Gun of Ashes

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[Opening document...]

[Log Number-001]

Ah... where do I begin? This is my first day joining the experiment project. Director Johnny suggested I write some personal journals to record some details during the experiment and some strange inner thoughts.

To be honest, this kind of thing is a bit forced for me. I’ve never really had the habit of keeping a journal, but there’s nothing I can do—after all, I’m just an ordinary researcher and still have to listen to the director.

I hope the process of journaling won’t be too painful.

[Log Number-021]

It takes 21 days to cultivate a habit, and today happens to be my 21st day keeping a journal. I feel like I’m starting to get used to it. Each day, it only takes a bit of time, randomly typing something on the keyboard, to fulfill Director Johnny’s request, and at the same time, make her a bit happy... Actually, she looks quite nice when she smiles.

Speaking of which, the progress of the experiment is going smoothly. Everyone plans to go out for a drink after the rest... of course, the drink takes place in the isolation zone. We can’t leave here until the experiment is over, and according to the experiment’s progress, I estimate I’ll be here for a year or two.

It’s actually not bad—at least it covers food and board, with money to earn, not to mention we’re researching the strangest things in this world.

[Log Number-061]

I’ve completely integrated here. Probably because of my good performance, I became Director Johnny’s assistant researcher, tagging along with her to survey the site every day.

She’s actually quite a good person, just a bit too strict. I mentioned this to some colleagues, and they all gave me strange looks. Reza even gave me a thumbs up, praising me as an energetic newcomer or something.

I feel like I haven’t completely blended in.

But truthfully, being an assistant researcher is much more tiring than before. I have to carry various equipment every day and run around with Director Johnny. But luckily, after becoming an assistant researcher, I successfully made contact with the core of this experiment. Although I only took a glance from afar, still...

Wow, it’s really a beautiful thing. This should be my first time observing it with the naked eye. I find it hard to describe. Luckily, I recorded a short video, and after consulting Director Johnny, she allowed me to add this short video to my journal.

[Open video file.]

[File corrupted.]

[Log Number-126]

Ah, time has flown by being here for so many days. Each day I wake up to see the pure white ceiling, isolation belts, and security gates everywhere, with armed guards...

I feel like a hamster living in a cage. Fortunately, this cage is big enough; otherwise, it would really feel like jail.

Reza listened to me and understood very well. That old guy said he’s been here for several years and had similar feelings. He suggested I consult a psychologist.

Alright, I finally know what these psychologists really are for. I always thought it was just a position for freeloaders.

I met my psychologist. Honestly, I don’t really trust the guy. He reeked of alcohol, like waking up from a hangover. He said he spilled alcohol on himself, but I always felt he was lying.

Pushed open the door, I left immediately, hoping the next psychologist on duty would be more reliable.

During the experiment survey, I mentioned this to Johnny during a chat. She comforted me a bit and then invited me to the bar for a drink in the evening.

I haven’t been to bars much. I always feel these entertainment facilities in the isolation zone are very dull.

But... I still decided to go.

It was just a simple drink with my superior to open up, but Reza and the others seemed very excited, mumbling a bunch of weird stuff to me. Because of this, Becky even brought out his treasured suit to lend me.

In his words, he intended to wear the suit after the experiment ended, walking out of the isolation zone with confidence.

Oh, by the way, I haven’t written about it in my journal before. This guy Becky, unable to bear the experimental pressure, tried to escape the isolation zone several times but was caught by security guards. It is said that after his incident, the isolation zone administrators gradually began to take the researchers’ psychological pressure seriously.

The evening’s drink went on as usual, somewhat awkwardly since I dressed very formally, while Johnny still wore her lab coat. She said she just came back from working overtime in the lab.

I started to understand why everyone was so afraid of Johnny. She pointed to my clothes and asked meaningfully if I really valued something or other... Is this considered workplace sexual harassment?

Although the process was somewhat awkward, chatting with her made me feel pretty good.

[Log Number-147]

The experiment’s progress is advancing as expected. Today, I had the fortune of meeting the project’s chief officer, Dr. Barack Field. Under his lead, I put on protective clothing and entered the ”Mutated Area” for the first time.

Right, after writing so much in the journal, I realize I haven’t mentioned the research part.

When did it all start?

It seems nobody is quite clear. In any case, small ”misalignments” appeared in the world of ”common sense.”

For example, in certain areas, physical laws no longer apply, and logic falls into collapse.

It’s like...

Like reality has been distorted.

The cornerstone constructing material reality is collapsing, continuously crumbling.