[Today is the 23rd of February. In one month will be my 17th birthday, if the ID the system provided me with is to be believed.]
Eva: "I almost forgot how young Ryu is. His diary is mostly full of important and pressing issues, except for some misunderstandings with Nina Fortner."
Nina: "Should I prepare a birthday present for him? Aside from me, probably no one else, except other possible Copy Holders, knows about his birthday."
[I have decided to find a way of contacting Inspector Lunge today and try to establish a connection soon. The problem is how to obtain the personal phone number of a BKA agent without alerting the corrupt police forces. Should I try to find a way through the media? If I remember correctly, Jacob Maurer, a journalist of the "Heidelberg Post", covered the murder in Cologne at the beginning of the month in person. I need to find the newspaper from that time to see if he interviewed Heinrich Lunge, who is investigating this case.
It would be way easier if I could get Lotte Frank on my side. She is incredible at collecting information. As expected of an aspiring detective. Sadly, I can only rely on myself for now.]
Lotte: "Finally, he mentioned me! And he even praises my ability to gather intelligence. I can't wait to work with you, Ryu! Just call me or something, I can't contact you first because of these dumb diary rules."
Nina: "And another woman he wants to work with. I should really make up my mind soon, or it will be too late."
[I almost died.]
Elsa, who is close to the end of her workday, falls from her chair behind the counter.
"What happened?!"
[I only have respect for the inhuman endurance of this lady.
In the afternoon, after completing my work at the construction site, I showered and went to the office of the "Heidelberg Post". Since I have no shifts at Lucky Pizza on Thursdays, just like last week. After I was brought to the room where Jacob Maurer works, I finally understood why his coworker had made him promise to bathe at least every two days when they were assigned to the same office.
This man is a walking and talking biochemical weapon. I already complain a lot about the smoking in this world, but this time it is not the only problem. This man looked as though he had worn the same clothes for a week straight without showering or bathing at all. The body odor was horrible. Even worse, when he opened his mouth, please brush your teeth sometime!
I couldn't even breathe enough to ask my question. Too scared to open my mouth in this room.
And his coworker, this lady, this absolute trooper, endures it day after day. Even working overtime. I can't respect this woman enough. She saw my plight and said to Maurer, "You should talk to him in the meeting room."
Thank you, thank you, nameless lady, for saving my life!]
Elsa: "You bastard, I was really worried right now!"
The other women are not as free as Elsa, and they only saw the whole entry together. Still, they wished they had never read it.
Lotte, with her overactive imagination, has to bolt out of her afternoon classes to throw up in the restroom.
'Ryu, you bastard, just yesterday I pledged to work with you. Do you have to describe something this disgusting in so much detail?! Oh god, I need to throw up again.'
[In the meeting room, I asked the journalist a bit about his experience reporting on the Cologne murder and if he was present there. After getting his affirmation, I inquired if he had met the BKA Inspector Lunge. He could not quite remember until I described the man a bit. Around 50 years old, receding hairline, sharp gaze, and constantly moving his fingers in a weird manner while talking. Finally, Maurer remembered that he had indeed spoken to him. After a little more probing, he also recalls receiving a card with the Inspector's e-mail address, in case he finds more witnesses or evidence while performing his job as a journalist.
A short dive back into hell later, I fled from the room of olfactory destruction with the barely readable e-mail address in hand. Before I can even think about finding a computer to use for communication with Lunge, I have to run home. And throw away the clothes I am wearing. I am truly scared the smell will stain the washing machine from the inside.]
Rung: "It must be horrible if even the penniless Ryu destroys a set of clothes, rather than wash them. Is the coworker just as dedicated to journalism as I am to helping people? I definitely would have quit and transferred to another media outlet if it were me, though."
[It has been two hours. The clothes are in the trash, the paper note with the e-mail address is secured in an airtight plastic bag, and the warm water in the shower ran out multiple times. I don't want to eat anything today. I am somewhat looking forward to the cleaning duty tomorrow evening at Lucky Pizza.
Are there any Internet cafés in this area, or more specifically, in Heidelberg? Maybe my colleagues in construction know.]
Eva: "Even as disgusting as today's entry was, it is incredible how precise the information is that Ryu knows. A journalist from Heidelberg drove all the way to Cologne for interviews. And somehow Ryu knew about it. I believe his claim of knowing future events more and more."
