Their Choice

Mm... Delicious.

Right?

This is my first time eating something so fancy. It's a bountiful place, your world.

You didn't have food like this in your time layer?

I've never seen it... But maybe that's just because I never got the chance. I spent all my time on the battlefield. I didn't exactly get many opportunities to sit down and have a nice dinner.

Oh yeah, I guess your time layer's been at war this whole time. So you must be glad to be here now?

Well, um... Honestly, I'm not sure.

Oh?

The battlefield is all I've ever known. It was always dog eat dog, kill or be killed. So I don't know what to do now. I've never lived without the threat of death before.

That's terrible... But surely common sense would tell you that not living under constant threat of death is, y'know, a good thing?

Logically, yes. But my whole life's purpose was just, to survive. And now, simply by being here, that purpose has been achieved.

So basically, you feel a lack of purpose? Like you have nothing to do now?

Yes, I suppose so. I guess this is what they call "boredom." I've never felt it before. It's more annoying than I'd expected.

You mean, things were better before?

A little, yes. For me at least.

Well, I can't imagine what that's like, so I can't really agree... But now that you're traveling with me, it would be great if you actually liked being here.

Our values are so different. I don't think my mind will change so easily.

Oh...

Excuse me.

Hm?

Sorry to bother you. But I couldn't help overhearing. Um...

Were you once a soldier or something?

Let's go with the "or something." Can we help you?

Yes. I need to find some strong, capable people for my work. I heard that hunters and other folks confident in their abilities tend to come to this tavern. So I've been keeping my ears open. Are you a swordsman as well? This is perfect.

Would you mind helping me with my work?

Ah. If it's battle-wise people you're after, we should be able to help.

What do you think, Suzette?

Hmph. I see no reason to accept. There's nothing in it for us. He wants strong people, so whatever this work is, it's clearly dangerous. I am not happy about you trying to impose such risks on us. It's a very suspicious request.

I really just want to test out a new product for work. I have no suspicious intentions, I assure you...

And I will of course pay you for your time, if that's what concerns you. Please, would you be willing to help me?

Money, seriously? You think a little money makes the risks to my life seem worth it?

Honestly, I'm kinda inclined to accept.

Why?

I don't think our lives are at risk here. And... You look like you have too much energy right now. If you can put your energy to good use, then you won't feel so bored. I mean, it's fine if you don't want to, but...

I suppose you have a point. This is the first time I've ever felt boredom, so I should trust in the wisdom of the expert. Let's accept.

Hey, I'm hardly an expert... *sigh* Never mind.

So, what do we do?

Thank you for accepting, this will really help me out. Now, I'll need you to come to Route 99.

Route 99? I thought you said this was a product test. Why would you do that there?

No one will interrupt us there, and we can make as much of a scene as we like. I'll go on ahead. See you soon.

Okay.

We'll be making a scene, will we?

Whatever. Now that we've said yes, we might as well hope for a bit of a challenge.

Okay, we're here as requested. So what are we doing, exactly?

Good timing, I've just finished my preparations. Come!

That's...the new product?

Indeed. It is a next generation Agateram, with enhanced output and armoring, and an updated battle program.

Oh, I see where this is going. You want us to fight it?

In a word, yes. I would like to collect as much battle data as possible. If it fights various opponents with different fight styles, it will be able to create its own behavior logic program in response. The AI in this model is exceptional. The more it fights, the more data it collects, and the stronger it becomes.

Which was why I wanted people who were confident in their abilities.

Ah... We'll be fighting a battle unit, making it a relatively dangerous request.

Of course, this is just a test, so its output has been curbed to non-lethal levels. But if you feel it's getting too dangerous, you're free to withdraw. And in case things get too far, I have also set up an emergency stop.

Out of consideration, or underestimation?

I can't let anyone come to serious harm, not after they were good enough to help me. It's about time we got started, don't you think? Are you ready?

Yeah, I'm good to go!

Send it whenever you like.

Okay then...

Go!

Since we're here, let's get serious. I'll lean in with all my weight. I'll finish this right away.

What the?!

So that's what it can do. A little stubborn, but no big deal. I hope you got enough data from that.

Th-That was amazing, Suzette! You were so fast I didn't even get to do anything.

If the enemy is open to attack, you strike, then you finish the job. Any delays and your allies could get hurt.

Right. Well, I didn't get injured, so that's good, I guess. Though I do feel a little bad about this new product getting destroyed so quickly...

...... How foolish... Those actions... What if... No, it can't be.

Um, I guess we're finished here?

Ah! Oh, y-yes. Never mind the data, it's you I'm surprised by.

I know I said I wanted people confident in their abilities, but to do that... Who are you, really?

No one. Just a former soldier.

I see... In any case, that was incredible. I feel much less anxious about what's next.

Next?

Indeed. This was just one part of today's test. The next part is in the Industrial Ruins. Could you head there? I'll provide your instructions from the data terminal inside.

How very demanding. Will we be fighting yet another dull toy of yours?

