Character Quest:Asterius:VN:1

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[Translated by Kukuru]

Character Quest: Asterios - Episode 1: Through the Maze


Location: Shinjuku Station Southeast Entrance


The crowded underground city of Shinjuku bustling with activity.

The "Transients" residing here in Tokyo vary greatly and wide-ranging in heights and complexions. It's almost like a colorful wave.

Although the hustle and bustle is intense, the flow of people is quite fast.

One must have endurance to enjoy shopping here.

One man with a large build is opposing the flow. He stands still without swimming through the large crowds of people.


Asterios expression sad.png

Ah... There's so many p-people here in the underground city as usual...

Asterios expression neutral.png

These s-strange people living here in Tokyo sure like to g-gather in an underground place such as this...

Asterios expression sad.png

I'm... still not good with crowds of p-people...
I-I should hurry and get what I came here for and head home...

Asterios expression neutral.png

I wonder what I should make today? I never really thought about it...

Asterios expression sad.png

........

Asterios expression smile.png

I-It'd be nice if someone would decide that for me...


1 option
Asterios? Is that you?


Asterios expression neutral.png

Ah... It's [Player]. What a weird coincidence to encounter y-you... in a place like this.


2 options
Yeah, it really is. I came looking for you, Asterius.
Asterios expression sad.png

You're incredible... being with these kind of people.
I just want to head home, even though I-I'm not done with my business here...

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

Y-You were looking for me......? Y-You must be lying...


2 options (Same Response)
What are you doing here, Asterios? It's rare for you to be out here with crowds of people.


Asterios expression neutral.png

I-I came to buy a vase. I-It's to decorate this branch... See?


Asterios shows you a branch of a gajumaru tree.


Asterios expression sad.png

M-Mailing it to my house is out of the question...
They don't like coming up the mountains, so...

Asterios expression neutral.png

I-It's okay to make fun of me if you find it weird.
I just want to put this ordinary twig on display...

Asterios expression neutral.png

I-I noticed it was stuck to my clothes one day when I collapsed on the mountain...

Asterios expression sad.png

I-I can't toss it away for some reason. I-It's really bizarre...

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

I-It feels like something important to me...

Asterios expression smile.png

O-Oh right... Is there anything you'd like to eat... [Player]?


2 options (Same Response)
Are you asking me out? I am a little hungry.


Asterios expression surprised.png

N-No, you're mistaken...! I'm not asking you out or anything...

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

U-Umm... Even if you don't want to eat together...

Asterios expression neutral.png

That's... if you want to eat with the likes of me...


2 options
Oh come on. It's fine. It's great being with you, Asterios.
Asterios expression embarrassed.png

......! Y-You really are weird......


Asterios expression smile.png

Ah well... I-I can cook by the way...

Asterios expression neutral.png

................

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

W-Weird... W-Why are they pressing into me this much...?

Asterios expression neutral.png

I'd get so furious whenever someone like Taurus Mask pesters me like that, until now...

Asterios expression surprised.png

... Eh!?

Asterios expression surprised.png

Wha... What did I see... just now...?


An island and a tree he's never seen before flashed in Asterios' mind.


Asterios expression surprised.png

............


Asterios was stunned that he forgot about it... then at that moment-


Slimes: Purupurupuruuuuuuu!!

Asterios expression surprised.png

E-Eeeeh!? A b-battle out of nowhere is a cowardly thing to do!


2 options (Same Response)
They're going to surround us...! Let's get out of here, Asterios!


Asterios expression smile.png

Y-Yeah! Good idea...!

Asterios expression neutral.png

No... T-They drove us to the wall...!


2 options (Same Response)
Get ready, Asterios! There's so many of them!


Asterios expression anger.png

I-I have no choice then..! Don't get separated from me, [Player]!

Asterios expression anger.png

Nobody approaches! Nobody gets in!

Asterios expression 4star.png

Labrus Labyrinthus!!


The "distance" goes beyond reality and twists and turns. The nearby surroundings becomes more and more distant.

Asterios is cut off from the world and all interferences are kept out.


Asterios expression surprised.png

[Player]! Give me your-


Unfortunately, his hand couldn't reach you.

The two of you were separated from each other before the distance grew violently.

[Transitioning...]


Location: ???


