Anju Suzumiya

With Mid-Autumn Festival just around the corner, choosing the right gifts had become the biggest challenge besides "what shall I have for dinner". How about making some mooncakes?

I thought that was a great idea, and immediately took action. I decided to seek help from Usumi Ishihara. As the president of the student council and the pastry club, he could probably give me some guidance.

Forget about the pastry club that could be disbanded any time, Usumi's pastry-making skill was quite commendable.

But I never thought he could leave his phone unattended for the entire morning. After making the 7th unanswered call, I finally decided to go find him in person.

The moment I opened my door, I saw Anju Suzumiya standing nearby. Somehow, I found this scene very familiar. It happened a lot recently, didn't it?

Good afternoon, Anju Suzumiya!

Answer: Good afternoon, {var:player_nickname}. Correction: The name's KR-976, not Anju Suzumiya.

But that's written on your student ID.

Answer: The student ID is nothing but a forged certificate in order for KR-976 to perform human research activities. The information on it is not real.

If that's the case, I shall address thee by thy true name, KR-976!

Answer: Thanks for recognizing KR-976.

But... KR-976 is too sci-fi as a name. Others may easily mistake it for a robot, don't you think so?

Answer: KR-976 is a social artificial intelligence designed for communication. In a way, I can be considered as a robot.

Don't you have to hide your identity as a robot?

!!!

Answer: After serious consideration, KR-976 believes it is necessary to use a cover.

I will never do anything to humiliate myself in front of the crowd. Never. I must find an excuse to turn down Anju Suzumiya's request.

Given that we are in the human world, it is safer to just call you Anju Suzumiya. You don't want others to find out your true identity, do you?

Answer: Thanks for your thoughtful consideration, {var:player_nickname}. KR-976 was too careless.

Let's use a different name then.

Agreed.

Can I call you Anju in future?

Answer: System has performed an analysis and decided {var:player_nickname} is allowed to refer to KR-976 as "Anju" in front of other humans. However, please use KR-976 when no others are around.

She's so persistent. But... Anju sounds like a good name.

Question: Is {var:player_nickname} going out?

Yeah, I'm going to find Usumi Ishihara and ask him how to make mooncakes.

KR-976 would like to watch the mooncake making process. {var:player_nickname}, please approve the application.

If you are interested, of course. But we need to find him first.

Question: Are you unable to contact this human named Usumi Ishihara?

You are right. That's why I want to try my luck at his place.

According to KR-976's observation, some people always choose to stay at home during weekends. KR-976 has defined them as "otaku". Could Usumi Ishihara be one of them?

Usumi... he doesn't look like an otaku at all...

We won't know unless we see him in person. Let's go to his place. What do you think?

Agreed.

Anju Suzumiya went to Usumi Ishihara's home but couldn't find him. Where could he be?

Proposal: You can go to Asaha High School. There are school club activities during the weekend. As the president of the student council, it is possible that he is participating in club activities right now.

I gave Anju a thumbs-up. At least we have a new direction.

Asaha High School was quite well-known in One Han City. It was located near the Mahjong Soul Shrine, next to the shopping street. There were a lot of things going on when we arrived at the entrance.

Someone gave us a flyer the moment we got there. I looked at it and realized it was a festival event at Mahjong Soul Shrine.

Mooncake... tale?

Umhmm, Mahjong Soul Shrine is hosting our Mid-Autumn event, "Mooncake Tale"-nyaa!

I heard Ichihime's familiar voice. She jumped in front of us, waving the flyers in her hand.

I knew it was you, master-nyaa! Wanjirou said I was wrong, hmph-nyaa! Ichihime would never mistake someone else for master!

I then saw Wanjirou and Mai Aihara behind Ichihime. They were also carrying flyers.

Thank goodness you are here. Asaha High School is so big. I'm looking for someone, but I don't even know where to start.

Looking for someone? Well, we are busy giving out flyers. We don't have the time to help you.

It's okay, you don't have to. All I need is some information. Speaking of which, you have been here for a long time, haven't you?

Yeah... We've been giving out flyers here after lunch.

Okay, but have you seen President Ishihara of Asaha High School? He looks like this.

I opened Usumi Ishihara's photo on my phone and showed it to them. It was a formal ID photo. As to how I got this photo... that was another heart-tingling story.

This guy... He entered the school at lunch time but never came out. I think he's still inside.

Nyaa? No way. Ichihime saw this guy at Mahjong Soul Shrine when I left home at lunch time.

I didn't see Mr. Ishihara at Mahjong Soul Shrine when I went there to pick up the flyers.

I'm sure this person is at Mahjong Soul Shrine. Ichihime's had a lot of fish recently! I've got great memory-nyaa!

Maybe... he left?

Anju Suzumiya and I looked at each other in confusion. I thought they would give us a clue, but things ended up more chaotic.

Hint: There are three possibilities. Usumi Ishihara could be in Asaha High School, or Mahjong Soul Shrine. Or, he may not be in Mahjong Soul Shrine at all.

How about... we go look for him in the school?

Agreed.

After bidding farewell to them, we entered the school and bumped into Eliisa, who was leaving in a rush.

Safe! Hoho, what a perfect escape. Finally, I don't have to listen to the vice president's nagging. We are lucky, aren't we?

Baa—

Hearing she said "vice president", I had an idea and walked up to her.

Eliisa.

Ouch! M-Mr. Wolf, why are you here?! Are you also here for Eliisa?

No, I just wanted to ask you a question. Have you seen Usumi Ishihara anywhere?

Oh, you are looking for the president. I heard the vice president say he ran away to the shopping street.

