MADness in a Dream

When I was a young girl, I loved myself.

Then one day, for the first time, I came to love someone more than myself.

And from that moment on, I stopped loving myself.

(Good. Keep pushing with that emotion...! Pull in the audience's feelings...)

I learned to wear makeup so I could be loved.

Because people like my face with makeup on.

But I... don't particularly like my face with makeup.

...Where did the girl who used to love me go?

...?

(Was that line in the script?)

I am happy. No, I'm not hap—

No, not this...

Ugh!

Cut!

Estelle! What's wrong?!

Valentina...

Are you feeling unwell? Or did you not sleep??

Pull yourself together! You're the core of this entire movie!!

If the lead actress acts like this, the rest of the staff can't do anything!

...Sorry.

Phew... As long as you're not hurt. Can you rest a bit and try again?

...Y-Yeah. I-I'm okay... Thanks for worrying about me.

I'll get a cold drink ready for you, so go rest for a bit.

Catch your breath for a moment, then we'll move to the next shot. Let's not make mistakes this time.

(Phew... Let's take a deep breath.)

(Get it together, Estelle. If you get shaken like this just from reading a few hate comments...)

(Whisper, whisper...)

(Did you see that article about Estelle yesterday?)

(Shh.)

(Did you see that just now?)

(Pretend you didn't see.)

(Whisper, whisper...)

...

...Estelle? What are you doing not getting up?

...Yeah. I'm... up.

Start... rolling... Ugh..!

You're going to keep shooting in that condition?

What's going on all of a sudden?!

...Sorry. I can't shoot today.

I can tell just by looking at you. What's wrong with you?

...Damn it. This is infuriating, seriously... You have to tell me what hurts so we can figure out what to do!

Someone as meticulous about health as you wouldn't just collapse like this... Why are you suddenly like this?

...Sorry.

Hey, where are you going!

Gasp! Gasp! Ah, seriously! Just because you're an actress with great stamina...

How far are you gonna make me chase you?!

...Ugh...

Sigh... Fine, let's wrap up today's shoot. Take a good rest for today, and tomorrow we start again...

So, what's the actual problem? Why are you suddenly saying you can't film when you were doing just fine??

...I don't know either.

When I see the camera, my hair stands on end... my whole body shakes, and people's gazes feel like blade tips...

I even stutter when I get nervous. If I get a slightly long line, I forget it right away...

Mmm... That sounds pretty serious. Seems like the psychological pressure is way too intense...

How long has it been like this?

I don't... really know.

Can someone like me really keep acting in the future...?

...If you were in this state, why didn't you say anything until now?

...Because people... were watching...

You dummy. Is that really so important?!

Hah... I mean, I guess it is important since she's an actress...

But still, this is way too much!!

So, what are you gonna do?

Want to take a short vacation? Or suspend your activity for a while?

I don't want that... But...

Then stop frustrating me by keeping quiet and say something!

Say it with confidence, like you usually do.

...I want to, but...

*Sigh*... The words just won't come out...

I can't even explain it in words, let alone act it out...

Argh...! I don't know how to solve complicated problems like this!

This won't work... For a headache like this, handing it over to "that guy" is definitely the best option.

...Huh?

...Don't say a word and just follow me!

Whoa! That actress is super pretty!

Hehehe... I wonder if a lady as beautiful as her does this and that when night comes...?

Lumina's heart rate is three times faster than usual. It is a new record.

Sigh... Big Boss always pops up like a ghost the second anyone mentions a pretty girl.

Hehehe... You really are an open book. I can see right through you... ♡

Heart rate continues to accelerate. At this rate, Lumina's heart might go into overdrive...

*Sigh*... Big Boss isn't even putting the minimum effort into making up lies anymore.

Mmm... Speaking of bed scenes, I happen to be quite confident in that department...

Knowing Lumina, I doubt it would end at just a bed scene.

But a bed scene, huh... Big Boss might be good at handling commissions, but a movie is, well...

...Mmm, , your acting... I really can't imagine it.

He is an extremely transparent person. At least when it comes to his drive.

That's so mean... If that happens, , we won't be able to sneak around and watch the late-night shows you love together anymore...

According to my data, the end of most dictators was miserable. At best, it usually ended in exile.

You're not just a liar, now you're a cheapskate too. Did Big Boss rent out the TV all for himself?!

You're finally showing your true colors! You petty, lying, money-grubber!

Hehehe, don't forget pervert. Though, of course, that is part of 's charm...

Give me bread, or give me death.

You've got customers!!! ???

Whoa, someone came in without breaking the door for once!!

...Huh? Th- That person is!

Oh my~

A celebrity has graced us with her presence.

Well, as long as there aren't any "interferers," shoots always go great.

By the way, it's been a while, hasn't it, Fixer?

