210 - 300F
Index
- 210F - Gensokyo and the Outside World
- 220F - Parallel Worlds and a High Schooler
- 230F - Parallel Worlds and Double Sisters
- 240F - Parallel Worlds and Diets
- 250F - Dark Machinations
- 260F - Winged Reconnaissance
- 270F - The Abyss
- 280F - Dreams or Fantasy?
- 290F - Fantasy or Reality?
- 300th Floor Celebration
210F - Gensokyo and the Outside World
Reimu
Climbing the tower isn't easy, but...!
Marisa
Having so many back-to-back festivals was rough too! Going back regularly for more festivals is going to get hectic.
We wore maid uniforms at the Scarlet Devil Mansion!
We wore bunny ears for some reason at Hakugyokurou!
Yukari
I've heard that such festivals are regularly held in the outside world. And I'm something of an expert on festivals!
Reimu
Stop appearing out of nowhere! It's not good for my heart!
Marisa
Yeah, cut it out! It's bad luck!
Yukari
I'm a youkai. That's what we do.
Yukari
Besides, dressing up is an intrinsic part of festivals. Shrine maidens in the outside world usually go to school or work.
Yukari
So they only dress as shrine maidens when they work as one. Part-time shrine maidens are pretty normal there.
Reimu
Huh?!
Reimu
Y-You must be joking!
Reimu
That makes it sound like...
Reimu
...I'm the only one shrine maiden-ing around the clock!
Marisa
Haha! You're so lame, Reimu! Serves you right!
Yukari
Magicians are pretty much the same, you know?
Marisa
Huh?!
Yukari
Are you really that surprised?
Reimu
Gah! You youkai have it good then. There aren't many of you in the outside world, are there?
Marisa
The youkai in Gensokyo get the recognition they need and live a life of leisure! They don't have to worry about the outside!
Yukari
It sure sounds like the two of you are interested in the outside world.
Reimu
Well, it's true that I sometimes get curious, like the time with the occult balls when I actually saw it.
Yukari
Oh, you mean back then...?
Marisa
You're talking about the Sumireko incident, right? I'm also kinda interested in the school she goes to!
Yukari
What?!
Yukari
I can't believe you're not satisfied with Gensokyo...
Yukari
...You're gonna make me super-duper mad.
Huh?!
Miss Yukari, is that seriously your reaction?!
Reimu
Hehe, PLAYER has already said everything I wanted to say.
Marisa
Yeah, nice one, PLAYER!
Miss Yukari, do you visit the outside world often?
Don't you stand out looking beautiful in those clothes?
Yukari
Did you hear that, Reimu?! Marisa?!
Yukari
She said I'm the most beautiful lady in all Gensokyo!
Reimu
No one said that.
Yukari
That's my PLAYER. I've raised my daughter so well.
Marisa
You totally act like her mother. But no, she isn't your daughter.
Reimu
And answer the question first. Do you disregard the barrier you're supposed to manage and wander around outside?
Marisa
It's kinda unfair if you think about it. She can do whatever she wants while we have to obey the rules.
Reimu
Well? What do you have to say, "mom"?
Marisa
Yeah, "mom"? And why are you so familiar with the occult balls incident?
Reimu
Come to think of it, you weren't involved at all back then. That's very shady.
Marisa
Don't tell me it's the same old pattern?
Yukari
Teehee. That's right.
Yukari
It is the same old pattern. I'm―
Yukari
―something of an expert on Gensokyo!
There's no one more well-informed than Miss Yukari!
(Oh... she watches everything through her gaps!)
Yukari
There's no way I wouldn't know about something that endangered the barrier to such a degree.
Yukari
But I let the mountain hermit and the leader of the bake-danuki handle that specific incident.
Yukari
Sometimes, a parent has to perform the difficult task of watching over their children without interfering.
Reimu
Isn't that just a nice way of saying you sat on your hands and watched?!
Reimu
And what would you have done if I was left behind in the outside world back then?!
Yukari
I'm sure you know that everything was arranged to prevent that from happening.
Marisa
It sounds like Yukari is more of Reimu's mother.
The outside world, huh...
Reimu
Wait...
Reimu
Yukari... wouldn't it be possible for you to take PLAYER to the outside world...?
Marisa
Yeah, and not for a limited time or with conditions like back then. Can't you freely go and drop her off?
Yukari
Yes, I could do that.
Reimu & Marisa
WHAT?!
Reimu
Then go take her there this instant! Don't you feel bad for PLAYER?!
Marisa
Why have we been struggling all this time then?!
Reimu & Marisa
Booooooooooo!
Yukari
Calm down. There's a reason for everything.
Yukari
And if you don't ask for it, you'll dance through a world of riddles and confusion as a youkai pulls the strings.
Reimu
Just confess already.
Marisa
Tell us why.
Yukari
All right, all right.
(Miss Yukari got her way after all!)
Yukari
PLAYER hasn't regained her memories yet.
Yukari
What do you think would happen if we sent her to the outside world in such a state?
Reimu
U-Uh...!
Reimu
The people who know PLAYER in the outside world will find her and safely take her to her home...?
Yukari
Don't you think the chances of that happening are the same as finding a needle in a mountain of haystacks?
I might end up lost again but in a worse situation...
Yukari
At the very least, you'll lose your chance to regain your memories.
Marisa
That would be bad. It's better she stays in Gensokyo.
Yukari
And that's the reason why. Do you understand now?
Reimu
But we might find a clue in the outside world. Wasn't it the same back then with the occult balls?
Marisa
I thought we'd eventually have to go look for clues in the outside world. What do you have to say about that?
Yukari
Hmm...
(Will I get to go to the outside world...?!)
Yukari
Well, I won't deny that we might need to take PLAYER there.
Yukari
In fact, it is highly likely that we will be forced to do exactly that.
Reimu
Then...!
Marisa
You mean...?
Yukari
...So let's start by talking to people who are familiar with the outside world!
Reimu & Marisa
What?! How boring!
Reimu & Marisa
Booooooooo!
Yukari
My goodness.
Yukari
PLAYER's fate is at stake here. Don't you think it would be irresponsible not to be this careful?
Reimu
My bad. I guess you're right. This is quite a serious issue for PLAYER.
Marisa
Sorry, PLAYER. We ended up messing around like we usually do.
No, I also prefer it when investigating is fun!
Reimu
Exactly!
Marisa
Wow, PLAYER. You've come a long way.
Yukari
All right, let's continue climbing the tower. This is also a part of that investigation.
Reimu
I feel like she's tricking us into this, but I guess we don't have any other options right now.
Marisa
Well, I don't care as long as it's fun.
(Come to think of it, I feel like there was someone...
...who spoke to me about the outside world before.)
(Sumireko Usami.)
(I'd be nice to talk with her about it again...)
Reimu
PLAYER? Are you coming? We'll leave you behind if you don't hurry!
Ah! Wait for me!
???A
There's no mistaking it. That's... PLAYER for sure.
???B
I'm honestly surprised. I expected our reunion with PLAYER to be a little different.
???C
This is truly a miracle. I'm glad I tagged along with you two―
Sanae?
―Lady Kanako, Lady Suwako.
Kanako?
It's been a long time since we went on a trip together. A miracle or two are just the cherries on top.
Suwako?
It's like we're having a picnic! This is fun!
Sanae?
No, Lady Kanako, Lady Suwako.
Kanako? & Suwako?
Huh...?
Sanae?
We might lose believers because of your pride. We need to show more sincere appreciation for miracles.
Sanae?
I also need to strengthen my faith some more, so I can stay with you both forever...!
Kanako? & Suwako?
...!
Kanako?
Sanae, you're so sensible and earnest. You're such a nice kid.
Suwako?
You're always trying your best with miracles, laundry, and cleaning... but why don't you try taking it easy for once?
Sanae?
No, Lady Kanako, Lady Suwako.
Kanako? & Suwako?
Huh...? (Again?)
Sanae?
You heard that just now, didn't you?
Sanae?
PLAYER and the others seemed curious about the outside world.
Sanae?
And who could teach them more about the outside world than us? We can't afford to rest right now!
Kanako? & Suwako?
...!
Kanako?
You're right, Sanae! Let's hurry and go tell them all about it!
Suwako?
I'm sure they'll be grateful and appreciate your knowledge, Sanae!
Sanae?
―Let's tail them in secret.
Kanako?
(Our Sanae is still very shy.)
Suwako?
(She's gotten a lot better though.)
Sanae?
Because it looks like there are other people following them as well.
Kanako?
Haha, I see. So that's how it is.
Suwako?
Our Sanae really is the best. Let's proceed with caution then.
Sanae?
Yes, we can't risk―
Sanae?
―anything bad happening to PLAYER.
220F - Parallel Worlds and a High Schooler
Sumireko
(I followed PLAYER-o all the way to this strange tower, but this wasn't what I expected to find...)
Sumireko
(What's going on?!)
Sumireko
Umm, excuse me...
Sumireko
...Are you a Miss Yukari and Miss Yuyuko from another world?
Yukari
Yes, that is correct from your perspective. We are denizens of a world different from yours.