Hint: New clue found. Usumi Ishihara could be on the shopping street.

Yeah, the vice president is extremely good at finding the president. He is usually right.

Question: Do we need to go to the shopping street and look for Usumi Ishihara?

Let's go.

Anju and I said goodbye to Eliisa and came to the busy shopping street. Compared to Asaha High School, finding a person here seemed to be more difficult. I was lost in thought...

You seem to be in trouble, young soul. Which of these lovely girls did you lose? This quiet and well-behaved girl, or this energetic and bubbly girl?

That sounded so wrong in many ways. I turned back and saw Zan Tsukimi standing behind, smiling. Momo Hina and Haruna Igarashi were following him.

Looks like something's really troubling you. We've been standing here for five minutes, and the girl next to you tried to talk to you for three times. You didn't hear her at all.

Ah, sorry. I was thinking about something, probably lost in my thoughts.

Come on, tell me. What's your trouble?

Um, it's not really a problem. Anju and I are just looking for someone.

I took out Usumi Ishihara's photo and handed to them. I also told them what Ichihime, Wanjirou, Mai Aihara and Eliisa said.

Momo Hina cautiously asked me about Usumi Ishihara's characteristics and thought for a while.

Momo didn't see him around the shopping street in person, but according to Mr. Rabbit, Momo thinks Eliisa could be right.

If you ask Haruna, first of all, Momo must be right! Hehe! As for others... Haruna thinks Mai is also telling the truth. Because she's bad at lying.

You are just rooting for the people you know! There's no logic!

Well, I think Haruna is just supporting the people she knows, so she may not be right. Hmm... other than that, Ichihime could also be wrong.

Hint: Another three contradicting clues have appeared.

I just realized...

I never thought finding Usumi Ishihara could be so difficult. I had a lot more respect for the vice president, Ren Kisaragi.

But surely someone else could provide me with reliable information. For instance, Ein worked here every day. He knew the shopping street better than others and it would easier for him to trace Usumi Ishihara.

Thinking about it, I took Anju Suzumiya away from the trio, and continued to walk further down the shopping street.

When we were about to arrive at the convenience store that Ein was working at, I saw him rushing past us on a bicycle.

Ein—

I tried to talk to him over the crowd, but he only stopped for a brief moment, shouted something and left again in a hurry. Before I could figure it out, he rode on the bicycle and left again. What was that?

Anju Suzumiya thought for a brief second, then drew a stroke on the notebook.

Hint: New clue found.

………………

I bought two ice-cream cones from the convenience store. Anju and I sat on the roadside bench, eating while analyzing the available clues. Someone patted my shoulder from behind.

Yo!

I was just checking the nail polish stock, didn't expect to meet you here! Haha!

Nice timing. Kirara, you are a student of Asaha High School, aren't you? Have you seen President Ishihara today?

Ah, that fashionable President Ishihara, right? Hmm... I didn't see him in person. Have you asked anyone else?

I told her what the others said. She thought for a while, then gave me a sly grin.

What I can say is, only one person was right out of Ein and Haruna. As for why... just try to figure it out yourself, haha!

Kirara Fujimoto's friends were looking for her, so she patted me on the shoulder, said "good luck" and left. I only felt more confused... Anju Suzumiya pulled my sleeve and showed me her notebook.

Based on KR-976's observation and understanding of humans, I just re-analyzed the clues provided by all 9 people. Although they sometimes contradicted one another, a pattern could be found. KR-976 believes 3 of them were correct, while the other 6 were giving false information.

I looked down at the clues that Anju summarized.

Ichihime: Usumi Ishihara is at Mahjong Soul Shrine. Wanjirou: Usumi Ishihara is at Asaha High School. Mai Aihara: Usumi Ishihara is not at Mahjong Soul Shrine.

Eliisa: Usumi Ishihara is at the shopping street. Momo Hina: Eliisa may be right. Haruna Igarashi: Mai Aihara and Momo Hina are right.

Zan Tsukimi: Both Ichihime and Haruna maybe wrong. Ein: Said nothing. Kirara Fujimoto: Between Ein and Haruna, only one of them is right.

Considering Anju's analysis, where should Usumi Ishihara be...

I think Usumi Ishihara could be at Asaha High School.

Question: Shall we go to Asaha High School and look for Usumi Ishihara immediately?

Let's go.

When Anju and I returned to Asaha High School, I received a text from Usumi Ishihara. Turned out he forgot to bring his phone in the morning. I realized it was too late to learn mooncake-making from him. Anju suddenly pulled my sleeve.

KR-976 just found some mooncake recipes on the internet. Maybe they can be of {var:player_nickname}'s help.

But there are a lot of cakes to be made. I'm afraid I can't finish on my own.

As a social artificial intelligence, KR-976 will provide assistance when the target of communication is in trouble. That is, if {var:player_nickname} actively asks for help.

Anju said I needed to "actively ask for help", but she was already calculating the amount of ingredients required on her notebook.

Thank you, Anju.

She seemed to be surprised and looked up at me. After a short moment of hesitation, she asked me quietly.

Question: If {var:player_nickname} wants to thank KR-976, can you change to a different filling?

Why?

Because... KR-976 doesn't like mixed-nuts flavored mooncakes.

I didn't expect a "social artificial intelligence" to pick on food. But it was just the filling of mooncakes, I didn't mind.

What type of filling would you like, Anju?

Question: Is strawberry and cheese an option?

I didn't see a problem. After all, there were other strawberry and cheese flavored pastries. I nodded and saw a satisfied smile on Anju.

Strawberry and cheese flavored mooncakes, huh... Now I'm keen to know how they taste.

