Prologue

You Did Good, Moon Voice

Part 1

"Wake up."

I hear a voice. An awfully nostalgic voice, muzzled by the annoying engine sound and that country music I could only describe as "bad taste". I can feel my surroundings shaking, and there's this thick haze in my skull that I just can't shake away. Ah, my head hurts. It really hurts. That's right, I have to switch that radio off. Because it's annoying. I reach my hand out to nowhere in particular, hoping that I somehow press the right button.

"What are you doing? Hey, don't poke my eyes like that! I'll blame you if we crash on a tree!"

Ah, I remember this voice. How could I not remember this voice?

"... Brother dear, where is this? And what's this shaking? An earthquake? Is it time to evacuate? Carry me."

I feel a knock on my forehead. Did he just hit me? Me, his cute little sister? This is practically child abuse. In the name of the law, I must deliver justice!

"Are you still dreaming? Hey, that's dangerous! Don't swing your fists like that!"

"... No! Don't wanna! Brother dear, I won't allow them to send you to jail! I'll deliver your sentence here and now!"

"What are you talking about? Geez, calm down, calm down."

W—what's this? I feel someone softly patting my fluffy hair! Shameless, truly shameless! Seriously, if it wasn't brother dear, I would've drove a sucker punch straight to his abdomen. Breath in, breath out. Okay, I'm calming down. My sights haven't cleared, but at least my mind has. A bit. So, what should I do at these moments? That's right, first I have to assess the situation. Although that's kind of hard with that annoying booming from the radio.

"... So, where are we?"

"Oh, just a thousand miles away from the city, here in a tin can blazing through the c—"

"We're in space!?"

My adventure-loving spirit awakens, and I snap out of my stupor. In this moment, my mind sharpens to its utmost limits, and my eyes become the eyes of a predator. I quickly plaster my face on the windowpane. This is it. This is truly it. Finally, the final frontier! Sp—ace... space. Huh? Something's wrong.

"Brother dear, where are the beautiful stars? The big blue crystal called earth? Where?"

"—country road. Blazing through the country road. Fräulein, stop acting like a sugar junkie."

Trees. Nothing but trees. Trees passing by us. What? Oh, we're the ones who are moving. I get it, but I don't get it at the same time. We're not in space, and we're not in the city. The familiar concrete jungle is gone, and is replaced with a literal jungle. Could it be?

"Brother dear, I hope it isn't true, but perhaps our beloved city has been overrun by mother nature, all because we awakened her wrath by not sorting out our garbage?"

Brother dear heavily sighs, like he's fed up with me. Now that my eyes are open, I realize an important fact I've been unaware until now: We're in a car. Then it hits me, and everything suddenly fits.

"Maybe, just maybe, we're on our way to that lone mansion in the village, because out parents told us so?"

Brother makes a face as if saying, "Finally, this idiot gets it!" How rude, I'm not an idiot. I'm can proudly say I'm smart.

Without warning, I sense something swift being thrown my way. Whoa, fast! Although I unflinchingly catch it, my eyes weren't even able to follow! If my reflexes were even a bit duller, it would've hit me square in the head. Scary!

"What was that for? Are you trying to kill me, brother dear?"

"Nah, it was just something to wake you up."

Wake me up? Rather, that shook me up, you know? Stupid brother! But since it's him, I'll forgive it. I stare at my hands, and there a can of iced coffee awaits me. Brother dear! I gaze at him with wonder and affection, happy that he remembers my super favorite drink and how I love drinking it in the mornings.

"I love you!"

"Yeah, yeah."

We remain silent for a while. Brother dear is focusing on the road, while here I am here merrily sipping my iced coffee. It's great, you know? It really helps loosen my nerves, you know? This is one of my greatest pleasures, you know?

Anyways. This businesslike silence between us siblings is something I've grown accustomed to. I don't hate it. Rather, it's proof of our deep connection. Something like a 'we don't need words to communicate' type of feeling, I think? Well, it's normal in our weird family. I'm not bothered. But I'm bored. Terribly bored. Gah, why does that village have to be so far away? What can I do on the road? Did I even pack my portable games? I want to finish that adventure RPG I was playing. But I bet it's in the trunk. Well, there's nothing else to do except maintain my—

"Fräulein."

My brother mutters my name, his focus is still stuck on the road. For some reason, I can feel the uneasiness in his voice.

"Yes?"

"I'm not sure about bringing you with me."

"What are you talking, brother dear? No matter where, no matter when, this Fräulein Floret will always stand together with her dearest brother, Stein."

"But—"

"No buts! No hesitation! No regrets! Push forward and stand firm! Learn from the past, learn for the future, but apply in the present!"

"What are you suddenly shouting about?"

"What I want to say is, we are family! We are chains that bind each other, in happiness and in fall!"

Hey, why is brother dear laughing? I actually poured my heart and soul into that, you know? Stupid brother, why are you laughing at my super cool speech? I—I'm starting to feel embarrassed here.

"Ha ha! So, from what game did you take those words from?"

