Empty Pleasures

Oh? I've got an incoming message. From...

Chief, huh... That alone is enough to make me not want to read it...

What could he want? It seems to be... work instructions?

Interview Dust City residents at the designated location to gather marketing data. The location is...southwest on this floor. Ugh... That's gonna be a pain to get to.

Tch. I guess I've got to do it. It's not like I get to say no. But why would KMS specifically choose this location? What makes it so special? I guess I'll find out when I get there.

What's going on here? Why's it so crowded? Is it some kind of store? Hmm, if I can find out the secret to their popularity, maybe it will help with my own work.

I really don't want to have to talk to a bunch of strangers... But I guess I have to.

Excuse me... Why are you all waiting around here? Are they selling something over there?

So you didn't hear the rumors? They're selling...

"Bliss."

Huh?

Yeah, surprising, eh? It's a drink they're selling, but we're not buying it for the taste.

For me, it lets me forget the trauma that had plagued me for so long. Now, I don't feel a thing! Everything in my life is better! How about you?

Huh...

(What's going on? Those are some deathly dubious claims. Is he trying to trick me?) (But it's too realistic to be a lie. And all these people must be here for something...)

Um... Do you know what this drink is that they're selling here?

It clears your head and helps you concentrate! It really helps with managing your deadlines! It's perfect for people like me who are always getting sidetracked! I can't let the effect wear off for even a second! I've gotta buy it! I've gotta buy it now!

She has so much energy. Is it really that effective?

Word must spread quick about any shop with crowds this big.

Of course. They don't need grand ad campaigns to lure in troubled folks like myself over. I'm old, you see, and I'm scared of death. I just want to calm down and enjoy what's left of my life.

One sip of that drink, and I was saved! Gone was the gloom! And in its place, a sunny disposition.

I-I see...

So this is the place... That's quite the line.

Are you also here to buy the drink?

Wh-Who are you? I mean, I am, but...

Sorry, could you speak up? I can't quite hear you?

Oh... Heheh. S-Sorry. Heheheh...

(Ah. Laughing when you're struggling. I know that one all too well.)

You don't need to be afraid of me. I just want to find out about the people buying these drinks.

Heheheh... Well... As you can see, I-I'm not good at talking to people. It's impacting my life. It's pretty much a miracle I was even able to tell you that. You seem...strangely easy to talk to.

(We must have a similar aura...)

I'm very sorry for making you speak.

Okay, I've heard what they all have to say, and I think I get it. Maybe.

This drink seems to make life easier, but how is it going to help with mascot sales? I don't see what Chief wants me to do here.

I can't even get to the store. Is there some other way I can find out more about it?

Hm. Maybe I could see the back of the store from here?

Someone's there.

As anticipated, this venture is proving profitable.

Very true. No issues so far.

After all, it does actually work. It's no scam. It's all above board, so we won't get unhappy customers.

Don't let your guard down, you fool! We are breaking the law here, remember?

Eep! I-I'm sorry!

But it really is a great recipe. Never thought we'd be able to amp up the effect of those mushrooms that much. It's a good job he brought 'em to us. Though I don't see how this helps his company...

Don't place too much trust in him. I've known him a long time, but he's been acting suspicious lately. He may have been made branch chief, but I hear he's been sneaking around Dust City.

They sure look like trouble. I wonder who they are. Dust Lovers, maybe? And what's this mushroom? Is that why everyone was acting strange before? And I'm sure they just mentioned Chief...

Hm. It's rude to eavesdrop, you know.

......!!

So it's already leaked out, has it? Looks like I'm going to have to silence you.

Wait! I won't tell anyone, I⁠...

You really think I'd believe that? Violence is the only reliable option.

Besides...I just feel like it. It's no fun if you escape.

This isn't fair!

Hahaha! That was fun. Say one word about this and I'll set my beast on you again.

Ouch... I wish he would have just killed me. What did I do to deserve all this bad luck? I thought things were bad enough before, but today has been so much worse...

Oh dear. You look rather troubled.

Who's there? Can you call an ambulance?

No. You should know by now, an ambulance is not what you need. When your wounds have healed, what then? Don't you want a more direct form of "bliss"?

......

Maybe... I just want to get rid of this never-ending pain.

Our product can help you with that. It was made for people like you.

Our Drinko Joy is made from 100% natural ingredients to revitalize your body and your mind! Everyone always tell us how our beverage changed their life. Are you satisfied with your life?

Well, no. I hate my life. I hate myself.

We're running low on product due to popular demand, but I'll make an exception, just for you. If you bring me the ingredients, I'll make you a drink. You'll just need to find a rare mushroom.

We grow them down below. I'll open up the route there if you'll bring me the ingredients. We're so busy serving customers, we haven't the time for harvesting. Three should suffice.

(Chief gave me a job, and I've got to do it. If I actually try the product, I'll understand it better.) (So I should do it. I may be clutching at straws, but still...)

Three mushrooms. Got it.

Wait? Isn't that the guy from earlier?

I've finally got them. Now I can change. Both my life, and myself.

He's got them? Got what? Mushrooms? Was he told the same thing I was? She told me I was the exception. That liar. Whatever. Guess I'd better go inside and⁠...

Whoa! This is incredible! It's like it unlocked a whole new field of vision! It's so bright! Was the world always this bright?!

Oh! Are you here for the Drinko Joy, too?

Huh? Oh, well...

Good! I'm so glad! We're so lucky, you and I! This wonderful world is ours to enjoy!

Y-You're like a completely different person. Are you really the same guy as before?

Pfft! Who cares!

You don't care if you're really you?

Nope! I don't need the old me! What I need is a bright future! I never knew talking to someone could feel this good! No, it's not enough! I need to talk more!

Huff, huff... I need more! More! More light!

What was with him? Do I really want to turn out like him? Am I really willing to do anything for an easier life?

Urgh! The boy ran off without even paying. That drink can be too effective for its own good. Oh well, I'll just send my goons after his payment later. Honestly. I'll have to ban that one.

Oh, you're back already? Do excuse me, just having a little trouble. I'll prepare your product. Will you give me the ingredients?

No. Actually, I'm good.

No? Why not? You've already collected them, correct?

I hate my life. And I hate myself even more.

But what point is there in anything if I'm not myself, but someone else entirely? He showed me that.

Great, I've got a preacher on my hands. Don't be such a loser. If you don't need the mushrooms, then hand them over.

Tch. Sorry I'm such a loser, I guess.

Come to think of it, I can't even remember the last time I said "no" to somebody. Looks like I'm not going to find out about what Chief's been up to. Whatever. Best not to get involved.

I... I wanted to be myself. I chose not to throw my worthless self away. Maybe I really am just a nuisance.

She wanted three mushrooms. One more to go.

She wanted three mushrooms. Two more to go.

She wanted three mushrooms. Three more to go.

All right, that's all three of them. Back to the store.

All right, that's all three of them. Back to the store.

All right, that's all three of them. Back to the store.