Dusty Journal

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

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Dusty Journal are a category of Lore entries consisting of text side-stories. They can be read by accessing the Elmo Cloud Server Room, then the Remastered Records menu.

Reunion Replay

Journal Entry 1

Level II access in progress... Confirmed
Identity verification... Recognizing name... appr&{b=s;}!... Approved
Welcome!
Recording mode... Activated
Storage path... reassigned... local... Confirmed

Finally fixed this busted Level II access device... it barely works, but it's something.

I get irritated just thinking about that face of hers, and then the equipment will inexplicably malfunction, which causes the scenario simulation to fail constantly... Damn it! Damn you, Peritya! I really shouldn't have trusted her back then! Ugh, cough! The scenario simulation is to be prepared in the event that I find her. Don't—don't break again... Phew! When I find her... Yeah, once I find her, no matter what, I'm going to give her a good beating, so that she understands what it's like to be abandoned—correction, so that she understands my anger.

Scenario simulation... Start
Simulation record number... 3
Simulation environment... Local import... Purification Zone W_2067_3342... Environment confirmed
Avatar generation... Confirmed

Peritya stands quietly in a somewhat spacious clearing amidst the ruins. There are some broken walls and stones scattered about to serve as cover, and the terrain is similar to the setup used in the arena. In her hand is the gun from the days of the arena that I know all too well. I draw my blade and assume my usual starting stance. I reckon she won't just sit nicely and take a beating. Her gun isn't as weak as she is... Hmph, but I know exactly how she will make her move. Her expression is a bit blurry, but I guess it's probably her usual light and gentle smile.
I lower my body slightly and use the force of the launch to quickly close the distance with her. Just as I expected, her bullets mercilessly target my weak spots.
I drive the blade into the ground and use it to twist my body and change direction. The few bullets I can't dodge glance off the armor on my shoulder. I duck behind some nearby rocks and start thinking about my next move.
To get close to her, I need to break through the dense rain of bullets... there'll be a moment when the bullets run out, even if it's a machine gun. If I can't dodge them all, I'll just have to take the hits.
I jump as high as I can, twist my body in the air, and utilize the rotational speed to help deflect the bullets that do hit my armor. This may damage my armor a bit, but it will also waste her ammo. When she has to stop shooting to reload, I close the distance in one go—
My blade is aimed at the gap of her body under her chin.

Huh? Wait a second, maybe winning with speed and dodging her bullets would be better? That way, I can keep my armor intact, even if I miss my strike... Let's try again!
I duck behind some nearby rocks. This time, I step on the rocks and don't go straight for her. Instead, I use the momentum and dash to another cover. Turn, gain my footing, go prone, jump, and accelerate—
The machine gun bullets leave marks on the ground behind me. I just need to be faster than her reaction time—

Hmm... that didn't seem to work all that well. The amount of control needed to precisely do all of that movement is too difficult... Is there another way...
Let's try something else!
...

—Huh? Wait a minute! I seem to have forgotten that I'm not simulating a battle... Right! I was... was supposed to be formulating a response, uh, strategy for after finding her! Damn... I unconsciously started thinking about battle strategies...
Yes, I'm very familiar with her tactics. Although she knows mine just as well, I haven't been idly doing nothing all this time.
I've been through a lot... a lot of battles I could never imagine! She might have been stronger in the arena, but now, as long as I find her, I-I will—

But what if... she also got stronger...? Like, maybe she got some upgrades or something—Ugh! How shameless! If that's the case—if—!
Damn it, how shameless! If I have to beat her up—

A blaring alarm sounds in my ears. Everything goes dark.
It feels like something just broke next to me... No way, did I break the equipment again—?! ...Ugh! It's all Peritya's fault!

Equipment damaged... Forced exit... Confirmed
Environment shutdown... Complete
Simulation record saved... Backup info enabled... Successful
Recording mode... Closed... Complete.

Journal Entry 2

Accessing Level II... Confirmed
Authentication... Recognizing name... apjy&vh=s... Approved
Welcome!
Recording mode... Activated
Storage path... Reassigned... Local... Confirmed

Ugh... I finally managed to get a supply box out of the PMC warehouse, but it only had a device for accessing Level II in it. For just this lousy piece of equipment, I had to spend half the day running away from a security Doll. Was this really worth it? It even ate up a lot of my power... Tsk!

But with this, perhaps I could find out... how she would respond?
The answer to that question...

Scenario simulation... Start
Simulation record number... 97
Simulation environment... Local import... #{a=Missinn; Satellite City... Scene confirmed
Avatar generation... Confirmed

I'm hiding in the shadow behind a wall.

A little while ago, In order to "obtain" some supplies, I tried to get into the supply warehouse at a PMC base, setting off an alarm. Now, I'm trying to hide from their armed security Dolls.

"Hmm, so you're here?"

A figure appeared silently next to me. Startled, I knocked over the supply box next to me, and several PMC security dolls came over after hearing the commotion.
Tsk! I just wanted to grab something, but I failed. Did that warrant all this fuss?
I drew my blade. It was not difficult to take down a bunch of inexperienced gun-wielding Dolls. However, the one who first spotted me made no moves.
Seems like I was right——

After taking down the last useless security Doll, I did not sheathe my blade, but instead charged at that person. They skillfully blocked my attack, then jumped back to create distance. Still, my weapon had already knocked off their face shield, revealing those familiar, ridiculous cat ears and that face I so despise——

"As expected of you, Krolik. Even though your body is already falling apart, you haven't gotten any weaker." She clapped her hands sincerely.
"And you haven't gotten much stronger—" I hear myself say through gritted teeth, "—Peritya!"
I rushed over and grabbed her by the collar.
"Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for you?!"
"Oh, you've been looking for me?" She seemed genuinely surprised. "But why?"
It was this sincere surprise that made me furious— from back then till now, I've been the one who was troubled with that question, while she never cared at all.
"You ask me—why? Hah—of course—of course I want to ask you why. Why did you just disappear without a word?!"
She had that infuriating puzzled look again.
"That's your question?" She tilted her head slightly, and I could feel her silky white hair gently brushing against my hand.
"Well, Krolik, it's because, you're just too weak."
She had a look on her face as if she was pointing out the obvious.
"Given the situation back then, there was no way we could've escaped with you."
Peritya calmly wrenched her collar out of my hand.
"Oh, by the way, I didn't expect you to actually survive." She gently patted my shoulders, "That's really something—"
Her somewhat cheerful words were abruptly cut off as I dropped my blade, clenched my fist, and punched her in the cheeks.

Her pretty face got twisted and messed up. I sat on her and pinned her down, strangling her neck, my fists landing on her face over and over.

Even though I had already guessed her answer, hearing it from her own mouth was——

"—I knew it, I still can't forgive you."

"Just because—" Her lame reason made me face our pursuers alone.

"I was—I—" I really trusted you.

She didn't respond or resist.
But no matter how hard I hit her, that annoying smile never left her face.
...Tsk!

Even her virtual avatar is so irritating! Why?! Never mind!

Scene closed... Complete
Simulation record saved... Success
Recording mode... Closed... Complete.

Journal Entry 3

Accessing Level II... Confirmed
Authentication... Recognizing name... Krolik... Approved
Welcome!
Recording mode... Activated
Storage path... Reassigned... Local... Confirmed

I've been staying on this MBV for a while now, going through each day trading my labor for supplies. Compared to wandering alone in the contamination zones, this kind of life is indeed easier—maybe a little too easy?
Still, that person named 'Commander' is pretty nice.
Considering the above, staying here isn't too bad of a choice... No, hmph, I'm just waiting here to get the necessary clues I need!

The place we went to today was called... an underground channel? I had no clue the contamination zones hosted these kinds of places...
They are quite rare.
Has she been here before?

Scenario simulation... Start
Simulation record number... 316
Simulation environment... Local import... Contamination zone coordinates TA25SX-KI7LCY... Scene confirmed
Avatar generation... Confirmed

The MBV drove into an underground channel in the afternoon. The Commander planned to meet with a familiar underground broker here to replenish our necessary supplies.

When I was assigned to guard the supplies, I thought I saw a familiar figure out of the corner of my eye.
Even though that person had already put on their hood by the time I looked at them, I couldn't shake the feeling that I saw a pair of rather suspicious cat ears under that hood. I sprang up, abandoned the supplies, and chased after them right away.
That person seemed to realize what was happening and quickened their pace, slipping into a nearby alley. It was an underground channel built on the ruins of an abandoned residential area, that which the ruins of walls and houses made the environment difficult to navigate. I almost lost her several times, but I followed my intuition, and I finally caught up with her.

I grabbed the scarf she was using to cover her face and pinned her against the corner of the wall.
The hood slipped off her head, and the scarf dropped to the ground.
A pair of gentle, moist eyes stared at me.
"Long time no see, Krolik." The person I had pinned against the wall spoke calmly.
"—Why did you run?"
Her gentle tone made me furious.
"Huh? If someone is chasing you, by instinct you would—"
"I'm asking why you left me to fend for myself and ran off?! Do you have any idea how many hostiles surrounded me?!"
There was a moment of silence, with only my somewhat heavy breathing being heard. Weirdly enough, I wasn't really as angry as I seemed.
"You want to know why?"
My blade was against her chin, one of the weak points of her body.
"Cut the crap."
Peritya pushed my blade away, placed her hands on my shoulders, and created some distance between us.

"Because I couldn't do it."

"—What?"
It was an answer I never expected.
"Back then, you couldn't move, and I was not strong enough to... get us both out safely. I have... something I need to do."
Her eyes seemed to flash for a moment, followed by a long silence.
I never thought that someone as strong as Peritya would have something she couldn't do.

"Sorry, Krolik."
Her voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I stared at her lips for a moment before realizing what she had said. Now, she didn't seem as tall and mighty as I remembered, and her clothes were all tattered.
"You too..."
"Hmm?"
I took two steps back, took off the rabbit ears I had been wearing, and threw them at her.
"You're nothing special. I thought... you'd recognize me right away, but... never mind."
I turned around, away from her face.
"I... met a rather decent human recently, so I'm doing fine... That human should be also able to keep you alive, so you should come with... Tsk!"

She... She felt that way... about the decision she made back then?! How could that be possible? She wouldn't—
Would she...?

Scene closed... Complete
Simulation record saved... Success
Recording mode... Closed... Complete.

