4 4 301 DialogEnable 1 Roland Ugh... I feel like I'm about to pass out. 1
5 5 202 1 1
6 6 301 Roland crashes onto the couch with a loud thud and lets out a relaxing sigh.
7 7 201 1 500365
8 8 301 1 Roland Who's been writing the script recently? The new writer's completely missed Mandy's personality. Nothing ever goes as planned. It's always up to me to get the job done. What am I supposed to do if they really put him in danger? 1
9 9 301 Roland Forget it. Not like complaining matters. 1
10 10 301 Roland Contact my brother. 1
11 11 401 2 1515
12 12 301 Roland quietly commands the clock on the wall. Receiving the command, it lights up a timer.
13 13 301 Terminal In order to ensure your sleep schedule, the duration of your call is limited to 11 minutes and 28 seconds.
14 14 401 2 714
15 15 301 Terminal Connecting your call. Please wait...
16 16 301 The signal time beeps with each passing second on the timer. The rhythm is consistent, but he seems to sense a difference in the pitch, which reminds him of a weird experimental concert he went to with his family when he was younger.
17 17 301 Once the signal ends, there is a remote response.
18 18 401 2 887
19 19 301 Terminal Apologies, the person you are trying to call is busy. Please try again later.
20 20 301 Roland Redial. 1
21 21 401 2 887
22 22 301 Terminal Apologies, the person you are trying to call is busy. Please try again later.
23 23 301 Roland ...Hmph. Guess today's a no-go, too, huh? 1
24 24 301 Scratching his head, Roland taps the comms again for the third time. At the same time, he swipes away the interface with the timer and presses another terminal interface.
25 25 301 Roland Well, since I have to wait anyway, guess I'll see if there are any data reports on social media. 1
28 28 301 "The Mandhasti Real Park", a story about a person's life! Now as a sheriff, the protagonist fights for the peace of the whole city!
29 29 301 Enlarged on the holo-screen, the outrageous title and introduction seem to fly toward Roland. The data feed flowing under the title shows the achievements of the whole park. It seems that all of the crew enjoys the hard work they put in and its smashing success.
30 30 301 Roland What a bunch of lies. 1
31 31 401 2 1515
32 32 301 Roland waves his hand, then pulls down the keyboard and taps a string of codes on the screen.
33 33 301 Roland Bypass the firewall, cross the fiber terminal, and remove the big data selectivity tendency... Okay, we can finally see the real data flow. Good thing I took some time to learn a thing or two about coding. 1
34 34 301 Roland Let's see what everyone really has to say online. 1
35 35 301 Right as Roland's hands stop, a string of unfiltered comments begin to appear on-screen.
36 36 301 "The Mandhasti Real Park" imitates a movie from ancient times by placing a human in the studio to film the birth, life, and death of the protagonist all within a studio set.
37 37 301 Some people hold this pioneer work in high esteem, thinking that such a real drama is the art of our times. Some people denounce this as a violation of human rights. Regarding this debate among viewers, it will likely ensue until the show finally comes to an end.
38 38 204 1 1
39 39 301 Roland Seems like people really care for Mandy... Hah! 1
40 40 301 Roland Looks like humans are really good at deceiving each other. 1
41 41 301 The vast sea of comments seems to show concern over the fate of Mandhasti. Whether they like it or not, the audience seems to regard his life as unique and genuine.
42 42 301 They don't know that behind his "unique" life, there are scripts written precisely down to the second. There are sets and cameras both camouflaged and hidden. All that they know is fake.
43 43 301 Roland Hmph... How boring. 1
44 44 401 2 887
45 45 301 Terminal Apologies, the person you are trying to call is busy. Please try again later.
46 46 301 As if in response to Roland's sigh, the robotic voice rings in his ear again, notifying him that no one had answered the call as the notice flashes on the holo-screen in front of him.
47 47 204 1 4
48 48 301 Roland ...Might as well try again. 1
49 49 202 1 1
50 50 401 2 1515
51 51 401 1 36
52 52 301 Facing the terminal, he gently taps "Redial" and stands up from the sofa.
53 53 401 1 207
54 54 301 He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. His eyelashes tremble. Opening his eyes, he smiles and slowly opens his mouth.
