REVERSE: 1999 STORY LOGS

01 | The Leading Ones

Newsboy: Breaking news! Breaking news today!

Newsboy: The New Humans Company announced they’d offer another reward for the 13th International Jewelry Show. The company claimed that the person who filches The Heart of London can collect a £1 million reward at the No. 15 Bond Street. Reliable news sources reveal that several people have failed and been arrested, including big names like Greedy Jack, crime duo Pain and Drizzt … Oh, excuse me! Hello!

Newsboy: Excuse me, the beautiful lady in black. Are you interested in the news of today? Grab a copy!

???: Are you talking to me?

Newsboy: Yeah, you’ve turned around, that’s to say … Ah … your … Sorry. My … my bad. I didn’t notice your … uniqueness …

???: No need to apologize, warm-hearted child. Could you please read me the news of the day? I will pay appropriately.

Newsboy: Sure, my generous lady! Please, sit right here to get away from the crowds.

…

Newsboy: *coughs* Hope you don’t mind my raspy voice. “London faces severe public security issues. Approval rating might drop.” “Ace Café prepares for Motorcycle Road Racing, government failed to halt.” “Rock pirate hijacks radio frequency, claiming ‘fun is about to begin.’” “Artistic freak on the street. Police warming over colorful bubbles.”

Yes. Today is the day when multiple breaking news is published in the newspaper. A wave of street culture, the conflict between the new and old order, and a young artist desiring to step onto the stage under the spotlight …

…

???: Heh heh … That will be a fantastic plot to start the story.

…

[City of London Police]

In a corner of the room, an unexpected “guest” sneaks in through the window. He closes the sergeant’s drawer without making any noise. Everyone in the office has their own business and thus pays no attention to such a slight action.

Iverson: We are here with full sincerity, Sergeant William.

Sergeant: Certainly. You made all our headlines. Londoners know what you’ve done. However, your proposal for security companies in maintaining the security of London doesn’t conform to the principles of law enforcement. What’s more, the public is still alert to security companies. You know, after the Ramirez Incident, people no longer trust security companies …

Iverson: Ramirez? Oh, Jesus! Why do you compare us with an “arcanist company”? They never make any security plans, nor do they resort to weapons or force. The only thing they have is the stupid brainwave, which definitely brings all kinds of trouble. They even claim possessing “the imagination that does beyond all thieves.” Good heavens, do you believe that? Why would a security company think as a thief?

Sergeant: Well, hard to believe, though, they did create many miracles, just like what you are doing.

Iverson: Humph! Security that lives on the irrealistic “imagination” can awaze the public shortly, but the efficacy never lasts long. We are not that desperate to deceive the public with a fake trophy, nor will be commit suicide in the fear of punishment like their founder.

Iverson: Sergeant William, please trust us that New Humans is a robotics company doing the right cause. We have a well-formulated Guidance on Security.

Iverson presses the button with a pleased look.

???: …

A strange robot steps into the room.

Sergeant: …?

Iverson: This is our latest product–Security Control Type I. It carries abundant security measures, including tear gas, endive worm powder, magnetic interference unit, and can detect any threat within a radius of five meters. Most importantly, it is fully under control and reacts to emergencies with 173 inbuilt programmes. Ha! I think it is a reliable helping hand of our police officers. Just like now, if we switch on its sensor …

Suddenly, the robot makes a loud warning sound.

Security Robot: Suspicious invader detected. Location: right under the first office desk, the second … the third … The target is moving quickly.

Sergeant: Is it going wrong?

Iverson: It never goes wrong.

Iverson quickly walks to the curtain. The curtain is opened. A sneaking figure stands up.

???: Hey! Hey! Gentlemen, and this very sensitive robot friend, hello!

Iverson: …

Sergeant: You! Again? Where’s … Thomson, get in here and kick him out right now!

Diggers: Wait, wait! I just want to talk to you about the watering car. Look …

Sergeant: I’ve told you a hundred times. Nobody ever cares about those God-knows-what pop elements.

Diggers: Pop, yes pop! You just spoke it out. Currently, pop is still too avant-garde, so I’m very glad to meet someone with the same taste!

Sergeant: That’s because you’ve tediously repeated it for ages!

Diggers: So you can understand out philosophy, and I believe others will …

Iverson: I get it. This is a malicious rulebreaker. Such kind of violation can be tackled by the security plan installed in our robot. Sergeant William, here is another reason why London needs our robot.

Diggers: Robot …?

Iverson: It’s the new measure prepared for all discontented rulebreakers like you. It will stop all your willful actions. Any violations will be severely restricted by our security robot!

Diggers pats the head of the robot.

Diggers: It looks not reliable at all.

Diggers pokes the body of the robot.

Diggers: And it’s not as soft as police dogs, either. You should try shaking hands with those fluffy shepherds. It helps shape the emotional system of your robot. Puppies are friendly, lovely, and they can read your mind.

Iverson: Ugh! Such a lame idea. Some people don’t like those plushy quadrupeds. It’s so difficult to get their hair out of our noses and clothes. And their smell stinks. Sergeant, now I will present you Security Control Type I–Moralization. It has an all-round precaution plan installed for all citizens. And of course, it knows how to cope with you hooligans. It doesn’t rely on some impalpable “imagination”.

Sergeant: Totally controllable?

Iverson: For sure.

Iverson presses another button. The robot starts to blink in red and walk towards Diggers.

Diggers: Hey! Malfunctioning, you iron monster? Keep away from me! What’s un your hand? Pu-put it down. That’s rude! We want peace, not war!

Iverson presses the switch with pleasure. The robot calms down.

Iverson: As you’ve seen, Sergeant William, our robot excelled. According to our research data, New Humans is winning the public. People trust robots. They are looking forward to a safer and more peaceful London.

Sergeant: Wow! The talent Mr. Robot just presented is stunning.

Diggers struggles to recover from the defeat and tries to justify himself.

Diggers: Sergeant, please don’t believe the nonsense he just said! London needs imaginative art parties. It needs street fairs for everyone to get their voice heard. London is utopian. I will throw a feast for more people to have fun. By then, our philosophy will hit the headlines of all newspapers and become a new tidal trend. Everyone will get to know and fall in love!

Sergeant: Really? But we only received countless complaints, about you particularly!

Diggers: People just need some time to digest …

Iverson: London has been in chaos for too long. We need to thoroughly and completely root out all dangers and threats.

Sergeant: I am in total agreement, Mr. Iverson. I think New Scotland Yard will further consider the importance of security robots in London.

Diggers: Disapprove! This is a violation of civil rights and a defiance to liberty!

A sudden ring interrupts Digger’s great speech. Iverson snatches up the telephone from the robot’s shoulder, like tearing up an arm from a doll’s body.

…

Security Guard: Mr. … Mr. Iverson, bad news … The Heart of London is gone …

Iverson: What?!

Diggers: …

The passionate speaker has noticed that it’s a perfect chance to escape other than wasting time talking.

02 | An Impromptu Party

???: It’s beautiful! This is what Father used to protect. But, it is mine now. Heh heh, the robots can’t tell real fire from fake. Just a few sheets of nitrate flash paper, they’d turn on all the fire sprinklers loyally. Then, a steady stream mixed with slug essence from the fire water reservoir gushed out of the sprinkler heads. Ms. Acey, did you see how the robots were glued to the floor, unable to move? If they had emotions, they would have cursed me to death. Heh heh!

???: Are you satisfied with the answer, Ms. Acey?

Ms. Acey: One last to go, Melania.

Melania: Huuhh! What a strict mentor! No worries. I will get back to the hotel as planned, right on the dot!

…

Melania: *humming* The next stop is Room 1132, Insomnia Nighty Hotel. Get to Regent Street. Take a rest on the bench at the fifth flower bed for 3 minutes and 25 seconds. Then turn into the lane next to the Honey Candy House …

Ms. Acey: Gurrr!

The handbag suddenly starts to shake. It seems it wants to escape from Melania.

Melania: Ms. Acey?

Ms. Acey: On your right.

The ground on the right side starts vibrating with the strong beats of music. A strange fire engine slowly drives into Regent Street.

Melania: What? Wh-What’s going on?!

In the witness of the crowd, the fire engine with strange patterns raises a bucket above the water tank. A glossy soap bubble comes out. Then more of the distorting, mirror-like spheres follow.

Melania: Fire engine … bubbles … ? Is this the latest way to extinguish fire? But why is it here? * coughs* There seems to be something wrong with the bubbles.

Ms. Acey: Not good. Leave.

The soap bubbles glisten in the sun. But what is shown on their reflective surface seems unusual. Melania shields her eyes cautiously and runs in the opposite direction.

…

Melania: Oh, right. Only three minutes left. I … I must go now.

Bump!

A Happy Passerby: Don’t stand in the way, hey! That’s not the direction, boy!

A Joyful Passerby: Ah, I see. That’s a ski resort on the snowy mountain. Best place for a vacation.

Enticed by the visions of their dream lives reflected in the bubbles, the passerby are now moving slowly in one direction. They all walk in the same direction, and not a single man can reverse the flow. The crowd eventually stops at the fire engine.

Melania: Hey, hey! Don’t push me! Wait!

Someone sticks his head out of the car window.

Diggers: Elders and youngsters, friends who are passionate or reserved! Welcome to the Bang Bang Frisbee Rock ‘n’ Roll Party! This is an improvised and liberated art that everybody can join! This is the Utopia, where you can totally voyage far even with myopia. This is our world in the future. Hee hee ha!

Melania: Who’s this? Ugh! A knobhead causing traffic jams on my way?

Ms. Acey: There’s no time.

Melania: Huumm. Okay. Take it easy. Take it easy. Just fix these bubbles. There must be something that works. Disguising caps, sticky balls, hiding cups …

Ms. Acey: Arrrggghhh.

Melania: Found it! The Smart Detergent Gun! Twenty-three detergent balls at one shot. In a flash, it will make this place shiny as new. Heh heh, perfect answers! Give me back my empty streets!

She fires the gun. Several dark-green bullets shoot out at the floating soap bubbles, and the scene is like a fireworks show.

Ms. Acey: Don’t. It’s … Super Absorbent.

Soon, the bubbles are gathered together by an unknown force and form a huge, transparent globe.

Diggers: Oh, my adorable bubbles. Look how you embrace each other enthusiastically! Take it away! It is the summon of Euterpe, the revelation of Terpsichore. Haha! Thank you so much! That avant-garde, courageous, and innovative girl in the leather cap!

Melania: Ah …

The crowd seems to be deeply caught in their reveries, believing what they see in the bubbles to be true. This is an unexpected party.

