Episode 366: Meeting
"So then... who are you?"
"I'm known as 'Nameless JK'."
"Ahh, I've heard of you. There's this new person who's been rising fast lately. I saw that pig's game video. The one who collaborated with 'Commentary Princess'."
"That's me."
As I answered, I thought to myself, "Oh?"
That's because lately, when people hear "anonymous," they're more likely to think of my recent actions—specifically rescuing refugees from the "Land of Mirrors"—than any viral video success.
She might actually be more detached from everyday life than I thought, always holed up in her room.
Then she pours a small amount of whiskey and a generous amount of apple juice into a glass, and happily licks the bourbon chocolate candy like it's nothing.
"Mmm, delicious!"
One advantage of becoming a "player" is that you can eat as much as you want without gaining weight.
She looks oddly tacky wearing that Disney princess-style outfit.
By the way, how is living in this country?
Well, I suppose it's quite an enjoyable place.
Right, right?
Rika-chan, smiling carefree as if she herself had been praised,
"A country specialized in entertainment production—the concept of the 'Kingdom of Unrealities'—is filled with my ideals. I really wanted to bring it to life when the world was a bit more sensible... but..."
"Isn't that a bit unrealistic, though?"
"Really? Why?"
She's looking right at me with those straight, honest eyes.
"Well, I just don't see how a country could function if everyone just played around all the time."
"Really? Don't you think there are tons of boring, low-grade jobs everywhere? People doing those jobs all seem so gloomy, like they're living dull lives. I believe those kinds of jobs should be left to foreigners, while people from this country should only do fun, enjoyable work. If we all compete with one another, we could surely create a nation of the finest art and entertainment that captivates people all over the world. Don't you think so?"
"Work like a piece of trash?"
"Any job that doesn't require creative thinking. Especially physical labor—blue-collar jobs are out of the question. It's simply unworthy of truly exceptional citizens."
"Um... yeah..."
Her tone was calm and detached, yet her words sent a chill down my spine.
I see now, just as everyone says—this person and I simply can't see eye to eye.
It feels like our fundamental interpretations of life are completely different from those of ordinary people.
Compared to this person, I actually feel I could still understand someone like Akira from Ichihon Art University.
"So, what exactly is this consultation about?"
"Oh, um..."
I glanced around slightly,
"It's about the《Soul Replicator》."
"What? You mean you want to revive someone using the 'Soul Replicator'? In that case, just feed the VP from the designated terminal... Just a moment, though— the victims from that infamous 'Monster' incident should be fully revived any second now, so could you wait a bit?"
"Yeah, I understand that..."
"Then, what's the issue?"
"I think I should release the Soul Replicator and let everyone use it."
Upon hearing this, Reika made a genuinely shocked expression.
"Eh? I thought I was already releasing it?"
"Is that so?"
"Yes. After all, I'm reviving citizens for free. You know, my 'Unreal Kingdom' is probably the first country in human history with a zero child mortality rate."
No, that's not what I meant to say.
"For example, bringing the Soul Replicator into the Central Authority..."
"Why should I—have to help people from other countries?"
"Huh?"
No, but we're all crew members aboard the same spaceship, Earth Ship, aren't we?
"I don't get it. Not even the kids from the 'Voice of the People' would say something like that."
Am I being a bit too good-hearted with my opinion?
No, that can't be right. Even now, in Tokyo, countless children are losing their lives to attacks by the 'zombies.'
Yet the ruler of the "kingdom" continued, her voice perfectly smooth.
"I shall revive those closest to me—the people living in my 'kingdom' first. It is the queen's duty to act in a way that maximizes their happiness. What is wrong with that?"
Hmph.
To my surprise, there was no opening in her words.
No wonder those who came for an audience found themselves at a loss.
"And you know, even foreigners don't stay dead forever, right? It's just that you need to earn a lot of VP for it."
"Hmm, I see."
I nodded, though I wasn't convinced at all.
If the day ever came when I managed to convince her— it would be the day her beliefs changed.
And that day, I doubt, will never come through the words I can force from my own mind.
To be honest, I must admit I was overly optimistic about the situation.
Even if we successfully obtained the Soul Replicator, who should manage it? How could it be used most fairly?
At first, I vaguely thought that handing it over to the Central Authority through the Guardians would solve everything—though that's no longer my current belief.
To be honest, we don't know the exact situation of the "Central Authority" right now.
But if we just take it for ourselves and use it exclusively, that's no different from what Reika-san is doing. In fact, it might even be safer to leave it in her hands.
Hmm, what should we do about this?
"Hey, 'Nameless'-san."
"?"
I've been feeling really bored lately. When that happens, all sorts of things start popping into my head—random, pointless stuff you wouldn't even notice when you're busy.
"Yeah, I kind of get that."
Like prefectures that look like they'd make strong weapons.
"Sometimes I wonder... what makes people attracted to each other, really?"
"Huh?"
I'm actually quite interested in you. There's never been anyone like you—someone who managed to achieve such results in such a short time—called "Vivian."
It's just that I happened to be lucky with opportunities, really.
Then, I want to play one game with you.
"Hmm"
When it comes to games, perhaps something like the 'Porkman's Quest' we played before with the "Gambler" guy.
"No, I don't play video games. I'd prefer something much simpler to play."
"What do you mean?"
"How about rock-paper-scissors?"