Apocalypse City.Inside this game exists a vast story.There are many major, overarching plotlines, but the smaller, branching stories also boast an immense volume.These smaller branching stories are, in the end, the ensemble dramas of individual survivors.Among them is the story of a research director who studies the mutants and attempts to create a vaccine.「*It’s only a hypothesis, but it should be possible to stop someone from becoming a mutant just before they transform.*」「*Ah, on second thought, that would also be impossible. The machines would be down because of the electromagnetic pulse…*」At the time, the community forums blew up, claiming it was a crucial clue.It was because the players all shared a common thought: *Couldn't we just use that method on the infected survivors?*But they failed spectacularly.The reason was that the speed of mutation for an infected was different from that of an original mutant.Unlike an original mutant, becoming infected could take just a few minutes, or at most, less than an hour.The research director had already hinted at these time limitations.Those fragmented memories now surface with surprising clarity."Are you certain?"There was no need to lie about this part."I'm not certain. It's an unconventional method, after all.""I see."At the unsatisfactory answer, Gale let out a hollow laugh. At the same time, he coughed and spat up a spray of blood."*Cough—!*"*It's already progressed quite a bit.*"What is this method of treatment?""There should be a medical capsule on the top floor. Since it's for you, Sir, it should naturally have a cryosleep function.""…It does.""You just have to enter cryosleep."Gale seemed to ponder this, but soon answered, an expression of dissatisfaction on his face."Is that all? I doubt it’s that simple, is it?""For you, Sir, it will be a simple matter. For me, however, it will not be.""If I enter cryosleep, my body's metabolism will drop rapidly… a temporary measure to slow the mutation, I take it. And only you, Kyle, know the cure?" He still wasn't convinced. Mistrust lingered in his eyes.For him to choose the cryosleep option, a more detailed explanation was probably necessary."I have no intention of hiding anything. I will use two methods to revive you, Sir.""To have two methods and still not be certain… that is a depressing tale." His voice sank even lower, the pallor of sickness deepening around his eyes."First, there is a method involving administering the NH-03 neutralizing agent from the Weizen pharmaceutical company.""Hmm.""There is also the method of… transplanting your brain into an android or a brain-dead person."Unlike the first, it was a radical method that went beyond expectations.Gale's eyes shook.Regardless, he gave a slow, solemn nod. Having already started showing symptoms, he didn't have many options left."…That would be the most realistic method."Two methods. Both were solutions for the mutation symptoms proposed by the research director.Honestly, I couldn't guarantee the first one. I'd never tested it. The second method was the same, but its probability of success was quite high.*At the very least, it's a worthwhile gamble.*"There's only one medical capsule, isn't there? Is that why you had me dismiss my bodyguards?""That is correct.""To have calculated that far in advance…"Gale let out a soft chuckle.Although that wasn't the only reason, his estimation of me seemed to be rising.But that wasn't what was important right now.What was important was that Gale continued to speak with a much more relaxed demeanor."I've got nothing to lose."With those words, as if his decision was made, he shot up from his seat.Soon, he began to operate an android.*Whiiiirrr— Click!*"Frankly, I still can't trust your words. But as I said, I'm in no position to gamble on even a one percent chance."His hands were trembling, but they moved with incredible speed."Right now, there are only two clear truths. That my body is breaking down, and that I'm not the only one experiencing these symptoms.""Yes.""In truth, I knew as well. That I was inevitably going to die." With this belated confession, Gale no longer hid his haggard state. He looked quite sorrowful."So let's do this. I will now give an order to my children.""