CtG -Zero kara Sodateru Dennou Shoujo-:Volume1 Chapter 1: Input

Chapter 1: Input

“Then, see you tomorrow”

Even though it’s a homeroom the teacher leave the class along with a carefree smile. As the teacher left the class, class 1-C start to get noisy.

Kasugai Yuu took no attention to any of the topic others are talking about and stand up as he holds his bag.

He’s not particularly stand out or anything. He wear his uniform normally, the color of his undershirt violate the school rules but it’s okay, at any rate he is just a normal obscure sixteen years old boy.

After the sunset outside met his eyes── which certainly beautiful── he went ahead to the exit.

“Ooi, Yuu!”

The one who called Yuu was a boy who stands out more than him. His hair is a light brown and he also pretty tall. While only facing his face Yuu replied,

“What is it Kouta?”

Yuu responded to his friend. Itono Kouta. They’ve been friend since elementary school. Although their appearances are alike he’s more of spirited guy that goes well with innocent and pure people.

“It has been awhile, do you want to go to the arcade? Do you remember that person from middle school you beat up in fighting game? She said she want to face you again for revenge”

From the looks of it, there are two guys from the class waiting for Kouta. They often chat together with both of them during break time, but…

“…Sorry. I’m not really in the mood”

“I see. Well, can’t be helped”

Kouta easily nodded and leave the classroom along with the other two.

“Then see you later”

The smile Kouta left as he leave makes Yuu’s heart aches. As a friend since middle school, he understands Yuu’s “circumstances”. To be taken care by a friend, so pathetic.

Even so, he just doesn’t feel like to have foolish commotion with them. And while pitying his boring self, this time he finally off to leave the classroom── but then once again stopped by an acquaintance.

“Fuyufu…”

“If you isolate yourself too much, your relationship with others will worsen”

Kuduchi Fuyufu.

She’s a girl who would perfectly fit wearing S-size uniform, a small-sized petite girl. She’s even shorter than Yuu who’s shorter compared to other guys average height. Yuu look down her head that looks like a doll wrapped with sleek black hair.

In contrast to her small physic, her facial expression it that of a grown-up. Despite having a pretty cute face, something about her is hard to get close to.

“People call that 『Loner』”

And this part of her who loves to say things too much must be noted.

“What up with that suddenly?”

“Nothing”

As she said that, the light of her eyes shows the cold color of condemn.

“It has been a month since we entered high school. And in this crucial time, I couldn’t help seeing the kid from the neighborhood I used to play with losing even more friends than already is, so I came here to warn you about it. I’m so kind right?”

There are some parts he cannot let go but he got it. He’s not mad from what she said── since it is the truth── but the word “kid from the neighborhood” caught his attention.

Just how long do want to pull back our relationship from elementary school? He would retort.

“And what about you, do you have any friend?”

In respond Fuyufu let out a casual yawn reminiscent that of a cat.

“At weekends we’re planning go window shopping, eat sweats in café, and taking flirty and sparkly pictures in photo booth, three of us. Unfortunately they all girls”

…It’s frustrating, but doesn’t sound like a lie. Fuyufu appears to be unfriendly but she has some nice sides as well, and she also has the kind of talent to build a good relationship with others.

Yuu who failed in counterattack can only stand still while looking down at the floor quietly.

“Then stop caring about me, just go and have fun”

“Eh? Those girls are busy with clubs so just I came here to play with a loner who seems to have nothing to do though?”

Oh sorry, could it be you didn’t notice? As she look into his face with a pitying look. Against that, Yuu can only clench his fist and hold down his frustration. His effort worth some praises, he thought, but that is an impossible demand to make.

He let out a sigh. It was a mistake for thinking Fuyufu will cheer him up.

“Sorry but I don’t have any time to spare. Try someone else”

He said as he starts walking. This is what you would call running away. He knew that it’s impossible to win against Fuyufu verbally, if they continue who know when his heart will be broken.

“Ah…”

Fuyufu’s voice from behind sounds awfully weak.

But she did not chase over him.

When he knows that clearly, he increases his speed and walk off.

Yuu’s back slowly disappears from the hallway, she couldn’t even bid farewell to it.

“Haaa…”

With expressionless face, Koduchi Fuyufu let out a sigh. It feels like tears flowing up, but she managed to hold it in. It’s not like she’s sad or anything, she’s just a little nervous.

As the tension leave, complaints start pouring out of her mouth.

“Idiot… that shut-in brat“　

She knew that he’s still shocked about his mother but it has been a year since then, he should’ve noticed his childhood friend’s attitude. It just…

“Even I did the trouble to comfort him”

“““No, no, no…. you’re not comforting him at all!”””

Retort the group of three girls in softball and table tennis club uniform who were watching over Fuyufu from afar.

Around 10 minutes from the major private railways near the school, inside the famous market district there is a quiet station building.

And from there he exits the market district, then after more or less twenty minutes of walking he arrived to his destination. They say half century ago a real estate agent purchased this area all together and turn this into residential area, but because of the low birth rate there are a lot of vacant spaces.

And at the back of that residential area, right above the hill, there stood a big house.

It’s surrounded by grassy field and woods, the house that looks dark and pale even in daylight, is rumored to be haunted by the children of the neighborhood.

And in front of that haunted house, Yuu inserted a card key and type in the password of the electronic lock. *Pssssssh*… the sound of air pressure escaping through the cylinder.

He opened the door and entered the house. The evening sunlight passed from the corner of the door. He closed the door from behind and the sound from outside were severed and disappeared into the hollow.

That is the place Kasugai Yuu returns to.

“…………”

He didn’t think of anything in particular. After tossing some raw ingredients he brought from the market to the fridge, he walked straight to the living room.

He randomly threw his blazer and bag onto the floor and sits on the sofa while still wearing his uniform. His『CtG』 exclusive terminal, Rumeil, is on top of the table and was left charging.

After putting on the familiar device onto his head, he pressed the start switch. A blue light shines from the device, showing that it’s working. *Nnnnn*…. The low startup sound somehow tickles his stomach.

And then, a song can be heard──

His consciousness starts to fades away, melting, changing….

In few seconds, his consciousness will no longer be in this world and have made a journey to other world.

◇◇◇

Quest：	Hunt Twenty Goblin.
Difficulty：	D.
Quest Type：	Monsters subjugation.
Special conditions：	Must be done by the player who received the quest.
Detail：	To hunt down Goblin troops dwelling in the abandoned house of Imperial City White Keter. The king who loves outstanding gladiator is looking for a person who’s willing to take care of those Goblins all by himself. Oh brave hero, show me your strength in this perfect occasion.
Rewards are as follows……

The moment when a mail notification icon was seen on the corner of his vision was when an attack of an axe was swung.

Ignoring the mail for a while, he then quickly swings down his single-edged sword, a seax, onto the enemy’s nape.

“Keh……!”

The one who let out the low death throes voice, along with its head fell onto the floor, was the Goblin monster. What left from the remaining body is just unsightly pile of meat──

In common RPG they’re the typical small fry monsters and its treatment are no different even in 『CtG』. It is an opponent that even a beginner player can win in one-on-one fight. But on contrary, you need considerable amount of skill to win against large number of them.

Yuu (Clamp) watch over the dead corpse from above── and the next moment, large amount of blood start flowing out of the wounds and some splashed onto the wall. The blood that dyed the wall appears to be sprayed by a spray that splashed out from the dead body.

CUT OFF!

SINGLE BLOW KILLED!!

As a special effect of the result of his attack, words gets displayed with the sheds blood, it’s a system called Blood Descript. It’s said that the system added by the graphic designer, and Yuu honestly thought it’s a bad taste. But if this doesn’t exist, some player will feel something is lacking.

