I had been frowning for the past few minutes, staring at a mysterious black phone floating in front of me, its surface glowing faintly with shimmering lights that seemed to come from nowhere.
This is Miyama Kaito. I used to live on Earth, but now I’ve settled into a different world called Trinia. I’ve spent about eight years in this peaceful land where war and discrimination don’t exist, and before long, I’ll be turning thirty.
I’ve certainly had my share of strange encounters here, but this was new, even for me. A phone suddenly appearing out of thin air? Suspicious was putting it mildly. I couldn’t help but wonder if Shiro-san had something to do with this.
"...Alice." (Kaito)
A familiar blonde girl emerged from my shadow at my call. Alice, my lover, always dependable, always watchful, and someone I trust with my life.
"It’s clearly not native to Trinia, so it has to have come from an outside world. What's troubling is that it left no traces of spatial fluctuations coming here." (Alice)
Her sharp tone matched the seriousness of her words, grounding me a little. Just having her here was reassuring.
“How about you, Shiro-san? Do you know what it is?” (Kaito)
(Indeed. I permitted its arrival in my world. From what I’ve gathered, its purpose is to approach you and offer entertainment from other worlds.) (Shallow Vernal)
A beautiful voice appeared in my head. Shiro-san, another of my cherished lovers, often communicates with me this way, reading my thoughts and sending her responses directly into my head. But to think that this phone came here to entertain me...that sounded less like a gift and more like a shady salesman knocking on my front door.
"I see. Let’s discuss this at your place then. It’s safe for me to touch, right?" (Kaito)
(You have my guarantee that it poses no danger.) (Shallow Vernal)
With that assurance, I relayed the information to Alice. After inspecting the phone herself and nodding slightly, she gave me the go-ahead. Taking a breath, I reached out, grabbed the phone, and slipped it into my pocket.
In an instant, the world shifted, and I wasn’t surprised to find myself standing in Shiro-san’s sanctuary, a vibrant garden blooming with exotic, colorful flowers. As always, she’d prepared a table and snacks, anticipating our arrival.
Shiro-san appeared before us, her presence as striking as ever. She was adorned entirely in white, her long, flowing hair cascading down to her legs, a pristine gown with golden embroidery, and feather-like hems gracing the edges of her skirt. Her face remained expressionless except for that glow in her golden eyes seeing me in person.
But this time, she wasn’t alone. Kuro and Eden-san were also waiting.
"Yo, Kaito-kun!" (Kuromueina)
"What a joyous event to see you again, my beloved child." (Eden)
The warmth I felt seeing the cheerful Kuro went cold the second I heard Eden-san's voice tinted with madness.
Kuro, my lively wife, wore her usual black coat and shorts, her short hair adding to her dynamic charm. Eden-san, however, stood serene in her angelic form, short blond hair, a toga-like garment, and no less than twenty wings fanned out behind her. A dazzling image, if not for the madness behind her gaze.
“H-Hey, nice to see you both again.” (Kaito)
We settled around the table, the ominous phone placed at the center like some strange offering.
“Earth God, you recognize this object, do you not? It bears resemblance to one of your world’s devices.” (Shallow Vernal)
“I do. Its shape was chosen to suit my beloved child’s familiarity.” (Eden)
“…And it won’t harm this world?” (Alice)
Eden shook her head calmly while Kuro poked and prodded the phone with idle curiosity.
"It's divine software that contacts other worlds to connect them with the wider network of multiverses. It once visited me to offer its services, but I refused and threatened it to back off. I was in no need of help on how to govern and build my own world. Still, it carries no intent to bring misfortune.” (Eden)
So, it’s a…cross-world network device? That sounded ridiculous, but then again, so did much of my life here.
"It's got a polite attitude. Then that means you allowed this thing here, Shiro?" (Kuromueina)
"Indeed. I allowed it to come with conditions. I've learned of its own principles. It cannot change worlds by itself, but through its chosen users it contacts. Rather than the World Creators, it targets the living beings in worlds." (Shallow Vernal)
"So the target of this world turned out to be Kaito-san. Figures..." (Alice)
Eden’s voice followed smoothly, though edged with irony.
"To think the Virtual God has become brave enough to pull this off, God of the Apocalypse." (Eden)
"Watch your mouth." (Shallow Vernal)
Even without a change in her face, I felt the surge of Shiro’s magic pressure. Eden only smiled wryly, clearly aware she had pressed too far.
"I was already informed of Virtual God’s approach from Nebula. If she didn't have a good reason, I would've destroyed her by now." (Shallow Vernal)
It was clear to me the phone trembled a little on the table. However, now that they've mentioned Virtual God, are they referring to Electrone-san?
“Is this related to Electrone-san?” (Kaito)
“Indeed. That AI turned god should be partly to blame for this. She must be residing in that, watching us.” (Eden)
That…actually made sense. If the matter involved cybernetics and gods, Electrone-san would be the first suspect.
"Since it’s here now, the final decision should be Kaito-san’s." (Alice)
“Whatever happens, we’ll protect you.” (Kuromeuina)
"Be careful, my beloved child. The whole network of multiverses is rife with unknowns. You can always come to your mother's embrace for protection." (Eden)
"Ahaha, thanks. That reassures me a lot." (Kaito)
Bolstered by their encouragement, I reached for the phone. The black screen flared white, text appearing in bold lines.
[New user detected. Scanning. Processing. Task Completed.]
The interface shifted, and a [Create Account] option gleamed at the center. At the same time, knowledge of how to interact with it flowed directly into my mind.
[Welcome, new user. I am one of the automatic AIs running parallel across the entire system. After evaluating the scope of your existence, we are deeply impressed by your accomplishments. As a result, we have decided to grant you a user account at Rank 4, just one step below the highest level of authority available within our network. Additionally, you have been given unrestricted access to the marketplace. Please proceed to create your account now.]
So what greeted me first wasn’t Electrone-san, but a different AI that acts like one of the General Managers of the system?
That said...I was granted a rank just one step below the highest possible level before even creating an account. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught the faint, knowing smile on Shiro-san’s face.
Forget it, just focus on creating an account for now. I tapped the screen and held my thumb on it, letting it do its thing. A ding sound hit my ear and the screen changed to a message board. I was happy to see something I'm familiar with and saw the first messages popping up.
[<Singularity Found at the End> has created an account and is now a member of the group chat.]
[<Gekkoukan's One-Eyed Monster> has created an account and is now a member of the group chat.]
...I firmly believe these usernames are randomly generated. There is no way someone would deliberately write that as their username for a channel connected to the multi-multiverse. And why does mine sound so grandeur, that I could not understand, so I scratched my head in confusion.
"Shiro-san, do you have any idea why my username is like that?" (Kaito)
“It suits you perfectly, does it not?” (Shallow Vernal)
“…That doesn’t explain anything.” (Kaito)
Afterword:
Serious-senpai: "It has finally happened...I've escaped the main story and moved on to the world of fanfics!"
???: "Hello readers~ It’s me, the mysterious beauty of the afterword! And yes, I’m still Alice-chan’s biggest fan!”
Miyama Kaito
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Alice
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Shallow Vernal/Shiro
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Kuromueina/Kuro
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Eden
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