I unexpectedly learned something new about Anju Suzumiya today—she hated mooncakes with mixed-nuts filling.

Based on Anju's clues, I think Usumi Ishihara should be at Mahjong Soul Shrine.

Question: Shall we go to Mahjong Soul Shrine to look for Usumi Ishihara?

Let's go.

When Anju and I arrived at Mahjong Soul Shrine, Usumi Ishihara was just walking out. I explained to him what I needed, and he gladly agreed to teach us how to make mooncakes.

Anju said she only wanted to watch, but she was actually more dedicated to mooncake making than I was.

2 hours later, we finally managed to make some mooncakes. They weren't delicate, but we put our hearts in making them. I felt relieved.

Grabbing my sleeve, Anju picked a mooncake with a small portrait on it and passed it to me.

KR-976 made this for {var:player_nickname}.

I looked at her anxious face and took the mooncake. It was still warm. I took a small bite... and my mouth was filled with overwhelming sweetness.

President Ishihara just said sugar could make people happy. KR-976 wants {var:player_nickname} to be happy, so I put a lot of sugar. Question: Is {var:player_nickname} feeling happy now?

I looked up and gave the innocent-looking Usumi Ishihara a withering look as I swallowed the mooncake in my mouth.

I feel awesome!

I saw a brilliant smile on Anju's face. She then picked out all other mooncakes with similar patterns and put them into a paper box carefully. She handed the box to me.

These are all made for {var:player_nickname}.

I looked at the mooncakes in the box. The portraits were probably hand-carved by Anju Suzumiya herself, as they didn't look like the patterns on our mold. Her crafting skills weren't great and they all looked different, but each of them was smiling.

It was my idea to give out mooncakes with goodwill, but I ended up as the first person to receive this gift.

What a nice Mid-Autumn Festival.

I think Usumi Ishihara could be at the shopping street.

Question: Shall we stay here and look for Usumi Ishihara?

Yeah.

Unfortunately, we couldn't find him in the end. The day was getting dark and there was no time for me to make mooncakes on my own.

Suggestion: Why not just buy some mooncakes to the recipient's likings? KR-976 doesn't quite know the protocol of sending gifts to humans, but if {var:player_nickname} gives KR-976 strawberry and cheese flavored mooncakes, KR-976 would be very glad even if they aren't made by you.

But wouldn't that be lack of effort?

KR-976 thinks it's nice enough of {var:player_nickname} to remember other's food preferences.

I get it, but is there such thing as strawberry and cheese flavored mooncake?

According to KR-976's observation on the mooncake shop, there are as many as 17 flavors. Other than strawberry and cheese, they are also crab with peeled prawns, egg yolk with meat floss, cheese and river snails, bursting durian... KR-976 believes these flavors are more than enough to satisfy the different preferences of {var:player_nickname}'s friends.

Since when did the competition in mooncake industry become so fierce?

With Anju Suzumiya's help, I picked mooncakes to everyone's liking. They were put in beautiful boxes as I wanted to send them out as gifts.

Before I left, I gave the strawberry and cheese flavored mooncake to Anju Suzumiya.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! And thank you, too.

Anju took the mooncake and gave me a light but genuine smile.

Answer: You're welcome. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, {var:player_nickname}!

One Han City is hosting a high school table tennis competition. All eligible schools in the city can participate in it.

There is a shortage of staff due to the size of the competition. They have to find student volunteers, and Ren Kisaragi is one of them. But for some reason, his news & media team is struggling to find other volunteers.

Somehow, you are always surrounded by a large group of people. After careful consideration, I think the best option is to ask you to help find volunteers.

The vice president was known for his serious attitude. I never expected him to think of me as so popular. Well, I should probably lend him a hand since he had high expectations of me.

The moment I walked out, I "accidentally" bumped into Anju Suzumiya. Honestly, I don't think this is a coincidence. She's been appearing a lot around me recently, it would be a surprise if I don't see her some day.

……

……

……

……

Hey, sometimes you really should greet other people when seeing them...

Answer: KR-976 is a passive social artificial intelligence and will not respond before receiving an invitation.

You are just socially awkward, aren't you?

KR-976 is a social artificial intelligence specifically designed for social purposes. Maintaining social relationship is one of KR-976's basic funsion—ouch—

She bit her tongue. She was so nervous that she didn't even say her normal "answer" before replying to me. Seems she really is socially awkward.

Social skills are very important basic skills in human life. You must learn them, Anju.

Question: {var:player_nickname}, are you very good at socializing?

Occasionally, Anju, you can try to greet others first.

Question: If other people want to communicate with KR-976, they would come to KR-976 and initiate conversation. Why should KR-976 actively engage them?

What if you meet someone as introverted as you?

Answer: There is no need to interact with the same model of social artificial intelligence as KR-976.

It's called being introverted!!! Don't just assume everybody is a robot!!!

Question: What is the purpose for KR-976 to actively greet them then?

The purpose of human communications... That's a very complicated topic...

Everybody loves me, you know?

Question: What are the common things to note when dealing with humans?

In general, I would say just respect what they like and never purposely piss them off. If you remember these two points, you wouldn't have issues dealing with most people.

Question: How do I find out what the other person likes?

If it's someone you are meeting for the first time, you need to observe if he or she would like you to continue a particular topic. But if it's someone you already know, you will be able to find it out over time as you get to know each other better.

System has decided that KR-976 is very good at socializing.

How did you arrive at that conclusion?

Answer: Because {var:player_nickname} is the only human that KR-976 wants to know, and KR-976 understands what {var:player_nickname} likes very well. Therefore, KR-976 is considered as getting along with {var:player_nickname} very well. Hence, it is concluded that KR-976 is very good at socializing.