Lumina, get an autograph! An autograph!

Aww... That's so embarrassing... B-But, if I could get a small one on one of the items in my collection...

Lumina's heart rate suddenly doubled. This is... a level impossible for a human...!

Well, there's a troubling situation. I have something I need to ask you about.

Come on in!

O-Okay. ???

Huh? Suddenly it smells really good in here!

The floral scent is so rich, yet not overwhelming at all. She must be using an expensive perfume.

...Huh?

T- Th- Th- Th- Th- That person is?!

Fixer, I heard you two have already met?

The client is my muse and persona, "Estelle."

It's been a while, .

She... She knows Big Boss...?

Kyaaa! Oh my gosh! She looks so much prettier in person than on TV...!

...Quite stacked.

I'll explain for her.

Fixer. Everything I'm about to say is top secret, so not a single word can leak out.

Yeah. Estelle doesn't want to take too long of a break either.

Besides, if Estelle's issue leaks out, how do you think the media will react?

...*Sigh*

Ah, I can't help it!!

You know how sensitive famous actresses are to scandals, and how relentless the media is...! You know that too!

Because you specialize in solving ridiculous cases!!

Geez, at a crucial time like this...

Huh? This number is...?!

H-Hello? Test Subject.

Hmph... What's up? You haven't called in a while.

What? Do I know much about mental magic?

...Not really? It's not my specialty.

M-My grades weren't bad, though! I'm telling you again, my main specialty is time intervention magic.

You want me to introduce an expert? Mm...

I heard one of the freshmen who enrolled in Magistro this time is the star pupil of a master of mental magic.

Well... Even so, it's nothing compared to time intervention magic, the most complex and difficult in the world. Hehehe...

...

...H-Hello?

What?! He hung up right away just because he was done asking?! You little #@!%^#$!

Whoa, you scared me! What's that noise?

That's the lab... Looks like Yuria is pretty mad.

Whew... Things are gonna be real icy around here for a while. Let's lay low.

We'll be walking on eggshells for a while.

Not like you care about walking on eggshells anyway, Claire...

Aaaaagh, I'm so furious! How dare he humiliate me, the head of the Chronoscholar house!!

Test Subject... I'm gonna make you pay!

Uh, uuuuh...

Wh-Where was the way to the academy again?

Ugh, why is this place so confusing? Maybe I should just head back home...

(No, I can't go back until I see Professor Yuria in person...)

(Besides, if I just go back, Master will murder me...)

Isn't there any academy student walking around here? If I just take a peek into their mind, I could find the way...

*Sigh*... My legs hurt and I'm exhausted! I should've just ignored the mage rules and ridden my broomstick!

Of course, Big Boss! ???

Ohoho, it's a piece of cake! ???

This seems easier than tasting bread. ???

Hey, student! Heading to the Academy?

Why don't you talk to me for a second, huh?

Eek! Wh-Who are you...

Hehehe... Hand over your panties obediently, and nobody has to get hurt...

Huh? M-My panties...?

E-Eek... I don't have anything on me! Besides, I'm going commando today!

Sniff sniff... This smell... is the smell of a lie.

Also, you stink of bread all over your body.

Hand over the bread obediently and put your hands up. Then nothing bad will happen to you.

E-Eek! Somebody help me!

Booster on.

I see it. The trajectory of the bread scent...!

Aww, I'm hungry, I don't wanna run.

Really?! Alright, I'll run like there's no tomorrow!!

Ah, running so suddenly makes my chest... Nngh♡

Target has escaped into Vermont Street.

Waaaaah! A flying delinquent!

I caught up! Now... I see you!

Gotcha, my feast!

Aaaaah, don't eat me! Let me go!!!

Hey, who said anything about eating you?!

Anyway, freeze and don't move!

Urk...!

Wh-What?! How is a mage this strong?!!

It's prejudice to think mages only fight with magic, you know?!

Sorry, but I learned self-defense too!

Ngh, B-Big Boss!! I can't hold out long... Do something!

Ah... S-Sorry... ♡

Gwahkk!! Why me too?! A butt! A butt in my face!!!

Sorry, Freya! It just happened to land that way...

P-Please spare me!!! All I have is a bag of garlic bread I just bought!!

Ooh... Garlic bread is excellent nourishment. You certainly have good taste.

Now, hand it over—

Wh-Who are you...?

Are you planning to torture me?! ...Though, this room looks kind of strange and sensual...?

Ar-Are you going to torture me in a... different way...?

So it IS entertaining to you... Wait, isn't kidnapping me like this illegal in itself?!

Unbelievable, honestly...

By the way, where are we? From the looks of it, this isn't your house...

A-Are you squatters using someone else's place without permission...?

