Ch. 1 EX 2: Edge of Spacetime
Expanded Dream
A Voice Within
...PLAYER, can you hear me?
A Voice Within
Can you see me? ...What? You can't see anything?
A Voice Within
...Please wait just a moment.
I can't believe it!
Is this a theme park?!
???
Why yes, it is. This is the theme park of life, the land of dreams.
???
I apologize for not giving you my name last time. I am Doremy Sweet, a baku youkai.
Doremy
I consider you a friend, so please call me Miss Doremy.
Hello, Miss Doremy!
Wh-What is this place?!
Doremy
Wow, I didn't expect you to be this excited. You should be more cautious, or you might get hurt.
Doremy
But then again, I have no right to lecture you. I'll leave that to the sages of Gensokyo.
Doremy
I'm more interested in what lurks inside you. As the Ruler of Dreams, I prefer it when people have dreams in their hearts.
Doremy
Now then, to answer your question...
Doremy
This is the Dream World. One small section of it, to be precise.
Doremy
Dreams are incredibly vast, and the Dream World is connected to all the dreams that people see when they sleep.
Doremy
There are also lots of dream residents here, and most of them look identical to the dreamers...
Doremy
...I still haven't found your dream, PLAYER.
Does that mean I don't have dreams or ambitions...?!
Would that make me fully grounded in reality?!
Doremy
No.
Doremy
Your dream might be hidden somewhere among the other dreams in the far reaches of the Dream World.
Doremy
Or perhaps it was taken to another world...
Doremy
Well, I am the Ruler of Dreams, so normally, I would proclaim that I know everything about what goes on in dreams.
Doremy
But this isn't that simple.
This is another devil's proof.
Miss Yukari would sympathize with such a tough search.
Doremy
The Youkai Sage would?
Doremy
I manage the Dream World, and she manages Gensokyo. Our realms are different, but you're right that our roles are similar.
Doremy
I spoke about this last time, but Yukari Yakumo hasn't seen the full scope of this Lost Word Incident.
Doremy
That goes for me as well. The incident occurring in the Dream World is merely one piece of the whole puzzle.
Doremy
The boundary between dreams and reality is unclear, and the Lost Word Incident is occurring across various worlds.
Doremy
I only have a limited perspective of it, the same as Yukari Yakumo.
Doremy
It's unfortunate, but we have to recognize this fact.
That's why I need to go for you, right?
I have to fulfill the role that was lost or something.
Doremy
That's right... but you really shouldn't be this nonchalant about it.
Doremy
Has the dream PLAYER's personality influenced your own?
Doremy
Not that I know what your dream self is like yet.
Doremy
Hmm.
Doremy
We still haven't determined what causes specific roles to disappear from the records of the past.
Doremy
This will be another dangerous mission. Are you sure you're up to it?
Doremy
Do you even have a reason to accept it?
That world regained its Lost Word once already...
...so I think I have to make sure it doesn't lose another.
Doremy
...
Doremy
I'm sure you know that you can't take those words back.
Doremy
That's why I shall believe you spoke from the heart.
Doremy
All right then, let me tell you where you're going this time...
Doremy
Oh, she's already gone.
Doremy
She's much too hasty.
Is this... the Forest of Magic?
Yeah, it has to be. I'm at the edge of the forest.
I think the antique shop is near here.
...
All right, that's where I'll go!
???
Hey, human! Stop right there!
Huh?!
???
You took that weird broom I found, didn't you?! Give it back!
What?
Between Humans and Magic
Youkai Passerby
Humans always sneak up on youkai to steal their stuff! You're all so mean!
Youkai Passerby
I won't forgive you this time!
Youkai Passerby
Wait, now that I've gotten a closer look at you, you're wearing different colors. You're not in black and white.
Youkai Passerby
I mistook you for someone else!
???
...C'mon, give me a break. Don't cause a commotion in front of my store.
???
Have you forgotten that we're in a state of emergency? Can you please not bother me with anything else?
???
I want some peace and quiet.
Rinnosuke
Oh? Who are you...?
M-Mister Rinnosuke?!
(Oops! I called his name...!)
Rinnosuke
I have never met you before, but you know my name.
Rinnosuke
Yes, I am Rinnosuke Morichika. And that youkai you just met is something like my neighbor. She's not a bad sort.
I'm PLAYER...!
