1

In the quiet suburb of Osaka, under the soft glow of streetlights, Mujirushi found himself immersed in the mundane task of grocery shopping. Clad in a crimson tracksuit, his white hair tousled, and dark blue eyes glazed over, he absentmindedly traversed the aisles, lost in his thoughts. The shopping list his mother had given him floated in his mind. As Mujirushi deposited items into his cart, his detachment continued until he found himself standing in line at the checkout. It was only then that he snapped back to reality, realizing he had forgotten one crucial item; the new charging cable mom wanted. A furrow formed on his forehead, and with a hint of annoyance, he retrieved the missing item and returned to the queue.

The late evening hushed the grocery store, and the line moved swiftly. After the two customers in front of him completed their transactions, Mujirushi mechanically paid for his items. A brief pang of regret hit him as he walked out, realizing he forgot to purchase a bag. Still, he dismissed the idea of retracing his steps and opted to carry the items in his hands. The rhythmic tapping of Mujirushi's footsteps reverberated in the quiet night. Suddenly, a man shaped blur raced past him, causing a momentary startle. Unfazed, he continued walking until the true nature of the situation unfolded. The pursuer, now visible, revealed himself to be a criminal, the glint of a gun chillingly present in his trousers. With a demand for his phone, Mujirushi's instincts kicked in.

Partially refusing to be a victim but partially due to panic, Mujirushi bolted, a gunshot echoing in the stillness. He dodged into the cover of nearby bushes, heart pounding. As he cowered, the air crackled with tension. Then, an indescribable, blinding white light enveloped him forcing him to close his eyes, and the world around him seemed to dissolve into the unknown..

Mujirushi lay still, his eyes squeezed shut against the blinding light which was now fading, unsure of what had just transpired. The seconds ticked by, and in the silence, he contemplated the possibilities—was he dead, or was this some strange twist of fate? Amidst his musings, guilt gnawed at him for neglecting to grab a bag for the groceries he had dropped in the panic. A distant murmur interrupted his thoughts thought.

"God has the homelessness got so bad that they sleep in the middle of the road now?"

Startled, Mujirushi's eyes shot open to a new environment. Before he could grasp his surroundings, a man materialized before him. A grand mustache adorned his face, and a top hat crowned his head. The man, donned in a black suit with a distinctive "C" pin, confused by Mujirushi's disorientation. As he turned to leave, Mujirushi mustered a shaky "Wait!" that halted the man in his tracks.

Mujirushi: "Where am I?"

The man: "You had a deep sleep huh?"

Mujirushi: "No seriously, where am I? I was in some bushes, and then there was a bang, and some light-"

The man: "Calm down. If you're seriously that clueless, I don't know how you're still even alive."

He pauses for a second.

The man: "Unless... Do you happen to come from a foreign country?"

Mujirushi: "No! Well, maybe. I don't know..."

The man stared in confusion.

Mujirushi: "C'mon, just tell me where I am!"

The man: "Fine, fine. You're in Pzhemeborg, a small town in Liberland, 60 km east from the capital."

Mujirushi: "Liberland, huh? I've never heard of such a place."

The man, in shock: "Huh? Seriously?"

Mujirushi: "Yeah, well, do you know where Japan might be or how do I get there?"

The man: "Hm, well, I think I've heard of such a place. Apparently, it's in Kultokrat's area."

Mujirushi: "Who?- Nevermind. How do I get there?"

The man: "Well, since we're in Liberland, there is no public transport here. You're going to have to get a taxi or something. Alternatively, you could come with me. I do happen to plan to go to the capital soon anyway, and if we split the taxi bill, then it will be cheaper for both of us."

Mujirushi: "Sounds good.."

The man: "Since we're going to be together for the next few hours, might as well introduce myself. I am Carrots Rppltwo, CEO of C Grant."

Mujirushi: "Wait, if you're a CEO, why do you need a taxi?!"

Carrots: "I like to be humble."

Mujirushi: "Ugh... Well, I'm Mujirushi Kaizera."

Carrots: "I see. Your name does definitely sound foreign, if not archaic even."

Mujirushi: "You know, that does sound kinda rude."

Carrots: "Doesn't matter because I didn't mean it to be."

They start walking towards the city center with Carrots leading the way.

Mujirushi: "That's not how that works."

Carrots: "Yes, it is. Shut up already. Let me walk quietly."

Mujirushi: "Ok, fine."

They continued to walk towards the center in silence. After a few minutes they entered the Pzhemeborg city center, and as they stepped out of the alleyway, Mujirushi couldn't help but be awestruck by the unfamiliar surroundings. The architecture, products, and even manners were a stark departure from what he knew, reminiscent of the online videos and posts showcasing European countries or the United States. Meanwhile, Carrots, though slightly embarrassed by Mujirushi's childlike awe, kept a composed silence. He fought the urge to comment on Mujirushi's excitement, deciding to maintain a stoic demeanor. The two made their way to the taxi station, where Carrots settled on a bench while Mujirushi continued to explore the area. Carrots couldn't contain his annoyance as Mujirushi's fascination seemed to intensify. Finally, he blurted out, "Can you stop excitedly prancing around like a little girl for God's sake?! You're clearly too old for that stuff now, no?"

Mujirushi, suddenly halting, apologized, explaining, "I'm sorry. It's just this place is so... exotic?"

Carrots scoffed, "This is the most boring and unexotic place I can think of. It's a damn taxi station."

Mujirushi defended himself, "Well, I've never been in one of those before, I think."

Carrots couldn't resist the opportunity to criticize, "Personally, I don't think you've done anything in your life, judging by the fact I found you on the floor completely unaware of your surroundings." Their conversation was interrupted as a taxi screeched to a halt.

Skeletronius Janitorius, more commonly known as SJ

SJ greeted Carrots, "Good day, Mr. Rppltwo."

Carrots, acknowledged, "Yes."

As Carrots entered the car, Mujirushi attempted to follow but was stopped by SJ. Carrots clarified, "Nah, let him in, SJ. He's with me."

SJ questioned, "You sure?"

Carrots snapped, "Are you stupid or something? If I say something, I mean it."

SJ nodded, and Mujirushi entered the car. The taxi pulled away, and Mujirushi, impressed, remarked, "Do all taxi drivers follow orders like that? Amazing customer support, honestly."

Carrots couldn't resist a jab, "I'm so lucky that you're stupid."

Confused, Mujirushi questioned, "What?"

Carrots dismissed him, "Nothing," sticking his tongue out mockingly.

As they drove in silence, Mujirushi's worry became palpable. Carrots, sensing something was amiss, debated asking what was wrong but ultimately chose not to. Assuming Mujirushi's concern was about accommodation, Carrots decided to let the matter rest. With Mujirushi lost in thought about explaining his sudden absence to his mother once he returns to Japan, Carrots kept quiet. After 35 minutes of driving, the taxi came to a stop.

