Roaming through the world of Doraemon

In the center of the venue, Da Xiong followed the second and third place finishers, Sarkozy and Lisa, to the podium. Da Xiong slowly stepped onto his champion's spot, using the steps where Sarkozy had been third. He tilted his head and glanced at Sarkozy, who looked like everyone owed him millions of dollars and had a mournful face. He also glanced at Lisa, who was standing next to him and whose eyes were constantly darting around him. Da Xiong's thoughts gradually became more profound.

Before Nobita could react, the governor of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, led a blond foreigner dressed in navy blue to the podium, casually took the trophy and ribbon from the hostess, and slipped them onto Nobita.

"Congratulations, Nobita! You performed exceptionally well in this competition. I and the audience across the country witnessed your talent on the field. We also thank you for bringing glory to this country and this nation. I will arrange for a teacher from the Ministry of Education to personally visit you and award you the title of 'National Outstanding Youth.' I hope you will continue to work hard and strive for further glory for the country."

Aoi Teng's speech in front of the camera was measured and persuasive, in the tone of an elder caring for a younger generation. His words were authoritative yet full of encouragement and concern for Nobita, showing great affection.

However, Nobita is a seasoned veteran of society. While Aoi Teng's rhetoric might resonate with viewers today, it's still far weaker than a speech delivered in a later era. Even a typical university student council could produce such a political performance.

Aoi Teng's words were pleasant to hear, but Nobita, whose mental strength far surpassed that of others, was not stupid. He could sense Aoi Teng's intentions without even having to project his mental strength outward. The governor of the Ministry of Education wanted to make himself a role model, a shining example in his political career, both domestically and internationally. Nobita could even feel the overflowing ambition of Aoi Teng to climb higher and higher.

Although Nobita wasn't particularly fond of this kind of person, he still bowed slightly and accepted the championship ribbon and trophy from Aoi Teng in front of the audience watching the match live and on TV. After hanging the ribbon, he rubbed the material of the ribbon with his hand. You have to admit, it was quite soft. It was clear that the stingy Japanese government hadn't skimped on the material.

However, this red and yellow ribbon, embroidered with pale pink cherry blossom petals, looks like a leftover ribbon from a beauty pageant. The style of this ribbon is obviously not suitable for me now. If the Ministry of Education could make me a black cloak or a white robe, that would be the most eye-catching, and it would be hard not to attract attention.

Despite his thoughts and complaints, after awarding Nobita his prize, the runner-up and third-place honors were also awarded to Lisa and Sarkozy. Nobita looked at their outfits and found them to be exactly the same as his own. Apart from the different engravings on the trophies, the color and material of the ribbons, the style and coating of the trophies, were all identical, making Nobita roll his eyes.

After the awards for the three highest scorers were presented, the awards for the team competition, represented by the nations, were next. Needless to say, Japan won again, but overall, they didn't score much higher than the United States. This competition was a complete display of their high-energy, explosive performance. If there had been a second chance, they might have been completely crushed by the entire American team. But that's not what Nobita cares about. Who knows how many years it will be before the second competition?

After Nobita's award ceremony ended, he didn't attend the team competition's award ceremony. Instead, he walked directly across the center of the arena towards the backstage area. The competition was one thing, but there were more important things waiting for him to save after the competition. He didn't have to save the world, but at least he should save everyone around him.

As he slowly walked up the backstage steps, thinking about what that weird, silly bird had said, something just didn't feel right. Nobita couldn't figure out the connection. The future, fantasy, dream world, Miyako—how did all these seemingly unrelated elements suddenly become linked together? It was all very inexplicable.

The scene returns to the center of the competition venue. By this time, the awards for the Japanese team have been presented, and the governor of the Ministry of Education is giving the group of blushing students in the center of the field a round of encouragement, making them shout excitedly, as if they were overjoyed to receive lucky money during the Lunar New Year. If the cameras and microphones were closer, they would immediately hear that Aoi Teng's words were almost identical to what he said to Nobita, with only a few words changed.

0 ······Requesting flowers····· ·····

On the Japanese side, the governor of the Ministry of Education personally presented awards, while on the US side, the ambassador to Japan presented awards to the children of his own country. It was quite peculiar that their own country was awarding prizes to its own people; there wasn't even a showy scene. It's unclear what exactly happened between these two countries, which are currently in a period of ambiguity and complexity.