55 55 201 1 500365
56 56 301 1 Roland When was the last time we spoke, little twerp? 1
57 57 301 Roland You didn't answer my call last time. Or the time before that. Or the time before that either. Our schedules are so out of sync thanks to the production schedule. I don't know when to call you. 1
58 58 301 Roland There's nothing special going on. Just wanted to catch up. How are our folks doing? Eat anything good recently? Go anywhere fun? 1
59 59 301 Roland And how's the family dog? 1
60 60 301 Roland Huh? We don't have a dog? But I'm lookin' at him right now! 1
61 61 301 Roland Hahaha, what's wrong? You mad? Why don't we fight until it's night out for old time's sake? 1
62 62 301 Roland —Obviously, that's impossible, bro. I'm busy. The project I'm working on is highly confidential and under wraps. Why else wouldn't I be able to go home? Even this call is limited. 1
63 63 301 Roland But... There is a little somethin' I can show you. 1
64 64 301 Roland Have I showed you my secret stash yet? Wanna take a peek at my terminal? You can find tons of secret things from the browsing records, which will open the door to a whole new world... 1
65 65 301 Roland Huh? Why don't you wanna see it? Before that, a mechanoid idol was exposed to like watching vice clamps in action. Turns out he also frequented furnace and water pump factories. That sure got him a lot of attention. 1
66 66 301 Roland But enough about that all that. I don't wanna bore you with that non-human crap. I just wanted to share something with you and talk to you. 1
67 67 301 Roland Some time ago, you mentioned a social media platform in your voice message. I checked it over several times, but I didn't get any results. I guess it's shut down. 1
68 68 301 Roland This place is so out of touch with the outside world. At least, it's just as wonderful and beautiful in here as it is out there. But this place is just... too unrealistic. 1
69 69 301 His mouth is parched, pausing for a moment, his fogy gaze looks down and then lifts up again.
70 70 301 Roland ...Hey, twerp. Time's running out. Keep this to yourself. Don't tell the folks. Just know that my current project... Well, it's not all that it's cracked up to be. 1
71 71 301 Roland They're probably publicizing it outside as we speak. I'm in a show that's a true story about a man's life. It's the art of this era. But actually, there's more than meets the eye. 1
72 72 301 Roland You might not know that it's all scripted, but it's completely fake. Any slip-up will cause the whole this to come crashing down. How could someone's reality be so fragile? After that, I'll get fired and sent home. 1
73 73 301 Roland The sooner that day comes, the faster I get to see you all. 1
74 74 301 Roland Then we can get our friends together and play some games we've never played. I heard a new game came out recently. When we're bored of that, we can fight like we used to. And after that, we can have some of Mom's dessert. When we're done with that, we can go to one of Dad's weird hipster concerts. 1
75 75 301 Roland This acting gig will keep me fed for years. Afterward, I won't have to worry about getting work. When work dies down a bit, I'll come back home. Until then, I think it's worth the trouble of our folks sending me to acting school. 1
76 76 301 Roland But I'm serious, twerp. I don't know how much longer I can stay in this fake world. I want to go home. 1
77 77 301 Roland I'd give whatever it takes to go home to you, our folks, and my friends. Even if it costs me my life. 1
78 78 301 Roland All I can do is keep telling myself to follow my dream. Only then can I feel alive... That dream is to be back with you all. 1
79 79 301 Roland keeps silent. The only response is the long, dull beeping of the clock indicating that it is time for him to rest. Just the sound is enough for Roland to begin to feel drowsy.
80 80 301 Roland ...Alright, that's enough. Cut communication. 1
81 81 301 He raises his hand to the comm interface floating in the air.
82 82 301 —The signal sound suddenly stops, but then the image of a teenager appears on the comm interface unexpectedly.
