Story Reader / Main Story / 22 Renaissance du Fantastique / Story
Ayla, now!
This should... end it!
With a graceful flourish of her tonfas, Trojan dislodges the glaive from "Qu's" grip, and then Ayla executes the coup de grace.
The sharp blade weaves an elegant dance across the body of "Qu", delivering a weighty strike that is potent enough to render her immobilized.
The wound opens up to expose the metallic intricacies within that sizzle and crackle with electric sparks. As her vulnerability is laid bare, she is finally stripped of the facade of ease she once held.
Impressive...!
It seems that the fight on the other side has ended as well... Visitors, the victory is in your hands now.
Sh-she can talk...?!
Visitors, do you find it peculiar that I possess the ability to engage in conversation?
I thought you could only say those preset lines. After all...
...
You made a fair point, indeed. I'm a seemingly-authentic "imposter," in fact, perhaps even worse than that.
I am merely granted a resemblance to the original, with an implanted personality that appears plausible. I am nothing more than a counterfeit, created solely for the purpose of conforming to the impression of this particular exhibition hall.
I have never laid eyes upon the real Kowloong. The only genuine connection I have with that place is through the physical materials used in constructing my body. Cervantes acquired them from Kowloong in the pursuit of precision and intricate details.
But are you aware... you are not that "Qu"?
Heh, that's not something you would discern right from the start.
Initially, I only existed as a mere "imitator," tasked with reenacting a specific piece of history, performing a specific moment repeatedly.
However, at some point, I started to have this dream.
It's a dream about a grand metropolis standing proudly by the sea, inhabited by a peaceful and prosperous people, and... their Supreme who vows to safeguard her land at any cost.
That dream became a haunting phantom within my mind, compelling me to question my true identity.
...So what was the conclusion you drew?
Nothing. I'm nothing more than an empty vessel, a decorative stage, merely serving as a "means" rather than a "purpose."
Just like a dot of color on a canvas, not deserving of any distinct significance.
Then why do you...
If playing your role is all you want, why are you sharing this with us?
You ask me why... Perhaps I simply seek an end to that endless dream.
I deliberately introduced a flaw into this flawless facsimile, and only in this way am I able to pose a question as who "I" truly am.
...A question that has haunted me for a long time, yet remains unanswered till this day.
If you have ever been to the real Kowloong, please tell me...
What is the present life like for the people in Kowloong? Does the city still revel in the splendor it once enjoyed during the Golden Age?
Is the queen named Qu truly a wise leader? What kind of future... awaits Kowloong under her guidance?
...I'm sorry. I'm not sure if I'm in a position to give you answers.
However, I know quite a few individuals from Kowloong, and from their perspective, it seems that Kowloong is progressing in the direction anticipated.
There were, are, and will be countless hindrances and adversities on that path, but the people of Kowloong never speak of giving up, not even once.
...That's all I can tell you.
I see.
That would suffice.
Congratulations, visitors.
I hope... you can provide the answer that gentleman seeks.
With a smile, "Qu" extends her arm and places a data chip in Ayla's hand.
Then, she closes her eyes. In a solemn moment, accompanied by the sound of termination, this unnamed "vessel" ceases to move.
...
Silently, Ayla accepts the object that "Qu" bestows upon her in the final moments of her existence.
Another fragment of Cervantes' memory data...
May I be the one to read it this time, too?
Of course.
Ayla nods and proceeds to insert the chip into the data port on her frame.
>>> Confirming... World time synchronized: 2:47 AM, UTC+8 <<<
Mr. Carl, may I know where Michele is?
>>> Confirming... Questioner identity: Leader of Kowloong. Confirming coordinates of Michele's location... Error: No transponder signal detected <<<
>>> A new recording has been added to the message box... Play <<<
>>> I will be strolling around Kowloong today. No need to look for me. From: Michele <<<
>>> Verifying original schedule: Private meeting with the leader of Kowloong... Operation error: Slight overload in emotion module detected. Initiating self-repair process... <<<
>>> Confirming... Level II emergency confirmed, initiating search for solutions... Conflict: Unable to activate corresponding measures due to limited operational range <<<
>>> Switching to Emergency Behavior Mode, initiating system soft reboot <<<
I regret to inform you that Michele is currently unavailable. It appears that he embarked on a sightseeing excursion within Kowloong early this morning.
I take responsibility for not confirming the schedule with Michele in advance. Lady Qu, if this has resulted in any inconvenience or caused you any distress, I will personally discuss the matter with Michele to arrange appropriate compensation.
They would be unnecessary. This wasn't seen as an official meeting anyway—no diplomatic affairs involved.
Furthermore, it was the views and culture of Kowloong that enticed Michele. As the leader of the city, I consider it a source of delight and honor.
Thank you for your generosity, Lady Qu.
However, now that I have some rare free time away from my responsibilities, it would feel rather lonely to spend it all by myself. I had planned to discuss with Michele on topics pertaining to art and culture. I presume you, as his assistant, have also been influenced by his expertise?
