Chapter 7:

Answers

DreamScape: Survival of the Smartest


"I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU"

(That white coat, that height, that voice and this strange familiarity I'm feeling)

I THINK I HAVE MET HIM BEFORE.

[October 5th- Approx *4:00 Pm ]

"I think everyone has a vague idea about what the experiment will be..."

Nakabachi Hideo continued with the introduction but I can't pay any attention.

I CAN'T HEAR ANYTHING

My mind is occupied by his presence, he totally caught me off-guard, my heart won't stop racing and I am trying so hard to remember him.

(This feeling—it's undoubtedly the real deal. If not, I wouldn't be this tense and my heart has never raced this much.)

He feels so familiar. For someone like him to steal my attention and leave such a great impact on me, he should be someone whom I know from before. If so then why-

WHY CAN'T I REMEMBER HIM?

Am I forgetting something? It's not just that I feel like I have met him; I also feel like I talked with him, if not then how could I able to recognise his voice? Who is he to me? Think

"Think(kangaero) "

Think, think, think, think, think, think, think,think, think, think, think, think, think, think,think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think.

Wait-

Let's calm down for a sec, First of all

DID I REALLY MEET HIM?

If I really did then why can't I remember him? Is this feeling some kind of deja vu? I don't know but I can't ignore this sensation.

Considering that I really did meet him then-

WHEN DID I MEET HIM? WHERE DID I MEET HIM?

Nakabachi Hideo, as I expected it doesn't ring a bell. If my memory serves right, this is the first time I have heard of this name. In other words,

I MIGHT HAVE MET HIM BUT I DON'T KNOW HIS NAME.

It's possible but I can't guarantee that.

Did I meet him when I was a kid? If so then no wonder I can't remember him, But his presence overwhelmed me and this feeling, I can't neglect it, so there is no way I would forget about such a person so easily. Besides, my parents have never mentioned him before, so there is no chance that this man would be an acquaintance or a friend to one of my parents.

Then, did I meet him recently? But where? Near the convenience store? Idiot, why the hell would a scientist, on top of that, the founder of this company would bother with such places? But, I can't think of any other places where I would have met him.

Aah, It's no use...

I CAN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING!

(Damn it!)

"As we explained in the email, our experiment is about-"

"Will you leave that crap for later? "

"Hmm"

(Huh?)

Suddenly, someone's voice from afar has brought me back from thinking. I came back to my senses.

He is a red-haired guy, he seemed to be around my age. He is wearing a white jacket.

"First answers, Why did you brought us here in that way? "

That's right. What the hell was I thinking? I was completely distracted. What's important now is my answers, I can think about him later.

"Hey, mind your langu-"

"Guard-kun, it's all right", Nakabachi stretched his hand

The guard who came along with Nakabachi on the stage was interrupted by him.

"Yukimura Kazuki-Kun, right? "

He know our names?

"That doesn't matter, first answer"

'That's right, that's right, we need an explanation '

Along with him, others started asking too.

'I felt so scared'

'You confiscated our smartphones too'

'You better not trying to commit a crime, are you? '

A-awesome(sugoi) Everyone started to feel restless and became persistent in asking about this situation, no, that Yukimura guy made them to ask.

"Alright, alright I understand(wakarimasta). Just like Yamamoto-Kun told, I am also well aware that you have many questions, Of course, I intend to answer all of them, that was the plan."

"Then answer, why are you hiding this place? " Kazuki asked.

"Fine(iidaro) -I WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING"

*Araki gulps*

The time has come. I have been waiting for this moment. DLC- DreamLink Corporation. An unofficial organization, on top of that they are doing an experiment involving humans. The details were not made public, their location is hidden. Any person can become suspicious just seeing these details.

What are they trying to do? Why are they hiding this place? What is their objective? Why they are being so secretive?

Everything will come to light now.

"Why am I hiding this place huh? I guess It's only natural for you to ask that after being brought here in such a way"

Why are they hiding this location?

I said earlier that they will be in trouble if their location gets revealed but,

THAT'S NOT THE END, THERE IS MORE TO IT.

