Prologue Activation
Tokyo. Chiyoda Ward. Nagata District. Central Government Building No. 8, interior.
On this day blessed with clear skies, a joint session was held with the aim of moving the government-sponsored MMMMMORPG (working title) toward its official launch.
The attendees were an imposing lineup of cabinet officials leading the project and executives handling project financing and administration.
Porta’s mother, Saori Hotta, was present as a producer, representing the Planning and Development Division. She looked very stressed-out and was seated at the far end of the business side, making herself very small. Given the lineup of political and economic big shots around her, this was a natural reaction.
But some people didn’t let these things get to them.
“As previously reported, all beta testing has been completed as scheduled, and all that remains is the final test phase. My name is Shirase, and shirase means ‘inform’—and accordingly, I am here to inform you that obtaining permission to launch the final test is the primary goal of this meeting.”
Given her track record in-game and her unflappable calm, Shirase had been tasked with running this meeting. She didn’t hesitate to throw in an untranslatable pun—nobody laughed, but she didn’t seem to care.
The attendees coughed, breaking the awkward silence, and began chattering among themselves.
“Completed as scheduled? Well…certainly, it wrapped up by the scheduled date.”
“I’ve heard rumors there were…incidents, but no lasting problems?”
“It’s become a model case for workplace reform. The cabinet has no further objections.”
“All’s well that ends well. I’ve heard you’re able to spend more time with your daughter now? Good for you, Ms. Hotta.”
“Th-thanks…”
Saori had already shrunk so much, any further shrinkage seemed likely to make her disappear entirely. But before she did, a new voice rang out.
“If I might have your attention.”
The speaker was on the business side of the table. He was in his forties—but surrounded by all these aging executives, he appeared even younger. One hand raised, he had a pleasant smile on his lips.
His official role here was “management consultant.”
“While run under the auspices of the government, this is essentially a voluntary sector project. We must be concerned not only with the political image and business finances, but with the all-pressing concerns about the impact on our country’s very future. This project cannot afford to fail. We’re all agreed on this point, yes?”
He glanced around the room, making sure everyone was nodding.
“This service will be an integral aspect of life in our country. The benefits go far beyond mere preservation of family ties.”
“True. The physical transportation of the user’s body allowed by the full-dive format has countless potential applications. Essentially, it will enable us to expand our country’s territory without causing any environmental damage.”
“It can serve as a replacement location for any number of activities rendered impractical by environmental decline and help with disaster evacuations—the potential is enormous. We should move swiftly to a nationwide deployment.”
“I’m glad we all agree. Which means, Ms. Shirase…”
“I am well aware. In order for that future to arrive, we must first make the official launch a success, as planned. A hit game enjoyed by parents and children alike where the microtransactions provide the funding necessary for future developments.”
“No need to inform us of such prosaic considerations.”
“Oops! The truth slipped out. Tee-hee-hee.”
Shirase bowed, clearly not remorseful in the least. She quickly assumed a grave expression.
“Then back to the matter of the final test. Management has been working hard reviewing the pool of candidates to take it on. We’ve narrowed it down to one family, and I’d like to introduce them to you.”
“You’ve finally made up your minds? Who are they?” the consultant asked.
Shirase shot him a meaningful smile and got the projector ready.
Saori slipped out of her seat and dimmed the lights. The screen on the far wall lit up.
“Just as a picture is worth a thousand words, these scenes of their actions in-game will tell you everything you need to know. Please enjoy.”
A highlight reel began playing.
On-screen, Mamako and Masato were walking side by side.
No sooner did they appear…
“…What?”
…than the pen fell from the consultant’s hand.
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login