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Leva/Profile
| Leva | Story | Profile | Quotes |
"I can't sleep yet, I still have work to do..."
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Record 1
Formerly designated UMP45, Leva was the original leader of H.I.D.E. 404. Gentle and friendly in demeanor, her sharp and calculating mind is well hidden behind a perfectly measured smile. If you happen to see through it—sorry, that's on purpose.
While she is still a member of H.I.D.E. 404 in name, Leva has shifted her focus to the Non-Military Forces Administration, assisting Kalina with matters that can't be handled openly.
With the squad's long-term future in mind, Leva passed the position of squad leader to Klukai and has since actively contributed to building up the new H.I.D.E. 404.
She may seem distant, but when she's needed, Leva is always there.
"Isn't that what family's for~?"
Record 2
Leva's name carries the meaning of "lion", but if you randomly ask anyone who has dealt with her, they'll all say the same thing: Leva is much more like a fox than a lion.
Shrewd. Cunning. It's as if she has X-ray vision with how she can see right through you.
When Leva hears such descriptions, she simply smiles and says, "You're giving me too much credit."
But she wasn't always like this. Back when she was UMP45, fresh out of the factory, people were more likely to compare her to a rabbit—her smile uncertain, a little timid, always huddling close to a certain long-haired Doll, her every movement skittish and jittery.
Then the butterfly flapped its wings, and the long-haired Doll was gone.
Leva was left to face everything alone: a past unacknowledged, and a future forcibly erased.
She learned how to deal with all kinds of humans and Dolls, how to navigate being used and using others. Slowly, she took control of her own fate. Over time, she became what she is now—calm, calculating, unfazed—someone who seems, with every quiet smile and clever word, utterly indifferent to past gains or losses.
Only she—and the presence buried deep in her neural cloud—truly know how much she yearns to exact vengeance upon the mastermind who harmed her and her family.
But it is not time yet. The lion in her neural cloud must remain in slumber for now.
One day, it will bare its fangs.
And so Leva waits for that day—with a smile.
Record 3
Leva enjoys watching disaster films.
When she's not handling a commission or on the job, she likes to pick out a disaster film and watch it with UMP40, who resides in her neural cloud.
Skyscrapers collapsing in an instant, human civilization reduced to rubble in the face of unstoppable natural or unnatural catastrophes, and a desolate, lifeless landscape left behind—there's something about the total destruction and ensuing silence that brings Leva a deep sense of peace.
Mechty once made a jibe about Leva being a scary Doll who looks calm on the outside but harbors a psychotic urge to destroy, to which Leva only smiled sweetly and replied, "You're obsessed with gory zombie flicks—pot calling the kettle black much?"
"You must be more stressed than you let on," muses UMP40 from within her neural cloud. "Even though you always seem so composed."
"Isn't it normal to occasionally want to tear the Earth to pieces~? Still..."
Leva stares at the screen. In the film, people are desperately fleeing from sinking ground.
"If a disaster of that scale really strikes, according to my calculations, giving up would probably be the least painful choice."
"And yet, at times like that, humans often ignore probability and rational analysis, and throw themselves into the pursuit of something as illusory as 'the hope of survival'."
"This strange instinct to survive... is absolutely fascinating."
Record 4
For some time, Leva notices that Lenna keeps giving her this hesitant, conflicted look, but whenever Leva tries to ask her about it, Lenna quickly finds an excuse and runs off.
One day, after chasing her all around the base, Leva finally manages to corner her.
"Len~na~ If you don't tell me, how am I supposed to know what's on your mind?"
Lenna widens her eyes and looks at Leva with slight grievance.
"The badge..."
"What?" Leva is a little thrown off by the tangent Lenna has gone off on.
"The badge I gave you... Why don't you wear it?!"
Only then does Leva remember—Lenna had indeed given her a badge a few days ago, one with a cute smiley face on it.
"That's what this is about?"
"What do you mean 'that's what this is about'?! I've been agonizing over it for days! I was scared you'd think I'm childish! I wanted to ask but I didn't want to annoy you! It's been so stressful!"
Looking at the puffed-up, sulky Lenna, Leva chuckles and pats her head. Then she opens up her jacket.
Inside, pinned carefully onto the lining, is the very badge—grinning goofily at Lenna.
"That's..."
"I was worried it'd get damaged if I wore it on the outside, so I pinned it here."
