October 4, 2053 – 10:00 a.m.

“People have always felt the need for general beliefs and instinctively understood that their disappearance marked their descent into a phase of decline.”

An extraordinary Council of Gotha was convened for mid-morning, and the first person to speak was Domon, Member of Physics, who organized the event.

“Esteemed colleagues... I wanted to call this urgent Council meeting because I am more concerned than ever about the decision that was made here yesterday. I am referring to the decision not to condemn that boy... Jin Kuraishi. Sources within our city have reported a rapid spread of news among citizens. Some claim that the man has returned, others refuse to believe such an absurd idea, but in any case, our authority has been compromised."

At this point, Junna intervenes as Member of Logic.

“What are you talking about, Member of Physics Domon? If this is really the reason for the meeting, I think you should apologize to all of us for taking away precious time from our research activities.”

Domon immediately looks annoyed by his colleague's words. Junna continues her speech.

“Since when does the most important body in the nation deal with citizens' gossip? Our task was originally to restore order to a society corrupted by evil, and today it is to maintain that same order, which we have worked so hard to achieve, following the principle of non-oppression. At the same time, through our research and specialization in various fields, we enable humanity to progress. These are the only reasons for the existence of the institution called Gotha."

“Of course we all know that!” Domon interjects.

“Sometimes it is necessary to remind people why they are doing what they are doing.” Junna replies, then launches into a dialectical attack on her colleague. “Member of physics Domon... my logic tells me that this emergency Council has been convened without valid reasons. First of all, dealing with urban legends is not our job. Secondly, the decision to release Jin was taken yesterday thanks to the majority vote of the Council, and every decision of the Gotha is absolutely unquestionable. Finally, I believe that your real motivation is the fear of losing your position as a member of physics."

At this point, Domon explodes with rage and launches into a heated response. “Fear? How dare you make such an assumption? You, who are so keen to remind us of the rules of the Gotha, perhaps forget that once its members have obtained a seat on the Council, they hold it for life. The only way to lose it is to violate the very rules of this society, just as Jin did.”

"Of course, you are absolutely right, Member Domon. I offer you my sincerest apologies. It would be illogical to think that a righteous man like you would violate the rules designed by the Gotha to govern the nation." Domon smiles slightly, proud to have made her admit that he was right, but Junna is not finished yet. “In any case, the reasons behind this Council meeting no longer exist, so I declare it closed. Does anyone object?” No one says anything. “Perfect... then this emergency Council meeting is officially over.”

The members of the Gotha leave their seats, and Domon, although furious with anger at what has happened, is about to do the same, but Junna calls his attention. “Member of Physics Domon!”

“What more do you want, Member of Logic Miura? I believe the meeting has already been adjourned.”

“I would just like to add one thing on a personal note.”

"Go ahead."

"Leave it alone, Jin."

Domon smiles amusedly. “Put me between the most influential member of the Gotha and his protégé? You don't need to be as logical as you are to understand that it's not a great idea.”

"Fine." Junna replies, then leaves her box. Domon remains alone in the Gotha Council chamber, still amused by his latest exchange with his colleague, and lets out a comment to himself. "I'll never give up my seat as a member of physics to that kid…"

Junna returns to her room and is surprised to find Jin lying in her bed.

"Y-you're still here?"

"I didn't know where else to go... you're the only person I know in this place."

"Right... since you had nowhere else to go, I let you sleep in my room last night." Junna still seems agitated. "In any case, I had a cot set up for you, so why are you in my bed now?"

“It looked more comfortable than the cot, so when I woke up and saw you weren't there, I thought I'd try it... Are you angry? You've gone all red...” Jin says, alluding to the purple color that has appeared on Junna's face since the beginning of the conversation.

“W-what? Of course not! In fact, I should say yes! Listen... get up right now and follow me.” As Jin gets out of bed, Junna formulates a thought in her mind. “What the hell is wrong with me? It's not like me to react that way... I know it's Jin, but he's just a kid now.”