These people want to know why he is hiding this place but what I want to know is

WHAT KIND OF TROUBLE HE WILL FACE?

If you ask me this question, then I can think of two possible reasons to why they are hiding this place. Well, For now, I will keep it on hold until he responds.

Most probably I will get my answer right now.

Now, Nakabachi Hideo how will you respond to this question?

"Before answering that question I think everyone knows that we have created a product that will allow you to remember and control your dreams, am I right? "

"Y-yes" The crowd responded in unison

"Also we didn't publicize this experiment in other words, other than the people who sit here, no one knows about our experiment or product-not even the government or other companies similar to us"

Hmm? What is he trying to sa-Wait, this flow...

"And that product, research data, Everything regarding the experiment is sleeping in this building, so here is the question:

WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN IF SOMEONE SITTING HERE LEAKS THIS LOCATION?

As I expected, I know what this man is getting at.

"What will happen if someone leak this loca- Don't tell me" A girl shouted, covering her mouth with her hands.

"Oh ya, looks like you have guessed it"

I think some people have realised it.

That's right, one of the two reasons which I mentioned and the trouble they are going to face is-

RAID AND THEFT

What these people invented is beyond extraordinary, A product that will help us to remember our dreams and can allow us to control our actions. So, for suppose if someone sitting here leaks this location to someone, more importantly-

IF THIS LOCATION GETS LEAKED TO DLC'S RIVAL COMPANIES

In simple terms-The companies which are researching about the same concept, Since Nakabachi admitted that all of the research data resides in this building, there is a high possibility that one of them might try to raid this place, steal the research data and claim it for themselves which can result in a huge loss for DLC, I think I have mentioned something like this before* too.

It makes sense, no wonder they are hiding this place.

"I believe that what we have created is unbelievable, but it's the truth. We, the people of DLC, have succeeded in creating a product that will conquer dreams, but we didn't announce it to the world - we didn't make it public. Now, Since we didn't made it public this gives an opening, in other words, a chance for our rivals. They might try to steal our data. Since everything regarding the experiment resides in this building, there is a huge possibility that this building will get pillaged by other companies, and our data may get stolen along with the product."

So that's the reason after all, Looks like there is no need to mention the second rea-

"But, THAT'S NOT THE MAIN PROBLEM"

Eh?

"We are the very first company to have successfully conquered dreams with our product. I believe it's not an exaggeration to say that this is a great achievement for Japan, one that will go down in history."

He is speaking the truth, this is undoubtedly a great achievement. To be honest, the concept of this experiment seems too far-fetched; it almost feels unreal that such an invention took place this early. But these people claim that they have succeeded in making it. If what they are saying is true, then 'great achievement' would be just an understatement.

"But"

"WE CAN'T BE SURE YET THAT THIS ACHIEVEMENT TRULY BELONGS TO JAPAN"

Huh? What does he mean by that? It definitely belongs to- AHH

My eyes widened, and I was left with a shocked expression because right now-

I HAVE REALISED THAT HE IS GOING TO SAY SOMETHING VERY DANGEROUS.

"What do you mean?" A man asked, sitting in the crowd.

"For example, if someone posts the details about the experiment on social media, It will be known worldwide in other words, big countries like America and Russia will become aware of our project"

(that's....enough)

"So what are you getting at? "

"Don't you think that they want to get their hands on this project?"

"E...h?"

"Ah, let me rephrase it,

DON'T YOU THINK THAT THEY MIGHT WANT TO STEAL AND GRAB OUR ACHIEVEMENT?"

'Are you serious?'

'No way'

'Hey, what does he mean by that?'

'Shut up for a moment, let me listen'

(No, don't say anymore)

"The fact that we didn't announce or make anything public will not only give a chance to our rivals but also to other countries. Right now, we don't have approval or protection from the government; we didn't safeguard our data either, and we didn't get a patent as well. Right now, we are defenceless. So if anyone sitting here SELLS THE INFORMATION ABOUT US TO A SPY FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY-

WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN?"