"It's a precious gift from my adorable little sister, after all. Of course I have to keep it safe~"
Record 5
When Kalina first invited Leva to join the Non-Military Forces Administration, Leva declined.
In her eyes, 404 couldn't make do without her. Being part of it meant she could always be there when they needed her, and she could protect her family better. Still, in her spare time, Leva did give some thought to who might be able to take over as squad leader.
Lenna was clever and efficient in action, but if Leva were to transfer to the NOMFA, Lenna would surely follow her without hesitation. Mechty... was impossible to imagine in any kind of leadership position. Klukai was probably the most suitable candidate—powerful AND capable, but as an extreme subscriber to the belief that "with great power comes great responsibility", she's too prone to taking on too much herself and shouldering every burden alone...
"Hm, they really can't survive without me~"
"Is that really the only reason? I sense other thoughts too~"
"...As my second computational core, nothing gets past you, huh."
And so, Leva continued focusing on managing 404. Outside of work and missions, she rarely interacted or got involved with anyone beyond the squad, let alone made friends.
Friends were a risk. A weakness.
But there was one exception—a woman named Vera, one of 404's collaborators.
Vera's status wasn't prestigious. By day, she was a pianist performing in a high-end White Zone restaurant; by night, she roamed the Green Zone as a magician. Through her jobs, she occasionally passed intel to Leva or handed over reliable commissions. Over time, their similar way of handling matters and mutual respect for personal space nurtured something that resembled friendship. At one point, Vera even used a magic trick to give Leva a photo of her infant child, who had just turned one month old.
Leva never admitted out loud that they were friends, but she did discuss with Lenna whether they should buy a gift for Vera's baby.
Before they could, tragedy struck.
Someone, somehow, took offense at Vera's underground dealings. The last time Leva saw her was in a video.
The footage was gruesome. Vera's beautiful, slender hands were bludgeoned until they were nothing but mangled lumps of flesh. In the final shot, Vera's eyes—half-open and dull—stared blankly ahead.
Leva tried to track down the perpetrator on her own, but nothing turned up. In desperation, she turned to Kalina for help.
While waiting for news, Leva felt a sense of helplessness and powerlessness she hadn't experienced in a long time.
Eventually, using the NOMFA's powerful intelligence network, Kalina identified a PMC involved in illegal operations—one that 404 had previously investigated.
Due to a mishap during the earlier report submission, relevant personnel—including Vera—had been exposed. That was why she was targeted for revenge.
Although the PMC was later dismantled, the real mastermind remained hidden in the shadows. And in those shadows were more eyes and hands, ready to pull them into even deeper darkness.
Leva had always envisioned leading 404 forward through whatever tides that reshaped the world. But after this incident, she realized that she could no longer protect 404 as she once had simply by staying within the squad. She needed to stand higher. She needed to go farther, ahead of them, so that she could stop 404 from being swallowed by the fathomless vortex of time.
Leva found Kalina and accepted her invitation to join the Non-Military Forces Administration—but on one condition: she must be granted appropriate access to the Administration's intelligence network, so she could screen missions for 404 and better protect her family.
She wanted to shut the door on death and separation—before they came knocking.
This time, she might be away from home for a long while. But when she finally returns, it will be for a true reunion.
Record 6
"I'm ready. Let's go, Commander."
I look up and freeze when I see Leva's new short hairstyle, stunned until a hand waves in front of my face.
"Why are you spacing out all of a sudden?"
"N-no... I just haven't seen you dressed like this in so long."
Short hair, a tailored blazer and shorts—it's a stark contrast from Leva's usual look, and much more human in style.
"Well, we're headed to a formal meeting today, so I figured this would be more appropriate—and a bit more low-key. Still, I'm curious..." Leva peers at me. "Commander, which style do you think looks better on me?"
"Leva is..."
"'Leva is Leva, and you look good no matter what you wear'—Commander, do I look like the kind of Doll who'd be fooled by such a wishy-washy answer?" I have barely opened my mouth before Leva cuts me off.
She gives me a faint smile, a teasing glint in her eyes.
Sure enough, with this fox, I can't afford to let my guard down even for a second.
"Of course not. But no matter what I say, you would stick to your own choices and style, right?"
"After all, you're rarely swayed by others. The way I see it, that's exactly what makes you so fetching."
"Hehe, nicely played, Commander. When neither option seems right, you carve out a third path and sidestep the question entirely."
