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Sunset Blush

暮染君颜

14 chapters · 1177 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Illusory Dreams 锁梦

In the Oasis' leisure area.绿洲，休息区域。

KuroHey hey peeps~ It's been a while, my dear viewers!嗨嗨~~直播间的观众朋友们，好久不见啦！

KuroAfter meticulous planning and preparation by yours truly, Kuro's brand new channel is online at last!经过卡萝我的精心策划！新的直播企划隆重登场！！

KuroAre you feeling frustrated because of how monotonous work is? Has your mundane life left you restless?还在为工作的枯燥感到苦恼吗？还在为平淡生活提不起兴致而烦闷吗？

KuroIf that's the case, why don'tcha like and subscribe to "You Scared? How About This?! Pulse-Pounding Midnight Occult Adventures"! Spike your adrenaline levels, so even if you can't sleep at night, you'll end up napping all day!关注卡萝最新企划《吓到了吗？如吓！心跳砰砰砰午夜探灵纪实》节目！让你肾上腺激素飙升，晚上不瞌睡白天睡得香！

KuroI'm your host, everyone's favorite Kuro-chan, and I'll be your Occult Explorer for this evening as we dive into a realm of spooky happenings to give you the freshest real-time coverage of the situation.本节目将由你们最爱的小卡萝担任探灵特派员，深入灵异事件发生地，为大家带来第一手的直播实况。

KuroTo celebrate the airing of our first episode, we've even brought a super special VIP on board—the witness to those events, Miss R-ko!作为本企划的首播回，我们还特别邀请了重量级嘉宾——灵异事件目击者R子！

KuroNow then, Miss R-ko, please give us your account.那么R子小姐，请你为大家讲讲你特殊的经历吧。

R子Can you hide my face?可以打码吗？

KuroAh, yeah sure...啊，可以可以……

R子Please take care of my voice, too.声音也拜托了。

KuroNo problem, we've run it through a filter, you should now sound like a strangled duck.好的，您的声音我们已经做过处理，听起来可能像被拎着脖子的鸭子。

弹幕Danmaku This Miss R-ko seems really familiar. Danmaku Those ears in particular remind me of a certain rip-off merchant.这位R子小姐好熟悉啊。

弹幕Danmaku This Miss R-ko seems really familiar. Danmaku Those ears in particular remind me of a certain rip-off merchant.尤其是那对耳朵，让我想起了某位奸商。

R子Ahem, that'll do, then. The following is a true personal account of the preceding events. Viewer discretion is advised; please danmaku as needed to protect yourselves.咳咳，那我就放心了。以下是我个人的真实经历，前方高能，请大家弹幕掩护。

R子It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents—except at occasional intervals when it was checked by a violent gust of wind that swept up the streets (for it is in the Oasis that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness...那是一个月黑风高的夜晚，原本晴朗无云的夜空突然就乌云密布，电闪雷鸣，不一会儿大雨倾盆……

R子It was on a day like this that I, R-ko, had just finished up her work and dragged her weary body home... only to be trapped in this shrine by this torrential downpour.这一天，R子我结束了工作，拖着疲惫的身体回家……却被这场大雨困在了神社里。

R子A rain-drenched R-ko had no choice but to sit beneath the temple's eaves to wait out the downpour, but then R-ko suddenly noticed something strange in her surroundings.浑身湿透的R子只能在神社屋檐下等雨停，可是R子突然察觉到了自己周围的异样。

R子Suddenly... there was a rustling noise behind her! As if someone was moving about, and then—!身后……有悉悉索索的声音！好像有人在移动。突然！

R子Rumble!喀嚓！！！！

R子A bolt of lightning lit up the night! Its brilliance illuminated the shrine like it was day! In this ghostly radiance, R-ko saw a girl in white sprawled on the ground...一道惊雷落下！神社被电光照成了白昼！！明灭恍惚的闪电之下，一个身穿白衣的女孩趴在地上……

R子Since it was late at night, Riko—ahem, I mean, R-ko suspected that some terrible fate might have befallen the girl. Thus, she extended a helping hand to the girl, out of the kindness of her heart...因为已经是深夜，理子、咳咳，R子我觉得女孩或许是遭遇了麻烦，于是好心地向她伸出援手。

R子"Miss, are you alright?"“这位小姐，请问您有什么困难吗？”

R子However! Nobody expected that the girl would reach out her own hands...没想到！！这位小姐伸出手……

KuroEeep...呜……

R子But her hands had already decayed down to the bones! A pair of blood-red eyes stared out from under her unkempt black hair, and the skin was peeling from her face!!!!双手已经腐化成白骨！！凌乱的黑色长发下是一双血红的眼睛，而脸上的皮肤正在一点点剥落！！！！

KuroAiiiiiieeeeeeeeee—scary scary scary tooooo scary~~~~啊————————————好可怕好可怕啊~~~

R子Uh, please rein yourself in, Miss Stream Host. You blew out my microphone.主持人控制一下情绪，我的麦克风被你吓掉了！

KuroAhem! Ahaha, yeah, that really sent a chill down my spine.咳咳，啊！真是令人冷汗直冒呢。

Danmaku It's fake, right? It sounds like something she made up. Danmaku There IS a shrine there, though. Danmaku Anyway, how could there be ghosts or whatever in the Oasis? Unless you're talking about how the Sanctifiers call us Daemons or whatever, but wouldn't that make US the worst cyber-ghosts or spirits of them all?弹幕假的吧，听着好像是编出来的故事。

Danmaku It's fake, right? It sounds like something she made up. Danmaku There IS a shrine there, though. Danmaku Anyway, how could there be ghosts or whatever in the Oasis? Unless you're talking about how the Sanctifiers call us Daemons or whatever, but wouldn't that make US the worst cyber-ghosts or spirits of them all?弹幕可是那里的确有一座神社。

Danmaku It's fake, right? It sounds like something she made up. Danmaku There IS a shrine there, though. Danmaku Anyway, how could there be ghosts or whatever in the Oasis? Unless you're talking about how the Sanctifiers call us Daemons or whatever, but wouldn't that make US the worst cyber-ghosts or spirits of them all?弹幕绿洲怎么会有鬼怪，不然我们这些被净化者叫做邪灵的人形不就是最大的赛博幽灵了吗？

弹幕Danmaku Wow, that was a long danmaku o.o Danmaku Eh? Guys, isn't there something behind Kuro? Danmaku Oh yeah, it's moving, too.前面的弹幕好长o。o

弹幕Danmaku Wow, that was a long danmaku o.o Danmaku Eh? Guys, isn't there something behind Kuro? Danmaku Oh yeah, it's moving, too.诶，你们看，卡萝身后好像有什么东西。

弹幕Danmaku Wow, that was a long danmaku o.o Danmaku Eh? Guys, isn't there something behind Kuro? Danmaku Oh yeah, it's moving, too.是啊，还在动。

KuroHahhh?? Behind me? What's there?!哈？？我身后吗？有什么？

R子Maybe it's that female ghost...莫非真的有女鬼……

R子Hm? No, wait... No, that's not it. It's something else. Something bright... and it's jumping around.欸？等等……好像不是，像是其他的东西。很明亮……还在跳跃。

KuroAhhhhhh—that's...啊啊啊啊——好像是……

卡萝&R子A hitodama!!鬼火！！！

KuroAh... Dear viewers, your host is now in danger! Great danger!啊……各位观众朋友们，主播现在情况很危险！！很危险！！

KuroThe hitodama is almost upon us so this will be the last thing you'll see of your host!鬼火马上就要追上我们了，这一期节目将是主播生前最后的影像！

KuroPlease like and subscribe to give your host the strength to escape this creepy shrine...快为主播点亮下面的小红心，助力主播逃出诡异神社……

Click—嘀——

Nora switches off the stream and looks sternly at a nervous Riko.野良将网上疯传的录播视频关闭，神色严肃地盯着一脸心虚的理子。

NoraOi, Riko. You're that Miss R-ko with the fox ears, aren't you?喂，理子，那个狐狸耳朵的R子是你吧。

理子That was just a warm-hearted citizen who happened to be passing by. Surely the sense of justice within her heart urged her to step forward and share her frightening, cruel and tragic experience with everyone.只是某位路过的热心的市民罢了。一定是心中的正义感让她勇敢地站出来为大家分享了这段恐怖残酷的经历。

NoraEh... Not buying it.呃……太夸张了。

理子Ahem, so, uh, about that shrine in the stream...咳咳，对了你们知道直播中的那个神社吗？

HelixWhat shrine? Helix hasn't heard of it before.什么神社？贺莉斯从来没听说过呢。

NoraActually, I heard Croque talking about it before. The Engineering Department once built a small shrine on the outskirts of the Oasis. I thought it was just to enrich our daily lives...我倒是之前听克罗琦提起过，工程部有在绿洲边缘修建过一座小神社。还以为只是为了丰富日常活动呢……

理子Now why would anyone build a shrine in Magrasea, where science is king?科技为主宰的麦戈拉为什么会建神社呢？

HelixUm... I have no idea either.唔……不知道呢。

理子Then allow the great and all-knowing Riko to enlighten you! Actually... there's a dried-out well in the shrine.那就让无所不知无所不晓的理子大人告诉你们，其实啊……神社所在地有一口古井。

理子Many years ago, there was a young and pretty agent who liked someone.多年之前，有一位年轻貌美的智能体，她有了喜欢的人。

理子This agent confessed her feelings to her beloved many times, but her beloved didn't requite her affection.这位智能体多次向心上人袒露心意，但心上人一直对她的爱慕不回应。

理子One day, she saw her beloved engaged in potentially romantic activities with another agent. In a fit of rage, she threw herself down the well and committed suicide.一日，她看到了心上人和其他的智能体态度暧昧，勾肩搭背。一气之下投井自尽了。

NoraOh, come on! An agent committing suicide by throwing herself down a well? Are you kidding me?喂喂喂！智能体投井身亡也太离谱了吧！

理子Well, the world's a big place. Anything could happen. Anyway, ever since then, there's been an ominous aura leaking out of that well. Many people have seen a woman in white wandering around the area.世界之大无奇不有嘛。自此，那口井就不断有怨气渗出。经常有人目击到附近有白衣女子的身影徘徊。

HelixIs that the girl you were talking about on the stream, Riko?是理子在直播中说的那个女孩吗？

理子Hm? Erm... Ohhh, the stream!!!嗯？嗯……直播，哦！！！

Riko looks around furtively for a while before she bonks herself on the head.理子的眼珠滴溜溜地转了一圈，然后一拍脑袋。

理子Yup, that's the one I saw!没错，就是我看到的那个！！

理子That vengeful spirit usually doesn't show herself. She only crawls out of that well on the first day of each month, during the new moon.那个冤魂一般不会出现，只有在朔日的时候才会从古井中爬出来。

理子But in the dead of night, every night, people who pass by that place often report hearing a faint woman's voice, saying...不过每到夜深人静的时候，路过的行人经常会听到古井边有微弱的女声，她说……

??You won't get taller if you don't sleep early...再不睡觉会长不高哦……

贺莉斯&野良&理子Aiiiiieeee—哇——

NoraAh, it's the Professor.啊，是教授。

理子Whew... So it is. You scared me, Professor.呼呼……原来是教授啊，吓了我一跳。

ProfessorConsidering Riko got scared after making up a ghost story, all I can say is that justice has been served.瞎编鬼怪故事的理子也被吓到了，算是得到了应有的惩罚。

理子Please, that was my first-hand experience, not some ghost story. I really did see something like that at the shrine.这是理子的亲身经历，才不是什么鬼怪故事呢，理子我啊真的在神社附近看到了。

NoraWhat did you see?看到了什么？

理子A ghost counting plates, of course.数盘子的幽灵哦。

ProfessorYou're talking about the Bancho Sarayashiki ghost story, aren't you?你说的是传统鬼怪故事——皿屋敷吧。

NoraIn that case, I'll bet that D-grade horror story just now about the agent in love was fake, too.那之前的狗血爱情灵异传闻也是假的喽。

HelixEh? So there's no ghost? But there really have been strange things happening in the Oasis recently.欸？没有鬼怪吗？可是最近绿洲的确发生了一些奇怪的事。

ProfessorSuch as?比如说？

HelixI heard Willow's camera captured a hitodama during an interview, Choco's Chocolaterie has been missing chocolates, and Fern's wallet has been slowly emptying out...听薇洛儿说采访的时候摄像机拍到了鬼火，巧可工坊的巧克力也莫名失踪了，还有芬恩越来越扁的钱包……

ProfessorDo you think it's possible that Fern just spent the money...有没有可能是芬恩自己把钱花掉了……

HelixIn any case, it's just too weird!总之，一切都太奇怪了！

理子Yup yup! There's no way to explain this besides the occult!是啊是啊！不是灵异事件很难让人信服呢！

理子Anyway, the reason why Riko managed to escape from all these occult mysteries was because of this!话说来，理子我之所以能从那一次灵异事件中顺利脱身，都是多亏了这个呢！

理子Allow the great Riko to introduce you to the latest in cyber-talismans, researched and developed in Magrasea. Made out of pure operands, its classic design that incorporates contemporary elements is enough to satisfy the needs of even the most personal-image-obsessed teenager.让理子大人来为你推荐麦戈拉最新研制的赛博护身符，纯算量打造，造型古朴，同时融入现代潮流元素，符合现代年轻人颜控需求。

理子It even contains a miniature speaker that plays Perfect Warrior Clukay's battle-cries to physically exorcise demons and ensure your safety.内含微型录音设备，可实时播放完美战士可露凯战斗语音，物理驱魔，更有安全感。

理子With one of these, even the most vicious spirit, ghost, demon, or devil will have to back down. Truly the perfect item for any home or traveler.有了它，什么幽灵、鬼火、妖怪、邪魔统统让路。真是居家旅行必备良品。

ProfessorRiko, were you building an atmosphere of fear just so you could sell that talisman?理子你不停地渲染紧张气氛难道是为了卖护身符？

理子I simply want to solve the problems of the Oasis' residents, Professor. (Sigh), if showing kindness like this is wrong, then I never want to be right.我只是为了给绿洲的诸位排忧解难，唉，如果我的体贴入微是一种错，那我宁可错到底。

HelixBut does it really work?真的有那么灵验吗？

ProfessorHehe... Looks like someone's already taken the bait.呵呵……已经有人上当了。

理子Of course, Helix. In fact, we've got a promotion going on now: buy two, get one free.当然了，贺莉斯。现在我们有优惠活动，买二送一。

理子Want to get one for a friend? They're only 999 DGC each.要不要给好友带一份？一份只要999底格币哦。

HelixAh... That's great. If Nora and I get one, we'll have an extra for Banx...啊……那太好了，我和野良如果都买的话还能送给坂口……

ProfessorAhem.咳咳……

I clear my throat and gently press Helix's hand down before she can reach for her wallet.我轻咳一声，将贺莉斯打算掏钱的手按了回去。

ProfessorActually, when it comes to banishing the unclean and warding off misfortune, I have someone in mind.说起驱除污秽，消灾祈福。我倒有个认识的人。

理子Huh?欸？

NoraHuh?欸？

理子Where is this person?那么在哪里可以找到呢？

ProfessorIn the Oasis.就在绿洲。

理子Professor, it seems Riko is to blame here. Riko's mercantile schemes are so brilliant that you've had to resort to upsetting market stability.教授，理子我的确有错。理子的经商头脑太好以至于让您觉得是在扰乱市场秩序。

理子Still, you mustn't tell lies like that. As far as Riko knows, there's nobody in the Oasis with that skillset.但是您也不可以说谎，据理子所知绿洲现在还没有这样的人才。

理子Look at Nora and Helix's earnest eyes. Can you really bear to upset them?您看看她们真挚的眼神，忍心让她们失望吗？

ProfessorShe insisted on staying by herself in the shrine. Looks like it's time to call her back.原本她执意要孤身一人留在神社，现在看来是时候把她请回来了。

ProfessorHopefully, she'll get used to life outside the shrine soon... Hehe, although, she should be able to blend in with the Oasis soon if she's with friends of like mind.希望她尽快熟悉神社外的生活……呵呵，不过和志同道合的朋友在一起应该很快就能融入绿洲了吧。

NoraSo that person you're talking about lives in the shrine?教授说那个人在神社？

ProfessorYup.嗯，没错。

ProfessorShe's a miko who serves the kami...那个人可是侍奉神明的巫女……

参拜者...That miko dancing up there looks graceful. She's accounted for all the ritual elements in her performance. Well done.……在台上舞蹈的那位巫女姿势优美，各个仪式环节都细致入微，真不错啊。

参拜者That's a Universal Anything Services S55-HMK priestess Doll. Who'd have thought that even the mikos who commune with the gods would end up like this...那是环球万事服务研发的S55-HMK神职人形，没想到现在连与神沟通的巫女也变成了这样……

参拜者Well, that's no good. The gods require sincere devotion. What do Dolls know of faith? They don't even have hearts.啊，这可不得了，神明需要的是虔诚的信奉，人形怎么会懂得信仰，他们根本就没有心。

参拜者That's right! The very existence of a Doll like this is blasphemy against the kami!说得对啊，这种人形的存在本身就是对神明的亵渎吧！

老巫女Focus. Ignore that idle gossip. The kami themselves are watching your dance.专注。不要理会那些闲言碎语，神明会注视你的舞步。

??...I shall abide by your teachings, Kaede-sama.……谨遵教诲，枫大人。

老巫女At this rate... the kami will surely see...就这么舞下去……神明一定可以看得见……

??Will the kami... see this...神明大人……会看见吗……

??Then I must keep dancing...那就一直舞下去吧……

??Found you at last...找到你了……

In the darkness, someone answers her thoughts, and as they reach a hand out to her, a blinding light shatters the long night...黑暗中有人回应了她的想法，伸出手的那一刻，耀眼的光划破长夜……

??Your Holiness...神明大人……

??Were you calling to me?是在叫我吗？

As I watch the dazed Doll extending her hand to me, I smile and take her hand in response.看着眼神迷离的人形少女向我伸出手，我微笑着回应握住她的手。

??Huh?? Professor-sama...欸？？教授大人……

ProfessorHehe, you don't need to be so formal around me. Just call me Professor.呵呵，不必和我这么见外，叫我教授就好。

ProfessorI see you're awake at last, Kimie. You'll catch a cold if you sleep under a tree during late autumn.终于醒了呢，君惠。深秋时节在树下睡着可是会着凉的。

KimieAh... to think this Kimie would actually fall asleep while preparing for Akimatsuri... How disgraceful...啊……君惠竟然在准备秋祭的过程中昏睡过去了，真是失礼……

ProfessorIf you're tired, you should go back inside and rest.如果太累了就去屋子里休息吧。

KimieAkimatsuri is almost upon us, and there are still many things that must be done in the shrine. Whether it's cleaning, preparing offerings, and so on, I had only just begun my tasks; this Kimie cannot possibly be slothful.秋祭马上就要到了，神社中还有许多事务要处理，不论是扫除还是准备贡品都才刚刚开始，君惠不能懈怠。

KimieMay I know why you have visited this shrine, Professor?教授到访神社有什么事吗？

Kimie dusts herself off and I hand her the broom which had fallen onto the ground.君惠拍拍身上的灰尘，我将掉落在地上的扫帚捡起来递给她。

ProfessorI was planning to send you a video call, but then I remembered that comm signals in this area are jammed.原本打算给你打个视讯，后知后觉地想起你这里屏蔽了一切通讯。

ProfessorSorry to disturb you unannounced, Kimie.这次突然来拜访，打扰君惠了。

KimieThere is no need to apologize. After all, it was you who asked the agents to help build this shrine in order to accommodate my reclusive ways.您不必这般客气，为了配合我隐居的想法，教授让智能体帮我修建了这座神社。

KimieIn truth, I was startled by how well I was treated upon arriving at the Oasis. I rejoice every day that I was found and that I did not have to wander outside.刚刚回到绿洲的我受宠若惊。原本能被大家寻回，免于在外流亡就已经是万分庆幸了。

KimieHowever, I do not know how I, in my seclusion, will be able to serve you, Professor.只是不知道，长年久居偏远的我能有什么为教授效力。

ProfessorHm. A string of supernatural events have occurred in the Oasis recently. We're a regular spook factory now.唉，最近的绿洲一直被灵异事件围绕着，都快成怪谈加工厂了。

ProfessorI was hoping you could make your rounds and, if there truly is some kind of spiritual disturbance, that you could help dispel it. Even if it's just a misunderstanding, seeing you around will help soothe everyone's worries.需要麻烦君惠回去一趟，如果真的是灵异便将它们清除，如果只是误会，澄清了也能避免人心惶惶。

KimieThis Kimie has not visited the various dignitaries of the Oasis even after my arrival. It seems this Kimie has been impolite.自君惠到绿洲以来，尚未拜访过绿洲诸位大人，想来也是君惠礼数不周。

KimieThis Kimie will contribute her humble efforts to the Oasis, be it to propitiate the kami or banish the unclean.祓禊祭礼，驱邪除祟，君惠倒是可以尽绵薄之力。

KimieBut if I leave the shrine... I fear...只是要离开神社……恐怕……

老巫女(Coughs) I'm getting old and my body is failing me, yet there are fewer and fewer people around me now...咳咳……年纪大了，身体越来越差了，可身边的人却越来越少……