Hey! We were the ones who contracted that place, and we were the ones who caught her!

By the way, why did you kidnap her...? We could have just talked from the beginning...

Mm... Freya & Lumina & Theta M.A.D.

Um, so... Does this commission mean there's a reward in it for me too?

Ah, um... I understand.

B-But still, if I miss class while doing this negotiation or whatever, I'll get penalized...

Huh? Who on earth is the client...?

...

...! You are...?!

Hello. I'm Estelle, an actress from Vermont.

First, I want to ask for your forgiveness for bringing you here so suddenly... You must have been very startled. I'm sorry.

WH-What is going on...

A-A famous actress is talking to me...

Whew, haah, hooah, ahoo... *Cough, cough, cough*...!

You can rest assured. No one here has any intention of harming you.

It's just... I urgently needed help, so it seems these people brought you here in a rather rough manner.

For that, I sincerely apologize on their behalf.

O-Oh, no! It's really alright...!

B-But... What do you need my help with...?

Well, um...

Before that!

First of all, protecting our Estelle is my duty, got it?

I'll be using a Secrecy Geas Scroll. Any objections?

Ah...! O-Of course.

Secrecy is extremely important for celebrities, after all...!

Good. Estelle, you can speak now.

I heard you have a talent for mental magic. So... I thought you might be able to solve my problem.

I intend to offer whatever compensation I can provide. So... may I ask for your help?

That... would be difficult. I don't know how I could help you.

Wh-What are you talking about...!?

...Why is that?

Well, how should I put it... I know Estelle the "actress," but I don't really know "Estelle."

So I'm worried whether my magic would actually be of help.

Besides, I'm not a full-fledged mage yet. You want someone like me to look directly into your subconscious...?

It could lead to unexpected consequences. Everyone involved might end up in danger.

Mmm...

Then... is there any other way?

Is there another way...?

My memories related to this slump...

Erasing them, for instance.

?!

Estelle, what do you mean...?

I'm afraid the memories of those moments, so painful I wanted to die, will never leave my head...

I'd rather... just forget it all...

Estelle, you idiot! Erasing your memories, what kind of crazy stunt are you trying to pull?!

I don't mean erasing all my memories.

It's just that I can't let these painful memories keep ruining me.

I feel like if I keep holding onto them, I'll never be able to go back to who I used to be...

How could I not be mad?! If you're a professional, act like one and get over it! What's this nonsense about erasing memories—

Hey, test subject!! I tracked you using the mana I implanted in your body, but why'd you have to be in a place like this...?!

A-Anyhow! How dare you completely ignore me, the head of Chronoscholar?! Just wait, I'll use my tentacles to—

Huh? What's with this mood...?

Ah! P-P-P-Professor Yuria...?!

Ooooooh...!

The light and salt of our Academy, the supreme goddess herself!!

Long live Professor Yuria!!!!

Eek? W-Who are you!!

N-Nice to meet you! I'm a newly enrolled student at Magistro Academy—

(Why is an Academy student here?! What on earth did you do this time?!!)

K-K-K-Kidnapping?!!!

Are you crazy...?! That's a crime!

You get paid by me to participate in those experiments! That's with mutual consent!!

Aaaah!! I can't hear you, I can't hear you!!!

Um, Professor Yuria...??

Huh? Ah, y-yes! What is it!

If it's not too much trouble, could I please get an autograph?! I'll treat it as a family heirloom...!!!

...?! All of a sudden??

A master of Time Magic, and head of Chronoscholar, the greatest noble mage house in Vermont!

I've been a fan of yours long before I enrolled, Professor Yuria!!

H-Heh... W-Well now. You certainly know your stuff.

Where should I sign then...?

Ah, please sign on my thigh!!

Here, with a permanent marker...

O-Of course! Ahem. Test subject, do you see how amazing I am now?

Yoooou!!!

Being admired by others is an ecstasy so grand that nothing else can compare...

But... the moment a pressure and burden as immense as that ecstasy weighs you down...

I-I'll do anything if I can just receive guidance from Professor Yuria!

Oh, really? Then after graduation, why don't you join magical grad school—

Anything except becoming a grad student.

Tch. And here I thought I was getting an obedient assistant...

Mmm...

I want to help too, but I have to hurry back to the Academy...

Besides, an amateur mage with low mana reserves like me doing something like that is...

Don't worry about your attendance or makeup classes

So go ahead and try it.

Professor...!

...As expected, I wouldn't recommend erasing memories. However...

Entering the World of Consciousness directly to uproot the trauma... that should probably be possible.

It's nothing complicated. We just enter the World of Consciousness, which resembles reality, and face and overcome the Fear!

First, please gather everyone.

If it's too hard alone... everyone can enter together and support her!

Now then... I'm going to use 'Group Hypnosis Magic'!