The US ambassador gave each of the American team's boys a hug and a medal. When it was Lisa's turn, her eyes were fixed on the Japanese team's situation, but she couldn't find Nobita anywhere. Lisa couldn't help but feel anxious, as if she had lost something.

......... ........ 0

Of course, Lisa's expression was noticed by the US ambassador. The ambassador patted Lisa on the shoulder and said encouragingly, "Child, although I don't know what happened to you or what you went through, don't panic. People who panic are more likely to lose more. Think about what you really want to do right now and do what you want to do."

I don't know where the ambassador got this life motto from, but Lisa nodded slightly as if she had taken it to heart, or as if she hadn't paid any attention at all. However, after Lisa put on the medal, she quickly left the venue and walked towards the backstage. The determination and persistence in her expression was as if she were under a spell, which startled the US ambassador who had just finished handing out medals. What was going on?

As Lisa hurriedly left the venue, her mind was filled with images of Nobita from the beginning to the end of the competition. Nobita's performance in each match floated through Lisa's eyes, and the memories of the two of them when they were young gradually became clear from the deepest part of her memory.

Lisa grinned slightly, walked to her locker backstage, took out a strangely styled phone, dialed a few numbers, and called Death.

Chapter Two: The Future Department Store

"Mom, the competition is over. I have an idea. This decision may be very difficult for you and Dad to accept, but I have thought about it for a long time and I think I should tell you."

Lisa held up the nearly 20-centimeter-long white mobile phone, pulled up the antenna, and spoke slowly into the microphone with a serious expression.

“Lisa, you are Mom and Dad’s child. You can tell us anything you want to say. Dad is right here on the phone. We are all here. We hope you can tell us your thoughts.”

Since Lisa's family moved from Japan to the United States when she was a child, Lisa's growth has been smooth sailing. At a young age, she was able to defeat many mental contestants in the state and represent the country in competitions. Lisa not only excelled in intelligence from a young age, but also had an absolutely extraordinary talent in art. Not long ago, she was accepted as a disciple by a master of modern art in the United States, and her future prospects are limitless.

Lisa excels in every aspect, and her parents are very confident in her. What more could parents ask for than a daughter like her? Although her parents adopted a laissez-faire approach to raising her, Lisa did not spoil herself. Instead, she did even better in every way.

It was precisely Lisa's precociousness and versatility that made her parents realize the difference in Lisa today. Lisa on the phone seemed too calm and too quiet, which made her parents, who were on another continent, uneasy.

"Mom, after this competition, I want to stay in Japan and not go back to the United States." Lisa bit her lip, her pearly white teeth trembling, as if she had hesitated for a long time.

"Why did you suddenly decide not to go back to the US?" Lisa's mother couldn't understand why Lisa had changed so much after only two days in Japan for a competition. Japan and the US are separated by an ocean, thousands of miles apart. Although her family had lived in Japan in the past, they had moved away. It was strange that Lisa would want to move back to Japan alone after only two days. Lisa's mother was very puzzled.

“I feel like I’ve reached a peak in the US, and I won’t make much progress in any area, so I want to change my environment. This time in Japan, I’ve discovered things that are different from those in the US, and I want to continue learning and enriching myself here.”

Lisa thought for a long time. Although the United States was far superior to Japan in terms of economy, culture, technology and other aspects in this era, Japan had its own unique strengths. Otherwise, how could Nobita, whom she had grown up with, have become such a different person? The contrast between him and the person she remembered was too great.

The current Nobita is resolute, brave, intelligent, steady, and charming. All the qualities of teenagers at this age can be found in Nobita. In fact, Nobita has a maturity and composure that only adults possess. This makes Lisa, who has always been a privileged girl, unable to extricate herself and full of curiosity and exploration towards this transformed friend.

Perhaps it was Nobita's change that instilled in Lisa a spirit of exploration in the country, or perhaps it was Nobita's inherent qualities that attracted Lisa. But none of that mattered. Lisa knew that as long as she stayed here, around Nobita, the things she wanted to know and the answers she had come to understand would all come to light.

"Lisa, have you thought it through?"

As Lisa's mother, she knows her daughter very well. From childhood to adulthood, her daughter has never changed her mind or made a mistake. Although this decision was rash, as a mother, the first thing to do is to trust her daughter's choice.

"I've made up my mind. I'm going to stay here. Only by staying here can I enter a different world and see different things. Mom, Dad, please don't worry. When I find what I want, I will naturally come back to the United States to be with you."

