Chapter 5

Relying on my memory, I walked down the narrow path and emerged from the forest.

I searched my memory to figure out where in the original world I was.

"Chiyoda, Chuo, and Minato wards are part of the Special Zone. This area seems to be close to the sea."

It's hard to believe, but this is the heart of Tokyo, right in front of me, with the vast expanse of nature.

My home is in a residential area further ahead.

The air is fresh, and there are no cars. I never thought I would see such a view in Tokyo.

Feeling a bit moved by the scene before me, I walked toward my home.

The residential area was lined with impressive houses, each with a spacious garden.

"This area must be an upscale residential district."

In the original world, high-rise condominiums are a kind of status symbol, but it's different here.

Looking around, there are no tall buildings. They either don't exist, or people don't see the value in living on high floors.

After walking through the residential area for a while, I finally arrived at my home.

"The house is big... and the garden is spacious."

My home is a large Western-style mansion.

When I searched my memory to understand why I live here, I was a bit surprised.

"Welcome back, Takemaru."

"Thanks, sis."

As I entered the front door, my sister greeted me.

The security of the house is top-notch, and if someone intrudes on the property, an immediate notification is sent.

This is true for most houses.

I have a mother and a sister. Our relationship is good.

My father is not around. My mother seems to have conceived us through artificial insemination.

The level of scientific development is not much different from the original world.

However, in terms of childbirth, child-rearing, and artificial insemination, this world is far more advanced.

The risks associated with childbirth have been significantly reduced.

Additionally, the mechanization of daily life has advanced. This is likely due to the low population, which has necessitated such developments.

And the reason I was surprised by the size of my home is that it seems I live with my aunt's family.

To live in the Special Zone, one must make significant financial sacrifices.

My aunt has the qualifications to live in the Special Zone but cannot afford it.

Since I am a boy, my mother decided to make the most of it.

She rented a large house and invited my aunt and her two daughters to live with us.

When there is a boy in the family, there are significant tax benefits, reducing my mother's burden.

This is to prevent boys from being sold, placed in poor conditions, or forced to live outside the Special Zone due to financial difficulties.

My mother cleverly used these benefits to secure housing for my aunt's family as well.

My aunt is also very capable, so this might be a family trait.

"Takemaru, did you go to the northern forest again today?"

"Yeah."

I have told my family where I go, but I haven't shared any details.

They know I go out to be alone, so my mother and sister let me be. I think they are a good family.

Of course, I believe they track my movements through the location data on my smartphone.

Also, my aunt's family seems to avoid meeting me at home as much as possible. This is a considerate gesture from them.

My aunt has two daughters, but we only greet each other if we meet at home.

According to my memory, we don't play or go out together.

I go out with my mother and sister, so I think they are being considerate.

I talk to my aunt normally, but I don't have many memories of talking to her daughters.

They are young girls, so I would like to improve our relationship.

"Tomorrow is your enrollment ceremony, right? Mom said she will come home early today."

"Really? That's unusual."

She usually comes home very late, so this is surprising.

"She said her project has reached a milestone, so I think that's why."

My mother works on promoting the automation of logistics in the Special Zone.

The logistics in the Special Zone are unique, and my mother is involved in its development.

I'm not sure of the specifics, but from the programming books in her room and her usual conversations, I can infer that she is involved in development.

Actually, there is a huge 'Logistics Tunnel' system built under this Special Zone.

It wasn't as difficult to construct as the subway system in the original world, and the tunnel network is quite extensive.

Various goods are transported day and night through these tunnels.

About a hundred years ago, Manhattan Island had a network of pneumatic tubes for delivering mail, but they often got clogged, leading to their eventual abandonment.

The system in the Special Zone is more advanced, with fully automated conveyor belts moving goods.

The rarity of large transport vehicles on the surface is a testament to its effectiveness.

My mother and her colleagues work hard to improve logistics efficiency, and I am grateful for their efforts.

"Maybe I'll work in a similar field when I grow up."

It seems the original owner of this body is quite intelligent and could become a researcher if he wanted to.

"Mom might be happy, but you don't have to push yourself, Takemaru. You could also become a Special Zone administrator."

"True. As a Special Zone administrator, I would mainly work with men, which might be good."

When I brought up the topic of my future, she didn't agree.

It's not good for men to work in regular companies due to mental health concerns.

Common jobs for men include government employees, such as local public servants, which include teachers.

Many men work in central government offices related to the Special Zone.

A fair number of men work in national government positions, including bureaucrats, politicians, and their secretaries, forming a unique community.

Other common professions include doctors, artists, and entertainers.

Some are self-employed, but if their business becomes successful, it can become difficult due to the influx of casual customers.

In any case, many men who work in regular companies tend to quit after a few years, as shown by statistics.

My sister knows this, so she doesn't agree with the idea.

"I think it would be good for you to work within the Special Zone, Takemaru."

"Then maybe I should become a local public servant..."

The Special Zone where we live, the Tokyo Special Zone, officially exists as an address.

There are three other similar Special Zones in Sendai, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

Most men live in one of these four Special Zones.

The number of women who can live in the Special Zones is much lower, with about ten to twenty women for every man.

The ratio changes over time, and it is currently set at twenty women per man.

Of course, it is possible to commute from outside the Special Zone with a permit, and with the proper procedures, one can enter for tourism.

There are no restrictions on movement.

Therefore, many women commute or attend school from outside the Special Zone during the day.

This system, which limits the number of women, is designed to prevent men from feeling overly intimidated while also fostering competition among women.

The Special Zone, with its advanced technology and comfortable living environment, is a place where men live.

Despite the abundance of nature, it offers the best possible environment.

All women dream of living in the Special Zone.

If that's not possible, they dream of working there.

Incidentally, the Tokyo Special Zone has the fewest residents among the four Special Zones.

Unfortunately, Tokyo, which developed early, cannot expand the Special Zone any further.