(Stop...it)

"Once they become aware of this invention, they will surely attempt to attack this place, it's not a private conflict anymore. Countries fight amongst themselves to get their hands on this product. They will want to claim this achievement. This is not a problem of DLC anymore, this will be a problem for the whole Japan. Because of someone sold the information, this conflict will start as a shadow war and will eventually evolve into a- WORLD WAR"

'World...war?'

"That's right, just because of someone, this land will become a- BATTLEFIELD"

Aah, he said it, the thing which I don't want to hear the most.

THE WORLD WAR

That's right, this is the MAIN PROBLEM-the current situation is even more dangerous.

I can't believe that DLC has predicted that far and started taking precautions, why didn't I realise it sooner? No, there is no way I could have realised it before, not only me

NOBODY COULD HAVE GUESSED IT.

If you ask me, this product has the potential to become a catalyst for a more developed future, but since it is hidden from the public, this product can as well become a-

TRIGGER TO THE UPCOMING WORLD WAR

But we can't say for sure if it will happen or not but there is a possibility. Because big countries would want to claim this for themselves to become an even more developed nation that's why there is a chance.

Looks like everyone has been shocked by hearing his answer. I guess they can't help it because if someone gets swallowed by their greed and sell this information to people like spies, their single mistake would lead to a war. In otherwords, they will be digging their own grave.

I hate to admit it but everything makes sense now. no, it makes more sense. He gave a very logical explanation, it even exceeded my expectations.

The reason why they are hiding this location, Why they don't want us to tell about this to anyone, Why Kurogane followed me all these days and made sure that I didn't tell anyone that time

(Flashback-"About the experiment, did you tell anyone?")

Everything makes sense.

Not only they don't want other companies to steal their data, they also want to avoid a world war.

'Then the reason you confiscated our mobiles'

"Yes, to prevent you from filming/recording the seminar, what you are going to know is absolutely confidential Information so if you record it and post it on social media it would be a problem for us."

I see, that explains why he has confiscated our mobiles, everything is linked but looks like he forgot to mention one more thing, or rather HE DIDN'T MENTION IT.

Not only that, he also doesn't want us to use our GPS to find this location. The presence of a smartphone might prove to be a thorn for DLC, That's why they are not allowing them in here.

I can see that, how desperate they are in avoiding any leakage- Wait

SOMETHING DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT

The puzzle is still incomplete. A piece is missing. If they really want to avoid any leakage and if they are desperate to prevent their data from getting stolen, if they really want to avoid any loss, not to mention the World war

ISN'T THERE A VERY SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR IT?

If there is a solution for it then why are they not doing it? That's right

If they want to prevent these consequences then why don't-

"If you really want to prevent this mess from happening"

"Hmm"

"THEN WHY DON'T YOU MAKE THIS PUBLIC ALREADY?"

(What? That's exactly what I was thinking)

"Can you say more specifically? Mizuki Reina-san"

She was sitting in the fourth row on the right side, wearing a half-shoulder blue top paired with a skirt. Her eyes are blue and She has dark blue hair (midnight blue) and appeared to be the same age as me.

"You make it sound like it's our fault but in truth, you are the ones who are responsible for this, if you announce this project and take the government approval, there won't be a single problem, honestly- WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO PULL HERE?"

'That's right, he can just announce it?'

'A-are you trying to blame us?'

'Stop kidding'

It's the exact same thing. She asked him what I was thinking. That's right, if he made it public there won't be any problem. Then why didn't he do that?

"That's a really wonderful question. That's right if I announce it and obtain government approval, our product will be patented, and they will provide support and help in safeguarding our project. Once we patent our project and name it under DLC, forget about other companies; not even other countries can interfere with us."

'Then-'

"Then why didn't I do that, right?"

This man, is he joking around? If he is afraid of loss and leakage, then why doesn't he make it official? There is no need for them to be this secretive if what they are doing is a good thing. If they make it public, then it's a lot easier for them to handle things. Why do they go so far as hiding this location and threatening me when the solution is right in front of them?

