I Became a Sub Heroine in a Cyberpunk Game

“Is this perhaps one of the best studios in Neo Haven for ultra-fine photography and electronic data conversion? They even hired mechanics to make the Exatech advanced filming equipment compatible with the Bio-Technopia optical analyzer, after all.”

“Oh… really?”

While the director, who seemed to have a lot on his mind, maintained a dignified atmosphere, MD Dergi, true to his professional nature, exaggeratedly spoke to keep my interest and tension alive in a proudly boastful manner.

Ah, of course, I didn’t just hollowly agree with him. Please don’t misunderstand.

Various computerization for connecting convenience functions to the cyberware is basic.

In a town where it’s considered “cool” to automate even the simple act of bringing a glass of water to oneself if one has the capability, I thought I had adapted well enough, but there was still something thrilling about how this specialized field had developed so impressively. It was accurate to say it elevated the human spirit.

Vroom…

Rather than a rough mechanical noise, it was the sound of air vibrating.

This place, occupying an extraordinarily large space for a single studio, was filled with a dome-shaped structure so large that it made one feel as if the entire room was slowly rotating.

In the center was a mesh made up of metallic beads, each smaller than a styrofoam grain, layered so densely that it could easily be mistaken for a rough floor.

Surrounding it were conductive pillars fitted with glass smoother than mirrors, various sizes of lens cameras, and countless lights installed at multiple angles near the ceiling.

If there existed high magic concepts like softening the earth or summoning demons in the field of mechanical engineering, it would likely look like this.

When I combined all these elements, it reminded me of something unexpected… perhaps an astronomical observatory?

After all, isn’t it common for large museums or parks to intentionally create dim, hemispherical artificial shadows, adjusting light sources to resemble the night sky? A great spot for photography enhanced with star stickers and various planet models.

The only difference is, if the credits spent on building one of these had instead gone towards constructing such parks, I have no doubt the cost would have increased significantly in the hundreds, and unlike temporary guides, there were far more specialized technicians assigned here.

“Ah, Director Douglas! Looks like the model arrived right here with us? Just in time, the device’s warming up is finished. But why is the head of the news department here…?”

“Ahem! The entertainment department or schedule department doesn’t have a suitable person in charge, so I came along, so just shoot as you please. I’ll step in only if necessary.”

“…Um, I don’t know all the circumstances, so I’ll take your word for it! Then let’s quickly proceed with the schedule?”

The conversation among the officials was quite bland and succinct, but we set aside observation and appreciation.

Without even a turn to introduce each other, it progressed naturally, and I bowed slightly to the studio staff working nearby as a sign of gratitude for their help.

If I were to make a living impersonating a celebrity, it would be right to introduce myself with the vibrant attitude of a newcomer, but… I do have a separate job, and this is a temporary diversion!

Is this why people say one should have a ton of zeros in their wallets and bank accounts? Such a sense of financial freedom, overflowing. Hm.

However, whether it was a mistake to admire from a distance as if watching a fire across the river or a sin of forgetting the most natural logic of the world, I couldn’t tell.

Starting the work now means positioning the model, who is the main character, and doing various things, and today’s photogenic subject is me.

…There was absolutely no time to be leisurely. Yes.

“Alright~ where… Miss Anastasia? Please step inside and start the calibration work right away.”

“Huh, inside…?”

“It’s quite alright if you feel awkward since it’s your first time with full-body data conversion or body profile shooting! Our excellent staff will assist you otherwise!”

With a light shove near my shoulder, Dergi encouraged me to act.

What? Me? Why… not that I’m questioning it. Anyway, where exactly is this distinctly called ‘inside’ in this completely open room?

This side is obviously the path to the equipment control room, and the door at the end? Ah, that’s the dressing room where the costumes to change into are prepared.

So, do they want me to just step in among these pillars without any preparation? With cameras and lights all focused on breaking down the subject on stage, and all these people staring at me? Really??

What kind of ridiculously embarrassing experience is this…! Are they trying to mentally torture me on purpose??

– Even if there are many unnecessary expensive facilities. This level seems sufficient for the subject photography used in research labs… –

“I too understand this is just a grumbling complaint! But saying so doesn’t suddenly give me courage… Wait a moment, let me just be still!”

I thought I was calmly supplementing my thoughts… but somehow I desperately tried to ignore Zero’s advice, which oddly sounded like, “Anastasia dear, don’t be shy and hurry up~.”

