Code Bm3: Kaiju City
Stray Sheep
You
...
You
Now that I think about it...
You
Maybe whenever I have a thought, there is someone out there who has the exact same thought as me.
You
The same thoughts, the same feelings...
You
My thoughts are not just my own. Their information and value are shared between the ones who share the same thoughts.
You
And that someone else need not be human.
You
Beasts, vegetation, even stones, and wind have their own thoughts... whatever those might be.
You
Suppose a pebble that I found on the roadside happened to have the same thought as me in that very same instant.
You
In that moment, perhaps the pebble and I share one indistinguishable existence. At least for just that point in time.
You
It should be impossible to read the thoughts of a pebble, but for just that moment, I am the pebble, and the pebble is me.
You
If that is true...
You
Then it would mean that I am never alone. And also never free.
You
I always continue to exist as someone, somewhere.
You
―And that's what they call imagination.
Renko
Thinking about something?
You could say that.
This was delivered to me when I wasn't looking.
Renko
A letter? How rare. You don't often see letters written on real paper nowadays.
True... but take a look inside.
Renko
OK, show me.
Renko
...Huh, what's this?
Renko
There's nothing written here. It's just a blank sheet of paper inside an envelope.
Renko
And there's no address nor sender's name on the envelope either.
Renko
Maybe it's a letter-writing set that was sealed? ...Or not because that makes no sense.
Maybe it fell out of one of my books...
And if that's not it, then... that would mean...
Renko
Someone came here while we were out...
Renko
...and left the letter?
That's kind of... scary.
Renko
Yes. I would feel a whole lot better if it was the work of some phantom or youkai...
Renko
Maybe because it's nighttime, but this letter is kind of making me worried.
Huh?! I didn't realize it was already dark!
Renko
That's because you were lost in your thoughts.
Renko
Well, I can't really blame you, PLAYER, since I was also lost in reading a book until now.
Wait... Where's Merry?
Renko
Merry? She was right beside me, absorbed in reading something else.
Renko
She looks really cute when she's lost in something―Like a princess of some far-off land...
Renko
L-Like a princess...
Renko
Where's the princess?!
Huh?!
Renko
U-Um... Umm...
Renko
N-No need to worry! It's not the first time she's wandered off on her own!
Renko
But we did come here with the intention of having a sleepover... So she wouldn't have gone outside!
Maybe she wandered to another room. Let's go look!
Renko
Yeah!
Renko
...
Renko
This place isn't... dangerous, is it?
Renko
Well, this is Merry we're talking about, so I'm sure she'll be fine even if it is!
Renko
This place is bigger than I expected it to be. The passage leading up to here was pretty long.
The electrical system of this place isn't fully functional.
So in essence... the place is half in ruins.
The areas we can access are limited.
Even I haven't fully explored and mapped everywhere.
Renko
Hmmm... So it's basically like a dungeon from a video game.
Sorry, I was planning on explaining all of this gradually...
Renko
It's not your fault! I'm sure Merry's ardent curiosity would have led us to this exact same situation anyway!
Renko
Even if you explained this earlier―So don't worry about it.
Renko
It might be a blessing that most of these doors don't function. The route doesn't branch as much as it might appear to.
Renko
Anyway! I'll let you lead!
Renko
I wondered where the stairs going underground would lead. But I didn't expect...
Renko
...the ruins of a subway station?
It certainly does look like a subway... But it's not.
This is the place I'm using for my other research.
Renko
Ooh, other research? Now you've got my attention...
Renko
Ah!
Merry
...
Renko
Merry!
Renko! Is Merry... all right?!
Renko
...
Renko
Yes... This is the usual pattern. I just got taken aback for a second.
Merry
H-Huh?!
Merry
I was a little curious, so I came all the way here... But then I kind of zoned out all of a sudden... Hmmm?
Renko
Huh? Do you not remember what happened? That's quite unusual...
Merry
Hmmm... No, I can't quite remember...
Merry
S-Sorry, PLAYER! I just barged in here without permission...!
No, Merry. I'm the one who should be apologizing.
I should have explained. I'm really sorry.
Renko
But look! I told you, didn't I?
Renko
I told you she'd be fine. Case closed.
Renko
So now...
Renko
Let's get back to our sleepover and have some fun!
Mother of Magic Theory
Renko
A scientist conducting research on magic...?
Merry
Hmmm... Have I heard of such a person...?
I think they were a famous scholar...
Renko
It doesn't ring any bells. We would've heard something... even if the field of study was something minor...
Merry
Do you remember anything else about this professor? Maybe a name?
A name...?
You'd think that I should at least remember their name.
But I have nothing.
Merry
Maybe both their first and last names were really common names.
Renko
Or perhaps they were unusual? Names that are difficult to read are a pain to both memorize and recall.
Merry
Oh, so are you saying that the name Maribel is too difficult for you to remember?
Renko
I'm not that senile, you know? I'm not going to forget your name―Even when I turn 100! Or 1000 years old!
Merry
Sheesh, Renko. Stop being silly.
Renko
Magic is a power that doesn't exist, right? Maybe it's related to Classical Physics?
Merry
Ah! I don't like where this is headed...! Be warned, PLAYER!
(What?!)
