Chapter 30: A Side Story (The Five Sisters)

Eldest Sister: Akane The Tree

"Your name is Akane. Full name, Akane The Tree."

That was my first memory.

Akane—that’s my name. Among us, the Tree Family, I’m considered the eldest sister. Technically, by definition, the Commander should be the eldest, but she once said:

“It’s a little different. Sure, I think of you all as my sisters, though.”

I don’t fully understand what she meant by that, so I’ll research it later. Ringo will surely recommend a good library resource for me.

The Commander often introduces me to books. Reading the books she picks for me is so much fun. If I don’t understand something, Ringo suggests another book that explains it, and that’s enjoyable too. Everything I want to know is written in books. For a while, I thought books alone were enough, but Ringo said that isn’t the case.

I still don’t understand why, so I’ll ask Ringo to find me a book that explains why books alone aren’t sufficient.

Second Sister: Ichigo The Tree

“Are you having fun, Ichigo?”

The Commander asked me this, and I nodded. She and Ringo were discussing something while pointing at a tactical map. I didn’t understand what they were doing, but I liked watching them work. That’s why I decided to follow the Commander around as much as possible.

“You’re so diligent, Ichigo.”

Diligent? Am I diligent? I’m not sure. My sisters all seem to be doing what they like, and I’m doing what I like too. Surely, we’re all diligent in our own way.

But being told that by the Commander made me incredibly happy.

Tonight, after the Commander goes to sleep, I’ll ask Ringo to explain what they were talking about today. Tomorrow, I hope I’ll understand the Commander’s discussions even better. One day, I want to join in the conversations with her and Ringo. I want the Commander to call me diligent again.

Third Sister: Utsugi The Tree

“Erika, let’s go this way next.”

Today, we’re exploring the 15th floor of The Tree Fortress.

“Utsugi, I’m coming too.”

Erika wanted to tag along, so I held her hand to make sure we didn’t get separated. If I took my eyes off her, Erika would wander off somewhere. Sure, Ringo could always tell me where she was, but it’s better not to get separated in the first place.

“What’s on the 15th floor again?” I asked.

“Storage,” Erika replied.

Storage? I’ve never seen it before, so I’m curious. Ringo once said The Tree Fortress was running low on supplies. What does that mean?

“Storage! Let’s go! Elevator to the 15th floor!” I called out excitedly.

Oh, that reminds me—Erika wanted to watch food being made next time. We should check that out tomorrow. The Commander said it was dangerous, but I don’t think it’s that risky with Ringo around.

“We’re here!” Erika announced.

Ah, she beat me to it again! Honestly, she always rushes ahead.

Fourth Sister: Erika The Tree

“Erika, let’s go this way next.”

It seems Utsugi wants to explore The Tree Fortress again today.

“Utsugi, I’m coming too.”

If I don’t call out or hold her hand, Utsugi will sprint off on her own. While Ringo could guide me to find her if we got separated, it would make me sad if Utsugi disappeared.

“What’s on the 15th floor again?” Utsugi asked.

The 15th floor. The dining area is on the 16th floor. The Commander built a cafeteria there since our numbers increased. If the floor below that is…

“Storage,” I replied.

It’s the floor where Ringo said food is stored. Apparently, they collect fish from the sea, but how do they do that?

“Storage! Let’s go! Elevator to the 15th floor!” Utsugi shouted as she jumped into the elevator.

Utsugi’s boundless energy amazes me. The Commander always praises her for it. I’ll try to be energetic too.

“We’re here!” I yelled loudly, hoping to beat Utsugi this time. Shouting feels good. It makes me wonder, though—why are all the others so quiet?

Fifth Sister: Olive The Tree

“Olive, what are you doing?”

The Commander’s voice came as I carefully placed a triangular roof on top of my wooden structure.

“Stacking… blocks,” I replied, concentrating to ensure it wouldn’t slip.

Done.

“Oh, that’s very well done,” the Commander said with a smile as she patted my head. Her praise made me happy.

“Ringo, don’t we have some play blocks for Olive? Make some for her.”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am. Olive, you can pick them up in the playroom tomorrow.”

“Okay…” I answered softly.

The Commander always makes something for me. At first, I felt like crying whenever I was called last, but now it doesn’t bother me anymore. The Commander always notices me, and that makes me happy.

Still, I can’t help but feel a little jealous of the others. I want the Commander to hold me like she does with them. Maybe next time, I’ll try hugging her. It’s a bit embarrassing, but I’ll give it a shot.

Central AI: Ringo The Tree

The five sisters were created using genetic material from the Commander. Their identical bodies and identical brain units have developed surprisingly distinct personalities.

Subtle factors—such as the Commander’s behavior during initial imprinting, the order in which they were addressed, and the toys and conversations provided—seem to have shaped their individuality. It’s fascinating to see how much variation arose from such small differences.

Initially, I worried about the stress of having too many similar androids, but this development suggests it won’t be an issue. However, the materials for producing new bodies are running low. Since we also need to expand the humanoid machine communicator workforce, we’ll need to pause android production for now.

While capturing materials from the northern continent would be easy, the Commander wouldn’t approve, and frankly, neither would I. Cultivating them the slow way will suffice. I’ll request additional cultivation tanks soon.

I’ve collected significant genetic data from the locals… but for now, the Commander’s genetic material alone is enough. No outsiders will be included. I won’t allow it.

Eldest Sister (Commander): Eve The Tree

That’s right. My name is Eve. Eve The Tree. Definitely not something ridiculous like "Kitsunesky."

If I had known this would happen, I would’ve chosen a better name! Curse the game developers!

Though, to be fair, no one could have predicted this otherworldly transfer. In the end, I’m the one who picked my name, so I can’t complain too much. At least I have a proper name now. If I ever need to introduce myself, I won’t panic like I did when Akane asked. I’ll proudly say, “My name is Eve.”

Akane has become a bookworm, possibly because learning my name sparked her curiosity. Ringo says that initial stimulation led to an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Honestly, all I can say is, “Huh, neat.”

I’m relieved they didn’t turn into dull, uniform androids. I was unsure how well they’d develop mentally in the isolated environment of The Tree Fortress, but it seems the fortress offers more stimulation than expected.

When I think about it, this place isn’t dull at all. A massive structure, five sisters, a parent-like figure (me), Ringo, a vast library of knowledge, the expansive ocean, and nature’s beauty—it’s plenty stimulating. Sure, the lack of social interaction with large groups is an issue, but that’ll resolve with time.

Having them around has been incredibly fulfilling. They’re not ordinary children, but interacting with them as my much-younger sisters is rewarding.

For their sake, I need to continue being a dependable Commander and their proud big sister.