“They sure have good (bad) hobby…”

He muttered as he watches over the surrounding. The passageway of the deserted house is filled with the smell of mold and blood coming out from the Goblin corpses lying on the floor. Even though it’s a corpse, by the fact that it lost all HP it had makes it to looks like nothing but dead mannequin that lacks vividness and animation.

And on the corner of such sight is a blinking icon, and by swinging his line of sight he pulled it to the front. If it’s a normal mail he would open it after he finished his quest, but the color of this icon is red── designating that it’s an “Emergency”.

There’s still one Goblin lurking within this deserted building. There shouldn’t be much problem if it doesn’t attack from a blind spot. While resting his back onto the wall, Clamp open up the mail.

Sender：	Mifa
Contents：	Somehow it’s born. Contact me immediately

He stares at it for a while.

“What the heck is this?”

It’s incomprehensible. It’s from Mifa whom he 《Married》 with after defeating Megalon Evis. Her name is even written as the “Sender”, and a ring icon is shining next to her name.

But no matter how many times he read it, the contents of the mail is simply too abrupt and impossible to understand. Well, anyway, it says she want a contact.

“Any at rate, I have to reply…”

As he says that, he sensed a presence. But there is no figure of monster on his field of vision── and at the moment he looked up, the Goblin that was hiding above jumped at him!

Being caught completely off guard, he couldn’t afford to swing his sword or even dodge. That’s why Clamp did neither.

He casually let go of his sword and catch the Goblin empty handedly. Even though it’s short, the muscular Goblin is heavy, and he got pushed down by the momentum. As being nailed on the floor, he took a deep breath and,

『Snatch !』

After usage of 《Snatch》action, the notification sound of its succession echo through the building along with a burst of blood.

At the edge of Clamp’s vision a message saying Skill success, you stole a “Hand Axe” is displayed.

What happened was Clamp kicked the Goblin’s body simultaneous equipped the hatchet and attacked the goblin with it. It was strangely unlike him to be so impatient (or to be under pressure, if unrelated to sentences below).

──That 《Marriage》 he did just to achieve his goal.

──“It just inside a game” but…

He couldn’t have but to be curious. That’s right, that mail,

“It’s from Mifa!”

When he split the Goblin head as if splitting a watermelon, the mail that was left open got dyed in red by the gushed out blood.

◇◇◇

Within crunches that scattered throughout Dragons’ Cradle, you can find a mysterious mirror, when you go inside it you will arrive to “Terminus Cradle”. The world spheres that consisted in 『CtG』 are all connected together in this relay world. It’s what you would call the starting point of all adventurers.

On the blue velvet floor nine mirrors are lined up, this place is the lowest layer called the Parnassus room. As a place for all players to come and go all the time, it has the size of an event hall.

Boarding the elevator that hung at the middle will take you up to the market area.

Stores are sectioned in orderly manner, regardless of the stalls, large variety of merchandise are lined up, from medical herb to machine guns, item from various worlds are being traded here.

“This place is messed up as always…”

It’s an overwhelming sight no matter how many times you see it. The center of 『CtG』 service is done by NPC (Their appearance is like other player, but they’re character controlled by the program) that in charge of the shops lined up here.

And at the corner of the market area, there stood and lined a facility called Guild Hotel, a facility that often rented by particular communities as gathering and meeting spots.

And at one of those rented facility, inside a small room managed by the guild 【Labyrinth Troupe】, a girl waits for Clamp’s arrival──

“What… Is that? ……What?”

Seeing what Mifa is holding, Clamp couldn’t help but ask twice. He even forgot about Mifa who hold the thing in question. Unable to hide his surprise, his hands were trembling in shock.

Seeing what Mifa is holding, Clamp couldn’t help but ask twice. He even forgot about Mifa who hold the thing in question. Unable to hide his surprise, his hands were trembling in shock.

“Errrmm…”

The thing wrapped in pale colored cloth, the thing that’s resting on Mifa’s lap is…

A baby.

She has the same hair color as Mifa, and the same eye color as Clamp.

The figure that’s wrapped in fluffy and soft babywear appears to be less than a year old. She blinked and looked at Clamp with her strangely powerful eyes while holding Mifa’s finger with her marshmallow-like round hand with the lightness of cotton.

Mifa, who wore mixed expression of half-hearted feeling of cry and laugher, lifted her head and says,

“Somehow, a baby… was born”

………………

He never heard about this. Never. It’s indeed that he had 《Marriage》 event with Mifa, but, even so…. You know, they never did anything that would make a baby appear, and such system doesn’t exist in 『CtG』 in the first place.

Even so...

The moment he sees the figure of the baby, the feeling of guilt and pair of anxiety (or worries, your choice) instantly froze his body. Somehow Fuyufu’s face appears in his head, delivering a cold stare of contempt and disgust, that image were planted deep inside.

“K-Keep yourself together! I’ve been in panic from quite a while ago!”

“Aa…. Sorry. This is quite an unexpected situation…”

Because she made loud voice earlier, the baby’s gaze switched to her. A baby’s reflex actions are all abrupt and sudden. Mifa were flinched and let out a fake smile. The baby was emotionless but opened her mouth curiously.

T-That’s right. First they need to calm down. Clamp took a deep breath.

Calmly── Lets handle this situation calmly. Let’s first short out the known and unknown stuff, they need to first understand the current situation. There’s the phrase “DON’T PANIC!” in the best-selling 『CtG』 strategy book , 『CtG Hitchhiker’s Guide』 (unofficial), isn’t it.

First if all, let’s hear what happened.

“Side aside the baby… what is that big thing?

“Aaaa── ….”

Mifa didn’t answer for a while. She glanced at “that big thing” while clumsily shooting the baby on her arms. Clamp followed her gaze. Then,

“This child is the daughter of two of you”

The one who said that…
Said that…
Was…
A stuffed doll.

On top of the two resting purpose beds in the cramped room, was a huge mushroom stuffed doll. It has limbs although it’s a mushroom. Its width is as wide as its height and its face looks doodled by an oil pen. That thing is 『CtG』 mascot named 『Kinokino』 based on an existing monster in the game. However, its size varies from fifty centimeters to 1 till 6 meters.

And that giant mushroom had certainly just spokes.

*CRASH!* The sound of Clamp hitting the wall of the hotel.

“It spoke!? I’ve never heard that Kinokino can speak!”

Clamp once again panicked like before but for different reason. In respond, the Kinokino gentlemanly lower its head.

“Non (No). My name is Payakino, a Nanny NPC”

“Nanny…?”

“Ui (Yes). To take care of children born from 《Marriage》 Event is my function as well as my duty”

Why it speaks like a monsieur even though it’s a nanny? It has high-pitched voice, or more like, it sounds synthesized. Its gender is also unclear. No, more than that…

“Wait a moment, I never heard that baby will be born after 《Marriage》”

Yuu got lost in thought a bit, but if they believe what the person (?) said, then this NPC prepared by the system will answer it all.

The doll── Payakino then explain.

“Not knowing what will happen. That is the thrill of RPG”

It’s a mushroom who loves saying whatever it wants.

But that sounds fair. It’s not like everything about the event is written on the manual, and considering this is an ultra-rare event no wonders unexpected thing would happen.

He was about to ask more question, but then stopped by Mifa.

“I’ll explain first. Along with the time this baby appeared”

Mifa’s story didn’t go that well with her hair constantly being pulled by the baby, but summarizing it briefly it goes as follows:

When she log-in as usual── she arrives at the Japanese-styled world, Bushido Grave southern church── And there stood Payakino that deliberately lower its head in front of her.

Witnessing this mushroom…… thing, Mifa were truly startled, presumably more than she should had. Furthermore that mushroom was carrying a baby, and just like that it claimed that the baby is Mifa’s.

At first Mifa thought there must be some kind of mistake, but Payakino knows great detail about Mifa and Clamp, furthermore it has 『CtG』 digital signature of Imagine Ekphrasis corporation that shown in the extended manual.