"Is that not allowed?"
"It's pretty good, actually~ But, Commander, you did get one thing wrong."
Leva leans in close to whisper in my ear.
"Your opinion can absolutely influence me. So next time—tell me what kind of look you like~?"
Record 7
I look at Leva lying in the repair pod as she slowly opens her eyes.
The uncharacteristically vulnerable expression on her face makes it hard for me to voice the reproach I'd planned. After all, she acted out of concern for my safety—
"If you're about to say something like, 'Next time, take care of yourself first,' you can skip it, Commander."
"How did you know that was what I was going to say?"
"It's written all over your face."
Leva sits up in the pod and moves her limbs a little to test them out.
"Besides, I haven't lost any of my neural data. I can tell what's on your mind just by rewinding a little."
"I've never been one to shy away from the possibility of sacrifice during a mission, but if that sacrifice is you, Commander, I won't stand by and let it happen."
There is no hint of her usual playfulness in her tone. Leva looks at me quietly, seriously.
"A botched mission can be reattempted. My frame can be repaired. But there's only one Commander—nothing and no one can replace you."
"Leva..."
A hand gently touches my cheek, and she looks into my eyes.
"I don't want to lose anyone important ever again, Commander."
Record 8
When the MCV pulls over for maintenance, Leva invites me to get off and take a walk through the nearby city ruins.
Amidst the dead, crumbling walls and debris, her steps are light and full of life.
"It feels like..."
"Hm?" Leva turns to look at me.
"You seem... happier than usual?"
"I wouldn't say happy, but walking through these destroyed human settlements... does make me feel at ease."
"Why's that?"
"Because I can let my imagination run wild. For example..." she says, pausing in front of what appears to be the entrance to an old shop, running her fingers across a faded, illegible poster on the glass window.
"July 2nd... What was on sale that day?"
"Who rode the kiddie ride outside?"
"Whose bullet left the hole in this window?"
"There are no answers to these questions, no way to verify them, so we can guess as much as we want."
"These ruins may seem empty, but that emptiness is what makes them full of infinite, uncertain possibilities."
"Don't you think that's fascinating?"
Leva turns and leans against the window, looking at me.
"I've been to the White Zones and the Green Zones. They've been built, defined. But these ruins... they're like another dimension, another world entirely."
"And in another dimension, what would you and I be?"
Her words spark endless possibilities in my mind.
What kind of person would I be in another dimension? Would Leva still be by my side?
"Maybe... there's even a world where you and I don't exist in the same dimension at all," she mused.
"In that case, could we still talk like this?"
"Maybe—through some kind of medium. But I still like it best this way—"
Leva steps up to me and takes my hand.
"We can speak directly... and actually touch each other."
"Commander, you'd better treasure the Leva of this world, okay?"
Memories
Simultaneous Exhibition 1
Well then~ I'll count down from three, and we'll all pull the party poppers together, okay?
Is this really necessary...
Of course it is~ This job we just completed brought in enough funds to keep the Elmo running for quite a while, isn't that right, Mayling?
It's true! Fuel, electricity, water... We won't have to worry about any of these for the next few months!
So~ three, two, one! (Pop! Pop! Pop!)
Leva?
My, my, things sure are lively here. So? Something good happened while I was away?
We just completed a job big enough to cover all of the Elmo's essential operating costs for a few months. It's definitely worth celebrating.
Care to join us, Leva?
I'll pass.
I just finished a mission for Kalina, so I need to recharge for a bit. Catch you later, Commander~
...
It's Leva, isn't it?
How can you tell so easily?
From what I know, I'm not the only Doll on board who'd do something like this~
It's because you're wearing gloves! I saw them when you waved at me earlier, and then...
And then...?
It's really just the gloves that you recognized, hm?
Y-yes! (I raise my hands in surrender.)
Leva... since you had me all figured out already, please go easy on me... I still need my nose, you know.
Well, it's been a while since we last saw each other. I was worried you might've forgotten some of our... little rituals.
You're right ~it HAS been a while.
Kalina keeping you busy?
Oh, very. Lenna and I have been running around non-stop doing errands for her. We only just managed to squeeze in some downtime.
I was looking forward to coming back to the Elmo to help you out, Commander, but when I got here, you were already surrounded by a crowd.
Uh, Leva...
I couldn't even get a word in, so I stormed off to sulk and recharge.
