S1043B

Thank you, Dante.

Children who were trapped within the department store... can finally feel the sunshine of the world outside.

<... I want to ask you something.>

<When people Distort... they always talk to themselves like they can hear your voice.>

<Are you... the one who creates Distortions?>

Distortions, huh...

No, not at all. The phenomenon you decided to call "Distortions" is just an external expression of values.

I'm just a mirror reflecting people's hearts, so that they can be more honest with themselves.

<But the way those people inside the department store look, I'm... I'm not sure how they're supposed to be expressions of personal values.>

As we've discussed, values can be educated and injected. This is what leads to seemingly cookie-cutter, standardized appearances you saw in the customers of the Grand Magasin Sisyphe.

If your set of values, which draws the line between Good and Evil, resembles those of others... the shape of your hearts end up looking quite similar.

It's a shame, if you ask me. I was hoping to see people effloresce their inner uniqueness, free from the influences of others.

<... When you say "effloresce," are you talking about efflorescing E.G.O?>

When positive emotional fluctuation occurs, from negativity to positivity, the resultant energy can be used by each individual to summon external manifestations of their appearances - and their hearts. That was our Singularity.

Of course, negative emotions don't always manifest as Distortions, and positive emotions don't always manifest as E.G.O.

The direction of one's manifestation is contingent on the user's will.

But tools and clothes... they're no different from the shackles that bind us, the shapes of our hearts defined by culture, which is by its nature acquired and unnatural.

<You... dislike E.G.O, don't you?>

Dislike? No, why would I? That shape you call E.G.O used to be a perfect fit for my values, which is why I once pursued it.

I used to think that... if we humans were to reveal our true selves, if we were nothing but our true selves, we would be reduced to wild, incoherently screaming animals.

So, I intended to leave the smallest trace of that cultural morpheme - our last rule, in its most unobtrusive form.

But moments before death took me, I realized... how that would be denying humans the wholeness of their true selves.

<.......>

I don't hate E.G.O. I don't "dislike" it, either - I just find it regrettable. But I want to respect that choice.

I want to respect my old self, and the values of my junior who silently observes it all from the light.

<We're... working to stop the Distortions. We've also met some who take the approach of therapy.>

<Is there any way to... stop this phenomenon? Will this never go away?>

Hmm... Yeah, I really hope someone comes up with a better name for it someday. Calling someone who has chosen to become their true, whole self a "Distortion"... doesn't sit right with me.

<.......>

So, Dante. The crux of your question can be summarized as this: how does one erase this new law I have painted onto the world - the laws governing the materialization of the heart and the consequent phenomenon?

There has to be a way, I think. Every "problem" has a solution, after all.

If you - or anyone - manage to find that way and erase the light that materializes the heart... That same light, which the junior I'm so proud of and the child who resembles me have allowed to spread throughout the City...

... Then, I suppose, that also warrants respect.

Because I, too, have had to overcome the status quo to define my own set of rules.

But... I won't let that happen so easily. I will do everything in my power to stop it.

Dante, as much as I would like to continue this conversation... I cannot divulge everything just yet, and it seems that your ears are yet to be fully opened.

Now, hurry along to Sisyphe Tower. Gotta save Meur, right?

Ah, wait! Before you go, Dante... you should add the Library to your itinerary.

There, you'll find something you've been seeking.

<Why - >

Why am I telling you this?

Guess I just have a soft spot for people who struggle toward the light. Makes me want to cheer them on, you know?