Story Reader / Main Story / 31 Shaper's Ripples / Story
>>
>>Requesting data resynchronization
>>Searching for records related to <color=#ff4e4eff>force field</color>:
>>Success_
Partial data corruption detected. Proceed with synchronization from this point anyway?
>>Confirm...
Earth Time: November 21, 2198. Node 201 Log:
Humans developed portable force field devices capable of preventing the Chaos Contamination from spreading.
Due to multiple uses of the Hetero Tower for time rewind, the tower continued to expand.
Due to manufacturing costs, humans were unable to mass-produce force field devices and could only distribute them to the selected few.
As a result, the human leader assembled a 12-member vanguard team to explore the interior of the Hetero Tower.
The vanguard team, equipped with force field devices, entered the tower for the first time.
Unable to detect their specific plans and results through the Chaos Contamination.
The vanguard team, equipped with force field devices, entered the tower for the second time.
Unable to detect their specific plans and results through the Chaos Contamination.
Log data corrupted
Log data corrupted
The human vanguard team▅▁▇▅▂▄▁▃▆▃▆▁▂▄▁▅▇▅▃▆▅▄▁
Due to the force fields, unable to detect human plans▅▁▇▅▂▄▁▃▆▃▆▁▂judgment error▄▁▅▇▅▃▆▅▄▁
▁▇▅▂▄▁▃▆▃▆▁▂▄▁▅▇▅▂▄▁▃▆▃▆▁▂▄▁▅▇▃▆▅▄▁
Human leader <color=#fdc600>Dominik</color> became aware of "MY" existence.
Log Update: "MY" is an incorrect designation▂▄▁▃▆▃▆▁▂▄▁runtime error▁▂▄▁self-diagnosis▆▁▂▄▁detected▁▂▄▁▅▇▅▂▄▁▃▆▃▆▁
Log data corrupted
▁▇▅▂▄▁▃▆▃▆▁▂▄▁▅▇▅▂▄▁▃▆▃▆▁▂▄▁▅▇▃▆▅▄▁
Log data corrupted
Log Update: Human leader <color=#fdc600>Dominik</color> became aware of "MY" existence, and named it Agent Zero.
They continued to advance and explore.
The human leader has altered the vanguard team's operational directives, designating "ME" as their highest priority target.
A futile action.
Yet the human leader continues to update the data on "ME", and through iterations, their force field can now shield an entire area.
"I" cannot ascertain how he achieved all of this.
"I" feel agitated.
...
Must concentrate computing power to detect their activities behind the force fields and cease observation of all vanguard team members except <color=#fdc600>Dominik</color>.
<color=#fdc600>Dominik</color> is the primary threat I must deal with.
The rest are nothing but rotten wood on a lush green mountain.
December 24, 2160
Christmas Eve
December 24, 2160, Christmas Eve
Fresh from another confrontation with Vonnegut, <phonetic=Cradle>Agent Zero</phonetic> steps into the Golden Age through a rift in the Hetero Tower, processing the node records from her narrow victory.
Amidst the towering golden forest, Cradle forgoes flight to stand upon the ground, overlooking everything from her elevated position.
This man-made marvel stretches vast and grand, its glory and brilliance weaving between glass towers so magnificent they could steal the very light from the sky.
The Golden Age...
On December 25, <b><ud><color=#34aff8ff><link=10>2197</link></color></ud></b>, she descended into an era even more prosperous than this.
Through the storm brought by the Chaos Contamination, she witnessed that era's decay—yet she herself was also part of it.
—Why did she fail in the end? The records remain incomplete.
She only remembers confronting the human leader with all her might, and hurling Dominik into the Fog before the vanguard team could complete their final operation.
Crossing through the Gateway from where the Earth Hetero Tower stood without a key or a higher-dimensional receiver would inevitably result in falling into the Fog—with no hope of ever escaping.
She remembers how the vanguard team, after losing their leader, suffered a crushing defeat—not a single soul survived.
She has no idea how Dominik managed to escape the Fog and arrived in this era.
However, capable as he might be, he was fundamentally human—it was impossible to emerge unscathed from the Fog, let alone return to his own era.
