Battlefield Echoes

"I can't sleep yet, I still have work to do..."

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Battlefield Echoes are a category of Lore entries. They can be read by accessing the Elmo Cloud Server Room, then the Traceback menu. Entries must be unlocked by completing the five stages in the corresponding chapter of Neural Survey.

The Watcher

Unlocked with Old Books.

Summary

After leaving Griffin & Kryuger, ^RF SV-98SV-98SV-98 and ^RF SVDSVDSVD have joined the security personnel of the cargo and passengers Intercontinental Railway on the Kryvyi Rih-Vilnius line. On 27 September 2069, the two Dolls meet for their usual sightseeing and SV-98 talks about a book called The Watchman, which is about a soldier who defend their homeland against the most terrible perils. SVD takes a liking to the title and decides to call herself Watchman from now on, but SV-98 insists to call her Lady Watchman instead. The two are separated when the train is attacked by Varjagers while crossing the Yellow Zone. The train tracks are damaged by a howitzer shot after SV-98 fails to intercept it and the two Dolls are sent to the next station to request assistance, but they are caught in a Collapse storm and become lost. After gathering information in an abandoned outpost, they determine that they won't have enough batteries to reach the next station. Ever considerate of her friend, SVD insists that SV-98 take her battery to make the trip. SV-98 leaves SVD in the outpost's watchtower and promise to come back for her.

SVD's Neural Log 1

27 September 2069, 1905hrs

Why is she so unbearably slow? What is SV-98 doing? It's been 35 minutes past our agreed time. Isn't she always meticulous and punctual? Why is she standing me up this time?

Hmph, when she arrives, I’ll need to ask her what could be more important than our "special mission."

After leaving Griffin, SV-98 and I were unsure of where to go. We happened to come across an Intercontinental Railway train that was recruiting security personnel. They mentioned being supplied with unlimited power and the chance to take short trips outside upon arrival at train stations. Such opportunities are rare.

We applied and got accepted—what’s the train called? KW16? KW16? Hmm, from Kryvyi Rih to Vilnius, it takes 30 hours. We'll arrive tomorrow.

The work of the security team is quite monotonous—just security checks and patrols, with each shift lasting for dozens of hours.

To keep ourselves from getting rusty, SV-98 and I agreed on a "special mission."

Every day at 1830hrs, we meet on top of train carriage 23. Our goal is to enjoy the scenery together.

How about that? It’s a brilliant idea, isn’t it? SV-98 looked forward to it every day.

...I hear the sound of someone climbing the ladder from below. It must be SV-98.

"Sorry, SVD, I'm late."

"SV-98! Do you have any idea how long I waited for you?"

"Sorry, sorry. I kept you waiting for 38 minutes and 42 seconds. I should have arrived on time, but the charging stations were occupied by passengers, so I had to wait in line for 36 minutes..."

"Oh, well, if it was for charging, then there's nothing you could have done... Wait a minute, why did you obediently wait for the passengers to finish charging? The charging stations in the dining car are for Dolls only! Just kick the passengers out and use it yourself!"

"Kick... kick the passengers out?

That doesn't seem right. The train manual states that we should respect the passengers and prioritize their rights..."

"Alright, alright, next time that happens, come straight to me!"

"Okay, I'm glad you understand. Actually, while waiting, I spotted an old book called [Watchman] on the nearby magazine rack. It was quite interesting."

"[Watchman]? What's it about?"

"It tells the story of a person who guards their homeland, refusing to leave despite terrible storms and wars. I only read a small part of it, but I really liked the name 'Watchman'."

"Hmm, it does sound cool. You know, we watch over this plain every day. Doesn’t that make us the Watchmen of it? Oh, and... Didn’t we talk about choosing new names earlier? "'Watchman' sounds good, So I'll take that name~"

"SVD, are you serious?"

"You're doubting me? Of course I'm serious! Ahem—yes. The name 'Watchman' belongs to me from now on."

"...Lady... Watchman...?"

Tsk, what did SV-98 mean by that? She even added 'Lady' on purpose.

"I’m serious—call me Watchman!"

"...Alright, Lady Watchman."

"Hey—! It's Watchman!"

Despite several corrections, SV-98 insisted on calling me Lady Watchman. Hmph, I bet she wants the name for herself and is teasing me on purpose.

With the special mission over, I'm feeling much better. Today’s special mission was complete, so it was time to head back to the carriage.

...!

Was that... an explosion?!

The train brakes suddenly, and I almost lose my balance. Why did the train stop all of a sudden? If it was a temporary stop, there should have been an announcement by now—but there's nothing at all?

The passengers around me are in a state of panic. I quickly try to calm them down, telling them to stay seated and not to panic, but I can’t find SV-98 anywhere. Where is she? She might not have reacted as quickly as I did and could be hurt. I need to contact her quickly—static? Unable to connect?

Just as I was about to try calling her again, the Captain's voice came in through the communicator—this is bad, it's the Varjagers!

SV-98's Neural Log 1

27 September, 2069, 2115hrs

We are being attacked by the Varjagers.

Captain issued the order to engage over the comms. After relinquishing the care of the frightened young passengers to the train staff, I quickly climb onto the roof of the nearest railcar.

The front of the train is shrouded in smoke, making it impossible to determine the extent of the damage.

I heard about the Varjager attacking the intercontinental railway before, but experiencing it firsthand? This is a first.

I nervously look around; where did SVD go?

I hope she's fine. Experienced as she is, she likely doesn't require my worries.

Their convoy arrives. In a few short seconds, the Varjagers' convoy will enter my firing range.

3, 2... they've stopped? The leading armored vehicle comes to a halt, no longer advancing. The jeeps behind it also turn around and head towards the rear of the train. What are they looking for in the back?

Intercontinental trains are typically divided into two sections: the front half for passengers and the rear half for cargo.

This train's cargo section carries enough supplies to sustain the residents of Vilnius for half a month.

In addition, I notice a number of distinctive cargo containers usually holding military supplies. It seems these are their targets.

Time is running out. Just as I'm moving out to the rear of the train, the armored vehicle suddenly accelerates and heads toward the front of the train. A large-caliber howitzer, even

bigger than their previous rocket launcher, is being mounted and aimed directly at the tracks.

Could it be that they aim to not only steal the supplies but also destroy the tracks? I need to report this to the Captain immediately.

Where's my terminal? It was right here moments ago.

The smoke in front is slowly clearing. I inspect the tracks, and although the emergency brake was triggered in fear of derailing, the tracks themselves are not severely damaged. With some quick repairs after driving off the Varjagers, we should be able to proceed without a problem. Another hit, however, will leave us stranded.

An intercontinental railway train can not stop in the Yellow Zone.

After a brief moment of contemplation, I determine that the priority is to prevent the tracks from being damaged again. Everyone else has gone after the jeeps heading to the rear; I'm the only one remaining here in the front.

With my firepower, the only way to stop them is to either take out the crew of the armored vehicle or destroy the howitzer itself. Alright, range, check. Angle, check... All I need now is to move another five meters forward...

Not good, the howitzer is already loaded. Should I keep my head down? If I give up now, the tracks will be blown up!

No, I won't back down; instead, I stay put in place and keep my aim steady. If only sacrificing my body is enough to stop them...

...！

My vision blurs and my shot went off target—damn it.

An explosion rings out from the front of the train, the tremendous force throws me to the ground before making me tumble a few times.

"What are you doing, daydreaming? Don't you know to get out of the way when a shell is coming at your face?!"

"...SVD... what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing? Hmph, without me, you'd have been blown to bits! Also, remember to call me Watchman."

"...Lady Watchman, according to my calculations, I had a 70% chance of intercepting the incoming shell. While it would have damaged my body, that is acceptable compared to the tracks being destroyed. Hadn't you interrupted..."

"Stop, stop! Your calculations are nuts! And you're blaming me for getting in your way? Also, it's Watchman!"

"...Sorry."

SVD—no, according to her request, she's now "Watchman", but this is still quite a mouthful name, which is why I added "Lady" in front, hoping she'd realize my discontent.

SVD's computing powers aren't exceptional, so it's understandable that she can't grasp my plan. Besides, she did save me.

After snatching our supplies, the Varjagers quickly retreats. In the end, we only manage to damage two jeeps and recover three boxes of supplies.

The Intercontinental train's exterior is made of special materials impervious to explosives, so luckily the passengers only suffered minor injuries from the emergency brake.

The bad news is, the tracks are completely destroyed, and the train can't journey on. Had I been able to intercept that last shell... I shake my head. What's done is done. I need to accept it and deal with the consequences. The security team's Dolls are severely damaged during the defense, leaving only Lady Watchman and me relatively unscathed.

The Captain tasks me with going the nearest stopover station to seek assistance, and Lady Watchman requests to join me.

..."Lady Watchman" worries too much sometimes.

SVD's Neural Log 2

September 27th, 2069, 2310hrs

That idiot SV-98! She didn't even try to dodge the round, and yet she came up with some crazy plan for some kind of extreme tit-for tat? She's gone mad! Did she damage all her other cognitive modules while upgrading her processing module?

What? The Captain wants to send SV-98 to the nearest short-stay station for help? Well, maybe it's because of my "meddling" that the tracks got destroyed in the first place.

No, no! I can't think like that! If I don't keep an eye on her, who knows what other ridiculous things this blockhead might do. I'm going with her!

The Varjagers left two jeeps behind during their retreat, and one of them can be repaired and used. We'll have to take that one.

...It's been an hour now, what's taking SV-98 so long? Still not done with the repairs?

That scatterbrain takes forever just to clean a filter. At this rate, the sun's going to come up before she's done. Forget it, I'll do it myself!

Hah! Just as expected—I had it cleaned up in no time. See? She couldn't have done it without me.

What? She's still mumbling that I didn't clean it thoroughly? Unbelievable, she's going to drive me crazy.

I really hope everything goes smoothly. I don't want to be stuck in a survival situation in the Yellow Zone!

Damn... I really jinxed it this time. The damn Collapse storm wrecked both our vehicle and navigation systems. We've been wandering aimlessly for over ten kilometers, and everything looks the same—just endless sand!

The sun is about to rise... Wait, is that something up ahead?

"Hey! SV-98! Look, there's a station ahead!"

SV-98's Neural Log 2

28 September 2069, 0239hrs.

The jeep left behind by the Varjagers is quite old, with many parts needing replacement. We could only manage basic cleaning and repairs.

But time is tight, so we can't be too demanding. As long as we don't run into a Collapse storm requiring quick evasion, a few hours of bumpy rides or frequent starts should be manageable. I've reviewed the terrain intel, and this area isn't prone to Collapse storms, so this will have to do.

"Lady Watchman" is such a cumbersome title. Hmm, this is a record in my mind, so she can't hear it. For now... let's just stick with calling her "SVD."

Before we left, SVD and I went to the charging station for one last recharge. The book, [The Watcher], was still there, so I quietly took it and put it in the car. That should keep us entertained on the road.

Why is there a Collapse storm?

This area wasn't supposed to have Collapse Storms; the environmental data provided by the URNC didn't mention any... After two hours of dodging the Collapse storm, the constant bumpiness and frequent restarts caused the jeep to stall completely. The engine began to smoke and couldn't restart, and the navigation system failed due to excessive Collapse radiation.

SVD tried tinkering with it for a while but couldn't prevent the jeep from being scrapped.

In the end, she angrily kicked the jeep a couple of times and loudly cursed the Varjagers.

The storm altered the surrounding landscape, causing all the reference points we used to vanish. We were completely disoriented, not knowing where we were or which direction to take. This is a real mess.

As daylight broke, a station appeared before us.

SVD's Neural Log 3

28 September, 2069, 0834hrs

This station is abandoned!

Though based on my experience as an elite, for a station like this, even when abandoned, its basic infrastructure should still work. Our biggest challenge right now is that we can't determine our location.

Tch... no power, the control panel won't start.

The station doesn't have anything that can be used for communication... What's this? Aiiiee! Rats!

Communication... communication... network... Hey! Got it! Network!

Fortunately, the station's communication interface isn't completely worn out. I remove the long-distance communication module and connected it to SV-98. Once powered, we are able to patch into the underground broker's network. Within minutes, our location is displayed.

"How about that? Hehe, with me on the job, consider everything settled~"

"Impressive as always, Lady Watchman."

"Of course~ Also, it's just Watchman! Can't you get it right at least once?

"But..." SV-98 ignores my protest and continues pondering. Fine, whatever she wants to call me.

"What's the problem? The coordinates are confirmed, right?"

"Look, our current position is here, and the straight line distance to the target location is 130 klicks. At our max speed, it will take at least nine hours on foot to get there."

Given the potential dangers along the way, allocating an additional four hours as a buffer is advisable."

"..."

"We need to make good use of our remaining battery power."

SV-98 stops talking and looks at me. Our eyes meet, and I can tell what she is thinking, so I quickly look away.

"There might be beacons nearby, they could be storing some reserve power..."

"There are no beacons marked on the map; I just checked two minutes ago."

"...Settlement. Right, settlements! Although the current environmental data doesn't include any, Yellow Zone settlements are not uncommon. We should head in the most likely direction..."

"There can't be any settlements nearby; you've already checked."

"Then maybe..."

"SVD." She stares at me.

Damn it. There must be another way. "—How about taking a shorter route? Look, just go straight at QS316BN-O92XT without turning..."

"Commencing calculation, route simulation... analyzing environmental data... estimated remaining time, two seconds." SV-98 quickly calculates the feasibility of the route.

"Rejected, there's a 62% chance of encountering continuous waves of ELIDs near that coordinate. Our ammo is running low."

"How about here? Cut directly to the rear of the destination at QS397BN-O45XT to reduce the total distance by 18%."

"Commencing calculation, route simulation... weather information extracted... estimated remaining time, three seconds." This round of calculation did not take too long either. "Rejected, although it is a shortcut, it passes through a canyon. Canyons have a 33.7% chance of abrupt Collapse storms occurring. Our frames are already at their critical limit."

...

"Rejected."

...

"Rejected."

I know the route SV-98 suggested is the best. I'm just unwilling to give up. After rejecting all my excuses and seeing SV-98 about to unplug her battery, I reach out my hand to hold down hers.

"I'll stay here."

"...No, SVD, there's no need to argue over this. We have already processed the calculations and the results are right in our neural clouds. We simply need to follow the correct approach to achieve the best outcome." "No, you go, I'll stay."

SV-98's eyes widen.

"No, SVD... it should be you..."

I know what she's going to say next, but I have already made up my mind.

"All the calculations be damned! When I tell you to go, you keep your mouth shut and go."

"But..."

"No buts—don't forget, I am the Watchman! Watching your back here is my way of fighting."

SV-98 wants to say something, but seeing my determination, she ultimately nods.

"...I understand."

This idiot has always been obsessed with data and calculations and never thought about caring for herself.

...We both know that even if we reach the station, the rescue team can't possibly expend resources to save just one Doll; the one left behind might just be left in the Yellow Zone forever.

SV-98 might think I'm passing her the hope of survival, but I believe that the one who survives has more burdens to bear.

Hey, hold on. Did she forget to call me Watchman earlier? Whatever, SV-98, I'll forgive you this time, but I'll make sure to correct you properly later.

But there's actually a more important reason I have yet to mention. Had I said it, she definitely wouldn't have agreed.

SV-98, rely on me a little more.

...SV-98, believe in yourself a bit more.

SV-98's Neural Log 3

28 September, 2069, 1245hrs.

Force 3 winds, excellent visibility, distance remaining to target, 65... 64 klicks

It's close, I'm getting close... My legs are sinking into the soft sand, my pace is being negatively impacted.

Redirecting power, prioritizing supply to leg drive modules. 60 klicks... 59 klicks...

Still not enough...

Everyone aboard the train is waiting for me, and SVD is also holding on for me.

I carry a battery in my right hand, the one that belongs to SVD.

Not long ago, this battery still powered SVD's various functions from within her body... Now, it rests in my palm—she's the one who switched off her power.

The battery was still warm when I first removed it, it has since lost its warmth. In less than an hour, my own remaining power will be depleted, at which point I will need to hook up to it.

Staring at the battery, memories of my farewell with SVD come flooding back.

"Wouldn't it be fitting to leave you with a more handsome rear view in a moment like this?" SVD appears troubled, seemingly looking for something, "Right, I need a vantage point! Watching over you from above, embodying my role as your Watchman!"

"Let's see... yes! There will do!" SVD's gaze is fixed on the communication tower of the abandoned train station. I suppose that's the place that "fits her identity."

"Come up here, SV-98!" SVD swiftly scales the tower, then gestures for me to join her.

I climb up the tower and stand alongside SVD, just like what we always did: gazing into the distance from the roof of the train. Following her sight, all I see is an endless expanse of yellow sand that stretches on until it merges with the pale horizon; that is the direction of the train station.

"Go, SV-98. I'll stay here, keeping a watch over you until you come back to find me."

SVD pats my shoulder and sits down on the edge of the tower.

Her hand reaches out for her power bank, and with a thud, her movements slowly cease. The light in her eyes gradually dims, yet the curve of a smile lingers on her lip.

Based on my calculations, for this final stretch, it would have been more suitable for her to take my battery and seek help. Her body is in better condition than mine, and in case of emergencies, both her response time and attack speed surpass mine.

She knew this would be the outcome, yet insisted in having me complete this mission.

Why?

Was she worried that the guard unit's assessment of me would drop? Or was she afraid I might revert to my former self? I can't work that out.

I look at her face, always full of expressions, and playfully pinch her cheek. The soft artificial muscle started to stiffen after its master became unresponsive.

Ah, so this is how it feels.

She's always been like this, always so considerate no matter who while also acting as if she couldn't care less. Even back in the Griffin days, she would help me make decisions before I could do something in a panic.

