Story Reader / Main Story / 25 Everglowing Justice / Story
...I was the cause of all these sins.
Utopia might not have existed if it weren't for me.
Dr. Pickman was always doing experiments, and he would occasionally ask for our help. Although we didn't understand what he was doing, we were all happy to lend a hand.
He encouraged us to become Constructs when the time was right, saying that Constructs could help more people. Therefore... I kept going despite how difficult the process was.
He was really happy the day my operation succeeded. However...
Cecily!
Look! The operation was successful! I'm also a Construct now! I'll be able to work with you in the future!
...Alisa?
You agreed to be a Construct?
I did!
Father said I would be able to help him complete more work and enforce the rules in Utopia if I became a Construct.
I put a lot of thought into picking this frame... Cecily? What's wrong?
...
It's nothing. I'm just...
I'm just too tired.
You've become a Construct... It may not be a bad thing. At least you'll have a better shot leaving this place...
Leaving this place? Are you saying we'll go on a mission together one day? I look forward to that day as well!
Yeah... Me too.
Cecily's smile looks forced.
Did he... Did Dr. Pickman say anything else?
He mentioned you!
Father took me to a physical examination after the operation, and he said all my data looked good, just like... just like yours?
And he said something about initiating the final plan...?
What is the final plan? I asked him about it, but he just said it was a "grown-up thing." He said it would make us a real family, but I didn't understand the rest.
...
I see.
By the way... Where is Nata? She told me she had a book she wanted to recommend to me, but her roommate told me she was gone when I looked for her in her room earlier.
Did she leave Utopia?
...Yes, she did.
She... was the last one.
Cecily... are you feeling unwell? Should you go see a doctor?
...I'm alright.
Cecily smiles with relief as if she has made a decision. Leaning down slightly, she caresses Alisa's forehead just like the countless times she did in the past.
...Cecily?
Alisa... Do you remember the fairytale I used to tell you? The princess named Eliza?
Of course. That was my favorite story.
No matter how dangerous or difficult it is, there is always hope as long as you have righteousness and kindness in your heart...
Is that so...
Keep it in your mind, Alisa.
There is nothing you need to fear as long as you let nothing change you. Justice is bound to echo through the land, and eventually...
Several researchers are busy working inside the Utopia laboratory when Pickman opens the door and walks in.
Is there still a problem?
Yes, Doctor. A rejection reaction appears whenever we try to fuse different M.I.N.D.s together.
This marks the 58th external test subject, and the extracted consciousnesses still reject each other. The rate of rejection has decreased, but...
It's fine. Failure is inevitable. Every path to truth is paved with countless failures.
What about the samples from Utopia?
We've deployed them, and your direction has proven accurate. The rejection rate of that batch lowered to 27.25%, but didn't you say...
Don't worry. I've found the solution.
We've finished preparing the test subject we're going to use as the vessel. To lower the chance of rejection, prioritize planting the consciousness shard from our Utopia test subject into the vessel's M.I.N.D.
As long as our vessel is steadfast enough, we will be able to cultivate a M.I.N.D. that is strong enough...
Father!
Alisa? What is it?
The new group of residents is misbehaving. They weren't happy with the resources they were rationed, so they took other people's food and water.
But we allocated those resources according to the rules!
Alisa complains angrily, and Pickman just looks at her compassionately.
Those... are not important anymore, Alisa.
F-Father?
Alisa cannot believe her ears as her father disregards the rules he used to care about the most.
You can decide if you think it's wrong, Alisa. Do what you want to do.
I have to work on the experiment now. This is a very important one.
If it succeeds, we'll become... a real family.
Bringing a notice signed by Pickman, Alisa disciplines the disruptive residents harshly. Those who injured others have received half rations and are exiled to the outermost part of Utopia until their conduct improves.
Everyone receives a set amount of rations and can work to get extra. How can they take it from someone else...
Today's work is almost over, but there is still time until the break...
I should go find Cecily!
She should be able to tell me the story of Eliza again if she has time...
...Cecily?
Walking past a laboratory that has never been opened before, Alisa suddenly stops in her tracks.
She can hear Cecily and Dr. Pickman talking inside.
Have you really made up your mind? I still think it's a little bit of a shame.
I was going to save you for last... Although her data is more suitable as a test subject, you... fit the vision I have in my research more.
Only a M.I.N.D. that has gone through enough hardship can be strong enough... She isn't there yet.
If I'm more suitable than her like you said... why didn't you choose me in the first place?
After all, Nata and the others were my teammates. However you put it, I'm the only one who can be... the core.
...Perhaps you're right.
Do you want to take a look? Our future... Utopia?
What are they talking about?
The door is already open. Peeking through the gap is not technically...
Alisa carefully widens the gap a little bit and peeks inside, where she sees Cecily calmly standing next to an inactive suit of armor.
So... Nata and the others are all inside now?
Do I finally get to see you again? Nata, Zikka, Arabella...
She touches the armor's shoulder lovingly.
Don't worry. Life stops for all of us here, so none of us will age or die.
This... is the ultimate Utopia.
Cecily chuckles ambiguously.
Any other preparations?
You can see them now if you want.
...That's it, then.
—Cecily!
Alisa has no idea what they are talking about, but she senses danger intuitively.
The smell of blood spreads like rust soaked in a rain. Alisa opens the door regardless of the consequences, running toward Cecily.
...Alisa? Shouldn't you be...
Cecily has specifically chosen to do this during Alisa's "work hours." Alisa never arrives late or leaves early, so why is she here right now?
Go back, Alisa.
What... are you doing?
I'm too tired, Alisa. I'm just going to rest.
Don't be scared. Remember what I told you?
Justice is bound to echo through the land. The storm might have invaded the skies, but the sun will shine on us again one day.
But I... probably won't make it to that day.
I'm sorry, Alisa. I'm... just too tired. Please allow me to be selfish this one time.
See more of this world for me... if you would.
No, no! Cecily!!!
—The memory ends here abruptly.
I... don't remember what happened afterward.
That was the first time I found out what Dr. Pickman was doing.
He was conducting a horrifying experiment, and the most important ingredients for his experiment... were Cecily and me.
Devote everything to kindness and love. Never disregard what is righteous... He made those rules, and he broke them as well.
He always told me his experiment was going to make us a real family, but I didn't know...
Echo quiets down, looking mournful.
She's Cecily, but... not entirely.
Inside the armor... are a lot of consciousness shards, some of which are quite damaged while others wake up from time to time. Cecily is acting on instinct most of the time.
They classified Cecily as a bioweapon, but most people who tried to connect to her were devoured by the enormous M.I.N.D. Only I can establish a connection with her.
Pickman didn't know why either, and neither did I.
Perhaps. She wants to protect me, but I...
I just want them to travel this sun-kissed world with me.
