Chapter 107: Fear

Masamune was surprised.

Why do you?

I see, so its already appeared in the status then? Has it healed completely?

Romero then began talking as if answering the question that seemed apparent on Masamunes face.

Nito, this is my ability. I am able to peak at the myriad values of living things. I call it [existence value].

Masamune was a little surprised but he remembered what Bell had said.

The status is basically just a digitized version of the innumerable numbers in it.

Although I didnt understand even if I thought about it.

I see. So why is it that you know about the Parallel world Syndrome.

Hmm? Oh I dont, I simply used your numbers to develop a hypothesis. From there the words parallel world syndrome appeared.

Romero was the only one in the room who actually understood what he was saying.

But..this kind of seems like the status isnt recognizing it.

Not recognizing it?

Yes, how is it that Romero recognized the numbers in the status?

There are several other interesting points but let me tell you a story about this.

Masamune was very suspicious of Romero, so Tom spoke to him.

Nito, hes OK. Romero is like us.

At that Masamune relaxed and Romero began to explain properly.

Now lets go back to talking about him. He said something about a past sickness but he originally relied on me for something else.

Yes, domestic violence.

Masamune had a stern yet questioning expression.

In his dream he couldnt stand having children near him so he hurt them. But at the same time he didnt want to hurt them and was afraid of losing his children.

Sorry but Ive got no idea what youre talking about.

Hmm? I see.. but on the inside I feel like Nito is similar to him.

Similar, me?

Masamune was extremely skeptical, hed never committed any domestic violence.

Mental conflicts and contradictions become a numerical value and effect the status.

Masamune and Romero sat down in chairs provided by Dean.

What was the symptoms?

His base values had dropped significantly below what they were originally.

Masamune finally heard something that sounded familiar.

In the status there was a reminiscent disease but this did not effect the status itself. Do you understand what this means Nito?

Masamune again remembered Bells words.

I had a friend tell me something similar before but I dont know what it means.

I see, Nito must have a nice friend as most people do not understand it. Although most dont have a reason to.

Romero returned to his story.

In other words the mental conflict appears numerically and effects the status in the form of a decrease.

So that causes a reminiscent desease?

No, thats the status not recognizing it.

Hhhhhh.

After guessing the wrong answer Masamune no longer had any idea what they were talking about.

In other words its just a mental state, its not some lingering disease. Ive checked his status multiple times but there is no lowering of the stats.

Romero took a sip of coffee hed received from Tom before continuing.

Nito, Ive seen those same symptoms in you.

Masamune was slowly beginning to understand. In other words his status values were declining but it had nothing to do with the syndrome.

So then what is lowering my status?

A disease that effects those who long for a different world.

Romero had no choice but to question Masamune.

Thats whats written there but what does it mean by other world?

Th, that.

Masamune choked on his words.

Well then, let me change the question. What does a different world mean to Nito?

But Masamune had never really thought about another world since hed been here. Although he used to think that it would be great to go to another world or just simply anywhere but here.

In a single word? ..a dream?

I see, he said something similar. That he didnt want to grow up because he couldnt dream. But is thst true?

True?

In other words he wanted to go back to his childhood. But did the childhood he longed for ever really exist?

Hhh, no it probably didnt. But he must have had one?

Thats not what I meant. In other words he had beautified his childhood. Everyone longs for their past in some way because it seems beautiful but its just a dream.

But, would an abused child still beautify the past?

If you live long enough some day the past will look good to anyone. There are those who make mistakes and look back thinking if only they could have done it differently. Its all about convenience.

As soon as he said that Masamune began to understand. Masamune believed that this world defined human existence.

In other words the childhood he longed for didnt exist. It was just an image created by him for his own convenience. So again, what us another world to Nito?

Masamune didnt answer immediately, deciding to choose his words carefully and wondering how best to explain it.

A convenient worldfor me?

Tom appeared with a paper bag.

Dr. Romero, your order.

Oh thank you Tom. I apologize for asking this of you all the time.

Its no problem.

Romero stood up.

But still I was surprised by Nitos status, in my profession Ive made a habit of not being surprised by others statuses. Otherwise I would have injured my back already long ago.

Romero, what is it you were trying to say? I still dont understand.

Oh, really? I thought that Nito had already noticed.

Romero put his hat back on.

Think about my words carefully once again. Im sure youll realize it.

Romero began walking to the door.

Why dont we invest the medical fee into your future.

The door opened with a slight metallic sound.

There is no such thing as another world, except in Nitos own heart.

Romero finally said before smiling at the three behind Masamune and leaving.

How was it Nito? Kind of strange right?

Tom asked in a tone the resembled admiration.

Yeah

Masamine checked to make sure he had everything.

Are you leaving already?

Tom asked sadly.

Yeah.

I see, when are you going to come by next?

I wont be returning to this country for a while.

I see.

Something like a dark rift appeared next to Masamune.

Thank you.

Masamune entered the rift as he bowed to the three dwarves.

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