In short── The pair of players are randomly given a child to raise and have it grown. But if either of the players refuses, this event will become invalid. And so on.

Naturally, this is not the kind of situation that can be simply solved by herself, Clamp’s opinion is required, and so she called him to this hotel──

“──How do you think?”

Against Mifa’s gaze after she finished the story, Clamp groaned.

“How… even if you say so”

It’s a bit problematic. Clamp tried to look for information about this system he never heard before, but…

“You know…. I think it is okay to raise her”

Mifa is unexpectedly up for the idea. Was *** just his imagination?

The baby then naturally switched her gaze at him.

Their “daughter” seems to like Mifa’s hair texture and continues to play with it.

Cute. He simply thought that.

Even though it looks she’s playing she did not show any smile, could it be because she still don’t understand emotions yet, or the Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just poor? Yuu who never taken care a baby before couldn’t reach a decision. That’s why he speaks what he thought.

“……But, won’t it be troublesome? Rising a child”

“You think? From what I read from the manual and heard from Payakino, we can just ask all knowledge and skill we need for it, and Payakino will take care of her when we logged out.

If you’re too busy I’ll try to raise her alone… and, isn’t it okay to not think about it too much?”

She smiled comfortably.

“This just a game after all”

The reason he agree with that, is it because Mifa’s optimistic way of thinking? Or because the guilt of having the baby disappears when he refuses? Or he just simply wanted to finish this event to the end? Even Yuu himself is unsure.

But, in contrary to Clamp’s nodding, Kasugai Yuu felt uneasy and has worries about this strange chain of events.

The criteria asides, only those who are perfect with each other must marry, was truly the right way of thinking. Even that person will one day regret that she chose the wrong partner. However an NPC baby were born without warning, it feels to be slightly off from 『CtG』 developer’s typical unscrupulous surprises.

It came from Kasugai Mana’s game philosophy, Yuu’s mother who continues to work for Imagine Ekphrasis in the third development office of 『Cradle to The Grave』 as the lead developer till the day of her death.

“Let’s give her a name!”

Clamp, who was thinking while staring at the floor, got called and he returned his gaze to Mifa in a hurry.

“Name?”

“Yes. This child still doesn’t have a name. We must gave her one”

Mifa held out the baby to Clamp when she says that. The baby’s pitch black pupil looks straight to his eyes.

Uuuu…. He receives the baby while trembling.

The baby that’s now resting on his arms is unexpectedly soft and terrifyingly light. It’s much lighter than the cat Fuyufu kept in her house.

The part where the gravity center did not changes when remained idle might because the lack of data inputted. And also the baby stays the same even on Clamp’s clumsy hand, instead of just simply meek it feels like it lacking of something.

──This child… did not possess full human body. That’s natural. NPC are people with human body but not a human, let alone this baby that was just recently made.

He felt that.

He felt that really well.

Together, he wanted to blow life into this empty vessel, into the empty existence. Just like being friend with dolls that we treat as if having personality.

He recalled back his young days as he think about that. It was the time when Kasugai Yuu played with his first friend. What he did that time was, playing house.

It just like the current situation. The girl from that time named the doll she has. Yes, the name was──

“How about… Haruha? This child’s name”

It was name that was taken from his memories. Although the baby in question didn’t have any reaction in particular,

“Hee…?”

Somehow Mifa opens her eyes wide, not blinking at all.

“……? What about it?”

“Aaa……… unn, nothing. I think it’s a good name.

Haruha…… Haruha-chan huh. Nn, it has a cute sound on it”

After that she continues to repeat, Haruha, Haruha, again and again.

She seems to like the name as well, the baby── Haruha then returns to Mifa’s arms.

While embracing the small body, Mifa narrowed her eyes gently and formed a broad smile with her mouth.

Clamp who feels something on his chest divert his eyes.

And then the two… No, three of them, along with Payakino with its featureless face, continue to watch over the baby in delight.

And thus the two players who are wandering in the world of 『Cradle to The Grave』, Clamp and Mifa, were linked together by Haruha’s arrival. Her birth was just too sudden and treated very lightly.

The time for them to learn about the meaning of that day, that moment, is still far in the future.

◇◆◇

Two months had passed in a flash after that incident.

Every day they visits guild hotel in Terminus Cradle── Not the hotel rented by 【Labyrinth Troupe】, but the one prepared by Payakino── Mifa and Clamp’s first and furthermost job is to talk with Haruha.

According to Payakino that resides at the corner of the room, the first thing Haruha need for her growth is “Words” and after that is “Experience”.

Both of them simply hold conversations with Haruha who continues to cling at them. They also do information exchange as part of their small talk.

When they tired talking, they would show some replay videos. It is part of Ramiel purchase bonus called private data storage, it would automatically record images in time of in-events.

This ends up affecting Yuu’s real life. He would often go absentminded and would be reminded by others, like in this instance at the school hallway.

“Yuu”

“Ueeeuwawaaaa!!? F-Fuyufu…?”

“…What is it? You look strangely in a good mood, I thought. And your reaction just now is like that of a man being caught having an affair”

“No way, that’s absolutely not, right?”

“Why are you asking yourself…? Well anyway,

……Is something happening recently? You seems to be awfully want to go back in a hurry”

“Nothing in particular… I’m just busy”

“Hmmm… Even so you appear to be way more energetic than before”

Might be, he thought.

When Fuyufu pursued the reason, cold sweats are leaving his skin. Why did that happen? He tried to not think about.

Payakino said, due to 『CtG』 system ──embryo’s effects or whatever── Haruha’s growth are accelerated. She became larger at incomparable speed compared to normal children.

In fact, Haruha learned how to talk in such short time.

“Mommy!”

There is the figure of Mifa, raising her fist high to the air, taking a guts pose along with Clamp who sits down, depressed.

“Next say “Father”, please”

He patted Haruha’s head, which where her hair had extended at considerable length. It has ticklish soft feel. Haruha rings her throat several times, letting out “Auuu” sounds while burying her face into Clamp’s chest like a mole.

Mifa also has some changes happening in her private life.

Previously, she log-in around 8:00 to 9:00 at night and would log-out after midnight, but ever since Haruha was born, she would appear in Terminus Cradle at six o’clock. There also days where she shows up earlier before Clamp.

When asked why, she answered with,

“......It also because I want to meet Haruha, but stuff happened and I no longer have to do club activities. Because of that now I have time to spare”

Her answer was a bit worrisome, but…

She said clubs, so it means she’s either high school or junior high school student── He thought a little.

After two months Haruha have earned the body and mind of two years old.

“Maybe it’s about the time we should show her other world spheres”

Following Payakino’s advice, they took Haruha outside. Since they’re bringing a child, they only roam around cities to guarantee her safety.

For example, in the White Keter Imperial City in Dragons’ Grave. From afternoon to midnight, millions of players are flooding this giant city, and within such mess the small Haruha continues to cling to Mifa’s arms while being simply being stunned.

They thought bringing Haruha who’s an infant would stand out, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. Thinking back, baby NPC normally exist in this world, and babysitter part-time job is one of classic early quests.

However Haruha, unlike normal “predetermined sloppiness” baby NPC has── do not wet herself or crying in the middle of night. She doesn’t even need to sleep or eat to begin with.

In the historical world, Bushido Grave Oedo capital, they watch over the fireworks sparkling on the sky on a houseboat sailing above the waterway. Right on his side is Mifa wearing a relaxing light blue Kimono, while singing a song in a clear beautiful voice.

It’s a song he never heard before, and it doesn’t appear to be one of those stereotyped song from the game.

“………Do you like singing?”

When he asked, Mifa blushes a bit.

“Well, yeah, but it just a hobby. I can’t let out loud voice at home so I practice here”

From her way of talking, it seems she play this game as replacement for karaoke box. Indeed, you don’t need that much money to use rental terminal (Ramiel), and it is way cheaper than going to a karaoke. Unsurprisingly, people with home-related circumstances are quite a lot.

