Ch. 4: Eternal Battlefront 6
Overflowing Ideologies Pt. 1
???
...
???
...
???
I see.
???
So, an "incident" refers to events like these. It finally makes sense.
???
I may be revered as the Wise Empress, but it still took me a while to wrap my head around it.
???
Wisdom is knowing that you should always be ready to learn new things. Now, let's see what I can learn from this.
???
Eirin?
???
Eiiiiiiriiiiiin?!
???
...Oh, she's calling for me. I'll have to come back to this later.
Eirin
Yes?
Eirin
What is it, princess?
Kaguya
You've been at it ever since we returned to Central.
Kaguya
I'm booooored.
Kaguya
...
Kaguya
Oh, right. We're in Central now, so I can change into something more comfortable.
Kaguya
That's much better!
Kaguya
You should relax more, too, Eirin.
Eirin
Hehe, no, I'm getting right back to it after this little break.
Eirin
Thanks again for teaching me about defragmentation.
Kaguya
Hahaha, you're obsessed. But I was right, wasn't I? Something has changed, disrupting the foundations of this world.
Kaguya
I bet it was caused by one of those Lost Word things that girl asked us about.
Eirin
I'm not so sure. I suspect there's something else going on.
Kaguya
You might be right. That'd be kinda boring, considering how we only managed to discover the incident thanks to my ability.
Eirin
Nothing about this is boring. It's like a massive library has suddenly appeared on my doorstep.
Kaguya
Haha, what's with that analogy? Only you would think libraries are exciting.
Eirin
Besides, princess―
Kaguya
Wait. Do you really have to keep calling me "princess"? There's no one here but us, so please use my name. Like old times.
Eirin
...
Eirin
Yes, you're right. Sorry, Kaguya.
Kaguya
Hehehe, thanks. You're the best, Eirin.
???
Ah...
???
S-Sorry!
???
I didn't mean to interrupt! Pl-Please forgive me! I'll come back later!
Kaguya
What are you so flustered about? Relax, you don't have to leave.
Kaguya
You were out exterminating kaiju, weren't you? I bet you're exhausted. You deserve a rest.
???
Th-Thank you!
???
It was just as you said, Lady Kaguya. There was something off about the kaiju I encountered.
???
I don't know how to explain it, but they didn't feel like the same kaiju that have been plaguing the Capital all this time...
Kaguya
Thought so.
???
D-Did you already know?!
Kaguya
Of course not. That was just one of the many possibilities I predicted.
Kaguya
But if that's the case, I'm guessing you weren't able to defeat them, correct?
???
A-Actually, I didn't even try. But I doubt I could have won if I fought them then and there.
???
Also, they still weren't causing much harm to the Capital, so I thought it'd be better if I reported back as soon as possible.
Kaguya
Thanks. That was the correct decision. We don't have to fight them just yet.
???
R-Right....
???
By the way, I sensed Rabbit 3's wavelengths on my way back. Seems she was heading out on a mission...
???
Shouldn't someone be watching over her? I can go if you want.
Eirin
My, how thoughtful. But I hope you aren't suggesting there's a problem with my plan or the instructions I gave...
???
No, it's just the whole Capital's short on rabbit-power. I'm sure you both did the best you could with the resources available.
???
In the Capital, cooperation is paramount. That's one of our guiding principles.
Eirin
I couldn't have said it better myself. You truly are an exemplary sister.
Eirin
Can you please watch over her for us?
???
Consider it done. I'll go right now.
Eirin
I was going to say you should rest a bit more first. Oh well...
Eirin
Rabbit 1 is such a hard worker.
Kaguya
I wanted to ask her more about the kaiju, but it seems I needn't have bothered. She has already uploaded her report.
Kaguya
I'll go over it later. Now, back to what I was saying about the incident...
Kaguya
While it may have taken my ability to notice it, now that we know it exists... We have to be mindful of synchronicity.
Kaguya
I'm sure others will start noticing the incident, too.
Eirin
Synchronicity implies these events lack a discernible causal connection, which may not be the case here...
Eirin
Either way, you're right. Things have changed so much that it is now possible for others to notice the incident.
Eirin
We've been managing the Capital for such a long time.
Eirin
And it feels like I've lost myself somewhere along the way.
