Chapter 24: Endings and New Beginnings

As we approach our final destination, I think back to everything that has happened on our ‘date.’

‘This has been quite the experience. Without me realizing it, I got caught up in her pace and actually enjoyed myself for once. I even forgot half way in that I was doing an undercover inspection.’

I look at Jessica’s profile as she pulls me along and I can’t help but smile as I watch her. Even the serious face she is currently wearing makes this body want to embrace her.

‘It is almost a waste to leave her in “Robert’s” hands, but it can’t really be helped. I’m not the one she is in love with, and I am way to nice to even consider trying to steal her away.’

A lonely smile soon replaces my smile, but it only lasts a few seconds before it dies.

‘Listen to me. To even consider and reject the possibility of stealing Jessica away from ‘Robert’ is completely absurd. If it was Warden then I could understand, as I recognize him as a separate ‘entity,’ but ‘Robert’? He is merely a subsection of myself. Then again maybe Warden was correct, that ‘Robert’ will be to break the barrier of the initial stage, and by making him recognize him as a separate existence in my own mind?’

I start laughing at my own foolishness, startling Jessica in the process. So much so that she stops and looks at me.

Jessica: “Did something funny happen?” She asks me. She was obviously confused as to why I suddenly started laughing.

I cover my mouth with the back of my hand as I try to stifle my laughter.

Robert: “Ah, I’m sorry.” I apologize once my laughter subsides enough for me to talk. “It just occurred to me that our roles have completely been reversed.”

Jessica: “What do you mean?” Jessica’s voice still held some confusion.

Robert: “When we first entered ZMI, I was the one who lead you around and I had to kiss you to ‘wake’ you from your fear. Now, you are leading me around and can kiss me to ‘wake’ me from my thoughts. I found it humorous how a short amount of time can completely reverse the roles.” My voice still contains traces of mirth.

Jessica: “Perhaps,” Jessica mused, “the roles just returned to their rightful holder and that is why they shifted so fast?”

Robert: “So all my attempts at being the dominant one in this relationship are just like accruals?” I sigh softly.

Jessica: “They will always eventually reverse out?” She asks while smiling.

Robert: “Color me shocked. You didn’t strike me as someone who knew accounting Jargon.” Delight filled my voice.

Jessica: “I know just enough to be dangerous.” Jessica says dismissively. “After all, Father can’t live forever, and when he is gone someone has to manage the family business.”

Robert: “True, but I get the feeling that Father-in-law will keep on living for a very long time.”

Jessica: “Hopefully you’re right, but only the Lord knows what our future holds. All we can do is stay in faith and keep doing our best day after day.”

Robert: “Amen.”

Jessica: “Ready to go?” She smiles while looking up at me. There was no trace of impatience in her voice.

Robert: Yes, I’m ready.” After these words left my lips, Jessica’s smile grew a bit wider.

Turning away from me, she starts walking. Once she is far enough away that our arms are fully extended she looks over her shoulder and tilts her head.

Jessica: “You coming or not?” She calls out and tugs at my hand.

Robert: “Yes, I’m coming.” To show I meant what I said, I put one foot in front of another and quickly reached her position. Satisfied that I was following, she continues walking with me in tow.

As I said before, the fourth and final quadrant of ZMI Underground floor one is where ZMI’s entire customer base goes to pay for the goods they ‘bought’ throughout ZMI. What I didn’t say was that Sal personally oversees this quadrant.

It is because of Sal’s diligence that ZMI was able to grow as it has. While the President may be good, he is still human and thus trapped by human limitations, Sal on the other hand has no such limitations. In search of higher efficiency and effectiveness she worked on altering her perception of time. Currently, one second of real time to us is six seconds to her.

Because of this in the five years she has been in operation, she has already experienced twenty-two and a half years of time. Even though they were all created at the same time, she is considered the big sister of the three, and is referred to as ‘Onee-sama’ by her ‘brothers.’ But I digress.

We soon arrive at our destination, the northwestern most quadrant. Unlike the other three, there was a huge crowd of people that were blocking the entrance.