“It’s a foreign folk song I arranged myself…… I’m sorry if it’s bad”

Mifa who shyly said that let out a modest singing voice in the sparkling night, her skill is truly great and makes her words from earlier sounds like a mere modesty. Hearing that, he speak what he had in mind,

“Your song, I love it. I don’t know much about song, but it has transparent feelings or something”

That transparent-like singing voice, as if fast-forwarded, lost its pitch and shakes, that moment Clamp saw Mifa’s bewildered eyes.

After replying “Thanks…” with blank look, Mifa resume the song. And behind those words of her, her face appears to be shrinking.

(Eeeh? Did I sound like flattering…?)

As he thinks about that, a warm sensation rides on his knee. It’s Haruha. Daddy, daddy, she says in lisp, like a little creature she stirring restlessly above his knees.

Small. Round, wherever you stroke her. It’s soft like a full-body cushion. She tries to stands wobbly but easily fell, and “Uuu~” stares at him curiously.

──Ultimately, she’s cute.

That must be because she won’t cry in quirky timing, her diapers wouldn’t suddenly be “that”, and she won’t barfs her launch, since she doesn’t have any of that, she is purely cute.

A daughter that won’t cause trouble to her parents, it might be truly an ideal child to have.

But not seeing her sleeping and crying face makes Clamp (Kasugai Yuu) feels something is lacking. Mifa might be thinking the same thing as their eyes met each other.

But if compared to parents who are suffering from parenting their child, they can’t really ask for such luxury.

Their wishes might won’t come true, but.

As Haruha slowly grows and learn more words, she began to show more emotions.

“……Daddy, Mommy, you’re slow!”

That day── A month after Haruha’s birth.

With her five-year-olds figure, Haruha made Clamp and Mifa to kneel in front of her.

In the usual hotel room. Haruha folded her arms together. It’s amazing how a baby who used to be so round and small became……… so grown up and dazzling. And beside her is Payakino deliberately playing with a shinai, swinging it back and forth.

“You two said you will come as soon as possible!”

Haruha’s enraged voice sounds similar to angry Mifa’s. And her awkward tone of voice reflects her innocent childishness.

“The soy sauce at the market was in sell… and it was very crowded”

“I-I’m sorry… something happened at little in the house”

The two of them earnestly apologize, with a silky voice as if reading a script.

“Ah, look Haruha. I brought a throwing knife. See, it has cute sculpture on it, it’s small and light so even girl can easily use it!”

Clamp took out the throwing knife from his item box and shows it. It’s within a small six sheet sets, it’s also popular as both accessory and decoration.

”Really? A weapon for souvenir, that’s why boys are no good”

After staring at Clamp with eyes of contempt, Mifa turned to Haruha with a smile.

”Look Haruha, equip this 『Crimson Tree』 Mommy brought for you. It’s a Kimono armor sold in Bushido Grave!”

”Haruha won’t be fooled with presents!”

Various items were presented to please her, but it seems Haruha’s displeasure won. *Tch*, Clamp mad at his own lamentably.

Haruha’s item storage is already filled full with presents like children guitar, canned slime, dragons’ bone (fake), and mechanical dolls from the two of them. Small Haruha used to unconditionally happy by their present and that makes them want to gives her more.

“You two just overdid it!”

While sullenly sigh, Haruha sits down on Mifa’s knee.

Her mind’s growth seems to be slower than her body, even though she would often walk around by herself, Haruha is still a spoiled mole she is. She loves playing with weapon Clamp and others brought for her but she love hugging Clamp and Mifa more.

“Haruha…… waited long you know”

That’s why her eyes looks very lonely as she stares at both of them while twisting herself in Mifa’s arm.

That’s right. Haruha have always, waited.

Not just waiting together with Payakino at daytime. Even though she has place to sleep, as the residence of 『CtG』, action of “Sleeping” do not exist within her. So, at day and night, she continues to wait for Clamp and Mifa, fully awake the entire time.

From now, let’s give up soy sauce sell and protect your promise. Says Payakino through its mind while beating Yuu (Clamp) with its shinai.

“Hiyaaa!?”

Screamed Mifa as she sees the head of Kobold fly up to the air. The monster’s face that appeared suddenly was cut by Clamp as it come across── Critical Hit!!

The blood splash in flashy manner and formed latters. Mifa avoids the bloody shower so it doesn’t hit the lantern she’s carrying. After that she weakly lets out amazed voice,

“Ughh…… it’s amazing you’re fine with that. A severed head…… even now I’m still not okay with it. And those that walk with two legs are especially scary”

Mine area of Dragons’ Grave. “It’s about the time for Haruha to learn about battle, take her with you and show her the drill” Following Payakino’s advice, Clamp and Mifa are currently previewing low difficulty quests for that future plan.

Subjugation quest 【Tunnel Kobold Extermination】 is as the name implies a quest to hunt certain numbers of Kobold within the back of the mine, it’s a quest for beginners.

While wielding his blood dyed sword, Clamp illuminates the surrounding with his lantern. It was then Mifa asks,

“Is it because you’re a boy? Are you type who likes zombie movie?”

”It’s not like that, but…”

Letting out troubled voice, Clamp tries to come out with proper answer.

”You often say it too right. This just a game, you said”

”Even though it’s this real?”

”Exactly because it’s this real. Having my strength increased able me to perform amazing movements, every time I perform superhuman-like skills through semi-automatic combat I feel ascertained differences between my actual self.

The strong me right now is not actual me. That’s why I can properly separate both”

“Not your real self huh…”

Clamp who was being wary of the surrounding did not Mifa was looking down in bitterness. Half consciously, Clamp speaks why he had in mind.

“The more realistic a virtual reality becomes, it decreases the player’s external sense to real world. It was my mother’s theory, that’s why this game──”

“Mother?”

Clamp let out a bitter face as he realized his own mistakes. And it’s a face that is unthinkable coming from that composed self-confidence “Clamp of Scarabaeus”. Something inside Mifa is being fueled.

“So your mom plays game too. What kind of person?”

“It’s not important right”

But his rejection by not wanting to face her face is instead does nothing but to lure her interest. Mifa is that kind of person.

“It’s okay right. We’re husband and wife for once”

While continue to plead, Mifa cling to Clamp’s empty hand. Mifa then confirmed her victory after realizing Clamp just stopped his breath.

“Why are you so flustered? This just inside a game isn’t it?”

Clamp who got a point taken groaned, and while being upset he says,

“Come on, let’s look more into the back”

And they begin to walk while Mifa keep hanging on his arm.

After a while, the dim light of the lantern starts to fades away, Mifa let out a little gasp and they continue to walk through the dark tunnel.

They walk, little by little, the boy and girl restlessly snuggled themselves with the natural heat. That heat do not comes from the lanterns fire or magic. That’s why, no matter how much time had passed, the heat won’t cool down.

“It might be just a game”

The one who speak after that was Mifa.

“Just a game, but Haruha is cute, right”

“……That’s right”

The moment Clamp formed a smile with his mouth, Mifa hold down her chuckle.

“You’re just like me……”

After holding back her laughter she lets out a smile, and the remaining heat disappears.

“What happened Yuubocchi? Thinking hard like that, very unlike you”

“What the heck was…… that? It sounds like derogatory term coming from a fairy tale”

“Sounds like a name of a fairy right? A person who always alone = could be a strange creature that only I can see, that is 『Yuubocchi』”

“It sounds pretty scary…”

It was in the cafeteria during lunch break he got called like that by Fuyufu.

Even though he got savings that his mother left behind, he couldn’t afford wasting money when thinking about the future. On other hand, because of 『CtG』 he doesn’t have much time to make lunch, so he have been living off with one bread every day.

