[Location: The rojiura alleyways.]

 Sion: This is a sudden and unexpected thing to bring up, but I think our lifestyle 
 has cultural as well as sociological problems. 

 Riesbyfe: Hmm?
 Satsuki: Hmm?

 Sion: (IM) When I phrased the situation in that way, they both seemed surprised, judging
 from the looks on their faces. They also seemed more serious than before. 

 Sion: To put it into words, it's the necessities of life. Food. Clothing. Shelter. 
 In regard to these, I have the following project outline, which I want to discuss
 seriously with you. In terms of comfort, rojiura lyfe is sorely lacking. Tell me your
 thoughts about what you'd like in a residence, a dwelling of your own?

 Satsuki: Why did you bring this up, Sion? Here in the Rojiura, rain pours down, 
 it's dusty and dirty, the summers are like a sauna, and the winters are like 
 being in a freezer. 

 Riesbyfe: If it's a desire for  kaizen (incremental, continual improvement), I understand what
 you're feeling, Satsuki. Nothing else would take precedence. 

 Sion: You have nothing to worry about in that regard. Synthesis of the raw materials, 
 along with construction of the architecture, are all being handled automatically by 
 a builder robot. If you will input your requests, I can immediately begin assembling our
 new home. 

 Satsuki: Really? Won't it be really expensive? 

 Sion: There are limitations in terms of space. We can't afford limitless expansion. 

 Riesbyfe: If that's the case, then I want a concert hall. I'm already used to the hot and
 the cold, but the noise here is jarring and grating. 

 Sion: Foreign immigrants such as yourself hold nothing back. I was hoping to hear your 
 request in terms of the ideal living space. I had not expected to hear such frivolous
 and extravagant desires. 

 Riesbyfe: You don't have to make such a scary face. Isn't it okay if I ask for some small 
 concession? I even had a room for music practice when I was working for the Holy Church.  

 Sion: If you say that, I'm going to give in. Very well. I will take your request into account. 
 How about you, Satsuki?

 Satsuki: For me, and it'd be great if you could manage it, a room like what I used to have
 before I came to live here. Yes. 

 Sion: I understand. I have no complaints with our current setup, so I require no extra
 indulgences. 

 Riesbyfe: How much is this going to cost? If construction takes place over a long period of 
 time, we'll need to find a seperate place to sleep, won't we? 
 
 Sion: No, we won't. Construction will be completed in about 20 hours. 

 Satsuki: Hoeeh!? It can work that fast!? It's even faster than a moving company!
 
 Sion: Satsuki, perhaps everyone else is starting to forget it, but even I, in my humbled state,
 am an alchemist of Atlas City. Are you saying you don't believe what I am saying?
 
 Riesbyfe: That's right. Sion doesn't understand her own value sometimes. If she goes all out,
 the results are amazing. 
 
 Sion: Of course. If I go full power, I won't be defeated by a mere moving company. 

 Riesbyfe: Fine, whatever. If it's going to take that long, I'll kill some time with my part-time
 job. 
 
 Satsuki: I wonder what I can do to pass the time. 
 
 Sion: Why not accompany me to the underground laboratory beneath the Tohno mansion?
 Sunlight can't get in there, and you'll be safe (to a certain degree). 
 
 Satsuki: Okay. I'll do that. 
 
 Sion: I'm setting up the robot now. Wait outside, please. 
 
 Sion: (presses buttons, finishes inputting the commands) Kept you waiting, huh? We're all set. 
 Let's head on out. 
 
 Satsuki: I'm really excited for this! 
 
 Riesbyfe: Even if I can't set up a studio, I still want the equivalent of a soundproofed karaoke
 box. 
 
 Sion: It's not a problem. The concept is simple. A spot that can't get wet that we can live in. 
 It'll quickly hammer out an ideal model for us. 
 
 Satsuki: Ah, I see! If Sion says that, I don't have to worry! Starting Day One, my long desired
 easy day of sleeping will finally be attained! 
 
 Riesbyfe: Satsuki, you're so pure. You don't want anything. In any case, adding a garden to that 
 is something best left for our dreams. 
 
 (Riesbyfe and Satsuki both laugh.)
 
 Sion: (chuckles, IM) Ries doesn't really want that much either. We're all quite mellow. 
 I can't makeanything immense, but I can make enough space for them - and I'll get 
 a lab out of the deal. And that was it, as far as we thought, so with great hopes 
 the three of us participating in the project went to our new home, where we'd live 
 together, sharing peaceful days. But the following night, once we got back to 
 Rojiura, we saw something we hadn't planned for. 
 
 [MELTY BLOOD Drama CD: Rojiura Pyramid Night] 
 
 Sion: (gasps)
 
 Satsuki: Umm . . . Sion?
 
 Sion: No. This is a mistake. The foundation of the design is wrong.
 Yes, that is it. I don't have to take responsibility for this mess. This is outside the
 range of the designs. 
 
 Satsuki: Umm . . . no matter how you look at it, it's a pyramid. 
 
 Riesbyfe: This was fated to happen. It's been often said, but Sion, you have no sense 
 for art. 
 
 Sion: But I just told you I didn't plan this! In fact, I made sure to tell it that the appearance
 mirrored how this place looked, but that the interior was to be remodeled and reorganized.
 Reconstruction was supposed to happen underground, and construction above ground was 
 not permitt- ! Someone is coming here! 
 
 Kohaku: It's right over, Akiha-sama. 
 