Renko
There's a theory in old physics that says "anything that can't be observed, can't be proven." The same as not existing at all.
Renko
That's why there were only four kinds of forces: gravitational force, electromagnetic force, strong force, and weak force.
Renko
Then it was found that these four forces are essentially just aspects of the same force. This triggered a chain reaction...
Renko
Physical concepts were observed from a higher perspective one after the other and were found to be exactly the same.
Renko
It was one of the greatest discoveries in the history of science. It was also the beginning of super-unified physics.
So that means unknown forces do not exist?
Renko
No one can say for certain. That is the interesting part in all of this.
I don't understand.
Merry
Looking at it from a relative psychology perspective would make things much simpler and clearer.
Merry
And I'm sure you'd enjoy it more than Renko's neverending lecture.
Renko
Hmph! Why don't you take over then?
Merry
Newton managed to decipher natural philosophy using mathematics. This led to the emergence of Classical Physics.
Renko
(Uh... I don't think this counts as a simple explanation...)
Merry
Super-unified physics is just another interpretation. It's nothing more than a set of principles used to interpret facts.
Merry
It's just another line of thought. All academic disciplines are the same in that respect.
Merry
No matter how perfect super-unified physics might be... No matter how flawless it might turn out to be in the future...
Merry
The interpretation of this theory changes depending on how it is perceived. The more people, the more interpretations.
Renko
No, that's not academics. Scholars diligently study together to find the one real truth...
Merry
But is there a single soul in this world who can say that they truly and perfectly understand all of super-unified physics?
Merry
Academic disciplines flirt with the boundaries of uncharted territory. Scholars don't share the same views on such things.
Renko
Well I suppose that's true.
Merry
Everything in this world is based on interpretation. Even if a greater genius than Hawking existed...
Merry
...They would fail to perfectly comprehend the intentions of the gods or god who created this world.
Merry
Even if you understand that visible light with a wavelength between 640 to 770 nanometers is perceived as "red light."
Merry
You cannot use this knowledge to understand what it's like to see a "red apple."
Merry
This is an experience that can't be understood with just theory. That is what it means to be "unknown"!
Renko
Hmm, I'm not so sure. Even if the gods part was just a metaphor...
Merry
That is how it is! Why can't you agree for once!
Renko
L-Let me think it over!
You two explain super-unified physics and―
―relative psychology much better than the textbooks.
Merry
Right!
But is there anything useful here for your research?
There are books, but wouldn't a uni library be better?
Renko
Oh, right. We haven't told you yet.
Renko
(I wonder how many are aware of that incident. There probably isn't any news about it...)
Merry
Simply put, we're here as a part of our Secret Sealing Club activities.
Renko
It might be too simple of an explanation, but that's what it is.
Your research differs for your majors and club activities.
So my research is useful to the Secret Sealing Club?
(Their real activities are a secret...)
(I guess they won't discuss them with me so easily.)
Renko
Ah, yes! Your research!
Renko
Your huge library, an abandoned facility, and a mysterious and expansive installation underground... What is all this?!
Renko
I thought you were just into theoretical research, but it seems like you also conduct experiments! Right?!
Renko
Honestly, I'm really excited about this! That doesn't make me weird or anything, does it?!
Renko
In fact, it would be weird if someone wasn't excited after seeing something like this!
Merry
Heehee, just look at her jabbering away.
Renko
Wh-Whoops!
Renko
So, PLAYER! Now you have to tell us about this place...
Renko
...is what I'd like to say, but I'm getting really sleepy.
Merry
Now that you mention it... I'm sleepy as well...
Renko
All because SOMEONE wandered off looking around for you know what...
Merry
...?
I have lots of spare sleeping bags!
So let's sleep in one tent and lay them all out!
Renko
Wow!
Merry
That...
Merry & Renko
Sounds like a lot of fun!
By the way, the shower room is over there...
And the closest toilet is that way.
Merry & Renko
Noted!
You
(...)
You
(...)
You
(Well, today was quite eventful.)
You
(I'm really happy that Renko and Merry have started visiting regularly.)
You
(But I doubt they will ever talk to me about the secret activities of the Secret Sealing Club...)
You
(I'm a bit curious about that incident Renko mentioned under her breath.)
You
(Are they dealing with something dangerous...?)
You
(I might be able to help if they'd at least share the details...)
You
(But they don't know that I'm aware of the true nature of the Secret Sealing Club's activities...)
You
(...)
You
(...Renko and Merry are both clever girls.)
You
(I'm sure they'll rely on me if they need my help. If not, then I'm sure they'll get through it on their own.)
You
(It'll be fine even without me meddling. I'll just continue to keep watching over them.)
You
(...)
You
(I'm sure that's for the best.)
You
This place again...
???A
Congratulations. You're allowed to join the party from now on.
???B
Hehe! Unfortunately, we're the only ones attending today.
You
Wh-Who are you!?
???A
That calls for an introduction. I'll let you join the party, but I'll have you know that I'm the master of this place.
???A
I'm Reimu Hakurei.
Reimu
And she's Marisa.
Marisa
C'mon! What's with that lame introduction!
Marisa
And how dare you disregard Lady Mima and declare yourself the master? I don't approve of this.
