Have you ever thought that one day humanity might live within specific time periods and become trapped? In the year 2100, the world was about to be destroyed by great nuclear wars, but somehow, it did not disappear, and people survived. The survivors began rebuilding this world and started discovering new resources.
However, due to the developments caused by the nuclear war, humanity had come to hate progress. A group of people decided to remain outside these advancements and live only in past lives, founding 11 cities. These 11 cities are called the Cities of Eras, while all other regions are known as the Eraless Lands. The 11 cities are protected by a combination of real and cyber walls.
The eras of these 11 cities are as follows: The Ancient Age, 718, 1227, 1789, 1880, 1980, 1990, 2010, 2020, 2050, and the Founder City. Since childhood, I have always heard the same things about the Eraless people—they are constantly at war, struggling with hunger and misery. They are continuing technological advancements and supposedly planning new nuclear wars. However, our government is trying to stop them and considering integrating them into our own system.
Of course, those so-called backward people refused this offer. Our leaders, in order to protect us, banned travel to the Eraless Lands. We can never go outside. It is strictly forbidden to see the outside world. We are doomed to remain stuck within the same cycle.
Everyone here lives in the era they have chosen. If, for example, your family chose the 1980 era but you don't want to live in that time, you can transfer to another era of your choosing. However, this does not always happen, as each city has a limited capacity. People are accepted based on those limits, with younger individuals given priority. Some use their transition rights for medical treatments as well.
Changing eras is not an easy process. You must be young and healthy, and you need a strong reason to convince the committee to allow your transition. If you are ill, you may come only for treatment or be permitted to stay under certain conditions. Once you transition, your memories of your previous era are erased, and discussing the past is strictly forbidden.
You are given a new life in your mind as if you have never changed eras, as if you have always belonged to that time. Information about eras is provided starting at the age of six, when you make your first selection. You are then allowed to choose again at the ages of 18, 24, and 30. Once you make your choice at these four stages, there is no turning back—you belong to that era permanently.
Since childhood, I have always been curious about what happens in other eras. But since the government forbids this, I cannot discuss it. Just last week, someone who transitioned from another era ran into the streets and shouted in protest. He said that everything we knew was a lie and that our own 2050 era was responsible for it.
That day, I understood what he meant, but as time passed, I felt cursed by the truths I had seen. I wished I had never learned them. I continued living my life somehow, but after that moment, everything began to change.
I went in search of the truth with them.
And so begins my story—Chieko Shimizu's story, from the 2050 era.
---
**2050**
The time when everything is at its best
"Miss Shimizu, hurry up! The new test subjects have arrived. We can finally continue the experiment we've been postponing for days."
"Alright, I'm coming, Miss Okada. This last experiment—if I succeed, we won't have to conduct further tests on people. Finally, I'll discover tissue regeneration and immortality. I'm sure Mr. Mirdi will be pleased. After all these years, I'll find what our era has been searching for!"
"Wait—no! What's happening again? But I haven't even injected it yet!"
An explosion occurs in the laboratory.
*Cough, cough.*
"Miss Shimizu, please wake up! Get a hold of yourself!"
"I guess I won't be using the lab again because of her. How many times has she blown up the place? And now, thanks to her, we lost the test subjects too. Foolish girl."
"Hey! Enough. Shut up. She's just trying to fulfill the mission given to us. At least she's not as pessimistic as you all."
"Hmph. Listen, big guy, I never understood why you were here in the first place, and now you're interfering in things you know nothing about? Get lost—we'll take care of her."
"Hey, I am part of the 'Mentsuji' team, alright? Do you know how many years I've given to this place? I was one of the chosen intelligent children who made it here!"
"And yet, all your intelligence seems to be focused on protecting Miss Shimizu."
"You filthy—calm down, big guy. Let me remind you, my family is the best in martial arts, so don't mess with me. Besides, I don't have time to waste on someone like you."
"You filthy—get back here!"
"Enough! Stop it! You're ruining the moment with your fighting!"
If you're wondering about the two people arguing, one of them is the cool, wise, and incredibly handsome man with striking blue hair and a cold gaze—Hiroshi Musashi. He is considered the most intelligent person of our era, gifted in many fields, seemingly successful at everything. As a child, I never liked him. We were always competing against each other, yet somehow, he always defeated me.
Before we were selected for this place, during the highest-ranking secondary institution, *Chi Myō In*, he and I had a final battle. I failed. That day, my dreams were shattered, and I swore never to pursue science again. However, Hiroshi defended me to the officials. He insisted that I deserved to be selected too.