Junna's moment of reflection is immediately interrupted by Jin, who is now standing up, impatient to know where the woman wants to take him. “So? Where are we going?”

"Follow me and you'll see."

The two leave the Gotha building and walk to a nearby structure. "What is this place?" Jin asks.

"The city's university."

"Oh... it's quite impressive."

"Look, it hasn't changed that much since 2025... you should have recognized it."

"Actually, I've always tried to stay away from it..."

“Anyway... starting today, you'll be studying here.”

“Study? At university? Look, I'm 17, I'm still in high school.”

“I know, I know... I've always been told you were a lazy kid.”

“Were?”

“Well... from what I know about you, you were offered many times to skip your last years of high school and go straight to university, am I right?”

“That's true, but I never wanted to leave my friends Misaki and Kenji.” Hearing those names provokes an instinctive reaction in Junna, who clenches her right fist as if trying to suppress a feeling of anger.

Jin notices that something is wrong with the woman. “Hey Junna... are you okay?”

The Member of Logic manages to calm down and replies calmly. "Yes, I'm fine. As I was saying... this is where you'll be spending most of your days for the foreseeable future."

"Okay, I don't really have any reason to refuse, although I'd like to discuss a few things with you first."

“Great!”

"But what about rent and food? Will I have to find a part-time job?"

“Rent? Oh, right, I didn't explain that to you... in our society, all citizens are given a place to stay when they want to become independent. Housing is a right for everyone; this was one of the first amendments of Gotha. Everyone is provided with housing by Gotha when they complete their studies and start working. Normally, until then, young people like you live with their parents or in student accommodation if they attend university in a city other than their own.”

Jin is amazed by this system.

"Are you surprised?" Junna asks, noticing his expression.

"Well, yes... I think of all the people who struggled to pay rent or lived on the streets in the time I come from."

Junna replies with a satisfied smile. “Problems like that don't exist anymore, and it's all thanks to Gotha.” Jin looks at Junna with admiration, which she notices and blushes again. “Hey, what are you doing? Why are you staring at me like that?”

"I'm just happy. Thanks to your work, many fewer people are suffering."

"Oh." That's all Junna can say, touched by Jin's compliments, but then she tries to resume the previous conversation. "In any case... you're completely alone now, and putting you in temporary housing like a student's wouldn't make sense. You are a citizen of this city, so I will find you a housing solution that suits your situation.”

"Thank you, but I don't want to bother you. You have such an important role and you're wasting so much time on me."

“Don't be silly, Jin. You'll stay in my room again today, but starting tomorrow, I'll make sure you have your own.”

"Thank you very much, then. What about university? Is that free too?"

“Of course! No one has to pay for knowledge, but at the same time, only those who manage to maintain adequate grades and meet the deadlines can continue their studies.”

“Fantastic! But how do you find the money to do all this?”

“Our nation is highly nationalized, and private wealth is only allowed up to a certain limit. Every measure we take is designed to prevent the oppression of one individual over another, whether physical, economic, or of any other kind... Following these guidelines, the Minister of Economy Ueda has drawn up a whole series of regulations that allow us to financially support our citizens in the basic aspects of life, such as having a home and access to education. The results show us that our system is working perfectly. The students that Gotha supports during their university years are those who will subsequently enrich our country through their work.”

“It seems you have thought of everything. In any case, shouldn't I choose which faculty to enroll in and which courses to take?”

“You'll study physics.”

“Hey... have you already chosen for me?”

“Did you have something else in mind?”

“Well... no... actually, I was thinking of enrolling in physics, it's the subject I'm definitely best at.”

“I know that.”

“But I hate that you're always one step ahead of me... it's like you already know my every move.”

Junna laughs. “Come on Jin, let's go in. You have to enroll so you can start attending classes tomorrow.”

"Sure!"