Cyber Elite

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Belle, You've had a tough day. Don't forget to rest early today.Belle, You've had a tough day. Don't forget to rest early today.Text for Wise / Oh, don't forget to rest early tonight, Wise!Oh, don't forget to rest early tonight, Wise!Text for Belle‍)

We've got things to do tomorrow...

We need to go out tomorrow...

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): Yeah, we need to go to a supplier at Lumina Square early tomorrow.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): We're not that familiar with this supplier, so he won't prioritize keeping the good stuff for us... (‍So we'll have to get there early.So we'll have to get there early.Text for Wise / So we'll just have to wake up early!So we'll just have to wake up early!Text for Belle‍)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Are you going to sleep now?

Yes.

The next day—

I'm going to stay up a little longer.

(SiblingSiblingWise / Belle): (‍Alright, then I'll remind you later.Alright, then I'll remind you later.Text for Wise / Then I'll come remind you later, Wise~Then I'll come remind you later, Wise~Text for Belle‍)

Talented Idol

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Talented Idol

---

Video Summary: Strength is the foundation of popularity in New Eridu

Story Description: The entrance of the Investigative Association is bustling with voices as people discuss the arrival of the Executive Officers of Section 6, including Hoshimi Miyabi, providing an opportunity to get close to them. Amidst a wave of screams and commotion, the leader of Section 6, Miyabi, arrives, accompanied by Tsukishiro Yanagi, Soukaku, and Asaba Harumasa.

---

---

Lumina Square, in front of the HIA Club...

	Belle: There's so many people at Lumina Square today...
	Belle: Ughh...
	???: Phaethon!
	GRAB!
	Wise: —!
	???: No, that's not Phaethon, it's Null_Face! ???: It's not surprising you confused them. Ever since Phaethon went quiet, Null_Face has been one of the top Proxies.
	???: What's so great about Null_Face? Are they really that good? ???: Up against the famed Section 6, with the Void Hunter Miyabi in charge, I'd say Null_Face is out of options...
	???: Ahhh! Lady Miyabi is here!
	CLICK! ???: And the rest of Section 6 CLICK!
	???: Lady Miyabi! Please step on me!
	???: Harumasamasa! My heart has something to say!
	???: Soukaku! Dog...wanna be my, your! No no, that came out all wrong...
	Belle: No wonder it's so crowded, they're all fans of Section 6. Looks like they're hosting an event here. Belle: Should we get out of here? We don't wanna be another notch on Section 6's belt like Null_Face...
	Wise: What are you talking about, Belle? We're law-abiding citizens. Tsukishiro Yanagi: ...
	Asaba Harumasa: What's wrong, Deputy Chief?
	Tsukishiro Yanagi: It's probably just my imagination...
	Tsukishiro Yanagi: But I feel like something is about to happen...
	BZZT...

Beneath the Hollow Affairs & Neutralization Department headquarters in New Eridu's Throne Quarter.

Colleague: Hey, it's Tsukishiro from Section 6! Congrats, you sorted out that troublesome case, right?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Ah, you're from Section 9... Thank you for your concern regarding that case. There are still some loose ends to tie up.

Colleague: Good job, it must've been pretty tough. The consensus at the case briefing was that this case required immense intelligence work. As an intelligence officer, your contributions were indispensable.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: You're too kind. It's just part of my duty. It wasn't too much work, nor can I claim the credit alone — it was a team effort.

Colleague: You're always so modest. That's why, out of everyone in Section 6, you're my favorite to work with.

Colleague: Oh... by the way, someone was looking for you.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Looking for me?

Colleague: An HIA staff member was just asking me who to contact in Section 6 to discuss cooperation...

Colleague: I didn't even hesitate to tell 'em, "You wait for Deputy Chief Tsukishiro Yanagi. She's the only reliable one in Section 6."

Tsukishiro Yanagi: ...Please don't say that next time. All of our Executive Officers are reliable.