WHY CAN'T HE MAKE THIS PUBLIC?

"Well The reason is simple, it needs perfection"

Perfection?

"To tell the truth, THIS PRODUCT IS NOT FULLY DEVELOPED"

Not...developed? What is he saying?

The crowd became silent upon hearing his response.

(Huh? In other words it's incomplete? That means he is testing on us? It almost sounds like...)

WE ARE JUST A BUNCH OF GUINEA PIGS?

'S....'

"hmm?" Nakabachi murmured

'S-STOP JOKING!!!!!!'

All of a sudden the people raised their voices in anger.

'Are you telling me to test it when it's not even complete? no way!'

'Do you want us to risk our lives?'

'How will you take responsibility if something happens!?'

(What the hell is he saying? Damn, I can't able to think straight)

'What do you take our lives for!?'

'I know it, these people are dangerous'

'I don't want to take part in this!'

(It's not fully developed? Is it really incomplete or they are trying to improve it?)

'I can't put up with this!'

'Send me home!'

'Hey, let's get out of here right now'

'I shouldn't have accepted afterall'

(Tsk)

"QUIET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I shouted

*silence*

"WILL YOU GUYS BE QUIET FOR A SECOND? HE IS SPEAKING RIGHT, LET HIM FINISH"

Nakabachi smiled.

'Hey mister-' the guy sitting next to me, called out for me

"Huh!?" I glared

's-sorry'

(Honestly, my mind is already overwhelmed with so much information on top it, these people shout like idiots, it's really annoying)

"Thank you, young man. It seems like you people have gotten the wrong idea here. The product is complete, we have certainly created a product that can conquer dreams. However, we believe that there is still more room for development."

'Can you say more specifically?'

"To sum it up, The reason we have called you here is to test our product and give us your feedback. We want to know, How much you can remember? To what extent you can control your actions? By the results obtained from the experiment we can able to perceive if we can improve it further"

'What does that have to do with announcing about this project?'

"Will you announce a movie when you don't know if you can make it?"

'What?'

"Alternatively can you release a video game with full of bugs?"

'Well....I am not sure'

"Exactly. We are also in a similar situation. Think of our experiment as a game in it's testing phase. It still has many bugs, and we alone can't identify all of them. That's why we invited you all here, you can assume it as a beta test. We don't want to announce a product that we can't deliver on or promise. It needs to be perfect before we can make it public."

I see, It makes sense but,

IT'S TOO SELFISH

Do you know that the whole country is on the line? This is not the time to be thinking about buisness and stuff. Because of one mistake there is no telling what could happen. Also, many people are still worrying about testing the prod-

"BUT THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY"

'Huh?' Crowd in unison

"The product will work. If you are worried about the risks about being the first one to test it, then there is no need to worry. because the people of DLC, including me, have all tested it already. Besides, I will also be using this product alongside you. If you think that you are the only one taking the poison here, then you are completely wrong."

'But-'

"If anything happens, I will take the ENTIRE RESPONSIBILITY"

I will take the entire responsibility? He is saying like it's not a big dea- Wha

Nakabachi bowed, maintaining a perfect posture, requesting us.

"PLEASE TRUST ME, I PROMISE THAT I WILL MAKE IT UP TO YOU NO MATTER WHAT. I, NAKABACHI HIDEO, SWEARING UPON MY NAME THAT I WILL TAKE THE ENTIRE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS EXPERIMENT."

"Wai-Sensei!" Yamamoto exclaimed, standing at a corner on the stage.

"Don't stop me, Yamamoto-Kun"

"But-"

"(Nakabachi noded) This is my decision"

(Is he serious? Even if he bow like that, we can't just accept)

"Next month"

'hmm?'

Nakabachi restored his posture.

"We have already planned to announce this project and make it official next month. We just want you to test this product for the time being and help us in developing it. If you don't leak our details for a month, then certainly no problem would arise. That's why, we just need you to keep this experiment a secret for just a month."

'Hey, what should we do?' people started talking

'I am not sure but personally I am against it'

'Well, I don't have any intention to leak any details'

'So you are saying that you are alright with cooperating?'