But, a little while ago in 『CtG』 while in the middle of talking with Haruha, he lost his consciousness and were forced logged out── In other words “Sleep Failing” ── caused by his lack of sleep and declining health. In order to spend more time where Haruha, he begins to properly eat healthy food every day.

That’s why, in order to get inexpensive meal every day he goes to cafeteria, and naturally eating together with Fuyufu becomes daily occurrence. He stares at Fuyufu who sits on the on the other side of the table with her Kitsune Udon, and let out a terribly vague question,

“Fuyufu, do you think there are hearts dwelling inside computer?”

“What’s up out of the blue?”

Maybe because her emotions are bland, Fuyufu appears to be spacing out, but even so her academic score is pretty high. Unlike Yuu who only play games, Fuyufu read lots of books.

After sipping her udon while raising her hair so it didn’t get into the soup, she answer,

“It depends on your definition of “heart”, but it’s impossible to create self-consciousness through programs and calculation, is the theory I heard once before. Something about quantum brain theory or whatever”

“But isn’t that only applies for current computers?”

Fuyufu responds with “You mean?” face. Yuu had felt that he became too opinionated. While pointing her with the chopsticks he used to stab his fish hamburger, he continues.

“It’s 『CtG』. You know, the computer used for that is known for having stronger capability than any others. If it has that much power, won’t it be possible to create human-like mind?”

But Fuyufu unceremoniously shook her head.

“It’s not the problem of capability or processing power. It’s the nature of the problem itself. No matter how fast it calculates, even a computer than can respond to various situation, it would give the same result as other computers. Even if it can create the same entrance and exit as human, it won’t able to create the same maze inside. “Heart” is, that maze. If you want to create the same thing…… there’s no other choice but to give those computers flesh and blood as well”

After saying it like javelin, she continues.

“Or could it be, Yuu, you heard something about it? The computer used in that…… did you heard that from your mother?”

Fuyufu let out a regret face as she said that. It might just be a slip of tongue mentioning his mother, but it’s impossible to say that he didn’t care about it.

“Could it be, a one-in-the world machine exist somewhere…… no way, I’ve never heard anything about it. Even if I heard about it I wouldn’t know”

”That might be so”

Because of rude agreement, the conversation stops for a while. Over three quarters of seats in the school cafeteria are filled with students bustling. Within that environment, the distant they had that allowed them to distinguish the sound of dishes, that distant just like old time ago.

In contrast to Yuu who fell silent, Fuyufu opened her mouth after she finished swallowing her udon.

“Yuu…… did something happened in that game?”

His heart jumped. Spoken words can’t be taken back. Fuyufu persist with her gaze.

“Could it be…… Non Player Character, is it? Did you fell in love with one or something? That’s why you ask stuff about heart and all……”

It’s not a direct hit, but it was a blow that managed to grazes his neck. Even so,

“Of course not, it’s not about that”

It’s not a lie so he voice was straight. But Fuyufu continues to press on the matter.

“…………Really? Then why do you looks strangely happy recently?”

“…......Really? Then why do you looks strangely happy recently?”

“I-It’s just your imagination"

Somehow an image of Mifa tilting her head mumbling “Nn? Nn?” appears on his head. It’s not her. She’s not NPC, much less a girlfriend. She’s something else. The thing happened in the mine, she was just messing around.

Fuyufu suspiciously stare at him then avert her eyes in displeasure.

Fuyufu stay silent after that. After she finish silently consuming her udon, she took a paper napkin and start folding it.

“……Yuu. Do you know why I don’t play that game (『CtG』)?”

“Eh…… Because you’re not interested in it?”

She had always like that. No matter how much time he recommend it, Fuyufu never lay her hand on 『CtG』. When Yuu became teenager, he gradually becomes addicted to the game his mother help developed, and ever since his distant with Fuyufu slowly growing larger and larger. But.

“Wrong”

Incorrect. Fuyufu abruptly stands up, holding her tray and turned away. And then, while showing her back, she tells the correct answer.

“──It because I hate it”

After seeing off the small back of hers, Yuu dropped his eyes to one of paper cranes left on the table. As if harboring the displeasure of the creator, it directed straight to Yuu’s direction. Yuu naturally leaks a sigh.

It seems he had offended her somehow, but he couldn’t figure out why. That was pathetic. It had always been like that. Kasugai Yuu won’t able to understand others’ feeling unless it’s said out loud.

Speaking of not knowing, his question towards Fuyufu still did not provide satisfying answer.

(──No matter how high-spec the computer is, it can’t bring “heart” to life. Then, is Haruha who express so much emotion also a… “Fake”?)

But Haruha is clearly different compared to other NPC. Even though 『CtG』 NPC possess surprisingly large amount of various actions, it simply piles of numbers of behavior patterns. If you continue to talk to them, you will feel an inevitable sense of Déjà vu. At first Yuu also thought, that Haruha is one of those kind of thing.

Haruha do not feel or smell like program at all. Every day every time she shows various different expressions on a whim, it never stop changing── he never seen her showing “same face” at all. It might be that she change as she grow, creating new behavior pattern each passing day.

But there were certainly moments where such trick couldn’t explain. That’s probably because she has what called wisdom.

“Daddy, what is that?”

It was in the usual hotel room she asks that.

That time Clamp is facing the item 『Parchment』──A paper── he spread on the table. Mifa is late because of some errands she got in real world, so Clamp is together alone with Haruha.

He folds the parchment paper and creates a shape.

“It’s Origami. I’m making a 『Yakko-san』”

”Origami? Yakko-san?”

Haruha climb the table with her own body a peek what’s on Clamp’s hand. He attempt to give an answer to her bright sparkling eyes but── it was unexpectedly hard to explain.

That’s why he continues to fold quietly and finally complete the “Yakko-san”.

When presented to Haruha, she receives it curiously. She sits on top of the table and inspects it closely.

Looking at her like that reminds him of the figure of young Fuyufu. Origami is a play the learned together, the first time he finished making one, she also look at the paper crane he made just like that.

“What is, this?”

“What do you think this is?”

The reason why return the question might because he recalled back the conversation he had with Fuyufu before. Can Haruha, who was born from computer, “feel” shapes?

Haruha did not answer immediately. She just continues to stare deep the “Yakko-san”, and then, she answer.

“Is this… Haruha?”

It’s the time for Clamp to be troubled.

“Nnn…… half correct. That is the paper model of a person who used to work as a servant. Look, it has legs and arms right? In other word, it’s a doll”

“A doll…”

Haruha look at “Yakko-san” for a while then stroke her head with her finger, and suddenly she looked up.

“Haruha want to make one too. A more, bigger one!”

The girl’s hands are moving like magic.

She only saw Clamp making it once, but she folds the papers in a terrifying precision without hesitation. Open, and by the time he notice, “Yakko-san” was already completed.

He had heard that origami has mathematical structure, and this is precisely that. Even 『CtG』 that possess a lot of mechanical works, there’s no such skill called origami auto-folding. Nevertheless, the skill that Haruha possess── is certainly, a mechanical thing.

As if proving that his hunch was correct, Haruha once again fold another “Yakko-san” in an instant, it is identically the same as previous one. Rather than the same work, it’s more of a copy.

(As I thought…… she’s different from us)

Such obvious thing, why is he disappointed realizing it now? It’s a strange story. What operates Haruha is 『CtG』 and the thing that operates it is no other than computer, accomplishing small thing like this is not surprising at all.

──However, Haruha’s hand stopped as she works on the third one.

Open and fold again, after some trails and errors, “Yakko-san” is finally finish, but somehow it looks strangely different from the previous ones, its head is a little too big.

“? This is……”

In respond to confused Clamp, Haruha let out a warm fufun voice and a smile, and then she asks.

“What do you think this is?”

“Nn…… could it be, Payakino-san?”

The one who answered that wasn’t Clamp, but Mifa who appeared out of nowhere. Haruha sharpened her mouth saying “It’s was a quiz for Daddy!”, Mifa replied with a sorry and lift up Haruha’s body and put her down onto the floor.