Colleague: Haha... sorry, my bad. I didn't think even you would be afraid of extra work, haha.

Colleague: Anyway, that HIA guy is probably waiting for you at the Section 6 office. You'd better go meet them as soon as possible.

 Enter HAND Headquarters

---

Enter HAND Headquarters and return to the HSO Section 6 Office.

HAND Headquarters

(Talk to the Guard)

Guard: It's Executive Officer Tsukishiro! Do you want to enter the office?

I do.

Wait.

 Talk to the HIA staff

---

Ask the HIA staff about the reason for their visit.

Section 6 Office

(Idle)

???: The Minerva Quarter case can be archived now. Could you handle it?

???: I finished organizing it yesterday. You can review it later.

???: Who was in charge of maintenance last time...?

???: Ah... that new intern. No wonder...

(Talk to Hoshimi Miyabi, optional)

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Chief, the clipboard says you have a regular meeting today. Don't forget to attend, okay?

Hoshimi Miyabi: ...If you hadn't reminded me, I could've blissfully "forgotten" about it.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Are you planning not to attend? Even if you forget, there will be consequences. Have you forgotten last time already?

Hoshimi Miyabi: A member of the Hoshimi family won't make the same mistake three times. I've already come up with a strategy to avoid punishment.

(Talk to Soukaku, optional)

Soukaku: Nagi! The snacks in the break room are running low!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: How is that possible? I remember the administration staff replenished them just yesterday. How much is left?

Soukaku: Three-quarters left!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Well, it's indeed almost all gone... At most, it'll last you two more rounds. I'll talk to them, but you have to behave until then, okay?

Soukaku: Yep!

(Talk to Asaba Harumasa, optional)

Asaba Harumasa: Deputy Chief, you've worked hard! New Eridu has been calm recently, and the citizens are at peace. Is there really a need for us to be on duty?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Really? I'll go ask the director in your name if he agrees that everything is calm and peaceful then.

Asaba Harumasa: Oh, come on, Deputy Chief, that reply is even less entertaining than your usual jokes!

(Talk to Agentboo, optional)

Agentboo: Ehn-ne! (Fully charged! Standing by!)

(Talk to HAND Staff, optional)

HAND Staff: Ah, Deputy Chief Tsukishiro, thank you for your hard work~ Are you free right now?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Of course, what is it? Is there any case update from the intelligence department?

HAND Staff: Oh, that's not it. It's just that... our colleagues from the logistics and intelligence departments want to have a small gathering~

HAND Staff: HAND Ladies' Night~! The last time you organized it was fantastic~ This time we want to treat you!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Hehe, I'm glad everyone enjoyed themselves. Let's talk about the gathering arrangements before the next holiday.

HAND Staff: Yay! Oh, this time it includes soft drinks, so you can bring little Soukaku along!

(Interact with Training Records, optional)

Tsukishiro Yanagi: I'm responsible for recording these things, and it seems like I'm the only one who reads them.
So, what's the point of their existence, after all?

(Interact with Digital Information Board, optional)

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Thanks to the Chief, the Hollows in New Eridu can now maintain a stable state
No doubt she's the one I've vowed to follow.

(Interact with Childish Doodles, optional)

Tsukishiro Yanagi: What a great painting you drew, Soukaku.

(Interact with Sketch Paper, optional)

Tsukishiro Yanagi: The draft paper has a game of Tic-Tac-Toe on it... Looks like those long meetings were tough on Chief.

(Interact with Custom Sofa, optional)

Tsukishiro Yanagi: I sometimes take a nap here after night shifts.
If I sleep with my shoes on, the heels might scratch the surface of the sofa. So, should I take them off...?

(Interact with Soukaku's Book, optional)

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Soukaku said, "I won't use the precious book Nagi gave me to press noodles!"
So instead, she has been using files to press noodles.

(Interact with Yanagi's File Pile, optional)

Tsukishiro Yanagi: The files that need to be processed this month aren't many.
At least they all fit on the desk, which is good news to me.