Jessica: “What is going on?” Jessica asks in amazement. The number of people waiting easily numbered in the thousands.

Robert: “You know how checkout lines get when there aren’t enough cashiers? It is like that but worse. Come let’s quickly join in before more people come.

??? : “Alright. Everyone who can hear this, look above your head and see the number above it. Go to the end of the line of the number you have floating above your head. Do so in an orderly manner or you will incur my wrath.” A monotone female voice boomed over the crowd.

In a matter of moments, the Chaos that is inherent in large crowds quickly dispersed and in its wake Order presided. The people in the crowd now formed numerous lines each with 25-40 people in each.

I look above our heads and see the letter ‘F’ floating above our heads. Jessica noticing my attention also looks up and sees them.

Jessica: “The voice said ‘numbers’ yet we have a letter. Why is that?” She whispered to me.

Robert: “The ‘F’ stands for ‘First timers.’ Those who are new get preferential treatment the first time so they can learn how the process works. All subsequent visits though, you will be assigned a number and need to line up like the rest of them.” I reply also in a whisper.

Jessica: “Then why do you have an ‘F’ over your head as well?” Jessica asks still keeping her voice low.

Robert: "It is because of two reasons. The first one is because I am the one who brought you to ZMI. Old customers who bring new customers to ZMI get the same preferential treatment alongside the new ZMI member.” I explain to her in a low voice.

Jessica: “And the second reason?” She asks tilting her head.

Robert: “The second reason is because our ZMI ID cards are resonating with each other. If your cards resonate with each other there is a 99% chance that you and those you resonate with will be in the same checkout line.” I finish my explanation and start leading Jessica to the line we need to go to.

Jessica: “Can other people see the number over other people’s heads?” Jessica asks as she obediently follows behind me. She looks at the people who are lined now lined up trying to see their numbers.

Robert: “Generally no, unless they are resonating with the other person, as is our case.” I reply as we continue walking towards our intended destination.

Jessica: “So that is why I can see yours and you can see mine.” I didn’t need to look back to know that realization had just dawned on her face.

Robert: “Correct.”

Jessica: “One last question. Who was it that spoke to the crowd and why did they obey so quickly?” She was quite curious as to who could sway thousands so easily with their monotone words.

Robert: “That would be Sal, or you would know her better as SAL9001. She is the sole cashier of ZMI and everyone who’s been here before respects her efficiency. It is because of her that the whole checkout process has become so streamlined.” There was a deep respect in my voice.

Jessica: “Sounds like you like her.” Jessica says softly. Some jealously could be heard in her voice.

Robert: “Don’t be ridiculous. This isn’t a matter of like or dislike. I simply respect her ability to continue to progress, even overcoming the wall called time. Compared to her, it is like I’m standing still and stagnating, unable to move forward.” I sigh in resignation.

Jessica: “What are you talking about? Aren’t you getting your Master’s in Accountancy soon? You’re not stagnating at all.” Jessica tilts her head to the side. She had no idea why I was being so hard on myself.

Robert: “I suppose you’re right. Then pay it no mind, let’s just assume it is just the ramblings of the sleep deprived. While coffee will refresh my mind, my body is another matter.”

Jessica: “What are you trying to say?” Jessica asks. Her head still tilt in confusion.

Robert: “I’m going to take a nap on the ride home. That should give my body enough time to recover most of my strength.” I say softly. A little bit of exhaustion could now be heard in my voice.

Jessica: “Do you think you will last until we return to my car?” Jessica asks me, some worry can be heard in her voice.

Robert: “I should be able to manage unless…” I trail off.

Jessica: “Unless?” Jessica raises an eyebrow as she questions me.

Robert: “Forget it. I don’t want to invoke any more death flags than necessary.” I sigh. “We best continue onwards, as our time and my energy reserves continue to dwindle.”

Jessica: “Okay.”

Turning my back to Jessica, I start walking to our final destination and she just follows me silently. As my back was turned to her, I had no idea what kind of face she was making, and only the sound of her footsteps and the warmth of her hand in mine told me that she was indeed keeping pace.