[It is raining today. I still did my morning run, though. I had to use the money I saved from construction to buy a good raincoat, waterproof trousers, and sturdy steel-capped boots. Waiting under the canopy of the outdoor store for it to open and trying to eyeball the correct size was not a fun experience. But I can't try it on first while being soaking wet, right? The most important thing is that the boots fit well. So I took a swift hot shower at home, changed into my new waterproof clothing, and arrived right on time at the construction site.
I realized two things there today.
First: How dumb was I not to buy steel-capped boots before? What if I lost my grip on a pile of bricks and they fell on my toes? Luckily, I rectified this now.
Second: Working out in the open in February is still fine when it is sunny. But today in the rain, it was absolutely miserable. The purchase of heavy-duty rain gear this morning was definitely worth it.
But I also have even less money now. Initially, I wanted to save up for a second-hand Aikido uniform and the lesson fee. Now I have to start almost from scratch again. By the way, next Wednesday is March 1st. Do I have to pay utility bills monthly? Do I even have an official provider for electricity and such? It's best to save as much as possible next week, just in case.
It is funny, though. I am here trying to compete with the Fate of protagonists and antagonists, trying to save as many people as possible, yet can't even pay my energy bill.]
Elsa: "Ryu has even less money than a rural town girl. It is kind of sad. But seeing him determined to run even in the rain gives me motivation. Luckily, it has not rained here today."
In the evening, Ryu arrives at Lucky Pizza in time. After shedding his waterproof coat, which is dripping wet, he greets his coworkers and diligently starts working like always. As Nina comes in and puts her umbrella in the umbrella stand, she greets everyone with a smile. Giuseppe walks up to her while throwing a look out the window, "It will be hard on you again today, girl."
"No problem, Giuseppe, it is always like this when it rains after all. Luckily, the delivery scooter has a roof canopy; otherwise, it would be even worse. I also came on foot today, as the rain was so heavy that I didn't want to drive my scooter. Better to walk with an umbrella. My study books would've gotten wet too."
"Yeah, today is especially awful."
Hearing this conversation, Ryu, who is sweeping the floor nearby, looks at Nina and wrinkles his eyebrows a little.
"Nina, are you sure that raincoat you have is enough for the weather out there? Even with a roof canopy, you will still get heavily rained on."
"Yes, it rained all day, but it is getting worse over time. I walked here from university too, so I had no time to change into the raincoat I normally wear when delivering in winter."
"Do you want to use mine? I bought it just this morning, so it is in good condition. I never mentioned this to you, but I work at a construction site to earn extra money. And this coat kept me pretty dry while working outside the whole day today."
Touched by his sincerity, she smiles at him warmly.
"Then I will take you up on that offer. Can I try it right now?"
"Sure, it's this one over there."
Ryu points at his coat hanging near the entrance and gets back to cleaning. Nina walks over and tries on his jacket.
'It is big, but I can still wear it. Well, he is about 10 centimeters taller than I am, after all. Even though I am not that short myself.'
Feeling the warmth still lingering on the inside, she feels a little happy, without knowing why.
"Thank you, Ryu, it is a little big but still fits well enough."
Meanwhile, Giuseppe is becoming increasingly astonished.
'How many days has it been? And now this delivery girl, who never has any interest in boys, stands there smiling happily while wearing Ryu's coat. What happened to weird rumors possibly spreading? Aren't you practically generating rumors yourself right now? Am I still not allowed to talk about these two?'
While work went by, Ryu asked his coworkers, "Does anyone know if there is an internet café in Heidelberg? I need to send an important e-mail, but don't have access to a computer."
The kind lady owner suggested, "We have one in the management office for keeping the finances. You could use that one if you like."
"That is very nice of you, but I don't want to have it traced back to my workplace for privacy reasons."
"Ah, then I don't know. I never heard of internet café's in Heidelberg, sorry. Let's ask Nina, she is younger and knows more about this stuff."
The owner turns to Nina, who is just hanging the drenched coat back up.
"Nina dear, do you know where to find an internet café here in Heidelberg? Ryu needs to send an e-mail, but does not want to have it traced back to his workplace."
"I could take you to the university library. There should be a computer you could use for a short time if we ask the librarian nicely."
"That would be perfect, how about taking me there on Monday afternoon before going to Aikido class together?"
"Sounds good, let's do that. Although we may be a bit late then."
"Sorry to trouble you, Nina."
"No, it is alright, take it as repayment for using your coat."