Eirin
But we haven't done all this so things could keep on repeating. We've been preparing for an irreversible change.
Eirin
I'm still not sure whether this incident is that change or just a prelude.
Eirin
Whatever the case, I know for sure that investigating it should be my top priority.
Kaguya
Um, does that include investigating PLAYER? She's an irregularity.
Eirin
Most likely.
Overflowing Ideologies Pt. 2
???
...
???
...
???
Good! Very good! There's no doubt about it. This is definitely an incident!
???
My heart's still racing! I feel like jumping for joy! But no... I have to calm down. We can't afford to be hasty.
???
We have waited too long and spent too much time and effort to fall at the final hurdle.
???
But... investigating it couldn't hurt. In fact, that's exactly what I SHOULD do! It'll help me make an informed decision!
???
Aah, this is going to be so much fun. I'm getting giddy just thinking about it.
???
Still, I wonder if this place IS the multi-dimensional neural network. Perhaps I shouldn't jump to conclusions.
???
Hmmm, time for a break.
Yuuka
*violent cough*
Yuuka
Urgh, I feel so slow and lethargic. The fact that I can't afford to waste any time to rest makes it even worse.
Yuuka
It's not like I fear death. Only the weakest and most insignificant beings fixate on their survival above all else.
Yuuka
But I would hate to die before seeing our Kaiju Island dream come true. My children might not succeed without me...
Yuuka
If only I could extend my life long enough to see it through to the end...
Yuuka
Perhaps there's another way. The only place I'll find any answers is within the multi-dimensional neural network.
Yuuka
...I can't discuss this with my children. Not yet. They're not ready for it.
???
Professor!
Yuuka
Oh, you're back.
Yuuka
The Mark 2s, Wriggle and Mystia, went to get Mark 0.
Yuuka
We need their combined power to create an unbreakable seal.
Yuuka
Mark 0's ability to manipulate coldness will let her seal the target, along with herself, in ice.
Yuuka
And Wriggle and Mystia's lightning should be able to create an electromagnetic seal to relieve her when necessary.
Yuuka
Mark 0 will be here soon.
Yuuka
...
Yuuka
Oh, right. I've decided to call you by your names from now on.
Yuuka
Names are important. The consequences of misusing them can be fatal.
Yuuka
Do you understand, Doremy, Keine?
Doremy
Y-Yes!
Keine
We understand, Professor... No, Doctor Yuuka!
Yuuka
Hehehe, good.
Keine
...
Keine
Doremy
...
Doremy
Yuuka
What's wrong, you two? Don't you have something to report? That's why you returned, isn't it?
Doremy
We spotted a squad of rabbits passing through one of the satellite cities. They were heading to a neighboring world.
Doremy
They're obviously acting under the empress's orders. It won't be long until they make contact with the oni chief.
Keine
Who knows what the empress hopes to achieve, but I doubt it's anything good. We thought we'd check it out. Is that OK?
Yuuka
Hmmm....
Yuuka
I have no reason to stop you. The oni chief may have given us her word, but there's no guarantee she'll keep it.
Yuuka
In fact, she'll almost certainly try to trick us somehow.
Yuuka
If my predictions are correct, we're not the only ones who've noticed the incident.
Keine
Incident...? Do you mean the Lost Word Incident that everyone seems to be talking about lately?
Keine
But we still don't know what that is exactly. It could just be something our rivals made up to spread confusion.
Yuuka
No...
Yuuka
There is definitely an incident. However, I'm still not sure whether it's the Lost Word Incident.
Yuuka
Keine, you used to be an ancient type of youkai that lived alongside humans.
Yuuka
Isn't that right?
Keine
Umm, y-yes, but I was also half-human...
Yuuka
You were a youkai who protected humans. But here in the Capital and in its neighboring vassal worlds...
Yuuka
There are no humans.
Yuuka
Well, there are a few humans with inhuman powers hiding out in an irrelevant world far from the Capital...
Yuuka
But there are no ordinary humans. I'm not really sure when they disappeared or what caused it.
Yuuka
Why is that?
Keine
I don't know... and I don't think there's any way to find out.
Keine
I have a perfect memory thanks to the Child of Miare's ability. So if I can't remember, no one can.
Yuuka
You're right... up to a point. That only applies to events that occurred after I gave you that power.