…""They are to protect me and this top floor. If your hypothesis turns out to be wrong, they are to disable my cryosleep."Gale's words and the delicate touch of his hands spoke volumes about how he viewed his androids."And I will assign the head of security and the guards who have not been administered NH-03 to you."As soon as he finished speaking, he began typing something on a keypad, seemingly composing a message for the security agents outside."As surveillance, you mean."Was the question too direct? His hands paused for a moment."I can't deny that."But soon, Gale continued typing with a bitter smile."If the situation truly unfolds according to your hypothesis, someone needs to take responsibility and wrap things up. If it's too much for you, you can entrust the cleanup to the security team. They may seem gruff, but they're quite intelligent people."From Gale's perspective, it was a deal where he lost absolutely nothing. In fact, it was better this way.It showed how easily he had decided on cryosleep.Still, hearing him say it like that, I couldn't help but feel a little twisted up inside.That is, until I heard his next words and confirmed the encounter."What should I give you as an advance payment?"*T-ding!*`[(Multiple Choice)]``[(Persuade) + (Deceive)]``[Result: Stress Level +10]``[+Gale's Reward]``[+Trait: Actor]`【Actor】- You can freely change your expressions and emotions. The success rate of persuasion, threats, and deception increases.The tension drains out of me. Unconsciously, I look down at my clammy palm. It was slick with sweat.***Just because he offers a reward doesn't mean I'll just accept it gratefully.I had already judged that it wasn't a situation where he could provide the reward I wanted, even if I asked for it."...I'm not doing this for a reward.""Even so, if I don't even offer a token of gratitude, wouldn't the pangs of my conscience be too harsh?"There was no encounter notification, but this was another important crossroads."If you insist, then please allow me to take some of the useful items from within Wayless.""Useful items…""Humanity might be on the brink of extinction. So gathering food or things that can be used as weapons would be a great help.""The androids are off-limits."He laid down the law emphatically.It would be a lie to say I wasn't tempted… but they were androids needed to protect the top floor, so it was an understandable condition.This was all just a preemptive move to prevent any unforeseen situations."…That's a bit disappointing.""As long as it's not the androids… I suppose it doesn't matter."It doesn't matter.At those words, the corner of my mouth twitched unnecessarily. Gale Wayless could never have guessed.He couldn't have known that I knew where his hidden study on the top floor was, let alone what was inside it.As much as I know him, he does not know me.Oblivious to that crucial gap, Gale showed a bitter expression without any suspicion."Really, will that be enough?""As I said, I'm not doing this for a reward."A composed voice. A firm expression. A solemn atmosphere.This trifecta came together all too naturally.The newly added trait 【Actor】 worked splendidly, without any need to check. It's amazing.To think that just the addition of the Actor trait could bring about such a change.My own expression felt smoother, to the point that I could feel the difference myself.*'It was a great trait in the game, but this is…'*Separate from that strange sentiment, Gale's expression was frozen harder than ever.A short silence passed. This time, for some reason, the silence felt long.Soon, Gale took off his glasses out of the blue."What if, I say.""…""What if everything you've said is true, and I survive thanks to you."At the same time, he walked over confidently and offered his hand."Then I will apologize. For having doubted you."His eyes already seemed to be apologizing."I hope you will remain my friend."I reflexively took his hand. It was trembling, yet I could feel a strong will within it.*'This feels a bit awkward, but… it worked out… right?'*I didn't give a cringey reply.It was because I have no immunity to these kinds of cheesy conversations."We don't have much time left. You need to enter cryosleep as soon as possible.""Yes, you're right."Gale Wayless, having confirmed his choice of cryosleep, unhesitatingly handed over his glasses."Lastly, how about you take these glasses? This is the token I can give you."The handed-over gold-rimmed glasses.With Gale Wayless's wealth, he could have corrected his vision through surgery, but I know the reason he wears these glasses isn't just for show.That's why a smile couldn't help but form on my lips.*'I was planning to take these too.'*"Thank you."`+[Wayless Special-Made Glasses]`I put them on as soon as I receive them to check the trait.*T-ding!