It's a hypnotic technique that binds multiple people's consciousnesses to a single person's World of Consciousness.

Huh? You mean we're entering Estelle's World of Consciousness?

Whoa... To think we can go inside the mind of such a beautiful actress...

I-It's almost like diving right into those voluptuous breasts...

It must be a soft and fluffy world. Just like pudding...

Sob... M.A.D.

However, there is one problem... Entering someone else's World of Consciousness can easily collapse your mind.

So please be very careful. Something irreversible could happen...

That's because the mind often isn't as strong as the body...

For your information, if you happen to take a severe injury in the World of Consciousness... there's a chance you could end up in a vegetative state even after waking up, you know?

Don't worry too much. I'll support you as much as I can on that end.

You guys... just focus on helping the patient. It's not like I don't understand how she feels...

...Yeah. I'll give it a try.

And... thank you. Taking such a risk for my sake...

It's not convincing at all coming from a Big Boss who doesn't even fight?!

Booo, scammer.

Booo, pervert ♡

W-Well, yeah, but... Hypnosis all of a sudden makes me feel embarrassed... Ugh...

Whose fault do you think that was?! Shut up and get to work already!!

Ah, yes...! Then I'll begin right away!

Accept my voice. And imagine your body in your mind.

Your eyelids grow heavy, but your body relaxes. You feel a soft, cool sensation, as if floating on a cloud.

From above that cloud, you look down at where you once were. That place is the sanctuary of your soul... the home of your soul.

So, where... is your soul right now?

...Mmm...?

Ngggh, did I fall asleep...?

What is this place? It's a theater in Vermont, isn't it?

Until just a moment ago, we were...

Ugh... My head...

What, an earthquake? It feels like everything around us is shaking...?

...

Hey, Estelle!! Get it together!

Why is her body shaking so much? Calm down, it'll be fine...

Ah...

Huh? The quake...

...Something feels strange.

...I panicked so much I temporarily forgot about it, but...

That mental mage or student or whatever kid, she didn't mess up the spell, did she??

Sigh... Fine, so let's assume the magic worked...

So? What are we supposed to do now?

Ugh?! Another quake...?

Then... we need to find out what those 'bad memories' are.

Looking at Estelle's state... I don't think she's in any condition to explain it properly.

No... that's right. This is a place I know.

...The reproduction is truly incredible. Even the smell I smelled back then is completely recreated.

...Everything started here.

Agh, scared me! What are those shadows?

What do we do...

Estelle vanished?!

She didn't! I heard she learned a bit of sleight of hand, but still...!

Estelle!! Where are you going all by yourself!!

I saw it. Both Estelle disappearing and the movie theater turning black.

That's not all. Do you see those shadows over there?

It's hard to tell since they're shadows, but they're decked out in Estelle merch and cards all over...

If this is Estelle's World of Consciousness... what this means is...

*Huff, huff...* It's still bright here...!

What's that noise?! Sounds like it came from pretty close.

What are they looking at? I can't see because of the crowd—

The shadows are reacting to something in the center of the plaza...! Just like an audience...

Yeah, it looks like a play, but... every single character... is Estelle.

I guess since this is Estelle's World of Consciousness, having multiple Estelles doesn't feel out of place at all...

I don't know either...! But from a quick look, it's not a solo performance, and the characters aren't even properly distinguished.

That... isn't a play or anything like that. It's closer to propaganda...!

I mean, no matter how you look at it, those words are aimed at toxic fans, but...

It feels like narrow-minded nonsense that doesn't even consider constructive feedback, which makes me pretty annoyed...

Wh-What's going on all of a sudden?!!

Shut up, do you wanna die?!!

...Fixer, look over there!

Estelle is perfect...! She must be perfect!

Here comes another! Fixer, watch out so you don't get caught in it!

That is because Lumina has gotten heavier than before.

Lumina, did you secretly eat snacks?

Oh my! I have been eating better than before lately...

Mmm... I feel like my bust and butt might have gotten a tiny bit bigger...

Understood. Executing the operation.

In exchange, I will claim one piece of bread as my reward.

Acknowledged.

Oh my... We held out with divine power, of course!

Fufu... There is no need for that right now.

I have already taken care of Theta.

I told you not to worry!

Ta-da! Holy light!

Fufu... All you need to do is follow me!

Ohoho... Oh, , stop it, Master!

Besides, even a novice priestess can use something like this! It even provides a bit of demon resistance!

Besides, divine power is the power of the heart and faith! In other words, a world like this that projects the mind is bound to feel its strong influence!

Ah, of course, it is all just speculation, though!

We were totally panicked when we first fell in here because it was pitch black! So I tried it as a backup plan, and it worked surprisingly well!