Yuuka
Sorry, Keine.
Yuuka
I brought you to this world, and I was the one who gave you a perfect memory, knowing it would also bring you suffering.
Keine
Please don't apologize...!
Yuuka
I think we will have to awaken memories of our distant past, back from when we were just ordinary youkai.
Yuuka
No, not "awaken." We might have to take them back by force.
Yuuka
Sorry! I didn't mean to confuse you.
Yuuka
To put it simply, our biggest lead right now are battles of bullets.
Yuuka
We used them to settle disagreements long ago, but they fell out of use in recent times due to the lack of humans.
Yuuka
They've been all but forgotten in the central regions of the Capital, and the outskirts aren't much better.
Yuuka
But I've detected a spike in the number of battles of bullets ever since that small group of rabbits began their mission.
Yuuka
This can't be a coincidence. And it's all the more reason for you to follow them to the world of the oni.
Yuuka
I'm sure you'll learn something once you experience a battle of bullets again.
Yuuka
And not just any battle... a battle of bullets with a bona fide human.
Doremy
Understood. We'll go to the world of the oni.
Keine
Um, just to be clear, how should we respond if the oni do something unexpected?
Keine
For example... what should we do if they plan to achieve our shared ambition without us?
Yuuka
Hmm, it pains me to say it, but that would leave us with only one real option.
Yuuka
You must stop them. By whatever means necessary.
Overflowing Ideologies Pt. 3
???
Great! I've finally found the way back!
???
The Capital's main digital brain was way more complex than I anticipated.
???
I wasn't able to free her, but I'm sure I'll get another chance.
???
Oh well! Better hurry home!
???
Hm?
???
Something's changed...
???
There you are, Miss Yuyuko. I've been waiting here at the halfway point for you.
???
...
???
What's wrong?
Eiki
Miss Yuyuko. Miss Yuyuko. Come in, Miss Yuyuko.
Yuyuko
Yay! We got through!
Kokoro
You can thank me for boosting the signal.
Eiki
Thank you, Miss Kokoro. I was right to send you after her.
Eiki
So, Miss Yuyuko, how did your mission go?
Eiki
Did you find Wizard?
Komachi
Hey! I told you not to come in here! Lady Eiki's working!
Kutaka
Eep! Please stop pushing!
Alice
I heard you got through to Yuyuko! It's been days since we last heard from her!
Alice
I've got so many questions!
Medicine
We lost contact with PLAYER! Is she OK? I'm worried...
Yatsuhashi
Did Miss Yuyuko get any new intel?! Can she help us look for the Prismriver Sisters?!
Benben
I'm worried about the others out on missions, too. We've been unable to establish stable communications with them...
Komachi
Everyone came running as soon as they heard we got through to Miss Yuyuko!
Kutaka
We tried, but we weren't able to stop them! Sorry!
Eiki
No, it's fine. I should have expected this. But bombarding Miss Yuyuko with questions won't get us anywhere.
Eiki
Quiet, please!
Eiki
Who knows when the signal will cut out or get blocked again? Not to mention that time is of the essence.
Eiki
Trust me, this will go much more smoothly if I converse with Miss Yuyuko one-on-one. Please be patient.
Yuyuko
Wow, all it took was a few words from the Yama, and everyone calmed down.
Kokoro
She made me wanna stand at attention, and I'm not even in the same room.
Eiki
Now then, Miss Yuyuko, I must ask you about your primary objective.
Eiki
Did you find Wizard?
Yuyuko
As I'm sure you've noticed, I wasn't able to bring her back with me.
Yuyuko
However, my mission wasn't a complete failure.
Yuyuko
I managed to confirm our suspicions that Wizard is within the Big Brain, the Capital's main digital brain.
Yuyuko
And I now know, without a doubt, that she still lives.
Eiki
That's excellent news!
Eiki
I was seriously worried we'd have to plan our attack without her.
Eiki
Since she's alive, there must be a way to bring her back. I'm sure this news will lift the spirits of everyone in Xanadu.
Eiki
Still, I can't help but wonder how you confirmed that. Did you see her?
Yuyuko
I found one of her logs within the Big Brain. It was fairly recent.