You regained your senses and observed the expanding darkness.

An endless stone wall shuts out the light and the gloomy atmosphere eats away the feelings from your lungs.

There are no signs of life. Only the sounds of your own breathing echoes in your earlobes, emphasizing the loneliness.

You can feel it on your skin that you're completely alone in here. That is what you're experiencing.

Your legs start to move on their own to escape from the heavy pressure of no other person here.

... The wall warped.

Following along the path... You can only find solitude before your very eyes.

No warmth of the living. Not even the chills from the deceased.

Only solitude is the closest to nothingness.

You should have gotten used to it. Why was your own heart tightened?

There is still no one in sight, no matter how far you progress.

Your heart was about to succumb to the loneliness until... "that person" arrived.


Asterios expression surprised.png

Ahh... [Player]! I-I'm so glad you're safe...!

Asterios expression sad.png

A-Are you alright... You're not cold, are you?
Y-You must've been scared... You don't have to be afraid anymore.


3 options
Asterios! I'm completely fine~! (Frantically hug him)
Asterios expression surprised.png

Y-Yeah... It's Asterios.

Asterios expression sad.png

Were you surprised by how I look? S-Sorry...

Asterios expression smile.png

Good to hear... You're tough.

Asterios expression surprised.png

H-Huh...? T-That feels like...

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

.........

Asterios expression smile.png

Y... You're gonna be okay now. Nobody's gonna get close to you... You must've been t-terrified...


Asterios expression neutral.png

We got attacked out of nowhere... T-Tokyo is still a frightening place...

Asterios expression neutral.png

W-Well... We were having an App Battle. Such a thing would've happened...

Asterios expression neutral.png

I "remembered" that... this labyrinth is my "Sacred Artifact."

Asterios expression sad.png

It was so sudden... Sorry I couldn't explain it to you...

Asterios expression neutral.png

You'll be safe soon if you escape from here. This place is meant to isolate me.

Asterios expression neutral.png

B-But... I can't control this "Sacred Artifact" anymore...

Asterios expression sad.png

I'm sorry... This is really all my fault.


2 options
Close the App then? Don't worry, we'll work something out.
Asterios expression sad.png

I-I can't. I tried closing the app, but it won't return to what it was before.

Asterios expression smile.png

Y-Yeah... We'll do something about it together...


Asterios expression surprised.png

I-It might be possible that this underground city has become a... "closed domain."

Asterios expression neutral.png

The effects of the "Rule" will still linger even if you cut off the "App" in a place like this...

Asterios expression neutral.png

T-The shutter might have lowered at the evening...

Asterios expression neutral.png

Even though I-I can invoke the labyrinth, I'm not able to destroy it.

Asterios expression sad.png

That's why... I have to leave from this place on my own.

Asterios expression sad.png

I-I never had to deal with such a thing till now......

Asterios expression neutral.png

But... It's my responsibility to look after y-you until we get out of here.

Asterios expression neutral.png

We might be able to escape overnight. T-That's why...

Asterios expression smile.png

W-Will you keep going with me... "again"?

Asterios expression surprised.png

W-Wierd... How did I take the wrong way in my own labyrinth...?

Asterios expression surprised.png

This should be the right direction... but...

Asterios expression neutral.png

... S-Sorry. S-Somehow this labyrinth is continuously changing its structure.


2 options
So we can't get out...? Don't give up. We'll find another way!
Asterios expression anger.png

N-No... W-W-We'll make it out, don't worry...!

Asterios expression smile.png

I'll stay by your side... I promise...!

Asterios expression neutral.png

Y-Yeah... This should be the right direction... We should be at the exit soon...


Asterios expression neutral.png

Wh... What are you doing? You can't break the labyrinth with a sword like yours.

Asterios expression neutral.png

Oh... It's just an experiment? I see... Well, it's not a bad idea to try something.

Asterios expression neutral.png

I-It's a dead end here too......

Asterios expression smile.png

There is still no way back huh...


2 options
You're enjoying this a little aren't you? You're in a good mood.
Asterios expression smile.png

Y-You think so...? Perhaps... perhaps I am...

Asterios expression smile.png

W-Well, this labyrinth is something like my home.
You... probably shouldn't use your strength too much...


Asterios expression neutral.png

...... No, I should tell you the truth.

