GOOD WORLD

We're bringing you breaking news of a historic event unlike anything in the Ark's history.

The Counters have successfully reclaimed part of the surface, something Ark citizens have dreamed of for years.

Since the Ark was founded, has any commander ever achieved something like this?

And on your screen now is Reclamation Site 01, a forward base established by the Central Government.

Oh my...

They actually reclaimed part of the surface!

That's wonderful. Truly wonderful.

Goodness, which sweet child did something so amazing...?

The Central Government has officially designated the newly reclaimed surface area as Reclamation Site 01,

and has highly commended the commander responsible for the operation.

The Counters and...

... Commander?

That name sounds familiar...

...

Just as I thought... I can tell just by looking at you.

My, my, you've grown up so well.

To think you've come this far, how wonderful.

If that child has grown this much, then quite a lot of time must have passed.

Time... yes, time...

... I see.

So it's finally time.

I didn't realize so much time had passed.

...

It looks like I finally get to go outside again. It's been a while.

I wonder how much the Ark has changed over that time...

Hehe, I'm really looking forward to it.

My, falling asleep out here...?

The sun's nice, but there's still a breeze... You'll catch a cold at this rate.

All right, let's have you stand up for a moment, okay?

Hey now, you shouldn't go falling asleep in a place like this. You might get hurt. Save that for when you're home, okay?

There we go... Open those eyes nice and wide, and let's have a good stretch.

Is it too bright for you?

Hehe, do you like it?

Hmm... what should I do with you? You look exhausted.

But you'll catch a cold if I leave you like this...

Well, it can't be helped.

I'll go get you a blanket, so just wait here for a little while, okay?

Waaahhhhhh!

Waaah! I'm not going! I'm not going!

I'm not going! I don't wanna!

P-please calm down, okay...?

Waaaahhh!

I'm not going! I don't wanna go! I don't wanna! Waaahhh!

P-please calm down!

If you keep crying like that, you'll make yourself sick!

No!

Waaaahhh!

My friend's gone! I can't go without him! I don't wanna go!

Y-your friend's missing too?

Wh-what do we do...? Then we've gotta find your friend too...

!!

Commander!

Um... I found a lost child

and was supposed to escort her to her parents at the station...

But she says she can't leave because her friend is missing...

She's been crying nonstop, and I'm worried she might get dehydrated...

And I'm not sure how to find her friend here, so I'm a bit stuck...

*Sniff...* It's okay if you can't find him.

Miss Snow said she'd find my friend!

Yeah!

Miss Snow promised she'd find my friend,

so I have to wait here.

I-is that so?

You don't even know where my friend is... *Sniff*

I-I'm sorry!

But when's Miss Snow getting here...?

I...

I don't know...

... O-oh, I see!

How long has it been since she went to look for your friend?

I don't know...

I ate all my ice cream and waited... but she didn't come.

No!

She said you're supposed to keep your promises,

and she said she'd keep hers!

Uh... hold on...

Don't tell me Miss Snow got lost too?!

!!

Y-you really think so...?

*Sniff...* Th-then what do we do?

If Miss Snow got lost too...

Did I... did I get her in trouble?

I-I'll go look for her right away!

Commander, please look after this little girl!

H-huh?

Y-you're going to go look for her, Commander...?

Maybe I should—

!!

That's right! Poli told me to call her if anything happened!

I almost forgot!

Are you going to look for Miss Snow?

*Sniff...* Okay... I promise.

Oh my, is there someone else we need to find?

Then I'll go take care of it right away. Could you tell me what they look like...?

Hmm?

Miss Snow!

Ahh, so that's what you've been calling me, sweetie.

Hehe, that's right.

I'm Snow Crane, the "Miss Snow" this little one mentioned.

I'm sorry. You've been waiting a while, haven't you?

So... ta-da!

I brought a cuddly little friend with me.

Teddy!

A teddy bear?

Yep!

But you said he's your friend...

Teddy is my friend!

I-I see...

Now then, who else do we still need to find?

We were just about to go look for you, Miss Snow!

Oh my, really?

I see. I'm sorry, dear.

It's been a while since I've been up in the Ark, so I got a little lost along the way. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.

Uh... well then, since it looks like her friend's been found safe and sound, we'll be heading off now!

Thank you for your cooperation, Commander!

Bye-bye, Miss Snow! Bye-bye, mister!

You take care now, little one.

Oh my, I didn't think it would take me this long to find her toy.

Thank you for comforting the little one.

I like children. They're so pure.

And I like kind people like you too,

the kind who help others out of genuine kindness.

Now then...

I'm glad you're awake now.

I was going to bring you a blanket, but... it's been a while since I've been up here...