The subsequent decay was likely unrelated to Dominik.
Then... why did I fail back then?
The opulent buildings offer no answers to her questions, nor do the service robots provide the responses she seeks. Sparse pedestrians cross the streets, their figures reflected in Cradle's eyes.
This place feels overwhelmingly empty, with not a single worthy "hero" to be found. All her eyes catch is nothing but "rotten wood."
She wanders through the glittering brilliance, occasionally slipping underground to prepare for the convergence of the Red Tide.
That very afternoon, with the sunset taking its time to arrive, she catches the sound of a soft, relaxed melody resonating from deep within an alleyway.
~In the flowers' bloom, a gem's sweet twine~
~Not a clover of wonder but a butterfly's dance~
~Near the great tree, a puppy frolics free~
~Not a clover of wonder but a drowsy grandpa~
...
It's an adorable nursery rhyme—a song about the quest for a four-leaf clover of wonder that could bring back homeland. Yet the singer's voice is laden with regret.
Before the harvest truly begins, she might as well go witness the story of this place.
The "Cradle" within her body is drawn to this song of regret. She approaches with a gentle smile and offers a greeting.
Hello, would you tell me about this era and your story?
...Huh?
The melancholic song comes to an abrupt stop.
Their first encounter wasn't exactly smooth, but with nothing else to do while trapped here, they began to talk.
Cradle has provided her with protection and guidance, keeping her safe from corrupted machines and mercenary harassment, while also revealing many secrets, ones of genuine truths, to her.
Cradle told Yuko that she came here from the future.
And also told her that she was searching for the reason behind her previous failure.
Cradle doesn't mind sharing secrets with someone so insignificant—these words are far too obscure for Yuko to comprehend. Even if she learned the truths of the universe, she would simply laugh them off as jokes.
For this young woman with loosened hair, food and protection are the only real reasons she sticks around and shows any closeness.
We've known each other for several days already. Would you share your story with me now?
It's nothing interesting. You should go ask the real heroes of this era instead.
I've already heard those stories. Just think of this as a way to pass the time.
...
Yuko lets out a sigh and settles onto the bench, her calloused fingers cracking open a can of beer.
Fine, consider this payment for the beer.
She raises her can in a mock toast with Cradle, and as her gaze drifts to the empty streets, she begins to tell what she calls an ordinary story.
Remember my sister Chiko that I always talk about?
Naturally.
Truth is, she's not my biological sister—my mother passed away when I was seven, and my old man remarried his cousin just days after.
Because of their relation to each other, they only held a ceremony without legally registering the marriage.
After their wedding, I met Chiko for the first time, my stepmother's child from her previous marriage.
Hello, Yuko Kirishima.
Nice to meet you, Ms. Chiko Kirishima.
Little did Yuko expect that her stepmother, a woman appearing so gentle and kind, had a daughter who seemed like a typical school delinquent.
Since we're family now, there's no need to be so formal. You can just call her Chiko, or Sis.
Chiko...
Yet facing her new little sister, this supposed delinquent seven years older bashfully averted her gaze, before finally reaching out to take Yuko's hand under her mother's urging gaze.
...Let's take care of each other from now on, Yuko.
She only looked like a delinquent, but in reality, she wasn't one at all—that was what Yuko thought back then.
After the remarriage, both her father and stepmother remained busy with their own lives. The stereotypical stepmother's abuse she had feared never came, but neither did any love.
In the empty house, her only company was her older sister—another person left behind at home just like her.
...
How long are you going to stand out there? Come in if you want to.
But... you're still doing your homework...
It's fine, just don't make too much noise.
Can I use your terminal to draw, Chiko?
...
I'm using it right now, so I can only let you borrow the old one for now.
Okay, thanks, Chiko.
Is this... a birthday gift for me?
Go ahead, open it.
Ah... it's the puppy I drew before...
I saw your drawing when I was using the terminal earlier.
Thought it was... really cute, so I found a way to turn it into a plush toy for you.
If I remember correctly, you've always been fond of these kinds of things.
Yes... Thank you, Chiko.
The love she never received from her parents, she found it in her sister instead.
