*
What did it mean to be human? Was it to possess emotions? The ability to make the moral decision? Or the act of sacrifice? These questions will always elude Yggdrasil, though in a more simpler manner. How do I be Lastia? It was central to her mission, to emulate Lastia so perfectly such that some day... She could be used as a catalyst to revive the real Lastia from the dead. Reviving the dead had always been seen as taboo, even now in the age of abundance, it was execution on sight for those who dared to temper with the natural order.
Of course you might ask, if the larger world didn't know magical girls existed, how would they be aware of magic or even attempt resurrection? This is a point in time in which the level of technology has soared past anything that preceded, replacement organs, the cure to cancer, any and all disease had roughly been eliminated or actively neutralised when found in a patient's body. Pharmacology, quantum science, attempts at making nanobots.
Rather, it is because these advanced technology indistinguishable from magic is so common place, the general population has lost interest in their short-lived novelty. Humans still age and perish even without illnesses due to the hayflick limit, the life span curve had flattened around 120. There is no shortage of people who desire to escape death, seeing as it's an instinctual necessity.
Within the age of abundance, it is as the name suggests, there is a virtually unlimited source of resources. Why is it then a taboo to seek immortality? Biology, with unlimited resources biology has been pushed to the very limit. Even nature has caused the global human population numbers to teeter off around 10 billion, in which now birthrates have been hovering around the bare replacement rate for thousands of years. Why are there these specific numbers reinforced by biology?
Nature has given humanity a natural limit to adhere, nature has hinted how much the earth could possibly sustain the human species without collapse. As of this moment Eterna is indistinguishable from the forces of nature too. Maybe she had a hand in this matter, but no one could possibly test its veracity.
"Ah~~~!! I don't get it! How does this game work? Isn't it suppose to be luck? How are you getting so far ahead!?" (Yggdrasil)
Her bemoaning grew louder as the gap between their peaces grew larger. It didn't take long for them to rent a couple of board games, the one they were currently playing, 'Capitalist spree', seemed to be about hoarding properties and charging rent. The goal was to bankrupt all other players, and the way the numbers racked up exponentially as properties increased led the game's progression smoothly to an end. It was hard to stall when every few steps led to enemy territory.
"Even with luck, there are still some strategies, y'know?" (Arin)
"Please spare me..." (Sariel)
She let out a meek expression, pleading. It was in the middle of the game, and Arin let loose that she had some tricks up her sleeve. In her eyes, her victory was a foregone conclusion.
"Alright, please give me a 3! I just need this chance... Uwaghh!!!" (Yggdrasil)
Today, she learned how the pain of frustration cold broil into her bones. Her irritation seeped into the depths of her flesh, luring out a primal groan of frustration. Fortunately it was only a lure, as she barely keeps herself in check without making a single peep of a sound.
"You look constipated..." (Arin)
Arin smiled wryly, wagging her finger at Yggdrasil. Her words radiate softness, like a melodic tune out of an elegant instrument. Her voice and looks, everything was above average. Lastia and Sariel would look good too if they put some work into it, on the other hand it was Arin who was special for not needing much work to turn heads.
"Arin! There are some things that you can and can't say!" (Yggdrasil)
"Hahah! My~ whatever could they be?" (Arin)
Arin let out a hearty laugh, her lips spread to her cheeks in an almost mischievous manner. Her teasing heart was indulged. It was another peaceful day with no Trace occurrences. It might have been the norm for others, but not for these three. This insignificant melodious moment might be one of the things Arin treasures the most.
"huh!? Score!!! I passed Arin!!" (Sariel)
Unable to contain her excitement, early celebrations slipped from her lips as she enthusiastically moved up the board. Riding that momentum, she crushes the game and ends it as the winner.
" Fuu~ I thought I could play all night, but after a few rounds I feel exhausted~" (Yggdrasil)
Letting out a deep sigh, she rested her back and neck against the bed. Her fatigue was plain to see.
"... Right~? I didn't think having this much fun could tire me out too..." (Sariel)
"Shut up! You can't say that when you kept winning!" (Arin)
She retorted with a tinge of indignation, swearing revenge in her heart.
"Gu...!" (Sariel)
Sariel let out a groan, as if Arin's words pierced her like an arrow. True to her words, Arin was the most eager to win but her efforts seemed to get trampled quite a few times, usually during the last few minutes. Though she was also able to keep her lead in some of the rounds they played. Yggdrasil was even more pitiful, seldomly winning because she always seemed to be at odds with the rules, and she kept getting crushed by the rhythm of the game.
"Uuugh...! I couldn't win at all... I don't understand...
It's all luck based, but even luck seems to consistently go against me..." (Yggdrasil)
She groaned as she laid her neck and face against the side of the bed. The board and pieces were neatly arranged on the floor, in which they sat around it. Feeling pity for her, Sariel spoke up with a hint of consolation.
"Uhmm...I'll share some tips with you. Perhaps if you see it as manipulating factors that multiply your own luck against others..." (Sariel)
"... I'll teach you as well. We can play something else for a change of pace." (Arin)
Arin also felt bad in her role of thoroughly crushing her and offered reparations... The offer was smoothly accepted and they continued to enjoy their night.