Asterios expression smile.png

I... I'm having fun right now.

Asterios expression neutral.png

Even I think it's weird to say that in a situation like this, but...

Asterios expression smile.png

I-I don't know why but... I feel so happy seeing you.

Asterios expression smile.png

I-It was great meeting... e-everyone...

Asterios expression surprised.png

H-Huh...? Who's... "everyone"?

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

... That was a weird thing for me to say. It's embarrassing... f-forget what I said...

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

H-Hey... Don't go so fast or you'll have to spend the night here.

Asterios expression neutral.png

Sheesh, we walked a lot... My body's telling me it's getting late already...

Asterios expression neutral.png

Guess we'll be spending the night here...
We'll be fine since nobody else is here...


2 options
That's enough for today. I'm exhausted...
Asterios expression smile.png

Y-Yeah, I agree... I'm tired just from taking the paths I'm not familiar with.

Asterios expression neutral.png

You are...? Sorry, it's all because of me......

Asterios expression smile.png

I'll carry you on my back if you can't walk anymore... I'm fairly strong so...


Asterios expression embarrassed.png

U-Umm... Is it okay if I... move closer to you? Just a little...


The furry giant closed the distance.

He feels relieved that he's not alone just from shoulder-to-shoulder contact.


Asterios expression embarrassed.png

Y-You don't like being cold, right...? T-That's why I... ummm...

Asterios expression surprised.png

... Ah.

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

The truth is... I wanted to be close to you.

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

I-I... never imagined being with someone in a labyrinth...

Asterios expression smile.png

When you're next to me, I feel relieved like I was "before."


3 options
I agree, Asterius. (Nod your head) (Get even closer to him)
Asterios expression smile.png

I see... I'm glad... You're warm, eheheh...

Asterios expression surprised.png

.......!

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

..............

Asterios expression smile.png

...... Eheheh.


Asterios expression neutral.png

O-Oh right... I'm getting hungry...

Asterios expression neutral.png

I'll cook up a quick meal when we get out of here...

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

I... have been living by myself for so long now. I'm... alright at cooking.

Asterios expression smile.png

That's why... I'm going to survive through tomorrow too.


You fell asleep leaning against his fur.

Only by his side, only here in this cold labyrinth.

... He was very warm.


Asterios expression island sad.png

I-I hate to part ways but... goodbye! Till we meet again...!


(Is that...... me?)


Asterios expression island happy.png

I'll see everyone again even if I forget...!
I believe in that so... I look forward to it!


("Everyone" ...... "Everyone" ......)

....... Who are they?


Asterios expression neutral.png

I can't see the exit...

Asterios expression sad.png

We've been walking for a long time since we woke up... It looks like it's still far ahead...

Asterios expression neutral.png

(What a strange dream yesterday. I wonder what that was......)


1 option
Asterios?


Asterios expression smile.png

Oh... sorry. I just dozed off for a bit.

Asterios expression neutral.png

But...... Why does the structure change like that......

Asterios expression sad.png

I-It's like... the labyrinth doesn't want to let us go...

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

... Saying something like that is going to scare you. Forget what I said.

Asterios expression neutral.png

Y-You know Taurus Mask, right?

Asterios expression neutral.png

T-The "strings" of his "Sacred Artifact" will not take the "Rule" of this labyrinth.

Asterios expression neutral.png

T-This "labyrinth" is below his "strings"
because the hierarchy is connected with the original world......

Asterios expression sad.png

It'd be nice if he was here, but... I don't want to be with him at the same time...

Asterios expression neutral.png

Hey, [Player]. We're turning at the n-next corner.


When you turn a corner, when you walk down the pathway, Asterios' arm gently touches you.

It's not your imagination when Asterios is closer to you than he was yesterday.

When you made eye contact with him, he turns away in embarrassment.


Asterios expression embarrassed.png

H-Hey, umm... What will you do if... we can't get out?

Asterios expression neutral.png

Food's a problem, but... You and I are alone here, so...

Asterios expression smile.png

We can sleep together just like yesterday......

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

I-I said something weird again...
I've been acting funny ever since yesterday......

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

Maybe I'm just a little happier than usual......


2 options (Same Response)
I'm delighted, but... We should still get home regardless.


