First Encounter
Human, over there. Stop.
While I was in the plaza looking for one of my Journey members, someone tugged at the back of my jacket and stopped me.
As I turned towards, I saw a girl in a yellow hoodie with cat ears staring straight at me.
Greetings. Initiating friendly introduction.
I am Smile. New member selected for the Journey.
Introduction complete.
Now it's your turn. Take this.
This is...?
A polygraph. My invention. Model Smile No. 66.
It monitors blood pressure, pulse, and brainwaves to detect deception.
Also works as a security alarm or a self-defense tool in a pinch.
Ranked 26th in my list of most-proud inventions.
...A lie detector on our first meeting.
It seems that she's not an average recruit. Guess I better stay sharp.
This is... how I put it on, right?
Correct attachment confirmed.
First question. Are you my Captain assigned to the Journey?
Yeah, I'm your Captain.
Blood pressure, normal. Pulse, normal.
Smile No. 66 result.
Truth.
Acceptable. Next question.
Were you looking for me?
...Seems like it.
...Result. Truth.
Appearance and intel from Candle Square match.
Passed 3-step verification.
Conclusion confirmed. You are the Captain.
Nice to meet you.
Connection established. Relationship building successful.
Positive.
Truth verification requires high-level processing.
However, it's a necessity if one were to survive in human society.
You could survive just fine without all that, couldn't you?
That logic applies to humans.
But I am...
You are...?
Not human.
...What are you talking about?
I am a bio-organic artificial lifeform modeled after humans.
A homunculus.
Incapable of accurately detecting emotions or lies without assistance.
You look completely human to me, though.
Captain trait No. 1 confirmed.
Lack of observational awareness.
This body has numerous clear distinctions from standard human physiology present.
For instance...?
Hair stiffness is 2.6% higher than average.
Skin sensitivity to sunlight is 4% greater.
Mechanical comprehension and assembly skills are 228% higher.
Additionally, 18 and more other measurable differences exist.
...You know, regular people differ from one another by that much, too.
Captain trait No. 2 confirmed.
Low trust in his Journey member.
...
Providing decisive evidence to resolve suspicion.
I... don't know how to smile.
You don't know how to smile?
Smiling is a fundamental emotional expression in organic lifeforms.
As an artificial lifeform, it is the most unfamiliar function to me.
Thus, my personal objective is to learn how to smile from my heart.
I joined the Journey to pursue that goal.
I see. So you'll be... wait... how about our noble goal?
She joined the Journey... just to learn how to smile?
What about becoming a great Savior or protecting Lavistar?
That isn't within personal interest.
I merely trusted what the Grade 3 Observer showed.
Grade 3 Observer...? Wait don't tell me...
What?! You're saying the candidate invited to the Journey declined?!
Well... I mean, refusing is ultimately their choice... Yes...
...
But... just to be sure, may I ask...
If the candidate refuses to participate, that won't result in any disadvantages for me... right?
What?! It will affect my performance evaluation?!
B-but! Why would it?!
...Did I try persuading her personally?
...
I'll go speak with her right away!!
Not interested. Not curious.
Insufficient time even for my own research.
I have no intention of risking an entire year chasing something as vague as a legend.
A legend?! Lady Alicia herself guarantees it's real!
Don't you have something you hope or want? If you gain the power of the Star Savior, I'm sure you could achieve it!
What I want...?
Yes... Anything at all...
Then... Can I learn how to smile?
How to smile?
Yes.
Learning how to smile... isn't that something you can do without relying on the power of the Star Savior?
...
...Still, not interest—
Wait!! Of course! Yes, absolutely! Anything is possible!
If you gain the power of the Star Savior, you'll feel so happy that you'll smile without even realizing it!
Prediction based solely on hope. Lacks persuasiveness. Ending conversation.
Wait, wait—! I'm sure the Captain will teach you!
Captain...? The Journey Captain?
Yes! I'm sure the Journey Captain will teach you.
How to smile like a true human being!
He's someone who can do anything, after all!
...She skipped her duty? Lisa...!
As expected... a lie.
Apologies. Determining truth in human speech remains difficult.
I wasted your time. Apologies...
Goodbye, then...
W-wait!
...Captain?
I'll teach you! How to smile!
...Really?
Yeah! You'll learn it! Once we finish the Journey!
...
Still uncertain... But your words show high sincerity.
Going to try the best. I will.
Great! Let's do our best!
Initiating giving a gift.
Offering a rare candy. My favorite brand. It has scarcity value.
By emphasizing the value of the gift, our relationship strengthened.
Candy... I'm not really into sweet stuff.
Rejection of gift... detected?
N-No! Thanks! I know I will like it!
*Cough* *Cough*...?! This is spicy!
Spicy flavor. My favorite sensory input.
Highly stimulating. Activates sympathetic nervous system. Maintains alertness.
Delicious, right?
She was looking at me with those big puppy eyes. I had no choice but to nod.
...I managed to eat the whole thing. But my eyes didn't stop watering for the rest of the day.