I'm merely a mechanoid assisting Michele with trivial tasks in his life. I don't possess much understanding of human art.
Is that so? Interestingly, one of my family members holds a completely opposite opinion. He believes that mechanoids possess insights that run even deeper than those of humans.
How about considering it as helping your master accompany his host for a casual conversation?
...I am delighted to be of service.
He does not understand why Qu insists on inviting him for a talk, but given the present circumstances, he finds no reason to decline.
Accompanied by Qu, he strolls through the winding alleys, making his way toward the restricted complex located at the heart of the city.
Qu leads him to a towering structure, its viewing deck offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Kowloong.
Welcome to the "Kowloong Skydeck". For over a millennium, the Astroverse Bureau of Kowloong has diligently observed the stars here, shaping the very foundations of our calendars.
I enjoy spending my leisure time here. The tranquility makes it an ideal place for deep thinking and meeting close friends.
You can also see the entire Kowloong from up here.
As Carl follows Qu's gaze forward, he is greeted by the sight of the city expanding like a chessboard, with streets adorned with paper lanterns and festoons to celebrate the upcoming new year. Even in the daylight, he can imagine the awe-inspiring night view that will unfold after the sun sets.
Observing the bustling streets, Carl makes an attempt to search for Michele among the crowds. However, the idea quickly dissipates, abandoned within a fleeting moment.
You've talked a lot to me along the way. From what I see, you are far from boring as you initially claimed.
I'm simply echoing what I heard from Michele. However, I'm glad to have had the opportunity to provide you with entertainment, Lady Qu.
He's a talented theorist as well as a man of action. Constructing a city that emulates the splendor of the Golden Age... is seen as an impossible mission by many.
In his pursuit of completing this project, Michele has embarked on numerous journeys, exploring various locations and leaving no stone unturned.
Do you believe he can complete it?
I always do.
This is the first time that you clearly stated your opinion on something.
Because Michele is always confident.
Gazing calmly at Kowloong below, Carl beholds a magnificent city that exudes both vibrancy and grandeur. Yet, the vision Michele holds within his heart surpasses even this spectacle, leading Carl to comprehend why many view his goal as nothing more than an artist's futile dream.
Lady Qu, may I ask you a question?
Please go ahead.
Could you tell me... what does the city mean to Kowloong?
...This is a rather intricate subject, and I'm afraid a few words are far from enough to draw a definitive conclusion.
What if you have to conclude it with a few words?
Testament.
It serves as a testament to Kowloong's existence. As long as the city stands, it instills hope within our people for the future of Kowloong.
The city of Kowloong was erected millennia ago, upheld by the sturdy pillars of our civilization. Throughout the ages, we have continuously added bricks and tiles to it, leaving behind tangible traces of our existence in this world.
Tch, you still not done with that hypocritical speech after all these years?
From behind Qu and Carl rings an androgynous voice, laced with a touch of disdain.
Villier?
You're back from the Science Council? Why didn't you notify me ahead?
Why would I report to you about my whereabouts? So you can arrange a grand reception and have everyone line up to give me a warm welcome?
I simply don't see the point in staying there any longer, especially since the current stage of Gestalt's development has ended. I can achieve better work efficiency in my old studio here... though I find it disappointing that Kowloong hasn't changed a bit, still as noisy and irritating as ever.
Just when I thought I had finally found a place to escape from that dreadful chaos, you showed up here with... a mechanoid? Unbelievable.
Is it really that surprising to you that I'm conversing with a mechanoid, Villier?
I have zero interest in whom you are talking with. It's just...
Villier directs his gaze toward Carl, his dark eyes reflecting a blend of perplexity and doubt.
As an entirely rational creation, how did you manage to ask such a joke-like question?
I don't understand what you mean.
Cities are mere conglomerations of foul human connections, distorted byproducts that arise during the progress of the inherently flawed human civilization.
The extravagant facade is but a fleeting shadow in nature, crafted from vanity and designed to deceive the gullible.
As a mechanoid who measures the world using numbers, how is it that you fail to perceive the true nature of the city through your calculations?
...I'm afraid the calculations required to ascertain that theory demand an arithmetic module far more advanced than the one built within me.
Tsk... Forget it, then. It would be utterly absurd for me to expect an antiquated piece with an outdated model to meet my ideal standards.
Villier, suppose you succeed in constructing your "ideal" creation. How can you be certain that it will arrive at the same conclusion as you?
Would you also find yourself disappointed if its calculations were to defy your expectations?
...That's a meaningless sophistry.
Villier, the angular young man, displays a frown and turns away in disdain, choosing to depart.
Silently, Carl observes as Villier walks away.
Still, Villier's opinion is not entirely unjust. There are far more things hidden underneath Kowloong's ostentatious facade.
If that's true, why don't you advocate for a superior societal model to replace the existing one?
Heh, it's only natural for mechanoids to seek the replacement of the old with something new, I presume?
In reality, there isn't a particularly intricate reason for not doing so, or rather, we don't require one.
We simply made the choice to become what we are today.
...
>>> Recording stopped. <<<
