe it. Isn’t this a shock large enough to wake anyone up?”
Halter interrupted with some really sloppy respectful language.
“You’re already made into a cyborg anyway. The Tourbillion mechanism grafted inside you meant that any error levels in gravity changes will be negated.”
Marie answered as she watched the body that was much bulkier and taller than anyone else.
Halter, acting as Marie’s bodyguard and secretary, was originally a ‘technician’ born in the military, and his body was already turned into a cyborg when he was young. His physical power was such that he would wreck a combat automata with a single punch, but in contrast, his delicate senses were not as sharp as a real body.
“Even so, this value is at best about the weight of someone riding on an elevator, no?”
“It’s still enough. That’s still not the main problem.”
“Though the change itself is just erroneous, the problem is the value itself. The values on the frequency graph shows unprecedented situation if we compare the data over the last 30 years. Even though it’s maintaining a constant gravitational value of 1.03…”
“If we read into the observed data, that’s more or less,”
–Marie felt her body weigh heavier, and stopped talking.
It was not a weight that would cause her to collapse, but it was a change that was not to be ignored.
Marie calmly analyzed the gravitational pull weight on her, and murmured,
“–It’s 1.34 now.”
“Professor Marie, this after all…”
“Yeah, we can’t solve this with a simple deduction of ‘just a simple gravity anomaly’. Looking at the rate this changes, everyone above the gears will be affected.”
That meant that,
“In the worst case scenario, we may have a collapse of the city structure.”
“–!!”
Marie’s calm words caused everyone present to tense up.
This extent of gravitational change was at best equivalent to someone in a drunken stupor.
But what if there was a stronger gravitational force than that? Or when zero gravity occurred?
They might end up being crushed by their own weight, or they could be sent flying into space.
Or perhaps the damage could be beyond what the escapement could contain, and the machinery would be malfunctioned.
It would be fine if it were an automobile or a house/mansion, but if the 12 ‘Clock towers’ that controlled the city’s environments and the ‘Core Tower’ that stood in the center, extended towards the stratosphere were to be destroyed–they would not be able to rebuild the city.
This city, Kyoto, would vanish forever.
The ‘Clockwork Planet’, a world comprised of gears, was a black technology nobody could replicate even after 1000 years.
This was the same even for this Meister, one of the 6305 Meisters in the world.
“–Listen to me, everyone.”
Marie spoke.
She looked around at the uneasy looking workers, and spoke with an adamant.
“I suppose everyone has realized that the situation is critical. This certainly is a weird case, whether it was the sudden dispatch or a simple malfunction report–”
Once she spoke till here, she paused.
Her legs were spread as wide as her shoulders, her left hand on her waist as she raised her right arm leisurely.
Though she had the body of a petite girl, she had a queenly vibe to her as she continued.
“Everyone here is recognized as a first-rate technician. Sure, we may not be comparable to ‘Y’ who created the world, but you and I are elites gathered all over the world. Nobody can surpass us, and there is no malfunction we can’t solve. First, we have to think of this and admit this.”
This arrogant-sounding words caused every worker present to change their expressions.
–Right, none of the technicians sent here were incompetent.
All of them started from ‘Rearing’, and after the baptism of working at the scenes, were promoted to Gazelle’. Once they combined their talents and experience together, they attained the level of ‘first-class’, seasoned technicians.
There was no exception amongst them, from the commander Marie till the observation staff; they were first grade talents any enterprises, even the ‘military’ would welcome with open arms.
“Right. We’re the ‘Meister Guild’.”
‘Meister Guild’.
An international organization that aimed to maintain and preserve the planetary structure. More than half of the Meisters in the world were affiliated with this organization full or technicians, and it had the the most cutting edge technology and equipment to deal with all sorts of malfunctions in the world.
Their actions were not hindered by any government or philosophy. They were a non-governmental organization.
This is the ‘Meister Guild’.
“It does look like the ‘Guild’ always has special reasons to hurry us over from one end of the world to intervene here. The ‘military’ attitude does seem to show that they’re doing some unspeakable dealings…well, we’re already used to being hated by them anyway, right?”
There were wry grins showing on the staff’s faces, showing their experiences when dealing with the ‘military’.
“The work this time looks like it’ll take quite some effort, so let’s enjoy it as much as we can.”
Marie’s tone seemed to indicate that was really her intent; she sounded really riled up.
“I don’t know what else will happen, but we can conclude that ‘we don’t have time’.”
In for a penny, in for a pound; with such a mentality, she said,
“Observation team, hurry up and confirm which level of the core tower is causing this. Any ordinary technicians out there will need a year to finish this–I want you to finish this in two weeks!”
“”Roger that!”””
Marie had tasked them with an utterly, ridiculously difficult request, but all the staff present responded enthusiastically.
●
After watching the observation team leave to their work as per instructed, Marie slumped into the temporary bed.
“Ahh…that was tiring.”
“Sure was tough. That was a moving speech.”
Marie groaned as she looked up at the ceiling, and Halter handed her a cup that was giving off steam. Inside it was a thoroughly stirred hot cocoa, filled with much milk and sugar.
Marie got up to receive the cup,and curled her lips into a grimace.
“I’m really grateful to those guys, to be willing to be fooled by this young lady’s speech.”
“Everyone is being fooled knowingly. They’re all adults after all.”
“Really?”
“Of course. How can an idiot be a Meister and really act calmly after seeing a city’s functions.being impaired? I’m a technician stuck at the ‘Gazelle’ level, and even I knew that much.”
“…”
Halter brought a foldable chair to Marie, and sat down in front of her.
“It’s scary. This isn’t something we can put up with. If you mess up here, people will die, and the city will be gone in ashes. There’s no way to salvage it. Despite that, everyone’s working like a gambler, afraid yet willing to bet on–you see, there’s still a young lady who’s still trying to act tough even though she’s waiting herself.”
“…It really does sound silly.”
“Of course. It’s laughable.”
Halter silently gave a smile, and continued.
“You laughed, get fooled, and still acted tough. If such a cute lady is able to laugh it off like that, wouldn’t it be embarrassing for the adults to run away from the line of duty?”
“You sure can talk even though you’re like that, Halter.”
Marie smiled, and brought the cup to her lips.
She enjoyed the sugars of the cocoa, and it created a delightful sensation in her tired brain.
“So, how about you get down to work? As an adult.”
“Yes, as you wish, Milady.”
“Go investigate the ‘military’. I want to know what they know.”
“Hm? They promised to reveal all information to us now?”
“It’s true that there’s nothing suspicious about the simulation data they divulged to us, but it’s not like they’ll obediently hand over all the data to as. I want that proof and contents.”
“You mean–”
Halter hushed his voice and spoke with a stern look,
“–The ‘military’ is hiding news about a fatal malfunction, no?”
“We can at least assume that there’s such a possibility.”
“…Is the situation that bad?”
“Maybe. It is concerning that the ‘Guild’ headquarters never briefed us on anything before sending us all the way here.”
“Private information, maybe? But if they have grasped any hidden secrets the ‘military’ and Japanese government have, the headquarters will at least explain, right?”
“Maybe they don’t have solid proof. Besides, it’s not like the ‘Guild’ has nothing to with the outside world. They can’t ignore the intentions of the 5 great enterprises backing us–and there’s a group of guys wanting to eliminate me.”
“…Hey hey, that’s scary.”
Marie smirked.
“It’s because of this that you’re here, right?”
Marie Bell Breguet.
The youngest Meister in history was the darling princess of the Breguet Company’s chairman, one of the 5 great enterprises.
Due to that talent and prestige, she was already used to the stares of envy and hatred despite her not being criticized straight in the face. There were lots of scoundrels wanting to pull her down, and when those people tried to deal with her through violence, it would be Halter’s job to protect her.
“It’s alright if it’s just me worrying too much, but I want insurance on this.”
“Understood. I’ll go check it out anyway.”
The instant Halter stood up, someone knocked on the door.
“? –Come in.”
“Please excuse me.”
A observation team member, who had just left the room a while back, entered upon being granted the permission by Marie.
“What is it? Any progress in the work?”
“Well actually, I’m reporting about the container for the YD-01.”
“Hm? You found RyuZU?”
Marie inadvertently tried to stand up, and the worker stammered, seemingly having difficulty in talking.
“Well, about that…after analysing the flight trajectory in reverse, we managed to confirm where it landed. We did send a team to the scene to reclaim it…”
“And then?”
Marie felt anxious over how uneasy the worker sounded as she clenched her fists.
“Unfortunately, it fell onto an apartment.”
“…Apartment?”
“Yes. Due to the impact of that fall,well…the entire apartment collapsed.”
“–HUH!?”
Her throat inadvertently let out a strange voice.
At the same time, the cup fell from her hand.
The piping hot cocoa rained onto her knees, causing her to roll about due to the scalding.
The young worker could only ask concernly whilst the genius girl nearly fainted,
“Ar-Are you alright, Professor Marie!?”