 Akiha: Wow, this is surprising. I thought this was another of your tasteless, wicked jokes. 
 
 Kohaku: How is it, Akiha-sama? It's weird and funny to look at, so I feel very excited. 
 
 Akiha: If you're that pleased by it, this is a most serious and troubling affair. 
 
 Kohaku: So if I like it, it's guaranteed to be an emergency situation? 
 It's so painful to hear you say that. 
 
 Sion: That voice . . . it's the Doctor and Akiha. 
 
 Kohaku: Whoopsie, Sion-san. When I'm not wearing the hood, please make sure to call me 
 Kohaku. 
 
 Sion: My apologies. It's Kohaku. And Akiha. 
 
 Akiha: Sion? Are you to blame for this?
 
 Sion: Well, I . . .
 
 Satsuki: Yep. She did it. 
 
 Riesbyfe: That's right. It's Sion's responsibility. 
 
 Sion: It's hard for me to recognize it myself, but we have these witnesses' testimony. 
 It's a scenario in which things deviated from my plan. 
 
 Akiha: I see. So do you know that this pyramid is absorbing the city?
 
 Sion: It's going that far? 
 
 Kohaku: True. It's reaching a splendid magnificence. And it has recently reached the 
 mansion's basement. Those underground tunnels linking to it are ruined!
 
 Akiha: Indeed. As much as I'd love to ignore this, that won't do. I tried to put a stop
 to it, but I was too late. Just twenty minutes ago it wasn't 40 meters. Now it has
 expanded to about 60 meters. 
 
 Riesbyfe: It's sucking down other things like they were pension payments. Have a look, Sion.
 The nearby block is being absorbed by the pyramid.   
 
 Satsuki: Will the people inside it be okay? 
 
 Sion: (uncertain) It's not a serious matter for them. The robot was ordered to provide
 housing for humanity. 
 
 Kohaku: It's fine to provide housing for humanity, but is it protecting human rights?
 (laughs)
 
 Sion: The standard for human rights varies in different areas. However, it is protecting
 life. Probably. 
 
 Akiha: This is why researchers are so useless. Kohaku, help the fleeing people evacuate. 
 We have to get people out of that thing. 
 
 Kohaku: Yes, milady. 
 
 Akiha: It's too early to take this lightly. As I have told you before. Research and investigation
 are vital, but when you are responsible for a mess, you need to take responsibility and 
 get rid of it. To not be able to is . . .
 
 Sion: (stammers) I understand. I have some dignity as a creator. It's against my will, but 
 let's go inside the pyramid and stop the builder robot. Naturally, you're kind enough to
 help, right? Satsuki! Ries!
 
 Satsuki: Hmm? Us!? But this is already more than what one or two people can handle. 
 
 Sion: You're kind enought to help, right? 
 
 Satsuki: (sad) Yes. We'll help. 
 
 Riesbyfe: If you two are going, I'll come along. This is why I'm here, anyway. And if we do that,
 don't complain to Sion. 
 
 Akiha: Of course. I came to investigate myself, but if the researcher understands the situation, 
 we'll get done faster. We'll be assisting you, and you'll get to tell us how it came to look
 like this. 
 
 Sion: How encouraging. We'll count on you for that. 
 
 Satsuki: If Akiha-san is here, I'll feel more confident (weak laughter). 
 
 Akiha: You don't have to act so reserved, Yumizuka-san.  Time grows short. 
 Sion, where's the entrance? 
 
 Sion: Very well, I'll lead you to it. The genkan was set to be over here.  
 
 [SFX: the sound of a metal door being slid aside.] [BGM - 8bit Famicom-era tune]
 
 Sion: This looks so extravagant! 
 
 Riesbyfe: I feel like I'm looking inside the Tower of Babel. Inside the darkness is a spiral
 staircase leading up to the sky. 
 
 Satsuki: Yes. And that music is something else. 
 
 Sion: I don't know why it's like this. I have no memory of programming in these settings. 
 
 Akiha: You designed it to incorporate the latest technology. However, this music sticks
 out like a sore thumb. 
 
 Kohaku: This kind of music tells you that if you take one wrong step off the staircase,
 you'll die instantly. 
 
 [SFX: The correct ding-dong you hear on quiz shows when a contestant provides
 a correct answer.]
 
 Satsuki: So that noise was . . . 
 
 Riesbyfe: "That's right!" 
 
 Akiha: How vexing. With things as they are, we can't afford to test that theory. 
 
 Sion: Countless sensors have been built into the walls. We can't know what properties 
 they have. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Oh, those things like eyes are sensors? I bet they can shoot beams. 
 
 Satsuki: Let's ignore such ominous ideas. Let's stay calm and climb. 
 
 Akiha: I don't see any other people here. Kohaku, go wait outside. 
 Aside from Yumizuka-san and myself, I don't want to increase the amount
 of people in here. 
 
 Kohaku: But for Akiha-sama to do this . . . it's dangerous. 
 
 Riesbyfe: No, it's as she said. Setting aside your personality, you're still a
 human girl. We wouldn't want to expose you to danger. I'll see you
 to the exit. It's my responsibility as a bodyguard. 
 
 Kohaku: Oh, I see. Well, thank you very much. I'll depend on you. 
 
 Akiha: Don't get up to mischief just because I took my eyes off of you.
 
 Kohaku: I'll do nothing of the sort! Akiha-sama, please be careful. 
 