Yuyuko
Of course, that means the opposite is also true... From our perspective, you are a Sumireko from another world.
Yukari
It's a simple concept, yet infinitely entertaining. There are always more nuances to debate and discuss.
Sumireko
Haha, right, so that's what you were chatting about.
Sumireko
...
Sumireko
Umm! I really want to know about otherworldly versions of myself!
Yukari & Yuyuko
...!
Yukari
Oh, yes! Sumireko would be interested in that, wouldn't she?!
Yuyuko
Your voice and appearance might differ slightly, but you really are similar no matter what world you're from!
Sumireko
Uh, what's the me in your world like...? No, first off, what's the difference between your world and mine...?
Sumireko
...Oh, wait, that won't work. You can't tell me what's different if I don't tell you about my world first.
Sumireko
Argh! How do I start this conversation?!
Yuyuko
I know what you mean! It's hard to decide what question to ask when you don't know what the other party knows.
Yukari
This happens all the time when parallel worlds are involved.
Yukari
But we've met and talked with lots of people from various parallel worlds since coming to this tower.
Yukari
So we have already identified the peculiarities of our own world.
Yukari
Our world is currently experiencing an incident where snow continues to fall, and spring doesn't come!
Yuyuko
And in our Netherworld, the Saigyou Ayakashi continued to infinitely approach full bloom without ever reaching it.
Yukari
The incident has almost come to an end, but its effects will probably last for some time.
Yuyuko
Yang temperament and youkai energy will keep covering the Netherworld, and winter temperament will linger in Gensokyo.
Sumireko
How strange!
Sumireko
Hm?
Yuyuko
Is something wrong?
Sumireko
I don't really know how to ask this because it's so confusing...
Sumireko
But I've heard that an incident occurred where spring didn't come, and winter wouldn't end...
Sumireko
It happened before I came to Gensokyo.
Sumireko
Your world is currently experiencing that incident... yet there is also a version of me there.
Sumireko
...I don't get it.
Yukari
Oh, I see. It seems you have misunderstood.
Sumireko
W-What do you mean?
Yukari
The flow of time in our world and yours is the same.
Yukari
Or, to put it plainly, that incident has been prolonged in our world.
Yuyuko
Such a long incident was normal for us, so we only figured out that it was different after learning more about other worlds.
Sumireko
Really?! Then does that mean the me over there...
Sumireko
...visited a freezing cold Gensokyo?! Could she even do anything in a world like that?
Yukari
Well, you should probably ask her that when you meet her.
Yukari
I presume that in your world...
Yukari
...people who caused incidents or disturbances arrived in Gensokyo or gained prominence one after the other, no?
Yukari
Those people appeared in our world in more or less the same way.
Yukari
However...
Yukari
...they were also greatly affected by our incident.
Sumireko
Huh? What do you mean by that?
Yukari
We figured this out after piecing together the information we obtained from various parallel presences in this tower.
Yukari
I'll try to explain this by using our world as an example.
Yukari
Our incident, where snow continues to fall and spring doesn't come, lasted much longer compared to other worlds.
Yukari
This led to our Gensokyo being colder both in terms of weather and emotionally, and our Netherworld being warmer.
Yukari
These effects spread to neighboring Otherworlds and alter anyone who lives in or visits Gensokyo and the Netherworld.
Sumireko
So the people in your Gensokyo are equipped to live in a freezing environment and tend to have serious personalities...
Sumireko
...and the people in your Netherworld are gentle and relaxed? Is that what you mean?
Yuyuko
Yeah, you got it! That's exactly right!
Yukari
In my case, I've been sleepy ever since I took a siesta in the Netherworld to escape Gensokyo's cold.
Yukari
*yawn*
Sumireko
(They really do seem more relaxed than the Miss Yukari and Miss Yuyuko I'm familiar with.)
Yukari
Prolonged incidents have been observed to cause many other effects, like what happens when another incident occurs.
Sumireko
You mean, two incidents at once?! Oh, right, I guess that would happen if an incident lasted for a long time!
Yukari
The incident where flowers of all four seasons bloom profusely didn't function correctly in our Gensokyo of eternal winter.
Yukari
Same with the incident where the four seasons occur at once. But that's not to say that these incidents didn't happen at all.
Yukari
The "winter" aspects were simply exemplified in each incident.
Yukari
The cause of each incident doesn't disappear either. The incident culprits try to fulfill their objectives in different ways.
Yukari
We discovered these trends by talking to all the people gathered here in this tower.
Yukari
Oh, by the way, the order of people who appear in Gensokyo is also sometimes affected by a prolonged incident.
Yukari
The Scarlet Mist Incident is a good example of this.
Yukari
Magic mist affects everything when that incident is prolonged. I imagine the Underworld, in particular, would get very damp.
Yukari
This would probably cause the youkai down there to reenter relations with the surface much quicker than in your world.
Sumireko
Oh! That's different from the history of Gensokyo that I know!
Sumireko
So incidents are intrinsically linked with temperament, huh? Hm? I feel like I've heard something about this before.
Sumireko
Since incidents affect temperament, that means they also affect the seasons and weather...
Sumireko
...and the mentality of humans and youkai. Not to mention spirits that are basically personified temperament.
Sumireko
That's quite a broad range of things. This seems worth remembering, so I'm gonna take some notes on my phone...
Sumireko
Oh, I just realized something!
Sumireko
None of the incidents in my Gensokyo lasted that long, so they hardly affected the outside world where I live.
Sumireko
But what about extended incidents, particularly ones that affect the weather? Would they extend to the outside world?
Sumireko
The clouds, wind, and the like all flow in and out of Gensokyo unimpeded, so aren't these prolonged incidents really bad...?!
Yukari
How perceptive. The humans of the outside world sure are intelligent.
Yuyuko
Yes, most barriers might actually let more things through than they stop.
Yuyuko
Because a closed-off space is awfully inconvenient.
Sumireko
That makes sense. I think I've heard about a similar principle in my physics class...
Sumireko
Entropy... or something. I'll have to go over my textbooks when I wake up.
Sumireko
Wait a sec! What happens if I wake up here?!
Yukari
I'm fairly sure that you can't wake up as long as you are here. Though that's just my intuition as a youkai speaking.
Sumireko
Um, my real body is in the outside world of another dimension, and it's like time has stopped while I'm here...
Sumireko
So will my body stay asleep for as long as I stay here? Th-That should be OK, right?
Yuyuko
This also means that you cannot return home unless you return to your world. So you should be careful.
Sumireko
That makes sense! I thought it'd be fun since I get to stay as long as I like... but yeah, you're right.
Sumireko
OK! I think I understand parallel worlds a bit better now!
Sumireko
Though I still don't get how the worlds with prolonged incidents, like your world, are related to the Lost Words.
Yukari
That's no surprise. The main reason we're here is to investigate exactly that.
Yuyuko
We want to know why the Lost Word affected our world that way...
Yuyuko
And we have to find the answer to prevent the same thing from happening ever again.
Yukari
It's fine if the Netherworld has a longer spring every now and then, but an extreme imbalance is a detriment to everyone.
Yukari
The mundane days should be intermittent with special ones. That is the guiding principle for how I manage Gensokyo.
Sumireko
Wow, I need to take more notes. Those wise words will surely come in handy someday!
Sumireko
...All right. Thank you so much for the chat!
Yuyuko
My pleasure. I really enjoyed talking with you.
Yukari
Yes, you have our gratitude as well, Sumireko. We also learned some valuable information thanks to your help.
Sumireko
(I should go tell PLAYER-o what I just learned...!)
Yukari
Also, I mentioned this earlier, but...
Yukari
...if you do meet a Sumireko from another world, you should ask her about what we just talked about.
Yukari
She should be able to tell you whether the outside world was affected by an incident or not.
Yukari
But more importantly...
Yukari
...she will surely provide you with some useful information for PLAYER.
230F - Parallel Worlds and Double Sisters
Sumireko
It's good that I've made some progress up this tower in search of PLAYER-o, but...
Sumireko
...what's going on here?!
Flandre
Oh? Haven't I seen you before somewhere...?
Flandre
Yes, you remind me of the girl who dug up into my room from the Underworld!
Flandre
She complained about how the mist was bothering her or something. You're almost identical. Are you the same person?
Flandre
Hmm...
Flandre
Whatever! It doesn't matter either way, does it?!
Koishi
I couldn't understand a word you said!
Koishi
But, well, that's OK. It's fine.
Koishi
I've learned a lot while wandering around the surface, looking for gods.
Koishi
You're one of those devil things, aren't you?
Koishi
I think I heard somewhere that devils could grant wishes just like gods!
Koishi
So...
Koishi
...you should act as a god for me!
Sumireko
Huh...?
Sumireko
Hm?! What's going on? I don't get it.
Sumireko
Are we in space?!
Flandre
Koishi? Koishi... Her name was Koishi! Yeah, you look exactly like Koishi!
Flandre
The Koishi who came to play with me was pretty tough.
Flandre
Are you tough too?
Flandre
You are, aren't you?
Flandre
Right?
Flandre
I'm sure you are!
Koishi
A devil? ...Oh, now I remember! You're Flan, right?
