Character Quest:Asterius:VN:1

[Translated by Kukuru]

Asterios' Character Quest: Through the Maze

---

Location: Shinjuku Station Southeast Entrance

The crowded underground city of Shinjuku, filled with bustling activity.

There are an infinite variety of statures and appearances of the "Transients" residing in Tokyo, it is as if it's a wave of colored water.

Although the hustle and bustle was spectacular, the pace of things was quite fast.

To enjoy shopping here, one is required to have experience and resilience.

One such giant was going against the flow. They are standing still without mingling with the crowds of people.

Ah, there are so many people here in the underground city......

T-Those strange guys here in Tokyo love to g-gather in an underground place such as this......

I'm...... s-still not good with crowds of people...... I should hurry and finish shopping then head back home......

I wonder what I should make today. I haven't put much thought on it actually......

........

I-It'd be nice if....... Someone would decide that for me.

1 option
Is that you, Asterios?

Oh...... It's you, [Player]. I-It's a weird coincidence to see you in a place like this......

2 options
It really is a coincidence.	I came looking for you, Asterius.
You're incredible...... Despite that, there are so many people here. I just want to finish my business and go home already......	Y-You were looking for me......? T-That must be a lie......

2 options (Same Response)
What are you doing here, Asterius?	You kinda stick out from the crowd.

I-I came to buy a vase. L-Look, I want to put this branch in it.

That said, Asterius showed [Player] a branch of a gajumaru tree.

O-Online shopping...... isn't possible. T-They have a hard time coming to the mountain......

I-It's okay to make fun of me if you think it's weird. I only want to decorate this little branch......

O-One day, when I woke up on the mountains, it was stuck to my clothes.

B-But I can't throw it away for some reason. I-It's really odd.

I-I feel like it's something precious to me......

Oh right, [Player]. Do you...... Is there anything you want to eat?

2 options (Same Response)
Are you offering me something?	I do feel somewhat hungry.

Ah, no, it's different......! I'm not inviting you or anything.

Umm...... I don't mind eating with you though......

Err...... Do you want to eat something with me......

2 options
Come on, it's okay.	It's great to be with you, Asterius.
	......! Y-You really are a funny guy......

Oh, that's good...... B-But, I can cook by the way......

................

W-Weird. W-Why are you...... pressing hard on me......?

Up until now, whenever someone like Taurus Mask does that to me, I'd get so furious -

... Eh!?

Flashback to the destroyed banyan house from GoGo

What...... What was that just now......?

An island that he never saw before, a tree he never saw before, both crosses Asterius' mind.

............

Asterios is dumbfounded that he forgot about it. Then, at that moment -

Slimes: Purupurupuruuuuuuu!!

E-Eeeeeeeh!? A-A surprise attack is a cowardly thing to do!

2 options (Same Response)
We're surrounded!	Let's get out of here, Asterius!

O-Okay, got it......!

...... T-They chased after us......!

2 options (Same Response)
Get ready, Asterius!	There's so many of them!

I have no choice then......! Don't get separated from me, [Player]!

Nobody approaches! Nobody gets in!

Labrus Labyrinthus!!

"Distance" exceeded reality; it becomes distorted and warped. The surroundings became more and more distant.

Keeping all the interference at bay, it separates Asterios from the world.

[Player]! Hand-

Unfortunately, the hand reached out cannot reach them.

Before the distance extended violently, the two were separated from each other.

[Transitioning...]

---

Location: ???

They regain their senses and observe the darkness spreading.

A stone-wall that is far from being broken blocks out the light, a gloomy situation where it eats away the feelings from the lungs.

There is no sign of life. Only their own breathing noises echoed in their earlobes; loneliness stood out here.

They are experiencing complete isolation here. That is what they can understand.

Their legs and feet involuntarily moves on their own from the intense pressure of not being around anyone.

The wall warps.

They went on their way. Even so, there is nothing but loneliness.

There isn't warmth from any living being. Not even the coldness of the dead.

Loneliness is almost the same as emptiness.

It was something familiar to them. How does such a thing press hard against their heart?

No matter how much they went on, there is still nobody around.

Succumbing to such loneliness- ...... then, "that person" came.

Aaah...... [Player]! Y-You're okay! That's a relief......!

