Zero Generation – The Survivors, Part 2
Before I continue, let me say this:
This chapter contains descriptions similar to natural disasters.
If you’re not feeling up to it, it’s okay to skip it.
All you need to know for the main story is that a catastrophic event happened twenty years ago.
That Day
I was at an amusement park called Mitsui Blue Land with my family.
Dad.
Mom.
My older sister.
And me.
We had just arrived, ready to have fun, when the ground began to shake.
“An earthquake…? It’s huge!”
The tremors grew stronger—
so strong we couldn’t stay standing.
Then the ground split open.
Screams echoed everywhere.
“...Tōdō‑san? Are you alright?”
Misaki’s voice pulled me back.
She was leaning forward, worry in her eyes.
“…Yeah. Sorry.”
An awkward silence settled between us.
“I’m sorry. I asked too much without thinking.”
“No… it’s not your fault.
Time passes, but… it’s not about time.
It’s my own issue.”
A quiet pause.
“Have you ever talked to a counselor?”
“…Probably don’t need one anymore. It’s just… up to me now.”
I continued stitching the scarf, the needle sliding smoothly through the fabric.
“Most people alive today experienced that disaster,” I said.
“But I was too young to remember most of it.”
“I was born that same year…
Maybe that’s why my father is still overly protective. It’s troublesome sometimes.”
“My sister too. She’s married now, has kids, but she still worries about me.”
I couldn’t help but laugh a little.
“Alright, it’s done. Let me check the stats.”
■ Gale Scarf → Divine Wind Neckguard
Quality: Supreme
Effects (when worn around the neck):
Agility +50%
Wind Magic +10%
Self‑Repair Capability
Infused with spider silk and embroidered with a sacred wind sigil,
this neckguard grants control over wind akin to a deity.
The thread’s properties allow the item to repair minor damage on its own.
Estimated Market Value: ¥100,000,000
I froze.
“…What do you see?” Misaki asked.
“…Sorry. I think I might’ve created something insane.”
I explained the stats to her.
“Tōdō‑san, you mentioned on Lime that different patterns grant different effects, correct?
If possible, could you add more sigils?”
“Uh… yeah. But the effects depend on the pattern.”
I pulled up photos of embroidery designs and their descriptions.
Several images appeared with red X marks.
“…Huh?”
“What’s wrong?”
“These pictures… some of them are marked with X.”
■ Warning
Certain sigils will conflict with the current effects.
Adding them may result in no effect or a reduction in existing performance.
“…What?”
I relayed the warning to Misaki.
“Ah, I see.”
“You understand it?”
“For example, adding a water element to a fire‑based weapon would cause them to cancel each other out.
Isn’t it something like that?”
“Ohhh… that makes sense!”
“I’ll use it as is. I’ll report back after testing it. Is that alright?”
“Yeah, of course.”
As I packed away my sewing tools, Misaki fidgeted slightly, glancing at me.
“…Is something wrong?”
“I’ve thought this for a while…
Do you realize how extraordinary your ability is?”
“…Honestly, I don’t.
Until someone actually uses the item, I don’t know if the effect is real.
I’m still half‑convinced it’s all luck.”
“If these were sold as equipment, they would be incredibly valuable.
Yet you never ask for compensation.”
“Eh!? No way, I can’t take money just for embroidery!
Maybe materials and a small labor fee, sure…
But this time the scarf and thread were yours, so I can’t charge anything.”
“…That’s true.
But I want to formally commission you in the future.
Please consider your pricing soon.”
She placed the scarf into her bag and stood.
“Tōdō‑san, I look forward to the results.
I truly believe in your work.”
And with that, Misaki left the café.