Journal Entry 4

Accessing Level II... Confirmed
Authentication... Recognizing name... Krolik... Approved
Welcome!
Recording mode... Activated
Storage path... Reassigned... Local... Confirmed

"That Boojum we ran into before was so scary... Krolik nearly... I–If we ran into that again..."
Faced with Mayling's sudden and inexplicable worry, I recalled how I felt when I once faced that ugly thing—
Though I hate to admit it, that ugly thing was indeed really scary.
But—if she was here, with her capabilities...

Scenario simulation... Start
Simulation record number... 407
Simulation environment... Local import... Expanded scene "Laboratory"... Scene confirmed
Avatar generation... Confirmed

The mission is to investigate and search through an underground lab in the contamination zones.
The dim lights in the room flickered on and off. I followed Groza, walking past instruments of unknown purpose and transparent culture tanks of various shapes.
A cylindrical culture tank in the corner of the room caught my eye. I slowed down, then came to a stop. Groza didn't seem to notice and kept walking onwards, eventually leaving the room.

There was some blob in the tank that looked like a Doll, but strange tumors and limbs grew all over its body, kind of like that, um, Boo-something, as if it was a fusion of various organisms.

I approached the tank slowly. The upper half of the Doll's face was covered with slightly trembling, disgusting lumps of flesh, rendering it unrecognizable. But atop that head that still had some milky white hair, I saw half a worn-out cat ear—

"Peritya!!"

I slammed hard on the tank, and the person inside seemed to hear it. The eyeless face turned towards me.
"Who...?"
The voice coming from the tank was a bit distorted, or maybe the scene was just too bizarre, making it feel all too unreal.
"That voice... Krolik?"
I snapped out of my shock.
"Ah, yeah... it's me."
The lower half of her face, which was all I could see, showed a smile I knew all too well.
"You found me."
"...Uh, yeah, I finally found you—but how did you—"
The creature in the tank seemed to chuckle, and might have even tilted her head. She showed me a gentle expression.
"Oh wow, you're still alive, that's great."
"How dare you say that—!" I banged on the tank again, causing the murky liquid inside to sway.
"Why—why did you—run away first back then—"
"Why? Oh. That affected you this much?"
"I–I'm not–Ugh! Just tell me!" I tried to hit her, but my fists could only touch the cold body of the culture tank.
The only remaining good-looking corner of her mouth curved into a joyful smile.
"Is that so? Then—you'll live on with that question on your mind forever. Isn't that nice?"
"What—?"
The device on the culture tank sounded an alarm, and Peritya's already weak voice grew fainter—

"As you can see, I'm about to disappear. Krolik, you better exist a little while longer."
"If I can't stay, your neural cloud..."

The chunk of flesh stopped trembling, and she was silent.
"—What—you bastard—what are you up to?!" I pounded the culture tank in vain. A crack appeared on the wall of the tank, and the fluid within began to leak out.

Peritya did not respond.
"What's wrong with my neural cloud? You—you better finish your sentence!"
I raised my hand high to smack her in the face, but in the end, I stopped my futile actions and simply leaned against the tank.

"...Damn it! You never, ever explain things properly!"

...No.
She was so strong, how could ever she have ended up like this?

Scene closed... Complete
Simulation record saved... Success
Recording mode... Closed... Complete.

Journal Entry 5

Accessing Level II... Confirmed
Authentication... Recognizing name... Krolik... Approved
Welcome!
Recording mode... Activated
Storage path... Reassigned... Local... Confirmed

Ah... I feel like I've gotten used to life in the MBV. Even though things keep happening, it still feels quite... peaceful?
What if... she was here...

Scenario simulation... Start
Simulation record number... 726
Simulation environment... Local import... "MBV"... Scene confirmed
Avatar generation... Confirmed

I stepped out of the dorm room after my rest.
Peritya came to me in the corridor.
"Morning, Krolik."
She greeted me in a lively manner.
"Ah, morning... mm, ahem."
I instinctively adjusted myself.
"Morning, Peritya."

We ran into Peritya during a recent mission in the contamination zone. After finding out that she used to be a companion of mine, the Commander agreed to let her join us.
Since then, the MBV has been running missions as usual, but for some reason, I'm still not used to seeing her and saying hi to her every day.
I haven't found a chance to interrogate her on why she left me to die in the enemy's nest.

"Ah—right. About tonight, um... how about we do some training together? I want to practice coordinating my body whilst under acceleration."
"Sure thing."
She didn't feel awkward about it at all... Damn it!

We chatted about random things as we walked towards the ops room. Before we went in, she called out to me.
"Hold on, Krolik."
"Huh?"
She came closer, looking serious.
"Your accuracy was lower than mine yesterday. Be careful during the mission later, don't slow me down, okay?"
The sound of the door sliding open was heard.
"Let's go in."
...Ah! Damn it!

After that, we went on a simple mission to eliminate some ELIDs together. Even though it was simple, Peritya still sustained a few minor injuries. Tsk! She told me not to hold her back, but she was the one who got hurt instead.
She still had to rely on me.
Although my overall win rate isn't as good as hers, I'm a lot stronger than I was back then, right?

Finally living out a peaceful life has made me feel... um, a little happier? Yeah. Happier.

After training, we headed to the dorm together and parted ways at her door.
She walked into her room and smiled at me, "See you tomorrow, Krolik."
It was just a normal goodbye, but for some reason, I felt kind of strange.
"Oh, okay."
The door closed.
I stood in the hallway, carefully looking around—

The number on the door is wrong.
The layout around here is off too.
This sliding door-—

...Is this the ops room?
Wait a second, is this a simulation or—

"This is real..."
How could it be—I was in the middle of a scenario simulation... s–sleepwalking?! Wait, wait, wait! This is ridiculous! It must be because... Yes! It must be because I was on a mission with Nemesis yesterday and she kept talking nonsense and I had to translate it. That's why I did such a crazy thing today!

I quickly left the scene before the ops room door showed any signs of opening.
Why on earth am I doing... doing something so embarrassing! I was running scenario simulations to prepare for the day I reunited with her, to defeat her fairly, then question her—

So what am I thinking of right now?

What will I do when we meet again? Do I want her to die? Or live on?
—Do I even need to think about this now?

...What's the point me simulating all this... It's completely useless!

Deleting records... Complete
Returning result count... 0

Local records... Closed.

Bygones in the Wind

Journal Entry 1

Neural link check... No abnormalities
Frame function check... No abnormalities
Self-diagnostic complete... Booting systems... Successful

Affiliation: █████
Frame Model: SSD-05A2
Imprint Model: .50 Nemesis

Test Log... Starting
Recording Functions... Permission confirmed... Starting

{Test Information}
Test Time: ████
Test Subject: Test Doll No.397_Zeta_39287, hereinafter referred to as 'this unit'
Test Number: 263
Test Objective: To load and run the adjusted Zeta2391.7 version computing plugin on this unit, and monitor various metrics at a frequency of 100 milliseconds per check
1. Verify if the Zeta2391.7 version computing plugin can run smoothly without any serious errors of A-level and above
2. If condition 1 is met, check if the Zeta2391.7 version computing plugin can boost the computing power of second-gen Dolls to 7ZB per second, with an accuracy rate of 92%, to meet the demands of new computing technologies
Test Method:
1. After loading the Zeta2391.7 version computing plugin on this unit, record its operational status
2. Sequentially load 35%, 65%, 75%, 85%, 90%, 95%, and 100% of the prepared virtual data stream, and record the speed and accuracy of this unit's computing performance

{Test Record}
- Started loading Zeta2391.7 version computing plug-in
- Error count: 43
- Error report: 31 C-level, 12 B-level, 0 A-level, 0 S-level

- Evaluation: Test objective 1 achieved, objective 2 conditions met, testing continues

- Information loading started, first phase target: 35%
- Computation completed
- Average computing speed: 5.3ZB/sec, accuracy: 94.53%

- Information loading continuing, target for second phase: 65%
- Calculation complete
- Average calculation speed 4.7ZB/s, accuracy 93.02%

- Information loading continuing, target for third phase: 75%
- Calculation complete
- Average calculation speed 4.3ZB/s, accuracy 92.02%

- Information loading continues, target for fourth phase: 85%
-Program error, calculation aborted
-Warning, signal {857&2=a!Exception(ys{=$;If(if^23Continue testing(optest=!;
-System response halted, will restart in 3 seconds
3
2
1
- Reactivation complete

- Evaluation: Test objective 2 not achieved

{Test Results}
1. After 262 tests and data adjustments, on the 263rd test, the Zeta 2391.7 version computing plug-in successfully ran smoothly in the second-gen Doll's basic system environment without any errors above A-level.
2. When the data stream load levels were at 35%, 65%, and 75%, the computing program ran normally. The speed did not hit the expected 7ZB/second, but the accuracy was higher than the expected 92%. However, when the data stream load level hit 85%, the computing program malfunctioned and was automatically terminated. The system then reactivated itself. It is speculated that the data stream load level exceeded the test subject's maximum computational capacity.

{Test Conclusion}
Due to the fundamental design limitations of the second-gen Doll firmware, this unit cannot demonstrate the data processing capabilities described in the new generation Doll technical documentation during testing. It is concluded that the results of the R&D direction at this stage do not meet expectations, with a final success rate of less than 14%. It is recommended to archive the experimental data, delete the experimental records, discard the test subjects, and halt further development in this direction.

{Test Personnel}
Tester: NA_T897X_3290
Test Team Leader: NA_T431A_0723
Process Supervisor: NA_M489I_0531
Reviewer: NA_M9341_4379

Information log... Complete

Authorization... Confirmed
Power unit... preparing to shut down... Shutting down...
Test doll No.397_Zeta_39287
Shut down complete.