'Beate and Clara always wanted to take a look at Ryu. Isn't this the perfect opportunity?'
Ryu, meanwhile, is happy to find a relatively anonymous location to contact Heinrich Lunge per e-mail.
After most of the staff had left, Ryu was still cleaning up, as always. He notices Nina is still sitting on her chair, studying a book for university.
"Are you not going home yet?"
She looks up and smiles at him, "You don't have an umbrella with you today, right?"
"Yeah, but it's alright. You know how good my raincoat is."
"That's true, but your trousers and shoes will still get wet without an umbrella. We live pretty close together. I'll walk home with you first, so you don't get rained on too much."
"Oh, I did not expect that. Thank you, if you want to, I of course accept."
After he finishes up the rest of his work, they leave together under the same umbrella. Luckily, the wind isn't as strong anymore.
"Let me hold it, you're hands are getting cold." Ryu takes over the umbrella from her as he sees her hands turning a little red from the cold.
"Thank you." She smiles at him and scoots a little closer, so they are easier to cover. As she does so, she notices a soft purple glow in her mind and watches the diary update while they walk.
[Nina helped me a lot today. In exchange for lending her my new thick raincoat for her delivery drives, she will take me to the university library on Monday. There, I will be able to send my first e-mail to contact Inspector Lunge from a library computer.
She even waited for me to finish work, knowing I didn't have an umbrella. She offered to walk home together, so I could get there a little more dry. It is such a good feeling. Is this the first time I am being cared for in this life?
Right now I am very happy. But deep down, I feel the guilt churning in my stomach. The guilt of knowing this connection only came to be because I approached her at her workplace deliberately. I need to tell her soon that I approached her on purpose. I never lied to Nina, but the thought of her hating me for my schemes hurts me deep inside. Maybe I'll tell her on Monday after Aikido practice.
But for this moment, I can be happy to have a friend who cares for me, can't I? I just want a little bit of happiness. Before I potentially lose my only friend because of my past actions. But whatever happens, this moment of walking together through the rain under the same umbrella, I will treasure it forever.]
Elsa: "Don't you dare turn against him in the future. I know Nina also has a copy of the diary, and she knew all along that he approached her with a purpose. But it is to save her and her family. If she just uses Ryu and discards him later, Valkyrie or not, I am going to throw hands with her!"
Lotte: "If this guy just knew that she could read his diary, he would not have to fear everything so much. But am I looking at the start of a budding romance here? Did Nina really fall in love back then? Would a girl do this normally for a guy she only knows for a short while, even if he is trying to save her?"
Eva: "Why did I never have such a sweet moment with Kenzo? I guess he wouldn't appreciate the moment anyway, unlike Ryu. Only thinking about his damn patients all the time. Ugh, the thought is making me depressed. Should I drink a little more? No, I am doing well in cutting back right now. Don't let the addiction influence you, Eva!"
Rung: "I wish somebody would care for me like this, too. When was the last time I was on the receiving end of care instead of giving it?"
Nina watches the expressions on Ryu's face from the corner of her eyes, while her mind reads along with the updating diary. She isn't quite sure because of the rain, but a tear seems to flow from his eye as he writes about her possibly hating him. At this sight, she clenches her fists tightly inside her pockets.
The walk is not very long, and soon they reach the building with Ryu's apartment.
"Here we are. Thank you so much for sharing your umbrella with me, Nina."
"No problem, it is after all only a short detour for me. Remember to come to Aikido practice tomorrow afternoon. You still have Saturday and Monday to participate for free, after which you will need to pay. However, there won't be many kids tomorrow. The parents have time for them on weekends, not like when we went on Wednesday."
"Okay, so I am just going to get smacked around some more, but by adults this time. Get home safely and see you tomorrow."
"See you.", she waves at him and fades into the dark rainy night.
Ryu stays a little longer, watching her leave before entering the building. While taking a hot shower, he questions himself.
'Am I too manipulative? I feel like a bastard right now. I know she can read my diary, or at least I am 99% certain she is one of the Copy Holders. Why else would she suddenly investigate the anonymous e-mail like that? Mentioning this fact was also a little test by me to see if she has a copy. I know she won't hate me suddenly, because of my approach with ulterior motives.