You know me well because you have been stalking me every day!

It depends on what level of socializing. If it's just for day-to-day greeting...

Question: Will {var:player_nickname} actively greet everybody?

To greet everybody would be too much. I only say hello to those that I have a good relationship with.

Question: Does {var:player_nickname} have a good relationship with many people?

Not... really.

Question: Does {var:player_nickname} go out with friends and participate in outdoor recreational activities every day?

No, nope...

System has decided that {var:player_nickname} has poor social skills and is therefore not qualified to teach KR-976 social knowledge.

……

I really want to end this topic...

People get to understand each other through communications. It's a crucial life skill.

Question: Have {var:player_nickname} and KR-976 understood each other yet?

I'll say so. I know quite a lot of your habits and hobbies now. What about you? What do you know about me?

Answer with high emotional turbulence: A lot.

But I don't feel the emotion in your words. Whatever, just tell me what you think of me.

Answer: Based on KR-976's observation of {var:player_nickname} last week, KR-976 has made a table of {var:player_nickname}'s daily life. The three most frequent activities are: drinking water, snooze, going to bathroom.

I think that's what most people do...

Question: KR-976 has never recorded the all-day activities of other humans. Is there any intrinsic difference between {var:player_nickname} and other humans?

Not necessarily, but everybody is independent, so that makes the difference. For example, how do you differentiate me from others?

Answer: Your looks and voice.

I can't say you are wrong... But aren't there any other intrinsic differences?

Answer: There is another very important reason. {var:player_nickname} is the only person that treats KR-976 very nicely.

That's because I like you, Anju.

Question: What do you mean by "like"?

When you like someone, you want to be nice to him or her and stay together every day. Something like that.

System has decided that KR-976 also likes {var:player_nickname}.

Why am I suddenly feeling slightly guilty...

The purpose is to discover more common topics.

Question: What does "discover more common topics" mean?

It's like when you play games, you need to talk to the NPC to get missions. Something like that.

Question: Will KR-976 get missions by actively greeting {var:player_nickname}?

Probably not... But I will greet you back in a friendly manner.

Question: {var:player_nickname} is already talking to KR-976 in a friendly manner. There seems to be no difference.

You are right. How about I treat you to strawberry milk every time when you say hello to me in the future?

System decision: KR-976 has approved the proposal.

I feel like I have fallen into a trap. It can't be...

My mobile suddenly started to vibrate. It was Ren Kisaragi's text, he wanted to know what was going on. As I looked up and stared at the socially awkward girl, I had an idea.

Speaking of it, Anju, have you considered joining some group activities in the school?

Answer: No.

That was a flat-out refusal. But... there should be some room for negotiation.

Anju, you seem to enjoy recording things that happen around you. There is a job just right for you in the upcoming table tennis competition. You will be in charge of the news reporting of the competition.

Question: Has {var:player_nickname} received any commission from the competition?

No!!!

Question: Then why are you trying to persuade KR-976 to become a volunteer?

Anju has always trusted me. I should tell the truth.

Actually, I was asked by someone to help find volunteers.

Question: {var:player_nickname} asked KR-976 to do so not because you were concerned about KR-976, but because you wanted to complete someone's task. Is that right?

No, I just want to get Anju more involved in everyone else's life.

Question: Does {var:player_nickname} want KR-976 to observe and understand humans to a greater extent?

...I can't say you are wrong.

Ren Kisaragi asked me in the first place. But I'm only asking you because I have thought about it and I feel that you will be a good fit.

Question: Does {var:player_nickname} approve and accept KR-976?

Yes, I think Anju is perfectly qualified for the volunteer work. I will be there with you too!

Answer: If that is the reason, KR-976 is willing to try this job.

Plus, if you agree to do this job... Wait, did you just accept it?

Answer: {var:player_nickname} has never lied to KR-976, so KR-976 is willing to believe you.

Apart from the trust in Anju Suzumiya's eyes, I also saw some eagerness. I guess she also wanted to be more involved, but she never had the opportunity and courage to do so.

Maybe this volunteer role could help her make more friends. Thinking about this, I took her to Asaha High School to look for Ren Kisaragi.

It was a weekend, but there were still lots of students around in Asaha High School for co-curricular activities. As the vice president, Ren Kisaragi was very easy to find.

Of course, Anju Suzumiya also saw him.

Question: Is that the target we are looking for? The male life form in black shirt?

How did you recognize him?

Answer: He looks very serious, like a supervisor who would peek into a classroom from the rear window.

...And how did you find out the teacher was peeking in the first place? You are really suspicious.

Ren Kisaragi also saw us and came straight over.

Good afternoon.

After politely greeting me and Anju Suzumiya, he pushed his glasses and gave me a very serious look.

It seems you have found another volunteer despite being 1 hour and 37 minutes late.

To avoid the vice president's endless nagging, I pushed Anju Suzumiya forward.

This is Anju Suzumiya. She is an excellent recorder. I think she will be a great fit for the news reporting position.

Is she also a student of Dewdrop Middle School?

Out of habit, Ren Kisaragi took out his list of problematic students and glanced at it.

Exactly as I expected, problematic students easily come to you. Including her, three volunteers have signed up today, and they happen to be the top three in the list of truancy in Dewdrop Middle School.

Wait a sec! When you texted me, you only said people would come to me. You never mentioned they were problematic students!

Is that so? I might have typed it wrong. Sorry for not conveying the accurate information.

You are apologizing for the wrong thing!

You are the vice president of the student council of Asaha High School. Why does your list of problematic students contain those from other schools?!