She's always been able to effortlessly overcome my uncertainties and achieve victory in ways I can't even begin to imagine.

She can still do that this time, right? After all, she's SVD... she's the "Watchman".

Now, I hold her battery in my hand.

My hand shakes uncontrollably as though a pressure is squeezing my chest, causing a momentary interruption in my body's functions. If not for the self-diagnostic indicating that everything is nominal, I would've thought something malfunctioned.

SVD, it feels like I've always been relying on you, whether it's back at Griffin, working on the train, or even now—when a sacrifice must be made.

"I will come back, SVD." No, I should call you—Watchman.

"I will come back, Watchman."

You heard that? I did not add "Lady" this time around.

Shaking my head, wondering what I'm thinking—SVD's no longer here. What I need to do now is get to the station quickly and then come back for her.

I pick up my pace, pushing myself to run faster... even faster than before!

Behind me is the Watchman, already fallen into her slumber, but I know she's still keeping an eye out for me.

I promise, I will come back for you, no matter what!

This time, I won't be late again.

The Wanderer

Unlocked with Classy Lipsticks.

Summary

After leaving Griffin, ^AR AS ValAS ValAS Val and ^AR 9A-919A-919A-91 are working as the bodyguards for Terysha Strelchenko, a leader of the Frontier Construction Group in charge of the Great Wall Railway. Strelchenko is insisting to decontaminate a certain area of land containing her former home, called Cloverfield, exposing herself to Collapse radiation and contracting ELID. Strelchenko eventually convinces the Dolls to take her in the contamination zone to see Cloverfield one last time. After smuggling Terysha through the Wall, they find the ruins of the home that was once Cloverfield and Terysha tells the story of the eight children who lived there under the protection of their leader Herrick, until most had succumbed to ELID infection, ELID beasts attacks or malnutrition. Against Herrick's wish, Terysha joined a Green Zone school and graduated to become a successful businesswoman, and she encourages 9A-91 to think about her own future.

AS Val's Neural Log 1

23 May, Clear

9 a.m.

"Open the curtains."

Hearing my employer's voice, I followed her command and drew back the curtains. Bright, blinding light poured in through the large windows, and the mist floating in the air cast down waving shadows on the floor.

I glanced warily outside. We were at a great height, and from the window, I could see soldiers guarding the Great Wall Railway changing shifts in the distance. What lies beyond that should be the Contamination Zone.

As I turned my head slightly, I caught a glimpse of 9A-91 standing at the door, with a serious expression and a vacant gaze.

After Griffin's restructuring, 9A-91 and I—along with Teddy—left. We are currently working as the personal bodyguards for the leader of the "Frontier Construction Group." The tasks are easy, supplies are abundant, and the employer is quite amiable. I must say, it's an ideal position. Thinking about our old companions, who may still be drifting in the contamination zone, made me increasingly grateful for having found this job with such an employer.

I heard a soft clicking noise behind me as tableware was gently set down. I turned around just in time to see our employer—a poised middle-aged woman—dabbing her lips with a napkin before taking out her lipstick and aptly refining her makeup.

"Knock, knock."

9A-91 opened the door and a housekeeping Doll entered the room, removing the tray with the tableware from the table. There was hardly any food left on the plates, so it seemed she had a good appetite today. After arriving here, she couldn't eat much for a long time. 9A-91 and I once suggested she see a doctor, but she declined us with a smile.

"Aren't you going to eat something? You won't grow taller if you don't eat well. We should have plenty of food left at home."

The elegant lady looked at me.

"...I'm a Doll, no amount of food will make me grow taller, Miss Terysha... And we won't run out of food either..."

All I had for her clumsy joke was a resigned look before signaling the housekeeping Doll to keep tidying things up.

Terysha Strelchenko—our employer—flashed me a smile with her crimson-colored lips as if she had more to say, but the comms terminal on the table rang first.

"Good morning, Ma'am. Regarding your question from yesterday, Manager Durand has come up with three solutions and is ready to brief you.

That somewhat cold young female voice belongs to Secretary Viola Moran. She seemed a bit like Helian at first, but as I got to know her, I realized they were completely different... Miss Moran's appearance, demeanor, and voice all convey a sense of impartiality and professionalism.

Next, a somewhat harsh male voice came through the comms. That was General Manager Robert Durand. His appearance... well, it's not as striking as his somewhat sharp voice. He seemed particularly agitated lately, given that he's been trying to persuade our employer to—

"Leaving the W_2068_1732 purification zone—have you given any thought to my previous suggestion? According to recent reports, the dispatch request for new frontline mobile Purification Towers for this area has been pending for more than 86 days and we have yet to receive any follow-up. Additionally, the Great Wall Railway inspection, which is one of the preliminary prerequisites for purification zone setup, was also suspended the day before. Given these circumstances, I believe we should prioritize completing the basic infrastructure in purification zone W_2069_3741 so we can recover our investment sooner.

Yes, that's right. He's been trying to persuade our employer to leave this place for somewhere else with... well, greater profit potential.

Miss Terysha pressed her crimson-colored lips together and shifted her gaze to the documents at hand.

"I've already told you my decision hasn't changed. I'll reiterate once again—I won't leave until this area is fully restored and purified."

"...But why exactly? ...Alright, I see. But I will continue to submit requests to the board to shift the focus from zone W_2068_1732 to zone W_2069_3741."

The comms was cut off. Today's meeting lasted for two hours... well, a bit longer than usual.

"Close the curtains, the sunlight is too harsh."

"Yes, Ma'am." Following her instructions, I drew the curtains. The deep red fabric obscured the distant Great Wall Railway and the soldiers patrolling on it.

With the sunlight blocked out, Miss Terysha, now resembling a pale plaster statue, stared at the curtained window. Her lips were as brightly colored as the curtains in my hand, yet her complexion and expression seemed a bit unusual.

"...Ma'am?"

"...Ah..." The plaster statue's gaze sharpened, and her crimson-colored lips parted, "Why is it so dark? What time is it? Why isn't Herrick back yet? We're running out of time..."

I instinctively glanced at 9A-91 by the door and saw that she was also looking at me with a similarly confused expression.

Mouthing my words, I asked her, "Who's Herrick?" She frowned and shook her head, equally puzzled.

"Herrick... I must see Herrick, I need to find him..." Miss Terysha propped herself up on the table, stood up, and walked towards the door. However, she didn't get far before she started stumbling and falling to the ground, headed straight toward the corner of the table.

"P-please wait a second, who is Herrick...?" I immediately caught her, noticing her weight had decreased by 1.77 kilograms from my recorded data.

"Are you okay?" 9A-91 also rushed from the door, steadying Miss Terysha by supporting her arm and helping her regain her balance.

"Yes... I just suddenly felt... Don't mind me, we need to find Herrick, quickly..."

Miss Terysha held her forehead, and just a few short seconds later, her body went limp and collapsed onto my shoulder.

"Ma'am, Ma'am?!"

Who is Herrick? W-what should we do now?!

9A-91's Neural Log 1

May 28, Clear

I sat somewhat dejectedly on a chair outside Terysha's bedroom, while AS Val sat beside me, squeezing Teddy.

"How could Miss Terysha become like this... She was so healthy before..."

"Humans in old age have reduced resistance and are naturally more susceptible to Collapse radiation," her teddy bear murmured to itself, "and she's been here too long. This is the frontline of the purification project!"

"So she withdrew all the maids and staff, leaving day-to-day affairs to the Dolls... It seems she must have realized her condition back then!" I recalled Miss Terysha's recent odd behavior and thought, "Her poor appetite lately must also be due to the illness."

Come to think of it, that was also when we were assigned to her room to take care of her daily needs. Before that, we were only responsible for security as bodyguards. Amidst my mixed emotions, I felt somewhat disappointed, especially since I had thought that I was finally getting more attention.

Next to me, AS Val lowered her head even more, her face almost pressed against her teddy bear's chest.

"If only we had noticed sooner..."

I ruffled AS Val's hair to comfort her.

"9A-91, do you know who Herrick is?" AS Val lifted her face, her eyebrows knitted together.

"The name Miss Terysha keeps mentioning when she's delirious? I feel like I've seen it somewhere before..." I searched my neural records, "It seems like this name was written on the back of a photograph..."

The door beside us suddenly opened, and a stern-looking Miss Moran and a grumpy Mr. Durand emerged from the room, both wearing full protective suits. Mr. Durand's somewhat comical voice came from behind his protective mask, grumbling things like, "How stubborn can she be?" and "How could she possibly stay here? She must go back for treatment," as they headed straight for the stairs.

It seems their proposal has been rejected by Miss Terysha once again.

Since her diagnosis, Miss Terysha had become increasingly stubborn–during her lucid moments. When delirious, she would either be hysterical or appear dazed.

The doctor said that her E.L.I.D. had progressed to the middle stage, beginning to affect her mind. If her condition continued to worsen, her lucid periods would become shorter, and she might start experiencing hallucinations.

"Maybe... we could try persuading her? If she doesn't get treated soon, she'll die..."

Honestly, I didn't think Miss Terysha would heed our advice–earlier, when she couldn't eat, we had already suggested she see a doctor. It's understandable–if the employer were to die, AS Val and I might have to find new jobs, and there's no guarantee that the next one will be as stable as this. Besides, I quite liked this lady.

Deep in thought, we dragged our heavy steps into Miss Terysha's room.

9A-91's Neural Log 2

28 May, Clear

Miss Terysha laid in bed, without any lipstick on, looking unwell. It felt as if time had accelerated for her, causing her to age rapidly.

Before we could speak, she made a sound; her tone was still elegant and gentle as usual while carrying an undeniable authority.

"I want to go to Clover Garden... please take me to Clover Garden."

AS Val and I exchanged glances. Clover Garden... where was that? From her expression, it seemed AS Val didn't know either.

"Clover Garden... where is it? Is it somewhere in the purification zone?"

Miss Terysha smiled, "It's not in the purification zone; it's in the nearby contamination zone."

The contamination zone? Miss Terysha... she wanted to go there? That's–

Huh?

While I was still considering how to respond, AS Val had already rushed to the bedside. Clutching Teddy tightly to her chest, she made a muffled, distressed weep.

"How could you... You're a middle-stage E.L.I.D. patient. Please be more mindful of it. How could you still want to go to the contamination zone"

"Val...!"

It's rare for her to display such intense emotion. I held down her shoulder, hoping to calm her down, but her anxious expression left me at a loss.

"N-no need to say that. Miss Terysha must have her reason, right? Let's hear her out first."

"Yeah, please calm down. This isn't like you, Val." Teddy's muffled voice came from her chest.

She pouted, her face saying full well she was not convinced.

Miss Terysha smiled as she looked out the window, making her face that was pale as a piece of paper a bit more lively.

"My reason... actually, that's my home. No matter what, I want to see it again... no matter what..."

Val and I exchanged a perplexed glance. Based on our knowledge of our employer, when she said "no matter what," it meant she wouldn't consider any alternatives. A stubborn boss could be quite exasperating...

"Ma'am, do you know the exact coordinates of Clover Garden?"

Weakly shaking her head, Miss Terysha calmly said, "I don't know, but I remember the general direction and route, as well as some landmarks–I remember there was a stone mill with a windmill near Clover Garden."

Taking a middle-stage E.L.I.D. patient to a contamination zone without specific coordinates was extremely dangerous, to the point of insanity. Even with my capabilities as a secret weapon, ensuring Miss Terysha's safety would be a challenge.

But then again, if we could fulfill our employer's wish, that could bring us more attention, right? Opportunities like this are hard to come by... especially after leaving Griffin, where being noticed has become increasingly rare...

"The better option for you is to return to treatment first and go once you have recovered."

AS Val was still trying to persuade her.

"No." Miss Terysha's face which resembled a sketch, turned towards us. "My body is already–"

"Please don't say your body can't hold on," AS Val said, frowning with a serious look. "The doctor said that with active treatment, middle-stage E.L.I.D. is entirely treatable!"

Miss Terysha gave a helpless smile, her expression softening.

"The moment I pass, the purification plan for this area will be immediately cancelled... The construction group will never shift their focus back here again. Even if I recover, company higher-ups will, under the pretext of humanitarian concern, deploy medical staff to monitor my condition at all times, preventing me from ever going to Clover Garden. This is my last chance."

"This is my last chance, it's my request. Please take me home."

I opened my mouth but couldn't find the words to dissuade her. Was there any other way to convince her? I glanced at AS Val beside me and found she was also looking at me.

After a moment of thought, I spoke hesitantly.

"If, Ma'am, I mean if," I turned my gaze to the pale lady lying in the red drapery, "If we take you to Clover Garden, will you immediately return to the White Zone city for treatment upon our safe return? Could you accept our condition–or rather, are you willing to make a promise with us?"

Miss Terysha hardly took a moment to consider; her breath paused for just a second or two before she reached out her right hand to me.

"I promise."

At this point, I bewilderedly gazed at that pale hand.

Although the proposal was mine... I still hadn't truly made up my mind. What if we agree to do so and Miss Terysha ends up dying in the contamination zone? But if I refuse, her stubbornness means she will also die here... Should I gamble on the Group convincing her? Or on us being able to quickly, quietly, and smoothly go to and return from the contamination zone? What should I do? What should I choose?

Damn it! How could I, a secret weapon, be stumped by this?

"Time to take her up on that, 9A-91."

"Val?" I looked at her in confusion, "Weren't you strongly opposed to this moment ago?"

"Because it's... a friend's wish."

Teddy in her arms also mumbled, "I also think it's better to agree. If you're going to gamble, it's more reliable to bet on yourself, right?"

I was startled, thinking that Teddy had some kind of mind-reading function. In my panic, I stepped forward and got tripped over by the bedpost. As I fell, my outstretched hand coincidentally met with Miss Terysha's.

"T-then, let's do it!"

I stood up, cleared my throat, and shook that pale, cold hand of hers, like real business people... well, at least she was a real business person... In any case, we shook hands and sealed the deal.

"Ma'am, please keep your promise. We'll just take a look, and then you'll receive proper treatment once we're back."

I reiterated, attempting to quell the persistent unease.

"Keeping promises is the foundation of being a successful business person."

Miss Terysha answered calmly, her voice steady and firm, just as it was when she issued orders in meetings with others.

This should be the correct choice, right?

As long as we successfully fulfill Miss Terysha's wishes, this stable life will not be interrupted.

With a secret weapon like me, success is guaranteed.

AS Val's Neural Log 2

29 May, Clear

"You sure... this is really okay?"

"Shh, keep quiet!"

Just as I lifted my head from the backseat of the jeep, 9A-91, sitting in the driver's seat, pushed me back down.

In the blinding darkness of the night, only the crescent moon hung overhead, casting down a faint light. I couldn't shake the feeling that it would somehow turn into a sharp sword, slicing my body open and suspending my power core from the tip of its blade.

I must've been feeling guilty... If I were to keep acting like this, we're definitely going to get caught!

The purification zone here was still under construction, and the Great Wall Railway had yet to be fully enclosed, thus leaving a gap. The garrison troops had set up a temporary checkpoint, allowing certain personnel to enter and exit the contamination zone through it. We planned to go through this checkpoint in order to gain access to the contamination zone.

9A-91 drove a jeep we borrowed from the company garage, while Miss Terysha, dressed in a maid's outfit, sat in the back seat with me. She had personally chosen this outfit from the warehouse, along with a lot of portable rations and emergency medicine. She looked like a young girl eager to go on a trip; a stark contrast to the sickly woman who had been quietly lying in bed days prior.

We also tried using makeup to alter Miss Terysha's appearance to prevent her from being recognized by the garrison soldiers.

If we were to be identified... we might get immediately caught by Miss Moran. However, neither AS Val nor I had any experience with using these makeups, and Miss Terysha herself only knew how to apply them in a beautiful, elegant, and refined manner.

After much trial and error, we could only use powdered foundation to somewhat conceal her pores and spots, making her appear more like a Doll. We then applied lipstick to make her mouth look larger than usual and covered her face with a wide hat.

Although the result was far from perfect, I thought it was fair to consider it a "disguise".

The jeep came to a stop at the checkpoint, and 9A-91 handed over an ID card.

"Frontier Construction Group's bodyguard Doll... What's your deal with going to the contamination zone at this hour?"

Because you'd be busy changing shifts during this period and won't be looking into things too thoroughly... something that I observed when I was on guard by the window.

"Project manager, Miss Terysha Strelchenko, sent us to survey the nearby contamination zone. We work directly under her." 9A-91 recited the prepared lines, "As you know, we will be assisting with the purification project later, so we need to gather some... uh... relevant environmental information in advance."

"Environmental information... Tsk, sending a few Dolls to conduct on-site surveys?"

"This is Miss Terysha's arrangement. Here's the authorization document she prepared."

9A-91 seemed to be trying to sound more assertive as she handed over a piece of paper.

The soldier glanced at the signature and seal at the bottom, turned the paper over and over, unable to find any flaws, and threw it back to 9A-91.

"Any losses incurred in the contamination zone will not be protected by the Railway Garrison. Don't expect us to assist you in case of any danger, understood?"

She forced a stiff smile, "Of course."

The flashlight beam swept across the back seat as the soldier demanded that I lower the window.

I complied, turning slightly to keep Miss Terysha hidden in the shadows.

"What are you doing? Take off your hat!"

The soldier reached into the window, pushed me aside aggressively, and directed his flashlight at Miss Terysha. She calmly took off her hat, revealing her pale face, and stared directly at the blinding light.

"This face looks familiar..." The cold white light flickered over her pale face.

