Story Reader / Floating Record / ER09: Crescent Sun / Story
Residential Area - Hydrangea Island
Evening, April 2nd - Pleasant and Dry
Reception Room - Mansion of the Osakos
A modern reception room that harmoniously blends Western and Kowloong architectural styles.
Outside the window, cherry blossom trees stand in the courtyard, their pink and white petals dancing in the breeze.
A bouquet of hydrangeas sits in a shallow vessel within the wall alcove.
The back wall is adorned with an array of authentic swords in various colors, arranged as decorative pieces.
It's been quite some time, Mr. Osako. We haven't been in touch for several years.
It's an honor to have you visit our humble home, Dr. Saotome.
I came right over as soon as I learned you were living here... though it did take me some time on my way.
It warms my heart that you still remember the name of your old classmate.
You're too modest, Doctor. Your reputation precedes you throughout the scientific community.
Not only are you a genius in cutting-edge research, but you're also the technical director of this island...
Reika, you've always been in the spotlight since childhood. Unlike me—I'm just a relic of the past now.
You haven't aged one bit, Yoshihiro.
You're even more charming now than you were when you were young. You must be quite popular with the ladies, I presume?
Please, you shouldn't tease an old fellow like me.
By the way, I don't think I've caught the name of this gentleman with you?
This is my assistant, Kouhei. I hope you don't mind his presence.
Sitting with perfect posture, Kouhei nods respectfully to Yoshihiro before introducing himself.
Of course. Now then, what brings you both here today?
Have you been keeping up with the latest technological developments?
I do know a thing or two about it.
I've been following the developments of the Zero-Point Energy Project and the Eden Project for quite some time now.
A few years ago, I inspected the Zero-Point Energy Reactor in person. It was truly a magnificent behemoth.
Given the reactor's progress, humanity will be able to venture into the galaxy in the near future.
Yoshihiro can barely contain his excitement, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Reika cups the teacup with both hands, gently blows on the surface, and takes delicate sips.
Indeed, it's remarkable progress. However, something has been on my mind.
Why would humanity want to venture into the galaxy?
Naturally, to establish new homes across the vast cosmic expanse and on various planets.
And then what?
Terraforming the atmosphere, cultivating land, building metropolises, raising future generations, spreading knowledge...
So in other words, we're simply relocating our earthly lifestyle to a different place?
But don't you think this is a noble endeavor?
Even after such grand visions, the mundanity of daily life won't simply disappear.
Will the pioneers who claim planetary resources first be selfless enough to welcome those who come after?
Will the descendants of the migrants accept a homeland they've never seen? How will cultural barriers be addressed?
Won't conflicts arise between an overextended Earth government and its distant colonists?
I just think that interstellar colonization will likely devolve into yet another clichéd space drama.
Humans are humans no matter where we go.
The selfishness, hostility, and mysticism you see today won't magically disappear just because we're on another planet.
Children might think space travel is cool, but we need to look beyond that as adults.
With all this effort we're wasting, what kind of future are we really discussing here?
A lot of problems can't be solved through idealism alone.
Though I'm an idealist myself, I'm deeply aware of humanity's inherent limitations.
Pardon my frankness, Doctor, but your view of human nature is too pessimistic.
That's precisely my forte.
I'm not against the idea of space colonization, but everyone seems to be placing too much hope in it.
What are your thoughts on this?
Yoshihiro senses there's more to Reika's words than meets the eye.
With a smile, Reika slowly raises her index finger to her temple.
The mind.
The mind?
I believe this is where our revolution should begin.
By connecting the consciousness of all humanity, we can build a new homeland in the realm of the mind.
Connecting... all of humanity together?
Yes, by breaking down the barriers of distrust between human minds, we can build a utopia within our collective unconscious.
In the end, we will reach our spiritual Eden—a place of pure tranquility, free from all conflict.
But would the issues you just mentioned truly vanish in this... spiritual Eden of yours?
What if, one day, we could just simply delete the unnecessary parts of human nature?
Are you saying you want to control the minds of all humanity?!
For humanity's future, we must evolve into a superior species, wouldn't you agree?
Let us unify all human will and usher in a new age of enlightenment.