88 88 301 Rolmo Bro! Bro! I finally got your call! 2
89 89 301 Rolmo About time... I've missed you like crazy. I haven't seen you in forever. You just always call when everyone's away. We can't call because we're bound by contract. We've been worried. 2
90 90 301 Roland Yeah, you're right. It's been a while... 1
91 91 301 Roland Hey, Rolmo. I wanna keep talking with you, but I don't have much time. How are the folks? 1
92 92 301 Rolmo Our folks? They're doing so well, it's annoying. They've been huddled around the TV and talking about you nonstop. When they saw you and that Mandhasti beat those criminals a few days ago, they were so happy that they started cheering and almost broke the sofa. 2
93 93 301 Rolmo Didn't I tell you last time that they were always giving people your merch? 2
94 94 301 Rolmo A few years ago, it was just relatives and colleagues. But now they're even giving it to their old classmates, so basically, the whole world knows you're in that TV show. Now our house is full of your merch, and I doubt they'd stop sending. 2
95 95 301 Rolmo Let's be honest, you're their favorite. I'm super jealous. But that show of yours is great. Who wouldn't want to be your brother? 2
96 96 301 Rolmo I've also bought a bunch of your merch. I gotta say, you've got one heck of a makeup artist. They sure have their work cut out for them making you look so good. 2
97 97 301 Roland ...Really? Mom and Dad like me that much...? 1
98 98 301 Roland What about our family d— 1
99 99 301 Roland suddenly stops himself mid-word.
100 100 301 Roland —Er, I mean... How've you been? 1
101 101 301 Rolmo Me? Well, I don't have a job like you. I'm broke. 2
102 102 301 Rolmo Mom and Dad cut my allowance, and with all the merch I bought... This month, I spent all my money buying the latest "Jet Link Legends". Now I can't afford a copy of "Canal Wars". Everyone at school gets on right when class is over, so no one will me borrow a copy... 2
103 103 301 Rolmo Speaking of... Hey, bro. Think you could spot me? I'll put in a good word with my classmates. 2
104 104 301 Rolmo When they heard that my brother was an actor in that reality show, they all thought that I was rich and famous. Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't like that. 2
105 105 301 Rolmo So... Think you could do me a favor? Just like you said, I gotta keep up my "public image." 2
106 106 301 Roland ...Pff. 1
107 107 301 Rolmo ? 2
108 108 301 Roland Hahaha! Looks like you still are a little twerp. Alright, alright... It's just a few bucks. I've got plenty to spare. 1
109 109 301 Roland And I'm... relieved to see you so happy. 1
110 110 301 Roland ...It's nothing. Anyways, I don't have much more time to chat. 1
111 111 401 2 1515
112 112 301 Terminal (Beeping) In order to ensure that you are mentally fit for the next show, please proceed to bed as soon as possible.
113 113 301 Following this, the terminal beeps once again.
114 114 301 Rolmo You're out of time already? Mom and Dad said they wanted to send you some herbal tea to cheer you up a bit. 2
115 115 204 1 1
116 116 301 Roland I'm fine. My daily caffeine intake is already about to give my nutritionist a heart attack. 1
117 117 204 1
118 118 301 Roland —Hahaha, just kidding. Anyway, I'll send you some money. I bet you're looking forward to it. 1
121 121 301 Without another word, Roland terminates the call. The images of his family scatter, revealing a continuous flow of data.
122 122 301 As if afraid of being seen by his brother, Roland covers his face and takes a moment for his expression to return to normal.
123 123 301 After a while, he put down his hand, revealing a delightful smile.
124 124 201 1 500365
125 125 301 1 Roland Haha... I can't believe my family actually watches me on TV so much. 1
126 126 301 Roland The little twerp said that our folks are proud of me. He's even become popular among his friends because of it. 1
127 127 204 1 1
128 128 301 Roland —Good, I'm glad. If they're this happy, then I should be, too. 1
129 129 202 1 1
130 130 301 Roland covers his mouth and lies down on the sofa, curling up and shaking. Like a hungry child who suddenly got a piece of candy, he is afraid of having this moment stolen from him. He has to find a place to hide, cover his mouth, savor the candy, and secretly enjoy it in his heart.
131 131 201 1 500365
132 132 301 1 Roland Alright, I should practice a bit before I go to bed. Wouldn't want to disappoint them. 1
133 133 202 1 1
134 134 301 Rubbing his face, which is now sore from smiling, Roland turns around and grabs the holo-screen and continues reading where he left off.
135 135 301 Just like the comments and data from before, everyone who left a message on social media is concerned about the future of Mandhasti, as if they are somehow related to him.
136 136 301 What was all the fuss about? In the eyes of the fans, they thought the crew was working hard to give them a genuine adventure. Seems like no one suspected that it was just a part of the script and not just off the cuff. Not even Roland's family had guessed it.