As a mother, Lisa understands her daughter, but as a daughter, how could she not understand her mother's feelings? Although the request was selfish, Lisa's heart could not be more resolute at this moment. She had to stay and follow Nobita to see a different world.

"Alright then, since you've made this decision, your father and I support you. We'll arrange your studies and life in Japan later. Come back and visit us often when you have time; we miss you very much, my darling daughter..."

The conversation between mother and daughter, which was neither long nor short, came to an end. Lisa's ideas were accepted by her family in the United States. The next thing to be resolved was Lisa's studies and life, but these were not major problems in Japan at this time.

In this era of rapid development in Japan, there are many schools and residential communities specifically for foreigners. Lisa's study and accommodation problems are not particularly difficult at all. After learning about his daughter's intentions, Lisa's father, who was far away in the United States, solved all of Lisa's problems in Japan in less than half a day.

Just like when she was a child, Lisa's new home is located across the street from Nobita's home, and she attends the same school as Nobita. Lisa, a genius who won second place in a nationally renowned competition, can resolve matters at lightning speed with the help of money and power.

Two flowers bloom, each telling its own story. Lisa was on the phone with her family, explaining her decision to stay in Japan, while Nobita, after arriving backstage, immediately rushed to Doraemon and told him about what had happened before the competition. The series of events left Doraemon speechless. He hadn't expected that the future world, the present, and the parallel world created by the "What If Phone Booth" would actually be connected. It seemed that there were indeed different undercurrents flowing in the future world.

Although he is a domestic and childcare robot, Doraemon is not stupid at all. After several adventures, Doraemon also felt that something was wrong. He and Nobita should be targeted by some person or organization, from the future world or from an extraterrestrial force. Everything is unknown, but the unknown is the most terrifying.

"A shopping voucher for the Future World Department Store, right? Then let's go check out the Future World Department Store!" Doraemon said solemnly as he accepted the shopping voucher from Ashley the Birdman.

Chapter Three: Mysterious and Unpredictable

Nobita and Doraemon stared at the shopping voucher for the Future Department Store that the mysterious person had handed them, their expressions becoming serious. This small shopping voucher itself was nothing, but the hidden plan or the schemer targeting them behind it made them shudder.

The 20th century in Japan was a peaceful era, but in contrast to this peace, there were countless ambitious figures from beyond time and space, constantly threatening to engulf the planet. This era turned millions of years of human history into nothingness; it was both too peaceful and too terrifying.

Thinking of this, the two left the backstage area and immediately took the bamboo copter and headed home. They had already received the shopping vouchers from Future World Department Store, and it seemed that they would only find out what kind of conspiracy awaited them and Doraemon after buying the items on the vouchers. Moreover, it seemed that Miyako was still in their hands. Given the current situation, they had no choice but to go. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The bamboo dragonfly performed quite well, flying at a speed of 60 to 70 miles per hour. In no time, the two of them flew to their home, opened the second-floor window, and jumped into the desk drawer. They then piloted their time machine and sped towards the 22nd-century futuristic department store.

The time tunnel from the 20th century to the 22nd century wasn't particularly long; in less than half an hour, a black, wormhole-like cave appeared ahead of the time machine. Doraemon, piloting the time machine, looked at the wormhole ahead and turned to Nobita, saying, "The black hole ahead is the 22nd century. Nobita, this is your first time in the future, isn't it? Although I don't know what's in the department stores of the 22nd century, I believe that as long as we can overcome this danger..."

Gripping the brake lever of the time machine tightly, Doraemon was the first to jump into the wormhole representing the future world. Nobita looked at Doraemon's resolute death-seeking appearance and shook his head helplessly. He had been transported to this world in a daze and replaced Nobita's existence. He originally thought that he could use Doraemon's cheat codes to dominate the whole world and reach the pinnacle of life. He never expected that the simple world was not so simple after all.

Magic and technology intertwine, silicon-based civilizations collide with carbon-based civilizations, and parallel and future worlds are intertwined. The things hidden beneath this seemingly ordinary world are not as simple as they appear. If it weren't for him and Doraemon, and things continued like this, Earth would probably be doomed before the next outbreak.