You don't even need me anymore, Commander... Boo-hoo, I even -
Alright, alright, that's enough, Leva. You're laying it on a little thick.
Oh, really?
Sometimes I think you enjoy making me call you out. You only came looking for me after everyone else had left. I'm guessing there's something you wanted to talk about?
As expected of you, Commander. I see you haven't forgotten the way we work... or the way we flirt.
I've got a mission Kalina asked me to take on. After some thought, I realized only you could help.
Let's hear it.
It's about that shady PMC that's been all over the news lately.
We've arranged to meet with a contact at Barek's gala to receive intel.
Barek... oh, that famous philanthropist? He's hosting another auction?
That's the one. The gala is human-only. If I show up, I'll draw attention. So, I'll need to borrow your human identity for a bit.
Hm...
The Non-Military Forces Administration is offering a very generous reward for this one.
And the gala's being held at one of the most luxurious resorts in the White Zone, so it's practically a paid vacation~
What do you say, Commander? Interested?
You certainly know how to pique someone's interest.
But I still need to review all the mission details before I decide.
Cautious as always, Commander. Makes you all the more attractive.
I'll send you the full brief later. I won't bother you while you're working now.
Hm... You were right that I came only after everyone has left because I had business to discuss. However... it's also true that I wanted a moment alone with you, Commander.
Simultaneous Exhibition 2
(Payment terms, risk assessment, operational outline... Hm, nothing seems problematic.)
So... shall we work together?
Yeah. Looking forward to it.
Leva, about our fake identities... Are we really registering as a couple?
That's right. We can move around more easily this way, and we can provide better cover for each other.
Of course, that's just the official reason.
So what's the unofficial one?
The unofficial one is...
You're free to interpret the purpose of giving you this identity however you want.
I won't mind if you overthink it~
Well, I DID think of quite a few things...
Oh? Like what?
For starters, this is a human-only gala. How are you planning to get in? Are you putting on a disguise?
Of course. I'll be doing some makeup trials in a few days.
But instead of worrying about that, shouldn't you be more concerned about the ball?
You mean there'll be ballroom dancing?
Indeed. Our contact will exchange information during the partner swap. The whole thing has to look natural~we can't rule out enemy surveillance.
Dancing, huh... I did know how to, once.
But it's been years. With all that crawling through the contamination zones, I haven't done anything so fancy in a long time.
Hm... So, you CAN, but you're rusty.
Sounds like... you'll need some refresher training~
Oof. I'm so sorry!
Hmm~ How many times does that make? Oh dear, I've lost count.
I said I was sorry!
An apology without substance doesn't mean much. And I have a feeling you're going to step on me a few more times.
What to do, hm?
Okay, so how could I make up for this, Lady Leva?
Oh, I'm totally saving this rare blank check you're giving me~
I'll cash it in when the time is right.
When the time is right, huh... Alright.
Commander, lift your head.
Mm... huh?
Being out of practice and stepping on someone's foot is normal, but Commander, don't forget the original intent of dancing.
What might that be?
Dance originated from the mating displays of animals. Humans imitated and refined it, turning it into a tangible act of emotional interaction.
How complicated.
It can be, but it's also simple. At its core, it's a game of pursuit - a push and pull.
To know when to advance and when to retreat, one must constantly gauge their partner's attitude and anticipate their thoughts.
So your attention should always be on your partner.
I see. Basically, I shouldn't be overly focused on the footwork itself. Instead, my focus should be on you and your movements, right?
Not a very romantic way to put it, but you would be most correct~
Commander, what you need to do is look into my eyes.
I don't care who you usually pay attention to. Right now, I want your eyes on me and me alone~
Understood.
Oh!
Ugh...
You were distracted. What were you thinking about?
N-nothing. Haha. I probably just misread your thoughts.
When there are conflicting ideas between parties, someone inevitably gets hurt.
That's true. Oddly enough, even though I'm the one who made the mistake, you're the one who got hurt.
That's the nature of games.
The one who gives more might end up hurt, while the one who's more carefree may stand to gain more.
Doesn't sound very fair. Isn't it unsettling to deal with so many unknowns?
It might be, but it's also more exciting.
Unpredictable dance steps are like unpredictable human emotions. For Dolls, it's a kind of mystery that can't be simulated with data.
Our world has too many certainties. That's why these uncertainties are so fascinating.
Even when facing the unknown, you're still so enthusiastic.
Because I'm happy.