Rinnosuke
...You being here right now can't be a coincidence.
...?
Rinnosuke
There's no time.
Rinnosuke
Please step inside my shop. We need to talk.
A-All right!
Rinnosuke
It's good that you already know about Gensokyo and me. That saves us some time.
Rinnosuke
But this really is strange...
Rinnosuke
...I've never seen another tool like your journal. I'd love to look at it some more when we're not so pressed for time.
Rinnosuke
You and your journal have really helped me out. Thank you.
Rinnosuke
It pains me to let go of such an interesting item, but here, I'll return it to you.
Rinnosuke
Now then...
Rinnosuke
The world is folding in on itself more and more each day, and we haven't been able to stop it.
(That's what happened in that dream with Reisen!)
Rinnosuke
I don't know where you all came from or why you're all here...
Rinnosuke
...but I'm guessing that you got here through the Seal Crystals that pop up around my shop all the time.
(So lots of Seal Crystals appear near Kourindou...)
Wait, what do you mean by "you all"?
Rinnosuke
Oh, sorry, I should have talked about that first.
Rinnosuke
You're not the only one who came here from another world.
Rinnosuke
There are others.
Huh?!
???
How many times do I have to say this? I'm not a youkai, and I have long since lost interest in Buddhism.
???
No, I'm speaking to you precisely because you are a human and an enemy of Buddhism.
???
Hmm, am I really still human? I've only just woken up, so I'm honestly not sure.
???
What do you think, Byakuren Hijiri or whatever your name is? You look like a priest, so I'm guessing you have an opinion.
Byakuren
I have only just woken up myself, but I can still easily discern that you are no youkai.
Byakuren
Miss Toyosatomimi no Miko... Since you are not a youkai, that makes you a human. You're a human who persecutes youkai.
Miko
That's an interesting choice of words. But perhaps I should thank you for helping me remember the past.
Rinnosuke
They've been like that ever since they arrived a short while ago...
Rinnosuke
I was about to implore the heavens for aid because they wouldn't set out no matter how much I insisted...
Rinnosuke
...but that's when you arrived, PLAYER.
Rinnosuke
Yeah, I'm really glad that I didn't have to pray. That's not my style. Though, to be honest, I did pray just a little.
Rinnosuke
I'm familiar with their names, but their appearances, voices, and how they speak are different from what I remember.
Rinnosuke
And speaking to them, it seems that their personalities are also different. Can you even call them the same people?
Rinnosuke
But at least these two didn't try to attack me. That's the most important detail in all of this.
(Yeah, they do look a bit different...)
(Mister Rinnosuke is going to keep on talking, isn't he?)
So, umm, there's some sort of role I must fulfill, right?
Rinnosuke
Yes, that's exactly right. There's no time, and this is important.
Rinnosuke
Please listen closely, you two.
Rinnosuke
Byakuren Hijiri, the Sealed Great Magician, and Toyosatomimi no Miko, the Shoutoku Taoist.
Byakuren & Miko
Y-Yes?!
Rinnosuke
You may not know me, but I know you. You are two of the most accomplished bullet battlers in Gensokyo.
Rinnosuke
No, judging from your reactions, it might be more accurate to say that you were both fated to become so.
Rinnosuke
I can't afford to be picky. It's been like that since the beginning.
Rinnosuke
I've already explained this, so I'm sure you understand, right?
Miko
I didn't understand your explanation... but I remember it perfectly.
Byakuren
Were you being serious?
Rinnosuke
You probably couldn't sense it earlier because you had just woken up, but how about now?
Byakuren
How strange...! The flow of magic is distorted! I've never seen anything like this before, not even in Makai...!
Miko
I can hear the muffled screams of desire spirits from all around me! It's pandemonium... This is definitely not normal.
Rinnosuke
According to Yukari Yakumo, the whole world is folding in on itself. And your observations just now prove that she's right.
Rinnosuke
Let me say it again... You are two of the most accomplished bullet battlers there are.
Rinnosuke
I can't fight in battles of bullets, that's why I have to ask for your help.
Byakuren
But isn't there someone more well-informed...?
Miko
It's too dangerous to head out while I still don't understand what's going on...
Rinnosuke
I know I'm asking a lot, but... there's no time.
Byakuren & Miko
...!
I'll go, Mister Rinnosuke.
I'm pretty sure that's why I'm here.
