Humans are often fooled by hope
But can also be fooled by the idea that there is none.
-Osamy Dazai, Pandora's Box
The Earth is being attacked. You didn't know?
TOKYO PRESENT DAY
No way! Seriously!?
Management cut labor costs again. So now there are fewer softies around.
Please, Manager, let me work shifts again.
This is the only place that'll hire someone without a guarantor.
Wait, aren't you a Miko-chan Vtuber?
Yeah, but streaming doesn't make ends meet,
so I'm doing my best with this, too.
I am barely making any money
I heard there's a curse that hits convenience store workers
if their subscriber count goes over 100,000.
That's real Miko-chan. Better watch out.
Yeah, totally.
Hi!
I'm Koroneko Miko, a VTuber from the Koro line!
Me.
BREAKING NEWS: POPULAR STREAMERS FALL UNCONSIOUS ONE AFTER ANOTHER
Apparently, she's one of those super popular streamers
with over 1 million subscribers.
There's been a huge stir
and chaos among the fans as well.
Ugh, this is hard...
most of them were popular streamer with over 100,000 subscribers.
There’s been some confusion among fans.
Oh It is so hard! Oh my!
GOOD LUCK! WHAT A POSE WWWWWWWWW
TOO ADDICTIVE STOP OBLIGATORY REACTIONS
NECRONOMICO AND THE COSMIC HORROR SHOW
THANKS FOR WATCHING, YOUR EVALUATION AND CHANNEL REGISTRATION
Ahhh! I feel worn out .
NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS 3223
But, hey, let's laugh through it. Rent: 50,000 yen.
Utilities: 10,000 yen. Internet: 10,000 yen. Food: 10,000 yen.
And your donation: 20,000 yen.
Aaaaaaahhh, I need a new computer right now!
You've gotta come up with better ideas, Mako!
Sorry, Mom.
Hahaha, I figured you'd say that.
If it's rent, I can cover two or three months for you.
It's not even that much, really.
Yeah, and I can't even earn that much.
Tough luck. Society isn't kind.
Hey, why don't you work here? You're already 20, right?
Even though you fumble around and look like a high-schooler.
Yeah, true.
Back when Mayu was around, things were going well.
I went to the hospital.
I see. It's already been three months, hasn't it?
I wonder how much the hospital bills are...
She didn't have life insurance.
Not at all.
Even if she did,
They wouldn't cover something like "collapsing during a livestream."
There's no precedent for it.
I see.
They're probably not going to kick her out of the hospital immediately,
but still...
It's worrying.
You have been selected.
If you agree to participate, you'll receive a reward.
100,000 yen!?
If it's a scam, I'll just make a video about getting scammed.
Whoa, there's a lot packed into this.
TOUSSU ABANDENED AMUSMENT PARK
This...
Are they all streamers?
Necroligion!?
No way...
No way, no way, no way!
Even you came here?
You are...
Who was it again?
Kagurazaka Kanna!
Why don't you remember me?
HIGH SCHOOL GIRL LIVER KAGURAZAKA KANNA
NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS 72593
Sorry, sorry.
Those two have seen them in a video before.
The ones who got special training at V-Fes and caused a scandal?
They went a little viral, didn't they?
Aren't they the pants girls? Pants something.
That's rude. I hate that nickname.
It was overpants anyway!
What's your problem? Jealous much?
What a waste of time.
You really embarrassed me at V-Fes, you know.
Thanks to that, my channel's views have tanked.
Though I guess flashing your panties might've helped boost them.
So shallow.
Now the comment section is full of panty talk.
All my cute and loyal fans left.
And the new ones don't care at all about beauty or food content.
My channel used to be calm and elegant, you know.
It's all your fault.
I've been filming you this whole time. Don't go calling the audience gross.
Don't upload it. And don't post about it on social media either.
What a great personality you've got.
Still, I didn't expect you of all people to be called here, too.
You got the email too, huh?
Yeah. Let's compete, Miko.
So we're supposed to play a game here, right?
That's what it seems like.
Not that I know what kind of game.
If you lose, you'll have to apologize on stream.
Rub your face into the ground, too.
You're so annoying.
The information we are about to share is classified
and must not be disclosed publicly due to confidentiality obligations.
If you are currently recording please stop immediately.
Thank you all for being here today.
I am from Megalox Corporation.
Assistant Director, Amusement Development Department
My name is Kei Amemura.