SJ announced, "We are here. The Liberland capital."

The Liberland capital stretched before them, a dazzling spectacle of towering skyscrapers that reached into the evening sky. As the city lights began to shimmer with the onset of dusk, Carrots and Mujirushi exited the taxi, which promptly continued on its way without them. Carrots anticipated Mujirushi's admiration for the prestigious capital, but to his surprise, Mujirushi seemed less impressed, his worry about getting home and the city's resemblance to Osaka overshadowing any awe.

Carrots, bewildered, exclaimed, "How were you in awe about some ugly small town, but then seem completely uninterested in the most developed city in this region?!?"

Mujirushi responded calmly, "Well, this city just... it's very similar to my home city. There are many big glowing cities like this in Japan."

Carrots, sweating at the thought of FPCBA's development, stood in shocked silence. He muttered to himself, "Maybe laissez-faire doesn't wor—" before cutting himself off, "he must be a propagandist, I WILL get him back to FPCBA and then blackmail Kultokrat into giving me money."

Mujirushi, not fully hearing Carrots, asked, "Huh? What are you murmuring about now? I'm not saying it's ugly or anything."

Carrots chose to ignore his theory for the time being, saying, "Whatever, let's just get something to eat. I'm starving!"

Mujirushi agreed, "Uh, sure, but in terms of currency, I don't think mine is compatible with this place," taking out some yen.

Carrots, puzzled, asked, "What in the world is that? Some collector's coins? They don't look like the FPCBA Zloty."

"Well, I guess I'll pay then. You'll just pay for me next time," Carrots suggested.

Mujirushi, reluctantly, agreed, "Uh, sure."

They walked to Taco Gong, Carrots' favorite place, where they ate and talked for about an hour. After leaving the restaurant, they stood outside.

Mujirushi declared, "Well, time to get to Japan now!"

Carrots, taken aback, exclaimed, "What? You know that's like a couple of hours' drive. I don't have enough energy for that."

Mujirushi responded, "Well, you don't need to come, I guess."

Carrots, thinking about the missed blackmail opportunity, asked, "How in the world are you gonna get there without me?"

Mujirushi suggested, "Can't I just take some taxi? I didn't see you pay for your taxi."

Carrots, flustered, claimed, "Uh... I paid... in advance, yeah, I paid in advance."

"Oh, well, can you lend me some money?" Mujirushi asked.

Carrots adamantly refused, "Hell no!"

Mujirushi pointed out, "I thought you were trying to be humble?"

Carrots snapped, "Shut up! I don't care about that! It's about the blackm— I mean, I want to come with you," forcing a fake smile.

Mujirushi, unaware of Carrots' internal struggle, said, "Oh, well, I don't have anywhere to stay if I am to stay."

Carrots, dismissive, replied, "Oh, well, that's fine, I guess. Just buy me a whiskey in the future or something."

Mujirushi asked, "You sure?"

Carrots, with another forced smile, affirmed, "Yes."

They walked to the hotel, where Carrots spoke to the receptionist.

Carrots asked, "How much is a room for one night? A small one is fine, it's just gonna be one guy."

The receptionist replied, "Like, hm, 560 dollars."

Carrots, seemingly unfazed, accepted, "I suppose that's doable."

"Room 240 is yours then," the receptionist declared, handing the key to Carrots.

Carrots passed the key to Mujirushi, saying, "It's two whiskeys now."

Mujirushi, somewhat nervously, responded, "Haha, thanks."

Carrots instructed, "Tomorrow at like 2 pm, meet me at the entrance. Before then, do whatever you want, as long as it doesn't cost me, Goddamit."

Mujirushi agreed, "Alright, thank you once again."

They separated, and Carrots left the hotel. Mujirushi headed upstairs to the second floor, took off his shoes, and immediately jumped onto the bed on his back. Staring at the ceiling, he pondered the events of the day, wondering how he ended up in this strange place, his working theory being that he must of been transported by that guy who wanted to steal his phone, since he didn't have his phone with him ever since waking up. Eventually, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, determined to find his way back home as soon as possible.

2

Mujirushi slowly opened his eyes after a good night's sleep, still feeling a bit disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. As he sat up, he noticed a piece of paper and some money on the bedside stand. The note read:
"I just realized that 2 pm is a little late, and you're probably gonna wake up way before that. So, here is some money if you're planning to buy something, or more importantly, eat something."
Mujirushi, relieved to have some sustenance, pocketed the money but couldn't shake off the discomfort of someone entering the room while he slept. Ignoring the lingering unease, he took a moment to inspect the room more closely. Yesterday, fatigue had led him to overlook the unique yet somewhat cheap appearance of the place.

Mujirushi pondered, "Well, if I have to be here by 2 pm, then how much do I have?"

Checking his pockets, he was once again reminded that his phone was missing. Frantically looking around for a clock, he found none.

Mujirushi decided, "Guess I'll just ask somebody in the city."

He left the room, descended the two flights of stairs, and handed the key back to the receptionist, inquiring, "Thank you. By the way, do you happen to know what time it is?"

The receptionist suggested, "I don't know, but I could go check the staffroom; there's a clock there. I suggest investing in a watch."

Mujirushi chuckled, "I wish, but I don't think I have enough money for that."

After a quick check, the receptionist informed him, "It is currently 9:14 AM, sir."

Mujirushi sighed in relief, "Huh, so I still have some time until 2 pm?"

The receptionist confirmed, "Indeed."

Mujirushi thanked her, saying, "Well, thanks for the help. Goodbye."

The receptionist replied, "You're welcome."

Exiting the hotel, Mujirushi felt a bit disoriented and without a plan. After a moment of hesitation, he decided to turn right and walked down the busy city streets, navigating through the crowded sidewalks. Eventually, he found himself in front of a general grocery store but initially decided to turn away. However, a loud groan from his stomach interrupted his indecision, prompting him to turn back towards the store and enter.
Mujirushi then walked around the store, perusing the aisles with uncertainty about what to get. Normally, he would have a list of items, and his mother would take care of the cooking. The thought of his mother made him feel a bit sad, but he pushed those emotions aside and focused on the task at hand. In the end, he grabbed a pack of chips and a bottle of LiberCola, paid for them, and left the store. He began walking to the right again until he found a quieter area away from the bustling crowds. Exhausted from the pushing and shoving, he sat on the floor in an alleyway.
Finding a moment of calmness, Mujirushi ate his chips while observing the adjacent street. He noticed a surprising number of men in suits passing by and speculated that it might be a commercial center. After finishing his snack, he tossed the empty chip bag and stood up to continue exploring.
As he walked out of the alleyway, there was a sudden explosion, and smoke filled the street. Shocked, Mujirushi stood frozen until a man ran towards him, pinning him down. Initially resisting, Mujirushi soon realized the man wasn't intending harm but trying to get him to take cover. Another explosion followed, and they waited on the ground, eyes closed, for what felt like an eternity.
Once the silence endured for around 20 seconds, Mujirushi assumed the danger had passed. He stood up, and the man followed suit.