The Ark's changed quite a bit, hasn't it?

I ran into a little trouble and couldn't get one. I'm sorry, you must've been cold.

Oh my, it is!

Thank you for bringing it back to me. That was very kind of you, Friend.

Oh, it's nothing, really.

You probably heard earlier, but I'm Snow Crane.

And your name's... Commander, right?

Oh, absolutely!

I see you on TV all the time.

The hero who reclaimed part of the surface! Reclamation Site 01, isn't that right?

Hehe, of course!

It's only natural people would want to praise you.

You did something everyone's dreamed of for so long, and no one else ever managed it.

So, when you think about it...

Hmm...

It might be a little tricky otherwise,

so could you lower your head just a bit for me?

Yes, just a tiny bit will do.

That's it... good.

Reclaiming even part of the surface is such an incredible thing,

and you did something so kind that no one else could!

You're amazing!

I'm so proud of you!

You did really, really well!

Hehe, that's enough praise for now.

Thank you for humoring me and lowering your head.

I've been wanting to do this ever since I saw you on the news, and now I finally get to.

Oh my, I'm so sorry.

That must've taken you by surprise.

I didn't make you uncomfortable, did I?

I'm sorry...

I was just so surprised to see how much you've grown. It made me so proud.

I couldn't help but pat your head.

Hehe, no need to be embarrassed.

Even grown-ups deserve lots of praise when they've done a good job.

Hm?

I just meant even grown-ups deserve a little praise too...

Did that come out strange?

Oh dear, now's not the time for that.

Do you know what time it is?

Oh dear,

I might be late if I don't hurry.

I should get going now. It was really lovely meeting you today, Friend.

Um... Excuse me, Friend, I'm really sorry to bother you.

Do you happen to know where the train station is?

I can't seem to find a map anywhere.

I guess people don't really use maps anymore these days...

You all know your way around so well. That's so clever of you.

Oh? Phones have maps now?

On something this tiny...? How does that even work?

Oh my, so this is the station?

If I'd come by myself, I might've wandered around forever.

Goodness, the roads have gotten so complicated, haven't they?

You're very good at finding your way, aren't you? How impressive.

Thank you for bringing me here, Friend.

Hmm... the thing is...

There are so many trains running.

Which one should I take to get there...?

Um... I think it's somewhere along Royal Road...

The place is called... Under Grace, I think.

Oh, of course.

I'm sure I wrote it down somewhere...

Let me check...

Ah, there it is. Here you go.

Oh my, you really do know everything, don't you?

Hehe, what a smart boy.

That deserves some praise, you know.

Thank you so much for helping me.

I'll see you again soon, okay?

Oh dear, this isn't good!

I can't seem to find where to buy a ticket!

I need one, but I'm not sure where to go.

Would you happen to know, Friend?

!!

Oh my, really?

I had no idea they offered benefits like that!

The Ark's come such a long way, hasn't it?

So I just need to go to the platform and get on?

Hmm...

I'm not completely sure, but if I ask around as I go, I'm sure I'll manage.

Really?

But you're usually so busy.

But...

Hm? Not at all.

It's perfectly fine if you come with me.

I'm just meeting someone to pass along a letter, that's all.

I'm sure they won't mind you being there either.

They're all kind people.

I just feel a little bad because you've done so much for me.

You even walked me all the way here.

Friend.

Nothing in this world is ever "only natural."

In the end, it all comes down to the choices we make.

Hmm... All right, how about this?

When I'm done with everything for today,

I'll grant you one wish in return for your help, as long as it's within my power.

That's all right, it doesn't have to be today.

I'll take care of the agreement.

Oh my, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come across so strongly. Managing agreements is just part of what I do.

Then, shall we make it a promise instead?

We'll still need to keep it, just like an agreement, but it won't feel quite so heavy.

I was just so surprised to see how much you've grown. It made me so proud.

I couldn't help but pat your head.

Is something bothering you?

Does even making a promise feel like too much right now?

Oh my, is that so? That works out nicely.

Then...

Let's make a promise. When this is over, I'll grant you one wish, Friend.

So this is the department store!

How beautiful!

Oh my, what a big space, and it's all shops? How nice...

Oh goodness, look at those clothes... They've put them out for everyone to see!

Ohhhh! Friend, come take a look... They're selling flowers. I wonder if they're real.

Ah, forgive me.

I got a bit carried away.

Yes. When I first came to the Ark, I don't remember seeing buildings like these.

Most of the larger ones were connected to the Central Government...

Hmm, but perhaps that's not quite fair of me to say.

Back then, I was always traveling for agreements,

so I never really had the chance to look around. That might be why I simply never noticed them.