From the thrills of the unpredictable?
No~
I'm happy that I've found a worthy opponent in this game.
Being able to spar as equals is a rare thing. Don't you think so, Commander?
Ah... yeah.
Alright, let's keep practicing.
Simultaneous Exhibition 3
Leva, I'm coming in, okay?
Foundation, lip gloss, eyebrow pencil... Pretty well-equipped, eh?
Of course, I came fully prepared~
Hm... But makeup doesn't seem like something you can do with just the right tools.
Commander, I can see you're holding back a laugh.
Haha, sorry... I'm not laughing at you. It's just rare to see you struggle with something. It's kind of cute.
Turning mockery into a compliment--how very smooth.
Don't just stand there, Commander. Help me with my makeup.
Huh? Me?
Why else do you think I called you over this late?
I mean... I'm not exactly an expert myself. If I end up turning your face into abstract art, don't break my nose, alright?
Do I really seem so violent to you?
Relax--I've thought about it. When both people aren't good at something, helping each other usually yields better results than doing it alone.
Besides, you clearly know what makes someone look more human.
You sure?
You can follow the tutorial too.
Fine. But I don't think following a tutorial will work.
Aren't human makeup tutorials about teaching you how to cover up the flaws on your skin?
You have a point. Then go ahead and do what you think is best~
I think... maybe I should add some tiny imperfection?
Like freckles or something--that may look more human.
You can do whatever you want; I trust you~ completely~
Haha, what an honor.
Maybe a mole here... and a bit of dark shadow under the eyes to simulate dark circles...
Oof, dammit. That's too much.
I tried my best.
So there are also things you struggle with.
Still, your overall idea was solid--it can still be fixed.
Why do you suddenly look... way more skilled?
Wait... Don't tell me you were faking being bad earlier just to mess with me?
Of course not.
Dolls learn quickly, especially when it comes to things with set techniques like makeup. Once you provided a form of reference, I basically had it figured out.
Though... I really did want you to do my makeup.
Because you wanted to see me fumble?
I've read that doing makeup for your partner is an incredibly intimate act.
While you and I are already close as "family", that term is still a bit vague. "Family" can mean many things.
This mission gives us a chance to step into a clearly defined role.
You mean as "partners"?
Exactly.
Partners are family, too, but in a different, more specific way.
Different how? Maybe we can only find out by doing things that only partners would do?
That makes sense. We're playing the part, after all.
That's why~ we should also deepen our connection~
It'll make us behave more naturally during the mission.
Should I say your neural cloud works really fast?
I feel like you always have some ulterior motive, but the reasons you give on the surface always seem so reasonable.
You're not so slow yourself, Commander.
You always manage to pick up on what I'm really saying.
But what you said earlier is also true. I did want to see you fumble doing something you're not good at, just so I could tease you back~
I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm definitely not as accomplished as you think. There's a whole list of things I'm bad at.
That's fine. Imperfection is cute.
Thoughts?
Hm... So this is what Leva looks like with makeup.
Well? Do I feel more like your kind now?
Leva, you're already family. You don't need to deepen our connection by being "my kind".
To me, you're just... Leva.
As expected from you, Commander. That's a perfect answer in my book~
As a reward...
Please accept this little "token of affection" from me~
Simultaneous Exhibition 4
Eleven o'clock--she's wearing a feather brooch on her gown... Commander, she's noticed us too.
Can we go now?
Probably not... I count six possible patrol units on the second floor. Their identities are unclear.
Moving toward the target now could easily expose us.
But once the ball starts, things will get trickier--because we have to wear this.
This immersive interactive smart visor projects virtual avatars for everyone, so during the dance, you won't know who anyone really is.
Hello, it's your lovely and caring electronic warfare Doll, at your service~
You plan to hack into their central system?
Once the ball begins, I'll use the visor to access their control console and cause all visors to malfunction for a few seconds.
As for the real-world follow-up... that's your part, Commander.
I have to memorize the virtual avatars of nearby guests. When you crash the system, I'll have to find the informant and make contact, right?
Bingo~
Oh, and one more thing--during that time, you'll need to "look after" my physical body. It'd be weird if I just freeze up on the dance floor.
Sounds a bit difficult -
It is. Timing is crucial. We'll need tight coordination and strong synchronization.
Since the dance steps are pre-choreographed, you just have to follow my lead.
That shouldn't be hard for you, right? We've practiced a lot already~
I'll handle it carefully.