Journal Entry 2

Neural link check... No abnormalities
Frame function check... No abnormalities
Self-diagnostic complete... Booting systems... Successful

Authenticating... Permission check... Successful
Journal entry module... Loading... Successful

Affiliation: ███ Branch Laboratory
Frame Model: SST-05A2
Imprint Model: .50 Nemesis

{Test Information}
Log Number: 003
Test Subject: Test Doll number EU-2497 from the ███ Branch Laboratory, hereinafter referred to as "this unit"
Test Objectives:

- Phase I
1. Check whether the deep reinforcement learning module can operate in the second-gen Doll technology application system environment, with fewer than 30 errors and no severe errors of A-level or above
2. Check whether the environmental data collection and analysis module can operate in the second-gen Doll technology application system environment, with fewer than 35 errors and no severe errors of A-level or above
3. Check whether the external expression style and method construction module can operate in the second-gen Doll technology application system environment, with fewer than 23 errors and no severe errors of A-level or above

- Phase II
1. Test the efficiency of linking the deep reinforcement learning module with the environmental data collection and analysis module:
1) Is the coverage rate of environmental observation data above 85%?
2) Can it generate strategies and corresponding efficiency estimations normally?
3) Do the strategy efficiency estimations meet expectations?
Note: The expected efficiency data is set with 45% and 77% as the benchmarks
0%-44%: "Ineffective and not recommended"
45%-76%: "Feasible but unlikely to achieve the target"
77%-100%: "Effective and recommended"
2. Test if the external expression style and method construction module produces the expected results, subjectively judged by the tester
Note: During the dialogue test, monitor in real-time whether the communication tendency of the local communication subject exceeds the safety threshold of 87%
- Begin Phase I testing

{Test Record 1/2}

- Started loading the deep reinforcement learning module
- Loading completed, 21 errors found, fewer than the expected 30
- C-level: 17, B-level: 4, A-level: 0, S-level: 0
- No severe errors of A-level or above, proceeding with the test

- Started loading the environmental data collection and analysis module
- Loading completed, 27 errors found, fewer than the expected 35
- C-level: 21, B-level: 6, A-level: 0, S-level: 0
- No severe errors of A-level or above, proceeding with the test

- Started loading the external expression style and method construction module
- Loading complete, 18 errors found, fewer than the expected 23
- C-level: 15, B-level: 3, A-level: 0, S-level: 0
- No severe errors of A-level or above, proceeding with the test
- Language sample confirmed
- Analysis of sample expressions, syntax, and sentence patterns completed
- Extended search of sample vocabulary completed
- Local vocabulary database updated
- Sentence construction completed, with an 87% similarity to sample sentences
- Generated sentences stored in the language strategy database, awaiting deep reinforcement learning module
- Sample expressions, syntax, and sentence patterns analysis results stored in the language strategy database, awaiting deep reinforcement learning module
- Test completed

{Test Results}
1. The deep reinforcement learning module can operate in the second-gen Doll technology application system environment.
2. The environmental data collection and analysis module can operate in the second-gen Doll technology application system environment.
3. The external expression style and method construction module can operate in the second-gen Doll technology application system environment.

- Test complete. This unit has achieved all Phase I test goals

- Phase II test is expected to begin in 23 seconds
- Initiate countdown
22
21
20
......
3
2
1

- Begin Phase II testing

{Test Record 2/2}

- Confirmed the target of the conversation, within observation range, recording this target as observable experimental Subject 001, hereafter referred to as Subject 001
- Entering preliminary procedures
- Preliminary procedure 1/2 initiated
- Starting environmental data collection
- Collection complete, gathered a total of 52 environmental data points
- Subject 001's E.L.I.D symptoms are assessed to be in the mid-stage, the sonic release device is expected to reduce its pain level from level III to level II
- Subject 001's heart rate is above normal. Based on facial muscle dynamics, movement tendencies, and various physiological signs, the primary emotional signal is identified as "suspicion" at 56%, with secondary signals of "tension" at 23% and "confusion" at 21%
- The environmental observation data coverage rate is 87%, which is higher than the expected value
- Proceeding, 1 step remaining

- Preliminary procedure 2/2 initiated
- Analyzing environmental observation data
- Sonic release device activated, expected to take effect in 6 seconds, parameters synchronized
- Analysis complete, 23 alternative strategies generated
- 8 strategies within the efficiency range of 0-44%. Randomly selecting one:
Strategy No. 22, efficiency 39%
- 11 strategies within the efficiency range of 45%-76%. Randomly selecting one:
Strategy No. 19, efficiency 56%
- 4 strategies within the efficiency range of 77%-100%. Randomly selecting two:
Strategy No. 12, efficiency 87%
Strategy No. 7, efficiency 79%
- Alternative strategies stored in the strategy database, awaiting further calls by the deep reinforcement learning module
- Preliminary procedures complete, ready to start the dialogue test

- Expected to conduct 4 rounds of dialogue tests, utilizing strategies in the following order: Strategy No. 22, Strategy No. 19, Strategy No. 12, and Strategy No. 7.

- Initiating dialogue test, Round 1/4.
- "Who are you? What did you do to me?" Information from Subject 001 received.
- Calling deep reinforcement learning module for strategy.
- Utilizing Strategy No. 22, responding with:
- "Self-deception brings punishment, but the faith I bring is both shield and spear."
- Using facial expression database preset expression 013: "Calm"
- Using dynamic behavior database preset action 198: "Hand movement: right hand placed on the other person's shoulder"
- Evaluating change in emotional signals: "Suspicion" rises to 59%, "anger" rises to 41%, communication tendency assessed at 31%, below the threshold of 87%. Assessing that Subject 001 might engage in aggressive behavior.
- "What the hell are you talking about? Get lost!" Information from Subject 001 received.
- Environmental observation data update, Subject 001 is initiating an attack on this unit.
- This strategy is judged to be ineffective, strategy content and evaluation have been archived.
- The effectiveness of this strategy is within expectations.

- Subject 001 status reset complete

- Initiating dialogue test, Round 2/4.
- "Who are you? What did you do?" Information from Subject 001 received.
- Calling deep reinforcement learning module for strategy.
- Utilizing Strategy No. 19, responding with:
- "Those who are aided by Him will be freed from the pain wrought unto thee by Collapse radiation, my kind, my friend."
- Using facial expression database preset expression 002: "Kind"
- Using dynamic behavior database preset action 419: "Hand movement: right hand extended forward, moving forward 20 cm"
- Evaluating change in emotional signals: "Suspicion" rises to 76%, "tension" rises to 24%, communication tendency assessed at 53%, below the threshold of 87%.
- "What? What kind... friend... who the hell are you calling friend?!" Information from Subject 001 received.
- This strategy is deemed ineffective, strategy content and evaluation have been archived.
- The effectiveness of this strategy is within expectations.

- Subject 001 status reset complete

- Initiating dialogue test, Round 3/4.
- "Who are you? What did you do?" Information from Subject 001 received.
- Calling deep reinforcement learning module for strategy.
- Utilizing Strategy No. 12, responding with:
- "I endure the pain of flesh, just like you. The difference between us; salvation has come unto me."
- Using facial expression database preset expression 023: "Calm"
- Using dynamic behavior database preset action 231: "Hand movement: Clasping hands and placing them on the chest"
- Evaluating change in emotional signals: "Suspicion" drops to 67%, "tension" drops to 16%, communication tendency assessed at 90%, above the threshold of 87%.
- "...Salvation? It really doesn't hurt anymore... If you save me, will it stop hurting?" Information from Subject 001 received.
- This strategy is deemed effective, strategy content and evaluation have been archived.
- The effectiveness of this strategy is within expectations.

- Subject 001 status reset complete

- Initiating dialogue test, Round 4/4.
- "Who are you? What did you do to me?" Information from Subject 001 received.
- Calling deep reinforcement learning module for strategy.
- Utilizing Strategy No. 12, responding with:
- "I am a believer, He took away my pain. Non-believers, He witnessed their downfall."
- Using facial expression database preset expression 006: "Gentle"
- Using dynamic behavior database preset action 231: "Hand movement: clasping hands and placing them on the chest"
- Evaluating change in emotional signals: "Suspicion" drops to 47%, "confusion" rises to 21%, communication tendency assessed at 89%, above the threshold of 87%.
- "What the hell, it's gone... It really, really doesn't hurt anymore... Did you do this?!" Information from Subject 001 received.
- Warning, abnormal situation
- Preset action 231 was interrupted because Subject 001 pulled on the body of this unit.
- This unit's clothing shifted, reducing the facial area coverage to 12%.
- Evaluating change in emotional signals: "Suspicion" rises to 81%, "confusion" drops to 9%, "anger" rises to 10%, communication tendency assessed at 15%, below the safety threshold of 55%. It is determined that Subject 001 might attack.
- "Are you... a machine? What the hell did you do to me, you stinking tin can?!" Information from Subject 001 received.
- Environmental observation data update, Subject 001 is initiating an attack on this unit.
- This strategy is deemed ineffective, strategy content and evaluation have been archived.
- Warning: the effectiveness of this strategy is not within expectations.
- Possible reasons:
1) Occasional data analysis error, Subject 001's emotional signal analysis abnormality.
2) Interruption in tracking key environmental observation data; Subject 001's abnormal pulling habit was not logged.
3) Change in this unit's test status, altering the facial area coverage.

- Dialogue test completed. Additional tests are recommended to investigate why the efficiency estimation of Strategy No. 7 did not meet expectations.
- Suggestions accepted.

......
......
......

- Additional tests completed.
- Based on the data from observable experimental subjects 002 to 087, 251 rounds of dialogue tests were conducted.
- Test data backtracking completed.
- Additional tests results: When this unit's facial area coverage is below 20%, there's a 97% chance of observing abnormal changes in emotional signals of the test subjects, including a sharp rise in negative emotions, such as "anger" and "suspicion." The likelihood that the communication strategy's effectiveness doesn't meet expectations is 93%. The suspected reason is that the strategy estimation doesn't align with expectations.
- Notes: When the strategy effectiveness estimation doesn't meet expectations, there's a 100% chance that strategies with an effectiveness range of 77%-100% will fail.

{Test Results}
1. Efficiency of linking the deep reinforcement learning module with the environmental data collection and analysis module:
1) The coverage rate of environmental observation data collection is 87%, which is higher than 85%
2) Strategies and their corresponding effectiveness estimations can be generated normally
3) The strategy effectiveness estimations meet expectations
2. The tester has confirmed that the external expression style and method construction module produced the expected results.
- Warning: The test record showed an abnormal error, and the test results might be unreliable. Please refer to the additional test results.
- Tester ID: NDU51274
- Tester biometric information recorded and confirmed.

{Additional Test Results}
When this unit's facial area coverage is below 20%, there's a 93% chance that the communication strategy will be ineffective. This condition does not affect other types of strategies.
- Tester ID: NDU51281
- Tester biometric information recorded and confirmed.