"Sorry, we're in a hurry,"

Miss Terysha spoke, her voice colder and harsher than usual, "Our employer requires us to return before dawn. You might not understand that lady, but if we cause any delays, she will hold us strictly accountable."

The soldier with the flashlight frowned and flared his nostrils. "Hmph... Are you threatening me?"

"Of course not," Miss Terysha said, handing over something wrapped in a handkerchief, "We are asking for your assistance." The soldier weighed the jingling objects in his hand, their yellowish color showing through the handkerchief as they swayed. He sneered and returned to the sentry post.

The checkpoint gate slowly opened, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Miss Terysha put her hat back on, with her oversized, crimson-colored lips showing beneath the brim, giving a somewhat comical smile.

"9A-91, were you thinking about calling off the mission if I got recognized?"

I noticed 9A-91 stiffen noticeably in the rearview mirror.

"Of course not! I was hoping to use this opportunity to show off and get you to pay more attention to me!"

"Loosen up, I was just joking."

"Really... How can you still be in the mood for jokes at a time like this?"

9A-91 muttered as she started the jeep. Amidst the roar of the engine, I heard Miss Terysha's faint voice.

"After all, we're about to see Herrick. He doesn't like an atmosphere that's way too tense."

I was startled, thinking I hadn't heard her correctly, and turned to ask.

"What did you just say?"

Miss Terysha's lips were pressed together beneath the brim of her hat, and she didn't answer.

After a moment of silence, she pulled out a syringe from the supply bag to alleviate her E.L.I.D. symptoms and injected it into her upper arm. I helped her roll up her sleeve and turn sideways to block the jeep window, preventing the soldiers outside from seeing and raising suspicion.

"...Nothing, let's go." She put away the syringe and closed her eyes, appearing somewhat tired.

I exchanged glances with 9A-91 in the rearview mirror. She abruptly slammed down the pedal, and the jeep shot forward like a howling Thorn Bear, charging into the contamination zone.

Actually, I was also thinking that if we were exposed, it might be better to just give up.

Miss Terysha probably knew that as well.

AS Val's Neural Log 3

30 May, Clear

The ELIDs... there were just too many of them!

We've been fighting for 2... maybe 3 hours now? Fortunately, we brought plenty of ammunition and fuel when we set out. After all, we were the personal bodyguards of Miss Terysha, so requisitioning more ammunition wasn't a problem for us. However, fuel, food for Miss Terysha, medicines, and protective suits are not so easy to come by... I hoped we could safely return before we ran out of fuel...

Fortunately, even though I've had a long period of laid-back lifestyle, my skill hasn't deteriorated to the point where I'd be defeated by ELIDs.

After taking care of a group of ELIDs surrounding the jeep, we decided to take a break for a while.

9A-91 and I returned to the back seat and administered a drug to alleviate Miss Terysha's mental symptoms. 9A-91 clumsily broke off a piece of compressed biscuit and placed it in her hand.

After passing the checkpoint, Miss Terysha changed into her protective suit. However, after several delusional struggles and delirious attempts to jump out of the car, the suit became damaged, so we had to use sealing tapes for temporary fixes. The visor was in a sorry state, smeared with dirt, sand, saliva, and the lipstick from her mouth.

It has been 5 hours since we departed, and Miss Terysha's moments of clarity are becoming increasingly brief...

At this moment, she was very quiet after the injection, awkwardly attempting to lift the visor of her protective suit but kept failing due to the effects of the medication.

I helped her lift the visor. She thanked me with a smile and stuffed the biscuit into her mouth.

"We're running low on food." 9A-91 said, rummaging through the supply bag on the seat, "The medicine as well." Indeed, we should have been better prepared. However, postponing all this might've made everything worse with Miss Terysha's condition... Agreeing with Miss Terysha's request was indeed imprudent...

I sighed silently while 9A-91 spoke very softly: "Miss Terysha, based on your recollection, it should only take about 3 hours to travel from the purification zone to Clover Garden... If we fail to locate the place by dawn, we'll have to return back, or Miss Moran will certainly discover that you're missing from your room."

I nodded in agreement and looked at Miss Terysha. It was only then that I noticed her eyes were sparkling and her cheeks were flushed with vitality.

"We'll find it," she said, brushing off the crumbs from her hands, "Don't worry, we'll definitely find it."

9A-91 and I exchanged a bemused glance.

"To be honest... Ma'am, I do not share your confidence... Please consider the possibility that we might not find it, and..." I carefully chose my words, hesitating over whether to ask the question that had been troubling me for a long time.

"Why do you insist on visiting your old home? I don't understand. If it's to visit your family, there might not even be anyone living there anymore, right?"

"Teddy...!"

I quickly covered Teddy's speaker, and the car fell into an awkward silence. Neither 9A-91 nor I blamed Teddy, as he had asked the question we were all thinking.

Miss Terysha stared at her reflection in the car window.

"Herrick actually loved sweets." She broke off another piece of the compressed biscuit, "Whenever he finds something sweet, he can't help but take a secret bite first and then pretend to be innocent if caught."

"Uh, Ma'am, though I've asked before... who is Herrick?" I asked hesitantly, unsure if she would answer this time.

"He is my elder brother," Miss Terysha smiled, her expression was youthful like that a teenage girl, "There were eight children living in Clover Garden, all of us found–or rather, picked up–by Herrick, like pulling radishes out of a hole, he brought us home."

She chuckled softly, resting her chin in her hand, her eyes sparkling as if reminiscing about the past.

"Every year he had to prepare eight birthday gifts, which really gave him a headache, especially when we could barely afford to eat."

"So, when I heard that news, I thought I could at least give him a birthday present to make him happy," her eyes grew dim, "But... he didn't like my gift."

Miss Terysha seemed a bit tired and closed her eyes.

"Let's go east, we'll definitely make it back."

I gave 9A-91 a puzzled look, and she gently shook her head. "We couldn't understand how what Miss Terysha related to her determination to go back to Clover Garden."

There was no time to think. 9A-91 tapped my shoulder and pointed to the rearview mirror.

"Wh–...!"

I saw reflected light in the rearview mirror–not starlight, but the glow of the eyes of ELIDs.

"Time to go, AS Val." 9A-91 jumped out of the car and hopped back into the driver's seat, while I opened the window and fired at the ELIDs that were already within range.

Amidst the roar of the engine and the gunfire, I heard a voice that was so faint that it was almost imperceptible.

"I also prepared a gift for you two, it's in my office terminal. Check it out when you get back. If you don't like it, that's fine. The password is written in the notebook on the top shelf of the left cabinet."

"A gift?"

I turned to look at Miss Terysha in her seat. She didn't answer my question, still resting her chin in her hand with her eyes closed, as if she had fallen asleep.

The jeep, pursued by shadows, sped away from the moonlight.

9A-91's Neural Log 3

30 May, Clear

As the moon gradually set, the jeep made a coughing sound and we lost engine power.

At this moment, only one of our headlights was still shining forward, faintly revealing the outline of a dilapidated mill. Above the mill, two of its four blades were stubbornly turning in the wind.

I heard the rear door open and saw Miss Terysha had already jumped out of the car and fallen to the ground. Despite the Collapse crystals protruding from her pale, fragile skin, she continued to struggle and crawl towards the ruins.

I shot down an ELID lunging at her, and AS Val immediately ran over to help her up. In the distance, familiar glimmers of light were gathering– We had seen them countless times tonight already; the eyes of ELIDs.

AS Val patted her face and handed Miss Terysha to me, then climbed onto the roof with her gun.

"9A-91, you go ahead. The destination... it's right there. I'll hold them off, you take Miss Terysha."

I was silent for a moment, glanced at our employer beside me, and then looked up at AS Val. "You'll be alright, won't you?"

She patted Teddy and flashed me a wide smile.

"Of course... Don't forget, I'm the best there is when it comes to night battles. Miss Terysha... I'll leave you with my friend."

I carried Miss Terysha and ran towards the dilapidated house. In the thick darkness, the outline of the jeep quickly faded from view.

Next to the windmill, as jagged as an old man's teeth, a small ruin of a house lay silently in the deepest darkness before dawn.

There were no clovers in this "Cloverfield"; it was just a dilapidated house with a wooden sign nailed to the door, featuring a simple sketch of a clover.

The roof had likely been gone for a long time. The walls were barely standing, consisting of a few planks that looked they might fall over at any moment and signs that the place had been set on fire at some point. Miraculously, some items in the house were still intact.

I kicked a box on the ground to make sure it was stable, then helped Miss Terysha sit on it and found a candle stub on the floor.

I lit the candle, which faintly illuminated the interior. It was only then that I noticed Miss Terysha was sitting opposite a broken mirror, which seemed to be the remnants of a dressing table. Her reflection in the mirror showed her aged and somewhat disheveled face.

"Miss Terysha, this should be the place, right?"

She didn't answer right away. Instead, she frowned as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. She looked somewhat puzzled as she reached out to wipe the dust from the mirror and traced the reflection of her face with her fingers.

Watching her in silence, I also fell silent, remaining vigilant of our surroundings.

The room still showed some signs of life, but it had undoubtedly been abandoned long ago. If this was indeed Miss Terysha's home, her family must have... The ground outside the house appeared uneven, possibly hiding something buried there?

But who could have buried it...?

"Ah!"

"What's wrong?!" I was jolted out of my drifting thoughts by her sudden shout.

"How rude of me, how could I let a guest stand?" Miss Terysha stood up unsteadily, pressed on my shoulder, and made me sit on the box.

"Wait a moment, I'll get you some water." Before I could react, she stumbled over to the other side of the room. There had been a cupboard there once, but now only a few planks remain of it.

"The cups should be here... Ah, this is Morac's cup! Will this do for you?"

She mimed a searching motion through a non-existent cupboard.

"Morac?"

"Oh, he's my younger brother, buried next to the windmill."

"Buried...?"

I couldn't parse her words right away.

"Yes, he encountered a Mishap Thorn while foraging outside. When Herrick found him, only a part of his calf was left, still wearing the socks I had sewn for him... (Sigh) He was ill back then and too thin, there was no way he could have escaped." There was a hint of sorrow in Miss Terysha's tone, but it was mostly one of resigned acceptance.

"After that, it was just me, Herrick, and Tral left here again."

"Three of you? You mentioned there were eight children... did the others all..."

"Yes, either attacked by ELIDs or suffered from chronic malnutrition... It was hard for children to grow up here, and even if they do, they ended up with E.L.I.D. Hmm, wearing this makes it hard to pour water."

I quickly rushed over to grab her hands as I saw her trying to remove her protective gloves. I couldn't bring myself to look into that dirty face shield.

Although I always knew that life in the contaminated zone was very difficult, actually seeing it in the flesh made me feel... sad.

Wait! Now was not the time for sadness. There was something off about Miss Terysha just now. It would seem her E.L.I.D. got worse in the contaminated zones. We had to take her back quickly.

"Miss Terysha, we must go, if we stay here any longer–"

"Tral, you think they're pitiful too, don't you?"

"Huh?!"

Miss Terysha cupped my face with her gloved hands, lifting my head slightly.

Her face was close, displaying a tender and radiant smile. The eyes behind the mask sparkled with youthful light, gazing intently at my face.

"Ah... I didn't mean..."

"It's okay." She spun in place; if she had been wearing her usual soft, silky dress, the hem would have fluttered.

"When I graduate, I'll change this place!"

"Graduate? Isn't this a contaminated zone? Is there... a school here?"

"Unfortunately, I haven't heard of any schools in the contaminated zone. The school I'm talking about is in the Green Zone!" She had a hopeful look on her face. "It's a newly established school. It was originally meant for children in the Green Zone. However, due to insufficient enrollment, they're willing to accept students from the contaminated zones, provided they pass a medical exam and an entrance test. I just saw the exam results– I passed! I can go to school!"

The words kept flowing out of her. I'd never seen Miss Terysha like this.

"Once I get to the Green Zone and settle down, I'll find a way to bring you over, so you won't end up like the others. You're so frail. And Herrick won't have to..."

Her expression dimmed.

"Herrick... what happened to him?" I tentatively asked.

"Herrick disagreed with me about going to school." Miss Terysha sat back on the broken box, resting her chin in her hand. "I thought it was good news and that he'd be happy... but he thought those schools were a political ploy to lure more people to the Green Zone and control them... He said that even if I went to school, I wouldn't be able to change anything."

"But... isn't it better than waiting to die here?!"

She leaned forward, holding my hands as if seeking my approval.

"Yes, today I'll talk to him again. This time, I won't argue with him. But even if he disagrees, I will still..."

"Tral! Won't you come with me? If Herrick doesn't agree, I'll take you with me even if I have to knock him out!" Miss Terysha's voice suddenly grew excited. She stood up, hugged me tightly, and rested her chin on my head.

In a panic, I blurted out.

"Miss Terysha, I'm not Tral!"

She released me and stared at my face again. Her brow furrowed and the look on her face grew increasingly confused and serious as the girlish expression on her face faded away.

"So it's you, 9A-91... I see, it seems I mistook you for someone else."

She held her forehead, swaying slightly. I held her by the shoulders.

"We need to go back, Miss Terysha."

She was silent for a moment, then nodded calmly at me.

"Alright, you go out and wait. I need a rest... and to freshen up."

"But you can't remove the mask..." I grabbed her hand as she turned towards the mirror.

Miss Terysha gently patted my fingers gripping her wrist, then held my hands, shaking her head softly. She smiled tenderly.

"It's alright, 9A-91, it's... alright, don't worry."

I stared at her in a daze.

Her face quickly went pale, her lips turning ashen. I realized I had been staring at my employer for too long, so I quickly looked away and pulled my hand away, speaking in a voice so low I could barely hear it myself.

"Please... limit your exposure to environments with ambient Collapse radiation."

"Okay." She replied.

Miss Terysha tidied her tattered protective suit, walked over to the broken mirror, then lifted her mask, and took out her lipstick, applying it carefully. After confirming her makeup was in order, she put her mask back on, walked over to the bed that was so worn and dust-covered it was unrecognizable, and lay down.

"Alright, 9A-91, leave me alone for a while, I want to rest."

Through the filthy mask, I saw her face, as pale as paper, with her crimson lips forming a faint smile. I walked out of the room, my footsteps feeling heavier than ever.

"9A-91, it's living here that made me the person I am." Miss Terysha crossed her legs so she could lie down more comfortably. "What will you become?"

"I... we–" We are Dolls, all we can do is follow our programming. That was what I wanted to say, but when I opened my mouth, the words wouldn't come out. In the end, I instead said, "We'll wait for you outside."

Surely that was not the answer she wanted to hear, yet Miss Terysha still wore a radiant smile as she lay on the bed.

The sun appeared to be rising, warm rays streaming through the gaps in the walls, reflecting a shimmering glow on her face.

"There's no rush. Think about it carefully, 9A-91, you have plenty of time."

She closed her eyes.

I walked out of the room and closed the door.

The wooden sign engraved with a clover tumbled to the ground, rolling away in the wind with a clattering sound, resembling a stumbling, aimless drifter lost in the vast contaminated zone. As I watched the sign roll further away, it felt as if I could hear Miss Terysha's steadfast voice asking me once more.

"What will you become?"

In the dim light, the jeep in the distance cast a long shadow across the dusky yellow ground. From the roof, AS Val waved at me, holding Teddy up.

I lifted my hand, trying to return the smile, but my stiff lips refused to budge.

What will we become?

...I'll ask AS Val too.

As the sun rose, I walked towards the jeep.

Temporary Stand-In

Unlocked with Trendy Sunglasses.

Summary

Lefiya is a young actress who has difficulties starting her career. One night after another unsuccessful event, criminals attempt to kidnap her, but are beaten down by another girl they mistook for her. The girl in question is ^SMG P90P90P90, who's actually a fan of Lefiya and was cosplaying as her. Some time after making friend with P90, Lefiya receives an important opportunity for her career, but cannot attend due to a bad allergic reaction. She asks P90 to take her place, and the Doll displays a stellar performance, causing the public to take interest in Lefiya. However, as soon as Lefiya herself takes the stage, her popularity goes down and she ends up begging P90 to take her place again. As more of these incidents occur, Lefiya stops being invested in her own career. When P90 insists Lefiya takes the stage herself again, she botches the performance and becomes angry at P90 for forcing her to attend, and their relation quickly deteriorates despite P90 continuing as Lefiya's stand-in. After a paparazzi reveals the lie, Lefiya begrudgingly asks her father to use his social position to quiet down the incident, and to eliminate P90. When Lefiya realizes the gravity of her request, P90 has already been attacked but prevailed against her opponents. Over the phone, P90 announces she'll stop being her stand-in, but trusts Lefiya can become a star by herself. Months later, Lefiya's popularity starts to pick up again through her own efforts.

Lefiya's Journal 1

25 February, Unhappy

I have to attend that dull offline event again tomorrow.

I really don't want to go, but since it will be broadcast on TV, Riley insists that I participate.

"My dear, how long has it been since you last appeared on a proper show? It's crucial for you to be more visible right now; we can't afford to be choosy."

Well, since the manager has said that, I really can't argue.

Right now, I really do need to increase my popularity.

Why has it come to this?

When I participated in the selection process, I believed I could become a radiant star, starring in major films as the beautiful leading lady, making my name, Lefiya, known throughout all the White Zone cities!

In the end, I only landed a couple of half-decent roles and participated in a few performances during that time.

After the selection ended, the opportunities I received kept dwindling–either it was dull roadshows, humiliating advertisement contracts, or roles where I only appeared for ten minutes as a minor character...

Among those who was in the same selection cohort as me, Rachel had already landed several well-received movies, even if only in supporting roles; Marina became a model and appeared on several magazine covers; and Laura also released an album...

I don't understand–I'm not any worse than them, so why have I remained so unnoticed?