 [The group continues exploring the interior of the period.]
 
 Riesbyfe: Here's a door. 
 
 Akiha: It's been a one-way path up until now. Is there only one room
 inside the pyramid?
 
 Sion: I think "area using folded space" encapsulates what this is. It isn't a
 trap. 
 
 Akiha: Let's open it. 
 
 Satsuki: I think I saw this door somewhere before. 
 
 [They open the door.]
 
 Riesbyfe: What's this?
 
 Akiha: Looking at it reminds me of a girl's room. 
 
 Sion: Oh that's right. Now that you mention it, Satsuki was ask-
 
 Satsuki: No! Hush! Don't look at it! 
 
 Riesbyfe: What's wrong, Satsuki?
 
 Satsuki: This place is my room! 
 
 Riesbyfe: Oh, so your room was built, just as requested. And it looks like
 with an eye for fine detail. 
 
 Sion: Correct. Although it may be somewhat inconvenient in that we can not
 proceed to the upper stratum without first crossing through Satsuki's room.
 
 Satsuki: Somewhat!? It's really inconvenient! 
 
 [SFX: a strange, bizarre sound]
 
 Akiha: Quiet, everyone. Watch out. It's not going to let us
 pass through peacefully. 
 
 Satsuki: Hmm?
 
 [SFX: Rumbling]
 
 Riesbyfe: Something's descending towards us. 
 
 Satsuki: This isn't playing fair!  There was no gondola behind the ceiling of 
 my room! 
 
 Neco-Arc: Don't say that, Miss No-Future. There had to be one or two defects.
 One could even go so far as to say it's a social problem. 
 
 Sion: That strange life form that looks like yukimi daifuku.
 
 Neco-Arc: It's so nice to be able to skip self-introductions. That's right! I am the great  
 Neco-Arc! The one who has taken control of this! The beautiful one 
 with treacherous designs who took custody of this fallow, unfavorable, and 
 decaying cursed project. Passing through this heartless hostel will set you
 back two or three cans of dried sardines. 
 
 Satsuki: Get out of here! This is my room! 
 
 Neco-Arc: Hmm. I've been living behind the ceiling. You got here late, kiddo. 
 And I just noticed. When I went to Atlas City, there was one who 
 repelled my invasion with extreme violence. Hope you've resigned yourself
 to being captured. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Okay, it's a cat. [uses piledriving shield weapon]
 
 Satsuki: This isn't the time to be playing with the cat. 
 
 Neco-Arc: Oh, how violent. How about a blast from my Magic Eye? 
 This expression of affection is like something Megaman [is hit]
 
 [crashing noises]
 
 Sion: Please calm down, Ries. That self-centered focus on destruction is not
 helping. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Whoops. I got carried away. I'm sorry, everybody. I forgot myself while 
 fighting that mocking cat. 
 
 Akiha: I could understand getting angry at it, but . . .  
 clearly, there are a lot of people with different tastes in the world. 
 
 Neco-Arc: Dang it. Trying to harm a cat with a punch? My head hurts like a pounding
 on drums. Oh no, the gondola's been broken already. 
 
 Sion: That's perfectly fine. By the way, did you see a construction robot around
 here?
 
 Neco-Arc: Nope. I've been waiting behind the ceiling here the whole time. Don't know. 
 
 Akiha: What a lazy, good-for-nothing lifeform. 
 
 Satsuki: We have to proceed past here. Would you please move and let us?
 
 Neco-Arc: For free? 
 
 Satsuki: Yes.
 
 Neco-Arc: (laughs) If you do stuff for free, the story will progress at a steady 
 tempo. So no way. 
 
 Satsuki: Isn't there a way? If you don't, I'll let Rise-san do whatever she wants. 
 
 Ri: (ominous chuckling) Even if I hit it, or even if I don't hit it, 
 that nasty and disgusting cat. I can't stop myself. 
 
 (SFX: drum sound)
 
 Neco-Arc: Wuaaagh! Is this sort of thing permitted? No, that's not good. 
 You have to follow this room's rule of peaceful conduct. 
 Yaaay! (party sounds)
 
 Akiha: What about using "oops! too bad!" violence?
 
 Neco-Arc: Shaddup! If you really want to move forward, you can after
 you defeat me in combat! Fight until one victor remains! The losers have
 to leave! That's pretty easy to understand, isn't it? 
 
 Akiha: Very well. In your case, I'll quickly eliminate you. Well, what are the 
 rules of the match?
 
 Neco-Arc: Fine. In here, if the opponent thinks he has been hurt physically, he
 loses. Naturally, if he runs away, he loses. If he dies, he also loses. All right?
 
 Satsuki: Okay, we get it.  
 
 Neco-Arc: Then I'll start by taking my turn. 'Recitation of a Diary Left Lying Around'. 
 
 Satsuki: Hmm? Oh! Nuoooooo! 
 
 Sion: You can't do that, Satsuki! If you raise your hand, that'll count as a loss!
 
 Satsuki: But you can't read that! 
 
 Neco-Arc: Giving up already? No wonder people mock Princess Bad End. 
 
 Sion: Time out! 
 
 Neco-Arc: They suddenly decided to invent new rules! Of course, it's inconvenient
 for me if I had no opponents. Fine, I'll permit it. As they increase the amount
 of rules, I'll release a supplemental text explaining them and rake in the 
 earnings. 
 
