7 7 301 Perhaps most people would be quiet and think it over first in order to sort through thousands of wishes and then pick the one with the highest priority.
8 8 301 Even though it's just a casual question, and there is no promise to make their wishes come true, humans will still waste their time putting their wishes in order just in case they were ever to meet a genie.
9 9 301 However, I don't think this is an act of futility. If we don't recognize what is most precious to us, how can we pursue it?
10 10 301 If we don't pursue our wishes, how can we confirm that we are truly alive?
11 11 301 As for me? Of course, I have a wish. If someone really wishes to hear it, I won't hesitate in sharing it.
12 12 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Well, the current situation is another matter entirely...
14 14 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Along the road, the voices of pedestrians and roadside peddlers fill the air.
15 15 301 The scorching sun shines overhead. The bustling crowd hustles along the avenue in search of shade.
16 16 301 A little farther away, a stream of cars floods the roads under the distant horizon formed by numerous skyscrapers.
17 17 301 AniZhuanchangBegin These scenes that Roland was familiar with have now been replaced by a rat's nest of narrow alleyways, becoming indistinguishable in his asphyxiated mind.
22 22 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 Gangster Hmph, so what's your wish? Come on now. 1
23 23 301 Gangster Spit it out. What's your dying wish? 1
24 24 301 Roland Agh... Argh! 2
25 25 301 A hand and a gun press firmly against Roland's temples, forcing his shoulders to the ground and making it difficult for him to move his hands. Sunlight struggles to find its way into the dark and secluded alley. Pedestrians turn a blind eye. He has nowhere to escape.
26 26 301 Gangster You've been meddling in our affairs for too long. Now you know everything. We weren't expecting that lousy sheriff to actually investigate us, and we certainly did not expect you to follow those orders. 1
27 27 301 Gangster I heard rumors about some chump in the force trying to play hero and fight crime as some sorta lofty ideal of his. Seems like you must be his lapdog. "Knight." Hmph, that code name really suits you. 1
28 28 301 Gangster Knights willing to sacrifice themselves for the king's ambitions. More like idiots with a death wish. You really think you're worthy of calling yourself a knight, eh? 1
29 29 301 Gangster Looks like it's the end of the line. Alright, time to... 1
30 30 301 Roland Ah! Rngh— 2
31 31 202 1 2 1
32 32 201 1 500369 4
33 33 301 1 Mandhasti Hey, hey there... Compadre. Take it easy on that knight of mine. 1
34 34 301 While Roland is struggling on the ground, a third voice is heard in the alley. It is from a man leaning against the wall and panting—a stark contrast from the low, coarse voice of the gangster.
35 35 203 1 0.25 -400
36 36 201 2 500382 400
37 37 301 1 Gangster Hmph, stand aside, Sheriff. Catch your breath and keep your mouth shut. I don't want you gettin' caught in the crossfire. 2
38 38 301 Gangster Deadeye Mandhasti, I've heard about you. Any earlier, and you'da blasted me. But you wanna take a bullet for this lapdog a' yours? Hmph, playing favorites, are we? 2
39 39 301 Mandhasti When a knight is in trouble, it's the king's duty to help... Cough, why are you after my knight? 1
40 40 301 Gangster Hmph... Mind askin' your lapdog what he's doin' on our turf? 2
41 41 301 Mandhasti Relax. He's here on my orders. We've got a problem that needs fixed, you and I. Cough, namely... keeping the city's peace. 1
42 42 301 Mandhasti I can assure you that I will give you an answer that is satisfactory to both sides. 1
43 43 202 1 2 1
44 44 301 Roland hears the rustling sound of clothes behind him. He can picture Mandhasti barely propping himself up, bending down slightly, and bowing like some sort of polite young king from days of yore.
45 45 201 1 500369 4 -400
46 46 201 2 500382 400
47 47 301 1 Gangster ...That's what you say, Mandhasti. 2
48 48 301 Mandhasti As the sheriff of this city, I cannot lie. 1
49 49 301 Gangster You better be a man of your word. You've got some moxie, though. I'll give you that. 2
50 50 301 Gangster But if we aren't satisfied with the results, we won't let you two off the hook next time. 2
51 51 202 1 2 1
52 52 401 2 1516
53 53 301 Roland feels the muzzle pressed against his forehead loosen, followed by several footsteps.