"... Adventure Magic Spirit, the Second Chronicle: Treasure of the World Euphonics."

"Ha, that game you've been playing, huh? How nostalgic. Did you know, the princess dies at the last event?"

"THE HECK!?"

"But really, thank you. You've helped me calm my nerves. I guess there's nothing to worry about."

"Grrr..."

I want to punch him! But how can I do so in this situation? You're so unfair, brother dear. Unfair! I'm sulking here. Yeah, the atmosphere between us lightened a bit. I should be glad about that, right?

"We're almost there. Ah, that's right, I almost forgot. Listen well!"

"Hmm?"

For the first time, brother dear took his eyes off the road, and stared at me with those deep blue eyes filled with conviction. What's wrong? If you drive carelessly, we're going to crash on a tree, you know? But before I could even warn him, that smile of his froze me to place. That sad, cruel smile. W—what's wrong?

"Remember, Fräulein. Believe in all that can be."

At that moment—

Explosions blast beneath us, and the world goes black.

Part 2

AHHH! THAT HURTS! DAMN! Fu— gah, what happened? What on earth was that? A landmine? Really now? Damn it, IT HU— wait, it doesn't hurt. Calm down, me. Calm down. I first confirm the state of my body. Fine. Fine? Everything's fine. Not a single scorch mark on my clothes. If fact, my white shirt is as white as ever, and my black skirt is intact. A dream? Or is this the dream? Am I dead?

"Yes, you are."

Whoa, who's that? No no no, firstly, where's this? I'm standing here, all alone, on an endless gray desert. Grayness stretched as far as the eye can see. What once was day is suddenly night. Yep, above was a deep darkness, similar to the starless city sky. I can't even feel the faintest of winds. So where am I?

"You are on the moon."

Well, thank you. Tha... nk you? You? I'm... on the moon? Huh? So that big blue crystal ball above isn't my delusion, but is really earth? Huh? Wait, so that means...

"Whoa, I mean, I meant it as a joke, you know? The whole space thing. I really went to space?"

"Yes, you did."

But what's that voice I keep hearing?

"It is I."

You can read minds? Cool. Are you dead too? I mean, I never thought dead people go to the moon. It's my first time dying after all. But dying because of a landmine, huh? I really thought I would die of old age. Wait. Wait wait wait. Oh no. Oh please no. I—it can't be. Hey, moon voice, what about my brother! My dearest brother! What happened to him? Did he survive?

"He was here before you, do not worry."

Oh, so he died too. Wow. Yeah, humans are kind of fragile. A sudden explosion would kill one, after all. Hah. So brother dear... died. I should accept it, right? At least we died together, or something like that. Till death do us part.

"Do not cry, child. There is nothing to fear."

I am not a child, I am already thirteen. Ah, this is bad. Color is draining from the world. I have to keep it together. But how can I keep it together when my body isn't? Ha, that was a good one. Laugh with me, moon voice.

"Ha ha ha."

Damn.

"Let me confirm. You are Fräulein Floret, right?"

Yep, that's right. The one and only.

"Connection confirmed. Euphonical ports, online. Stabilization, loading... complete. System startup, confirmed. Mana capacity, check. Break drive, functional..."

Hey, what are you doing? I'm feeling goosebumps here. I'm the ghost, so shouldn't I be doing the scaring? Stupid moon voice.

"All systems, clear. The World Euphonics is online. Now, Fräulein Floret, I shall be sending you to another world."

Huh? Another world? Why not send me to my world?

"You soul connection has been destabilized here. If you want to live, then accept."

I accept, then. There's nothing left to do, after all. I'm dead. Like my brother dear.

"Your brother has been sent to the same world as well. If luck is with you, you may see him again."

... What? That's not a lie now, isn't it? Really? Really?

"Yes."

Color suddenly floods the world—er, the moon. Moon voice, aren't you awesome? I mean, I can see my brother again? Well, what do you know, not even death can tear our family apart! Ha ha! So moon voice, what's your name?

"I am called the World Euphonics."

Moon voice for short. Got it. Well then, send me to that world where my brother awaits! What kind of world is it? As expected, it should be a fantasy one, right? Filled with adventure! I am the protagonist of my own story! Adventure! But wait, I'm already in space. I see, space isn't the final frontier, it's death! How lucky can I be?

"Not much."

Don't sully my mood, moon voice. Wow, my body's glowing. I kind of feel... lighter. Ah, what's this, it's warm. How kind.

"Good tidings. You may be young, but your spirit is strong. Believe in all that can be, and discover the truth."

Why does everyone keep spamming that phrase? Oh well... I want to sleep... I'm very excited... thanks for the help, moon voice...

"No worries. Have you ever played an RPG game?"

I played Adventure Magic Spirit, the Second Chronicle: Treasure of the World Euphonics... what's this foreboding feeling... well, I hope the world I'm going to is fun...

"I have played that game as well. If I remember correctly, your best friend betrays you in the end and joins the demon lord army."

"DAMN IT STOP SPOILING ME ON THAT GAME!"

I use the last of my strength to shout at that cruel voice, and I drift off to the abyss.