I also set things up for Theta so she can use it a few times, so she should be fine on her own for a while!

...I didn't see her either. Estelle...

Don't worry about Estelle! After all, this is inside her mind... If we wait, we'll run into her eventually!

We kept pursuing her too, but it seems she moves repeatedly within a limited area!

Moving in loops... Hmm.

Got it. So where should we go now?

Fufu, I shall guide the way!

What is this place? Why hasn't it lost its color?

Yuria contributed her mana to that magic earlier, did she not?

I believe it functions as a sort of insurance policy.

Fufu, Theta, Freya, and I woke up near here!

Maintaining divine power for too long is exhausting... so we were able to rest here for a bit!

Welcome, test subject. Yuria (?)

Ah, this is a spell that uses my mana as a medium to communicate with you inside the World of Consciousness. Yuria (?)

Of course, it's not me speaking directly. It's just like a clone overlaid with my memories. Yuria (?)

Feel free to ask if you have any questions. If there's similar information in my mind, I'll piece it together for you. Yuria (?)

Ah, about that...

I'm getting sick of walking around the manor... Should we head outside?

But isn't it a bit creepy outside in the dark? We don't even know what might be out there...

There is plenty of food in the manor, so I do not particularly wish to leave. Having twenty types of bread in the manor is simply divine.

Did we come here just to eat?! We came to fulfill our request and go on an adventure! That's why we're here!

Now, follow me!

Gah! What is this?!

Well, it shouldn't be a big deal. Those shadows are just stagnant darkness of the mind. Yuria (?)

They have no physical force, so the most they can do after swallowing something is transport it somewhere else. Yuria (?)

Ah, of course, it might negatively affect mental health... but for those who already have strong mental fortitude, it shouldn't be a problem. Yuria (?)

I have led the shadow monsters far away. And I also found and brought back the unconscious Estelle.

Now, give me my reward bread...!

Heh. I will devour it all.

... Estelle (?)

Thank you, everyone... I guess my consciousness slipped away again.

Whenever I look at certain places or objects, my mind keeps going faint... Ugh...

Don't push yourself, get some rest!

The treatment has barely even started. What are we going to do if you're already like this?!

...Mmm. Okay...

Hm? Wait, Valentina... Your arm is bleeding.

Ah, this? I just scraped my arm a bit when we were running away earlier.

Let's head inside first. I'll patch you up.

Ouch! That stings... By the way, Estelle, when did you learn how to treat wounds?

Didn't you know? Before I got cast as an actress, I worked briefly as a nurse.

That's how I managed to land that nurse role in my last movie. Wasn't my acting super natural back then?

...Huh? Did you actually work as a nurse too?

Hmmm... Well, if you say so.

Anyway, all patched up! Now I should go get some rest too!

Whether it's hypnosis or something else, I don't know... It feels like her past acting roles and her real personality are blurring together...

Fixer. Have you found a way to deal with Estelle's trauma yet?

Haa... We're so screwed.

Ugh, if only I had a cigarette right now...

When I was a girl, I loved myself.

Then one day, for the first time, I came to love someone else more than myself.

From that moment on, I stopped loving myself.

...I stopped loving myself.

...I stopped loving myself.

I don't love you anymore!!!

...Haa, haa... Someone like you...

...I don't need you...

Gasp!

What did I just do...?

No... that wasn't real. Besides, that thing... looked just like me!

...Is that so? Was that really 'me'?

...Then what should 'I' do from now on?

Then you too, come here...

Boss!! We have a huge problem!!

Estelle has disappeared. Even tracking with thermal imaging shows no trace of her in this room.

Earlier, Yuria's clone also said she hadn't seen Estelle... Hmm, where could she have gone?

Mmm? W-What did you just say?

Disappearing again so soon... what kind of screwed-up world is this, seriously...

...By the way, Fixer.

Where exactly are you putting your hand right now?

Why, you bastard!!

I don't do that kind of thing!!! Do you think I'm some low-class director who hits her actors?!

Dammit... Seriously, just wait until this request is over.

But... Estelle comes first. We need to find her fast before she holes up somewhere again.

If it were bread, I could find it right away, but Estelle is difficult.

... Even if you look at me like that, what is difficult is difficult.

Mmm... Shining light to lure someone this way might be possible!

But even I have limits to my divine power output... I can't maintain it for too long!

Did you call? Yuria (?)

From your shadow, of course. Yuria (?)

You summoned me, so isn't coming out of there standard procedure? Yuria (?)

Anywhere inside the manor is possible. Yuria (?) Why do you ask?

...Hey. You're a bit heavier than I thought. Yuria (?)

Oh my, Theta said the exact same thing...

As expected, nothing can be done about the volume of these curves♡

Aww, that would be far too tough!

How unfair.