“No…I-I’m fin..”
Marie answered as she desperately swallowed the moan that rose to her throat. She grabbed the towel Halter provided as he stood sidelong, and with a teary look, she stared at the worker.
“It-It collap…sed?”
“Y-Yes, well…to put it, it seemed to be an old dilapidated set of apartments in the first place.”
“Wait, hey! Don’t tell me people died!?”
Halter nearly shrieked, and the reporting worker hurriedly denied it,
“No, the good thing amongst all these is that we haven’t found any dead people. There’re only a few people living inside such a large set of apartments, and there was quite some time from the fall till the collapse, so it seemed they were able to evacuate in time.”
“I-Is that so? that’s good…”
Marie answered as she wiped the cocoa off herself, but the worker continued,
“W-Well, about that…it’s not exactly a good thing.”
“? What’s the other problem?”
“In other words, the apartments have fallen.”
“You just mentioned that.”
Marie frowned skeptically, and the staff worker showed an anxious look,
“I’m saying that it fell! The YD-01 container has fallen below the city grid along with the apartments!”
“–!!!”
For the first time in quite a while, Marie felt her eyes narrow into dots.
She then unintentionally asked.
“What did you just say?”
“The YD-01 container has collapsed below the city grid. The good news is that the collapsed rubble is still left in the crust, but it’s likely that reclamation will be very tough as we have no machinery to deal with wood and dirt…”
“Hey…”
Halter could only groan as he placed a hand on his forehead.
This time, even he did not have the luxury to make any cheeky comments, but upon seeing that his master was still shocked, he finally recovered, and whispered,
“…Anyway, let’s contact headquarters. Explain the losses this time to the person in charge of the legal department, and get excavation machinery over here. That thing’s a resource the Breguet Corporation can’t ignore, so perhaps they’ll send someone over once we explain matters.”
“Y-Yes…I guess. I’m sorry, but can I leave the procedures to you?”
“Understood.”
Halter nodded, and brought the reporting staff worker out of the room.
Marie closed the door, and was left alone in the room, curling her lips in a self-deprecating manner.
“…It looks like this is really becoming quite an enjoyable job.”
●
At the same time–3.17am, 46 seconds.
Naoto Miura opened his eyes.
He was in a park, a sports park with a wide field and playground facilities for infants and toddlers to play. Naoto was lying in a rest corner located in a corner of the park, covering his ears and gritting his teeth.
“…Shut up.”
There was a distorted noise.
It was common for him to hear the abnormal unpleasant noises from the city structure, but that was exceptionally shrill.
At the 24th basement level of the core tower, approximately 70,620m down below, the gears were giving off an unpleasant noise.
For this reason, he was awoken up. Normally, such noises could be insulated through the use of his favorite headphones–however, his headphones…or rather.,
“Why…am I sleeping at such a place?”
He murmured to himself, tilting his head.
His body was as heavy as a lead block, for he was sleeping on a hard place. It did not seem as if he had just napped at all.
“You’re awake, Master Naoto.”
A clear, beautiful voice rang could be heard from behind, ringing his head that was yet to be fully awake.
He looked back, and saw an angelic face just inches from him, and inadvertently reared his head back.
Her gold dazzling eyes of precious stones were staring right at him.
She was a breathtaking beauty–yet had the expression of a man-made object that was hard to read into.
…I believe this…?
He struggled to adjust his posture, but tumbled over.
For the heavy pressure was suddenly exerted upon him.
The hand supporting his body slipped, and he fell from the bench
The back of his head then slammed into the sturdy edge of the bench hard.
“OOOUUUUUCCCCHHHHHH!!!! MY HEAD FEELS LIKE IT’S GOING TO BREAK APART!!!”
And as Naoto was groaning away, cupping his head in agony, a lovely voice rang from above,
“This is a new form of gymnastics, no? It certainly is a stylish form that transcends time.”
“That’s not it! What was that just now?”
“A fluctuation in gravity, it seems. I suppose it’s a trivial error in the city structure.”
“The damned government. Just do that maintenance, will ya!”
Naoto grumbled as he got up.
He dusted his clothes, and faced the owner of this beautiful voice.
The girl was seated with her knees on her bench, and Naoto was secretly flustered upon realizing that he had been sleeping on her thighs until the moment he woke up.
“You’re called, RyuZU…right?”
“Yes. I’m the 1st unit for the Initial-Y series, RyuZU.”
Upon seeing her show such an elegant mile as she answered, Naoto’s memory finally kicked into gear as he quickly recalled what happened the previous night.
And then, after sorting through what had happened, he could only laugh blankly,
“…That was a crazy night.”
Everything had been per usual till the moment he returned home.
But once he entered the bathroom, a meteorite fell, and it turned out to be an enigmatic package with an angelic automata within–in the end, he decided to stay within the collapsing building and carrying out a repair work of life and death.
“Ah, right! What happened to my house?”
“If it’s about the house you lived in, Master Naoto,”
In response to Naoto’s words, RyuZU responded with a stare.
There was red smoke rising at the place she was looking up, dissolving into the black sky.
“Is that…the apartment where I used to live?”
“Yes. There was a fire and a collapse afterwards, thus the evacuation here.”
Upon listening closely, he would hear the sirens of the fire brigade amidst the noises in the city.
It seemed this was the park several blocks away from his apartment; upon calming down, he looked around, and affirmed that these were familiar surroundings.
“…Haha, good bye, my home…so I’m now homeless?”
Naoto could not help but cherish the memories as he watched what used to be his home, now no different from a wasteland.
“I don’t have any money too. What do I do now…”
“About that.”
RyuZU spoke calmly,
“I took your clothes and valuables before your home was completely collapsed.”
“What?”
Upon her words, Naoto’s eyes gathered upon the items placed on the table.
“Ohh! My wallet, bank book and seal! And my headphones!”
He put on his favorite cheap headphones without hesitation. Besides the aforementioned items, there was his school bag, uniform, sneakers, handheld devices, and others placed there.
Having thought that his valuables were reduced to rubble along with his apartment, Naoto was squealing for joy at this unexpected outcome.
“Please allow me to apologize for reading your bank book on my own initiative…your name is Naoto Miura…am I correct?’
“Eh?”
The instant she asked him this, Naoto realized that he had yet to introduce himself.
“Ahh…well, yeah.”
“–Then.”
RyuZu remained seated in Seiza as she lowered her head respectfully.
“I am grateful that you did my adjustments. Also, while I am not certain on the details, I do sincerely apologize about destroying your residence, Master Naoto. Perhaps I should bury the heads of the ones responsible into the dirt and make them apologize, for now, I…”
RyuZU was elegant and old-fashioned, but at the same time, Naoto was entranced by the venomous spite in her apology.
The specifications she showed after being repaired was boggling.
Soon after she was rebooted, she had the decision making ability to assess the surroundings.
She had the mobility to escape together with Naoto from the collapsing building.
And also, she even managed to gather all his finances from the collapsed building during the time he was unconscious.
And more important–that fluent apology.
“There’s nothing to apologize.”
Naoto shook his head.
“Anyway, I’m amazed by your capabilities, RyuZU, to the point of tears.”
“That will be perfect. Then, will you allow me to register you as my master and serve alongside you, Master Naoto?”
RyuZU reached her hand at Naoto.
Master Identification .
The bond between master and slave.
“Eh…?”
This sudden abnormal feeling caused Naoto to hesitate.
“No, that, wait…”
RyuZU tilted her little head skeptically,
“Then, is there anything inconvenient? Is it because this flawless, impeccable me will damage your mitochondria-like pride if I am to be by your side, Master Naoto?”
–The tone RyuZU spoke with the instant she was first activated.
Her words were vicious, not holding any punches; for some reason however, there was no sense of dissatisfaction formed within him.
Naoto shook his head, preventing his mind from straying away from the topic at hand, and answered,
“That’s not it, RyuZU. You’re an amazing automata, aren’t you?”
‘Yes. Have you understand?”
“There’re so many parts in that small body of yours, your functions and style are beautiful, you’re a perfect masterpiece.”
“Yes, I am relieved to see that you have such eye for beauty besides being a knothole, Master Naoto.”
“No matter what kind of new automata brands there are, there’ll be none as charming as you, RyuZU!”
“Yes, that is a certainty. Certainly, I have no idea regarding the abilities of the latest automata, but if humanity were to be able to create tools that barely reach the level of my ankles, my mechanical functions would not have ceased for 206 years.”
RyuZU immediately answered with confidence.
These words caused Naoto to exclaim in shock.
“206 years? Speaking of which, when were you created anyway, RyuZU?”
“About 1000 years ago.”
“A millenium–?”
Approximately a millenium ago.
In other words–she was an automata created during the time the Earth was outfitted with gears.
…This is?
Is this the perfect automata that can only be described as ‘ultimate’?
–Right, why didn’t I feel suspicious about it in the first place?