Koishi
Yeah, you're Flan!
Koishi
I like your new look. It really suits you!
Koishi
Since you're Flan, you must be a devil! Vampires are devils, right? Or am I wrong?
Koishi
No, I'm right, aren't I?!
Koishi
Come on, bring out a god already! A god! I know you want to!
Koishi
Bring out a god, and let's play together!
Sumireko
Yikes! There's no other way to describe this!
Sumireko
Didn't something like this happen around the end of the 20th century?
Sumireko
It was around the time I was born, or maybe just before...
Sumireko
It's like... THE END OF THE WORLD!
Sumireko
But, yikes! Seriously! This has gotta be a joke, right?!
Sumireko
If these two are the same as the Flan and Koishi I'm familiar with...
Sumireko
...they might really cause the world to end!
???A
You needn't worry, Sumireko from another world.
???B
Your overreaction sounded like a joke, but I can tell that you're truly panicking.
Remilia
This is just an everyday occurrence.
Remilia
Isn't that right, older Komeiji sister from another world?
Satori
Indeed, older Scarlet sister from another world. This always happens.
Satori
I'm sure this space will return to normal soon. It was a simple, albeit powerful spell, after all.
Satori
See? It was exactly as I predicted.
Remilia
Hmm, I'd rather it wasn't so sunny. I'll have to apply more of the sunscreen that Patchy made.
Sumireko
Wow... That was like something out of a sci-fi movie.
Sumireko
...Wait a sec!
Sumireko
You say this happens all the time, but isn't it dangerous to leave Flan and Koishi like that?!
Sumireko
Well, otherworldy older sisters?!
Remilia
Don't ask us. Look at them.
Satori
Yes, there's your answer.
Flandre
All right, let's play together sometime!
Koishi
Sure! Let me visit your world too, OK?!
Sumireko
Wow!
Sumireko
They're already friends. They sure adapted quickly.
Satori
Speaking of adaptability, I don't think you're lacking in that regard, either. You calmed down rather quickly.
Remilia
Even to my eyes, as someone familiar with the high adaptability of humans, I think you're fairly impressive.
Sumireko
Yeah, now that you mention it... I really can get used to anything, can't I?!
Flandre
Hey, Remilia, change fate so I can go and visit this Koishi when we return to our own world.
Remilia
Huh? What are you talking about?
Koishi
Hey, Satori! Read some memories so I can sneak into this Flan's house after we return to our world!
Satori
That doesn't make any sense, Koishi.
Flandre
Please, Remilia!
Koishi
Please, Satori!
Koishi & Flandre
Pleeeeeeeease!
Remilia
Hmmm, this is quite the predicament...
Satori
It would be convenient if there was a way to create bonds between people across worlds.
Sumireko
(Even if you could do that, I'm not sure it'd be a good idea...)
Sumireko
...
Sumireko
Wait... Create bonds across worlds? That's...!
Remilia
That's what PLAYER does...!
Satori
That's the power of PLAYER's journal.
Sumireko
(Exactly. The journal that PLAYER-o carries creates bonds across worlds!)
Sumireko
(Yeah, the more I think about it, the stranger it seems. How does the journal do that?)
Sumireko
OK!
Sumireko
Let's help your little sisters...
Sumireko
...by going to find PLAYER-o!
240F - Parallel Worlds and Diets
Sumireko
Hmm, I've gotten pretty used to this Scarlet Devil Tower now after climbing so high up.
Sumireko
But I'm meant to be looking for PLAYER-o...
Sumireko
I don't wanna become some kind of expert on parallel worlds.
Sumireko
But...
Sumireko
Then again...
Sumireko
I'd like to know what's going on here!
Rumia A
Woohoo! All that climbing made me hungry! I'm sooooo glad you're here!
Rumia A
All right, time to dig in!
Sumireko
Whoa! Stop! Stop! Stop! I'm Sumireko! Don't you know me, Roomy?!
Rumia A
Roomy...?
Rumia A
Oh! You're Sumireko! I thought you were meat!
Rumia A
All right, time to eat Sumireko!
Sumireko
No! Stop! Stop that!
Sumireko
I'm pretty sure I'm not tasty!
Rumia A
Huh? I'm not a picky eater.
Sumireko
I respect that... But maybe you could be a little bit picky?!
Rumia A
Is that...
Rumia A
...No, that doesn't sound right.
Sumireko
Aren't you meant to you say, "Is that sooooo?"!
Rumia A
Are those your last words? OK! Time to eat!
Rumia A
*chomp* Argh, your skin's soft, but I can't bite through it.
Rumia A
*chomp* *chomp*
Sumireko
(Phew! I'm so glad I've got supernatural powers!)
Rumia B
Hey, can I have a taste tooooo?
Rumia B
Just one bite!
Rumia B
I'll just take the head!
Sumireko
(Did she say JUST the head?!)
Rumia A
Hmmm...
Rumia A
NO!
Rumia A
She's my Sumireko. Find your own!
Sumireko
(But there's only one me... No, wait, there could be other mes from parallel worlds!)
Rumia B
Then how about this...
Rumia B
If we find a new Sumireko, we can go halfsies! Sound good?
Sumireko
(Yikes...)
Rumia A
Hmmm...
Rumia A
OK!
Sumireko
(Oh no! Run away, other mes!)
Rumia B
All right, let's dig in!
Rumia B
*chomp*
Rumia B
*frenzied gnawing*
Rumia B
You 'ere wight. I can't 'ite frew.
Rumia A
Yeah...
Rumia A
*ineffective chomp*
Sumireko
(...)
Sumireko
(Wow...)
Sumireko
(I'm almost getting eaten right now, but it feels kinda strange.)
Sumireko
(There's this kind of ticklish sensation in my heart... along with where they're trying to bite me.)
Sumireko
(Is this what being a mother to two kids feels like?)
Sumireko
(...)
Sumireko
(No, stop that! Get a grip, Sumireko! They're trying to eat you!)
Rumia B
Oh, what's your name, by the way?
Rumia A
Me? I'm Rumia!
Rumia B
What?! My name's Rumia too.
Rumia A
Huh?! Reeeeally?
Rumia B
No way...!
Rumias
What a coincidence!
Sumireko
(I think it's more than that!)
Rumia A
So what are you doing here? I'm looking for Cirno and Dai.
Rumia A
They asked me to come with them, but they flew off somewhere without me!
Rumia B
They did?!
Rumia B
But Cirno and Dai are fairies, so I guess that's just what they do.
Rumia A
Your friends are called Cirno and Dai too?!
Rumia B
Huh? Yeah... Oh!
Rumias
What a coincidence!
Sumireko
(It's DEFINITELY more than that!)
Rumia A
Pararallellel...?!
Rumia A
Wow, that sure is something.
Rumia B
I don't get it at all. What are you talking about?
Sumireko
Hmm, it's not like I'm a school teacher. Explaining stuff is super difficult...!
Sumireko
Besides, I didn't even learn about parallel worlds in school.
Sumireko
I heard about them from games, anime, and manga...
Sumireko
(Wait, wasn't there a vampire and a gatekeeper who really like manga?!)
Sumireko
(I might be able to use their collection if they've got manga from the outside world and not just manga written by tengu.)
Sumireko
By the way, Roomies, you just tried to eat me like it was nothing, but...
Rumias
Roomies...?
Sumireko
...I didn't think youkai were allowed to eat humans so freely in Gensokyo.
Rumia A
What kinda question is that? Don't you know that youkai eat humans?
Rumia B
Yeah. Um, my favorite part is the―
Sumireko
Wait! Hold on! I don't wanna know about that!
Sumireko
I was more interested in your diets, or rather, how you get enough food.
Sumireko
No matter how you think about it, the Human Village has gotta be too small to support all the youkai in Gensokyo.
Sumireko
(It's pretty terrifying, actually.)
Rumia A
Oh, I see. That's no problem at all!
Rumia B
Yeah! I've never had to worry about that! Not even once!
Rumia A
Because...
Rumia B
Yeah, it's because...
Sumireko
*gulp*
Rumias
...we eat humans that come from outside Gensokyo!
Sumireko
(Say whaaaaat?!)
Sumireko
(Wait... They're talking about humans that get spirited away, right?)
Sumireko
(That's not all that unusual in Gensokyo... but something's bothering me.)
Sumireko
(And it's like I'm scared to figure out what it is...!)
Rumia A
Hmm, what was it again? I think someone explained this to me before.
Rumia A
Gensokyo is where the outside world's unwanted things end up, right?
Rumia A
Things that have been thrown away, like leftovers or scraps.
Rumia B
Yeah, so there's no harm in putting them to use.
Rumia B
Eating unwanted humans from the outside world is just like using an outside-world tool or reading an outside-world book.
Sumireko
Y-Yeah, I guess I'm guilty of throwing things away too...!
Sumireko
(I figured out what was bothering me...)
Sumireko
(PLAYER-o...)
Sumireko
(Did everyone in the outside world forget about her? Was she... abandoned?)
250F - Dark Machinations
Do you remember how we came to climb this tower?
I still can't believe everything that happened...