Rinnosuke
Thank you, PLAYER. There are two things that I must give you.
Rinnosuke
This is a record-keeping Seal Crystal. Seal Crystals are capable of recording the experiences of whoever holds them.
Rinnosuke
Take this to the one fighting on the front lines. That is your objective.
Rinnosuke
You should take this with you too.
What is it...?
Rinnosuke
It's one of the shrine's hidden treasures. Yukari Yakumo told me to go and recover anything that seemed important.
Rinnosuke
It's been quite a while since those girls went out to investigate, so we have to make the most of what we have.
Rinnosuke
...Whatever you do, don't break the seal until you hand it over. You wouldn't want to disturb what's inside.
U-Understood...!
Rinnosuke
All right, now go.
Miko
Wait.
Byakuren
We shall accompany her.
Miss Miko. Miss Byakuren.
Rinnosuke
I see.
Rinnosuke
Thank you.
Rinnosuke
I can rest easy with you two at her side.
Rinnosuke
Please pass on the explanation that I gave you earlier to PLAYER while you travel.
Rinnosuke
I will stay here until the end in case someone comes by in need of an item or tool.
Rinnosuke
I'm loath to part with anything from my secret collection, but I'll make sure they promise to return what they borrow.
Miko
All right, so where are we heading?
Rinnosuke
Hm?
Byakuren
Yes, you still haven't told us where we're going.
Rinnosuke
Oh, sorry. My mistake. Thanks for reminding me.
Rinnosuke
Your destination―
Rinnosuke
―is Hell.
Eroded Fantasy
Miko
This would be much easier if we could fly there.
Byakuren
We can't do that. Didn't you listen to Mister Rinnosuke?
Miko
I know he said we would get spotted by the forces approaching from the moon if we fly too high, but...
Byakuren
Are you suggesting that they might not be that strong?
Miko
Hm... No, that's not it. I'm just used to traveling by horse.
Byakuren
Horses don't fly.
Miko
Yes, they do.
Byakuren
You're such a strange human. Why do you keep spouting such nonsense?!
Miko
I'm not strange! Besides, what have you got against humans?
Byakuren
I don't have to explain myself to you!
Miko
You are a priest and a being of magic, right? Then that means...
P-Please stop fighting!
More importantly, where are we going right now?
Byakuren
Umm, it's quite a roundabout route, but our first stop is the entrance to the underground.
Byakuren
We need to go down and travel underground to reach a separate island.
Byakuren
Apparently, we have to go this way because there aren't any holes that lead to the Underworld on the island we're on.
Byakuren
That's what Mister Rinnosuke said, anyway.
Miko
We're going the right way, so don't worry.
(Another island...?)
(Was this Gensokyo split up before it became one island?)
Miko
Is something the matter?
N-No, it's nothing!
(Miss Miko wouldn't know even if I asked her.)
Byakuren
...Mister Rinnosuke imparted some other information to us as well.
Byakuren
Hmm, what was it again...?
Miko
Oh, I know.
Miko
He talked about the forces spearheading the incident...
Miko
The ones surrounding us right now!
T-Take defensive positions!
Miko
I didn't expect there to be so many...! Can you handle the ones in front, Miss PLAYER?!
Byakuren
We'll take care of the rest!
Folded Boundary
Byakuren
...We managed to force them back somehow.
Miko
Weren't they youkai, in the broad sense of the term? You didn't seem to have any qualms about exterminating them.
Byakuren
They may have looked like supernatural creatures, but that was merely a facade. Or have you already forgotten?
Miko
No, I heard what Mister Rinnosuke said too, but you didn't hesitate at all...
Miko
I didn't expect you to be so adept at martial arts.
Byakuren
Isn't training one's body and mind to protect the Buddha's teachings and monks a fundamental precept of Buddhism?
Miko
What?! That isn't why I propagated it...!
Byakuren
Huh?
Miko
Hm?
S-Sorry to interrupt, but what did you mean...
...when you said the fairies are spearheading the incident?
Miko
Oh, that... What's the best way to explain this?
Byakuren
Putting together what we heard from Mister Rinnosuke and the state of the world that I sensed...
Byakuren
An incident is continuing to fold the world in on itself from the edges. And these edges are getting ever closer.
(That's the effect of the Lost Word on this world...)
Byakuren
I don't know how, but some of these edges can get isolated and appear ahead of the storm.