What does it take to become a popular star?

26 February, A Surprising Day

So much happened today that I don't even know where to start!

Maybe I'll begin with the event I attended this afternoon.

Sigh, I knew Riley should have turned down this afternoon's event.

Although it was broadcast on TV, during the three-hour event, the cameraman was always focused on the lead actors and barely gave me any screen time!

After the event, all the guests left together.

Taylor, the lead actor, was at the front, and as soon as she exited the actors' passageway, she was surrounded by a crowd of fans. The entrance quickly became very crowded, with flashes going off outside.

At that moment, I was just standing there, enviously watching the crowd of people in front of me.

Besides her, several other celebrities were also swarmed by fans, but there was no one around me. I didn't even know who it was, but someone complained that I was blocking the way and told me to "hurry up and move aside already."

I stepped aside and stood there for quite a while before Riley finally came over to find me.

He came to confirm my schedule again–but is there even a point? No matter how many announcements I make, I'm still just an overlooked extra.

So I ignored him, got angry at him, and walked off by myself.

I left the venue, looking for a quiet place to wander. But after a while, I noticed I was being followed by a few people!

They were several fierce-looking men in black clothes!

Could they be enemies from my father's past in the contamination zone?

Feeling a bit panicked, I quickly slipped into a store before they could notice, changed into a different outfit, let my hair down, and put on a baseball cap.

I tried to keep my composure like in the movies, walking out as casually as possible, pretending to be just another customer.

I successfully reached the outside of the store, thinking I was safe.

But unexpectedly, they had people waiting outside too.

I had barely run two steps before someone shouted.

"She's here! She changed clothes!"

"After her!"

Damn, they found me!

I sprinted as fast as I could, but suddenly I collided with someone and fell hard, my cap flying off in the process!

I tried desperately to get up, but the pain was excruciating!

The person I collided with was a chic young girl. She came over to help me, mumbling apologies, but my mind was solely focused on the group of men in black pursuing me. I couldn't resist glancing back...

It's over! They've caught up!

"Lefiya!" they shouted, running towards me.

It's over! It's over! It's over! They really are my father's enemies!

Ignoring the girl in front of me, I quickly got up and kept running.

But the expected chase and clamor never came.

After running some distance, I quickly hid behind a pillar and peeked out cautiously.

Looking back, I felt like a washed-up clown, exerting all my energy yet failing to draw any attention–the men who were after me had completely surrounded the girl I had just bumped into, showing no interest in my desperate attempt to escape.

To get a clearer picture of what was happening, I stealthily turned back... I must have been completely out of my mind!

I couldn't make out the girl's face, but her posture radiated confidence, and the tilt of her head gave her an air of haughtiness.

"Hey? So, you're my fans? You should've said so! Want an autograph?"

"Autograph? What autograph? Do you think being a celebrity is a game? Aren't you Petrov's daughter? We're after your father! You're coming with us!"

"Oh... so you're after Lefiya, huh? Then you'll have to forgive my lack of manners!"

"What do you mean, lack of man–whoa?! Watch out! She's got a gun! AGH!"

I was stunned! I couldn't help but think, what kind of fool would hire these goons who couldn't even recognize their target? It's no surprise they didn't follow; they mistook me for someone else from the very beginning!

But those thoughts quickly vanished...

The small girl deftly dodged the black-clad men's attacks. Her gun seemed almost alive, striking their necks, taking them all down. She was so amazing, just recalling the moment filled me with exhilaration!

But that wasn't the point, the point was... I saw her face clearly!

I was completely stunned. I forgot all about staying hidden and just stared dumbfoundedly as the girl who looked exactly like me slowly approached.

She seemed to have the same question. She carefully examined me before exclaiming:

"How strange! Why do you look like me?"

"...I, I should be asking you that! Who are you?"

I almost thought I had a twin sister. My "twin" was momentarily stunned. She looked at the fallen men and then at me, then she suddenly clutched her head and screamed.

"Oh my gosh, are you really Lefiya herself?!"

Seeing her excited expression, I began to understand.

"Um... could it be... that you're actually a fan of mine?"

...

Fifteen minutes later, I was sitting in a nearby café with the girl named P90.

I wanted to treat her to coffee to show my gratitude, but she shyly stuck out her tongue.

"Although I'd love to accept a treat from Lefiya, I'm actually a Doll! A T-Doll."

"Huh? Huh huh?"

"I'm really good at fighting! Those guys were unlucky to run into me today, hehe..."

"You're a Doll?" I looked closely at the girl, "But... but you look completely human!"

"Hehe~ I really like Lefiya, so I wanted to cosplay her as accurately as possible!"

We chatted for quite a while.

P90 told me that her biggest hobby is cosplaying and that she's very good at imitating others.

After watching "Fashion Witch", she became my fan and started spending a long time studying and practicing how to dress like me.

I remember that movie; I had a small role as a fashion designer.

But P90 said she loved it! She thought my small movements while cutting fabric were extremely cute and even recreated snippets of my performance for me.

It made me so happy! No one had ever praised that role of mine before!

And I never thought I would actually have a fan.

"...Thank you so much today." As we were about to part ways, I remembered the cold reception at the afternoon event and felt compelled to thank P90 once more.

"Why are you suddenly thanking me?"

I lowered my head.

"I... haven't had much popularity. Sometimes I wonder if I should give up being a star. After all, a star with no audience doesn't really serve a purpose..."

"No!" P90 quickly grabbed my hand, "Lefiya, you're so charming. How could you not be popular?" It would be such a waste to quit!"

"But, I haven't gotten a good script for a long time, and the gigs I get are..."

I hadn't finished speaking before P90 hugged me around the shoulders.

"Hey, don't be so down! I've always believed in Lefiya!"

"Huh?"

"I'm very good at acting, so I can tell that you actually perform really well. Your low popularity right now is just due to a lack of screen time; people haven't discovered your strengths yet. But if you keep going, everyone will definitely come to like you!"

"Really?"

"Of course, why would I lie to you?" P90 smiled, her eyes sparkling.

"I believe that Lefiya will definitely become a big star! I'll always support you as your fan!"

...

I was still in a daze when I got home.

I don't entirely believe P90's words, but I can't help but keep thinking about them.

Can... I really become a big star?

Lefiya's Journal 2

6 March, A New Friend

Recently, the gigs have still been just as boring.

Maybe it's because of what P90 said, but I've been taking these gigs more seriously. Still, there's no buzz online.

But no matter the outcome, it's always reassuring to have P90's support.

"I went to the event today, and you were really dazzling!"

"Lefiya's new look is beautiful. I tried to imitate it~ How do I look? Very similar, right?"

"Hehe, I just dug out another one of your movies and plan to rewatch it tonight. Guess which one it is!"

...

I lie on my bed, going through my messages with P90, and before I realized it, I had been reading them for a long time.

It's strange... even though we've only known each other for a few days, we've already discussed so many things.

Because of her, even the once-dull events seem to have become interesting and enjoyable.

Thinking about it, it was truly wonderful to have met her that day.

Maybe she actually counts as... my friend now?

10 March, A Big Opportunity!

I received a new gig today! It's for the promotion of the movie "The Hundredth Sunset!"

Even though I only play a minor role in it, I really love this movie. During filming, I read the script numerous times and even added a backstory to that minor role.

Riley informed me that the event will be live-streamed online, with every participating actor getting screen time, which is a fantastic exposure opportunity for me.

After all, if I make a good impression during my screen time, I might just become famous!

I told P90 this great news, and she was as thrilled as I was.

"That's awesome! You were fantastic in that movie! This time, you'll definitely become famous!" P90 said.

Seeing the flood of excited messages, I replied happily and then picked up the script again.

Riley and I agreed that I'll stay at home for the next few days to rest, take care of my skin, and review the script to prepare for the event.

I absolutely cannot miss this rare opportunity to become famous!

Lefiya's Journal 3

13 March, Help Me, P90!

My skin suddenly had an allergic reaction, ughhh...

I just wanted to do better skincare, but the beautician used a new product without telling me and applied it to my face!

My face is now half swollen. After icing, the swelling has reduced somewhat, but it's still a lot worse than usual.

In this state, there's no way I can be on camera. I guess I have to skip the show the day after tomorrow...

Looks like I just don't have the luck to get famous...

It's so frustrating. I finally had such a great opportunity! I waited so long and prepared so thoroughly–my dress, the script, my look... but now everything is pointless.

Then P90 messaged me, asking how my preparations are going.

If she saw me like this, what would she say?

Would she comfort me? Or send me funny pictures to make me laugh?

Wait a minute... Speaking of P90, I remember those men in black mistook her for me the day we met.

If that's the case... I might have an idea.

I quickly picked up my communicator and sent a message to P90.

"P90, I know this is sudden, but can I ask you for a favor?"

"Can you... dress up as me and attend this event for me?"

15 March, P90, My Savior!

I'm so nervous. Today, P90 will be taking my place on the show.

When I gathered the courage to ask her that day, I was making a last-ditch effort with little hope, but she agreed so readily!

I was so grateful, she seemed like an angel! She even reassured me confidently:

"Lefiya, don't worry. This is my forte! You've put so much into this role; I'll make sure everyone sees it!

But now that it's time for her to go on stage, I'm still incredibly nervous.

Even though we've practiced and I know she successfully fooled Riley, the idea of her facing so many viewers still freaks me out.

I pray she wouldn't get exposed! Otherwise, my career would be ruined!

Finally... after an agonizing afternoon of waiting, the live broadcast began.

The leads of this movie are usually actors I like, but today, while they were live, I couldn't focus on them at all.

All I can think about is P90–it's her first time performing on stage. Will she be alright?

I'm even relieved that the director didn't give her much screen time!

Here it comes, it's finally P90's turn!

At the host's invitation, P90 smiled at the camera just like I do.

"Hi guys, I'm Lefiya! In the movie 'The Hundredth Sunset', I play Jenny, the flower girl..."

After a brief introduction, the host began talking with her about the movie's plot.

This part was prepared in advance. Seeing P90 handle the questions so smoothly, I gradually started to relax.

Great, her answers were flawless, and her smile was perfect. It was like looking in a mirror.

Soon, the interview ended, and seeing P90 step away from the camera, I breathed a sigh of relief.

Well, I suppose that wrapped up "my" performance today... I knew I should consider myself lucky that it went without a hitch.

I still couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed and indignant, but there was nothing I could do.

I couldn't ask for more from P90, especially since this was her first time on stage. I'd be the same if I were in her shoes.

I settled back on the couch, ready to turn off the show, when the host suddenly spoke up again.

"Next is today's surprise segment–we'll invite the guests for an improv performance! Please note, in this performance, roles will be selected by drawing lots, and no one can play their own character."

"I have five cards ready here, so, who wants to–"

"Please, let me!" A voice interrupted the host.

It was P90!

My heart jumped into my throat. This wasn't part of our rehearsal!

But P90 had already bounced up to the host with a smile, waving a bit shyly.

"Hehe, can I go first? I really love this movie!"

"Of course, of course," the host was a bit surprised but quickly went along with it, handing the cards to P90. "Well then, Lefiya, please draw a card and let's see what role our flower girl Jenny will transform into?"

I watched nervously as P90 drew a card.

"Let me see, oh my, it's the male main character, Anton!" P90 jumped up excitedly.

Oh no! How could it be a male role? My heart lurched.

"Hehe, that was unexpected, drawing a cross-gender role. Lefiya, can you handle it?"

"Of course, no problem!" P90 grinned widely. "Anton is the one who made 'Jenny' fall in love. I know all about him~"

As she finished speaking, P90 lifted her hand and adjusted an imaginary hat and scarf. Then she bent down, plucked an imaginary rose from the non-existent flowers at her feet, and brought it close to her nose, smelling it wistfully.

At that moment, she froze, looking startled.

She took two steps back in mild panic, clutching the imaginary flower tightly, and looked ahead at the empty space.

"Sorry, I didn't know this was your garden."

–That was the scene where Anton first met Jenny.

In the rose garden, longing for his lover, he accidentally picked a flower planted by the girl. At that moment, the flower girl fell in love with the mysterious and handsome stranger.

Because Anton's emotions were complex and subtle, I remember the male lead had to do several takes, but P90... managed to perform it perfectly on the first try...

I watched the screen in disbelief as the camera cut to the male lead's seat–

He was stunned, but he soon started clapping with an appreciative smile.

Following his lead, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

The host looked at P90 in the center of the stage and suddenly reached out his hand again.

"Lefiya, would you like to draw another card?"

...

And so, P90 ended up playing a total of four roles. The handsome and melancholic male main character, the proud and reserved female main character, an arrogant and ignorant lord, and a wicked bandit.

P90 switched from role to role effortlessly, with such naturalness, smoothness, and vividness, as if she had performed them countless times...

Finally, she even took on the role of Jenny the flower girl once more, performing the scene I had originally envisioned...

The show wasn't even over, and my communicator was already flooded with messages.

Greetings from colleagues in the film industry, compliments from friends... and an excited Riley, who mentioned that many media outlets and advertisers had sent offers... The messages poured in one after another, making my head spin.

"Lefiya, I saw your live show! You were amazing, I loved it!"

"Lefiya, I didn't know you had such talent! You've been hiding it well!"

...

I can't believe it.

Because of P90's performance, people are really noticing me again and praising me as a promising actor.

Have I... made it?

Lefiya's Journal 4

28 March, She's Great!

Ever since P90 appeared on the show in my place, I've received numerous collaboration offers.

I still remember that the night after the live broadcast. P90's performance left me in a daze, and the next morning, seeing all those messages, I still couldn't believe it.

I thanked P90 joyfully, feeling especially grateful for her assistance and impressive performance.

However, she in turn encouraged me, telling me that I am already quite impressive and that she believed I could achieve the same.

"Keep working hard, Lefiya, and you'll definitely win everyone's love!" she said.

As I looked at her smiling face cheering for me in the comms window, I couldn't help but smile too.

Yes, I'll work hard too! I can't let P90's trust in me go to waste!

11 May, What Should I Do?

"New actress Lefiya's recent performances have been full of mistakes, suspected of being in poor condition?"

Looking at the latest report about me, I felt both wronged and angry.

What is this nonsense?!

Throughout the month, I've put great effort into every performance. Even though the audience reactions weren't as intense as during that live broadcast, I never made any errors. How could they claim I was "full of mistakes" and was "in poor condition"?!

Moreover, this is already the second negative report I've encountered. Just a few days ago, another tabloid criticized my recent performances as uninspired, questioning whether the "breathtaking performance during the broadcast was merely a passing miracle."

I feel really wronged. P90's performance was indeed exceptional, but not every opportunity provides the chance for such brilliance...

Riley tried to reassure me, saying that criticism indicates popularity. However, if I continue to be criticized, won't my hard-won reputation eventually fade away?

P90 encourages me every day, but I've noticed that the number of contracts has been declining lately, and the media isn't showing the same level of enthusiasm for me as they did last month...

What should I do, should I continue...

25 May, Made a Decision

I've taken part in several events recently, but the audience reaction has been nearly nonexistent, both in-person and online.

I don't understand, am I not acting well enough? Or was P90's performance that day too brilliant?

My popularity is plummeting rapidly, and even Riley is starting to feel anxious. I don't want it to be like this...

After contemplating it for a long time, I decided to have P90 continue to appear on my behalf.

I made a special appointment to meet with her and sincerely requested her assistance with this favor once more.

"P90, please!" I really need to enhance my acting skills so that I can live up to everyone's expectations.

P90 looked at me, seeming somewhat hesitant. Was she concerned that it would be troublesome to keep performing?

I hurriedly told her, "I won't ask you to do it for nothing. I'll pay you for being my stunt double!"

"It's not a matter of money," P90 replied quickly, shaking her head. "I believe that you're not in a good place right now, and if you want to remain successful, this isn't going to cut it!"

"That's why I mentioned that I need a bit of time to rest, and if you, P90, could lend a hand..."

P90 appeared somewhat troubled. After a moment of silence, she finally nodded.

"Since you are putting it that way, I'll agree to it. But forget about the money, I don't need it. I'm doing this as your friend, not for money!"

"Huh? But I would feel really bad–"

After I insisted, P90 finally relented and agreed to accept half of the earnings.

When I heard her agreement, for some reason, I felt relieved.

Lefiya's Journal 5

16 June, Wonderful News

My popularity has returned!

It has been less than a month since P90 started filling in for me, and reports about me have started to pop up again! The two media outlets that criticized me last time have even written positive reviews about me now!

As expected, P90 is a natural-born performer!

If only she could always be my stand-in...

I can simply sit back and watch her perform from the sidelines, free from the stress of taking the stage myself, avoiding bad reviews, and not having to worry about whether my acting will meet everyone's expectations...

Life like this is really comfortable...

Can I let P90 be my stand-in forever?

28 August, So Annoying

P90 absolutely requires me to take part in the next performance myself.

I don't want to participate, but for some reason, she insists on having me go.

At that moment, I was resting comfortably, lying on the couch with a face mask on. But P90 suddenly approached, waving the itinerary in her hand.

"Lefiya, look! This new gig has one of your favorite actors! Haven't you always wanted to collaborate with him? Now the opportunity has come–"

P90 happily shoved the schedule into my hand. Seeing the guest list made me feel a little excited, but when I looked at the schedule, I felt a sense of reluctance.

I don't want to go, not at all.

I realize that I can't match P90, and if I attend, my popularity will likely take a hit.

But P90 confidently patted my shoulder.

"Oh, don't look so glum. This gig is really simple. You've been practicing your acting to improve, so you'll be fine~"

Honestly, saying I wanted to "improve my acting" was merely a cover for my laziness... Yet when I saw P90, I found it hard to voice my thoughts.