*`-[Trait: Low Vision]``+[Trait: Hawkeye]`*'Ugh, yes!'*【Hawkeye】- Your vision is corrected. Your field of view is widened. You can easily identify targets at a ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) distance.The effect of the glasses isn't just correcting vision.They are glasses with the function of a small telescope that widens the field of view and allows for easy identification of objects at a distance.Thanks to them, the negative trait 【Low Vision】 disappears upon wearing them, and the 【Hawkeye】 trait activates.*'This would have amazing synergy with firearms… but it's much better than nothing.'*Once I put on the glasses, Gale laughed awkwardly."They suit you."After that, he quietly made his way to the medical capsule at the far right of the top floor."I've left a separate message for the Chief, so you won't need to explain the situation. As I said, you may take anything from within Wayless except for the androids here."Fortunately, the mishap of him calling the guards back in did not occur."Shall I help you?""Is there really a need for that?"I asked out of courtesy, but there really was no need.All he had to do was get into the capsule and press the cryosleep setting.Should I say some kind of farewell at a time like this?Having almost no experience with this sort of thing, I couldn't help but ponder what would be the right words."Hmm, Kyle, you there. Are you perhaps thinking something similar to me?""Pardon?""Cryosleep isn't really a big deal, but given the circumstances, I feel like I should say something. I just can't get a feel for it.""Hmm."Soon, as if a certain thought pleased him, he raised the corners of his mouth."See you again.""I'll be seeing you again."He lays his body down in the capsule.I watch him until the moment the capsule's case closes. At the same time, a chilly sensation washed over me.The gaze he sent until the very end felt cold. A gaze as if he knew everything.The corner of Gale's mouth, visible beneath the descending case, was cynical.In that short moment.*Zzzzzzing—! Hiss!*A deep silence descended, making the long conversation feel insignificant.No. Hadn't it been long?The reason the time with him felt long might have been because I couldn't let my guard down even for a moment during our brief conversation.Just from that exchange, I was able to roughly guess what kind of person Gale Wayless was.*'I'll have to save him, whatever it takes.'*Of course, I can't guarantee that he'll still be friendly to me even after I revive him."Shall we get started?"He might wake up and think I've robbed him of everything he owned.But didn't he say it with his own mouth? That I could take anything as long as it wasn't the androids."Survival supplies, gotta stock up."A chuckle escaped my lips. It was because the moment I had been waiting for had finally arrived.*'I even sent the agents outside for this moment.'**'If a problem were to arise, it would be the androids…'*I moved towards the bed where Gale had been lying, and fumbled along the wall behind it with my palm.And at a certain point, one of my fingers sinks in abruptly.*'But I can be sure. The androids won't block access to the study.'**Zing—*As it recognizes a human hand, text floats up. _̵̻̜̞̞͕͐̓͗́̇͗͞_̧̘̲̺͇̄̽̾͑̍̃̈͛͌̀͜_̸̖̥̪̤̯̖̰̏͛͐̚͟͞͡_̨̡̩̼̖͇̊̉̍̒̐̈́ͅͅ1̵̢̗̯̬̺̙̖̲̦̈́̅̿͒̉̂̾͡2̶̧͖̺̖̞̠̝̙̲͉̀͋͋̎̓͞3̷̢͈̼͇̫̎̾͟͝͠͠4̟̻̺̼̳̪͉̀͌̉̾͊̏̃̅͞͝5̵̹̹̦̦̳̂͑́̅͛̇͒͢͠͞͡6̨̡̛̞̦̩̦̘̪͂̾̆̄̊̋͐̔7̶̛̘̼̠̦̥͇̲̐́̇͑̓̉̚͟8̧͉̯͇̟̅́͒̎̿͘ 9̶̨̧̢̰̫̫̤̰͎̐̌̓̐̉*̴̢̭̩̝̭̟̺̉̆̽̀̀͞ͅ 0̡̟̪̯̬͖̻̋͊̒͋̉̍͌͡#̴̢̜͍̩̠͔̠̘̒̌̀͊̎̋̎͞͠ A whopping twenty-digit password.A classic character password, not biometric recognition. As expected, due to the 【Dyslexia】 trait, I couldn't read any of the password buttons.But that doesn't make the sneering corner of my mouth go down.*'He couldn't have imagined it, could he? How could he think someone else would know about the existence of the study that only he knew about?'**'But not only do I know of the study's existence, I even know the password?'*Just a little bit, I can't help but be nervous. It's because of the 'just in case' thought.It would be troublesome if the password setting was different now.If so, it would be right to just leave the city and go 'survive on a deserted island.'I can't read the characters, but thousands of experiences allow me to solve the password without looking at them.*Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.*Just four beeps. In truth, the twenty-digit space is a trap. The password to Gale's personal study is four digits.`0111`.Gale Wayless's birthday.
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