Sand Sculpture of the Heart

Great work on the study trip, everyone. We received high praise regarding our ambassador work this time around.

So many Ev3ns fans came out to see us. It was sooo dope~! ♪ And all of the sand dune activities were a total blast!

We’re here to go over the tour details that Kinari decided on, right?

Yes. I put together a draft after we returned from the trip, and now I want to share it with everyone.

Let’s see… An escape game taking place in a virtual desert within mahorova, where each of us appear as a hologram and players must obtain hints to reach an oasis?

Although it will require a great deal of effort to integrate us as holograms, it was suggested that it would be better to have all of us present since the Evening Group’s focus is on us as an idol unit.

This was a request directly from the president.

Although the tours for the other groups tend to be centered around a main and co-host, if we consider the consumer base for the Evening Group, I’m sure the fans would be delighted if they could spend time directly with of each of you.

Ooh! Sounds dope! I’m in, all in!

We’ve done hologram photo shoots before, so if it’ll make the fans happy, we’ve got no choice but to knock it outta the park~!

An escape game? I’ve never played one myself before, but I’ve heard about them and always wanted to give one a try.

What are your thoughts, Kuguri?

…None, really. If this is what plüss wants to do, then by all means.

Domeki-san, since you’re the co-host, please try to be a bit more cooperative.

Picim, can you not squeak so much? I’ll withdraw if it gets too noisy.

Sigh… Azekawa-kun, could you please continue with your explanation? At the very least, the co-host should be listening.

The escape game has one unique feature. From the starting point all the way to the oasis at the finish line, each participant’s childhood self will be depicted as a sand sculpture hologram.

…! Does that mean I’ll get to see a little Chii when I enter!?

Is that even feasible?

It is possible to recreate a childhood version of someone based on one’s current appearance through analytical reasoning. The program is nearly complete and is currently in the testing phase.

As expected of you, Kinari. You’re as talented as Nayuki.

…I’m in charge of coordinating event logistics, specifically the construction for the space where the event will occur. At the moment, I’ve also ensured there will be no shortages in equipment we’ll require.

Hey, hey, why’d you make it a game where we’d have to interact with a kiddie version of ourselves?

I’m with Chihiro… Players just need to get hints from our holograms and then aim for the goal, right?

The players are capable of collecting hints from their child avatar, too, but…

Primarily… It’s because I thought that in the heart of every adult, a child must exist, as well.

I figured players should embrace their younger self upon reaching the oasis’s finish line, to encourage acceptance of the immaturity that lies within.

When I had that simulated experience myself, I felt a little bit of healing within my heart.

I think it’s a great idea… It’s an experience that could only be had in the metaverse. For some people, this game could be like a spiritual journey.

I have a temporary program prepared, so I was wondering if you could all join me in a test play today.

A test play!? I’m all for it!

Well then, should we all login?

Wooow~ It feels like an even bigger version of the Tottori Sand Dunes. There are even sand buildings scattered across the landscape, which makes it feel really exotic…

Chii is over there standing in front of the first building waving a hand~! Makes sense! So that’s where I get a hintsie?

Whoa…

(It’s me when I was a kid…)

(Taiki¹…!

…No, that’s not him. It’s me.)

Haha… So I used to smile like that.

…

(The avatar resembles the original from when he was young, but the atmosphere is completely different than myself.

I guess I am a completely different existence than the original Kinari Azekawa…)

Can I hug you..?

Yes…

…

(It’s strangely comforting… I might feel a little bit of “Big Love”.)

I-I’m sorry, Chief. Somehow, when I hugged myself…

…

But seriously, the game was designed crazy good! It was super fun, and the ending, how do I put it, it was a great experience! Thanks Kinyari!

Yeah, it was a really well made piece of workmanship…

Haha, it was novel to have a child version of myself guiding me around on such an enthusiastic tour.

Me too… Ah, it kind of brings back a lot of nostalgia. I’m glad I tried it.

Huh? Wait, Kugurinu, you weren’t there?! You’re not going to do the test play?

If you’ve all done it, there’s no need for me to do it too, right?

And yet you’re the co-host.

…

It was soo rad! You should really give it a shot at least once, Kugurinu! The reproduction of my little self was just perf~.

Nyuszi… Sigh… You fool…

…

It’s fine, isn’t it? I think we were able to verify it sufficiently on our own. Kuguri has other work to do regarding the live show with Kinari.

Raitin is so kind~. Yeah, it’s whatever! I just thought it would be a waste not to try it.

…

I’m fed up with this so I’ll be excusing myself now.

Ah, Domeki-san. Please stay until the end of discussion at the very least!

See you.

How selfish…

It’s fine, Master.

I intend to entrust Kuguri with something that only he can do. I will talk to him later.

Yes, Master.