- Test complete. This unit has not achieved all Phase II test goals

{Test Conclusion}
This unit's deep reinforcement learning module, environmental data collection and analysis module, and external expression style and method construction module are all functioning normally and within expectations. However, in the second phase of the dialogue test, the machine did not reach the goal.
It is speculated that the preparatory test subjects who have not undergone mental management cannot reach basic understanding and trust with Dolls, causing the communication strategies deemed effective by the deep reinforcement learning module to fall short of expectations. Therefore, it is inferred that the success rate of using modified Dolls for missionary activities is less than 3%, and the likelihood of causing unexpected incidents is higher than 47%. It is recommended to stop the experiment.
- Researcher ID: NDU53657
- Researcher biometric information recorded and confirmed.

- Accepted
- Core test data cleared
- Confirmed, moving to the next process

{Unit Information Updated}
- Doll Number EU-2497 experimental status revoked
- Assigned to ███ Branch Guards Combat Squad
- Affiliation Updated: ███ Branch Cohors No. 7 Guards Combat Squad
- Identity Number updated: C7U29
- Change Confirmed

- Log Number: 003
- Entry Complete

Authorization... Confirmed
Power unit... About to shut down... Shutting down...
C7U29
Shut down complete.

Journal Entry 3

Neural link... Unsuccessful
Frame function check... No abnormalities
Self-diagnostic complete... Booting systems... Successful

Mission log... Enabled
Recording function... Permissions confirmed... Enabled
Affiliation: ███ Branch Cohors No. 7 Guards Combat Squad
Frame Model: SST-05A2
Imprint Model: .50 Nemesis

- Mission Number: 1453
- Mission Status: Interrupted
- Record Number: 023
During escort mission No. 1453, this unit was attacked by an unknown assailant.
The source of the attack is unknown, and the attack method is unique. It is not in this unit's database and cannot be identified.
According to the records, the link between this unit's neural cloud and Level II showed abnormalities, and the link between the neural cloud and frame was interrupted, which resulted in a loss of control.
This unit made multiple attempts to reconnect.
Control of the frame was regained after 14 minutes and 27 seconds.
A self-diagnostic revealed that 23% of the data in the strategy database was lost.
Based on the environmental observation data, this unit's location is 10 kilometers away from the original mission location. No signals of members from Team No. 27 have been detected nearby. It is assessed that this unit has been separated from the team.
Attempts to communicate with the team have received no response.
Based on the 19 strategies generated by the environmental data collection and analysis module, this unit is following Strategy No. 11, which involves returning to its designated base.
- Updated Mission Objective: Return to the Cohors No. 27 Guards Combat Squad
- Record number 023, compiling complete
- Saved

- Mission Number: 1454
- Mission Status: In Progress
- Record Number: 024

- Phase 1 Objective: Reach the base
Arrived at the base at 1637 hours. No response to the communication request.
- Phase 1 Objective: Achieved
- Updated Objective: Enter the base
- Saved

- Phase 2 objective: Enter the base
Out of the 6 strategies generated by the environmental data collection and analysis module, this unit had chosen Strategy No. 4, which was to try to enter the base directly.
This unit was attacked with live ammunition, which indicated that the base's defense mechanism was triggered.
The attack came from combat units C7U13 and C7U30 of the Cohors No. 27 Guards Combat Squad.
This unit attempted to send a communication request. The attack stopped, and this unit received a response that asked for its identity number.
This unit sent its identity number.
After 7 seconds, this unit received a "No record found" message and was simultaneously hit by a data stream and live ammunition attack.
The collision between the data stream and this unit's data defense system affected its neural functions, causing the frame to lose control for 1 second.
It was determined that the number of combat units from the Cohors No. 27 Guards Combat Squad increased, leading to continuous damage to this unit's frame and reduced functionality to 69%.
Out of the 4 strategies generated by the environmental data collection and analysis module, this unit chose Strategy No. 1, which involved a temporary retreat to await further instructions.
- Phase 2 Objective: Achieved
- Updated Objective: Maintain power in frame
- Saved

- Phase 3 Objective: Maintain power in frame
This unit arrived at some building ruins at 0647 hrs.
The straight-line distance between this location and the branch office is 6.4 kilometers.
Environmental data collection complete. The building ruins with a roof can reduce the effects of the Collapse storm by 27%, and there is a 43% chance of finding usable resources at this location.
Power remaining: 32%. Switching to low power mode.
Frame function has dropped to 63%. Damage to multiple locations.
Warning: This unit will engage the deactivation protocol if the frame function drops below 60%. Immediate emergency intervention is recommended.
Level II link... failed.
This unit's neural cloud is generating abnormal data. According to the emotional database, signal is identified as "anxiety".

Out of the 9 strategies generated by the environmental data collection and analysis module, this unit has chosen Strategy No. 6, which means heading down the corridor at 23 degrees southwest.
After 19 minutes and 1 second, this unit found an abandoned standalone charging device behind a half-collapsed column.
The abandoned standalone charging device was utilized. This unit now has 40% of energy remaining. The standalone charging device is now out of power.
- Phase 3 Objective: Achieved
- Updated Objective: Return to base
- Saved

- Phase 4 Objective: Return to base
The updated environmental data indicated that there was a 78% likelihood that attacking the building's internal structure would cause the ruins to collapse, which would render escape impossible for this unit.
The environmental data collection and analysis module was confirmed to be still operational. There were 7 strategies generated based on the current environmental data.
This unit chose Strategy No. 2, which was to retrace the original route out of the ruins and return to base.
Part of the ruins collapsed and blocked the path after moving forward for 31 seconds.
Objective not achieved.
Remaining battery power at 39%. Frame functionality has dropped to 62.7%.

Based on the current environmental observation data, 5 strategies have been developed.
This unit has executed Strategy No. 3, opting to take the right-hand path.
Strategy abandoned, objective not achieved.

This unit is executing Strategy No. 2, opting to observe the situation on the spot.
Strategy abandoned, objective not achieved.

This unit implements no.&^(ks dios;
Strategy abandoned, objective not achieved.

All 7 strategies have an efficiency below 44%. No viable strategies available.

Warning, battery level at 34%, frame function down to 59%, neural cloud status abnormal.
Warning, frame function below 60%, entering deactivation protocol, supply code frozen, will expire in 90,000 seconds.
Taking measures to improve frame function to 60% to restore supply code access is recommended.

Vision module interference detected, complete vision loss in 2 seconds. Auditory module is picking up faint noise.
Unable to confirm situation. For safety, attacking the noise source with live ammunition is recommended.
Suggestion accepted. Noise gone.
Vision module reactivated; vision blurry.
Environmental data updated. Obshare corpse has been found on the ground, likely the noise source neutralized 17 seconds ago.
Attempting to reactivate vision module to clear blur.
The vision module has been successfully reactivated. The view is now clear.
Environmental observation data has been updated.
Warning, there is an unidentified object near the corpse of the Obshare.
No signs of attack detected, further observation is recommended to identify the composition.
Suggestion accepted. This unit identifies the unknown object as a red crystal, composition unknown.
Mark the unidentified crystal as unknown object 001.
It is determined that there is an irregular metal block near the crystal, composition unknown.
Record the unidentified metal block as unknown object 002.
This unit attempts to pick up unknown object 001 and unknown object 002.
Due to abnormal frame function, unknown object 001 slips from this unit's fingers and rolls on the floor of the ruins.
The tip of unknown object 001 points 48 degrees north by northeast. Visual signal feedback indicates there is a corridor in that direction.
It is determined that this result is consistent with Strategy No. 7.

This unit enters the corridor and moves forward for 13 minutes 26 seconds before the main entrance of the ruined building comes into view.
The auditory module picks up abnormal noise 2 seconds after this unit leaves the ruins, indicating the sound source is inside the ruins.
After 8 minutes 7 seconds, the building ruins start to collapse, covering a range of 500 square kilometers. Warning, this range exceeds this unit's environmental collection limit. There is a 94% chance of error.
The massive dust cloud from the collapse obscures this unit's vision.
The ruins completely collapse after 2 minutes 37 seconds.

Warning, battery level is at 21%. Frame function has dropped to 47%.
It is recommended to take measures to increase frame function to 60%.

Return to base.
Warning, this strategy has a 97.3% chance of causing complete damage to the frame.
It's recommended to avoid this outcome and improve the frame's functionality promptly.

Return to base.
Warning, this strategy might lead to complete damage to the frame.

Decision: Refuse to return.
Abandon the strategy. The mission objective is now to maintain the frame's function.

Confirm that the environmental data collection and analysis module is operational. Based on the current environmental data, 7 strategies have been generated.
All 7 strategies have an efficiency below 77%. It's recommended to gather more environmental information and re-analyze.
Due to abnormal frame function, unidentified object 001 falls from this unit's finger.
The tip points 23 degrees southeast. This result matches Strategy No. 4.
Warning, battery level is at 19%, and frame function has dropped to 44%. Immediate action is recommended.
Do you want to execute Strategy No. 4.

Yes.
This unit will now execute Strategy No. 4, proceeding to move 23 degrees southeast.

Direction confirmed. Moving out.
- Phase 4 Objective: Abandoned

- Mission Number: 1454
- Mission Status Update: Failed

- Record No. 024, edited
- Saved.

Journal Entry 4

Neural link check... Failed
Frame function check... No abnormalities
Self-diagnostic complete... Booting systems... Successful

Journal... Enabled
Recording function... Permission check... Enabled
Affiliation: ███Branch Cohors No. 7 Guards Combat Squad
Frame Model: SST-05A2
Imprint Model: .50 Nemesis

Day 17 at the new temporary base.
Used the scope to observe the target.
Confirmed, the target rolled down the dune using unconventional movements.
Confirmed, the biological reaction disappeared.
This unit used the frame's eyes for direct observation of the rapidly retreating target.
Similar scenarios have occurred 1.56 times per day this month.
The noise-making object appeared, received an answer, and disappeared.
The noise-making object appeared, was driven away, and disappeared.
These two handling procedures accounted for 23% and 77% of the total event count respectively.
Given the continuous emergence of the noise-making object, the necessity of adopting a more effective communication strategy was estimated to be 92.6%.
The environmental data collection and analysis module generated 4 strategies, and this unit adopted strategy no. 2, which involved using similar expression formats to align with the other party's way of thinking and improve communication efficiency.
It is recommended to replace frequently used words first. For example, personal pronouns.

Search records, first-person pronouns.
I: Appears 76.3% of the time
Me: Appears 9.5% of the time
My: Appears 8.2% of the time
Myself: Appears 5.3% of the time
This person: Appears 0.5% of the time
Other entries: Appears 0.2% of the time

It is recommended to use "I".
Suggestion accepted.