This is an unprecedented and deeply disturbing proposition.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call this absurd.
Before Yoshihiro can finish speaking, Kouhei furrows his brows and steps forward with a bow, seemingly eager to explain...
Reika gently sets down her teacup, and Kouhei, reading the room, promptly steps back.
The atmosphere grows tense as both sides fall silent, while Yoshihiro calmly continues preparing tea.
Reika raises her head to survey her surroundings, her gaze falling on an array of ornate knives displayed on the wall.
My, how beautiful. Are these swords all part of your collection?
Indeed. My ancestors were renowned swordsmiths, and I practice bladesmithing in my spare time.
These pieces on display are my recent works, though I must apologize for their humble quality.
Magnificent. Even sheathed, their deadly nature shines through their elegant forms.
Such beautiful blades. I envy your skilled hands.
I notice there's even a monomolecular vibration blade among them. Do you craft these scientific weapons as well?
I do, I studied under weapon designers specifically for this. I deeply admire the concept of infusing traditional blades with modern technology.
I'm quite fascinated by them as well. Would you consider crafting one for me someday?
Of course, Doctor. I'd be happy to craft one for you whenever you wish.
However...
Reika Saotome points to a corner of the weapon display wall.
It's missing two swords over there, no?
Missing? Let me take a look.
Yoshihiro turns his head curiously and sees two conspicuously empty spots on the display wall.
How strange... They were here this morning. I must have left them somewhere...
Misono High
Evening, April 2nd - Pleasant and Dry
Shower Area - Girls' Locker Room
The shower head streams water over Yata's hair, washing away the soap suds.
Having worked up a sweat, she's savoring this rare moment of relaxation.
She gently turns the mixer tap to raise the water temperature, and soon her body is enveloped in steam and bubbles.
Ahh, this feels nice...
Some time later, Yata turns off the faucet.
Voices of two girls chattering drift over from the adjacent shower stall.
Hey, did you know that creepy girl from second year won this year's Miss Misono?
Well, she's pretty popular with the boys. All the boys seem to have a thing for her.
Give me a break! She barely even shows up to class anymore. She just won because of her pretty face.
That whole sick excuse is probably just a lie. Her eyes are terrifying—like something you'd see on a murderer.
Yeah, who knows? Maybe she really did "kill someone" at the hospital, don't you think?
That's exactly what I'm talking about.
Haha, you've got such a wicked tongue, Kanako.
Hey, you jerks! Stop talking trash about people behind their backs!
Yata slams her fist against the door panel, deliberately raising her voice to make herself heard.
The two girls, who were just cheerfully chatting away, fall into an immediate silence. After about thirty seconds...
Sorry, we're leaving.
Sorry.
The rushed footsteps fade away, leaving only the sound of dripping water in the bathroom.
When Yata emerges after changing clothes, she finds Yuka standing in the sunset staring ahead with an expressionless face.
You were in there for quite a while, Yata. Did something happen?
The water heater's broken. The water was going back between hot and cold every five seconds. Wasn't the most pleasant experience if you ask me.
Guess the stars aren't aligned for you today—no hot showers in your fortune.
Yuka turns her face away, covering her mouth with her left hand as she speaks softly.
You just laughed, didn't you, Yuka? Trying to sneak a giggle behind my back, huh?
N-no, of course not! I would never!
Let's go.
Yata pounces on Yuka and tickles her. As they walk together, they fall into casual conversation.
You know how I went to check out the school band? Well, turns out everyone was playing percussion instruments.
They said playing recorders was too boring, so one by one they started picking up these big instruments instead.
Say, Yuka, have you ever played the recorder?
I did, but people kept stealing my mouthpiece, so I just gave up on it altogether.
Really... The thieves around here sure have weird taste in what they steal.
While you were away from school, the band practically turned into the percussion club.
Huh? Why?
The club members thought percussion would make for better performances, plus they'd get more views when they upload their videos online.
We've got two girls on the marimba, a new kid on the glockenspiel, and another one on the drums.
When I dropped by a few days ago, they were all practicing with burning enthusiasm.
It was quite a sight, but somehow everything came together perfectly.
People sure are amazing! What about you, Yata? What instrument are you playing?