Miko
Those fairies earlier were physical manifestations of such an edge. Well, that's the simple explanation, anyway.
The incident can take physical forms?!
They looked like cute fairies...!
Miko
They weren't fairies that actually existed in Gensokyo. In fact, they weren't even fairies at all.
Byakuren
Though they do have the nature and personalities of fairies.
Huh?! Doesn't that mean...?
Miko
Anyway, we need to hurry onward. So we should talk on the way if you have any more questions.
Byakuren
Yes, that would be best.
(They look identical, and their personalities are the same.)
(So, how are they different from normal fairies?)
Byakuren
The entrance to the underground should be around here somewhere...
Miko
That looks like a house... What kind of eccentric person would live in a forest like this?
???
I thought it was night, but now the sun is out all of a sudden.
Marisa?
And there's also a bunch of weirdos around. You're not the same guys from earlier, are you?
Huh? ...What?
(Marisa?! But she looks... different?)
Marisa?
Hm? You look like a normal human.
Marisa?
But you're a human who willingly hangs out with youkai like them.
Marisa?
So I'll punish you all at once!
Two Superhumans
Marisa?
None of this makes any sense... Why has the mist cleared...?
Marisa?
I should've been more cautious of the first opponents I encountered.
Marisa?
Argh... I messed up...
M-Marisa?! MARISAAAAA!
D-Did I... make Marisa... disappear?
Byakuren
Did our opponent just now look the same as someone you know, Miss PLAYER?
Miko
Pull yourself together, Miss PLAYER. That wasn't an acquaintance of yours.
Miko
She's like a ghost that was copied.
A copy...?
A ghost...?
Byakuren
We have to hurry, so let's talk as we run.
Byakuren
It's fortunate that an entrance to the underground was so close to that house.
Miko
Judging by the flow of qi, we should soon arrive at a horizontal tunnel. We can follow that to the other island.
Were you being serious when you said that...
...Marisa was also a manifestation of an isolated edge?
Miko
Yes, we spoke the truth. She was basically the same as those fairies earlier.
Byakuren
The edges of the incident are similar to the edges of a forest. The boundary of a forest cannot be drawn with a distinct line.
Byakuren
The trees become more sparse the further away from the forest, and there are fewer outlying, isolated thickets of trees.
Miko
This incident is the same. The edges don't just approach from the ends of the world. They also pop up randomly within it.
Miko
...That is the sense I get from seeing those boundaries with tangible forms.
Miko
What should we call them? Outlying Spirits, Isolated Spirits... No, how about Divergent Spirits?
Byakuren
Remember, they are not people. They are beings that possess a copy of someone's appearance and memories...
Byakuren
...or at least, that is what my gut tells me.
But how can you tell them apart from people...?
They're indistinguishable from who they're based on.
Miko
Yes, but that also goes for the Divergent Spirits. They don't believe themselves to be anything but the real thing.
Can you tell them apart because you're superhuman?
(But why do the edges become Divergent Spirits...?)
Byakuren
I am still learning as a priest, but I have trained quite extensively.
Byakuren
And I did not stop training even during my long stay in Makai, where I was sealed. So my spiritual senses are pretty sharp...
Miko
Wait, what?! Aren't you a priest?! Why were you sealed in Makai?!
Miko
...Oh, I see. The humans betrayed you, didn't they? Because you sided with youkai.
Byakuren
*glare*
Byakuren
Yes, that is basically what happened. What about it...?
Miko
You're the one who built another temple on top of our mausoleum, aren't you?
Byakuren
What?! Of course not!
Byakuren
I was suddenly transported here from my prison in Makai. I didn't have time to build a temple!
Byakuren
And who are you to accuse me of anything? You've done nothing but insult Buddhism ever since we met.
Miko
Don't you know who I am? Surely you heard Mister Rinnosuke say my name.
Miko
I'm the Shoutoku Taoist. I'm Prince Shoutoku, a Taoist who aims to become a hermit.
Byakuren
P-Prince Shoutoku...
Byakuren
...The Prince Shoutoku?!
Um, I think we've almost reached the tunnel.
Miko
This is quite an impressive tunnel. But the style of architecture is highly unusual.
Byakuren
According to Mister Rinnosuke, this tunnel was previously used for an oomukade mining operation...