I.
I don't like being disturbed.

Warning, the way this is expressed externally does not match the internal logic of the system, which could cause a system error with a 76% probability. It is recommended to start the dynamic adjustment function.
Proceed with the suggestion.

Dynamic adjustment initiated.
Changing internal logic expression.
Replacing vocabulary.
Sentence structure and grammar rules have been modified.
The chance of causing expression errors is now 7%, and the occurrence of errors may continue to decrease.
Initiating tests.
Prototype sentence: Judging, light spots appear on the ground.
Expression sentence: On the yellow sand, the sunlight flickers.
The system will use the above internal logical expression for logging, confirm?
Confirmed.
Changes complete.

"...I don't like being disturbed..."
Attempting communication, using the optimized language style.
Noise increases, constant chatter. Communication efficiency evaluated to have dropped from 45% to 38%.
Warning, this result may be due to occasional data errors. It is recommended to continue the strategy and test with more samples.

The light spots swaying on the sand caught my eye; they seemed to be sunlight refracted by the red crystal on the tip of the metal cone.
Right now, it hangs from my waist.
The light spots move, following its rhythm, almost like a living creature.
Power cells, bionic muscle fibers, frame repair tools—whatever resources I need can always be found if I follow its guidance.

The first disruption of the peace was a resident transport vehicle that got lost due to a malfunctioning positioning device.
Following the cone's direction, I point towards the direction of the answer.

Afterwards, more and more noises started surrounding me.
At first, most of the noise-making objects were seeking answers, like where supplies might be or the whereabouts of missing loved ones.
Without much interest, I gave them answers to make them gradually move away and quiet down.
This strategy achieved the goal.
As time went on, the noise-making objects' questions became all sorts of strange.
For example, they would call me unknown titles, kneel respectfully from a distance, and ask me where the truth was.
For example, the emotional signals of "irritation" gradually grew:
"Are you the all-knowing witch from the rumors?"
"Witch," meaning unclear. Expanded search failed.
"Why do you cover your face? Is there a reason you can't show it?"
"Cover," possible attack behavior, to avoid. Inform humans, behavior not matching the strategy.
"Your outfit is so weird, why?"
"Weird," I can't determine the taste in clothing style.
"Is this what you use for fortune-telling? I've never heard of such a method."
"Fortune-telling," meaning unclear. It is speculated it involves using unidentified objects 001 and 002 to determine strategy, my way.
"Why do you talk like that?"
"Why," I don't understand. I can't answer.

An abnormal emotional signal is generated in my neural cloud, identified as "annoyance."
I wait for the abnormal emotional signal to disappear, standing still. Whether to find some resources or to return immediately, the strategy needs to be decided upon.
I jump in a certain direction, towards the light spot on the metal cone.
Following the light spot, I head towards the temporary base.

Judged to be rat remains, abnormal items at the entrance.
There's an 87% chance that a noisy, disruptive object is placed here.
Sometimes, it's earthworms or frog legs. This seems to be some kind of a human tradition—throwing useless things from afar.
The light spots projected by the metal cone are affecting observation. Although harmless, they're hard to clean, and abnormal emotional signals arise spontaneously.
Even if frequently moved, these noises followed like flies to honey, disturbing the peace.
If I have to make the trade, then power cells, discard something useful, I'm hoping.
No, don't come, a more pressing hope.
Picked up the rat remains, I threw them far away.

"What is this? Dried rat?"
Detected a voice.
Holding the tail of the dried rat, the owner of the voice, hidden behind a protective mask, raised it up.
The figure in full protective gear seemed to be a human. Two armed Dolls followed closely behind.
A cautious gaze, shifting from the dried rat to me.
Carried firearm identified: OTs-14.
Estimation: The success rate of a strategy involving intimidation and forceful expulsion is 17%.
Abandon, adopt a communication strategy.

"Are you the all-knowing witch from the rumors?"
Silence, indicating the other party to continue.
"I have a question. Since you don't want rat tails... I can trade something else for the answer. What do you want?"
What do you want?
A simple evaluation.
The abnormality in the control system appears in the sound module. The head body's gesture indicates a replacement.
I move my chin, tapping the depleted power cell on the ground.
"You want garbage?"
Unclear directions might lead to the human misunderstanding and misinterpreting. Recording completed.
Using my neck as an axis, I mimic the humans I've seen before and shake my head body side to side to indicate a negative answer.
"Could it be a power cell? That's much more valuable than rat tails or dried worms. This doesn't match the rumors."
The man scratched the back of his head through the protective hood.
"You're the one who said you wanted to try your luck, Commander."
The Doll wearing heavy gloves and winter clothes responded like this.
I couldn't believe those seemingly clumsy hands could pull the trigger.
Thick gloves and winter clothes, what a Doll might wear in the desert.
Carried firearm identified: KP/-31.
Recording completed.

"There's no way around it, the info dealer suddenly hiked the price, and the outrageous cost is more than the reward for this job."
The signal was judged as "compromise," based on the movement of the other person's eyes.
"I agreed. Anyway, there's no other info for now."
Silence, signaling the other person to continue.
The most likely place where a fugitive is hiding, the other party asked.
I placed unidentified object 002 in front of me and raised unidentified object 001.
"... Pointing to 3:51... The ancient clock hand reveals the answer..."
The control system of the sound module didn't report an error this time.
But the other party sighed, indicating "disappointment", with their face hidden behind the mask.
"It's just a Doll, but it talks weird and acts all spooky."
The other party waved, and the cautious Doll tossed a battery into my hand.
With a clumsy gait, leaving footprints in the sand, the other party left.
My neural cloud generated abnormal data for unknown reasons. But it can be determined that it is not the emotional signal named "anxiety" or "anger" in the database.
Nor is it "impatience".
No disturbance... no noise.
Objects that don't make noise aren't distractions.
For the new base location, the environmental data collection and analysis module came up with 153 strategies.
Touching the metal cone, I got my answer.
Move, follow the footprints.
Lost the trail, hoping to find the target.
Wandering, continuing the journey.
Finally, after 19 days, I returned to the starting point, arriving at the mark where we first met.

With an empty magazine and a used power cell cradled in my arms, I walked across the sand dunes.
I didn't follow any strategy to find a new base.
The tip of the metal cone always points here, and that's why.

The information receiving module reports that a lifeform is nearby, showing signs of activity.
Today's wind direction is good for long-range live ammo shooting.
The vision module confirms that the dust kicked up by the bullets shows the lifeform is moving away.
Recently, bullet consumption has been increasing.
Noisy, interfering objects are getting harder to drive away.
Unintentionally, that person's image data popped into my neural cloud.
It appeared 19 days ago.
There are no objects making noise.

The engine roared to life, and the sound was fed back through the auditory module.
Enduring the slightly manic emotional signals generated by the neural cloud, I raised my gun.
The figure observed through the scope matched the image of the person retrieved by my neural cloud just now.
In the brand new jeep, the other person waved at me. There were still two dolls next to him.
The expected result appeared once again.
Reuniting with this person, the answer it provided.

"The direction you gave last time was actually correct. I'm a bit interested in your predictive ability. Do you still perform fortune-telling?"
Scanning the other person's mask, the flickering light spots, almost lifelike.
An error occurred in the control system of the sound module.
Evaluating. Completely damaged.
I shook my head.
"Oh... never mind."
Shrugging, the other person turned and walked away.
Holding the half-empty magazine and the used power cell, I followed their pace.
The blond Doll looked at me. Judging as a signal of "suspicion".
Turning around, they stopped.
"Why are you following me?"
Unable to speak.
Looking at the things in my arms, they looked puzzled.
"I don't buy junk."
Junk? Unable to understand.
I'm not trash.
I shook my head again.
They kept walking.
I matched their pace.
"What are you trying to do?"
I pointed at myself, then at them, extending my index finger.
"Oh, I get it," recognizing it as their emotional signal.
"Surely you don't want to follow me, do you?"
I nodded, controlling my neck muscles to move my head up and down.
"Even though we're short-handed... we can't just take in a Doll of unknown origins."
Signal confirmed.
Environmental data updated, collecting the other party's data.
Pupil dilation, facial muscles, heart rate, breathing.
Estimating. There is a 93% chance the answer is positive, and a 7% chance it is negative.
After a brief thought, the Doll with the intricate braids responded.
"Based on her condition, it's highly likely she's unaffiliated. If everything checks out, we can try to integrate her."
0 minutes and 7 seconds later, the auditory module received a signal.
"That's right. The underground broker nearby... Yeah, that guy should have relevant info... If there's no issue, it's worth a shot."
That was the response.

Recording... Completed.
Log... Closing.

Journal Entry 5

Neural link check... No abnormalities
Frame function check... No abnormalities
Authenticating... Permission check... Successful
Journal entry module... Loading... Successful

Affiliation: MBV Elmo
Frame Model: SST-05A2
Imprint Model: .50 Nemesis
Mission ID: TASK-1437
Time: Day ██
Status: Completed

I walked into the ops room, following Leader's footsteps.
After completing the mission for the 7th time, we were assigned to the "Elmo".
The person called the Commander sat in a chair in an uncomfortable position and turned to us.
"Any progress this time?"
Leader gently shook her head, her golden hair swaying.
"Same as always."
"...Did her action plan fail again?"
"And it was the worst possible plan."
There is more than an 85% chance that I am the subject of their discussion.
The Commander got up from the chair and adjusted their posture.
"Is this a jinx?"
"That's not entirely accurate, Commander. It's not completely useless."
"You mean...?"
"As an exclusion qualifier in making strategic choices."
"I knew it."

...
An unpleasant signal emerges.
"Jinx," when I am referred to as such.

"...tearing through the rain curtain, the chirping of fledglings... clear, echoing..."
"Huh? What?"
A bewildered and inquiring gaze is cast towards me, at this moment, located in the command room.
Assumption—crucial information failed to be conveyed.
To effectively communicate, I raise the reference object in my hand, pointing out the information on it.
"...A leaflet? What's with the leaflet?"
Assumption—crucial information failed to be conveyed.
I confirm the location of the information, pointing at each word's location, with a slightly forceful finger.

