Pandora in the Crimson Shell: Ghost Urn (紅殻のパンドラ)

Over there!

I see it!

Camera! Sound!

Are we ready to go?

Time to start the legend, people!

Hello there, my friends!

We're live outside of Cenancle Island!

Not only is this beautiful sanctuary

a first-class luxury resort,

it's a city designed with the latest

in cutting edge technology.

Keep your eyes glued to that screen,

because in addition to many famous corporations

and name brands setting up shop here,

many of the globe's most beloved celebrities

call this beautiful island their home away from home!

Cut! Seriously, who writes this crap?

I can't believe we're already there.

I wonder what the heck Clarion is up to.

You know what I have?

Dreams!

First journalism! Then TV!

Then I become the most famous movie star

in the history of the world!

Why did you fall overboard?

That mic is really expensive!

Should we throw you a life preserver?

Look at that.

That gaming system's over twenty years old!

She plays it like she knows what she's doing, too!

Interesting.

Looks like she's a robot.

Hey! You there!

Code zero, please!

State your model number and your owner's name!

She didn't respond to the code,

which means she might be an unauthorized

black-market android.

In that case, maybe I'll snatch her up!

I said, Code Zero!

Wait, do you mean me?

Gosh, I'm so sorry.

People make that mistake a lot!

You see, I'm not an android.

Don't feel bad! It's not your fault!

I know I sort of look like one!

Forgive me for my mistake.

I assume you're a full-bodied cyborg then?

Yes! Wow! How did you know?

What a relief.

Not many people understand that right away.

Usually they think I'm some sort of illegal robot.

I know it's misleading 'cause I'm wearing a swim suit.

It's just that it's been so long since I've had the chance.

A full-body cyborg!

Interesting!

Huh?

No, that game of yours.

Monster Bash on an early model DSD!

It really takes me back to my childhood!

Wait...

You said "childhood," but this gaming system is old.

Real old.

Oops.

I'm so sorry!

It's fine.

The truth is, I haven't seen something as archaic

as a non-direct link game in a long time.

I got it from my doctor, actually.

It's part of my rehabilitation.

You don't say...

But enough about that.

Well, well. Look who's back.

What have you got for me?

An annoying journalist.

Uh... I'm alive.

What about results?

Results?

You always say such vague things, Uzal.

Specifically, I'm asking whether you managed

to glean any useful info.

No.

Nothing to report yet.

Ah! Ah! She's so cute!

Wah!

Is she your daughter?

You're a lot of fun, you know that?

Ladies and gentlemen.

The ship will soon arrive at Cenancle Island.

All passengers please prepare to disembark.

Introduction time.

My name is Uzal Delilah.

I have a little business I run here on Cenancle Island.

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

I'm Nene Nanakorobi.

I've actually just moved to the island today.

Nice to meet you.

Wait, Nanakorobi?

Greetings, you may call me Clarion.

I am Uzal's prized cyborg pet.

Anyone who touches these ears will feel the wrath of my fists.

Can I hug you now?

Pretty please!

No, you may not!

Feel free to hug her all you want.

Huh?

Now don't resist, Clarion.

Clarion!

Yeah, she's a lot heavier than she looks,

and much stronger, too.

You see, you and Clarion are the same.

The same?

So she's a full-bodied cyborg, too?

Oh, wow!

This is great!

I've never met anyone like me.

From now on, you and I will be best friends!

Look at that cute little prosthetic body of yours!

So adorable!

Don't you have the ability to choose

your outward appearance, too?

Well, actually, this is the outcome of a growth simulation.

And my face was given to me by my mom and dad.

Filial reverence is rare these days.

Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Go on, Nene.

Feel free to hug her as much as your heart desires!

Hooray!

Clarion, no resisting!

Just not the ears!

By the way, Nene.

While you're here on the island,

is there anything specific you're hoping to accomplish?

Oh. Well, yes.

As a matter of fact, I've come here to live at my aunt's place.

Ah.

Korobase.

I'm going to learn about life in the real world

while trying to repay my aunt for her kindness.

Let me change the question a bit.

If you could get your hands on a bunch of money,

I mean a whole heck of a lot,

and you could obtain anything you wanted,

what would it be?

Well, let's see...

Clarion excluded.

I know.

I've dreamed about this for as long as I can remember.

It's tricky, though.

I'm not even sure this is something money can buy.

And if it is, then I feel pretty certain

it's going to be expensive.

What is it?

Why, world peace, of course!

Well, well!

You really are interesting, aren't you?

You should pick something else.

And then you should let Clarion go.

When I saw the world for the first time as a cyborg,

I was amazed that it still looked beautiful.

It was like I had stumbled upon some incredible secret truth.

I'm sorry! It's hard to put into words!

Don't apologize; it's a perfectly realistic dream.

If you work hard, then you can make it come true.

Right!

Well, you have my contact information.

Once you get settled in, come and visit us.

So does that mean I'll get to see Clarion again?

Yes!

Uh... I'm sorry.

Something urgent has come up.

I have to get going.

Oh, okay!

Oops, I almost forgot.

Welcome to Cenancle Island, Nene!

It was so nice to meet you!

Say hi to Takumi for me!

Right! Nice to meet you too, Clarion!

Nanakorobi.

I can't believe she is an authorized

first-generation full-body.

No wonder Korobase is so proud.

Huh?

Hold on, how in the world did she know my aunt's first name?

Well, whatever.

Hello, this is Nene.

I'm at the harbor.

No, I understand the address.

Yes. I'll be just fine!

So many firsts.

My first trip, my first home,

the first person I've ever met who's like me.

I sure hope we can be friends.

Wow! What weather!

Dad, Mom...

I felt welcomed for the first time.

And it was wonderful.

-- --What? No...

That's the way my friends went.

Uzal! Clarion!