(Interact with Harumasa's Medical Record, optional)

Tsukishiro Yanagi: ...It's probably better not to read too much into it.

(Interact with Miyabi's Scroll, optional)

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Sometimes the Chief jots down new insights about sword techniques.
I suppose it's like how we mortals write shopping lists?

Easy Work

(Talk to Staff)

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Easy Work

---

Video Summary: Becoming a role model in cyberspace

Story Description: A representative from the HIA invites Section 6 to test the newest and most advanced VR simulation system developed by the Investigative Association. The test is to establish a top-tier combat model, facilitating future adjustments for ordinary users.
Recently gaining considerable attention, HAND management is also willing to allow Section 6, led by Miyabi, to further build their reputation.

---

---

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Hello. You're the HIA rep who booked in to discuss cooperation today, right?

Association Staff: Y—Yeah! I'm going to respond clearly and directly, explain why I'm here, and show off my cool, professional side!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Uhh... Did you mean to say that out loud?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Gasp—!

Association Staff: I'm so sorry!! That's me! Uh, I mean, I'm me... Argh, I mean, I'm the HIA rep, yes!

Association Staff: I swear I didn't sound this stupid when I was practicing in my head! But just thinking about talking with an elite from Section 6 made me...!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Hehe, please relax. We're no different from any other task force! Except...

Hoshimi Miyabi: Yanagi, can I skip the next chief briefing? I'd like to continue my "training of never attending briefings."

Tsukishiro Yanagi: That training will only get you complaints and a bonus cut. You have to attend the briefing, Chief.

Soukaku: ...Nagi! What's this lunchbox with Barium Meal written on it? Is it a snack? Can I eat it?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: No, you can't. That's medicine. Asaba brought it to use as proof when he was pretending he had a stomach ache to get a sick day.

Asaba Harumasa: What!? Deputy Chief! How did you know I was faking it... Ah, I mean, how could you accuse me of that!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Because the sick leave request you submitted last week had a photo of this exact same box. I've rejected tonight's leave request on behalf of the Chief, so don't forget about your night shift.

Tuning out the bickering behind her — a mix of immaturity, calm reasoning, and fake sickness — the tall Deputy Chief and intelligence officer kept her poised, friendly smile as she turned back to the visitor.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Forgive me. Now, where were we?

Association Staff: Uh, you were saying you're no different from the other task forces!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Exactly. Everyone's personalities are just a little more distinct. So, let's get to the matter at hand — what did you want to discuss?

Association Staff: Oh, right! I'm here on behalf of the HIA to invite Section 6 to participate in a test of our latest next-gen VR system! All the necessary application processes have already been confirmed with the higher-ups!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Ah~ So that's what it is. Yes, I did receive a note from the department head... assisting our partner organization in refining their new VR system by entering the virtual space as test users to evaluate system performance...

Tsukishiro Yanagi: But, if I remember correctly, it said it would be voluntary. If you'll allow me to ask everyone first—

Hoshimi Miyabi: If participating in this means I can skip the briefing, I'm in.

Soukaku: Do we get to go to the HIA club? They've got snacks there! I wanna go!

Asaba Harumasa: Aha! Doing the VR test means I can skip my shift, right? Count me in!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: ...They always come together in moments like this. Alright, as you can see, Section 6 is willing to participate in the VR test. We'll head to the specified address. We look forward to working with you.

Association Staff: Fantastic! I'm gonna tell everyone at the office that it was my professional communication skills that got Section 6 to work with us! Maybe I'll even sneak a selfie as a souvenir~

Tsukishiro Yanagi: You're thinking out loud again. And this is a classified area, so taking pictures is prohibited.

Association Staff: Gasp—!

Later — Hollow Special Operations Section 6 arrive at the HIA.

Staff: Deputy Chief Tsukishiro, hello! We are so grateful that everyone from Section 6 could spare some time to assist us in collecting data for the VR system! Thank you so much!