54 54 301 Gazing from afar, Mandhasti watches the gruff gangster leave the alley, then sits on the ground and gasps for air. Turns out his confident negotiation was all just an act.
55 55 201 1 500369 4
56 56 301 1 Mandhasti (Cough) All taken care of... That was a close one. Glad my good deeds haven't gone unnoticed. 1
57 57 201 1 500365 7
58 58 301 1 Roland Mandy... A-are you alright? 1
59 59 202 1 1
60 60 301 Roland rubs the back of his neck, coughs a few times, and props himself up to check on Mandhasti.
61 61 201 1 500369 1 -400
62 62 201 2 500365 7 400
63 63 301 1 Mandhasti I'm okay for now. Don't worry about me first. Roland, you just (cough)... 1
64 64 204 2 5
65 65 301 Roland No. It was nothing. 2
66 66 301 Looking up, Roland suddenly kneels down on one knee in the direction of Mandhasti. He bows his head, clenches a fist and clasps it to his chest in a solemn tone.
67 67 301 Roland This is to complete my mission! To realize our dream! 2
68 68 301 He opens his other hand to reveal a small USB. Even with the gangster threatening him at gunpoint, he didn't let go.
69 69 301 Roland I managed to get a hold of some important files of theirs. You said that gangs were a necessary evil for maintaining peace here, but as a knight, I couldn't just sit here and watch you constantly put yourself in harm's way! 2
70 70 204 1
71 71 301 Mandhasti Heh... Good job, Roland. You've done a great service for keeping the peace. 1
72 72 301 Mandhasti But don't do that again next time. Your life is as important to me as our dream. 1
73 73 301 Mandhasti You said you were just going on patrol. But since you put on your windbreaker and brought so much stuff... Not to mention walking around uneasily like that... I assumed you were going by yourself to exchange intel with the gang. Think I don't know my own knight? 1
74 74 301 Mandhasti That's why I was so worried and followed you all the way here. Hehe, it's only natural for knights to go out with their king behind them, cough... 1
75 75 301 Mandhasti finishes his heroic speech, then wipes his face with a slight look of shame.
76 76 301 Roland For the safety of the city, I won't give up. But I will also abide by your teachings, Mandy. 2
77 77 301 Roland ...But you put yourself at risk standing in front of his gun like that. 2
78 78 301 Roland You don't want me to get hurt, but don't be an idiot and get yourself hurt either. 2
79 79 301 Mandhasti Hahaha, takes one to know one. What can I say? I was worried about you. 1
80 80 301 Mandhasti But I'm sure you can tell that the bulletproof vest took the brunt of it. 1
81 81 301 Mandhasti Besides, there's something I wanted to confirm... 1
82 82 301 Roland ? 2
83 83 301 Mandhasti Heh, forget it. Let's lighten the mood. 1
84 84 301 Mandhasti Ya know, the last time I came here, I saw a huge robot beside the alleyway. It was as tall as a building and the same color as the wall. I've lived in this city for ages, but I only just noticed it. 1
85 85 301 Mandhasti And looking in the direction of the robot, I saw someone. Wanna guess who? 1
86 86 301 Roland ...How would I know? 2
87 87 301 Roland I think we should save this for later. I think you should take the intel back to HQ. I need to report back to the station. 2
88 88 301 Mandhasti But you're hurt... 1
89 89 204 2
90 90 301 Roland Good thing I have fast-acting Med Spray from Rococo with me. One easy spray stops bleeding on the spot. It's painless and itch-free! And it even comes with advanced color-treatment to make the wound disappear in the blink of an eye! The police station always keeps it in stock. 2
91 91 301 Roland Here, let me show you. It's available for purchase at your local pharmacy. 2
92 92 301 Mandhasti Well, looks like I don't have to worry about you. See you around, Roland. 1
93 93 202 1 2 1
94 94 301 Mandhasti stands up, takes the USB from Roland and salutes him. In response, Roland adjusts his clothes and fastens the baton around his waist. Then, with one hand behind his back, he bows gently to Mandhasti.
95 95 201 1 500369 -400
96 96 201 2 500365 400
97 97 301 1 Roland For the sake of our common dream. 2
98 98 301 Mandhasti For the sake of our common dream. 1
99 99 202 1 2 1
100 100 401 2 1516
101 101 301 AniZhuanchangBegin After that, Mandhasti quickly leaves with the USB. Roland heads in the opposite direction, out of the alley and onto the street.