Yuyuko
It showed that she was methodically testing different means of escape, so I'm guessing she's not in any immediate danger.
Yuyuko
Also, the fact that she can even think of trying to escape on her own suggests she isn't heavily guarded.
Yuyuko
I would have liked to have helped her while I was there, but I had to turn back after retrieving the log.
Yuyuko
It's hard to breathe so far away from the Saigyou Ayakashi's zone of influence. I'll have to work on my diving technique.
Eiki
Hm, yes. I see...
Komachi
(She doesn't get it...)
Kutaka
(She looks so confused.)
Eiki
Ahem.
Eiki
Our next course of action is clear. We'll formulate a plan to free Wizard together, once you and Miss Kokoro return.
Eiki
Oh, right. You probably haven't heard yet, but we have a new ally.
Eiki
Her name is PLAYER.
Yuyuko
Don't worry. I know.
Yuyuko
I have a pretty good idea about all the recent goings-on!
Yuyuko
I just had access to the Capital's central data banks, and Kokoro filled me in on the rest.
Yuyuko
Teehee.
Kutaka
(Wow, Miss Yuyuko really knows her stuff!)
Komachi
(It's rare seeing Lady Eiki lost for words! She looks so cute!)
Yuyuko
Our outposts are also preparing for the final showdown. Wizard's return will be the spark that sets everything alight.
Yuyuko
Also, you should know that Materializer is heading back to home base.
Yuyuko
Same with Clock-Signaler. Seems they've finished their respective missions.
Yuyuko
What else...? Ah, yes. The Great Secret Society was planning to meet up with you there in Xanadu.
Eiki
Secret society...? You don't mean that trouble-making duo, do you?
Yuyuko
That's them! However, this time, it seems they're the ones in trouble. They've remained stationary for quite a while.
Eiki
Strange. Perhaps they lost something...
Yuyuko
Maybe. Still, this further confirms that the day of the final showdown is fast approaching.
Yuyuko
I also found a log of the Prismriver Sisters' movements. They're alive.
Eiki
Really?!
Yuyuko
Yes. We can thank PLAYER for that.
Yuyuko
The outcome of the final showdown will largely be determined by her actions.
Yuyuko
On my way back from the Big Brain, I noticed that the network had changed. Dramatically.
Yuyuko
I'm sure the Spirit River Railroad has changed, too.
Yuyuko
They share a common cause. A single event has triggered an avalanche that will change everything.
Yuyuko
There have been battles of bullets with a human.
Yuyuko
Battles of bullets had almost been forgotten by this world, but now, people are starting to remember.
Yuyuko
Like how the heart pumps blood around the body, bullets will invigorate this world and everyone in it.
Yuyuko
An incident is looming, and it's all due to that girl... PLAYER.
Overflowing Ideologies Pt. 4
In the middle of the night...
Beyond the Capital's satellite city, Mendeleev, in the New Land of the Oni...
...at Moriya Shrine.
Ah!
*rubs eyes*
(When did I fall asleep...?)
???
Oh! She's awake!
Suwako
Look, Kana! She's awake!
Kanako
Sanaaaae?! Miss PLAYER woke up!
Sanae
Miss PLAYER! I was worried when you suddenly fell asleep. You must have been really tired, huh?
Sanae
You were only out for about an hour and a half, but you're welcome to spend the rest of the night here at Moriya Shrine.
Sanae
If you're wondering about the oni, they left after buying our steel.
Sanae
However, they arranged for a guide to show you and the other rabbits around the Hot Spring Town tomorrow...
Momiji
Hello, I'm Momiji Inubashiri. I'm a sheriff. I would've come here even if the oni hadn't ordered me to be your guide.
Momiji
You guys aren't the first rabbits to follow the tracks and wander in here from beyond the fog.
Momiji
Maybe it's 'cause they used to kidnap people long ago, but the oni always tend to invite them to the hot springs...
Momiji
And we're the ones who have to deal with the consequences. That's why I regularly patrol around the station.
Momiji
Don't be scared because I'm a police officer. I plan to show you all the sights tomorrow.
Momiji
It'll be fun.
Yay!
Nice to meet you, Miss Momiji! I'm PLAYER!
(Her tail looks so fluffy!)
Momiji
Nice to meet you, too. Hehehe.