Staff: I'm in charge of the test today. It's nice to meet you!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: We should be thanking you. It's very nice to be working with you.

Staff: Oh, I heard way back that you're Lady Miyabi's most trusted person. She's entrusted almost everything— no, all the paperwork and liaison tasks to you. So it's no exaggeration to say that you're the one who actually bears the responsibilities of the chief of Section 6.

Staff: In addition to your duties as an Intelligence Officer and the daily tasks of a Deputy Chief, you have to do so much in place of the Chief... It must be exhausting, living like that, right? When you open your eyes in the morning, you probably don't want to go to work at all.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: ...You're quite straightforward, aren't you?

Staff: Oh no, I'm sorry! Did I come off as too straightforward? Actually, I've always had trouble grasping the sense of distance with my colleagues, which is an issue on my part...

Tsukishiro Yanagi: It's not a weakness. We have people in Section 6 who are far more set in their ways. But they're all out-and-out experts when it comes to completing things in their work domain... And that's good enough.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: One of my responsibilities is to handle all necessary communications beyond the scope of their job. Heh, like what we're doing now.

Staff: *whimper* Thanks for understanding... Are you here to check up on how test preparations are going?

Staff: We're all set up and ready to go here! Just bring everyone in and we can start the test any time! I'll be waiting for you all at the club.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: I see. I will go and rally everyone.

 Find your three teammates and talk to them

---

Find your three teammates and tell them it's time to participate in the test.

Lumina Square

(Idle)

Belle: Bro, how about we sneak in and take a photo?

Wise: With that many fans... can we even squeeze in...?

(Talk to Wise)

Belle: I can't believe I'm seeing the real Section 6~ That's awesome! I feel my heart racing!

Wise: ...My heart is also racing, but it's probably for a different reason than yours.

(Idle)

???: Lady Hoshimi, we want to mass-produce custom t-shirts of you!

???: Lady Hoshimi, our company would love to discuss a sponsorship deal with you!

Magnetboo: Ehn-ne-ne-ne!! (We want you to be our mentor!)

Hoshimi Miyabi: Er... You want me to be a tailoring mentor for external sponsorships?

(Talk to Hoshimi Miyabi)

Grateful Miyabi Fan: Lady Miyabi... Thank you, thank you... You just eliminated the Companion Hollow that killed my parents. I can now start a new life, and it's all thanks to you. I came here just to express my gratitude...

Persistent Miyabi Fan: I want to become stronger! If I keep working hard, surely I'll be as strong as Lady Miyabi one of these days! How can I get powerful like you, Lady Miyabi? Tell me how!

Pensive Miyabi Fan: Wow... Have you been this powerful ever since you were a baby? What runs through your head when you draw your katana? The mysteries of martial power? The ultimate truth? The universe? Or just what you're having for lunch?

Hoshimi Miyabi: Weird question. When I draw my blade, I just think about drawing it. That's all.

Pensive Miyabi Fan: I see... Just like the badge on your chest says, truly a thought process worthy of being "New Eridu Guardian"...

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Ha... What a classic chief thing to say.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Yanagi, there you are. Are preparations all ready for the combat test?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: All preparations have been made. Once you're finished with your duties here, Chief, please proceed directly to the club.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Mmm, let's blitz through this and get home early. There's still fragments of the Null_Face group at large, so we can't let our guard down.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: That's what I was thinking. Hopefully, we can wrap this test up quick and easy.

(Idle)

???: Masamasa! Which of your fan works do you like the most?

???: Is it "Arpeggio of Illness"?

???: Or is it "Aim and Heart"?

Asaba Harumasa: What are these fan works even about...? Never mind, I don't want to know.

(Interact with Asaba Harumasa)

Ecstatic Harumasa Fan: I'm so happy! This is the first time I've ever been so close to Harumasamasa! You're so handsome, your hair's so soft, that guardian badge on his chest suits you so well, you smell so good, a light herbal aroma... Is it pheromones? It's definitely pheromones, right!?