老巫女It is time to begin appointing a successor. Kimie, do you like it here?是时候交代一下以后的安排了。君惠，喜欢这里吗？

KimieThe shrine is your life, Kaede-sama. I know no greater honor than to be appointed to its keeping and to receive your care, Kaede-sama.神社是枫大人的心血，君惠安身于此，受枫大人悉心照料，不胜荣幸。

枫大人In that case... I now entrust Kurenoyume Shrine to you.那现在我将……暮梦神社托付给你。

Kimie...Kaede-sama, this... This Kimie understands. This Kimie shall abide by your teachings.…枫大人，这……君惠明白了。君惠谨遵枫大人的教诲。

枫大人Can you promise me one thing?能答应我一个请求吗？

KimiePlease continue.枫大人请说。

枫大人The more people you meet, the easier it is to doubt yourself. This is true for you and others.接触的人越多，心就越容易犹疑。你也好，其他人也好。

枫大人The kami exist because of faith, and if this faith wavers, then even the medium who conveys the people's feelings to the kami will have no recourse.神因信仰而存在，如果信仰动摇，向神传递心意的灵媒也无计可施。

Kimie...I apologize. This Kimie's existence has shaken the faith of the people in the kami...……实在抱歉，是君惠的存在让大家动摇了对神明的信仰……

枫大人You should probably stay inside the shrine. That might be the wisest choice.还是一直留在神社吧。或许这才是最正确的选择。

KimieThis Kimie... This Kimie understands.君惠……明白。

KimieThough I am an envoy of the gods, this Kimie is useless...作为神明的使者，君惠却一无是处……

KimiePerhaps it is as Kaede-sama said, and this Kimie belongs in a forgotten shrine.就像枫大人说的，或许无人问津的神社才是君惠归所。

ProfessorTo retreat from the mundane world was also to keep you out of its worldly disputes. The Kaede-sama of whom you speak tried to give you a way out of all that, yet she caused you to lose all motivation to try and change the situation.远离尘世，革除纷扰。你口中的枫大人为你留下了退路，却也让君惠失去了尝试改变一切的动力。

ProfessorHehe, how shall I say this, it reminds me of a cute snail.呵呵，怎么说呢，有些像可爱的蜗牛。

KimieHuh? Professor...欸？教授……

ProfessorThe Oasis isn't like other places. We can give you a home, and we can show you many sights you've never seen before.绿洲和其他地方不同，有能够接纳你的地方，也能带你看到许多新的景色。

ProfessorIf you continue like this, you'll lose out on those precious things. I think it's a bit of a shame, don't you?这样下去君惠会错失那些宝贵的东西，难道不会遗憾吗？

KimiePrecious things...宝贵的东西……

ProfessorThings like the understanding, care, and trust that come from friends. I'm sure you'll be happier when you leave the shrine and form bonds with others.来自朋友的理解、关怀、信任。走出神社拥有更多的羁绊一定会很快乐。

KimieHow wonderful it must be to form bonds with everyone at the Oasis.和绿洲的诸位的羁绊，真是幸福的事呢。

Kimie's mouth curls up in a faint smile, and then she seems to have thought about something because her expression turns glum again.君惠的嘴角不自觉地微笑起来，转而想到了什么，再次陷入失落。

KimieI... this Kimie... This Kimie does not deserve to...我……君惠……没有资格……

ProfessorYou are the judge of whether or not you deserve this. Are you willing to take a look around the Oasis with me? It might change your mind.是否有资格是由你自己决定的。愿意和我到绿洲看看吗？或许那里会改变你的想法。

KimieBut...可是……

ProfessorThink of it this way: we're but poor, helpless rabble being plagued by spooks and monsters, and we desperately need the great miko to help us out.哎呀，现在我们可是被幽灵邪祟缠身需要巫女大人拯救的可怜人。

ProfessorKimie-sama, please drive out the fiends haunting the people of the Oasis.请君惠大人务必帮绿洲众人驱除邪灵。

KimieProfessor...教授……

Kimie presses her hand over her core. She hesitates for a moment, and then, she slowly speaks.君惠的手放在核心处，犹疑了片刻，艰难地开口。

KimieI understand.我明白了。

KimieThis Kimie will return peace to the Oasis and protect your wish, Professor.君惠将会让绿洲恢复清净，守护教授的愿望。

Hitodama - 1 鬼火-1

At the Oasis, in the Ops Room.绿洲，指挥部。

CroqueProfessor! About the Engineering Department's budget... Professor... Huh? Is the Professor not here?教授！工程部的预算……教……呃？教授不在吗？

Croque(Sigh) We've overspent our operand budget again. If the Professor found out, they'd say, "Croque, our expenses have been tight recently and you need to consider the needs of the Oasis as a whole..."唉……算量又超支了，教授知道了之后肯定会说“克罗琦，最近经费紧张，你要为整个绿洲考虑一下嘛。”

CroqueIf we cut our operand expenditure, we'll pretty much have to rob Peter to pay Paul! Good grief... Ack! That hurt!压缩预算之后就只能拆东墙补西墙了啊！真是的……哎！痛！

Croque...It seems I dislocated a joint... If I'd known, I wouldn't have watched anime all night last night. Not even a Doll could sleep in such a contorted position.……好像是关节错位了……早知道昨天就不熬夜看动画了。那么扭曲的睡姿就算是人形也顶不住啊。

??Do you require a chiropractor?需要帮您正骨吗？

CroqueEh, never mind, I'll just wait for it to get better by itself.呃……不必了，我还是等它自然恢复好了。

CroqueMan, is it me, or is the Ops Room super clean today? Did your OCD get worse, Centaureissi?今天指挥部打扫得未免也太干净了吧，桑朵莱希你的洁癖是不是又加重了。

CroqueMaybe you should just get me a cup of tea... Owowowow... that hurts...还是帮我来一杯茶吧，啊啊啊……痛……

??I would recommend a light tea in the morning, my lady. Perhaps applying a topical balm to the affected site might aid in your recovery.清晨建议大人饮淡茶。帮您适当在患处涂抹一些金创膏有助于恢复。

CroqueHehe, since when did you start addressing me with "my lady"? It's weird. Still, thanks... huh? Ehhh????呵呵，你什么时候开始用“大人”来称呼我了，怪别扭的。谢谢……嗯？？诶？？？？

Croque finally realizes something is off about the situation. Upon looking behind her, she sees an unfamiliar person there and reflexively backs away.克罗琦意识到不对劲，回头看到了陌生的身影，瞬间向后撤了一步。

CroqueWait, you're...你是……

??I am the miko of Kurenoyume Shrine, but you may address me as Kimie.暮梦神社的巫女，您可以唤我君惠。

CroqueKurenoyume Shrine? Right, that "special project" the Professor told me to keep quiet about.暮梦神社？就是之前教授那个保密的“特殊”工程项目。

CroqueAnd here I was wondering why the Professor wanted me to build a shrine all of a sudden. Turns out...啊，我说教授为什么要突然建神社。原来是……

ProfessorKimie is a friend of ours we found a while back. She's been living in a shrine some distance away from the Oasis ever since she returned. This ought to be your first time meeting.君惠是之前我们寻回的伙伴。从回归以来她一直住在绿洲偏远的神社中。这应该是你们的第一次见面。

CroqueOh come on, Professor, you're being way too sneaky.教授，你也太能藏了吧。

ProfessorAlso, you might be a little unfamiliar with each other. You should break the ice and try to get along.可能彼此有一点陌生。多熟悉一下就好了。

ProfessorHm... How about this: Croque, take Kimie on a tour of the Oasis.嗯……我看这样吧，克罗琦带着君惠在绿洲逛逛。

CroqueMe?! Professor? Are you SURE you want me to do this?我？？教授你确定没搞错吗？

ProfessorYes, you.对，就是你。

CroqueProfessor, having someone with social anxiety take a newcomer around the Oasis is no different from a public execution...教授你让社恐去接待新同事和公开处刑有什么区别……

ProfessorPerfect. That's it, then.那就这么说定了。

CroqueYou're not even listening to me, are you...你是完全不听我的抱怨是吧。

KimiePardon the imposition, Croque-sama.突然叨扰，劳烦克罗琦大人了。

Croque looks at Kimie's smiling face and sighs in resignation.克罗琦看着笑眯眯的君惠，无奈地叹了口气。

Croque(Sigh)... Oh, all right.唉……好吧。

ProfessorMake sure you get along with your new friend, hehe.要和新伙伴好好相处哦，呵呵。

As Croque and Kimie walk down the Oasis' streets, the former tries to get the latter caught up on what happened to the Oasis before she arrived.漫步在街道上，克罗琦努力将君惠到来之前的绿洲事迹讲给君惠听。

Croque...We suffered a lot between fighting the Sanctifiers and the Entropics.……不管是和净化者还是和熵的战斗，我们都付出了沉重的代价。

CroqueIn any case, thanks to the Professor's and everyone else's hard work, the Oasis ended up getting built, slowly but surely. The path there was a little rocky, but we've got a home now.总之绿洲就在教授和大家的努力下慢慢建立起来了。虽然有些风雨，但我们总归有了家。

KimieIt seems the Oasis is a special place, like the Professor said.看来正如教授所言，绿洲是个特别的地方呢。

Kimie...Croque-sama.……克罗琦大人。

CroqueUrgh... Just call me Croque. Please.呃……叫我克罗琦就好。

KimieThis Kimie has a question and would like your assistance.君惠有一个疑问，想向您请教。

CroqueWhat is it?什么事？

KimieIs this a mechanical puppet, as recorded in the old books?这个是古书记载中的机关傀儡吗？

CroqueHuh?诶？

Croque looks where Kimie is pointing and sees a weather simulator standing by the side of the road.顺着君惠的指向，克罗琦看到了矗立在街边的气象模拟器。

CroqueOh, that. That's one of the Oasis' weather simulators. They basically let you control the weather.啊，这个啊。这是绿洲的气象模拟器，专门用来控制天气的。

CroqueThe Oasis has perfect weather all year round thanks to that. Still, this guy hasn't been working too well recently... We haven't had rain for a long time.多亏了它绿洲才会一年风调雨顺。不过最近这个家伙有点不太灵光……已经很久没有下雨了。

KimieSo it is one of the kami charged with ruling the weather, then?掌管天气的神明吗？

Kimie frowns and thinks. After looking at its air intake, her eyes suddenly light up.君惠皱着眉思考了一下，看到模拟器的通风口后，眼中突然有了光。

CroqueWell, I wouldn't call it a god or anything... Hey! Hey, Kimie, what are you doing?!神明什么的也不是……哎哎哎！！！君惠你做什么？

Croque blinks, but Kimie has already opened the device's air intake and climbed inside. Her hurried, muffled footsteps come from inside the vent.克罗琦一晃神，君惠已经打开了通风换气口，自己钻了进去。沉闷而急促的声音从通风口传出。

KimieIn days past, shrine maidens would offer themselves to the kami as sacrifices. Thus satisfied, the kami would respond with their blessing in the form of rain.古时，巫女都是用自己作为祭品来供给神明，神明愉悦降下恩惠，这样才会降雨。

KimieSurely the kami must be displeased with our lack of piety, hence the divine punishment.想必是我们的诚意不够，所以神明开始降罪了。

CroqueI... You...这……

KimieAhem. Say no more, Croque-sama. This Kimie has resolved herself for this, being a Doll miko and all.咳咳，克罗琦大人不必多言，君惠作为人形巫女早已经有所觉悟。

KimiePerhaps such a ritual might have sparked controversy in the past, but this Kimie is a Doll and not a human being; I am but a grave good, like the terracotta soldiers in an emperor's tomb.古时的此种祭仪虽有争议，但君惠是人形并非人类，正如墓葬中的陪葬陶俑。

CroqueBut...可是……

KimieThis Kimie is most grateful to you and the Professor for your assistance. Though our time together was short, this Kimie was influenced by its warmth and vigor.多谢教授和您的帮助，虽然君惠和大家相处时间尚短，但也被绿洲的热情所感染。

CroqueBut...可是……

KimiePerhaps my other colleagues in the Oasis still do not know me well enough, but this Kimie believes that our hearts... are one...或许绿洲的其他同僚对我还不熟悉，但君惠相信大家的心意……是相通的……

CroqueBUT IT'S JUST AN AIR DUCT!可是那只是个通风口啊！！！！！

Croque drags an ashy-faced Kimie out of the vent. Dust flies into the air as they cough heavily.克罗琦一把将灰头土脸的君惠拉出来，夹带着的灰尘飞扬在空中，两个人咳嗽连连。

Croque(Coughs heavily) Look, it's just a machine, not a (coughs more) god or anything...咳咳……咳咳咳……它只是台机器，并不是咳咳……咳咳……什么神明……

CroqueAlso... this guy's just broken (cough). All we have to do is fix it.而且……这家伙的故障只要……咳咳维修就好。

Kimie(Coughs) By which you mean...咳咳……大人的意思是……

CroqueLook, Kimie... You don't need to sacrifice yourself for good weather. Believe me, we have sacrificed more than enough people for this present peace.君惠……不用为了换来风调雨顺就献祭自己。为了现在这片安宁，我们已经有太多牺牲了。

CroqueYou need to cherish yourself more.要好好珍重自己啊。

CroqueWhat's wrong? Finding it strange?怎么了，很奇怪吗？

KimieCherish myself... You're the first person who's ever said that to me.珍重自己……您是第一个跟我这样说的人。

CroqueAnd I won't be the last. After all, everyone in the Oasis treasures their friends.不会是最后一个啦，毕竟绿洲的大家都很珍视伙伴。

Kimie looks timidly at Croque's face. Croque seems a little embarrassed by this and turns away, blushing.君惠怔怔地注视着克罗琦的脸，克罗琦有些难为情，脸红着将头别了过去。

CroqueLook, you don't have to be all formal and polite with us. It also shows how close we are.对绿洲的大家没有必要用敬语。这样也显得关系亲密。

KimieYes, this Kimie has taken that to heart.是，君惠心中明了了。

Croque(Clears throat) Anyway, I'll take you over to the Engineering Department. That's the place I know best.咳咳，我带你去工程局看看吧，那里是我最熟悉的地方。

At the Oasis' Engineering Department.绿洲，工程局。

CroqueSo, this is my office. That thing behind you is the Light of Ares, which is undergoing a thruster overhaul. The vessel's power output has been increased from before.这是我日常的办公场所，你身后的那个是正在改进推进系统的阿瑞斯曙光号，飞船能源功率相比之前有了更大提升。

CroqueNow it'll probably take us just 3 standard time units to go from here to the Jiutian Sector.从绿洲到九天扇区可能只需要花费三个标准时。

CroqueI think there are agents inside debugging its flight parameters. I'll bring you aboard.船舱内应该有智能体正在调试飞行数据，我带你上去看看吧。

KimieThis Kimie fears to intrude, however. Will we really not be disturbing the others?君惠实属惶恐，真的不会打扰到大家吗？

CroqueNah. In fact, they'll probably do better with someone looking over their shoulder. At least, according to... what was it called? Heller's Law, I think?不会的，有人监督效率还更高吧，那个什么……对，赫勒法则不就是这么说的嘛。

The two of them board the spaceship. The agents working inside greet them and then continue immersing themselves in their work.两人先后登上飞船。飞船内正在作业的智能体向她们打了个招呼，随即继续投入工作。

CroqueIn order to deal with the vacuum and low gravity environment, we've fastened all the large devices to the ship's deck.为了适应宇宙真空低重力环境，我们将所有大型设备都固定在了飞船上。

CroqueIt's about time we began the spaceworthiness trials.这个时间，应该快到真空测试环节了。

系统The ship is about to enter a zero-G test environment. All agents on board, please put on your space suits and prepare for the test.飞船即将进入无重力测试环境。请舱内智能体穿戴防护服，做好测试准备。

CroqueI knew it.果然。

KimieA vacuum and low gravity environment... What might that be?真空低重力环境……是如何呢？

CroqueWell, everything's going to float in mid-air. Kind of like...所有物体几乎都会漂浮在半空中。就好像……

Before Croque can finish speaking, the zero-G device activates and their feet slowly drift clear of the deck, leaving them floating in mid-air.克罗琦话音未落，无重力装置启动，两人的双脚逐渐离开船舱地面停留在空中。

KimieWow... It's like... Like a miracle...哇……宛如神迹一般。

CroqueHeh, true, a lot of the things science does can seem miraculous.哈哈，其实科学能创造出很多神奇的景象。

CroqueIn the past, people worshipped the gods, but once we realized we had the power to change nature and society, humans shifted over to believe in the power of science instead.以前人们崇尚神明，可当我们发现自己拥有改变自然和社会的能力之后，人类或许更加坚信科学的力量。

KimieIt is as you said. That was why this Kimie was created.如您所说，君惠也正是因此而生。

CroqueHuh?欸？

KimieKaede-sama was most delighted when she first met this Kimie, because the youth of the present age held little interest in Shinto.枫大人在和君惠首次邂逅非常喜悦，因为现实中的年轻人对神道教文化兴致索然。

KimiePassing on the heritage of shrine maidens was becoming more difficult by the day, and so Kaede-sama was very happy to see me.巫女的传承日渐艰难，枫大人看到我之后很是欣慰。

KimieDue to her old age, Kaede-sama must have regarded me as her hope for passing on her traditions... But I...年迈的枫大人是将我当作延续传统的希望了吧……可是我却……

CroqueAw, don't be sad. You've already done really well!不用失落啦。你已经做得很好啦！

CroqueEver seen "Youthful Defiant Girl Does Not Dream of Nightmare Cannon Mecha"?《青春叛逆少女不会梦到噩兆炮机甲》看过吗？

KimieHuh?欸？

CroqueThe ace pilot in there was super cool, and she was my favorite member of the cast!原作里的王牌机师人格魅力爆表，是我最喜欢的人物角色！

CroqueBefore she died, she entrusted her family member to her rival on the squad. The two of them never seemed to get along, but that was why they considered each other the most reliable person they knew.她在阵亡前将自己的家人托付给队内的竞争对手，两个人看似水火不容，但彼此都清楚对方最为可靠。

CroqueThat Kaede-sama you're talking about entrusted her precious shrine to you. Doesn't that mean she trusts you?你口中的枫大人将最重要的神社托付给你，不正是说明她信任你重视你吗？

KimieIs that so...这样吗……

CroqueOf course. Since you came to the Oasis, that means we're all your friends now. Other than your friends in reality, you've got us, too!当然啦，既然回了绿洲，我们大家就都是你的伙伴了。君惠除了现实的羁绊还有我们这群队友！

CroqueBut... uh... I kind of get social anxiety around people I don't know...不过……嗯……其实我对不熟悉的人有点社恐……

KimieSocial anxiety? What's that?何谓社恐？

CroqueIt means being afraid of interacting with people... Ah, whenever I talk to a stranger, it feels like they're tearing me apart with their gazes.就是害怕社交……啊，每次跟陌生人聊天都感觉自己要被对方的目光杀死了。

CroqueAhem. Although, talking to you isn't as hard as I thought it would be. Er... I'm not saying this because of the mission that the Professor gave me.咳咳，和你相处似乎并没有想象中那么困难，呃……这可不是因为教授的任务。

KimieHehe, this Kimie understands the intentions you wish to convey.呵呵，您的心意君惠已了然。

Kimie produces an exquisitely made omamori talisman from her sleeve and offers it to Croque.君惠从衣襟中掏出一个绣纹极为精美的御守递给克罗琦。

KimieI made this myself. Due to the haste of my arrival, I was not able to prepare appropriate gifts for everyone, so please accept this, if it pleases you.这是我亲手所做的御守，这一次来得匆忙，没能为大家带来礼物，如果不嫌弃的话请将它收下吧。

CroqueUm... I, er... Thank you.呃……这，谢、谢谢。

Kimie(Giggles) There's a good luck charm inside. It is as you said; apart from my mentor in the real world, this Kimie also has her friends in the Oasis to count on, too.嘿嘿，里面装的是平安护符。如您所言，君惠除了现实世界的前辈，更有绿洲的各位要牵挂呢。

Beepbeep—滴滴——

It's a transmission from Kuro.是卡萝的通讯请求。

KuroCroque, where are you now? The Professor said you're showing that exorcising miko around the Oasis.克罗琦，你现在在哪儿啊？教授说你带着驱除邪灵的巫女在熟悉绿洲。

CroqueYup, Kimie's with me. I'm giving her a tour of the Engineering Department.没错，君惠在我这里。我们现在在工程局参观。

KuroOh come on! Miko-sama's time is precious! She needs to spend it all on the important stuff!拜托！！巫女大人的时间是很宝贵的，她的时间和精力都要花在刀刃上！

KuroDo you know how many victims of the supernatural there are out there who are waiting for her to clear up their doubts and cleanse their minds and bodies?!你知道现在有多少灵异事件的受害者等着巫女大人答疑解惑，净化身心嘛？

KuroHurry up and bring her back! We're all waiting!快把巫女大人带回来啦！我们都在等着呢！

Click—滴——

The transmission ends.通讯挂断。

CroqueEr... Kuro just said...呃……卡萝说……

KimieThis Kimie has been prepared for a long time.君惠已经沐浴斋戒多日。

CroqueHah?哈？！

KimieI am always ready to bring fortune unto the Oasis.随时可为各位大人除祟祈福。

Croque glances at Kimie's twinkling eyes as she smiles. It seems she has been waiting for this moment for a long time.克罗琦一回头便看到君惠的一双笑眼闪闪发光，似乎已经等待这一刻许久。