Asterios expression neutral.png

Y-Yeah, you're right... I'll feel depressed if we stay in a place like this for a long time...

Asterios expression neutral.png

It should be at least warmer and well-lit and no worries about food...

Asterios expression smile.png

I might stay with you if this was an enjoyable place...

Asterios expression sad.png

Yet... You still want to head back home no matter what...

Asterios expression neutral.png

...... H-Huh...?

Asterios expression neutral.png

Certainly there was a situation like this before... before...

Asterios expression neutral.png

You said you wanted to go home......
A-And... I was hoping it would stay like this......

Asterios expression neutral.png

It's the same situation now......

Asterios expression surprised.png

....... Ah.

Asterios expression neutral.png

...... I-I get it now. T-This is...

Asterios expression smile.png

This is... what I desired.


2 options (Same Response)
In other words, what changing the structure of this labyrinth is... Asterios' doing?


Asterios expression sad.png

T-That's right... I'm so sorry...

Asterios expression neutral.png

H-Hey... You may not remember, and I don't remember exactly everything, but...

Asterios expression neutral.png

You and I... l-lived together...

Asterius:( face)
I think there was someone else other than you, but... I still can't remember clearly...

Asterius:( face)
We caught fish together. We slept together.

Asterios:( face)
I was very happy... on that island. That much I can remember.

Asterios:( face)
I'm so happy now... just like when I was on that island.
That's why... I wanted to spend a long time with you...

Asterios expression neutral.png

That's how the "Sacred Artifact" responded to my feelings...
It changes the structure so you can't escape...

Asterios expression surprised.png

The labyrinth isn't ruling over me. I'm trapping you here using the labyrinth...!

Asterios expression sad.png

Eheheh... I'm... so sorry......

Asterios expression sad.png

I caused you so much trouble... You must see me as a terrible person...


2 options (Same Response)
(Shake your head sideways in disagreement) (Deny it then get closer to him)


Asterios expression surprised.png

.........!

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

Th... Thank you......

Asterios expression smile.png

Heheh, I really enjoyed spending time with you......
My intentions... have been achieved...

Asterios expression neutral.png

S-Shall we... get out of here...?

Asterios expression neutral.png

... Why are you looking at me like that? This should be quick...


Asterios brandishes the axe that he carries on his back.

An axe so huge it'd be impossible to handle unless you have a strong arm like Asterios'.

With no hesitation, Asterios vigorously swings it down.


Asterios expression 4star.png

T-This won't be a problem!


As the deafening destructive noise rings your eardrums, there's a hole made in the labyrinth wall which seemed sturdy.


Asterios expression anger.png

Pant... pant... Get going now... before the wall fixes itself...!!


Asterios' large hand reaches out and pulls your body.

The labyrinth walls regenerate every time Asterios demolishes them.

It's contrary to the feelings of him wanting to be with you. An irresistible feeling of being in love without doing anything about it himself.

Asterios breaks through them and advances. He uses the feelings he learned on that island as a source of encouragement.

Even if he can't remember it exactly, it's certainly breathing inside him.

Indeed, it is Asterios who believes in the "memories of this labyrinth" more than anyone else.

Asterios couldn't escape because he "believed" in saying "I will absolutely not leave from here."

That "belief" however, was shattered on that island.

"A labyrinth that you can't ever leave" became no more.


Asterios expression neutral.png

I remembered... there's someone I want to see rather than in a place like this.

Asterios expression smile.png

Now I understand... the reason why you wanted to go home from that island...

Asterios expression neutral.png

When I met you, I finally realized how lonely I was for the first time.

Asterios expression sad.png

I wanted to be with you for a long time, but I... I...!!

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

I want to see everyone again!

Asterios expression sad.png

I-I don't want to forget them...! I don't ever want to forget them!


Without letting your hand go, Asterios breaks the wall with one hand.


Asterios expression smile.png

Take me out again just like that time before!
Take me...... Take me outside!

Asterios expression sad.png

I don't want to be alone in here anymore... I just don't...!!

Asterios expression sad.png

Because... because... I realized how lonely I was...!

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

And... And... when we escape from here, I... I...

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

I want you to still be friends with me!!


3 options (Same Response)
Of course! My pleasure! Asterios......


Asterios expression surprised.png

H-Huh? Is that the exit...!?