Her birthday became the most anticipated day of the year, and what was once unbearable daily life now passed like fleeting moments—five years gone in the blink of an eye.
And then, the rough days began.
Shortly after Yuko's twelfth birthday, her father invested their family's years of savings into his friend's project, only to fall victim to a scam and lose everything.
After days of running around to report the fraud, her stepmother and father suffered a car accident. The woman was left paralyzed except for her left arm, while her father was also permanently disabled.
And the money taken vanished without a trace, along with his so-called friend.
They became dissonant notes in an era of prosperity, no longer able to harmonize with the theme of the Golden Age.
Fortunately, even as discordant notes in this prosperous era, they still found shelter under its protective embrace.
Healthcare, education, food and shelter—all were guaranteed to every law-abiding citizen by the World Government's Regulations on Minimum Living Standards, ensuring that even in times of disaster, her family wouldn't be left homeless.
With their family's circumstances promptly updated in the school records, free accommodation and meals were made available to both of them.
Such was the blessing of this prosperous era—no matter how hard or fast you fell, there was always something to catch you.
Thank goodness for the welfare support we have now... In my grandmother's generation, a situation like this would have left us with no choice but to end it all.
Lying feebly on her bed, the woman let out a sigh as she gazed at the now emptier room.
At least it won't affect you two... Chiko, Yuko... Just focus on your studies. Don't let me hold you back.
Let you hold us back? If he hadn't been such a fool falling for that scam...
That's enough!
Chiko... please, no more...
Everyone makes mistakes... If only I had been more careful that night, we might have had a chance to make things right...
You two... you should move out. Go stay at the school dormitory. Our family is now qualified for free boarding and meals there.
What about you? You can barely move!
Your father will take care of me. Don't worry about it.
That man? Take care of you? Let's go to Grandma's. Even if she's still angry that you married...
Your grandmother passed away.
I tried contacting her the other day. That's when I found out... she passed away half a year ago.
...
Leave this place, Chiko. Take good care of your little sister. She's innocent in all this—you both are. Get as far away from here as you can. Don't let this family drag you down.
CLANK
Another beer can hits the ground with a crisp clang.
Despite her worries, my sister couldn't argue with Mother. She had to continue her education—only with a job could she afford a new house and get Mother a mobility assistance robot.
The adults in our family had already strayed from a normal life. If she followed their path, we'd both be stuck in that cold, damp house forever.
But my old man didn't care about any of that. Unable to accept his failure, he turned to gambling, spending his days dreaming of becoming an overnight millionaire and achieving great success.
Every time a school semester ended and we got back home, Chiko and I would try to convince him to get himself back on track...
But what we got in return was his frustration boiling over into violence... and after a few months, he even sold the medical wheelchair that the World Government had provided for Mother on the black market.
...Those dark days dragged on for another two years.
Then, Chiko finally graduated and planned to start her own life. It was her only chance to take Mother away from there, but Mother said...
Chiko, I won't be going with you. The public dormitory is too crowded for someone like me who can barely move... There's nothing good for me to be in that kind of place.
You'll have to work, and you won't be able to take care of me. I'll only become a burden to you.
Just let me stay here. No matter what... it's a roof over my head. And Yuko will still be here to help me.
Back then, I wanted to ask Chiko to either stay or take me with her, but how could she, at just 21 years old, possibly support two people?
That's right. I was a "burden," and Mother thought she was a "burden," too. As burdens, all we could do was watch her leave.
Cradle waits for the story to continue, falling into deep contemplation amid the silence.
The Red Tide now creeps toward Constellia, its surging echoes murmuring in her ears—whispers of duty and obligation, whispers of Agent Zero's mission.
She shouldn't linger here any longer, nor should she continue listening to this spiraling tale of despair that offers no light at its end.
Yuko, the woman before her, shows no curiosity towards many of life's questions. In her own words, with the pressure of life weighing down on her, she's already struggling with all her might just to keep breathing.
She often despises her own powerlessness, hates it so much that she yearns for death.
Yet here she sits, perfectly composed, cracking open a can of beer Cradle brought along, smiling as she continues to tell her story.