Facing magical and technological civilizations, Nobita wasn't particularly afraid, because he had Doraemon, a powerful being who could sweep across the entire universe. However, when it came to the future, everything became unpredictable. His cheat ability originated from the future, and if someone in the future wanted to cause trouble and plot against him from the shadows, it would be extremely difficult to handle. He could only risk his life and keep going. He just hoped that the so-called Time Patrol would be reliable and not wait until he was completely ruined before coming out to save the world.

Stepping straight out of the wormhole, the world of the 22nd century was indeed different from the world of the past. Hmm, it looked very technological. There wasn't a single car driving properly on the ground; they were all flying haphazardly in the air. Of course, there weren't many people walking normally either. Some people were flying in glass tubes, and judging by their speed, they were at least 60 or 70 miles per hour. Others were flying in the air enveloped in brightly colored bubbles. It was indeed the future world; everyone was doing things differently.

Although it's a technological world where floors complement each other, the design doesn't feel dense at all. There aren't many flashing neon lights; instead, it's surprisingly bright and clear. The city's greenery isn't just on the ground; there are also island-like apartments connected by glass pipes in the air. It seems that people in the future world have a mysterious fascination with the sky, and they like to take everything to the heavens.

After Nobita and Doraemon walked out of the time tunnel, Doraemon casually took out two bamboo copters from his pocket, put one on his head and handed the other to Nobita. Nobita took the bamboo copter and looked at the clothes worn by the native inhabitants of this world. Sure enough, Doraemon's gadgets were not very high-end, which was in line with the setting of a childcare robot.

"I checked on the computer. The department store mentioned on this receipt is the shopping center of Feilu Commerce, the largest department store in the 22nd century. It's not far from here. With the bamboo dragonfly, it only takes about ten minutes to get there. Then I'll know what this cassette tape represents. But what worries me is not just this cassette tape, but Feilu Commerce."

Doraemon flew in the air, his round suction cup hands taking out the receipt and explaining to Nobita the origin of the receipt from the future department store that the mysterious person had given him. It seemed that there was more to this small receipt than met the eye, as it was actually connected to the largest department store in the future world.

It's important to know that Feilu Department Store has not only expanded its business throughout the entire future world, but also plays a pivotal role in the development of commercial props. What's more, Doraemon was actually bought from Feilu Trading by Nobita's great-grandson, Shiro. This department store may seem unassuming, but if you really delve into it, you'll find that there are many frightening things hidden behind it.

"Feilu Trading Company, huh? Could it be that this largest shopping mall in the future world has some kind of abnormal connection with that weirdo?" Nobita heard Doraemon's mutterings. Clearly, if this shopping mall was in cahoots with the person he was about to face, eliminating him and Doraemon would be extremely easy. They probably only needed to release a few items from the mall's 980-yuan store to give him and Doraemon a run for their money.

"I hope that's not the case. Let's go, we'll talk about it once we get to the mall and buy the cartridges." Doraemon shook his head. He obviously didn't dare to think about the worst-case scenario. Otherwise, with Nobita and his family's strength, they really couldn't contend with this behemoth. Their side was too weak.

Perhaps they were overthinking it, because the ten-minute journey was over in an instant. The two walked into the Feilu Trading Department Store, where they were greeted by a beautiful girl named Nobita and Doraemon wearing a silver-gray shaping jacket and pink hair.

"Hello, I'm Yinyin, the shopping guide robot from Feilu Trading. How can I help you?"

Da Xiong looked at the sales assistant in front of him and was speechless. This sales assistant robot, Yin Yin, was practically the same as Anjiula Baby from the original world. The two were exactly the same. He didn't know how people in the future world could be so creative. And Anjiula Baby in front of him didn't look like a robot at all. Her face, skin, and even her breasts were exactly the same as a normal person.

Thinking about this, looking at Yin Yin who resembles Angela Baby, and then at Doraemon, it's clear that there are differences between robots. If I were to choose a childcare robot, I'd still prefer Angela Baby, at least it would be more pleasing to the eye.

Chapter Four: The Super Dream Machine

Just as people are compared, so are robots. Although Nobita has a different feeling towards this robot that looks like Angela's darling, in terms of loyalty, friendliness, and practicality, Doraemon is miles ahead of this pretty but useless robot. Doraemon has been with Nobita through everything he encounters in this world, and he will probably have to rely on this reliable partner for any problems he faces in the future. Otherwise, a human like Nobita really can't handle things on his own. He would be completely outmatched by this world in no time and wouldn't even know how he died.