Curious Harumasa Fan: Mister Harumasa: Tell me, tell me! What type of girls are you into? Do you prefer summer or winter? What brand of shampoo do you usually use? Where do you go for archery practice? Carbon fiber or fiberglass bows?

Passionate Harumasa Fan: Do you have an older sister, Harumasamasa? I really wanna be your older sister... How can I be reborn as your older sister?!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: You seem pretty busy there, Asaba.

Asaba Harumasa: ...Deputy Chief, save me...

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Save you? I could... but you can't be late for your weekend overtime, and you have to submit your mission reports on time.

Asaba Harumasa: *coughing*... My chest feels tight... What if I just so happen to get sick over the weekend?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Goodbye then.

Asaba Harumasa: Deputy Chief! Tsukishiro! Okay, whatever you say!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Ahem.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Asaba, our mission is about to begin. Without your bow and arrow, the city may be in grave danger. Tie things up with your fans fast, and we'll be waiting for you in the club.

Asaba Harumasa: As you wish, Deputy Chief~

(Idle)

??? What do you have to eat to get blue skin?

Soukaku: No idea... Blueberries?

???: What do you eat to be as cute as Soukaku?

(Interact with Soukaku)

Sad Soukaku Fan: Soukaku really is cute as a button... Ten years back, my precious daughter was also just as innocent and pure. She used to love eating the apples from the garden...

Confused Soukaku Fan: Goodness me, what happened to your daughter?

Sad Soukaku Fan: She... She... She is now...
Currently studying for a doctorate in Ether Physics and only comes home on the weekends! And all she talks about is school this, school that — it's not cute at all!

Confused Soukaku Fan: Ha? You just wanted to show off about your daughter!!!

Sad Soukaku Fan: Okay, enough about my daughter. Here, Soukaku — have an apple...

Soukaku: Oh! Fank you~ Appa sho gad~... Nagi, you want one too?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Soukaku... how many times have I told you, that you might get into trouble if you take food brought by normal citizens.

Soukaku: Trouble? Don't worry, Nagi — Oni livers have powerful detox functions. It doesn't even matter if I eat food that's gone bad!

Tsukishiro Yanagi That's not what I meant. If you always gobble down whatever they give you, then your fans will be embarrassed to show up empty-handed. In the long run, it will be a burden on them.

Soukaku: Oh yeah... That's right! Even though I'm really hungry, I don't want to eat anybody out of house and home. I want everyone to be happy when they come to meet me...

Emotional Soukaku Fan: Uwaaa... Soukaku... Are you an angel? You're definitely an angel, right!?

Soukaku: Nagi, can I accept all of their gifts? Look, a really pretty hairpin, a "New Eridu Guardian" badge, and this braided bracelet that says "Soukaku is tenth cutest in the world"...

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Tenth cutest? That's impossible. Our Soukaku has to be the number one cutest.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: ...Well, upon closer inspection, it actually says "the cutest." If that's so, then I guess you should wear everyone's gifts then, Soukaku.

Soukaku: Ehe, awesome!

Tsukishiro Yanagi So... Soukaku, the test is ready to begin. Please say goodbye to everyone and come find me at the club.

Soukaku: Sure thing, Nagi! I'll finish up here real soon and then head over!

(After interacting with everyone)

Tsukishiro Yanagi I've notified everyone, so now...

Um... Miss Yanagi!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Oh, it's you! Long time no see.

Fan: Ahhh, Miss Yanagi... Do you remember me?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Even though we haven't talked directly, I remember there was a period of time when I saw you often. You even helped our staff maintain order when some citizens got a bit too excited, correct?

Fan: Wow... You have such a good memory. I couldn't follow Section 6's schedule recently because I was preparing for an interview...

Tsukishiro Yanagi: It seems like the interview went well, yes?

Fan: Yes! I achieved my dream — working for the government and the mayor!

Fan: But that job is in the Vulcan Quarter. I probably won't have the chance to see everyone from Section 6 anymore...