Yukari
Oh, you're talking about back then, right?
Yukari
We found that special function in the blue Reimu's ship.
Yukari
So we decided to work together with the other parallel worlds.
Yukari
And then we were invited to this Scarlet Devil Tower world.
Wow, you summed that up quickly.
Yukari
This also led to the continual festivals in our world and the Parallel World Battle Royale at Hakugyoku Arena.
Yukari
And all those other events...
Yukari
Things have literally never been crazier!
Yukari
Well, jokes aside...
(Oh, so you were joking.)
Yukari
It's vitally important that we keep the festive flame lit in both our world and others with constant battles of bullets.
Yukari
Our actions now will surely prepare us for the eventual confrontation.
Yukari
Each event and battle will become a bullet aimed at the mastermind...
Yukari
...or masterminds of the Lost Word Incident.
*gulp*
Miss Yukari wasn't joking.
Everyone's been acting more and more freely lately...
...coming and going from so many different worlds!
There aren't any dangerous people here, so it's safe...
...but I didn't think they'd all be so up for this!
???
Why so surprised? Everyone is constantly looking for new ways to entertain themselves.
???
Gods and youkai live an exceptionally long time, and they have grown tired of most mundane activities.
???
So we all love unusual festivals like this! And where there's a festival, there's a market!
Miss Chimata?! Have you come to climb the tower too?
Chimata
I wouldn't miss this for the world. If I wasn't invited, I probably would've come here with my own power anyway.
Chimata
Markets are the most familiar other worlds. We've come all this way to shop, so this place is a market that―
???
Calm down. Stop being so dramatic.
Hello, Miss Iizunamaru. Aya was climbing with me earlier.
Megumu
Shameimaru's here? Hmm, did she put in a request for time off...?
(Maybe I shouldn't have said anything.)
Megumu
Well, whatever. The journalists are free to work as much or as little as they wish.
Megumu
It feels good to climb up this high. I wonder if we'll reach space soon.
Megumu
I can't wait to see the sea of stars. I know it's a strange thing to say for a tengu, but I feel like a child again.
???
I'd rather stay below ground diggin'.
Momoyo
Actually, I think I'll just dig a hole right here!
Wait! If you dig one hole, you'll keep digging more!
Momoyo
What's wrong with that? It'll help improve the ventilation up here. And besides, I might find some hidden items.
Megumu
Haha, I would like some valuable resources, but I'm a little worried about the aftereffects of such reckless mining...
I didn't expect the three of you to come here together...
I heard about the project you all worked on in the past.
Chimata
Oh, you heard about that, did you?
Megumu
Good times.
Momoyo
So ya wanna know why we're here now, huh?
Yes, please!
Chimata
"This incident is your chance to show your power and majesty as the great god of marketplaces to the lowly youkai."
Megumu
"The carefree gods and stupid youkai are useless, so this is your chance to save Gensokyo and control the economy."
Momoyo
"There's a really big hole, so it probably contains some draconic relics or something."
Megumu, Chimata & Momoyo
―Tsukasa gave me some advice!
Megumu, Chimata & Momoyo
Hm?
???
Oh?
Tsukasa
I thought you three were rushing up the tower. Are you taking a break?
Tsukasa
Why, hello, Miss PLAYER. Fancy seeing you here.
Tsukasa...
Tsukasa
Yes, that's me.
Tsukasa
So, what's going on? Did something happen?
Megumu, Chimata & Momoyo
This isn't what you promised, Tsukasa!
Chimata
Wasn't this trip meant to display my power? I haven't seen any signs of humans, youkai, or other gods worshipping me!
Megumu
I thought I was the only one who could save Gensokyo! This is going to be hard to pull off with all these other people here!
Momoyo
Where's the big hole? Are ya holdin' out on me?
Tsukasa
Ooooh, now I see. So that's what you're worried about.
Chimata
You don't sound that surprised! Don't tell me you...!
Megumu
What's going on, Tsukasa? I don't want to believe it, but...
Momoyo
I demand an explanation. And make it simple so I can understand.
Tsukasa
You wound me. This is but a simple misunderstanding.
Tsukasa
First, let's start with Miss Chimata.
Chimata
O-OK!
Tsukasa
At the market, yesterday's enemies can be today's friends. The best business opportunities are often with former rivals.
Tsukasa
Spying and improving relations are two sides of the same coin. You're employing the most advanced market strategy there is.
Chimata
R-Really? I think I get it now...!
Tsukasa
Next up is Lady Iizunamaru.
Megumu
Yes?
Tsukasa
The future of tengu society rests on your great shoulders, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to prove your worth.
Tsukasa
Forget about all the lesser beings here. Remain confident and prepare for the glorious final battle that will save Gensokyo.
Megumu
Y-Yeah, you're exactly right.
Tsukasa
And lastly, Miss Momoyo.
Momoyo
Huh? What is it?
Tsukasa
The big hole is higher up! It's not too far now!
Momoyo
Oh, that's good! I wonder what a big hole in the sky is like...
Momoyo
I can't wait to see it!
Momoyo
I can trust you, right? If it turns out you're lying... you'll be sorry.
Tsukasa
Hahaha, how can you doubt me? Have I ever tricked you, Miss Momoyo?
Momoyo
Hahahaha!
Tsukasa
Ahaha!
Megumu
Now then...
Megumu
I think that's enough chitchat. It's time to head for the top.
Chimata
Yeah, I wonder what kind of market we'll find up there. I'm getting all excited just thinking about it!
Momoyo
I'm happy as long as I get to dig!
Tsukasa
Did I surprise you, Miss PLAYER?
Tsukasa
If you thought kuda-gitsune could only bring about chaos and discord, you've been misinformed.
Tsukasa
(You've been misinformed.)
I-I heard you! Y-Y-You don't have to whisper in my ear!
Tsukasa
Trouble in Gensokyo can do naught but hinder us.
Tsukasa
I cannot bestow monetary blessings or financial ruin unless Gensokyo is safe and sound.
Tsukasa
You understand, don't you?
Yeah, I get it...!
(Tsukasa loves Gensokyo too...!)
Tsukasa
Teehee!
???
There's nothing here.
???
Haven't you thought about getting some furniture or something? You know, like, my place?
???
Or how about keeping a pet or hiring someone to clean and cook?
???
You'll get depressed if you keep hiding away in a room like this.
???
Hmph. You talk too much.
???
Why are you here? Can't you see I'm busy?
???
I have to watch over my sister until we finish traveling between worlds.
???
I see. That makes sense.
???
None of us have that journal, so traveling to other worlds is much more difficult.
???
And there are so many restrictions. It's a real shame.
???
You speak as if they don't apply to you.
???
Sorry, but they kinda don't. You really should collect as many rare items as you can.
???
You never know when they might come in handy.
???
Hmph.
???
And for your information, I'd rather this space-time wasn't so empty.
???
We will teleport our room over later after my sister has finished.
???
Now, I shall ask you again. Why are you here?
???
I won't ask you a third time. Even you don't deserve that much leniency.
???
Whoa, calm down. Powerful beings like yourself should act more dignified and composed.
???
And you shouldn't talk down to me. If we fought head-on, I'd win.
???
Actually, even if you managed to take me by surprise, you still couldn't beat me.
???
So did you come here to taunt me, knowing that I've already got my hands full?
???
Sorry. I just can't let an insult go unanswered.
???
You can't leave this place, so I came here to share some information.
???
Sure, I might not be the hardest worker, but you know I always look out for my friends.
???
Get to the point. What information?
???
It concerns the Scarlet Devil Tower and the Hakugyoku Arena... among other things.
???
And I can also tell you...
???
...what "they" are doing right now.
260F - Winged Reconnaissance
Sumireko
...
Sumireko
Hmmm...
Sumireko
I've gotten pretty used to this now!
Sumireko
Hello, parallel world Koa and parallel world Dai. I'm really starting to enjoy this!
Sumireko
It took me a while to realize how lucky I am. I get to talk with so many people from so many worlds!
Sumireko
Thinking back, I had a really rough time of it when I first visited Gensokyo!
Sumireko
Compared to that, this tower is like an all-you-can-eat buffet of parallel world experiences.
Sumireko
Once something strange happens, it opens up the floodgates for the same thing to happen over and over again...
Sumireko
I think I read about it in a manga somewhere! What's it called again? Synchronicity?
Koakuma
I've also read a book that talked about summoning beings from parallel worlds.
Koakuma
They used this thing to teleport magically. I think it was called a truck. Or maybe it was a trunk. I can't really remember.
Koakuma
Anyway, it was nothing like the summoning magic I'm familiar with!
Daiyousei
Wasn't it a wardrobe? Like, you can visit another world by going inside one...
Daiyousei
I'm pretty sure I heard a wonderful story about that!
Koakuma
Oh, yeah! I think I've read that book too!
Sumireko
What are you talking about?! That's nothing like how I came to Gensokyo!
Daiyousei
Huh?! Then how'd you do it?!
Koakuma
Yeah, I wanna know too! Please tell us!
Sumireko
Umm, how did I do it again...? I happened to find out about Gensokyo somehow, and then...