103 103 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Dazzling sunlight shines on his face. Squinting from the brightness, he sees an empty street before him.
104 104 201 1 500365 5
105 105 301 1 Roland Take forever why don'tcha... 1
106 106 202 1 1
107 107 301 Roland quickly takes a few steps into the shade to hide from the sunlight. Just a few moments prior, the street was crowded with people. But now, there is not a soul in sight.
108 108 301 Roland doesn't seem surprised. Instead, he casually leans up against the wall in the shade, then tosses the spray can in his hand and catches it. He seems to be waiting for something... like a signal—
109 109 301 Earpiece Cut!
110 110 301 AniZhuanchangBegin He hears a loud cry from his earpiece. Roland turns around and feels around for a gap in the wall. Sliding it open, a large room opens up in front of him.
113 113 301 AniZhuanchangEnd A large crowd of people wearing an assortment of clothes is in the room. Holo-screens displaying city scenes and data analytics are scattered throughout the room.
114 114 301 Staff Member A Lead in Sector N0R confirmed. Extras are in position. Next scene is on the daily set.
115 115 301 Staff Member A In the last scene, the crane mentioned by the leading actor was an unexpected accident. There's a risk that the leading actor will discover the truth about the studio. I've contacted the prop team to modify it immediately.
116 116 301 Staff Member B The environment simulator in Sector M1L is having issues with humidity control. I've spoken with the set designers. They said they can have it done before the fourth act tonight.
117 117 301 Staff Member B Keep the alley set to maintain continuity. The script will have our lead return here.
118 118 301 Staff Member C Just have to restart the holographic camouflage, right? Fine, I'll go...
119 119 201 1 500382
120 120 301 1 Gangster Hey! Hey! Roland! 1
121 121 202 1 1
122 122 301 Roland walks straight through the crowd. A man in black standing in a corner waves at him. He has a pistol holstered at his waist. His voice is low and resonant like a drum. He is clearly the gangster who had pinned Roland to the ground from earlier...
123 123 301 However, this time when he sees Roland, he pats him on the shoulder in a friendly manner as if they have been colleagues for many years.
124 124 201 1 500382 400
125 125 201 2 500365 -400
126 126 301 1 Gangster Sorry about that back there. I went a little overboard. Great job, though. 1
127 127 301 Roland Hehehe... What can I say? I've got some experience playing the victim. No need to suck up to me, Neferti. 2
128 128 401 2 1515
129 129 301 Roland Hm? Instructions from the director? Alright, what is it? 2
130 130 301 Roland Alright, I see. Got it. 2
131 131 202 1 2 1
132 132 301 Roland covers his earpiece and goes to the center of the workshop. A few moments later, he lifts his chin and raises his hands as if commanding the crowd.
133 133 201 1 500365
134 134 301 1 Roland Alright, everyone! You're all doing great, but we need to drop what we're doing. The director says we need to shoot a new ad read. 1
135 135 301 Roland No need for a new wardrobe and make-up. We need to start filming immediately. 1
136 136 301 Roland Camera crew ready? 1
137 137 201 1 500140
138 138 301 1 Cameraman Ready. Cameras in position. 1
139 139 202 1 1
140 140 301 The crewmember waves his hands, signaling several gun-shaped cameras to descend from the ceiling. The round lenses all point at Roland. Roland smiles in confirmation.
150 150 301 Roland In this golden age, are you tired of watching mechanoid performances without any tension? Are you tired of watching stand-ins give lack-luster performances? Look no further! The performance here is so genuine, it's real!
151 151 301 Roland No over-the-top stunts, no smoke and mirrors, no editing magic. This broadcast is live in real-time! Watch our human protagonist's genuine, nail-biting reactions to living in this city rife with danger!
152 152 301 Roland raises his hands outward as if gently inviting the audience into his embrace. His speech is quick-witted and to the point. He has repeated this performance thousands of times. This time is just like any other.
153 153 301 Roland Today marks another anniversary for our reality show, "The Mandhasti Real Park"! Without using any special effects, our studio has crafted this story all for Mandhasti! From baby to adult, Mandhasti's grown up right before your very eyes!