137 137 201 1 500375
138 138 301 1 ??? But isn't that because of you, Roland? Aren't you the one contributing to this facade? 1
139 139 201 1 500365 4
140 140 301 1 Roland Thanks, Captain Obvious! 1
141 141 204 1
142 142 301 Roland Analyze data on "Roland". 1
143 143 301 Roland shakes his head, deliberately ignoring the voice in his ear. Following his request, a series of data and keywords are densely arranged at the bottom of the screen. This time, it is about him.
144 144 301 Praise, envy, expectation and worry. The stream of comments, carrying countless emotions, washes toward Roland.
145 145 301 He scans their comments, quietly putting them to heart.
146 146 301 Roland Mhm... Mhm... Seems like I've left quite the impression on the audience recently. Good. Very good. 1
147 147 301 Roland Yeah, I normally don't wear a hair tie like this. I'll have to tell the stylist to keep it... 1
148 148 202 1 1
149 149 301 Roland strokes the small tuft of tied-up hair and smiles. In order not to be recognized as Roland onscreen after the performance, and in order to live peacefully with his family, he wants to shape the image of Roland to be different from his normal self off-screen.
150 150 301 Whatever is false should be labeled as such, and that which is true should remain true. The two must be distinguished from one another.
151 151 301 Otherwise, once confused, the two will be nearly inseparable.
152 152 301 This was the family's stipulation for letting him play Roland onscreen.
153 153 301 Yes, he can do whatever his family wants. He can use this method to continue holding on to his wish...
154 154 201 1 500365
155 155 301 1 Roland (Yawn) I sure am exhausted today. I guess I'll call it quits for now. Time to get some sleep. 1
156 156 202 1 1
157 157 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Roland raises his hand to close the terminal, nestles into the sofa and falls asleep. According to the gatekeeper, he still has a few hours to sleep. Considering how much caffeine he needs to take in every day, these few hours are precious.
174 174 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Neferti The lead is beginning to get suspicious! He was driving in a car and putting his life on the line to see what would happen!
179 179 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 Roland A sheriff in the detention center...? That sure is unheard of. 1
180 180 301 Roland One case of reckless driving, five cases of destruction of property, trespassing, and a slew of other charges... First time I've seen a sheriff rack up this many charges... Especially you, Mandy. 1
181 181 301 Roland holds the report in his hand and sighs at Mandhasti, who is behind a chain link fence. The floor around him is in disarray.
182 182 301 Scrap metal, shrapnel, scratches... Roland can even see a medical spray can with a hole punched in it on the ground spewing mist. Whatever happened, the sheriff had caused quite the scene.
183 183 301 Roland What's gotten into you? I can't believe someone who lives by a code like you could do such a thing... 1
184 184 301 Roland ...Forget it. Save the explanation for later. It's my duty as a deputy to get you out of here. 1
185 185 301 Roland Just wait. I'll go put... 1
186 186 201 1 500378
187 187 301 1 Mandhasti ...You won't fail. 1
188 188 203 1 0.25 -400
189 189 201 2 500365 4 400
190 190 301 1 Roland Er... Come again? 2
191 191 201 1 500369 1 -400
192 192 301 1 Mandhasti I said, you won't fail, Roland. Our superiors will most certainly approve your request. Not only will I be released, but you'll be promoted all the way to the top. 1
193 193 301 Mandhasti You'll meet a pretty girl in the force. You'll fall in love. Then you'll get a fat sack of money and live happily ever after. Everything's going to be just fine. 1
194 194 301 Roland Mand... What's wrong with...? 2
195 195 301 Mandhasti ...Bahahaha! Just kidding. Relax. It's a joke. 1
196 196 301 Mandhasti But I'm sure that if you put in a request, it'll go through. 1
197 197 301 Mandhasti Everyone always kept pushing me to become sheriff. I had no other choice. 1
198 198 301 Roland ...I don't understand, Mandy. What's wrong with you? I was only gone a few hours. Why did you get yourself into this mess? 2
199 199 301 Roland Just because you were hallucinating, you think everything here is fake? No, that can't be the reason. 2
200 200 301 Roland You mean to say I'm fake and lying to you? The same person who's been with you as we've put our lives in danger? Mandy? 2
201 201 204 1 4
202 202 301 Mandhasti No, Roland. Of course, not. You're my knight. How's that possible...? 1
203 203 301 Mandhasti But when I look back at my life so far, everything just seems... too perfect. 1
204 204 301 Mandhasti No matter how I fail, no matter the setback, I always seem to succeed in the end... Everything just feels like it's for show. 1
205 205 301 Mandhasti It feels like everyone's trying to guard me and keep me on a set track. It even seems like I ended up here because someone else arranged it. 1
206 206 301 Mandhasti And I saw... I saw, I saw Kay. When I went to find you with that gangster earlier, under that giant mechanoid... 1
207 207 301 Mandhasti I'm scared... I have to confirm that the world I live in is real. So, I waited until I didn't have any other assignments and took a risk... 1
208 208 301 Roland Kay... Our old partner. Mandy... I'm torn up about his death just as much as you are. 2
209 209 301 Roland But... This isn't good. Missing someone this much and even imagining some giant mechanoid... That's crazy talk, Mandy! 2
210 210 202 1 2 1
211 211 301 Roland suddenly takes a step forward and grasps Mandhasti's wrist through the chain link fence.