If P90 knew the truth, she would surely stop being my substitute right away?

Ugh... what should I do in this situation...

I longed to wiggle my way out of it by acting adorable like I used to, but it seemed P90 had already made up her mind, sporting a look that left no room for refusal.

So in the end, I agreed.

I didn't dare not agree!

Fortunately, P90 said she would help me prepare.

With her assistance, the performance should go off without a hitch, right?

Lefiya's Journal 6

2 September, I Don't Get It

I don't get it. How did the performance turn out this way?

To make sure the performance was successful, P90 and I started preparing last week, memorizing lines, studying the script, rehearsing, and experimenting with different outfits...

I've done everything I could, even P90 thought my performance during practice was really impressive as well.

And the result?

With P90's encouragement, I believed I could do well!

Even though I hadn't performed on stage in a long time, I had rehearsed each character's famous scene in the movie in advance. I also took the time to watch the representative works of all the attending guests and rehearsed with P90 beforehand!

So, when the host invited everyone to switch roles for the performance, I happily raised my hand.

I still remember how excited everyone was when we stood up to draw lots!

Then I saw the roles I drew.

The supporting female lead in "The Butterfly's Beloved"–A film we're already promoting, I was already quite familiar with it.

Christmas Witch, the female lead in "Crimson Christmas Eve"–A representative role of our guest Lillian, I had rehearsed it with P90.

The Pianist, the male lead in "Lost at Sea"–A role by my favorite actor, Chris. Somewhat challenging, but since I've watched the film countless times, there shouldn't be any hiccups.

Yes, there shouldn't be.

At least that's what I thought at the time.

Consequently, I began with "The Butterfly's Beloved," and just like last time, selected her most iconic entrance segment.

Next was the Christmas Witch, and I performed the segment that I rehearsed with P90.

Then came the Pianist from "Lost at Sea"... I remembered Chris's performance and attempted to immerse myself in that character.

But before I had the chance to do anything, the host suddenly tapped me on the shoulder, and interrupted me

"Miss Lefiya, that's enough for now."

Huh? That's enough?

I stopped, standing on stage, confused.

"Yes, yes, that's enough," the host said with a strange smile, politely ushering me back to my seat, and added, "Let's applaud Miss Lefiya for her wonderful performance!"

Since the host said so, I had no choice but to go back and sit down.

Yet, once I returned backstage, I saw the director wearing the same strange expression as the host. Even Riley looked awkward, hesitant to speak...

I wanted to ask Riley what was wrong, but I got no answer and was simply told to go home and get some rest.

I followed Riley's advice and went home, where I then saw the comments on the performance.

"Lefiya was so cringy today! Can't stand it..."

"Wasn't her performance good last week? What happened today? Is it really the same person? How could she be so stiff, like she hasn't been on stage for months..."

"Thank goodness the host stopped her! I couldn't watch another second! Chris must be heartbroken to see his role turned into this!"

...

All the reviews were visibly negative.

Cringy, stiff, terrible state, unbearably awkward...

That's it.

No wonder Riley and the director had those expressions and no wonder Chris forced a smile when I mustered up the courage to greet him afterward...

Turns out, I botched the performance.

My comms terminal kept buzzing, and when I answered, it was Riley.

"Lefiya, are you alright?"

I didn't respond, so Riley continued.

"I didn't notice you were feeling off, that's my bad, my oversight. But you'll have to tell me if you're not in the right state. You saw how awkward it was today, right?"

"An actor's reputation is built gradually, and it can only be maintained by consistently delivering strong performances... These days, there are already very few opportunities in the entertainment industry. You've finally become somewhat popular after all this hard work, you need to..."

I didn't listen to the rest of Riley's lecture. I hung up and tossed the terminal aside.

Maybe I was indeed a little depressed, and a little angry.

After all, as my agent, Riley didn't even realize that the "Lefiya" he had been praising, the one who had finally become popular, wasn't even me.

Moreover, I really put all my effort into the performance! P90 also practiced with me... P90 even said my performance was great!

Wait... wait.

If my performance was not up to par, why didn't P90 tell me during practice?

–I never understood why she was so insistent that I take part in this performance.

Now, I think I might have a clue.

She wanted me to embarrass myself, didn't she? She wanted me to know that without her, I wouldn't be able to do anything!

The terminal buzzed again. I glanced at it–it was P90.

How dare she contact me? Sending a bunch of messages, feigning an apology?

Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting!

I don't want to read a single message! I don't want to hear her voice again!

17 September, Don't Wanna Deal With Her.

P90 has been participating on my behalf in the recent events.

It's as if she's trying to make up for that mistake by going to events on my behalf without even asking me.

Fine, whatever she wants. She owes me that!

Hadn't she insisted that I participate, I wouldn't have been mocked in the online forums for half a month!

Anyway, I'm really mad right now.

Even though P90 already apologized, I don't want to have anything to do with her.

She seemed to have something to say, but whatever–I'm not going to listen to her right now.

Let her earn back the popularity I lost!

13 October, Why?

I reluctantly accepted P90's apology. After all, I still need to rely on her to regain my popularity.

Even though I find it particularly repulsive every time I pretend to be helpless and ask for her aid. I have no choice if I want to stay popular.

I mean, that works for me.

She loves performing anyway. Getting to portray her favorite celebrities on stage and receive the audience's admiration–what's not to love about that?

...To be honest, I really envy her.

Every time I see her energetic performances on stage, I feel incredibly envious.

Why... why can she easily win the audience's affection, while I can't become popular no matter how hard I try?

Why?

She's just a stand-in, and I am the real Lefiya!

10 November, I'm Sorry

...I don't know how to write this entry.

A week has passed, and I still...

Why did I do what I did? I regret it so much...

I will never see P90 again...

Lefiya's Journal 7

17 December, Goodbye

It has been a month and a half since it happened.

I think I've finally calmed down... Now, I can finally record everything that happened.

I remember it was a Sunday, and P90 was standing in for me at another performance.

I was lying in bed, watching the livestream of her using my face, smiling brightly and waving to the audience, and I felt nauseous.

As the gap between the "Lefiya" portrayed by P90 and the real me grew larger, P90 ended up handling almost all of my public activities that month.

I didn't dare to appear in public, or even leave my house.

After all, I had only managed to gain popularity thanks to P90. If I made a mistake and people discovered that P90 was a stand-in, my reputation would be ruined.

But that evening, I received a photo.

Just one glance at the photo made me throw my terminal into the corner in fear.

—The photo clearly showed two "Lefiyas"!

I recognized it immediately—it was from a few days ago, showing me and P90 dressed as me.

At that time, P90 was getting ready to go out, and I was standing by the door talking to her.

It’s over, completely over!

Someone discovered my secret! Discovered that P90 was playing Lefiya!

What should I do?

I quickly shut the windows, drew all the curtains, and hid under the covers.

After a while, I remembered there were some words beneath the photo, so I picked up the terminal and reopened the anonymous email.

Then, I saw the lines of text.

"Dear 'Miss Lefiya':

"I am aware of your secret.

"If you wish to continue your path as a star, please deposit this amount of Sardis Gold at the specified location by noon tomorrow. Otherwise, I will send the photo and its attachments to all media outlets."

"Your loyal fan."

I opened the attachment and found an article titled "Lefiya and Her Secret Stand-in." The report was very detailed, analyzing the changes in my status since I became popular. Although somewhat exaggerated, most of the speculations were accurate.

It’s over... If this email gets made public, my career as a star will be finished!

No, I can’t let this email get out!

But—when I looked at the amount specified in the email, it was something I couldn’t afford!

What should I do?

In my panic, I suddenly thought of asking Dad for help. Dad could definitely afford it!

No, if it’s Dad—

Although I rarely ask Dad for help with work because of his position, now is not the time to hesitate!

I quickly reached out to Dad, and fortunately, the call connected right away.

"Lefiya? My little darling, what’s the matter, calling in such a hurry?"

"Dad!" I started crying as I looked at Dad’s face.

...

I told Dad about the anonymous email, and when he saw it, he just laughed and reassured me not to panic. It was then that I learned he had dealt with many such anonymous blackmail attempts before!

After comforting me, Dad handed the matter over to his subordinates, saying they would begin tracking down the sender immediately and that the issue would be resolved by tonight at the latest.

Dad said, "Anyone who dares to blackmail my daughter will face the consequences."

I couldn’t believe that such a big problem was resolved so easily. I was very relieved. Dad was amazing!

I happily thanked Dad, and then he suddenly asked, "Would you like me to deal with your stand-in as well?"

Huh?

I was taken aback, suddenly unsure of what Dad meant.

"Dad, do you mean you want to get rid of P90..."

"Yes. Haven’t you always complained about that stand-in stealing your spotlight? Now that you’re popular enough, you don’t need that stand-in anymore. If you want, I can make her disappear too."

"But..."

I felt tempted but also hesitant. I was indeed fed up with P90, tired of this imposter competing with me for the audience's attention on stage, but we had been together for such a long time...

But then Dad said:

"Destroying her wouldn’t matter; she’s just a Doll."

...

In the end, I'm not sure what compelled me, but I nodded to Dad.

I really didn't want to see P90 again...

I had enough, completely enough!

That afternoon, about four hours after the call ended, Dad informed me that the email issue had been resolved.

The sender was a tabloid reporter who had been covering stories about me for the past few months.

Dad's team found many photos of me on his camera. However, he was properly dealt with, the camera’s memory card was destroyed, and his place was thoroughly searched.

Realizing I no longer had to worry about my secret being exposed, I let out a sigh of relief.

However, for some reason, P90 suddenly came to mind.

I remembered the day we first met and how earnestly she encouraged me. I remembered how she later took the stage to help me, performing various roles.

...And how, over the past few months, she smiled and talked with me every day.

I remembered her previous performances... Although I was reluctant to admit it, she was actually quite dazzling on stage.

Moreover, strictly speaking, she even saved my life once.

...What should I do?

I suddenly felt a pang of regret.

I quickly messaged Dad, saying I didn't want P90 to disappear. However, Dad seemed busy and didn't see my message, as he didn't reply.

I quickly tried to contact P90 again, but the call wouldn’t go through.

I had no choice but to message her, telling her to run and warning her that someone was after her, but she didn't reply either.

Could it be, P90 is already...

What should I do?

I think I'm really starting to regret it.

I waited until late at night, and finally, my terminal rang.

It was P90!

I quickly answered the call and saw P90’s calm face on a dark screen, as if she were in an alley.

She was standing alone, with many people lying unconscious around her...Ah! They looked like Dad’s men!

Was P90 alright?

I nervously called out.

"P90! Are you okay?"

"Lefiya." P90 nodded.

She was still in the costume from today’s performance, wearing the brown curly wig she used to disguise herself as me, looking somewhat disheveled, likely due to the fight.

Seeing that she was okay, tears suddenly filled my eyes.

"P90, I... I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—"

I wanted to apologize, but before I could finish my sentence, she reached out and took off the wig.

"Lefiya, this ends now."

P90 threw the wig to the ground. She looked at me, and in an instant, she appeared to be a stranger.

"Wait, wait!" I couldn’t help but shout, "P90, are you leaving?"

"Yes." P90 nodded nonchalantly.

"Eight months and nineteen days... I’m tired of playing the game of being a star."

She then took off the coat she wore during the performance, adjusted her original hairstyle, and pulled out a pair of gold sunglasses.

"My life as 'Lefiya’s' stand-in ends now. From now on, Lefiya, it’s your time."

"But, but—"

I was stunned, and at that moment, I suddenly understood what P90 meant to me.

Tears streamed down uncontrollably as I looked at P90, unable to hold back my cries.

"But what will I do without you! I... I need you! Without you, I can’t do anything! My audience... my fans, they’ll all abandon me!"

But P90 just smiled and shook her head gently.

"No, they won’t."

P90 looked at me seriously.

"I’ve told you from the beginning, I believe in Lefiya."

"When I chose to impersonate you as Lefiya, it was because I believed you were a great actor... always diligent and serious, with your own unique charm."

"My portrayal of you becoming popular was merely an amplification of your inherent charm."

With that, P90 stopped.

She looked at me and smiled again, her eyes sparkling just like they did when we first met.

"Now, I’ve paved the way for you."

"Whether you strive to take the stage and become a true star, or continue waiting offstage as a spoiled audience member protected by your family—it’s a decision only you can make."

After that, she put on her sunglasses, waved goodbye, and turned to leave.

For some reason, at that moment, I found her back incredibly cool.

14 January, A New Beginning

P90 has been gone for two months.

Ever since P90 left, my popularity has understandably begun to decline... The forums have been buzzing with jokes about me.

However, recently, thanks to my ongoing efforts, my popularity seems to be slowly on the rise again.

As I watched the numbers slowly climb, I was reminded once again of P90's words.

Perhaps, as she said, I do have my own charm.

Speaking of P90...

I find myself starting to miss her.

Since that day, I haven't seen her again.

But I still vividly remember her cool silhouette as she said goodbye to me, along with the equally impressive words she spoke.

I don't know where she is now or what role she will take on in the future... None of that concerns me anymore.

But there’s one thing I understand deeply.

The performance that truly belongs to me has just begun.

The Final Command

Unlocked with Broken Devices.

Summary

Shuld, a bounty hunter, joins a veteran team led by Cassius, an old acquaintance, to take on a strange B.R.I.E.F. mission about recovering a rogue T-Doll and URNC medical supplies it stole. While reconnoitering, Shuld watches another team get wiped out by the Doll, who yells that she'll defend the supplies until “Della” comes to pick them up. He also notices that the Doll would always come out to wait by a tree at a fixed hour every day. The group recognizes Della's name as a soft-hearted underground broker who recently disappeared after crossing the wrong people in the URNC, and they plan to use the barely functional IFF emitter provided by the client to approach and subdue the Doll. When the team enters the cave to recover the supplies, the IFF proves useless and they are wiped out by the Doll, except for Shuld who lies about being sent by Della. Shuld's trick is quickly uncovered as the Doll interrogates him, and she kills him when he tells her that Della is dead. The malfunctioning Doll refuses to abandon the mission given by her beloved Master.

Though she's not named, the Doll's physical and mental features, as well as the appearance of the Broken Device, are consistent with ^AR G41G41G41's.

March 10th, Gathering

Section 2, No. 21, Section 2, No. 22... I stopped and unfolded the note that Liz had given me. Is this the place?

The building in front of me resembled a pre-war café, having long since lost its original function due to the conflict. Carved on the door frame there was an inconspicuous wooden sign with an emblem. I compared it to the mark on the note. Hmm... What did Liz draw here? Is this the same as the assembly information issued by B.R.I.E.F.?

I could sort of make out an outline of scales, so it seemed this was indeed the Kolomyia branch of B.R.I.E.F.

I crumpled the note in my hand, straightened my clothes, and pushed the door open. The bell on the door jingled, and everyone in the room turned to look at me.

"Well, look who it is. Hey! Isn't it Shuld?"

A muscular man opened his arms to welcome me, but since I wasn't fond of such physical contact, I immediately sidestepped him.

"Cassius, long time no see."

"Haha, you're still the same. Let me introduce you: this is Shuld, an old acquaintance of mine. With him on board, our operation is bound to succeed!"

I looked around. The small room was cramped with about ten people, including myself. From their expressions, it was clear that none of them were particularly friendly.

Figures—bounty hunters who take on such strange jobs are either desperate for money or reckless lunatics.

A few days ago, B.R.I.E.F. announced a high-reward mission, restricted to veteran bounty hunters, with details only available at the Kolomyia branch hall. It was shrouded in mystery, and it was unclear what they were up to.

After I arrived, a staff member emerged from the prep room and began explaining the mission.

The mission was to recover a Doll at the target location QE934DW-H17TR7 in the Yellow Zone and retrieve the supplies stolen by the Doll.

Just one page of mission details and an IFF (identification, friend or foe) device—that's all there is for this mission? I was taken aback by the scant details, having never seen such brevity before. Others also started to complain.

"What? They expect us to risk our lives with this little information? Do they think we have death wishes?"

"P-please don't get agitated. This is all the information that can be released at the moment. Due to the mission's confidentiality, further details will be provided verbally..."

...

It's just recovering a Doll, isn't it? Does it really need this level of secrecy? Is it worth it?

As I listened, I realized there was indeed something unusual about this mission. The mission came with an IFF device meant to identify the Doll we were targeting and ensure it wouldn't attack us. However, every bounty hunter who had taken on this mission before had failed. Consequently, the reward had risen significantly, and now they had assembled a makeshift team of eight veteran bounty hunters—us, that is.

I checked the operational records of previous failed teams and discovered that this target Doll was extremely enigmatic, with no records about her available. Why is that?

I played with the oval-shaped IFF device in my hand, picturing the Doll in my mind. She had extensive combat experience, was once a registered T-Doll, and was known as a "thief," possibly because she had taken something she shouldn't have...

Interesting. I was starting to look forward to this mission.

March 12th, Stakeout

With the most experience and an undefeated record under their belt, Cassius was elected as the team leader with no objections. After discussing with the others—mainly just Cassius and I—we developed the plan for this operation.

As a precautionary measure, we didn't put all our faith in the unreliable IFF device. Instead, we brought some heavy firepower and enough supplies to last a month per our standard procedure.

Since we needed to recover materials in addition to firepower and supplies, we also prepared two empty jeeps. Adding to them the vehicles to transport the combat personnel, a total of five vehicles, just enough to be considered a convoy.

With the slower pace of large-scale movements in mind, Musk and I, both well-versed in covert operations, would arrive at the target location first as vanguards while the others followed with weapons and supplies.

After driving at full speed for an entire day and night, we found ourselves only a few kilometers away from the target location. Although the landscape was still dominated by yellow sand, there were at least some withered trees and hills in sight.