I can only dance. I don't know how to play anything.
Don't worry about it. I heard that even some of the quieter instrument players double as dancers.
Anyone who can be on stage deserves respect, no matter what they do.
It's kind of embarrassing... but sports seem to be the only thing I'm good at.
I don't even know what to write for next month's career planning survey.
About that... What are your plans, Yata?
Well, I'm not really sure either. But since I'm good at running, I figure I'll stick with that.
To be honest, I'm just happy as long as I can keep running on the track.
I love the feeling when I'm drenched in sweat and pushing past my limits...
When my body's exhausted, my mind stops wandering. That's how I keep myself from overthinking things.
My coach says someone like me should compete in as many tournaments as possible while I'm still young.
Maybe I'll become a track athlete, and maybe I can be a PE teacher when I retire.
That seems to be how everyone does it. Everyone is old before they know it.
What about you, Yuka?
I'm pretty mediocre, academically speaking. I don't really have many options open to me.
Aren't you pretty good at liberal arts? You won an award for your essay writing, no?
I've never found studying interesting. I only entered those competitions to make Dr. Saotome happy.
But I'm not so sure if I feel the same anymore...
You're good at track and field, so you can get into a good university through the sports program. But me? I'm mediocre at everything.
The only things I'm good at are flower arrangement and origami, and those won't help me get into university at all.
Maybe someday, and that's if I ever make it that far... I'll just work at a local flower shop.
But you know, even getting into a top university doesn't guarantee you'll make it big these days.
Robots are everywhere in every industry now, and the welfare system is pretty comprehensive...
Only the absolute elite can create any real value nowadays. Everyone else can live just fine without even working.
Finding something you love to do is better than being lost about what to do with your life, right?
Well, I guess that does make some sense.
Thank you, Yata.
Speaking of that music box we talked about earlier, where should we get the materials?
I can ask my friends in the handicrafts club to help me purchase them.
That's what I'm talking about!
Wait, Yata... there seems to be a crowd gathering up ahead.
Ah! It's those troublemakers again. Time to teach them a good lesson.
Yata takes out her Disciplinary Committee armband from her bag and slips it onto her arm with practiced precision.
The boys seem unaware of Yata's swift approach.
Sick, right? I swiped this science sword from my old man.
Absolutely sick, Boss! Those biker punks are gonna be shaking in their boots now!
Hey, Masao, let me borrow one of those. You've got two anyway.
Listen up. These aren't meant for dealing with some biker gang.
These babies can cut through steel like butter. Watch it, or you might lose a hand.
The red one is called "Rainbow Breaker", and the blue one is "Snow's Grace". Got that?
That's our Boss for ya!
As the delinquents gather around to admire the weapons, measured footsteps echo from afar.
Bringing restricted weapons onto school grounds is a serious violation, you know...
State your names, one by one. I'll be confiscating those little toys of yours.
Yata peers at what Masao is holding, her expression turning to puzzlement.
Those aren't toys... Monomolecular vibration blades? Military-grade tactical weapons?
Where did you get such dangerous weapons?
Well, well. You know your stuff, girlie.
My father is a weapons engineer. That's why I know.
B-boss! That's Yata, the infamous "Delinquent Disciplinary Officer"!
Is she the "She-Devil of the Disciplinary Committee" who single-handedly took down half a biker gang?
What in the world are these ridiculous nicknames...
Hah! Are you all scared of some girl? I don't care if she's some legendary disciplinary officer or whatever.
Hey Yata, heard you used to be one of us delinquents. How'd you end up becoming the school's lapdog?
Why don't you join us instead? Help me rule this whole damn island.
Not interested. And you're really starting to get on my nerves.
Tell ya what—fight me one-on-one. If you're still standing after ten rounds, I'll do whatever you say.
Just so you know, I'll go easy on you.
Ready?
Hey! That's my line, damn it!
As Masao Osako eagerly rolls up his sleeves for a fight, a black shadow suddenly strikes from below at an angle, catching the corner of his eye.
Wha—ugh!
His body lurches backward uncontrollably as the world spins before his eyes. His back slams against the ground, and only after several breaths does the pain in his jaw finally catch up to him.
He struggles to sit up and shakes his head vigorously a few times before his vision finally comes back into focus.