And when I first arrived,

the war was still ongoing, so everything felt very different from how it does now.

So I think that's why I find it all rather fascinating.

... My, it's changed so much.

Hehe, just watching them makes me happy.

Oh, it's called Under Grace. I think it's a cafe...

Oh my, you found it already?

Hehe, how reassuring.

I'll trust you and follow your lead.

You're right, it's Under Grace...!

You really are good at finding your way around. That's impressive!

Hm? It's fine, really.

I told you earlier, didn't I?

I'm just here to deliver a letter.

The people receiving it won't mind at all,

and the signatory said there's no need to keep it secret.

So there's nothing to worry about.

Yes, that's right.

I'm just fulfilling a request

from an agreement made a long time ago.

Hmm... I'm a little worried you might get bored while I deliver the letter.

Will you be all right?

Hehe, looks like everything's all right now...

Let's head inside, shall we?

Wow, the coffee smells lovely.

Hehe, thank you for the compliment.

Hearing that from young folks really brightens my day.

The menu's right over here, so take your time and have a look before ordering.

Hmm...

... Can I help you?

Are you Sarah, by any chance?

Pardon?

Yes, that's me, but who are you...?

I believe this is the first time we've met in person.

My name is Snow Crane.

... Miss Snow Crane?

Yes, that's right.

It's a pleasure to meet you, my friend.

I've come to deliver a letter on behalf of you-know-who, as per our agreement.

Oh wow, thank you.

Don't mention it.

Since you're with Miss Snow Crane, it's only natural that I take care of you.

We've only ever communicated through letters, so this is our first time meeting in person.

I hope I didn't surprise you too much by dropping in so suddenly.

Oh, don't worry about it.

I had a feeling it was about time, so if anything, I was just surprised that I was actually right.

Speaking of surprises, though, shouldn't you be more surprised at how young I look?

Oh my, yes!

We've been exchanging letters for decades. I never imagined you would look so young.

Hehe, I started using Evergreen earlier than most of my friends, and I've kept it up ever since.

Oh dear, I'm sorry.

I started talking before making proper introductions.

This is Sarah.

She's affiliated with a foundation run by one of my signatories.

Yes...

I was only a child when everyone migrated to the Ark, and I came alone, without my parents.

The foundation supported me until I became an adult.

In return, I entered into an agreement with Miss Snow Crane here, who oversees the foundation on behalf of another,

to write to her each year about the changes in the Ark.

Hehe, it's not very nice to ask a lady her age,

so let's keep our guesses to ourselves, okay?

Exactly.

We'd never actually met in person... just exchanged letters.

But...

I suppose that ends today.

Yes.

Now that the contract has ended, I wanted to see you in person,

and deliver this letter that was left for you.

... I see.

So this is a letter from them...

If you don't mind... may I read it first?

Why, of course.

Ah... Ahhh...!

I... I really wanted to meet you... just once... but in the end...

I never got to...!

...

Thank you both for waiting.

Heh... Goodness, I can't remember the last time I cried like this.

To think I'd make such a scene at my age, and in front of someone younger, too. I'm sorry.

There's nothing to be ashamed of.

It's only natural to cry when you're hurting.

Thank you, Miss Snow Crane,

for waiting so patiently,

and for bringing me this letter.

... I suppose I won't be writing those yearly letters anymore.

It's going to feel a little lonelier now.

No, I should be the one thanking you.

When I think about those yearly letters no longer coming, it does feel a little lonely, doesn't it?

You've worked so hard all this time.

Likewise, Miss Snow Crane.

Now then... I'll proceed with closing out the agreement.

Sarah.

As agreed, I have one final question.

In your opinion,

do you feel the Ark has become a better place than it was before?

...

Would you like me to be honest?

Yes, that's what they asked of me.

... No.

The methods have changed, but things haven't improved in the slightest.

...

Of course, people's lives are far better than they used to be.

I mean, even someone like me, a former war orphan, now runs a cafe on Royal Road.

And thanks to Evergreen, I've been able to keep this youthful appearance.

But... people's hearts are still sick.

If anything, they've just grown worse in a different way.

They've grown so used to peace in the Ark that they've forgotten the war is still raging on the surface,

forgotten who made that peace possible in the first place.

And now we even have a ridiculous term like "Nikkephobe."

Yes, thanks to Pretty, Tetra Line, and those well-known squads,

Nikke rights have improved beyond recognition since the Second Surface Reclamation War.

And yet, whenever something happens in the Ark,

people are still quick to pin the blame on the Nikkes.

Peace has become a given. And with that, they've grown complacent. Ungrateful.

Just like so many who once belonged to our foundation...

never satisfied with the support they were given, foolish enough to try taking the foundation's money, only to end up facing your judgment.