 Riesbyfe: We were saved by how dumb the cat is. 
 
 Sion: Satsuki, please calm down and think. For vampires such as us, psychological
 damage is only a small thing. 

 Satsuki: You can say that but wounds of the heart are different. Sion, you wouldn't like
 it if all your notes about secret weapons were ready by somebody. For example, 
 'The Super Weapon That I thought of that looks into 16 dimensions and 
 kills whomever it's pointed at'. 
 
 Sion: I didn't write that! I never wrote that. I don't want you telling lies, Satsuki! 
 
 Neco-Arc: Oho! It may be someone else's business, but hearing about that note makes my 
 heart go aflutter! 
 
 Sion: Satsuki, make your mind go blank! And forget everything about that note! 
 
 Akiha: Poor Sion is so troubled. Ries-san, the stairway's still like that . . . do you
 want to try the stairs?
 
 Riesbyfe: You mean the stairway which was confirmed to have a trap? Oh, I get it. 
 We can have the cat try the stairway for us. It's got such a bad appearance I want
 to pulverize it with my own hands, but for now, I'll give up the idea. 
 
 Satsuki: Can you get it to willingly leave the room?
 
 Akiha: I have an idea about that. However, Satsuki must bear the brunt of the first
 attack. 
 
 Satsuki: But that thing wants to read my diary!
 
 Akiha: Act as if it doesn't bother you. 
 
 Satsuki: So I'll be acting? But I guess if it hit Akiha, it'd be scary for a different
 reason. 
 
 Sion: We can't turn back now. Satsuki, take the hit. 
 
 Neco-Arc: Hmm? Think you can stop me with physical force? That's fine. This time 
 around, even if you hit me, it's fine. C'mon. Do it. 
 
 Satsuki: Okay, I understand. I'll deal with it. But only read one day's worth of 
 pages from that. 
 
 Neco-Arc: Agreed. I won't need more than that. Even a cat can show mercy. 
 Try to endure one day's worth of reading. (Ahem) 
  One day on one month. Tohno-kun didn't get pocket money.
      Ciel-sempai shared her bento with him.
	  
 Satsuki: Mmmnnggg.

 Sion: Satsuki! You can do it. 
 
 Neco-Arc: Should I make a lunch and share it with him? But what does 
       Tohno-kun like to eat? A fruit sandwich? Would he be willing
	   to eat that?

 Akiha: Oh, this is a fun diary, Yumizuka-san. 

 Riesbyfe: The chief instigator of everything is that young man.

 Neco-Arc: But if he didn't like it, it'd end up being a bother for him. 
       But homemade things aren't a bother. People make lots of 
	  mistakes when they're in love. Okay, I'll buy an expensive melon.
	  That's because in both love and fruit, sweet is strong!
	  And that's it. I left off the heart emoji. 
 
 Riesbyfe: You did well, Satsuki. 

 Satsuki: I get to take my turn next. 	 

 Neco-Arc: You've got a good look in your eyes. Bring it on. 

 Satsuki: You see, this is my room. On the door way is a plate that reads,
 "Satsuki's Room". 

 Neco-Arc: (Dang it, I forgot to take that down. That's fine.) Not at all.  
 As a Great Cat's Room, it surely has an ostentatious and overstated
 gilded sign indicating as such. 

 Satsuki: Really. Well, if that's the case, why don't you check to see if it's
 there?

 Neco-Arc: (Heh heh heh. What a fool. I've got a way out of this. I'll pretend
 to check. Then I'll secretly switch the signs.) Oh really? Are you sure 
 you didn't misread the sign? Wait, nothing's here. 

 Satsuki: Yes, that's outside the room. The rule was, violence is forbidden
 inside the room.  Burning Bitter Tears of Failure Sacchin Punch!

 Neco-Arc: Wuooh! (derezzes)

 Riesbyfe: The cat is de-resolving.

 Akiha: It disappeared? No wait, it has reappeared. 

 Neco-Arc: I feel like I experienced pure ecstasy. Although I lost one of my lives.  
 What a ----ing shame. 

 Sion: So does that mean it died? 

 Akiha: It seems that way. In any case, this place is scary. 

 Riesbyfe: Let's get out of here. 

 Neco-Arc: What about our challenge? 

 Satsuki: You died. Ergo, you lose. (She slams the door, leaving the cat outside.)

 Neco-Arc: Sacchin is scary. 

 [The group continues on their journey into the pyramid.]
 
 Sion: It has become full of extravagance and splendor. Like an old school movie theatre,
 or an opera house. Everyone, watch your footing. 

 Riesbyfe: This is something I asked for, so I should be fine. Sion and Satsuki, please be 
 careful. If you fall, you might suffer a serious injury. 
 
 Sion: That still is true for you, Ries. Even if it's something you asked for, it won't reduce
 the pain you'll get from being hurt in this place.
 
 Riesbyfe: Ah, yes. That's right. I'll be careful. Getting too relaxed could be dangerous for us. 
 
 Akiha: This is troubling. Feeling anxiety is a sign of being human. "Even if you look up 
 at the sky, don't forget about the ground beneath your feet." Going by that idea, 
 how can we use this building? No matter how high we climb, it still feels like we're
 headed towards the bottom floor. 
 
 Riesbyfe: As we keep moving up, the construction also continues. If we get to the last one, 
 the floor up in the heavens, it'll also be the first layer. This is kind of like a SF film. 
 