Are you alright...... You're not cold, are you? You must've been scared...... You don't have to worry anymore.

3 options
Asterios!	I'm alright!	(Frantically hug him)
A-Ah...... Yes, it's me, Asterios. Are you surprised by how things look? S-Sorry about that......	I see, that's good...... You are one tough guy.	U-Uh...... W-What...... That smell...... ......... ...... There there, you're gonna be alright, nobody else will come close to you. You must've been scared......

We got attacked all the sudden...... T-Tokyo is still a scary place as ever......

W-Well...... We were doing an App Battle. There will be things such as this......

"I remembered" that this Labyrinth is my "Sacred Artifact."

Things happened so suddenly...... I couldn't explain things beforehand, sorry......

You'll be safe if you escape from this place...... This place is meant to isolate me.

But...... I can't control this "Sacred Artifact" anymore......

Sorry...... It's all because of me honestly......

2 options
Close the App then?	Don't worry, we'll work something out.
I-It's useless. I tried closing the app, but it wouldn't return to what it was before.	Y-Yeah...... I'm with you, it will work out......

It's possible that...... T-The Underground City has become a "Closed Area."

In a such location, even if the "App" is closed, the outcomes caused by the "Rule" will remain......

T-The gate shutter probably came down at night......

I-I invoke the labyrinth, but I cannot destroy it.

If I want to leave this place...... I'll have to do it on my own.

I-I never had to deal with such a thing till now......

But...... Until I break out, I am still responsible for looking after someone.

I think I could break out of it overnight, maybe. T-That's why......

I will be doing my best "again" ...... since I'm with you, right?

T-That's weird...... We went the wrong way...... in my own labyrinth......

It was supposed to be this direction...... But......

T-That's too bad...... S-Sorry, it seems this labyrinth steadily changes its structure.

2 options
We can't get out then......?	Don't give up, we'll find another way!
A-Ah...... No, i-it's gonna be okay......! I'll stay by your side...... I promise......!	Right...... We'll come together with the direction itself...... If we get closer to the exit, it should be there......

Wh... What are you doing? It's impossible to destroy the labyrinth with a sword like that......

You just want to test it out......? I see...... Well, it's not bad to try out different things.

I-It's a dead end here too......

There is still no way back......

2 options
This is a little fun, no?	You're still doing great.
I-Is that right......? It may...... certainly be so......	W-Well, this labyrinth is kinda like my own home. You...... I will use my strength for you.

........ Ah. I...... should tell you the truth.

I...... I'm having fun right now.

It's so strange...... I'm weird for having fun during times like this.

I-I...... I don't know why but, I can say that I'm glad to have met you.

I-It was nice to...... meet e-everyone.

Hu...... Huh?

Who is...... everyone?

Oh...... I said something weird. F-Forget it...... It's embarrassing......

O-Oh right...... We should hurry or we'll end up spending the night here......

Agh, we walked for a very long time...... Is it getting that late already......? (Biological clock)

I guess we'll need to spend the night here...... We'll be safe since...... there is no one else here......

2 options
That's enough for today.	I'm bushed.
O-Oh...... Yeah, this is enough for today, [Player]...... We're exhausted from walking on the paths I'm not familiar with.	Is that right...... Sorry. It's all because of me...... If you can't walk any more, then I'll carry you on my back...... If anything, I'm fairly strong, so......

U-Um...... Can I...... Can I get a little closer to you?

That said, the giant covered in fur closed the distance between them.

Touching shoulder to shoulder, he feels relieved to know that he's not alone.

A-Aren't you cold......? If so, then...... Umm......

....... Ah.

The truth is...... I wanted to get close to you.

I...... I never thought I'd be with someone in the labyrinth......

When you're next to me, it really helps me calm down......

3 options
I agree, Asterius.	(Nod your head)	(Get even closer to him)
I see...... That's nice...... Eheh, you're warm.		.......! .............. ........ Eheheh.

Ah...... That's right. I'm a little hungry......

After we get out of here, I'll cook as much food as you want......

I've been living by myself for such a long time...... Cooking is the least I can do......

For that reason...... I will do my best tomorrow as well.

Leaning against his fur, they fell asleep.

It was a cold labyrinth. They're only here by his side.