Hitodama - 2 鬼火-2

This will not be an ordinary day.这一天注定不会平凡。

CroqueAhem. I now declare the first-ever Oasis Strange Tales Solicitation Conference open. Will the first victim of the supernatural step forward, please?咳咳，现在召开绿洲灵异传闻咨询会，有请第一位灵异事件受害者。

KuroMe-me-me!我我我！！

KimieAnd how may I address you, my lady?敢问大人名讳？

KuroEh?欸？

Croque(Coughs) She's asking for your name.咳咳，问你名字。

KuroOhhhhh, well, just call me Kuro. I'm a livestreamer.哦哦，叫我卡萝就好，我呢，是一名主播。

KimieAnd a livestreamer is...主播是……

CroqueUh... It's kind of related to the advancement and spread of the media... Just consider her a fellow journalist of sorts.呃……这个涉及到自媒体的普及发展，你就暂且把她当成是比较随性的记者好了。

KuroAnyway, I was streaming outdoors when I felt a chill run down my spine. Right after that, a hitodama suddenly appeared.在我进行户外直播的时候，身后突然感觉一阵凉意，紧接着就有鬼火出现。

KimieA hitodama?鬼火？

KuroUm... I remember now. I was with Riko back then and we were at the entrance to the woods near the shrine.嗯……我记得当时是和理子在一起，地点是在神社附近的树林里。

KuroThe hitodama was floating around behind me...身后的鬼火飘忽不定……

Danmaku Eh? Guys, isn't there something behind Kuro? Danmaku Oh yeah, it's actually moving.弹幕诶，你们看，卡萝身后好像有什么东西。

Danmaku Eh? Guys, isn't there something behind Kuro? Danmaku Oh yeah, it's actually moving.弹幕是啊，还在动。

KuroHahhh?? Behind me? What's there?!哈？？我身后吗？有什么？

R子Maybe it's that female ghost...莫非真的有女鬼……

R子Hm? No, wait... No, that's not it. It's something else. Something bright... and it's jumping around.欸？等等……好像不是，像是其他的东西。很明亮……还在跳跃。

KuroAhhhhhh— that's...啊啊啊啊——好像是……

卡萝&R子A hitodama!!鬼火！！！

KuroAh... Dear viewers, your host is now in danger! Great danger!啊……各位观众朋友们，主播现在情况很危险！！很危险！！

KuroThe hitodama is almost upon us so this will be the last thing you'll see of your host!鬼火马上就要追上我们了，这一期节目将是主播生前最后的影像！

KuroPlease like and subscribe to give your host the strength to escape this creepy shrine...快为主播点亮下面的小红心，助力主播逃出诡异神社……

CroqueWow, you certainly put on an explosive show.节目效果爆炸。

KuroI was pretending to be really calm, but the truth is, my legs were jelly.当时我装作很冷静，实际上腿都吓软了。

KuroBut when we turned back again to look, the hitodama was gone.不过当我们再回头的时候，鬼火就神秘失踪了。

KimieAre there any graves near the Oasis?绿洲附近是否有墓穴存在？

CroqueHow is that remotely possible... That's a new one, cyber-graves.怎么可能……赛博坟墓想想也新奇。

KimieWhat people call "hitodama", or "ghost-fires", are said to be one of many yokai that make up the "Hyakki Yagyo", the Hundred Devils Night Parade.世人传言中的鬼火，也为墓之火，是传说“百鬼夜行”中的妖怪之一。

KimieIn the old days, many graveyards ended up becoming farming plots, and thus hitodama would emerge at sunset to ravage the fields.古时墓地变成了田地，傍晚时分便会有很多鬼火出没烧毁田地。

CroqueBut they're just natural phenomena such as bioluminescence produced by the phosphorous from organic decay, right? How could the Oasis have stuff like that? ...Or did you make the whole thing up, Kuro?其实是死者骨头上的磷产生的磷火吧，绿洲怎么会有那种东西……卡萝是不是你自导自演的啊。

??Kuro wasn't pulling a prank. I saw it, too.不是卡萝的恶作剧哦，我也看到了。

CroqueAnd here comes the second victim.第二名受害者出现了。

KimieDid you perchance undergo something similar, my lady?这位大人莫非也经历了类似的情况？

NoraGreetings, pleased to meet you. My name is Nora.你好，初次见面我是野良。

KimieThis one is Kimie, a shrine maiden. Nora-sama, may I ask where you witnessed the hitodama?在下是神社巫女君惠。野良大人是在何时目睹了鬼火呢？

NoraI saw them at night, too, but not in the forest, but near the warehouses.同样也是在晚上，但我不是在树林里，而是在仓库附近。

NoraI was working on my new detective story "I Was Working As Holmes' Assistant When I Got Hit By A Truck And Transported Into Another World?! Walking The Path of Deduction As A Warehouse Manager~" and imagining a crime scene in my head.当时我正在为我的新推理小说《作为福尔摩斯的助手我居然被卡车撞入了异世界？！~转生成为仓库管理员开启推理之路~》模拟凶杀现场。

NoraThere was a sudden flash of blue light outside the window now on my face, just like what Kuro said. It wasn't a steady light source, but a flickering flame.窗外突然升起的蓝光映在了我的脸上，就像卡萝所说的。那并不是稳定的光源，而是跳跃的火焰。

KimieThat does sound like a hitodama.的确和鬼火有些许相似。

KuroIn any case, now that the great miko-sama is here, I hope she can help exorcise the Oasis of its evil.总之有巫女大人在的话，就请巫女大人为绿洲净化驱邪好啦。

KuroThat way, I can start up my ghost story stream again.这样我的探灵直播就又有新噱头了。

CroqueWhat do you think, Kimie?君惠的意见呢？

KimieThis Kimie is willing to try. I hope you can help this humble maiden prepare certain items for the exorcism.君惠愿意尝试。还望大家能协助在下准备一些驱邪用品。

KuroWoohoo~ Looks like we're in for one hell of a show!哟~~~~好戏开场啦！

It is evening. Kimie is dressed in white and pouring water out of a porcelain bottle. The Oasis' greenery seems more vibrant after the watering.暮色时分，君惠身着白衣绯，将装在瓷瓶里的水倒出。绿洲的树木经受灌溉后似乎更加生机蓬勃。

KimieThe Oasis' trees are different from the real world. They don't suffer from insects or disease, and they grow most pleasantly.绿洲的树和现世不同，没有虫病灾害，长势也非常喜人。

CroqueUh, does the ritual to invoke the kami have anything to do with these trees?请神仪式和这些树有关吗？

KimieIn Shinto, it is said that all things possess a spirit of their own, or a kami, and the kami of all things are collectively referred to as the "yaoyorozu no kami".神道文化中有“万物皆有灵”的说法，所以才会有“八百万众神”。

KimieOnce, when this Kimie was journeying with Kaede-sama, we beheld a century-old tree.君惠过去和枫大人一起游历，曾见过一棵百年古树。

CroqueI can't believe such a tree managed to survive all those years of war.连年战争之下竟然还会有古树幸存。

KimieOh yes. This divine tree, this kamiki, was the subject of much worship, and thus it was very well cared for and grew well. It even had shimenawa tied around it.嗯。承载了大家的信仰，神木受到了很好的照料长势茂盛，树干上绑着注连绳。

KimieKaede-sama said she could hear the kamiki speaking with her.枫大人说，她可以听到神木在和她说话。

CroqueWhat about you, Kimie?那君惠呢？

Kimie looks down. She seems a little sad.君惠微微低下头，有些伤神。

KimieIt seems familiarity with the words of the kami is an exclusively human privilege. This Kimie was not able to replicate her feat.洞悉神明的言语，似乎是人类的专长。君惠没有办法做到那种程度。

KimieHowever well I performed the rites and however well I danced the kagura... This Kimie could not hear the kami speak.即便仪式再到位，祝舞再用心。君惠还是无法聆听神意。

KimieThat is why...所以……

She hides her right hand behind her and clenches it into a fist.她垂下的右手暗自握了一下拳。

KimieThat is why others considered this Kimie to be blasphemy against the kami.所以君惠才会被人认为是对神的亵渎……

CroqueAh... I've never seen a miko before so I don't really know what the standards for them are.那个……我没见过巫女，所以不清楚要做到什么标准。

CroqueBut I think the fact that you're working hard to help out people being bothered by the occult is a great thing.但君惠努力帮助被灵异困扰的人，这已经很好了吧。

Kimie looks up at the Doll before her. Croque is bad at talking with people, yet she's doing her best to cheer her on. She is deeply moved by the sincerity in Croque's eyes.君惠凝望着这位不善与人交际却好心劝解自己的人形。对方眼中的真诚深深打动了自己。

KimieMm, this Kimie understands.嗯，君惠明白。

KuroOi~喂~~~~

Kuro's voice comes from the distance.远处传来卡萝的声音。

KuroAre you ready yet~ Let's start the exorcism already. We've got over a thousand people watching the stream...一切都准备好了~我们开始除祟仪式吧，直播间的同接人数已经达到一千多人了……

Kuro...Hey! Why'd you grab my phone, Croque?!……欸欸，克罗琦！你抢我的手机做什么。

CroqueNo filming, photography, or recording allowed! Otherwise the gods will punish you for your disrespect.禁止摄影，摄像，录音！小心神明记你大不敬。

KuroOhh...哦……

Kimie...For this is Takamagahara, and I beseech the kami from the four directions to gather here...……此乃高天原，四方诸神请汇聚于此……

KimieRin. Pyou. Tou. Sha. Kai. Jin. Retsu. Zai. Zen!临、兵、斗、者、皆、阵、列、在、前！

The air seems to clear up as Kimie finishes her invocation. The wind blows across the kagura-suzu on the ground and stirs its bells to a quiet tinkling.随着君惠的祈祷，周围的空气似乎都开始变得清澈。风吹过陈列在地上的神乐铃，铃铛微微作响。

Kimie picks it up and begins her dance.君惠将神乐铃拿起，向四方挥动起舞。

NoraA miko, the kagura-suzu, and this air of holiness... This is great material! I need to note this down right now!巫女、神乐铃、神圣的气息……多么珍贵的写作素材！我要将这一刻记录下来！

KuroWow, Nora's pen is flying across the pages while she watches with a dorky smile on her face...呜哇，野良居然在一边傻笑一边奋笔疾书……

KuroStill, we can't see the hitodama during daytime. Will the exorcism really help?不过白天看不到鬼火，驱邪真的会有效吗？

CroqueBelieve in Kimie.相信君惠。

After finishing the last flourish of the bells, Kimie slowly comes to a halt.舞步渐停，君惠完成了最后的振铃。

KimieThe kami have cleansed the surrounding region. If the hitodama were up to mischief earlier, I do not believe they will return.神明已经将附近的灵净化，如若是鬼火作祟，应该不会再出现了。

KuroHeh, if they're still around, then it must be some kind of man-made circumstance!如果还存在的话，那就是人为的巧合喽。

Croque(Sighs) You know, I thought someone went out of their way to pull some kind of prank. But I feel more at ease after seeing that ritual. Looks like the situation's finally been resolved.呼，我之前还担心是有人特地搞出的恶作剧，但看了这个仪式，总感觉放下心来了。看来事情终于解决了。

KuroDammit Croque, have you forgotten how much of a jinx you are?!喂喂喂，克罗琦，别忘了你乌鸦嘴的属性啊！

CroqueAck, pretend I never said anything...呃，还是当我没说过吧……

Hitodama - 3 鬼火-3

Late at night, along one of the Oasis' streets.深夜，绿洲街道旁。

Willow stands outside the concert hall, preparing to conduct an exclusive interview with the super-popular idol Nanaka.薇洛儿正在演出场馆外，准备对超人气偶像七花进行独家采访。

WillowWe still have some time before the show ends...离演出结束还有一段时间啊……

WillowAlright then, since Nanaka isn't here yet, I'll look for a secluded place and practice running through the interview script!这样好了，趁着七花还没出来，先找个没人的地方，按照采访大纲排练一下吧！

编导Gotcha! The lights and camera are ready! You can start anytime.好的！灯光和摄像机已经准备好了，随时可以彩排。

WillowYup yup! Let's go! Good evening, ladies and gents!嗯嗯！那么这就开始了！观众朋友们大家好！

WillowWelcome to today's episode of "Oasis Idol Frontline". I'm your host, Willow!欢迎大家收看这一期的《绿洲偶像最前线》，我是薇洛儿！

WillowRecently, the super popular Miss Nanaka of the Oasis held her first personal concert of the...近日，绿洲超人气偶像七花小姐举办了本季度第一场个人……

Willow suddenly notices a blue speck bouncing around in the distance as she gazes into the camera.注视着镜头的薇洛儿突然发现远处有一些蓝色的光斑在跳动。

She doesn't give it much thought at first, but as time goes on, the speck grows larger and brighter.她并未在意，可随着时间流逝，那些光斑越来越大，也越来越耀眼。

Willow...So Miss... Nana... ka...……那么七……花……小姐……

编导What's wrong, Willow? Are you alright?怎么了薇洛儿，身体不舒服吗？

Willow points at the ghostly blue flame hovering in mid-air.薇洛儿指着空中妖冶的蓝色火焰。

The film crew turns to look where Willow is pointing. Now they see blue flames everywhere, winking in and out of existence.采访组众人顺着薇洛尔的手指方向看去，铺天盖地的蓝色火焰，仿佛鬼魅一般忽隐忽现。

编导That's...那是……

WillowIt's the hitodama they were talking about earlier!之前绿洲传闻中的鬼火！

The ghostly blue flames slowly approach the interview teams, followed by a chorus of cries that sound like a vengeful spirit seeking the lives of the innocent...幽蓝色的火焰逐步向采访组靠近，层层鸣叫像极了幽魂索命……

Two days later, at the Oasis' lounge.两天后，绿洲休息区域。

WillowAhhhh... it makes my heart pound just thinking about it. Changing the interview location at the last minute had a negative impact on the interview, but I expected that much.啊……现在想想还心有余悸，及时更换了采访地点播报状态依旧很差，采访效果不佳也是意料之中的事情。

CroqueI can't believe it. It was the hitodama again...竟然还是那些家伙……

As Kimie passes through the lounge, she is drawn in by their conversation and stops to ask Willow about what happened.路过休息区域的君惠被两人的对话吸引，停下脚步向薇洛儿询问情况。

KimieIs something bothering you, Willow-sama?大人有什么困扰吗？

CroqueAh, it's Kimie; you came just in time. Turns out I really did jinx things for everyone after all.啊，是君惠。来得正好，没想到我的乌鸦嘴还是应验了。

CroqueThe hitodama showed up again after that exorcism and ruined Willow's interview.那天的除祟仪式后，鬼火再次出现影响了薇洛儿的采访。

WillowThey were bigger than before, and weird screams or something accompanied them.比之前看到的还要大，还伴随着凄厉的叫声。

KimieDid the exorcism not work...除祟仪式没有效吗……

CroqueUm... I guess it was all fine. It proves that the Oasis isn't haunted or anything, and it was all a prank.呃……也算是好事吧。充分说明绿洲并没有什么灵异，一切都是恶作剧啦。

Kimie looks down at the gohei wand she is holding.君惠低下头注视着手中的御币。

KimieAs I thought, this Kimie has sinned against the kami and lacks the qualifications to help everyone in banishing spirits...亵渎神明的君惠，果真没有资格为大家除灵……

CroqueHey, don't feel bad, it's not your fault. The prankster needs to be physically exorcised.别灰心，那不是你的错。捣蛋鬼就应该用物理驱魔。

KimieSo I should not use a miko's power but employ physical means instead...不借助巫女的力量，而是采用物理的方法吗……

KimieMm. You are right, Croque. No matter what, this Kimie promised to help preserve the Oasis' purity.嗯，克罗琦所言极是呢。无论如何，君惠答应过要帮教授守护绿洲的清净。

KimieThis time, this Kimie will not draw on spiritual powers but her own efforts to dispel everyone's anxiety.这一次不靠巫女的灵力，由君惠来解决大家的困扰吧。

That night, Kimie spends three standard time units lying in wait near the locations where the hitodama were spotted.这一夜，君惠在鬼火发现地附近潜伏了三个标准时。

Kimie(Winces) The neural signals from my feet are starting to get delayed... I'm also getting more frequent neural strain index warnings.嘶……脚部的神经传导出现延迟……心智承压警告也开始频繁跳出。

KimieThe hitodama appear at unpredictable locations. Being able to spot them is entirely up to luck.鬼火出没地点不定，能否目睹异景只能依靠运气。

KimieAfter hiding here for so long, I hope I will be able to see the hitodama that Willow-sama spoke about.如此潜藏已经四晚，希望能见到薇洛儿大人所说的鬼火。

Kimie shifts in her hiding place and eases forward a little, lest she places too much strain on her legs.君惠调整隐藏的姿势，将身体重心前移，避免给双腿造成过重负担。

Just as she hides herself amidst the trees again, a wavering blue flame flashes before her eyes.正当她重新将自己埋在树丛中的时候，一团飘忽不定的蓝色火焰从眼前闪过。

Kimie quickly channels her operands to her detection systems and begins analyzing the hitodama before her.君惠迅速将算量汇集在侦察系统上，对视野中的鬼火进行分析。

Kimie...Sulphur, charcoal powder, copper salts...……硫黄、木炭粉、铜盐……

KimieThis composition... makes up fireworks...此构成……是花火……

KimieCroque was right. Somebody is playing a prank.克罗琦一语中的，的确是恶作剧啊。

Just as she says so, she hears a faint explosion.话音刚落，轻微的爆炸声传来。

Kimie turns toward the sound, and the sound of footsteps draws close, while the rustling of leaves between the trees becomes more distinct.君惠向爆炸声源方向走去，脚步逐渐逼近，树丛中窸窸窣窣的声音也越发清晰。

Until she sees a head of fluffy white hair wandering through the foliage...直到看到一颗毛茸茸的白色脑袋在树丛中来回摇晃……

???The fireworks are burning out too soon... But using too much fuel will cause a loud blast like before...烟花的持续时间太短了……可是如果剂量太大又会像刚才一样发出尖锐的爆炸声……

KimiePardon me...冒昧打扰……

???Aiieeee! Whew... Wow, you scared me; for a moment I thought it was Chelsea coming after me with a fire extinguisher.啊！呼呼……吓我一跳，还以为是炽又带着灭火器冲过来了。

KimieJudging by the smell of gunpowder, this ought to be the source of the hitodama.火药的气息，恐怕这里就是鬼火的源头了。

???You're...你是……

KimieYou may address me as Kimie. The one who has been appointed the miko of Kurenoyume Shrine.您可以称呼在下为君惠，乃是暮梦神社的巫女。

???Ohhhh, you must be that shrine maiden girl the Professor brought back two days ago, right? I'm Octogen, a demolitionist.哦，那个前两天被教授带回来的巫女吗？我是爆破工程师奥托金。

KimieAm I correct to surmise that the hitodama from before were the work of Sir?之前的鬼火，那些幽蓝色的火焰是阁下所为吗？

OctogenEr... Is that what you're calling them, hitodama? These are carefully designed pieces of pyrotechnic art, you know.呃……你们称它为鬼火？喂喂喂，这可是我精心设计出的艺术烟花。

OctogenI modeled them after blue morpho butterflies, though I haven't quite managed to get them to look like butterflies yet.灵感来源于蓝闪蝶，虽然还没有做出蝴蝶飞舞的样子。

KimiePyrotechnics? Are those like fireworks?烟花？花火？

OctogenYup... (Sigh) I wanted to give the Professor a surprise... but all my experiments so far haven't worked.对啊……唉，本来想给教授个惊喜……可是实验了多少次都没有成功。

OctogenThe indoor trials were fine since everything was fireproofed there, and there was no wind. But I didn't want to let everyone know about it...室内实验场地其实挺不错的，毕竟那里防火无风。可我不想让大家都知道……

OctogenI mean, they're all blabbermouths; they say they'll keep things secret, but they might end up spreading it throughout the Oasis in a couple of days.那些家伙，个个都八卦，说好了保密可能两三天就会把一件事传遍绿洲。

OctogenAnd as you know, fireworks only look good at night, so I had to spend over a month working on them... (groans) I'm getting a headache just talking about it.烟花又只能在晚上看出效果，我熬夜熬了一个多月……呼……现在说着就开始头痛了。

OctogenAhhhhhh... I worked on them for so long, but nobody can even tell they're supposed to be butterflies. Instead, they're actually calling them hitodama!啊啊啊啊……为什么实验了很久还是没有办法让人看出是蝴蝶啊，竟然还要被叫做鬼火。

KimieTo my knowledge, these hitodama... Ahem, I mean, Sir's fireworks once appeared in several regions throughout the Oasis...据我所知，鬼火……呃，阁下的花火曾在绿洲的数个区域出现过……

OctogenSomething went wrong with the weather simulators recently. They've been sending wind in all directions recently.之前一段时间那台气象模拟器也不知道发生了什么故障，每天随机吹东南西北风。

OctogenIn order to ensure the outdoor experiments went safely, I had to keep changing my test sites to keep the wind from influencing them.为了保证室外实验的安全性，我也只能隔三岔五地更换实验场所，避免风向影响。

OctogenBelieve me, running all over with a big pile of experimental gear is a huge pain!搬着大堆的实验器材跑来跑去真是麻烦死了！