Sumireko
I wasn't able to go there, so I used some power stones I had lying around, and then, um...
Sumireko
Argh! I can't remember! Didn't your world's version of me explain it to you?!
Daiyousei
Oh, umm...
Daiyousei
What was our Miss Sumireko like, again?
Koakuma
Hmm, if I remember correctly...
Koakuma
I think she said she came to our Gensokyo by crashing into a jumbo thingy and falling through a trash chute.
Sumireko
Wow, that me just said whatever came to mind...!
Daiyousei
She also said she came to investigate a mysterious scarlet mist that was causing panic in the outside world.
Sumireko
Yeah, that's more like me...
Sumireko
No, that didn't happen at all!
Sumireko
What's up with that me?! She went to investigate?! Is she like a supernatural detective? A paranormal hero?
Koakuma
Haven't you heard that the Scarlet Mist Incident went on a bit longer than usual in our world?
Koakuma
I'm pretty sure some mist leaked out of Gensokyo... I know I'm partly to blame, but the mistress really went all out.
Daiyousei
Though we didn't meet Miss Sumireko until quite a while after the incident started!
Sumireko
So Gensokyo was completely covered in a creepy scarlet mist that also affected the outside world...
Sumireko
Yikes, that sounds pretty scary.
Daiyousei
Don't worry! A lot happened, but it's all over now.
Koakuma
Yeah, everyone's back to normal, including the mistress, and it all just kinda worked out OK.
Daiyousei
That's why we're able to come here to play!
Koakuma
Exactly! Though I lost Lady Patchouli and the others quite a while ago!
Daiyousei
Cirno went off somewhere on her own too!
Daiyousei & Koakuma
But we're still together!
Sumireko
(Wow, these two seem to be a fair bit more upbeat and optimistic compared to the Koa and Dai of my Gensokyo.)
Sumireko
I didn't realize you two were such good friends.
Daiyousei
Well, we do live right next to each other.
Koakuma
Yeah, Daiyousei's a stronger-than-average fairy, and I'm a weaker-than-average devil.
Koakuma
Which makes us about the same! And as chance would have it, we both love pranks.
Daiyousei
I also sometimes work with Koakuma as a maid at the big scarlet mansion when they need some extra help!
Koakuma
The mistress decides things on a whim, so if we have to hold a huge party on short notice, we enlist the help of the fairies.
Daiyousei
But thanks to that, every day is a blast, even when there's no incident going on.
Koakuma
You said it. It's so much fun!
Sumireko
Yeah, that's Gensokyo for you. I'm glad you're enjoying yourselves.
Sumireko
(Hm, there are so many different worlds, and they're all peaceful... Well, most of them are.)
Sumireko
(Apart from the handful of worlds that are truly dangerous, the rest are practically harmless.)
Sumireko
(So maybe these scary Lost Word things...)
Sumireko
(...didn't occur spontaneously due to the specific circumstances in each of the different parallel worlds.)
Sumireko
(Haha, no, that's enough playing detective for now. But I guess I should record my thoughts before I forget.)
Sumireko
(Wait... why am I climbing this tower again?)
Sumireko
(Was it to play detective?)
Sumireko
(...or was it to try and find PLAYER-o?)
Sumireko
...?
Sumireko
Well, whatever!
Sumireko
I'll just keep on climbing and see how it goes!
???
Hasn't your sister finished yet? It's been quite a while...
???
Huh?
???
Why are you still here?
???
I thought you left ages ago.
???
Why don't you go out and collect some more information for me if you've got so much time on your hands?
???
Good joke. The info I'm most interested in collecting right now is here.
???
I wanna know how you and your sister travel between worlds.
???
We're all friends, but everyone insists on keeping their methods of interworld travel a secret.
???
Or no, I guess you don't think of us as friends, huh?
???
Hmph, you're such a pain. Perhaps you'll leave if I blast you to bits.
???
I'm only joking. Are you really gonna attack me for every little thing I say?
???
Besides, you actually listen to me, unlike the others. So if I do, in fact, have friends, I'd consider you foremost among them.
???
But, well...
???
...
???
I can't exactly say the same for your sister.
???
I'm not joking this time, but I don't want you to get the wrong idea either.
???
It's not like I feel sorry for her or anything, especially considering her condition affects you much more than me.
???
I respect her. And I respect you too.
???
You must find us amusing.
???
You said that you're observing how we travel between worlds, correct?
???
I'm fine, but the restrictions placed upon my sister are terrible. She hasn't finished teleporting, and her mind is still in limbo.
???
She is at her weakest while traveling. In fact, that's the only time she's ever vulnerable.
???
I can't imagine why you would, but you're not here to kill us, are you?
???
...
???
You can't be serious. I just said you were my friend.
???
And I even asked you not to get the wrong idea. It seems you're just as socially inept as ever.
???
But I guess that's part of what makes us friends and the both of you sisters.
???
We've got a reason to protect and fight for one another...
???
...as well as a reason to stick together.
???
...
???
Hehe...
???
I'm not sure why I listen to you when all you spout is nonsense.
???
Huh? How can you not understand?
???
I don't think I said anything particularly confusing.
???
Well, I guess it doesn't really matter.
???
Heh.
???
You're socially inept too.... though that's nothing new.
???
Really?
???
Anyway... do you have any idea where the others are?
???
Have they all split up across various worlds again?
???
Why are you asking me? You know that we never inform each other of our plans.
???
We keep to ourselves, unlike you, so we'd only meet if we randomly happened to end up in the same world.
???
Well, I guess if our motives and goals are similar, the chances of that happening are relatively high.
???
Of course, that means the opposite is also true... There are some people who we have almost no chance of ever meeting.
???
It's funny to hear you, a manipulator of fate, speak of random chance. But that does add weight to your words.
???
We all pay a different price to use our various means of traveling between worlds.
???
So I guess it's pointless trying to keep track of everyone.
???
As far as I know, only two beings can travel freely to other worlds whenever they wish.
???
There's you.
???
And...
???
...Reimu.
270F - The Abyss
Marisa
Huh? Hasn't your sister finished teleporting yet?
Marisa
Does it usually take this long?
Marisa
Well, Lady Scarlet Devil?
Lady Scarlet Devil
Didn't I tell you to leave us alone?
Lady Scarlet Devil
This has got nothing to do with you. Go away.
Lady Scarlet Devil
And don't come back.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Also, don't call me by my title. Or what? Do you want me to call you by yours?
Marisa
Oh, right, sorry. I guess that would make me feel pretty uncomfortable.
Marisa
Anyway, why do you talk to me like that?
Marisa
Don't you think it makes you sound like you actually want my company?
Lady Scarlet Devil
No. Why would I think that?
Lady Scarlet Devil
I always say what I mean. When I said "leave," I meant it. And if I say, "Go and die," I'd mean that too.
Lady Scarlet Devil
How can you take it any other way?
Marisa
Yeah, I get where you're coming from...
Marisa
But, you know, when someone says, "Stay away. Leave me alone. I've got nothing to say to you"...
Marisa
...what they're really saying is, "Come here. Stay with me. Listen to what I have to say."
Marisa
And it also makes them sound kinda cute.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Huh? Are you serious? That doesn't make any sense.
Lady Scarlet Devil
All right, so what if I say, "Stay with me. Listen to what I have to say"?
Lady Scarlet Devil
Would you hear, "Leave me alone. I've got nothing to say to you"?
Marisa
Nope.
Marisa
I'd take it literally.
Lady Scarlet Devil
HUH?!
Lady Scarlet Devil
Are you mocking me?
Lady Scarlet Devil
This is ridiculous!
Marisa
I get why you're angry, but calm down a little, OK?
Marisa
You're probably confused 'cause you haven't really seen what's going on in the Capital.
Marisa
They use some words and expressions that eliminate any attempt to interpret them with contrary meanings.
Marisa
It's a political ploy... or rather, a trap. They control what their people think by restricting what words they can use.
Marisa
It's pretty interesting, no? Especially considering how all words evolved from thoughts.
Marisa
You're also someone who likes to lord over others, right? So perhaps you could learn a thing or two from them.
Lady Scarlet Devil
I have no use for such petty tricks.
Lady Scarlet Devil
I maintain direct and constant communication with my subjects. I needn't do anything else.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Do they enjoy misruling their people with such lazy means?
Lady Scarlet Devil
They must be complete fools.
Marisa
...
Marisa
(Heh, it seems no matter how hard I try, I can't bring myself to hate her.)
Marisa
Hmm...
Marisa
Well, anyway, I didn't come here to talk to you about that. I've got some pretty serious news for you.
Marisa
One of my investigations... has finally paid off.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Oh, really? Pray tell.
Lady Scarlet Devil
I hope for your sake it's not just more nonsense.
Marisa
Actually, it is kinda nonsensical, which is why I want your take on it.
Marisa
So don't try to wriggle out of giving me your opinion.
Marisa
I still don't fully understand it myself. It's pretty confusing.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Then hurry up and tell me.
Lady Scarlet Devil
I don't have all day.
Marisa
Hold your horses. Why would I just tell you when I've got a better way?
Marisa
I'm gonna project my mind's memories into this, making it so you can see everything as it happened.