Melania: These unplanned and inexplicable things … Ah, I think I’m also affected by the visions. The traffic is totally congested. No chance to get back to normal in 2 minutes and 25 seconds.

Leather shoes, glasses, dog leashes, and frisbees have all been thrown into the sky. The crowd becomes even crazier. Those who walk in the opposite direction block Melania’s way. Her body and her mind have been pushed backward.

Melania: Honey Candy House … Insomnia Nighty Hotel … Calm down, Melania. You’ve sorted out a roadmap of all the blocks in London. You need a new plan, a bold new plan.

A tramp in the restless crowd is extremely happy. He freely walks in the crowd and takes Melania’s handbag precisely.

Tramp: Woaaaa! Parties, parties! Throw them to the sky! Your magazines, your handbags … Everything! Celebraaaate! Hahahahaha!

Charlton: Hey! That’s my magazine! What are you doing?!

Melania: What are you going to do with Ms. Acey? Give it back to me!

The soap bubbles, also the mind fragments of Diggers’, float around the tramp and fill him with confidence. He feels himself the most powerful, fearless, and courageous, like Hercules defending his war trophy.

Charlton: Watch out. He’s mad!

Charlton: Geez! I can’t tell his strength just from his appearance! Phew, well, um, Ms. Melania, thank you for your bewildering variety of gadget. I would have been in trouble otherwise! If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.

Melania: Time is over. My plan … It all …

The girl holding the handbag drops her shoulders. It seems she still lingers in a world of depression.

Charlton: Miss …? Oh, no, you’re not under the influence of Reflective Bubble, are you? That’s not good. You need to wake up before the police come!

Melania: The police?! You’re right. I haven’t finished my answer sheet. There are way more important things to do. I can’t get stuck here. Huuhh!

She wipes her face, takes several deep breaths, and calms down.

Melania: Please, show me to the hotel, the one nearest to here and farthest from the police station, if you really want to thank me.

Charlton: Err, Re-Rest Inn? Maybe you can take your chances there. A better choice would be Insomnia Nighty Hotel, but apparently, the way there is blocked by the stupid fire engine. Rest Inn is around the third corner down the lane from here. By the way, stay away from those nutters dancing in bubbles and keep an eye on your handbag, so you don’t end up like me.

He takes a glance at the worn-out magazine, World Soccer, in his hand and sighs.

Charlton: Huuhh! I managed to grab it from the newsagent’s, and this is what happened! Oh, my Rimet Cup legend. I bought it for my collection precisely because of the column topic in this issue.

Melania: The Rimet Cup?

Charlton: Yes, you know it too? The same trophy that was won by Brazil four years ago! It’s suddenly missing during the exhibition and was replaced with a counterfeit by a thief when nobody knew. The security company failed to do anything and thus paid out a huge compensation. The genuine thing was only found in the trash months later. That legendary trophy has now arrived in London. It will be the most wonderful award given to the winner!

While Charlton is fully wrapped up in the excitement of sharing his story, a huge bubble is slowly turning this way. It is attracted by his story too, obviously.

Bang! A smell of sour flame wine soon surrounds him.

Charlton: *coughs* Whoaaa!

Charlton feels a sharp sting in the nose. This is one of the awful side effects brought by these soap bubbles–they don’t burst, instead they capture their prey with invisible, frizzy antennae. Something seems to be burning in Charlton’s head. The next second, the colorful bubble hits him with a gentle bump.

Charlton: Am I seeing things?! This is actually a celebration party for England! And it’s the biggest ever, wah-hahaha! Pickles, Pickles, come on!

Melania: Mr. Charlton, are you … all right? It’s March. Still quite a long way to go before the World Cup final.

Charlton: Is it? Thank you for reminding me. I need to tell Pickles in case he goes there for nothing.

Charlton is about to leave.

Charlton: Pickles, my little Pickles!

He staggers a few steps and falls to the ground.

Melania: Huuhh! He shouldn’t have let his guard down. The bubbles from the fire engine must have been turned into a sort of lifeform by some specific incantations. Huuhh! Poor Mr. Charlton. I suggest you try some of this.

Melania takes a bottle of mist spray from her handbag and sprays it at Charlton’s nose.

Melania: Stinky Mud Freshener. It cleans the air nearby with its brutal destructive power, only with a slight side effect.

Charlton: Poof! *coughs*

The tip of Charlton’s nose becomes red. He sits on the ground, gasps for a while, and gradually calms down.

Charlton: Ah, I feel so much better now. I almost couldn’t breathe. Phew!

He is about to say thank you, but soon realizes the girl with the handbag has gone.

Charlton: Hey! Thank you, Ms. Melania! God bless you and have a safe journey!

He wipes out the dust on his clothes but finds the magazine missing. Instead, there’s a strange bottle of mist spray in his hand.

Charlton: …?

…

Melania puts a worn-out magazine into her handbag. After taking several more corners, she will arrive at the newly set destination–Rest Inn.

Melania: You’re welcome, Mr. Charlton. I think the Stinky Mud Freshener would suit you better. God bless you to find you little Pickles soon.

03 | Philosophy of the Puppies

A black-and-white shepherd dog lies carefree on the unkempt lawn. He is perfectly covered by the weeds and wild flowers. Leisure is a treasure for Carnaby Street.

Pickles: Achoo!

But it never lasts long.

???: Woof woof!

Pickles: Hmm … Woof woof?! <Wendy, how did you get here?!>

Hearing Wendy’s excited barking, lots of puppies start to gather. They run out of stores, leave fire hydrants, appear on the other side of the road, and rush to the place where Pickles is hiding. Wendy: Woof woof!

Pickles: Woof, woof, woof woof. <I have no intention to make any compliments, although a sharp sense of smell is indeed important for us.>

Pickles: Woof woof, woof woof woof. <We still need to consider something more essential, something that matters more than the sense of smell.> Woof woof? Woof woof? <For example … What’s the meaning of our existence? What’s the purpose of living here?>

Wendy: Woof?

Pickles: Woof woof … <You think it’s for the coming Fluffy Sports Meeting? Of course not.>

Pickles sighs.

Nelson: Woof woof woof!

Pickles: Woof, woof woof. <And it’s definitely not for the latest “Rats-Capturing Race.”> Woof, woof woof, woof … ? <What I’m saying is, in this world, why have to be us?> Woof woof woof? <Are we independent individuals, or just some human’s pets?>

Alice: Huumm.

Wendy: Woof woof!

Pickles sighs again.

Pickles: Woof woof woof woof … <Wendy, you are an adorable and smart puppy. Humans would love to throw the ball and wait for you to pick it up.> Woof, woof …? <But what if, one day, you accidentally fall into a sewer?> Woof, woof woof. <Like, you lost your way during racing and only could stay in the sewer full of rats forever.>Woof, woof … <Meanwhile, one puppy who looks exactly the same as Wendy replaces you.> Woof, woof … <And it remembers the same, behaves the same, and thinks the same way you do …>

Pickles: Woof, woof, woof …? <By that time, will this “Wendy” be the puppy we know?>

The other puppies are listening to Pickles with full attention.

Wendy: Woof, woooooof?!

Pickles: Woof, woof. <That’s right. It’s also skilled at finding plastic balls and impresses all the other puppies.>

Pickles: Woof, woof woof? <In that case, do we exist for our past experiences and thoughts, or something more than that?>

Wendy: Woof … Woof … Woo?

Pickles: Woof. <I’m sorry.> Woof, woof woof, woof, woof. <I should not make the hypothesis that your unique ball-hunting ability belongs to others, although it's not a … Well, it's just a horror story.>

Wendy: Woof woof!

Pickles: Woof, woof. <Thank you for understanding.>

This time, Pickles doesn’t sigh. He walks to the other side of the street alone, with his shadow pulled long by the sun.

Alice: Woof?

Pickles: Woof, woof, woof. <Don’t worry. Now I’m just looking for some mouthwatering apple pie.> Woof woof. <And I wish you all the best in the game.>

…

Pickles avoids the crowd and eventually finds a quiet place to rest.

Pickles: Woof woof. <Maybe I was wrong from the beginning to look for mutual understanding. There is no such thing between dogs, let alone humans.> Woof woof woof. <Maybe I should lead a different life. Maybe there are friends who can truly understand me somewhere far away.>Woof? <So, am I ready to leave?>

Pickles stares at the sky.

It’s still March, but why is there an apple on the cherry tree?!

APPLe: Hmm. The front door of Ace Cafe faces the North Circular Road. It is around 4.803 miles from the destination. Captain Regulus drives at 65 miles an hour. Given the rules of the racing, she will arrive earlier.

Pickles: Woof woof woof. <A premature apple … that can talk …> Woof woof woof … <I haven’t sniffed anything poisonous, so this shouldn't be a hallucination.>Woof woof … <I assume it’s because I am hungry …>

APPLe: Hmm? There is a lovely puppy.

Mr. APPLe slowly falls down.

APPLe: Hello, Mr. Puppy.

Pickles: Woof, woof woof. <Oh, not a hallucination. Your smell shows that … you are also an arcanist.>

Pickles: Woof. <Hello, Mr. Apple.> Woof woof woof woof. <This is the first time I met another not-so-human arcanists.>

Pickles: …

Pickles: Woof woof woof woof woof. <I thought I’m the only alien … being isolated from other arcanists.>

APPLe: You look a bit nervous, Mr. Puppy. Are you hungry? Perhaps it is not a good time to fall.

Pickles: Woof woof.<No, it’s exactly the right time.> Woof woof woof. <I have so many questions about arcanists and I’m hoping you can help me.>

APPLe: Please don’t show your tongue at random. Makes this APPLe feel stressed out. Captain, help.

Pickles: Woof woof? <Are you calling your friend? Do you know any other arcanists?> Woof woof woof? <Does your friend share the same appearance as yours? Like another wise apple?> Excitement can be read in Pickles’s eyes.

APPLe: Your eyes seemed to light up when I mentioned my captain. If Captain Regulus finishes the race trouble-free, I might introduce you to her. But now, let’s stay away from each other, puppy.

Pickles: Woof woof. <Sounds like a special name.>

APPLe: Oh? It seems you are quite interested in “Captain Regulus.” Wandering across high seas, she is a great pirate who never gets caught by all the Orwellian and the conservatives. Is my explanation precise enough? Hope my wording meats Captain’s requirement.

Pickles: Woof, woof woof?! <Is your friend a pirate? Instead of another apple arcanist?> Woof woof. <But it seems that you can understand each other. I wonder why.>

APPLe: I think you will like her.