KimieHehe...呵呵……

KimieIf Sir is not opposed to it, perhaps you could conduct your tests at Kurenoyume Shrine. It seems to be a suitable location.阁下如果不嫌弃的话，暮梦神社算是一个实验良址。

KimieThe yard is spacious and vacant, and it should supply you with ample room for your endeavors.庭院内空旷无人，有平坦空地供您作业。

KimieKaede-sama took steps to fireproof Kurenoyume Shrine in the real world, and the artisans of the Oasis have reproduced her efforts.枫大人曾为现世的暮梦神社做过良好的防火，绿洲神社的工艺也完全还原了防火设施。

KimieThus, you need not fear creating a fire hazard. If you could conduct your experiments on the shrine grounds, then you would not need to run around any further.您无需顾虑会引起火灾。在神社中进行实验，就不用四处奔波了。

OctogenThat shrine... I actually conducted some experiments outside it once.那个神社……我之前有在外面尝试过。

OctogenIf I'm not wrong, it belongs to you... But wouldn't setting off fireworks in a holy place like that violate a taboo or something?那里是你的地盘吧，但在神社这种清净的地方实验烟花，不会成为忌讳吗？

KimieIn the 17th century, there was a kind of hand-carried firework that originated from shrines.十七世纪时有一种手桶烟花，正是起源于神社。

KimiePeople would pack gunpowder into bamboo tubes, which they would have to embrace with both arms when they set them off. The ensuing golden sparkles would fill the shrine with a warm light.人们将火药装进竹筒，释放时必须抱住整个竹筒，点燃后金色的流光会把整个神社照得温暖明亮。

KimiePerhaps the kami must have been feeling lonely; otherwise, why would they want their quiet shrines to be filled with clamorous fireworks?清净的神社却发明出喧嚣的烟花，也正是因为神明大人太过寂寞了吧。

KimieAlso, this Kimie must confess a selfish motive of her own... This Kimie would like to see the Professor smiling in surprise.况且，君惠也有私心……君惠也很想看到教授惊喜的笑颜呢。

OctogenWell, uh... You talk kind of weird, but you're a nice person.嘛……咳咳，虽然你这个人说话奇奇怪怪，但人还不错嘛。

OctogenAnd here I was thinking you'd report me to Chelsea. Guess I was overthinking things.我还以为你会向炽举报我，看来是我多心了。

Octogen(Coughs) Although... How shall I put this, I hope you can help keep it a secret until I finish developing the fireworks.咳……怎么说呢，在烟花研制成功前，还麻烦你对大家保密。

OctogenIt wouldn't be much of a surprise if the word got out. Still, we're friends, right? That much trust shouldn't be an issue.要是暴露也就没什么惊喜可言了。不过我们是同伴，这点信任还是没问题的吧。

KimieTrust? You mean, like you would a friend...信任？对同伴的信任……

KimieIs this Kimie truly worthy of such a precious thing?这么珍贵的东西君惠也能拥有吗？

OctogenAw come on, don't sell yourself short. Aren't we all friends here in the Oasis?啊，不要说得这么凄凉啦，绿洲的大家不都是同伴吗？

OctogenYou gotta have faith in these things. The Oasis would have been blown sky-high by now if we hadn't had basic trust in each other.对这种事情一定要有信心，基本的信任都没有的话，绿洲可能早就被轰上天了。

OctogenThose inflexible Sanctifiers and those dumb violent Entropics are hard enough to deal with as it is.不懂变通的净化者和那群又笨又暴力的熵群已经够难对付了。

Kimie smiles and nods.君惠微笑着点点头。

Octogen(Sigh) Why can't I stabilize these fireworks...唉……为什么这些烟花一直没有办法稳定啊。

KimieIs Sir referring to their color?阁下是指颜色？

OctogenThe color, the brightness, their duration... none of them are working out. It's like everything I try ends up a failure.颜色，亮度，持续时间……各方面都是，怎么想都是个失败品……

KimieYet, it is from failure that success springs. If you can learn from your failures, then one cannot say that you have gained nothing from them.成败相因正是如此，能从中汲取经验未尝不可。

KimieStill, I would submit that the fireworks Sir has created are not shaped quite like butterflies. When the butterflies dance, their wings flutter like so...不过大人所做花火，其形状和蝴蝶并不是很接近呢，荧蝶起舞，双翼婆娑……

OctogenWait a minute! Did you mention shape just now?等等！你说形状？

KimieSir's fireworks resemble a leaping hook shape. Ah, by which I mean they are "triangular" in appearance.大人的烟火更接近跃动的勾股形。啊，勾股形即为现世所言的“三角形”。

OctogenIf I could change their shape, I might be able to improve their stability as well... Dammit, I didn't manage to think from the angle of aesthetics at all.如果更改形状的话，或许稳定度也能提升……可恶，完全输在审美上了呢。

OctogenStill, at least I know which direction to head in now. Thanks, Kimie; you helped a lot!不过好在总算是有思路了。你真是帮了大忙了，君惠！

Not long after, the blue fireworks light up the darkness once again...不久之后的黑暗中，蓝色的烟花再度亮起……

Hitodama - 4 鬼火-4

Several days later, in the Oasis' lounge.几日后，绿洲休息区。

KuroIt's been three days since the hitodama vanished.今天已经是鬼火消失的第三天了。

Kuro(Sigh) So much for my outdoor ghost-chasing stream...唉，我的户外灵异探秘直播啊，就这么泡汤了……

WillowHehe, I for one am glad that there aren't any more hitodama interfering with my interviews.嘿嘿，我倒是很庆幸影响我采访的鬼火没再出现了。

KuroHow lovely. If only livestream audiences could accept boring days when nothing happened.真羡慕啊，如果直播间的观众也能接受平淡的日常就好了。

KuroIt sure would be nice if those cyber-ghosts could pull some new stunt to save my viewer count.我还希望那些赛博幽灵能搞出新花样来拯救我的直播间同接数呢。

??Be careful of what you wish for. Being haunted is a troublesome fate.魑魅魍魉，新鬼烦冤。被纠缠上可是很麻烦的哦。

KuroFights only look good when they're against strong opponents! But like seriously, that exorcism of yours worked really well, Kimie.对手足够强大才足够博人眼球嘛！君惠你的除祟真的很有用呢。

KimieHehe, although from a certain point of view, it was not actually the exorcism that solved the issue.呵呵，从某种角度来说也不是除祟仪式起了作用。

KimieThe hitodama came from somewhere, after all. What this one did was merely to guide them to where they had to go.鬼火自有来处，在下所作的仅仅是引路让其归于归处。

WillowAnd where is that? The River Styx?哪里？是冥河吗？

KimieTo the feet of the kami. Perhaps the bustle of the mundane would help ease their loneliness.是神明脚下。些许人间烟火气也能排解神明的寂寥吧。

WillowHah? What does that mean?啊？这是什么意思啊？

Creak—吱——

An ashy-faced Doll pushes open the door to the lounge. Excitement gleams in his orange eyes.休息室的门被一个灰头土脸的人形推开，橘红色的双瞳中溢出了兴奋的光彩。

???I did it! I did it!成功了！成功了！！

WillowWhat happened, Octogen? Why are you so excited?发生什么事了，奥托金怎么这么兴奋？

KuroHe did it... He managed to rig the dorms with detonators and explosive charges?!成功了……成功在宿舍里塞了雷管和起爆器？！

Octogen(Coughs) It's okay if you don't understand. The answer will be revealed soon enough.咳咳，你们不了解也没关系，再过不久答案就会揭晓了。

KuroTsk, someone's acting all mysterious today.啧，搞得这么神秘。

KimieHehe, it seems Sir Octogen also had a hand in resolving the hitodama incident.呵呵，想来鬼火事件的解决也有奥托金阁下的一份功劳呢。

WillowHm? Do you have a scoop for me, Miko-sama?欸？巫女大人有什么独家新闻吗？

KuroWait a minute! Don't tell me... it was all HIS doing from the start?!等等！不会……一切都是这个家伙搞的鬼吧！

KimieWell, about that...啊，这个嘛……

KuroKimie! And here I was about to say that you'd gotten closer to us recently and you weren't using formal language as frequently as in the past.君惠！刚刚还想说你最近和我们亲近了许多，谦辞的使用都不像以前那么频繁了。

KuroYou aren't hiding anything from us, are you...你不会有什么事情瞒着我们吧……

KimieAll things have mysteries which are not necessarily known to man. This Kimie is merely part of this world.万事万物皆有所隐蔽，不为人知。君惠只是万千众生之一罢了。

KuroAhhhhh, that's a sneaky answer!啊——好狡猾的回答！

Kimie smiles at Willow and Kuro but says nothing. Opposite her, Octogen sighs in relief.君惠以沉默的微笑应对卡萝和薇洛儿的追问，而另一边的奥托金长舒了一口气。

Kimie(Hehe... I hope I'll be able to see the Professor smile soon.)（呵呵……教授露出惊喜笑颜的那天，希望我也能看见呢……）

Sleepwalking - 1 梦行-1

Inside the Oasis' Ops Room.绿洲，指挥部。

We're having a rare moment of peace, which I'm using to enjoy afternoon tea.难得的悠闲午后，可以平静地享受下午茶时光。

ProfessorSo sweet...真甜啊……

ProfessorAs it turns out, Souchun was raising seasonal fruits in addition to her tea leaves.除了茶叶，薮春竟然还种了时令的水果。

ProfessorThese pomegranates are quite something. They look and taste better than the previous harvest.这石榴还真不一般，无论是外观还是甜度都比之前的品种优秀很多。

ProfessorYou should try some, Kimie.君惠你尝尝。

KimiePomegranates... These were once offerings donated to the shrine in previous years. So the season for pomegranates came before I realized it...石榴……正是往年的祭品之一呢。不知不觉已经到了采摘石榴的时候……

KimieCome to think of it, this Kimie has imposed on everyone for quite some time now. I ought to go back and prepare for Akimatsuri.想来君惠叨扰大家已有些许时日，此时也该回去准备秋祭了。

ProfessorSo you're heading back already?这就要回去了吗？

Professor(It took so much effort to get her out of the shrine, but she'll be heading back soon. Is she unhappy here? It seems like the Dolls might need further lessons in how to handle their peers.)（好不容易才从神社把她请出来，没过多久又要回去，难道是在这里呆着不开心吗？看来人形的心理疏导教育还要进一步完善。）

KimieThere is no need to worry, Professor. Everyone has been very kind to this Kimie.教授不必介怀，绿洲的各位都待君惠极为友善。

KimieIt was only after coming to the Oasis that I came to understand the meaning of friends and of trust. But for the same reason, this Kimie is afraid...身在绿洲才知晓伙伴为何，信任为何。也正因如此，君惠更怕……

ProfessorWhat frightens you?怕什么？

KimieI am afraid that I have not lived up to the teachings that Kaede-sama has imparted to me.怕辜负了现世枫大人的悉心教诲。

KimieKaede-sama made ample preparations for this Kimie, and thus this Kimie cannot let her down because of her selfish ego.枫大人已为君惠做好了妥善的安排，君惠不可凭一己私心辜负枫大人的期待。

KimieThis Kimie came to banish spirits, and now there are none plaguing the Oasis. All is at peace, all my friends are happy and well, one could say the matter has been satisfactorily concluded.君惠是为除灵而来，现在绿洲无鬼怪作异，一片祥和。诸位友人欢欣健康，已是圆满。

KimieThis Kimie's aim has been achieved, and thus it is time to bid everyone farewell.君惠的目的也算达成了，是时候向各位辞行了。

ProfessorAh... So there are no more occult incidents?啊……没有灵异事件了吗？

ProfessorHm... I thought I remembered one...嗯……我怎么记得还有呢……

Just as I rack my brains trying to think of a reason to have Kimie continue to stay with us, Choco hops and skips into the Ops Room with a basket in hand.正当我绞尽脑汁想理由把君惠留下来时，巧可提着篮子蹦蹦跳跳跑进了指挥部。

ChocoProfessor! Enjoying afternoon snack time?教授！正在享受午后的点心时间吗?

ChocoAh, you must be the great shrine maiden the Professor was talking about earlier.啊，这位是教授之前说起的巫女大人吧。

ChocoPlease have some, Miss Maiden. It's the latest chocolate from my Chocolaterie.巫女大人也帮我尝尝吧，工坊最新推出的巧克力。

ProfessorMmm... Chocolate... Omnomnom...巧克力……啊呜……

Just as I open my mouth, it is filled with the taste of sweet honey, and it is joined by the fragrance of liquor after my teeth pierce the crispy outer shell of the confection.嘴刚刚张大，就被塞了满口的甜蜜，咬破外层的脆壳之后，浓郁的酒香溢出。

ProfessorChoco... this is an alcoholic chocolate, right?巧可……是酒心巧克力啊。

ChocoYup, made with the pomegranate wine brewed by Souchun~对~是用薮春的石榴酿造的酒哦~

ChocoThe wine's burning sensation is gone, leaving only the original fragrance. Ahhhh~ just thinking about how it goes well with the rich honey makes my mouth happy!去掉酒自身的刺激口感，只保留原始的香醇。哎呀~浓厚甜蜜的味道~想想就很开心！

ChocoI'll be frank, Professor. I went through many iterations of the recipe while making it, and my kitchen bench is filled with failed products, so much so that I almost got buried by them once.不瞒教授，其实巧可失败了好多次，工坊里堆满了失败的试验品，有一次差点把我自己埋掉。

ProfessorYou need to clear your waste in a timely manner, Choco...废弃物要及时清理，巧可……

ChocoHere's the strange thing, though... All my failed chocolates disappeared the very next day...不过很奇怪呢，第二天那些烹饪失败的巧克力就都全部消失了……

ChocoAt first, Choco thought one of the cleaning agents had removed them, but everyone said they hadn't received any work requests from the Chocolaterie...巧可原本以为是负责清洁的智能体将失败品回收了。可是大家都说从没有接到工坊要求提供回收服务的需求……

ProfessorThat's strange... Ah!奇怪呢……哎呀！

I pat my head and turn to look sternly at Kimie.我拍了拍自己的脑袋，转身严肃地对君惠说。

ProfessorWhat a coincidence! Choco mentioned this occult incident earlier. (Sigh) We've been so busy lately that I only remembered it when she brought it up.其实巧可早和我说过这件灵异事件，唉，最近事务繁忙，经过她的提醒才想起来。

ChocoAn occult incident...灵异事……

Choco was about to speak up but I quickly give her the Look.巧可刚想反驳，我迅速向她使了个眼色。

KimieIs this the case of the missing sweets you were speaking of just now, Choco-sama?是巧可大人刚才所言的甜品失踪事件吗？

ChocoWell, it's not like it's sales stock; it's just failed creations awaiting disposal.也不是用于出售的巧克力啦，只是待处理的巧克力失败品。

KimieCould someone have mixed the failed specimens with the successful ones?莫非是智能体将失败品混入成品巧克力中了？

ChocoAh, the Dolls in the Chocolaterie are all very well trained.啊，工坊的智能体都是经过严格培训的。

ChocoNone of them would end up being served to customers, much less sold, without Choco's approval.没有经过巧可确认，那些失败品不会端给客人更不会用于出售。

ChocoLetting failed products into the market would ruin the Chocolaterie's brand! Choco would never let that happen.失败的巧克力流入市场……就会砸掉工坊的招牌！巧可绝对不会允许这样的事发生。

KimieSomething that likes hiding things and pulling pranks. A poltergeist, perhaps?好藏物，喜捉弄。可能是吵闹鬼吧。

ChocoHm hm, Choco wouldn't know about that, I'm afraid...唔唔，这就触及到巧可的知识盲区了……

KimieHmm... It is said in the ancient texts, "The case laid before, a sudden loss, a chicken births shocks, which then disappear."古文献中也有记载，“盘案在前，忽然便失，鸡生子，辄失去”。

KimiePerhaps these phenomena were caused by someone's special abilities.大抵是人的特异功能致动造成的一种现象。

Kimie thinks for a bit, then retracts her answer.君惠思考了一会儿，转念间又否定了自己的答案。

KimieBut Professor, such spooks and supernatural occurrences should not be possible, given the Oasis' current structure.可是教授，以绿洲目前的构成来说是不会有灵异与鬼怪的。

KimieIt would be more sensible to explain such things through the abundance or deficiency of operands.如果有类似的情况以算量增减来解释或许更能说得通。

ProfessorCould I trouble you to help solve this issue, Kimie? It seems we have a true believer in distress right now.能麻烦君惠帮巧可解决这个问题吗？此时此刻正有一位虔诚的信徒遭受困扰呢。

KimieThis Kimie will do her best to help Choco-sama with her difficulties, no matter what kind of abnormality might have taken place.无论是何种异常，君惠定会倾力相助，帮助巧可大人解决困扰。

ProfessorYour job doesn't just end with the reason why her chocolates failed to work out.不只是巧克力失败的原因哦。

KimieProfessor, what do you mean...?教授所言是……？

ProfessorThere's something more important out there, waiting for you to discover it.还有更重要的东西，等你找到它。

Sleepwalking - 2 梦行-2

At the Oasis, inside Choco's Chocolaterie.绿洲，巧克力工坊。

Choco points to the empty table and sighs.巧可指着空荡荡的桌面叹气。

ChocoThis is the place. This worktable might look empty right now, but can you imagine what it was like yesterday? Alllllll~ those failed chocolates, piled as high as a mountain!就是这里，别看现在桌子上是空的，你能想象昨天这里的样子吗？这——么——多——那些失败品已经堆成山了！

ChocoWhile clearing them out did solve a problem, we still need to figure out why they disappeared.清理了这些失败品算是解决了一个麻烦，可无论如何还是想弄清楚原因呢。

KimieHave you spoken to the Chocolaterie's visitors, Choco-sama?巧可大人询问过工坊的来客吗？

ChocoYup, yup. I asked everyone and most people said they hadn't passed by, while the ones who DID visit the Chocolaterie said they hadn't taken them away.嗯嗯，之前问过大家，很多人都说没有来过。而一些到访过工坊的人说没有把它们带走。

Kimie slowly walks around the worktable and sizes it up, and then she closes her eyes to quietly feel the flow of the air.君惠围着桌子细细打量，而后闭上眼睛静静感受气息的流动。

KimieI do not sense the presence of the occult. Usually, the locations of spiritual occurrences tend to have some similarities.没有察觉到灵异的气息。通常灵异出现总归有些相似处。

KimieFor instance, sudden drops in temperature and magnetic fluctuations. Meanwhile, the interior of the Chocolaterie is stable, and none of the aforementioned phenomena appear to have occurred.诸如局部温度骤降，磁场波动，工坊里的环境稳定，并没有这样的特征。

Beepbeep~嘀、嘀……

ChocoThat's strange. Is that a call from the Security Department?奇怪，安全部的讯息？

The comms alert rings again, and Choco puts it through.急促的通信请求声响起，巧可接通通讯请求。

智能体Greetings. An agent reported that there was a vampire sighted near your Chocolaterie last night.您好，有智能体反映，昨夜您的工坊附近有吸血鬼出没。

ChocoWhaaaaa?!啊？？

KimieA vampire?吸血鬼？

智能体The nearby camera systems were taken offline for upgrading, so we have no footage to verify the details.近期私用监控系统正在升级，期间无法通过监控影像确认具体细节。

智能体All we can do is advise you to keep an eye open. If anything strange happens, please notify the Security Department ASAP.只能请您先行留意。如果出现情况异常请及时向安全部求助。

ChocoYup yup, Choco gets it.嗯嗯，巧可知道了。

Choco nods, and then she switches off the transmission with a blank look on her face.巧可点点头，而后一脸茫然地关闭视讯信息。

ChocoAhhhhh, Choco feels a chill down her spine. Is there really a monster there?啊啊啊，巧可的后背冷嗖嗖的，真的是鬼怪吗？

Choco(Whimper) Why do the monsters always have to hang around Choco's Chocolaterie? Don't they usually eat people?呜……鬼怪为什么要出现在巧可的工坊附近。鬼怪不都是吃人的吗？

ChocoOh no! The Professor's going to get eaten!糟糕，教授！教授要被吃掉了！

KimiePffft...噗嗤……

The usually quiet and dignified Kimie can't help but laugh.一向端庄安静的君惠忍不住笑出了声。

KimieHehe... The Professor has their own way of banishing demons.呵呵……教授自有妙法除魔。

KimieThe creatures born of the night will naturally be found in the night as well. The answer will reveal itself once the night comes.夜中生异，解于暗日。一切到了夜晚，自然会有答案。

ChocoI got it! We'll lie in wait for it! Angela told me a story like that once.我知道了！守株待兔！之前安吉拉给我们讲过这个故事。

KimieMmhm. The simplest ways are best.嗯。朴素的方法最为实用。

KimieNow that I think about it, this Kimie has been with everyone for quite some time now, but I have not been able to sleep in peace much during this period.想来君惠已经和大家相处数日，可放心安睡的时日却并不多见。

KimieI blame these crafty ghosts for only coming out at night.谁让机灵的鬼怪总选择夜间出没呢。

Late at night, near the Chocolaterie.深夜，工坊附近。

It is the night of the new moon, and the surroundings are pitch black once the room's lights are extinguished.这一晚正值朔日，室内灯光熄灭后四周一片漆黑。