”Sitting on table is bad”

”But then I won’t able to make origami”

Rather than mother and daughter, both of them looks like a sister. Clamp then return his gaze towards four origami on the table.

There are two big “Yakko-san”, one mushroom-like thing, and one small “Yakko-san”.

Needless to say── It’s Clamp, Mifa, Payakino, and Haruha together.

““Is this… Haruha?””

““A doll””

He recalled back Haruha’s words.

Clamp── Kasugai Yuu, felt hatred towards himself.

(Why did I think like that? “As I thought…… she’s different from us”?)

Even though he bad mouthed Fuyufu who denied personality that born from game, just now he treated Haruha like a foreign object. But she put him in. Within the origami family, figure Clamp is in there.

She is…… she’s such a child. Furthermore,

Being thought only the concept of “Origami”, Haruha created a mushroom-shape by herself. She can create “free ideas” from given information. No matter how splendid an artificial intelligence is, there’s no way it can do that.

Mysterious, strange, but helplessly cute “daughter”.

Haruha.

(How should I treat this child?)

Recently, because he prioritize meeting Haruha, he had neglected his goal to fully complete 『CtG』. Even though raising a child is not the event he should take care of.

Whatever happens, he must play through everything in 『CtG』.

The more he likes Haruha, the more troubled he becomes.

◇◇◇

”Ahahaha”

But strangely he no longer worries about his concern when he looks at Haruha’s smile.

Two months had passed since Haruha was born. She quickly had obtained what human call the physique of seven-years-old.

“It’s shaking. It’s shaking, daddy!”

Just a while ago she walked like an awkward doll but now she’s running around in the carriage like an energetic cat.

Western-styled world Sphere “Gunman’s Grave”. The powers of firearms in here are multiply times stronger than in other Sphere, this is world for Gunman.

Starting from the capital city, you will find huge railway connected to various locations across the towns and villages in this world, it’s essential for traveling in Gunman’s Grave and is part of tourist attraction. It’s a large locomotive that you won’t find anywhere in modern Japan, and the views outside the shaken carriage are magnificent.

Today is public holiday in real world, so Clamp and Mifa enters 『CtG』 during the day. Since they have a lot of time to spare they asked Haruha where she wanted to go and she answered that she want to try riding a train.

And so, the three of them boarded the train and enjoy the scenery from the window. It’s wilderness as far as eye can see. From distant you can see a wild Land Worm (A large roundworm-like monster) being hunted by couple of cowboys with their monster rifle.

When Clamp is captivated with this virtual landscape, Mifa stand from her seat and yelled at Haruha.

“Haruha, don’t you’re bothering other guests so please calm down”

”Okke~!”

Haruha waves the sleeves of her red Kimono while noisily reply the word of her mother.

Haruha waves the sleeves of her red Kimono while noisily reply the word of her mother. It was Mifa’s present made in Bushido Grave, ependymal (upper garment) armor.

It was Haruha’s first “dress up”.

“She’s quite energetic”

Clamp leaks out a smile seeing the scene of this mother-daughter exchange.

The border passages in the carriage are divided into two rows. Sitting right on the other side of Clamp is Mifa are a kind-looking elderly couple.

From the small talk they had before, this couple wanted to enjoy their leisure time after retirement but they worried about their health if they’re going on a trip…… eventually they decided on going to virtual world instead. They both love easy way of thinking and is a very harmonious married couple.

“That young lady in Kimono, whose little sister is she?”

“Ha, haa…”

Clamp and Mifa’s replies are inevitably ambiguous. They couldn’t help but to speak humbly when talking to older people. Even so, if they answer honestly it would dozens times sounds more like a lie.

Unaware of their confusion, the elderly couple speaks in merry voice as if saying “this is the main topic”.

“Could it be, both of you are couple?”

“”Ah, no, not””

This time, the two of them stomp the table and stood up, and smoothly answers. Both of them are certainly a married couple in『CtG』 but not a tiny bit a “couple” even once.

The old lady seemed to be a little disappointed. And the husband next to her rebuked with “Don’t so thoughtless” and changes the topic.

”Using travel PC, even old people like us and that young lady can go on a trip without worry”

Travel PC (Player Carrier) is one of 『CtG』 unique system that allows youngsters and even elderly to experience the virtual world. They do not receive any damage from battle or a player attack. It is commonly known as “Travel” and even player below twelve years old can essentially dive into the game.

In 『CtG』 body damage and endurance value (HP) are placed on entire different concept. Body damage and wound received will slowly heal and regenerates even when the remaining HP is low, but when all HP completely gone it will be automatically be a game over. In case of Travel PC, their HP is infinite and would never receive a game over in battle

“I still intends on staying as an active gamer. But playing on a normal avatar is bad for my heart or something and this wife of mine won’t let me”

“But dear, this is different from a video game you know”

The wife’s words then interrupted. Before they knew it, Haruha had appeared beside her, pulling her sleeves. Haruha looked up at the old lady, and curiously says,

“Haruha is not a Travel?”

As she just said, while being a child Haruha is not a Travel PC. That’s why Payakino told them to watch over her very carefully.

However, from the eyes of people who don’t know the circumstances it’s a mere violation of term.

”Hn? But, kid at your age──”

”But Haruha is……Mogyuh!?”

”N-No! It’s not that! This kid doesn’t really know how the system works so!”

Mifa let out a fake smile as she forcibly hold Haruha to prevent her from saying anything further. The elderly couple then easily convinced and stroke Haruha’s head, in exchange Haruha narrowed her eyes happily.

And so, it was pretty heart beating scene of explaining Haruha’s circumstances that even her guardians haven’t fully grasp on.

The weather outside is good and the scenery spreads are beautiful, they are blessed with cheerful companion in the journey. Mifa, and also Haruha, seems to be in a good mood as well.

I’m glad coming here── He wanted everyone to let out that finest praise for this trip, in this holiday afternoon.

But then, the train stops by sudden break in the middle of the wilderness.

In a way, this can be called as a well-executed train robbery.

The railway is blocked by a drove of large Land Worm, good thing the train stopped in the right time.

But after that, the safe box that was placed on the wagon collapsed.

The strength of security NPC is nothing great, and can be easily overwhelm by player status. That far must be according to their plan. But, inside the safe was empty. It seems they caught false information by other player’s mischief.

And then.

The four angered robber boarded the carriage Clamp and others are in.

“Okay, don’t move! Frankly saying, I’m really strong!”

The one who shouted throughout the passage seats are a bearded man who seems to be the leader of the robbery. He appears to be old due to his beard, but his voice is unexpectedly youthful. He must be at age of young adult.

”This is a robbery for collecting fund for conquering Marionette Grave. We’re on complete different level compared to those who just playing around! Got it!?”

What the man say “Marionette Grave” is a newly released world Sphere, world of cyber punk. In other to conquer it, expensive equipment is essential. Within group of inpatient player, there are people who dare to cross the dangerous line in order to collect fund just like this.

Seeing from Expansion (AR) mode, all information all filtered other than their level, and around their shoulder there are red placards (tag) floating above them. If someone try to attack someone on public facilities he/she will receives 《Criminal》 red tag, and for a period of time, they will be registered as target of subjugation quest.

As expected from those who want to be on top, their levels are certainly higher than Clamp.

“Listen, we will collect 1/3 of your money after this. If you quietly give it to us, we won’t kill you. Not a bad deal right?”

Penalty given when dying is “Losing half of possessed gold”, it’s certainly not bad deal. More than anything, even though the pain is reduced, dying in this overly realistic 『CtG』 world will give quite a fear until getting used to. It was a quite valid threat on its own way.

The other three man under the bearded man walk through the cramped passages way and start collecting, each of then threating their pray with their gun.

“H-Hiaaaa….. D-don’t shot! I will die!”