212 212 201 1 500369 4
213 213 201 2 500365 4 400
214 214 301 1 Mandhasti Ow! Roland?! That hurts... 1
215 215 301 Roland That hurts? Good. That means you can feel pain. You can feel the warmth of my hand. That means you're a real person. Your feelings and experiences are all real. No one could possibly plan that. 2
216 216 301 Mandhasti Rgh... 1
217 217 301 Roland Promise me you'll get some rest, Mandy. I don't want to see you getting paranoid like this. Omi and the others will be devastated seeing you like this. 2
218 218 301 Roland If you go on like this, I'm afraid... I'm afraid you'll have more hallucinations of others that have died... In the future, that might even include me. 2
219 219 301 Mandhasti Roland... Are you crying? 1
220 220 301 Mandhasti ...I see. Thank you, Roland. I understand what I should do. I should hold on to those around me that are still alive—to you. Not phantoms of the past. 1
221 221 301 Roland ...That's right. Don't forget that. A lot of people still depend on you. 2
222 222 301 Roland But this time, it's your turn to count on me. Trust me, I'll do everything I can to make sure you keep your position. Adios. 2
223 223 204 1 1
224 224 301 Mandhasti Adios. 1
225 225 202 1 2 1
226 226 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Roland clenches a fist and clasps his left shoulder. Following a salute, the knight hurries away. Mandhasti seems to see Roland still crying as he runs out of the detention center.
228 228 301 AniZhuanchangEnd AniZhuanchangBegin —As soon as he exits, Roland wipes the corners of his eyes and finds the nearest room. Closing the door, he activates the comms on his terminal.
235 235 301 1 Staff Member Copy, this is A9. Affirmative. Everything seems to conform to the emergency script. Outstanding performance, Roland. 2
236 236 301 Roland Thank you. Happy to be of service. Call me any time for further proceedings. 1
237 237 301 Roland How could they possibly let him see a dead character? I'm so busy with meetings and rewriting scripts. If I were a newcomer, I bet I'd just give up right on the spot. 1
238 238 301 Roland The crew's been acting as extras long enough. How could they slip up like this? The makeup artist and prop team need to be held accountable. Guess we have to have another meeting with the new recruits. 1
239 239 301 Staff Member No worries. We're professionals, and so are you. This won't be a problem. 2
240 240 301 Roland Omi's up next. An experienced actress like herself really knows how to move the audience to tears. At least I won't have to be there tonight... Another scene like what happened just now, and people are going to have a fit on social media. 1
241 241 301 Staff Member Yes, it's all arranged. Thank you for your hard work, but... 2
246 246 301 Before the worker can finish speaking, Roland quickly closes the terminal. Right as Roland's shoulders relax, a dizzy feeling crawls up his spine.
247 247 301 The sudden emergency interrupted his sleep. Including the temporary script and rehearsal, he has not slept for nearly 20 hours. His brain feels like a saturated sponge, unable to fully retain any new information.