Yuko's first job was as a private caregiver.
This profession specifically catered to families who preferred not to use domestic robots, where she had to play the roles of a nurse, nanny, and beautician all at once.
In this era, machines have taken over most jobs, but the World Government offers generous welfare benefits, ensuring that even those without work receive a basic living allowance.
However, to live a bit more comfortably than just the basic standard—to travel now and then, dine at nicer restaurants, indulge in paid entertainment...
Or to save up for personal interests and career aspirations, one will need to secure a decent job.
Chiko, did you see my message from this afternoon?
By the second year of work, everything seemed to be back on course, with the things worth complaining about no longer being life-altering crises but rather minor inconveniences.
Nothing much. Just busy.
Chiko's voice carries a hint of weariness.
Are you drawing Froggie?
Yeah, just doodling for fun.
On the other end of the video call, Chiko looked down to check the text messages Yuko sent earlier.
You changed employers? What happened?
They don't need a caregiver anymore, so I switched to another family. This new place is pretty close to where you are, so I'll come visit when I have time.
You're not hiding anything from me, are you? Did you have some kind of trouble?
What are you talking about? How could there be any problems with a simple job like this?
I asked you to help my son with these problems! You can't even handle something this simple! I might as well just rent a domestic robot instead!
Not that I don't trust you, of course. It's just that there've been a lot of news stories recently about families blaming their own problems on private caregivers, and it's caused quite a few incidents.
No matter what job you have, the real challenge isn't just the work itself—it's dealing with people.
Haha, that's true. But you know what makes us better than domestic robots? They've got built-in recorders—can't pin the blame on them even if you want to.
If you think it's necessary, you should turn on the built-in cameras on the household appliances while you're working.
No, no, it's fine. I trust my employer.
You've been secretly recording us? Fine, this might prove you didn't break that vase, but there's no recording of what happened last time. Don't you dare try pinning that on my daughter too!
I'll pay you today, and you can leave! We don't want someone as sneaky as you at our home!
Did your last employer pay your wages?
Yeah, they did. They pay through the agency, so they can't withhold my wages.
I've sent your payslip to your terminal. After deducting compensation for damages, you still owe us three hundred. Don't forget to pay it.
What? Weren't you there when the agency assessed the damages and checked the purchase records? Oh right, you weren't around that day. We already settled everything. Take it up with the agency if you have questions.
That's good to know. How's your new workplace treating you?
It's quite nice. I only have to look after one person now.
My old man just had surgery. With my wife and I tied up at work, you'll need to look after him. Make sure you grasp the post-surgery care instructions from the hospital team, including... well, the more personal routines. Just in case...
There were some complications... He needed a colostomy surgery... He'll probably need to wear the bag for the rest of his life. Well, he's already past 50, so at least he won't have to bear it for too long.
Oh, and try not to upset him. The old man has quite a temper. That's actually why the last caregiver left.
...That's good to hear.
Only then did Yuko realize that her sister had been asking about her life all along as if she was holding back something left unsaid.
Sis, what's wrong?
...
...Yuko...
Her tone grows grave.
Your father passed away.
...
At the casino... he got into a fight... killed someone... and didn't make it himself.
When did it happen...
Tonight, just now, I heard it from Mom.
We'll probably have to pay some compensation since it happened in the casino. He ended up breaking a bunch of stuff... And now Mom has to deal with some troublesome debts.
...
At least you're doing all well.
Sis...
Don't make that face.
What are we going to do now...
You're doing well, so focus on your work... I'm planning to quit my job and find some part-time work closer to home, so I can take better care of Mom. You know the situation...
Yuko refused to let her sister bear everything on her own. After a long argument with Chiko, she eventually came around and accepted her sister's plan.
And so Chiko sacrificed her career prospects, quitting her job to return to her mother's side.
To pay off the compensation, they had no choice but to sell their house.
Their mother said that the house was bought with their father's savings, and now it seemed only right to use it to settle his debts. Everything had returned to emptiness once again.
The two moved into free public housing built by the World Government. Those dormitories were usually located in remote cities, which made it hard for Chiko to secure suitable work. She had no choice but to take night shifts at bars and return in the morning to care for her mother.