The man: "Man, I was really thinking you were gonna be in danger, but it seems the second explosion was further away than the first. Sorry for tackling you like that, dude."

Mujirushi: "It's fine. My name is Mujirushi."

Tikket: "My name is Tikket." He proceeded to shake Mujirushi's hand and then pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and put it in his mouth.

Tikket: "Want one?"

Mujirushi: "I don't smoke."

Tikket: "Lame." He put the cigarettes away. "What's the deal with you, anyway? A bomb went off, and all you do is stand there like an idiot?"

Mujirushi: "I—I was just spaced out, I guess."

Tikket: "Jeez, enough to ignore a bomb? Must be something major on your mind, then."

Mujirushi: "I guess so. I just wanna go home, but for that, I have to wait till 2 pm, and I don't know what to do till then."

Tikket: "Hm, I see. Well, I can show you a cool place I frequent around these parts."

Mujirushi: "I guess that could kill the time. Thanks."

Tikket: "No problem. Let's get going, then."

They both walked out of the alleyway, past the damage the bomb caused.

Tikket: "Goddamn terrorists. It must be them Pecebian guys. Still salty we're just better than 'em."

Mujirushi: "Pecebian guys?"

Tikket raised an eyebrow.

Tikket: "You're not from around here, are you?"

Mujirushi: "Nope, I'm from Japan."

Tikket: "Never heard of that place, must be some small town in Panthonia or something."

Mujirushi: "No, it's a big place. Made up of a bunch of islands, has a large population, etc."

Tikket: "Sounds like Neersea, but everyone knows they're just Socnat puppets. No way they don't know about Pecebia."

a moment of akward silence paseed

Tikket: "Well... I'm not a geography expert or anything, so maybe you should give up on me trying to recognize your place."

Mujirushi: "I guess so."

Tikket: "Anyways, Pecebia is the country south of us. Used to be the main country over here until they put draconian purges in place, which caused a mass popular revolt. The country split in half into Pecebia and Hyperfreepecebia. There were like three or four wars, I don't remember anymore. But eventually, Pecebia just stopped being relevant, so they stopped attacking us. We still hate them, and vice versa, though."

Mujirushi: "Hm, interesting. I see."

Then they walked into a sketchy-looking alleyway, and Mujirushi got a little uncomfortable.

Mujirushi: "So, is this the place where you hang out?"

Tikket: "Mhm. Even though the devil's lettuce has been legal since like forever in Liberland, we still do it in sketchy alleyways for the sake of tradition."

Mujirushi: "That's just stupid."

Tikket: "Nah, it's smart. It isn't as cool when it feels legal, so we make it feel illegal even though it isn't."

Mujirushi sighed.

Then they were interrupted by Tikket stopping and pointing towards a back door of some building with LED lights saying "Very illegal activities area" above it.

Tikket: "This is the place!"

They both then entered through the creaky front door. In the dimly lit room, a haze of smoke greeted Mujirushi and Tikket as they stepped inside. The air was thick, and Mujirushi couldn't help but cough, but Tikket, seemingly unaffected, led the way. As Mujirushi's eyes adjusted to the smoky atmosphere, he spotted two figures on a sofa.
A man, sprawled in a blue shirt and torn jeans, lay in a deep slumber with an improvised hoodie pillow. The evidence of his revelry surrounded him in the form of empty beer bottles. His light brown hair and green eyes spoke of a night well spent. On the other side, a girl in a worn-out suit held a cigar, billowing smoke that obscured her features. With green eyes, and blonde hair, she emanated an air of mystery.

Approaching the duo, Tikket smacked the sleeping man on the head in an attempt to wake him, but it proved futile. Concern and shock flickered in Tikket and Mujirushi's eyes. Tikket turned to Mujirushi, introducing the duo, "Tikket here on my right is Mish, he is black out drunk right now, I think. And on my left is Luna, she is... well, I don't know. I just hope she ain't dead."

Mujirushi, alarmed, questioned Tikket's uncertain statement, "What do you mean you HOPE?"

Tikket replied casually, "What do you mean what do I mean? Do you want me to speculate she's not dead or something instead?" Turning to Luna, he added, "Also, Luna, can you open up the window? This smoke is rancid."

Luna, clearly not sober, agreed with a stumble, "Yeah, sure." She managed to get to a window, opened it, and let some of the smoke escape.

Tikket then turned the conversation toward Mujirushi, asking, "So, what do you think?"

Mujirushi, surveying the chaotic scene, replied, "It's... not what I expected, let's just say that."

Luna chimed in, "Oh, come on, this place is great."

Mujirushi looked at her with concern, "Yeah, sure..."

Tikket redirected the conversation, "Anyways, you came here 'cause you're bored, right?"

Mujirushi confirmed, "Yeah, something like that."

Tikket offered various vices, "Well, you want beer, whiskey, weed?"

Mujirushi declined, "No thank you. I guess these sorts of activities aren't for me."

Tikket scoffed, "You are SO LAME, my God."

Mujirushi, unfazed, continued, "I still want to ask about things generally, though. Do you know how long it would take to get from here to FPCBA?"

Tikket explained, "Oooh, that's a hard one. Technically, it's not that far from here, but Neugermania is in the way, and they have basically no roads there. Also, closed borders, so you have to go alllll the way around through Centrapolis or by boat. It's not impossible, just annoying."

"I see," Mujirushi replied.

"Why would anyone want to go there anyway? It's an authoritarian shithole, and the leader is an alcoholic," Tikket commented.

Mujirushi pointed out, "But aren't you guys too?"

"I don't lead a whole autonomous zone, though," Tikket retorted.

"Hmm, I guess. Still a bit hypocritical, though," Mujirushi observed.

Tikket dismissed it, "Nuh uh, you're wrong."

Mujirushi sighed, "Well, do you know what C Grant, the company, does?"

Tikket revealed, "Oh, Rppltwos thing? It's an arms dealership firm. It builds guns and bombs, then sells them to governments, our own and also foreign ones."

"Oh, I see," Mujirushi acknowledged.

"Don't you try starting any revolts, though, kid. I don't want the army in the streets like back in the day of the RC split," Tikket warned.

"The what?" Mujirushi inquired.

"Oh, just some stupid political feuds. It's why we have autonomous zones. It's pointless, so don't worry about it," Tikket dismissed.

Luna, who had been paying attention to the TV, suddenly shouted, "Bomb!"

Tikket and Mujirushi exclaimed, "HUH?"

Luna clarified, "Look, there was an explosion on Ire street in the capital!"

"Oh, that? Jesus, don't worry us like that with just shouting the word bomb, you moron," Tikket scolded Luna.

"Whatever, man, you're just scared," Luna retorted.