154 154 301 Roland After all these years, he's finally grown up. Now, as a sheriff who carries out justice, Mandhasti fights for his dreams to bring peace to the city! And I, Roland, as his knight, will sacrifice my life for our dreams! From now on, how will Mandhasti's career as a sheriff change? Watch and see!
155 155 301 Roland Enjoy exciting stories, genuine experiences and answers to life's toughest questions! This is our reality show! This absolutely true story is a masterpiece of this era!
156 156 301 Roland Damas y caballeros (Ladies and gentlemen), the show is about to begin!
157 157 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Roland Lastly, a word from our sponsor. Starting next week, entertainment pioneer and sponsor of "The Mandhasti Real Park", Rococo Inc., will be offering a discount on our restreaming service. Participants will also receive a box of Rococo's premium espresso coffee! Drowsy? Have some Rococo!
159 158 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Staff Member Cut! Right on the first take. Great work, Roland.
160 160 201 1 500365
161 161 301 1 Roland Considering how many times we've done it, I better. Hahaha! 1
162 162 301 Roland Phew... Next up, how are the ratings? (Nods) Good. Looks like the remix is popular with the fans. Next time, I'll talk to the screenwriter about broadcasting it during the showdown. 1
163 163 301 Roland Everything else okay with the ratings? Sweet, looks like I'm up on the ratings. Guess I'll keep at it. Great job to everyone else who made the list. Keep up the hard work. 1
164 164 203 1 0.25 -400
165 165 201 2 500382 400
166 166 301 1 Neferti Keep at it, and you'll be more popular than the star of the show. Great work, Roland. 2
167 167 301 Roland Pff, it's nothing. I couldn't do it without the script and everyone's help. 1
168 168 301 Roland Alright, enough brown-nosing, Neferti. Is the frame Omi mentioned for the next job ready yet or not? 1
169 169 301 Neferti They're workin' on it. She's the lead actress. Think they're just messing around? After all, frames are a dime a dozen, but mainstream frames are too conspicuous. The lead may get suspicious. So they need to disguise it. 2
170 170 301 Roland Copy that. It sure would be awful for Mandhasti to find out that he's spent his entire life in a studio all thanks to a tiny slip-up, huh? 1
171 171 301 Roland Oh, by the way, is it time to talk with viewers? 1
172 172 301 Neferti Yes. We received a call from one just now. You know the one who started a fight for the communication quota at the exhibition? 2
173 173 301 Roland That overbearing woman? Joy... 1
174 174 301 Roland She just loves making problems out of nothing. I get goosebumps every time she calls my name. Last time, she pestered me for half an hour. I had ten shots of espresso just to deal with her. 1
175 175 301 Roland We've been a hit with advertisers recently. We've been shooting ads all week. Aside from the medical spray, we've got three product placements lined up for the show. But we don't have enough time, so we'll just have to hologram them in. 1
176 176 301 Roland If the cameras can't hide it, you'll have to step in. You know Roland's character, right? I reprogrammed the voice modulator and motion simulator, so there shouldn't be any discrepancy. 1
177 177 301 Neferti No problem. I don't mind stepping in your shoes for a bit. 2
178 178 202 1 2 1
179 179 401 2 1515
180 180 301 The crewmember turns around as an image of a woman appears in mid-air along with a virtual image of Roland.
201 201 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Roland waves goodbye to the people around him and walks out of the workshop through the busy crew. In the empty street, he finds a room with a frail old man sitting in front of the door.
202 202 201 1 500365
203 203 301 1 Roland Roland, requesting leave. 1
204 204 202 1 1
205 205 301 The old man looks up and replies with a coarse, robotic voice.
206 206 201 1 500270
207 207 301 1 Mechanoid Request received. You have 5 hours and 38 minutes to prepare for the next performance. 1
208 208 301 Mechanoid You've worked hard, Roland. Please enjoy this break. Circadian management bot at your service for the entire duration. 1
209 209 201 1 500365
210 210 301 1 Roland Hmph, no matter how times I see you, I always forget you're a mechanoid just like those lousy extras, ol' man. You're not only a camera and a doorman, but apparently an alarm clock, too. 1
211 211 301 1 AniZhuanchangBegin Roland I was going to shake your hand, but forget it. A little breather is tough enough to come by as is. 1