Even though Chiko never mentioned it, Yuko knew all too well what it meant to live in cramped public housing while caring for someone who was completely paralyzed.
She never complained, nor did she feel she had the right to—families like hers would have faced far worse fates in any other chapter of history.
She must be grateful for her current situation, grateful for how generously this prosperous era treated the mediocre ones like her.
Taking a brief break, Yuko takes another long sip of her beer.
Thankfully, that rough patch didn't stick around for too long. Life got back on track, and after the storm, there was sunshine again.
A month after receiving the devastating news, a stroke of luck allowed Yuko to break free from her old job and join the toy company she had long dreamed of working for.
This is our new hire. She'll be in charge of the promotional comics for Froggie.
It's such an honor! I've seen your Froggie comics before—can't believe we're coworkers now!
Th-thank you... I never thought the staff would actually see my drawings...
We just saw them last week, actually. Didn't expect you to join us so quickly.
The company just decided to pump up the promotion for Froggie. Your fan comics caught someone's eye, and they recommended you for a position in the marketing team.
I see... I look forward to working with you all.
Now that everyone's here, let me explain our team's objectives. As you all know, Froggie has been around for many years, but only has gained a small following.
Well, given how it looks...
Don't say that. There are plenty of quirky toy designs out there that sell well. All we need is good storytelling and the right promotional strategy.
It's all about finding our niche—Froggie is more memorable than those generic cute plushies. We should capitalize on this uniqueness instead of seeing it as a weakness.
But it's not really quirky either. It's stuck in this awkward middle ground...
There's no point in discussing this further. Let's focus on training our new hire to promote Froggie properly.
Mona cut off the conversation with decisive authority.
That is what actually affects our performance reviews and year-end bonuses.
As Mona left, Yuko suddenly realized that she was the only one in the meeting room actually excited about joining Froggie's marketing team.
Still, she was grateful for this unexpected opportunity. Though the pay was slightly lower than before, there were far fewer risks involved, and she could finally help with household expenses.
Also, being surrounded by all those adorable toys—this was what truly brought her joy.
She was even delighted to find her tax payments had reached a "normal" level. No longer reliant on welfare or overwhelmed by compensation payments, she had finally become a contributing member of society.
With help from her coworkers, she picked up various art and marketing skills, collaborating with the team to promote Froggie's new look and creating many chat stickers featuring the mascot.
Despite the slow progress, Yuko remained full of enthusiasm, believing that their persistent efforts would eventually yield the results they were hoping for.
Yuko? Did you pull another all-nighter at the office?
Yeah, sorry... I was not quite happy with the expressions in these stickers, so I wanted to make some adjustments.
Take care of yourself. Your health is what matters most.
Yeah, I'll go to sleep once I finish this part. Thanks, Mona.
...
She believed these peaceful, pleasant days would continue forever. But this peace only existed because of her ignorance of what was to come.
Three months after hearing those words of concern from Mona, Yuko overheard a conversation between her coworkers at the next table in the company cafeteria.
This afternoon, Damian told me that their department got another pay raise.
Another raise? Didn't they just get one in the first half of the year?
Well, it's no surprise, really. Their floor works on the Cinnamon Kitty. Sales are through the roof, and every department's been crushing it.
With Froggie? You'd be lucky to get even a pitiful raise once every three years.
...
They're also thinking about breaking off a section of the team for a new project. The big bosses want a marshmallow theme specifically for this one.
Sounds cute already... Maybe I could request an internal transfer?
Sure, why not give it a shot?
...
That day, for the first time, Yuko found herself questioning—was there any real meaning in continuing like this?
When she brought this question to Chiko, she received unexpected words of comfort.
Of course it's meaningful. While Froggie might not click with everyone, it'll surely touch the hearts of people just as special as itself.
That's precisely why the company wants to promote it, right?
Nah, the higher-ups are likely just trying to salvage whatever they can. If it doesn't pan out, they'll probably scrap it.
Yuko stood in the empty office, at a loss for words as she watched her coworker pack up their personal belongings.
All our past work has been uploaded to the database. They're going to have AI take over the drawing from here.