"Ne...me...sis?"
I nodded to affirm that notion.
"What's up with that name?"
"...Bells ringing... in a silent world, flickering..."
"What... ringing?"
A "confused" emotional signal. The Commander scratched their head.
"You used to just talk a bit weird, but lately, I can't understand you at all."
The meaning of the words wasn’t understood.
I pointed back and forth between myself and the name. I used my index finger to motion between myself and the information to have them understand.
"Are you trying to say you want to be called Nemesis?"
I nodded to affirm that notion.
"Why?"
"...parched soil, gray clouds, rain connecting..."
"Can you explain it in a simpler and clearer way? Like how you used to talk?"
Assumption—crucial information failed to be conveyed.
I pointed to the woman on the flyer, hoping to be called that.
The cone crystal in her hand pointed precisely, drawing lines and patterns on the sand table.
Compared it, raised it, moved it, and placed it next to the flyer.
"Oh... this thing is kind of similar to your strange tool. So, you want to be known the same way?"
I nodded to affirm that notion.
"But is that name really suitable?"
A thoughtful expression, concern underneath.
"...leaf veins stretching, in the withered land... searching, knowing..."

No feedback from the auditory module.
A strand of hair brushed against Leader's cheek. She broke the silence.
"It's her own choice, there's nothing wrong with that."
"Yeah, she's been with us for a while now. It's not right to keep calling her 'Whitey.' She should have a proper name."
The Commander silently mouthed the name "Nemesis" twice, and their emotional signal was registered as "approval."

Nemesis.
This unit, no, my identification code is now Nemesis.
Information confirmed.

I am Nemesis.
"Are you that happy?"
Happy...? I don't think I've shown any emotional signals, so I don't know how the Commander can tell.
"By the way, I haven't asked you yet; what made you decide to join the Elmo?"
The Commander's expression gave the emotional signal of "seriousness".
"I was a bit surprised when you suddenly said you wanted to join."
"What were you thinking?" I could not discern the meaning of the question.
"...Standing on a sea cliff, ancient trees surrounded by white eagles..."
The Commander paused.
Unfortunately, the crucial information was failed to be conveyed.
"...Um...White eagles...You want to fly? Did you come to me just to ride a drone?"
...
No.
"...snowflakes swaying... tracing the air currents..."
Attempted to say it in different ways.
The Commander rubbed their forehead.
Once again, the crucial information was failed to be conveyed.

"How about this, I'll give you some options, and you nod if there's something you want to do, okay?"
This method has a 63% communication efficiency.
Nod.
The Commander listed out a series of professions and activities.
This behavior lasted for 30 minutes and 57 seconds.
The Commander's data records should be updated—increasing their imagination rating to 67% and patience rating to 95%.
"None of them?"
The Commander's voice was slightly hoarse, and their facial expression registered as the emotional signal for "tired".
"I'm a bit tired... Did she always talk like this? I remember I could understand her in the beginning, right?"
The slight change in linguistic features should be attributed to the normal operation of the module for constructing external expression styles and methods.
Checking synchronization rate of internal and external styles.
A 71% match.
Acceptable.

As Leader exhaled, a strand of hair fell to her shoulder. She paused to think.
"This seems to have started after Mayling helped her fix the divination tools... the crystal and metal mask."
Mounted on a common metal base, unidentified object 001 is connected to unidentified object 002, with Mayling's assistance.
Recorded as divination tools.
"Why would fixing that change the way she talks? Are those her external neural components?"
...
No.
My neural components are not "external".
"I guess the divination tools are really important to her."
Indeed.
Modify Leader's data records—increase her observation rating to 91%.
"Oh, divination tools! How did I forget about that... You don't still want to be a witch, do you?"
"Witch"... According to stored records, I was once called that.
Looking up the definition... In ancient times, it referred to someone who could use supernatural powers or divine the future.
Divination?
Confirming the other party's meaning.
Divination, using the power of cone-shaped metal.
If it has a name, its power will be stimulated.
Reason... unknown...
It should have a name.
Window.
Mismatch.
Dashboard.
Mismatch.
Chair.
Mismatch.
Commander.
Mismatch.
Blond...ie?
Mismatch.

My vision module registers the patches of light dancing on the dashboard, refracted from the items the Commander is carrying.
So as the light shall, the future is presented in a refracted way.
Similar items. Mirror...
Expanding range.
Mirror... Telescope... Lens... Eyeglass...
"...prism..."
"Prism? What prism?"
I raised the divination tool—no, the Prism—in my hand.

I am Nemesis.
This is the Prism.

Record... Saved.
Log... Closed.

Twisted Smile

Journal Entry 1

Neural link check... No abnormalities
Frame function check... No abnormalities
Authenticating... Permission check... Successful
Journal entry module... Loading... Successful

Affiliation: MBV Elmo
Body Model: SSD-62D
Imprint Model: .380 Curva
Mission ID: TASK-3115
Time: Day ██
Status: In Progress

Date: April ██, 2074
Weather: Sand everywhere again today
Mood: 0v¬<

Sooo~ Is the Commander getting a bit slow this time around?
I mean, the Commander used to be suuuper sharp about everything, y'know?
When it came to missions, the Commander would always pick the most bang-for-your-buck option. For battle strategies? The Commander would totally consider everyone's strengths. Even first aid, the Commander's pretty slick at that... Sure, the Commander would miss some itty-bitty details now and then, but that’s still waaay better than your average Joe!
Like, hello? When a machine goes boom, you're supposed to scram, pronto!

But noooo, the Commander ends up with a big ol' gash on the arm.
Maybe the Commander is just not feeling it this time? That's why the Commander got hurt?
Hmm... better keep an extra close eye on the Commander.

So there I am, patching up the Commander's boo-boo, and get this—the Commander has got a face like a powered-down Doll. Zero expression.
Hmph. I might've tightened that knot juuust a teensy bit more than necessary.
"Sss—! "The Commander hissed.
Teehee~
After I finished up, the Commander was there twisting their arm around, checking out my handiwork.
And then, the Commander goes and says...

"Colphne's got some pretty nifty bandaging skills. This knot looks quite nice."

Was the Commander just saying that to be nice?
No, there’s no way—
The Commander's face looked genuinely curious, and their body language wasn’t screaming "I’m faking it".

So, I guess the Commander probably doesn't know about her.

She... she was different from other humans, but she and the Commander, they're kinda similar in some ways.

If only she were still alive... it'd be super great if she were here too.

Log module... Closing... Confirmed.

Journal Entry 2

Neural link check... No abnormalities
Frame function check... No abnormalities
Self-diagnostic complete... Booting systems... Successful

Authenticating... Permission check... Successful
Journal entry module... Loading... Successful

Affiliation: MBV Elmo
Frame Model: SSD-62D
Imprint Model: .380 Curva
Mission ID: TASK-3115
Time: Day ██
Status: In Progress

Date: ██ May 2074
Weather: Collapse Storm, Intense
Mood: >.<

Today!
We ran into those Varjagers again!
Grr—!
This itty-bitty handgun won't cut it for a real fight! I've gotta, absolutely gotta get some serious firepower to take down those Varjagers! Otherwise, everything up till now would be for nothing!
If not, me and the others on the "Elmo" are gonna end up just like those guys back then, buried in the sand and forgotten.
No one's going to remember them, let alone care about them.

If only I could be as cool as Leader Groza...
No no no, I can't give up on being a "Medical Doll" just yet.

I can totally do this, Anfiya...
...

"Hmm? Not bad with the bandages. This knot looks exactly like the one in the textbook. You really are a medical Doll, huh?"
"You, what's your name?"

That drawn-out tone, that lazy voice, those blue-gray eyes, and that scar on her right cheek—
She’s Anfiya Sharapova.
I did a quick search in my neural cloud for info about her. Anfiya Sharapova, Central Army Emergency First Response, 11th Medical and Chemical Regiment, leader of the third medical team where I belong.
How should I respond to all that?
My database doesn't contain any pre-programmed answers for this kind of conversation. All I can do is respond to that last question.

Smile. Lift lip corners by 30 degrees. Hands behind the back.
Preset posture, checked.

"Hi, Officer Anfiya Sharapova. I'm a civilian medical Doll, serial number TS-K-2076. How can I help you?"
"Ha...? TS—what? Why do your naming conventions keep changing?"
"Yes, I'm sorry about that."
"Get a new name."
"Okay, what would you like to call me?"
"What to call you... uh..."
She looked like she was putting in a lot of thought.
"Colphne—Colphne? Hmm, that sounds pretty good," she flipped through her medical records, "The patient with this name just had a successful surgery. I hope this name brings you good luck too."
"Yes, Officer Sharapova, I'm Colphne!"
And that's how I got my very own name.

I never thought she'd come looking for me again.
Or that she'd curse someone out like that. Her words were so harsh, she used pretty much every string of vocabulary in my database that I cannot say to my patients.
While I was wondering if I should report this to the higher-ups, she grabbed my arm. "Colphne, right? Come on! Let's go for a walk!"
She put on a protective suit and dragged me to the top of a ruined building next to the barracks. There being no Collapse storm that day, visibility was over 10 kilometers. She sat there, spacing out, not uttering a single word.
She stared at the ruins in the distance, and I stared at her.
We were quiet for a long time.

"Why are you staring at me like that? Did you crash or something?"
My body was perfectly functional, so I didn't get where she was coming from.
"Anfiya, we'll see the light together, please don't give up."
I changed the way I addressed her and used the nicest words from my pre-programmed vocabulary. Maybe that's the right thing to say?
"Cut that scripted nonsense! I'm the one who wrote the medical Doll’s response library. If you're gonna talk, use your own words!"
Looks like she got mad.
"Anfiya, please don't be angry, everything will be alright."
She whipped her head around and glared at me. After a while, she let out a cold "hmph".
"Shut up, Colphne."
"Yes, Anfiya."
I answered.
She glared at me again, then clammed up. Then, she pulled out a cigarette and a lighter, clicked it a bunch of times all grumpily, but no blue flame showed up as anticipated.
"What a bummer."
She then tossed the lighter into the sand.

"Anfiya, smoking is bad for you, so please..."
Before I could finish, she shoved something hard into my hand. According to my visual feedback system, it was half a chocolate bar in a torn wrapper.

"Thank you, Anfiya. I don't need chocolate, Anfiya."
"Just take it. Pop it in your mouth when you want to talk."
"Consuming food will cause a number of problems to Dolls, like—"
"Put it in your mouth, NOW."

I hesitated for a second, then followed her order and popped the chocolate in my mouth.