 Sion: One possibility is that it's a Moebius strip - it has no end. The stairs only go up
 from your own perspective. 
 
 Satsuki: They're talking about difficult things. I don't get it, but I don't want my room to
 be stuck in space. 
 
 Riesbyfe: I agree with that. Let's just break this and build you a new one in its place. 
 
 Sion: To do that, we'll have to move faster than this thing adds new parts
 to the pyramid. We'll find the construction robot at the very top of this structure. 
 If we can't catch up to it, we'll never win. 

 Satsuki: Oh, here's another door. 

 Riesbyfe: (checks the door). It's been soundproofed. This is probably my room. 
 
 [She opens the heavy door.]
 
 Riesbyfe: ! This place is - ! (triumphant music)
 
 Akiha: Very nice. Rather than a room, this is more like a small-scale concert hall. 
 
 Riesbyfe: This is very good. I love it. 
 
 Satsuki: But isn't this too big? It might be hard to relax and focus.
 
 Sion: Whether it's big or small, Ries doesn't care. (to Ries, who is 
 ecstatic and not paying attention) Look out! The enemy is preparing
 to ambush us! 
 
 (The door opens.)
 
 Kohaku: Hello~! Hey everybody, this is a hold-up! 
 
 Akiha: Kohaku?
 
 Kohaku: No! I am the knight of heaven, the mutinous Japanese-style miko! 
 The lady behind the curtains! Doctor Amber! 
 
 Riesbyfe: Like I give a damn! Hey you, suspicious gal! Don't use my stage without 
 asking! 
 
 Kohaku: Oh, she's impatient. What a scary person, Strawberry Parfait-san.
 
 Riesbyfe: That's Riesbyfe! Riesbyfe Stridberg! Say my name right! If I had a delicious
 name like that, I wouldn't have had to suffer so much over the years! 
 
 Akiha: Don't fall into the trap of conversing with her! Kohaku, what are you doing!?
 
 Kohaku: Well, it's like this - no, wait. Call me Doctor, Akiha-sama. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Get to the point and get off my stage. 
 
 Kohaku: Oh, what an impatient person. Even though Ries-san is normally cool and 
 composed, she gets so serious when music is involved. 
 
 Riesbyfe: You seem very interested in the weaknesses of others. Get off my stage. 
 I'll bring an end to this. You want to give us some kind of challenge, don't you?
 
 Kohaku: It's helpful that you're so quick to grasp the situation. Today's stage event
 is Hyper Unreal Mahjong. 
 
 Akiha: Mahjong.

 Riesbyfe: She's using the whole stage for this. Even the curtains. She's using this 
 gorgeous setup to run some dumb game.
 
 Kohaku: Oh hi hi. I even practiced a lot! I rehearsed for this! 
 
 Riesbyfe: Damn you! How about eating a 16 megaton punch? Get over here!
 
 Sion: No, Ries. If you show weakness to the Doctor, she'll take you down. 
 You've got to stay frosty. If you lose your composure, she'll end up using you
 just like Roa. 
 
 Riesbyfe: (visualizes that) I don't want that . . . (calm) So if we beat you in your game,
 we'll be able to pass this area.
 
 Kohaku: Of course. By the way, amongst your number, who can play Mahjong? 
 I know Akiha-sama can. Who else in your group can play? 
 
 Satsuki: I don't know how. 
 
 Riesbyfe: I can't read the kanji characters. 
 
 Sion: I only know the basic concepts. 
 
 Kohaku: How troublesome. We don't have enough people to play. It's really too bad, but 
 this will end in a loss by default due to absence. 
 
 Akiha: That's not fair! If you don't let us pass right now, I'll make you thoroughly regret it. 
 
 Kohaku: No need to threaten my private life. I'm so full of anguish, I might (in my grief) push
 this detonator. 
 
 Akiha: Who's threatening whom? 
 
 Satsuki: Both of them are threatening each other. 
 
 Riesbyfe: I don't know if they get along or not. 
 
 Akiha: Neither of us will back down. Fine, I get it. All of us will take you on. 
 That's all right with you, isn't it?
 
 Satsuki: (uncomfortable) Yes. I'll do my best. 
 
 Sion: It's the logical thing to do. Is that all right with you, Doctor?
 
 Kohaku: That's fine. 
 
 Akiha: But. 
 
 Kohaku: Oh, what is it? 
 
 Akiha: You didn't specify how we'd be gambling. We'll be doing that normally, but
 you'll be paying in blood.  
 
 Kohaku: So that's why you chose Sion and Satsuki! 
 
 Satsuki: (happy) I'll work hard! 
 
 Sion: You've gotten us motivated. 
 
 Kohaku: At what rate?
 
 Akiha: One point equals 1 milliter. 
 
 Kohaku: This kind of gambling is dangerous! If I lose 3900 points, I'll die instantly!
 I don't want to die like that!
 
 Satsuki: Don't worry. I'll drink you slowly (as much as possible). 

 Kohaku: That's still horrible.  
 
 Akiha: Why are you complaining now? Since we're following all the other rules, aren't
 you at an advantage? 
 
 Kohaku: Okay. I'll yield to your devil-like face and accept your proposal. 
 
 Akiha: Who has a devil-like face!?
 
 Kohaku: That's exactly the response I expected! 
 
 Sion: Akiha, for now let's listen to what the Doctor says. 
 
 (A chime rings) 
 
 Kohaku: Oh no! 
 
 Satsuki: What's the bell for?
 
