Story Reader / Arcade Anima / Come Play! / Story

Although we have defeated that wave of Corrupted... this server is going to be infected sooner or later, Sage.

The mechanoid's challenge will have to cease when that happens.

If you want him to fulfill his wish, perhaps we should secretly hack the server and increase his score...

But Arcana immediately shakes her head before heading back to Nanami's side.

...But that would be "pointless," wouldn't it?

That's right. He wouldn't be happy even if he succeeded that way... Nanami wouldn't want to win that way, at the very least.

We're... like that, too...?

All lives on this planet, including the awakened machines, are all moving forward while restricted by some kind of rules in order to survive.

The only people who can determine the value of a game are the players themselves. "Your participation makes a game a game, a challenge a challenge... and a life a life."

Oh, by the way, that line is from Norman Heroes when you clear all the stages!

Arcana considers what Nanami said—she might not fully understand it, but it does not stop her from "feeling" it.

We should return to the mansion now... The mechanoid must have finished the game by now. I wonder if he succeeded.

Regardless, he must have discovered his answer from this challenge.

Of course, Sage—let's attest to the challenge that belongs to no one but that mechanoid.

Unwittingly, Arcana walks ahead of Nanami for the first time, leading their way into the estate.

Inside the disorderly room, the mechanoid is still sitting where he was, motionless.

Nanami gently walks next to him and presses confirm, imprinting the name "OAKES" forever in the game's data.

He did it, Sage...

Which means he has triggered his prioritized self-destruct command, deleting all his personality data. Still, Arcana believes that he found his answer from his challenge at the end.

Whoa, impressive... This is the first time Nanami is tied in a game.

Although they rank the same, the mechanoid scored lower than Nanami before the last stage, meaning he surpassed Nanami in the last round.

A mechanoid like him achieved the same score as you, Sage... That must be a miracle.

There's nothing miraculous about it. In this game... Nanami is just another normal player. I failed, then I succeeded, then I mastered it, just like everyone else.

Perhaps that is why Nanami loves video games. This is a place where she does not have to be the Sagemachina but just a "normal player."

We should all be free. We're awakened, so we shouldn't be shackled by what we were programmed to be and what we believe a "Sagemachina" requires us to do. We should all act according to our interests and our calling.

This mechanoid chose to challenge this game's limit like a human for his own interest and pursuit, and he died like a human in the end.

Nanami cannot help but chuckle at Arcana's grave tone.

Sage...?

You must think that he's deleted all his data, Arcana, but the truth is... BOO!

Sneaking behind the mechanoid, Nanami suddenly shouts next to his ear. His dimmed visual sensor lights up, awakening once more.

Scanning personality data... complete. Scanning memory data... complete. Neural Circuit status: normal.

The mechanoid clutches the controller in his hands. Only when that familiar sensation is transmitted back into his memory shell does he know for certain that he still exists.

Perhaps his awakening has reached a certain level that his memory shell signature data didn't get deleted by his master's command.

There are still many unknowns regarding machine awakenings. It is not impossible that something can be created to counter a programmed command.

That could be the case, but Nanami likes to believe the other possibility more.

The other possibility?

I believe your Master Oakes... never activated the self-destruct command.

Why...?

The mechanoid was just a tool to Oakes, and tools are pointless once they complete their missions.

He probably considered this game the only thing he could do well while he was sick... Only in this game could he compete with others as a normal player without anyone bullying him or taking care of him.

Arcana slowly understands that human's hidden feelings.

Perhaps he also gradually considered you... a friend who played, grew, and fought with him.

Nanami nods and takes out the photo with the mechanoid and Oakes. Removing the photo from its frame, Nanami hands it to the mechanoid.

Which was why he would want you to continue your adventure in a world without him and discover a life of your own.

The mechanoid takes the photo and finds a few words scribbled in the back.

That's... the name of the protagonist's robot companion in Norman Heroes.

That's right! And that's the name he gave you!

Nanami smiles as she picks up the controller and sits in front of the screen.

So, let me ask you again—do you love playing video games, Cali?

In the past, Cali just considered playing games a mission he must complete. Now, he is willing to learn more about them.

Yeah. I think... I think I'll like them now.

Well, then, let's play together! There are still many titles here!

I can... play with you?

Sure! Games are the most fun when you play with friends!

Arcana is a little surprised, but she takes the controller from Nanami nonetheless.

Just so you know... I won't go easy on new players.

Sure. I wouldn't expect any less.

Oh? The competition has started, and the game hasn't even begun!