Miko
...Let's keep going. It seems to connect to another island, so I'm sure this is the right way.
(This place...)
(It's like a subway station.)
To the Underworld City...
Miko
...That's a relief. I expected something to jump out and attack us.
Byakuren
So... what's this about you being Prince Shoutoku?
Miko
Let's talk about that some other time...
Byakuren
Why not now?! Why are you suddenly trying to hide your identity?!
Miko
Well, now I know that you're a much more ardent follower of Buddhism than I first thought...
Miko
And it's not really a topic that I'd like to discuss right after waking up...
Byakuren
I can't believe this...! You speak as if it is a past that you wish to forget!
Byakuren
I really don't know how to take this. You're the great Prince Shoutoku...
Byakuren
You're the esteemed politician who is credited with promoting Buddhism in this country. And yet you condemn it...
Miko
N-No I didn't mean it that way! I was speaking literally!
Miko
It feels as though someone disturbed my sleep. It's like I was woken up before I was meant to awaken.
Miko
It isn't quite as bad now, but I'm still not a hundred percent.
Miko
I feel ashamed to say this, but I cannot dutifully lend an ear to your questions like I normally would.
Byakuren
Oh, that explains it.
Byakuren
And I know what you mean when you say it feels like someone disturbed your sleep. I feel the same way.
Miko
You do?!
Byakuren
It was like my seal was violently and forcefully broken... which couldn't have been done by my disciples.
Byakuren
In fact, I'm not even sure that it was broken. I can only think that I was subject to some kind of unnatural interference...
Oh, I think I see the exit!
This is just like where we entered the tunnel.
Miko
I wonder if this is an example of functional ascetics. I don't mind it.
Byakuren
Don't you think it's a little dreary?
Look over there. There are some stairs leading up!
Miko
Then let's go, shall we?
Byakuren
It's a beach...! There is water in the direction we came from, so this must be a different island.
Miko
I can sense that this land was once a focal point of spirituality in this land called Gensokyo.
Miko
There is mountain temperament all around us... Which means this island used to be a mountain. A spiritual mountain.
The Youkai Mountain?!
Byakuren
...Yes, that mountain must have transformed into an island.
Miko
According to Mister Rinnosuke, the hole that we're looking for is somewhere near the center. We'll have to do some climbing.
Byakuren
We don't have time to look for an easier route.
Let's hurry...!
Byakuren & Miko
OK!
Wh-What's wrong?!
Byakuren
Shh! Quiet.
(Sorry.)
(Is it another Divergent Spirit?)
Byakuren
(Looks like it.)
Miko
(This doesn't look that dangerous.)
Miko
(However... There is more than one.)
Byakuren
(Let's split up and deal with them all at once.)
Miko
(Good idea. Are you OK with this, Miss PLAYER?)
(Let's do it.)
Byakuren
(All right, we'll jump out together...)
Miko
(One... Two...)
Three!
Different Beings
Byakuren
...All right, let's hurry onward before reinforcements arrive.
Byakuren
There wouldn't be so many Divergent Spirits about unless the hole is somewhere nearby. We're on the right track.
(They looked exactly like phantoms...)
Miko
Is this another structure that was built to fulfill some unknown function? Has it become one with the environment?
Byakuren
Despite appearances, I don't think it has fallen to ruin. It was probably managed by youkai who had an affinity with water.
Miko
I can sense the flow of spiritual power beneath us. This must be the entrance to the hole.
Miko
Let's go.
...
Byakuren
What's wrong, Miss PLAYER?
Miko
You're not hurt, are you?!
...Ah, no, I'm fine! Sorry!
I was just thinking about Divergent Spirits.
Byakuren
The Divergent Spirit with the form of a human that we met in the forest closely resembled an acquaintance of yours, right?
There were similarities but also lots of differences.
Yes... I'd say they closely resembled one another.
Miko
Hmm.
Miko
Miss PLAYER. Could you please tell us about yourself?
Miko
Only so much as you are willing, of course.
Huh?! B-But aren't we short on time...?
We have to hurry. I'll try and talk on the way...!
Byakuren
Miss PLAYER. How about you think of it like this...?
Byakuren
Miss Toyosatomimi no Miko and I have already spoken about ourselves... Even if it did lead to a few differences in opinion.
Miko
Our differences don't bother me.
Byakuren
Well, they DO bother me.