One of them pointed his guy at a girl wearing a nun (Sister) outfit who sits nearby. All other robbers are one stage lower than the bearded man but still on higher level than Clamp. They’re considerably stronger than Mifa.

(Maybe… No, don’t think about resisting……)

Peeking at Haruha who hugged tightly by Mifa, Clamp let out a sigh. If he were alone, he would think of resisting and prepared betting a Game Over, but now he had Mifa and Haruha.

Seeing the passengers being obedient, the bearded man licks his lips in delight. The color of his pupil appears to have brightens it seems he activated Extended (AR) mode vision.

“First of all, in order to not let anyone do anything strange in the middle of collecting money, we will be taking some hostages. ………The first one will be that pseudo Sister, and who will be next I think. No matter how much they resist, we can’t really make a Travel who cannot be killed as a hostage”

Somehow he got a bad feeling, and it was a hit.

As if licking through the passenger within, the bearded man shop around with his gaze, and his eyes stopped at Mifa.

“Oi, you woman there, you’re not a Travel right!”

Being called, Mifa screamed in respond. Clamp floats his waist.

(This is bad…!)

It was a frustration he never felt before, he have lost his composure.

But that anxiousness was not because of Mifa.

”No, Haruha don’t!”

By the time they realize, she have already escape from Mifa’s arm.

The girl in red Kimono── Haruha left the passage, and faced the bearded man around seven meters away.

The bearded man, and other robbers and the passages, must have first realized after Mifa raised a scream. He looks at Haruha as if just inhaled a poisonous gas.

“Oi…… what is it brat. I don’t have business with a Travel──”

The bearded man’s words were interrupted.

Deeply.

He then noticed a Throwing Knife stuck on his shoulder.

“Oooh….?”

It was a unique sensation of『CtG』. Because of the system, the pain is changed to slight sense of discomfort so you won’t feel any actual pain. But, that’s why the sensation of cold metal transmitted into his flesh can be clearly felt── passing beyond the realm of pain, he were haunted by an illusion of being a corpse.

And then the bearded man saw. The young girl in red Kimono, slowly come close and throw the second knife.

So casually, so agilely, and without hesitation.

Now is his flank. As if being sucked into the gap of his bone, the sharp blade continues to invade inside until right to its handle.

“──Hey”

The voice who called for the bearded man is from no one else, Clamp couldn’t recognize it for a moment. This cold and sharp piercing, voice.

“Why?”

Realizing that the shining Throwing Knifes on Haruha’s both hands were his gift, for the first time he recognized the owner of this penetrating cold voice.

The bearded man finally realize the opponent who attacked him, he then glared Haruha with wide open eyes, and point his automatic gun at her.

”Why, do you do this?”

But Haruha is undaunted. Her large unwavering eyes, as if being sucked in, pushed the bearded man to his limit. He pulled the gun trigger.

“W-What── You… shitty brat!”

• BANG*. The sound of gunshot from the bearded man’s hand. Even though it’s in virtual world, no one would stand watching a scene of kid being shot.

However, Haruha are unharmed.

The sleeves of her red Kimono fluttering like a flower petal. In one rotation as if dancing.

In that moment, while throwing knives with both of her hand she dodged the bullet at incredible swiftness. It was, as if knowing she knows where the bullet is going in advance, truly a bland miracle.

The thrown knife pierce the bearded man’s right shoulder, receiving damage on his leg, the bearded man fall on his knee and lie on the floor. If he feel pain he would scream, but fortunately that did not happen. But then, he turned his gaze to Haruha── and his anger turns into fear.

On Haruha’s both hands, the next knifes had already appeared. Small sized weapon like Shuriken that can be hidden under your sleeves can be replenished/equipped immediately if you have skill called 《Sleeve Weapon》.

The shadow from her bangs covers her face to her nose. The only thing seen on her face is just the cold light from her eyes, but that stare of her appears to be showing nothing but apathy to the bearded man.

That knife, that eyes…

With no mercy or hesitation, the girl shows the blade on her hand. In a way, it’s very children-like. Because she’s a child, she can beat down her opponent without showing any anger.

The girl’s movement had reached at front of the bearded man’s face. The cold wind cut by the knife, this time the knife change objective from throwing to slashing.

”Haruha, is looking forward for this you know!”

And then.

Haruha stares at the intruder who interrupted her holiday with all her might, she naturally lets out a condescending voice.

”Mommy and daddy said that we will have a lot of fun. Haruha is looking forward for it!”

That face seen from the shade, is no longer that of what used to be the cute spoiled little mole. Her face── her face has clearly explodes with anger.

“A lot!

I endured a lot!

and finally! Finally!

It’s finally!! It’s finally the day where we will play a lot!

but why!? Why don’t you understand? Is old man stupid!?

Why? I said, why? Why do you do such mean thing!?”

It was a children’s impeachment yelling to children for children. She believes that breaking her “Promised holiday” is nothing but pure evil and do not doubt that even slightest bit, it was unconditional trust she had for her family and the world. And now all of that is crushed, and it donated her childish emotion and caused an explosion inside her.

Naturally, the bearded man doesn’t understand what she meant. He just listens to her while being dumbfounded. He turns his head left and right searching for an answer but all he got is a stare from the girl in nun outfit.

Compared to the bewildered man, Haruha is way, way younger. She’s way too young to understand each other position and circumstances. That’s why, she’s so straight, selfish, and mercilessly.

“Such thing──”

The blade on her hand, as if sliding from the sky slice the man.

“Is bad you know!”

The blade cross and thorn the bearded man’s neck, the sprayed out blood vigorously formed Critical Hit!! words on the ceiling.

In that opportunity.

“W-What the heck is this brat!?”

The other robber who couldn’t react properly to Haruha’s overly imposing raid, finally moves.

First is the person who stand right beside the bearded man, he pulled out his revolver but then interrupted by the earlier nun woman.

In nearly the same time, the tall robber who was right in front of Clamp raised his rifle gun and aimed at Haruha. His aim quickly blocked by Mifa who jumped out of her seat, but there’s no reason for him to re-adjust his aim. He pulled the trigger──

That moment, Clamp moves.

While pushing down the tall man, he simultaneously takes his gun. Along with『Snatch!』 notification sound, the message saying 『You stole item “Automatic M1905””』 is displayed.

”Agh, bastard!”

”I won’t say sorry”

Sorry── before he finishes saying that, he start shooting down every bullet available all in one, that guy might not even catch the word he said. After around five shots, the guy’s HP drops to zero and his body turned into lifeless mannequin.

After he out of bullet, Clamp instantly throw the gun and stands up.

Then.

His eyes met a big-framed robber aiming his rifle at him. The gunpoint goes straight to Clamp’s head.

””……………Haha””

Feeling tension at each other, both of them exchanges maniac smile.

The robber changes to serious look in a moment and pulled the trigger.

It’s not the distant where he can simply avoid all the bullets; if he got hit at this direction he can’t be saved. Normally he would get a Game Over in this situation, but.

The bullet, missed. No, the prey (Clamp) just disappeared from the place he aimed.

”……He disappeared? How? Did he log-out because of external influence?”

”Nope── Got you”

The next moment that word was heard, the disappointed robber’s torso is blown away onto the air. 　

Clamp who returned to his position in an instant shot him with a Sawed-off shotgun. The robber who got shot and shreds in pieces clings on an unattended seat and glared at Clamp.

”What the heck with that instant warping…… a connection lag nowadays?”

Clamp didn’t answer and walk off, ignoring the robber. The robber’s eyes brighten, signing that he’s trying to check Clamp’s player status.

”Clamp……? Are you…… are you that “Clamp of Scarabaeus”? ………Wait, if so your level is too low──”

”Then you got the wrong person”

Not waiting for the robber to be convinced, Clamp bombarded the rest of the shots. The mannequin that lost its head rolls on the floor.