...

Yeah, you're right.

I'm sorry for being so negative at our last meeting,

but I really don't think this society has improved at all.

That's just how I see it.

Thank you. I've listened carefully to everything you shared.

And I appreciate you seeing this through to the very end.

I hope your days ahead are filled with peace.

Thank you for everything, Miss Snow Crane.

Thanks to you, I made it to the hospital without getting lost.

Hehe, I'm really glad you're with me.

Yes, I heard Oliver's been in the hospital for about a year now.

Hmm...

Now, Friend...

You've been acting a little off since earlier. Is something bothering you?

You can't even look me in the eye.

You weren't like this at the start, were you?

Oh my goodness!

Is that what's been bothering you?

Aww, you're adorable!

Hehe, it's just a nickname some friends from the foundation came up with.

I don't really pay attention to things like age,

so please, just treat me like you always have.

Honestly, I'd be happier if you didn't worry about things like that.

Emergency patient coming through! Clear the way!

Stay with us!

*Sob...* You can't die like this...!

I suppose so...

...

Of course...

I've seen things like this many times before.

But... ever since Evergreen was developed,

people have been living far longer than anyone ever expected,

and medicine has advanced just as much.

And yet, humans

and Nikkes too...

They still fall ill without warning. They still get caught in accidents. They still grieve and suffer.

Even after all this time, that hasn't changed.

That makes me a little sad.

Oh dear, I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to make things so serious.

We submitted a visitation request a while ago, but it looks like it's taking a little longer than expected.

Who's here to see Mr. Oliver?

Yes, that's us!

Please come this way.

It's nice to meet you, Oliver.

I'm Snow Crane.

Welcome... Miss Snow Crane.

I've... been waiting.

I'm sorry... I wish... I could have received you... in better health...

Oh, not at all. This is more than enough. Thank you for waiting.

You're here... to tell me it's ended, aren't you?

That's right.

The contract has ended, so I wanted to see you in person

and deliver this letter from you-know-who.

A letter...?

...

...

I... see.

So... they won't be coming... after all.

... Yes.

And you still... can't tell us why...?

That's right.

I see... What a pity.

Now then, I'll proceed with closing out the agreement.

Oliver.

As agreed, I have one final question.

In your opinion,

do you feel the Ark has become a better place than it was before?

A better... place...?

Yes, I think... it has.

There was a time... when I thought the Ark was flawed... An unjust place...

But as I grew older... and fell ill...

I suppose... I started to see things differently.

I lost my entire family... to the Raptures... on the surface...

But I was able to build a new one... and keep going...

The reason I've been able to live such a long life...

is because of the people in the Ark... the foundation included.

Even now, as I lie here sick... it's no different.

Thanks to the help of so many... and the devotion of my children...

I was able to see you, Miss Snow Crane... and bring this agreement to a close.

So... in a place where so many good people live...

I believe... it has become a better world than it once was.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I know that couldn't have been easy, so I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me.

No... it's just something I had to do.

I'm just... glad I could see the agreement through... before things got worse...

Now... I think I can go... without any regrets.

Thank you for all your hard work, Oliver.

Um... Miss Snow Crane,

could I... ask one last favor?

Why, of course.

If... by any chance... you meet them...

please tell them... I'm grateful to them for letting me live as a human...

Could you... deliver that message for me?

... Yes, I'll be sure to pass it along.

Let's see... Our next stop is...

!!

What was that sound...?

Was that you, Friend?

Oh dear, I didn't even notice...!

It's already past lunchtime!

How could I let a growing boy go hungry like this? I really am the worst!

This simply won't do.

Let's go have lunch right now!

!!

Snacking instead of a real meal?

That's not good for you, Friend.

You need to eat proper meals to stay healthy.

Come on, let's go get something to eat together right now!

Hehe, great! Off we go!

...

Huh?

I thought you'd already have somewhere in mind...

Oh, I see.

Right, you might not know the tasty spots around here.

Just hang on a sec, okay?

I'll ask a few people what the most popular places are.

I saw on TV that if you ask about ten people and check their answers, you can usually find a really nice spot...

Everybody! It's time for Cosmo Taste ★

Welcome to Cosmo Burger ★

Please place your order at the kiosk.

Kiosk?

Oh wow. Friend!

It seems the staff are calling themselves "kiosks" these days. How curious!

That man said we should place our order at the kiosk.

Usually, we'd say you place your order with the staff, but I guess they call themselves "kiosks" here.

Oh, so you order with this?

How do you pay, then?

Oh my goodness, you can do that?

Fascinating...

I think I understand. It's kind of like a vending machine, huh?

Now that I think of it, you can place an order without speaking to anyone at all.