Reimu
Huh? Why would I need the approval of a vengeful spirit or a magician? This is Hakurei Shrine. It's MY territory.
Marisa
You're still saying that even under these circumstances...? Well, I guess you wouldn't be you otherwise.
You
U-Umm...
Reimu
Oh yes, we were talking about the newbie. Um...
Reimu
So your name is... PLAYER.
You
How do you know my name?
Reimu
That's because we've been watching you. This is a place where numerous probabilities converge.
Reimu
And then those probabilities come to an end. You too have seen it before, haven't you?
Reimu
Marisa and I are the only ones here right now, but the others have also been observing these things with us forever.
You
So then... This isn't taking place in my dream...?
Marisa
What kind of place this is and what you see is for you to learn and decide, not us.
Marisa
It's not that we don't want to help you. It's just that it seems like we're short on time once again.
Marisa
You'll soon depart on a short journey to a probability. You lack the training required to stay longer at this party.
You
A journey? ...Is that related to the Lost Words?
Reimu
Yes. A journey to which a Lost Word is the key.
Reimu
But this time, it's a journey where the Lost Word clearly cannot be recovered.
You
What do you mean...?
Reimu
It's a pain to explain, so save your questions. We've finally got hold of you, and I don't want this opportunity to go to waste.
Reimu
We'll give you as much information as possible before you set off on your journey.
Marisa
Yeah, we don't have much time.
Reimu
It's not that rare to find beings similar to you.
Reimu
Most humans have experienced stepping into other worlds temporarily through dreams or weak barriers.
Reimu
But there are very few who can clearly remember everything they experience. That's right... you are someone who can.
Marisa
We've seen a lot of probabilities come to an end. At this rate, there won't be a whole lot of probabilities left.
Marisa
And eventually, even this place will disappear.
Reimu
It is very frustrating to just sit here and do nothing about it. We need to figure out why all of this is happening...
Reimu
...and if there is someone behind all of this, we need to take them out.
Reimu
But we do not have the kind of ability you possess.
Reimu
To be precise, we don't have the ability to directly enter and experience probability spaces, apart from a few exceptions.
Marisa
This is why we've been looking for someone who can get those experiences for us, and you seem to fit the bill.
Marisa
It's not like finding the Lost Word will save the probability space you return to or the probability itself.
Marisa
A probability that has ended will stay that way. However, your observation prevents the experience from vanishing.
Marisa
The best example would be tradition. A tradition can come to an end but still be recorded in history.
Marisa
Because the experience still remains, it leads to the dispersal of the probability's fine particles.
Marisa
You could say that the remaining particles of the world that disappears turn into vengeful spirits...
Marisa
You could even say that this reveals the tiny derivative probabilities that fill the holes in the record.
You
What...?
Reimu
She's saying this won't be the same as last time. You probably just have to sit on the sidelines and watch―For the most part.
You
Sit on the sidelines... And you still think there's meaning in bringing back such an experience?
Reimu
Yeah, pretty much.
Reimu
This may sound inconsistent. But this time, it'll be important to put an end to the probability as soon as possible.
Reimu
This is not some story. Worlds are not fables.
Reimu
Thinking that your actions will save someone, prevent the world from vanishing, or give meaning to events...
Reimu
...would be conceited to say the least.
You
...!
Reimu
We don't want any of that because this probability will end, and that cannot be changed.
Reimu
In other words...
Reimu
...you will witness its final moments.
You
Watch people, destiny, and worlds come to an end...
Marisa
Because there is an end, there is succession. That is yet another important boundary.
Reimu
It's almost time.
Reimu
I've been watching over you, so let me give you a word of advice.
Reimu
The past might be important, but...
Reimu
If you want to learn something new, there are times when you need to look to the future.
Reimu
That's why...
Reimu
...Don't look back.
Reimu
Good luck!
You
Wait! I still have a lot to ask―
Voice From the Shadows
???
―Don't look back.
Intelligent Lady
You're awake...!
Serious Lady
So glad to see you are all right... but this is such bad timing.
Quiet Lady
...!
Friendly Lady
Shhh! We need to be quiet.
???
―Don't look back.
You
(I hear a voice coming from behind...!)
???
You there! The one who's still half asleep! Better not make any careless moves!
???
Move and I'll shoot.
???
We just have one demand. Summon the three leaders.
???
If all Four Temples work together, it should be possible.
???
(The three leaders? Four Temples?)
Friendly Lady
You're saying that because you have absolutely no idea about the true nature of the three leaders.
???
...?
Friendly Lady
Since that's the case...
Friendly Lady
We shall manifest the three leaders. And...
Friendly Lady
...make you regret it.
???
What did you say...?!
Intelligent Lady
(This is reckless! There's too much risk of this failing!)
Serious Lady
(Don't worry, Sister. The foreign god is with us now.)
Intelligent Lady
(That means if we try now... we just might be able to pull it off?)
Quiet Lady
(...)
???
Save your lectures for someone else, and hurry up!
Friendly Lady
As you wish.
Friendly Lady
Now then... Watch carefully!
You
(What's going on?!)
You
(Where am I? A city? No, a metropolis?)
You
(Was I transported again?)
???
*huff* *huff* *huff*
???
Lady Kannagi was right...!
???
(What...?!)
