Kommy's Story

I had been unable to fall asleep recently, so I went to visit Kommy for some pillow tips.

Kommy has been one with her pillow ever since she was born, so she's the expert on this.

Why? How? What?

I suppose that answers it...

Where did she go?

Always? So this isn't uncommon?

Tig... For some reason, this reminds me of Ner relentlessly criticizing Erpin all the time.

Hmm, now what? Maybe I should come back next time?

Looks like a normal room... but, there are a lot of books, surprisingly.

Red ones at that.

I'm concerned about my friend.

Kommy is so naive that she could read the wrong thing and head down the wrong path...

I should take a peek, just in case.

I'm curious about what she's reading.

Kommy uses big words from time to time. Maybe it's because of all of these books?

I wonder what kind of books she reads to learn such words.

Alright Kommy, let's see what you read.

So red... Huh? 'Das Catpital?'

On the cover of the reddest book that I had ever seen, 'Das Catpital' is written in bold letters.

What the heck? Why is this here?

The other books all have sophisticated titles.

Republic, A Critique of the Rich, A Theory of Justice, The History of Middle-ear—

Hmm, except that last one...

Calm down, Kommy. It's me.

I came to see you, but Diana told me to wait in your room.

I got bored, so I was looking through the books to see what you read.

I wanted to ask you about pillows. But wait, where did you go? Apparently, you go out often?

Nice, a fun—wait, the elven city?

Did you come back from Monatium?

.........

Then again, there are werebeasts who read red books, so it wouldn't be a stretch that there would be werebeasts who go to the elven city for fun.

The problem is that both cases apply to one werebeast here, though.

So, Kommy, do you like the elven city?

It's impressive how consistent someone can be on the outside and the inside, except for the part where she's a chow-holic.

Since Kommy is a curious, little werebeast, I can see why Monatium would be so fascinating for her.

Then, do you want to live there?

Why?

What a flawless, incredibly reasonable, and logical answer.

Alright. I understand perfectly.

I think the technical term is "zoning out."

Kommy gives me a straightforward response and then talks about pillows.

It's nice that she still likes the werebeast village despite it not being because of her affection for the place or her friends.

After all, Monatium is much further than Werebeast Woods. It's quite troublesome to travel such a great distance.

I came here to meet up with Kommy, but it looks like she'll keep me waiting again.

You're late!

Why are you busy? I've known you for a while now, but all you do is play.

.........

What's with the "Solitary" when it's the two of them playing?

For starters, I know that you have no conscience.

Coming from you, that seems unfair.

If I take her seriously, I'm going to get brain damage. Let's just move on...

Ah, yes, yes. Thank you oh so much for your generosity.

I keep playing with Kommy's cheek and pulling on it. It's addicting, I can't stop.

We also blow raspberries, but I have to stop because my tongue is numb.

Iawee (I agree).

The comparison to Diana annoys me, and I deny it, but my body betrays me.

Urgh... Fine, let's rest a bit.

Once I plop down on the ground, Kommy takes out the pillow that she always carries with her and lies beside me.

I knew it. She means she's going to sleep...

Do as you wish. Ah, by the way, Kommy. I just thought of something I'd like to ask you...

Now she actually says that she's going to sleep.

Anyway, you have a lot of friends, right? Who do you like the most out of them?

I will probably be number one, so go on with number two.

What?!

Th-Then who do you like second best?

BigWood? Not me?

Intentionally ignoring her enthusiastic nods, I ask...

I haven't seen you play with BigWood that much, so why do you like her?

Isn't that just using her as a scratching post and shield?

So, you just like her because she's good to take advantage of.

Hmm...

Well, it's an unexpected relationship, but it's nice that you get along.

Also, it does seem that BigWood would like such a relationship...

It's creepy how vividly I can imagine that scene.

So, am I next? Third on your list?

Kommy runs out of fingers and starts to count on her toes.

Unable to take any more, I close my eyes. This is all just a dream.

The cool breeze is a stinging reminder of this cruel day.

Huh? Can't you see I'm busy?

Can't you tell?

I may be doing nothing right now, but don't you see I'm putting in a lot of effort...

To do nothing even more actively and intensely?

Have I been joking around too much? This is the first time I've seen Kommy that angry.

Hahaha, of course I'm kidding. Who else would help Kommy but me?

So, what do you need my help on?

What?! You really needed my help!

