Story Reader / Interlude / Like Shadow / Story
Kamui
Uh...
Camu wakes up under blinding lights. He sees nothing but an expanse of white. He can sense the clutter and several people around him, though.
Are you...?
I suppose I count as a doctor. I will be operating on you to make you into a Construct.
Construct... So you're making me a Construct?
Yes. You're not allowed to refuse, though.
Camu does not feel particularly aggressive anymore. He might have been tranquilized.
He does not even react to the word "Kurono", though he does feel a bit surprised about the Construct part.
Why are you doing this to me?
Because everyone else besides you died from the virus. You're the only human who's survived so far with the Punishing Virus in you.
Not particularly enthused about being the exception, Camu tries to sit up, but soon realizes that his limbs have been tied down.
The person who calls himself a doctor is busy with some tools, probably preparing for an operation.
...Where's my Master?
You mean Mao Zhen from Special Security? He died in the explosion. When we found him, his body was draped over you. Thanks to that, you weren't directly crushed.
What...?
Camu has no idea how to react. Before he can figure out why his mentor did that, a sharp pain jabs into his spine.
Ngh...
Don't move.
An icy liquid pours into his body. The operation is about to begin.
Hey. Do whatever you want to me... Use me however you like... But promise me one thing.
The doctor falls silent for a bit before putting the syringe aside.
Tell us. We'll see if we can work something out.
I don't know much about science, but if you guys at Kurono can make humans into Constructs, surely you can alter memories too. Even create fake personas...
We can indeed manipulate memories, but a "persona" requires a certain amount of memory data from real life...
While you do your operation, can you replace my persona with a new one?
A persona that won't bother himself with anything complicating... A persona that can inspire courage in others...
...
What a coincidence... I wonder if it'll be a blessing or a curse. Camu... Kamui.
We'll do it. Shall we name the persona "Kamui"?
Kamui... sounds a bit silly, but I don't have the right to decide, yeah?
Camu can tell that the doctor's crew are cutting his body open from the liquid pouring out, though he cannot feel anything due to the anesthesia.
His heart is beating faster, cold sweat glistening on his skin.
Even so, Camu ignores whatever is happening to him and starts thinking about "Kamui".
If I survive this, I'd like to see how you live through this world.
Teach me how to love this world... Kamui.