???
I'm Rabbit 2. Please save me―
Rabbit 2
―Your Eminence!
You
(Your Eminence? Save? What's going on?!)
Rabbit 2
Ah! Look out!
???
...
Rabbit 2
It's a kaiju!
You
(A k-kaiju?!)
Kaiju?
...
Kaiju?
...
You
(The location... changed?)
Fire Spirit
Rabbit 2
W-We did it...!
Rabbit 2
No... Your Eminence managed to defeat it!
You
(This "Your Eminence"... is me, right?)
Rabbit 2
No, I haven't done anything worthy of praise...!
Rabbit 2
Defending the Capital is a Peacekeeper's duty!
You
(...?)
You
(None of this is making any sense...)
You
(And I can't speak for some reason... My body is not under my control!)
Rabbit 2
Your Eminence... you live up to Lady Otohime and Lady Kannagi's expectations!
Rabbit 2
But how strange of you to appear here out of nowhere!
Rabbit 2
Right! I need to inform Lady Otohime and Lady Kannagi about your much-awaited arrival right away!
Rabbit 2
Ah! But I can't leave this place unguarded! A kaiju might show up again...!
Rabbit 2
But it's not like I could defeat the kaiju on my own anyway. So there's no point in staying here either!
Rabbit 2
...
Rabbit 2
Oh, I know!
Rabbit 2
Your Eminence... can you please protect this place for a while?
Rabbit 2
Communications have been compromised due to uncontained impurity in the city. I'll personally go get everyone!
Rabbit 2
I'll be right back!
Rabbit 2
See you!
You
(She left...)
You
(...)
You
(It feels like my consciousness has been transported into someone else's body. It's kind of like Phantasmal Sight...)
You
(But more real.)
You
(...)
You
(This feels weird! I don't think I'll ever get used to this!)
You
(...)
You
(Hm...?)
You
(Huh?)
You
(...)
You
(Is that also... a kaiju?)
You
(She doesn't look like someone capable of causing any harm.)
You
(The "other me" in control of this body also doesn't seem to feel threatened by her.)
You
(...)
You
(There's no way this little girl can be a kaiju...)
Kaiju?
...
You
(She disappeared...)
Kaiju?
...
You
(The location... It changed again!)
You
(...)
You
(Is she also a kaiju? She certainly doesn't look like a monster or anything...)
You
(Looks like the "other me" is preparing to fight.)
Kaiju and Kaijin
You
(Kaiju...)
You
(Are those girls really kaiju?)
You
(...)
You
(Hmmm...)
Renko
(Ah!)
Merry
(Ah!)
You
(Oh, wow!)
Merry & Renko
(PLAYER!)
Merry & Renko
(It doesn't work. We still can't speak out loud...)
You
(Huh? But I can hear you!)
Renko
(Yes, it seems like we are able to communicate even in this condition.)
Merry
(It's like telepathy or something.)
Renko
(No, isn't it more like we're phantoms?)
Merry
(Phantoms?! Oh, you mean astral projection? I guess this is what a meeting between astral projections would feel like.)
Renko
(That comparison is pretty out-there...)
Renko
(Anyway, so this is probably a dream... or something again. But it's completely different from the last time.)
Merry
(I fell asleep, and the next thing I remember is waking up looking all distorted like this. What in the world is going on?)
You
(Hmm... Your condition seems to be different from mine...)
Merry & Renko
(What do you mean?!)
Merry & Renko
(Please tell us!)
You
(O-OK!)
Renko
(The observers you speak of... the shrine maiden and the magician... What are their names?)
You
(Hmm... I'm sure I heard their names, and they're on the tip of my tongue, but my memory is all muddled.)
You
(I clearly saw them too... But when I try to describe what they look like in words, everything gets all fuzzy in my head.)
Renko
(That does sound like a dream... But then again, it also feels like it was planned this way.)
Renko
(...)
Renko
(Ah, don't get me wrong, PLAYER. I'm not saying that you're lying!)
You
(Don't worry, I know what you mean! I also feel that this world is kind of off... Like it's fake or something.)
You
(It's like a made-up world... As though we're being forced to watch a movie.)
Merry
(And the mysterious scene you saw before getting here was like the intro to that movie, right?)
Merry
(Yes, this place sure does feel like some old horror or thriller.)
Renko
(Merry... Such movies are known as special effects movies.)
Merry
(Isn't special effects a technique used to create a movie? I'm talking about genres here.)
Renko
(Technique names can be genre names as well. Special effects is a unique genre that can't be described in other words.)
Renko
(Kaiju, aliens, dinosaurs, and the like usually appear in such movies. They also have adventure and mystery elements.)
Merry
(I don't care about any of that. I just meant that it's scary that we're lost inside one such movie.)
Renko
(Yes, but it's one of those outdated 3D movies that are just shown to you with no interactivity.)
Merry
(And what are these kaiju who are strutting around the city? Are they real monsters? We'll be dead meat if they spot us...!)
Renko
(That's the kind of thing someone would say when they first see a scary attraction in one of those old theme parks...)
Merry
(Renko! I'm being serious here! Are you even listening?!)
Renko
(What I'm more interested in knowing is... If kaiju really exist, how have they built an ecosystem in this mysterious place.)