Thinking it over, Tikket advised Mujirushi, "You should probably abstain from travel, kid."

Mujirushi questioned, "Huh, what, why?"

"Well, considering there was, like, an explosion, it would be extremely suspicious for you to bail right after. Plus, the intel agency will be snooping around, trying to find the ones responsible," Tikket explained.

"But I have to get home!" Mujirushi protested.

Tikket suggested, "Well, at least avoid Centrapolis, then."

"I'll do whatever is necessary to get home without trouble," Mujirushi declared.

Tikket concluded, "Well, have fun with that. Speaking of, it's 1 pm. I think you should get going to whatever you were going to do."

Mujirushi realized, "Oh, right! I have to go. Thanks for everything!" He rushed to the door, swung it open, and ran out.

Luna questioned, "Why'd you let him go?"

Tikket explained, "Seemed like a good kid. Plus, I put our business card in his pocket so he can reconsider buying from us in the future."

Luna simply responded, "Hm."

As Mujirushi hurried out of the alleyway and back onto the main road, a sudden unease overwhelmed him. Not entirely sure which way he came from, he trusted his instincts and ran towards the right. Spotting the aftermath of the explosion, now filled with firefighters and police, he knew he was going the right way. Ignoring a firefighter's request to stop, he kept running until he reached the hotel entrance.

The hotel lobby is a chaotic scene, with people rushing in and out, talking frantically about the explosion. Mujirushi approaches the receptionist, who seems stressed but still manages a professional demeanor.

Mujirushi: "Excuse me, is everything ok?"

Receptionist: "Yes. It seems there was an incident on Ire street. Emergency services are handling it. Are you a guest here?"

Mujirushi: "Yes, I stayed here last night. I just wanted to know if it's safe to leave."

Receptionist: "It should be fine, but please be cautious. If you're planning to go out, stay away from the affected area."

Mujirushi nods, feeling a bit uneasy. He heads towards the exit but stops when he hears a familiar voice.

Carrots: "Hey! Where are you running off to? You know you owe me two whiskeys and some money even if you don't need my taxi."

Mujirushi: "Carrots! I was just about to head out. Did you hear about the explosion?"

Carrots: "Yeah, I bet its those Pecebians. I was actually on my way to meet you. Ready to head to the capital?"

Mujirushi hesitates for a moment, glancing back at the commotion outside.

Mujirushi: "I guess so. Let's go."

They leave the hotel and make their way to the taxi station. The city feels tense, and Mujirushi can't shake off the recent events, however he is interrupted by SJ.

SJ: "Good day Mr. Rppltwo, don't you think this is a strange time to go out of the city? considering the timing of the explosion and all.

Carrots: "Doesn't matter I'm a big CEO dude so Im not suspicious, now, buckle up. It's going to be a long ride."

Mujirushi and SJ do as instructed, Mujirushi still processing the unexpected turn of events.

Carrots: "We will just have to avoid big places and stuff"

3

In the dimly lit taxi, Mujirushi found himself surrounded by an air of uncertainty, a future shrouded in mystery. Carrots and SJ, his unconventional companions on this unexpected journey, were like enigmas, and Mujirushi couldn't decipher the paths their destinies would weave.
The hum of the car engine resonated with the rhythm of his contemplative thoughts. Unbeknownst to him, the intricate tapestry of fate was unfurling, each thread contributing to a narrative that Mujirushi could scarcely comprehend. Deep in introspection, he gazed out of the window, the world passing by in a blur, his mind dancing to the melody emanating from the car radio.
The weight of his familial concerns pressed upon him, the worry etched across his face. Yet, the allure of a daydream drew him in, a momentary escape from the harsh reality of the unknown. Slowly, Mujirushi succumbed to the embrace of slumber, leaving Carrots to observe the scene with a watchful eye.
Carrots, sensing an unspoken turmoil within Mujirushi, pondered over the complexity of the situation. However, choosing not to disturb the tranquility of the sleeping passenger, he turned to SJ for a brief exchange.

Carrots: "Hey, SJ, so what's your take on the kid?"

SJ: "I don't know him and so I don't have any opinions, you know I'm only giving him the privilege of being transported by me because you have instructed me to"

Carrots: "Damn, Cold as always."

Carrots: "I feel like he could get us a lot of money, that's why I'm helping him. Its not personal or anything"

SJ: "And you call me cold, sir."

Carrots: "hm, well I guess it was sort of hypocritical..."

Meanwhile, Mujirushi continued to slumber peacefully, oblivious to the discourse between his companions. As the taxi traversed the rural landscape, a sudden jolt and the blare of a loud song disrupted his restful state, forcing him back to consciousness.

Mujirushi: "Ack!"

Carrots: "Good morning, slacker. Good timing."

Mujirushi: "Why's that?"

Carrots: "We're approaching the border, and the guards might stop us, especially after the recent bombing in the capital."

Mujirushi: "Yeah, that makes sense..."

Carrots: "They won't bother me, being a big CEO guy. Just try not to raise suspicion. You should be fine with me around."

Mujirushi: "Alright, sounds good."

Peering out of the window, Mujirushi observed a quaint village, its underdeveloped facade a stark contrast to the bustling capital. A pang of empathy struck him, realizing the disparity between urban prosperity and rural struggles. His contemplations shifted as the car left the village, the border checkpoint emerging on the horizon, marking the threshold between Liberland and the Folkish Syndicalist Republic.
As they approached the border in the car, Carrots appeared a bit nervous, though he did his best to hide it. SJ, the ever-expressionless companion, and Mujirushi, determined to overcome any obstacles, shared a sense of anticipation. The vehicle neared the border checkpoint, revealing two distinct coat of arms on the small building. One showcased a white raven on a dark red shield, representing the autonomous zone they were entering. The other featured a yellow shield with a green dollar symbol, symbolizing the autonomous zone they were leaving. Mujirushi briefly pondered these symbols before the car came to a halt at the checkpoint, where a guard named Wendigo Silva awaited.

Wendigo: "Good day, sir. I'm Wendigo Silva, the local border guard and all."

SJ: "Good day, sir."

Wendigo: "So I assume you know about the incident in the capital?"

SJ: "Yes sir, with me is Mr. Rppltwo and his companion"

Wendigo: "Hmm, interesting."

Expressing a need to check the trunk, Wendigo received permission from SJ. As he walked past, Mujirushi's gaze briefly intersected with his, sending a shiver down Mujirushi's spine.

Mujirushi (whispering to Carrots): "Who is that guy?"

Carrots: "The border guard, dumbass. I don't know everyone in this country; I don't know him specifically."

Wendigo proceeded to check the trunk and then approached the window where Mujirushi sat.

Wendigo: "Mr. Rppltwo, may I have a moment..."

Carrots: "Yes, sure."

Wendigo quickly checked Mujirushi's pockets, making him scream out of fear.

Wendigo: "He seems unarmed, so he's fine."