Reisen
Oh, PLAYER! You're awake!
Seiran
H-Hey. Sorry, I didn't realize how tired you were.
Seiran
Sleep well tonight, PLAYER. We're gonna head to the Hot Spring Town early in the morning.
Seiran
Unlike the Capital, this world has variable weather and temperature. You might get sick if you don't get enough rest.
Seiran
If something happened to you, I'm the one they'll―I mean, I'd be really sad.
Hm...?
???
She's right, PLAYER. You need to get plenty of rest.
Roger that!
Wait... Miss Reisen?
Reisen
That's me. Reisen Udongein Inaba. I guess my fame precedes me, huh?
Reisen
Hehe.
Reisen
Every rabbit knows you, Miss Reisen! You're a hero! I still can't believe you're here to back us up! It's such an honor!
Reisen
I was actually named after you! But it's kinda confusing with us both here together... I know! Everyone can call me Rei'sen!
(I didn't hear any difference...)
Reisen
Right... We'll be sleeping under the same roof as Miss Reisen. I'm starting to feel kinda nervous. Wh-Wh-What should I do?
Seiran
Reisen, calm down a little, would you?
Reisen
What do you mean? I am calm.
Seiran
N-No, I didn't mean you! I wouldn't dare!
Reisen
Seiran... Is that your idea of an apology? You should be more careful when speaking to a superior officer.
Seiran
S-Sorry... It won't happen again...
(Is Miss Reisen here to watch over us...?)
(She seems nice.)
Sanae
Huh? I saw Miss Reisen hanging around the station, and she's a rabbit, so I just assumed she was with you.
Sanae
That's why I brought her here. Did I mess up?
Reisen
No, you did great. We're on the same team! We always have been, and we always will be.
Reisen
Yay! I'm on the same team as Reisen!
Seiran
Haha... yay.
Yay!
Marisa
Excuse me.
Marisa
Do you have any clean water? I need to calibrate some items.
Hey, Marisa.
Wait... Marisa?!
Sanae
We've got plenty of clean water. Want me to go get you some?
Marisa
I need quite a lot. Enough to fill up a bathtub!
Sanae
Th-That is a lot! Lady Kana, Lady Suwa, can you help me out?
Kanako
Sure! I'm good at drawing water out of the well!
Suwako
We'll be right back.
Marisa
So, who are you? Sounds like you know me, but I've never met you before.
Oh, umm, call it a hunch, but...
Do you know a tiny Miss Yukari and a blue Reimu...?
S-Sorry if I mixed you up with someone else!
Marisa
...
Marisa
...
*nervous fidgeting*
Marisa
*sigh*
Marisa
I used magic to disguise myself as a rabbit, but for some reason, the oni never invited me to their hot springs...
Marisa
Maybe I should've spent more time perfecting the spell. I doubt you even see me as a rabbit, huh?
Marisa
This world's Moriya Shrine has been a big help, but I guess it's time to leave. You guys are my ticket out.
Marisa
My arrival in this world was pretty violent, you see, and I accidentally dropped an important item.
Marisa
I know it's here somewhere, but I've been looking for days without any luck. It'd be bad if someone found it before me.
Marisa
Normally, I wouldn't be that worried 'cause most people won't know how to use it.
Marisa
Unfortunately, this world is ruled by oni, and the only place I haven't looked is where the oni live.
Marisa
I'm hoping it drifted into another world before any of 'em found it, but I'll have to make sure.
Marisa
I'm gonna head to the hot springs with you guys tomorrow.
Reisen
That sounds super complicated!
Seiran
Y-Yeah. I understood everything, though.
Reisen
Shh, let PLAYER speak.
Does that mean you DO know the tiny Miss Yukari...?
Marisa
Oh, right. I still need to prove that to you, don't I? Do you mind stepping outside?
Why?
Marisa
I enjoy talking as much as the next girl, but I know I'm no good at it.
Marisa
That's why I use a better, more precise method to judge people and the truth.
What do you mean?
Marisa
I challenge you to a battle of bullets!
Marisa
Come at me. Don't worry, I'll go easy on you.
Marisa
Battles are all about firepower, and I'll adjust mine accordingly.
Marisa
Now I know who I'm dealing with. And I bet you do, too. I'm the Marisa you're thinking of.