What exactly is ‘she’, this automata even the latest oncs could not compare to.
“RyuZU…what are you exactly?”
“What, as in?”
“That’s what I’m wondering! You fell from the sky! You’re super cute, and have that ‘I am of superior technology’ feeling around you!”
“So what?”
“No, that’s…anyway, I’m a high school student, you know?”
“Is that so? Since you were able to repair me, Master Naoto, I believe you’re the human with the most outstanding technical skills on this world, no?”
“No no no no! How can that be possible? I’m just an ordinary high school student, a failure of humans even. If I’m to say, I’m not popular!”
“–Then, why did you activate me?”
And so, RyuZU asked with an intrigued look.
“Well, that’s…”
Naoto suddenly realized,
…Why?
RyuZU was right? What did he want to do after fixing the automata?
He again turned to face RyuZU again.
–This antique doll was created more that 1000 years ago.
It was true that she has that cuteness, beauty and perfection that was unapproachable.
…But was she too perfect?
She showcased some specifications beyond that of military automata soon after she was activated, to a befuddling extent even, whether it was the conversation before, or the display of emotions. If it was the expression of emotions and daily conversations, the current automata would be able to do them well, but would clearly give the impression of artificial beings.
In contrast, RyuZU had the vibe of a living person.
Even if she was abandoned 1000 years ago, this level of automata could not possibly be something man-made. If it was a civilian servant girl doll created by an enterprise…the specifications were way too high.
What if she was made by the ‘military’?
She did not seem to be mass produced; was she the prototype of a secretly created weapon?
…No no, that would be impossible.
Even if she was a military automata of the latest kind, there was no reason or significance in making her take the form of a young girl.
Perhaps technology-wise, it was plausible, but if such a pretty girl new generation weapon were to be release, there was no doubt that the developer’s head would be sent flying.
The more he thought about it, the more perplexed he got.
What sort of person exactly created such an automata, with what intentions?
–Was she created with abnormal intentions?
–Was there actually a shocking secret hidden within it?
Upon thinking about it, even though she was a flawless, super cute automata…there was no way he could simply invoke a contract in the heat of the moment.
“–Is, that so…”
It seemed RyuZU had sensed Naoto’s thoughts.
She then retracted her outstretched hand silently.
Her temperament, calmness, smiling face showed a all-too-realistic tinge of emotion.
Because of it, the subtle change was clear to see.
“I’m…an existence that’s not need.”
It was a lamentation, one of melancholy and loneliness feeling that she was not needed by anyone.
At that instance, a balance scale appeared in Naoto’s mind.
On both sides were the flawless automata and the unknown risks of being attacked at any given moment.
Which of the two sides was heavier? Perhaps that was the meaning?
…All right then.
Naoto grinned in his heart, and first, he placed RyuZU on the left side of the scale.
The instant he put it on, the scale was weighed down, blasting the table to bits and causing the floor to be blown to smithereens, destroying all of Naoto’s rationality, hesitation, concerns and other important factors, resulting in a deformation–
“I’M SORRYRYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! I REALLY WANT YOUUUUUUU–!!”
Naoto knelt down at the speed of light.
And at that instance, he revealed his true intentions.
“I’m forcing myself too much! I never intended to give up on you! No matter what happens in the future, please continue to take care of my long life from now on!!”
He yelled as he knelt down, his head on the floor, his arms raised as high as possible.
Right, these were clearly the true thoughts in his mind.
Is there anything to think about it? Which idiot will let such a ‘treasure’ get away!
Creator? Original owner? RyuZU’s true identity? Like heck I care about them!
Even if the mastermind’s the ‘military’ or some other enterprise; nothing else matters as long I get RyuZU. That’s for sure!
“–Then, please allow me to borrow your right hand. Also, will you please stand up if possible?”
Naoto stood up as if he was shot, and quickly reached his right hand out.
RyuZU’s hands took Naoto’s palm.
“Then, please excuse me–*aum*”
The ring finger was sucked into the mouth, from the tip to the metacarpal.
A startling sensation ran down Naoto’s back, causing him to inadvertently let out a sound.
RyuZU’s soft, moist tongue was throbbing inside her mouth, licking Naoto’s ring finger delicately as if it was probing into it, wrapping around it, stirring inside. The lubricating fluids secreted from the soft materials was causing bubbles, making a slurping sound.
I’m going to melt. Naoto thought.
Naoto had a feeling that he was being consumed in RyuZU’s mouth for eternity, starting from the finger. The beautiful angelic girl was in doing an obscene act of putting his finger inside her mouth, causing him to feel an inexplicable sense of guilt and unspeakable delight.
Just when Naoto was about to pass out from the scorching sensation burning his mind.
–The sound of countless gears spinning in unison within RyuZU could be heard.
“Nn…ahn…”
Was this the end of the identification?
RyuZU’s mouth slowly left Naoto’s finger.
Ignoring the state of blankness in his mind, Naoto touched RyuZU’s face with his liberated palm. It was a mass of warmth and tenderness…
RyuZU’s eyes were moist as she leaned upon that hand, and at the same instant she exhaled hot air,
“–Initial Y series Unit 01–‘Your Slave’ RyuZU pledges her absolute obedience and loyalty to Master Naoto, always staying by your side until the gears in this body break down and stop.”
These words were far beyond that of an ordinary ‘master identification”. Rather, they were comparable to that of the sacred words of a wedding vow, spoken by RyuZU.
●
“Wait, I…ca-can…”
As the dazzling morning sun seemed to break through the blue sky.
Naoto was huffing and puffing, panting pathetically at the Kamo Bridge railing.
“Th-That’s impossible…RyuZU. I really…can’t do this anymore.”
“Master Naoto, I am really impressed that your frail body is able to last till today considering that you’re panting from this level of exercise.”
“…After, what happened yesterday, haa, and considering that I never slept at all, didn’t have a proper meal…I’m amazed that you’re, calling me weak…when I have, to run to school…”
“I’m honored to receive your praise.”
The sarcasm he managed to say after gathering much courage was easily brushed aside.
They were an hour’s walk away from ‘what was originally’ Naoto’s apartment, moving along the Kamogawa. The white school campus was located at the “Kamogawa Delta”, at the intersection between Takanogawa and Kamogawa
That was the Tadasu no Mori High School Naoto attended in Kyoto.
I may not look this way, but I do have a perfect attendance record. The moment he said this to RyuZU, he was practically dragged along by her, running all the way here…
However, the time shown on the watch was 7.12am…way too much time before class began
In the face of such a fact, Naoto spoke to RyuZU with tears in his eyes,
“Speaking of which, I’m really a homeless person…I should be worrying about things like having a bed or dinner more than rushing to school for class, right?”
“Please rest assured. I shall handle all these matters while you are attending class in school, Master Naoto. If my carelessness prevented you from having a perfect attendance record no matter the reason, my pride too will be gone.”
Naoto cocked an eye at RyuZU,
“Then what if your master nearly dies because of sleep deprivation and excessive fatigue?”
“That is because of your uselessness and weakness, Master Naoto. I shall not bear responsibility for any negligence in upbringing during the time before I arrived.”
“Hm, even though that is the case…”
“To be honest, it is none of my business.”
“You’re really direct!”
Naoto, upon hearing such verbal violence, ended up laughing however.
Every single word RyuZU spouted was certainly vicious, but it was not distasteful.
–It’s definitely not because I got a new interest; Naoto told himself.
“…Master Naoto?”
“Ah, sorry. Speaking of which, what do you plan to do for the aftermath? I only have enough funds for food this month.”
“I never had any expectations regarding your abilities, Master Naoto, so please be assured. I alone can raise money for shelter and subsistence.”
RyuZU said nonchalantly.
And so, Naoto looked displeased.
“Are you going to work, RyuZU? That’s…”
“You certainly do say some strange things, Master Naoto. Please think with your common sense. How do you earn money through hard work?”
“…This is the first time I’m hearing such strange logic.”
“Besides, I am of your possession, Master Naoto. Even if it a temporary matter, it is impossible theoretically or physically for people of humble backgrounds to use money when they do not know the workings.”
“–”
…Is this actually the case of a Tsundere?
Naoto’s lips inadvertently broke into a smile, and he hurriedly changed the topic.
“Then, what do you want to do exactly…?”
“Master Naoto, do not ask too much about such trivial matters. Even if you are down for the count, an elite has to remain positive at all times.”
“I don’t remember being that amazing…but nevermind.”
Naoto sighed as he said, and continued.
“Actually, I spent 3 hours repairing you yesterday, RyuZu…my mind and body are completely tired now. If you can help deal with some troublesome matters–speaking of which, what’s the matter?”
Naoto lifted his head, and saw RyuZU stand still with her eyes widened.
After maintaining that pose for 5 seconds,
“…Sorry for making you worry. I deliberately repeated the words 20 million times in my mind so that I did not mistake what you had just said, Master Naoto.”