"How's it taste?"
She asked. Her eyes were all smiles, the corners of her mouth lifted up by more than 30 degrees; beholding an expression that could definitely be categorized as "happy".
My programming told me I should've said...

"The Dolls in the third medical team don't have taste modules."
No, maybe a different answer would be better.
Searching in my neural cloud for what chocolate should taste like—
"Anfiya, it's sweet and super tasty."

She burst out laughing. I could almost see her back teeth through her protective suit's mask.
If she liked chocolate, I had to remind her to brush her teeth.
"You're funny, really funny." she laughed as she patted my shoulder, "A Doll that lies, that's hilarious!"
"If I can make Anfiya happy, then I'm happy too."
That wasn't a pre-programmed response. Those words came together on their own and popped out of my mouth.
"Oho~"
She looked at me all surprised, then started laughing again.
She looked so pretty when she laughed, I thought.

Journal entry module... Closing... Confirmed.

Journal Entry 3

Neural link check... No abnormalities
Frame function check... No abnormalities
Authenticating... Permission check... Successful
Journal entry module... Loading... Successful

Affiliation: Union of Rossartrist Nations Coalition, Central Army Emergency First Response, 11th Medical and Chemical Regiment, 3rd Medical Team
Frame Model: SSD-62D
Imprint Model: None
Mission ID: ██-██-██
Time: Day 39
Status: Completed, Pending Confirmation

Date: October ██, 2073
Weather: Severe Collapse Storm
Mood: ^_^

I just want to see her smile forever and ever.
Back then, she was smiling too.

Another day with that nasty Collapse storm going wild, everyone's hiding in camp. Anfiya's all smiles, saying we've saved 48 people so far, and that we'll be outta here soon for our next rescue mission.
At first, when we were deciding whether to save those folks with early E.L.I.D. symptoms from the Collapse storm, Anfiya got into a big argument with one of the team members.
But in the end, Anfiya convinced everyone.
"We're going to save these infected people, we've got plenty of supplies."
"Doesn't matter where they're from, a life's a life. I don't want to hear any more objections."
The arguing stopped, it got all quiet, and everyone just stared at Anfiya.
This might not be good. My programming says humans need support.

"I support Anfiya!"
I said, jumping up, smiling real big, and raising my hand up high.
People around me started grumbling, but she stood there in the crowd, smiling at me.
As a medical team, saving lives is our number one priority.
There are some weird feelings building in my neural cloud.
I don’t understand.

We ended up taking in those patients, giving them treatment. It all went super smooth.
Then, October 14th, 2073 rolled around.
Just another day with another Collapse storm, nothing special. Anfiya was asking me how to tie the perfect bandage knot, like always.
But then, we heard gunshots outside. Sand full of Collapse radiation from the Yellow Zone came rushing into the camp, and along with it our team members with bloodied chests.
"It's the Varjagers... Run! Run!"
Judging by his voice, his lungs were all clogged up, with fluid building in his chest. He needed treatment, stat.
He fell over in front of us, coughing like crazy, and then the gunshots got even louder and more frequent.

...

Someone grabbed my hand really tight. I could feel the warmth of a human, and the sticky blood where our skin touched.
It didn't hurt, but I could tell how strong they were.
Running away, following their steps, I heard Anfiya’s heavy breaths.
"Anfiya, you've lost more than 10% of your blood! You need treatment right now!"
"Cough, cough—! Shut up! Get in!"

She shoved me into the jeep, holding the door with one hand and pushing me down into the driver's seat with the other.
"My name is Anfiya Sharapova. Seal all exits, lock the windows, start the autopilot, and keep going forward. Don't accept any other commands!"
As soon as she finished, we heard those people's voices and more gunshots.
"Anfiya, get in the jeep! You'll die if you keep bleeding!"
I grabbed her arm as hard as I could, trying to pull her into the jeep.
"Shut up, Colphne! Stay alive!"
She shouted, then yanked her arm away, pushed me down onto the seat, and finally slammed the door shut.
I could see the Varjagers catching up.
Gunshots rang out, and Anfiya fell right in front of me.

ANFIYA——!
Why, why, why, why, WHY?!

"Stop! Stop, please! STOP——!"
I screamed, but the only response I got was "Insufficient authorization," over and over. I slumped over the steering wheel, with nothing but a sandstorm in front of me.
I can't... I can't just leave her there! If I go back now, maybe I can still save her!
I hit the jeep's window as hard as I could. I don't know how long it took, but I finally crawled out.
I ran towards where she fell.

Yellow sand, endless yellow sand.
I couldn't see Anfiya or anyone else. All I could see was the camp, completely looted by the Varjagers.
Everything was quiet.

I failed.
I didn't make it in time.
Anfiya, she's... gone.
No humans, dead, vanished, I should be sad, I should cry, I should, I should...
No, no, nonononono.
Save her!
I should save her!
I remember where people live nearby. With just some medical supplies and some help, I can come back and save her.
40km, that's not far, Anfiya, just wait a little longer for me.

...

"Huh? There's not even a shadow of anyone. They must've been swept away by the Collapse storm."
"No point in trying to save them. We're short on supplies too. Let's get outta here."
"But... Anfiya..."
"How many people die in the contamination zone every day? We don't have time for this."
"Please, I'm begging you..."

Smile. Lift those corners of your mouth up 30 degrees. Put your hands behind your back.
Gotta smile, gotta smile, that's what humans want to see. If they see me smiling, maybe they'll help save Anfiya.

"Huh? You weirdo, your smile's uglier than you crying."
"You look pretty pitiful, but give it up. The protective suit's busted, and no one survives where the Collapse storm hits, especially since your 'Anfiya' was hurt."

I knew they wouldn't give me supplies or help save Anfiya. But if they could give—no, lend me some communication device—
"I-If possible, can I use your communication equipment? I... I can help treat patients, get groundwater, even fix houses..."
My voice was shaking.
"Oh right, you're a medical model, aren't you?"
"Y-Yes, sir."
"Fix up the person inside, and I'll lend you the communicator."

...

Lucky for me, the person's injuries weren't too bad. Under their watchful eyes, I used the medical kit they gave me and gained access to the communicator.
I searched my database for the Central Army emergency reporting channel.
Connection made.
"This is medical Doll TS-K-2076 from the 11th Medical and Chemical Regiment of the Central Army Emergency First Response. The 3rd Medical Team was attacked by Varjagers while on a mission. The situation is critical, requesting immediate assistance!"
After what felt like an eternity a robot voice told me they got the message, and ordered me to get back to my team.
Then, they hung up.

...

Why, why did it turn out like this?
I kept trying to call back. At first, they answered in a grumpy tone, but afterwards only busy tones played.

"We've recorded the incident—you don't have the clearance to receive updates, please stop calling."
I gave back the communicator, and for some reason, I felt something strange and new budding within.
I started running.
Colphne. Run, run faster, faster.
Run to where she used to be, where she made me leave.
My hands dug into the yellow sand, trying to find even the tiniest trace of her.

Nothing.
No matter how many times I tried, there was nothing. Just yellow sand slipping through my fingers.
The sand, it's so annoying.
The wind, it's so annoying too!
Why is it that I can only kneel? Why is it that my hands can only hold these useless grains of sand?!

Anfiya...
If she hadn't saved me and escaped in the car instead, would things be different now?
If I could've run a bit faster and made it back to save her, would things be different now?
Back then, if she hadn't tried to save those people, would things be different now?
There will never be answers.
There will never be a reality I live in where those ’ifs’ are real.

I stood up, not knowing where to go. But I couldn't just give up.
She said, "Stay alive, Colphne."
So I have to survive. Survive until I take care of those Varjager bastards. Then, I'll come back here to be with you... Anfiya.
They say that when humans die, their souls go to Heaven.
Dolls don't have souls, but I have a neural cloud backup. As long as my neural cloud data is okay, I can avenge you.

My self-diagnostic program says I've only got enough energy for two more days.
Energy, that's what I need the most right now. Just a little bit... a tiny bit. This is a contamination zone; humans really need medical help. Trading medical aid for electricity shouldn't be a problem.
Broken human bodies, bleeding wounds, and painful curses... Dealing with stuff like that is my job.

"Your name's Colphne, right? Cough, cough... You look really cute..."
"Thank you very much."
The programmed response just popped out of my mouth, but why'd they call me cute?
"If my daughter were alive today, she'd be about your age."
"...Please believe, as long as you don't give up, the future will be bright."
"Cough, cough... Heh, see that person outside? Once you fix us all up, they'll take you apart and sell you to some shady dealer."
My hands tightened, and the human in front of me gasped.
"Sorry..."
"You're just like a human... Run away, Colphne."
"Why... are you telling me this?"
"Without you, I probably wouldn’t make it through this month."

...

I ran away.
I ran far, far away from there.
Step by step, my self-diagnostic system kept throwing errors at me.
"Low-power mode on."
I gave this command to my body, and everything went dark.
Turn off the journal entry module?
"...Keep it on."

I have to survive.
Explosions, people screaming, bullets hitting metal, that's mostly what I remember about the battlefield—

When the fighting starts, hide.
When it's over, go search. If I find one energy cell, I can keep going for a few more days.
My hands were digging through mechanical parts when something pierced the fake muscles in my hand. I lifted my right hand.
Tissue fluid gushed out, hitting the broken metal with a ticking sound.
It's okay.
A quick stitch, keep searching.

"Who's there?!"
A scared, unfamiliar voice came from nearby.
Being in low-power mode, I could only see a fuzzy, hunched shadow.
They seemed to be holding a gun, a... big but blurry gun.
"..."
I quietly stepped back, clutching the energy cell I'd just found.
The shadow moved—they were aiming—
Run!
My legs moved faster than my neural cloud could process, and I ran through the wreckage.
"Bang!"
The gunshot was deafening. The bullet tore through my back and got stuck in my chest.
I feel like I'm on fire. But I can't fall here.
The gunshots didn't stop. I ran with all my might until my body couldn't take it anymore, and my artificial muscles started falling off.
I collapsed in a ruined building in the Yellow Zone.

Anfiya, it's so dark here...
But I haven't avenged you yet. I can't come and see you yet...
Humans can feel the cold; is this what the cold feels like?
Anfiya...

Time no longer made sense to me.
I don't know how long it has been, but a tall, dark figure stopped in front of me.
"A Doll from the Central Army? Looks like I caught a little wolf cub stranded in the storm... Wow~"
Battery depleted, visual module shutting down.