You
(...?!)
You
(Wait a minute... From what the two of you are saying, it sounds like...)
You
(You've seen kaiju that actually look like monsters. Am I right?)
Renko
(We've just seen parts of them. A huge shadow or a grotesque limb. Enough to make us think they're kaiju.)
Merry
(Gosh, Renko! How can you be so calm about all of this?!)
Merry
(That whole atmosphere, the strange noises, the vibrations, the awful smell! And they were not just one or two...!)
Merry
(They were so terrifying that it would mentally disturb anyone!)
Renko
(...But Merry and I are kind of used to these things. We've seen all sorts of monsters, phantasms, and grotesque beings.)
Merry
(Used to it?! Speak for yourself!)
Renko
(Haha... OK, OK, calm down.)
You
(...)
Renko
(What's wrong, PLAYER?)
You
(Your description doesn't match the kaiju I've been seeing...)
You
(I've been seeing them in the form of cute little girls.)
Merry
(...)
Merry
(That means what we see and what you see are different―)
You
(Huh?! Merry?! Renko?!)
???
I sense a kaijin around here... But they haven't revealed themselves yet.
???
I'm glad I made it in time.
Rabbit 2
I'm glad I made it in time.
Kannagi
I'm known as Code Kannagi. Your Eminence...
Kannagi
Allow me to personally thank you for responding to our divine spirit summoning ceremony.
You
(She looks like that serious person I saw in the previous scene. But there's something... different about her.)
You
(And this "other me"... is just standing there brazenly while someone is kneeling down to them...)
You
(But more importantly... Did she just say kaijin? Not kaiju?)
Kannagi
Your Eminence, I understand that you have only just been summoned and must have a lot of questions...
Kannagi
However, I request that you be patient for a little while longer. The kaijin―
Kannagi
―is here!
Kannagi
The kaijin and its specially made kaiju. These two always work together.
Kannagi
The kaiju in the surrounding area will continue to spawn endlessly as long as the kajin is not taken care of.
Kannagi
Exterminating the kaijin is the prerequisite for the complete extermination of the kaiju.
Kannagi
It seems the presence of the kaijin has drawn in countless kaiju from nearby...
Kannagi
Rabbit 2 and I will clean up the surrounding kaiju. They've just made things easier for us by gathering in one place like this.
Rabbit 2
Roger! I'll cover you!
Kannagi
In the meanwhile, Your Eminence, I request you to take care of the kaijin and its partner while they are still exposed.
Kannagi
This plan might be simple, but it's the most effective one!
You
(It looks like the "other me" is getting ready to fight!)
Kannagi
Now―
Kannagi
―ATTACK!
Impure City
Kannagi
Bravo, Your Eminence. That was impressive.
Rabbit 2
Wow! That was really great! Summoning you was totally worth it...!
Kannagi
I concur.
Rabbit 2
Lady Kannagi!
Kannagi
Ow!
Kannagi
Haha, how disgraceful of me to show such weakness. Despite fighting the kaijin, Your Eminence still has energy to spare.
You
(I don't know much about fighting, but this Kannagi person just fought a large number of kaiju...)
You
(She's, without a doubt, tremendously strong.)
You
(And she also seems to possess supernatural powers. So doesn't that make her much stronger than the "other me"...?)
Rabbit 2
Let's rest for a while!
Kannagi
No, Sister... Otohime will be here soon. There's no time to be fussing over minor things such as my injury and fatigue...!
Rabbit 2
Then let's at least rest until Lady Otohime arrives!
Kannagi
OK... I appreciate your concern, Rabbit 2.
Rabbit 2
Hehehe!
Kannagi
This is one of the several supply stations within the city. I apologize for bringing you to such a shabby place.
Kannagi
Please also allow me to apologize for not being of much help during the battle...
Kannagi
I've shown you nothing but my disgraceful side...
You
(A person as strong as her is saying such things...! She's so humble.)
Rabbit 2
Don't exert yourself too much, Lady Kannagi. Here, have some tea.
Kannagi
Thank you, Rabbit 2. I think I've calmed down a little.
Rabbit 2
And it's a good thing that your injury is nothing major. That's Lady Kannagi for you!
Kannagi
Luck just happened to be on my side.
Kannagi
Your Eminence.
Kannagi
You've been summoned to the Capital to help us put an end to this horror... to the impure kaiju running rampant.
Kannagi
I truly apologize for summoning you without your permission. But for the sake of everyone here...
Kannagi
Would you kindly do us the favor of lending your assistance?
You
(The Capital? Impure kaiju? I still need more information, but I somewhat understand what's going on.)
You
(These people wished for me... the "other me" to be summoned here, and their wish was granted.)
You
(...I'm here as some divine being.)
Kannagi
The Capital used to be a flourishing city full of people.
Kannagi
A city of eternal happiness governed by the three leaders. That was the former Capital.
Kannagi
One unfortunate day the impure kaiju appeared out of nowhere. It was the end of the Capital as we knew it.
Kannagi
Curse you, you vile kaiju...!
Rabbit 2
Lady Kannagi, please calm down...!
Kannagi
I-I'm sorry.
Rabbit 2
Out of all the Four Temples, Lady Kannagi strongly advocates for maintaining peace.
