The Old Resident District is, so to speak, almost like a slum, so it's tentatively managed to the degree that barely to anyone can live there.

But that's it.

The police who only act big are teamed up with yakuza and do whatever they want, so there's a huge difference between here and Platinum Jail.

It's not like we can do anything about it. Even if we're unhappy, we can't do anything but endure and swallow it.

Even so, it's often said that there's no place like home, so once you get used to it, living here is unexpectedly comfortable.

We're not cornered so badly that we can't live, we have our nice days.

I don't wish for much. I don't mind if it continues like this.

The people in the Old Resident District live thinking like that.

Ren: ''Aoba... Aoba.''

Ren pokes his head out of the bad and taps my arm with his paw.

Aoba: ''What's the matter?''

Ren: ''You are thinking too much. My thought circuit is almost short-circuiting.''

Aoba: ''Seriously? Just how poor of a thought circuit did I install in you?''

Ren: ''If the intensity of the thought circuit is temporally set to 100 and compared to the average adult male, the intensity of Aoba's thought circuit would be...''

Aoba: ''Okay, okay. You don't have to tell. It's me who's going to short-circuit from that explanation.''

Ren: ''Is that so.''

I involuntary smile at Ren's earnest answer and stroke his head.

Ren is a dog type Allmate. Allmates are artificial life form with intelligence, generally used as support for network tools.

They can search the internet and virtual space for information, and of course they can also be used to shop online.

Depending on the model, it's also possible to use one as helping hand around the house, and they play an active part as a partner in a net game called Rhyme.

There are many types of Allmates, among them are animal Types which have many different forms; many people love them as pets.

Ren and I have been together for quite a long time, too. I'm not exaggerating to say I would even call him my partner.

Even as Allmates improve and new models come out, I wouldn't abandon Ren even if hell froze over.

Ren: ''Aoba, if you want to take a shortcut, turn right at the next road.''

Aoba: ''Ack, that was close. Almost missed it.''

Following Ren's instructions, I enter into a narrow side street.

Once I get through here, I'll be close to the courier.

The thing that acts as a divider to the four parts of the Old Resident District is a street called Aoyagi Street.

On Aoyagi Street, there are lots of stores where you can get common items cheaply. In contrast, there are many maniac hobby stores in the back streets.

As I walk on the side street, a group leaning untidily against a dirty wall stand out.

Like guys taking turns biting a silver drug sheet... That sort of atmosphere. What's wrong with punk kids these days.

There was a time when I thought those kind of things were normal. I was the same.

But hey, it's not like I'm old enough to speak I like a grandpa...

I'm finished with that kind of thing. Totally.

As I pass between the guys hanging out, the contents of their loud conversation reach my ears.

Grey-Haired Guys: ''... So yeah, seems like it really happened. Suddenly being hijacked in the head, like this?''

Green-Haired Guys: ''What the hell's that? A forced Rhyme participation?''

Grey/H: ''Yeah yeah, it's exactly that. A Rhyme game would suddenly start at some random roadside, and the opponent is crazy strong too.''

Green H: ''But wouldn't that mean Usui's not there? If so, is it even possible to do Rhyme?''

Grey/H: ''Seems like it's possible. I don't really get it though.''

Green H: ''And if you're not even prepared or anything, isn't it impossible to fight? So you can't refuse?''

Grey/H: ''Apparently it's a no question asked thing. Anyway, being forcibly pulled in and then beaten, it's like a Drive-By.''

Green H: ''That's pretty bad.''

They seem to be talking about Rhyme.

Rhyme is an avatar-type online fighting game.

When opponents connect their consciousnesses online with a device, they can experience a virtual battle that feels real.

There's no notifications as to when and where it's happening at all.

When ''Usui'', who performs the holding and judging of the game, appears then that place becomes the field.

At first it was a free game made by an amateur; the rules were loose and apparently was no Usui either.

When it gained popularity fast, Toue Inc. affiliated companies finally became sponsors.

Then, there was the strengthening of the system with the adding of Usui and set official rules which is what Rhyme is today.

Well, since I'm not doing Rhyme it doesn't concern me.