Marisa
Umm, how do I do this again?
Marisa
I think I'm meant to tap this part here...
???
Great, it's playing.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Are you sure? I can't see anything.
???
You're so impatient.
???
I passed through a bunch of other areas where I met various other beings, but they're not all that important.
???
So I cut those scenes out.
???
What we're seeing right now is really close to the place I was trying to investigate...
???
...the lowest level of the Ruins of Memory.
Lady Scarlet Devil
The Ruins of Memory?
Lady Scarlet Devil
Oh, so that explains why you went there personally. It's all starting to come together now.
???
Yeah, most people aren't really able to delve into the Ruins of Memory.
???
'Cause once they venture inside, they've got next to no chance of coming back out.
???
The best they can hope for is to become a part of the ruins as a living yet non-sentient brick of information.
???
The ruins are a cemetery for information... a recycle bin for worlds.
Lady Scarlet Devil
I can't see any of those pitiful bricks of living fuel here. Is there meant to be something else at the lowest level?
???
Yeah, you'll see it soon.
Lady Scarlet Devil
I can't see anything.
???
Be patient. It won't be long now.
Lady Scarlet Devil
(She could've just skipped ahead...)
Lady Scarlet Devil
...I think I can see something. But I'm not sure.
???
You might actually regret seeing it once you do.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Is that some sort of ability it has?
Lady Scarlet Devil
I've heard of beings and tools that curse whoever lays eyes upon them.
???
Hmm, not exactly...
???
But I don't think you're too far off the mark. My gut tells me that seeing it will definitely give you bad luck.
???
You can manipulate fate, though, so I guess you don't have to worry about that.
Lady Scarlet Devil
...
???
Hm?
???
What's wrong?
???
Don't tell me you're scar―
Lady Scarlet Devil
I'm not scared.
???
(I didn't get to finish.)
Lady Scarlet Devil
However, not knowing what might appear... is surprisingly terrifying.
Lady Scarlet Devil
I'm not scared, of course. I just mean to say that it's terrifying in a general sense.
???
Yeah... sure.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Everything has its strengths and weaknesses. There is no such thing as an invulnerable being.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Perfect, unchanging beings cannot adapt to changes in their surroundings. And they cannot receive help from anyone else.
Lady Scarlet Devil
That's why being perfect is the greatest weakness of all.
???
I've heard that before. It's what they teach in the Capital.
???
Wait... why did you mention that now?
Lady Scarlet Devil
It's nothing. Forget about it.
???
Everyone's afraid of something.
Lady Scarlet Devil
I told you I'm not scared...!
???
No, I'm talking about myself.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Huh?
???
I'm terrified of things that cannot be seen or predicted...
???
...and things that leave traces with no identifiable cause.
???
I told you that I reached the lowest level of the Ruins of Memory, didn't I?
Lady Scarlet Devil
Yes, that's what you said.
???
There's no way I could reach the bottom.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Huh?
???
The Ruins of Memory isn't just some random natural formation...
???
It's like a structure built on someone's property...
???
No, there's no need for poor analogies.
???
The ruins are the insides of someone's digestive tract.
Lady Scarlet Devil
What are you talking about?
Lady Scarlet Devil
If you went to such a place, there's no way you could make it back here in one piece.
Lady Scarlet Devil
But here you are. So what's there to be afraid of?
???
I didn't manage to escape...
???
She let me go.
???
Probably because she and I are bound by a strong connection...
???
An incredibly strong bond that I have no knowledge of.
280F - Dreams or Fantasy?
Wow...
(I'm in space...)
Doremy
Yes, but not just any space. This is Kaian Passageway No. 4―the space within dreams.
Doremy
Hmm, it's pretty dangerous for you to be floating around like that.
Doremy
Here, hold onto me.
Huuuug!
(Thanks, Miss Doremy.)
Hm... Hm mn a mmph?! Mnn hm mmph mmhmn?!
(Wait... I'm in a dream?! When did that happen?!)
Doremy
Oh, I thought you knew about this.
Doremy
I often see you in the Dream World.
Doremy
And I mean you, not the Dream World version of you.
Doremy
It's never at a set time, either. Perhaps you should try to sleep more in your own bed.
Mm mph mm mmn mph mn mnp mnhmn mn mph!
(You make it sound like I sleep wherever I like!)
Mnn mphmnph mmmph hmmn mn mmm...
(That doesn't sound right at all...)
Doremy
Are you sure?
Doremy
I've heard from quite a few people that you've fallen asleep on their lap...
Doremy
Well, they say children grow when they sleep, so I'm sure it's fine.
Doremy
And besides, as a baku, I love people who sleep a lot. I'm happy to see you here.
Doremy
Although, I'd be even happier if you'd help me wake up Yukari Yakumo.
Hm mn mph!
(I'll do it!)
Doremy
Teehee, really? You'd do that, would you?
Doremy
You should be safe here. There's no risk of any collisions with the dream soul space debris things.
Thank you, Miss Doremy!
That was kinda fun!
Doremy
Teehee, you're so cute.
Doremy
I'd like to invite you to stay in the Dream World forever...
Doremy
But you never know who might be listening, so I'll save that for another time.
An eavesdropper?!
What kind of gap youkai would listen in on us?!
Doremy
Now then, there is something I wanted to ask you before you wake up.
Doremy
Have you made any discoveries while climbing the Scarlet Devil Tower?
Doremy
Just tell me whatever comes to mind. You never know what might prove useful in the future.
Hmmm, let me think...
I'm sure we've climbed pretty high up...
...but we still haven't reached space for some reason.
Doremy
Hmm, I see.
Also, since I'm meeting you here in the Dream World...
...I realized you might be climbing the tower from here.
Doremy
Yes... you're essentially correct.
Doremy
The Dream World reflects reality, so, of course, there is a Scarlet Devil Tower here too.
Doremy
However, that doesn't mean I can take shortcuts to climb it. Yukari Yakumo can't be fooled that easily.
Doremy
Anyway, so you've been thinking about space, have you?
Doremy
The space in Gensokyo...
Doremy
...might be a bit different from what you're expecting.
What?! No way...
Doremy
Wait, were you looking forward to it?!
Doremy
What have I done?! I crushed a child's dream...
Doremy
How can I call myself the Ruler of Dreams now?! I'm a failure...
It's OK! I was only looking forward to it a little bit!
Doremy
Oof...!
Doremy
I don't know if it'll be enough to make up for your disappointment, but Gensokyo's space isn't all that bad.
Doremy
You can breathe and talk there... and it's not that dark either.
Huh?! You can breathe in space?!
Doremy
It's also full of this magical substance called aether.
Doremy
Aether was conceptualized in the outside world long ago, but it has since been renounced, and no one believes in it anymore.
Doremy
There are actually quite a few similar versions of space that have also been lost to time.
Doremy
Perhaps you'll see them one day.
Wow! That sounds really exciting!
Doremy
Teehee, I'm glad that cheered you up.
Doremy
I just hope that when you get there, you'll simply find a recreation of an old version of space.
Doremy
But I get the sense it won't be all fun and games...
What do you mean?
Doremy
It's simple, really.
Doremy
The Scarlet Devil Tower doesn't merely extend upward.
Doremy
It's meant to grow higher toward the other world where the masterminds reside.
Doremy
So if it's working as intended...
Doremy
...the higher you climb, the more you'll shift into their world.
Doremy
A world just as horrible as the masterminds who live there.
...!
Doremy
And considering they're the kind of people who caused the Lost Word Incident, it's easy to imagine what their world's like.
Doremy
It's probably a nightmare world full of nothing but pain and misery.
Doremy
No, that's not even a guess. I'm sure of it.
???
*humming*
???
*humming*
???
Huh?!
???
Hey, Lady Scarlet Devil! Where are you?!
???
Your sister's awake! Lady Scarlet Devil!
???
Hurry up and get over here! Your sister's finished teleporting!
???
You've made me wait all this time, so why aren't you here when I need you?!
290F - Fantasy or Reality?
???
...Phew, we're finally back.
Lady Scarlet Devil
It wasn't as bad as teleporting between worlds, but returning here wasn't easy.
Lady Scarlet Devil
I can never seem to get the hang of traveling like this, no matter how many times I try it.
???
...
???
I'd like to say you should've just saved yourself the hassle and teleported, but...
???
...you can't do that with your sister, huh? You would've kept me waiting even longer.
???
I guess coming back here on foot was actually the quickest option. Haha, it's kinda funny how that works.
???
...
???
By the way, Lady Scarlet Devil...
Lady Scarlet Devil
Didn't I tell you not to call me that, Lady of Shooting Stars?
Lady of Shooting Stars
...
Lady of Shooting Stars
(Then why are you calling me by my title? Is it OK for you but not for me?)
Lady of Shooting Stars
...
Lady of Shooting Stars
All right then, what should I call you instead?
Lady of Shooting Stars
I haven't really bothered about this before, but now that we're talking about it, I feel like we should set this straight.
Lady of Shooting Stars
It's a pain coming up with something new, and since you dislike your title so much, how about I call you by your name?
