"...So, you’re saying we have to create bodies for those friends wandering around right now, within the next six months? Here? Right now?"

"That's right."

The red blinking dot on one side of the screen, the "ON AIR" next to it, and the six letters spelling Eugene at the top.

The sudden announcement of Icarus's promotional talk and, as if to back it up, the unexpected appearance of three Mecha Eugens in Eugene's streaming session… A few million people, watching through their screens, were staring at the person who had come to Disney World and the Mecha Eugens.

Most of them were watching out of curiosity, but conversely, not everyone was simply interested.

In particular, this place—the humanoid development division at Icarus Dynamics, which is classified as a top-secret project even in the U.S.—was different.

"Even if this is a hologram, the movements are so natural… still, it should be possible to replicate that to some degree. But replicating movements as close to the combat we saw in-game would require at least three to four times the development period."

"To get that level of performance, we should've asked for more funding a long time ago. To replicate movements like that, we’ll need a lot more resources."

"You're talking about superconducting electromagnets in a room-temperature environment, right? I heard something about a production facility being built somewhere in Northern New York, but I’m not sure if the timing will work out."

The design plans for Mecha Eugene, which Eugene tossed to the think tank, and the additional data necessary for humanoid creation, were handed over to Icarus Dynamics.

However, giving the data and actually creating something from it were two completely different stories.

Through the screen, the three Mecha Eugens seemed to act more human-like than actual humans. Even though it was a hologram—nobody would think it wasn’t—every engineer watching the footage knew that this was indeed possible, and they also understood that this was the ultimate goal.

But the challenge was daunting.

"If we just swap the electromagnets, we might be able to create something passable using the materials we already use for humanoid creation."

"How about the face?"

"They say it will take about four months until the liquid metal control chips are finished... truly, these guys have gathered all kinds of technologies. Without the data he sent, we wouldn't have dared to attempt something like this for another 30 years."

Nanomachine technology for hair simulation.

Liquid metal control technology for free facial expression changes.

Actuator technology capable of overwhelming destructive power and torque far beyond that of traditional robots.

Even without the numerous high-tech applications for real combat, the technology involved here was mind-boggling. A powerful AI and combat analysis capabilities comparable to a supercomputer, as well as sophisticated supporting software, were included.

Even though we managed to capture it with sheer numbers, what kind of combat capabilities does the prototype—Archetype Eugene—possess? For a moment, the engineer’s mind drifted with the thought.

The conversation continued.

"Now that I think about it, for the next-gen humanoid coming out in June next year... they didn’t ask for any additional weapons for the tails, right?"

"No, they didn’t. If that were the case, we should’ve left the production timeline undefined. The central processor capable of fully supporting the AI of that unit isn’t even finished yet. Asking for that would be like selling our conscience to the Hudson River."

"How many people in the world lack conscience? The chief engineer is overestimating people's average conscience, don’t you think?"

"Don’t start with that anxiety-inducing talk."

The back-and-forth might seem light, but the decision-making process continued.

One undeniable fact just mentioned: The existing central processing units and storage devices were unlikely to hold the entire program for Mecha Eugene’s AI. And now, adding hardware and software to enable its tail transformation for combat?

That’s like trying to fit an elephant in a fridge.

Even though they all wanted to see a living, breathing Mecha Eugene—something far beyond that—they weren’t ignorant of the limits between what was possible and impossible.

But logic and instinct are always at odds.

Archetype! I want to shoot fire from my hands too!

Let’s go down too! I’ll swing a staff and shoot fire!

I’m going crazy, really.

"...How about adding a feature where it shoots flames from the wrist?"

"That could work."

The seemingly mature and sophisticated visual, one that would rarely spark strong opinions no matter who it was shown to, contrasted sharply with the childlike behavior. And the resulting unexpected charm.

While the technology to bring such a design into reality seemed far off, the engineers knew they had to achieve it within the given time and budget. But watching the scene unfold, part of me just wanted to hand them a lollipop, like watching a child.