248 248 301 Roland But I can't rest yet. I have to review more. 1
249 249 401 2 726
250 250 301 Roland Activate entrance security. 1
251 251 301 System Activation complete.
252 252 202 1 1
253 253 301 The intricate clicking sound comes from within the old wall as the camera connects with the circuit. Then several footsteps come from the other side door as if someone sat down there.
254 254 301 It is a punch-in and alarm mechanoid, the newest model of security mechanoids and the latest version of that old security bot in the lounge. The room in which Roland currently finds himself is already guarded by a mechanoid dressed as a peasant. Even the crew has to go through an ordeal to enter the room.
255 255 301 Roland waves his hand, and an image appears out in front of him. It is a recording of the previous scene playing at different speeds.
256 256 301 Because of the uproar tonight, he received a notice from his superiors that all the actors must do their homework before Mandhasti makes any further abnormal behavior to avoid any accidents.
257 257 301 He picks a chair at random and looks at the screen silently.
258 258 301 The main character of the show is Mandhasti, who has lived his entire life onscreen. The plots over the past few years have had him endure a life of danger. In order to maintain the peace of the city, he has spared no effort to fight against the gangs, carrying the death of his former partner as he forges ahead.
259 259 201 1 500365 1
260 260 301 1 Roland Heh, that sure is a flattering way of describing him. 1
261 261 301 Roland If we were to have met somewhere else, maybe I... 1
262 262 202 1 1
263 263 301 Roland shakes his head and focuses his attention back on the screen.
264 264 301 The character, Roland, is Mandhasti's loyal assistant. He is a fearless desperado with an unyielding will. He often helps the protagonist in times of danger, much to the praise of fans.
265 265 301 "Roland", that is him—but also not him. It is merely a shell that shares the same name. A shell that is admired by fans and wears a hair tie.
266 266 301 When he first entered the park, his parents had considered whether he should take a stage name, but he insisted on acting under his own name.
267 267 301 Today, that name has gradually developed into a stage name. If his performance continues to go smoothly, he might not even be able to separate the two identities one day.
268 268 301 But, of course, he has a way of distinguishing the two...
269 269 201 1 500365 4
270 270 301 1 Roland (Yawn) Phew... I'm beat... 1
271 271 301 The images on screen seem to be lulling him to sleep. He can't shake the thought of sleep, and his vision begins to blur.
272 272 301 Roland I need an espresso... 1
273 273 202 1 1
274 274 301 Roland gently waves his hand, causing an aluminum can to fall from the drink machine beside him. With a high dose of caffeine in a single sip, he should be good for several more hours.
275 275 301 He reaches out and tries to grab the can, but even though it is right next to him, it seems so far away.
276 276 201 1 500365 4
277 277 301 1 Roland Gotcha... 1
278 278 301 But right as he is about to chug it...
286 286 301 AniZhuanchangEnd When Roland wakes up, he is shivering from the cold.
287 287 201 1 500365 1
288 288 301 1 Roland Huh? Looks like I passed out... 1
289 289 202 1 1
290 290 301 Roland rubs his eyes and looks up. On the screen, he sees Mandhasti and himself putting their lives at risk. Based on the scene, he probably didn't sleep much.
291 291 301 Then he realizes what woke him up. The shouting from the earpiece pounds on his eardrum like a sledgehammer.
292 292 301 Comms Emergency... The lead...
293 293 301 He tries to listen to the message, but the message is muffled. He can only pick out a few key words.
294 294 201 1 500365 4
295 295 301 1 Roland What...? Is something going on with Mandy again? Ugh, good grief. I'm on it. What's his position? 1
296 296 301 Comms No!
297 297 301 Roland slowly lifts his arm and cuts the audio playback on the terminal. The screen gradually fades to black, leaving a blank screen.
298 298 301 Roland Hello? Do you copy? Where is he? I need to— 1
299 299 202 1 1
300 300 301 Roland's voice stops abruptly. His eyes sweep across the blank screen and come across a familiar face in the background.
301 301 401 1 202
302 302 201 2 500369 4
303 303 301 1 Mandhasti Roland... 2
304 304 203 2 0.25 400
305 305 201 1 500365 7 -400
306 306 301 1 AniZhuanchangBegin 1 Roland Mandy?! Why are you here?! 1