“Eh? Di-Did I say anything strange?”
“You said that you repaired me in 3 hours.”
“Eh, yeah. I did.”
“…May I ask a question?”
“Oh. Okay. What’s on your mind?”
RyuZU elegantly pleased her hand on her chest.
“May you tell me–the total number of gears that form me?”
“Erm…4,207,600,008,643?”
“Please answer me, what is the number of regular vibrations in my main cylinder?”
“The largest part in the spine, right? If I’m not mistaken, it’s 6,254,941,395.”
“…How many strands of artificial neural networks are there in my springs?”
“There are 15,945,549,846 directly connected ones, and if considering the ones connected to the resonants, there are 62,945,634,574,578 of them.”
“…Allow me to ascertain, Master Naoto. Have you seen my design plan?”
“No? Anyway, does such a thing exist anyway?”
“It doesn’t. Logically, there shouldn’t be one, which is why I am asking this. How do you know the details of my construct?”
“Why?”
“It is impossible to analyze my structure in a mere 3 hours through the use of a personal simulation device–no, this applies even for professional devices. Thus, I could only assume that you had seen my blueprint before.”
RyuZU persisted with her question, and Naoto looked befuddled as he tilted his head.
“But you’re right in front of me now, you know? Even if I don’t investigate everything one by one, I just need to hear to understand, right? Logically put.”
RyuZU continued to stare at Naoto skeptically.
“This is the first time I am hearing of such strange common sense; sound, is it?”
“Well, I guess it’s kinda like a skill. My hearing has always been better than others, so my ears can hear everything in a machine construct even if I don’t see it directly.”
“In other words, even me?”
“Yeah, I just need to hear. Your body’s so pretty anyway, RyuZU. There weren’t any excess parts in you, so I quickly knew where the fault is. There’s some noise in that wonderful sound, and I was angry, so I started to repair it. I don’t regret this.”
“…”
“Hm? What is it, RyuZU?”
“Master Naoto.”
“Yes?”
“Master Naoto’s a pervert.”
“Yes…huh? That has nothing to do with our conversation, right?”
Naoto got up with a dumbfounded look.
“It’s about time for us to move.”
During the time they were resting, the number of students heading to school was increasing. They stared at the duo while crossing the bridge, murmuring some things along the way.”
RyuZU stared at them in an intriguing manner, and asked,
“…It seems the stares are gathered upon us. What is the reason?”
“Ah, well, it’s because someone like me is being with you, I guess.”
Naoto answered, and RyuZU nodded understandingly.
“It is to be expected that this angelic beauty me, a gift from the heavens, is admired by the suffering, humble peasants. Please pardon me for asking such a foolish question.”
“Eh, that’s somewhat true, but I’m here too.”
“In other words, their awe had multiplied because they have witnessed this heavenly pearl in me stand alongside Master Naoto, the apex of humanity?”
“No, it’s actually ‘why’s that useless bastard being together with such a super cute girl’?”
“Master Naoto, I do find that your appearance is of the lowest denominator, but it certainly does not mean that you are being scorned by those humans that are lower than the ants scurrying on the ground.”
“Even I will cry if you keep that up.”
Naoto was about to pass out on the spot, but shook his head,
“Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I deserve it anyway, and I’m already used to it.”
But in response to his words, RyuZU shook her head unhappily.
“No, it’s not good at all.”
“Why?”
“Because that is irrational and inexplicable. I do not understand what reasons this group of people have in deeming you as someone inferior?”
Naoto raised his eyebrow in disbelief.
“I want to ask instead, how highly do you think of me, RyuZU?”
“Master Naoto, you are the only human who is able to reinstate me from my broken state.”
“But isn’t that just what you see, RyuZU? Most people don’t think of me this way.”
“Is that not because they are inferior, incapable beings who are unable to understand–”
“But they’re the ones who form society, RyuZU. Those who can’t be understood by everyone are no different from non-existences; this is the rule of this society.”
…After a long silence, RyuZU unhappily spoke,
“I do admit it is vexing to be rebuffed by you, Master Naoto, but I do admit that what you said makes sense.”
“So you understand. Is there anything else?”
“Sorry. Is there something else I may ask?”
“Hm? What is it?”
RyuZU called Naoto just as the latter was about to leave, seemed to ponder about something, and asked in a probing manner.
“It seems that such creatures known as humans have a strange habit of using their interest in a large unspecified number of people from the opposite gender as a symbol of superiority.”
“I really want to know exactly where did you hear that from; well, never mind, you’re right. So?”
“Is that the ‘outstanding point’ element commonly understood in the group you belong to, Master Naoto?”
“Hm? That’s quite the leap in topic…”
Naoto tilted his head as he said.
“Anyway, those popular guys will typically get high opinions. They do have people around them after all.”
“–Understood.”
“I’m not really sure what’s going on, but I’ll be going first?”
“Alright. I shall see you later then, Master Naoto.”
Naoto left for the school campus, sensing an inexplicable feeling from RyuZU’s stare.
He passed through the side doors where the shoe lockers were, and went straight for the main entrance. His indoor shoes were already stolen long ago, so he simply borrowed the guest’ indoor shoes.
He hurried towards the classroom as the sound of footsteps rang.
There was buzzing on the corridor as he approached his classroom, but nobody went to greet Naoto upon meeting him. If there was a difference from before, it would be that there were occasional snickering and muttering amongst them.
He entered the classroom, placed his bag on the thoroughly vandalized desk he was so endeared with, and sat down at the chair. It was Naoto’s daily routine to pretend to sleep until the class bell ring, as a mean of passing the time.
He laid down on the bed, and suddenly recalled what RyuZU said.
“Opinion, huh…?”
To be honest, he had no interest after all.
An outstanding weirdo would be accepted simply for saying the right things, while the useless weirdos would be treated as a black sheep.
He had no intention to hide, whether it was his own incompetence or his anomaly.
Thus, this was something he deserved. It was troublesome, but he could not salvage anything.
He thought about these as he laid prone on the table, and really felt sleepy.
…Well, too many things happened this morning, so I guess it can’t be helped…
Normally, he would wake up once the form teacher entered, but he shall sleep for the day.
And so, Naoto gradually fell into a deep slumber.
●
“–Nn..?”
The strange commotion in the class caused Naoto to be awakened.
Is it lunch break already? He stared at the clock, and found that it was 10.46am.
In other words, the 3rd period was starting, and he only slept for 2 hours.
What are they fussing about? Naoto raised his head skeptically.
“Ah…it is sudden, but I’ll introduce a new transfer student.”
The teacher for the 3rd period was at the podium along with a girl.
It was a pretty girl whose presence alone would attract the stares of others.
She had pure silver flowing hair, crystal white skin, thin pink lips, rosy cheeks, and golden eyes that were shining like a crown.
That beauty nobody in humanity could even imagine caused everyone to be stunned.
“…Whatcha doing?”
Naoto inadvertently blurt in dialect.
The girl standing at the podium probably heard him, for she took a step forward and waved her little hand at him.
At this point, the class, which had been completely mesmerized by the peerless beauty, turned their many stares upon their isolated and unimpressive classmate.
“My name is RyuZU Yourslave. I shall be classmates with everyone, but I have no interest in spending any time with common peasant folks, so it is fine even if you do not take care of me.”
The silver-haired girl greeted with a blooming smile, and Naoto again collapsed onto the table.
●
“I assumed that this will clearly show your ‘outstanding aspects’ to your group.”
“–Ahh…well, yeah, I guess. Don’t you know of the term overkill however?’
Naoto shrugged in the face of the surrounding stares.
There was envy, hatred, disgust, malice…if those stares were able to cause physical damage, Naoto would have been shredded to nothingness.
“If the other person’s a beauty like you, RyuZU, it’s a case of ‘why that guy’?”
“..This is my honest opinion, but I feel it is much easier to teach cows how to walk on their hind legs than to find rationality in humans.”
“Yeah, I can’t deny it.”
For Naoto, the day had been havoc for him from the 3rd period onwards.
RyuZU forcefully seized the seat right beside Naoto, and clung onto him during lesson time. When it was time for lunch break at the cafeteria, she sat on his thigh in a diagonal manner ‘Ah–‘ and made Naoto feed her with a monotonous tone. After that, they went to the grass patch in the courtyard, and she grabbed Naoto by the head, forcefully giving him a lap pillow…
Though Naoto was not the type who intended to care about how others viewed him (if he were, he would no longer be able to declare himself as weird), he was not brazen enough to enjoy RyuZU’s lap pillow when the scything pressure upon him could rip him to shreds.
RyuZU too did all sorts of intimate acts with him without any restraint. The classmates were simply watching the duo from afar, abstaining from the usual questions for transfer students. It was only after school that a few bold students stood up.
However…
“E-Erm, do you have sometime?”
“Yes? Is there anything you want with me?”
