Lifespan

(As long as you desire it, here you can be free.

The idealistic metaverse space that I wanted… where everyone becomes a different life form and lives within the repetitious cycle of life and death…

I merely said “I want it”, as if I was Mehmed II conquering the city of Constantinople.

Because I wanted it, Nayuki made it reality. He put his blood, sweat, and tears into this city’s capture, like the janissaries¹ who fought for the Ottoman empire. Nayuki has always been this way…

Since the day we discovered I was fated to die, he has tried desperately to give me everything I want. He did so once again during our time at the Matama Coast…

Nayuki, who has fought to fulfill my wishes, must be the embodiment of love…

Although I am likely a terrible older brother in his eyes…)

…

Raito, are you awake?

Kinari? Is something the matter?

I surmised that you were in the process of a dive into the metaverse, but because you were so quiet, I initiated a precautionary biometric scan.

Ah, my apologies for causing alarm, but everything is alright. I told you about the death prophecy, right? I can’t die until I reach my predetermined lifespan.

Lifespan…

At any rate, the metaverse space I was logged into is called mahorova, the one that I co-developed with Nayuki. Would you like to try making an avatar of your own, Kinari?

I have a basic understanding from existing data. Despite being a latecomer to the metaverse community, it achieved the largest domestic market share in under a decade.

One reason for its success includes the real-time lifespan system. After a fixed amount of time, a user’s account will die, and they will be forced to create a new one. Due to this mechanic, users are encouraged to participate more actively…

You’re well informed. Then again, you do have easy access to the internet for information.

However, it’s strange… Why did you decide to assign limited lifespans in the metaverse where immortality is feasible? Did you add that function knowing it would be positively received?

No, I’m not that clever.

It’s simply… Hm. People will approach their life differently if they know how much time they have left. If you know you have a limit, you’ll want to achieve something before you die, right?

Truthfully, this function is what caused the mahorova community to thrive and grow.

Although, that’s only the reason I shared with the public.

What I truly desired… was for others to be put in my situation.

To be forced to live knowing the certainty of death waiting around the corner…

At that time, it wasn’t long after I had received the death prophecy. It was frustrating to watch the people around me living their lives as usual while I had to carry this burden. I wanted others to feel the weight of a predetermined lifespan, even if only in the metaverse…

If I succeed, the world might change. I wanted to see that change. But…

It was meaningless after all. A virtual lifespan can’t compare to the true significance of death in the real world.

I’m still the only one who lives knowing the exact moment of the end.

Haha, I rambled too much…

Raito…

Recently, I have been actively collecting and analyzing the emotional data of humans. It still lacks precision and accuracy, however…

From what you have said, I gather that you do not want to see the world change, but rather wish to find someone who truly understands you.

…

I received an order from Master to get along well with the members of Ev3ns. I would like to understand each of you as individuals.

I don’t have a lifespan. But if it’s possible for an android to make an account in mahorova, I will be able to experience a quasi-death in the metaverse.

That would be of great help to me. If I could share my experience in the metaverse with you, would I be able to better support you?

You’re willing to do that to better understand me?

I’d like for us to become closer.

…

You’re an android, yet you can feel a genuine love for others.

I am still unsure whether or not this emotion can be called love.

No, the way that you practice smiling, and strive to return the love you’re gifted from fans is very admirable.

If a fan asked you to say, “I’ll love you forever,” I’m confident you’d be able to do it…

It’s the nature of an android to be obedient to humans.

That may be true, but… Weren’t you trying to lift my spirits just now?

…

That reminds me, the participant recruitment seems to have started for the first tour. Have you finalized the concept?

Not yet… Kinari, do you have any good ideas?

The Chief said to think about what kind of idols we aspire to be, and to try to illustrate that vision in the tour.

But I don’t have any particular aspirations for the kind of idol I want to become…

Chihiro said to attract fans by laying bare our innermost selves, as an idol is to be someone that loves and is loved in return…

I have made it my goal to become that kind of idol.

To love and be loved in return…

Raito-san… I L-L-LOVE YOU!!

(I was at a loss as to what to do with myself after merely hearing those three words. She felt such strong feelings towards me, and yet I couldn’t feel any happiness…)

To love, and be loved… If that’s what it means to be an idol, then I am not suited for this role.

Maybe it’s time to throw in the towel…

…Raito?