Day 2
The dome's canopy shields them from the cold rain and heavy clouds outside, while warm golden light fills the entire space.
The desperate days of fleeing from the Corrupted, having to sleep rough and scrape by in the wilderness—all of this feels like just a bad dream now.
The refugees wake from peaceful slumber, basking in the eco garden's simulated sunlight with exclamations of surprise.
Wow! Is this... Golden Age technology? It feels just like real sunlight!
Are you talking about me, [player name]?
It's sufficient. Though my frame hasn't fully recovered its capabilities, it should be adequate for our upcoming mission.
Jerome, still marveling at the simulated sunlight, and Kamui, who, despite just waking, is already fully prepared, both turn to you at the same time.
Who're you lookin' down on?
...? [player name], did something happen last night?
Tch...
Jerome instinctively averts his eyes to avoid Kamui's questioning gaze, perhaps feeling a bit guilty. As if burned by the look, he quickly shifts his attention elsewhere.
Tch...
With a defiant huff, the child shifts his gaze elsewhere.
As you watch the refugees clean up their resting area in a hurry, you and Kamui exchange a glance, reaching a silent agreement—
Although everyone barely made it through last night in this place, there's no telling when additional support will arrive. They need to rebuild and utilize the abandoned residential zone in the eco garden. That should give everyone a safe place to stay for the time being.
Click, click, whirr—sudden mechanical noises interrupt the casual conversations. The broadcast system of the eco garden springs back to life after a long silence.
The rotund butler robot makes another timely appearance, accompanied by cheerful music that feels completely out of place. Its abrupt entrance catches everyone's attention.
Good morning! Dear parents and family members... This is your second day at the eco garden, and you haven't unlocked any living facilities yet. Let's all work together to build our home for a better tomorrow!
Would you like to go through "Family Verification" now? Completing the designated tasks will unlock corresponding access for the eco garden...
You cut off the butler robot and directly ask about the requirements to unlock the residential zone.
Request from "parent" detected. Nest Building series tasks updated—all family members, please complete the clearance of obstacles in the residential zone.
Before the task officially begins, the system plays a recording from the original owner. The content appears to be about how to keep the home clean.
...Darling, remember when we first moved here? This place was also a mess back then. But just being with you made even the toughest labor feel sweet...
We worked with our backs against each other, shoulder to shoulder, cleaning up the debris and building our future on this land... Look at you, even with that dirt-smudged face, you're still so cute.
Hmm... Ahem!
Kamui, who was drinking electrolyte solution, seems to have choked on it and starts coughing violently. After composing himself, he glances around the area.
You stand among the crowd, meeting Kamui's gaze.
You hand over a pair of work gloves, expression unchanged.
Ready to deploy.
Under the guidance of the butler robot, the two of you, along with some helpers among the refugees, arrive at the designated construction area.
The residential zone before you has become completely run-down over the years. Many sections have deteriorated from neglect, and all that remains are the ruins of buildings.
You stand in the middle of the disorderly construction site, surrounded by collapsed walls and exposed interiors. You turn to face Kamui and the handful of refugees following behind.
[player name], I can handle this alone. The building doesn't look very stable—it could be dangerous.
You dismiss Kamui's concerns with a casual gesture, signalling that you'll be fine, and walk straight into the residential building to inspect it thoroughly. Kamui stands there, dumbfounded for a moment, before quickly moving inside too.
It's too dangerous... [player name], please stay behind me.
As he speaks, he moves ahead of you, clearing away loose slabs and debris along the path. The two of you navigate through the ruins outside and step into the residential area's empty lobby, where you finally stop.
There, Kamui keeps a watchful eye as you examine the surrounding structural elements.
If we go by your assessment, then...
You add to the construct's train of thought.
After announcing the residential zone was secure, the two of you return to the construction site outside the lobby. You quickly assign tasks, and everyone begins the renovation work in earnest.
