NOVEL WEB Chapter 21: Return to the Shrine
Memories of the Shrine
After spending three years fully focused on the development of EVE and ELIZA, Satoru Koizumi and his team suddenly recalled the shrine that Kira Moroboshi had once hinted at. Something significant must have happened at that shrine, yet none of them could clearly remember what it was.
“You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about that shrine recently,” Satoru mentioned to the group.
“There was definitely something important that happened there…” Kagaya furrowed his brow. “But the crucial part, we just can’t seem to remember.”
Everyone felt uneasy, knowing there was an unresolved mystery tied to the shrine, but they couldn’t put their finger on it.
New Collaborators in Modern Society
Back in Japan, Satoru and his team sought out new collaborators to gain the technological expertise necessary for further advancing their AI development.
Yoko Sorano
Occupation: Engineer
Background: After studying engineering at Osaka University, Yoko became a key figure in a robotics and AI development company.
“I’m Yoko Sorano. I believe I can provide the necessary technology and tools for your AI development,” Yoko said with a confident smile as she arrived at the lab.
“Ms. Sorano, we need your technical expertise. Will you help us?” Satoru asked politely.
“Of course, I’ll gladly assist. Let’s work together to complete EVE and ELIZA,” Yoko replied warmly.
Development of a New Device
With Yoko Sorano’s support, the team began developing a new device. Yoko proposed a device that combined modern technology with her knowledge of quantum physics.
“With this device, we might be able to create a bridge between this world and another,” Yoko confidently explained.
“This is a fantastic proposal, Ms. Sorano. This could help us move to the next phase,” Satoru expressed his gratitude.
“With Kagaya’s expertise in information technology added to this, the device will become even more powerful,” Tomomi agreed, recognizing the potential of the collaboration.
Koen’s Request for Defense
Meanwhile, Koen requested the Japanese government to provide defense for the research facility.
“This research facility is vital to national security. We need your help in defending it,” Koen urged, his face serious.
A representative of the Japanese government looked momentarily surprised but quickly understood and promised swift action.
“We understand. We’ll set up a defense system immediately. Protecting this facility is now a top priority for the nation.”
With the government’s cooperation, the research facility was placed under strict security measures.
Return to the Shrine
The team then decided to visit the shrine once again. The quiet, serene atmosphere of the place faintly triggered memories of events from years ago, but the details remained elusive, as if they were trapped in a fog.
“This is it… This is where we found something,” Satoru pointed out, but his memory remained blurry.
“I remember something important happened here. But why can’t I recall anything clearly?” Tomomi murmured, her voice tinged with anxiety.
Kagaya, too, felt a strange familiarity. “Even so, there’s something about this place. We need to investigate thoroughly again.”
Journey to Another World
As they explored the shrine further, an entrance to another world appeared once more. However, with no memory of their previous experience in the other world, the doorway felt eerie, and a cold sensation of dread crept over them.
“Is this really the same entrance as before?” Satoru asked quietly, staring at the door in front of him.
Tomomi, her expression tense, whispered, “I don’t recognize it, but something about it fills me with dread. Why?”
Kagaya, trying to remain calm, felt a similar unease. “There’s something abnormal about this place. Even though I don’t remember, something is off.”
“It’s scary, but we won’t know anything unless we go forward,” Tomomi said, summoning her courage. The others nodded, but a whirlpool of unease churned deep within each of them.
The team preparing to face this new challenge included Satoru Koizumi, Tomomi Koizumi, Masato Matsuda, Kagaya Ginga, Yoko Sorano, Ryoko Akiba, Wenqiang Li, Misa Morino, and Sui Takahara—a group of nine.
“Let’s go, everyone,” Satoru called out to his comrades.
“What awaits us, I wonder,” Tomomi spoke with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
“I’m sure the answers we’ve been seeking are waiting for us there,” Masato replied resolutely.