Chapter 0: Prologue

Sometimes, I reminisce.

I think about the snow that fell in autumn and never melted, even when spring arrived.

I remember the people bundled in furs, the clustered houses, and the snow that fell endlessly.

And I remember myself, playing beneath it all.

I think I loved those days.

I wonder why I so clearly recall that time, when I could leave footprints wherever I went, occasionally encounter deer with clear eyes, and run around the village with my hunting dog.

But now, all that remains is the scent of wood imbued with the chill of those days, the dog that would come running when I called its name, and the sunlight reflecting off the thick snow piled up on the mountain.

It’s strange that these are the memories that surface, considering I spent most of my days shut inside, staring out the window.

“Number Eleven.”

Whenever I was leaning against the window, reading, or petting my large dog, my friend would always come to my house, asking me to play.

I think they promised to always come find me.

Perhaps I remember wrong, or maybe someone like me was forgotten long ago.

“Number Eleven! Haven’t I been telling you to come out?”

Lost in thought, a researcher in a white coat suddenly barged into the room.

They grabbed my hair and started dragging me somewhere.

If I resisted, I might get punched in the face, so I let myself be dragged away, clutching my sore head.

It’s nothing special.

Just another day of being poked, prodded… all sorts of things, really.

If I keep living like this, I’ll definitely die.

But strangely, I don’t feel too bad.

Because according to that thing created by the metal probes in my head and the flowing electricity, my one and only friend will never forget me!