Lady Scarlet Devil
...
Lady Scarlet Devil
Tch!
Lady of Shooting Stars
Wow, did you really just "tch" me? That's pretty bad manners. Aren't you meant to be some kind of noble lady?
Lady Scarlet Devil
Can you blame me? That's the only appropriate response after listening to you blather on.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Also, don't call me by my real name. That would defeat the whole point of us having titles.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Or have you forgotten why we call each other by them?
Lady of Shooting Stars
Of course, I haven't! But what else should I call you then?!
Lady Scarlet Devil
How should I know?!
???
...
Lady of Shooting Stars
...A-All right, it's pretty clear you're not used to getting called by your title.
Lady of Shooting Stars
(Or talking to people in general, for that matter.)
Lady of Shooting Stars
But, well, this is just gonna cause more problems later down the track.
Lady of Shooting Stars
So I'm gonna call you Lady Scarlet Devil anyway. Is that OK with you?
Lady Scarlet Devil
Fine, I suppose it can't be helped. I give you special permission to call me that.
Lady of Shooting Stars
Hehe, thanks.
Lady of Shooting Stars
So, Lady Scarlet Devil... where did you go earlier?
Lady of Shooting Stars
When I noticed your sister had woken up, I turned around only to find you'd gone off somewhere.
Lady of Shooting Stars
I don't mean to pry, but...
Lady of Shooting Stars
...I really wanna know.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Oh, that. Hmm...
Lady Scarlet Devil
...It's a secret. Forget about it.
Lady of Shooting Stars
Aren't you gonna tell me?
Lady Scarlet Devil
No.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Well, I might reconsider when the time comes...
Lady Scarlet Devil
But I'm not going to tell you anything now!
Lady of Shooting Stars
(Hehe, she can be pretty cute at times.)
Lady of Shooting Stars
...
Lady of Shooting Stars
So, um, about your sister...
Lady of Shooting Stars
She's pretty calm, huh? She's like a completely different person from how she was before teleporting.
Lady of Shooting Stars
I don't think she was like this when I met you guys last time. What's going on?
Lady Scarlet Devil
Oh, I see why you're confused...
???
...
Lady Scarlet Devil
...But that's just how she is.
Lady Scarlet Devil
She's the antithesis of stability―an insane, constantly reforming rainbow of seven colors and darkness.
Lady Scarlet Devil
That is her nature.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Even with me, her attitude constantly shifts.
Lady Scarlet Devil
Not that she ever really communicates with other people...
Lady Scarlet Devil
No, forget I said that. That's neither here nor there.
Lady of Shooting Stars
(It must be difficult being an older sister.)
Lady of Shooting Stars
I don't really get it, but whatever.
Lady of Shooting Stars
...While we have the power to act as we please, we're fated to always be pressed for time due to our respective missions.
Lady of Shooting Stars
This is a rare opportunity for us both to relax for a spell, so let's take it easy until our next destination reveals itself.
Lady of Shooting Stars
I'm sure we'll be plenty busy again before long.
...
This sky looks just as horrible as when I first saw it.
But watching all the trapped, swirling stardust reminds me of the small role I have to play.
No one ordered me to do this. It's a role I willingly took upon myself.
It's like an independent research project kids do over the summer. Umm, who told me about that again...?
Whatever. It doesn't matter. But it's thanks to this role that I happened to meet PLAYER.
It also drove me to delve into the Ruins of Memory, where I made some unexpected discoveries.
The more you investigate something, the more mysteries you'll find 'cause more knowledge broadens your horizons.
But there's something that sets PLAYER apart from everyone else. It really bothers me.
So much so that I'm willing to put my mission on hold for her.
And my instincts tell me that I'm right to do so.
There are a few things that bother me about PLAYER.
First is, of course, her personality.
She's honest but doesn't lack common sense. And while she seems wise for her age, she isn't cunning or manipulative.
She doesn't pretend to be a saint, but when push comes to shove, she bravely stands up for what she believes is right.
...I guess she's like the textbook definition of what it means to be an "ordinary human."
That kinda makes her unique to me since all the people I hang around are anything but ordinary.
But I don't think that's the only reason her personality bothers me...
Maybe the Lady of Fantasy could figure this out...
...
Oops. I promised not to call her that.
No one uses her title. Everyone just calls her Reimu.
Actually, thinking about it now... PLAYER is kinda similar to Reimu.
Though, if I asked Reimu about it, I bet she'd say PLAYER is more like me than her.
...
Then again, it doesn't really mean much to say two people's personalities are similar.
Such idle thoughts always come to mind whenever you meet a new face.
The thing that bothers me more than anything about PLAYER...
...is her journal.
No, can you even call that thing a journal? I swear there's more to it than meets the eye.
It must be a magic item.
But when I looked at it, I couldn't sense any traces of magic. And by that, I mean my magic-detecting tool didn't react to it.
Regardless, the effects it produces are obviously magical. If that isn't a magic item, then what is?
...Anyone could probably realize this given enough time, but I'm an expert on magic items.
It's a rookie mistake to focus on the peculiarities of tools. Pros evaluate tools based on their relationship with their wielder.
There's no way the peculiarities of that journal aren't related in some way to PLAYER.
It wouldn't make sense otherwise.
In fact, the same can really be said for any kind of tool.
Like how you can't play instruments without practice and how you need technical skills to use complex mechanical tools.
...
Hmm, perhaps I should go over the unique properties of that journal in detail.
First...
It can breathe temporary life into info about friends gained in other worlds and universes to create Divergent Spirits.
It seems similar to summoning magic, using shikigami, calling forth Dream World denizens, and conjuring doppelgangers...
But it's fundamentally different to all those things. The journal teleports packets of information between parallel worlds.
"The gaps between parallel worlds aren't information vacuums. They contain various fragments of information."
That's a fundamental part of the theory explaining why people can travel between parallel worlds.
Second...
The journal records everything that PLAYER experiences. This sounds simple, but it's anything but.
It efficiently arranges and stores vast amounts of information and instantly converts this into text tailored to the reader.
Some people might think recording info is easy, but you'd need magic to sort info optimally for every perspective.
Remarkably, the journal is also unaffected by Lost Words, probably because of its metaphysical self-repairing structure.
And to cap it all off, this colossal database of information supposedly comes from just one person's experiences.
It's suspicious. There's gotta be some kinda secret hidden here...
Third...
The journal can search for, verify, and identify Lost Words within the worlds affected by them.
This may seem easy considering the journal's database, but you'd need powerful magic to finish such a search so quickly.
Like, how much info does it have to sift through to tell which word is missing? How much info does a world contain?
You can't just sit down and count each piece of information. That's blatantly obvious when you consider particles.
What are the smallest units of matter?
Molecules, atoms, hadrons, leptons, quarks, fermions, and bosons.
To determine something as the smallest, you have to be able to test for it. Anything smaller enters the realm of fantasy.
The gaps of space and time that exist on a smaller scale than units of Planck length and time are a fantasy...
...but they also make up the bulk of reality.
And these fantasies are full of information.
Even if the universe is finite, finding one of them will double the amount of info that has to be parsed.
When the journal quickly checks to see if a word is a Lost Word...
...it must search the whole universe to see if the thing that word represents doesn't exist.
It's notoriously difficult to prove non-existence. Like, yikes, how can this possibly work?
...
......
.........!
Lady Scarlet Devil
Whoa, what's wrong?
Lady of Shooting Stars
(PLAYER is an ordinary human, but that doesn't mean she fits my definition of ordinary.)
Lady of Shooting Stars
(It's not just her nature and the nature of her tool that makes her who she is. There's some kind of external influence...)
Lady of Shooting Stars
(Hmm... I'm THIS close to figuring something out...)
Lady of Shooting Stars
Wait... don't tell me you're watching us right now, PLAYER?
Lady Scarlet Devil
PLAYER? Are you talking about that little girl from back then?
Lady of Shooting Stars
Do you know something about her?!
Lady of Shooting Stars
Right, I couldn't talk to you at the time with everything going on. Did you notice anything strange about her―
Lady Scarlet Devil
Whoa, you're too close! Step back a little!
???
Teddy PLAYER?! I'm Lady Peacock! Nice to meet you. It's been a while, hasn't it?
Lady Peacock
Are you watching us from over there?! How come? You should come here so I can break you.
Lady Peacock
And by break, I mean play, but you know that already, so stop teasing me and come over here and play with me already.
Lady Peacock
You're such a strange teddy bear, Teddy PLAYER! Come closer and show yourself! I won't break you. I promise.
Lady Peacock
...Huh? You can't. Hmm, that's a shame... The teddy bear I met earlier? What are you talking about?
Lady Peacock
You're you, and you're my teddy bear, aren't you? No matter what kind of teddy you are, you're still the same teddy bear.
Lady Peacock
So you're my friend! We're friends, aren't we? Yeah, we are! Tell me we're friends. Tell me! Tell me! Tell me! TELL ME!
Lady Peacock
Kyahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Lady of Shooting Stars
U-Umm, I'll leave you to take care of your little sister.
Lady Scarlet Devil
...Lend me a hand.
Lady Scarlet Devil
This won't take long.
