Esper Story: Aurelius

This is the life! Just can't get used to the big city...

Hm?

Ah!

T-thank you...

You okay? Allow me.

Oh, t-that's quite alright. I can do it myself.

Just tell me where you need 'em.

Oh, okay... Umm... Under that tree just ahead, please, if you don't mind. Thanks...

Sorry to bother you.

Don't mention it.

Are you a gardener? You've got so much fertilizer with you...

Oh, no... It's just something I like do on weekends. I volunteer.

I like taking care of flowers and plants, you see...

The flowers must be blooming with the great weather today!

I thought I wouldn't be able to find much natural beauty in a big city like this. I was wrong.

Oh. You aren't from around here?

Nope. It's my first time coming to Gyrate.

I can do it myself from here on out. I don't want to waste your time.

It's okay. I happen to have nothing else to do at the moment!

Uh, if you don't mind, I'd like to observe how one is supposed to tend to plants.

Oh, certainly! You know, not many people are interested in gardening these days.

By the way, I'm Chang Pu. May I know yours?

Aurelius.

Okay, Mr. Aurelius.

So you want to learn about gardening?

Yes. Back where I'm from, Raine, the whole area's been covered in snow since the Starlight Miracle arrived.

Flowers for us are now luxuries. Most people can't afford them.

But occasionally you do see a few flowers in the snowfields. I usually pluck them then as a gift.

What a nice gesture! The recipients must be very pleased.

Ahem... Yeah... thank you. Anyway, I've tried planting a few things myself, but it always fails.

What kinds of flowers?

Tulips and rainbow pinks. It's the harsh cold, I think. They usually can't survive in the snowfields.

I tried a greenhouse, but if there's a blackout, the cold weather always gets in and ruins everything.

So I'm wondering... which flowers survive the cold?

The problem is it's Miracle-induced weather.

Flowers are very vulnerable. And if you've already tried a greenhouse... hmm...

Sorry, I can't think of any solutions just now.

It's okay. No need to apologize. Just wondering.

Well... I wish I could help...

You already did. I got to observe you tend to some extraordinary flowers today.

It's getting late. I should get back before it's too dark.

Thanks again for helping me!

My pleasure. I had a great day today!

Haven't ordered anything recently. I wonder what it could be...

Pot plants?

"Hi, Mr. Aurelius. This is a pair of yew saplings bred specially by my friends and I."

"They are more resistant to cold and will produce more colorful flowers compared to other yew trees."

"We call them 'rainbow yew trees'! I hope they'll bring some color to the otherwise colorless snowfields."

"Your friend, Chang Pu."

Who could that be?...

Sir? Please open the door.

Hm.

Good morning, Mr. Aurelius. My name is Tevor. I'm a private investigator. And I've been hired to investigate a serial scammer in the area.

A serial scammer?

Sir, have you seen this man?

No...

Hmm... It would be strange if you hadn't.

An investigation has revealed you wired him 2000 E-coins last week.

That's... crazy. I have no idea who this guy is.

But... I did wire some E-coins last week...

Well, I'm sorry to say he may have caught another victim then. His real name is Mike. And he's professional con-artist.

He's been scamming for years with fake IDs. And, as far as I can tell, that transaction went straight into his pocket.

No! I sent it to my friend Kathy. Look, here's the receipt. "Kathy".

You wouldn't mind if I just quickly glanced at your chat history as well, would you?

Actually I would. But... if it'll show Kathy had nothing to do with it, then okay.

So what do you know about your friend "Kathy"?

We met on a forum for people with social anxiety. And... well... we just hit it off for some reason.

Social anxiety, huh?

I have a hard time meeting new people. A friend recommended the forum.

Sorry, I meant no offense. Please, continue.

Kathy, uh, works part-time. She's always busy. That's why she has trouble making friends.

While she was working last week, she told me she accidentally messed up a customer's expensive shirt. They asked her to pay him back. And it cost a week's wages.

She was so upset. She was telling on the phone.

And then she asked if maybe you could wire her some money?

No, no. Look, you look very well-dressed. I'm guessing you probably wouldn't understand what it looks for someone in that position.

But I grew up in the poorest neighborhood in Utgard.

She wasn't calling about money. She just wanted someone to talk to.

I sent her the money on my own dime after the call. Just felt like helping her, poor girl.

Oh, that's... really very touching. And has Kathy contacted you since?

Of course! She called to thank me the moment she saw the money.

You notice anything strange about the call?

Not at all. I contacted her about three days ago. She said she was preparing her term lessons for this fall.

Very interesting. Mr. Aurelius. You may not have noticed, living around these snowfields and all...

...That it's still summer. Fall isn't for many weeks.

So? Can't someone prepare their lessons ahead of time?

You know what, I don't like the tone of this conversation. You keep implying Kathy is the guy you're looking for.

If there's nothing else, then I'd ask you kindly to leave, sir.

Mr. Aurelius, let me explain.

This man, Mike, in the photo... I've been monitoring him for a while. And you aren't his only victim.

According to your words, you met this "Kathy" on an online forum, and you've only spoken on the phone.

Right. And based on that I can assure you she's a girl.

Okay. Get your phone ready. I'm gonna call you now. Tell me whose voice you hear?

Hey. This is Kathy.

!!!

You recognize the voice? Just like the voice you heard, right?

What?! How?

I'm so sorry, Mr. Aurelius. You've been tricked.

It's been done using a voice changer. Anyone can buy one. It allows you to alter your voice on a call.

In fact, the person who made and sold this edition of the software happens to be a friend of mine.

I tracked down this "Mike" character with his help. He was another buyer.