Choco squats in the corner of the room and leans up against Kimie. Her eyelids close despite her best efforts, and she begins snoring quietly shortly thereafter.蹲在角落的巧可靠着君惠肩膀，眼皮不由自主的闭上，片刻后微弱的鼾声响起。

ChocoZzz... zzz...呼……呼……

KimieChoco-sama, please wake up. "It" is here!巧可大人，醒醒。“它”来了！

A silhouette suddenly appears in a distant corridor. "It" seems very familiar with the surroundings and moves without hesitation, heading straight for the door, pushing it open, and entering the Chocolaterie.远处的走廊中突然出现一个身影，“它”似乎对附近很熟悉，动作不带任何犹豫，径直推门进入工坊。

Just like before, the worktable is heaped high with failed chocolates. Meanwhile, "it" walks right up to it (surprising nobody) and begins wolfing down double handfuls of chocolate.桌上和前几天一样堆着失败后的巧克力山。而“它”也正如众人所料的那样，双手迫不及待捧起巧克力大快朵颐了起来。

Crunch crunch...咔哧咔哧……

A pair of blood-red eyes emits an eerie glow in the darkness, and the pomegranate liquor oozes out of its mouth. This nocturnal devourer can only be...血红的双瞳在黑暗中发出异样的光芒，巧克力中的石榴酒淌在嘴边。夜晚的这只饕餮仿佛就是……

KimieA vampire...吸血鬼……

ChocoYOU CHOCOLATE THIEF!!!! I'VE GOT YOU!!!!抓住你啦！！！！巧克力小偷！！！！

Choco yells and lunges at the black figure.巧可一声高呼，向黑影扑去。

Crash!哐当！

KimieChoco-sama!巧可大人！

ChocoAck... Owie!嘶……痛！

Kimie quickly turns on the light, revealing a youthful face squashed under Choco's body. Upon seeing the identity of the thief, Choco shouts at the top of her lungs.君惠赶忙把灯打开，被压在巧可身下的是一张稚嫩的童颜。看清楚“小偷”的真面目后，巧可震声大喊。

ChocoEh—It's HELIX??????诶——贺莉斯？？？？？？

KimieThis... seems to be a friend from the Oasis.这……好像是绿洲的同伴呢。

ChocoBut why would she eat all these failed chocolates?可是为什么要偷吃这些失败的巧克力试验品呢？

ChocoHelix? Helix??贺莉斯？贺莉斯？？

KimieThere is something wrong with Helix-sama's eyes.贺莉斯大人的眼神有异。

ChocoUh... They look kind of empty. Did she get possessed or something?呜……简直像被勾魂夺魄了一样，会不会是被什么幽灵附身了啊。

Kimie leans in close to listen, and she hears Helix's even breathing and quiet snores. That, combined with the dazed look in her eyes, brings an idea to Kimie's mind.君惠贴近耳朵细细聆听，平稳的鼻息混着小小的鼾声。再加上呆滞的眼神，君惠脑中冒出了一个猜想。

KimieIs Helix-sama a sleepwalker, by any chance?贺莉斯大人会不会有梦行症？

ChocoBy sleepwalking, you mean...梦行症是……

KimieI refer to the phenomenon where people unconsciously rise and move around at night.就是人们常言的“梦游”。

Beepbeep...嘀嘀……

系统Operands at 15% capacity. Unable to support high-output work mode. Please remember to eat in a timely manner to replenish operand levels...算量剩余15%，无法维持高功率作业状态，请及时进食补充算量……

KimieShe has insufficient operands, and her Neural Strain Index is maxed out. How did this happen?算量不足，心智承压达到上限，怎会如此？

ChocoUm... I haven't seen Helix-chan in a few days. Anna told Choco that Helix was working with the Medical Department on some kind of gene... program... thing, ah, no, it's some kind of gene compiling surgery.呜……几天都没见到贺莉斯酱了呢，安娜有告诉过巧可，贺莉斯酱在配合医疗部进行什么……基因……编程、啊不对是编译手术。

ChocoWhen Helix first came to the Oasis, she thought she was useless and Choco doted on her.贺莉斯酱刚来到绿洲的时候，一直认为自己很没有用，巧可也很心疼她。

ChocoBut thanks to Anna's new system, Helix can finally make full use of her specialty.在安娜的新系统开发后，贺莉斯酱终于可以发挥自己的专长了。

ChocoShe must have pushed herself too hard, from the look of things.看她现在的样子，一定是努力过头了。

Choco gently touches Helix's shoulder.巧可轻轻摸摸贺莉斯的肩膀。

KimieIs there nobody who can wake Helix-sama up from this state?贺莉斯大人这个状态难道没有人提醒吗？

ChocoThe researchers did tell her not to do high-intensity work for 24 straight hours before.研究员们之前也和她说过不可以连续24小时高强度工作哦。

ChocoBut Helix-chan kept falling back into her old habits, and Choco kept seeing her on the Medical Department's sickbeds.可贺莉斯酱依旧是老样子，巧可好几次都是在医疗部的病床上见到她的。

KimieSo in this low-operand state, her body is still following its instincts to replenish its energy levels through eating, even though her neural cloud is already in sleep mode.低算量状态下，心智虽然已经进入休眠，机体还是会遵循本能寻找食物来补充能量。

ChocoAh! Choco understands now. No wonder Helix-chan came to steal chocolates from the Chocolaterie.啊！巧可明白了，难怪贺莉斯酱会来工坊偷吃巧克力。

ChocoPoor Helix-chan. You're not useless anymore, so you don't need to push yourself so hard. Okay?可怜的贺莉斯酱。贺莉斯酱不是没用的人，不要再勉强自己了，好吗？

KimieUseless...没用的人……

As Kimie looks at Helix, she feels a strange sense of kinship with the girl in front of her.君惠注视着呆呆的贺莉斯，感受到了自己与眼前女孩的相似之处。

KimieThis Kimie had similar worries upon leaving the shrine.从神社走出的那一刻，君惠也有了同样的烦恼。

ChocoAh well. Let's just wake Helix-chan up first and let her get something to eat.哎呀，总之先叫醒贺莉斯酱让她吃一些东西好了。

Kimie gently shakes her head.君惠轻轻摇头。

KimieIt's best not to wake up sleepwalkers.梦游症的话还是不要叫醒为好。

ChocoWhy is that?为什么啊？

KimieWaking up sleepwalkers makes them become stupid.叫醒梦游的人会让她变傻哦。

ChocoWHAT?! Then what should we do? Choco was so loud just now, what if I made Helix-chan crash? (Sob) Helix-chan...啊？那怎么办！巧可刚刚那么大声会不会让贺莉斯酱宕机啊。呜呜，贺莉斯酱——

KimieHehe, that was just a rumor. You need not worry yourself about that, Choco-sama.呵呵，只是传闻罢了。巧可大人不必担心。

Kimie gently scoops up the unconscious girl before her and slowly infuses her operands into her body.君惠轻轻抱起眼前呆滞的女孩，将自己的算量缓缓地注入她的身体。

The gentle, warm energy slowly relaxes the girl, and her tensed eyelids slowly droop down as she slumps into Kimie's embrace.柔和温暖的算量让女孩的精神逐渐放松，困顿的眼皮慢慢垂下，整个人安逸放松地倒在君惠怀里。

ChocoKimie, are you giving Helix-chan your operands? Are you going to be okay?君惠把自己的算量传输给贺莉斯酱了吗？会不会自己不舒服呀？

KimieThis Kimie is alright. I would rather Helix-sama be able to have lovely dreams without interruptions.君惠无碍。比起这些，我更希望贺莉斯大人能有一个美丽无忧的梦。

KimieGoodnight, Helix-sama.晚安，贺莉斯大人。

Sleepwalking - 3 梦行-3

Helix sleeps very well tonight.这一夜，贺莉斯睡得很安稳。

The sunlight shines through the window and onto her face, rousing her "biological clock". As she opens her eyes, Helix is briefly stunned. She is no longer in the lab; she has returned to her dorm room at some point.阳光透过窗帘缝隙照到她脸上，唤醒了她的“生物钟”。睁开双眼的一霎那，贺莉斯陷入了诧异。原来自己早已不在研究院，不知什么时候回到了自己的宿舍。

??Rise and shine. I hope you slept well, Helix-sama.晨辉晓露，蔚然醒来。一晚好梦，贺莉斯大人。

The shrine maiden before her narrows her eyes and smiles. Helix remembers this Doll. She could sense her reserve when the Professor first brought her back, but she seems much cheerier now.巫女眯着眼冲她微笑，贺莉斯记得这个人形。教授带她回来的时候自己能感受到她身上的拘谨，现在似乎开朗了许多。

HelixKi... Kimi...君……君……

??Please call me Kimie, Helix-sama.贺莉斯大人唤我君惠就好。

ChocoAh, you're awake at last, Helix-chan. Any later and your breakfast would have gone cold.啊啊，贺莉斯酱终于醒了呢。再不起床的话早饭可能就要凉了哦。

Her dorm table is packed with all kinds of Japanese food, ranging from bentos, sushi, and ochazuke... There are over 10 different types of snacks alone.宿舍的餐桌上满满当当摆了一堆日式饭食，便当、寿司、茶泡饭……连点心都有十几种。

HelixThis is breakfast?这是早饭？

KimieI didn't know what you cared to have, so this Kimie could only make some normal dishes.不知大人倾心什么口味，君惠只能烹调一些日常饭菜。

KimiePlease do not worry too much if they suit your appetite, Helix-sama.如果有符合贺莉斯大人胃口的，请不必多虑，尽情享用。

ChocoYou also need to balance your nutrient intake, Helix-chan~也要注意营养均衡哦，贺莉斯酱~

HelixAh... So you and Kimie... you all made this food for me?啊……这么多食物都是巧可和君惠……为我准备的吗？

KimieI heard you had not been eating well for quite some time, Helix-sama. Perhaps a meal like this would help restore your vitality.听闻贺莉斯大人许久没有好好用餐，或许这样一顿饭食可以帮助您恢复元气。

Kimie's words make the corners of Helix's eyes moisten up. She exhales heavily and blinks back the tears in her eyes, then selects a plum onigiri from the cornucopia of food before her.君惠的话让贺莉斯湿了眼眶。她长呼一口气，憋回眼中的泪水，从琳琅满目的食物中挑选了一个梅子饭团。

HelixWow... This is delicious!呜哇……好吃欸！！

HelixThe rice is sweet and soft, and the dried plums are so refreshing...米粒香甜松软，梅干也很清新。

HelixAh~ Why does your food taste so good, Kimie? I won't be able to stop at this rate.啊~~~为什么君惠做饭这么好吃呢？这样下去会停不下来的。

KimiePlease, go ahead.您不用客气。

Helix's hunger has long since triumphed over any reserve she might have had. Helix has a roll of sushi in her left hand and a cube of yokan in her right, while her mouth keeps chewing and chewing.身体对食物的渴望早已战胜自己的矜持。贺莉斯左手一个寿司，右手一块羊羹，嘴巴一直在不停地咀嚼。

HelixMfff... If you hadn't reminded me, Helix would have forgotten I hadn't eaten for several days.呜……如果不是你们提醒我，贺莉斯都忘记自己几天没有吃饭了。

ChocoWell, you had 15% of your operands left. It's amazing that you could perform complicated gene compilation procedures under those conditions, Helix-chan.算量残余还剩15%。在这种情况下还能完成高难度的基因编译手术，贺莉斯酱已经很厉害了。

ChocoDo you remember what happened last night, Helix-chan?贺莉斯酱还记得昨晚发生的事吗？

Helix shakes her head.贺莉斯摇摇头。

HelixI only remember doing experiments in the lab, and then I forgot everything else.我只记得自己在研究所里做实验，后面的事情就全都不记得了。

ChocoHuh? You don't remember anything at all?欸？一点印象都没有了吗？

ChocoFor example... Going somewhere to eat chocolate? Lots and lots of chocolate?比如说去……去某个地方吃巧克力，好多好多巧克力！

HelixUm... I don't remember.嗯……没有印象了。

KimieHelix-sama, you had not eaten for many days, and in your sleep, your body was no longer under control and entered the Chocolaterie.贺莉斯大人多日未曾进食，休眠中身体不受控制潜入工坊。

HelixEhhhhhh??? Then, did I do anything that hurt everyone?欸？？？那我有做什么伤到大家吗？

ChocoHehe, not at all. You just ate some failed chocolates. Don't worry about it, Helix-chan.嘿嘿，没有啦，只是去工坊偷吃了一些巧克力失败品。贺莉斯酱不用介意。

KimieAfter your neural cloud entered sleep mode, your body followed its instincts and searched for high-energy food... At least, that seems to be the logic your system was using, Helix-sama.心智休眠后，机体本能会驱使自己寻找高能量的食物……贺莉斯大人的系统逻辑似乎是这样的呢。

HelixAh, I remember now. Before this, in the real world, Helix often operated in low-power mode.啊，我想起来了。之前在现实世界，贺莉斯也经常处于低能量状态。

HelixIn order to prevent me from consuming too much energy, Helix had an override protection system installed... (whimper) So that's how it worked!为了避免过度消耗，除了研究员们的照料，贺莉斯还装载过保护系统……呜……没想到是这种保护系统！

HelixI can't believe I actually went sleepwalking... This is so embarrassing...贺莉斯竟然会梦游，真是太丢人了……

KimieThere is no need to feel ashamed of this, Helix-sama. But you must take good care of yourself.贺莉斯大人不用为此感到羞愧，要好好珍重身体才是。

HelixTake care of myself... (winces)珍重身体……呜……

????I may not be able to keep you company any further, Helix... So please, take good care of yourself.之后我可能无法再陪伴贺莉斯了……贺莉斯要好好珍重身体。

The bitterness rising in her heart causes Helix to put down the yokan she's holding. She stares at her plate for a long time without saying a word.内心涌起的沉闷让她放下手中的羊羹，盯着盘子久久不语。

KimieHelix-sama...贺莉斯大人……

HelixMm, I'm fine, Kimie. I just remembered some things...唔，我没事，君惠。只是回想起了一些事情……

KimieWas it from the real world?现实世界中的事情吗？

HelixYeah. In the past, when Helix was in the real world, all I had to do was complete my research in the lab and focus all my efforts on challenging the genetic problems of the world.嗯。以前贺莉斯在现实世界，只要每天在实验室里做研究就好，竭尽全力地去挑战世界上的基因难题。

HelixHelix was a Doll, so eating and drinking wasn't an issue. I let the researchers handle my body maintenance, neural expansion, system installations, and so on.贺莉斯是人形，吃喝也罢，能量补充也好，素体维修、心智扩容、系统装载这些全部交给研究员。

HelixBut now in the Oasis, there are no researchers to take care of me. Helix doesn't know what she can do for the Oasis. She can't even take care of herself.可现在在绿洲，没有了照顾我的研究员，贺莉斯不说为绿洲做些什么，甚至连自己都照顾不好。

KimieNo man is an island, as they say. You do not need to worry about being perfect in every respect, Helix-sama.人无完人，贺莉斯大人不必追求尽善尽美。

HelixI like the Oasis, and I like everyone. But I also miss the real world...我很喜欢绿洲，很喜欢大家。但我也很怀念现实世界……

HelixHelix misses the real world, and she misses how she could give all her strength to everyone without holding back (sniffle)...贺莉斯想念现实世界的大家，也想念那个可以为大家毫无保留贡献能力的自己，呜呜呜……

HelixHelix is so useless. Even though she's in the Oasis, and she has the Professor and her friends, she's still so weak... (sob)贺莉斯真是没用呢。明明绿洲有教授，有伙伴，还这么懦弱……呜呜呜……

Kimie gently embraces Helix.君惠轻轻搂着贺莉斯。

KimieThis Kimie understands how you feel, Helix-sama.贺莉斯大人的心情，君惠感同身受。

KimieThe days can be lonely, and I am not the only bird who feels like they have no nest.时日寂寥，不止我是只无巢鸟。

Helix(Sob) Do you miss your friends in the real world too, Kimie?……呜呜……君惠也会思念现实世界的朋友吗？

KimieThis Kimie stayed within a shrine and rarely had contact with others. But one person was with me from the moment of my birth: a senior shrine maiden called Kaede-sama, whom I constantly accompanied.君惠驻守在神社寻常少与人接触。可自我诞生之初，就一直跟随着一位名叫枫的巫女大人游历。

KimieIn this day and age, old traditions that are hundreds, if not thousands of years old face the danger of having no inheritors and fading into obscurity. On top of that, the many years of war have caused the profession of "miko" to slowly slip from the public's eye.现代后，数百年数千年的古老信仰都面临着后继无人、步入衰亡的危机，加之战乱连年，巫女这个职业慢慢退出了大众视野。

KimieKaede-sama was old and full of years and had never had any children. There was nobody around her who was willing to inherit Kurenoyume Shrine from her and precious few people who were willing to take the time to learn the rites to propitiate the kami.枫大人年事已高，一生无子，周围没有人愿意继承暮梦神社，也鲜有人愿意花时间学习侍奉神的礼仪。

KimieAfter this Kimie met Kaede-sama. She taught me everything she knew.君惠与枫大人相遇后，她便将所有倾囊相授。

枫巫女In spring, we enjoy the flowers; in autumn we tread on dried branches. The seasons come and go, over and over again. There will always be things that sink and vanish into the long river of time, as there will also be things that splash in the water, unwilling to disappear.春日赏花，秋折枯枝。春去秋来，周而复始。总有东西在时间的长河里消失，也总有不甘沉寂的水花时常溅跃。

枫巫女A Doll who venerates the kami has appeared; is that not because of this unwillingness?侍奉神明的人形出现，不就是因为那份不甘心吗？

KimieThis Kimie is foolish and cannot apprehend your meaning, Kaede-sama.君惠愚钝，没能洞悉枫大人的心意。

枫巫女Come with me, and see. See what people believe in, what they pray for, and why they seek the kami.和我一起去看看吧，人们信仰着什么，为什么而祈求，又为什么渴望神明。

KimieI traveled with Kaede-sama for three years. Those three years took me through humble villages and grand temples alike.我随枫大人游历三年，这三年间我们涉足过不起眼的村落，也到过宏大的神社。

KimieAt first, people did not know I was a Doll until it so happened that the shrine opened its Akimatsuri to visitors.起初人们并不知晓我是人形，直至一次偶然，神社夏日祭典对外开放。

KimieSome children were playing with fireworks, which ignited the shimenawa connected to the prayer bell. The wooden shrine soon caught fire.有孩子的烟火顺着祈愿铃的注连绳燃烧，木制的神社很快被引燃。

KimieWhen I went to rescue those children, my body was damaged by a falling support beam. I lost an arm and a leg but still managed to rescue them.我去救那些孩子的时候，素体被坍塌的房檐毁损。残缺一条胳膊一条腿还是将孩子们带了出来。

KimieI returned from the fire, without bleeding, and without pain. However, my bare circuits told everyone that this Kimie was a Doll. And then, the nightmare began...从火中归来，无血无痛。裸露的线路却向所有人昭示，君惠是人形。自此，噩梦开始……

Sleepwalking - 4 梦行-4

参拜者...That miko dancing up there looks really graceful. She's accounted for all the ritual elements in her performance. Well done.……在台上舞蹈的那位巫女姿势优美，各个仪式环节都细致入微，真不错啊。

参拜者That's a Universal Anything Services S55-HMK priestess Doll. Who'd have thought that even the mikos who commune with the gods would end up like this...那是环球万事服务研发的S55-HMK神职人形，没想到这些年连与神沟通的巫女也变成了这样……

参拜者Well, that's no good. The gods require sincere devotion. What do Dolls know of faith? They don't even have hearts.啊，这不得了啊，神明需要的是虔诚的信奉，人形怎么会懂得信仰，他们根本就没有心。

参拜者That's right! The very existence of a Doll like this is blasphemy!说得对啊，这种人形的存在本身就是对神明的亵渎吧！

枫大人Focus. Ignore that idle gossip. The kami themselves are watching your dance.专注。不要理会那些闲言碎语，神明会注视你的舞步。

Kimie...I shall abide by your teachings, Kaede-sama.……谨遵教诲，枫大人。

枫大人At this rate... the kami will surely see...就这么舞下去……神明一定可以看得见……

KimieWill the kami... see this...神明大人……会看见吗……

HelixKimie...君惠……

KimieIt seems Dolls are not fated to step into this field. I can use data analysis to sense abnormal energies around me, and I can flawlessly replicate purifying and exorcising rituals.人形似乎注定不该踏足这个领域。我可以通过数据分析获知周围是否有异常能量，也可以分毫不差地复刻驱除邪祟的仪式。

KimieBut this Kimie cannot hear the will of the gods.可君惠听不见神的旨意。

Helix squeezes Kimie's hands tightly. She senses the former is trembling, but all she can do is send her own warmth to her.贺莉斯紧紧握住君惠的手，她感受到对方在颤抖，却只能这样将自己的温暖传递给她。

KimieSoon, Kaede-sama stopped taking me on journeys with her, only instructing me and asking me to stay within the shrine.渐渐地，枫大人不再带我出去游历，只是教导我，让我在神社中留守。

KimieIn the end, even Kaede-sama realized this Kimie was no real miko, only a counterfeit blasphemy against the kami...终归，枫大人也明白了君惠不是真正的巫女，只是亵渎神明的伪物罢了……

