The racing games in the virtual world were genuinely exhilarating. Because they were unbound by reality, I found myself racing through courses that plunged into the depths of the ocean or soared high above the clouds. I became so absorbed in the experience that the hours slipped away unnoticed.
My final record against Alice was one win and four losses. I’d been soundly defeated overall, but I’d managed to claw back a single victory in the final race, so I was more than satisfied with the result.
Eventually, Alice announced that it was time to open the attraction to the general public, and we transitioned from the virtual space back to the real world.
"Honestly, that was incredible. I’d love to play it again once it’s fully finished."
"I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. There are still plenty of hurdles to clear regarding costs and technical limitations, so the finished product is still a long way off—ten years at least. However, I’ll be counting on you to handle the test plays, Kaito-san."
"I’d appreciate that. To be honest, I’m already looking forward to it."
"Ahaha, there are plenty of other attractions in the works, so you can get excited for those too."
As I expected, completing a game of that caliber was an immense undertaking. Even with the combined efforts of Kuro—the world's leading authority on Magic Tools—and Alice’s vast store of otherworldly knowledge, it would still take over a decade to perfect.
Still, based on my experience playing it, it felt almost ready for release. I wondered if there were still some major underlying issues I hadn't noticed.
Sensing my doubt, Alice gave a wry smile and spoke up.
"I mentioned this earlier, but the plan itself has been in development for a very long time. For your information, the core concept was... 'to grant Isis-san’s wish.'"
"Wait... what?"
"In the real world, suppressing Isis-san’s Magic Power of Death is essentially impossible. It’s the very foundation of her existence. That’s why we came up with the idea of a Mental Split Body. Compared to her main body, a mental clone has significantly less magic power. We figured that if we used an External Formula to assist it, we could suppress the death mana as long as she remained within a Large-scale Barrier... or at least, that was the theory."
"..."
"However, even when we limited it to a split body inside a barrier—essentially a virtual world—it was still incredibly difficult to suppress the Magic Power of Death without harming Isis-san herself. Because of the astronomical costs and technical barriers, we couldn't even manage a proper trial run."
So, the impetus for creating that virtual world had been for Isis-san’s sake. Her dream was, without a doubt, to find a place where she could meet people who would accept her, free from the burden of her overwhelming power.
From the way Alice spoke, it seemed they had been pursuing this goal for ages.
"There was no real prospect of finishing it, and no guarantee it would even work. To keep from giving her false hope, we kept the project a secret from everyone else. Originally, Kuro-san was working on it alone, but she eventually reached out to me for help since I have knowledge of technologies that don't exist in this world."
"And you decided to help her?"
"Well, I owed Kuro-san a favor... and as for Isis-san, I suppose I felt the tiniest speck of sympathy for her. Not that I actually cared, mind you! I only did it because Kuro-san begged so much."
"You really aren't honest with your feelings, are you?"
"Ahem. Anyway, that was why we planned it, but we hit a dead end. Making even a single piece of experimental equipment was a nightmare... so the project was basically half-frozen."
Alice paused, turning toward me with a bright, cheerful smile before continuing.
"But then you showed up, Kaito-san, and Isis-san was saved. Not only that, but thanks to you, we secured the cooperation of Shallow Vernal-sama, and the project suddenly accelerated at light speed. You really are a 'Singularity,' Kaito-san."
"Ah, haha... well, if I could be of help... wait. Hold on a second. What did you just say? You got Shiro-san’s cooperation because of me?"
"Eh? Yes. Until now, Shallow Vernal-sama had flatly refused every time Kuro-san asked, saying she 'had no interest.' This time, however, she provided her support without hesitation—granted, it was on the condition that she gets a date with you..."
"A condition... for a date with me?"
"Did I not mention that?"
Wait a minute. I just heard something I absolutely cannot ignore. It was true that I’d promised to spend the Seventh Day of the festival with Shiro-san. I’d felt like I was being subtly manipulated into inviting her myself, but I hadn't minded at the time.
"Alice. Please tell me you're joking. You didn't... negotiate behind my back and use me as a bargaining chip to get Shiro-san to cooperate, did you?"
"N-No, Kuro-san was the one who secured the deal! Apparently, Shiro-san just kept repeating 'It’s not fair that only Kuro gets him' on an endless loop until she gave in..."
"Ah... I see..."
I could imagine it perfectly. That endless repetition would be enough to break anyone. I couldn't really blame Kuro for folding under that kind of pressure. Even so, I felt like I had to say something.
"By the way, Alice... do you know the term 'human rights'?"
"I was born in another world, you see, so my knowledge of the Constitution of Japan is... lacking, to say the least."
"Don't look away from me. Look me in the eye. You definitely know exactly what I'm talking about."
Dear Mother, Father—
It’s not that I’m against the idea of going on a date with Shiro-san. And honestly, if I was able to help Kuro and Alice, I’m glad. I have no intention of blaming them for what happened... but there is just one thing I'd like to confirm.
Where did my human rights go?
Serious-senpai: "You don't have any human rights! Serves you right, Kaito!!"
???: "Well, if Kaito-san doesn't have them, then you don't either, Serious-senpai. No human rights, and certainly no Serious Rights..."
Serious-senpai: "Stop messing around! What do you people think Kaito is?! Have some respect for the man!!"
???: "Even if Kaito-san had human rights... you still wouldn't have any, Serious-senpai."
Serious-senpai: "..."
The Actual Interaction:
Kuro: "Listen, Shiro. I agreed to clear Kaito-kun’s schedule for the Seventh Day, but you have to actually ask him if he wants to go on a date! I won't let you force him into it!!"
Shiro: "Did you not just decide his schedule on your own authority?"
Kuro: "That's different! I’m allowed... because I’m his lover."
Shiro: "Hmph."
Eden: "I see. In that case, I too shall claim my child—"
Kuro: "You are absolutely not allowed!"
Eden: "Blasphemy."