That must make it much easier for introverts.

Hehe, how lovely!

Wow, this is so good!

That's the new burger, right?

Yeah! Want a bite?

Hehe, everyone's really enjoying their food.

A hamburger, hmm? It's my first time seeing one, but it looks quite tasty.

Hehe. No, I haven't.

Back when I was underground, our meals were pretty limited.

Not that the food they gave us was all bad, mind you.

We just didn't really get things like this.

Oh, nothing like that. Hehe.

I suppose you could say I was there partly out of duty, and partly because I chose to be.

I happened to know quite a few agreements that are best left unspoken.

Correct. There are other contracts as...

Um... excuse me. Are you going to order?

If not, can I go first?

Oh, I'm sorry. We've been chatting without even ordering.

Please, go ahead.

I suppose this isn't a great place to talk. How about I tell you the rest later?

Hmm, why don't we try that new burger?

Those two over there seem to really be enjoying it, so I'm sure it must taste good.

Since we're eating in,

should I go get us a table?

To go?

Here?

No, it's perfectly fine. I just didn't know this is how people ate out now.

It's always fun to experience new things.

I'm sure I'll enjoy eating out here.

*Sigh*

I just feel bad that you ended up paying because I didn't know how to.

I should have watched more about this on TV.

That's... true, huh?

Then that's just what I'll do!

Next time, I'm going to treat you to something healthy and delicious.

Hehe, now let's dig in.

!!

This is delightful!

So this is what young people like to eat these days.

I'm having so much fun! Hehe.

Enjoy!

...

Hm?

Yes, being able to eat while watching all these people makes me happ...

!!

Wait a moment...

Are we eating outside because you know I enjoy people-watching?

My goodness!

How very thoughtful of you.

You're so kind and caring, Friend.

Such a good boy.

How did you know, though?

What gave it away?

Mmm... yeah, that's right.

The Ark has changed in so many ways, and yet, some things haven't changed at all.

I find all those differences so endlessly fascinating that I can't help but look around everywhere and watch.

Hm... I did on occasion,

but mostly for work.

I've never really walked around the city like this, just for myself.

Even before coming to the Ark, I was in a lab training for what was to become my line of work,

so when it comes to what you might call "normal life,"

this might actually be my first time experiencing it.

No.

I was created to carry out the special duty of handling contracts and agreements.

I would watch Tetra TV,

and read the letters sent each year by the people who had contracts with the foundation.

Within those letters, there was a world I had never experienced:

a living, breathing Ark.

That might be why I had more of a personal attachment to this contract than most of the others.

What do you mean?

Yeah, of course.

I'm sad knowing that I won't be able to receive their letters anymore.

But...

they held up their end of the contract through to the very end.

That's enough for me to be happy.

Being able to inform someone that they've fulfilled their contract isn't something that happens often.

There was something Sarah mentioned earlier...

It was about people in the foundation,

and how a lot were dissatisfied with the support they received, so they tried to take the foundation's money, and then I had to discipline them.

Do you remember that?

At the beginning, there were over a hundred children in the foundation.

Now, only three of them remain who were faithful to their agreements.

No one else made it to the end of their contracts. They either passed away due to illness or unrelated accidents,

or were disciplined by me.

Exactly what it sounds like. I reprimand those who fail to uphold their contracts.

At first, I try to reason with them. If that doesn't work, I give them a warning.

And if that fails...

I resort to force.

In this line of work, that sort of thing happens more than you'd think.

Very few people see an agreement through to its end.

That being said...

with this contract, there are three whole people who either made it to the end, or who still can.

That's why I'm happy.

I get to meet with those who showed me the Ark long ago,

and then look them in the eye, tell them they've done well, and bring this all to a beautiful close.

I'd like to thank you, Friend,

for helping me bring something so meaningful to a proper end,

and for guiding me around this unfamiliar world I find myself in.

You're really a good person.

What's wrong?

Let's see, Leo should be...

here.

Oh, wonderful!

Hehe, all right!

Before we go, let's finish eating. Make sure to chew properly!

Once we finish, we'll go find the last friend on my list,

and give his story a beautiful ending.

...

Yes.

... Indeed, I believe this is correct.

... Leo.

Hello.

Does your name happen to be Leo?

No, Leo's my father. Who are you?

Oh, I see!

Goodness me, what a wonderful son he has.

It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Snow Crane.

I came to inform your father of the end of his contract with the foundation.

Are you... Miss Snow Crane?

You know who I am?

... Yes. My father had been waiting for you for a very long time.

I see! Then I should go see him right away.

Could you tell me where he is?

He...

My father passed away last week.

!!

But... we were in touch only a month ago... How could that happen...?