After the inspection, Carrots and Wendigo went into the small building. The tension lingered for a few minutes before they emerged. The gate lifted, allowing the car to pass.

Wendigo: "You're good to go. Don't cause any trouble."

As the car sped away, SJ hit the pedal, and Mujirushi couldn't help but ask Carrots about the encounter.

Mujirushi: "What did he tell you?"

Carrots: "I don't know why he made it so scary at first, but he just wanted to ask about how my company is doing. Apparently, the FSR is interested in buying stuff."

Mujirushi: "Oh, I see. It looked much scarier than it ended up being, huh?"

Carrots: "Yeah, almost like he gets off on people being scared or something."

Mujirushi: "Well, if he did, then being a border guard makes sense."

Carrots: "I suppose. I'm just glad everything turned out fine."

After clearing the border checkpoint, the car cruised along the highway, leaving the immediate vicinity behind. Mujirushi, gazing at the landscape and distant villages, couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between this place and Liberland. Unlike the industrialized and heavily exploited land of Liberland, here, nature seemed to reclaim much of its space, with vast empty lands and villages that almost felt like a journey back in time—albeit shattered by the modern amenities like lights, roads, and vehicles.

SJ: "Uh, sir, we have a problem."

Carrots, abruptly waking from a post-border checkpoint nap: "Huh, Huh, what is it?"

SJ: "We're low on fuel. I don't see a gas station now, but we should visit the next one we come across."

Carrots: "Sure, yeah, do that. Sounds good."

Mujirushi chuckled at Carrots' abrupt awakening.

Carrots: "Hey, what are you laughing at?"

Mujirushi: "Just how unaware you were of your surroundings the moment you woke up."

Carrots: "HEY, you weren't much better when I found you on that street."

Mujirushi: "Pfft, I know, and I don't care."

SJ: "I see a gas station. Success."

Carrots: "Nice, we can fill the car tank and get something to drink."

Mujirushi: "Oh yeah, I guess I am a bit thirsty."

The car turned right into the gas station, and SJ started pumping gas. Carrots and Mujirushi exited the car.

Carrots: "So, how low is the tank?"

SJ: "It's basically completely empty, so you can pay the guy full price for filling a tank minus a few dollars."

Carrots: "Alright, thinking about it, the currency is different here, isn't it? I need to find an ATM."

Mujirushi spotted one near the entrance of the gas station shop.

Mujirushi: "Look there."

Carrots: "Ah, nice."

Carrots and Mujirushi left SJ behind to pump the car and headed toward the gas station shop. Carrots stopped at the ATM while Mujirushi entered the little shop, scanning the drinks aisle and patiently waiting for Carrots.

After a brief transaction, Carrots walked into the store and approached Mujirushi.

Carrots: "Still not decided on what to get?"

Mujirushi: "I was just waiting for you. I don't know how much money you withdrew."

Carrots: "Oh, no need. I have more than enough. Besides, they're all about the same price."

Mujirushi: "Hmm, okay." Mujirushi then picked out some orange juice while Carrots opted for a Whiskey-cola mix. They headed to the till where a tired man with black hair and brown eyes, wearing the firm's uniform, attended to them. His tag read "Sanchez de Repugnante."

Carrots: "Good day to you, sir."

Sanchez: "Hey, is those two drinks all?"

Carrots: "In terms of products, yeah. But we're also filling up our tank."

Sanchez: "Mhm, well, how much gas are you taking?"

Carrots: "Basically the whole thing, minus a few milliliters."

Sanchez: "Alright, so I'll just count it as 95%."

Carrots: "Sounds fair."

Sanchez: "Alright, here is your total."

Carrots paid and left the store, sipping on his whiskey drink. They strolled through the gas station shop, Mujirushi eyeing various snacks. Carrots caught sight of a peculiar-looking energy drink labbeled as a free sample.

Carrots: "Hey, check this out. 'Folkish Blast' Sounds intense, huh?"

Mujirushi: "Sure, why not? Grab one."

They headed back to the car, each with their chosen drinks. As they approached, SJ was finishing up with the gas pump.

Carrots: "How's the filling going?"

SJ: "Been done for a long while. We should get going then."

They all got into the car, and SJ hit the pedal to move, but the car made a revving noise without budging. SJ tried a few more times.

SJ: "Oh no... Something must have broken."

Carrots: "Oh, come on! Our journey is long enough as is!"

SJ: "Sorry, sir. I will check it out immediately. It must be the engine."

Mujirushi: "How about we ask the shopkeeper guy to help?"

Carrots: "Yeah, sure, you do that."

As Mujirushi headed back to the store, Carrots and SJ inspected the car's engine, trying to determine the issue. Inside, Mujirushi approached Sanchez.

Mujirushi: "Hey, do you know anything about cars? Our car just died."

Sanchez: "I dabble a bit. Let me take a look."

As Sanchez stepped outside to join Carrots and SJ, the three men found themselves in an unexpected situation, their journey momentarily stalled as they faced the uncertainty of a malfunctioning car.

Sanchez: "Let me take a look at that engine."

Carrots: "Yeah please do that, I cannot be stuck in a place like this.."

As Sanchez crouched down, ostensibly examining the engine, he furtively glanced around, making sure nobody was paying too much attention. He quickly switched from the cool demeanor of a gas station worker to someone more clandestine, all the while maintaining a façade of normalcy.

SJ: "Looks like a loose wire here. It should be a quick fix."

Sanchez: "Yeah, just give me a moment."

While SJ and Sanchez got to work on the engine, Carrots and Mujirushi, armed with various tools and sticks, goofed around, attempting to contribute in their own way.

Carrots: "'Ey, pass me the wrench. No, the other one idiot."

Mujirushi: "This one?"

Carrots: "Yup!"

As they bumbled through their makeshift assistance, Carrots couldn't help but see a glimmer in Mujirushis eyes, this kid probably wasnt a propagandist afterall, but still, there was something about him. Unconsciously, his mission to profit from this endeavor began to shift into a genuine desire to help, driven by a blossoming friendship.

Carrots (whispering to Mujirushi): "You know what, if we keep being this lucky with all this suff, we might actuall get to FPCBA in no time."

Mujirushi: "I guess even a broken car can't stop us."

Meanwhile, SJ and Sanchez managed to fix the engine without much hassle. Sanchez, was growing more and more weary, trying to hide parts of his clothes, for an unknown reason.

SJ: "There we go. It should run smoothly now."

Sanchez: "You're good to go. Just be careful out there."

Carrots, Mujirushi, and SJ thanked Sanchez for his help and Sanchez accepted the thanks then quickly hurried back into the gas station.

Carrots: "You sure know your way around cars huh."

Sanchez as he is leaving: "Well, you pick up a thing or two working at a place like this."

Carrots: "We owe you one."