Rabbit 2
She can't bear to see the Capital being defiled like it is right now.
You
(Her sense of justice is probably much stronger compared to the others... But...)
You
(Those kaiju that I can only see as little girls... are they really capable of doing all that?)
You
(...)
You
(Ah!)
You
(She looks like the girl from my visions...)
You
(She looks a lot like her...)
You
(If I remember correctly, she was also called Rabbit 2.)
You
(And I feel like I have also seen that girl they were calling a kaijin...)
You
(...)
You
(Everything is so vague in this dream-like world.)
You
(I can't seem to wrap my head around it.)
You
(...)
You
(But none of them are actually kids like I see them...)
You
(Each one of them possesses superhuman powers. They were the same in the visions I had before... I'm fairly sure.)
You
(...)
You
(Are they the same, or do they just look the same? Either way...)
You
(...everything that's happening here is not even remotely close to the ordinary world we're supposed to be in.)
You
(Everything here is lunatic and different...)
Kannagi
The kaiju do not speak our language. Obviously, the same goes for the kaijin, the origin of kaiju.
Kannagi
We were unable to have any sort of discussion to broker peace. It was a war of annihilation from the outset.
Kannagi
And the kaiju...
Kannagi
...they were stronger than we could ever imagine.
Kannagi
The citizens of the Capital fell, one after the other. And now... I only have my comrades left.
Rabbit 2
All the moon rabbits took to the front lines, but not many of us survived...
Rabbit 2
...only me and a few others.
Kannagi
Our soldiers are still lying low in the outlying regions. My comrades are currently on their way to gather them.
Kannagi
If we all come together...
Kannagi
Your Eminence... maybe we'd be able to overcome this predicament we're in with you as our leader.
You
(That's a huge responsibility... An enormous responsibility. Can the "other me" really handle this?)
???
Worry not, Your Eminence. Everything will be all right. I know this because we put everything at stake...
???
...to summon a divine spirit capable of ensuring a bright and happy future.
???
We trust you with all our hearts.
Kannagi
Sister!
Rabbit 2
Lady Otohime!
You
(She looks almost exactly like that intelligent lady I saw earlier! But there's definitely something different about her.)
Otohime
Oh my, Kannagi. You're wounded... But it doesn't seem to be anything major.
Otohime
Good, I see Rabbit 2 tended to your wounds. Well done.
Rabbit 2
Hehehe.
Otohime
I can travel in an instant, but the search took longer than I expected.
Otohime
Kannagi, Rabbit 2, Your Eminence... please accept my apologies.
Otohime
All of you appear to be alive and well. I could have asked for nothing more.
Otohime
As long as we are alive... it's not over. Even if it's just us...
Kannagi
Just... us?
Kannagi
Sister, don't tell me...! Are you saying that our remaining comrades who were laying low...?
Otohime
There's no mistaking it. Azusa and Nayotake, who set out in different directions, have also met the same fate.
Otohime
―They've all been annihilated.
Spatial Reign
Otohime
Now, Kannagi!
Kannagi
Loud and clear, Sister!
You
(Wh-Whoa! They were perfectly in sync!)
Rabbit 2
Brilliant coordinated attack! Out of the Four Temples, this is something only the sisters are capable of.
Otohime
We can somewhat deal with kaiju of this level. They don't possess Spatial Reign, after all.
Kannagi
Yes. Kaiju without Spatial Reign powers aren't too difficult for us.
You
(What's Spatial Reign?)
Rabbit 2
Your Eminence... they're talking about the thing that happens where the surroundings supernaturally change around kaiju.
You
(Oh, the thing where I suddenly end up in a completely different place...)
Rabbit 2
Let me explain. Higher-level kaiju possess an ability known as Spatial Reign that allows them to create an isolated space.
Rabbit 2
Its range encompasses a regular 1.524m sided hexagon with the kaiju at the center and the six adjoining regular hexagons.
You
(A hexagonal shape instead of a circular one...?)
You
(And what's with the precise value of 1.524m? I wonder if they actually measured it.)
Rabbit 2
We are cut off from any means of supply or communication inside this space, and passing through consumes lots of energy.
Rabbit 2
This space also gives the kaiju an advantage by allowing it to unleash its abilities to its full potential.
You
(The explanation is clear, but what's with the weird laws within the space...?)
You
(It doesn't sound like the laws of physics. Is that because... this place is like something from a dream?)
Rabbit 2
You could say that this Spatial Reign is a part of the kaiju. It's like you can't separate the two.
You
(Can't separate the two? Then why are there kaiju who don't possess Spatial Reign?)
Rabbit 2
That's because...!
You
(Oh, looks like the "other me" had the same question.)
Rabbit 2
That's because the kaiju born within the "space" created by the kaiju possessing Spatial Reign...
Rabbit 2
...are the kaiju without the Spatial Reign ability!
You
(That's way too confusing!)
Rabbit 2
Kaiju without Spatial Reign are not independent beings. They have been created by the kaiju possessing Spatial Reign.
You
(OK, now that's a little easier to understand!)
Otohime
We are capable of dealing with the kaiju that do not possess Spatial Reign.
Otohime
However, the kaiju possessing Spatial Reign create unlimited kaiju...