Highly unfair. I feel like I'm looking at Claire. Yuria (?)

Should I just drop her? Yuria (?)

P- Please don't do that!

Like this, we will climb up the outer wall of the manor to the highest point and shine a bright light. Yuria (?)

Then even the faint shadows inside the manor will vanish instantly, making it easier to find your friends. Yuria (?)

Yah!

B-But I have to do at least this much to light up the whole manor!

Once all the faint shadows inside the manor vanish, I'll have the tentacles track down the missing people. Yuria (?)

If I cast a sensory sharing spell, you will also be able to track their traces in no time— Yuria (?)

Hahaha... ???

A-A ghost...?!

...Alright, I locked onto the trace. Yuria (?)

Over here!! Yuria (?)

This place... isn't it the movie theater where we woke up?

Teleportation magic?! Or did we never leave the movie theater to begin with?!

Over there is Estelle.

Standing blankly in front of the theater door—

...Estelle!

Wait, something's off... Yuria (?)

That girl is a fake, so she doesn't belong here.

Estelle...?

Valentina... Since coming here, I changed my mind.

A fake is a fake. It can never become real. Just like how I can never become real—

So, let's watch a movie. The tragedy of fakes who can never become real...

What movie in a situation like this?! You bastard... Ugh!

M-My body...!!

What's going on...?

Well, I suppose it's something like this.

...The connection to the mana injected inside suddenly got cut off.

Student, what's the situation now?

Ughhh... it's not good at all...

The target's trauma is deeper than expected, so she's having a rejection reaction...

If this continues, the trauma could transfer over and severely affect the consciousness of the others who went in to help...

Dammit, I have no idea what's going on...!

Waking everyone up right now and stopping the magic seems like the safest option...!

Eek, doing that might cause another side effect...!

That's still better than ending up in a vegetative state!

Whatever we do, we need to act before it's too late—

Just now... I think that test subject moved...

Yes, I saw it clearly with my own eyes...!

Is that kind of reaction normal too?

...His face isn't grimacing or anything... so it's not a bad reaction. But why...

...? What? What was that—

...I don't know what's going on, but why do I have this deeply uncomfortable feeling?

It looks like he's receiving a huge shock in the World of Consciousness?!

Hmm... I wouldn't call it a shock so much as... stimulation...

...???

A-Anyhow!! Enough talk about the perverted test subject!!

I need to take out some extra insurance. Is there anything else we can do with magic before this problem gets any worse...?

I saw how anxious you were, Professor, so I was actually going to bring this up.

When it comes to this kind of magic, there's a little trick... (whisper, whisper)

...Whaaaat?!

Hmm, that's strange. According to your mind's memories, you liked this sort of thing...

Was I mistaken when I read your drive to shoot a bed scene...?

...

You're right, it was an impulsive choice. I shouldn't be doing this...

Fixer, quiet now. Good boys follow theater etiquette.

Since it's come to this, I suppose we'll all just have to watch together.

Phew...! Not even being able to breathe freely was absolute agony!

Sorry, I'm not used to handling this power yet...

But now, I can freeze your movement while leaving the rest of your body functioning.

So? What do you want to do after tying us up like this?

Since you keep bringing us to a cinema, you must have a movie you want to show us, right?

Good deduction. That's my director.

Now then, the movie is about to start again. The movie I watched over and over all night...

Where everything began... [The Beginning Film].

What are you talking about? Nothing is being screened —Ugh...

...Pr-Projecting it directly into our minds? What in the...

Besides, I've never... seen this movie before...! There's no way I wouldn't know a movie Estelle starred in...!

Fufu... Watch closely. I'm sure you'll feel... something...

Huh? Every single character is... Estelle...

This looks like what we saw at the plaza earlier...

...It's a movie I wrote, produced, and acted in all by myself.

It's too humble to be called a debut work... but I poured everything into it.

Here, it's a beloved masterpiece screened every single day.

How is it? Isn't it beautiful and artistic?

...I'll be honest. By my standards... this movie gets a zero.

The direction and plot are so exaggerated it's laughable. There's no substance—it's structured purely for cheap dopamine.

On top of that, the acting from all the Estelles is so... artificial. Delivering performances that don't stray an inch from public expectation...

As a director, a film like this is something I can never accept— Ngh!!

Hahaha! Now THIS is a movie!

That's our Estelle for you!

This is way too unreal...?

...

You're wrong, Valentina.

To be an actress beloved by the public, you have to perform like that... and shoot movies like that.

And for that... I'm prepared to sacrifice everything. Even myself.

Estelle, I think you've got something twisted... Do you really think people love you because you're a perfect actress?

Even when you stumbled and faltered, people remembered you because they saw something uniquely yours in your acting!

Estelle has already made her choice. We don't need your lecturing.

