Debuffed Farmer

You’re the only person who could kill me

That’s why I’ll never take my eyes off of you

I also took your memories

You’d be too dangerous if you had them, K

Or should I say, Rin Takamiya

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CONFIDENTIAL – DO NOT OPEN UNLESS AUTHORISED TO

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The Human Realiser Project – Batch 19

04/12/2044 – 3rd Report

THERE WILL BE SEVERE CONSEQUENCES FOR THOSE WHO READ THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT WITHOUT PERMISSION.

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Abstract: To create the perfect vessel in order to prove the Rowan-Lewis Theory, we have continued to implement the Psychological Strain Hypothesis (PSH) as demonstrated in all previous years. Several children have shown an unexpectedly large amount of promise, bringing more hope to the success of the project. One subject in particular, Subject K, has been showing unforeseen potential.

Department 001 – The First Attempt to Copy Subject Z – Akechi Takamiya

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XX years ago.

People imitate those they respect. People imitate those they fear.

However, most painfully, people imitate those they love.

I thought that I was immune to such a simple psychological flaw. There was never a reason to copy those who were inferior to you. It didn’t make sense rationally, so I wouldn’t do it.

—people imitate those they love

—people imitate those they love

—people imitate those they love

I really thought that I was different to all of those before me.

I really did.

*

“Rin~. Where were you! You have to tell me if you decide to go masturbate in the toilets or something! I get worried that maybe they’d taken you away. What took you so long?”

It was a plain day in the neutral, temperature-controlled room of the facility. It was the place I had stayed for my entire life. It was the only place I knew, and the only place I will ever know.

Standing in front of me was a young girl, the same age as myself. She was filled with wit, able to make a joke out of any situation. It didn’t make sense how she was able to learn such unconventional wordplay in these closed walls.

Looking up at me with bright, hazelnut eyes, she smiled and leaned down a little. Her lush brown hair flowed over her ears.

“They were doing a monthly check-up on me,” I responded.

She laughed a little.

“At least tell me! Also, that’s an interesting way to cover up what you were actually doing.”

“That’s what I was actually doing.”

It was a cold, heartless place. Every single child inside was made simply in an attempt to copy Akechi Takamiya—the first success. There was nothing to do here aside from fight, fight for your right to stay, fight for your right to succeed.

No friendships were made, no relationships blossomed, and no one talked to each other unless it was business.

“Alright… I’ll pretend to believe you, for now, Rintaro~. Anyway, do you want to go have a look at the new fish they brought into the testing room?”

“That’s not my name.”

“Aha, I’m sorry. Rin, then, do you want to come see the fish?”

“You know that’s not my name. Why do you call me that?”

Her expression suddenly went solemn.

“Isn’t it depressing to constantly call each other by our labels? I was looking through some of the books and I found the origins of lots of names. I thought Rin fit you really well! It means dignified, severe and cold~! Just like you, right?”

“What’s the point. It’s fine to just call each other by our letters.”

“You don’t get it at all, Rin! Subject Z has a name too you know? It’s Akechi Takamiya. Calling you by a name, it’s much more intimate—it makes me feel closer to you~.”

“How do you know that. Subject Z doesn’t have a name.”

“That’s just what they tell us. I saw the documents; she has a name!”

Looking at any official documents was completely forbidden in the facility. However, the happy-go-lucky girl who stood in front of me claimed to have seen them. It was simply not possible.

Even if she did manage to get into the locked rooms, there was no way anyone here would look at them. It was a death sentence.

Pulling down her white robe a little, she laughed and smiled as if she was wearing a bright red dress. There was so much about this girl I didn’t understand.

“You can’t have possibly seen them.”

“But I did! I did! Believe me, Rin~. Do you want to give me a name as well?”

“I’ll have to report you if you did that.”

I was expecting her to show fear, but instead, she just laughed and placed her soft, pale hand on my cheek. I felt a slight warm sensation. Her fingers slid across my cheek.

“Don’t do that, Rin. Remember your promise to me?”

“I’ve never made a promise with you.”

“The promise that I’ll see you become the perfect human.”

“That wasn’t a promise, and what does that have to do with this?”

“If I’m gone, I can’t see it, can I? See? A stupid little promise you made with me all those years ago saved me.”

I wasn’t sure if it was naivety, but something like that wouldn’t stop me from doing anything.

Everyone here is just a stepping stone.

Still, I guess there was no point in me reporting it at the moment. There wasn’t much to be gained, and her personality would get her removed from the project soon enough regardless.

“I’ll let it go for now.”

“I knew you’d come around, Rin~. Now, let’s go have a look at the fish.”

“What’s there to look at. They’re just plain fish for experimenting.”

“Hey now~. Don’t think about it like this. Isn’t there something else that comes to mind when you think about visiting some fish—alone with a girl?”

“Don’t be stupid.”

“Haa, don’t be so cold. I know you want to go on a date as well~. That’s what everyone our age thinks about, right?”

That wasn’t true. All everyone thought about was how to improve, how to push their body above their limits and how to target the weaknesses of other children.

There was no space in our lives for such relationships.

At least, that’s what I thought.

[Continued…]