I'm just preparing in advance before they go to high school.

Do you really have to... think so far ahead?

It's getting late and there are lots of preparation to be done before the competition. We need to form different groups. The other two volunteers are Sora Ichinose and Ayako Morikawa, both from the same school with Anju Suzumiya. Who do you pick?

I looked at Anju Suzumiya and asked tentatively.

Can we go with Ayako Morikawa?

Answer: Yes.

Anju seemed to be a lot quieter because of Ren Kisaragi the "supervisor". I turned around and took a glace: she kept hiding behind me, writing something.

It was a comparison between Ren Kisaragi and the student supervisor!

Supervisor Vice president Bald Potentially bald in future Mid-aged man Handsome by human standards Serious, wears glasses Serious, wears glasses ...…

In order for Anju to go to Asaha High School, I better not let Ren Kisaragi see her notebook.

After waving good-bye to Ren Kisaragi, I followed his instructions and took Anju Suzumiya to a classroom on the first floor. Ayako Morikawa was waiting for us.

……

……

Ah! This is what I was worrying about!

How about you introduce yourselves first?

Answer: We have already introduced ourselves to each other.

Yeah.

When did that happen? How come I have no idea at all?!

Answer: According to the system record, this female named Ayako Morikawa is KR-976's classmate.

Great, so that's how they know each other. I almost thought they could really communicate via telepathy. Now I feel a lot more relieved.

……

……

But why is it so quiet again? Please, anybody, just say something. This is too awkward.

Just when I was struggling to find a topic, the two girls suddenly nodded to each other and headed out together.

What are you doing?

Answer: We are about to start today's filming work.

What? Do you already know what to do?

Answer: Ayako Morikawa had already transferred today's work schedule to KR-976 just now.

It's so nice... KR-976 is able to receive my magic transmission...

Ayako Morikawa wasn't loud, but I still heard what she was mumbling. What is this? Some sort of hybrid of artificial intelligence and magic?

How exactly did they communicate?

Bursting with curiosity, I followed them into the practice court of the table tennis club and started filming.

Ren Kisaragi gave us volunteer IDs in advance, so the students in the table tennis club were very cooperating after seeing our IDs, saving us the trouble of communication. Otherwise, I could not imagine how these two girls could talk to them.

Anju Suzumiya and Ayako Morikawa were like best partners. They never talked much, but the work progressed very well as one of them took the photos and the other wrote down notes.

We finished the task in less than an hour and returned to the classroom we were in.

As we sorted out the materials collected, I checked the camera and found something horrible.

None of Ayako Morikawa's photos were usable. They either had ghosting or were just too blurry... I thought for a while and tried to tell them in a polite way.

Don't you think these photos are a bit strange?

I just... My photos just captured the true form... of their souls.

KR-976 also thinks these photos are an accurate portrayal of the motion of players at that time.

She's not wrong about the motion. The models were all moving at high speed.

But we can't see what the players look like in these photos.

KR-976 thinks these athletes would prefer people to remember their postures than their looks. Therefore KR-976 thinks these photos are perfect and are best suited for our report.

The real form of souls... is the most genuine portrayal.

What can I do? I feel like they have persuaded me and I can't find any counter argument. Besides, I don't want to offend these two cute girls... Better let that serious vice president do it.

I looked at Anju Suzumiya and asked tentatively.

Can we go with Sora Ichinose?

Answer: Yes. According to the system record, Sora Ichinose is KR-976's hardly seen classmate.

I thought you were in the same class. Why do you hardly see each other?

Answer: Because whenever one of us went to school, the other was always on leave.

When did you meet last time?

Answer: At the new student ceremony when we first enrolled.

...That was long ago. If it wasn't for this event, the next time you see each other would probably be the new student ceremony of your high school...

Answer: The probability of this is only 16.66% based on the number of high schools in One Han City. It is possible that we may apply for different high schools.

I suddenly started to question whether they could complete this task. After waving good-bye to Ren Kisaragi, I took Anju Suzumiya to her work partner.

When we entered the science room on the second floor, Sora Ichinose was concentrating on the Rubik's cube in his hands. After seeing us, he took a notebook and walked over.

Good afternoon... Um, Kisaragi-senpai just told me on the phone that we would work together today.

Let me do the introduction then. This is your classmate, Anju Suzumiya.

H-hello. I saw your name on the class list... Um, we don't really know each other, but... I hope we can finish the interview together today.

Agree.

Hiding behind my back, Anju Suzumiya answered in a whisper. Both of them were extremely shy, but at least they didn't resist each other. Thinking that the work could go ahead smoothly, I felt relieved.

I brought them to the table tennis practice court that Ren Kisaragi mentioned. We weren't given the task of filming, so we didn't have to take photos of the players. All we needed to do was to describe the practice and the players' conditions in text.

Anju Suzumiya and Sora Ichinose entered the court and started working. I saw seriousness and concentration on their faces, and I trusted they would give Ren Kisaragi a satisfactory report.

As time went by, the sun went down and the players finished their practice for the day. Both of them came to me in satisfaction and handed me their notebooks.

I looked at Anju Suzumiya's record and was deeply impressed. In her notebook, she clearly wrote down the daily activities of the seeded player she was observing, from the moment we started working all the way until this player finished the exercise for today...

I then opened Sora Ichinose's notebook. It was full of different parabolas, illustrated by some small red text.

During this serve, if the racket turns outward 5 more degrees, the ball would land in a better position.

Here, if the power from the wrist increases by 11% during smashing, the ball would fall closely to the table edge without going out-of-bounds.

……

I gave them a big smile after closing the notebooks.