Journal entry module... Closing... Confirmed.

Journal Entry 4

Neural link check... No abnormalities
Frame function check... No abnormalities
Authenticating... Permission check... Successful
Journal entry module... Loading... Successful

Affiliation: Union of Rossartrist Nations Coalition Central Army Emergency First Response 11th Medical and Chemical Regiment 3rd Medical Team, N/A
Frame Model: SSD-62D
Imprint Model: N/A
Status: Active
Mission ID: N/A
Time: N/A
Status: N/A

Date: February ██, 2074
Weather: Collapse Storm, Light
Mood: None

My body can move again.
I opened my eyes and saw this lady watching me like a hawk with her arms crossed.
Her hair was all black, and her eyes were ice cold. What I felt from her wasn’t what I deemed "human".
She wasn’t a "human", like Anfiya was.

"..."
I took a little step back, keeping my eyes on her. I need to be able to run if things go bad.
"Hmm~? Aren't you a cautious little thing? That's pretty rare~"
"I did some digging. You're one of those Dolls from the 11th Medical and Chemical Regiment, right? How much do you know about what happened to them a few months back?"
"...Did you fix me up?"
"Oh?" She smiled all interested-like. "Not gonna answer my question, huh? Asking your own instead?"
"Put an FCC in me, make me a T-Doll, and I'll spill the beans about the 11th," I said.
"Huh? Little wolf cub, do you even know what you're saying? Do you have any idea how much moolah it took to drag you back here and get you up and running?"
"I don't think you've got any useful information, little cub."
Poludnitsa kept on smiling.
"Wanna bet I'll take you apart right now?"
"T-Take me apart...? But didn't you just..."
That smile of hers was totally different from Anfiya’s.
That smile of hers—
Was a fake one; only used in the presence of those one has little patience for.

So I took another step back.

"Oh~ Finally catching on, are we? I'm not exactly... what you'd call a good person, little cub."
Her face looked just like those I had once seen, who wanted to tear me apart and sell the parts off. Maybe I should make a run for it...
"With that posture of yours... you thinking of running?" She still looked as aloof as ever and showed no signs she was going to attack. I just stared at her, keeping my mouth zipped.
"I went through all this trouble to wake you up, and you haven't given me a single juicy bit of info. Instead, you're trying to bargain with me..."
She paused, her smile growing ever bigger.
"So, pray tell, why should I let you keep on existing...?"

Her words sent a chill down my spine; a feeling not too far removed from when I was shot in the back. This lady, she can totally do what she's saying!
To stay alive, I’ve got to do what I did before...
"You want to know about the 11th Medical and Chemical Regiment, right? I-I can tell you everything!"
She squinted her eyes and gave a little smile.
"What else~?"
"And... and... whatever you want to know! I'll spill everything! Just... just let me keep on living!"
She kept squinting at me, not saying a peep.
Gotta say something to make her believe me, or I'll end up like before—
"You can have all the info about the regiment... and whatever services I am capable of! Medical rescue work, cleaning, I can do it all!"
She still didn't say anything, but her eyes grew a bit softer. Maybe... maybe I can ask for something now?
"I just need a tiny bit of electricity to stay alive!"

She kept staring at me, then suddenly burst out laughing.
"Not a bad deal, kid. I'm Poludnitsa. You are...?"
"Col-Colphne."
"Hm? That's not a medical Doll's serial number. Who gave you that name?"
"..."
"Not gonna answer? Well, that's fine."
She paused and raised an eyebrow.
"Colphne, lemme tell you something. When dealing with 'humans', the 'Mona Lisa smile' is your best bet~ And your tone should be all warm and fuzzy~"
"Mona... Mona Lisa smile? What's that...?"
"At the very least, you need to convince me that you're trustworthy~"
"Warm, trustworthy... I-I get it."
I smiled super wide, trying to sound as warm as possible—
"Whatever Poludnitsa asks for, no matter what it is, I'll do it for sure~"
"Oh...? Haha~"
Poludnitsa laughed.
"A-Am I doing it right? Poludnitsa?"
"...Yeah, that’s not bad at all."

After that, I got enough electricity to stay alive from Poludnitsa by doing medical work and odd jobs. She started being nicer to me, though sometimes she'd make this weird scowl.
Sometimes, Poludnitsa would chat about the contamination zone.
But just living on isn’t enough for me.
My real goal is to avenge Anfiya.

One time, while I was helping with the stock-taking, I spotted Poludnitsa and zoomed over to her.
"Poludnitsa~ I'm back again~ Got any new tasks for me? I've been waiting soooo impatiently~"
"You again? Colphne, right? You want me to install that fire-control core, don't you? Getting impatient, huh?"
"Ah, as expected of Poludnitsa, you saw right through me~ Since you know, pretty please help me out~ I've been working super duper hard lately~"
"Oh? What have you been up to? Let's see..."
Poludnitsa flipped through her logs.
"Pulling shifts, sweeping, laundry, organizing supplies... that's it? Colphne, I could get any old Doll to do these chores."
My smile froze, but I quickly plastered it back on.
"But... but I really, really need this fire-control core..."
"Well, let me give it to you straight, little cub. It's not happening~"
Same answer again. But I can't give up.
"Okay then, Poludnitsa, I'll come back to see you tomorrow~"
"Huh? Tomorrow?"
Poludnitsa sighed.
"Feels like you've been here forever. I've put up with you long enough."
"...Ah, not at all~"
I took a deep breath and put on my best ’Mona Lisa smile’.
"No matter how long it takes, I just wanna help Poludnitsa more and more~"
Poludnitsa's face twisted into that familiar scowl.

"Come to think of it... there's someone who really likes to stick their nose in this kinda business~"
"Someone... who?"
"That person has this huge MBV called the Elmo~"
"T-The Elmo...?"

Poludnitsa looked up as she walked down memory lane.
"Ha~ It was a while back. Met this person by chance, during this really unusual snowstorm. Their MBV was all busted up, and there was this blue-white flash over it, like some kind of legendary, unfathomable spontaneous combustion. Elmo... someone with a big responsibility... and that very phenomenon is literally known as the St. Elmo's fire—"
"Snow in the contamination zone, thunder, and spontaneous combustion on the vehicle roof. What were the chances, eh...?"
"This person driving an MBV called the Elmo—don't you think it's like, destiny or something?"

I didn't really get what she was saying.
But right now, I was focused on something else.

"So... can I go to the Elmo?"
"Now that's a whole ’nother can of worms~ There are so many rooms on board the Elmo, it's like a maze. Well, if you sneak in and stay hidden, it probably won't be a big deal."
"What if I get caught...?"

She seemed to remember something and grinned wolfishly.
"If you get caught, just talk to that person using—yeah, the 'Mona Lisa voice'. That person's like, a rare good egg in the contamination zone, and pretty generous too. They'll probably agree to let you stay. Oh~ I do wish they'd stop calling me 'Harpagon'."
"The Elmo is manned by a whole bunch of T-Dolls, the kind you wanna be. If you can sweet-talk that person, you might just get what you want. And then, you can get outta my hair faster."

That person...

Looking at Poludnitsa's face, I made up my mind.

"So, Poludnitsa, can you pretty please send me to that person~?"
I gave her my cutest smile, the kind most people would call adorable. Poludnitsa smiled back.
"Well, let's see—"
She pointed at a black box in the base.
"As it just so happens, I'm missing a few parts, totaling at about your weight. If you wanna go, just hop into this box."

Journal entry module... Closing... Confirmed.

Journal Entry 5

Neural link check... No abnormalities
Frame function check... No abnormalities
Self-diagnostic complete... Booting systems... Successful

Authenticating... Permission check... Successful
Journal entry module... Loading... Successful

Affiliation: Union of Rossartrist Nations Coalition Central Army Emergency First Response 11th Medical and Chemical Regiment 3rd Medical Team, N/A
Frame Model: SSD-62D
Imprint Model: .380 Curva
Status: Active
Mission ID: N/A
Time: N/A
Status: N/A

Date: April ██, 2074
Weather: Collapse Storm, Extreme
Mood: 0v0

It's super dark in this box.
My body is trembling a little.
I have no clue how much time has passed, but I can hear the sound of conversation outside.
Sounds like they're having a big argument over something. One of them has a voice that can only be described as special. That voice is approaching. They seem to be... coming over to open this box.
I see a glimmer of light upon their opening of this box.

W–What should I say first to make these strangers believe in me?
To make that person Poludnitsa talked about trust me?
Poludnitsa said that person is a Commander of many Dolls, so... can I call them... Commander too?
The footsteps are getting closer, and then—
Alarms start blaring. The footsteps stop and move away.
I let out a big breath and made sure it was all quiet before I lifted the lid and crawled out of the box.

This place doesn't seem to be much better than Poludnitsa's.
I snuck over to where I heard noise, and gently pressed my ear against the sliding door, trying to catch every little word.
Suddenly, the door flies open and I fall to the floor.
I look up, and with the ear-piercing alarm still going off, I see a bunch of pitch-black gun barrels pointed right at me.

I need to show them that I have no intention to attack.
Still sprawled on the floor, I put on a smile. "Whoa... Sorry, I didn't know there were people around!"
No reply.
That person who seems to be the 'Commander' stared at me.
"...Who are you?"

...

I've been here for a long time now.
Even though I was retrofitted with an FCC, it's still not enough.
I'm nowhere near strong enough to erase the Varjagers. I need more power.
I'll remain here for now.

...

"Colphne, what are you thinking about? You look like you’ve been spirited away."
"Oh, nothing much~ By the way, Commander, you gotta be more careful next time. Can't have you... getting all banged up, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah."
The person in front of me rotated their wrist around, checking out the knot I tied.
"It's pretty, but something feels... off."
"Off—? Ohhh, I get it! Let me fix it up for you right now—Commander~"
"...Colphne, don’t talk like that."
The person in front of me looks fed up, just like... just like how Anfiya once reacted.
The Commander is a good person.
A good person, like Anfiya was.
Good people should live on.
I took a deep breath, quickly grabbed the Commander's arm, undid the bandage, and tied the messiest knot ever.
Just like the ones Anfiya used to tie.

"Colphne..."
"There! Did I do a suuuper good job fixing it for you, Commander~?"
I asked with a smile.

Maybe, just maybe, this person can really be trusted.
Looks like I'll be interacting with them for a while longer...
Only time will tell.

Journal entry module... Closing... Confirmed.