...... He was very warm.

Parting ways makes me feel lonely...... But, this is goodbye!

(Is that...... me?)

E-Even if I forget, I will see everyone again...... That's what I believe so...... I'm looking forward to it!

("Everyone" ...... "Everyone" ......)

....... Who are they?

I can't...... see the exit.

We've been walking ever since we woke up...... Yet it looks like it's still further ahead......

(What a strange dream yesterday. I wonder what that was......)

1 option
Asterios?

Oh...... Nothing. I was just dozing off for a bit.

But...... Why does the structure change like that......

I-It's as if...... The labyrinth is telling us it won't let us go.

Saying stuff like that is making you feel uneasy...... Forget what I said.

D-Do you know of Taurus Mask?

T-That guy's "strings" of his "Sacred Artifact" will not take the "Rule" of this labyrinth.

T-This "labyrinth" is below his "strings" because the hierarchy is connected with the original world......

It'd be nice if he was there...... But I don't want that guy to be there sometimes......

Oh, [Player]. We're turning at the next corner.

Turning at the corner, they then walked down the path. Asterios' arms gently touched them.

It's probably not your imagination that he's sticking closer to you than yesterday.

When they made eye contact, he turned away in embarrassment.

Oh, umm...... What will you do if you can't go home......?

Food might be a problem...... Well...... Since it's just the two of us......

We could sleep together, just like yesterday......

I-I said something weird again...... I've been acting funny ever since yesterday......

Maybe I'm just a little happier than usual......

2 options (Same Response)
You do seem a little happy.	We should still get home regardless.

T-That's right...... Staying here in this place makes me feel depressed.

It should be at least be...... a warm and well-lit place. We wouldn't need to worry about food either......

I'll probably stay with you...... If it was a fun place......

Yet...... You still want to go back home......

..........

H-Huh......?

I'm sure this situation is...... just like before......

You said you wanted to go home...... A-And...... I was hoping it would stay like this......

It's the same situation now......

....... Ah.

...... Oh, that's right. I...... Ah, this is......

This is what I wanted.

2 options (Same Response)
So basically, what changed the structure of this labyrinth was-	You yourself?

Yep...... I truly am sorry......

U-Umm...... You may not remember but I...... I remembered most of it......

You and I...... W-We were living together.

Asterius:( face) I think there was someone else besides you...... But I can't remember clearly......

Asterius:( face) But, you and I went fishing together and we even slept together.

Asterios:( face) I was so happy...... staying on that small island...... I only remember that much.

Asterios:( face) It's the same as that time on the island...... Now I am very happy. I'm hoping the time I spend with you goes on forever.

Therefore, the "Sacred Artifact" responded to my feelings...... To not let you escape...... It changes the structure......

The labyrinth itself isn't controlling over me. I am trapping you here in this labyrinth!

Eh... Eheheh...... I'm so sorry......

I caused you so much trouble...... You must see me as a terrible guy......

2 options (Same Response)
(Shake your head sideways in disagreement)	(Deny it then get closer to him)

.........!

Th...... Thank you......

Hehe, I really enjoy spending time with you...... My goal has been achieved......

So...... Can we..... escape?

...... Why are you giving that look? I'm sure it'll be easy......

The minute he said that, Asterios brandishes the axe that he carries on his back.

A gigantic axe that seems impossible to handle unless it was someone as strong as Asterios.

With no hesitation, he swung down vigorously.

T-This won't be a problem!

Causing an ear-deafening sound, the labyrinth, which seemed sturdy, has a hole made on it.

Hah...... Hah...... Okay! Get going, before the wall fixes itself......!

Asterios' large hand reached out, taking them with him.

Every time Asterios destroys the wall, the labyrinth's wall regenerates.

That is the opposite of his feelings of being with them. He can't do it by himself. His feelings of love were too much to bear.

That is, Asterios himself breaks down and proceeds. The feelings he developed on the island acted as a source of encouragement.

He can't remember it clearly, but it was certainly breathing in him.

Indeed, Asterios puts his belief in the "memories of the labyrinth" more than anyone else.

Asterios said that "he will never leave from this place." By that belief, he can never leave.

On the other hand, that "belief" was shattered on that island.

"I will never leave the labyrinth, absolutely not." That belief became no more.