A half-broken wooden beam lies between the two residential buildings. Kamui steps forward and attempts to lift it.
...
The wooden beam rises slowly, but Kamui suddenly loses his balance when he slips on the moss on the ground.
Without a moment's hesitation, you step forward and help him regain his balance.
With every muscle fighting against the beam, Kamui can't spare a breath to respond, but his movements clearly show he's following your instructions.
He readjusts his stance, shifting some of his weight toward you. Using this opportunity, he regains his balance and successfully lifts the wooden beam.
Yet in that moment, your bodies inevitably press against each other.
Kamui suddenly freezes, forgetting what he's supposed to do for a moment.
As if dragged back to reality by your words, Kamui stops spacing out.
Hmm... [player name], I'm good. Be careful.
The two of you move the wooden beam aside together. As the surprisingly light beam touches the ground, Kamui exhales deeply. He remains silent, still dwelling on the sensation of your touch.
Too close...
He could clearly feel your muscles tensing, as well as the warmth of your breath.
A heat that should have been suppressed by reason crawls up where your skin meets his.
The beam is relatively light. Your presence, however, is quite heavy for Kamui—so much so that he can hear his own heart pounding.
Noticing Kamui standing in a daze, drenched in sweat, you walk up to him and naturally reach out to wipe the mixture of sweat and dust from his forehead.
Huh? Oh, uh, I can handle it myself, [player name].
It takes a while for Kamui to realize how close you are and retreat to a polite, safe distance from you.
He still speaks in that same composed and controlled manner, but his voice betrays him. You can hear a hint of nervousness.
Hmm... We've still got a lot of work ahead, [player name]. Let's continue.
He lowers his head, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand before going back to his proper, polite posture.
Your hand freezes in mid-air. With a wry smile, you withdraw it.
The cleanup begins smoothly, with everyone methodically removing debris from the residential area. As time passes, however, their pacing gradually slows.
Everyone has started to grow sluggish after hours of labor. Their bodies are covered in dust and dirt, and even their gloves have begun to tear.
Just as exhaustion washes over all of you, Jerome comes bouncing into the construction area, carrying a small bucket.
[player name], Kamui! We're here to help!
Soon after, Luke, Bernie, and others appear behind him. The elderly, women, children, and even the wounded who can still move—more and more people gather in the construction area.
The butler robot said it's "family verification." In that case, as a part of this family, we can't just sit around doing nothing.
With that, one of the refugees rolls up their sleeves, walks into the construction site, and rushes to Kamui's side to help stabilize the wobbling building materials.
Count me in!
Me too!
It starts with one person, then two... the refugees who came with Luke join the cleanup crew one after another, all carrying entrenching tools or pickaxes.
I'll take care of these!
He takes a small bucket of garbage from your hands and carries it out of the construction site with a slightly unsteady gait.
You guys...
Despite his calm expression, Kamui is unmistakably fatigued. He turns to look at you, his gaze asking the question in place of words.
[player name]... I don't understand...
Building their own... home?
Kamui gets lost in thought as confusion creeps up on him once again. He's so focused that he fails to notice the elderly man totter his way into the site.
[player name], go get some water! We'll take care of this!
Hey Kamui... why are you just standing there? You must be tired too. Go take a break!
You and Kamui freeze in surprise as one hand reaches out to you after another. While shocked at first, your faces slowly break into smiles of gratitude.
But he doesn't seem to know how to handle everyone's enthusiasm right now. He struggles awkwardly for several seconds before finally...
Thank you, everyone. Please be careful when you're working. If you need any help, don't hesitate to come find me right away.
Soon, the once lifeless ruins fill with the lively calls of workers. What had been a grueling task for the two of you is now progressing rapidly, thanks to the combined efforts of the refugees.
Dust rises in the air amidst spirited voices. Suspicion and division between the two sides melt away completely. Right now, all of you have been united under a single shared dream—a home.
With the final batch of debris cleared from the residential area, the residential zone clean-up was completed successfully before sunset, thanks to your collaborative efforts.