The trio hopped back into the car, the engine now purring like a contented cat. As they drove away from the gas station, the unlikely quartet continued their journey, the road ahead holding uncertainty. Sanchez watched the car disappear into the distance, and as that happened he heard a bang.

Sanchez: "thank God she fell out now, not before, some people have terrible timing for things"

A dead body of a woman in revealing clothing had fallen onto the floor, bleeding out even more than before.

4

The car hummed along the highway, the rhythmic sound of the engine providing a soothing backdrop to the journey. Carrots, having downed his whiskey earlier, succumbed to the drowsiness, and soon, his rhythmic snores filled the car.
Mujirushi, staring out of the window, initially found himself lost in thoughts about his parents, their worries, and the uncertain path ahead. Eventually, he decided to break the silence and engage SJ in conversation.

Mujirushi: "Hey, SJ, mind if I ask you something?"

SJ, keeping his eyes on the road, responded, "Go ahead."

Mujirushi: "You've been with Carrots for a while, right? What's your story?"

SJ: "Not much of a story to tell. I've been working with Mr. Rppltwo ever since the RC split."

Mujirushi: "But, like, what were you doing before? Where are you from?"

SJ: "Cant say im from anywhere except hyperfreepecebia, I have been around since before the RC split and so had Mr. Rppltwo. As for what I did before, not something I talk about."

Mujirushi persisted, wanting to know more. "Why are you helping me, then? It can't just be because Carrots told you to."

SJ's gaze remained fixed on the road. "Mr. Rppltwo is my employer. I do what he says. That's all there is to it."

Mujirushi: "But there has to be more to it. You could've reported me back in the capital after that bomb incident. Why didn't you?"

SJ's response was measured. "Reporting isn't my job. My job is to transport. Mr. Rppltwo handles the rest."

Mujirushi, not satisfied with the vague answers, continued, "But there's got to be a reason you're sticking your neck out for me. What's the deal?"

SJ, showing a rare hint of emotion, sighed. "Look, kid, I don't get personal. I'm here to do a job. If it weren't for Mr. Rppltwo, I would have reported you. You came out of nowhere and then a bomb went off, you are suspicious."

Mujirushi, understanding the gravity of SJ's words, fell silent. The car continued its journey, the road stretching out ahead. After hours of Akward silence with Carrots waking up half way through, the taxi glided into Borkeria, the capital of the Folkish Syndicalist Republic. Mujirushi took in the surroundings, marveling at the city's elegant architecture and the disciplined demeanor of its inhabitants. Unlike Liberland's bustling capital, Borkeria exuded a calm and organized atmosphere. The streets were well-planned, and everyone seemed to adhere to a code of order.

Mujirushi: "This place is different. It's so well-organized."

Indeed, the cityscape was a contrast to the chaotic vibrancy he had experienced in Liberland. People dressed in either casual clothing or workers' attire, and the absence of suited businessmen caught Mujirushi's attention.
On the contrary, Carrots remained indifferent to Mujirushi's childlike admiration for Borkeria. This awe, reminiscent of a sentiment he had deemed foolish back in Pzhemeborg, failed to captivate Carrots. While he acknowledged Borkeria's impressive design, he viewed it more as a propaganda city—the primary destination for tourists in the FSR. Carrots, motivated by both the camaraderie he had developed earlier that day and a lingering belief that he could extract future financial gain from Mujirushi, simply desired to press on with their journey.

Carrots: "Yeah, what else do you expect from a propaganda city, lets just continue going, nothing interests us here."

Mujirushi, torn between his determination to find his home and the allure of Borkeria, hesitated.

Mujirushi: "There could be something interesting, plus didn't this place want to buy some of the stuff from your company?."

Carrots: "I guess but I can do that later, I just want to get our thing over with first"

Carrots: "Every minute we spend here is a minute longer until we reach your home. You want that?."

Mujirushi: "I'm already in big trouble, a few hours isn't gonna change anyt-"

SJ, usually stoic, interjected with a rare display of emotion – exhaustion.

SJ: "I hate to admit it, but I'm dead tired. Stopping for the night might not be a bad idea. Plus, outside the city center, street lights are scarce."

Mujirushi seized the opportunity, pleading his case.

Mujirushi: "See, even SJ thinks it's a good idea. We could all use a break."

Carrots, though reluctantly, considered the points made by Mujirushi and SJ.

Carrots: "Alright fine, I cant have a driver that's falling asleep in the middle of the road."

As the argument ended Carrots gestured to SJ to stop, then he and Mujirushi both left the car whilst SJ continued to drive the taxi down borkerias streets, in search of a parking spot. They strolled through the streets of Borkeria, guided by the city lights.
As Carrots, Mujirushi wandered through the streets of Borkeria, they stumbled upon an unexpected spectacle – a vibrant parade moving through the city's main thoroughfare. Crismon Flags fluttered, and the air was filled with the sound of cheering and festive music. A sense of celebration permeated the surroundings.
Amidst the crowd, Mujirushi caught a glimpse of a figure on a parade float, standing tall and commanding attention – Iefan Alstud, the Chancellor of the Folkish Syndicalist Republic. His cyan eyes and dark brown hair, tied at the back, gave him an air of authority. Dressed in a crimson uniform with a black beret, Astuld exuded a sense of leadership.

Carrots, who had been contacted by the border guard earlier that day, recognized the opportunity to address the Chancellor directly.

Carrots (calling out): "Borker! Borkaaaa!"

However, their attempt to approach the Chancellor was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Messard, a man in a full crimson military uniform with a cap, with brown hair and brown eyes. Despite his intimidating appearance, Messard had an air of narcissism about him.

Messard: "Well, well, what do we have here? Lost tourists?"

Carrots, undeterred, tried to assert his position.

Carrots: "We're not lost. We just wanted to speak with Borker."

Messard: "Ah, the great General Messard at your service. Trained by the best, you know. However unfortunately Kansler Alstud is busy as of right now."

Messard: "You seem a bit out of your depth here in general. Not everyone gets the honor of talking to a legendary general like myself."

Carrots: "Look I know who you are and I think you should know who I am if you are so high up the ranks as you say."

Messard: "Hm, is that so? Well you cant prove anything to me, so what does it matter what you look like. There are lots of people who look alike"

Carrots then proceeded to dig in his pocket and pull out an ID

Carrots: "here's proof"

Messard: "I'm not looking at that"

Carrots: "WHat?"

Messard: "I cant be bothered and even if you were the real Rppltwo then I already told you the Kansler is busy"

he scoffs at Carrots and turns away, he is about to walk away but is stopped by Mujirushi who in the meantime managed to pick up one of the crismon flags off the floor and then as Messard was leaving grabbed him by the uniform stopped him from leaving

Messard: "huh? who dares!" he turns around to face Mujirushi

Mujirushi: "uh excuse me sir, I'm a really big fan of the Kansler and I am so happy I saw him, but now I'm lost and I don't know where to find accommodation" he said while holding the flag up and putting himself in a defenseless pose on purpose.