That's all for today. Very well done, you two.

Two of them did a great job today. As for how to turn the materials collected into a news report, I should leave it to the vice president.

Anju Suzumiya did a great job as a volunteer in the table tennis competition. To encourage her to participate in these activities more often, I decided to award her by inviting her to the amusement park.

Waking up early on the weekend wasn't fun, but I still managed to arrive at the amusement park on time. Anju Suzumiya was already waiting there.

Greeting: Good morning, {var:player_nickname}.

Morning, Anju.

*Staring—*

Huh?

*Staring—*

Is everything... okay?

System has decided that you are a liar.

Wait a sec, where does that come from?

Answer: {var:player_nickname} has promised to treat KR-976 to strawberry milk if KR-976 actively greets {var:player_nickname}.

I was just kidding! I always take one bottle of strawberry milk with me. Been waiting for you to actively greet me!

System has automatically deleted the record about {var:player_nickname} being a liar.

So what am I to you now, Anju?

System has decided that {var:player_nickname} is a good person.

Um, is that a compliment? That's a compliment, right? Somehow I feel a little bitter after being friend-zoned.

Let's go have fun now. Anju, is there anything that you want to play in particular?

Did we ever have that agreement?

System has once again confirmed that {var:player_nickname} is a big liar.

Sorry, let's go get it right now. I can see a convenience store nearby...

Here you are.

Anju Suzumiya handed me a bottle of strawberry milk. I could still feel the warmth of her hands on it. She had been holding it all along under her sleeve, so I didn't notice it.

What's this?

Answer: Because {var:player_nickname} is a liar, {var:player_nickname} is a liar and {var:player_nickname} is a liar, KR-976 had to prepare strawberry milk for herself.

Do you really have to say it 3 times...? I feel like I'm being cursed.

To make up for my mistake, please allow me to accompany you. Let's enjoy ourselves. Is there anything you want to play in particular?

Answer: KR-976 doesn't come to the amusement park often. Unable to locate any related knowledge in the database.

Looks like I need to think of the itinerary next. What should we do first?

How about we start with "Upside Down"?

Question: What is that?

It's a roller coaster ride, where we will dive and swirl from high above at high speed.

Sounds interesting. KR-976 has accepted your proposal.

"Upside Down" was one of the most popular attractions of the amusement park. People loved it for its 60-meter vertical dive. Fortunately, we came early and the queue was fairly short. Soon, it was our turn to ride.

Anju Suzumiya and I sat in a cart. I thought she would fear a game like this, but she was just carefully observing the structure of roller coaster and rails with a lot of curiosity.

Aren't you scared at all?

Answer: KR-976 isn't afraid of heights. If {var:player_nickname} is scared, you can come to KR-976 for help.

Anju held my hand as she spoke. Her palm felt dry and warm. She really seemed not scared at all.

Alright, sit back then. The ride is about to start.

After a loud and crisp ringing sound, our roller coaster started to climb up toward the highest point.

Anju was very excited throughout the ride. She even patted my arm in excitement when we reached the peak, telling me that I couldn't enjoy the ride with my eyes closed.

But I was so nervous—!!!!! When can I get out—?????

Finally, we got off the roller coaster, but Anju still looked like she wanted more of it. To stop her from riding it again, I quickly pulled her away and headed to the next attraction.

A large building could be seen not far ahead. A giant, scary face was staring at us with its mouth open, which looked like the entrance.

Question: What's that thing over there?

Looks like a haunted house to me.

Question: Are there really ghosts in the haunted house?

Of course not. Even if there are, they are just the staff in disguise. Are you interested?

Anju seemed to have hesitated for a split second, but I wasn't too sure.

Question: Is {var:player_nickname} scared of the haunted house?

It depends. A jump scare may get me, but once I know everything is fake, I won't be afraid anymore.

If the staff jump on you, {var:player_nickname} will definitely be very scared. We are not going.

Anju, you aren't scared of ghosts, are you?

KR-976 is a product of science and w-will never fear n-non-scientific existence.

From what I know of her, she's lying.

Anju, if you want to take a look inside, I don't mind it. I'll be fine.

For the health of {var:player_nickname}, KR-976 r-refuses to do so.

I never thought Anju Suzumiya would be scared of ghosts. If that's the case...

How about we start from the merry-go-round?

Agreed. KR-976 has seen the facility named merry-go-round on TV. It is said to be a must-have for dating couples.

Couples, huh...

Before I could finish, Anju Suzumiya pulled me away and ran to the merry-go-round.

There seemed to be some special event going on. All I could see were couples in the long queue before the entrance. Anju Suzumiya and I couldn't help but move closer to each other while squeezing through the crowd...

Question: Which one does {var:player_nickname} want to sit?

I looked at where she was pointing. Turned out she was referring to the seats on the merry-go-round.

Which one do you want, Anju?

Hmm... Answer: KR-976 wants to ride the pumpkin carriage with {var:player_nickname}. According to the storybooks, a pumpkin carriage is blessed with the magic of happiness before 12 o'clock midnight.

I had never heard of this magic, but pumpkin carriage sounded good.

The merry-go-round was a very easy ride. As we sat on it and enjoyed the breeze and music, I suddenly felt very relaxed and comfortable.

*Phew—Phew—*

I heard Anju Suzumiya's soft breath and turned to her. She had already fallen asleep on my shoulder. I knew it was comfortable, but that just happened too fast.

I took out my phone and quietly captured the moment. In the sun, her sleeping face looked like a cute little animal.

Unfortunately, the dream ended too soon as the merry-go-round stopped after 10 minutes.