Part 3

Ouch! I am suddenly jolted out of my stupor, and crazy pain slams on my head. Ahh! I think I hit my head on the ground. Please don't waste my precious brain cells. Stupid moon voice! At least properly land me!

First, assess the situation. I am in a dark alley. Good. It's night. There are barrels scattered around, and the obnoxious stench of alcohol lingers. Where is this? The other world?

"R—run away!"

Behind me? I turn around, and the sight of a hooded figure greets me. Ah, she just stumbled. A—am I that scary? But I'm a cute little girl. Or am I? Soft milky-white skin? Check. Fluffy blonde hair? Check. Body size? Slightly taller than an average thirteen-year old. Check. Oh, maybe I scared her? I suddenly appeared out of nowhere, after all. I'm sorry!

"I'm not scary, not at all!"

I smile at her, although it feels a little cramp. Nah, it's fine.

"N—no, someone's chasing me!"

Behind her? O—oh. I instinctively tense up. There's a guy running towards us, brandishing a humongous sword. What's with that sword? That's kind of dangerous to drag around in the open. Who approaches us is a bald man with bulging muscles, wearing some sort of leather armor. Huh? I'm getting more confused. He's staring angrily... at me? What did I do?

"You're not running away, slave!"

"Huh? But slavery has been abolished since long ago, you know!"

"Only death awaits a slave who runs. Gotta make an example for the others, heh."

That look on his face, drunk on the ecstasy of killing. This guy... I see. Evil. I declare this guy as evil! Shouting about death just like that, how crude!

"... before justice is done, let me ask: why are you angry at me? It's this hooded girl who was running. Or... are you going to make me a slave?"

"Shut the excuses, here comes the bruises!"

Woah woah woah, he's really planning to kill me! He's the kind of brute that would kill a young girl like me! But I just died! Can I respawn again? He raises that gigantic sword above his head—

and smashes it to the ground where I just was moments ago.

"Huh?"

Without hesitation, I duck, then kick the ground beneath me to avoid his swing, and brought myself closer. A huge sword like that is not efficient enough for killing young girls. I draw the double edged knife hidden beneath my skirt with practiced movement—and drive it into his heart. Before he tries to move back, I twist the knife, ensuring his death. I think he shouted, but he stops after a while.

I guess that's enough? I pull back, and a large thud echoes throughout the dark alley. He's not moving anymore. Ah! I spilled some blood on my shirt! Why did I even wear white? What a messy job. I mean, yeah, knives are messy, but I could've done a better. If only it was brother dear.

Ah, yes, confirmation. With vigilant steps, I draw closer to the body while avoiding the pool of blood, and check both his wrists and neck for a pulse. Nothing. The power of surprise is really terrifying, huh? May the moon voice have mercy on you. So I actually did a good job? Nah, I got blood spilt on my only shirt. And I did the whole act without any gloves. Forensics would have a field day with this. I hope this world isn't that advanced.

"A—ah... you killed him..."

The hooded girl was still here? Crap, witness. I keep making mistakes. I don't want to increase the body count. Will I have to live hiding from the law my whole life? No wait, I still have a card to play!

"I—it was self-defense, okay? Is there a law about that in this place?"

"H—huh? Me? But... how?"

"You? Yes, you. Understand? Me, self-defense. You, silent. Understand?"

Does this person even understand? I hope so. Maybe she's from a different country. Then, maybe I can ask her for help, build a rapport, and keep her silent? Then I can gather information, then build connections to search for brother dear. Okay, my plan is set.

"You, me, amigo. Comprehendo?"

She backs away from me while still crawling on the ground. Hey, I was trying to be friendly! Ah, right, I just killed a guy in front of her. Is that it? If it was me, I would be scared stiff too.

Slowly, ever so slowly, she lifts her hood. And at that moment, I understand. Why she was so scared. Why I should be scared. Stupid moon voice, at least do your job right.

Facing below me is a mirror. A mirror. How clever. Yes, a mirror. The same blue eyes I have known ever since. The same fluffy blonde hair I took care for years. The same face. We probably have the same body type. I instinctively understand. Who she is. And what she is.

My self from this world.

A painful contrast. One was a frail girl, a pitiful existence who dragged herself on the ground. One was me, who stood above, with hands carrying a blood-stained knife. It's a sight that makes me wonder, for some reason, if we were both born in the wrong world.

Nah, it's the right world. I have brother dear after all. You did good, moon voice.

Part 4

And thus, the curtain of this stage has opened. But really, why choose her?

She is the sister of the great hero, after all. I can expect things.

She's normal, unlike him. I don't sense any abnormal mana capacity. Not even a shred of any hidden ability!

That is not her charm. She is normal, so she will struggle for the truth. And against the truth.

That's all? Anyone can struggle. Come on, you should've chosen that other guy in the mansion! That potential he held was something I have never seen before! He could've been even greater than the hero.

But Fräulein is cuter.

You know what? I give up. I don't care anymore. I'll find a way to bring him myself. Farewell, World Euphonics.

Farewell, human.