Seeing the surrounding, the last remaining robber had turned into a mannequin, he must’ve taken down by other passengers.

The mannequin that used to be the bearded man, suffering with miserable fate, had its entire body pierced with knife that sinks its blade deep inside, and its lower half are drowned in sea of blood flowing out of its neck.

And at the end of such sight, those girls are there. Clamp’s “Families”.

Mifa with trembling shoulder who hold Haruha tightly, and Haruha who question her mother’s action.

When his eyes meet hers, she showed a bright golden smile.

”Daddy! I beat him down with the knife you gave me!”

Other than a forced smile, what else can he show?

”Hey…… why that kid, isn’t a Travel PC?”

(Here it comes……)

The first thing they ask after everything settled down is that. Of course, it’s about his “Daughter” who’s in the middle of the room being hold by Mifa

”She appears to be elementary school students no matter how I see her……”

The man’s voice that was representing the other passengers is strong. A non-Travel PC under age of thirteen is against the law.

“Well…… You see, this kid is──”

He wanted to cover up but couldn’t come out with a good lie. Kasugai Yuu isn’t particularly smart or has food mouth, he just a simple high school boy.

He might as well speak the truth.

Haruha is a baby born as part of 《Marriage》 event. That’s why he doesn't have to worry. Because, she isn’t a human, but.

──Terrifying. It’s not a joke.

He’s convinced. Haruha is not a human, only an existence within the game. That’s the truth. But, once it’s revealed, how will others treat Haruha from now on?

An NPC that can think, creates, and possess emotions. There’s no need to recall back the conversation he had with Fuyufu, Haruha had easily exceed the limit of an artificial intelligence. She’s an impossible existence.

Clamp and Mifa think that she’s cute, but that only because they’ve been with her for a long time. But in eyes of other people, as an errant object, she’s a subject of their curiosity and fear.

Fearful. They are afraid to be in contact with a non-human like Haruha. They are afraid to be targeted by her. If everyone learned the truth about Haruha, can Clamp and Mifa treat her the same way as before? Would they wake up from this dream?

Still── it’s still too early to think like that. Just a little bit more, please let her be as what she is now.

In the same time Yuu reached to his conclusion.

”Haruha is── this kid is……”

Mifa stands up and begin talking. Clamp reflexively put his hand to Mifa’s shoulder. Her voice, was shaking.

Mifa put her hand on Haruha’s head who doesn’t get the situation. Together, Mifa declared in loud voice.

”This kid, is… is not───ach!!”

　…………………………

And there was silent.

Well, of course. A truly troublesome words── and said with big voice pushed with only enthusiasm. In addition, the beautiful girl, Mifa, called out desperately.

”No, not about that…”

The player who asked about Haruha perplexedly let out word of denial.

They become silent again. It’s the atmosphere where everyone goes quiet.

Except one person, Haruha, who watch over the hard faces of the adults restlessly.

It’s not that she’s stupid or dense (My child is clever and intelligent you know), and not even because she’s young. She just simply don’t understand how “Special” she is. When Yuu think about that he somehow feel a bit sad, and tears seems to be flowing out.

And within such situation…

Out of the blue, the door of the vehicle is open. It was the entrance that was blocked by the robber from earlier. Naturally, everyone’s attention concentrated there── Uniformly, they were amazed.

”Well, hello and hello~”

Because, somehow, a giant mushroom just entered the carriage.

──It as you expect. It was Payakino lowering its head as if it’s a cowboy hat.

”AAaa-! It’s Payakino-san!”

The first one who raised her voice was Haruha, and she dived herself with all her might onto the stuffed-doll body. The Nanny NPC catches the cannonball-like girl.

”Bonjour. Monsieur mon ami”

And then somehow, it speak out greeting that sound more coming from the TV version of “Detective Poirot” rather than actual French. Imitating that, Haruha repeats the word “Monsieur mon ami” over and over.

Everyone within the carriage── Even Clamp and others── where taken a back, and on behalf of the elderly couple, the husband open his mouth.

”Haa…… So, who are you people……?”

”Me?”

And then Payakino, while saying “Well up’n go” rise up Haruha and tossed her to a big bag. And from inside, the muffled voice of Haruha can be heard── “Waaai! I’m inside a bag!”

Everyone’s eyes goes wide wondering what just happened, and then the mushroom shamelessly introduced itself.

“I am the wilderness kidnapper, Paya The Kid!”

”Eh?”

Not waiting for others’ respond, Payakino turned backward, and jump onto the back of the horse waiting outside.

“Yeeehaa~ go Silver Star!”

Riding the horse, it quickly disappears in an instant. ──

………… ………………

While carrying the bag that has Haruha inside.

””AAAAAAAAA!!! SHE GOT KIDNAPPED!!?””

Finally understanding the situation Clamp and Mifa screamed in unison, and their voice echoes throughout the wilderness…

In about an hour after, everyone had gathered in the usual hotel room.

”……Well, anyway we’re saved”

Just a while ago they were frustrated having their travel interrupted, but now Haruha is glaring on the card on her hand while learning how to play old maid with Mifa, Clamp is lowering his head against Payakino.

”Honestly, I’m out of option in that situation”

After that, they left the carriage pretending to chase over Paya The Kid, and regroup back with Haruha and Payakino who’ve returned earlier. They managed to leave the scene without answering anything…… maybe, he’s not really sure.

Payakino unceremoniously assured him.

”What are you talking about? this is part of my job as a Nanny NPC. You don’t have to worry about it, everything happened today will be taken care by people above so it’s okay. They should’ve erased all evidence, not even a dust left”

”Thank you… but, it sounds kind scary”

Anyway, from this matter, he will avoid having naïve thinking like before.

”May I ask….. how should I treat Haruha from now on?”

”How, you mean?”

”When she grows bigger, she can go out without being suspected as a Travel PC anymore. But, when that time comes, we…… what should we do?”

Indeed. Haruha possess ability to perform independent actions, in 『CtG』 world she’s a “free” being. She needs protection for now, but in the future she would be independent enough to act on her own.

──What will happen when Haruha no longer need “Parents”?

It’s not explained in extended manual given by Payakino.

“I see. Your worry is understandable, but it’s okay to consider it more carefully”

”Carefully…… even if you say so, Haruha had already grown so big. She would probably reach our ages in merely half a year”

”About that──”

Payakino words were cut.

Who knows when did she shows up, Haruha is clinging on Payakino’s arm. From the looks of it Mifa is putting away the trump card into the item box, and taking out a cursed music box she recently got in exchange.

”Hey, Payakino-san…”

Clamp got his eyes taken by the sight of Mifa letting out a sigh in downcast eyes and missed Haruha’s words to Payakino.

And thus, he begin to regret for missing it later──

“How long with Haruha can be with daddy and mommy?”

◆

Biiiii──────────────

──iii.　

The electronic reminiscent the buzz of insect vibrates throughout the room.

In a certain apartment room in the corner of the dimly lit room filled with trash more than furniture.

The thing that let out the noise was the device worn by the man, owner of the house.

It’s the terminal-Ramiel, used to play 『Cradle to The Glaive』. The massage “Malfunction” were displayed repeatedly on the semi-transparent surface of the visor.

The error sound would absolutely not stop. The man does not react to the sound ringing right on his ear.

He just, loosely folds his back on the chair, and let the foam on the edge of his mouth to accumulates and fall.

Biiiiiii──────────────

The electronic buzzing continues to vibrate inside the small room. And the man body in the middle is like maggots on the pile of dead meat.

Forever and always……

This man then found fainting in the middle of playing online game and was taken to hospital by the family member who discovered him and it was reported on news the day after. However, there are no eyewitnesses of the moment of his death.

In real life he has clear face with no beard at all, and his appearance in game is completely different.

That’s why no one would know that he’s the robber at the train in Gunman’s Grave who got his throat slashed by a certain girl.

Translator's Notes and References

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