Fan: Can I just say that Section 6 has always been my motivation? I want to protect this city just like you all, in my own way.

Fan: So before I leave, I want to take a photo with all four of you. I... I know this request is a bit abrupt—

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Of course, it would be an honor for us.

Fan: ...!!!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Please wait a moment. I will convey your wish to my colleagues.

 Take a photo with the fans

---

Respond to the enthusiastic citizens and take a group photo with them.

Lumina Square

(After taking the photo)

Fan: Waaah—!! I'll treasure this photo for my whole life... Wait, I didn't blink, right?!

Fan: Thank you... Thank you, Miss Yanagi! Thank you, Lady Miyabi! Thank you, Little Soukaku... And everyone from Section 6, thank you!!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Thank you for your support. Your work in the Vulcan Quarter will definitely go well.

Asaba Harumasa: Tsk, she didn't mention my name just now... Am I the only one who's "everyone from Section 6"?

Hoshimi Miyabi: Do you like being called that? I'll call you that from now on.

Asaba Harumasa: ...Chief, tell me, are you genuinely that clueless or the evilest being to grace this world in the last hundred years?

Hoshimi Miyabi: ?

Soukaku: Nagi, when are we going to the HIA Club for snacks?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: It's not for snacks, but for work. ...I believe they've finished up with preparations. I'll go ahead, you all take your time to catch up.

(Talk to Hoshimi Miyabi again, optional)

Hoshimi Miyabi: Section 6 hasn't really faced an enemy like Null_Face before.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Indeed. The Null_Face case was transferred over to HAND for trespassing in the Hollows and falsifying Carrot data, then assaulting and robbing their victims.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Previously, the HIA was already targeting Null_Face for Inter-Knot crimes... But apparently Null_Face would hack into the HIA system and tamper with their own criminal record, so they got away with it scot-free for years.

Hoshimi Miyabi: They hacked the system? So Null_Face was able to exploit weaknesses in the HIA internal system?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: All I can say as an intelligence officer is that there are such rumors. But please don't worry, because even if such weaknesses existed the HIA would have already had them fixed by now.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Would they really have such a fast response? It doesn't matter what the organization is, I never trust the IT department.

Hoshimi Miyabi: Do you remember, the last time my computer broke, they took half a day to send over a tech...

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Last time... your computer wasn't actually broken, Miyabi. You just forgot to plug it in.

Hoshimi Miyabi: I don't recall, was that what happened?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Yes.

(Interact with Asaba Harumasa again, optional)

Asaba Harumasa: C'mon, Tsukishiro... "Without your bow and arrow, the city may be in grave danger"? Why'd you have to say that, it's so cringe.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Oh? I thought that's what you wanted to hear.

Asaba Harumasa: I think you just liked the sound of it... Er, it's nothing.

(Interact with Soukaku again, optional)

Soukaku: Why am I always so hungry...? Every day, every hour, every second, I want to chomp into anything that looks edible...

Tsukishiro Yanagi Because you're still growing, Soukaku.

Soukaku: Really? But I was born long before Nagi... Long, long before...

Tsukishiro Yanagi Everyone has their own pace of growth. Don't worry, Soukaku — I'll be there for you every step of the way.

 Enter the HIA Building and find the staff

---

Find the staff and ask about the progress of the test.

(Idle)

Mr. Hello: As expected of a star team...

Mr. Hello: When will my presentations be able to draw this kind of crowd?

(Talk to Kylie)

Kylie: Thank you for your support of our work!

Kylie: We've prepared the VIP lounge for you. You can relax there after the testing is over!

(Talk to Bertha)

Bertha: Hello, today the club is reserved exclusively for Section 6.

Bertha: If you need any assistance, feel free to let us know. The HIA is here to serve you.

(Talk to Lyla)

Lyla: A warm welcome to all the guests from Section 6!

Lyla: You are free to explore before the official test begins, just treat this place like your own home.