I noticed it by now...... There are people I want to see more than I want to stay here.

That's the reason why you wanted to go home from that island...... Now I understand......

When I met you for the first time, I finally realized how lonely I was.

I want to stay with you forever...... But...... But I......!

I want to see everyone again!

I-I really don't want to forget them......! It will be terrible if I don't remember them!

Without letting go of the axe in hand, Asterios broke the wall with one hand.

Take me out again just like the time before! Take me...... Take me outside!

You can't stop here......! I don't want to be left alone here......!

Because, because...... I realized how lonely I am!

A-And then......! Once we escape, I, I-I......

I want you to be my friend again!

3 options (Same Response)
Of course!	My pleasure!	Asterios......

H-Huh? Is that the exit......!?

We finally did it...... Finally......

They can see the light before their very eyes. The exit to the outside world gave them hope.

But then-

Slime: Purupurupuruuuuuuuuu!!

W-Why is there another living thing in this place other than myself!

Is it possible that the guys from yesterday got trapped here with us?

D-Damn...... This is not the situation to be saying such things. Those guys are preventing us from leaving...... They're blocking us from the exit!

If we get separated, it'll be hard for us to see each other again!

A quick attack will get them off our backs!

[Battle]

---

When the last one was defeated, the wall of the labyrinth tried to close in between the pair.

Oryaaaaaah!!

Asterios' axe smashes the wall, strongly pulling it apart.

This should be enough......! We just need to...... leave!

The exit close to them feels far away from them. Nonetheless, the pair made a run for it to the exit.

However, leaving would mean they can't be alone together anymore.

His feelings to meeting up with everyone again was never a lie. In fact, he felt happy from the current situation.

For that reason, there is a mere shadow within Asterios' heart.

The labyrinth responds quickly to what was hidden, the walls tries to hide away the exit.

This is......!

The walls whittled a little from Asterios' brave, strong arms.

The stretched wall hides the exit solidified its will to keep them from leaving the labyrinth.

Because of that, it's the opposite of loneliness that Asterios possesses. Strong and bulky, terrified of the outside world.

All he can do himself is to push it down. Hide it away and shut the lid.

You...... Go on ahead.

I...... I'm doing this for the sole purpose of confining you.

If you escape...... I think the labyrinth will soon calm down.

I'm sorry to have put you through all of this. But, if we meet again outside...... I......

1 option
Even so......

Eh?

A hand reached out and grasped Asterios and tried to pull him closer even if they're not as strong.

It's not enough to move the heavy giant, but they certainly reached out to the lonely bull's heart.

2 options (Same Response)
Come on!	(Make eye contact with Asterius)

2 options (Same Response)
We're getting out of here, together!	We're coming outside!

Y-You.......

They never drew him in by force. Not at all.

But, their consideration for Asterios' feelings has surely moved him.

2 options (Same Response)?
We're escaping together -	Asterios!

Moved by their feelings, Asterios' feet kicked off the ground of the labyrinth.

Ah, I...... I want to be with you......!

[Transitioning...]

---

Location: Shinjuku West Gate

...... We managed to escape somehow.

You must've been annoyed by now...... I'm s-sorry.

I think my feelings have been sorted out considerably now...... I don't think it would happen again.

2 options
Keep holding my hand.	Wanna keep holding them?
Oh...... Wouldn't that be bad? M-Maybe for a little longer......	Yeah...... I want to hold them still......

Fr...... Friends......

2 options (Same Response)
Yeah.	(Personally I’m interested in something more than that...)

Eheheh...... Friends, friends......

The two of them left from the underground city, and were greeted by the busy streets of Tokyo.

It's...... It's wonderful......

There is a towering wall over in that direction.

If Asterius desired it, "there would be no walls that cannot be destroyed."

Of course, that's if the people of Tokyo believe in it. Suddenly, at that moment -

...... Ah.

The two of them are very hungry at the moment.

Ha, haha...... that's embarrassing. ...... Hey, [Player]......

T-Today...... was a long day......

You should take a bath then have something to eat...... Okay?

So...... Don't you want to come by my home......?

Really, I was serious about...... cooking. If you happen to be free then...... let's go look -

for "everyone" ......

Character Quest: Asterios [Chapter 1] END