Tell me what happened, make it short.

.......?

Tell me what happened, make it long this time.

Kommy went on and on, but in a nutshell, it was a turf war between rival snack factions.

Butter, who loves soft cookies, was kidnapped by the faction that prefers crispy ones.

That's a real problem.

Does that include me?

Help Kommy.

Honestly, I want to let you guys handle it on your own, but I feel like I'd be committing a sin.

Let Kommy handle it herself.

Maybe it's okay to just let it be, since it's a chance for Butter to learn to appreciate the taste of crispy cookies?

...You eating crispy cookies might solve everything, don't you think?

If I go on, Kommy might end up in tears, and since I'm bored, let's lend a hand.

Alright, I got it. I'll help. Let's go save the Soft Butter Cookie Chip!

...

So, what's your agent name?

But you still asked for my help...?

Kommy exposed Butter's name. Now that we're on the same side, it won't matter, right?

It feels like it could be nutty and yet also sound like something you'd find in a courtroom.

I see. Do you happen to know where Butter Cookie has been taken, Agent Crumbly?

Kommy confidently strides forward, and before you know it, arrives at Diana's House.

Feels oddly familiar, doesn't it?

This feeling... There was a name for this. De...

Exactly, that's it! But right now, that's not important...

Could it be that the Crispy Party is the Chow Rebels?

... wow.

Maybe I'm overthinking.

So, there are three of them coming?

I feel like the Soft Squad's the same, but let's keep that to myself.

If it's two... who's with who?

What about Tig?

I see.

★ Today's Knowledge Nugget ★ Tig isn't particularly fond of snacks.

As the door creaks open, awaiting us inside is the dreadful sight of Butter in a pitiful state.

What is that?

This strange situation that feels completely out of place here...

Rufo and Beni were poking Butter's chubby cheeks with garlic breadsticks, trying to force-feed her.

The house was already filled with snack crumbs, as if there had been a fight.

Even now, the floor was covered in crumbs from Butter fiercely resisting the garlic bread.

I can already picture how this is going to end.

Agreed. Even I think this is a bit harsh. Let's just release her and call it a day.

I mean I feel bad for the owner here, not Butter. Cleaning this up is going to be a nightmare.

Looks like she hit the mark.

Yes, yes. As you command.

As soon as I stood in the middle, Kommy and Butter quickly hid behind me.

Kommy...?

Ugh...!

Final thoughts.

Caramel popcorn doesn't hit hard, but it has a damage over time.

Garlic bread is scruffy enough to be sharp, making its damage stronger than expected.

My decision is...

I hate them both! Sticky! Prickly! Painful! Annoying!

The four Werebeasts froze simultaneously. The air grew heavy, making it hard to breathe.

The Reaper has arrived.

Oh no, she's opening her eyes. Diana is about to get into Grade 6!

A rule of thumb: when a squinty-eyed character opens their eyes, it's serious.

I need to save myself. I'll spill everything.

They did it! They're the bad ones!

Uh, well? I tried my best to stop them, but they just wouldn't listen...

Once a friend, always a friend. I remain silent.

...

I kept my mouth shut, but I stepped aside just enough so the kids hiding behind me were in plain sight.

That's just how the world works. Don't blame me.

M-me? I was just standing here quietly...

Y-yes... My apologies.

The others all got whacked once with Diana's staff, leaving them with lumps on their heads as they cleaned up.

I was just watching while being relieved that I didn't get hit. Suddenly, Kommy shouted.

I think cleaning peacefully would be the better choice...

Kommy and Butter quickly began picking up the popcorn from the floor, even licking it clean.

I'm sure Diana's floor will be spotless...

I have arrived.

Using research as an excuse to avoid work, I came to the Werebeast Village for a bit of fun.

Apparently, some Werebeasts had issues after eating Elven Canned Food, commonly referred to as chow.

They say the Elves intentionally added a drug to the chow to make you smarter...

Just as I was wondering what kind of problem it could cause if werebeasts became smarter, Butter suddenly came running up to me.

Explain what's so terrible. Stick to the key points using the six W's.

What about Kommy?

...?

.........??

Did I mishear that?

Butter, could you say that again? I feel like I heard something impossible. Maybe my ears are broken.

Oh... Dear...

Shocked, I immediately followed Butter and ran to Diana's House.

What I saw upon arriving at Diana's House was Kommy, sitting at a desk, reviewing documents.