300th Floor Celebration
Sanae
F-Finally...
Cirno
It's the 300th floor!
Sanae
Y-You stole my line...
Reisen
It wasn't easy climbing up this high, huh?
Youmu
You don't look all that tired...
Sakuya
Well done, everyone.
Sakuya
We've practically beaten the tower already!
Reimu & Marisa
Yeah, as if!
Ahaha.
Everyone's so full of energy!
Aya
It's a shame how everything still looks the same even though we've reached the 300th floor.
Reimu
Well, it's not like this is the top or anything.
Reimu
Though, I was also hoping for a bit more excitement, like seeing the mastermind give a monologue or something.
Reisen
I doubt something so cliche would ever actually happen...
Marisa
What's worse is that we haven't come across any treasure despite climbing so high!
Aya
D-Did Miss Remilia say there would be treasure?
Remilia
The tower may be new, but the feature that marks it out remains unchanged―it still reaches the sky!
Remilia
However, even I don't know where the summit is headed or where it will lead you to!
Reimu
Hey, what's that supposed to mean?! It sounds awfully irresponsible if you ask me!
Marisa
Yeah! I came here 'cause I heard I could get rich quick, but getting lost wasn't part of the deal!
Remilia
Oh, quiet down! There's no cause for concern. Or, at least, there shouldn't be! Isn't that right, Sakuya?
Sakuya
It is just as you say, milady. The person in charge of reconstruction shall explain forthwith.
Remilia
Oh, yes, indeed. That's your cue, Miss Person-in-Charge!
She didn't really confirm or deny it...
Marisa
That means there could still be some treasure higher up! I guess I'll keep going then!
Youmu
W-Wow, it's pretty amazing how motivated you are, considering there's still a chance you won't find anything...
Marisa
Yeah, I am amazing, aren't I?
Sakuya
(Was it just me who thought that wasn't a compliment?)
Sakuya
Anyway, let's take a little break before setting off again. We still don't know how far it is to the top.
Reimu
Didn't you just say, "It's like we've beaten the tower already," or something?
Sakuya
That doesn't mean we shouldn't take a break.
Reimu
*sigh* You know that's not what I meant...
Reisen
I agree that it'd be better to continue after a rest. Nothing good ever comes from overworking yourself.
Cirno
You must be joking. I can climb another hundred floors, easy!
Sakuya
I'll prepare some tea.
Youmu
Oh, OK, then I'll prepare some snacks to go with it.
Cirno
All right! Some of you guys look really tired, so let's take a break!
(Everyone's in really good spirits despite the long climb.)
(I never thought it would take this long back then.)
Earlier, before I came to this world...
Miss Yukari said she wanted to speak to us about something.
But when we went to see her, we found something that we didn't expect.
Wh-What is this place?
Miss Yukari?! Where are you?!
Yukari
Welcome, I was waiting for you, PLAYER.
Yukari
To put it simply, this is inside the ship.
Yukari
This room is a projection based on a certain individual who ■■■■.
Did she say, "Who you will soon meet"?
Did she say, "Who you met recently"?
Did she say, "Who you met long ago"?
Reimu & Marisa
...?
Yukari
This ship is equipped with the ability to fly to parallel worlds. That's why its interior is shut off from the outside world.
Yukari
In other words, it isn't affected by the concept of time. All timelines and possibilities coexist here simultaneously.
Yukari
However, you are bound to your own specific timeline. You could say that you belong to it.
Yukari
And your ability to process information from other timelines is limited. Anything exceeding those limits is incomprehensible.
Yukari
But you needn't worry. I'll break everything down into the simplest terms possible so you can understand them.
Reimu
Thanks, but did you really have to say it like that?
Reimu
I'm annoyed enough as it is already 'cause I don't mesh well with the master of this room.
Yukari
...
Marisa
You could say that again. But I do really wanna hear a proper explanation when we have the time.
Yukari
Yes, I'm sure I'll give you a more in-depth explanation when you require it.
Yukari
OK, now that that's settled, let's get ready to go.
Reimu & Marisa
You still haven't explained anything!
Yukari
Oh, silly me. I've been talking for so long that I just assumed I'd already told you everything.
M-Miss Yukari...!
Can you please explain what's going on?
Yukari
Ahem... As I mentioned earlier, this ship can fly to parallel worlds.
Yukari
So I'm going to utilize this function to send you three to another world.
Huh?!
Marisa
Th-That sounds pretty irresponsible.
Reimu
Y-Yeah. How can you just send us to some random world?! Who knows what we might find there?!
Yukari
Teehee!
Yukari
Don't worry. I wasn't planning to send you to a world you've never seen before.
Wait, does that mean you're sending us back―
―to a world we've already visited?
Yukari
Exactly. You're going to the world...
Yukari
...that had the Scarlet Devil Tower!
That's where the red Marisa lives.
I hope I get to see her again.
Yukari
Teehee, you might.
Yukari
But that's not why you'll be going.
Yukari
This is an invitation sent out to various parallel worlds by that world's mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
Reimu
An invitation? Is she planning to host a party with guests from other worlds or something?
Marisa
Whoa, that sounds really fun!
Yukari
It might be fun, but it's not a party.
Reimu
Then what's the invitation for?
Yukari
Teehee, don't be too surprised, OK?
Yukari
It's for the grand opening of the new Scarlet Devil Tower!
Marisa
That sounds like a party to me.
Yukari
Not quite. It's an event where people from various worlds will compete to reach the tower's summit.
Reimu
Wow, that sounds like a pain.
Yukari
Yes, it won't be easy since you'll have to climb the tower on foot.
Marisa
Huh?
Yukari
You three are going to participate.
Reimu & Marisa
...
Reimu & Marisa
You gotta be joking!
This doesn't sound good!
(H-How many floors will we have to climb?!)
Yukari
Complain all you want, but PLAYER has to take this challenge.
Reimu
Why her in particular?
Yukari
As I said earlier, lots of people from various parallel worlds will be participating in this event.
Yukari
And unlike you and Marisa, PLAYER has a unique relationship with parallel worlds.
Yukari
She can remember what happened in them even after returning to our Gensokyo. Right, PLAYER?
Y-Yes!
(Reimu forgot what happened in the tower last time...)
Yukari
I want you to use that special skill to gather information from all the guests from other worlds.
...
Yukari
Also, the tower is supposed to extend―or is currently extending―to another parallel world.
Yukari
The world where the Lost Word Incident originated.
No way! Does that mean...
...we can resolve the incident if we get to the top?
Marisa
If that's the case, we better hurry!
Yukari
Calm down. I just said that it might not have reached that far yet, didn't I?
Yukari
And even if it has, there's no guarantee you'll be able to resolve the incident on your own.
Reimu
Well, sure, I guess, but then why are you sending us there in the first place?
Yukari
You're going to investigate. We need you to climb to the top of the tower to see if it's really connected to the incident's origin.
Yukari
If it is, we'll use the tower to stage an assault.
Reimu
Hmm... that makes sense.
Marisa
But what if it's not connected to the world where the incident began? Wouldn't that make this a colossal waste of time?
Yukari
Oh, you don't have to worry about that.
Marisa
How come? Why are you so certain?
Yukari
Even if the top floor ends up being connected to another world, it will still be a world separate from our own.
Yukari
So we can surely obtain things there that we can't find here!
Marisa
Whoa, I'm gonna get rich from all the treasure we'll find!
M-Miss Yukari...
Reimu
I feel like an idiot for actually taking this seriously.
Yukari
All joking aside, the tower should give us a clue about the masterminds, even if it doesn't lead us to them directly.
Yukari
Go there and climb it, PLAYER. I'm sure it will be a good experience for you.
OK, Miss Yukari, I'll go.
Will you come with me, Reimu? Marisa?
Reimu
All right, fine. I'll join you.
Reimu
I can't just let you go on your own, now can I?
Marisa
Count me in, too. Though, I was planning on going even if you didn't invite me.
Yukari
Good, I'll send you to the Scarlet Devil Tower right away. I've arranged for that world's me to help you once you're there.
Yukari
She might end up repeating some of the same things I just explained, but please don't hold it against her, OK?
Yukari
Also, you three aren't the only ones from our world who received an invite.
Yukari
You'll all be representing our world, so you should probably work together.
Got it!
I hope they're people I know...
Yukari
All right, I'll send you on your way. Good luck.
???
...up.
???
Wake up, Miss PLAYER.
Huh? Youmu?
(Did I fall asleep?)
Youmu
Sorry for disturbing your sleep, but it looks like we're going to start climbing again soon.
Sakuya
Here's some peppermint tea. It should help you wake up.
Thank you.
It smells delicious.
Cirno
Are you OK, PLAYER? Are you still tired?
Marisa
All right, now that PLAYER's awake, let's get going!
Reimu
Wait, why are YOU giving the orders?
Sanae
Yeah, Miss Reimu's right! ...Oh, I know! Why don't we choose a leader?!
Aya
Good idea. We should battle it out for the top spot! It'll bring us closer together as a team or something!
Reisen
Huh? So after climbing 300 floors, NOW you want to pick a leader...?