Messard: "oh, uh"

Messard: "is this kid with you?" he turns to carrots

Carrots: "sure, you can say that"

Messard: "Well, if you needed directions you could have asked, but youv'e been nothing more than a bother!"

Carrots, caching on what Mujirushis plan is: " huh, I guess you just don't know your way around the city. Always being in that closed in administrative circle away from the people has made you loose your touch with the common folk hasn't it"

Messard: "What, no! I know every corner of this city like the back of my hand"

Carrots: " You cant prove that"

Messard: "OH YES I CAN YOU BASTARD, follow me"

Messard, wanting to prove he was not out of youch, assumed the role of their guide.

Messard: "Follow me, and I'll show you around. Consider yourselves lucky to have a guide of my caliber."

As they followed Messard through the parade and the bustling streets, Carrots exchanged a knowing look with Mujirushi. They had managed to divert Messard's attention and, in turn, secured an unintentional guide to navigate Borkeria's streets.
Messard, in his haste, led Carrots, Mujirushi, and SJ through the streets of Borkeria like a whirlwind, showcasing various landmarks. He pointed out a grand statue of the Kansler, a museum displaying the rich history of the Folkish Syndicalist Republic, the imposing parliament building, and the bustling shopping district.

Messard: "You see, this city is a testament to the greatness of our nation, and none of this would stand if it wasn't for my successes in the rebellion against the Pecebians."

Carrots: "yeah sure whatever, what battle did you even participate in in the war?"

Messard: "It should be obvious to you! if you don't know you have clearly not passed the patriotic education!"

Carrots, to himself: "I'm guessing he either forgot or didn't fight at all"

Messard: "WHAT WAS THAT ?"

Carrots, dismissing it: "Nothing, sorry, lets just keep going"

As they walked, Mujirushi couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sights around him. The grandeur of the city, coupled with Messard's bombastic commentary, created a unique experience.
After what felt like an hour of enthusiastic narration, they finally arrived at a hotel near the city center. As a gesture of gratitude, they thanked Messard for the impromptu tour.

Carrots: "Thanks for showing us around, General. You've been most helpful." Carrots said with a fake smile.

Messard, oblivious to the fact that he had been duped, nodded with an air of satisfaction.

Messard: "It was my pleasure. Now you cant say I don't know the city."

Carrots: "yeah certainly.."

However, as Carrots, Mujirushi, and SJ who had suddenly showed up seconds ago entered the hotel, Messard's realization dawned upon him. Anger boiled within him, and he stormed off angrily, promising to make them pay for tricking him.
Inside the hotel, Carrots promptly approached the front desk and secured three rooms for the night. With keys in hand, he turned to Mujirushi with a sly grin.

Carrots: "You owe me three whiskeys now."

Mujirushi, rolling his eyes: "Fine."

Mujirushi: "how did SJ even find us though?"

Carrots, putting his finger in front of his mouth: "Company secret"

Mujirushi really was curious but now he was too tired to pursue further so he just sighed. Weary from the day's journey. Carrots, SJ, and Mujirushi each headed to their respective rooms, eager to get some rest.
Mujirushi entered his room and turned the lights on, in his room, Mujirushi found a mysterious small note on the bed. The note read, "Order #204 complete - Repugnante." Puzzled and intrigued, Mujirushi sniffed the letter, detecting an odd scent. He couldn't fathom the connection between the gas station worker and the hotel.

Mujirushi (muttering): "How is that gas station guy related to the hotel? what in the world.."

After a moment of contemplation, he decided to discard the note into the bin. As Mujirushi settled into bed, the events of the day lingered in his mind, but fatigue eventually took over, pulling him into the realm of dreams.

5

Mujirushi, deep in restless slumber, found himself tossing and turning in his hotel room. Unbeknownst to him, a subtle draft permeated the room, disturbing his sleep. Stirring, he opened his eyes, the dim light filtering through the curtains revealing the unfamiliar surroundings.
Feeling a bit parched, Mujirushi decided to get a glass of water. He sat up, the haze of sleep still clouding his senses. As he reached for the bedside table, a sudden movement caught him off guard. Before he could react, a bag was swiftly pulled over his head, shrouding his vision in darkness.
Panicking, Mujirushi tried to shout, but his voice was muffled by the fabric encasing his face. Before he could make sense of the situation, a noxious spray filled the confined space inside the bag. The world around him seemed to spin, and a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him.
In a matter of moments, the effects of the spray took hold, and Mujirushi's struggles weakened. The room spun into a blurry haze, and his consciousness slipped away. The last sensation he felt was the cold surface of the hotel room floor against his cheek as he succumbed to the drug-induced unconsciousness.

As Mujirushi regained consciousness, the unfamiliar surroundings of the room slowly came into focus. The stone walls and floor surrounded him, devoid of any recognizable features. Panic set in when he realized he was bound to a chair, the cold, unyielding material beneath him, and the chair seemingly glued to the floor.
Mujirushi's initial confusion turned into a sense of dread as he frantically assessed his situation. He attempted to move, only to find his limbs securely tied, rendering him immobile. His desperate gaze swept the room, revealing nothing but the stark, unforgiving stones that enclosed him.
With his mouth unobstructed, Mujirushi screamed for help, the echoes of his pleas bouncing off the cold walls. The silence that followed was deafening, intensifying the gravity of his predicament.
After a tense pause, the heavy stone door creaked open, revealing a figure that sent shivers down Mujirushi's spine. Mugi, dressed in a fully black uniform with a red officer's cap, entered the room. His crazy-looking brown eyes and light brown hair created an eerie contrast with the perpetual, unsettling smile etched on his face.

Mugi: "Ah, hello there! You aren't badly hurt thankfully."

Mujirushi's eyes widened, a mix of fear and confusion gripping him. He struggled against his restraints, eyes fixed on Mugi, who seemed to exude an aura of terror.

Mujirushi: "Who are you? Where am I? Let me go!"

Mugi's smile widened, his demeanor unsettlingly calm.

Mugi: "Questions, questions. I'm Mugi, and you, my friend, are in, essentially, a stone box."

Mujirushi's heart pounded, his mind racing to make sense of the situation. The room seemed to close in around him as Mugi continued to speak.

Mugi: "Now, let's not spoil the fun with unnecessary chatter. We have much to discuss."

Mugi circled Mujirushi, his unsettling smile never wavering as he examined his captive.

Mugi: "You, my friend, are a rare specimen. We have not encountered a 'most foreign' in a few years now."

Mujirushi, still bound to the chair, furrowed his brow in confusion.

Mujirushi: "What are you talking about? Where am I?"

Mugi chuckled, almost amused by Mujirushi's lack of understanding.

Mugi: "Oh, you're not in Liberland anymore, my dear friend. These parts, despite the opposition from the Borkerites still have our hands all over it."

Mujirushi: "I don't understand. What do you want from me?"