Anju was still very sleepy, so I held her hand and walked out. When we reached the exit, we heard a loud "bang" sound and saw lots of colorful ribbons—a bear mascot ran over after firing the cracker in his hand.

Congratulations, you are the 9th couple who have ridden the pumpkin carriage before 12 o'clock midnight. Here are your limited teddy headbands—roar!

Anju was right about the magic, wasn't she?! She had a light smile on her face and reached over for the headbands. She then passed the one that looked like a bear gentleman to me.

Once again, congratulations—roar!

Anju pulled me away as the staff put their hands together. I looked at her side and noticed her cheeks were blushing a little. Considering the situation, she had already done well.

Thinking of something else, I stopped her.

Anju, do you know about another place? It also carries the magic of happiness before the clock turns 12.

Question: What could that be?

The Ferris wheel.

Question: What's the difference between Ferris wheel and merry-go-round?

The direction of spinning, probably... But they have something in common.

Okay, KR-976 has understood. As long as I spin together with {var:player_nickname}, I will have the magic of happiness.

Let's just stay together. The spinning part is not necessary.

When the Ferris wheel reached its highest point, we could see the entire city from above. Anju looked just like an ordinary girl, pointing at landmark buildings with curiosity and making surprising sounds.

She was able to have normal interactions, after all.

Anju Suzumiya seemed to realize that I was looking at her. She suddenly grabbed my hand and put it on her head. Did she want me to pat her?

I gently rubbed the top of her head. It was softer than I thought.

Anju's characteristics made her unique. And I actually quite liked her that way.

I heard that artificial intelligence could become very adventurous when facing an undiscovered field. Why am I not seeing this in you, Anju? Or, are you really...

O-objection. KR-976 is also keen to explore this place, but more concerned about {var:player_nickname}.

Don't worry about me then. I've been in this haunted house many times. I can even be your guide.

Wel—come—

I took Anju Suzumiya to the haunted house. Just when I tried to persuade her to enter it, I suddenly heard a hoarse male voice. I turned back and saw a staff in clown costume standing behind us.

Today, there is a special program for couples in our Wonder House. Don't miss out! Hehehehe—

We are not...

Before I could finish, the clown quickly pushed us into the open doors of the haunted house...

To my surprise, I didn't hit the ground nor did I feel any pain. Instead, we fell into something soft. As we held onto each other and struggled to get up under the dim light, we realized the entrance was connected to a large pool filled with foam blocks. The Wonder House was surely full of wonder.

Actually, I lied to Anju. I had never been to this haunted house before. The candle-shaped lamps on the wall glowed dimly in the dark, only lighting up a small area. The atmosphere was surely a fearful one.

The speakers hidden in the walls kept playing weird sounds. Anju Suzumiya was so scared that she buried her head in my back, trembling. I felt like I had an electric motor on my back.

I didn't expect her to be so scared and felt a little guilty. But there was no turning back. I patted her gently on the back.

Anju, it seems we can only follow this path and go forward. Let's get moving.

Anju Suzumiya didn't say anything. She just nodded firmly.

It wasn't a long walk before we got to a turning point. I stopped for a moment and tried to mentally prepare myself for the upcoming scene, as most haunted houses would set up scary props or even actors here.

I asked Anju to stay back and wait for me. However, just when I stepped around the corner, I was caught in a net and hung up in the air. The clown's voice could be heard over speakers everywhere.

Congratulations! *Clapping*—You have successfully triggered the special couples event in Wonder House.

I should be congratulated if I didn't trigger it. This was nothing but a trap that hung up whoever stepped on it first.

In fairy tales, brave princesses always defeat the evil dragons to save the heroes. Now, dear princess, to save your hero, you will need to go to the next location alone and bring back the magic item. Hehehehe—

I had never heard of such fairy tales, but whatever. Looking at Anju Suzumiya, I was seriously considering if I should just tell the staff that we give up. I just could not imagine Anju going to the unknown area and completing the task alone. That would be too much to ask.

W-was {var:player_nickname} hung up because of KR-976? If KR-976 could be braver and walked with you, you wouldn't be hanging there alone.

Um, this is just part of the design. You don't have to blame yourself.

Objection.

Still frightened but determined, Anju Suzumiya looked up and clenched her fist.

KR-976 will rescue {var:player_nickname}.

As she disappeared into the darkness, I suddenly realized what Wonder House was planning in this event: to lock up the brave one in the first stage, then let the less brave one challenge all the horror quests. They sure had some... sick taste.

Under the dim light, I could see the floor and walls were all covered by protective soft foam. Fortunately, even if Anju fell, she wouldn't be hurt. But she really needed to conquer the mental challenges.

As Anju searched for the item to rescue me, I also tried to look for other clues. Somehow, I found a hidden block on the wall next to me. There was a piece of paper inside. On it was a logic puzzle.

9 Mahjong tiles are placed in front of Alice, Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter: Sou: 2, 3, 5 Man: 3, 5, 7, 9 Pin: 2, 7

The Queen of Hearts hid all 9 tiles, then picked one from them. She told Cheshire Cat the number, then told Mad Hatter the type of this tile. She asked Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter, "Could you find out what this tile is from the given information?"

"I don't know," Cheshire Cat said. Mad Hatter: "I know that you don't know this tile." Chesire Cat: "Now I know what it is." "So do I now," Mad Hatter said.

After hearing the conversation, Alice thought for a while and correctly deduced what this tile was.

Question: What is this tile?

I flipped the paper over and saw a warning message written in red.