Kamui leans against the wall, gasping for breath, while you sit nearby, covered in dust and equally winded. Just then, a cheerful march suddenly blares outside the residential area.
The rotund butler robot slides over like a comical doorman, long colorful ribbons trailing behind it. Its blue monocular eye, which occasionally sparks, now flashes with pink heart-shaped lights.
Thank you, family members, for your hard work and dedication! You have not only cleaned up the residential area, but have also laid the first unshakable cornerstone to rebuilding our home...
Congratulations to all family members for successfully completing the task through unity and cooperation. Access to the residential zone is now granted to all family members.
Clap, clap, clap...
An awkward, solitary applause echoes through the silent crowd.
Jerome looks around and sees that everyone is too exhausted to respond to the robot's chatter, leaving him as the only person to applaud. He sheepishly stops his clapping, bringing the awkwardness to an end.
I hereby declare...
The cheerful but ill-timed music starts up again. Completely unfazed by the awkward silence, the butler robot glides to the center of the crowd. This time, it's no longer playing the role of a doorman, but rather that of a proud lobby manager.
Phase one of the Nest Building series tasks has been completed! Now, we can move on to the most exciting part—room registration for all family members!
Finally, a few cheers emerge from the exhausted crowd. Uncertainty lingers in their eyes, yet they cannot hide their anticipation either.
Now, would all family members please form a line to complete your room registration?
The refugees gradually rise to their feet and form a line at the promise of proper shelter.
First up, Mr. Luke...
Luke takes the key card. A smile blooms across his face that has been weathered by time.
Next are the young family members. Please come forward to claim your key cards.
Jerome rushes forward and snatches a key card from the butler robot's hand. The other children follow after with cheers, scrambling for their own. Within moments, they disappear down the hallway.
As the key cards are distributed one by one, the refugees' faces overflow with joy. They no longer need to squeeze into drafty tents—they now have rooms of their own, and doors they can close.
After everyone else has received their keys, the butler robot glides over to you. The cheerful music suddenly takes on a suspenseful tone as the lights begin to dim.
Then, the two of you are put under a spotlight as the butler robot solemnly lifts a golden key card in its mechanical hand. A fluffy pink charm dangles from the card.
To honor the parents for their outstanding contributions during phase one of the Nest Building series tasks, the eco garden system has assigned the Special Room (Name TBD) to you.
Owner's Note—me and my darling's master bedroom{226|153|165}. Can't think of a good name, so I'm leaving it blank for now.
"Special Room (Name TBD)" clearly doesn't satisfy your curiosity.
[player name], I don't think naming the room should be our priority right now.
Is there only one key card?
Kamui holds the key card and calmly questions the butler robot, but he fails to hide his anxiety completely. It's as if he's not holding a room key, but rather a hot potato.
Yes, the most prestigious Special Room (Name TBD) can accommodate a maximum of two occupants.
Mister Butler, separate and quiet chambers would better ensure that both [player name] and I get adequate rest.
To ensure the commandant's personal resting space remains undisturbed, I request a reassignment to standard accommodations. If there's a spare bed in the children's room, I will gladly...
The butler robot's pink eye suddenly flashes yellow, emitting a harsh sound of disapproval.
Request denied! All rooms in the residential area are at full capacity. The facility has reached maximum load.
Furthermore, the system has detected that a core family member has requested "room change" and "separate living arrangements," and has therefore adjudicated that the current family unit is in a high-risk state of a family relationship crisis. Should this state continue, a complete reassessment of family relations will be necessary.
The butler robot turns its rotund body toward you. Its eye is still glowing yellow, serving as a warning as it continues to stare at Kamui.
Reassessment of family relationship status will reset the progress of Family Verification, recycle all unlocked privileges, and restrict the acquisition of Family Contribution Points...
After hearing the list of serious consequences, Kamui furrows his brow, seemingly contemplating his next move.