HelixIt's not like that.不是那样的哦。

KimieHm?嗯？

HelixFrom what you said, Kaede-sama was protecting you, Kimie.君惠口中的枫大人是在保护君惠吧。

KimieBut why would you say that, Helix-sama...贺莉斯大人为何如此……

HelixI...我……

????Hayley... No, Helix...海莉……不、贺莉斯……

????I have no choice. All I can do is delete myself from your memories... From now on, we will not contact each other...我已经没有选择了，只能将我从你的记忆中删除……从此我们不再联系……

????May your world always be sunny and bright. May you never have to see its darkness...愿你的世界，永远阳光灿烂。双眼不会触及这世界的阴暗……

HelixHelix... Helix doesn't know why either, but for some reason, I feel like I've had similar experiences... but I just can't recall the exact memories.贺莉斯……贺莉斯也不知道为什么，总感觉自己有过相似的经历……可是每次仔细回忆却什么都想不起来。

HelixIn any case, Helix thinks that those orders that seemed so cold and heartless were actually separating you from the malice of others. She wasn't locking you up. She was protecting the most precious thing to her.贺莉斯总觉得那些看似冷酷的命令，实际上隔绝了人们对君惠的恶意。不是作茧自缚，而是为了保护最珍贵的东西。

HelixIt's just like how a caterpillar metamorphoses into a butterfly. Without its cocoon, a butterfly wouldn't last long.就像是从毛虫蜕变成蝴蝶，如果没有茧的保护，蝴蝶很快就会夭折。

KimieThank you for comforting me, Helix-sama.谢谢您的安慰，贺莉斯大人。

HelixNo, it's nothing. I feel much better as well, thanks to you, Kimie.没事的，也多亏了君惠，贺莉斯感觉好多了。

HelixAre you happy living with everyone, Kimie?和大家在一起的日子，君惠开心吗？

KimieI'm very happy, but also very afraid. This period is the happiest time this Kimie has had in Magrasea.十分愉悦，也十分惶恐。这段时间是君惠在麦戈拉云端最为开心的时日。

ChocoI heard you talking with the Professor before. Are you still going to leave everyone and return to the shrine?可是我之前听到君惠和教授的谈话，君惠还要离开大家回到神社吗？

HelixHelix likes Kimie very much. Surely she'll stay behind, right?贺莉斯喜欢君惠，君惠会留下来的吧。

ChocoChoco likes Kimie, too. Choco wants to let Kimie try Choco's improved chocolates.巧可也喜欢君惠，巧可改进后的巧克力还想让君惠尝尝呢。

KimieHelix-sama, Choco-sama...贺莉斯大人，巧可大人……

The two of them wait expectantly for Kimie's reply. As Kimie takes in their earnest gazes, she feels stuffiness building up in her chest, and her voice grows hoarse.两人满脸期待等待着君惠的回应，君惠注视着殷切的目光，胸口压抑着一口气，声音也变得嘶哑。

KimieEveryone in the Oasis has been most kind to this Kimie, and this Kimie will always remember this.绿洲诸位待君惠的好，君惠一直铭记在心。

KimieThis Kimie has lived alone and apart from others for a long time, and this is the first time this Kimie had so many friends. However... This Kimie cannot enjoy this happiness and bliss.久居偏远，生平第一次收获这么多伙伴。只是……君惠没有办法享受这种幸福安逸。

KimieThis Kimie must abide by Kaede-sama's teaching and continue staying in Kurenoyume Shrine.君惠需要遵守枫大人的教诲，需要继续留在暮梦神社。

HelixBut there's nobody outside the shrine who'll hurt you anymore, only people who like you and who look forward to seeing you... Are you still going back, Kimie?神社外面已经没有伤害你的人，只有期待你喜欢你的人……君惠还要回去吗？

KimieI... Yes.是……是的。

HelixI see...这样吗……

Helix sighs heavily, a look of depression in her eyes.浓重的寂寞之意映在眼中，贺莉斯微微叹了口气。

Her friend's sigh touches Kimie deep in her heart.同伴的叹息深深触动了君惠的内心。

Kimie(Nobody thinks like that anymore, and nobody will hurt you anymore... So why do you still need to return to the shrine, Kimie?)（已经没有人那么想了，已经没有人会伤害你了……为什么还要回到神社呢，君惠。）

Kimie(What exactly... do I think about all this?)（我自己的内心……究竟是怎么想的呢？）

Spirited Away - 1 神隐-1

Helix is called over to the Medical Department because of an urgent operation, while Choco has to leave early to open up the Chocolaterie.贺莉斯因为一场紧急手术被叫去了医疗部。巧可也因为工坊营业不得不提前离开。

This leaves Kimie alone in the dorm room.空荡荡的宿舍现在只剩下了君惠自己。

She clears the eating utensils away while recalling their conversation just now. She feels certain yet uncertain, delighted yet afraid.她一边收拾餐具一边回想之前的对话。内心肯定又不确定，惊喜又惶恐。

HelixHelix likes Kimie very much. Surely she'll stay behind, right?贺莉斯喜欢君惠，君惠会留下来的吧。

ChocoChoco likes Kimie, too. Choco wants to let Kimie try Choco's improved chocolates.巧可也喜欢君惠，巧可改进后的巧克力还想让君惠尝尝呢。

HelixBut there's nobody outside the shrine who'll hurt you anymore, only people who like you and who look forward to seeing you... Are you still going back, Kimie?神社外面已经没有伤害你的人，只有期待你喜欢你的人……君惠还要回去吗？

KimieI... Yes.是……是的。

HelixI see...这样吗……

KimieThe Oasis... There's nobody here who will hurt me anymore, so do I still need to return to the shrine?绿洲……已经没有伤害我的人了，我还要回神社吗？

KimieThis is the first time I've felt the trust between friends, the first time someone's cared so much for me, the first time I've felt like I was coming home.第一次体会到同伴之间的信任，第一次收获那么多关心，第一次有了回家的感觉。

KimieEveryone is being so sincere... So what reason does this Kimie have to run away from it?大家如此真诚……君惠又还有什么理由逃避呢？

??Hss...嘶嘶——

KimieAiieeee? Is that a snake?诶？蛇？？

A colorful little snake pokes its head out from behind the door.一条五彩的小蛇从门口露出了头。

??Ah... Pardon me.啊……不好意思。

A green-colored Doll retrieves the rogue reptile and then steps out into the doorway before looking around the dorm room. Judging by her frantic expression, she seems to be looking for something.幽绿色的人形将小蛇抓了回去，然后自己探出半个身子向宿舍内张望，焦急地寻找着什么。

??Have you seen Nora, by any chance?请问有看到野良吗？

小巳Hss—嘶——

KimieAre you Zangyin-sama? Nora-sama has not visited this place.是蔵音大人吗？野良大人并未到访过呢。

ZangyinEh? Did that lazybones flee to the M78 Nebula to escape a rightfully deserved editorial thrashing?欸？？这个拖稿的懒虫，为了躲避编辑的追杀，拍拍屁股逃到M78星云了是吧。

Zangyin(Sigh) I'm all tired out, searching for her. My throat's gone dry, and I feel like I've been doing this for years. Someone kill me already.啊……我已经找得精疲力尽，口干舌燥，感觉度日如年想早早了却残生了。

KimiePlease do not think that way, Zangyin-sama. There are still many wonderful things in life...蔵音大人请千万不要这么想，人生有梦……

ZangyinHaha, I was just kidding. (Groans) It's still pretty annoying, though.哈哈，开玩笑的。呼……不过还是好烦啊。

ZangyinThe deadline is drawing close but Nora's gone missing. The editors have been waiting outside her door for a long time now. I've actually seen them holding a BBQ party on the spot.截稿日将近，野良却失踪了，编辑已经堵在门口好久啦。我可是亲眼目睹几个编辑就地开BBQ派对。

ZangyinAt this rate, they're going to set up some kind of Burning Man Festival outside her door, and they'll charge for admission, too!再这样下去她宿舍门口很快就会变成露营圣地，还是可以收门票的那种！

Zangyin"Come one, come all, to the dorm of Nora the legendary manuscript-ower. Tickets at 10 DGC each."“来来来，著名撰稿人野良的宿舍，入场券十底格币一位”。

KimieIs the Professor aware of Nora-sama's disappearance?教授是否知晓野良大人失踪？

ZangyinAh... Well, there's no need to tell them. After all, going missing is a common occurrence for her.啊……这就不用了，毕竟她拖稿消失已经是常态了。

KimieHehe, I see.呵呵，原来如此。

ZangyinStill, the difference this time is that we can't pick up her exact location from her terminal, and she isn't responding to her regularly scheduled call-ins.不过这次有所不同的是，终端无法获得她的具体定位，定期通讯也无法接通。

ZangyinIt's like she just vanished into thin air. If she's okay, she should at least tell us or something. God, what a pain.真的像是人间蒸发了一样。如果没有意外总要报个平安吧，唉，让人头疼。

KimieAre you certain Nora-sama remains within the Oasis?确定野良大人尚在绿洲之内吗？

ZangyinYup. Anyone leaving the sector would have their departure logged.嗯，要出扇区的话一定会留下出行记录。

KimieA situation like this is just like the phenomenon of being "spirited away" found in ghost stories... Although, in these stories, the one being spirited away is always a child.现在这种情况，简直就和鬼怪奇谭里的“神隐”一样呢……只不过传说中，神隐的一般都是小孩子。

ZangyinI'm pretty sure lazybones like Nora would annoy the kami to no end with her whining if they kidnapped her.野良这种拖稿懒虫被拐走会吵得神明头大吧。

KimieHehe, there is no need to worry, Zangyin-sama. Nora-sama is clever and kind. I am sure she would not start disputes with others, and she can adapt to any difficulties that come up.呵呵，蔵音大人不必担心。野良大人机敏和善，应该不会与人起冲突，遇到难事也可以随机应变。

KimieIf you do not mind, what if I accompanied you in your search? The Oasis is not very large, and we should be able to find Nora-sama's trail soon enough.您不介意的话，我陪蔵音大人去寻吧，绿洲地域有限，不消片刻便可知晓野良大人行踪。

ZangyinThank you. Sorry I had to trouble you to help out.真不好意思，还要麻烦你来帮忙。

KimiePlease tell me more about Nora-sama, if you don't mind. This Kimie would like to learn more about everyone.请您多向我讲讲野良大人的故事吧，君惠想要多了解一些大家的事。

ZangyinHm... Still, where should I begin... From a certain point of view, she IS a genius...嗯……不过要从哪里说起呢……某种程度上说那家伙可能是个天才吧……

The two of them leave the dorm room and vanish down the end of the corridor.两人走出宿舍，身影逐渐消失在走廊尽头。

Spirited Away - 2 神隐-2

Zangyin is eagerly discussing the "spirited away" phenomenon with Kimie as they stand beside a main road on the Oasis.绿洲街道旁，蔵音正在兴致勃勃地和君惠探讨“神隐”的故事。

ZangyinAccording to my database, stories about being spirited away circulated during the Edo period, but unfortunately my information on that time is incomplete.……根据资料库记载，江户时代时，民间有流传关于神隐的故事，可惜我这部分的资料还不完全。

ZangyinDo you know of any relevant stories, Kimie?君惠知道相关的故事吗？

KimieKaede-sama told me about them before. According to legend, children going missing were the work of a yokai called the "tengu".听枫大人和我说过。据传言，孩童的失踪是一种名为“天狗”的妖怪所为。

ZangyinAre you talking about the daitengu? You know, the yokai with big red faces and very long noses?你说的是大天狗吗？就是那种脸特别红，还有一个很长很长很长鼻子的妖怪。

KimieThey were slightly different from the ones of which you speak. It was another kind of tengu which kidnapped children; you might know them as "karasu-tengu".和您说的有所不同。带走孩子的是另一种妖怪，您也可以称它们为“鸦天狗”。

ZangyinDid they kidnap kids to eat them?它们抓孩子是为了吃掉？

KimieThe records state that the children taken by the tengu would follow them in touring the land and seeing marvelous sights.典籍中有描写过，天狗掳走的那些孩子会随它们游历名山大川，见识奇异风景。

KimieAfter several months or perhaps years, the tengu would safely return the children... Zangyin-sama, where are you going?经过数月或者数年，天狗就会把孩子安全的送回……蔵音大人，您去哪儿？

Before Kimie can finish, Zangyin has already turned around and begun heading back.君惠话音未落，蔵音就开始往回折返。

ZangyinWell, if they're going to give her back, then why the hell are we even looking for her?! She's getting a free trip AND inspiration out of this!既然还会送回来还找她干什么？免费旅游还能给她找灵感！

ZangyinGod, who CARES if a tengu took her? She'll just come back and turn in a script one month later! Why am I even going through all this trouble?我现在巴不得她被天狗带走！一个月后稿子也交了，人也回来了！哪儿还需要我在这边费劲啊。

KimieHehe, that said, it is but a folk tale. Please consider it entertainment, but do not take it too seriously.呵呵，话虽如此，但这只是民间传说，大人只当是消遣，不可当真。

ZangyinAh... Well, we've gone several times around the area but we still haven't seen that lazybones yet.啊……已经转了好几圈了，完全没见那个懒虫的影子。

After searching her usual haunts, it turns out fruitless; the two of them have no choice but to return to the lounge to try and find out more.寻常出没的地点找寻未果，两人只能回到休息区搜集相关情报。

KimieEveryone comes here to rest, so surely there must be some clues left behind.大家每日在此休息，应该会有什么留下。

ZangyinI'll go ask around.我去问问。

KimieMhm. This Kimie will do her best, too.嗯，君惠也一起。

All the Dolls they see look relaxed as they sit together and chat in their twos and threes. The occasional bout of merry laughter fills the air.视野里的人形们轻松惬意，三三两两聚集在一起聊天，时不时发出愉悦的笑声。

The two of them approach the laughing group and interject quietly.两人走到说笑的人群身边，轻声打断。

KimiePlease pardon the intrusion, ladies and gentlemen, but may I ask if any of you have seen Nora-sama recently?冒昧打扰各位大人，不知各位大人近日来是否见过野良大人。

JiangyuAh! I did, I did!啊！我见过我见过！！！

Jiangyu raises her hand over her head. The fog clears from Zangyin's eyes and for a moment she thinks she's actually looking at the rising sun, at least until Jiangyu continues speaking.绛雨把手举过头顶。蔵音眼中的阴霾一扫而空，还以为真的看到了曙光，谁知绛雨补充了一句。

JiangyuTwo weeks ago counts, right?两个星期前可以吗？

ZangyinNo, it does not!不可以！

JiangyuEhhh?欸？

Jiangyu's face falls immediately.绛雨的脸瞬间垮下来。

KuroAh! Jiangyu, you're blocking the light!啊！蔵音你挡住光线了！

ZangyinWhat are you doing, Kuro?你在干什么啊，卡萝？

KuroCan't you tell? It's an outdoor stream!一看就知道啊，户外直播！

ZangyinThen have YOU seen Nora around?你有看到过野良吗？

KuroShe was listening to Riko tell spooky stories. I bet the mountain ghosts must have wanted to read a novel and selected one lucky writer at random.之前还一起听理子讲灵异故事呢，一定是山鬼想看小说了，随手挑选了一位幸运的编剧。

Kimie approaches the camera with a blank look on her face until it fills the screen.君惠茫然地凑近直播摄像机，整个屏幕都是她的脸。

Danmaku Wow, is that the newly arrived shrine maiden girl? Danmaku She looks kinda skinny! Please eat more, Miko-sama! Danmaku She's so pretty! I'm your fan from now on!弹幕哇！是新来的巫女大人吗？

Danmaku Wow, is that the newly arrived shrine maiden girl? Danmaku She looks kinda skinny! Please eat more, Miko-sama! Danmaku She's so pretty! I'm your fan from now on!弹幕身体有些单薄，巫女大人日常请多吃一点！

Danmaku Wow, is that the newly arrived shrine maiden girl? Danmaku She looks kinda skinny! Please eat more, Miko-sama! Danmaku She's so pretty! I'm your fan from now on!弹幕漂亮啊，从现在起我就是您的粉丝了！

KuroAh... This is bad; Kuro's livestream career is in danger, and everyone in the channel is becoming a fan of Kimie!啊……完了完了，卡萝我的直播生涯遭遇大危机，直播间这么多观众都要转粉君惠了。

KimieAre there many people out there? Ladies and gentlemen, can you see me? Can you hear me?有很多人吗？大人们都能从这里看得见，听得见？

KuroYup. There ought to be hundreds, close to a thousand people out there. There were more before this...是啊。屏幕后面应该有几百上千人吧，之前更多一些……

KimieDear viewers, this Kimie is looking for the Oasis' genius writer, Nora-sama.屏幕前的各位，君惠正在找寻绿洲天才撰稿人野良大人。

KimieNora-sama has not returned home for many days and there has been no word from her. I hope you can help search your memories and provide this one with any clues you might recall.野良大人多日未归，毫无音讯，希望屏幕前的诸位大人能帮忙回忆，提供线索。

ZangyinShe's got black hair and red eyes. She's a lazybones who loves goofing off.黑色短发、红眸。是个喜欢开玩笑的懒虫。

KuroIf anyone has any news, feel free to DM me...如果有观众知道相关信息，可以私信联系……

Kuro squeezes in at the end to help get the word out. One line of danmaku that scrolls across the skin gets everyone's attention.卡萝也挤进来帮忙宣传。屏幕上飘过的一行弹幕引起了所有人的注意。

弹幕Danmaku ...I think I saw her over at Anna's before, but then she suddenly vanished...……我之前在安娜那里见过她，怎么突然就不见了……

AntoninaOh, so Nora's gone missing again.哦，野良又失踪了。

ZangyinYou don't look surprised.你倒是一点也不惊讶。

AntoninaWhat, isn't that her default state?这难道不是默认常态吗。

ZangyinHere, this is the note she left. I can't make sense of it.喏，这是她留下的纸条。从字条上完全看不出什么头绪。

AntoninaShe did come to me once.之前她倒是来了我这里一次。

ZangyinWha?诶？

AntoninaShe didn't have any inspiration for her new novel, and she seemed really frustrated.新的小说没有灵感吧，一副很苦恼的样子。

AntoninaThough she was used to being rushed for submissions, having such severe writer's block like that was a big headache for her. That was the first time I'd ever seen her like that.虽然已经习惯了被催稿但是作品一筹莫展也是够头疼的，还是头一次见她那样。

AntoninaAh, she forced me to make up a random topic system to help her find inspiration.啊，为了给她找灵感，我还被她压迫为她做了一个随机题材系统。

KimieIs it something like the omikuji at a shrine?类似神社求签？

AntoninaYup. There are about 30 topics in there. She drew 512 times, and 38 of those times were "ghost stories".嗯，一共三十多种题材，她抽了五十二次，其中三十八次都抽中了鬼怪异志。

ZangyinI mean, didn't she look pretty happy during the recent hitodama incident?最近遭遇鬼火的她不是很有心得吗？

Antonina"That's not enough!", she said.“还不够！”她是这么说的。

KimieTo think Nora-sama would not fear the occult.野良大人竟然不怕鬼怪灵异。

ZangyinHer curiosity overcame her fear long ago. She's less scared of the supernatural than her editors nagging her for scripts.好奇心已经战胜了恐惧，与其说她怕灵异，可能她更怕编辑们的催稿吧。

KimieHehe, perhaps picking "ghost stories" all the time was a message from the kami.呵呵，每次都能抽中灵异题材，或许也是神明的指引呢。

AntoninaWhy don't you go look around those places with occult occurrences? There ought to be clues there.去那些灵异传闻的发生地找找看，应该会有线索。

ZangyinAh... Well, I hope so. Still, how come we can't pinpoint her location in the Oasis? Did she really get spirited away?啊……希望如此。不过怎么说在绿洲也不会无法定位，难道真的神隐了？

KimieThe hand of the kami must be at work here.冥冥之中有神明在指引。

ZangyinWhat do you mean?什么意思？

KimieThanks to Anna-sama's hint, I've just realized that there is a place which is both not easily noticed and related to the kami.多亏了安娜大人的启发，如果是很难被人察觉，又和神明相关的话，君惠倒是知道一个地方。

ZangyinHuh? Where is that?诶？在哪里？

KimieKurenoyume Shrine.暮梦神社。

Spirited Away - 3 神隐-3

The setting sun glazes the shrine with a layer of gentle gold.夕阳西下，阳光为神社镀上一层柔和的金色。

Just then, Nora is crouching down in a corner of the shrine, holding a colorful stone and recording her inspiration.此时的野良正在神社的小角落里蹲着拿彩石记下灵感的碎片。

"The editor used hair growth tonic on her bald head, but to no avail." "Ah... I'm getting a little sleepy, but I just can't write a word..." "If I run out of Christmas string lights, I can always hang Zangyin's snake on the walls. Hsss—Hsshss—"“编辑的秃头用了生发液也没有效果。”

"The editor used hair growth tonic on her bald head, but to no avail." "Ah... I'm getting a little sleepy, but I just can't write a word..." "If I run out of Christmas string lights, I can always hang Zangyin's snake on the walls. Hsss—Hsshss—"“啊……有点困了，但是一个字都写不出来啊……”

"The editor used hair growth tonic on her bald head, but to no avail." "Ah... I'm getting a little sleepy, but I just can't write a word..." "If I run out of Christmas string lights, I can always hang Zangyin's snake on the walls. Hsss—Hsshss—"“圣诞节没有彩灯的时候，可以把蔵音的蛇装饰在墙上。嘶嘶——嘶嘶嘶——”

NoraAhhhhh—I can't use any of these for my stories! What the hell am I doing?!啊啊啊啊——这些根本没法成为小说题材啊！我在干什么啊！！

??Nooo—raaaaa—野——良——

A familiar voice drifts over from the distance, and Nora immediately springs to her feet.熟悉的声音从远处传来，野良一个激灵迅速起身。

NoraHow did Zangyin find me?!蔵音怎么找到这里了？！

NoraI still have no idea what to do for my manuscript. I'll never hear the end of it from her if she finds out.稿子还没有头绪，让她知道肯定会一顿嘲讽。

??Nora-sama, are you in the shrine?野良大人，您在神社吗?