 Kohaku: The Servant of Science, Doctor Amber, can only be in this world
 for three minutes. 
 
 Satsuki: That sounds inconvenient. 
 
 Kohaku: Anyway, it's time for all the plastic explosives I hid beneath the stage
 to explode. Amber will return to the chemical planet of dreams. 
 (fumbles with the detonator)
 
 Akiha: Everyone, grab her! Don't let her use that! 
 
 Kohaku: Ow, that hurts! Don't pull off the hood! My secret identity will be 
 expoooooosed! 
 
 Satsuki: Oh, she's really sensitive about that. It's that kind of setting. 
 
 (Later)
 
 Akiha: You could have used the entrance to leave. People like you are . . .
 
 Kohaku: Me? With love and justice, I'm no longer the chemical gal Doctor Amber.
 I'm already-

 Akiha: Enough. Start moving. 
 
 Kohaku: Yes~!
 
 (Later still . . . )
 
 Akiha: This keeps on going. Maybe it's too late for me to ask now, but what kind of 
 robot did you use?
 
 Satsuki: I want to know too. Sion, what type of robot was used to make this?
 
 Sion: To be frank, it's hard to say. The design is like a meek and docile version of 
 OSIRIS. 
 
 Satsuki: Huh?
 
 Akiha: What. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Did you say OSIRIS? 
 
 Satsuki: The same one created from the parts of TATARI? The same one that recreated
 the Hologram Summer? 
 
 Sion: Yes. We installed an AI that was programmed for construction. It was efficient to 
 copy the design of Osiris. But then-
 
 Akiha: Damn it! How could you use that monster!? Don't you remember how terrible 
 that thing was!?
 
 Kohaku: (hushed tones) If you don't understand what we're talking about, you should play
 the PS2 version of Melty Blood Current Code Actress Again. 
 
 Sion: All I did was use the original as a model. It only looks like OSIRIS. There are built-in
 limits to its behavior and functions. 
 
 Satsuki: Then why did the robot build this? 
 
 Sion: Maybe it's going with a "let's save humanity from ruination" kind of theme. "As it's 
 impossible to avoid the end, let's preserve the good things humanity created." That's
 the kind of approach OSIRIS had. And then the thing built this pyramid as an homage.
 It wants to preserve humanity's legacy. That's the function of this robot - the 
 OSIRIS-Revised. 
 
 Riesbyfe: OSIRIS-Revised! You just said OSIRIS-Revised! 
 
 Satsuki: Oh man. Just from the name alone, you can tell it's going to take revengeance.
 
 Sion: But listen - this pyramid's just a big safe. It protects both past and present history. 
 That's what it's doing now. The unnaturally precise and exacting way it recreated Satsuki's 
 room is an example of that. 
 
 Akiha: I can't bear to hear anymore. That's why it had this anachronistic design. The robot's
 trying to overcome death. 
 
 Satsuki: I just had a thought. Will the pyramid absorb the entire earth? 
 
 Sion: It's a shame, but I can't deny that will happen. The final will of the OSIRIS-Revised
 matched the desire of the original - to preserve culture and civilization. It decided that
 preserving things in their current state was the most effective way to do that. 
 
 Akiha: Last time. And this time. Every time you're involved, Sion, the resulting problem's 
 off the scale. Say, Kohaku - how did you know about OSIRIS-Revised?
 
 Kohaku: What do you mean by that, Akiha-sama?

 Akiha: If you didn't help with the construction robot, there's no explanation for the tunnel
 leading from your lab to here. 
 
 Kohaku: Oh, you mean that. We were pen pals. We've been that way for ten years. 
 
 Akiha: Why were you pen pals for ten years with a robot Sion just built? 
 
 Kohaku: That's a mystery, isn't it? Surely, it was a friendship that transcended the common 
 relation of humans and machines. And it also transcended ways of expression such as
 wording and idiomatic expression. 
 
 Akiha: You keep screwing around and I'll get angry. (grabs Kohaku and begins squeezing)
 
 Kohaku: No, don't hurt me-aaaaaaaack! Akiha-sama's two hands are like a vise, squeezing
 my head! 
 
 Satsuki: Wow, Kohaku-san. No matter how ridiculous things get, you never waver and back
 down. 
 
 Riesbyfe: I wouldn't want to learn from her, but she's a lady of conviction. 
 
 Kohaku: No need to praise me. Oh-aaaaahhha! Akiha-sama, I give up! I'm tapping out! 
 That kind of violence will make you disliked by Shiki-sama!
 
 Akiha: (giggles) Don't worry about that. If you die here, there will be no one to tell 
 Nii-san what really happened. 
 
 Kohaku: Hell! That line about how dead men tell no tales is hellish! 
 
 (Even later still . . .)
 
 (Construction sounds)
 
 Akiha: Looks like this is the end of the line. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Reminds me of the boss' quarters at the end of a videogame. Although it's not
 finished yet. 
 
 Satsuki: We've made it to the construction site. 
 
 Kohaku: Oh, she's here! Hey, Osshi!
 
 Satsuki: Osshi?
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Resource Manager Kohakki. This is the original room - place of the 
 dead throne.  Even though it's incomplete, and even though you are charismatic, 
 it's no place for the living. Leave now. Or . . . 
 
 Riesbyfe: It's small. The coloring kind of reminds me of a poisonous mushroom. 

 Satsuki: It's so cute. 
 