He'd gone quite some time without Evergreen,

and his condition suddenly took a turn for the worse due to his advanced age.

I... I see.

I wish you would've come a bit sooner.

My father never stopped waiting for the day you'd come.

All he ever talked about was when he'd finally get word from his sponsor.

Oh...

I'm sorry. I was... too late.

...

Thank you for letting me know. I'm sorry for your loss.

We should get going now...

Yes?

So... this is how we finally meet.

Thank you for asking his son about this.

When he told me what happened, my mind went completely blank.

This isn't the first time something like this has happened, but... I can never get used to it.

That's right...

He and I had corresponded for a very long time.

Every year, on the same day, he made sure his letters arrived in the morning.

He never missed a single one, not even this year.

He was faithful and dedicated...

That's just the kind of person he was.

And yet... ultimately, he passed on before we could finish things up.

I should have come sooner.

Then Leo might have received the letter he had been waiting for all this time.

Now I'll never be able to deliver it.

I have to take it back.

The recipient is no longer in a state to receive it.

Pardon?

That's true, but...

But... he won't be able to hear it...

Leaving the agreement... unfinished.

...

... You're right.

It's important to have closure.

Thank you for the advice, Friend.

Leo.

Though we are conducting this meeting in a way I had not anticipated,

you have faithfully performed your contractual obligations for the duration of the agreement.

Therefore, as witness to this contract, I, Snow Crane,

hereby officially declare that you, Leo, have fulfilled your contract with the foundation to the fullest extent.

I will now read this letter out loud on the signatory's behalf,

and bring this contract to its close.

"To my beloved child, Leo."

"After writing you once when you first joined the foundation, and again when you came of age and left the care facility,

I'm now writing you a third time."

"Have you been well?"

"If you're reading this letter,

it must mean you have kept your promise to the foundation for all these years."

"I applaud such a remarkable display of devotion."

"Despite the severe hardships you've endured from losing your family and being cast into an unfamiliar environment,

you've managed to live honestly without losing your light. That takes great courage and resolve, and I commend you for it."

"While I am sorry that I cannot tell you all of this in person,

it also means that, like all of you, I too am keeping the promise I have made with someone."

"Please understand that. I hope you'll forgive me."

"I wish I could see for myself how all your faces have changed as you've grown up."

"I bet you've become a fine adult."

"In fact, I'm sure you have."

"Though the contract will end, and the foundation will no longer walk through life beside you,

I truly believe you'll have already found new, dear family members."

"So, Leo,

I do not know how much of life still lies before you,

but you've proved your devotion in your life up until now,

and for that, I hope that your life will continue to shine until the very end."

"Even from afar, I will always be cheering for you."

"Your eternal supporter in life."

With this, I can report that all the foundation's contracts have come to an end.

... Leo.

Thank you for all the letters you sent over the years.

Through them, I was able to see the Ark even from deep underground.

... I wish I could have met you,

and told you this in person.

Thank you so much for your dedication.

Would you like to rest on that bench for a bit?

Thank you for today, Friend.

It's because of you that I was able to get closure with Leo.

Oh, come now.

I couldn't have done any of this without you guiding me along.

Thank you for staying with me for so long.

I'm glad it was meaningful for you as well.

Now then.

Since we've finished everything,

it's time for me to grant your request, just as promised.

Go ahead and ask for anything.

I'll do whatever I can for you.

You want me to answer some questions? That's really all you want?

I wonder what could be so important...

...

Well, judging by your demeanor, they don't seem to be just any questions.

Very well. I'll answer whatever you ask me.

However, if it's something I'm contractually obligated to keep secret, I won't be able to answer.

I hope you understand.

Very well.

And if it's not confidential, I promise I'll answer honestly.

Before we start...

Could you lower your head for a moment?

Yes. Just for a little while.

There, there now.

Goodness, why are you so tense?

It's okay, it's okay.

There's no need to be nervous or afraid.

I'll answer any questions you have.

And if you ask about some grave secret of which I can't speak,

I'll never threaten you, or resent you for it.

I swear.

There we go... Much better. Now let's take a deep breath, okay?

Good.

Relax and try to gather your thoughts.

Otherwise,

you might end up forgetting to ask all that you really want to know.

You can take whatever time you need,

and ask all the questions you want.

I want you to feel comfortable asking anything.

Hehe, really?

I'm glad.

Now then, let's begin our fun little question and answer time.

Oh, this isn't to relieve your nerves.

It's to set the mood!

Now, what's your first question?

I did say that, yes.

Ah, I can see how that would be an important question to you.

Goodness, I apologize. You've been waiting all day to ask that, haven't you?