'If I say yes then it might be a lie though'

'I need time to think'

There is one more solution other than making this public which can also avoid the loss of DLC and other possible problems. That's right, if we keep it quiet and don't tell anyone about this experiment then there is no need for them to announce it untill the product develops perfectly, but...

THIS IS EXTREMELY HARD

Because,

HUMANS CAN'T BE TRUSTED

There are around 100 people sitting here, there must be at least one person who will be willing to leak. Just like a spark can burn the whole forest, a single leak can give birth to many problems. That's why we can't say for sure that everyone will uphold their promise.

That's why what Nakabachi doing is entirely pointle-

'Hey, look there'

'No way, What is he doing?'

Hmm?

I opened my eyes and looked at the stage.

(Why are they-)

As I lifted my head, the noise of the crowd has increased. I was wondering Why are they so surprised? After looking at the stage I came to know the answer,

They are surprised because

NAKABACHI KNEELED ON THE FLOOR.

'Is he for real?'

'I don't know what I should say'

"Whew, Now He has done it" Kurogane whistled, sitting in the back.

(Seriou…sly?)

"I request all of you, not as the founder of DLC, but as Nakabachi Hideo, I genuinely ask everyone to cooperate and make this a success. I'm requesting each and everyone of you.."

'This kind of… puts me in a bind'

'Y-yeah'

'What should we do?'

'But we should not just trust him so easily'

'Is he really seriou-'

"Ishikawa Akari-san"

'Huh? That's me'

"Nakajima Haruka-san"

'That's my name'

(He is calling our names?)

"Shibata Riku-kun"

'That's me'

"Tanaka Hiroto-kun, Suzuki Aya-san, Ito Yuto-kun, Nakamura Sayaka-san, Kobayashi Ren-kun, Sato Hina-san, Watanabe Taichi-kun, Kimura Mei-san, Yamada Ryo-kun, Kinoshita Kenta-kun, Sasaki Kaori-san, Itou Nana-san, Morita Shun-kun, Matsumoto Yuki-san, Inoue Haruto-kun, Ogiwara Misaki-san, Fujii Hayato-kun, Hoshino Yua-san, Kondo Yuuki-kun, Ota Risa-san, Fujimoto Mei-san, Ohashi Futaro-kun, Sakamoto Mina-san, Maruyama Taichi-kun, Ogawa Rina-san, Matsumura Kota-kun, Murata Asuka-san, Hirano Nanami-san, Sato Yuki-kun, Kurosawa Eri-san, Hori Shinichi-kun"

'Oi oi, is he serious'

'He knows all of…our names?'

'Not just that he is calling everyone'

(What!?)

"Aizawa Shu-kun, Nakagawa Yui-san, Kuroki Hiroki-kun, Igarashi Misa-san, Ayumi Taiga-kun, Tachibana Aoi-san, Watanabe Hikari-kun, Hinawa Mei-san, Kagawa Maru-kun, Miyazaki Kei-san, Yamashiro Yuu-kun, Nishikawa Ema-san, Uesugi Yudai-kun, Kaneko Saki-san, Kaito Kenta-kun, Yoshida Miki-san, Ito Daichi-kun, Yamaguchi Nana-san, Shimizu Ryo-kun, Okada Sakura-san, Kondo Soma-kun, Maeda Hitomi-san.."

'F-for real?'

'It's not…stopping'