“Ah, ye-yeah. Regarding your transfer, there should be–”
“But I do not have any particular reason to look for you. If you excuse me.”
“If there are any queries–eh?”
…
“Hey! RyuZU’s really pretty!”
“Yeah, I know. So what?”
“…Eh, let’s think. RyuZU–”
“Will you please not call my by my name directly with that fraction of a brain? And please do not call me affectionately and understand your–no, there is no need for me to repeat it. It will simply be a waste of time.”
…
“Ah–I’m the second year…”
“I suppose you really hate me, deliberately making it all the way here from upstairs and ruin my mood. I do apologize that my senses are not sensitive enough to care for any ants, so please return.”
“Eh, no, but–I’m still rather pop–”
“I already said to disappear from my sights, or–is human language too difficult for you to understand?”
…
“Ah–”
“If you had thought through it and have already planned to say something that will consume the oxygen on Earth, many lives that have made noble sacrifices for your exothermic heat and my irreplaceable time–please continue.”
…
One could say that bodies were lying everywhere.
RyuZU kept giving Naoto angelic smiles whenever she spoke to him, but had a stoic expression when talking to others, monotonous when talking, her devilish verbals jabs piercing through others.
And so, there were boys and girls, more than 20 in total, dealt with tremendous damage during the time Naoto and RyuZU left the classroom till the moment they reached the school gate.
●
Once they exited the school gates, Naoto and RyuZU were headed down the Kamogawa River.
They were headed towards the cross junction at Demachiyanagi, passing by the old men running energetically and college students practising with their musical instruments.
RyuZU turned back and glanced at Naoto, who walked on with heavy steps.
“You look rather lethargic, Master Naoto.”
“Eh, yeah…thanks to you. I guess this is how it feels to be on tenterhooks…”
“You certainly are a scaredy cat to be so mindful of such unremarkable stares–though I am not especially surprised by this.”
“Stop it already. I’m seeing myself in a new realm by now.”
Naoto slouched his body in depression, and said,
“–Speaking of which, I got something to ask you. How did you transfer in?”
RyuZU calmly answered in a matter of fact,
“Of course, I handed a transfer request form.”
“Even if you said it so reactively, is it really possible for you to send the transfer request in this morning, and complete it on the day itself?’
“I merely had ‘a chat’ with the principal.”
“…’Chat’?”
“It is fine for you not to understand, Master Naoto.”
“No wait, why do I suddenly have a bad feeling about this?”
“It’s really nothing much. I simply did some adjustments to the hairy accessory on the hair, and even when serious, I merely said a few words.”
“A threat!? That’s a threat, right!?”
“No. I merely stated ‘a little’ wish right after our chat.”
“…I say, RyuZU, you did say that you’ll settle lodging and money. Are you going to do that through criminal methods…?”
“Master Naoto.”
RyuZU spoke with such an alluring smile,
“Speaking of which, it is an eternal form of common sense–that it is a crime only when found out, no?”
“……Right, I’ll just pretend that I never heard anything. Speaking of which, you said you found a place for us to stay at. Where’s it?”
“We’ll see it soon. It is the hotel right around the corner of that building, called ‘The Uh-huh’.”
“……RyuZU?”
Naoto suddenly stopped in his tracks, and asked,
“If I remember correctly, isn’t that a love hotel?”
Upon hearing Naoto’s doubts, RyuZU widened her eyes,
“–As you say. It is unexpected to hear this from you though, Master Naoto. Have you used it before?”
“That’s impossible. Only the popular folks in class use it often–wait, that doesn’t matter at all! How can we possibly stay in a love hotel?”
“But that love hotel ‘The Uh-huh’ just so happened to have the cheapest rates in the area we’re living in, the Kyoto. The facilities for the residence are most asture.”
“That’s not the problem! If I’m seen walking out from a love story with you, I’ll get expelled immediately, RyuZU.”
“…That is really unacceptable. Now then, I shall hear your noble alternate suggestion, Master Naoto.”
RyuZU frowned, looking somewhat unhappy as she said some spiteful words. Naoto however was frantically racking his brain,
“…An-Anyway, let’s stay at a manga cafe for the night!”
Naoto held RyuZU by the hand and walked off.
They were delayed due to the earlier detour to the love hotel, and because of that, crowds were gathered as they walked down the shopping streets, the surroundings gradually darkening.
The sun had completely set by the time they finally found a suitable manga cafe.
“That’s good. If we wait a little longer, we can get the night package–”
–Naoto looked back at RyuZU, and his expression gloomed.
Three guys flanked her without his knowledge.
They were all young men, probably of college age. One could say that birds of a feather flock together, as their appearances were unkempt, their clothing bedraggled, and they were wearing all sorts of flashy accessories that were clanking.
One of them, hoodlum A was trying to hook up RyuZU in on overly-familiar manner.
“Hey hey hey! Aren’t you quite the remarkable beauty?”
“Yes? So?”
“Ahhahaha, and you even say ‘and so’? You sure are some superior item.”
“Hey hey–you wanna play with us? We’ll treat you to something later~”
Naoto immediately understood what was going on.
These hoodlums, A, B and C were gathered together in an underhanded attempt to hunt the finest prey, RyuZU.
Normally, he did not want to get involved with such people. He would not pay any attention to both parties, and even if he did meet them, he would foolishly laugh and walk away. However–
“!!”
A burning sensation was ignited within Naoto.
Using this impulse, he held RyuZU by the hand.
“Let’s go, RyuZU.”
“Okay.”
RyuZU too nodded, ready to move away. However, the three hoodlums were not going to let go of her so easily.
Two of them encircled Naoto and RyuZU by the front, blocking them.
“Wait a minute, this is a foul now, isn’t it…whatcha doing?”
“She’s going on a date with us later, you know? Step aside, brat.”
Hoodlums A and B were leering obscenely.
The last hoodlum, C was staring at Naoto with bloodshot eyes.
“Who do you think you are anyway? Her boyfriend?”
“Nice gag there, Taku! That’s impossible! Definitely!”
The trio cackled, and hoodlum A, the first one to approached, reached out for RyuZU.
Naoto noticed his actions, and immediately slapped the hand away.
“–Ouch…what’s with you, huh!?”
The trio’s sneers vanished, rage burning in their eyes.
Even so, Naoto hollered whilst spurred by emotions,
“Shut up, don’t you even properly assess yourself and know who you can and can’t get, you self-proclaimed homosapiens!? You’re just thick-skinned, you walking filth!”
–What exactly am I saying here now?
The slightly calmer part in his mind was warning him this.
Though those hoodlums seemed to be unhealthy looking, they were three young men, and he was simply a scrawny, short boy of 16 years old.
If this were to end up becoming a fight, no matter how he struggled, the only future awaiting him would be a sandbag.
If he had tried to do this in a roundabout way, maybe he could have escaped in a peaceful manner–however, he had nary a single regret.
Even if such a moment happened again, he would definitely do the same thing–no, he might even kick the other guy once.
–Right, if they ever dare do anything to RyuZU, I’ll do anything to protect her–
The men’s faces were contorted in rage, intending to grab Naoto.
And Naoto bit his lips as he glared back.
Immediately,
“…Master Naoto, thank you very much.”
A refreshing voice could be heard.
“–My understanding of you has improved by a notch.”
“Eh?”
Naoto inadvertently asked back.
And so, the hem of RyuZU’s skirt fluttered slightly.
That was all Naoto’s naked eyes could identify.
However, the gusts and sounds seemed to have ‘something’ to them as they raced forward, seeming stroking the 3 men.
This was followed by a weird sound.
The men’s shirts, pants, accessories, shoes, underwear, and even their hair was dissoluted like there was an intricate magic trick.
“–I am really sorry.”
RyuZu lifted the hem of her skirt as she bowed at the trio, now naked and lying on the ground,
“I was already in an unpleasant mood due to those unruly people’s attitudes towards Master Naoto, so I couldn’t help but take action. I have no intention on reflecting on this however.”
“Ah, erm, ah…”
“As for your just rewards, you shall be glad that you never laid a hand upon Master Naoto. No matter what kind of pervert Master Naoto is, I do not think he will be pleased to see severed heads.”
RyuZU showed a thin smile on her face.
But her expression was absolute zero, ostensibly staring at flies on rotting flesh.
No matter how unhinged a person was, clearly he would understand what she was trying to get at.
The naked trio scampered like wild dogs, and the commotion get bigger as yelps could be heard, along with the distinct bellows of policemen.
“…O-Okay now, let’s hurry into the manga cafe. It’s too dangerous to go outside in the night, RyuZU!”
Naoto hurriedly pushed RyuZU in the back as he hurried into the shop.
He was a regular customer at this manga cafe.
The shop was wide and bright, completely clean within. The facilities were also well maintained, and the beverage bar had a wide assortment of choices.
RyuZU stopped, and looked around.
“…It’s decent, i guess.”
She pouted unhappily.