Nice to meet you.
Assistant Director? Of a game company?
-So... is that an important position? -Who knows.
Megalox is a major company, after all.
I bet he's someone pretty important.
All we have to do is participate in the game's test play...
Is it really true that we'll get 100,000 yen?
Yes, as promised, we will pay that amount.
However, everyone,
please keep everything about this project strictly confidential.
This project is something unprecedented, never done before.
In order to promote this game
weren't we invited here for that?
Actually, collecting play data is more important for us today.
That said, we are still counting on your popularity, too.
Depending on today's results...
Huh?
So it's basically a roundabout audition.
Well, whatever.
If we perform well, they'll call us back next time, right?
Like we'll officially be considered or something?
Time's up.
What the heck is this?
UFO?
Welcome to the ultra-futuristic VR game system, GADUS!
GADUS will transport you all to a world that blurs reality and illusion.
Sorry, I'm late.
What?
This.
That's a pretty massive seat.
Isn't this kind of sketchy?
I'm getting nervous.
This feels legit.
Are we really playing a game on this?
I'm smelling something weird.
This thing's seriously dangerous.
There's no issue with the equipment.
We will now begin.
Please be careful, everyone.
SUPER RUMBLELAND
What is it?
don’t tell me that this is the building of….
-Wait, What is it? -I look ugly!!
You're probably all surprised right now.
GADUS far surpasses traditional technology
and directly interfaces with the brain.
It guides players into hyperreality.
The brain?
Isn't this thing actually dangerous? Is it really safe?
I suppose that's the kind of insight they want to confirm.
Yes, strict confidentiality will be enforced.
Who?
The guy who uploads math lectures.
His name is Seishiro Sano.
CLASS LIVER - SEIJJRO SANO NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS 40538
Oh, one of those academic types.
Megalox Corporation has recently
been saying even entertainers and singers can become employees.
Maybe it's part of some grand crusade for justice reform.
The elites have all gathered from the world of electronics.
Welcome to the Supraland trial version!
I am Chekitaku-man, your guide through the game.
Please pay attention.
NECRONOMICO AND THE COSMIC HORROR SHOW
Chekitaku-man.
What kind of name is that?
I will now proceed with the game.
Hey, wait a sec.
Ah, please follow the rules and remain silent as promised.
Don't worry, relax.
Today is a beta test, so rankings will not matter.
Please overcome the obstacles and reach the goal.
As a special incentive, we'll offer an extra bonus if you give it your all.
Those who reach the goal without dropping out
will receive an additional 100,000 yen with no deductions.
-Are you serious? -100,000 yen?
Isn't this just way too suspicious?
If I had 100,000 yen, I could cover all my rent from my side jobs.
I've been barely getting by because of gacha.
This would really help.
I can push through all at once with this!
So it's actually real?
It is real. Everyone's super motivated now, which is great.
Alright. Then let the game begin!
SUPER RUMBLELAND
LOST
This is way too reckless.
LOST
This game is impossible!
This game's impossible.
This is a memorization game.
The floor moves according to a fixed pattern.
A memorization game where you die over and over
until you learn it's that kind of challenge.
LOST
You're such a gamer.
I thought I recognized your face from somewhere...
You're Eita-kun, the eSports player they show you on TV a lot now.
Even the photographers know your name now. You're famous.
Nice to meet you, everyone.
ATLETE - EIKE NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS 588640
They wouldn't actually make it impossible to clear, right?
It's just a game.
It's the same old pattern you always see.
You just have to cross when the front wall folds down.
Don't try to climb. Wait for it to lower.
As expected from Eita, the pro gamer.
Be my guest, go ahead.
LOST LOST
Is gameorver. if you fall, you are out
Well, if it's just a single route,
they probably won't place any totally unfair traps.
I mean, I am supposed to be a pro gamer after all.
You sure are putting your whole life into this game.
Alright, Miko, let's continue the match.
Feels like it's about 1-1 now.
In that case, here's what usually happens.
Shortcut! That was smooth, Miko. Impressive!
That kind of move is classic.
LOST
New tiles appear to replace the ones that disappeared.
So just step where there are no gaps.
Eita's using the other players' mistakes to safely make his move smart play.
Now over here we've got high school girl Vtuber, Kanon.
And she's in trouble!
And right beneath her Miko is barely hanging on.
Hey, don't let go of me!
Let go and fall already!