That's what I love about you, Commander~
I've got to admit... This does a pretty good job of showing people what life was like before World War III.
Agreed. But we've got work to do.
Commander, you have your strategy ready?
Just focus on your part.
Direct, but dependable.
Well then... three, two, one.
Phew. Commander, did you catch it?
I did. I also took note of her virtual avatar. So...
We're moving toward the informant now?
Yes. We should be able to make contact at the next partner switch.
Hmph... Bit of a shame, not being able to finish our first dance. But... see you in a bit~
U... Leva?
Boo~
Sheesh, Leva... Why are you so quiet when you walk?
Because I wanted to see your surprised face~
So? Got the intel?
Of course.
You completed two separate tasks while under the guise of dancing. That's some seriously impressive adaptability, Commander.
It's all thanks to your EW maneuver. We succeeded because of both of us.
I know~
As expected, we're a perfect team. Totally in sync.
Aah~ Maybe I should quit working for Kalina and just go freelance with you, Commander?
There you go again, saying things you know won't happen.
You can't let go of your family, and you know it.
Sigh... I was just thinking how nice it was to be so close to you, Commander, but now I realize how scary it is that someone knows me this well.
That's what "family" is, isn't it?
It's all about deep understanding, but sometimes that closeness can be intimidating.
Hm... But family isn't always so in sync.
Maybe... I'm something more to you, or you're something more to me...
Let's head back.
I need to get this intel to Kalina fast, so we can move on to the next step.
Commander... what are you doing?
You went to the trouble of putting on makeup, and here we are at this fancy place... I'd like to finish that dance we started.
Commander, did you have a sudden epiphany or something?
So may I have this dance?
Of course.
Compassionate Trap
Leva... is that your name?
Hm.
I found it in the URNC's Female Name Registry back in the day. It's spelled somewhat similarly to "Lenna" which makes us sound like sisters. So I settled on it just like that~
Leva... It also means "lion" doesn't it?
It does, and it sounds pretty majestic.
If someone crosses me, I'll just (Leva raises her hands and makes a pouncing gesture )
Then I'll gobble them up, leaving no bones behind~
Actually... you strike me more as a fox than a lion.
Are you saying I'm devious? Haha~
Devious, huh... That feels like such a human and subjective description.
I just think you're smart. Sometimes TOO smart for a Doll.
You're smart too, Commander~
But when I talk to you, I always somehow get led around by the nose, and before I know it - bam! I fall into a pit you dug 180 years ago.
If it's a pit made just for you, I'll make it comfy~
What?
I'll line it with cushions, decorate it with fairy lights, serve food and wine- And I'll be in the pit with you too~
How's that? Doesn't falling into it sound kinda nice now?
Only you could make a loss sound that appealing.
Thanks for the compliment~
Private Meeting Logs
Commander, are you free?
I borrowed a game from Kalina, but I haven't touched it yet, and returning it all covered in dust seems like a bit of a shame.
So I thought of asking you to play through it with me, just like we used to in Griffin. Interested?
Good answer. I'll go take care of my work first. Talk to you later.Unchanging Answer I
Sorry to keep you waiting; taking care of business took longer than expected.
It must have been a real slog. Still, if work was that tiring, we can always do this some other time.
Get some rest, relax a bit, recharge a little.
That's exactly what I'm doing. Hanging out with you is the best way to relax and recharge.
Or are you saying you won't let me, Commander? Boohoohoo, you have wounded my delicate maiden's soul.
Fine, fine, you're such a drama queen. Anyway, back on topic; what kind of games are we going to play?
Cute when you don't fall for it. Still, it's a bit of a shame we couldn't play out the whole bantering part first. Could it be you've already seen right through me, Commander?
So that means we're like an old married couple, then!
Anyway, as for the video games, I'd like to play this one.
I like these interactive movie games, plus it's a cult classic so not many people have played it.
It's set in a lawless city of wickedness, exploring the struggles of two rival Dolls who are the leaders of their respective gangs and how they handle the judgement of destiny.
Unfortunately, the game didn't get much development due to market forces, but the basic premise is still pretty good.
Commander, don't you think the two of them resemble us a fair bit? What kind of relationship do we have?
About that...
Leva, I think...
Don't go all serious on me, I was just asking out of curiosity.
I don't need the answer right away.
The truth is, I was drawn in 10 years ago... by your feelings and your true nature.