Otohime
...which is extremely difficult to handle with just our abilities.
Kannagi
That is precisely the reason why we summoned you, the foreign god. We were yearning...
Kannagi
...for Your Eminence who can call forth divine messengers and servants.
You
(Oh, they're talking about the "other me's" ability to call forth those mysterious and shadow-like girls.)
You
(So using that ability can take care of the kaiju that endlessly create more kaiju.)
Kannagi
I used to possess a similar ability. I could summon divine spirits and house them within my body... eight million of them...
Kannagi
They gave as good as they got, but they were all defeated by the endless surging waves of kaiju.
Kannagi
You could say that I ran out of "spirit"...
You
(If they also defeated eight million kaiju, then that would mean new kaiju must be created pretty quickly.)
Otohime
And then there's the kaijin's Spatial Reign that creates these kaiju capable of creating more kaiju.
Otohime
The kaijin's Spatial Reign range extends well beyond the 1.524m hexagons, but we don't have the exact measurements.
You
(That's why they're so persistent about taking down the kaijin. Defeating them could turn the tide.)
Rabbit 2
Lady Otohime, Lady Kannagi. It looks like we've lured in a strong kaiju.
Otohime
There it is.
Kannagi
We'll focus on the kaiju that are being spawned. Your Eminence, please take care of the main kaiju.
You
(What exactly is a kaiju anyway? I'm more confused than ever.)
You
(I wonder how much this "other me" has understood...)
Fallen God
You
(I still haven't seen Merry and Renko again. I hope they're all right...)
You
(The Capital is supposed to be a huge city... But no matter where I look, everything looks the same.)
You
(And no matter where I go, I can see that castle. It's like the moon shining in the night sky.)
You
(...the moon?)
You
(Huh? Where did Miss Otohime and the others go?)
Renko
(Ah!)
Merry
(Ah!)
Renko
(So glad to see you, PLAYER!)
Merry
(It feels like it's been an eternity since we started looking for you!)
Merry & Renko
(Everything feels so indistinct, though, so it's honestly hard to tell how long it's been.)
Renko
(This world seems to be full of inconvenient... or rather, unknown restrictions.)
Merry
(And I keep sensing something terrifying wherever we go. I'm always on edge... If this is a dream, I'd like to wake up.)
You
(I'm glad to see that the two of you are all right!)
You
(So you two really do see the kaiju as monsters...)
You
(Am I the only one seeing them as little girls?)
You
(And now there's something called kaijin too.)
Renko
(Kaijin? The one with twenty faces? From the book "The Fiend with Twenty Faces"?)
Merry
(Or the opera one? From the musical "The Phantom of the Opera"?)
You
(No, I don't think they're like either of those. They're more like an alien working behind the scenes in a city...)
You
(Like something out of an ancient special effects movie.)
Renko
(OK, now we have a general idea about everything you've been through here...)
Renko
(First we need to find out whether we're on the moon. But the conditions here are too bad for my eyes to function properly.)
Renko
(Even now, it's like we're in some faded old photograph or in a movie recorded on a video cassette...)
Merry
(And in my case, it feels like a well-crafted fake documentary which just adds to the horror...!)
Renko
(But just look at that planet in the sky. That's probably Earth. Which means we are definitely on the moon.)
You
(Yes, the planet is blue, so it makes sense that this is the moon.)
Renko
(So if we assume that this is the moon, then we need to look at kaiju and kaijin from a different perspective.)
Merry
(The moon has been a symbol of bewitchment and mystery since forever. And not only in Japan, but the whole world...)
Merry
(The moon is just too big.)
Renko
(It truly has the stature of a ruler.)
Renko
(It majestically dominates the night in terms of space while simultaneously dominating time with the calendar.)
Renko
(And most importantly, with a -12.7 apparent magnitude, its beauty is beyond words.)
Merry
(Thus, the moon is seen as the source of enchantment. And it makes sense as it is witness to all the mysteries of the night.)
Merry
(The moonlight shines while still keeping things hidden, creating the ideal setting for unknown beings like youkai.)
Renko
(Wild animals and nefarious humans shelter in the darkness of night, causing primordial fear, misconceptions, and pretense.)
Merry
(Youkai were wished into existence, and they were inevitably feared. This is much like how gods came to be.)
Merry
(So the only option for youkai who didn't manage to turn into new gods was to continue to exist as beings to be feared...)
Merry
(...or cease existing?)
Renko
(That sounds plausible.)
Merry
(Yes, but this is only one theory on the nature of youkai.)
Renko
(Another one could be that maybe the youkai who remained turned into kaiju or kaijin.)
Merry
(Just like how the dinosaurs that survived evolved into birds?)
Renko
(Something like that.)
Renko
(Or like Count Dracula and Frankenstein from those ancient movies that got really popular. Oh, and also werewolves.)
Renko
(Those movies have been made into special effects movies. The theme is also exactly like the world of youkai and horror.)
Renko
(Maybe new monsters appear as time passes. And maybe that's how these kaiju and kaijin have come into existence.)
Renko
(Their role is pretty much the same as that of a youkai then.)
Merry
(Like scaring people...)
Merry
(...and making an income from box-office sales?)
Merry
(Isn't that the same as those freak shows from the olden days? Isn't that unfair?!)