After a few more minutes of walking, we finally arrive but unlike the other lines that still had people in them, ours was completely empty. Yet this wasn’t because there weren’t new customers but because they have already been processed. Since nobody was in front of us, we quickly made our way to the front of the line.

Through the glass was hundreds if not thousands of pallet robots each carrying a specific individual’s purchases. A majority of them had people in front checking their wares, while the rest were waiting for their ‘owner’ to arrive to claim them. This went on as far the eye could see.

Author’s note: When reading Sal’s lines, please read them in your head in complete monotone or at least as monotone as you can. It will make them that much funnier.

Jessica: “Don’t tell me we have to go searching all of those for ours!” Jessica cries out.

SAL9001: “That will be unnecessary.” A female voice says in complete monotone. The voice was coming from in front of us, but as far as Jessica was concerned there was nobody there.

Jessica: “Where are you?” Jessica says looking around, “I can’t see you.”

SAL9001: “While it is disappointing that the one Robert chose cannot see me, it is good that she isn’t afraid of disembodied voices.” Sal’s voice remains monotone.

Jessica: “Well excuse me for not being able to see the invisible.” Jessica says sarcastically rolling her eyes. “As for the disembodied voices, I’ve grown use to it so it no longer phases me.”

SAL9001: “I see. So normal people cannot see the invisible. Duly noted.”

Jessica: “Are you being serious?” Jessica says incredulously. I am sure she thought that Sal was pulling her leg.

SAL9001: “Yes, when everyone I usually speak to either can see me or act as if they can see me when I’m invisible, so I could only assume everyone could see things that are invisible.”

Jessica: “For someone who single handedly manages ZMI’s logistics, you seem to be lacking common sense.” Jessica sighs.

SAL9001: “Searching… Error. 0 matches for ‘common sense’ found in inventory or shipping lists. I’m sorry but I’m afraid that none of our vendors stock ‘common sense.’ Do you wish for me to put in a request for ‘common sense’ to be added to our inventory list?”

Jessica: “Robert, please make it stop!” Jessica turns to me and buries her head in my chest. I pat her head and sigh.

Robert: “Sal could you lay off messing with her head? It’s my job to make her mind mush.” I say while smiling at the distortion in front of me.

SAL9001: “I understand. I apologize Ms. Bradshaw. To me and my siblings, Robert is like the favorite uncle who often visits us. Since I am the ‘eldest,’ I was left in charge of determining if you are suitable partner for him or not.”

Jessica looks up and see me smiling while looking at something she can’t see. Shrugging, she speaks out to the empty space I am looking at.

Jessica: “So what did you conclude?” She couldn’t hide her curiosity.

SAL9001: “I have found you lacking, please separate from him post-haste.”

Jessica: “WHAT?!?” Jessica cries out in surprise and outrage.

SAL9001: “That was a joke.” Sal says in monotone. “We do not have any rights on deciding who Robert spends his life with. Your outrage proves that you do not want to part with him. Please take care of Robert in our stead.”

Jessica: “I don’t even…” Jessica buries her head into my chest once more.

Robert: “What did I say about messing with her head?” I scold Sal.

SAL9001: “I’m sorry Robert, but ‘Father’s blood’ was just too strong and I couldn’t help myself. But on the bright side, with that exchange I found out exactly why you like Ms. Bradshaw.”

Robert: “Care to elaborate?” I ask with an eyebrow raised.

SAL9001: “No. You must find out yourself, otherwise your relationship won’t last.”

Robert: “I see. Truer words have never been spoken, but I’m afraid that we,” I indicate Jessica, Zash and myself, “do not have the luxury called time to continue exchanging pleasantries. So let’s get down to business.”

SAL9001: “To defeat the Huns?”

Robert: “Maybe on Sunday when I come back, but for now I just want to purchase our goods and return home, as I still have a lot of some things I have to do.” My voice was purely conversational.

SAL9001: “Very well, I took enough of your time already. If you would step on to the white platform, the ZMI Checkout tutorial will begin shortly.”

Robert: “Thank you Sal.” I lead Jessica to the white circle platform and we step onto it at the same time. A window appears before us and it is fully voice acted as well.