Would this be what it felt like if I had a son or grandson? Suddenly, I thought of Archetype Eugene, now with three daughters. That thought flitted across my mind.

By now, the sun had set beyond the screen.

At this point, the facility to create the parts for Mecha Eugene hadn’t even been properly established, so the engineers’ hands were tied. This meant they weren't in a rush just yet.

And so, they kept their eyes on the screen, watching the world’s most famous streamer, intuitively understanding how much popularity Mecha Eugene was getting.

The weight on the engineers' shoulders was immense.

"...How about we just pretend we made it and bring it over from another world?"

"That might work for a one-time event, but that’s not going to happen. If that were the case, there would’ve been no reason for them to hand over the technology."

"That’s true."

Naturally, considering this was a place that handled the world’s secrets, everyone on the development team was essentially... a "memory keeper." They only received the bare minimum of information from Icarus HQ—of course, they had no idea that Eugene really brought Mecha Eugene from another world.

That’s why this joke could come up. But given the amount of work in front of them, it was understandable that they’d say that.

The sky had completely darkened, and fireworks began to light up the sky, just like in any Disney World theme park. The only difference was the shapes the fireworks made. It wasn’t just about the grand spectacle, but they were also creating images, kind of like a painting.

The broadcast ended with that scene. Millions of viewers were left hanging, but, considering Eugene’s usual nature, that was to be expected.

We couldn’t predict how the other viewers would react to the ended stream, but the engineers, after a long pause, slowly stretched and sighed in relief.

"Remember the work I mentioned earlier? Send it by email once you're done."

"Understood."

As always, those associated with Eugene couldn’t afford to rest.

"Alright, the tour’s over for today. See you later—Whoa!"

"I remember the youngest used to use this door a lot. It’s about time! Come here!"

"What did I do wrong?!"

Meanwhile, thousands of kilometers away, at the hotel, the original Biam, safely escorting the Mecha Biams home, was caught by New York-Shark.

'...What is even going on here?'

Silence filled the room.

I thought maybe a dozen people could fit in here at once, but when around ten people entered, the atmosphere completely changed. What can I say? The moment an ordinary person stepped in, they’d probably feel overwhelmed by the intense, lethal energy in the room and shrink back.

The reason was simple. Seven of the people in this room were "manifesters," and on top of that, three Mecha Eugens were silently observing, rolling their eyes.

But not all of them were distinct manifesters—and as I said, there were two sharks, a polar bear, and a snowy owl in the room.

Looking at the faces on the left, I recognized the sharks and the polar bear, as well as the snowy owl.

But the difference was in the look of the snowy owl on the left—its gaze was sharp, like a true predator that had just survived a battle. On the other side, Olivia, sitting across from me, appeared quite gentle in comparison.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the sharks and the polar bears didn’t look all that different from each other. The only notable difference was that the one on the right wore a regular wristwatch, while the ones on the left had Icarus gear like mine.

In summary, this was simply the unexpected match-up of the same person from two worlds.

The first to speak was New York-Shark.

At that moment, New York-Polar Bear turned his head and looked. His expression seemed to say, "What’s this idiot going to say now...?"

"Let’s get straight to the point."

"Go ahead."

"I can confidently say I’m here because of the youngest."

If the sound of rolling eyes was audible, the room would have been deafening.

Except for Lorenina from this world, all the eyes in the room turned to New York-Shark. Naturally, those eyes were filled with the meaning, "What the hell is this guy saying?" and I, not knowing what to say, kept my mouth shut.

Then came the response. The shark from this world spoke.

"I get it. The youngest suddenly showed up, took the Mecha youngsters with him, and you, curious as you are, probably linked your vision to see what they were doing. And…"

"You're right. And I suppose you can guess what I want to say too?"

"I think I understand. If I were you, this scene would be… pretty hard to stomach."

At that moment, Logan couldn’t hold it in anymore and laughed out loud.