As for your answer to that question just now...
I think it can wait until we've finished the game.
So, what color controller do you prefer? White? Black, perhaps? Or maybe the gray one that I made for you with all my love?
From what I know of you, there's probably no third option... I'll just go with plain white.
I was just trying to spice things up a little, Commander. Well, if you don't appreciate it, then never mind.
Still, what if I told you it actually existed?
Then I'd pick it, of course. That way, I'd get to see you blush, right?
W-Well done, Commander. Looks like our time apart hasn't diminished how in sync we are.
Alright, pick up your controller. Enjoy this story of two Dolls who want to leave wickedness behind them in search of peace, but who keep getting drawn back in by the flow of the times.
Since there aren't many characters in the game, you'll be playing a Doll in this story. You don't mind, right?
Now this is interesting. If I were a Doll... let's see just how far I can go with you, Leva.
Please look forward to it, then.
I guarantee you won't be disappointed by the story.
Unchanging Answer II
The game felt more fun than expected. Was it because I was playing with you?
Quit messing with me... Still, the story was more interesting than I thought it would be.
Yup, there were lots of fun moments while we were playing.
For instance, during the gangster assassination mission, I can't believe you actually abandoned it just to avoid hurting an innocent Doll.
While it's very much in keeping with your way of doing things, that doesn't seem like what a Doll would choose, you know?
Clearing missions isn't a win condition in this game, so it should be fine, right?
That's why I said you're not a Doll, Commander.
Still, that's pretty fun too.
The game universe is like ours. Memories can be freely uploaded and downloaded, and so the concept of death doesn't truly exist. Therefore, a true Doll would operate based on that assumption.
However, you know that when Dolls load up a neural cloud backup, they lose part of their memories. Ethically, this is a significant issue.
I think it's a trap set by the game. If you don't care about other Dolls, how can you break free of this world of darkness and find your own freedom?
Most perceptive, Commander.
Say, why are you always so tense when you play games? Shouldn't you relax a little?
Just be like me and roleplay a free-spirited Doll in the game.
Punish Dolls who fail their missions, gun down Dolls who defy me... After all, the mission is the top priority.
That's a pretty efficient way of doing things, but it doesn't seem to suit you.
Well, it is a game, after all, so we just have to do as the game tells us. You're the one who's being too straitlaced, Commander.
I mean, this is a gangster story. Even if you're planning to leave not just...
Ehhhh? What's going on? They're all ganging up on me even though I...
Huh, is it me or do these events look kind of familiar.
You went too loud and all the other gangs decided to go after you. According to the game guide, you're going to be attacked by them in the next scene, so think of how to escape with your people.
Well, isn't that a pain... Here, take my controller. We'll swap characters.
Hold on a minute. You brought this on yourself, didn't you?
But we're both the MCs of this game, right?
I simply chose the most effective plan that had the highest likelihood of success.
You're a better leader than me, so you should be able to get a better clear reward in this stage.
Make use of all the resources at hand to achieve your objective... Isn't that the usual reasoning used by Doll logic systems?
That's true... Alright, then, since you're asking, I'll try to do better next time.
Well, according to the guide, there's pretty much no hope at this point. Still, let's see just how much you can do and how many of your people you can save.
I'm looking forward to how you'll do, Commander. Show me your skills once again.
Unchanging Answer III
You're right, there's no way to win. Sorry, Leva, I only managed to preserve 70% of my people in the end.
Leva?
Were you talking to me, Commander? Sorry, I was taking a transmission related to a mission and got distracted.
You protected that many Dolls? Well done. Better than expected, in fact.
Right, let's change characters back and carry on with the game.
Are you busy with work? Do you want to pause for a while and continue later?
A little, but I've already asked Klukai to handle it and Lenna will be handling the comms work.
404 is different from how it used to be.
They can handle missions flawlessly even without me stepping in.
As for you, Commander... are things alright on your end? If I'm not wrong, you ought to have been handling a commission around now. Did you turn it down?
I wouldn't say I turned it down, just adjusted my schedule.
After all, we hardly ever get the chance to hang out like this, just the two of us, and I didn't want to ruin your fun.
...
You've gotten good at sweet-talking people, Commander.
In that case, let's keep playing our game.
In the upcoming mission, my character realizes the Doll you're playing is always protecting and caring for me--and that's why I fall for you. Meanwhile, your character realizes that you've begun developing feelings for me because we're always together.