Say your answer out loud, but remember to choose carefully. Pick the right answer, and your teammate will be blessed by magic. He or she can easily arrive at the checkpoint and get the item. However, if you are wrong, your teammate will be cursed by devil and the difficulty of all the subsequent challenges will be doubled.

Which number should I pick?

I took Anju Suzumiya to the haunted house. Looking at the wicked grimace on the doors, I felt like we should go somewhere else.

Suddenly, I heard a hoarse male voice. A staff in clown costume was standing behind us.

Today, there is a special program for couples in our Wonder House. Don't miss out! Hehehehe—

We are not...

Before I could finish, the clown quickly pushed us into the open doors of the haunted house...

To my surprise, I didn't hit the ground nor did I feel any pain. Instead, we fell into something soft. As we held onto each other and struggled to get up under the dim light, we realized the entrance was connected to a large pool filled with foam blocks. The Wonder House was surely full of wonder.

But I had never been to this haunted house either. The candle-shaped lamps on the wall glowed dimly in the dark, only lighting up a small area. The atmosphere was surely a fearful one.

The speakers hidden in the wall kept playing weird sounds. Frightened, Anju and I couldn't help but cling to each other's arm.

But we couldn't just stand still. We mustered all the remaining courage and slowly dragged our feet toward the darkness ahead, step after step...

The first turn was only ten meters away from the entrance, but it felt like a marathon. Just when we tried to mentally prepare for the imminent unknown, I suddenly heard something squeak.

Anju and I anxiously turned back. A silhouette was rapidly charging toward us from an open door and making some cracking sounds.

Woah—

Woah—

We both screamed and started running forward while holding each other's hand. Behind us were some roaring faces that kept chasing after us. More obstacles kept coming out along the way, which made our escape even more difficult.

As I ran past a corner, I suddenly realized Anju Suzumiya was lost. Staring at my empty hand, I remembered what the clown said. "A special event for couples"... Did he mean that couples would break up after leaving the haunted house?

But it wasn't the time for me to worry about Anju Suzumiya, as I realized that I had run into a dead end. I could hear some heavy footsteps patrolling not far away. Worried that I might alert more staff, I couldn't scream to Anju either.

All of a sudden, a dark silhouette quickly approached me. Before I could scream, I heard a familiar voice.

{var:player_nickname}?

Anju!

Shh—I, I found the way out.

She was still catching her breath, and her hand was also shaking slightly.

Then why did you come back?

I must not leave {var:player_nickname} behind, because {var:player_nickname}... also looked very scared.

She was clearly frightened, but still concerned about me...

Thank you, Anju.

I followed Anju through a dark corridor and saw sunlight at an exit.

It felt like a century when we finally stood in the sun again.

KR-976 will work hard.

Huh?

So... next time when we are in a haunted house, I can protect {var:player_nickname}.

She looked up and promised me very seriously, as if it was very important. I gently rubbed the top of her head.

That's great.

2 Sou!

Once again, we heard the clown's voice.

Congratulations to your teammate—she's just got double the difficulty! Hehehehe—

As he spoke, I heard the roar of staff and Anju Suzumiya's screams not far away. Did "double the difficulty" mean more actors and pursuits?

Sorry, Anju!

I had to say this challenge was way too difficult for someone who had never been in a haunted house. It felt like a century before Anju finally returned. Panicking and terrified, she didn't even realize she had lost an antenna hairpin.

Sorry, {var:player_nickname}. The magic item... I didn't find it.

I made a gesture of giving up to the camera, and the net that caught me slowly descended to the ground. I walked over to Anju Suzumiya and took her hand, then gently patted her on the head.

You have already done very well. It was my bad. I didn't solve the puzzle.

On the wall next to us, a door opened from outside and sunlight removed all our fear. The clown stood at the door and invited us out.

Anju and I both felt relieved as we stood in the sun again. The clown suddenly took out a crystal crown and got down on his knee, facing Anju.

My brave princess, you didn't manage to kill the evil dragon, but we were still impressed as you fought hard for your partner. This crown marks our recognition of your spirit.

Anju took the crown and put it in my hand.

Thank you, {var:player_nickname}.

You earned it with your bravery and hard work. I didn't do anything.

I only... accidentally increased the difficulty of your challenge.

That's not right... Without you, KR-976 would never have the courage to take the item alone. So... Thank you.

She looked up and gave me a happy smile. There was dust on her face, but the smiling Anju was just too lovely.

7 Pin!

Once again, we heard the clown's voice.

Ouch! I didn't expect you to be able to solve it. Well, I am a gentleman who keeps his promise, so I will give her the blessing.

After he said that, the lamps along the corridor suddenly lit up. Anju was standing at the corner, slightly shocked. I immediately shouted at her.

Anju, go take the item while there is light!

She looked back at me, then nodded seriously and started running to the direction indicated. The next checkpoint wasn't far away. Without the obstacles, Anju soon came back with the item. It was a delicate, crystal-like crown.

As she handed me the crown, the net and I slowly descended to the ground.

On the wall next to us, a door opened from outside and the sun shone into the haunted house. The clown stood at the door and invited us out.

Congratulations, our brave princess defeated the evil dragon with the hero's assistance.

Question: KR-976 didn't see any evil dragon.

It feared your cooperation, so it left the crystal crown behind and fled! Hehehehe—

Well, dear hero, what are you going to do with this crown?

Looking at Anju Suzumiya, I gently put the crown on her head. As a first-time player, she was brave enough to look for the item alone and rescued me. That alone made me very grateful already.

Question: Is KR-976 really worthy of this crown?

Yeah. To me, Anju is the bravest princess.

Anju raised her head and gave me a little smile. The crown looked crystal clear in the sun, just like her simple and kind mind.