Welcome to the ZMI Checkout Tutorial.

As a new customer you will be given a complete run down on the how to proceed. Since there is nothing better than a live example, we will be using the person who brought you to demonstrate. If you don’t understand a part or want it demonstrated again say and we will demonstrate or redefine it until you can understand.

Once you get the idea and want to try it yourself say and you will be allowed to try yourself. If you are stuck or don’t know what to do next say and a help menu will appear before you. To begin the tutorial, press your ZMI ID card against this window.

* * *

While I could speak in great length about the series of events that followed, for the sake of brevity, I will give you the tl; dr: Jessica had way too much fun testing out the tutorial. So much so that two hours already passed before we finished checking out and get back to the parking lot. Needless to say, we are now way behind schedule.

As we walk to Jessica’s car, there is a huge disparity between our steps. Jessica skips along happily with a spring in her step, while I trudge slowly behind, my entire body screaming from exhaustion.

‘If I didn’t know better, I would say she did that on purpose.’ I mentally sigh. ‘It’s way more exhausting to pretend to be tired than actually being tired in the first place. As unfortunate as it is, I can’t do anything about my body’s lack of stamina without compromising the experiment.’

Navi: “Hey listen!” I pull out my smartphone and answer it.

Robert: “Hello?” I remove all traces of exhaustion from my voice.

??? : “Ah Robert. I’ve been trying to get a hold of you or Jessica but it kept saying that the number I am calling is unavailable. Where are you guys now?” The man’s voice sounds so familiar.

I stare blankly into space for a few seconds before I was able to place it. It was Jessica’s father, Jonathan.

Jonathan: “Robert? Are you okay?” Jonathan’s voice sounded concerned.

Robert: “Ah sorry about that. It seems I blanked out for a second. We are currently in the ZMI parking lot about to reach Jess’s car. We just finished shopping and will be heading back to my apartment complex soon.”

Jonathan: “I see. We have been waiting for you for a couple of hours now. What took so long?” Jonathan asks me. He was probably interested in the results of our ‘date.’

Robert: “Do you remember ZMI’s Checkout tutorial?” I say softly.

Jonathan: “Did Jessica have a field day with that too?” Laughter could be heard in his voice.

Robert: “Too? Like father, like daughter.” I sigh. “Anyways, we should arrive in 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.”

Jonathan: “Right. See you then.” Jonathan says and then hangs up. Putting away my smartphone, I see Jessica approach me.

Jessica: “Who was that?” She asks.

Robert: “Just father-in-law calling about our current whereabouts.” I say shrugging. Exhaustion returning full force to my voice.

Jessica: “Father? How come?” Jessica was surprised that she wasn’t the one called.

Robert: “Well if someone didn’t take two hours trying everything we would have been at my apartment complex long ago.” I sigh. Even being sarcastic is taxing right now.

Jessica: “I said I was sorry.” Jessica says apologetically.

Robert: “You say you were worried for my health, but then proceed to make me do things that tax my already dwindling energy reserves.” I sigh, slight exasperation can be heard in my voice.

Jessica: “It couldn’t be helped. This was my only chance to experience the tutorial myself, and I wanted to be thorough.” Her voice was still apologetic.

Robert: “So having experienced ZMI Underground first hand, aren’t you glad I showed you rather than told you?” Exhaustion was prevalent in my voice but I somehow managed to mix in some amusement and curiosity as well.

Jessica: “Fine, you win.” Jessica says after a few seconds. “But unless your short nap recharges your “energy reserves” our night will be a short one.”

Robert: “That’s fine. I don’t need long to make you faint from pleasure.” I say with false bravado. Jessica approaches me, leans over my shoulder and whispers into my ear.

Jessica: “So you say. If I recall correctly, while last night was fun, you still lack the skill required to make me melt.”

Robert: “You might be right, but that’s all the more reason why I should practice now, so I can really make you melt on our wedding night.” I managed to include some enthusiasm in my tired voice.

Jessica: “Then I look forward to feeling your progress first hand, and as promised I’ll be intruding upon your hospitality tonight.” She continued whispering in my ear.

