I Favor the Villainess

This is the story from the point of view of Claire-François (the eye).

"Hey, Time. I wonder what I should do: ......

I muttered to myself as I adjusted my time and her nanomachine related settings.

The loop system was nearing completion and humanity was about to enter its first dormant phase.

The quantization of souls does not require the scanning of each individual, but is done automatically by time alterations scattered around the world.

At first glance, the altered bodies of time are like stones, with built-in self-repairing and multiplication functions, as well as the ability to invoke magic.

In a magical civilization, it is what will be called a magic stone.

The larger ones will be several meters long, while the smaller ones will be nanosized and each one will be connected wirelessly.

The world design of the magical civilization was handled by Ray.

She really did what she used to joke about and created the world of a magical civilization based on the world of that damsel-in-distress game.

The magical world I saw in the simulator was as magical as something out of a movie.

As in a scientific civilization, the population of the civilization will exceed the current population of the earth at some stage of growth, so the civilization will be replaced by a person with an artificial soul encased in it.

I've heard that these artificial souls will be created by mixing the quantum data of a real person with the basic design of Time, but only Zero knows the details.

Thus, the countdown to the activation of the plan is steadily underway, but I still couldn't answer to Zero about the administrator.

What are you confused about, Claire? Wouldn't you rather be with the one you love forever?

Don't be ridiculous, Time. It's not as simple as that.

The more I think about it, the more I can't say I'm going to take it on easily, the more I think about what it means for the survival of humanity.

You're taking this too seriously, Claire. You just need to be more faithful to your desires, just like Mr. Zero.

"What part of Zero is loyal to your desires?

After living with her, I found out that she is a very altruistic person.

She takes care of all the household chores for me, as I have no other skills except for research, and she puts me before herself in terms of how she spends her money.

Even in our sexual life, he always tries to please me.

I'm sorry, that was superfluous.

"Huh?　Didn't you know?　It was for Claire that Mr. Zero created this loop system, right?

"...... huh?

Thyme, no need to say anything else.

It was Zero who interrupted Time's words.

'Why do you keep it a secret, Zero? Isn't it a nice thing to do?

It's not nice at all. I'm so selfish that I'm pulling for myself.

That's what's called being human, right?

You really are gaining more and more knowledge: ......

"Thank you very much for the compliment

It's not a compliment.

Zero and Time are talking about something, leaving me behind.

"Hey, Zero. What is this plan for me?

Thyme's delusion. Forget it.

"But ......

Forget it.

"...... I get it.

Something doesn't feel right, though.

By the way, Claire, how are you feeling today?

Lately, Zero has been frequently asking about my physical condition.

Especially since I'm still young. I'm still young and I wouldn't get sick all of a sudden, would I?

Yes. That's fine. But if you feel something wrong with your body, please let me know right away.

Zero's expression was serious.

That's what made me think of it.

"Hey, Zero. You are not hiding something from me, are you?

Although I do a lot.

I'm sure you will, not ....... Do you have any concerns about my condition?

"No?

Then why do you care so much about my health?

I was a little nervous, so I decided to ask Thyme.

Thyme, do you see any negative signs in my health?

I am unable to answer.

"...... huh?

What does that mean?

Thyme, how can you not answer?

Because the answer is forbidden.

"To whom?

I can't answer that either.

Time just repeats that it cannot be answered.

But that's the same thing as answering.

"Ray, it's you, isn't it?

"......

I've already given you control of Time. You are the only person who can prohibit me from getting information about me.

"......

Zero looked away and wouldn't speak silently.

'Zero, look at me,'

"......

Zero looked at me.

"Why don't you tell me why--

At that moment, my vision swung dizzily.

"Claire!

Ray's face looks distorted.

What's wrong with me, I wonder what's wrong with me.

Time, call the medical department!

"Already

Hey, Thyme. Are you sure this--

"Yes, it's faster than I calculated, but ......

"No such ......!

Hey, Ray.

What are you talking about?

I can't hear you very well.

"Claire ...... get a grip, without you, there would be no point in humanity surviving.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

The test results were unfavorable.

I was diagnosed with a new pathogen that did not match any of the existing diseases.

It's okay, Claire. We've approached the United Nations, through the United States, to bring forward the operation of the loop system. You can go into the future with us.

Grasping my hand, Zero said in a soft voice, "No, Zero.

No, Zero. You haven't finished the final check of the system, have you?　You mean a system that will be in operation for hundreds of millions of years?　We can't afford one flaw in ten thousand.

As I squeezed her hand back, I found myself surprisingly weak.

'A final check is just a formality. There are no mistakes with me. As you said, I'm a genius.

Then Zero laughed mirthlessly.

No, he's probably laughing.

I can't see it well anymore.

You're right. You are a genius. So I'm sure you'll be fine on your own .......

I'm afraid to leave you alone, but you'll be fine.

You're a strong person.

I don't want to ...... don't want to ....... Please don't leave me alone, Claire. Please .......

I'm sorry to hear that. ......

I'm sorry, but I'm glad the last moment was in your arms.

...... Yeah. It's not too late!　Time, any hand!　Extend Claire's life one more day!

"My function has already been set as a priority subject in preparation for the launch of the loop system--

"I'm the administrator!　Order as the highest authority!

I understand.

Hey ...... Hey, Ray ...... where ......?

I don't feel your warmth.

I'm scared ...... and lonely.

"Wait, Claire!　I will help!　There's no point in saving humanity without you--!

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

Falling into darkness.

The cold I had felt before eventually fades away.

The voices that I used to hear are now far away.

The pain in my chest is gradually diminishing.

There was something ...... I had to tell you.

It was so very, very important to me.

It's all consumed by the darkness, and the consciousness eventually becomes shriveled up.

--I love you, with all my heart.

Who were the words to?

I don't know anything now.