Sand Sculpture of the Heart - Track 8

Thank you for your hard work on the study trip. You were well received as ambassadors this time around.

Tons of Ev3ns fans showed up, it was seriously sooo lit~♪

We had a total blast with all of the activities there!

(Yep, unlike how it was in Beppu, they were completely free to do their idol activities! Just goes to show how much recognition Ev3ns is getting.)

You gathered us here today to discuss the details of the tour Kinari has decided on, right?

…Yes. I assembled a draft once we returned. I would like to share it.

Let’s see… An escape game in a virtual desert in mahorova, where the participants interact with us as holograms and use clues to reach the oasis…

Although inconvenient for us to appear as holograms, it had been suggested that, since Ev3ns is the Evening Team, it would be preferable for all members to be present.

This was the president’s request.

The other teams are planned to be centered around its main and sub-hosts, but keeping the Evening Team’s target audience in mind, we believed they would be happy if they got to interact with all the members even a little.

OMG, that sounds so fun! I’m in, I’m in!

We’ve done hologram shoots before, so if this is what the fans want, then there’s no way we can say no, riiight?

An escape game… Although I’ve never played one, I’ve heard about them and always wanted to try.

What are your thoughts, Kuguri?

…I don’t have any. If plüss wants to do it, then shouldn’t it be okay for him to do as he likes?

Domeki-san, since you’re the sub-host, could you please be a little more cooperative?

Picim. Could you pipe down?

If it gets too noisy then I’m going to want to leave.

(Sighs)… Azekawa-kun, could you carry on with your explanation? I’d like the sub-host to listen, at least.

I have added a feature to this escape game.

From the starting point to the goal oasis, a sand sculpture hologram will appear of the childhood version of each member.

…..! Hol’ up, so basically, if I logged in, there’s gonna be a baby-me, aka Little Chii, showin’ up?

Is that sorta thing even possible?

Based on one’s current appearance, AI can infer and create it.

The program is nearly complete and is now in its testing phase.

That’s Kinari for you. You’re just as brilliant as Nayuki.

… I’ll be in charge of coordinating the construction of the metaverse space. I have also made arrangements to ensure there will be no shortage of equipment.

…So, liiike, what made you think of having people play with their childhood selves?

Good question… I mean, they’ll get hints from the holograms and then aim for the goal anyway, right?

Although, theoretically, the participants will be able to receive hints from their child avatars…

I believed… it was more important to convey that within every adult, is the heart of a child.

…!

Furthermore, when the participants reach the goal at the oasis, I believed that they should embrace their childhood self, and to accept them.

The reason for my thinking is that when I experienced it for myself… I felt a small sense of emotional healing.

(Kinari-kun… I’m glad you felt that way when we talked on the beach…)

…It’s a great concept. It’s precisely the type of experience that only the metaverse can provide. It might even allow a bit of soul searching for some.

Since the prototype program has been prepared, would you all like to assist with the test run?

A test run!? Lemme in, lemme in!

Alright everyone, let’s try logging in.

Wooaaah… It’s like a bigger version of Tottori’s sand dunes. It’s even got sandstone buildings, it’s kinda exotic…

Little Chii’s wavin’ in front of the first building~!

Guess that’s where we can get a hint, purrhaps?

“The test run will begin momentarily. Your childhood self will now appear in front of you. Please call out to them.”

……

(It’s…. younger me….)

(Taiki…!)

(…No, it’s not him. It’s me, huh.)

Haha… so this is how I looked when I smiled…

……

(It’s similar to how the Original looked when he was younger… but the atmosphere is entirely different.)

(As expected, it seems that I am an entirely different entity from the original Azekawa Kinari¹…)

…May I give you a hug?

“…Yes.”

……

(It’s a strange feeling… Perhaps I’m starting to feel what they call “Big Love”.)

They’re back! Everyone, how was the test ru⁠—

Huh? Chihiro-kun? Are you okay?

S-Sorry, Chiefy. It’s just… when I gave little me a hug…

……

But seriously, it was sooo well done! The game was super fun, and the ending… I dunno, it was a really great experience overall! Thanks so much, Kinyari!

…Yes, it was splendidly done.

Haha, seeing my childhood self give such an energetic tour felt like a breath of fresh air.

…Me too. Ahhh, it brought back lots of memories… I’m glad I participated in this test run.

Hm? Wait, Kugurin, you didn’t play it at all!? I can’t believe you bailed on the test run.

…If all of you have already done it, then there’s no need for me to bother, is there?

You’re the sub-host, though.

……

But it was craazyy good! Kugurin, you gotta hop on, even if just for a lil’ bit!

It got our childhood selves suuuper spot on.

Nyuszi… (sighs)… so naive…

……

Well… I’d say it’s alright? I think our testing was sufficient. Kuguri has the show with Kinari to think about too.

Raitin, you’re so sweet~ Welp, it’s all good!

Just thought it’d be a waste not to experience it, y’know?

……

I’m getting bored. I’m leaving.

Ah, Domeki-san. Please stay until the end of the discussion, at least!

Bye.

So selfish…

I’ll go and bring him back…!

It’s alright, Master.

Huh? But… Kuguri-san’s really slacking off with his job as a sub-host…

I intend to ask Kuguri for something only he can do. I will speak to him directly.

…Really? If you have a hard time talking to him by yourself, just let me know and I’ll come back you up.

Yes, Master.