*Poke*

I had to check if my eyes were real. Just making sure they're working properly.

Y-you... you...!?

I'm shocked too. This version of Kommy feels so unfamiliar, and it's almost uncomfortable.

Is this because of the chow? Even so, the change is way too drastic! This is a total "Who are you?" moment!

Hey, Kommy? What's going on all of a sudden?

..........

I was left speechless by Kommy's response, completely at a loss for words. That's when Diana appeared.

Diana... Why is Kommy suddenly like this?

Diana seemed to like the new Kommy. Well, she had always been the only one doing any work, so it made sense...

But this isn't the Kommy I know.

Hey, Kommy. How about stopping for a bit and playing with us? Let's do something fun, like the tongue-twister game from before. Or maybe licking the ground again...?

D-don't say that! Playing a little won't stop you from getting your work done, will it?

Even if her personality has changed, Kommy is still Kommy.

Hmm... It's surprising, but maybe this isn't a bad thing? She's become so responsible. She might even be someone we can rely on now....

Huh?

That's not true! I mean, sure, I didn't exactly finish everything properly, but still!

Still... that's not true...

K-Kommy... has gone astray!

No! This isn't my Kommy! She would never act like this!

..........

I couldn't say anything else to this new Kommy.

All I could do was quietly return to the Sprite Village, feeling like someone who had lost their way.

What's the point of a life where I can't play with Kommy anymore?

Stop right there. Where do you think you're stealing from?

I had been dragging myself through each day, feeling listless, when suddenly Butter barged into the Sprite Palace.

Ah, I know. Isn't this what they call déjà vu? Ugh... I miss the Kommy who used to explain things so well.

Forget the six W's... Just tell me. What's the problem? Did Kommy have to work overtime or something?

... Gone!?

Kommy ran away.

As soon as I heard the news, I headed to the Werebeast Forest.

Kommy disappeared? Isn't she just out playing like usual?

I also spotted the title of the last book Kommy had been reading.

"Electric Bike Diaries"...

It seems Kommy read this and decided to set off on a journey of self-discovery.

No idea. I can't figure her out either.

Uneasy? You were so happy back then, saying how great it was that Kommy had grown up!

There's a maternal warmth in her words. Diana truly feels like a mother to the werebeasts.

By the way, is there anything like a bike around here? Or something you could ride...

A truck from the Elves, huh...

I think I have an idea of where she might have gone.

Let's see... They said it should be somewhere around here, right?

Didn't the elves say there was a little werebeast with white hair here?

As I went a little further, I saw Kommy surrounded by a crowd of Elves, speaking passionately about something.

Why are all these Elves... gathered here?

What... is all this?

The Elves in front of Kommy were hanging on to every word she said, treating her like a prophet.

I gave up trying to understand, waited for the atmosphere to settle. I approached Kommy the moment I saw an opening.

Kommy, what are you doing here?

Huh...?

Well... that's true.

Did you figure out why?

H-huh?

Well... that's quite the conclusion you've arrived at.

Now that you say it... that kind of makes sense?

So what's the conclusion?

Although a lot about this feels off, the strangely convincing logic made me realize one thing.

This is just Kommy asking to play... and judging by that, it seems the drug's effect is almost gone.

Alright! Let's play!

Yeah, yeah, I got it. Want a snack or something?

Like any of that would really happen...

Since "not working" was the core of the movement, the biggest issue was things like Ashur not baking bread anymore.

But, Kommy's words had left their mark in Monatium. The YOLO lifestyle and work-life balance became all the rage.

Even though Elena was annoyed, more and more Elves began embracing the pursuit of work-life balance.

And the one who started this entire wave of change was...

She was fully enjoying life as it used to be.

The effects of the chow didn't last long, and there was even a side effect... It made you dumber when it wore off.

Since Kommy had gotten so much smarter, the backlash hit even harder.

Not that it seemed all that different...

Kommy, are you done with work now?

The journey might have gone in circles... but the conclusion remains the same.

Well, this is the real Kommy. Many Werebeasts welcomed her back to her old self.

Sure, things got a bit more chaotic with everyone playing together more often...

But who cares?

Thanks to her, I can slack off even more shamelessly than before.

And so, the saga of the smarter Kommy ended, leaving memories for the Werebeasts, better quality of life for the Elves, and newfound leisure for me.