"Fujita Makoto-kun, Umi Yurika-san, Ukegawa Taiki-kun, Ouka Rena-san, Ogawa Chikawa-kun, Aomi Yuna-san, Hamada Nanami-kun, Nakamura Yumiko-san, Matsuda Shima-kun, Nakano Riya-san, Akizuki Shiro-kun, Hinako Yuka-san, Shinoyama Soma-kun, Ono Hana-san, Hiroshi Miharu-kun, Takahashi Akane-san, Kimura Kotaro-kun, Matsumoto Aika-san, Kobayashi Yuta-kun, Mizuhara Sakura-san, Izanami Seiya-kun, Koizumi Yuzuriha-san, Nakami Kakeru-kun, Kitagawa Aika-san,Yamaguchi Meisa-san, Akagami Kazuma-kun, Shinozaki Rio-san, Fujimoto Asuka-san, Kanazawa Kaoru-kun, Naoki Megumi-san, Kojima Taiga-kun, Shinohara Haru-san, Iura Makabe-kun, Hayamoto Koyama-san, Kitamura Miyo-san, Shinozawa Hiroyama-kun,Hayami Misa-san, Oreki Gojo-kun, Takanashi Sumi-san, Mado Kiryu-kun, Ishigami Atsushi-kun, Natsukawa Yume-san…"

'H-he is crazy'

"Yukimura Kazuki-kun, Mizuki Reina-san…"

"And ARAKI RYOTA-KUN"

I became alert hearing my name.

"I am begging everyone of you"

'Im..possible'

'Am I dreaming or.. something?'

"Oh, By any chance, Did I miss someone?"

The crowd remained silent, looks like he called out everyone.

Nakabachi smiled.

"Then I will take your silence as my answer. As you can see, I am totally serious here, I am requesting everyone of you to participate, because THIS PROJECT IS MY DREAM"

(You are joking right?)

Wait, wait , is he sane? First he bows then he kneels down and now he remembers every name? He is the founder y'know, is this normal? What's going on with his head?

HE PRACTICALLY CALLED EVERY NAME.

When he said he was requesting everyone, he really mean it? You must be kidding me. I have never seen a person going this far to prove his determination. What he just did is seriously unbelievable.

I CAN'T PREDICT HIS MOVES.

Nakabachi Hideo, are you really a HUMAN?

"Got it"

What?

"We will cooperate" Kazuki answered.

'h-hey, why are you deciding that?' The guy sitting beside Kazuki replied.

"What he says is true, if we stay quiet for a month then everything will be alright. There should be no problem"'

'but-'

"What is this? ARE YOU PERHAPS TRYING TO SELL THIS INFORMATION?"

''Y-y-your wrong!'

"Then, there is no problem right?"

'Tch, W-well whatever, We will cooperate'

'Don't forget your promise'

'If he is saying that much then it's probably alright'

Are they really sure about that? Well I can see his determination. So we are really doing this…

"Thank you, Thank you everyone, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart"

Nakabachi got up and put his glasses back which he had removed earlier.

"I believe that all of your questions have been cleared now, well then why don't we move…"

"Not yet!"

A girl shouted

"Huh?"

"One…more question is left"

(One more quest- Ah)

"Is it true that you will fulfill our wishes?"

Everyone became alert hearing her question.

"IS IT REAL THAT OUR DREAMS WILL BECOME TRUE?"

'Y-yeah there is one more left'

'Is it really true?'

That's right, this is the question which is left unanswered. What does he mean by that? When I asked this to Kurogane he refused to answer. But now we are not backing down.

" *Sign*, Yeah there was still a question left unanswered, thanks for reminding me NATSUKAWA YUME-SAN"

She was wearing a pink hoodie, and her face was covered in it so I wasn't able to see her face. She was wearing shorts and her hair was also covered.

'Is it really true?'

'Explain it to us'

He can't possibly refuse now, This is really an important question. How can he say that he can fulfill our wishes? Is it really true?

"Fine, I will answer it. Guard-kun"

"Here"

"Are the preparations complete?" Nakabachi said in a low voice.

"Yes, but are you sure?"

"Yes of course"

The guard left the stage in a hurry upon hearing his response.

"Well then everyone, instead of telling, LET ME SHOW YOU THE ANSWER"

'Show?'

(He will show the answer?)

"Now, Get ready. Let me show you the answer right now"

Nakabachi raised his right hand and snapped his fingers.

*Snap*

The room is filled with silence. It's been 5 seconds but nothing happened.

(Huh? Nothing is happening-)

As I was staring at Nakabachi,

A piece of paper came into my vision flying from the ceiling in the midst of the darkness. I reached my hand and caught it wondering what it was.