Pickles: Woof woof. <That’s what I’m longing for. No incident or boring hobbies, no worries about refusing invitations such as pillow fights or catching balls.> Woof woof woof. <What’s your solution to that? Especially when your human companion cannot understand you at all?>

APPLe: Most of the time, we are wandering London. Captain is fond of anything novel and funny.

Pickles: Woof … Woof woof. <Wandering? Sounds like a good choice.> Woof woof woof. <I will consider your suggestion carefully … Thank you Mr. Apple.>

The sounds of a roaring engine, a collision, and a girl’s scream come from the street nearby.

APPLe: Oh, I’m sorry, little puppy. I have to go. Captain Regulus seems to be in trouble. I really enjoyed our conversation. Hope I can fully understand what you say next time. Or, maybe I can invent a tool to help us communicate?

APPLe: See you, puppy. Bark, bark!

Pickles: Woof? <Hmm?>

04 | Headline

The farce in Regent street seems to finally finish as the siren alarms. The street returns to its quiet status as well. Except for a sneaking figure who tries to escape from the fire engine.

Police Officer: Freeze! Routine check. Your fire engine driving license, please.

He eventually turns around.

Diggers: Hello, Mr. Officer.

Police Officer: Again?! Within a month, you visited the police station 13 times, stirring the pointers of Big Ben, doodling at 10 Downing Street, dyeing the Tower Bridge with waterproof paints … This time, you threw a messy street party, didn’t you?

Diggers: Ahem! It was not a mess, police officer.

Police Officer: You are suspected for breaking traffic laws. It’s reasonable for us to arrest you right now!

Diggers: Oh, wait, police officer! Wh-What I did is legitimate. I’ve applied for the use of fire engine to the sergeant and got approved.

Diggers shows the note in his hand.

Diggers: Please feel free to check, Mr. Officer.

Police Officer: …

Police Officer: …

Police Officer: Humph! I can’t believe the sergeant would approve such a ridiculous application.

Diggers: That's what he approved.

Police Officer: But how are you going to justify those weird bubbles?

Diggers: Which one are you referring too? The Laser Bubble that reflects people's dreams? It caused all the people at the square to fall into a deep sleep for two whole days. They experienced the most unexpected but best holiday ever. Honestly, I really envy them.

Police Officer: …

Diggers: Or, you mean the classic work of mine, the Revery Bubble? If it’s convenient to you, could you please disclose the feedback of other officers? I need feedback to revise my formulas. What did those officers see when they enjoyed my bubbles, surrendered criminals or a promotion announcement?

Police Officer: Enough! This time, we will absolutely find out the odd ingredients in the bubbles. You can’t deceive all of us.

Diggers: Only if you can open the water tank.

Diggers points at the fire engine surrounded by police cars.

Diggers: At least up to now, you don’t have enough evidence, Mr. Officer.

Police Officer: …

Police Officer: Fine, I now ask you to cooperate with our investigation as the witness.

Diggers: Ugh … Alright, I’ll stay here until you find new evidence.

Police Officer: Eye on him.

Policeman: Yes sir.

Diggers: …

The police officer starts to investigate the fire engine. Diggers suddenly bends down and clutches his belly.

Diggers: Hiss … Ahhh …!

Policeman: What the hell are you doing? Get up off of the floor.

The young and naive officer rudely pulls Diggers up, but he fails to notice a bubble with a reflective surface forming behind him.

Diggers: Huffff!

Policeman: Ugh …

Diggers: Nighty night.

He is sneaking to the end of Regent Street and attentively counting his steps𑁋the steps away from the siren, the steps towards freedom. But it seems that he totally ignores the approaching engine sound and the anxious warning of a pirate.

…

???: Back off! Get out of my way!

The shiny motorcycle draws a beautiful parabola into the sky and eventually lands precisely in the gap between the flower bed and the wall. The rock girl on the motorcycle crashes into the liberty-seeking suspect.

???: Ouch …

Diggers: Hiss …

At least they have arrived at their common destination, Carnaby Street.

Diggers: Woah. Are you a first-time driver?

???: Ahhh! You’ve ruined my game! Boy!

Diggers: It's you … Regulus! That rock pirate fraudster!

Regulus: You know me? Damn it. I knew I had to watch out for you undercover cops lying in ambush around the track!

Diggers: What makes you think I’m an undercover cop? This is stigmatization!

Regulus: Uh, well, you’re right. Cops shouldn't wear such ragged clothes.

Diggers: What? This … this is a demonstration against the materialistic life, the code of freedom! Ahem. Though you didn’t mistaken me with those stupid cops, I still suggest you better distinguish us.

Regulus: Haha, a humorous suggestion! Ragged lad.

A red globe gently falls down next to Regulus.

APPLe: There are some slight scratches on the coat, the transmission system functions well, the braking system is not very well.

Regulus: Mr. APPLe?! You’re back.

APPLe: … Your vehicle looks fine. Captain are you alright?

Regulus: No, I’m not! I could have won this, but it all went to pot. The ragged lad ruined my game, my chance to be a podium winner. He ruined a rising racing star!!!

Diggers: Ahem. I need to warn you again that any defamation might cause a lawsuit.

Regulus: Hmph! It was your fault! You broke into the track, ragged lad!

The chaos here arouses the attention of another batch of people.

APPLe: Sir, the lawsuit you were talking about … Are you referring to those who are approaching?

Diggers: What? Bloody hell! They found me!

The police officers are getting closer.

Police Officer: Carnaby Street, call for backup. According to the latest update from Sergeant William, his seal has been stolen. The suspect of Diggers, is suspected of committing a series of crimes, including illegally using fire engines, forging police ID, attacking police officer …

Regulus: Ugh!

Police Officer: We also found someone illegally held an MRR competition on the street, and the suspect is likely Regulus, the rock pirate on the wanted list.

Diggers: Ugh!

Police Officer: You two, freeze! Cooperate with our investigation.

Regulus & Diggers: Whoa! Run!

Someone escapes, while someone unfortunately gets arrested. Either of them has to lose the game, sadly.

APPLe: Is he alright?

Regulus: Maybe, if all his statements are to be believed. Do you remember what he said at the end?

APPLe: He told us to read tomorrow's newspaper, the headline.

Regulus: Is that an obituary or something? Mr. APPLe, I’m going to add a special session for Rock Radio tonight.

APPLe: What?

Regulus: “The Worst Beginning and the Best Ending𑁋To Our Forever Ragged Lad”

05 | No Turning Back

A good beginning doesn’t bring a happy ending. This theorem always holds true.

Melania: Finally, I’m back … 25 minutes and 35 seconds, huuhh! I can’t believe I’m 15 minutes late. Ugh! Blame it all on that bloody fire engine!

Ms. Acey: Still needs to work on your flexibility.

Melania: … I’m trying, Ms. Acey.

Ms. Acey: Now, the final step.

Melania: Yes! The final step𑁋take a photo of the reunion!

She reaches into Acey’s belly and finally takes out the special camera. Melania holds the camera with one hand, grasps The Heart of London with the other, and presses the sutter.

*Ka-chick*

Melania: Although there was a little challenge at the end, I was able to complete the answer sheet successfully. Um, what if I enjoyed the photoshooting … Twitching eyebrows, stiff smile …

Ms. Acey: You’re like him.

Melania: … No. I’ll be better Ms. Acey.

Melania: Unpredictable imagination won’t be enough. A better plan with more details is also required. I won’t let go one single minute until I accomplish the ultimate goal. I became a thief late in life, so I’m not yet good at dealing with emergencies beyond the plan. But, at least so far, I’ve given the correct answer to every question Father left.

She takes a thick black portfolio out of her handbag, turns to the last page, and solemnly sticks the photo she just took onto that page.

Melania: These are what Father used to protect.

Melania: …

Ms. Acey: You’ve done a great job.

Melania: Thank you, Ms. Acey. There’s only one question left, the key question …

Melania: The Rimet Cup. If I recapture Father’s memories in glories, is it enough to make up for his regrets? Father … Will he understand me?

Ms. Acey: Maybe you should meet him.

Melania: Okay.

…

Melania: It has been some time. When the company went bankrupt, we couldn't even afford a decent cemetery.

She endeavors to find the right way out, but all paths and tombstones are blocked by the weeds that are half a man’s weight.

Melania: I wouldn't be surprised if a few wild animals jump out of nowhere in this desolation.

Ms Acey: …

???: Squeak!

Ms. Acey: Excellent judgment.

Melania: Critters! It seems they’ve made this place their playground.

They stare at The Heart of London held by Melania with greed.

Melania: Sorry. This is not the shiny crap you want. It’s on an important mission.

Ms. Acey: Be careful.

Melania: Phew! It’s a rather wise decision to carry around the Zizz Popping Nuts.

The critters scatter, kick away the broken rocks, and step over the weeds. Melania finally finds the relatively tidy tombstone.

Melania: Father … I brought The Heart of London. Do you remember it? That dim thief got sidetracked by the surprising slug spray and broke into the security room with it. After that he turned over a new leaf, and things unattended have never come to his mind. But what I’m going to face is completely different from a poor little thief. That new security company had carefully arranged robots. They took action by the book and were heavily guarded, but there’s no creativity in their defense. All actions were exactly as they were in Guidance on Security. Not even as surprising as a fire engine. It should be the best of times for thieves.

She collects that gem, blows away the dust on it, and puts it back into the envelope.

Melania: I’m sorry. I can’t leave it to you. It needs to be sent to Sergeant William’s office tomorrow evening on time. As evidence, it's quite important.

Melania: But I have some interesting news.

Melania takes out the worn-out World Soccer and gently puts it in front of the tombstone.

Melania: The world seems to have changed a lot.

Reporter: Today we have Mr. Iverson from the New Humans Company, which provides security services for the soon arriving Rimet cup. As an experienced head of the company, he would love to share the stories of the Rimet Cup with us.

Reporter: Years ago, the Rimet Cup was under the protection of the most well-known security company, Ramirez, but magically disappeared overnight. It only took one day for Ramirez to retrieve the cup. This flourishing company received waves of compliments, and people were celebrating the story of a false alarm …

Iverson: Everyone, including us, thought Ramirez defended their reputation.

Reporter: But unfortunately, evidence from the verification agency showed that the Rimet Cup they brought back was a counterfeit. They were confronted with the pressure of forgery suspect and the disappointment of all the peers … The imagination of Ramirez caused a catastrophic havoc to the whole society. We then have to put aside the security theory held by Ramirez and return to a more science-based and reliable Guidance on Security. As it turns out, any security theories without regulations are castles in the air. Humph! It’s a pure joke.