"Musk, stop here and get out."

"What? We're still quite far away. Look at the map—we’re two or three klicks from the designated coordinates. Why are we stopping here?"

"We're here to scout. We don't know that Doll's operating range yet. If we drive in and run into it head-on, then would you know whether we should engage with it or not?"

"I don't suppose we have a choice if we do run into it. Fine, you're the strategist, it's your call!"

We set the vehicle up as a base two kilometers off the target location then proceeded on foot towards QE934DW-H17TR7.

A single naturally formed cave in the hillside could be found at the site. We found ourselves a location with an elevation difference, a clear view, and good concealment.

"Hey, hey! Do you see at all that clutter piled up in front of the cave?"

"I can't see it clearly. Let me adjust my binoculars."

"It's all kinds of fucked up. Looks like severed limbs... Eww! ELID remains too! ...Gosh, with both human and ELID corpses strewn about, just what kind of monster lives there?"

"Don't give yourself a scare. Let's just wait and see."

Two hours went by with no signs of activity.

"Is that Doll really here? Not a thing showed up even after waiting for so long."

"Musk, you've had experience in doing this kind of thing before, just hang in there. We've barely even started."

Several hours later, the sky gradually darkened as dusk set in.

"Brr... It's getting chilly. Hey, what was that?!"

"Quiet... What's the big deal?"

"Did you see that, Shuld?"

"See what? Has your brain frozen over or what?"

"No way in hell... Looked like something atop that corpse pile was moving..."

"Don't scare me... I'm an atheist, just so you know."

I held my breath, carefully watching the pile of corpses. It seemed like something on top was really moving!

"Wait, something's coming out! It's got two sharp protrusions on its head..."

"Feels like it's moving things... Damn! It's stacking those corpses up! Ah! It disappeared!"

It darted away with such speed that it appeared to vanish from our view in an instant.

"With those kinds of ears, could it be a fox? Tch... being in a contamination zone, it must've mutated long ago!"

"If it really was a fox, it'd be a Boojum by now with that kind of agility. Do you think we'd still be chatting like this if that's the case? It would've ripped us apart by now!"

"Makes sense. I think it might be the Doll we're looking for. Should we chase after it, Mr. Strategist?"

"No, remember, our mission is only to keep an eye out."

A few minutes later, it returned.

This time, it lingered for longer, allowing us to discern that it was a female Doll wrapped in a cloak.

"See, I told you it was a Doll!"

The Doll cautiously looked around at the cave entrance for a moment, then promptly entered the cave, never to be seen coming out again.

"What's with this Doll? Appearing and disappearing like that, it’s going to scare me into an early grave. She must be our target, right?"

"Not sure. We need Cassius and the IFF device to confirm. It's getting really cold. Let's head back."

"What? So, we're not keeping a watch during the night?"

"We've done enough for today."

Back at our base, I reviewed the intel collected today: A small, extremely fast Doll with ear-like protrusions on its head; displays peculiar behavior; appears harmless for now, but vigilance is required.

After sending the information to Cassius who was still on the way, I packed up my things for the night and quickly went to sleep.

March 15th, Unusual activity

That day, we were lying in wait near the cave entrance as usual.

"Strategist, that Doll seems small and weak. Why don't we just go ahead and take her out?"

"You don't get it, do you? Many teams have perished here, so there must be something we don't know about yet. At the very least... we haven't seen her in combat yet..."

"There's movement at three o'clock! Looks like someone is approaching."

"Details?"

"About five people. Who are they? Could B.R.I.E.F. have hired more than just our group?"

"Unlikely. What's their gear like?"

"Roughly made protective suits and outdated firearms. They don't seem to be regular forces."

"Can they even be considered bounty hunters? Oh, I don't mean to imply that they're poor or shabby."

"Even if they're not in our line of work, we can't have them try to steal our business if that's what they want to do. Should we take them out first?"

I shook my head.

"Their weapons are too outdated. They might manage to defend themselves or deal with low-threat ELIDs, but they're not suited for confronting a T-Doll. Let's just watch for now."

I signaled Musk, and we withdrew to a higher vantage point, but left a listening device hidden in the underbrush close to the cave entrance.

The group surged into the cave. A barrage of gunfire and a few screams erupted, and soon after, it was all silent again.

The listening device picked up piercing screams as a man stumbled out of the cave.

"A lucky one..." Musk whistled, continuing to watch.

The man looked terrified, as if he had seen a monster. Just as he was about to run towards the light, he tripped on a rock, fell down badly and rolled on the ground.

"Ah! Don't kill me! I'm just doing a job like you are!"

"You, you stay away! ...Don't kill me! Don't kill me! Please! Urg—"

"Bad guys, exiled." The Doll's gentle, youthful voice came through, sounding like a very young girl. A gun, seemingly too large for the Doll's small frame, was pressed against the man's head. Bang Bang! Two gunshots later, the scene returned to silence.

All that can be heard from the listening device now were the sounds of rummaging and signal interference.

"Stop sending people here! Until Sister Della returns, I won't hand over anything to anyone!"

The Doll's tone changed abruptly as she yelled something incomprehensible into the crackling radio on the corpse, then crushed the radio and turned to walk back into the cave.

"Whoa... that was intense. I got goosebumps. Ahem... As I said before, it's a death wish to rush in recklessly like that."

"...Weren't you just about to charge in earlier?"

"Hey, hey! Did you hear her? She mentioned someone named Della... Who's Della?"

"I don't know. Forget about that for now. Musk, you're an expert with firearms. Can you identify the model of her gun?"

"That's a tough call, considering the distance. The details are hard to make out. From the gun's shape... it seems to be an old rifle. But from that brief glimpse, I can't be sure."

"That's enough for me."

"Hey, hey, hey! Did you see that, Shuld? When she turned around, her ears seemed to twitch. Do you think she noticed us?"

"At this distance, probably not."

"Phew... God bless, I hope I'm just overthinking this."

After several days of watching her, particularly after witnessing today's battle, we gained a deeper insight into this Doll. Our previous judgment of her had some flaws. I need to quickly update our intel and send it to Cassius.

March 16th, Rendezvous

"After a few days of monitoring, I concluded that this Doll had a consistent movement pattern. Every day at 6 p.m., she would head over to a tree on the western ridge and simply sit there, gazing into the distance. I wonder what she's looking at?

At first, she would appear quite cheerful, but after waiting for a dozen minutes, her ears would droop, looking disappointed. Then she would return to the cave, not coming out again for the rest of the day.

Besides this, she had no other activities.

Maybe we could take advantage of this gap to devise a plan...

That day, the Doll left right on time as expected. I quietly sneaked into the cave, which wasn't very big; I could see the end of it almost right away The entrance was a long corridor that opened into a two-layer structure.

The larger cavern had several platforms that could serve as ambush positions, but it had only one entrance. As I ventured deeper, I noticed something piled up and covered with a tarpaulin.

Time was running low, I didn't have a chance to examine it closely before quickly making my exit.

A day later, Cassius and the others joined us.

"You've seen the intel I sent, right? Although the IFF device should mask us as friendly for her, this Doll's neural cloud is quite unstable. Having endured multiple attacks, she's likely highly alert of any human presence. If we approach her unprepared, even with the IFF device, there's no guarantee she won't attack us."

"Ahem... Shuld..."

"Cassius, let me finish. We should refrain from resorting to force if possible. It would be great if we can resolve this peacefully and retrieve her without drawing any blood. But just in case, I've come up a contingency plan. This Doll leaves the cave for a certain period every day, so we can take advantage of that time frame to..."

"Shuld..."

"What's the matter, Cassius? Is there a problem with my plan?"

"Nothing major, but... we might need to adjust it a bit."

"Adjust it? What on earth are you talking about at this point?"

"Shuld, listen to me... We ran into a Collapse storm on our way here, damn it. No to mention a large group of ELIDs. Naturally, With our strength, we were able to swiftly handle them, but..."

"But?"

"However, the supply crates were completely destroyed, and worse, the IFF device provided by our employer was in there well. So..."

"WHAT? How could you possibly leave something THAT important with the supplies?! And let it get damaged?!"

"No, no, it's just some minor damage... nothing serious~ Captain, you're making it worse than it looks. Let me explain it to Shuld."

"Go ahead, Hathaway."

"I've tested it, this little device can still emit inquiry signals, though the responder have some minor issues, so it might be tad slower to react? Anyway, it's best to allocate some extra reaction time."

"I understand now. Is that all?"

"Well, there's another small problem. This employer was very cautious and insisted that we upload the Doll's IFF code in real-time during the recovery. However, the data upload port appears to be completely dysfunctional. But I don't think it's a big deal. We can get it fixed on our way back and just send the IFF code to the employer before handing the mission in..."

"Anything else?"

"That's all! Just think about it: we just need to recover the Doll and the supplies. With our capabilities, if things go off rail, we can always just always just bring her back damaged!"

I shook my head in exasperation. Have these guys even read the intel I sent seriously?

Nonetheless, they have expressed their views; what else am I supposed to do? We had to press on.

I made a last-minute adjustment to the operation plan and reviewed the intel we had gathered over the past few days with the team.

When I brought up the name Della, both Hathaway and Mia said they had heard of her.

"Della is quite the unusual black market broker. Not that she's bad, but rather that she differs from others in the Yellow Zone who are just out for profit. She often engages in activities that don't appear to be profit incentive, which earned her some pretty high regard among the residents. She's the kind of person you'd call a... soft-hearted good Samaritan, you know?"

"I haven't seen her for years, but I've heard that she now has a clingy animal-eared companion with her. Rumor has it she crossed someone powerful..."

"Eh? The version I've heard was that she came across some information she really shouldn't have. If you ask me, underground brokers should just focus on their business and not get tangled up in so many affairs. It's only going to bring them trouble..."

"In any case, she was probably caught up in something that she couldn't pull herself out of, and got herself some very unwanted attention from the big shots in the URNC. It's said that she was also betrayed by a partner during a transaction, and her current status is unknown. That's all I have."

With all this, things finally add up. She must have taken something that didn't belong to her, angering two parties that are chasing her right now in the process. Perhaps the one who issued this mission is trying to lure Della out as well?

Or maybe they have other shady reasons, and are using bounty hunters to do their dirty work?

What about the paramilitary group that got wiped out? Could they have been Della's former partners who betrayed her?

For a brief moment, my instincts warned me that this mission was more than what meets the eye, and walking away might've been a more prudent choice. However, the temptation of money prevailed over my intuition. I urged everyone to remain cautious; this Doll could be more formidable than we anticipated.

The events behind this mission might be more convoluted than I imagined.

March 17th, Attack

On the day of the operation, we seized the opportunity of the Doll's absence to quickly infiltrate the cave. Five members concealed themselves inside, while three provided support outside, using gunfire as the signal to initiate the assault.

Upon entering the cave, Hathaway and Mia took their positions at the ambush points according to my prior instructions. Cassius and I ventured further into the cave. He lifted the waterproof tarp to uncover a neatly arranged stack of supply crates on the ground. From the markings on the exterior, it appeared that they contained medical supplies, all bearing the insignia of the URNC.

"I expected something more precious. Is this all there is?" Cassius said, looking disinterested.

"Who cares what they are? As long as we can sell them for cash."

"Exactly. In a few more minutes, all this will be ours."

Cassius and I hid behind the supply crates while he activated the IFF device, continuously emitting interrogation signals. Musk set up the heavy machine gun, waiting for the Doll to enter the cave.

...

Twenty minutes passed, but there was still no movement at the entrance.

"Shuld, why isn't she back yet?"

"She should have returned by now. Maybe something distracted her today?"

"..."

The minutes ticked by, wearing down our patience and morale. Suddenly, a faint dripping sound, like water falling on stone, echoed through the cave and drew closer and closer.

"Schuld, what's that damn dripping sound?"

"I don't know..."

"Where's that Doll? ...Hm?! Didn't you say there's only one entrance in this cave? Why is there an underground river?!"

Shuld shouted at me in angry frustration.

Impossible... How could there be an underground river here? When I was here last time, I clearly didn't see anything...

I suddenly realized... there IS more than one entrance here! I stared at the cave entrance, which was showing no signs of any activity, as fear and a sense of foreboding filled my mind.

Where is that Doll now? Has she... returned?

The surroundings were eerily quiet, and sweat began to bead on Cassius's forehead.

"Expelling intruders."

A cold, childlike voice echoed in the empty cave, like a grim reaper's proclamation.

"What's going on? What does the Doll mean by... intruders?"

"Cassius, let me see. The transmission system is working, and the interrogation signal has been sent, but there's no response... Could it be..."

"Could it be what?"

"Could it be that she didn't receive our interrogation signal? Or her response system is malfunctioning?"

"This piece of junk! It looks like she's marked us as enemies! Damn it, retreat! Retreat... ugh!"

Cassius shouted as he ran towards the entrance, but it was already too late.

Without any warning, a bullet fired from an unknown direction at high speed struck his head. His massive body crashed to the ground with a heavy thud that echoed in my ears.

"Cassius!"

"Defend! Defend!"

I don't know who gave the order, but we quickly grouped together. Before we could alert the people outside, they rushed in immediately.

Crap!

What followed was a one-sided massacre. The people rushing into the cave became sitting ducks, being shot down one by one. The Doll was inhumanly fast. All we could see was a flickering red flash; we couldn't track her movements at all.

She was too familiar with the cave. Every protrusion and stone, she knew them all. We didn't stand a chance at all!

"Captain's dead, and we're still cowering here? Charge! Avenge the captain!"

"Hathaway! Are you crazy? Get down!"

Hathaway flipped out. He stood up with no regard to his own safety and fired wildly. Bullets ricocheted off the cave walls, causing stones and sand to fall, further obstructing our view. Yet our opponent seemed completely unaffected. Hathaway and Mia, who had rushed to stop her, were both hit.

I clutched at my gun, not knowing where to shoot.

One by one, my comrades fell. Even Musk, operating the heavy machine gun in the rear, was struck by a stray bullet. I sank to the ground in despair.

Damn it, if I had realized the underground river could be another entrance, we wouldn't have been caught off guard by the Doll...

If I had considered the possibility that the Doll's IFF system might be damaged...

If, if I hadn't taken this job out of greed...

Wait, IFF! I suddenly remembered a piece of information that might be useful!

"Della! Della sent us!"

Sure enough, the Doll stopped. I guessed correctly!

"Della... you know her?"

The Doll emerged from the shadows. Her voice and demeanor were unexpectedly innocent, considering how she just slaughtered several people in cold blood. Her face was still obscured by the cloak, but I could make out her petite figure—a young girl with metal-armored arms, carrying an old-fashioned rifle. It was this very rifle that had killed them all.

"That's right! She sent us."

"Della... why didn't she come herself? She said she'd be back soon..."

"She... she can't come right now, so she sent us to bring you to her."

I kept talking with the Doll while maneuvering towards the position of the heavy machine gun.

"Get me...?"

"Yes, you've done a great job protecting these things. She'll reward you with a lot of money when you return."

"Money... no way! Della wouldn't say something like that!"

Damn, the cat is outta the bag.

"You're one of the bad guys who are after these things too, aren't you? Della said these items can't be given to anyone unless she comes herself!"

Realizing she had been deceived, the enraged Doll started shooting at me. However, whether due to her agitation or some kind of neural cloud malfunction, her accuracy greatly decreased.

"Della? She's never coming back. Do you think she could survive after taking something that didn't belong to her?"

"No, no way! If she doesn't return... the mission... will fail..."

"She is already dead and will never come back."

"Impossible, impossible, impossible! The Master who was so kind to me... I've already lost her... The mission... mustn't fail... That's right! The mission can't fail! You're lying... you must be lying!"

I took the chance to roll over to the heavy machine gun and lifted it by the handle.

"Go to hell!"

I fired wildly at the rocky ceiling above the Doll. The recoil was so intense it felt like my hands were being torn apart. Rocks rained down heavily on the Doll. I didn't know how many times I fired. I only stopped when the magazine was empty.

"Phew..."

I collapsed on the ground, trembling uncontrollably from the fear of imminent death.

Right, I still need to recover the Doll... Once I have her, I can claim a substantial reward, enough to secure my financial future for the rest of my life.

To be safe, I picked up a nearby handgun, in case I needed to deliver the final blow.

"No way... This isn't the Doll!"

Buried under the stones was a heavily smashed Doll.

"Where's the fox-eared Doll?!"

Still reeling from the near-death experience, my mind went blank.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a red flash darting from my right. Reflexively, I raised my gun and chambered a round...

But she was faster...

The fox-eared girl with red and blue heterochromatic eyes raised her rifle and pulled the trigger expressionlessly.

...

"She WILL come back."

Bang—

Riding on the Hemline

Unlocked with Mom's Locket Boxes.

Summary

Ander and Nia are children whose village was destroyed by a Collapse storm. They travel to a rescue station, hoping to get a permit to enter the Green Zone. To give Nia hope, Ander tells her a fairy tale inspired by their own journey.

It's the story of Vite, a boy who lives on the planet Curia. Curia needs to be twisted inside-out regularly by the Morning Star Fairy to prevent its atmosphere from settling and blocking the sun. Wearing his mother's locket, Vite ventures out to find the missing Morning Star Fairy and save his family and the dying planet. Guided by Lotty, the spirit hidden inside the locket, Vite meets a giant who collects lights. The giant agrees to point them in the direction of the Morning Star Fairy in exchange for Lotty's gown of light. Traveling south, Lotty grows weak and returns in the locket, and Vite meets little glowing people who lead him to a cave.

This story is continued in #When the Stars Sparkle.