(Hmm? What the hell is th-)

"WHA-!?"

I don't think you will believe what I saw in my hand. To be honest, I can't believe it either. It was not too late that I realized what came flying was not actually a paper. It was

"10…000¥?!"

It was actually a currency note. That's right, it's MONEY.

(Don't tell me…)

I quickly looked above.

"What…the hell!?"

I was completely left with a shocked expression. What I saw in the air is absolutely astonishing. My eyes might be deceiving me orelse this might be a dream. But what I saw there is completely unbelievable. I never saw such a scenario in the 16 years of my life, not only me it's the same for these people too, if not…

THEY WON'T BE MAKING THAT FACE

If I have to explain the scenario in one word…

IT'S A MONEYRAIN!!

(They are all….money!?)

The notes are slowly falling from the ceiling, they keep on multiplying by each passing second. I can see more and more. They keep on increasing.

"They…are real, this note is real"

That's right, this is not a prank or something. These notes are real. It's the real deal.

(Ah)

I thought that it was weird that I wasn't able to hear any noise. But I realized it was just a matter of time. The common thing which you can expect when a money rain occurs. That's right

A PANIC HAS STARTED.

'Money!!!'

'This is real!?'

'Bastard, that's my money!'

'What!? Since when did this become yours?'

'Give me'

'Ahhh, money give me more money'

'With this, all my problems will be solved'

'Don't touch my money''

'Eek, where are you touching?'

'Shut up, ugly'

'Ouch'

'That hurts, you idiot!'

'Like I care'

'I am not giving to anyone, I am not giving to anyone'

'More,more,more!!!'

Everyone started to fight and tried to steal money from each other. It was a RIOT.

THIS IS THE TRUE NATURE OF HUMANS.

Hey, what do you think is the most powerful thing in the world?

Trust? Friendship? Bonds? Love? Unity?

No, you are wrong.

The most powerful thing in this world is…

"MONEY"

It has the power to turn lies into facts and facts into lies, it will decide your place in this world, it will grant you the power. It can create a problem, it can solve a problem.

You can buy friends, you can buy love, You can buy faith, You can buy trust. If you have money people will flock to you, people will support you.

It will grant your wishes, it will fulfill your dreams. Money will make you success. Money will let you live in a paradise.

You got a job? For what purpose? What is your reason to do a job? Isn't it obvious, Money. Money has the power to make a person move, change, work etc..

Money has the power to change a nation, develop a nation. It is the ultimate source for civilization.

THE WHOLE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND MONEY.

Without money you can't study, without money you can't be healed, without money you can't eat, without money you can't SURVIVE.

MONEY WILL DECIDE YOUR WORTH.

Everything in this world is connected to money, and right now this man has used the most powerful card in this room—MONEY

(Un…believable)

The moneyrain came to a halt but…

THE PANIC DIDN'T CAME TO AN END

'That's unfair, you have way too much'

'So what?'

'Give me some, comeon'

'W-wai, you are hurting me'

Ah, now I understand. Hey Kusogane, I found the answer. Why did these people accepted without any resistance? Why did these people came here? These people didn't come here out of curiosity, nor were they interested in this experiment…

THESE PEOPLE WANT THEIR WISHES TO BE FULLFILLED THAT'S WHY THEY CAME HERE.

I can't help but sit idle. I was completely freezed. I am trying to stay sane. Even the people who are sitting beside me joined the fray, I can feel my legs getting crushed.

My vision was blocked with people standing, but slowly the stage came into sight.

My eyes widened seeing Nakabachi.

Even though this much chaos is happening, Nakabachi kept watching them, Even after seeing this riot how can he make a face like that?

WHAT IS THAT CREEPY SMILE?

Tell me Nakabachi Hideo, are you enjoying this? If not, why are you making such a face?

"Everyone, calm down for a second"

'Oi you, I have hidden some money under my seat you better not took it right?'

'huh!? I don't know'

'Dont play dumb!!'

"Everyone.."

'You want a fight?'