Ms. Acey: Heh.

Melania: Heh. What a sharp comment.

Iverson: Security measures require a prebuilt plan, advanced equipment, and reliable personal. Ridiculous imagination is the last thing.

Iverson: The ideal answer to all these things can be taken from the New Humans security robots.

Melania: Father, when you were assigned the mission to protect the Rimet Cup, did you ever imagine such a day would come?

Melania: If we had conducted a quality check on that “Rimet Cup” after receiving it, if we had investigated the transaction records of the client company, if we had verified the list of patrol officers …

Melania: Perhaps I would not be talking to a silent tomb today.

Melania: …

Melania pats the tombstone, just like comforting an old friend who is distressed because of his bumpy career.

Melania: Cheer up, Father. I will prove it all, even if it’ll lead me down a path different from yours. Real protection is more than defense. It’s about attack. Mr. Iverson needs to learn a harsher lesson.

06 | Confluence of the Routes

Newsboy: Extra! Extra! The event is about to change London!

Someone suddenly appears from behind him and taps him gently on the shoulder.

Regulus: Hey, Tommy! Long time no see.

Newsboy: Regulus?! Why are you here! I met you the day before. You show up so often these days. Did you get rid of those scouts?

Regulus: Ha! They don’t have time for that right now.

APPLe: Yesterday, Captain encountered a new weirdo.

Regulus: Right. Ragged lad claimed to have left something for us his last words in the newspaper.

APPLe: Captain, I’m afraid what he said was “surprising note.”

Regulus: Oh, never mind. It doesn’t matter! Tommy, what’s on the front page today? Here, see for yourself!

He gives Regulus the crumpled newspaper that has been looked over by many people.

Regulus: “The Rimet Cup Exhibition starts today. Carnival for Fans!”

Mr. APPLe suspends his new research on the translator and drifts to Regulus.

Regulus: “New Humans has announced to undertake the Rimet Cup Exhibition. More security robots will be put into use to replace human jobs …” “If all goes well, the security systems will be introduced to the police after the exhibition. London will embrace real peace.” “Far more reliable than humans, meticulous enforcers, and all-round security landscape.”

APPLe: It seems London will tighten the regulations. The government plans to launch security robots.

Regulus: Stubborn tin monsters?!

APPLe: Yes. According to the description on newspapers, those robots can block out mobile signals and change the regional magnetic field.

APPLe: I’m afraid our broadcast will be affected.

Regulus: Can we still “borrow” others’ radio waves?

APPLe: Huuhh! Of course we can’t.

Regulus crumples the newspaper in her hand.

Regulus: Ugh! Crap! What kind of surprising note is this! If the robots take over London, my plans for a pirate’s gig will go down the drain! New Humans … Oh, I get it. Ragged lad is part of the robots team, or maybe even a badass boss trying to take control of London. No wonder he seemed to have a problem with the cops. Ugh!

Newsboy: Blimey! This one is huge!

Newsboy: Are you going to provide your first hand to the press? They must be interested.

Regulus: Nevermind. He saved us once, after all. A friend will persuade him to abandon his evil plan.

Regulus: Captain Regulus will never forget friendship for profit!

Newsboy: Damn shame. That’s a heap of dosh. You could even get your cycle some fancy equipment.

Regulus: …

Regulus: Tell me first. How much do they pay?

APPLe: Captain.

Regulus: Ahem! I-I was just curious! Just kidding!

Regulus gives the crumpled newspaper back to Tommy.

Regulus: I have to go and do something more important now. Cheers, Tommy.

Newsboy: Bye! I’m here if you change your mind!

The brand new newspaper is crumpled into a ball by diggers and is then suddenly unfolded.

Diggers: “Breaking! Gemini 8 Conducted First Manual Docking in Space.” “Fifth Fluffy Sports Meeting is coming. Interested candidates, please sign up with your pet.”

He flips the newspaper over and over. Thank god. He finally finds what he’s hoping to see in the gap between two pages of news.

Diggers: “Police Notice: A man controlled a watering car with special means and deliberately violated public transit. He will be detained for three days as punishment.”

Diggers: How come?! Party theme, the key points of my speech, host, future trend of art … None are mentioned! Hahh! A brand-new world was born yesterday, but most people don’t have a chance to celebrate. Gloomy clouds haunt the sky of my Utopia. Shame on London! Shame on the world! We need to change! Radical change!

Diggers pounds his chest with indignation and lifts the newspaper high. He paces back and forth, just like an ambitious poet.

Diggers: We won’t be corrupted by entertainment. The bell of art will break the shackles of the stubbornness. London has been trapped in a long and dreadful night. What it needs is the sun, not the dull stars. After turning around twenty-seven times and a half, he finally stops. The deserted street won’t attract many people. They have been used to following the crowd. They can only spot the noticeable objects. We must throw a grand party of art, to topple the mainstream, to blow more people’s minds! And it shouldn’t be contained only to streets …

Diggers: I get it! I get it! The eye-catching exhibition hall of the Rimet Cup will become the unprecedented, the craziest, and perfect stage!

Diggers leaves with excitement. The newspaper is tossed into the air, signaling the start of a good show.

Wendy: Woof! Woof!

Wendy: Woof woof!

A well-trained pup will never miss a single chance to catch a flying ball. Of course, the newspaper in the air is included.

07 | Hit the Bullseye

Wendy: Woof woof!

The little bulldog holds the newspaper in his mouth and turns round and round in the front of his master, as if showing off his trophy.

Charlton: Wendy! I’ve told you so many times. No picking up litter on the road!

Wendy: …

Charlton: What have you brought back this time? Open your mouth, ahhhhhhhh!

Charlton gets the newspaper and flips it over and over.

Charlton: Luckily, there’s nothing dirty on it.

Wendy: Woo … Woof!

Charlton: Oh, gosh! It really messed with my head yesterday. I almost forgot something very important.

Pickles: Woof woof, woof. <He cannot understand that it comes from your hard training, no matter how many times you tell him.>

Wendy: Woof?

Pickles: Woof woof woof. <No, I didn’t use my Indigo telepathic skill on him. But you need to know that …> Woof woof. <... He can never truly understand us, Wendy.>

Charlton: Whoa!

Pickles: Woof woof woof … <His being so thrilled perturbs me. Hopefully, there will be no unexpected events to upset my reading plan … > Woof woof. <Especially when I haven’t finished my note of Sein und Zeit …>

However, bad luck will never end.

Charlton: Kids, look!

…

Charlton: Look what good news our little Wendy has brought home! The Rimet Cup Exhibition starts today! Now I have a better idea! How about visiting the Rimet Cup Exhibition this afternoon?

Wendy: Woof? Woof!

Pickles: Woof, woof. <Peace, the never-possible peace.>

Charlton: I heard that they would be doing a lottery in the exhibition. The luckiest guy gets full tickets to all the World Cup rounds! Our little Pickles is definitely the lucky pup, just like every other draw before!

Pickles: Woof woof … <*sighs* Perhaps I shouldn’t have used my perception for those meaningless lotteries … > Woof woof … <Or, was I too, once a puppy who wanted to win the favour of human beings …?>

Charlton: Are you not excited? There’s a chance to get an out-of-print signed football there, then we’ll have a new toy for our ball game!

Wendy: Woof woof!

Upon hearing this, the little bulldog in low spirits quickly adjusts like a mature athlete and rubs up against Charlton.

Charlton: Heh heh heh! Calm down, Wendy. We will have a democratic voting session.

Pickles: Woof … woof. <Wendy … Why am I not surprised by your betrayal at all?>

Charlton: Now, does anyone not want to visit the Rimet Cup? Raise your paw, please.

The little bulldog rolls about with excitement, while Pickles slowly and firmly lifts his paw.

…

Charlton: All right. It’s unanimous!

Charlton crouches down and gives Pickles a quick high five.

Pickles: … Woof woof. <Mr. Apple was right. I guess my soulmate will not show itself until my wandering starts.>

…

[Exhibition Hall]

The exhibition hall of the Rimet Cup is alive with visitors.

Young Visitor: Mum, look! That man, his hand is glowing with colourful light!

Visitor: Dear, you promised me you won’t make a scene when we’re outside and no yelling at strange things.

Young Visitor: Alright, Mum..

Diggers blends in with the bustling crowds. A bottle of coloured liquid with a strong smell is hidden in his hand.

Diggers: Phew! Security screening passed. The warrior of the new era successfully arrives at the final battlefield with his magnificent bubble device. They are waiting for a gale. This is going to be the critical transition of our time!

The skylight of the exhibition hall is completely covered by black curtains. Instead of daylight, the brighter fluorescent lamps are used. The windows on the wall are also sealed off, with only a few vents letting the air in. Diggers wanders around the hall and finally accepts the depressing fact that the security company has arranged everything fairly well.

Diggers: Bollocks! What is that? The gale outside can’t get in! A world without airflow is like a pond of dead water. The soap bubbles of a new world can’t blow in.

He looks around and changes his mind.

Diggers: But, a real artist never loses the guts and grit. If everything goes on smoothly, I can blow enough soap bubbles to create an ocean of reveries within half an hour. I just need to cover myself …

Diggers casually puts the bubble device next to the nearest vent. The weak airflow can’t even get the fan of the device to turn halfway around. Like a dying warrior leaving seeds of hope for the brave in the future, he gazes at the security robots that are patrolling over there and takes a deep breath. Three. Two. One.

Diggers: Puff!

He fearlessly blows one rainbow soap bubble after another towards the crowd.

Passerby: Hey, look! How would someone blow bubbles indoors?

Passerby: *coughs* What a funny smell!

Undoubtedly, the security robots have noticed the commotion here. They move towards Diggers immediately.

Diggers: Oh, bollocks! I am exposed in just a minute? Ahh, I need to hurry up. These bubbles are far from enough. Puff! Puff puff! Pufffff … *coughs*

The security robots are all here.

…

Diggers: Hey, hey, hey! Seriously, you should respect and treat an artist fairly.

This is a battle doomed to fail. However, the one who makes an intrepid attempt deserves a more valuable reward.

…

Iverson: Ugh! There you are again, annoying hooligan. I don’t think I can understand what you’re thinking. Are arcanists all so stupid that you always overestimate yourselves?

Diggers: I am not defeated, Mr. Iverson. The fire of art will never be extinguished, just like our craving for Utopia never ceases.

Iverson: Annoying blabber.

The door is locked from the outside.

Iverson: Though I don’t know what stupid idea is lingering in your brain, obviously, you just failed again.

