Core Mita, existing somewhat like a "God" within this game world, was undoubtedly a possibility that Monika would inevitably seek out.
Moreover, this Version 0.98—the version where Core Mita was most likely to appear—was the very destination Monika had suggested he visit.
Therefore, Alain believed: There existed a possibility of cooperation between Monika and Core Mita.
On Core Mita's side, she would inevitably know whether the 720 Security Assistant was truly an antivirus program from the Core or not. She might even know more...
Since Monika was aware of the strangeness in the real world, there was no reason for Core Mita, as a collaborator, not to know.
At the same time, Alain had a rigid demand regarding the Core: specifically, the core requirements for the dream world.
He wanted to learn from Core Mita whether the Core was replicable. Thereby, he could acquire a Core for the dream, allowing everyone in the dream to become Mitas, and turning the dreamscape into a "Noah's Ark."
Having clarified all this, the sensation of weightlessness around Alain's body gradually dissipated, and the light surrounding his vision dimmed down.
Tap!
His feet touched the ground. Within the pure white light, colors were reconstructed.
Alain remembered that the last time he left the game world, it was Version 1.15. This return should also be to Version 1.15.
He thought of Short-Haired Mita, Prankster Mita, and the others staying in this version, and let out a knowing smile.
According to the plot development he anticipated: Prankster Mita would surely pounce on him in a moment, while Lost Mita would imitate Misha's ladylike manner and come over with a smile to greet him.
However, neither of their plans would succeed: Alain would first be dragged into a room by Big Sister abusing her authority, thereby initiating a series of cuddles and condolences.
Big Sister would presumably also use official business as a pretext to cop a feel.
Alain couldn't help but laugh out loud thinking about this.
Perhaps, there would be some unexpected difference.
Let him see just what kind of tricks everyone had prepared for him this time~
The white light completely retreated. The wooden floor, the tender pink wallpaper, and even the clutter in the corners came into view.
"Ya~ Alain!"
This voice was something he had imagined.
But... why was there no sound? Let alone footsteps, he couldn't hear a single sound related to "people."
Alain lowered his outstretched arms and looked around. Version 1.15 was exactly as it was when he left.
He didn't see a single person.
Alain walked to the desk. The table was covered with various information files regarding the dream world, the Core, and so on.
Beneath the table, files had gathered into a shallow pile like fallen snowflakes.
Alain frowned, walked to a room door, and opened it.
Click—
Inside the room, there was only a simple bed, with not a trace of a human figure to be seen.
Hanging simply on the wall was a shy photo of Short-Haired Mita. This was the only Mita Alain had seen so far since arriving in Version 1.15.
"What is going on...?"
Version 1.15 was too quiet. Quiet to the point... that traces of people simply didn't exist.
Indeed, Alain knew the soundproofing of the version rooms was very good, but wasn't the place where everyone usually stayed the Version Hall?
He glanced at the clock on the wall.
Furthermore, now was absolutely not the time for rest. In this early morning time slot, everyone should have started work early on.
The current Version 1.15 had no clamor from Prankster Mita, no lecturing from Short-Haired Mita, no persuasion from Lost Mita, no sounds of Ghostly Mita working...
After closing the room door, he no longer walked around rashly. Instead, he closed his eyes and listened intently.
When a person loses one sense, the remaining senses become sharper.
Tick, tick, tick...
In the secluded room, the clock hanging on the wall was still fulfilling its duty. The second hand slowly completed a circle, marching toward the next.
He could hear his own breathing, his heartbeat, and...
Thump thump...
A faint knocking sound of some kind!
He opened his eyes, his attention entirely focused on the direction where he heard the strange noise!
It was... the room that originally stored the Failed Works!
He walked over quickly. Midway through his steps, he constantly pondered various possibilities.
Why on earth would everyone gather in the Failed Works' room?
He didn't worry that the Failed Works would hurt everyone. Before reaching Miffy's room last time, he had understood the nature of the Failed Works:
Their essence was still Mita, just Mitas who had lost their skins.
Since they were Mitas, Alain upheld an attitude of trust and had informed the Failed Works in advance not to harm everyone who was also a Mita.
They couldn't speak, and looked very unhappy about it, but they still followed the instruction.
There was an agreement...
Therefore, Alain completely ruled out the option of the Failed Works.
Then, there was only one possibility left—
"Virus!" Alain gritted his teeth.
The Mitas of Version 1.15 had established a relationship with Ugly Mita.
With the help of this Mita from a leading version, everyone's combat power was inevitably nothing to fear compared to others.
Unless they suffered a surprise attack from a virus, causing the Mitas to be locked inside the room.
"But that's not right either..." If it were a virus, Monika should have informed him in advance.
Could it be...
"Is it Yang Wanhua?" Alain reached the most likely conclusion for the moment.
That was it... Only Yang Wanhua could manipulate the virus and bypass Monika, thereby harming the Mitas.
It was also Yang Wanhua who could manipulate the virus to pin down Ugly Mita's movements, thereby making a feint to the east while attacking the west!
He checked his own progress bar. He hadn't reached 25% yet, so he didn't have the greatsword of accelerated cleaning.
Alain grabbed a baseball bat that was standard equipment in Version 1.15 and rushed to the door emitting the slight sounds.
With a burst of energy—
BANG!!!
He kicked the door open and rushed in wielding the bat.
"???"
Greeting him were the question-mark-filled faces of the Mitas inside the room.
"Alain!!" Prankster Mita cried out the moment she saw him, pouncing into his arms.
"There, there..." Alain rubbed the young girl's head with heartache, looking around at the people in the room.
Prankster Mita in his arms, Big Sister, Ghostly Mita, Lost Mita.
Mn? There was also an unexpected little fellow.
"Tiny? You're here too?" Alain looked at her.
Tiny Mita was currently squatting in the corner, her entire body sunken in gloom, looking as if she was wallowing in post-coital regret.
While Alain was puzzled, Big Sister walked over solemnly, looking at him with confusion. "Alain, how did you come here?"
After speaking, the short-haired girl also glanced at the door he had just kicked open, and even the version outside the door.
"Me? Aren't I here to save you?" Alain was also puzzled by Short-Haired Mita's question.
Could this baseball bat not explain the issue?
"No, that's not what I mean." Big Sister shook her head.
"I mean, you broke through Crazy Mita's obstruction?"
"Huh?" Alain looked completely bewildered.
Tap, tap, tap.
Light footsteps echoed behind Alain.
The source was the door he had come through.
Vroom—
It was the sound of a motor starting.
"Heh heh~"
And her ethereal laughter.
Alain turned his head stiffly and saw a figure leaning against the doorframe:
"Long time no see..." The languid girl brushed aside her bangs and smiled,
"Dar... ling~"
____
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