...Resetting the mission progress would be too steep a price to pay.
So, [player name]... what is your suggestion?
Having experienced the emotional disruption, Kamui, who is usually calm and rational, finds himself at a complete loss over this issue. He turns to his Commandant, his eyes pleading for guidance.
To maintain harmonious family relations and build a united, loving household, the two core family members assigned to this room must—
SHARE. THE. SAME. ROOM.
The crowd bursts into good-natured laughter as they watch the events of this final room assignment unfold.
Give it up, Kamui, you gotta do it for... Pfft... "harmony in the family", hahaha!
Yeah, look at [player name]—they're not complaining. Don't be so difficult.
The room keycard with its pink fluffy pom-pom is still in Kamui's hand, and cracks finally appear in his composure.
...
You shrug with resignation as you take the key from his hand.
Kamui falls silent for a second, weighing his options as fast as possible. Then, looking at you, his stubbornly set jaw finally softens.
He nods.
Well, I suppose this is our only choice.
Okay. Inspection complete, room secure. [player name], you can come in now.
Kamui conducts a meticulous inspection of the room like a vigilant sentry. Only after triple-confirming its safety do you finally receive Kamui's permission to step inside.
Though time has left its mark, the room still retains traces of its former elegance. Under the warm glow of orange light, an absurdly wide double bed awaits you both.
The day's fatigue pulls you toward the bed at the center of the room like the irresistible force of gravity.
Meanwhile, Kamui remains standing at attention. His rigid posture and vigilant expression create a hilarious contrast with the soft, cozy atmosphere of the room.
To ensure your safety and guarantee you get adequate rest.
Kamui desperately fights to maintain the seriousness in his expression.
[player name], you take the bed. I'll just rest on the carpet.
...Understood.
Your words leave Kamui with no room for refusal. He lies down on the very edge of the bed, his body rigid as a board, hands neatly folded over his stomach like a tightly wrapped statue.
I hope I won't disturb your rest.
You casually switch off the bedside lamp, and the room is instantly plunged into darkness.
With that, the light fades, and darkness envelops the room. With your vision now taken away, your other senses have become extraordinarily keen.
Kamui lies awake in the darkness, his golden eyes wide open. His restless gaze searches for somewhere to settle in the pitch-black room.
Perhaps from sheer exhaustion, it doesn't take long before you sink into warm, peaceful slumber on the soft bed.
...
Your breathing slows, the steady rhythm reaching Kamui's ears as he remains frozen in place, his body still tensed, unable to relax.
...
You roll over in your sleep, sending a gentle tremor through the soft mattress to where Kamui lies.
Self-diagnostic of all frame systems shows... everything is normal, then... why?
Why are my cooling systems overloaded?
You turn over in your peaceful slumber, your arm draping across Kamui's stiff body beside you without you knowing.
This time, Kamui is unable to avoid your touch. Left with no choice, he springs up from the edge of the bed, accidentally yanking on the bedside lamp in the process. Blinding light follows, dispelling the darkness in the room.
...I just remembered that I forgot to check if any Corrupted infiltrated the eco garden today.
We cannot afford any security risks. Please continue resting, [player name]. I'll keep watch after my patrol.
His voice sounds slightly hoarse in the darkness. By the time he finishes these words, he's already reached the doorway, where the gentle glow of the lamps cannot reach. His expression remains veiled in darkness, but he is poised to flee the room.
This will ensure absolute safety for [player name] and everyone else.
With those words, Kamui vanishes from the room. The flickering light of a campfire springs to life outside the window before long.
Just like the night before, Kamui has built a campfire. He sits beside it, clutching his greatsword as he takes in the chilly night air, trying to cool himself down.
Why'd you rush out here? Is there some kinda emergency?
A childish yet strangely mature voice comes from behind him.
...Who's there?! Show yourself!
Startled, Kamui instantly prepares for combat. His swift, aggressive reaction and commanding shout end up frightening Jerome, who had only asked a question.