We're still continuing like this?
What... continue? What just... happened?
Don't tell me some chick knocked me flat with one punch... That's impossible... No, something's not right.
Boss! You okay? That dirty witch pulled a sneak attack!
What are you standing around for? Help him up, quick!
The lackeys finally realize they should help Masao up, but his legs are still too weak to support him.
Back off! I don't need no help! I don't need your support! You want everyone to laugh at me or what?!
Y-Yata! Don't get cocky! I'll be back for revenge, mark my words!
You said that last time, and the time before that! When are you actually gonna knock me out, idiot?
Yata delivers a sharp-tongued scolding...
Masao Osako freezes for a moment, clearly fazed by her words.
Look, you've got zero talent for being a delinquent. Why not try hitting the books instead?
With that can-do attitude of yours, you might even become a top student if you actually tried.
You'll pay for this, Yata!
In a pathetic display, Masao snatches up his pair of science swords and makes a hasty retreat with his lackeys' support.
You're collecting quite a few titles now, Yata.
I don't get it. Does glorifying their opponent make their defeat more honorable or something?
Say... Were you a delinquent before becoming a Disciplinary Committee member?
I was always late and getting hassled by the committee. Figured if I couldn't beat them, might as well join them.
Just went ahead and applied. Turns out they were actually looking for someone who could throw their weight around.
Stumbling your way onto the side of justice... How fitting.
Let's head back. It's getting late.
Of course.
The two of them make their way home together before the sun sets.
Meanwhile, a dejected Masao Osako trudges back to his family mansion.
Having stolen his father's swords that morning just to show off, he now needs to return them without catching anyone's attention.
Praying his father hasn't noticed, Masao tiptoes his way to the reception room.
Voices drift from inside—it seems there are guests.
His curiosity piqued, Masao presses his ear against the wall to listen.
You want to experiment on minors for some far-fetched fantasy of yours?
The adolescent brain possesses greater neuroplasticity than that of adults.
Among minors, females show higher stability rates than males. This is statistically proven.
Dr. Saotome, do you have any children of your own?
Yes, I do. A daughter. She's currently attending Misono High.
If your daughter was deemed a suitable candidate, would you subject her to these experiments as well?
Without a doubt. As a mother, I would be honored to have her participate in such a crucial experiment.
Unfortunately, my daughter has a congenital heart condition. I'm afraid she won't be able to shoulder this important responsibility.
...
No matter what, I cannot accept this request of yours.
Mr. Osako, do you realize this decision could determine humanity's future?
Once Ms. Saotome's proposal proves viable, humanity will have the opportunity to advance to a higher plane of existence.
No scientific advancement is worth sacrificing a single human life!
Pardon my frankness, but your views are rather outdated.
That's enough, Kouhei.
Mr. Osako, I understand your concerns.
I value life as much as you do, however...
Sometimes, we must take calculated risks for the sake of humanity's future.
We take every precaution to protect our test subjects, and all procedures are carefully adjusted according to their physical conditions.
We have reliable risk management protocols in place and an experienced medical support team standing by.
There's still some time before the initial review. I'll submit a more comprehensive report in the coming days.
You can make your final decision then, after reviewing all the details.
As an ethics committee member appointed by the Science Council, I have my own position and judgment on this matter.
I shall take my leave, then.
Hearing the rustling of movement from inside the room, Masao quickly ducks beneath the window on the other side.
By the way... I just thought of an interesting question I'd like to ask you, Mr. Osako.
Please go ahead, Doctor.
As an accomplished bladesmith, what would you consider to be the sharpest of blades?
The sharpest blade...
Every blade in existence has its own unique merits. It would be difficult to answer from the perspective of individual cases.
That's an excellent question. I shall give it more careful consideration.
Until we meet again, then.
Until we meet again.
Masao sees the beautiful woman and the man in the formal suit leaving the house's reception room.
The man appears somewhat displeased, while the woman maintains a gentle smile.
Ms. Saotome...
Don't worry, everything's fine.
Go ahead and make the preliminary preparations for the experiment.
Yes.
Shortly after, the two get into a black luxury sedan, driving away from the mansion.
Who are they...