“But I do think the environment in “The Uh-Huh” is better. Master Naoto, do you prefer a cramped room instead of a wide comfortable place?”
“Ugh, let’s not talk about it anymore. Forget about it, okay?”
The duo approached the reception area, and a young male attendant walked out from the interior. Upon seeing RyuZU for the first time, he was momentarily stunned, but immediately greeted her with a smile, ostensibly a change in mood.
“W-Welcome. Do you have a membership card?”
Naoto handed his member card.
“I want the night package.”
“If you start now, you’ll have to pay for approximately 1 hour worth of normal rates. Is this okay?”
“Sure. I’ll have that please.”
“Thank you for your patronage. What kind of suite do you want?”
For that instant, Naoto did not know how to respond.
He was looking troubled as he stared at the interior map the shop attendant had handed him. There were cafeteria suites, box suites, business suites, reclining suites…an assortment of suites, but considering that two people had to stay together…
While Naoto was being fickle over this, RyuZU took a step forward from beside.
“Please give us a couple suite.”
“Eh…?”
“Understood. The 4th suite then.”
RyuZU ignored Naoto while the latter remained shocked, and simply finished the procedures swiftly before receiving the card and receipt.
“Wait RyuZU!? What’s the couple suite?”
“Isn’t that what you were aiming for, Master Naoto? I can tell that you have perverse thoughts of embracing me passionately in tight corners inside of lying in a wide room. Aren’t you very grateful for my insightfulness?”
“That’s not it! I never thought of that!”
“Using such considerations, I thus have a suitable explanation as to why you’re refusing to enter a love hotel so stubbornly.”
“I’m still underaged!”
“Do be assured, Master Naoto, no matter the unique desires you have that will never be accepted by society, I shall accept them all without exception.”
“I say–no, never mind. It’s safer if I think about it.”
“Yes. It does seem that the security here isn’t too good. Though there won’t be any issues with me around, it is important to avoid danger.”
“Ah, yeah…”
Avoiding danger for the other guys, anyway, Naoto murmured.
–If some idiot is to tease RyuZU in the shop, there’ll be homicide…!
Once they entered the designated suite, Naoto collapsed onto the sofa immediately.
“…Th-This is a long time…”
His body was completely lethargic, feeling like lead
If this is to keep up, I’ll be sleeping like a bag of dirt. Can’t do this. Naoto took a deep breath to empower himself, and slowly got to his feet.
“Master Naoto, where are you going?”
“I’m going to use the shower. I won’t feel good sleeping like this when I’m all sweaty.”
“I see. Understood.”
Naoto passed by RyuZU while the latter had her head lowered, and went straight for the bathroom.
But soon after walking off, he stopped and turned around.
And then, he asked RyuZU, who was staring at him blankly,
“I say, why must you follow me?”
“…? Didn’t you order me to scrub your back?”
“I never said anything!”
“Really? But it seems that you aren’t that willing to be honest with your desires, Master Naoto. Because of that, I’m trying to interpret the true hidden intent within your words.”
“It’s fine even if you don’t try to interpret them!”
“…Really? Alright then? Did you not wish for me to remove your clothes in such a tight space and provide special service with liquid soap and sponge?”
“…”
“Master Naoto?”
“…It’s fine. No need for that. I’ll bath alone.”
“Understood. I shall return to my seat and await your return.”
“…Yeah. See you later.”
RyuZU bowed and returned back to her seat
Once she had completely disappeared from his sights, Naoto inadvertently fell on his knees.
He wiped the tears off his eyes, muttering to himself,
“…What was I doing…?”
●
“Wah!? What’s this!?”
After having taken a shower, Naoto returned to the couple suite feeling all refreshed, only to find all sorts of magazines and mangas stacked within.
RyuZU, seated on the sofa, was browsing through the pages at an alarming rate.
She stopped for flipping for the time being, and stared at Naoto.
“Welcome back, Master Naoto.”
“Ah, yeah, I’m back…what’re you doing?”
“This is part of intelligence gathering. My mechanical functions have ceas for 206 years, so I do feel it is necessary for me to replenish on modern intelligence as much as possible.”
“…Including these mangas?”
“Popular entertainment are important elements for references.”
“I-Is that so…I’m tired. I’ll sleep then.”
“Nn, good night then.”
After that, RyuZU sat in a Seiza position, facing Naoto.
Naoto sat beside her, and said,
“RyuZU…you don’t need to sleep because you’re an automata. What about your spring?”
“Please do not worry. It is wounded automatically.”
“Oh, I see…eh, wounded automatically? Even with more than 4 trillion gears inside?’
“Yes. And?”
Naoto took a deep breath, and nodded,
“–No, well. It’s strange if I can’t do that much.”
Even the latest generation of automata had be be winded once a week…Naoto again realized the high specifications RyuZU had. A mere spring activation function was nothing compared to the capabilities she had shown till this point…
After convincing himself this, Naoto rested upon his arm, and closed his eyes.
And then, RyuZU’s stoic tone could be heard.
“–Are you ignoring me?”
“Eh?”
Naoto inadvertently opened his eyes.
He saw RyuZU’s extremely displeased look several inches away from him, and gasped.
“Are you ignoring my lap pillow?”
She patted her thighs as she said.
Naoto widened his eyes, and asked,
“…Really?”
“We did it during lunch break in the day. You are now my master, Master Naoto. Is there anything inconvenient about that?”
“No, no problems at all.”
He quickly replied, and laid his head gently on her thigh.
The soft, warm sensation ostensibly made him feel as if he was melting within, and he exhaled slightly, curled his little boy on the sofa, and once he closed his eyes, and somnolence set in.
“Master Naoto.”
“Hm?”
“I’ve been watching you today.”
“Yeah.”
“Allow me to be frank, you are a thoroughly enigmatic person.”
“Maybe. I don’t deny it.”
“Yes. Also, I think you are being too humble.”
Ah, Naoto snorted unhappily.
“Sorry…for meeting such a lousy owner.”
“–It is correct that knowing humility is extremely important…but…”
Naoto was prepared to listen intently regarding the rest.
“…Never mind. Nothing major–good night.”
“…Yeah.”
Naoto soon fell into a deep sleep.
RyuZU stroked his hair gently as she whispered,
“…How exactly does Master Naoto see me?”
There was no reply.
RyuZU too did not hope for an answer.
Through this observation she had for the entire day, she could be certain that he only had interest in robots.
In that case, what he wished from this peerless automata was simply an outstanding machine.
But if that was the case, why did he treat her like a human girl?
“It’s, really hard to understand.”
RyuZU smiled bitterly, lowered her stare, and recalled the scuffle just now.
She could not tell whether Naoto was treating her as his possession or as a girl, but he certainly intended to protect her.
…He really treasures me.
That was the only thing she was certain of, and it was enough.
RyuZU smiled, not showing any malicious intent as she continued to comb Naoto’s hair.
●
It had been 26 hours from the moment the entire staff began analyzing.
The analysis was progressing successfully.
They had confirmed the status of the 2nd level of this 27 level core tower.
Unfortunately, they had yet to find out where the issue was. If they were to progress at this rate however, they could finish analyzing all the levels in around 2 weeks.
Even though they had obtained such reasons–Marie could not bring herself to be really happy.
“…Things are going too smoothly.”
Right, this was the strange part.
If they could proceed with their work smoothly, a simple way of summarizing things was that, ‘Nobody was obstructing them’.
The ones obstructing would be the ‘military’.
Of course, due to the clauses in the agreements. The ‘military’ could not obstruct brazenly, and could at most request to ‘assist'; the ‘Meister Guild’ would then express their thanks regarding such requests, and refuse so as to be able to finish their work successfully. However, the ‘military’ had developed an ego, for they had been maintaining the daily functions of the city as caretakers, and would not treat any ‘outsider’ too kindly for barging in on their work. They had to maintain a reputation to the city residents.
In the end, the ‘military’ would use classified information or responsibility as a shield to interfere with the ‘Guild’ work. The ‘Guild’ would finish their work while trying to avoid the ‘military’.
To the ‘military’, the ‘Guild’ were simply vultures hoping to snatch their jobs and get the accomplishments.
To the ‘Guild’, the ‘military’ was simply an incompetent organization full of hot air.
That had been the organization Marie and the rest faced till this point. However–
“We only saw a few Technical Forces members today.”
They were not unconcerned.
They made a ‘request’ the moment Marie’s group arrived, and at this point, there was a Technical Force member acting as supervisor, watching their actions silently.
That was all however.
After she had refused their request to assist, they simply fell back. This core tower, located at the heart of the city, would typically have more than a thousand staff members, but they left without any further questioning.
Though Marie’s group knew that it was something good, there was something scary about it.
The ‘Guild’ could not decipher their intentions.
There was a sudden gravitational change before dawn broke.
The ‘military’ responded strangely.
Though it seemed to be a small single anomaly, the ‘worst case scenario’ appeared in Marie’s mind once she linked everything together.
