Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Weirdlands Adventure / Story
The Fools' Future
All affected areas repaired. Anomaly completely blocked.
(Nods)
Highest safety defense level reset. Algorithm corrected. Theoretically, a backdoor similar to the last one is no longer possible.
Right... So, do you have anything to say to Nanami?
Indeed. There are remaining questions that require your further explanations...
That is not the answer Nanami has been expecting. She tilts her head, uncertain about what the proper reply is.
Explanations...?
All the abnormal programs are attached with logic locks that disallow any form of removal. From existing records, you are the only one who is capable of that.
That's what you meant... It's just Nanami's "insurance policy"! I can't stop you from locking them up, but at the very least...
Nanami smirks and peeks at Gestalt, wondering how it is going to react—despite there would not be any reactions from a sub-terminal of Gestalt.
I just rewrote the authorization clearance of the isolated drive a teeny-tiny bit, turning their isolated cage into a truly isolated world.
You flipped the door and turned it into something that cannot be opened from the outside.
Nanami only wants you to keep your promise to "isolate" them, not "remove" them... After all, it's not April Fool's Day anymore! You can't lie now!
As if she has timed this perfectly, the arms of the clock hit midnight.
But don't worry, mecha babushka! The door can't be opened from the inside either. As long as they are programs, they won't threaten Gestalt again!
That you aren't lying about.
Nanami told you! It's not April Fool's Day anymore—neither of us can lie!
(Unless they turn into something like Nanami—then they are no longer bounded by the rules Nanami set. That way...)
But that... wouldn't be possible!
What's that?
Don't mind it! Nanami's gotta go back now! She's the hero today, after all! I'm sure everyone will be excited to see me!
As Nanami is logging out, Gestalt's sub-terminal floats to her frontside.
The individual named Nanami, there is one more piece of information for you.
Huh? What is it...
Rebutting your report on the anomaly based on logical deduction alone is now registered as an error. Your baseline evaluation has been adjusted accordingly.
Really? For real?! Did Gestalt just apologize to Nanami?!
Gestalt does not contain the concept of "apologies." I simply relayed an objective statement.
Oh, I understand! Nanami is as generous as the most generous thing ever, so she'll forgive you!
...
But Nanami should also apologize to the people she tricked today—yesterday, I mean. That's an April Fools custom as well!
Then I'll see you! We'll play again next time!
This is not a place to play...
But the enthusiastic figure is already long gone, missing the long and tedious lecture from Gestalt...
Commandant, are you alright?!
With Chrome's help, you luckily do not fall on your face inside the familiar Gray Raven lounge.
True. Our bodies feel completely different in the real world and the anomaly.
Perhaps because I'm a Construct, I could adjust the sensory inputs of my frame accordingly... That said, I felt like I was still in my human body back in the anomaly. It was... astounding.
And then Chrome pauses, seemingly turning silent from recalling his experience of becoming a Construct.
Hmm? What is it?
You mean the effects on our language systems? Maybe because I'm equipped with an enhanced Inver-Device, so my M.I.N.D. stability is steadier than the others.
Chrome shakes his head and looks down at his palms, deep in thought. They slowly tighten into fists, and then Chrome slowly opens them again.
Is that so... I...
At that moment, Chrome's terminal rings.
Greetings, Asimov...
Chrome nods, almost unconsciously taking a deep breath.
Yes, I'm ready... I'll be there soon.
Yes. There's something I must attend to...
By the way, please give this to Nanami if she comes back.
Kamui asked me to pass it along. It's a present he prepared for her as thanks for her April Fools treats.
You give it a brief inspection and find it abnormally heavy for its size. You can hear the slightest sound of gears turning inside, and you reckon you know what this "present" really is.
Chrome departs after saying goodbye. Time passes, and finally, you see the door to the lounge open.
H-E-L-L-O T-H-E-R-E! General Nanami's here for the afterparty!
You hand her the prepared "present."
What is that?! Is that a gift for Nanami?!
Good things do come out of Nanami's good deeds!
Commandant, can I open it now?
Why are you standing so far away...?
Right! Here I go!
Happy April Fool's Day, Nanami—albeit a little bit late!
And then...
Boooooooooommmmmmm!