July 15th, 11 p.m., Stories From the Cellar: Part 1

Ander, how much longer until we reach the rescue station? Once we get there, we can fill out the application to enter the Green Zone... but will it actually be approved?

...It will be. Definitely. Nia, hang in there, just two more days and we'll reach the rescue station.

I believe you... I'm so tired, Ander...

Don't sleep, Nia! Before we set off, you kept asking for new stories, didn't you? I still have many stories to tell you! Stay awake and take your medicine first.

New stories, stories... sob... Ander, I want to hear them...

Good girl, wrap yourself up in the blanket, open your eyes wide, and listen carefully. The story is about to begin.

A long, long time ago, there was a little boy named Vite. While everyone else was hiding at home, Vite decided to venture out in search of the fairy who could save his family.

Vite and his family lived on a planet called Curia, a world unlike any other. The planet Curia changes its form every four years. During this time, the entire planet is twisted from the inside out, causing the locations of various places to shift, much like a twisted Rubik's cube.

It was precisely this shape-shifting that allowed the planet Curia to remain crystal clear. If this shape-shifting stopped, the planet's atmosphere would be covered by a layer of floating black lava, blocking sunlight from reaching the surface. Eventually, the land would be engulfed in cold. And the world would be frozen.

The only one who could make the planet change shape was the Morning Star Fairy.

Now, the planet Curia hasn't changed its shape for seven years.

Vite's family had all fallen ill from the cold, and Vite cried desperately. His tears turned into sparkling ice beads before they could even reach the ground.

Seeing how distressed Vite was, his mother gently hugged him.

His mother's embrace was warm and comforting. Vite asked her what he should do and how he could make the sun come out again. If the sun returned, everyone would be able to live well like they used to.

His mother pinched Vite's cheek and took off the locket she always wore.

"Vite, this is the last thing I can give you. Wear it, and it will protect you. Remember, where there is light, there is hope." She placed the locket around Vite's neck. "I'm feeling a bit tired now. I need to close my eyes and rest for a while..."

"Mom, when will you wake up?" Vite asked.

"When the sunlight shines on the land again, I'll wake up."

His mother smiled and closed her eyes, her tight embrace around Vite loosening.

"Where there is light, there is hope." Vite etched these words into his memory, reluctantly touching his mother's soft cheek before slowly leaving her embrace. He knew he had to be brave and go to the place his mother had mentioned...

July 15th, 11 p.m., Stories From the Cellar: Part 2

Vite gathered his courage and reluctantly left his mother's embrace.

He didn't want to disturb her rest, so he stifled his urge to cry, softly sobbing as he knelt by her bedside. Slowly, he opened the locket his mother had given him.

The moment the locket opened, a blinding light filled the room. Vite closed his eyes for a long while, and when he finally opened them, a little girl stood before him, her skin glowing, and her long skirt trailing behind her. She looked at him with curiosity.

"You are... Mommy's child! I recognize you! I recognized you while I was inside Mommy's locket! My name is Lotty, and... what happened to Mommy?!"

Lotty became anxious as she saw her mother asleep. Vite, still sobbing, expounded at length before Lotty finally calmed down.

"I understand now. Lotty will help you find the fairy! Mommy will wake up, I promise! Come with me!"

Before Vite could respond, Lotty grabbed his hand and rushed towards the door.

As Vite opened the door, a strong wind gust of wind blew in. Lotty stood protectively in front of Vite, and the wind vanished. Sunlight was hidden behind a veil, and the outside world was shrouded in darkness. Only Lotty's glowing light illuminated a small area around them, making everything within that space visible.

The wind that had just blown in didn't vanish—it swirled around Lotty's long skirt.

Lotty looked into Vite's eyes. "Now, we don't have to be afraid of the wind anymore!"

"With you here, we can see clearly even in this pitch-black world!" Vite exclaimed, hugging Lotty tightly.

Lotty nodded emphatically, "All light can be preserved!"

At that moment, a rumbling sound echoed. Vite and Lotty turned to see a vast expanse of lights moving slowly northward, like a field of stars.

"Look! There's light over there!" Lotty grabbed Vite's hand and they started running. They picked up speed, running faster and faster. The wind swirled more vigorously around Lotty's skirt until they lifted off the ground, soaring towards the mass of light whilst supported by the wind.

"Where there is light, there is hope. Mommy said so...!"

Vite held Lotty's hand tightly, and together, they gently descended into the light.

The mass of light stirred, swirling around Vite and Lotty before eventually becoming part of Lotty's skirt, allowing her to illuminate an even larger area.

Just then, a lazy voice called out, "Who are you? And why have you intruded into my domain?"

What happened next? Ander?

Next... we should rest, Nia. We have a long journey ahead tomorrow. We'll continue the story tomorrow night.

Then... it's a promise, Ander!

July 16th, 10 p.m., Stories From the Abandoned Library: Part 1

Ander, today was really dangerous. Thankfully, we avoided the Collapse storm and found a place to rest."

We need to be more cautious on the road tomorrow. Just one more day, and we'll reach the medical station. Not only can we fill out the application, but we can also have our injuries treated."

"That's great... Ander! You said you would continue the story today..."

"The story? After that..."

At the sound of the lazy voice, Vite instinctively shielded Lotty behind him.

Lotty poked Vite in the side, signaling him to stay calm. They slowly made their way toward the direction of the voice.

Eventually, Lotty's light illuminated part of the speaker's figure—he was incredibly tall!

Lotty and Vite only reached his calf, and the light revealed an intricately embroidered pant leg and a thick, furry cloak dragging on the ground.

"Hmm—?" The giant drew out a nasal sound, then took a step back, revealing a large and beautiful face to Vite and Lotty.

"You also stole my light," The adult said.

"W-We are searching for the Morning Star Fairy. If she can turn the planet, it will clear the black magma overhead, allowing sunlight to shine through and fill the world with light!

Do you know where the Morning Star Fairy is?" Vite, holding Lotty's hand tightly, said bravely.

"Filling the world with light? When the whole world is filled with light, light itself no longer matters. And light cannot become unimportant."

The giant lifted their head, turned, and took a step forward.

Lotty quickly grabbed Vite, and they flew after the giant.

"Do you know where the Morning Star Fairy is...?" Vite shouted with all his strength, and the giant's steps slowly came to a halt.

"Come closer to my face." The giant said.

So, Vite and Lotty flew up to the giant's face, riding on Lotty's long skirt.

"I have lots of light, but I've never seen a skirt like this," The giant spoke and then lifted their cloak. Countless lights burst out from beneath it, illuminating everything around them.

Vite and Lotty then realized they were standing on the shoulder of a giant as massive as a mountain, who was almost blending into the snowy mountains in the darkness.

The lights gathered around the adult, whispering.

It was the sound of children's laughter, joyful and carefree, that Vite hadn't heard in a long time. The lights were so joyful that Vite couldn't help but wonder what kind of hope the giant had given them. Was the hope he was looking for here too? He couldn't help but hold his breath, focusing intently on remembering every word the giant was about to say.

Then, the beautiful giant smiled at them—

July 16th, 10 p.m., Stories From the Abandoned Library: Part 2

The giant's voice seemed to echo through the mountains, with each word reaching Vite's ears clearly.

"If you give me the skirt that can carry light and fly, I will guide you to the Morning Star Fairy." The giant said.

Lotty shrank behind Vite, her light dimming considerably.

"Lotty... we must save Mom..."

Vite held Lotty's hand, and after a moment, she stepped out from behind him.

She gently lifted into the air on the skirt, singing softly. The long skirt then spread out into clusters of light, drifting towards the giant.

Lotty descended, and Vite quickly embraced her.

"I'm fine..." Lotty said softly, then turned to the giant. "Please tell us the direction to the Morning Star Fairy..."

"Poor children, the Morning Star Fairy you seek is in the distant south. Go south, and you will find dangerous places filled with radiance..."

The giant said, raising his hand. A small portion of the long fur from his cloak flew out, quickly transforming into two small capes that appeared before Vite and Lotty.

"The road ahead is very perilous. Please accept this small token from me."

As soon as the giant finished speaking, the two cloaks wrapped themselves around Vite and Lotty.

"My friend, please lower your body and let the children depart."

As the giant whispered, he slowly lowered himself to the ground, his long arms stretching out to touch the surface as he pointed towards the south. All the radiance once again flowed into the giant's cloak. The skirt, glowing with light and gathering winds, twisted into a ring, which the giant then placed on his index finger.

Vite supported the weakened Lotty and slowly walked towards the south.

That concludes today's story. Nia, it's already late. You must rest now.

Ander, but I...

Let's sleep now. We have a long journey ahead, so save your strength.

July 17th, 11 p.m., Stories From the First Aid Station: Part 1

Ande, the sisters here said they are organizing the already filled-out applications. Tomorrow, it will be our turn to fill ours out... Can we really make it to the Green Zone in the end?
Of course, Nia, you've always been a good girl. We'll definitely make it to the Green Zone.
Ande, you're a good kid too!
Hmm... So, do you want to continue listening to yesterday's story, good girl?
Yeah!

Without her flowing skirt, Lotty grew weaker, and the light surrounding her dimmed significantly.
Although the cape given by the giant shielded them from the strong winds, it couldn't illuminate the path ahead.
Vite supported Lotty as they walked down the giant's arm to the ground.
The giant stood up, and although Vite and Lotty couldn't see its exact form, they could hear its rumbling sound.

"Vite, I'm so tired... I can't walk anymore..." Lotty whispered, holding Vite's hand.
Vite crouched down and said to Lotty, "Hang in there, I'll carry you."
Lotty lay on Vite's back, and he held her legs securely to prevent her from slipping off.
"Vita, can you see the path ahead? It's too dark. I can't see anything."
"I can see! It's right where the giant pointed. There's a cluster of light! Just ahead; as long as we keep moving forward, we will surely find the Morning Star Fairy there..."
Vite carried Lotty forward and said, 'Lotty, from now on, you'll be my eyes. We're heading to that place filled with light."
Lotty nodded lightly on Vite's back.
And so, Vite carried Lotty in that direction. Although they had only known each other for a short time, Vite found that he deeply trusted Lotty.
In the pitch-black world, they helped each other: you be my eyes, and I'll be your legs. Together, they aimed for the light, leaving behind the endless night. However, what Vite didn't realize was that even in the deepest darkness, there was a group of creatures quietly depending on the two of them...

July 17th, 11 p.m., Stories From the First Aid Station: Part 2

Following them was a group of tiny, glowing beings, who kept themselves hidden as they trailed behind.
Whenever Vite grew tired and rested in Lotty's embrace, these tiny creatures would sneak into their cloaks to warm themselves.
After they had traveled a great distance, Vite and Lotty embraced once more to rest. But when Vite awoke, Lotty was nowhere to be seen. Only the tiny glowing beings remained, huddled around the cloak and speaking in a language he couldn't understand.
Vite picked up the cloak and held it close to his chest. He opened the locket his mother had given him and found Lotty resting peacefully inside.

"It seems she's exhausted." Vite whispered, carefully closing the locket.
The world around him was plunged into darkness once again, save for the soft glow of the tiny beings surrounding him.
"Excuse me! Do you know where the place filled with light is?"
Vite called out. In response, the glowing figures formed themselves into an arrow, pointing the way forward and lighting up the surrounding darkness.
Vite draped Lotty's cloak over himself and followed the glowing beings for a long, long time until they finally reached a cave bathed in light.

"That's all for today's story... Nia, it's time for bed. We'll reach the Green Zone soon, and we need to carefully think about what we'll do once we get there."
"Zzz... zzz..."
"Hmm? Already asleep? Sleep well..."

When the Stars Sparkle

Unlocked with Lights of the Deep Sea.

Summary

This story is the continuation of #Riding on the Hemline.

Since the rescue station is out of forms to enter the Green Zone, Ander and Nia try their chance by travelling to the Great Wall Railway.

In the cave, the little people eat the honeydew of the Silver Bottle Plants. Searching for food for Lotty, Vite lets her eat the honeydew of the Golden Bottle Plant, but this causes all the plants to wither and angers Golden Wing, the scarab guardian of the plants. He tasks Vite to bring back ice from the dark river to revive the Golden Bottle Plant. After drinking dew to breathe underwater, he finds glowing flowers in the stomach of a whale. A devil fish eats the flower and gains the power to deliver ice from the ice tree to the cave, reviving the Bottle Plants. Golden Wings directs Vite and Lotty further south to find the Morning Star Fairy.

July 18th, 11 p.m., Stories From the First Aid Station: Part 1

"What should we do? What should we do, Ander? The nurses at the aid station said they've run out of application forms. W-what are we going to do?!"
"D-don't panic, Nia! There will be a way. There has to be a way!"
"A way...? What way? Ander, we can't go to the Green Zone, we can't even get home! Our house... has already been destroyed by a Collapse storm!"
"Nia, Nia! Listen to me, calm down!"
"Ander... I-I..."
"...I'll find a way, I promise, I will find a way! You have to trust me, you must trust me!"
"I-I... I trust you, Ander..."
"...Good girl..."
"...Do you remember yesterday's story?"
"Y-yesterday's story...?"

Once upon a time, on the planet Curia, there was a little boy named Vite.
One day, darkness covered the sky of his planet, and sunlight could no longer reach its surface, so the entire planet was frozen and became extremely cold.
Vite's family fell ill from the cold, one by one, they gradually fell into a deep sleep.
To help his family recover, Vite wanted to find the Morning Star Fairy, who could expel the darkness and fill the world with light once again.
Before he set off, his mother gave him a locket.

As Vite opened his mother's locket, a radiant girl in a long white dress emerged from within. Her name was Lotty, and her skirt was incredibly long, longer than any other dress Vite had ever seen on a girl.
Lotty used her skirt to assist Vite in reaching an elder who lived on top of a giant. The elder revealed the direction to the Morning Star Fairy, but in the process, Lotty lost her skirt and shrank in size, ultimately, she could only rest in the locket.
Guided by the elder's directions and accompanied by a group of little glowing people, Vite and Lotty entered a brightly lit cave, only to discover that the Morning Star Fairy was not there.

"Ander, did I remember everything correctly?"
"Not a single mistake... Nia, your memory is really good! Now, the next part of the story is..."

Vite ventured deep into the cave and discovered that it was filled with sparkling crystals.
The light from the crystals refracted throughout the cave, illuminating numerous colossal plants that towered over Vite and had the shape of a vase.
At the top of each plant were stunningly beautiful leaves, and beneath those leaves were a bottle.
The bottles were translucent, filled with a pale yellow liquid, and the entire plant emanated a delightfully sweet aroma.
The large size of the plants was adorned with delicate, shimmering silvery patterns that glowed softly.
The largest plant stood five or six times taller than Vite, adorned with radiant golden patterns on its surface.
Vite tilted his head upward and spotted a large golden beetle dozing on the leaves at the apex of the plant. Its shimmering golden shell glimmered even more brilliantly in the light cast by the crystals within the cave.
"So big..." Vite was mesmerized.
The moment the little people laid eyes on these plants, they erupted in joyful cheers.
"Silver Bottle Grass! So much Silver Bottle Grass! And the fragrance of honeydew!"
They clasped hands, joyfully twirled in a circle, and then bounded off in different directions.
Each little person climbed onto a Silver Bottle Grass, then leaped into the bottle, savoring the light yellow liquid they affectionately referred to as "honeydew".
But they all avoided the largest plant with the golden glow.

Vite returned to his senses and shouted at the surrounding Silver Bottle Grass, "Isn't this supposed to be where the Morning Star Fairy resides?! Why is everyone..."
While the majority of the little people continued to savor the honeydew, two or three of them climbed out of the bottles and leaned over the edges to look at the anxious Vite.
"The fairy's direction, Golden Feather knows!"
"Golden Feather has seen the fairy!"
After saying that, they went back to drinking the honeydew.

"Who is Golden Feather? Is it that sleeping golden beetle?"
Vite hurriedly asked, but no little person came out to answer him again.
Vite hurried over to the Silver Bottle Grass where the little people had just spoken, forcefully banging on its translucent surface. The bottle didn't even quiver, much less get someone to emerge and respond to his questions.
"W-what should I do...?"

Vite tugged at his hair and gazed across the lush patch of Silver Bottle Grass in the cave, eventually fixing his eyes on the largest plant that radiated a golden glow where a golden beetle continued to sleep on its topmost leaves.
"If that's Golden Feather... maybe I can get my answer by asking it directly...!"
As Vite hurried towards the plant, a soft, delicate voice suddenly emanated from his chest.
"I'm so hungry... so hungry..."
It was Lotty's voice.

Vite quickly opened the locket.
The little Lotty sat atop the red velvet cushion, gesturing towards her mouth.
"I'm so hungry... so hungry..."
Lotty said, then began to sob softly.
"What should I do... where can I find food!"
Vite dashed anxiously through the cave in search of food, and to his surprise, as soon as he neared the Bottle Grass, Lotty ceased crying.

"So hungry... it smells sweet! Vite, I want the sweet thing!"
"Huh...? The sweet thing...? Do you mean the honeydew? But, but..."
Vite was concerned that the honeydew might be harmful to Lotty, so he ran to check several Silver Bottle Grass plants. Through their translucent walls, he could see that the little people were well-fed and sleeping on their backs at the bottom of the Silver Bottle Grass.
"No wonder no one answered me..."
But should he let Lotty eat this?
Vite felt uneasy, worried that Lotty might upset her stomach. To his surprise, the tiny Lotty noticed Vite's hesitation and began to cry loudly again.
"Vite, Vite...!"
Lotty called out Vite's name. Vite blushed, bit his lip, and glanced at the Silver Bottle Grass with concern. Then, he made up his mind and said, "Lotty, I won't let you go hungry!"