Asterios expression smile.png

We finally did it... Finally......


You can see the light right before your very eyes. The exit leading to the world is waiting inside the light.

But then-


Slime: Purupurupuruuuuuuuuu!!

Asterios expression surprised.png

H-How are there other living creatures other than me in a place like this!?

Asterios expression neutral.png

Is it possible that those things from yesterday got trapped in here with us...?

Asterios expression neutral.png

D-Damn... Now's not the time to talk!
We'll get closed off by the wall if they stop us from leaving...!

Asterios expression surprised.png

It'll be hard to meet again if we get separated!

Asterios expression anger.png

Let's get rid of them quick!!

[Battle]



Just like when you defeated the last one, the labyrinth walls tries to break in between you.


Asterios expression anger.png

Oryaaaaaah!!


Asterios' axe smashes the wall, forcefully pulling it apart.


Asterios expression anger.png

This should be enough...! All we have to do... is leave...!!


The exit that should be closeby feels incredibly far away.

Escaping however, means that you and Asterios would never be alone.

His feelings of meeting up with everyone again was never a lie. In fact, he was feeling happy from the current situation.

That's why there's a slight shadow cast in Asterios' mind.

The labyrinth promptly reacts to what was hidden. The walls hide and cover the exit.


Asterios expression anger.png

Son of a...!


The walls barely have dents even with Asterios using his strong arms.

The growing walls obscure the exit, making it difficult for both of you to escape.

The reason is it's the flipside of Asterios' loneliness. Strong, bulky and scared on the outside.

What he can do about such a thing is to forcibly contain it. Just to put a lid on it and hide it.


Asterios expression neutral.png

Just go on ahead, [Player]...

Asterios expression neutral.png

I... I did something like this just to trap you here...

Asterios expression neutral.png

That's why... the labyrinth will calm down right away if you escape... I think.

Asterios expression sad.png

I'm sorry to have put you through all of this.
But, if we meet again outside...... I......


1 option
Even so......


Asterios expression surprised.png

...Eh?


You extended your hand to firmly grasp Asterios, pulling him closer to you.

It's not enough to move the weight of a giant, but it certainly moved the heart of the lonely bull, Asterios.


2 options (Same Response)
Come on...! (Make eye contact with Asterius)
2 options (Same Response)
We're getting out of here, together! We're going outside!


Asterios expression surprised.png

Y-You...


You never tried to pull him in through force. Not at all.


2 options (Same Response)?
We're escaping together - ... Asterios!


Inspired by those thriving feelings, Asterios' feet kicked off the ground of the labyrinth...


Asterios expression sad.png

Ah, I want... I want to be with you...!

[Transitioning...]


Location: Shinjuku West Gate


Asterios expression smile.png

...... We managed to escape somehow.

Asterios expression sad.png

I-I sure caused a lot of trouble t-this time... I'm sorry...

Asterios expression neutral.png

Thanks to that, my feelings have been sorted out so...
This sort of thing won't happen again... I think.


2 options
You're still holding my hand. You want to keep holding hands?
Asterios expression embarrassed.png

Oh... Is that a bad thing...?

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

J-Just for a little longer... Okay?

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

Y-Yeah... I want to keep holding them still...


Asterios expression embarrassed.png

Fr... Friend...


2 options (Same Response)
Yeah. (Personally it's beyond that...)


Asterios expression smile.png

Eheheh... Friend, Friend...


Tokyo's downtown high-rise area greets both of you who just left from the Underground City.


Asterios expression embarrassed.png

It's... b-beautiful...


And there's a wall covering that towers over it.

"There is no walls that cannot be broken," if Asterios desired it...

... Of course, that's if everyone in Tokyo believed it. Suddenly at that moment...

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

...... Ah.


Both stomachs began to growl.


Asterios expression smile.png

Hahah... How embarrassing... S-Say, [Player]...

Asterios expression neutral.png

T-Today... was a long day...

Asterios expression neutral.png

Are you... going to take a bath and have dinner later...?

Asterios expression embarrassed.png

So... do you want to come by...?

Asterios expression smile.png

My cooking is really good... Honest. If you're on break then... L-Let's go and see...

Asterios expression happy.png

"Everyone"...


Character Quest: Asterios [Chapter 1] END