---
Chi Myō In – Transition Exams
Miss Shimizu, what will you present to us today? And why do you want to join *Sesiaire*?
First of all, I would like to thank you for allowing me to be here and for listening to me.
She bows respectfully before them.
With your permission, I'll now present my project. As you know, our government has been seeking immortality for years, and we've only barely managed it through robotics. We've been able to extend human life by only a few years, but I have an idea.
As humans, our tissues and cells cannot regenerate as we age; instead, they deteriorate. I am going to change that.
My project aims to create a chemical that will restore human tissue. So far, I have tested it on mice. While some complications arose, a few survived and lived several months longer. Essentially, this chemical prevents cells from breaking down before aging and generates new ones. This process takes approximately five years. If the experiment succeeds, a person could live their lifespan all over again. However, eventually, the newly formed cells will also die, and the person will perish."
So, people will still die, Miss Shimizu?
Sir, I have not yet discovered a way for cells to regenerate continuously, but this chemical allows a person's cells to duplicate themselves, prolonging life without aging. Some older animals have even shown signs of rejuvenation thanks to this chemical.
If you allow me to join *Sesiaire*, I will have the resources to improve my project further.
We're sorry, Miss Shimizu, but we cannot admit you into such an important institution without more tangible results."
That moment shattered my dreams. I felt as if my very life energy had disappeared.
Please, Mr. Kazo, Miss Misa, Mr. Ren—I beg you! If you accept me, I can make this project succeed. I can discover immortality! Please, this has been my dream since childhood. I have lived my life considering the government's well-being. Miss Misa, I beg you!"
Miss Misa adjusts her glasses and says:
"Stop clinging to my leg. Behaving this way only degrades yourself, Chieko. You'll always be my best student at the academy, but I don't want to remember you like this. I never expected such incomplete speculation from you, Chieko. Leave now. The next candidate will present their case."
Here is your direct translation while preserving the original meaning:
---
**A few seconds later…**
Ah, we arrived so fast again. Before I could even open my mouth, this device made my head spin as it does every time I ride it.
"Ugh, stop whining, Chieko. Anyone hearing you would think you're not from here.Yeah, you're right. I am from here. Let's go, Emi.
Hiroshi, you guys are here.
Yes, we arrived instantly when I said I'd buy free food.Anyway, I'll order whatever I want, alright?" Are you trying to drain all my money? You'll eat whatever I choose!"
Fine, then. I'm leaving.
Hey, wait! Okay, I'll make an exception for that expensive meat, alright?
Hmm… nice idea. Alright, I accept.
Then let's check the menu. Sir, can you give us the menu?"
Ah, do you two always have to be this thick-headed, Chieko? You're asking for a menu from him—I'm going to lose my mind!
Did you say something, Emi?
Ah, no, Hiroshi. What could I possibly say? I think we need to scan the QR code here.Yes, sir. Right here.
Hmm… There seem to be some good dishes. Let's see—wonder which one is the most expensive?
Hey, I don't have that much money!"
Chieko-chan, don't worry. I'll pay for your meal. Order whatever you want.Oh, really? Normally I wouldn't accept, but this big guy seems useful to me for now. Fine, then. Everyone, listen up! Daiki-kun will be paying, so order whatever you want! Oh, is that so, big guy? Then I'll have to change my order. Sir, could you cancel the Wagyu, please?"
You—you were going to make me pay for that Wagyu?! You bastard!"
What, Chieko? Didn't you say you'd pay, or are you out of money since you haven't done a proper job in weeks?
Ugh, no! You bastard—I hate that you always understand what I'm thinking!"
I can't stand you either, but what can we do? We're stuck in the same group.
Alright, everyone, let's go! I've placed all our orders.
They sit at the table, and the restaurant owner approaches.
Ah, could you please mention how great the chips for your meals are? Thanks to an elite group like the *Mentsuji* team, my restaurant's popularity is rising."
What did you tell him about this?"
You were arguing, so we had plenty of time, Chieko.
Sir, for important people like you, I have personally prepared these Wagyu steaks with great care.
Ah, thank you, sir. You can leave now.
Oh, wait. One second—while the others are removing their chips for tasting, why haven't you removed yours? Don't tell me you don't have a chip?What are you trying to do by making us wear these chips?
Ugh, this is bad. Sir, excuse us, but we need to leave.
They disappear using their chips for teleportation. Sir, what you saw must remain between us, or soon enough, you'll end up just like our test subjects. Understood?
Ugh… You tricksters! I will find out what you're up to eventually! But for now, go on and leave!"
---
I kept the phrasing true to the original while ensuring it flowed naturally in English. Let me know if you need any refinements!