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Disclaimer Under no circumstances would you be allowed to take this work for commercial activities or for personal gain. Baka-Tsuki does not and will not condone any activities of such, including but not limited to rent, sell, print, auction. Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria Author Eiji Mikage Artist Tetsuo Translator EusthEnoptEron Editors Kadi, grrarr Project page http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/ index.php?title=Utsuro_no_Hako_to_Zero_no_Maria PDF creation date 2013-09-28 Prologue It’s not like I’ve completely forgotten about it. I probably still remember this place, and I even dream of its scenery, just as I’m doing now. I can only remember this place in my dreams. Right—it’s not like I’ve forgotten about it. I just can’t find any cues to help me retrieve these memories. Nothing could possibly trigger my memories of this scene. There’s simply nothing in the real world that resembles it at all. If I tried, I could certainly remember it, but I lack the opportunity to do so. Nothing from my everyday life could possibly remind me of the person before me. “Do you have a wish?” The face of the person who calmly asked me that question, was continuously morphing into new and different faces. My dream was generated by my own subconscious, but somehow, I couldn’t grasp the features of his (or her) face. I saw it, of course—at least, I believe I did. It’s just that he (she) somehow resembled everyone and no one at the same time. Back then, I guess I gave a passive, harmless answer to his (or her) question, though I don’t remember my precise response. Anyhow, when he (she) heard my answer, I was presented with a container of some kind. “This is a box that grants any wish.” It did look like a box, now that he (she) mentioned it. 9 Prologue I squinted at the box. My vision wasn’t bad, but I still couldn’t see it clearly. There was nothing in the box, yet it exuded a strange feeling. It was like holding a closed cookie box that made a rattling sound when you shook it, but was empty once you opened it. I think I asked him (or her) something trivial at that point, along the lines of ‘Why are you giving this to me?’ “Because you’re truly interesting! I can’t distinguish one human from another human, even though I’m fascinated by humanity. Ironic, don’t you think?” I didn’t really understand what he (she) was trying to say, but I nodded halfheartedly nonetheless. “But you’re an exception—I can distinguish you from the rest of humanity. You might think that this is nothing special, but it’s more than enough to capture my interest!” I looked inside the box. Even though the box was empty, I felt as if I were being attacked by an unpleasant sensation and my entire body were being drawn toward the bottom of the box. I quickly looked away. “This box will grant any wish. I don’t care what you wish for—I won’t stop you even if your wish destroys all of mankind. I’m just interested in what you, or your species, choose to wish for.” 10 Prologue I said something in response, and he (she) smiled. “Hehe… No, no. It’s not some kind of special power. Humans already have the ability to grant wishes just by forming a clear image of what they desire. I’m only able to give that power a little push.” I accepted the box. Of course, I wouldn’t remember this dream when I woke up. But I would clearly remember what I thought about him (or her). It was the same impression that I had of him (or her) in the dream. Somehow, isn’t that person— —disgusting? 11 1st time 1st time “I am Aya Otonashi. I’m pleased to meet you,” says the transfer student with a faint smile. 23rd time “I’m Aya Otonashi.…Regards,” says the transfer student, uninterested, emotionlessly. 1,050th time “Aya Otonashi,” utters the transfer stud