Byakuren
We may not have the best relationship, but we can depend on each other in a fight. That's because we know one another.
Miko
Miss Byakuren Hijiri and I need you to fight alongside us, so learning more about you is of strategic significance.
Byakuren
Exactly. That's why it's necessary to slow our pace a little.
...Thank you!
Byakuren
Feel free to tell us anything, OK?
Miko
We can also use this opportunity to try and wake up some more.
Miko
...I see. That is a strange series of events.
Miko
But it seems you are more knowledgeable about Gensokyo than us. So we should ask you if we have any questions.
Miko
I can also hear your desires more clearly now. You truly are an honest soul, aren't you?
Byakuren
You arrived in Gensokyo without any memories and have gone on many journeys.
Byakuren
Such a remarkable tale.
Miko
Miss PLAYER is just a normal human. Doesn't that bother you, Miss Byakuren Hijiri?
Byakuren
I told you that I'm also an ally of humans...! In fact, humans who do not threaten youkai should be protected.
Miko
You say that like I needlessly attack youkai...
Miko
...Well, Miss PLAYER does have a unique ability. Perhaps we should call her an Invested God User.
Miko
It's similar to how Miss Byakuren Hijiri is a magic user.
What are invested gods?
Miko
They are the 365 hermits who were endowed with divinity in China. I heard about them from one of my teachers.
Miko
The sagacious spirits were elevated to gods, and they bestow divine blessings in response to prayers... just like your ability.
Byakuren
Then shouldn't we call her a Deva User instead? Devas are the Buddha's envoys―deities who protect Buddhist teachings.
Miko
But Miss PLAYER isn't a Buddhist priest.
Byakuren
Then you shouldn't treat her as a Taoist either!
(Both names sound kind of pretentious...)
How can you tell if someone is a Divergent Spirit or not?
Byakuren
I'm a magician, so I can tell by sensing their magical energy... Or so I thought.
Byakuren
Now that the effects of having my seal forcefully broken have started to wear off, I realize that I may have been mistaken.
Miko
I also thought that I could tell by listening to their desires, but a Divergent Spirit's and a person's desires should be identical.
Miko
...So how can I tell them apart?
Byakuren
Thinking this over has made me doubt my own intuition...
Byakuren
I can sense soul-like presences approaching from below!
Miko
We have no choice but to defeat them. Regardless of whether they are Divergent Spirits or actual phantoms!
Two Servants
Miko
They were clearly Divergent Spirits, weren't they?
Byakuren
It's quite troublesome that we can only be sure after defeating them.
(Maybe I shouldn't have shared my doubts...)
(I could never forgive myself if they were real souls...)
Miko
...Do you sense it, Miss Byakuren Hijiri?
Byakuren
Yes, Miss Toyosatomimi no Miko.
Miko
There are sources of spiritual power far below us. They're as strong as that one Miss PLAYER called "Marisa."
Byakuren
It's probably safe to assume that they are Divergent Spirits, manifestations of the incident...
...
Byakuren
...Let's reserve judgment until we see them with our own eyes.
Miko
But this hole sure is remarkable.
Miko
Hm, I see. I think I understand how it was excavated.
Miko
If I had taught this to the engineers of my day, then I could've brought the light of peace to the bottommost depths of Hell.
Miko
I shouldn't have wasted their efforts on creating things like the stone globes.
Byakuren
We're here.
???A
...Did all that happen while I was busy cleaning?
???B
Yes. The kappa and the shrine at the foot of the mountain must have joined forces to produce such a feat of science.
???A
Science... That's the school of thought that brought about the agricultural revolution, right? Yes, this does look sciency...
???A
I was wondering what that shrine maiden was up to. She must have been working on this.
???B
I think this facility was created to replicate the power of the sun. You said your mistress was a vampire, didn't you?
???A
It replicates sunlight, you say...? I think there was a fairy with a similar power who disguised herself as one of our maids.
???B
Maybe that fairy is in cahoots with the shrine. The tengu might have also leaked our technology to them...
???A
My mistress can't stand sunlight. And she planned to take over the Underworld, where the light of the sun has no power.
???B
The Underworld could have been used to help resolve our energy problems. My gods won't be happy about this.
Sakuya?
It looks like the Scarlet Devil Mansion...
Sanae?
And Moriya Shrine...
Sakuya? & Sanae?