NoraAh, Kimie's with her... Crap, crap, crap, she knows this shrine best, she'll find me in an instant.啊，君惠也在……完了完了完了，她最熟悉这座神社了，肯定一会儿就会找到我的。

NoraWhat can I do...怎么办……

Creeeeak...嘎吱嘎吱……

The wooden flooring of the shrine creaks as the sound of footsteps draws closer.神社的木地板声声作响，脚步声逐渐逼近。

ZangyinIt'll be easier on you if you come out now. Otherwise, if we have to go in there and get you... Hehe...现在出来还来得及，不然让我们找到你……嘿嘿……

Nora panics and immediately rushes out.野良把心一横，直接冲了出去。

NoraFirst, I get out of the shrine, and when they leave I'll... Ack!先从神社出去，等她们离开了我再……哎哟！

Thunk!砰！

Nora trips over something and nearly falls over. A pair of hands catches her.不知撞到了什么，野良一个趔趄差点摔倒。一双手将她的身体扶稳。

KimieAh... be careful, Nora-sama!啊……野良大人小心！

ZangyinUwah... Wow, you're strong. Did you get fat over the past few days? You almost sent me flying.呜哇……好大的力气，几天不见是不是又胖了，我都要被你撞飞了。

Zangyin(Sigh) I can't believe we were so worried about you. So you were hiding here and relaxing.唉，让我们这么担心你，原来是躲在这里悠闲惬意啊。

NoraAhahaha... You must have gotten the wrong person. I'm just a passerby who was curious about this place called N-ko.哎呀……你们认错人了，我只是住在这附近有着好奇心的路人N子。

NoraI have noooo clue about this Nora-sama you're talking about.根本不认识你们说的什么野良大人。

In order to sell her lie, the genius scriptwriter adopts a crude manner of speech.为了配合自己的谎话，这位天才撰稿人还换了个粗犷的声线。

NoraAh, I left the pot on at home. I better hurry back before dinner gets burnt...家里的锅上还烧着饭呢，我得赶紧回家……

ZangyinGet back here!别跑！

Zangyin steps forward and grabs Nora's bag strap. She is now trapped.蔵音一把扯住野良的背包带，现在她想走也走不掉。

Nora rolls her eyes and curses under her breath.野良白眼一翻，略带怨念。

NoraAh... Seriously.啊……真是的。

NoraI thought I'd hidden myself really well. How did you guys find me?原本以为自己藏得够好了，你们是怎么找到我的？

KimieWhen Kurenoyume Shrine was first built, this Kimie asked the Professor to install signal jamming here, in order to distance this place from discord and unrest.暮梦神社在建立之初，君惠为了能远离纷扰，拜托教授屏蔽了通讯。

KimieAfter Nora-sama entered the shrine, you could not be tracked or communicated with, much like being "spirited away" in certain legends.野良大人进入神社之后，无法被定位，也无法接通通讯。正和传说中的神隐相似。

NoraDidn't I leave that note behind telling you guys not to worry about me?我不是留下字条让大家不要担心了吗？

ZangyinOh please, your editors have set up an open-air festival outside your dorm room door.拜托，你的家门口已经被催稿的编辑当成露营地了。

NoraAh.. But I still haven't figured out what to write yet.啊……可是我现在都还没想好要写什么。

KimieAnd your deadline is...截稿日期是……？

NoraTomorrow.明天。

ZangyinOi, oi, oi! Didn't you come to the shrine to pray to the gods? Ask them for inspiration or something.喂喂喂！野良你来神社不会是在向神祈祷吧，祈祷神明给你创作灵感。

NoraIf that actually worked, I'd be writing right now instead of chatting with you.如果这样有用的话，我现在就该奋笔疾书而不是在这里和你聊天啦。

KimieNora-sama, do you really intend to write about ghost stories? I might be able to help.野良大人真的打算写灵异怪谈吗？我或许可以帮得上忙。

KimieThis Kimie's experiences while travelling in the real world might be of some use to you.在现实世界的时候，君惠的游历经验可能对大人的写作有所帮助。

NoraAh! I'm counting on you then, Kimie!啊！那就拜托君惠啦！

Nora puts her hands together and bows her head slightly, as though she's glimpsed a ray of hope.野良双手合十，轻轻点头，仿佛看到了希望的曙光。

Kimie leads them deeper inside the shrine and bids them sit down before she begins speaking in a kindly voice.君惠将二人引至神社深处坐下，用温柔的声音开始了讲述。

KimieDuring my early years, while I was traveling with Kaede-sama, we once happened across a remote mountain village.早年我同枫大人在外一同游历时，曾经路过一个偏远的山村。

KimieIt was surrounded by mountains and little word from the outside reached it. Life in the village seemed to have been frozen for decades, even centuries, and there were many mikos there who venerated the kami.由于群山环绕，通信闭塞。山村的生活似乎还停留在几十甚至上百年前，在那里还会有很多巫女侍奉神明。

KimieIt was the middle of summer, and the rain fell thick and hard. The waters surged to the heavens, and the flood that came burst a hole in the village's dam.当时正是盛夏，暴雨连连，洪水滔天，崩腾而下的洪流将堤坝冲出了缺口。

KimieWhen it seemed that the dam would break, the village chief decided to have the village's mikos block up the breach with their bodies.眼看就要决堤，村长决定让村中的巫女以肉身堵住缺口。

ZangyinWait, that's the legend of the "sacrificial maidens"!是传闻中的“人柱巫女”！

KimieMm... That's right.嗯……没错。

Kimie closes her eyes and recalls a distant conversation.君惠闭眼回想着久远的对话。

KimieThe flood is upon us and the village is doomed to ruin. My lord, please abandon the idea of having the mikos hold back the waters and evacuate the villagers post haste.洪水已至，村落注定已成废墟。请大人放弃让巫女阻拦洪水，尽快转移村民吧。

KimieThere is an elevated plateau in the valley. The villagers can seek high ground, and we can rebuild the village.山间有一处地势较高的平台，村民可以去往高地，至于村落我们尚可复建。

村长Oh foreign miko, this is our home. Do you know how long we worked to reach today's prosperity?外来的巫女，这里是我们的家园。你知道今日的繁盛是我们经营多久的结果吗？

村长Generations have been born and lived here. If we leave this place, we will become homeless wanderers.我们世世代代生活在这儿，离开了这里我们就成了无家可归的流浪者。

村长If we have angered the kami, then we should placate them. If it is the kami's will that we die, then die we must.是我们惹怒了神明，就该去抚慰神明，灭亡是神的旨意，我们也甘愿受罚。

村长Man-made mikos like you are a blasphemy against the kami. Since you do not belong to the village, you have no right to speak about our choices!你们这种人造的巫女就是对神的亵渎。既不属于村落，也没有资格对村子的选择说三道四！

KimieI...我……

NoraSeems the village chief was pretty stubborn.这个村长也太顽固了。

ZangyinThat's how it is with perspectives from long ago. These insular villages have never welcomed outsiders.自古遗留下来的观念就是如此，部落观念强的村寨不欢迎外来人。

ZangyinIt would have been very difficult for Kimie to change their minds, no matter how hard she worked.即便君惠再努力也很难扭转他们的想法。

KimieYou are right. I could not persuade the chief, and I could not relocate the villagers. But the only person I convinced was her...您说得对，所以我无法说服村长，也没办法让村民转移。但我唯一说服的人是她……

KimieWill you really attempt to hold back the flood with your body?您真的要以肉身拦堵洪水吗？

KimieKimie has no intention of questioning the traditions of your village, but with all due respect, this practice for which your permission was never sought, is cruel and inhumane.君惠无意质疑贵村的传统，但恕我直言，这种做法从未征求过您的许可，残忍且不人道。

村中巫女Kimie-sama... I was raised as a miko from a young age, and from that moment, I knew the day would come when I would be chosen as a human sacrifice.君惠大人……我从小便被作为巫女培养，那时候就知道自己有朝一日会被作为人柱。

村中巫女Our purpose is to convey the will of the kami and to relay the prayers of the people to the kami. If we have offended the kami, then we ought to placate them; if the kami punish the people, then we ought to take it for them.向人传达神的旨意，向神传达人的祈愿。惹怒了神明，就该去抚慰神明；神降罪于人，我们便该替人领罚。

KimieBut are you not afraid? To slowly suffocate in the bone-chilling cold of the floodwater... Does it not frighten you?可是你们不会害怕吗？在冰冷刺骨的洪水里慢慢窒息……难道不怕吗？

村中巫女Our lives... are no longer our own...我们……早已经不再是自己……

村中巫女Everything from our births to our deaths... is for the sake of the kami... However... However...从生到死……都是为了神明……可是……可是……

The sacrificial miko shudders despite herself. Kimie takes her hand and feels the cold in her palm.作为人柱的巫女浑身不可抑制地颤抖起来，君惠握住她的手，掌心一片冰凉。

村中巫女(Sobs) I know... I know I shouldn't be afraid... that from birth... I was meant to be an offering to the kami...呜呜……呜呜……我也知道、知道自己不应该害怕……从出生……就要献给神明的我……

村中巫女Even though I know... that an ending like this... Even though... I was ready for this...明明知道这样……这样的结局……明明都已经……做好准备了……

村中巫女Kimie... I don't know, I don't know why... my body is trembling... (sob)君惠……我不知道为什么、为什么……我的身体会颤抖……呜呜……

The girl before her looks youthful, but her outfit is mature, a white haori and red hakama that doesn't suit her.眼前的少女面容童稚，装扮却很成熟，穿着不合身的白衣和绯袴。

She ought to have had many more good years ahead of her, but now the story of her life is about to end with a full stop.她原本还有无限美好的年华，一切却要在下一刻画上句号。

村中巫女I... want to live... I want to live... Kami, oh kami, can you hear me?我……想活下去……想活下去……神明、神明可以听到吗？

After hugging that slender, frail little body, Kimie takes a deep breath and makes up her mind.抱紧瘦小的身体，君惠下定决心，深吸一口气。

KimieThe kami... The kami have heard you. They say that they want you to live a good, long life.神明……神明听见了，神明说，希望你好好地活下去。

Spirited Away - 4 神隐-4

KimieKaede-sama brought the village's mikos to the high ground further up the mountain. The other villagers were enthralled by the village chief and refused to leave.枫大人将村中的巫女带到了山上的高地。其他的村民被村长的话蛊惑不肯撤离。

KimieThis Kimie wanted to save everyone, so I took that miko's place to fill the breach in the dam.君惠尝试过拯救大家，于是代替那位巫女去填堵堤坝缺口。

KimieBut in the end, I could not contend against the power of nature and the flood washed everything away.可最终，无力与自然抗衡，洪水吞噬了一切。

KimieTo this day, I do not know if I did the right thing by deceiving that miko in the name of the kami, or by attempting to deceive the kami by using myself to fill the breach.至今，我都不知道自己是否正确，假借神的名义欺骗了那位巫女，又以自己填补缺口蒙蔽神明。

KimieSurely the kami must have been utterly disgusted by everything I did.神明怕是对我的所作所为厌恶至极。

NoraNo.不是的。

NoraIt was her wish to live. The will of the kami is nothing more than the reflection of the people's desires.想活下去是她自己的愿望，神的旨意不过是欲望的映像。

NoraBack then, she had a great will to live. If the kami were truly listening to her prayer, then why did they not let their faithful worshippers live?那时候的她有着强大的求生欲，如果有神真的在听她祈祷，为什么不让虔诚的信徒活下去？

NoraSurely it must have been the will of the kami that you took her away.让你带她走才是神的本意吧。

KimieNora-sama...野良大人……

ZangyinThe will of the kami is nothing more than the reflection of desire. Hehe, I'll bet Aki can hear the kami of gyutan-don whispering to him every day.神的旨意不过是欲望的映像。呵呵，那秋应该每天都能听到牛舌饭之神的低语吧。

NoraAh! I've got it!啊！我知道了！

NoraThanks to Kimie, the god of inspiration has started blessing me!多亏了君惠，灵感之神开始垂青我了哦！

ZangyinEh?! You've already figured out what you're going to write?欸？！你知道写什么了？

NoraYup!嗯！

ZangyinThe tragic fate of a female ghost from an abandoned village deep in the mountains...深山荒村夜间频传女鬼凄惨……

NoraNo, I'm not going to write a ghost story.不是写这种灵异故事啦。

ZangyinThen the terrifying midnight tale of how the gyutan-don didn't actually have gyutan in it...午夜惊魂牛舌饭竟然没有牛舌……

NoraThat would break Aki's heart.秋会心碎的。

KimieHm? That's...嗯？那是……

NoraIt's the story of a miko. The story of a miko who traveled everywhere.是巫女的故事。游历四方的巫女的故事。

It is sunset, and the setting sun stretches the trio's shadows out.薄暮时分，三人的影子被夕阳拉的很长。

The shrine is painted a hazy orange. Warmth is everywhere, and the gentle wind blows the leaves past their hair. This is the first time Kimie has seen the shrine like this, whether in reality or on the cloud.柔和的橙色光线洒满神社，暖意在周身弥漫，微风吹散落叶轻拂过发丝。不论是在现世还是云端，君惠第一次见到这样的神社。

It is warm and bright. It draws out her feelings.温暖，明亮。令人心驰神往。

NoraUnmoved by the whispers of the world, true to her inner self.不被外界的言语所影响，遵从自己的内心。

NoraThe beauty and ugliness, the light and the dark of the world, all of these can be portrayed in stories. And she will be the witness, the audience surrogate for all of creation.世间的明暗美丑，都可以在故事中展现。她则是芸芸众生的见证者。

ZangyinWell, since you've decided, you'd better get cracking!既然这么愉快地决定了，就赶紧写啦！

ZangyinAny longer and the grudges of your editors will haunt you tonight...再不动笔编辑的怨念今晚就会来缠着你……

KimieThey'll whisper with voices full of hate, "Wheeeeeere's myyyy scriiiiipt..."在你耳边幽怨地说“为什么还不交稿~~~”

NoraHaha, don't worry about that. Hell, if grudges could actually take physical form, they might actually help me illuminate my all-nighters~哈哈，不用担心啦！怨念如果真的能实体化或许还能为我彻夜赶稿提供照明呢~

ZangyinEh? I thought your bright, shiny forehead could do that already?欸？我以为现在他油亮的脑门就可以照明了。

NoraErm... I suppose it could...嗯……的确也可以……

ZangyinHahaha...哈哈哈……

NoraI'm going to complain about you to my editor!我要向编辑告你的状！

ZangyinAhhhh~ Miko-sama, please bear witness; this humble maiden never said anything.啊~巫女大人快帮我作证，小女子可什么都没说过。

KimieHehe... But did you, or didn't you? This Kimie was not present and thus, cannot know.呵呵……到底说没说过呢？君惠当时不在场，所以并不知晓。

NoraLook at what you've done, you've corrupted our pure and honest Kimie~ You wicked, wicked woman, Zangyin.原本谦逊诚实的君惠都被你带坏了~罪大恶极啊蔵音。

ZangyinKimie was just influenced by the spirit of the Oasis...君惠只是被绿洲的氛围感染了而已……

The three of them laugh, and Kimie leaves the shrine with Nora and Zangyin without realizing it.三人说笑着，君惠不由自主地跟着野良和蔵音走出神社。

Upon leaving, a storm of comm requests pours down like rain.刚一踏出神社，通讯提示如同狂风暴雨般袭来。

Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep...滴滴滴滴滴……

系统Multiple text messages received. Identical messages have been collapsed.终端收到多条文字讯息，相同讯息已折叠。

I prepared the surprise for the Professor. You said you'd see it, so be there! —Octogen. Kimie, Kimie! I finished a new flavor of chocolate, want to try some? —Choco. Thanks for the delicious breakfast, Kimie~ Helix made sure to eat on time! Imhotep gave me some yummy snacks, I'll pass you some in a bit! —Helix We're being spooked again! Save us, miko-sama! —Kuro给教授的惊喜已经准备好了。你说好要来看的，不准缺席啊！——奥托金

I prepared the surprise for the Professor. You said you'd see it, so be there! —Octogen. Kimie, Kimie! I finished a new flavor of chocolate, want to try some? —Choco. Thanks for the delicious breakfast, Kimie~ Helix made sure to eat on time! Imhotep gave me some yummy snacks, I'll pass you some in a bit! —Helix We're being spooked again! Save us, miko-sama! —Kuro君惠君惠！新口味的巧克力做好了，要来尝尝吗？——巧可

I prepared the surprise for the Professor. You said you'd see it, so be there! —Octogen. Kimie, Kimie! I finished a new flavor of chocolate, want to try some? —Choco. Thanks for the delicious breakfast, Kimie~ Helix made sure to eat on time! Imhotep gave me some yummy snacks, I'll pass you some in a bit! —Helix We're being spooked again! Save us, miko-sama! —Kuro谢谢君惠的美味早餐~贺莉斯有按时吃饭哦！从伊姆赫特那边收到了好吃的零食，一会儿也给君惠带一份！——贺莉斯

I prepared the surprise for the Professor. You said you'd see it, so be there! —Octogen. Kimie, Kimie! I finished a new flavor of chocolate, want to try some? —Choco. Thanks for the delicious breakfast, Kimie~ Helix made sure to eat on time! Imhotep gave me some yummy snacks, I'll pass you some in a bit! —Helix We're being spooked again! Save us, miko-sama! —Kuro又有灵异事件发生了！巫女大人快救救救！——卡萝

NoraWait, that many? Are you guys carrying time bombs on you... Oh wait, mine's beeping, too. All's well then.这么夸张？不知道你们两个带了两个定时炸弹过来……哦，我的也响啊，那没事了。

KimieAh... Croque-sama sent a video call request, too.啊……还有克罗琦大人的视讯请求。

Beep—嘀——

CroqueHey! It's so weird; how come none of you were responding to your regular check-ins?喂！这么离谱，一个个定期通讯都连接不上。

CroqueIf I didn't check if the Sandbox Barrier was fine, I would have thought the Entropics had gotten you!要不是沙盒屏障没有异常，我还以为你们被熵袭击了呢！

KimieSorry to make you worry. The shrine simply jammed all transmissions.神社屏蔽了一切通讯，让您担心了。

CroqueWell, hurry on back. Choco just finished a new flavor of chocolate and she's whining about how she wants you to try it.赶紧回来吧，巧可的巧克力新品出炉了，吵着要让你尝尝。

CroqueAlso, Zangyin and Nora, please deal with the BBQ stalls in front of your dorm rooms ASAP.还有蔵音、野良，尽早解决一下你们宿舍门口的BBQ摊子。

CroqueHow is anyone supposed to sleep when they smell roasted meat every night?每天晚上闻着烧烤的味道谁能睡得着觉啊。

ZangyinYes, yes, yes... All we need is for a certain lazybones to submit her manuscript and all will be well.是是是……只要某位懒虫交稿，一切都能解决。

嘀——Click— The transmission ends.通讯结束。

NoraErm... We'd better head back quick, otherwise Croque is going to start flipping tables.呃啊……我们快回去吧，再不回去克罗琦就要掀桌子了。

ZangyinWhat about you, Kimie? Want to come with us?君惠呢，要和我们一起走吗？

KimieI...我……

NoraStill, this shrine was built for Kimie, which makes it her "home". Kimie, do you want to continue staying here?不过这座神社是为君惠建造的，也是君惠的“家”吧。君惠，你想继续留在这里吗？

KimieStay here... I...留在这里……我……

ZangyinOh, what are you saying, Nora? At this hour, we're going to bring Kimie home. Look how quiet the shrine is!野良你说什么啊，这么晚当然要带君惠回家啦，神社冷冷清清的。

Zangyin reaches out a hand, waiting for Kimie's answer.蔵音自然地伸出手，等待君惠的回复。

KimieGo home?回家？

ZangyinHome is where your friends are.有同伴的地方才是你的归所。

KimieI...我……

Kimie looks at Zangyin's outstretched hand, and then at the shrine. A stream of transmissions keeps flowing in. These shapeless bonds illuminate the entrance to the shrine, stretching out toward the core of the Oasis.君惠看向蔵音伸出的手，又回头看向神社。通讯器中的信息还在不断弹出，这些无形的羁绊如夕阳的光辉一般，照亮了神社的门口，一路向绿洲的核心延伸而去。

Kimie(Kaede-sama... Please be at ease, for I have found my true home at last. Kami above, I hope you're seeing this, too.)（枫大人……请放心吧，我找到真正的归所了。神明在上，希望您也能看到这一幕呢。）

Kimie closes her eyes and prays for a moment, and then she turns around to take Zangyin and Nora's hands.君惠闭上眼祈祷了一会儿，回过身来拉住蔵音和野良的手。