Come on, this is good news. You were done so quickly, there's no way you used up any of your energy... It can't hurt to keep going a little longer.

Fine. I am still feeling bored.

All right, we're happy to do this next test then.

Great. Then I'd appreciate it if you headed off to the Industrial Ruins. Quickly, now.

Okay.

Requesting response from KMS HQ. I have something urgent to report. Yes. During the new model test, I happened upon something. There's a girl with superhuman physical ability, with complete control over her body. I think it might be our lost test subject...

The product of Project Eugenes.

Yes. I heard that the lab was destroyed by a test subject who turned insane... Understood. I will secure her by any means necessary. I will be using the Industrial Ruins terminal, so if you could help me out... Yes. I will head there right away. Goodbye.

Phew...

Heheh. To think, that research wasn't destroyed after all. Things just got interesting. If I can get my hands on that test subject, it will allow for such advances to scientific potential!

Do you think this is the data terminal he was talking about? He said he'd give us his instructions from here. So I guess he must be planning to communicate with us?

Why would he make us come all the way here for the next test? It's so inefficient. His procedure is wasteful, don't you think? Most unfavorable.

Must be something to do with the equipment. I don't really know...

But why don't we ask? You think it's connected?

Hello? We're here, as requested. What do we do now?

...... Oh, I can hear you. I'm glad that you got there safely.

That's his voice.

I'm sorry for making you walk all this way. I have finally completed my computer preparations. The next test will take place via this communication device. The lady who destroyed our new model... Suzette, was it? I would like your help. Would you be able to operate the device in front of you? Just press the start button.

But...

Me, specifically? Fine. I didn't realize this machine could tell the difference...

And, start. Is that it?

Confirming activation order...

What the? That wasn't the researcher's voice. That sounded mechanical.

Access...check... Code type...match... Authentication data match confirmed. Initiating download. Opening data... 1/287689

Huh? I know this feeling!

Processing... 1/287689

Huh? I don't really understand, but the numbers aren't increasing. What's going on with you, Suzette?

Processing... 1/287689

Download failed. Duplicate data. Canceling processing.

It failed?

I should have known.

Suzette! Looks like that didn't go so well. Are you okay?

I'll be fine. But I think he accessed my brain. That's what it felt like. I can always pick up on the changes in my brain that come from other people poking around in there.

He accessed your brain?! A-Are you sure you're okay? Something's not right here. Was this part of the test? To try out that product or something.

It is rather suspicious. He limited the battle unit's output before, so as not to hurt us. Yet now he's suddenly meddling inside my brain? It's very inconsistent.

You're right!

...... What is this? Processing...failed? Duplicate data?! Which means... Oh no...

Ah, his voice is back! Hey, what was all that about? What do you mean by trying to access her brain?!

The processing failed. Nothing has changed.

But still!

The problem is that I wasn't able to get any results. I will head to you. Stay right where you are.

What?

Okay? Don't move. See you soon.

Um...

He seemed a little flustered. That "test" must have been important.

Suzette... Let's get out of here. Something really isn't right.

He started acting differently as soon as he found out it failed. That's a bit unsettling.

I agree. Who knows what will happen if we stay here as told.

All right, let's go back to the exit and get out of the Industrial Ruins!

Okay. He won't be able to cause a scene once we're back in Elzion.

Over there!

Oh no! We didn't make it in time.

Stop. I thought I told you not to move. Don't you people listen?

Coming from a man who decided to meddle in someone else's head, that sure is rich. As always, humanity is what, a secondary concern for you? If that? And by you, I mean KMS.

...KMS?

So you've found me out.

Who else would try to get inside my head like that? The thing you were trying to download into my brain from that data terminal...

Was a control module from Project Eugenes, wasn't it? My body was genetically engineered in a lab. The control unit is an artificial personality with complete control over that body. Only KMS has that kind of data. You were trying to overwrite my personality with the control module to bring me under your command, right?

THAT'S what you were trying to do?! How could you?

But the download processing failed. I already have a control module in my brain. And that personality lives inside me, even now. That's why it said "duplicate data."

What?! You're saying you've been able to retain your original personality with a control module in your brain? That's absurd! Though, that certainly would explain how you were able to beat my new model so easily...

So you admit it. But you won't give up?

No, if this is true, then you go far beyond the project's ideals. You are too dangerous a weapon to be left unchecked. I must take you in. You will be a most valuable asset to company.

Even in a different time layer, I get hounded by people desperate to use me as a weapon.

Am I destined to be followed by this bloodthirsty life wherever I go?

You're coming to HQ, whether you like it or not.

But even if this is my destiny, I will not take orders from someone weaker than myself. You think that toy of yours will force me into submission? Have you already forgotten what happened in your test?

Don't compare this to the test run. I have removed all limiters. It is now on maximum output. It could quite easily pulverize you.

It also has all that battle data to go on. Its AI has already learned every move you make. Now, get her!

Go ahead and try.