Mugi leaned in, his unsettling presence inches from Mujirushi's face.

Mugi: "What we want, my foreign friend, is for you to embrace the fact that you are not home and that you will never be. Give up on blending in with this mundane society, give up on going back home, wherever you think that is. It's time to come to work with us – the Kultokratic government."

Mujirushi's eyes widened, the gravity of the situation sinking in. He had stumbled into something far beyond his understanding.

Mujirushi: "Why? What do you want with me?"

Mugi, his smile never fading, revealed a glimpse of impatience.

Mugi: "Isn't it obvious? Since you're one of the most foreign, you know things that are highly regulated by the world police nowadays! To get an edge over the degenerate north we need to have that sort of power."

Mujirushi, still defiant, struggled against his restraints.

Mujirushi: "I won't work for you. I don't even know what you're talking about."

Mugi's smile tightened, the facade of cordiality slipping for a moment.

Mugi: "You should think about this carefully. For the past day or so, the ZZ service has been following you and Mr Rppltwo, thanks for getting him in range too by the way. They'll continue to do so. If you even breathe a word about our little encounter, you'll be killed on sight."

Mujirushi's defiance wavered, replaced by a chilling realization that the situation was far more dire than he had initially thought. The mysterious organization, the ZZ service, seemed to be watching his every move, and Mugi's threats hung in the air like an ominous cloud. Mujirushi, gripped by the severity of the situation, pleaded with Mugi.

Mujirushi: "Please, just let me go back to the hotel. I won't tell anyone about this, I promise."

Mugi's smile remained, but his eyes betrayed a hint of doubt.

Mugi: "Very well, you can return to your hotel. However, there's a condition."

Mugi handed Mujirushi a note with a number scrawled on it. He explained with a stern tone.

Mugi: "When you find a public phone, call this number. Report on the current situation around you. Do it regularly."

Reluctantly, Mujirushi nodded, sensing the weight of the obligation forced upon him. The prospect of regular check-ins seemed both bothersome and intrusive, but the alternative was far more ominous.

Mujirushi: "Fine, I'll do it. Just let me go."

Mugi's smile widened again, a mix of satisfaction and something darker.

Mugi: "Good. Remember, your life depends on it."

As Mujirushi agreed, two other agents entered the room, their faces obscured by shadow. Swiftly, they untied him from the chair. Seizing the opportunity, Mujirushi attempted to strike Mugi with a punch, only to find his effort effortlessly deflected by Mugi.
Mugi retaliated, hitting Mujirushi in the stomach with the back of a rifle. The impact left him winded, gasping for air.

Mugi: "I'd advise against any more attempts at heroics. Come along."

Warned and weakened, Mujirushi was escorted by Mugi and the two agents out of the stone room and towards a waiting car. The ominous reality of his situation settled in, and Mujirushi couldn't shake the feeling that his life had taken a drastic turn into the unknown. The car pulled to a stop near Mujirushi's hotel, but not precisely at the original location. Mugi, still wearing that unsettling smile, turned to Mujirushi.

Mugi: "Remember, you were out shopping. Just a quick errand. Tell Mr. Rppltwo that."

He handed Mujirushi a bottle of water, a prop for his fabricated story.

Mugi: "And here's your shopping, just to make it convincing."

Mujirushi, still reeling from the recent events, nodded in compliance. He accepted the bottle, a token gesture that added a layer of realism to the tale he was now obligated to tell.

Mugi, growing impatient, glanced at his watch.

Mugi: "Now, get out before I shoot you out of boredom."

Feeling the weight of Mugi's veiled threat, Mujirushi wasted no time. He exited the car, bottle in hand, and watched as the vehicle sped away, leaving him to navigate the web of deception that had suddenly entangled his life.
Mujirushi quietly slipped back into the hotel, the bottle of water from Mugi's calculated shopping trip in hand. The receptionist glanced up, her eyes revealing a hint of curiosity.

Receptionist: "Back from an early morning shopping spree, huh?"

Mujirushi, crafting his cover story, offered a tired smile.

Mujirushi: "Yeah, just needed a few things. Couldn't sleep, you know?"

Receptionist: "Well, you must be tired. Your friends haven't left their room since last night. They're probably still sleeping."

The revelation surprised Mujirushi. Carrots and SJ had remained holed up in their room for hours.

Mujirushi: "Yeah, I guess they must be exhausted."

As he made his way to his room, Mujirushi couldn't shake the disquieting feeling that something had changed in the air. He entered cautiously, hoping to find the note he had thrown away in the bin. However, the room was devoid of any such evidence.

Mujirushi: "Strange... Where did it go?"

He pondered whether the mysterious disappearance of the note was connected to the encounter with Mugi however Mujirushi, fatigued from the tumultuous events of the morning, succumbed to the urge to sleep a little longer. When he finally regained consciousness, he found Carrots shaking him vigorously.

Carrots: "Wake up retard! Do you realize how stupidly late it is?"

Mujirushi, disoriented and still groggy, mumbled a response.

Mujirushi: "What time is it?"

Carrots, with a mix of frustration and suspicion, retorted.

Carrots: "It's 1 pm! You sleep like a NEET dawg. Are you still drunk from last night? Got a hangover, huh?"

Mujirushi, attempting to shake off the remnants of sleep, denied the accusations with a tired sigh.

Mujirushi: "No, no hangover. I just had trouble sleeping. Also I'm not a NEET, I'm in- I was in- Edu- huh guess I am a NEET.."

Carrots, eyeing him suspiciously, seemed to buy the explanation but remained unconvinced.

Carrots: "Well, get up. We've got places to be."

Mujirushi stood up and ran to the bathroom, he then stood in front of the mirror in the backroom, staring at his own reflection. He pondered the events of the previous day, the encounter with Mugi, and the mysterious note with the number. A nagging doubt lingered in the back of his mind, urging him to confront the reality of the situation.
He debated whether the strange encounter was nothing more than a vivid dream, but as he hesitated, his hand brushed against the fabric of his pocket. Retrieving the crumpled note, he felt a chill down his spine. The tangible evidence in his hand contradicted the notion of a mere dream, leaving him uneasy.
Choosing to dismiss the disconcerting reality, Mujirushi left the bathroom and descended the stairs. Carrots and SJ were waiting by the taxi, impatience evident on Carrots' face.

SJ: "There you are, Mr. Rppltwo was getting impatient and worried about you.

Carrots: "Whatever whatever SJ, lets just get going."

Mujirushi, offering a quick apology for the delay, climbed into the taxi. The engine roared to life as they drove off, leaving the hotel behind. Unbeknownst to them, Mugi, lurking in the shadows of an alleyway, observed their every move. Mugi's gaze followed the taxi as it disappeared into the bustling city. His presence, a silent specter in the periphery.

GWJGOSNIKNK-A

Contents

1

2

3

4

5

6

Recent changes