“This might be…maybe it is.”
“Meister Marie…”
A young staff member whispered to her.
Once she understood the intentions written on his face, she nodded.
“I know. Don’t worry, I’m already prepared.”
“Then, as expected…?”
“We still can’t be sure of this yet, but I suppose we’ll soon have a result.”
Marie’s expression was clearly faltering as she answered, and once the man noticed this, he cleared his throat and returned back to his position.
“–Okay.”
Marie took a deep breath, and returned to the elevator shaft with steady steps.
The Technical Force supervisor silently followed.
He was probably the superintendent of this facility, and on his sturdy chest, befitting of a soldier, was the insignia of a Gazelle.
As they waited for the elevator shaft, Marie said to the man.
“I intend to go take a breather outside. You won’t mind, right?”
“Go ahead.”
His reply was cold.
Marie however did not mind, and at that instant, the elevator arrived. She walked in, and pressed the button leading to the ground.
Her team was working at a position approximately 8,200m deep below the city area; in other words, the 3rd level. Even when taking the elevator ride proceeding at 1km every second, it would take them about 8 minutes to reach the surface.
During that time, Marie stared at the depth meter on the door. Soon after, it seemed she was finally unable to endure this silence any longer as she turned to say,
“That gun’s the BR-19, right?”
She started the conversation with a cheery tone.
She was staring at pistol on the man’s waist, and the latter did not answer as he stood still. Marie did not mind about his response either as she continued.
“The gun doesn’t fire a bullet through the spinning of the gears, but through the compression and release of the rapid moving air. It has more recoil than any of the previous guns, but uses this recoil to amplify the compression ability of the next shot, which results in it possessing outstanding stopping power. It is normally loaded with 7 shots, and there is a wire meant to prevent any enemy from stealing. The huh, isn’t it the .45? If firepower is of the priority, wouldn’t the short assault rifle BR-sp33 be a more convenient choice?’
As Marie prattled on as she explained this ‘military’ standard weapon, the man could only show surprise at this.
“You understand quite a lot there.”
“Yes. My family does manufacture guns.”
“–Oh, I see. You’re the Princess of the Breguet Company.”
“Do you know? Those born in the Breguet family are taught specific details regarding the product designs and sales. As one of the 5 Great Enterprises, it sells everything from baby cots to large transport carriers. It’s really…”
“Sounds tough.”
“Yeah. I suffered quite a bit when I was young.”
“But to be honest, I really don’t understand the meaning behind that. Unless you’re an employee, is it really necessary for the Princess to learn all this?”
There was a mocking tone within these words.
But Marie smiled, looking as if she agreed with him.
“You think so too?”
“Yeah. I think it’s too much. If you have the time, why not learn some other valuable things?”
“Right. Like this?”
“Huh? Ack–!!?”
The instant the man spoke up, he was sent sprawling on the floor.
“Ah, ugh, ummm…!?”
–He had no idea what hit him.
Even though he was a technician, he would have to accept combat training as part of the military. He was not of the actual combat team, but he would have learnt combat techniques that would allow him to deal with 2, 3 hoodlums.
However, he was subdued by a 16-year-old girl, stripped of his weapon, stepped upon, and had a gun pointed at the back of his head, all these without a chance to fight back at that instant. What exactly was the situation?
“I said it already, didn’t I? I’ve been indoctrinated with all sorts of ‘specific details’ regarding our products. That will include ‘the way to use them’, right? –Will you please be quiet for a while?
“Wh-Wha-what are you doing, you–ugh!?”
“Hey, didn’t I tell you to be quiet, dog?”
Marie spoke condescendingly.
It sounded completely natural, she was neither excited nor nervous.
These words, coupled with the feeling of the gun pointed at the back of the man’s head, eroded his will to resist.
The elevator shaft arrived at the surface.
The doors were opened along with the sound of air being exhausted. Standing in front of them was a hulking giant–Halter.
He peered inside, and patted his bald head.
And then, he spoke to the man Marie was stepping on sympathetically.
“You really suffered there. Well, just think of it as being bitten by a dog–”
“Stop yapping and hurry inside.”
“Right right. Pardon me.”
Once Halter entered the elevator, he pressed the descending button. It again sank below the ground, and after 10 seconds or so, was stopped forcefully.
While the elevator became a locked room, Halter tied the man’s limbs.
The man continued to struggle at this point, but a body of flesh and blood was powerless against the cyborg Halter, and he fell onto the floor, restrained.
Marie stepped on the man’s head.
“How about we make cries in all sorts of places?”
“–Ugh…”
The man still tried to struggle, but Marie would not budge her foot away from his head.
She smirked as she watched him in this state.
“Oh my, what is this now? You still intend to struggle? You look very delighted struggling like this, you pervert.”
“You seem to be in a good mood, Milady.”
“I loved to train dogs when I was young. Any large and stubborn dog would become cute and whimper whenever I leash them in the end.”
Just like this–Marie said as she grabbed the man by the collar, and the latter could only groan as he struggled with his head stomped on, his tie pulled.
“Speaking of which, did you bring the toy here, Halter?”
“Hm, I did…are you really going to use it?”
Halter frisked out a white syringe unwillingly.
There was a silver liquid of unknown nature.
Upon seeing this, the man’s face was contorted with fear.
“Wha…w-wait a sec! What’s that!? What’re you trying to inject me with!?”
“What exactly? Well, of course it’s a truth serum–”
“Wha–”
“–if only. We just so happened not to have it. Think about it, we’re just ordinary citizens after all.”
“What kind of ordinary citizens will act like you!?”
The man hollered.
He said something anyone would wholeheartedly agree in anguish, but Marie did not respond to his topic as she continued to grin.
“Actually, it’s mercury.”
“Mer-Mercury!?”
The man’s eyes widened as he gasped.
“Yeah. It’s the kind used for automata maintenance.”
“A-Are you, serious!? If you really inject that”
“You’ll die, right?”
Marie gave a cheshire grin.
“So what? It’s nothing amazing, isn’t it?”
“…”
The man’s face paled. His lips were tightened, and tears could be seen in his eyes. His limbs were tied tightly, and he was sweating profusely all over.
“Then, let’s decide the rules now, okay? I’m the master, you’re the dog. Answer with a woof no matter what question it is. How about it? Simple right?”
“Do-Don’t think you can get away with it–ack!”
Marie stomped on the man’s face hard.
“Hey, you should be woofing, right? Why don’t you understand such simple instructions? Are you making fun of me?”
“Th-This damned brat…!”
“Are you really hoping that I splatter that pitiful brain of yours? A mere nameless mook still dares to defy me? Know your place, mongrel.”
“Okay now, Milady, we’re getting off topic here.”
Halter spoke admonishingly.
He spoke in a friendly, compassionate tone to the man who was teary and bloodied on the nose,
“I’d say, bro, that Milady might be enjoying things now, but I’m different. I just want to ask about something. If you can tell me honestly, I’ll release you immediately. It’s a promise.”
“U…uu..”
“There’re two things I want to ask about, so listen up? ‘Where exactly is the anomaly occurring’, and ‘how much has the ‘military’ understood about the situation. Can you please tell me?”
“I-I can’t. I can’t say it.”
The man stared at Halter in the eyes, and shook his head timidly.
“I say, bro, don’t add on to my workload, will you?”
“I’ll be killed if I say it!”
“You rather let that Princess toy you to death?”
Halter raised his chin, and Marie readied her syringe delightedly.
“Here’s an advice. That Princess a real Sadist, you know? The female nobles born in France do seriously treat civilian males as mongrels.”
“I-I can’t do it.”
“Bro.”
“If I tell you that, my family that has escaped from the city will be killed by the ‘military’ too!!”
The man hollered as he sobbed,
“Da-Damn it! Just kill me already! I won’t say anything!”
“Hey, calm down bro–no, I should call you Mr Ryoji Nijama.”
“Wha…?”
The man was stunned to suddenly hear his name.
How does he know my name–the instant he shuddered, Halter smiled as he handed something to the former.
It was a small white plastic plate.
An ID card.
“!?”
“You just blurted out that they have already ‘escaped from the city’, right? Currently, there’ only a Nijima family that was originally from this city and has already left…we can confirm it in 15 minutes.”
“Halter, this guy’s useless. Just eliminate him already and switch to the next target. Ah right, don’t forget to kill his family in an accident or something.”
Marie commanded in an arrogant manner.
Halter shrugged, and placed the gun barrel upon the man’s temple.
“That’s how it is–sorry.”
“Wai-Wait! I understand! I’ll talk! I’ll say everything!”
“Everything?”
“Please let me say this, please…”
“Very good.”
Marie stared at this sobbing man with a cold look, and said,
“First question. Where’s the anomaly at.”
“At-At the 24th level.”
“The 24th…it’s rather deep. If I remember correctly, it’s where the air pressure and gravity controls are at, right?”
