About

In 2028, the world perfectly 'developed' the android. Fifteen years later, in 2033. A new revolution has taken place in the world. From those living on the streets to young children munching on candy while holding their parents' hands, everyone carries an android with them. Two orders per person. That phrase could be commonly seen in any cafe. Androids had no human rights. Cafes sold drinks for androids as a form of seating fee. It went without saying for cafe part-timers, restaurants, and factories; even in offices, the sight of an android secretary mixing a cup of Maxim coffee was natural. The tasks humans used to push off naturally became the work of androids, and they were equipped with a system of absolute obedience to humans. On the surface, it looks like nothing less than a utopia. Humans seem happy, affluent, and relaxed. A month ago, Jim Corse, the director of the famous 'Rune Circus,' made a declaration. Since he was a prestigious man often called the father of the circus, even I, who had no interest in circuses, saw it on the live news. On the TVs attached to the treadmills at the gym, live news was being broadcast simultaneously on every screen. "I will replace all performers with androids." What...? Making such a declaration on a live news broadcast being aired in multiple languages? He won't be able to handle the aftermath... Jim Corse's eyebrows, sprouting white hairs, didn't budge an inch, as if not a single hair would flutter even if the wind blew. Click! Click! Click! Click! Click! As if resembling their owner's stubbornness, his wide-open eyes did not blink even at the pouring light of camera shutters, staring only straight ahead. "Humans have always looked toward progress," Jim Corse said in a firm tone, like an enlightenment thinker reading a manifesto. "The reason God gave us this gift," he said, pointing to his head with his index finger. "Was it not to utilize it?" "The world is now about efficiency. Everything is currently moving efficiently." "A world where androids replace humans—how beautiful is that?" As Jim Corse smirked, unsightly wrinkles formed around his mouth. "August 7, 2033, 17:18." "Please forget the Rune of the past." "I will return as a new Rune." ---- After that, Rune Circus failed miserably, contrary to Jim Corse's expectations. They say not even a fly visits... Various communities were filled with vivid reviews like 'I actually went and there's nothing special lol' and reviews with chilling titles like 'Jim Corse is just Baggage,' presumably written by a former employee. Among them, the posts that caught my eye were... 'Rune Circus Mad Light' 'Do you know Mad Light Ethan?' 'ML is freaking scary...' Madman, lunatic, psycho, heretic. Shortened to 'Mad Light,' it was a post about Ethan. As someone who makes a living as a reporter, I couldn't help but be interested in such rumors. Looking closely at the posts, there were overlapping circumstances that suggested they weren't all lies. Shall I give it a visit?