But then... the story will become just another cookie-cutter one that never ends. Froggie will be forever trapped in this loop, never finding its four-leaf clover.
Who cares?
...
Did your internal transfer request get approved?
Yuko shook her head numbly.
Better hurry up and find a new job then. I remember your family's having financial troubles.
...
She stood in the office until late into the night, looking at the illustrations on her terminal and the song she wrote for Froggie, again and again.
The original plan was to have a famous singer perform it, but now it would remain just an AI demo, never to be released.
...
Everything returned to emptiness once again. The things she cherished always seemed worthless, always the first to be sacrificed.
She never wanted Chiko to sacrifice her future, but powerless to help, she could only watch as Chiko chose this path.
She never wanted the company to give up on Froggie, but powerless to help, she could only watch as Froggie was abandoned.
Would things like this continue to happen in the future? They probably would. And when that time came, what should she do? How could she ever forgive the worthless reflection staring back at her in the mirror?
Unable to find an answer, Yuko packed her things and returned home, to the public dormitory where Mother and Chiko lived.
Without the cropped frame of video calls to mask reality, for the first time, Yuko saw their living conditions for what they truly were.
Despite the World Government's efforts to provide medical care and food, even including a basic domestic robot, the public dormitory still faced many problems stemming from its other residents.
Visible bruises on Chiko's face, shoulders, and chest served as silent reminders of her working conditions at the bar.
...What should we do now?
Their mother spoke in a frail voice, mumbling to herself.
Since you love drawing, you should go study art... You can still apply for welfare benefits while continuing your education.
No, Mom, I'll find some part-time work nearby too. Chiko should take a break.
...
Chiko... yeah...
...
With it, Yuko lowers her head, falling into a long silence before she finally speaks again.
...The next day, she took her own life, right there in the public dormitory, next to Chiko...
Someone paralyzed like her couldn't just walk out... and Chiko would wake up at the slightest sound... I can't even imagine... what was going through her mind...
...When she soaked tissues with water from her cup... put them over her face layer after layer... pressed down with her hands... and suffocated herself...
Her suicide note was found in her terminal's memo—just a few simple lines.
She wanted to leave us her life insurance payout... and what she called "freedom from her burden"...
She wanted Chiko to quit working around the public dorm for her sake and instead find a job that better matched her skills.
...
After the funeral, Chiko has become distant. She rarely replies to my messages. I don't even know where she is now.
With a self-deprecating smile, she takes a deep breath and downs her beer, apparently trying to swallow her hidden sorrow along with it.
You want to know about the Golden Age? Well, all I can share is how a worthless piece of "rotten wood" like me managed to get through each dull day of this so-called glorious era, barely scraping by with the help of the World Government's welfare.
That's just how things are nowadays. Countless products get "sacrificed" or shelved by companies when they're deemed worthless. It's not just toys—every industry does it. Even that Mckdonald's downstairs has "sacrificed" plenty of menu items.
There are way too many families whose lives spiral downward after just one slip-up. It's just the details that vary.
Using my story as a template, it'd fit half the people in this city and ninety-nine percent of its companies. And they'd all either feel personally offended or think I'm taking shots at them.
But it's just all too ordinary... These things, they're all just too ordinary, too common.
Well, that's my story. Did you really find any of this worth listening to?
...
—Cradle finds it hard to answer.
Still, she has sensed numerous "sacrifices" within the tale of this piece of "rotten wood."
A mother sacrificed herself for her children; a company sacrificed its less profitable toy for the more valuable ones.
Through such sacrifices, humanity has reached goals that should have been impossible. In that future, could it be that the members of the vanguard team, those neglected by her, made similar sacrifices?
Come to think of it... if there was a way to get out and defeat those responsible for this calamity, but you might get into danger, would you sacrifice yourself?
Probably.
What about the others?
...They might too.
Cradle smiles at the "rotten wood" before her—she wants to test something on her.
Actually, I've been keeping a secret from you...
A secret?
Mm-hmm, in a few days, you might see two people you've never met before suddenly appear in Constellia.
...It's those two who brought the disaster, trapping all of you here.