Diggers: Utopia is not stupid, sir. Without a goal, life would be stuck in the mess of corrupting materials and entertainment! I’m sure, soon enough, people will have the courage to speak up and sing for peace and love!

Iverson: I’ve met a lot of young people like you who chase unrealistic fantasies.Humph! Ignorant and hilarious.

After a brief uproar, Iverson’s footsteps fade away. A long silence falls upon the dark room. Even the exhaust noise can be clearly heard.

Diggers: Great! He walked away.

He raises his head, looking at the dust floating around the exhaust vent.

Diggers: I’ve entered the exhibition hall of the Rimet cup. I can’t make any mistakes starting now. Climbing through ventilation ducks is just a slight sacrifice in order to awaken the rebellious spirit of everyone.

He shuts down the ventilation system nearby and removes the slate from the exhaust vent.

Diggers: *coughs* This doesn’t look clean at all! Anyway, at least it’s much better than wasting my time in the cage.

Diggers takes a long leap and manages to reach the narrow entrance.

…

Diggers: I can barely see.

He moves forward with difficulty in the dark, but he doesn’t notice that something slips out of his pocket.

Diggers: Oh, my Revery Bubble Solution! Shoot! It-It’s in my eyes. *coughs* Oh, it’s itchy. *coughs* Bless me, Talia. Hope the efficacy takes effect a bit slower.

08 | Non-violent Cooperation

Someone leaves immediately like a player given the red card, while the other chooses a way that’s more imperceptible. In a corner where nobody cares, Melania closes the door to the electric switch box gently. In her hand is a fuse that has just been replaced.

Melania: All the fuses were changed recently. I’m guessing the head of security here is a pretty tough nut to crack. But unfortunately, too much attention to the Guidance on Security will probably lead to carelessness in other areas. Transferring all the human security staff and relying solely on the patrol and precaution of robots … The consequence is a 30-second blind spot in the monitored areas every 4 hours 13 minutes and 2 seconds.

Ms. Acey: That gives you the chance to change the fuse here.

Melania: That’s right, Ms. Acey! I will prove the ineffectiveness of the Guidance on Security in person and start the show at just the right moment! Then, our next plan is …to meet up with all the security robots.

She checks the fuses in the electric switch box again, then closes the door of the monitor room carefully.

…

In the spacious exhibition hall, a common girl is wandering through the crowd. She “accidentally” bumps into the security robots again and again, like a careless visitor.

Security Robot: Suspicious invader detected. Locating …

Melania: Phew! The last one … Um? You seem a bit smarter than the other robots.

Security Robot: Locating failed. Initiate Programme II, Pushpin Glue Gun.

Melania: Oops! No noise. I have to be quick. Watch out for its detectors!

…

One again, Melania dodges the detectors of the security robot and waits on its path.

Melania: Eroi Exchange!

…

In a burst of light, the bullets hidden in the barrels of the security robot suddenly appear in Ms. Acey’s stomach. As a fair exchange, the bullets tailored by Melania are now in their barrels.

Security Robot: …?

Ms. Acey: Look out.

The handbag spits out a steel core ammo that originally belonged to the robot. Her tone is serious. It seems she is wary of the robot in front of her.

Melania: Tut-tut!

…

Melania: It’s not tear gas or electrode bug spray. These robots are actually using real military ammunition. This violates the Guidance on Security that has been strictly followed all the time. Is Mr. Iverson actually new at security? Heh heh, no, no way. The only possible reason is that he’s unscrupulous.

Ms. Acey: For his “security announcement.”

Melania: Humph. I know their slogan, “New Humans” Promise: The Rimet cup will be absolutely secure.” Everyone’s happy to accept the hyperbole … and believes it to be true.

Ms. Acey: Heh.

Melania looks at the clock on the wall. It’s 1 hour and 15 minutes to closing.

Melania: We need to hurry.

…

The widest vent is usually located in the restroom. They are connected to the ceilings of other rooms, often regarded as hidden roads.

…

Melania struggles to move in the ventilating ducts, trying her best to avoid the dust and debris around her.

Melania: Turn 45 degrees left and move 13 steps farther … The core device of the ventilation system is located in the third room, on the left side of the exhibition hall. There’s no necessary living conditions and lighting. Normally, no one will be there. I will have plenty of time to adjust the airflow.

The world inside the ventilation ducts falls silent. Melania can clearly hear the sound of crawling that she deliberately keeps down. And the closer to the target, the stronger … the pungent odor from afar to near.

Ms. Acey: Hmm?

Melania: It smells strange … like the sour flame wine that’s over fermented.

…

BANG!

…

A face coated in colourful bubble water appears abruptly around the corner of the vent.

Melania: Haahh!!

Diggers: There you are!

Melania: You are … What’s going on? There’s actually an ambush here!

Diggers: Boohoo! *puking* It hurts all over, but this is my revery? Or, really, heaven? I can’t tell. Could it be a form of art created by the subtle sense of danger I’m feeling right now and the dirty air?! Come to me. Come to me! You are my Muse!

…

Melania: Ugh, oh! Hey, let me go! Let go! Damn! Did I just bump into a human security staff who got fired and went crazy? Alright. I’ll just think of it as an unexpected additional exam question. Try this! The ground grappling that Father used to teach me!

Diggers: Whoa! Inspiration. My inspiration never lasts long …Hiss, ahh! I’ve never experienced such vivid pain from the revery.

Melania: Hm? Still holding on?! One more time!

Diggers: Oh!

Melania: Whew!

…

The war swiftly ends with Diggers’ crushing defeat.

Melania: Whew! Finally, it’s all settled.

Diggers: This … this is not revery. This is a terrorist attack! Cunning … cunning action, shameful violence! Iverson, you set an ambush here? You crazy addict of imprisonment and war! I must blow your cover!

Melania: Hmm? Are you not one of them?!

Diggers: Of course not!

Melania: Ahem. Sorry …

Diggers: Stay … stay away from me! You must be the demon that Iverson summoned! You are more horrific than those robots!

Melania: If I say it’s all a misunderstanding, could … would you understand?

Diggers: Huuhh! What do you think?

Ms. Acey: A little reckless.

Melania: Ms. Acey, I know, I’m too nervous …In no way is there any possibility for him to be a security staff.

Diggers: It sounds like a joke. I must claim that violence is the antonym of art. We should resort to a more sensible means to fight. This is the reason for us to oppose those Iversons who abuse the use of force!

Melania: Couldn’t agree more. I don’t intend to abuse the use of force, either. It’s the biggest difference between Iverson’s company and ours.

Diggers: Really? I still feel pain in my neck.

Melania: It’s … it’s just an accident. Huuhh! As compensation, I will get you out.

Diggers: Fine. Apology accepted. When will we start off?

Melania: In five minutes. I have to change the terminal valve in the room first. Adjust the position of the deflector in the duct and change the airflow from the spiral fan. Abundant magnetic glue will be blown out of the ventilation ducts by the spiral fan and adhere to the robots. Heh heh. The fine glue will paralyse them completely. After that, you could just waltz away.

Diggers: Sounds like a big project. Do you need my help?

Melania: Absolutely. Stay as far away as possible from the regulator valve behind you.

Diggers: Ugh …

09 | The Genius DJ

Regulus’s ship can sail anywhere she wants. Except when there is a security fence.

APPLe: Captain, isn’t our destination supposed to be the exhibition hall of the Rimet cup?

Regulus: Of course!

APPLe: I think we just missed the front gate at the junction we passed just now. Where we are now looks like a deserted back door. And there is a “No Entry” sign.

Regulus: Ahem! Ahem! It’s not important. It’s not good for the fan-favourite disc jockey to appear in the crowded areas. I don’t want to make a noise.

APPLe: Oh, I see. I thought it was because Captain didn’t have enough budget.

Regulus: Ahem. That’s a complete misunderstanding! Our aim is to convince the ragged lad to expose the evil plans of those tin monsters! Of course, we can’t just walk in.

She searches her pocket but fails to find any of her ideal, lovely coins. It’s as empty as a desert.

Regulus: Mr. APPLe, do you remember Tommy’s offer of a generous reward?

APPLe: He hopes we can divulge a sensational secret. Captain, it seems you really want that bonus.

Regulus: Of course not. The righteous street Pirate has a warm heart. We should do Tommy a favour. And we should accept a friend’s quality thanks.

APPLe: I get it, Captain:

Regulus: “The great rock pirate saves the day … The cocky, ragged lad is no longer astray … The big hero who saves London takes a series of exclusive interviews … “ Endless bonus. Hahaha!

APPLe: Captain.

Captain Regulus seems to have foreseen a bright future. However, it doesn’t seem to help her get rid of the barbed wire standing in front of her. Not even deal with the strange people who suddenly appear.

APPLe: Captain, watch out!

Manus Believer: Arrrrrrgh!

Regulus: Whoa! No violence!

Manus Believer: Arrrrrgh!

Regulus: Are you guys from the government? I’ve done nothing bad! At least not yet.

APPLe: The skin hardness, the voice, and the liquid released from the wound have nothing to do with humans. I am afraid they are …

Regulus: Ah! I get it! They’re the security robots in the newspaper!

APPLe: Well, it … might be.

The black boss is indifferent to Regulus’s questions, only swinging the hammer over and over mechanically. Just like some kind of war machine programmed to work.

Manis Believer: Arrrrrgh … Giiiiiive …

Regulus: Ugh! The slime! The noise! The weird tone! Is that their new way to “keep order in London”? Oh, those fuddy-duddies don’t have their beards in their heads, do they?

Regulus avoids the attacks in a rush.

Regulus: We’ll have to change the plan. London must not be taken over by these ugly tin monsters! We need to expose the security robots to the public for what they really are─they are violent, rude, and extremely dangerous!

APPLe: This APPLe will fight by your side till the very end.

Regulus: No. You have a more important mission, Mr. APPLe. Captain Regulus asks you to take over the nearest radio station.

APPLe: Roger that.

Manus Believer: Urrrrgh … Stooooonnne …

10 | A Small Gift

Charlton and the puppies arrive at the Rimet Cup Exhibition. It’s supposed to be a happy family gathering. Everyone thinks so. Except Pickles.

Wendy: woof woof!

Pickles: Woof, woof woof. <Thank you for comforting me, Wendy. But I’m afraid that I’m not impressed by this pink and green frisbee.>

Wendy: Woof woof!

Pickles: Woof woof. <You don’t seem to understand the core problem.>

Pickles glances at Charlton, who is busy at the ticket office.