Well, you're right. I do know something about your past, Friend.

Though, to be exact, I only know your name.

It was part of the information I received related to a contract.

There was a record relating to your birth.

!!

Do you remember that?

... I see.

You're correct. You were a child born as part of a project.

...! Y-yes.

How did you know that...?

You want to know about Project A.D....?

...

Friend...

... Just a moment.

I'm going to review the terms of my contracts to see if I'm allowed to answer this question.

It is completely...

... confidential.

I'm sorry.

I'm afraid I can't share anything with you. Divulging such details about the project would be a clear violation of my contract.

Only a select few within the Ark even know of the project,

meaning it's as confidential as can be.

Instead...

while it may not fully answer your question,

I can at least explain why the project was created.

Would that be all right?

Very well.

This is a story... about a very old contract.

A long, long time ago,

when the Raptures had only just begun to invade the surface,

there were two big forces: the United Forces of Humanity, a government military that fought the Raptures,

and a group known as V.T.C., a religious order that possessed advanced scientific technology.

Those two forces joined hands to fight the Raptures,

but around the time they finally accepted defeat and decided to retreat to the Ark,

the United Forces of Humanity made a major decision.

In order to secure the technology they lacked so that they could better govern the Ark,

they chose to merge with V.T.C. and take on a new name: the Central Government.

That's right. Many people believe the merger was the end result of a power struggle between the two,

but I think they simply decided that neither side could defeat the Raptures on their own.

When that agreement was reached,

the two sides each presented their conditions for the merger.

V.T.C. wanted to continue the research they had conducted on the surface,

so they entered into an agreement with Missilis Industry,

forming the independent research institute known as M.M.R.

Meanwhile, the United Forces of Humanity wanted to develop technology that would help humankind,

so they requested that V.T.C. share its miraculous scientific advances.

Yes.

There were many more conditions besides those,

but those are the two biggest ones I'm able to mention at the moment.

Also, when representatives from each party gathered,

the following statement was added to the agreement:

"This agreement has been made under the supervision of Veiled Order, a squad that exists to serve as witness to contracts."

"Should either of the two parties violate any of the aforementioned terms,

they may be suppressed by force."

Yes.

I was there both to witness the agreement and to observe that the contract is upheld.

That was one of the many reasons I remained underground until now.

In regards to one of those "technologies that would help humankind,"

you may have heard me refer to someone as "you-know-who" earlier. They offered themselves up as a test subject,

in exchange for getting M.M.R. to begin a particular research project:

Project A.D., the very same one you're interested in.

Someone who dreamed of making the world a better place.

They wanted the Ark to serve as the starting point for that, so they embarked on many different endeavors.

Project A.D. was one of those.

Also, I just thought of one more thing connected to Project A.D.

You've heard it mentioned many times today.

Yes. The miracle drug that extends the human lifespan:

Evergreen.

This person was able to get it mass-produced...

... as a direct result of their involvement in this project.

They were a really great person.

Not only did they kick-start Project A.D.,

but even the contract that you helped me wrap up today was one of the many good things they did for the Ark.

Hehe, yes.

In order to care for children who had lost their parents before entering the Ark,

this person used their own wealth and built this foundation.

However, they wanted to prevent the children from taking things for granted and becoming wasteful,

and they were concerned the money could fall into the wrong hands,

which would prevent the children from getting the support they needed.

To this end, the foundation made a contract with me,

and had the children send me letters every year recording the changes in the Ark.

Precisely.

They were.

They devoted everything they had to making the world better... to making it good.

Others may think differently, but that's what I believe.

So, to describe Project A.D.,

I would say it was one of several foundation stones this person laid to build a good world.

I hope you can think of it in the same way for now.

Someday,

I'm sure you'll learn the whole truth about this project.

Yes.

I'm sure of it.

You can ask me more than one last thing.

Of course I can.

To put it in terms of your job, they are... the boss, high up on the ladder.

To put it in terms of the Ark in which we live, they are...

the commander in chief.

Hehe, yes.

It's quite natural that you would think that way.

They are currently unable to meet with anyone.

Yes.

That's also why they wrote so many letters in advance,

and why I was the one to deliver them.

Correct.

For the time being, what I can tell you is...

at this very moment, while you and I are speaking,

the commander in chief is continuing to sacrifice for the Ark.

That's everything I'm able to tell you.

Was that helpful at all?

Is there anything else you'd like to ask?

Hehe, I'm glad to hear that.

Hmm... Well then!

Do you mind if I ask you one thing as well, Friend?

Yes. There's something I'm curious about as well.

I'd like you to answer it honestly.

In your opinion,

do you think the Ark...

... is becoming a better place?

Oh, really?