Renko
(Why? Don't you think a freak show is a perfect depiction of the coexistence between youkai and humans?)
Renko
(Even the youkai who were not treated as gods could earn monetary offerings.)
Merry
(Things always get shady whenever humans are involved...)
You
(So basically, we can think of kaiju as a form of youkai that evolved to suit their environment.)
You
(So then...)
You
(Why am I seeing them as little girls...?)
Merry
(Maybe it's because ultimately, all youkai originate...)
Merry
(...from humans.)
Goddess Revival
You
(But... It's not just me who knows that youkai have originated from humans. The two of you are also aware of that.)
You
(If the way they appear depends on that knowledge, then it doesn't make sense that only I see them as people...)
Renko
(Hmmm... You certainly have a point there!)
Merry
(Maybe there's something we're missing.)
Renko
(Hmmmmmmmmmm!)
Merry
(...?)
You
(Ah... not again!)
Kaiju?
...
You
(It's like she switched places with them.)
You
(I don't know why but there's something very obvious here... Something hiding in plain sight.)
You
(It feels like... someone is trying to communicate something to me through this girl... But what?)
You
(...)
You
(Observing her isn't helping... I can't figure it out.)
You
(Huh?!)
Otohime
We're here. Azusa was headed for this place when she set out for the search.
Rabbit 2
I can sense kaiju all around us...! I hope Lady Azusa is all right.
Kannagi
We've got to believe. That's the only thing we can do right now.
You
(What's going on?!)
You
(Something's not right. People are just randomly vanishing and randomly appearing...)
Otohime
Your Eminence. A kaijin will soon show itself.
Otohime
We fear that our comrade Azusa, one of the other Four Temples, has been captured.
Otohime
Your Eminence, we beg of you. Please save us...!
You
(Doesn't this "other me" feel weird about all this?)
Kannagi
It's here. That's the kaijin.
You
(Kaijin...!)
You
(These girls that they call kaijn...)
You
(...they look so similar to them.)
Spirit-Carrying Wing
Otohime
―Azusa!
Azusa
...
Otohime
I'm so glad to see that you're all right.
Kannagi
That was dangerous. It's a miracle that you could still come back to us after what you went through.
Kannagi
This is probably thanks to the good fortune beckoned by Azusa's ability...
Otohime
You might be right.
You
(It's like the kaijin just disappeared, and this Azusa person appeared in their place.)
You
(It didn't seem like she was being held captive anywhere...)
Otohime
Anyway, let's carry Azusa to a place where she can relax. She needs to recover.
Rabbit 2
Allow me!
Azusa
[Thank you.]
Azusa
[You all made it to me just in time before I completely "fell."]
Otohime
Thank goodness. And it's a relief to see that you don't have any major injuries either.
Otohime
Now eat this candy. It's good nourishment, and it'll help you recover your stamina.
Azusa
['ts 'elicious.]
Otohime
It's peach-flavored.
Kannagi
Ah... I want one too!
Rabbit 2
M-Me three!
Otohime
Oh my.
Kannagi
Th-This is heaven...!
Rabbit 2
Mmmm... So yummy!
Otohime
How about you, Your Eminence? Would you like to try one?
You
(I-I do! But it's not like I'd get to taste it even if this "other me" does...)
Otohime
Here you go.
You
(The subtle peach flavor is filling my mouth! So that means we even share our sense of taste...)
You
(...)
You
(Until now, I was under the impression that I had been transported into someone else's consciousness.)
You
(But maybe it's the opposite...? Maybe my body is being controlled by someone else's will?)
You
(...)
You
(No, that sounds too farfetched.)
Azusa
[Shorrieforzedelayedinchuroducshion.]
Azusa
[Excuse me... I meant...]
Azusa
[Sorry for the delayed introduction, Your Eminence.]
Azusa
[I'm Azusa. I won't go into the details now, but I must keep my mouth covered...]
Azusa
[Albeit inconvenient, I'm talking through this contraption. Please forgive my rudeness.]
You
(They're treating this "other me" as some divine being. This unusual respect... it's something close to worship.)
Otohime
Azusa... Perhaps you could provide us with the answers we seek.
Otohime
We've been looking for kaijin while defeating kaiju, and as soon as we find them, we try to defeat them as well.
Otohime
However...
Otohime
Can this really turn the tide in our favor? Do we still have any hope left?
Otohime
Azusa. You should be able to discern our fate.
Azusa
[It's difficult for even me to predict where we're headed. So I'm not sure if it would be a good idea to use my ability.]
Kannagi
Let me explain, Your Eminence.
Kannagi
Azusa's ability allows her to reverse fate when certain conditions are met.
Kannagi
However, no one can predict the future. The ability might be powerful, but that is exactly why it is so difficult to use.
You
(Reverse fate? Sounds like something that would be difficult to verify whether fate has actually been reversed or not...)
Azusa
[However... because I came very close to "falling," there is one thing I can say for certain.]
Azusa
[We need to hurry and look for our final comrade, Nayotake.]
Azusa
[Nayotake is the strongest among us. If she has fallen―]
Azusa
[―and turned into a kaiju, then...]
You
(...!)
Azusa
[That will be the end of us.]