“Tha-that’s right…there’s a fatal malfunction in the air pressure control core…”
“Very good. You’ve become rather obedient–then, how much has the ‘military’ known?”
“We-Well…”
“There’s no need to ask, Milady.”
Halter said.
“They probably understood everything, and gave up on repairs before this. Though they knew where the all the anomalies are, they won’t provide any information, and even deployed their technicians away. That’s basically what happened, right?”
The man remained silent.
His attitude was the biggest proof.
“Oh…I see. In other words, our job is to save this city with 20 million people that the ‘military’ has given up on.”
“Ha–”
The instant Marie nodded and said this, the man chuckled, and sneered,
“Hahahaha! Try repairing it if you can.”
“–Oh, you’re being arrogant there, huh. Now you’re raising your nose once I treat you a little better. Don’t you know how to learn? Useless dog.”
“Ha–hahahahaha! There’s no way you can repair it!”
“Don’t lump us outstanding technicians with you incapable ones, okay?”
“Humph…I don’t know what kind of big shots you are, but there’s no time for that!”
“…What do you mean!?”
“Exactly what I said! This city’s going to be ‘purged’. 42 hours later!”
–‘Purged’.
This is to deliberately–collapse the city.
If the malfunctioning city could not be repaired, the entire city would be thoroughly abandoned to prevent the error from affecting the entire planetary function. This was what they called the ‘Triage’.”
“–Don’t spout nonsense here! If you’re going to abandon this city 42 hours later, how can you not issue an evacuation order!?”
“We did…long ago to the ‘military’ and government related personnel.”
“!”
Halter grabbed the man by the collar as the latter sneered, bellowing,
“You guys are just going to watch 20 million people die along with the city!?”
“Humph…you guys know more than anyone how many cities were purged due to maintenance failures, and you act all snobbish! The techniques you all are so proud of is basically refined through the sacrifices of many, no?”
“Shut your filthy mouth, you lowlife.”
Marie glared at the man, and growled,
“Right, we’re not omnipotent. There aren’t just one or two cities that are abandoned because we can’t save them–even so, we’ll try our best until the very end. I don’t think we can be compared to the guys who chose to protect themselves and abandoned 20 million people.”
“Huh! You’re saying that we never tried our best either!? Say it then, what’s the reason you appeared here so shamelessly? –Right, we’re intending to abandon this city because of stupid reasons, our superiors’ pride, the system! The reason why you’re here is no different!”
“!”
“What now? I struck the jackpot? ‘Meister Guild’? ‘Guild of Technicians without Borders’? Pretending to have kindly faces!? Those faces are definitely black if you cut them up! Fess up! Is that rumor true!?”
“…That rumor?”
“Don’t play dumb! I’m talking about the rumor where you guys deliberately destroyed a Core Tower and acted like you’re the experts! You guys caused that incident in Amsterdam 2 years ago, right!?”
“–”
Marie swung the syringe down.
The thick sharp needle entered the man’s chest, and he let out a shriek upon seeing this.
“ARGGH! Da-Damn it! You really injected it!? You mad brat!”
“It seems that you’re mistaken. Let me tell you.”
Marie spoke with the gloomy condescending look one would give to an ant,
“What our superiors intentions are, and what we did, none of it will change the fact that you guys, the ‘military’, abandoned 20 million people. There’s no reason to justify it.”
Shut up, you murderer…!”
“Also, stop being so petty with those filthy thoughts of yours. We’ll definitely save this city, this city the ‘military’ abandoned!”
“Ha, hahaha! Stop bluffing! There’s only 42 hours!? There’s no way you can repair it even with a hundred times of that time!”
“At that moment, I’ll just die along with this city.”
“What…?”
Marie looked away from the panting man, and said to Halter,
“There’s no time–let’s go.”
“Understood. What do we do with him?”
“Just do something. How about you throw him in the lowest level and let him die there?”
“Yo-You! That’s not what we agreed on! Hand me the antidote!”
“He’s just a useless dog we have to deal with in the end. There’s no need for him anyway, right?”
“A-Ahhh! Damn it! You intended this right from the beginning, right!? What genius, you bastard! Go and die, you slut!”
Halter’s sent a punch deep into his solar plexus.
The man winced in pain, and passed out. Marie merely watched on, and murmured,
“…He’s a Gazelle and he can’t distinguish between machine mercury and nanogear preserving liquid? I can’t believe such a person is in charge of maintenance.”
“It is harmless to humans after all, but there’s no reason to use it unless the human is made into a cyborg.”
Halter carried the unconscious man on his shoulder as he stood up. He activated the stopped elevator again, and spoke to a frozen looking Marie,
“You alright? You look tired.”
“It’s nothing. This isn’t much.”
Marie lowered her head as she answered.
She took a candy from her coat pocket, and stuffed it into her mouth.
“Leaving aside my matters, Halter, negotiate with the Breguet Family under my name to protect his family.”
“Understood.”
“Also, check on what the ‘Meister Guild’ intentions are in sending us here, as soon as possible.”
“I’ll try. Anything else?”
“Can you buy me some chocolate. Those sweet ones with caramel inside.”
“Hey, you’ll grow fat, you know?”
“Stop yapping. Buy me an entire box so that I can fill my stomach.”
She chewed on the candy and lifted her head,
“There’s no time for any meals.”
●
After hurrying to the workplace on the 3rd level, Marie shouted without even gasping for breath.
“Everyone, please stop and listen to me!”
The staff members who were at work lifted their heads at Marie, trying to understand the situation.
Marie scanned around at everyone’s expressions, and said,
“We’ve confirmed the location of the anomaly! The air pressure containment in the 24th level is malfunctioning! Everyone’s to move out immediately! Those arriving first are to hurry with the observations!”
The staff workers widened their eyes in shock, but got ready to leave immediately. The hall was buzzing, and the Technical Forces members standing in a corner were giving confused looks.
The mechanic chief Conrad appeared beside Marie without her knowledge,
“–That’s amazing, Meister Marie. How did you do that?”
“I just made a heartfelt ‘request’.”
“Oh, I see. Don’t force yourself too much.”
Chief Mechanic Conrad merely grimaced in a reproving manner, but Marie did not continue from this,
“Let’s not talk about this. We got to hurry–there’s only 42 hours left.”
These words caused the observation team to shout,
“What!? We can’t do anything in 42 hours!?”
“Even if we know where the anomaly is, it’ll take us at least a week to investigate the details of the error and test out all sorts of repair methods!”
“Do you want to scamper away instead?”
Green flames could be seen blazing in Marie’s eyes as she stared at her staff team.
“The ‘military’ has given up on repairing this place, and this city is to be purged. The unknowingly citizens are abandoned.”
“What…!?”
“Impossible! There must be a mistake–”
“No, wait, those guys might really do that! It’s the ‘military’!”
Marie’s rage had infected all the staff workers present, and the Technical Force personnel scampered away the instant they were basked amidst the dozens of scathing looks.
Marie clapped a few times, and yelled,
“If it really comes to that, I’ll be in charge of announcing the final evacuation. Let’s hurry first. We can’t wait a single second from now on!”
After this, they were moving at breakneck speed.
In 5 mere minutes, all the scattered equipment and large amounts of data documents were taken away.
Once the last worker left, Marie again scanned the now empty hall, and sighed hard.
She leaned her back on the wall, and slowly fell to the floor, cupping her knees together as she put her forehead on it.
Her arms were trembling.
The sensation of the syringe injecting lingered in her hand.
The sensation of the pistol, the softness of stepping on someone, the man’s vengeful words, everything
–I thought I could do everything.
As long as she gave the order, Halter would most likely take charge; this was his previous profession. However, she did not do so, for if it were her older sister, she would act without hesitation once she felt she had to do so. It was because she had to take action that she felt she had to act on her own will, at least by her own hands.
It was because of this thinking that she made the ‘inquiry’ just now–
But in the end, it was all a mess.
Injecting that syringe was an overboard on her part.
It was a meaningless action, merely meant to sweep aside the frustration. She merely enacted this violence based on her own emotions.
It was the anger against those with the responsibility to save 20 million lives, and who abandoned it.
And also…
“42 hours to repair it–? Impossible…how many trillion parts do you think are in there?”
It was her anger at herself, who bore the same responsibility as those people did, and tried to run away like them.
Her lips were trembling.
“Oh God…”
Marie never believed in God, or at least, she never believed in celestial entities created by humanity that were given names. She always believed in the rationality and knowledge of humanity.
But even with that, she experienced this sudden revelation, done when her mind was running at its limit, a mere meshing of small gears. She believed that on the other spectrum of the highly sensitive logic and spirit, there was an amazing existence humanity could not quantify.
She slowly lift her head, and stood upright.
“–I got to go…anyway, I can’t waste a single second now.”
For the grace of fate would only descend upon those who gave their all.
She wiped away something seeping from her eyes, and proceeded to the 24th level as well.