(Talk to staff)

False Commitment

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 False Commitment

---

Video Summary: Research manuals are brain workouts... Might be useful someday

Story Description: The VR system can achieve "deep synchronization with one's sensory system." By conducting prolonged and frequent combat within the system, it's possible to gradually collect data and establish an accurate "virtual model". The test is complete once all test enemies are defeated.

---

---

Association Staff: Deputy Chief Tsukishiro, you're back! Is everyone from Section 6 ready to go?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Yes. They'll be arriving here shortly. Since we have some time before we begin, there's something I'm curious about and would like to ask you, if that's alright?

Association Staff: O—Of course! Where would you like to start? Here's my electronic medical record with all my physiological information. And here's my Knock Knock ID— just scan it to add me as a friend! No verification needed! And this is my—

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Oh, hold on, you misunderstand. I'm not interested in you personally. I just wanted to ask a few technical questions about the test.

Association Staff: I—I see! Sorry about that. I got a little excited there and misunderstood! Aha, haha, haha boohoo, hahaha...

Tsukishiro Yanagi: ...Concealing your tears with laughter just makes you sound even more pitiful...

He answers Yanagi's questions one by one with an overly cheerful yet seemingly tearful voice.
Later, Yanagi holds a small briefing with her teammates who had just waved goodbye to their fans.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Our mission is to collaborate across departments to help the HIA test their latest VR system.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Basically, the core feature of this new VR system is its "unprecedented deep sync with sensory nerves."

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Simulations with such deep levels of immersion are better at "tricking" the brain into improved training results by convincing your body that a virtual experience is in fact real and not just visual stimulation. Of course, they've blocked off all pain sensors for this test.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: The plan is to roll out this new VR platform to Public Security, the Defense Force, regular investigators, and even the general public — so a standardized value system needs to be developed.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Our task is to enter the simulation and "conduct comprehensive battles." The techs here will set our combat data as the maximum limit inside the system. Once we've finished modelling all the virtual data, our mission will be complete.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Any questions?

Hoshimi Miyabi: I've got a question.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: I've already persuaded the staff to help us submit the task report after it's completed, so you'll just need to notify the Director when we're done, Chief.

Hoshimi Miyabi: No further questions from me.

Soukaku: Me! Me!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: The HIA will provide us with work meals and some snacks. I've asked them to allocate extra for you, Soukaku.

Soukaku: Yay! You're the best, Nagi~

Asaba Harumasa: I have a question as well!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: No, you may not take any leave. Alright then, if there are no further questions...

Asaba Harumasa: Wait, Deputy Chief! I wasn't asking about taking any leave!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Oh? My mistake... That's odd.

Asaba Harumasa: Odd? I think it's odd that you know the answer before even hearing the question! If I tried that with the girls in the Intelligence Unit, they'd think I was stalking them!

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Okay, so what's your question?

Asaba Harumasa: How long are we supposed to "conduct comprehensive battles"?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: There is no time restriction; it depends on the HIA's requirements. However, based on the design of this test system, the session will end automatically once we defeat "all the test monsters."

Asaba Harumasa: What's that book you're holding?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: It's the technical manual for the VR system; I borrowed it from the staff. Most of the information I just shared came from it.

Asaba Harumasa: What does it say on page 273?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: It covers the three methods for initiating safe mode within the system and an analysis of their applicable scenarios.

Asaba Harumasa: That's weird! You said that without even flipping through the book! Did you memorize the whole thing? If you keep this up, you'll start losing your hair!

Hoshimi Miyabi: Yanagi, I want you to be the executor of my estate after I retire.

Tsukishiro Yanagi: It's a little early to be planning for that, Chief. Alright, let's put the strange questions aside and get ready to start testing.

Soukaku: Umm...! Nagi, are there any unknown dangers in this virtual world?

Tsukishiro Yanagi: Don't worry, the HIA staff will be with us every step of the way, and also...

Tsukishiro Yanagi: I'll be here. I'll take care of everyone.