But what I am terrified about is the moment she awakens her memories. Memories her mind suppressed to keep her sane. What if she hates me for bringing back the things she would be happier never to remember? Her whole life will be turned upside down at that moment. I have to do my best to help her preserve as much of the healthy, positive, and kind Nina Fortner as possible. It would be terrible if she turned into a woman filled only with the desire for revenge. Especially the moment her "dark side" takes over while being hypnotized in the original. Nina, in reality, should never have to experience this if possible.'
"You came back so late, did something happen at work?" Erich asks, concerned, as his daughter comes home.
"Don't worry, Dad. I just noticed that Ryu didn't have an umbrella with him today, so I waited for him to finish his cleaning duties and then walked him home. He lives in Fischergasse, so it was only a small detour. Most of the time, I waited for him to finish his work."
"Oh, he is practically in the neighborhood, then. Did you ask him to visit for dinner on the weekend like your mother suggested?"
"Not yet, I want to talk with Beate and Clara about it first on Monday. Ryu needs a computer to send an e-mail, so I proposed to let him use one in the university library. Then both of them can take a look at him first. If they think it should be okay, then I'll ask him."
"My little girl is smart as always, even getting him checked by your friends before bringing him to us. Go on, your mother was waiting for you with the food."
"Alright, good night, Dad!"
She kisses her father on the cheek and happily walks to the kitchen.
"They really grow up fast", Erich shakes his head and sighs.
'Should we really tell her that we adopted her when she turns 20?'
[Today was quite productive. Thanks to it being the weekend, I could concentrate on training exercises instead of work. Additionally, my cooking is gradually improving.
At Aikido practice, there were not many beginners, so I was coached directly by Nina most of the time. Suzumoto-sensei looked incredibly jealous that I hogged her for most of the session. But every time she asked to spar with him, he got embarrassed and hastily started guiding other students, while watching us from the corner of his eye. It was pretty hilarious, even though I find it a bit pathetic. I know you like to act high and mighty as a teacher with bowing and paying respects and all that traditional stuff. But if you want to get better, you've got to spar with someone on your level or higher, right? How can you be so afraid of being beaten by your best student, yet still somehow have a crush on her?
Nina obviously really likes the sport, and you can see it in her eyes when she steps up on the mat to spar. Someone like her probably would love to have an intense spar against the person she likes. No matter if she wins or loses, as long as it was a good fight, I think she would be delighted.
Well, not like I can talk much. If Nina does not stand still to let me practice some moves, I would not even be able to touch the hem of her clothes. If Valkyrie mode is switched on, I get accelerated from standing to an intimate meeting with the training mat in roughly 1 second.]
Nina: "Ryu understands me so well. Such an intense competition, where every move counts, is something I can only dream about. Suzumoto-sensei is really too cowardly."
Elsa is at home doing sit-ups while watching "Polizeiruf 110" on TV for motivation.
'I trained for a week now, and I seriously like it somehow. At least while working out, I don't get bored. Just wait, you criminals! After the professional mercenary training, this beauty will come and hit you like your mother should have when you turned to crime!'
Eva: "This Suzumoto is too pathetic. Even running away from possible interactions. Just standing timidly on the side, getting cucked without making a noise."
[And Sunday is over. I formulated a plan on how to contact Inspector Lunge securely.
Also, something good happened just now while I was scrubbing the restrooms before the Sunday evening crowd arrives.
My constitution increased by 0.1, rising from 0.5 to 0.6. Finally, I have the definite answer that status can be changed with hard work. Constitution is most likely first because I always pushed my body to the limit with very few moments of rest in between. Strength will most likely be upgraded next, as dexterity is significantly more challenging to train compared to it.
At least I got an upgrade before the deadline I set for myself. Now the preparation phase comes to an interlude with me telling Nina the truth tomorrow and the impending involvement of the BKA agent.]
Elsa: "I am way ahead of you. My constitution reached 0.5 not long after I started training. My strength also went up from 0.3 to 0.4!"
Eva: "Ryu is making progress, that is good. Can't let him outshine me now, can I? My alcohol intake did not get reduced much since I cut back last time, but I held it at a stable level for now. This is already quite amazing in my opinion. Also, reducing my smoking is going even better. Thank you, Ryu, for motivating me to pay more attention to my health."
Nina is slowly chewing her dinner while contemplating.
'How should I react tomorrow when he reveals to me that he approached me with an ulterior motive? It must be believable enough to cover up the existence of the copy. But also soft enough not to hurt Ryu. Maybe the straightforward approach is the easiest.'