Peacefully Scrolling Through the Gallery
*Rolling around, rolling around, rolling around—rolling around, rolling around, rolling around, rolling around, gororong-gororong.*
The forest had fallen quiet once more. Inside the bunker, now empty of all my guests, I savored the returning peace while idly scrolling through the Ark Gallery.
Survey and Research on the Increase in Mana Users Relative to Population
Before the Great Catastrophe, mana users were extremely rare. The last survey showed that out of 100 randomly selected people, about 10 were mana users.
However, our latest survey reveals that over 40 out of 100 are now mana users.
The image below compares the pre-Catastrophe survey results with the latest ones.
(Two sheets of paper covered in dense writing)
Traditionally, mana aptitude was mostly determined by genetics, but as the Catastrophe progressed, we've confirmed an increase in people awakening talent regardless of heritage.
This suggests the body is adapting to the famine environment for survival.
More data is needed for a firm conclusion. However, with famine resolution via fertilizer imminent, research concludes here.
The images below are our research materials.
(A pile of images, each a sheet crammed with writing)
I was diligently observing the gallery screen, wondering if anyone might break their promise. Fortunately, no posts about me popped up, so I kept scrolling leisurely. Then a catchy title caught my eye—I checked it out and got some intriguing info.
Hair color changes with mana affinity, huh...
I glanced at my reflection in the full-length mirror in the living room. Plain old black hair. They said my body was full of mana, so I checked closely for any color shift.
Nothing seemed different.
Sora said she's the Eye of the Snow Spirit, so maybe her hair's pure white? I thought about asking, but if she said she couldn't answer, it'd be awkward. Better to wait and find out naturally someday. I moved on to other posts.
The date for the Hero Appointment Ceremony is set, so informing all Empire citizens.
(Image of a simple white podium in a modest cathedral)
Date: Next weekend. Time: Right after mass.
Believers with time, and especially Duke Graywarden, please attend.
(Animated GIF of an elderly priest kneeling, rubbing hands pleadingly)
Please! Please attend this ceremony!!!
"So Duke's the Hero who skipped the appointment."
Everyone calls him Hero, and he seems aware, so I hadn't realized. Why skip it?
I naturally turned to Sora.
According to gallery posts, he attended the first ceremony. But he didn't ascend the podium, declaring he lacked qualifications yet and would accept only when he could acknowledge it himself.
"Thanks, Sora."
Her neat explanation cleared it up.
Cool, right? First ceremony was 40 years ago, so Duke was a bit younger than me now—early to mid-20s. How many could make that choice at that age?
If I were him... I'd probably stammer and end up Hero anyway.
Of course, factor in all he's endured in this messed-up world.
Imagining young Duke flipping off the ceremony made my lips twitch—I fought a grin. Laughing at this would disrespect the GIF's pleading cardinal, so I clicked another post quick.
jg
South said day after tomorrow off yeah (Wooo! Cheering human emoticon)
Curious when north gets break. North and south same days?
Subjugation forces' break news. North and south off simultaneously.
"Hm... now?"
That upgrade thing. The intense one. Full upgrade.
Honestly, thought upgrades might be impossible mid-subjugation. So I'd half-given up, relaxed.
But right on cue, opportunity waved hello.
Short deliberation, then to Sora: "Sora, status on scheduled upgrades?"
Memory said just two. Double-checked anyway.
Currently scheduled: Remote Trading and Map. Estimated time: 26 hours.
Just two features, but 26 hours. No overlap with existing, so longer.
26's awkward though. Breaks usually ~18:00 to next 07:00. Next one's two days later—add 24 hours, total 36-hour window.
Might as well pack it full. I opened my notebook, eyed wishlist.
Standouts: GPS and Gallery favorites. Tired of Gonic codes every trade.
GPS cuz map's a pain post-add—why grid refs when I'm no soldier? Personal gripe, but lazy.
"Sora? Add map-based coords and gallery favorites?"
Adding two more: ~38 hours. Proceed, Rain?
"Yes, please."
38 hours—even 2 over's fine.
Decided—time to notify gallery. I hammered out a notice, first in ages.