'If you lose, hand over your money'

"SHUT UP FOR A SECOND ORELSE DO YOU WANT ME TO TAKE THE MONEY BACK?" Nakabachi warned, his voice is cold.

*Silence*

Everyone settled down and took their seats.

"As you can see, these money is the real deal. Not only that"

Nakabachi clapped twice signalling his guards.

There were ten guards who came up the stage each holding a suitcase.

"Open"

'What!!!!!!!'

'That's…money right?'

The suitcases were filled with money.

"That's right, it's money. Every suitcase has 10 million yen. Not only this, Yamamoto-kun"

"Yes"

Yamamoto clicked a button on the remote. The large screen which was mounted on the wall has showed the display.

'Trucks?'

"These trucks are currently present in the basement of this building, Now then open the shutter"

There were 5 trucks in the display which we are able to see, and the shutter has opened slowly.

'Oooooooooooooo'

(You must be….kidding)

Each of the truck is completely filled with tons of cash. An amount of money which I can't even imagine.

"The money which I have distributed you is just 10 million yen"

'He says just!?'

(Are you serious? It's 10 million yen that means it's around 100k dollars!)

"Yamamoto-kun, if you will"

"Yes"

She clicked once again, and the display changed into a number which is kept on increasing.

(Wait)

'What is that?'

"Hmm, this is my bank balance"

'Are you serious!?'

The screen displayed 59,879,532,620¥

But the number is not constant. It kept on increasing.

"I earn around 1 million daily, and of course, this money is legitimate, I legally earned it, so there is no doubt here. What I gave you is just a drop in my ocean. This is the reason I can provide transportation facilities for everyone."

'Everyone?'

"That's right, I provided individual cars for everyone of you"

Wait, wait, wait 1 million yen daily!? Also there are around 100 people here y'know!? If what he just said is true, then that means he owns 100 cars!?

'More, more give me more money'

A middle aged man kept running towards the stage.

(What is he doing? )

'Hey wait', the guard tried to stop

'DON'T STOP ME, LET ME-OUCH!!! '

The guard restrained him.

"Now, now Don't hurt him guard-kun, he is a precious tester y'know"

'S-sorry, sir'

"Now then, What does this money have to do with fulfilling wishes? Looks like there is no need to answer. Money can fulfill your wishes and I am willing to grant your wishes. With this much money not just one, I am able to grant each and every wish. Do you want a job? Yeah I will give you. You want a house? Car? Women? Land? EVEN BECOMING A PRIME MINISTER IS NOT A DREAM"

(What the..hell is he saying?)

"YOU ALL ARE ELIGIBLE TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY"

Everyone kept on listening but I can see it, it all shows on their faces

THE GREEDINESS

"But"

(Huh)

"This money is just a piece of paper for me, it helped me in reaching my dream but it left me along the way. It can't help me in granting my dream. This project is my dream. Even money can't grant me this wish. But–

YOU PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO GRANT MY WISH. IF YOU COOPERATE, I CAN GET A STEP CLOSER TO MY DREAM.

WILL YOU HELP ME AND PARTICIPATE? WILL YOU GRANT MY WISH?"

"YESSSSSSSSSS!! WE WILL PARTICIPATE!!!!!! "

Nakabachi's smile widened.

'Even money can't grant me this wish? ' Stop kidding. It already granted your wish. Look at the faces of these people.

THEY ARE READY TO COOPERATE.

Until a few minutes ago they were so against it, but this man has turned the tables by using the most powerful card. A complete 180. Everyone is ready to cooperate. Isn't this what you were after this whole time?

A COMPLETE COOPERATION

Now there won't be a single person who will leak these details.

This guy manipulated all of them.

BY USING MONEY

"Thank you…. . Thank you very much"

(Nakabachi Hideo… )

"Well then everyone, why don't we start the seminar for real.."

I can't read him, he is unpredictable. What's going on with his mind? What is he thinking? His way of thinking is beyond my understanding. Among the people I have met so far, he is the most unpredictable person ever.

"LET'S TALK ABOUT DREAMS"

Nakabachi Hideo just who the hell are you?