But in the end, the story will challenge them with differences of morals and separation... So what will you choose, Commander?
Wow, thanks for spoiling the entire plot...
Playing while thinking about questions is fun too, isn't it?
Commander, we'll be leaving the city now. Turn right at the next corner.
Alright.
Wait a minute, why are there so many enemy gangsters waiting for us? Is this an ambush?
Yup. I specially chose a "fun" route. That way, I'll have more room to show off and rescue you just in the nick of time, so I can grow your affection for me in the story more quickly.
If I'm not wrong, I believe it's known as the "suspension bridge effect" in psychology?
This isn't the time to be discussing that sort of thing or talking about how you're going to mess with me! Leva, hurry up and help me!
Oh my, I think I felt my heart skip a beat just now.
Say it again, Commander~
I'll say it as many times as you want after this! Just save me already! I don't want to die halfway and have to do this stage all over again!
Sto arrivando, tesoro, aspettami~! Coming, darling!
We're almost at the end of the story, Commander.
Now we're at the game's signature scene. It's where the pair, having gone through dangers together, reveal their feelings to each other amidst gunfire~and make their final decision.
Commander, have you decided yet? Will you elope with me, throw everything away and start afresh....
Or will you part ways with me and continue enjoying the sweet fruits of enriching yourself in a gilded metropolis?
I told you before, didn't I? I'd already made my decision before the game started. But I'm sorry, Leva.
...
That wasn't the answer you were expecting, was it, Miss Developer?
So you knew, Commander.
Unchanging Answer IV
Commander, when did you find out I was the developer?
Just how well do you think I know you, anyway?
The characters' lines, their actions, and even the layout of the items all had traces of you on them.
Wow, you're amazing, Commander... Then... I'm sure you know why I wanted to play this game with you, right?
I'm sorry, Leva.
What? Why are you apologizing? You do know that's breaking the rules, right?
You know I'm not here for this.
Because I didn't leave with you.
This is a bad ending, right?
I'm talking about the path you chose, Commander.
And I know that you didn't do it just to enrich yourself. After all, that was the only way you could protect the other Dolls, right?
Even if everyone else thought you did it for money, Dolls don't need such pleasures, I know...
Commander... This ending.
I'm sorry I disapp-
Is the best possible one.
Eh?
Tadaaaaaah...
Wha...
After being chased out of the city by you, I learned my lesson and gathered a huge army together to wipe out all the gangs in the city of sin, then kidnapped your Doll so she could marry him!
What kind of deus ex machina is that? Does that even make sense?
That's because my character is actually the First Princess of the Doll Community (p). Makes perfect sense for her to have a corps of Doll knights at her disposal, right?
You know, I read the game guide and didn't see anything about this in there! Don't you think you owe me an apology?
And that is my answer.
No matter how deeply you sink into the darkness, no matter how much of a burden you must bear, I won't let you do it alone.
I'll use everything I have. Doesn't matter if I have to cheat or violate my conscience, I'll come back to you, grab hold of you, and never let you go.
Because you are mine, just like I am yours.
And that is the game's true ending. It's also the game's only ending.
So that's what you wanted to say. Still, was there a need to develop a game just to set it up?
Well, I WAS interested in the genre. More importantly...
I mix lies in with the truth, so I didn't know how best to fully convince you.
There's no need for that. I'm confident I can tell the lies from the truth in your words.
So you can even do that... I feel really exposed to know that someone's seen through me to that extent, but I don't hate it.
There's never a dull moment around you, is there?
Now then, what kind of reward shall I give to the Commander who's come all this way and kept me company through my games and shenanigans?
Since our bond of love has already been established in the game... Why don't we try doing the same in real life too?
Don't you think copying the game is too much? Besides, we...
Well, since you're abstaining, then I'll choose for you.
Please take the health of your nose into consideration before you say anything that might ruin the mood, hm?
Alright, we'll do it your way for once. Besides, the game was really fun.
Mmm, that's a good boy. Now, according to the rest of the story, the two of them retired into obscurity and lived together to a ripe old age.
Commander, have you considered running away with me? Just leaving this all behind and letting me use everything I have to make you happy for the rest of your life?
That's a tempting proposition... but I'm sorry.
I have other things to do right now.
So it's the same answer as in the game. In that case, you should know my answer too, right?
Don't think you can get rid of me, amore mio.