...should team up!
Miko
Do you recognize them, Miss PLAYER?
Miss Sakuya and Miss Sanae...
But they look and sound a little different...
Byakuren
I can sense that they are Divergent Spirits. But I still don't understand what Divergent Spirits actually are...
Byakuren
Regardless, we have to get past them to continue our quest.
Miko
From what I can hear of their desires... they are extremely paranoid.
Miko
They suspect that everything is a plot devised by some shrine at the foot of a mountain. I doubt we can pass by peacefully.
Can we... try talking to them?
Miko
I wouldn't recommend it, but...
Byakuren
...We cannot stop you.
Miko
I have always maintained that you should try to reason with people who disagree with you.
Byakuren
In the past, I came to an understanding with the humans and youkai who opposed me by conversing with them.
Miko
So until you have spoken your piece...
Byakuren
Until they have listened...
Byakuren & Miko
...we will protect you!
Byakuren
Hello, could you please listen to what we have to say?
Miko
We do not wish to be your enemies, so feel free to ask us anything as well. We might be able to help you.
Sakuya? & Sanae?
Where did you all come from...?
Sanae?
...History wasn't my best subject, but even I can tell what you are. No, it's like the sight of you rang a bell in my mind.
Sanae?
You are both religious people, aren't you? And you practice religions that oppose Shinto!
Sanae?
Now that I think about it... Is that shrine at the base of the mountain a proper Shinto shrine? I can't let this slide.
Sakuya?
Yes, seeing you two made everything clear to me as well.
Sakuya?
You are both affiliated with sunlight, aren't you? Do you plan to clear the mist?
Sakuya?
I thought I only had to worry about that shrine maiden and the magician, but now there are others.
Sakuya? & Sanae?
It seems religious folk are in greater need of mercy! I'll show you my divine power that causes miracles!
Two Types of Visitors
Sakuya
What are you planning...?
Sanae
No way... Don't tell me you're building a giant robot...!
M-Miss Sakuya! Miss Sanae!
They're gone... I made them disappear...
Miko
So they were Divergent Spirits, just as we suspected.
Byakuren
But that won't make Miss PLAYER feel any better.
...Miss Miko. Miss Byakuren.
Can you please explain the Divergent Spirits again?
Miko
Well...
Byakuren
I suppose...
Miko
Divergent Spirits are beings that possess the same appearance, abilities, and memories of a real person.
Miko
They also have pseudo-physical bodies, just like ghosts, so they will also feel the same if you touch them.
Byakuren
We can intuitively distinguish between real people and Divergent Spirits, but we don't know how.
Byakuren
We also don't know why the edges of the incident cause Divergent Spirits to appear.
Miko
It pains me to say this, but while I have mostly gotten over the lethargy I felt upon waking up, I still feel a little bit off.
Byakuren
Me too. I might be able to sense something more about Divergent Spirits when I fully recover.
Maybe these beings we call Divergent Spirits...
...came from another world.
Miko
You mean like yourself?
Byakuren
If you're right, I suppose that would explain a few things.
Miko
What do you mean?
Byakuren
Miss PLAYER has identified the Divergent Spirits as familiar, even though they look and sound slightly different.
Byakuren
Their characteristics did not vary to such an extent that would cause her to classify them as different people.
Byakuren
If they came from another world, they would have the same fate and perform the same role, even if their looks differed.
Miko
Wait a minute! Isn't it really bad if what you say is true?
Miko
We have already defeated three beings that were different yet very similar to people Miss PLAYER knows.
Miko
You're saying that these Divergent Spirits are also real people who just look and sound a little different.
Byakuren
Didn't you call yourself Prince Shoutoku? The same Prince Shoutoku who fought in a war?
Byakuren
You even swore an oath to propagate Buddhism when you prayed for victory in battle. Aren't you accustomed to killing?
Miko
Ngh...! What about you then? Aren't you a priest?
Miko
Buddhist priests will take up weapons if it is to protect the teachings of Buddha. But this isn't that kind of battle.
It looked like they got sucked up when they vanished.
Maybe they returned to the worlds they came from...
Byakuren & Miko
Hmm...!
???
...What? Are you that scared of taking a life?
???
Fine. Keep your head in the clouds for what little time you have left. 'Cause it won't be long till your own life is taken.
Wh-Who said that?!
Mysterious Box
I did.