After spending the whole day walking around the Ark,

and hearing Sarah and Oliver's answers, with all their stories of the past,

I found myself wanting to know what you think.

Why do you think that?

Hehe, I see.

Why do you think that?

Mmm... That's true.

I see.

I appreciate your answer.

Me? Well...

...

Before I came to the Ark,

I saw many people on the surface who lost their families due to war,

or friends. Most people were sad.

But today, I got to see the Ark not through letters or television,

but with my own two eyes, and I got to see a lot of different people.

People still suffer and grieve because of illness, accidents, and the loss of life, but...

there was also a child who cried over a lost teddy bear, then smiled again when it was found,

and families who gathered together to shop and eat together, and...

everyone was just living their lives.

I think the fact that people can now live ordinary lives is an indication that the world has already been moving in the right direction.

And the reason people were able to reclaim a semblance of normality...

... is thanks to the sacrifices of good Nikkes and good people like you, Friend.

So I think everything will be all right.

No matter what kind of place the Ark may be now,

good people will continue striving to create and maintain a good world,

and the world will keep moving in a better direction.

I also believe you will stand at the center of it all,

because you're a really good person.

Oh, is that what was bothering you earlier?

There, there.

Hehe. Tell me,

when you first took me to the train station,

or when you comforted the child who lost her teddy bear, was that all because you wanted to ask about your past?

Also...

who says a good person can't have their own motives?

Having your own desires and hopes doesn't make you a bad person.

What matters is what you choose to do with those feelings—how you act.

I told you before.

Nothing in this world is "only natural." In the end, it all comes down to the choices we make.

So I think you are a good person, Friend.

And I'm certain that the future you're working to create...

will become the good world that I dream of.

Oh, I didn't mean to make you feel stressed.

Hmm, then how about this?

I'll watch over you.

No.

We don't need to enter into any contracts or make any promises.

I just want to observe,

to see the world you create.

That'll give me my answer, I think,

about the direction the world you build will take,

and whether it will be the good world that I dream of.

!!

I suppose that's true...

!!

Are you worried that I've been underground for too long?

... See? You really are a good person, Friend.

You've grown up to be...

such a nice boy.

All right. It's settled.

I won't stay underground anymore.

I'll live here in the Ark, and watch you with my own eyes.

Let's talk again someday. All right?

Dear Benefactor, It has been some time since I last wrote to you.

After fulfilling the final contract,

I now write to deliver my closing report.

In order to inform the foundation's children that their contracts were ending,

I came up to the Ark in person for the first time in a very long while.

Since the day I reprimanded V.T.C., to be precise.

I met Sarah, who now owns a cafe.

I also met with Oliver, who's had a wonderful life with the fine family he's built.

And, though I regrettably could not meet him in person,

I also found Leo, who lived a truly devoted life,

and notified him of his contract's conclusion.

All three faithfully fulfilled their contracts over a long span of time,

and as adults,

each succeeded in building a new family of their own.

It is just as you wished.

I also witnessed how much the Ark has changed.

Though illness, misfortune and death still cause people to suffer,

things appear to be like in the times before the war, just as you dreamed,

with people free to live normal lives once more, laughing and crying over beautifully trivial things.

Some people view these changes,

and claim peace has made society complacent, and that we are heading in the wrong direction.

They do not believe the world has become a better place.

Others see the same world,

and point out how people now help each other,

indicating the world is becoming good.

As you once said,

the fact that opinions are split down the middle may itself be proof that the Ark has undergone a meaningful change.

Oh, and Oliver asked me to be sure to tell you something.

He is grateful to have been allowed to live his life as a human being.

He, Sarah, and Leo all miss you dearly.

I wanted to be certain I conveyed that to you.

Also, through all of these moments,

I was together with the child you had hoped would be born out of V.T.C.'s efforts.

I watched him comfort a child who had lost her teddy bear,

accompany someone who'd lost their way to the place they needed to go,

help someone find closure who had been hesitant and wavering,

and, in general, offer his time and heart willingly for the sake of others.

He has grown into such a kind person.

And that is not all.

He has also achieved what no one else ever has:

he achieved the astounding feat of reclaiming a part of the surface.

While he did say he feels a great deal of pressure,

I believe he is growing into exactly the kind of person you once hoped for,

someone who will one day lead humanity toward a better world.

And so... now that all contracts with the foundation have come to an end,

I wish to watch what choices he will make from here onward,

and what direction the world will take because of those choices.

For the very first time, I am choosing to do this not as part of a contract or a promise,

but of my own will.

I hope... you will watch together with me,

as he creates the future that you long hoped for.

With this, I conclude my report and formally bring the foundation's contracts to a close.

Thank you... for everything.