Chapter 123
The spaceship enters the artificial planet destination and after making some clattering noises for a while, the door opens with a whoosh. I wanted to understand the mechanism a bit more, but with the dim electric light and the words 「Power Saving Mode」, I couldn’t grasp what was happening from the window. I wondered if the 「SOD」 body might have night vision or something, but there was no such thing and the door opened without me knowing anything.
「Father, we’ve been waiting for you.」
「Seriously, what’s with that stupid bet in the will? Isn’t it in poor taste?」
The two familiar faces waiting were Kana and Kanata, now grown up. Kana is wearing her usual body suit, while Kanata is wearing a different colored work/combat uniform similar to mine. Also, it seems they can use anti-aging technology this time, as they look younger and have no scars compared to before. However, their voices still sound somewhat prickly… It was inevitable last time since I created that hell, but I wonder why this time? Sensing my question, Kana flashes an unpleasant smirk.
「It’s because she confessed and got rejected, right? Probably last time too.」
「Hey Kana! Don’t say unnecessary things!」
「That time was the best. After learning the Prophet’s truth, she thought all the more that she had to support you and charged in, only to be crushed. I’m so glad I got to witness the whole thing as your bodyguard.」
「You evil woman!!!」
Kanata shouts, her face flushed with embarrassment. This is the worst. The true evil might not be 「UYK」 or the 「Reformist」, but Kana. Kana grins with a look of delight, while Kanata shakes her shoulders with all her might in protest, but the beastkin’s physical abilities prevent her from budging. However, the fact that there’s no genuine disgust on her face suggests that they don’t have a bad relationship despite everything. I’m really relieved that my step-daughter has made a good friend.
The surroundings look like a station platform. However, there is only one exit with a sign that reads 「59」. The interior remains inorganic as before, but there are signs of aging, and a posted note states, 「Exits 12, 13, 24, 28, 68, and 72 are out of order and there are no plans for repair.」 As I gaze at this, Kana explains while guiding me to the elevator.
「The Reformist made some uncharacteristic cost cuts based on the premise that it only needs to last until 2060, so these kinds of problems inevitably occur.」
「In exchange, they were able to build such a large artificial planet, huh? It’s the opposite approach of the Reformist’s sustainable living in space. Well, I don’t have that impression since they haven’t succeeded until now.」
「You might have forgotten, but apparently a few thousand people were living in space in Ver3.00. In a sense, their goal was achieved at that stage, so this time there’s an aspect of them giving in.」
「Ah, I vaguely remember something about them dropping something from space.」
As if not wanting to show her face, Kanata stands behind me and provides an explanation. Hey, aren’t you supposed to be leading me? With that thought, we ascend the unnecessarily long elevator. Unlike over there, gravity seems to be properly present here. Although clearly weaker than Earth’s, my feet are firmly planted on the ground. I’m really grateful I’m not floating like during the revival viewing party.
Come to think of it, there are two things I want to ask about while we’re in here. One is how Momiji, Reina and the others are doing. The other is what was the deal with that mysterious bet?
「Momiji and Reina said they won’t meet you. It seems they’re swamped with work.」
「Is there that much to do?」
「The ‘handover’ and reconfirmation of several systems. Especially since we’ll be cooperating with the 2040 side this time, there are countless things to do.」
「Then couldn’t Reina at least show her face?」
「It’s so that Father doesn’t feel guilty. Mother will be running at the forefront as the vanguard along with Luck. There’s even a possibility of stepping over Mother’s corpse as we advance… though it seems extremely unlikely.」
「So we’ll meet on the battlefield then. By the way, what are our chances of winning?」
「I’d say we can methodically deal with ‘UYK’.」
「Seriously?」
For them, the Mishima Kanji that matters isn’t me here, but the me who went through hell with them. It’s only natural it ended up this way. I feel a bit lonely, but it can’t be helped. As I’m thinking that, Kana drops a bombshell.
「Well, the love battle has been settled this time, so Kanata and I actually have the role of preventing contact between Momiji, Mother, and Father. There’s a risk of a competition starting to appeal to gain an advantage in the 2040 romance.」
「Wait, who did I end up dating!? And that earlier part was just for show, this is your real motive, isn’t it!?」
「It’s a 4-choice question. Either one, both, or one of them with Teo. So, which do you think it is?」
「Wait a minute, include me instead of that guy!」
「Teo wasn’t rejected but you were…」
「Grrrr—!!!」
Kanata comically expresses her anger. I’m really curious though. I mean, we were so close until now, but amidst the despair for the future, we didn’t get to the point of dating. But this time we reached it. In other words, that’s how much the overwhelming sense of despair was lifted. They were able to feel like enjoying the time they had left.
The fact that it’s been settled is what dispelled the doubts in my heart the most. It makes me feel like we have that much means at our disposal this time. So what I should do is keep a poker face and push through the remaining few hours. And after everything is over, enjoy robot games to make up for the other versions of me. That’s really all there is to it.
Thanking the me of Ver4.00 in my mind, I finish ascending the elevator. Beyond that, countless conveyors stretch out again, and as Kana types something into the terminal, our bodies naturally start being carried. Kana puts her hands together with a slightly apologetic look.
「So I’m sorry, but please wait and talk with us in the waiting room. I think this matter should be decided by everyone in 2040 rather than our future selves.」
「Wait, so I’m safe!?」
「That possibility seems quite slim, so appeals probably won’t have much impact.」
「What did you say? Alright, Prophet, watch my sexiness!」
I feel heartwarmed seeing Kana stop Kanata, who has reverted to her old way of speaking and tries to unzip her clothes, with a vice-like grip. They seem to get along well. I’m put at ease by this lighthearted atmosphere lacking any tragic sentiment and proceed to the waiting room.
「What was the deal with that resurrection bet, seriously?」
「Apparently he just wanted to do it. I don’t understand the meaning either.」
「Then why did you even do it, me…」
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