...You think Estelle is your damn puppet, you bastards?! You think she's only an actress of that caliber?!

Public opinion matters, sure, but an artist's identity is just as important!

Even if you can't have everything, the moment an artist throws away their identity, they become just another run-of-the-mill "fake"!

Estelle is...

...a perfect "real deal."

She MUST be perfect! She MUST be real!!

Where in the world does a perfect actor exist?!

If you keep growing, inspiring those around you, and giving everything you've prepared your absolute best shot—

Real or fake, it doesn't matter—someday, the public will realize that value!

Shut your mouth! No matter what I try, it fails, and the hateful comments just keep piling up...! How could someone wearing a blindfold called "art" ever understand my feelings, my torment!!

Every artist faces criticism...! Even so, you just try again and show everyone your best!

Ignoring praise for your acting and the passionate love of your fans, only to obsess over negative reactions and drown in self-hatred... that doesn't suit you at all!

If you still insist on flailing around in the gutter by yourself... then go ahead and do whatever you want!

Because I'm not giving up! Even if I have to drag you by the collar... I'm going to make sure you film the greatest movie ever!

You're my partner! I am NEVER letting you go! Got it?!

Fixer... What do you think?

Is there any other choice? When I'm this broken... is there any other way you could treat me?

...You sound just like Valentina. Only someone who's never lived as a fake could say something like that...

What do you know? About a life where every single moment has to be an act... where you can't show your real self to anyone?

Killing myself every day... playing a fictional persona, forced to live as a fake...

...What?

What...?

Ugh...!!

No!!! Stop it...!!!

Heeek...

Even if it's you... don't shake me up anymore!

My life... my acting...

Don't deny my Will to show everyone my absolute best...!

I don't need you anymore!

From my cinema, from my mind, from my consciousness...

Get out!!!

...When I was a girl, I loved myself.

Then one day, for the first time, I came to love others more than myself... I came to love my audience.

And from that moment on, I stopped loving myself.

Incredible! That performance was incredible, Estelle!

You're most beautiful right now!

We love you, Estelle!

Thank you! Everyone!

Another perfect performance today, Estelle.

?!

Yes, the audience praised it endlessly. There's nothing wrong with my acting.

I won't make myself miserable over thoughts like that. The public loves who I am right now.

If the audience doesn't love me... I am nothing.

...!!!

Ah! ! Were you sent here too?

I came to check out a shadowy portal that suddenly appeared in midair, and...

F-Flurries are just Flurries no matter how big they get. Don't worry, it wouldn't last a second against my fists.

I only just got here myself, so I haven't done much investigating. I don't know any more than you do.

Anyway... after telling us to shut up and all that, sending us to a place like this is the best she can do? What a timid coward...

I only saw her vulnerable side for the first time recently. Before that, she always seemed so confident and strong.

To think she had parts of herself she hid even from me... I thought I knew her pretty well, but I guess I was mistaken...

Ha! As if I've ever even thought about having a kid.

I guess because I've focused my whole life solely on filmmaking, I've never had room to live—

That's... the ancestor of Flurries, rumored to have disappeared long ago...

Tyranno-Flurrius!!

Plu-u-uck!!!!!!!!

No, it's a movie character like that! From way back when!!! Anyway, run!!

Fixer! Do something!

Same goes for me! If I could do something, why would I be asking you?!

Plu-u-u-uck!

Just run over to where the path ends!

There are a lot of trees there, so it'll have to slow down!!

*Huff, huff...* It won't chase us all the way here, right?

How should I know?? If there's any connection, it's just some mascot that appeared around when Estelle started acting, gained brief popularity, and then vanished...!

I've never seen such a giant Flurry in real life either!

...What does THAT have to do with anything?!

By the way... why isn't it dark here? It's not like magic is protecting this spot, nor is Estelle anywhere near here.

Looking closely, doesn't the color tone of the surroundings look subtly different?

Look at this. Your side is brighter than mine.

We'll be able to figure out where the light is coming from.

We might find something useful. Let's go, Fixer.

Phew... I seriously need a smoke. How much further do we have to—

What! Did you see that?! What was THAT?!

Flurries are too chubby to fly around... Whatever that is, I don't think it's a simple shadow or a Flurry.

Go, Fixer! Uncover that thing's true identity!

Hmph. If you won't go, then I will.

Stop right there! *Huff, huff...* Gah!

Whoa, how long has it been since we caught prey like this?!

Is this finally our first successful hunt? Fufu.

Phew. I would really prefer not to starve to death following someone.

Let's see! Though I've never eaten one before! And I don't know how to cook it either!

Time to taste some Flurry... Huh?!

Aaaah... It's not food. How disappointing.

You guys... aren't you the Fixer's idiot companions?