Pickles: Woof woof, woof. <His leadership style is not democratic, and he never understands what we are thinking.> Woof … woof woof. <He drags us out from our books and puppy land … just for this football exhibition.>

Wendy: Woof! Woof!

The little bulldog keeps pushing Pickles, hinting that he should move forward.

Pickles: Woof … woof! <No, Wendy, it’s not the time for playing …>

Wendy: Woof! Woof!

More puppies come from around Charlton and surround Pickles. He is always the most popular pup.

Alice: Woof!

Nelson: Woof woof woof!

Pickles: Woof, woof woof. <Charlton invited you too? You are also interested in football?>

The puppies nod together.

Pickles: … Woof … <Maybe my judgment was too harsh …> Woof … <However …>

Pickles is about to say something more, while Charlton’s indignant grumbling interrupts it.

Charlton: It says clearly on the leaflet, “We welcome everyone who loves football”!

Security Guard: Yes, mister.

Charlton: Then you should let us in!! Me, Wendy, Alice, Nelson, and little Pickles. We all love football!

Security Guard: I’m sorry, but no pets are allowed in here. We provide “pet-keeping services” with professional police dog guarding.

The security guard points to the huge cage next to him. There are various mini-footballs and puppy toys. A dark police dog slouches in the doorway.

Charlton: Ugh …

Charlton hesitantly picks up one of the lemon-yellow balls and squeezes it hard.

Wendy: Woof woof!

Nelson: Woof woof!

The little bulldog jumps up and takes the ball out of Charlton’s hand, rushing to its new playground. Other puppies follow closely behind. Toys are toys, delightful toys. Obviously, no one really cares as much about the size and colour of the football as humans do.

Charlton: Oh! Don’t bump your head, Wendy! Looks like we’ll all have a good place to go. Have a great time in the puppy land!

Charlton waves his hands firmly, then turns and disappears into the visitors.

Wendy: Wooooof! Woof!

Alice: Woof!

Pickles: Woof woof, woof woof. <This is a cage, my friends. Shameful discrimination.>

Alice: Woooof?

Nelson: Woof woof!

Pickles: Woof woof. <No matter how many toys are here, discrimination is discrimination.>

The security dog lying in the doorway pats Pickles on the shoulder.

Police Dog: Woof!

Pickles: Woof, woof woof. <I refuse. You should be on our side instead of defending human’s atrocities.>

Police Dog: Woof woof …

Pickles: Woof woof woof, woof? <Even it’s dangerous inside, they should not deprive us of our right to get in… Wait, you said dangerous inside?>

Police Dog: Woof woof!

The security dog nods its head seriously.

Wendy: Woof woof!

Alice: Woof.

Pickles: Woof, woof woof. <Okay, I smell funny things too … Like burnt metal … or a pile of saltpeter …>

Police Dog: Woof woof woof, woof …

Pickles: Woof, woof woof … <Tremendous noises and sound of gears rotating come from the hall … Have you reported this?>

Police Dog: Woof woof woof, woof!

Pickles: Woof, woof woof … <All your colleagues who got around that person in charge were driven out … You are the only one left …>

Alice: Woof?!

Nelson: Woof woof!

The puppies listen carefully and discuss with each other.

Pickles: Woof … Woof … <This does match the features of the conspiracy theories I read from the human’s books … They often have all kinds of conspiracies.> Woof … Woof … <There might be a huge crisis in this abnormal, no-dog-allowed exhibition …>

Police Dog: Woof!

Something suddenly pops into Pickles’s mind. He turns around to look at the line at the door slowly pushing its way into the exhibition hall. Charlton is no longer among them.

Police Dog: Woof woof!

Pickles: Woof woof … woof. <There should be a way to sneak in through the back door. Thank you for telling me. I’m leaving now.>

…

Pickles shows his excellence as a border collie. He dodges all the thorns and fences with aplomb, just like a real hero.

Pickles: Woof … woof woof. <Phew … This backdoor seems to have been abandoned for a long time.> Woof. <I hope I didn’t waste too much time.> Woof woof, woof … <The chain-link fence rejects all the undesirables frankly.>

Pickles’s eyes fall on a small hole in the fence.

Pickles: Woof. <But it fancies the puppies.>

It’s common knowledge that apples fall from trees occasionally.

APPLe: Lovely to see you again, puppy with blue eyes.

Pickles: Woof? <Mr. APPLe? Why are you here?>

APPLe: This APPLe has accepted a commission from Captain to investigate the venue.

Pickles: Woof … woof woof! <You are aware of the crisis in this hall as well? So my perception is right!>

APPLe: Oh, right … Since last time we met, this APPLe has been contemplating how to communicate with you. So, here it is.

…

APPLe: A simple translator─”Doggie.” It’s still under testing, so the functions are not complete. Sometimes it just stops working. Also, it might somehow misunderstand dog language.

APPLe hands the translator to Pickles. After a brief hesitation, Pickles takes it.

Pickles: Woof woof … woof. <Although I have no intention to frequently communicate with humans … Thank you, Mr. APPLe.>

“Doggie”: The puppy expresses his gratitude.

APPLe: It’s my pleasure. It’s a pity that this APPLe doesn’t have adequate time to test it. You’d better leave as soon as possible. Those violent security bots may show up any time.

Pickles: Woof.

“Doggie”: The puppy expresses his denial.

APPLe: Hmm?

Pickles: Woof woof … <Charlton … Charlton is still there …> Woof … <He may not be a good master … with a great deal of his bad habits …> Woof woof … <But I can’t set the dangers he may come into aside.> Woof woof woof woof … <Wendy and the other puppies will be devastated … They can’t be without Charlton …>

“Doggie”: There is something very important for the puppy inside.

Pickles: …

The puppy falls silent.

APPLe: Oh, I see. Fair enough. Let’s head forward. In the face of danger, this APPLe will do his utmost to assist.

APPLe lands on Pickles’s back. They are both ready to go.

…

After a short assist, Pickles makes a perfect arc through the air and easily goes through the broken security fence.

APPLe: Whoaa!

Pickles: Woof woof … <Thank you for the translator, Mr. APPLe.>

11 | Out of the Blue

The eyes of the puppy shine indigo. He moves agilely and swiftly, avoiding all robots. This time, Pickles really hopes his instinct doesn’t work. He rushes into the room at the end of the corridor.

…

The screens of the CCTV light up in blue. Every corner of the exhibition hall is shown in front of them.

APPLe: How do you find this place at a glance? Have you been here?

Pickles: Woof. <Just my instinct.>

“Doggie”: The puppy expresses his modesty.

Pickles: …

APPLe notices the microphone on the table.

APPLe: The mission assigned by Captain progresses smoothly. We have a whole set of broadcasting equipment here. Hmm. Then we only need to install a corresponding frequency interference device. Captain Regulus can fully control all radio channels within the radius of 5km.

Pickles skims each screen quickly. As Pickles stares, two sneaking figures open up the ceiling and quickly disappear in the duct.

Pickles: Woof … <It’s really weird here … I must find him right away …> Woof woof! Woooof! <Oh! It’s Charlton! I see him.> Woof woof. <In the hall where the cup is presented.> Woof woof. <I need to go now. Goodbye, Mr. APPLe.>

APPLe: Hmm?

…

The hall is the most crowded place, with visitors chatting loudly. The world here is so chaotic.

Iverson: Oh! Bloody hell! Who let this plushy monster in! Achoo! Now this whole place is contaminated by disgusting fur. Atishoo!

A furious man walks towards Pickles. He keeps pressing the button again and again.

Pickles: Woof? <Is he talking to me?> Woof woof! Woof woof … <It’s a mistake, sir. I’m here for …>

Iverson: Robots! Where are my robots? Drive it out! Atishoo!

Security Robot: Command received.

The cold-blooded iron robot gets close to Pickles and shows him the threatening taser.

Pickles: Woof woof? <What are you doing?> Woof … <Alright, I’ll try this, though I haven’t mastered it …> Woof. <Sorry, but I have to control your emotion without permission.>

He shines with a glorious halo. The indigo light on him overwhelms the robot, just like sharp swords.

Security Robot: Beep beep! Beep beep! Alert, alert! Unknown energy detected!

Bang! The robot suddenly stops. The meter number fluctuates as if it’s affected by a mysterious force.

Pickles: Woof woof … <Phew … So the energy of the robot is also a type of overactive emotion.>

Iverson: What’s wrong? You broke down?

More and more robots are approaching.

Security Robot: Risk rating: ★★★★☆

Security Robot: Request support! Request support!

Iverson: Terrible plushy monster! It-It must be a terrorist! We must put it down right now! All of you! Drive it out. No, no, no. Put it down!

Pickles: Woof woof … woof woof. <Anxiety is affecting your brain, which may lead to irreparable madness.> Woof woof, woof woof. <If you are not capable of restraining yourself, I may be of help.>

The chaos arouses the attention of more visitors, but Iverson doesn’t seem to care about it.

Iverson: Achoo! DEFCON III!

Pickles: Woof … woof … <No … The situation here is more troublesome than I’d expected …>

A man violently pushes his way through the crowd and stands next to Pickles.

Charlton: What are you doing?! Get away from my Pickles!

Iverson: It’s you who brought it in. I now warn you! Your dog is a bloody, hazardous uncertainty, and we must put it down!

Charlton: What a humbug! He’s not hazardous at all! Every one of our neighbours loves him! Let go!

Iverson: Achoo! You don’t have a voice here. You can’t leave, either.

The alarming robots surround Charlton and Pickles.

…

Pickles: Woof … <Don’t act in haste. These robots are dangerous …>

Iverson: According to Item 5, Article 172 of the Guidance on Security, security companies have the right to directly deal with any dangerous items when on duty. I command you to hand me your dog! As compensation, we will buy you a more purebred and more friendly dog for helping us wipe out risks. Don’t lose your mind to a pet dog. Atishoo!

Charlton: …

Pickles: Woof woof. <I’m sorry. I assume I was the source of the tension here.> Woof … <You go first. I can take care of these …>

…

Charlton rushes to Pickles, stretches out his arms, and angrily stares at the cold-blooded “iron monster” in front of him.

Charlton: What the hell are you talking about? He’s my friend! You crazy bastard! Would you ever leave your friend alone? Oh, fine. Maybe you would. You cold-blooded prat! Dead from the neck up!

Pickles: Woof .. <You have never been so emotional before …>

Iverson: If you don’t want to be put onto the World Cup audience blacklist, I kindly request you to stop what you are doing.

Charlton: … Very well done. But I’ll tell you what, you can’t threaten me! I’m definitely not leaving Pickles alone! Go f**k your World Cup!