Please use only half your strength!
That's so cruel.
Is that so?
Okay, got it.
We have no choice to go forward.
LOST
Wait, there's a time limit?! Nobody told me that!
That's a request from management.
We'll be making some balance adjustments.
The new time limit will be 10 more minutes.
Please consider this as part of the test too.
09:59 09:58 09:57
Debugging while players are in the game, seriously?
Are you kidding me?
I've got a bad feeling about this.
Let's go.
Wait up!
Urgh...
What the hell is this?
This doesn't feel like a 1-1 level anymore.
More like 8-4.
I think we deserve the prize money already.
There's no way I'm falling here.
Looks like we're at the top.
So, basically, we can't rely on anyone else's mistakes anymore.
These parts are probably designed so you can sprint through them.
Now!
Liar!
Oh, no. Too bad.
This way!
The floor's invisible!
I did it! No, I'm the one who's failing...
I have no choice but to go.
No way.
You've gotta be kidding me.
I'm being sucked in!
Liar...
No good.
Whoa...
Wait.
What a brilliant goal!
Congratulations.
Player Kanon Miko, the beauty queen.
She really scored?
Yes, there was an unexpected issue,
but she overcame the crisis and scored beautifully.
What kind of trouble was that!?
You're the one who said there'd be a time limit, right?
I thought I was going to die!
How thrilling!
Nice, nice!
I thought VR game tournaments were nothing special...
...but this Chikata-chan girl is actually pretty interesting!
That's one impressive human!
That's what I was thinking, too.
What kind of cosplay is that?
You're underestimating humans.
That's not cosplay.
Oops, right here.
The other players are also reaching the goal one after another.
What?
What is this place?
That means there are 5 survivors left.
Okay, okay.
No, it's 6 people.
There are 7 of us.
That's harsh, Eita-kun.
Using me as a stepping stone...
You wouldn't have made it without me.
At least be thankful.
Oh!
Even the audience is sending cheers to people they know.
Just them?
That counts as praise?
That's not how it should be.
Well, that was something.
It started off lukewarm and slow.
I was wondering how it would turn out.
But it got pretty exciting, didn't it?
That means you all will proceed to the main game.
Main game.
Congratulations, everyone.
You've all earned the right to participate in the main match.
Teach us your ways.
If that's the case, there might still be a way to survive and gain something.
No, even if we run through this planet.
Wait, wait!
I've got a really bad feeling about this.
Yes?
The others who were eliminated, are they okay?
Yeah, of course.
Physically, at least.
Physically?
What the hell are you people?
You're no good even when praised, human.
What now?
Just a bit of horseplay.
It's been a while since I've had a good rest.
If I can continue to enjoy the world from here on,
then I'll even take you in as a pet.
I might even pamper you.
Mako!
Say "Cheese!"
DON'T CELEBRATE REGISTRANT 300 PEOPLE
There's no excuse for Mako, is there?
Why do you have Mako's face?
Ah, that form.
I borrowed it from a Vtuber and the like.
So we could communicate with esteemed humans like you.
As a medium.
I see!
So that's why.
BREAKING NEWS: POPULAR STREAMERS FALL UNCONSIOUS ONE AFTER ANOTHER
UPTO DATE: UPSET CONFUSION IN DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY
Mako!
Mako was the one...
who caused the trouble?
So it's you all.
We're smarter than we look.
Yes, we too can only exist within this foolish machine.
So!
So what?
NO SIGNAL
What do you mean?
Return us to our original place.
That's a lie.
We'll die.
No way...
He's still breathing, but...
It looks like he's lost consciousness.
You mean he went insane or something?
That's worse than dying.
What do you mean?
They are the former rulers.
What the hell are they?
Evil gods who once ruled over this land.
The ancient gods.
Outer Gods.
Even if they really do exist...
For now, they only exist inside this VR facility.
You all must now enter a game with these evil gods.
You have to win.
We understand that we need to win.
But we can still make it in time.
Please...
Please, world...
I beg you.
What I've come to know...
I don't care about the world anymore.
They're the ones who drove Mai insane.
They took Mai from us.
If only I could...
I'd kill them.
DOOM HAS BEEN REWRITTEN
[NO SPOILERS!] LET'S PLAY THE OLD ONES' DEMO [CTHULHU]
NECRONOMICO AND THE COSMIC HORROR SHOW
Translated by: Charlie