What... So Kathy is actually a man? Called "Mike"?

Exactly. And Kathy's account is fake too. It redirects any transfer directly to Mike's own account.

In fact, until around half a year ago Mike was in jail. Since then, sadly, he's gone back to his old ways. So far I've managed to identify over 10 victims.

Could you try to send a message to Kathy for me now?

......

Did it ever strike you as suspicious how quickly you and Kathy "hit it off"? Especially since, as you said, you suffer from social anxiety?

I just thought... how wonderful... what a nice new friend...

Looks like I shouldn't ever trust anything I see on the internet.

Hahaha. Well, from my vantage point, you have nothing to worry about, Mr. Aurelius.

Don't feel too bad about it. The information you've provided today should be very helpful. Perhaps I can even help you get your money back.

Thanks, I...

I think I know why Mike targeted you.

I think people have become altogether too suspicious and cynical nowadays.

Huh. I don't know if I should feel complimented.

Well, now, now... Remember, not all girls on the internet are creepy guys in disguise.

Mr. Aurelius, some personal advice? Please don't take this experience to heart. Maybe just don't give your money away so quickly into the friendship. Anyway. Thank you. I should be going.

Okay, thanks... I guess?

(That was luck! Why are there Miramon here?)

(Wait, they're heading to that lake... Is someone over there?)

......

(I hope she didn't notice she almost died. I'd better sneak away...)

Aurelius? I know you're there!

......

Long time no see.

Hm.

Thanks for saving me from those two Miramon.

...What brings you out here?

Oh, I just felt like a walk. Even the "Golden City" gets boring once in a while.

The place is full of Miramon. It's not safe out alone!

You seem familiar with it...

Have you been living near the snowfields?

Yeah...

Must be tough.

...The snowfields may be cold but they are quiet. I actually really like it.

I remember you loved noisy malls as a kid. How times have changed.

Remember when you used to take me to the market?

Yea. Heard it shut down after I moved.

Such a shame. I miss the old days. Still think about them.

...But you've always followed your dreams as long as I've known you.

You know, I admire you for that. You made it out. All on your own.

I think it's incredible.

I hope I haven't let you down, Aurelius.

What do you mean?

You hate the rich and powerful, don't you? After all, they used you and your family...

...And now, in a way, I'm one of them.

...I don't think so. Not to me.

You must have had your reasons for staying here in Golden City.

Just like how I've chosen to live near the snowfields.

Heh. I wish those places were comparable...

Truth is, Miramon in the snowfields are helpless babes compared to what you'll find in the Golden City.

Be careful when you visit.

You're not that far from the Golden City here.

...Hence why I'm here.

......

Anyway. I should leave.

Back to the city?

Yes. Where I belong.

I'm surprised I ran into you today.

I hope we're both living the lives we want.

The lives we want...?

I hope so. The snowfields might not stay like this forever.

But right now, you're still my sis, Alexa.

Bonnie, Bonnie! When are we getting back?

Shush! Can't you see I'm checking the GPS? What a piece of crap. No signal.

Can we take a break? I can barely walk...

...Hey, do you smell... roast meat?

Are you hallucinating... What? Oh. Wait. I think I do.

Where is everyone?... Hey, don't touch their food!

Huh? Why not?

Don't you find it weird no one's here? What if it's a trap?

Nah. Nobody would go to all this effort. Roast meat and everything?

Anything's possible in a place like this! Haven't you heard of the Ghost Guide?

No, what's that?

Legend has it there's a hunter who died here in these snowfields and turned into a ghost.

The emptiness became too much for even the ghost. So he pretends to be a guide and forever traps those who come his way.

He starts by approaching people who look lost...

......

B-Bonnie... Wha-What's that shadow...?

Right! A shadow floats over and whispers, "Are you lost?"...

Excuse me... Are you lost?

Bonnie! Behind you!

AHHH!!!!

!!!

Who are you?!

Tell us who you are or we'll smash you up!

My name's Aurelius... And you're in my camp.

Gosh! That smells so good...

So how long have you been living in the snowfields?

Oh, about two, three years.

Don't you ever get lost up here?

I've learned a few tricks along the way from those who've come before.

The whole place is covered in snow. What tricks?

You'll know if you live here long enough.

So many people get lost out here, just like you two. How about I lead you where you want to go?

If it wasn't for not having a GPS signal, we wouldn't have... Wait, the signal's back!

Aurelius, that is some fine roast meat. How'd you do it? Teach me.

Yeah, sure.

Rock salt, sweet and sour seasoning... and ice? Really?... Okay, I'll write it down.

Li Ao, the GPS is back. Time to go.

You won't get a stable signal out here for very long. Are you sure?

Thanks for the offer, but I think we just took a wrong turn. We'll be fine.

If Bonnie says we're fine, we'll be fine! But thanks for asking.

Good to meet you, Aurelius. I hope we see you around!

Crap, I lost the recipe I wrote down... It's back at his camp.

Bonnie, can we go back to get it?

Uh, sure. We aren't that far anyway.

......

......

And this is definitely the right way?

I-I guess so...

Where's the guy's camp?

How long has it been? How could it have vanished all of a sudden?

Bonnie, check your GPS...

Wait, what's going on... No signal again!

The emptiness became too much for even the ghost. So he pretends to be a guide and forever traps those who come his way.

So many people get lost out here, just like you two. How about I lead you where you want to go?

Oh my goodness. It was the ghost! It must be!

Can't leave a trace... Be really bad if some Miramon tracked me to my next.

Huh? This the recipe the big guy wrote?

Probably left it by accident... I'll return it to him if I see him.