Iverson: Ha! What a fool.

He presses the red button.

Iverson: Catch them!

The security robots quickly react. Charlton fearlessly runs to the robots like a brave matador in a red cape.

The security robots take back the sedative spray. Iverson is very please with their performance.

Iverson: Finally … Atishoo! Turn the ventilation system to the highest mode. I don’t want any dog fur here! Other robots, go catch that dog!

Security Robot: Command confirmed.

Pickles sniffs Charlton, who is in a coma.

Pickles: Woof woof … woof. <It’s not safe to sleep here, my friend.>

The robots get closer and closer. Pickles notices the remote control in Iverson’s hand.

Pickles: Woof, woof. <Violence is not a good choice. With a proper approach, those robots can work for us too.>

All the fans in the hall are switched on. They’re spinning faster and faster. Suddenly, there’s a strange noise from the ceiling.

Diggers: Hey, hey! What’s going on here? What have you done?

Melania: Not me. Th-The ventilation system suddenly started to work!

Diggers: This is the perfect plan you told me? We are going to be blown out!

Melania: Hey! Slow down!

Diggers: It’s too late! Crash warning! Whoaaaaaa!

…

Iverson: Haahh!!

Melania: …

Pickles: …

Diggers: Um, hi!

12 | Bubbles Won’t be Broken

The fans keep working and generate a continuous gale. Dust, fragments, and strange magnets stick to the cover of the ventilation. Some of them scatter and linger above Iverson’s head. Some magnetic chips dance in the air and tightly stick to the robots when they get close. The robots, trapped by magnets, start to spin around. Some even lose their mobility. Iverson is too busy to take care of those messy robots. There’s a thick cloud above his head. His anger will burst out at any time.

Iverson: Nasty invader!

Diggers: I am sorry, Mr. Iverson. Actually, I didn’t know my entrance would be so straightforward. I think she knows the situation better than … Hmm? Where is she?!

Iverson: It seems you are the abandoned, poor worm. What else are you going to show me? Any jokes of the never-will-happen Utopia?

Diggers: It may be unrealistic, but it is possible.

Right after Diggers’s feeble words, a huge bubble floats in front of him.

Visitor: Whoa, lots of bubbles …Is this the special event of the exhibition?

Diggers: These soap bubbles are …? Ah, I see. The ventilation system is switched on. The soap bubble device I threw outside is nwo functioning!

This is what Diggers has been expecting for a long time─a gale to sweep the old world. The soap bubble device eventually catches everyone’s attention. The colourful Reflective Bubbles start their wandering.

Diggers: Excuse me, may I borrow your broken robots?

Iverson: Stop! What the hell did you do! What are these damn bubbles?

Diggers: Actually, it is a reformation of art.

Diggers steps on the head of the security robot, where everyone can see him.

…

Security Robot: …

Iverson: Get down from there! You bastard!

Young Visitor: Mum, it’s that weird man! Is he provoking the robots?

Visitor: Hahh! He did sign the Safety Commitment Statement, right?

…

Diggers: My friends, have you been fed up with the dull and dreary reality? Do you want to get rid of this place of cliche and red tape? You once yearned for a better world, a peaceful world with music. Open your eyes and look at the soap bubbles in front of you, now! And salute to all the transient beauties.

…

More and more colourful soap bubbles show up in the hall. They reflect the people’s curious eyes, floating up and down in the air as if doing the most popular twist at the time. Some visitors start to shake their bodies. Under the light reflected by the soap bubbles, more and more people join in. Eventually, they become an ocean of joy.

Pickles: Woof woof … woof. <Is the uniqueness of mankind only revealed here, or is it deeply hidden in everyone?>

Pickles tries to wake Charlton up with his paws but fails.

Pickles: Woof woof woof. <Wake up, Charlton. The party has begun.> Woof woof woof. <Whoa! A surprise party beyond everyone’s craziest fantasies! The soap bubbles are dancing around the people, just like your favourite mirror ball. How exciting.> Woof woof … <Alright … I suppose these are far from attractive for him ...>

Pickles tries to wake Charlton up with his paws, through barking and licking, but none of them work.

Pickles: Woof … woof. <How much sedative spray did Charlton take? It’s been a while, and the smell doesn’t fade at all.> Woof woof. <The antidote must be controlled by one of the buttons. I need to get the remote from that cranky man.>

Iverson: Get this hooligan out of here!

Iverson grasps the remote control. The buttons are tightly squeezed.

Security Robot: Sedative spray ready to deploy.

Diggers: Don’t you want to try some of these bubbles, Mr. Iverson? We can find a peaceful way to coexist.

Pop! Iverson violently pricks and destroys all the bubbles approaching him. A mixed scent of Lou mucus and rose oil immediately captures his nose.

Iverson: Boring little trick.

Bubbles keep breaking around Iverson, but he is indifferent.

Diggers: Aren’t you curious at all? Take a look at it, and you’ll activate every cell of art. Even iron nerds can spark all their imagination. Don’t tell me your imagination level is null.

Iverson: Joking time over.

He puts the remote control into his pocket.

Iverson: Your Utopia has always been a joke. Only hegemony, hatred, and force can push history forward. Vain revolt is like helpless barking.

Iverson grabs a robot’s weapon forcefully. His “employees” have finally regained consciousness. The silent robots approach slowly and surround Diggers.

Diggers: Perhaps I will be expelled from this impromptu party, away from its artistic beauty, and forced to bid farewell to my new friends … Perhaps people as insensible, cold, and numb as you will become mainstream in the end … But, it is not now.

13 | The Channel of Freedom

Melania: Brilliant. Although there were some unexpected hiccups … Our plan went well. The fuse has been changed, bullets replaced, magnet installed … Most robots have been paralysed. Even Mr. Iverson seems to be at a loss.

Ms. Acey: It’s not over yet.

Melania: Yes. Heh heh, it’s better to say that the show hasn’t yet begun. Let’s turn up the light, turn down the air conditioning, and crank up the usage of the radio. Let’s see. When will the replaced fuse blow? Ms. Acey, we don’t have much time left. Come on. Let me bring you to a hidden place. Hopefully, you don’t mind swallowing a slightly bulky “thing.”

Ms. Acey: What tricks did you come up with?

Melania: This is going to be the most crucial part. Hee hee. Please help me, Ms. Acey.

…

Iverson: Actually, according to Item 18 in the Safety Commitment Statement, we need to arrest the violators who interrupt others’ visit. Tie him up and inject Miu Miu Mute You Potion. I don’t want to hear his stupid ideas anymore.

Security Robot: Command received.

Diggers: Umm … umm umm …

Iverson: Activate the spraying system. Clean all those damn bubbles.

The crowd seems to calm down under the fire of the water gun and sedative spraying.

Iverson: The farce is over. All our guests, please enjoy your visit. Unfortunately, those who were bewitched and violated the Safety Commitment Statement, you will be further investigated after the exhibition.

Iverson is concentrated on the crowd that’s cooling down, but he doesn’t realize the bulb above is getting brighter.

Pickles: Woof … <He has taken control over this place and has no intention to set us free.> Woof… <It’s an unwise choice to get the remote, but …>

Pickles rubs against Charlton, like a farewell before departure.

???: Woof woof …

Pickles hears the barking of dogs in the distance. The sound is so familiar and friendly.

Pickles: Woof woof? <Is that the sound of …?>

Footsteps are getting closer and clearer.

Pickles: Woof woof …<Canines have a very sharp sense of danger, so undoubtedly, this is not your instinctive reaction …>

The puppy troop that was trapped outside unexpectedly arrives.

…

Nelson: Woof woof!

Wendy: Woof woof!

Pickles: Woof woof? <How did you get in here?>

Police Dog: Woof woof woof!

Pickles: Woof woof woof. <Fair enough. A well-trained security dog can sense a crisis in advance and have outstanding flexibility to meet emergencies.>

Police Dog: Woof! Woof!

Pickles: Woof woof … <But puppies alone are not enough …> Woof … Woof woof … <Wait, these messy things you brought here … Radio, monocle, purse, working manual, microphone …>

Alice: Woof woof!

Wendy: Woof woof!

Pickles: Woof … woof?! <These people … That’s how you ask for help?>

Footsteps and screaming are getting clearer.

Passerby: Stop it! You cheeky dogs!!

Journalist: Give my microphone back!

Chef: My bread! I only took a bite!

The scurrying puppies, the owners of these items, and the slow-reacting security guards break the silence that Iverson has worked so hard to maintain.

…

Iverson: What’s going on? Who let them in!

Security Guard: Sorry, Mr. Iverson. There are too many of them.

Pickles gives a shiver, perhaps because it’s getting cold in the exhibition hall or because he has a new impression of his puppy friends.

Pickles: Woof woof woof … <I’ve underestimated you. You are not some indecent puppies at all.>

Alice: Woof!

*sizzling sound* The old radio next to Pickles makes a slight noise. Meanwhile, noises also come from the speakers at all corners and the radio broadcasters held by people rushing in.

…

A new visitor enters the control room breathlessly.

…

Regulus: Ahh! Just in time! Hahaha! The sharp Pirate Captain has arrived at the grandest stage!

The mixer, the microphone, the radio … They are the best weapons for this uninvited guest. The silent radio is soon replaced by a more powerful frequency.

Regulus: This is 25ºE. You are listening to the Rocking APPLe, the most distinctive ship to date! Salute to my discerning audience, my loving followers! You guessed it right. This Pirate has hijacked all the radio frequencies here.

…

Wendy: Woof woof!

Regulus: You’re able to pick up Radio APPLe clearly from anywhere in London. Whether you’re cheering for the moment or wish to change the channel, whether you love rock ‘n’ roll or hate all music … Do not switch! If you don’t want to miss the moment to unveil a conspiracy … A huge conspiracy about the London authorities and the compelling security robots.

Diggers: Haahh!!

Regulus: My friends, we are in the middle of a huge hoax! The London authorities have deceived everyone! It is impossible to have such obedient, flawless, safe, and reliable security robots in this world. On the contrary, they use violence, harm citizens, and show no kindness!

Iverson: …

Security Guard: What?

Regulus: To cover the backsides and block the news, the man in charge … he keeps out the people who wanna have fun t-t-to visit the Rimet Cup! Captain Regulus clashed with the robot army at the back entrance of the hall. The brave captain managed to esca- … to retreat! But there’s no doubt that this is an infringement of our freedom! The incompetent London authorities attempted to work with security companies and use their awful robots to govern! They want to take our life away, render us helpless, so they can manipulate us!