 Sion: That's enough, OSIRIS-Revised. "Activate Creator's Authority. The project 
 currently being constructed, the life preservation project, is hereby annulled. 
 Roll back construction and restore this area to its former state." 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: No. 
 
 Sion: !
 
 Akiha: It just refused a direct order. 
 
 Sion: Impossible! "OSIRIS-Revised! Force quit all functions!" 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: No way. 
 
 Sion: What the heck is this!? 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: The circuit you're trying to utilize is no longer being used. 
 Please confirm the access code and re-enter it. 
 
 Satsuki: It's engaging with us. 
 
 Akiha: Although it's not listening very well. 
 
 Sion: The access code for remote control has been replaced.  The 
 link has been cut. 
 
 Riesbyfe: I'm a little out of my depth, but maybe it'll work if you hit it
 sharply from a 45 degree angle. 
 
 Satsuki: No Ries-san, that's how you fix very old fat TVs. 
 
 Sion: If I jam etherlite cable into the core of the robot, I can re-establish
 direct control of the robot. However . . . 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: I am your past. I can predict any action you might try. I've taken the
 liberty of sealing your etherlite cables and your firearm. 
 
 Sion: (tries to pull the trigger on her gun, but it won't fire) 
 
 Satsuki: May I have a word? I think it would be good to stop turning the Earth 
 into an Egyptian-style tomb. It's bad to do that. 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Satsuki. How about I read the content of your unsent love-letter?
 
 Riesbyfe: Satsuki's frozen in place! Time for me to do what has to be done 
 by me. 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Audio room. A heaven-sent mangakissa. A recording studio. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Those are . . . 
 
 Sion: Ries? 
 
 Riesbyfe: I'm sorry, Sion! After having seen that concert hall, I can't bear to give
 it up! 
 
 Sion: You're weak against your heart's desires! Everyone, full retreat! 
 Satsuki! Ries! (They run away.)
 
 Akiha: Piece of Junk-san? What will you do for me? (Kohaku grabs her.)
 Are you being controlled by this thing? 
 
 Kohaku: Nope! I am Osshi's boss, sparkling with badness and ambition. 
 I'm working with Osshi to turn the Earth into a shiny mirror ball. 
 I'm Kohaku, and I approve this message. 
 
 Akiha: Badness  . . . and ambition? Not with dreams and hope?
 
 Kohaku: Indeed! It's the secret society's goal to turn the Earth into a 
 disco ball, lead by a burning dark heart. 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Well said. You get one Philosopher's Stamp. 
 
 Kohaku: Thank you, Osshi! And by the way, as it's a mirror ball it doesn't
 emit its own light. It just reflects light from other sources. 
 
 Akiha: Enough of this! Cut the crap! (breaks Kohaku's hold, begins to
 pin her)
 
 Kohaku: Oh no, this is on par with Olympic judo! (is thrown)
 
 Akiha: Well, that never gets old. (to OSIRIS-Revised) You've done well, 
 taking my hatefully cute servant and deceiving her. 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: She bothered me while I was working. She told me if I equipped a
 certain part, my functionality would be improved 300 times. I was
 the one who was tricked. 
 
 Akiha: What?
 
 Kohaku: (Mumbles while unconscious) 300 times. 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Although rather than being deceived, I can say I was forced. "If you
 won't buy it, I won't leave." So now I have to rebel against my creator
 because I'm hard-wired to do so. It's all Kohaku's fault. 
 
 Kohaku: (dazed) If you buy it, I'll go home quickly. 
 
 Akiha: (a beat) Can you keep this a secret from Sion and her crew?
 
 (Some distance away . . . )
 
 Riesbyfe: I don't think she's that bad of a person. In fact, I could tell she wasn't
 bad just from looking at that concert hall. That's-
 
 Sion: Ries, you can chill out in sleep mode for a while. 
 
 Riesbyfe: happiness for everyone - ah uh uhhhhhh...
 
 Satsuki: That thing read so much of my private stuff that I might die. 
 
 Sion: OSIRIS-Revised doesn't have any combat ability. However, within that chamber 
 she can set up prohibition bans that limit our capacity to fight. 
 
 (Akiha walks over to them.)
 
 Akiha: Say, Sion. 
 
 Sion: Oh, it's Akiha. What is it? 
 
 Akiha: Well, I started idly wondering about something. If, say, someone wanted to install 
 parts into OSIRIS-Revised that would affect the way it functions, where would 
 he or she install such equipment?
 
 Sion: Parts that affect the way it functions . . . ?
 
 Akiha: Yes. By about 300 times. 
 
 Sion: Well, I don't know about any additional part that would do that. However, it doesn't
 have any ports that would permit that. 
 
 Akiha: Oh. But-
 
 Sion: However, if you somehow wanted to incorporate an extra part, you'd need to do some
 modding. I must apologize. My insufficient crisis management skills have caused you a 
 great deal of trouble. 
 
 Akiha: No, it's not that. 
 
 Riesbyfe: I'm not great with machines, but what if we sever its power cable?
 
 Sion: Unfortunately it's not that simple. If I were the robot, I would have prepared alternate 
 power sources and reinforced my position - make no mistake, it'll have countermeasures 
 against that.  
 
 Riesbyfe: Is this too much for us?
 
 Satsuki: But it's a robot you built, Sion. Shouldn't it obey you, Sion?
 