Yeah, it’s all paranoia. My brain feels awkward in such situations; it’s merely trying to escape reality by feeling embarrassed. I might as well just confidently act as requested.

Besides, I just applied a ton of cosmetics not long ago, right? So strictly speaking, I haven’t even revealed my face! I’m closer to being in a mask. Yes, indeed…!

…This is a job I’m being paid for. I am a professional. I’m just doing as instructed, so it’s not awkward at all. Like a doll without emotions.

After completing a harsh mental control routine like a criminal facing judgment… I proceeded.

“Hmm… c-could I just go up here and stand still? Is that fine?”

“The Artificial Magnet Field will first three-dimensionally record your usual movements, angles, and the way you apply weight, so feel free to move around for now!”

I’m not sure what they mean by three-dimensional recording, but since they said anything goes, I guess I’ll find out gradually.

Vroom…

“Oh? Wow…?”

I nearly made an odd sound, quickly covering my lips to stop the gasp, but I couldn’t prevent my honest first reaction.

One step. As I firmly planted my foot, it felt like I was sinking into a swamp, and yet when I applied my weight, it supported me properly, filling me with a spine-tingling yet fascinating satisfaction.

Why? Because the sensation of standing on a resilient surface with a noticeable rebound is something one would rarely experience.

What could I compare this to, a ball pit filled with small balls? A swing bridge at a high point? A tautly set trampoline? Mixing all these might yield a similar result.

Whirring—… hmm… vroom—…

When I exert force, it pushes me back. When I make contact, the surface ripples like water, creating waves.

If I were to evaluate the satisfaction from the visual stimuli and sensations separately, while I had been shaking my limbs frivolously, I had inadvertently forgotten about the gazes around me, lost in a surreal artistic beauty that seemed only possible in a conscious realm.

However, after enjoying the thrill of being on an attraction typical of amusement parks for a moment, I noticed a new fact.

So… it was really called a magnetic field, right? This was the power of an artificially created electromagnetic field via machines?

It’s obvious they heavily reinvested since ads generate substantial revenue, but honestly, if technology used in everyday fields is at this level, I wondered if I could personally obtain a device like this… a revolutionary thought.

Of course, I’d have to learn how to use it specifically and find ways to maintain it to download it for Zero!

No, right? Even if I didn’t look far, if I could just reasonably understand how this device maintains a field similar to a magnetic one, I could accomplish an immense improvement in my own electromagnetic skills, which I can’t even play marble properly…

“…Gasp! Huh!”

I weakly charged the area near my legs to increase the sensitivity to the magnetic field and began to roll my feet.

As if I had entered a zero-gravity experience chamber, my body bounced with semi-elasticity, yet regardless of that, I focused all my attention on observing the trembling magnetic field and feeling the direction of the shifting strength.

Having the visible tool of this mesh with its tight lattice-like structure definitely makes understanding much easier than learning alone at home by bumping against walls.

Just a bit, if only I could dedicate a little more time and effort to grasping it…

It felt like an answerable exam question where I had the answer but couldn’t recall the necessary formula—an annoying feeling.

As I pored over this like a solitary scholar in anguish, I continually moved, sometimes walking along the edges of the mesh and slipping, research and exploration in multiple dimensions, until I suddenly realized something strange.

The area around me had grown unnaturally quiet.

Instead of receiving additional guideline support as promised, the previously sporadic chatter among the staff had ceased, leaving only the sound of my footsteps and the operating equipment.

Could it be… was this part of the shoot? No way, right?

Since it was a preliminary calibration process, surely everyone, being professionals, was quietly preparing out of consideration for me.

Hoping that was the case, I slowly raised my face, only to meet the eyes of numerous spectators gazing at me with expressions that were both very pleased and slightly awkward… Ah. Hell.

““…….””

“…Um, it seems there is a huge misunderstanding right now. Can I say just one thing, everyone??”

No, it wasn’t that I was innocently having fun. Initially, I felt a small thrill, but in the later stages, scholarly and progressive ideas popped up… Why do you all avert your gazes without even listening to the end of my words?

Laugh if you wish! Just don’t casually say it’s all fine.

But it’s not like I enjoyed playing with a toy or anything like that!?

…Hey, you bad guys—! Why isn’t anyone answering me properly!

Zero, delete all of today’s footage! Otherwise, as soon as we get home, I’m going to rummage through your cloud data!! Damn!

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