Gah! Calling us idiots out of nowhere, how rude!!

*(Grumble)* Ooh... Being hungry is sad enough, but being called an idiot... that hurts my feelings a little...

...Should I try eating that useless lump of fat separately?

Eek?! E-Even if you suck on it, nothing's gonna come out!!!

Ghrrr! Big Boss, it's not like you've done anything useful either!

Hmm, come to think of it, I don't think I've ever given thought to why this place hasn't lost its light~

I didn't even think about stuff like that!

...?

Hmm? I assumed everyone else already knew.

Heh. It is only natural.

Well, this is merely a speculation based on data, so there may be errors...

Deep within the forest, there is a garden that appears to have been meticulously tended by someone.

Normally, I would have passed right by, but I stopped briefly as I felt as though the garden was calling to me.

There... a single white flower was emitting a dazzling light. However, since there appeared to be nothing edible, I simply left.

...!

Fixer, let's head to the place Theta mentioned right now. We might find a clue there.

I'm not certain, but Estelle always kept a single white flower in a vase in the waiting room.

I asked her about the flower's meaning once, and she just said it was a flower that made her remember something.

That's what we need to figure out. After all, this is Estelle's World of Consciousness.

Yes, that is correct.

By any chance, did you happen to see a giant Flurry here?

I did see giant footprints, however...?

Why didn't you mention that earlier?!

No one asked. If no one asks, there is no reason to answer.

Got you...! Puruk...!

Wow! It's Estelle. She's so beautiful!

Hahaha! Her expression is hilarious.

Sob sob... Estelle's acting was so good.

Bravo!

Thank you! Everyone!

(Haa... This is the moment I wished for.)

(I am... loved.)

?!

You... Didn't you disappear?!

Don't try to fool me. You just want to take over my body!

No, no!!!

...!

Estelle forgot her lines again!

Estelle isn't what she used to be either. Was her fame just a fluke?

Estelle's acting is always disappointing.

Stop, stop it! I was wrong! What do you want?!

...What if people notice?

Were you waiting for me to get weak all this time?

...So I just have to leave everything to you?

...Will I... be loved?

Then...

(murmuring)

Something's coming this way!

Gah! The light is too bright!

Where did something like that come from?

Get out of my sight-plu! Puru-k! ???

Phew, that was close!

We almost got crushed to death by this thing!

Ah... I am never making a Flurry angry again...

May I step down now? It is shaking so much that my energy consumption is...

Leave it to me-plu! Puru-k!

It was so terrifying when it was chasing us, but it's so reassuring now that it's on our side!

...Careful, Fixer! Estelle seems different than usual.

What are you talking about, you idiot?!

Those who guard the light are our friends-plu! Puru-k!

Seeing how shameless you are, you really are Estelle while acting.

Spout all the sophistry you want, everything's been exposed now, hasn't it?

Then why aren't you satisfied with your role as a shadow? Why are you trying to become the real Estelle? What are you trying to gain?

Then why are you trying to take the spot of that 'imperfect' Estelle?

Don't you think your logic makes no sense?

You're the one who isn't making sense, you idiot. How long are you going to keep denying yourself?

And with this, stalling for time is over! Now's your chance, Fixer!!

Hyah!

Now's the time, Big Boss!

Leader, the finishing blow...!

Zzz...

...The winner of Best Actress this season, actress Estelle, has just entered the venue!

...Ah. As expected of Estelle! Truly fit to be called the goddess of Vermont's cinema world! What a breathtaking sight!

Oh, Estelle just lost her footing and fell!

Th-This is an exclusive scoop! A massive scandal that happens once in decades!!!

Fortunately, she doesn't appear to be seriously injured!

(I don't have to be perfect...)

(I am the real Estelle.)

Actress Estelle! Congratulations on winning Best Actress this season!

Could you share a few words with us, please!!!

...

...Estelle?

Once, a girl loved herself.

Even though she wasn't pretty or special, she loved herself.

Then one day, for the first time, she came to love someone more than herself... and learned to wear makeup so she would be loved.

To be loved, she hid who she was and painted on a persona that others would like.

...Hm...? Is this...?

Yet the girl didn't particularly care for her painted face.

At times, she missed her past self who had loved herself unconditionally.

That's right... From then on, she could no longer love herself.

...Mmm.

But the girl simply didn't know how to bloom on her own!

All she needed was a little help and a turning point!

She liked being loved, but... having discovered what it feels like to love...

She found a way to love herself once again!

Oh... Ohhh...!!!

I-Is this a line from her upcoming sequel?! Or some kind of foreshadowing...?!

Staff! Staff!! This is a scoop!!

Hurry up and get ready to write the next article!! Quick!!!

(Thank you, Fixer.)

(Make sure we see each other again next time.)