As expected, sharks were never normal. To put it simply… they were jealous. Since I was having fun with the Mecha youngsters, they were very curious.

Of course, these two had always been very open about expressing their feelings, and knowing each other so well, they had no problem with suddenly going off like this.

It was my fault for leaving the sharks to their own devices.

"So, what’s your request?"

"Request? Well, I didn’t really have anything specific in mind. I can say I’m jealous, but that doesn’t mean I’m planning to invade your territory."

"Then why did you bring us here, you bastard?"

"Oh, well, to have a conversation, the headcount needs to be right. Did you think I was the only one you were sending here? And, Logan and Olivia weren’t exactly uninterested in what the youngest was doing in this world either."

New York-Logan and New York-Olivia's reactions were priceless. The Logan and Olivia on the right desperately tried to hold in their laughter. With two identical people around, explaining things became a real challenge. Anyway, the goal of the Dagger team that crossed over from New York... was, well, not that important. They just wanted to spend some quality entertainment time with me.

But broadcasting two identical people from different worlds was absurd, so the decision about that had to be made by the people from this world. I, too, like the Mecha youngsters, rolled my eyes, waiting for their answer.

How much time passed?

"Tomorrow’s the VIP tour day, right? I don’t mind swapping shifts, but I feel bad for the youngest who spent so much money."

"Ah... I’m fine. It’s not a big issue with that level of spending."

"Look at you, you’re practically a bourgeois now, youngest..."

It was Lorenina from this world who said that.

In any case, the people from this world seemed hesitant about whether I had spent my money wisely, but as I said earlier, I didn’t really care about that. Even if no one went on the tour tomorrow, the tickets wouldn’t just vanish into thin air, and if there was a shift change, it was different.

When we finished discussing that, everyone took a deep breath.

Continuing with the conversation.

"As I said earlier, if the youngest is okay with it, I don’t mind. I’m more worried about not being able to enjoy the tour properly tomorrow. If someone who can enjoy it properly comes, that’s better. I don’t know many of the works, and I’ve enjoyed everything I wanted to today."

"You’re not interested in Disney works?"

"Well, isn’t that surprising?"

"When the world ends, everything worth watching disappears. So eventually, I had to watch whatever was left, and by then, I’d seen quite a lot."

The conversation between Logan and Logan was quite precious. I always thought New York-Logan only played basketball during his free time, but it turns out he watched a lot of stuff in the room. Being the late operator, I spent my free time either doing self-training or getting caught up in a basketball marathon with Logan, so I didn’t know what the others were up to.

Anyway, the two polar bears came to an agreement, and when I turned to look, I saw something unexpected.

"I heard about it last time, but you really were into fashion?"

"Yeah, kind of..."

"Not bad. You really did well. If I hadn’t gone into CCT, I might’ve studied something like that instead…"

New York-Olivia, who had a somewhat puzzled expression, was now looking at the many pieces of work designed by the snowy owl from this world, with a mixed expression of surprise and admiration.

It was exactly as I had predicted—given their personalities, I figured there wouldn’t be any major issues, and the first meeting went smoothly.

Of course—

"There are two of the same people here. I think Archetype needs one more."

"Wouldn’t it be nice if there were one for each person?"

"Ah, then I…"

"Alright, everyone, step away—Whoa!"

───KRRRRKKK!

At that moment, an extremely ominous sound echoed, and my body suddenly froze.

I slowly scanned the surroundings. The sudden drop in my vision… and the chair that had literally broken in half. It seemed the Mecha Biams, who had clung to me, had caused the furniture to collapse.

Jin, Rain, and Mav quickly moved away from me, as if everything that just happened had been a lie. I could only ponder how to deal with the burning anger creeping up my spine.

In the silence of the room, only my muttering was heard.

"...These damn troublemakers."

Will I never get a peaceful day?

I maxed out the soundproofing function of my Icarus gear, and the Mecha Biams’ screams were drowned out before they could reach anywhere.

It was autumn.