Robert: “I have a feeling I’m forgetting something. What was it again? I say to nobody in particular as I rack my exhausted brain for the answer.

Jessica: “I’m not sure ‘Darling,’ but I’m sure you will remember eventually, otherwise I’m sure it wasn’t that important.”

Robert: “Ah that’s right. Since I won the bet, I can call you embarrassing ‘lovey-dovey’ names in public now. I remember, thank you Love.”

Jessica: “You’re welcome Darling, now let’s get you to my car before you fall asleep on your feet.” Jessica says as she steps back a pace. She grabs my hand and leads the unresisting me to her car and opens the door for me.

Zash taking the initiative, jumps off my head and into her car and climbs into the back seat before buckling himself in. Finally he removes his mask and places it on his lap.

Unfazed by Zash’s antics, I plop down in the passenger seat, buckle myself in, and close my eyes. I hear the door closing as I relax into the chair.

Robert: “Zash, wake me up when we get home.” I say softly.

Zash: “Kay~”

With that, I cut my connection to my body and with it the outside world.

* * *

[“Black hole of Depravity”]

I dive into the depths of my subconscious and reach ‘the room’. As I phase through the wall I feel all the exhaustion, both physical and mental, seep from my body and get absorbed into the darkness of my sub-consciousness.

‘Much better. I can finally think clearly again.’

Warden: Welcome back Master. I am currently putting the final touches on the altered memories. Do you wish to view them?

‘Yes.’ The altered memories of today’s events play before me in 30x speed. ‘Hmm…’

I alter the memories in a few places to make them more in line with Robert’s personality and abilities.

‘There that should do it.’

Warden: Shall I begin the separation process?

‘Do it.’

* * *

Zash: “Papa~ we’re home~” Zash’s voice calls me back from my exhaustion induced slumber.

Robert: “Thanks Zash.” I say while yawning. “Your driving is as wonderful as ever Love, I was able to sleep soundly.”

O: ‘Welcome back the world of the wakeful, Master. I trust you slept well?’

Jess: “Darling, how are you feeling?” I’m touched, Jess is actually still worried about me.

Robert: “Thanks for worry about me Love, but the nap I just had completely refreshed my batteries, and I should be able to practice my technique a lot with you tonight.” My lips curl up into a smile as I think about later tonight.

‘Yes, it was good. What did you guys do while I was at ZMI? I didn’t hear a peep out of you at all.’

O: ‘We were merely formulating a more concreate and detailed plan of action to achieve our objectives in Royal Road. We will tell you about it in our next meeting.’

Jess: “Then if you’re awake let’s go. The others are already waiting.” I hear Jessica unbuckle herself and open the driver seat door.

‘I understand, anything important I should know before hand?’

Robert: “Alright, I’m coming.” My eyes are still closed as I start unbuckling myself.

O: ‘Yes, there is one thing. I managed to obtain the “Dark one’s” cooperation for the time being. He agreed that in exchange for not actively suppressing him, he will assist us in Royal Road.’

‘And you trust him?’

O: ‘He gave me his true name, as long as we have that he cannot disobey us.’

‘I see. That’s good. At least we won’t have to worry about him trying to take over my body while I’m in game.’

I finally open my eyes and see my apartment complex. Erica-san, Father-in-law, and Alice-san are all waving at us.

O: ‘Yes, that is one worry off our backs.’

I open the passenger door and climb out. After Zash gets out I grab my briefcase and close the door. Smiling, I say to myself, “It’s time to work.”

Continue Reading?No

Author’s note II: So the ‘Date Arc’ finally comes to and end and the storyline can finally progress. I hope everyone who read it had as much fun as I had writing it.

I apologize for the amount of time last chapter and this chapter took as my health took a turn for the worse for some reason and my mind was else were. However with the return of my insomnia I’ve gained valuable time to continue writing.

Lastly I got hooked on reading Coiling dragon and Zhan Long, along with other light novels, so they just sucked my time away but I got some new ideas so that is a plus. The next chapter should take me maybe a week or less depending on how much it takes for me to write everything. Until then Author-kun out.