I don't believe it... How could a human destroy my newest unit, on full power no less? It had even learned your moves!

I never said I was giving it my all last time. And that's the second time I've fought it. Your unit isn't the only one capable of learning.

You're out of ammo. So we'll be leaving now.

...... Then you leave me no choice.

Huh? What's that machine? What are you planning?

It's too late now.

What is? What did you do?

Ah!

Suzette?!

It's...in my head... But...not like...before...

I had this made by HQ in a bit of a hurry, so I wasn't sure if it would actually work. But it seems to be operating just fine to me.

What...is this? It's...corroding... my consciousness...

Indeed it is. Just as planned. This little device can interfere with your brain waves remotely and give orders to your control module. My plan was to use this to make you a loyal soldier once the new control module had successfully downloaded... But if you already have a control module, then all I need to do is order it to hijack your personality.

What? No! Is there nothing I can do?!

It's no use. My company developed the control module. So technically, it is very easy for me to tell it what to do.

Oh no!

Come on, it's not so bad. Just think of it as returning to the way you were meant to be. You asked before, if you were destined to be followed by a bloodthirsty life.

Let me answer that for you: Yes. You were born to be a weapon. You have no alternative. It's what you want. Go back to the life you were meant to have.

......

Suzette wants this? Maybe he's right. She was bored with her current life. Still...

Is it really okay to hijack her entire personality? She was meant to be able to choose a life as something other than a homicidal weapon in this time layer.

...... I... I...

(Do as you were told. Give yourself to me.) (There's nothing to fear. Go back to how you should be, a being with a clear mission.)

How I should be? I guess. I am just a weapon. I cannot object.

(Exactly. Which is why...)

But... Is this what I actually wanted? Or is it just that I was never given the opportunity to question it before?

(That is nonsense. Our only reason for being is to eliminate the enemy...)

No, this is important. I... Well, both of us. We don't choose our path. We are simply given it. By the lab. By her. We never had the right to choose. But... I've realized it now. I do have that right. I can choose another path.

(But we must obey our orders from KMS...)

Don't be afraid. You and I are two parts of the same whole. We share the same brain cells. So think about it. In this moment, you and I are the ones with the right to choose. No one else. So what do you want to do? You must have an opinion. Do you want to be a man-made personality? What do you want?

(You want...my opinion?)

Suzette?!

Great. It looks as though your personality has been successfully overwritten...

Target confirmed. Initiating neutralization.

Huh?! Wh-What just happened?

Interference signal disconnected. Vacating body.

Perfect. I knew you could do it, other part of my being.

Suzette! Are you okay?

I'm fine. I was almost taken over, but we managed to settle things amicably in the end.

Amicably? You're telling me the artificial personality we programmed actually disobeyed orders?! That shouldn't be possible!

Are you sure about that? The personality may be man-made, but it uses my body and my brain cells to think. If it can think autonomously, then it can be talked to. And if it has a change of heart, it can betray you. It was a bit of a gamble whether we'd see eye to eye. But we were able to understand each other in the end. Because ours has been a long relationship.

That's absurd...

And now you really are out of options.

This is your punishment for trying to manipulate us. I really should cut you down where you stand, but...

Well?

No... Eeeek!

Hmph. I've only just escaped from being used as a weapon... Chopping his head off would have put a real dampener on things.

You let your enemy escape? Looks like you have changed a little.

I owe you my thanks, Aldo. What you said before was what gave me the idea.

Well I'm glad I was able to be of some help.

But even I find it hard to believe that you and your other personality came to an understanding. How did you manage it?

All I can say is, we both faced ourselves. I'll tell you more when we get back to Elzion. I don't want to have to look at this bleak place one minute longer.

Sure. Let's go back to the tavern.

All right.

And that's it.

You had that whole conversation inside your head, in such a short time? And you were able to persuade the personality KMS created? I still find it hard to believe, and I was there.

When we thought about being able to choose another path... We realized that neither of us actually chose to live on the battlefield. We didn't enjoy the life the lab forced us to lead.

Which means there's no more need for you to be a weapon?

Right. We saw eye to eye on that point. It was the first time I'd ever taken enjoyment into account when thinking about something.

That's great. So you want to enjoy your life in this time layer now?

I do. At least, I want to go somewhere new together. See something I've never seen before.

Though, I'm not sure what I mean by that specifically. We don't know what's out there, outside the battlefield. There's never been anything out there for us.

No, I guess not. But that's why you should get to choose anything now.

What do you mean?

Nothing's tying you down now. You can do whatever you like. If you don't know what that is, take your time and think about it. You have more than enough time to do that now.

My choices are infinite, you mean? And there are so many things to think about? Well, so long as I'm not bored.

Great!

Then, while we're here, I may as well start by choosing something delicious to eat. No eating while standing like usual. I'm going to take it nice and slow and savor every bite.

Sounds good. Let's get going.

Did you hear that? You're a part of this, too. We should think about what we're going to do, together. Whatever path we choose, everything will be okay. I...

No, we, can handle it.