KimieI... I want to be with everyone.我想……我想和大家在一起。

Voice of the Kami 神语

At the Oasis' lounge.绿洲，休息区。

ZangyinAh! Finally finished your script?啊！拖稿编剧终于出关了？

NoraOh please, efficient scriptwriters only need a single all-nighter for that, unlike SOME people who can only think up 27 different ways to grill fish in a night.高效的编剧往往只需要一个通宵，不像某些人一个晚上可能只能想出烤鱼的七十二种吃法。

ZangyinLooks like you're pretty happy with your new work. Hope you don't suffer a mental breakdown because of poor reviews from your readers.看来你对新作品很满意，到时候千万不要因为某些读者的恶评抑郁哦。

NoraI had Kimie's help, after all. Besides, the comments from my readers are what drive me to improve. You'll soon see me on the yearly bestsellers list.毕竟有了君惠的帮助。更何况读者的批评也是我们进步的动力嘛，你很快就能在年度最佳作品的提名榜单上看到我了。

ZangyinWow, someone's feeling confident. I'm going to feel second-hand embarrassment for you if you don't make the cut.呀，现在这么豪言壮语，万一落选了我都替你尴尬。

NoraThen I'll thank you in advance for worrying for me, Zangyin-sama.那就多谢蔵音大人提前为我忧虑了。

ZangyinYou copy how Kimie speaks, but you haven't a shred of her politeness or humility. You should be studying the essence, not the form, Nora-sama.学了君惠的说话方式，却没有半分人家的谦恭。野良大人要学学精髓嘛。

Nora(Coughs) Okay, that's enough banter for now. Where's Kimie?咳咳，不跟你贫嘴了，君惠呢？

NoraWe parted ways in a hurry yesterday and I haven't had time to thank her properly.昨天分开得匆忙，我还没来得及向她道谢。

ZangyinOh, I saw her this morning. She looked kind of worried. I guess she went back to the shrine to prepare for Akimatsuri.哦，我一早看到她很着急的样子，应该是回神社准备秋祭去了吧。

NoraSo she went back to the shrine in the end...还是回神社了吗……

ZangyinWell, Kimie IS a miko, and she has her job to do.怎么说君惠也是巫女，也有自己的本职工作。

ZangyinOur great miko-sama isn't the sort who delays things to the end and stays up all night to finish.巫女大人可不是那种拖到最后再通宵的性格。

NoraHuh? Is Kimie the only one at the shrine?欸？只有君惠一个人在神社吗？

ZangyinUm... Yeah. I asked Kimie if she needed help, but she replied...嗯……是呢，我也问过了要不要帮忙，可是君惠说……

KimieIt seems you all have your own work that needs to be done. There is no need to worry about me.各位大人还有本职工作需要完成，不必为我挂心。

KimieAllow this Kimie to finish the rest. Everyone in the Oasis has graciously accepted this Kimie and this Kimie would like to prepare an Akimatsuri that is uniquely the Oasis'.剩下的就由君惠来完成吧。绿洲的诸位大人接纳了君惠，君惠也想为大人们筹备一场属于绿洲的秋祭呢。

KimieI am sure you will understand the feeling, Zangyin-sama.这份心情，蔵音大人应该可以理解吧。

ZangyinUm... For some reason it felt like she was pushing herself too hard.嗯……总觉得她在勉强自己……

NoraI want to help Kimie, but I don't want to get in her way either... (sigh)想帮君惠，又怕给她添乱……唉……

???How would you be getting in her way? Kimie's probably thinking about everyone right now.怎么会添乱。恐怕君惠这时候也在想着大家吧。

野良&蔵音Professor?!？！教授？！

ProfessorAh, I don't think I've seen an Oasis Akimatsuri yet. Maybe I should go over and see what it's all about.哎呀，绿洲的秋祭我还没见过呢。也是时候去凑凑热闹了。

ZangyinThere might be so much work that you'll be forced to return to the Ops Room in defeat.繁琐的事务可能会让您灰头土脸地回指挥部哦。

ProfessorHehe, does that matter? I've been sitting on my butt for too long; it's about time I moved these bones.呵呵，那有什么关系。坐得久了，偶尔也要活动下筋骨。

NoraSurely the kami won't blame us if we've broken a taboo, right?如果做了忌讳的事情，神明不会怪罪吗？

ProfessorIf we offer our worship with sincere hearts, why would the gods blame a properly pious person?我们怀着诚心扫除供奉，神明又怎么会怪罪虔诚的人呢？

ProfessorThis way, nobody should have any more doubts, right?这样，大家就没有疑虑了吧。

NoraYou really are sneaky, Professor; you came to ask us about this even though you already had an answer in your heart.教授还真是狡猾呢，明明都已经有主意了还来问我们。

ZangyinHow could we possibly sit back and ignore a friend in trouble?知道同伴身陷困扰，我们又怎么能坐视不管。

ProfessorLet's bring everyone else along. Looks like autumn in the Oasis is going to get more lively.叫上大家一起去吧，秋日的绿洲也需要热闹一下了。

A crow swoops overhead and comes to rest on the shrine's torii arch.乌鸦掠过头顶，停在神社的鸟居之上。

Kimie sweeps the dense carpet of leaves into a pile. Then she suddenly seems to recall something and a smile appears on her face.君惠将厚重的落叶扫成堆，恍惚间记起了什么，脸上露出了微笑。

KimieI wonder how Nora-sama's new book is going? Surely she will have finished it once Akimatsuri is over.不知道野良大人的新作如何了。等秋祭结束的时候，想必已经撰写完成了吧。

KimiePerhaps it would be a good time to bring some snacks over then, to see if I might be graced with a reading of Nora-sama's great work. But what should I bring?届时再带一些点心去拜读野良大人的手稿。带什么去好呢？

KimieRoasted sweet potatoes might be good. Kaede-sama always made bonfires with the fallen leaves during autumn.烤地瓜似乎是个不错的选择。每年秋天，枫大人总会用落叶点起篝火。

KimieThe potatoes would be buried in the leaves, and soon their fragrance would fill the air.地瓜埋在落叶中，不一会儿便香气四溢。

KimieThe smell remains with this Kimie to this day. Ah! This is not the time for this Kimie to be thinking about this...香甜的味道君惠至今记忆犹新。啊！君惠现在可不是想这些的时候……

KimieI need to clean the shrine grounds and hang up the decorations... (Sigh) Everything's gotten dusty after just a few days away...清扫神社院落，擦拭摆件，唉，离开了几日许多物件都落了灰尘……

KimieThe offerings are not laid out and the kamiki has gone unwatered... It will be hard to finish all this before sunset today.祭品尚未摆放，还有御神木的浇灌……即便一刻不休息要赶在日暮之前完成也很勉强。

KimieI'll just have to do my best.只能尽力而为了。

After thinking for a moment, Kimie turns and begins sweeping the long path in front of the shrine.思考了片刻后，君惠转身清扫神社前的长道。

Then, a broom suddenly swoops over and instantly cleans up the place she was about to work on.忽然另一支扫把掠过，自己原本打算打扫的地方一下子变得干净。

As she looks down the path, she sees a familiar face.目光顺着帚穗一直向上，迎上来的是熟悉的面庞。

ProfessorKimie, I'm here.君惠，我来了。

KimieProfessor?教授？

Kimie freezes up as friendly faces appear one after another.君惠一怔，亲切的面孔接二连三地出现。

NoraSorry, we came in the end. Hope we're not causing you trouble.抱歉，我们还是来了，希望不会给你添麻烦。

OctogenWhy didn't you tell us you were preparing for something as fun as Akimatsuri? I thought we were friends.准备秋祭这种热闹怎么不告诉我们呢？太见外了吧。

Kuro(Yawn) I got up extra early today.哈欠~~卡萝我今天特意起了个大早。

KuroI'll leave livestreaming the event aside for now and help Kimie tidy up the shrine.直播活动什么的先放一边，先帮君惠把神社打扫完。

HelixHelix will help, too!贺莉斯也来帮忙啦！

ChocoChoco already prepared snacks! Lunch is not going to disappoint.巧可已经准备好甜点了，午餐时间绝对不会让大家饿肚子的。

ProfessorSorry to bother you, Kimie. I just wanted to get a couple of helpers, but everyone insisted on coming when they heard you were preparing for Akimatsuri.打扰你了，君惠。原本想带一两个帮手来，结果一听是要帮你准备秋祭，大家都来了呢。

ProfessorYou really are very popular.君惠真的很受欢迎啊。

Kimie feels a warmth growing in her heart.君惠感觉核心处隐隐有一股暖意。

KimieEveryone...大家……

ZangyinThere, there, now isn't the time to be moved to tears.好了，现在不是感动掉泪的时候哦。

ZangyinWhere should we begin with the Akimatsuri preparations? I'm alright doing some cleaning work.秋祭的准备工作从哪里开始呢？我的话做一些清扫工作应该没什么问题。

CroqueThe Engineering Department can help fix a few of the damaged parts of the shrine.工程部可以帮忙修缮一些神社破损的地方。

HelixI can help clear away the fallen leaves.我可以帮君惠收拾落叶。

KimieBut...可是……

ProfessorDon't stand on ceremony; feel free to order us around.不用客气，请尽管吩咐我们吧。

KimieAlright, then I'll be counting on you all.嗯，那就麻烦大家了。

KimieZangyin-sama and Nora-sama are more familiar with shrines, so I'll have to trouble you to help clean the shrine's ornaments.蔵音大人和野良大人对神社比较熟悉，请劳烦打扫神社内的装饰。

NoraWe'll have it done in no time~我们会很快完成的~

KimieSome of the roof tiles are a little loose, and they leak a little during rainy days. I hope Croque-sama and Octogen-sama can help with that.神社屋檐的砖瓦有些松动，雨天的时候偶有渗水。要辛苦克罗琦和奥托金大人了。

CroqueRoger that!了解了！

HelixWhat about me?那我呢？

KimieThere is something I need you to help me with, Helix-sama.有一件事要拜托贺莉斯大人哦。

Helix's eyes gleam with excitement.贺莉斯振奋起精神，眼睛闪闪发亮。

HelixYup, yup! Helix will get it done for sure!嗯嗯！贺莉斯一定保证完成任务！

KimieHmm, this task will be...嗯，这个任务就是……

Kimie whispers something into Helix's ear. Helix nods and runs off happily.君惠附在贺莉斯耳边低声说着什么，贺莉斯听完点点头，开开心心地跑开了。

ZangyinWow... I can see the sky through this, Croque! The tiles here are really badly damaged.哇……都透光了啊，克罗琦！这里的砖瓦破损得很严重。

CroqueGot it! Fortunately, we didn't use the Professor's suggestions of going with a thatched roof...知道了！幸亏没有采纳教授当时说的桧皮葺屋面……

ZangyinYeah, otherwise we'd have to start by planting a tree. Haha...是啊，不然就要从种树开始了。哈哈……

NoraYou need to wash these offerings clean, Kuro.这些祭品要清洗干净哦卡萝。

KuroYes, yes, I got it.知道了知道了。

NoraNo, every time I see you glaring at them, I get the feeling the offerings will disappear the next minute.不行，每次看你虎视眈眈地望着它们，我就感觉下一刻这些祭品要凭空消失。

KuroAw come on, have some faith in me.拜托，对我要有基本的信任。

NoraI'll let the Professor handle this. Professor!我还是交给教授吧，教授！

KuroHEY!喂！！

The formerly quiet shrine is now a hotbed of activity.原本冷清的神社突然间热闹了起来。

After a day's work, the preparations for Akimatsuri are finally complete.忙碌了一天，秋祭的准备工作终于顺利完成了。

ProfessorAnd we're done!大功告成！

KimieProfessor.教授。

I put the offering I'm holding in its designated location, then turn to look at Kimie. She is dressed in her ceremonial vestments and waiting quietly for me.我把手中的祭品摆放在指定位置，转身看向君惠，她已经穿戴好祭典装扮静静等待着。

KimieThis Kimie is ready to perform the kagura for Akimatsuri. I hope you will enjoy it.君惠准备了秋祭的神乐祝舞。还望教授能一同欣赏。

ProfessorThis is the first time I've seen you dance the kagura. I'm looking forward to it.我还是第一次看到君惠的神乐舞，很期待哦。

KimieKimie... This Kimie will do her best.君惠……君惠定会竭尽全力。

ProfessorMhm.嗯。

Night has come much earlier ever since autumn came.入秋之后，夜幕的到来早了许多。

Kimie looks especially holy tonight, dancing under the moonlight and holding her kagura-suzu while limned in silver radiance.月光下的君惠身着巫女服，手持神乐铃，银白色的光晕笼罩在身上，分外神圣。

She begins the steps of her dance as she shakes her kagura-suzu, in time with the music.和着音乐，君惠扬起手中的神乐铃，庄重起舞。

Everything seems like the Akimatsuri from that year. She is surrounded by countless people, watching her with their ardent gazes.一切似乎和当年的秋祭一样。那么多人，那么多灼热的目光。

参拜者...Well, that's no good. The gods require sincere devotion. What do Dolls know of faith? They don't even have hearts.……神明需要的是虔诚的信奉，人形怎么会懂得信仰，他们根本就没有心。

参拜者That's right! The very existence of a Doll like this is blasphemy!说的对啊，这种人形的存在本身就是对神明的亵渎吧！

The memories of the past wash over her like a flood, and for a moment Kimie cannot breathe.过去的回忆如潮水般袭来，让君惠有些喘不过气。

The gentle music starts to grate on the ear, and her steps grow unsteady, as though she were treading on cotton.柔缓的神乐开始变得刺耳，舞步犹如踩踏在棉花上一般虚浮。

Kimie(A blasphemy against the kami... No, it's not like that...)（对神明的亵渎……不，不是这样的……）

Kimie(Can I still keep dancing? I...)（我还能继续舞下去吗？我……）

???Kimie!君惠！

A gentle voice reaches her ears and she sees one concerned face after another.轻柔的声音传入耳中，映入眼帘的是一张张关切的面孔。

KimieProfessor... Everyone...教授……大家……

枫巫女Focus. Ignore that idle gossip. The kami themselves are watching your dance.专注。不要例会那些闲言碎语，神明会注视你的舞步。

Kimie...I shall abide by your teachings, Kaede-sama.谨遵教诲，枫大人。

枫巫女At this rate... the kami will surely see...就这么舞下去……神明一定可以看得见……

KimieWill the kami... see this...神明大人……会看得见吗……

ProfessorI'm watching. We are all watching.我在看，我们都在看……

Someone smiles in the distance. Kimie gathers her thoughts and her wobbling steps become firm again.不远处的人露出微笑，君惠镇定思绪，原本虚浮的舞步变得踏实。

KimieKaede-sama was right.枫大人说的对。

KimieThe kami have always been watching me.神明一直在注视着我。

The bells ring, and her sleeves flutter.挥袖振铃，白衣翻飞。

The dance ends, followed by eager applause. Everyone is smiling. She has completed the kagura under the eyes of her audience.一曲舞毕，轻快的掌声响起。在场的每个人脸上都带着笑容。她在众人的目光之下完成了神乐舞。

KimieKaede-sama, this Kimie finally understands.枫大人，君惠终于明白了。

HelixProfessor~ this is yours! Careful, it's hot~教授~这是你的！小心烫哟~

ProfessorWow, I didn't think I'd get to eat roast sweet potatoes in the Oasis... (blows)哇，没想到在绿洲还能吃到烤地瓜……呼呼……

The freshly cooked sweet potato is a little hot. I blow away the leaf ash on it and then break it open.刚拿出来的地瓜有些烫手，我吹了吹上面的落叶灰烬，将地瓜掰开。

The tempting gold of its flesh releases a wave of fragrance that hits my nose.诱人的金黄色带着独有的香甜气息扑鼻而来。

ProfessorThe Oasis has its weather simulators so we don't need to worry about bad weather, but it's only when you eat seasonal foods that the passing of the seasons really sinks in.绿洲有气象模拟器所以不担心气象灾害，可只有每次吃到时令特产才会察觉到季节的变迁。

KimieProfessor...教授……

ProfessorThank you for your hard work, Kimie. Your kagura was lovely.君惠辛苦了，神乐之舞非常优美。

KimieI... faltered a little just now, while I was dancing. I recalled some things from the past.刚刚在舞蹈的时候，回忆起往昔的事情，舞蹈之时颇为犹豫。

KimieBut after hearing your encouragement, this Kimie could make up her mind.是听到了您的鼓励，君惠才坚定了决心。

ProfessorThings from the past, hm...往昔的事……

KimieYes. When this Kimie travelled in the past, I once danced for the Akimatsuri.是的。君惠以前在现世游历，也曾在当地秋祭时起舞。

KimieAt that time, this Kimie was recognized as a priestess Doll. Many local residents felt that a Doll could not be pious and could not convey their feelings to the kami.彼时，君惠被人认出是神职人形。很多当地村民认为人形没有虔诚之心，无法向神明传达心意。

ProfessorAnd that was when you returned to the shrine and traveled no more?君惠就是在那时回到神社，从此不再游历的吗？

KimieYes. This Kimie did not intend to shake the faith of others. Perhaps serving the kami in the shrine was the best answer.嗯，君惠无意动摇大家对神明的信仰。在神社中侍奉神明或许是最好的答案。

KimieKaede-sama... said so, too.枫大人……也是这么说的。

ProfessorThe soul of a Doll executing their base layer commands is far purer than any human being's.执行底层指令的人形心灵远比人类更加单纯。

ProfessorIf their faith was shaken, then it just means they were never that faithful in the first place. Kaede-sama must have seen the true face of the world many times over; how could she not have known that?所谓的信仰动摇，也只是自己原本便没有那么纯粹吧。枫大人看尽了世间百态，又怎么会不知道呢。

KimieAh... But...啊……可是……

ProfessorNobody was willing to inherit the tradition of being a shrine maiden, but your arrival gave her aged self so much hope.没有人愿意继承神道巫女传统，你的出现给了年迈的她多么大的希望。

ProfessorShe treated you as kin and gave you a refuge and a way out. However harsh the humans might have been, the shrine could always be your shelter.她一直把你当成亲人看待，也为你留足了退路，即便人类对你有苛责，神社也能成为你的庇护所。

KimieKaede-sama...枫大人……

HelixKimie~ we roasted the sweet potatoes according to your directions and they turned out yummy, want some?君惠~~按照你的方法烤出来的地瓜真的好香甜，你要不要尝尝？

Helix picks the biggest sweet potato for Kimie.贺莉斯挑了最大的一个地瓜递给君惠。

ProfessorDid Kimie teach you how to do it? The heat was controlled well, and there was a fragrance of falling leaves to it, too.是君惠教的的方法吗？火候刚刚好，还有股落叶的香气。

Kimie breaks open the sweet potato and takes a bite. The sweet, tangy, and soft sensation immediately fills her mouth.君惠掰开地瓜，咬了一口。甘甜软糯瞬间包裹了口腔。

KimieIt's so sweet.好甜啊。

ProfessorHehe, don't let it drip out the corner of your mouth.呵呵，嘴角蹭到了哦。

KimieMm... Nom...嗯……唔……

The Professor's fingers graze her cheeks and Kimie feels the same warmth from when she awoke from her nap in the shrine that day.教授的手指抚上脸颊，君惠感受到了自己那日在神社酣眠时触碰的温度。

KimieKaede-sama, your roasted sweet potatoes are so sweet.枫大人做的烤地瓜好甜啊。

枫巫女Hehe, just look at you, don't let it drip out the corner of your mouth.呵呵，瞧瞧你，嘴角蹭到了哦。

枫巫女Kimie... Are you happy right now?现在的君惠……开心吗？

KimieMm. This Kimie is deeply honored to accompany you, Kaede-sama.嗯，能一直陪伴着枫大人，君惠十分荣幸。

枫巫女It's good to be happy. You are a miko who conveys the will of the gods, but more than that, you are Kimie... the one and only Kimie.开心便好，你是传达神意的巫女，可你更是君惠……独一无二的君惠。

KimieKaede-sama... Professor...枫大人……教授……

Whoosh—boom!嗖——嘭嘭嘭！

The fireworks climb into the sky and the night fills with sparkling colors. Ghostly blue lights flutter through the air like butterflies.烟花升空，夜空绽放出五彩流光。幽蓝色的萤火如同蝴蝶在空中翩跹。

HelixWow! It's Octogen's new fireworks! They're so pretty!哇！是奥托金的新烟火！！好漂亮啊！

ProfessorI'm sure making such beautiful butterflies must have taken a lot of work.这么美丽的蝴蝶一定下了不少功夫吧。

Everyone looks up at the scintillating sky, while Kimie looks at everyone's backs.大家仰望着流光四溢的夜空，而君惠则注视着大家的背影。

KimieKami-sama, please hear my prayer.神明大人，请您聆听我的祈愿。

KimieThis grateful miko wants to be with everyone in the Oasis.君惠想和绿洲的各位在一起。

KimieAs a friend, as a family member, with the Professor, and with everyone else.以同伴更以家人的身份，和教授、和大家在一起。

Cling, clang...叮叮当当……

As the wind stirs the prayer bell, Kimie hears the voice of the kami for the first time.清风拂过祈愿铃，君惠第一次听到了神的声音。

And with a laugh, they grant her wish.神明微笑着应允了她的请求。

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.