July 18th, 11 p.m., Stories From the First Aid Station: Part 2

Although Vite is determined to make sure Lotty is fed, he still doesn't know what to do and anxiously scratches his head.
"They've eaten all the honeydew in the silver bottle grass, what should I... Oh, right! There might still be honeydew in the largest one. Lotty, I'll take you there! Once you're full, we'll continue searching for the Morning Star Fairy!"

Vite hurries to the plant that emits a golden glow. He climbs to the edge of the bottle's opening, carefully avoiding the sleeping golden beetle, then slowly places Lotty inside.
As soon as Lotty touches the inside of the bottle, she slips into the honeydew.
Lotty swims around in the honeydew for a while, then starts gulping it down until her belly is full, lying contentedly at the bottom of the bottle. But almost as soon as the honeydew is consumed, the plant's glow dims and it becomes sickly. The other silver bottle grasses also start to wilt.
Lotty slides out of the drooping bottle, tumbles to the ground, and then begins to cry after stumbling several times.

The leaves at the top of the silver bottle grass tilt down as the bottle drooped, startling the golden beetle awake. It spreads its golden wings and slowly flies down.
Once landed, Vite sees that it is actually a little, glowing person, with wings made from a beetle-like shell.
"Who...?!" The glowing person says angrily.
Other little people inside the silver bottle grass also tumble out by the drooping bottle just like Lotty. They rub their sore spots and quickly run to the glowing person...
"Bad guy, bad guy!"
"Drank the honeydew, bad guy!"
"Golden bottle grass withered, bad guy!"

"B-bad guy..? W-we're not bad guys! I-I'm sorry!" Vite quickly apologizes.
"Drank the honeydew... bad guy...? But everyone drank it..." Lotty says quietly.
Vite quickly runs to Lotty's side, trying to hold her up, but the little people quickly rush in front of him, blocking his way.
"This is bad..." Vite says softly.

The glowing person glances around and angrily orders, "Tie...!"
"Bad guys, tie them up!"
"Use the vines, tie them up!"
The other little people then quickly pull many vines from the ground and tie Vite and Lotty tightly together.
"Bad guys, tied up!"
"Tied up, Golden Feather!"

The glowing person gently waves its golden wings, then lifts its head and walks up to Vite and Lotty, staring at them for a long time.
"Live...!"
"Live...? What live...?" Vite asks, and the other little people begin to speak.
"Golden bottle grass, live!"
"Withered, golden bottle grass!"
"Is that big plant the golden bottle grass? ...I-I'm sorry we made it wither... But what can we do to bring it back to life?" Vite asks, "If we restore the golden bottle grass, will you let us leave? We still need to find the Morning Star Fairy. We can't stay here!"

"Him...?" After hearing Vite, Golden Feather points at him and asks the surrounding little people.
"He wants to find the fairy!"
"Wants to know where the fairy is!"
The little people say.
Vite quickly adds, "If you know where the Morning Star Fairy is, you must tell me! Only by finding the Morning Star Fairy can this world be filled with light again!"

Golden Feather looks at Vite, full of determination and hope, and ponders for a long time before slowly nodding and pointing to the dark river behind him.
"Ice...!"
The little people immediately explain.
"Ice from the dark river!"
"Ice that is strange!"
"Ice that glows!"
"Ice that freezes everything!"
"Ice that can save the golden bottle grass!"

Vite turns to look at the pitch-black dark river and asks softly, "You mean that if I find the ice you need in the dark river and restore the golden bottle grass, you will tell us where the Morning Star Fairy is?"
Golden Feather and the other little people nod.
"...Alright! I will surely bring the ice back!"

And so, Vite's next mission is to find the ice... Nia, are you feeling better? I...
Huff... huff...
Hmm? Asleep again? ...Asleep... don't have to think about these things when you're asleep...
If only I could sleep now... but we don't even have the application forms to go to the Green Zone. The sisters said that recently there have been very few slots available. They don't know when new forms will be available... What should I do? What should I do next? What should I do...

July 19th, 9 p.m., Stories From the Amusement Park Ruins: Part 1

Ande, it hurts so much... (coughs)
These are antibiotics from the lady at the rescue station. Nia, take them quickly!
(Coughs) Ugh... We... we walked all day today, and my feet are covered in blisters and really hurt... But Ande, I didn't slow us down, did I? We'll make it to the Great Wall Railway, right?
You said that once we reach the Great Wall Railway, we can go to the Green Zones...
Yes! Once we reach the Great Wall Railway, we can get to the Green Zones! The misters stationed there are very kind, so they will definitely take care of kids like us. So as long as we get there, we can get to the Green Zones!
Yes... once... once we are in the Green Zones, it won't hurt anymore... Ande, I would like to hear the rest of yesterday's story. Could you tell it to me?
You have been good today, Nia, so I'll tell you as many stories as you like. Let me continue from where I left the story...

Golden Feather looked at Vite in unbelieving surprise, his eyes wide open at Vite's quick agreement with him.
Then, Golden Feather waved and signaled the little people to gather at the base of the Golden Bottle Brush Plant. They took out tiny planting shovels, dug through the dense and compact soil, and made a small cut on the rounded root, from which light blue dew immediately began to seep. The little people plucked a leaf from the Golden Bottle Brush, collected the dew that flowed out, and brought it to Vite.

"Drink...!" Golden Feather said.
"Drink it, and you can breathe!"
"You can now breathe underwater!"
Vite bent down and gulped down the dew, the sweet taste lingering in his mouth as a warm sensation spread throughout his body.
Then, the little people released Vite.
"I... I'll definitely get that ice. Lotty, wait for me to come back!"
Vite stepped forward, hugged the tightly bound Lotty, took a deep breath, and jumped into the dark river.

The dark river was very cold. Vite swam downstream with the current but found no trace of ice.
The water was so cold that Vite couldn't help but hug his arms after swimming for a bit.
But thinking of Lotty waiting for him in the cave, he pressed on and continued swimming forward.
Just as Vite was about to freeze, he saw a multitude of sparkling white lights ahead.

"Lights...? Could the glowing ice be there?"
Vite kicked his legs immediately and swam towards the lights. Just as he was about to verify if the glowing objects were the ice the little people were looking for, a massive mouth appeared and swallowed both him and the lights.
Vite frantically flailed his limbs, trying to get out, but he eventually ended up inside the whale's belly.

Vite wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. He anxiously searched for an exit in the whale's belly, but it was pitch dark everywhere, and the ground was littered with strange bumps, causing him to trip with nearly every step. The more Vite walked, the more scared he became, but he knew he couldn't stop.
After walking for what felt like an eternity, Vite finally spotted a bright light ahead and hurried towards it.

He discovered that the area was covered in glowing flowers, surrounded by transparent fish and shrimp swirling around them. Above the flowers, he could see the beating heart of the whale.
Each time the heart beat, a bit of rain would fall.
Vite approached and discovered that the beads in the center of the flowers were being gently pecked at by the fish and shrimp.
It was because of these beads that the flowers were so bright.
Vite was mesmerized by the scene before him and felt a deep sense of confusion. He had many questions, but with Lotty and Mom away from him, he knew he would have to deal with all these unknowns with his own ability.
Vite then cautiously approached the flowers.

July 19th, 9 p.m., Stories From the Amusement Park Ruins: Part 2

Vite approached the flowers.
"Is it because of the rain from the heart that these flowers glow...?"
Vite reached out to touch the flowers and thought, "The water is too dark. If there was something that could light up the darkness, it might be easier to find that ice..."
The flowers didn't react at all. Vite picked one of the flowers.

After picking the flower, Vite continued to search for an exit. With the glowing flower providing light, he eventually discovered the whale's constantly trembling lungs. Gritting his teeth, Vite swam into the whale's lungs.
The whale, unable to endure it any longer, quickly expelled a massive jet of water toward the surface, and Vite was ejected along with it. Suddenly airborne, Vite looked down to see an endless expanse of pitch-black water below him. Unable to contain himself, he let out a scream.
But before the scream could end, Vite fell violently into the water.

The impact of hitting the water was intense, and Vite drifted in the water, disoriented, for a while before he could finally make sense of his surroundings.
Bathed in the light of the glowing flower, he saw a massive pod of whales slowly swimming through the deep sea in the distance.
"A pod of whales—! I can't stay here any longer!"
Vite quickly swam away from the whales.

Vite kept swimming forward, and, oddly enough, the areas lit up by the glowing flower remained illuminated even after he left.
As Vite moved, the glowing flower illuminated more and more of the dark areas. The creatures of the darkness, disturbed by the light, emerged from the shadows, watching Vite warily.
At that moment, a group of devil fish—some small and transparent, others enormous—gracefully swam toward Vite.
As they swam, their flapping fins resembled enormous butterfly wings.
"So beautiful..." Vite murmured.

A small transparent devil fish swam up to Vite and excitedly circled the flower in his hand several times. Then it looked up at him with a pitiful expression.
"Ah... do you... want this?" Vite asked quietly.
The little devil fish nodded vigorously and flapped its fins rapidly.
"But I also need it to light up the darkness in the water... hmm... by the way, do you know where I can find the glowing ice?"
The little devil fish tilted its head and playfully rolled around for some time before inching closer to Vite's hand and nuzzling against his wrist.
"Haha... it tickles..." Vite couldn't help laughing.
The little devil fish departed from Vite, flapping its tiny wings in a beckoning "follow me" gesture before swiftly swimming ahead. Vite hurriedly swung his legs to catch up.

Ande, I'm feeling really sleepy... but I'm so eager to keep listening...
Then go to sleep! We have so much time ahead to share stories, so go ahead and get some sleep.
Hmm...
...
...
Nia...?
...
Looks like she really is asleep.
...After that, we can only make our way to the Great Wall Railway... But even if we arrive there...
No, we have no choice! There's no hope at all in staying here!

July 31st, 11 p.m., Stories From the Abandoned Settlement: Part 1

"Ander, we would finally be able to see the Great Wall Railway! Let's take a break tonight, and tomorrow, we'll be able to head over there..."
"We'll get there tomorrow! Stop overthinking tonight, you need to get some good rest! Otherwise, you won't have the energy for the trip tomorrow!"
"Okay! I'll make sure to get some good sleep, but Ander, I still want to hear that story from last time..."
The story from last time...

Vite swam alongside the little devil fish for a long time, until a smack of glowing jellyfish fleeing suddenly appeared in the water ahead of him.
One after another, emitting shining light in the pitch-black sea.
They swayed their transparent bell-shaped bodies energetically, making every effort to swim forward.
"Why are these jellyfish swimming so fast? Is someone chasing them?" Vite asked the little devil fish. The little devilfish flapped its wings and pointed its tail at the back of the jellyfish smack.

Following the direction pointed out by the little devilfish, Vite noticed a massive ice tree—it loomed behind the swiftly moving jellyfish smack, rapidly freezing as it pursued them.
The ice tree was entirely transparent, its complex branches extending swiftly through the water like countless slender arms reaching into the dark abyss of the ocean.
The branches, resembling a dense web, would instantly freeze any marine creature they touched, each creature that succumbed to the frost would make the ice tree glow a little brighter. By this point, the ice tree had already encased a significant number of jellyfish

By the time Vite turned to look in the direction pointed out by the little devil fish, the ice tree had already become as radiant as a sun in the ocean.
The enormous ice tree, with its crystal-clear surface, radiated a blinding brilliance, casting a bright glow over all nearby areas.
The water shimmered like a giant, flowing underwater crystal, refracting a beautiful glow.
"T-this is what those little people spoke of—the luminous ice, the dangerous ice! Isn't it, little devil fish?" The little devil fish flapped its wings up and down as if it was nodding in agreement.
"But... how am I supposed to get it into the cave?!" Vite asked.

At that moment, all the jellyfish in front of Vite became frozen, and the long branches of the ice tree lunged towards him.
Vite quickly turned and swam away, but the branches of the ice tree pursued him without mercy.
"Does the ice tree move towards light?!" Vite shouted at the little devil fish.
The little devil fish flicked its tail and vigorously flapped its wings to keep up with Vite. Eventually, it rushed forward and bit at the flower in Vite's hand, gulping down the entire glowing bead.
In a flash, the entire dark seabed burst into a radiant glow, with the little devil fish at the heart of it.
The brilliance of the light even outshone the ice tree. The little devil fish, glowing with radiance, turned and swam towards the ice tree.

"W-what are you doing?! Be careful...!" Vite shouted anxiously.
However, the little devilfish did not freeze like the other marine creatures when swimming next to the ice tree.
The little devil fish reached out its wings to touch the branches of the ice tree, causing the light from the ice tree, now condensed into solid chunks, to soar towards it. The little devil fish eagerly gulped down these glowing chunks as well.
With each bite, the ice tree shrank a little, while the little devil fish grew a little bigger. In the blink of an eye, it became even bigger than Vite.
"You, did you eat it...?" Vite looked puzzled, unable to believe it. "Could it be... that those glowing flowers bestowed upon you the ability to absorb the light from the ice tree?"
The little devil fish did not answer him.
It lingered by the ice tree for only a moment before the ice tree suddenly swelled, doubling in size. Even its outer shell became hard, preventing the little devil fish from absorbing any more light from it.
The massive branches of the ice tree sprouted countless sharp ice thorns, like a knight who had suddenly armed himself with a lance and began attacking the little devil fish.
"It's got angry! Run...!" Vite shouted, the little devil fish flapped its wings vigorously. It quickly reached Vite, who was swimming frantically, before tossing him onto its back.

"What should I do? What should I do... I need to survive first if I'm going to bring the ice back... What should I do...?"
Vite clutched the little devil fish tightly, looking back in desperation at the relentless ice tree branches that pursued them. "We can't shake it off...! What to do... W-wait, if I can't shake it off... I get it—!"
"Swim—! Swim with all your might, I know the way! Just get it to the entrance of the dark river...!"
The little devil fish followed Vite's command, darting through the depths like a glowing whirlwind.
With that, Vite rode the little devil fish as it sped through the underwater depths, the ice tree hot on their heels, closing in swiftly.
As it moved, sharp ice spikes littered the path, encasing countless marine creatures in frozen captivity.
So blinding was the radiance that one might even mistake this place for a museum dedicated to showcasing marine life in ice, were they to look closely.

After a long while, the little devil fish finally reached the vicinity of the dark river's entrance with Vite on its back.
It flapped its wings and expelled a glowing half-bead, tossing it to Vite.
"Thank you—! I remember the way back! Go now! Don't get frozen!"
Vite yelled at the little devil fish, and it darted away in an instant like an arrow.
Vite gritted his teeth, desperately swimming towards the entrance of the dark river, illuminated by the glow of the half a bead.
Just as the ice tree was about to encase Vite in ice, he leaped out of the water, and the ice tree instantly froze the entrance to the dark river.
Completely exhausted, Vite nearly collapsed to the ground, but he understood that now was not the time to rest; he had to rescue Lotty first.

July 31st, 11 p.m., Stories From the Abandoned Settlement: Part 2

Lotty remained in place, waiting for what felt like an eternity. When she caught sight of Vite's tiny silhouette, she hurriedly called out to him.
Vite quickly dashed over to Golden Feather, who was standing next to the pitcher plant, and exclaimed, "I-I brought the ice from the dark river! Now you can release Lotty, right?!"
Golden Feather looked over, waved, and shouted, "Knock...!"
Then all the glowing little beings sprang to their feet, each grabbing a leaf and a wasp stinger, and hurried to the ice-covered entrance of the dark river, striking at the thick layers of ice to break off chunks.

"Melt...!" Golden Feather shouted again.
The glowing little beings cradled the ice pieces and rushed to the base of the golden pitcher plant, where they began to stack the blocks of ice together.
Then, in unison, they blew warm breath onto the ice, causing it to melt into shimmering, sparkling water.
Revitalized by the water, the golden pitcher plant instantly came to life, and nectar once again surged from its body.
The other wilted silver pitcher plants straightened up as well, and a gentle sound of water flowing emanated from the entrance of the dark river.
Vite hurried to the entrance of the dark river to investigate, discovering that all the ice had melted. Meanwhile, the marine creatures that had been frozen during the chase were now languidly swimming in the water.
"I can't see further inside... but the other animals must have regained their freedom too! That's great!" Vite was overjoyed.

"Release...!"
Golden Feather continued to issue commands next to the golden pitcher plant, while the other little people quickly ran to Lotty's side to untie her.
Lotty rubbed her legs and then ran towards Vite.
Vite swiftly embraced Lotty, inspecting her from head to toe to ensure she had no injuries, and then he let out a sigh of relief.
He asked Golden Feather, "Can you tell me where the Morning Star Fairy is now?!"

"South...!"
"The fairy is to the south!"
"Further south!"
"Much further south!"
The little people chirped and explained.
"Further south... okay, I understand!" Vite quietly clenched his fist, then lifted Lotty and settled her on his shoulder. He bowed to Golden Feather and said, "Thank you for telling me the direction of the Morning Star Fairy. We will set off now!"
Golden Feather waved at him.

"Goodbye! Goodbye!"
"Goodbye! Find the fairy!"
"Goodbye! Goodbye!"
The little people chirped their farewells.
Vite waved goodbye to Golden Feather and then headed further south with Lotty.
They still had a long, long way to go, but Vite secretly resolved to never give up no matter what happened in the future.

Further south... Ander, the Great Wall Railway is also to our south...
Yes, just like Vite, we will definitely reach there.
As long as we reach the Great Wall Railway, we will see the Morning Star Fairy, and then there will be no more pain... Right, Ander?
...Yes, as long as we reach the Great Wall Railway! Nia, you need to get a good night's sleep now so you'll have the energy for the journey tomorrow!
Mm...!
Sleep now.
...
...
As long as we get there, everything... will definitely be okay!