Story Reader / Affection / Teddy: Decryptor / Story
Teddy: Decryptor VI
After some deliberation, Teddy eventually accepts the extra gift.
Kiske hurried back to join his friends, while Teddy enthusiastically tinkers with the new collectible in her hands.
Storing stuff in such an ancient way... It's indeed a rare find.
Hmm? You're still thinking about that?
Because it lacks a soul.
Music's gotta have souls. Putting things together like that might trick someone at first, but if you listen carefully, there's no real depth to it.
If it's all about flaunting techniques, that's not what I'd call a musical piece.
...Actually, I've done something similar before... Don't tell anyone.
I've dropped a few algorithm-generated tracks anonymously on the Babylonia forum in the past.
No electronic music software, instruments, or vocals—just straight-up calculated products from algorithm programs.
Initially, they got quite some praise, but then I started to feel...
It was all about mechanical techniques, nothing like the real music.
Stuff like that shouldn't be churned out by algorithms... I see it as a cringeworthy chapter in my history, if you ask me.
This is just between us, okay? Don't tell anyone else!
She warns you with a stern gaze.
Good.
She appears to be in a pleasant mood, humming a tuneless little song as she resumes fiddling with her new collectible.
Hmm? Is there anything else?
...
The transport stress test...!!
Suddenly recalling the original plan, Teddy exhibits a panicked expression seldom seen on her face.
Oh crap...! Kiske!! Lend me your ride!!!
She grabs your hand and sprints toward the door.
Despite having Kiske's electric vehicle, the two of you still fail to reach the initially planned event on Teddy's schedule.
When you walk out of the testing center, it is already afternoon. Teddy has swapped out of the Golden Age coating, lazily slumping on a nearby bench.
The beach lies right next to the testing center, with a refreshing sea breeze wafting through the city.
In the end, we still didn't make it...
You have already talked to the staff at the testing center. They will notify you ahead of time when the next transport craft is prepared for departure.
I just hate it when my plan gets twisted up like that.
Deviating from the plan, she chose to help Kiske and unexpectedly acquired the friendship and gifts from awakened machines.
...You're right. I did end up with a new collectible that I didn't expect.
Taking out that ancient collectible, Teddy once again starts tinkering with it attentively.
It's something from way before the Golden Age, known as a Walkman.
I had to dig through a lot of data to confirm that. They must have passed by something like an electronic museum on their journey to get their hands on such an ancient artifact.
It's probably... something you can carry around to listen to music.
It came with these wired earphones and a cassette tape. I guess this is how people from way back before the Golden Age used to record music.
You can't just skip back and replay a part whenever you want... There's something oddly romantic about that.
Yeah, not being able to replay at will means you have to really listen to every single note.
These tapes can get damaged if you rewind them too much.
The pink-haired Construct meticulously arranges the black semi-transparent tape.
The awakened machines had them well preserved... I think I can get it up and running again with just a few tweaks.
Concentrating on the minuscule components, the pink-haired Construct retrieves some tools from her pocket and makes a few adjustments.
That should do...
Want to try it together, Commandant?
This is also an unexpected item that wasn't on the agenda.
It might not come as a surprise but a letdown, though...
Before you know it, the pink-haired girl moves closer and inserts one end of the wired headphones into your ear.
Following the ancient instructions... it should be.
Bowing her head, she delicately presses the "Play" button.
Bzzzz—
A faint sound of electromagnetic interference emanates from the earphones.
Is the tape broken...?
Before her words fade, a gentle, never-before-heard melody slowly flows out from the earphones.
The pink-haired Construct lets out a soft sigh, settling down beside you as you are now linked by the earphones.
This could also pass as... an unplanned surprise, I guess.
Hmm... It turned out to be a pretty nice trip.
She gazes at the distant sea, revealing a satisfied smile.
To express her gratitude, Teddy decides to escort you all the way to your lounge.
Just so you know, for a technician like me, this is pretty much the highest level of thanks I can give.
Of course, I wouldn't say no to such a sincere invitation from you.
Upon entering the lounge, Teddy seems to have recalled something before taking out a gift box that you find familiar.
Oh, I almost forgot... When I was here last time, I thought you could use something like this.
I thought you had a better memory... That's the payment I got from Kiske for my labor.
M-hm.
Go ahead and open it.
The pink-haired Construct sits back on the couch, watching you with her arms crossed.
Opening the messily wrapped gift box, you discover a small speaker inside.
It's probably a relic from the Golden Age. Despite its age, it still appears to be functional.
Given your role as a commandant, you probably can't wear big headphones all the time.
So, how about using this to listen to some music every now and then?
I'll tweak it for you so it can connect to your terminal...
You've got zero taste, seriously.
This speaker brand is known for its distinct sound quality. No regular terminal can even come close to comparing.
I noticed last time that this spot on your desk here has just the right amount of room to squeeze it in...
Pressing the button on the speaker, she squints as clear, crisp music emanates from it.
Obviously.
...
Can't you just not bring that up at a time like this?
It's break time right now...
She opens the repaired terminal with a disgruntled face.
Didn't you have fun, too?
Heh, that's more like it.
The pink-haired Construct, sporting a mischievous smile, lounges on the couch while gazing at you.
It's a deal, then.
While the soft music plays, the glow of dusk seeps through the window, and the gentle evening breeze delicately blows open the curtains.
The dim light seems to have prolonged the duration of this sunset.
The tape cannot be rewound, and the clock's hands cannot turn back.
Each moment of this serene dusk is worthy of being cherished.