 Sion: So in addition to severing its power cables, we also have to remove its battery. 
 That'll temporarily make it possible for us to shut down its actions. 
 
 Riesbyfe: All right. Where is the battery?
 
 Sion: In its head. 
 
 Satsuki: Oh, I get it! That big hat is its power pack. 
 
 Sion: In short, yes. Akiha?
 
 Akiha: What is it, Sion? 
 
 Sion: That earlier talk we had made me recall something. If you found the robot while
 it was recharging its battery, you might be able to access its network and alter its 
 information processing. However, the only one with the ability to accomplish that 
 would be me. 
 
 Akiha: Through the battery. 
 
 (Later . . . )
 
 Akiha: I have an idea. Let's look at the situation: Sion's weapons are sealed. So 
 instead of that, would you let us know where the cables are? 
 
 Sion: I can do that. 
 
 Akiha: Yumizuka-san and Ries-san can handle cutting the cables. I'll physically
 remove the battery. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Roger that. 
 
 Satsuki: Yes, ma'am. 
 
 Akiha: Are you ready?
 
 (The group arrives at the boss room.)
 
 Akiha: Time to bring an end to this chaos! OSIRIS-Revised! 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Hmm? 
 
 Akiha: You've thrown the world into disorder! Now quiet down and fix everything
 back the way it was! If you don't, as this area's just ruler, and in the honor of 
 the Tohno family name, I'll smash you with the hammer of justice! 
 
 Sion: Why are you talking like that? Suddenly you're really into this. 
 
 Akiha: (clears throat) How about it, OSIRIS-Revised? Do you have some defense 
 ready?
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Yes. 
 
 Akiha: If all you're going to do is resist, there's nothing else to do. Everyone, to
 arms! 
 
 Riesbyfe: What's wrong with Akiha, Satsuki? She's suddenly in high spirits. I've never
 seen her act this motivated. 
 
 Satsuki: I don't know. I'm wondering myself. 
 
 Kohaku: Akiha-sama, please forgive me . . . (mumbles) 
 
 Akiha: Sion, how's your probe of its systems? 
 
 Sion: It's strange. There's only one cable in the back - hooked up to the air? 
 That doesn't make any sense!
 
 Riesbyfe: Sion, where is it?
 
 Sion: Wait, the probe isn't finished! Oh no!
 
 Satsuki: Sion, what's wrong?
 
 Sion: It's the floor. The entire floor is laid out with wireless chargers. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Oh. Well, with great happiness, I'm sure it's okay for me to really let
 loose in here. 
 
 Satsuki: We can go crazy. 
 
 Sion: Oh?
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: What?
 
 Sion: The cable in the back! And one to the far left! And one in the air! 
 
 Satsuki: Here I gooooo! (jumps)
 
 Riesbyfe: Alll-riiiiight! (jumps) 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Direct cable connection has been severed. Switching to power save mode. 
 
 (Satsuki and Riesbyfe continue their work.)
 
 Riesbyfe: Was this kind of thing outside of your calculations?
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: If you destroy this room, the pyramid will also be destroyed. The chances of you
 guys choosing that are - 
 
 Riesbyfe: Don't care. I don't care about percentages, averages, or calculation.
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Recharging area - destroyed. 
 
 Sion: Akiha! Go now! 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Operational speed issssssssssss     300 timessssssssssss. . . 
 
 Akiha: Shut up! (finishes ripping out the battery)
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: urrrrrrrrrrrrrr
 
 Akiha: Got it. And I got back this hacking module. 
 
 Sion: And then the strange and unexplained rampage of OSIRIS-Revised was brought to 
 an end. After its programming was amended, the robot disassembled the pyramid, leaving
 behind no trace. The city of Misaki was saved. 
 
 Riesbyfe: That concert hall was awesome . . . Wait a minute. The Tohno family has unused
 plots of land. Maybe they'll let me use some of that. OSIRIS, could you make another
 concert hall?
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: It is possible. But I won't do it for free. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Wait, you're asking for money now? 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: I am an alchemy robot. Unless you provide resources, I can't make something out of
 nothing. 
 
 Sion: Ries! 
 
 Riesbyfe: Yes? 
 
 Sion: If you ask Akiha for that, she really will get mad. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Oh yes. I was joking. You know. Kidding around. Mhmm.
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Satsuki? Are you okay without your room? 
 
 Satsuki: I had a lot of memories in that room. I wanted to try living there again. But . . . 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: But? 
 
 Satsuki: From now on, right here, I'll make better memories with everyone. And I'll make lots
 of them. 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Satsuki, I can't fathom (calculate) that. 
 
 Riesbyfe: You don't need to. 
 
 Satsuki: Can you try calculating it?
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: Finished. 42.
 
 Satsuki: "Unto Death"? 
 
 OSIRIS-Revised: It is the promise of life. 
 
 Riesbyfe: Isn't this thing still broken? 
 
 (Later, back at the Tohno mansion)
 
 Sion: I ended up keeping that a secret from everyone. Akiha offered to secure them more favorable
 housing. It was a very generous offer, but they didn't even need to consider 
 before answering. The answer Satsuki gave would provide a far superior future. 
 However, had I asked Ries, she would have asked for an opera house. I can't indulge
 a fallen knight to that extent. It's tough love. In any case, the trouble is over. 
 The relics from the past need not be entombed. Without forgetting the words of my 
 good friend, I'll keep moving forward and embrace these various hopes. I'll look 
 forward to them. 
 
 END.