Woah, relax! It's me, Kamui! Have mercy!
Jerome? Why are you still awake?
Realizing it's just Jerome, Kamui's sharp expression softens, mellowed by the warm glow of the campfire into something calm and relaxed.
Ugh... I couldn't sleep with those kids grinding their teeth and snoring nonstop. And then I saw this campfire, so I thought I'd take a quick stroll.
The boy sits cross-legged across from Kamui, chin propped in his hands, staring at the deeply troubled construct.
What 'bout you? Why'd you come outside? Did something happen?
No... nothing happened.
A subtle ripple disturbs the still lake that is Kamui's expression, and the kid sitting across from him doesn't miss this tiny tell.
You look all cool and dependable now that you're sick, Kamui, but you're a terrible liar. Even I can see through you.
Bernie already told me that you're sharing a room with [player name]... and then you suddenly rushed out here...
The boy curiously asks what he considers to be the question of utmost importance.
Did you two have a fight?
No. Do not question my relationship with [player name].
His explanation only makes things worse.
No way! I wasn't doubting your relationship! If anything, fighting makes bonds stronger. I might be young, but when it comes to these types of things, I might know more than you grown-ups even.
So... what's going on?
The kid in front of him puts on an impish, gossip-hungry expression.
I think you've got the wrong idea. [player name] and I are comrades-in-arms, we're...
Kamui tries to give a serious explanation, but ends up fumbling over his own jumbled thoughts.
Come on, Kamui. You're not fooling anyone with that!
If that's what you really think, you wouldn't be here right now! Let's put it this way, right—if it were Bernie who's sharing the room with you instead, would you still be out here freezing your butt off?
That's not the same...
As those words surface in his head, Kamui finds the answer to what's been bothering him this whole time. Yet, at the same time, he only becomes more confused—what exactly is the question?
I don't think you need to think so hard about it...
Jerome pretends to be all mature as he says those words.
My dad once said that feelings like these are completely normal.
True love... is that moment of hesitation, the hand that reaches out only to pull back.
You probably value [player name] too much. You listen to everything [player name] says, and you're afraid getting closer might ruin something or make [player name] feel uncomfortable.
I bet that's how you feel, right? It's exactly because you see this person as family. That's why you're walking on eggshells around them, and you're super sensitive about anything related to them.
The child continues to hold that mature facade, seemingly imitating Asimov from the day before as he delivers his diagnosis to Kamui.
Sensitive...?
Kamui stares at his hands with his golden eyes, mumbling the question to himself.
Do your parents really talk to you about this stuff?
Well...
I actually read it from their diaries... My parents passed away when I was really little. I only got to know them by reading those.
I'm sorry...
Jerome stands up, brushing the dust off his backside.
It's fine. My mom wrote that everyone goes through this stuff. There's no need to be all sentimental.
Man, you adults are a real pain, y'know that? You gotta rely on me to talk you through some emotional problems. I'm heading to bed now. If Gramps finds out I stayed up this late, I'm never gonna hear the end of it.
I'll leave you to your guarding duties... Kamui.
The child hops and skips back to the residential hall, quickly disappearing around the corner of the corridor.
And now, only Kamui remains, sitting beside the flickering campfire.
Under the warm glow of the flames, something changes in his golden eyes—that lingering fog of detachment finally shows signs of dissipating.
True love... is that moment of hesitation, the hand that reaches out only to pull back.
Those words slip from his lips, vanishing into the golden fire dancing in his eyes. The campfire seems to burn a little brighter now. He turns his gaze toward the rooms the butler robot had assigned to them.
He's gonna be fine... wait, weren't you resting? Why're you out here too?
The child glances at the human before him, then turns to Kamui sitting by the distant campfire, and shakes his head.
You adults really are such a pain... Good night, [player name].
Watching the child tiptoe back to his room, you let out a sigh and walk toward the drowsy construct sitting by the campfire in the distance.