People are whispering. The scene is like the falling of small rocks before a severe landslide. The tied-up Diggers is the best proof.

Diggers: Umm umm! Umm umm umm!

Regulus: You have my respect, poor ragged lad!

People become confused and surround Iverson, who is noticeably unpleased.

Passerby: What that Pirate said … Is that true?!

Iverson: I am very sure─you are deceived.

Journalist: But you did imprison the poor citizen.

Iverson: If that’s what you think, I can now prove to you … the reliability of New Humans’ security.

Regulus: Mr. Madbot, you and your evil plan have been overcome by the justice Captain Regulus! London belongs to us, belongs to freedom!

Iverson: You’re right. In such case, security guards are more flexible.

Security Guard: You … You mean …

Iverson: Do something! These people are breaking the rules! Are you just going to stand and watch?

Security Guard: Co … copy that.

Journalist: Wh-What are you doing!

Passerby: Ruuuuuun!

…

Regulus: Mr. APPLe, here! Put the tape away!

There is a short mutter on the radio. Then it becomes a declaration of ambition and passion.

Regulus: Haha. This Pirate’s instincts are never wrong. My assistant, Mr. APPLe, has first-hand evidence of everything. It will be the most sensational news. Every news agency will invest millions on it. The next song, for the exasperated poor authorities …

…

The old fuse that was deliberately installed is finally blowing as the temperature rises.

Regulus: Huh? Why is the power out?

Melania: Uh huh. All is ready.

14 | Imagination Overload

Iverson: Go! Turn on the emergency light and go check the circuit!

Security Guard: Copy that!

Pickles: Woof woof. <The chance will come soon.>

…

A spotlight casts down from the ceiling and focuses on the brightest place─the showcase of the Rimet Cup.

Iverson: You moron! What’re you doing! This is not the emergency light!

Security Guard: No, no, that wasn’t me. The cup! The cup is missing!

…

Flawless protection is just a disguise, while threatening is the essence. In such a dull and dreadful exhibition hall … Does anyone still remember … Those stories full of imagination and miracles?

…

All the lights shine on the glass showcase. She holds the Rimet Cup, just like hugging a long-lost friend. Nobody notices that the name tag for the Rimet Cup has disappeared from the showcase.

Young Visitor: Whoa! Someone is in the case!

Journalist: She … she holds the Rimet Cup?! How did she get in there!

Melania: Yes. It’s finally back now, back to Ramirez.

Journalist: Ramirez? Hahh! The company that Forget the Rimet Cup and went bankrupt!

Iverson: You are …

Melania: Oh, it’s been a long time. The leader of New Humans, the witness to the events that year, and the lucky man who finally retrieved the Rimet Cup─Mr. Iverson. You know the story of the Rimet Cup better than anyone, don’t you?

Iverson: Who are you?!

Melania: You were repelled by Ramirez’s novelty and hated their surprising imagination and miracle stories one after another. “Apparently, it is better to follow the rules, even if we fail. We’ll have nothing to be blamed …” To bury that shining star, the peers jointly forged a Rimet Cup, and carefully schemed a security commission that was doomed to fail.

Iverson: Bollocks! You are a thief! You’re not going to defame us!

Melania: Heh heh … The Ramirezs have a tradition of leaving arcane marks on each item for safekeeping. The marks will be revealed with special cameras.

…

Melania: Yes. This is the real Rimet Cup that we have never protected before. Npw, I’ve finally found the truth.

Iverson: …

Melania: Oh, sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. You may call me The Great Thief Acey.

Journalist: For heaven’s sake! She is that thief who stole countless treasures!

Melania: Or, my real name, of course─Melania Ramirez.

…

Security Guard: Mr. Iverson … what shall we do?

Iverson: Don’t listen to her! Are you going to believe a thief?

Security Guard: But there’s no article on guidance that we could follow to deal with a situation like this …

Iverson: Fathead! Put her down, then everything will be fine! Guns ready!

Iverson stares at Melania like a demon. The veins on his arms burst. He furtively presses the almost imperceptible button on the remote control. The backs of the robots fall off, unveiling the bloody black guns. They slowly move upwards, aiming for the highest spot.

Iverson: I thought I would never use these steel bullets.

He presses the button.

Melania: Looks like you guys made the worst choice. Well, it’s not surprising.

…

Iverson falls to the ground, dropping the remote control aside. It’s like a period in the whole story. Those “bullets” and tranquilizers flying towards Melania suddenly explode.

Melania: Oh, I forgot to tell you that some of the equipment carried by the robots have violated the Guidance on Security. So, I replaced them with safer firework bullets.

All people are drowned in the halo of the fireworks. The puppy dashes fearlessly towards Iverson’s remote control.

Pickles: Woof! <Now!>

…

This is a parting gift after all the failures.

Melania: Eroi Exchange! Sorry, but it’s better to destroy the remote control that will place our security at risk as early as possible, okay?

She laughs, snaps her fingers, and disappears. What remains is the exhibition name tag for the Rimet Cup, which appears again on the showcase.

Passerby: Wait! Look at that dog!

Wendy: Woof woof!

Passerby: No, not that one! Look at that border collie! He found us the Rimet Cup!!

Pickles: Woof? <Hmm?>

15 | The Puppy’s Choice

Pickles: Woof … woof … <Remote … Cup …> Woof woof woof! <There is a smell left on the cup! She is also an arcanist, and she’s still around.>

He places the cup next to Charlton and then runs towards a quiet corner.

Passerby: Ahh! Puppy ran away. What’s he gonna do?

…

Ms. Acey: *coughs* Feeling sick. Disgusting. Almost crying.

Melania: Sor-Sorry, Ms. Acey. It was me who asked you to swallow too much weird stuff, ugh, even including me. I swear, when it’s all over, I will take you to a professional leather care store for proper treatment! But now, we have to get out of here as soon as possible.

Ms. Acey: Are you finished?

Melania: Of course. Iverson looks as if he’s just swallowed a whole slug slime. Eventually, he’s lost to the arcanist’s imagination. Those journalists who are not in the plan would definitely not miss the big news. It’s all a mess here, and we are going to leave with ease now─Unnoticed.

Pickles: Woooooof!

Melania: Hmm? What’s coming?

Ms. Acey: Our kind of creature.

Melania: I can’t believe someone has found me. Am I exposed?

Pickles: Woof woof woof … <No offense, lady, you may have brought the wrong thing with you …>

Melania: Shh … Wait, wait! Stop barking. Let’s not get the others’ attention!

Pickles: Woof woof woof! <I need to wake Charlton up and leave soon before anything messier happens.>

Pickles lowers his voice and keeps saying something.

Ms. Acey: An anxious but friendly puppy.

Melania: Huuhh, all right, puppy. Let’s make a deal.

“Doggie”: The puppy wants to get rid of the current situation.

Melania: You wanna get out of here? It’s not part of the plan, but I can take you for a ride.

Pickles: Woof woof … <Leave? No … >

“Doggie”: The puppy is asking for your opinion.

Melania: What do you want? This? The pigment to make you invisible in a second. No one will see you, including your puppy friends.

Pickles: …

Melania: Or, this? Breeze Glider. When you open your arms, or, um, your front legs, all it takes is a little breeze, and the flying membrane will get you anywhere.

Pickles: … Wooooof. <Sounds like some tailor-made tools for my aspiration …> Woof … <But …>

Melania: Or, say, are you going to give everyone a surprise, too? Shock Alarm. It will wake up all the sleepyheads, keeping everyone wide awake. Ummm, it’s often used to deal with those heavy-headed security guards.

The approaching footsteps interrupt their “communication.”

Passerby: Where is that puppy? I think it just came this way.

Passerby: A dog retrieved the cup! Mind-blowing news! He will be the star!

Melania: It sounds weird. You have to make your choice, smart puppy.

Those weird tools are displaying in front of Pickles. This is definitely an exceptional decision.

Melania: Cheers, pup.

Pickles: …

…

With the noisy ring in the hall, the story of a hero puppy eventually catches everyone’s attention.

16 | As We Like It

Pickles: Woof … Woof woof! <Wait, there must be some misunderstandings!> Woof … woof! <Calm down, my friends.>

Wendy: Woof woof!

Pickles: Woof woof … woof woof! <Oh, please don’t touch my tail … Glasses either!>

Police Dog: Woof woof woof!

Pickles: Woof woof … <Well, indeed, victory for puppies …> Woof woof woof. <They are getting more and more excited.> Woof woof woof woof! <Hey … Mutual, mutual understanding!>

Pickles’s struggling and crying for help are swallowed by the festive realm. The hero puppy is surrounded by the excited crowd. Together with the Rimet Cup.

Charlton: …

Charlton wakes up at this very moment. He awkwardly but happily accepts everything.

Journalist: Hello, sir. Are you the owner of this hero puppy?

Charlton: Not exactly. I’m his friend, best friend.

Journalist: Um … Would you mind telling us how you raised such a brilliant dog? I guess people will care about the puppy’s daily life after the article’s published.

Charlton: Well, I often enjoy the symphony with him. Sometimes we’ll discuss profound philosophical issues together. Yes. We have quite an extensive collection of books at home, for example, Meditationes de Prima Philosophia, The Republic, Rhetoric to Alexander …

Pickles: …

Journalist: That’s an informative first-hand material. Thanks for your cooperation, Mr. Owner.

Charlton: It’s been a pleasure to be interviewed by you. Pickles, too.

Pickles: …

Journalist: That’s beautiful. We may have further and more detailed interviews that need your cooperation. A constant stream of interviews, film shoots, and friendly matches with the England national football team will follow. I’m sure the team would also like to thank the hero who guarded the cup in person. The puppy’s heroic act may even be highly appealing to film investors.

Charlton: Really?!

Pickles: Woooof wooooof. <Though I’ve foreseen all of this, it’s still hard for me to accept the reality.> Woof … <Help …>

People are not able to share happiness or divide sorrow, even if they stand in the same exhibition hall. On the other side of the hall, someone else is crying.

…

Diggers: Wandering is my destiny. After an unprecedented and unexpected soap bubble surprise party … None of them left anything improvised about Utopia! Not even one of them mentioning my contribution! All the people ignored a pioneer who created a new era! A monumental event was shamefully compared to a puppy! … Ahh! Art is dead.

…

???: That’s one of the stories I’ve come across, readers of UTTU. It’s dramatic─full of misunderstandings, lovely animals, and terrifying intrigues, again proving us with a ludicrous ending. I’m glad to have the great honor to share this with you. Wherever you are, whatever you’ve been … I hope this story will bring you a moment of joy. And I am also sincerely looking forward to … your stories.