Joking aside, no matter how beautiful a robot is, it's still a robot, and Nobita can't do anything about it. Besides, who knows when this elementary school student's body will actually develop to the point where it's usable? He can probably only borrow it for fun. However, Nobita still hopes that he can develop normally and enjoy his peak life normally. Natural growth is always better than premature birth, isn't it?

"Yinyin, we're here to see the Dream Machine and a game cartridge. Here's a shopping list; could you please help us arrange it?" Although Angela Baby was cute, Nobita hadn't forgotten the real reason for coming to this mall. He and Doraemon needed to figure out what these strange birds' gadgets meant, and why he had to make a special trip to a 22nd-century department store to buy them—it was really mysterious.

Taking the shopping list from Nobita and Doraemon, In-in's slender, delicate fingers immediately pulled out a transparent electronic screen and started tapping on it. The screen then projected different product images. Through In-in's screen, Nobita could tell that it was probably a computer used inside the mall to check inventory and product details. Its shape was somewhat similar to an iPad from his previous life, and the advanced technology it contained could probably completely outclass Apple, the company that dominates the mobile phone and Apple industry in the future and is known for its exploitative practices. It would probably make Nobita feel like he was being endlessly rubbed in the ground and begging for forgiveness.

"Hello, we have reviewed the props of this dream machine. There are three versions available for you to choose from. The first is the bronze version, which allows you to fully experience the magical world of dreams and feel the wonder of the dream world. The second is the silver version, which not only allows you to experience the dream world, but also, by stimulating the cerebral cortex and acupoints, you can gain 10% to 50% of the abilities you can learn or access in the dream world. The level of abilities gained will vary depending on each user's physical condition and mental state. The last one is the gold version. We generally do not recommend users purchase the gold version of the dream machine, because the ability gained from this machine is between 70% and 100%. However, given such a large base of acquisition, most people cannot withstand the biological growth when the abilities are overwhelming, which may lead to mental disorder or permanent disability. We hope you will purchase with caution."

Yin Yin turned on the electronic projection of the dream machine and projected it in front of Nobita and Doraemon. The three dream machines looked basically the same, with the only difference in style being the different colored flamboyant patterns on the sides of the dream machine: stubborn bronze, orderly silver, and glorious gold. As Yin Yin explained, the other differences in function were as follows: the first one was relatively normal, and most people could customize their own dreams, indulge in different fantasies, and satisfy their own needs in life.

But from the second one onwards, these gadgets became increasingly overpowered. Was this a dream machine or a future online game? The bronze-level dream machines could actually grant the user the power of the dream world. The silver version granted the power within 50%, while the gold version granted it within 100%. Moreover, the acquisition of these powers relied entirely on bioelectricity and acupoint stimulation. If an ordinary person were to use the gold version right away and complete a mission to create a universe, they would probably be crippled or in a vegetative state after using all these powers. These gadgets were simply too overpowered to be true. If Nobita hadn't come to the Doraemon world, he would probably have been shocked by this advanced technology. It seems that the future world is not as simple as he had previously thought.

Compared to the silver version, the gold version of this item has certain requirements for the user. The power injected by the item is like water poured into a cup. The size of the cup determines how much water the user can withstand. If the cup is too small, it will not only be unable to withstand too much water, but it will also break the cup itself. However, the problem is that Nobita has doubts about what version of the dream machine his body can withstand. The silver version has a significant boosting ability, but given his current situation, only the gold version of the dream machine can improve his abilities the fastest within a limited time.

"How can I tell which version of the gadget is best suited for a person? What is the maximum range of transmission capabilities for silver and gold gadgets?" Nobita asked, puzzled.

Although this gadget seems incredibly powerful, it is still just a gadget, and it is also affected by the accompanying cartridges. It cannot completely increase the power. If it really learns the ability to create or destroy universes, which is a power that defies the rules, then the universe where Doraemon's world is located would probably be in an endless cycle of destruction and rebirth every second.

"Sir, the silver version of the dream machine is generally suitable for all user groups, but the machine will increase based on each person's different physique. The gold version of the item is suitable for users who have already obtained one or more special abilities. The higher the base ability, the higher the bonus value. Theoretically, as long as the ability is obtained in the dream cartridge, it can be fully added to the user, even if you have the ability to create or destroy the universe. However, based on the sales of dream machines and dream cartridges over the years, no abilities beyond expectations have appeared."

In response to Nobita's question, Yin Yin calmly tapped the electronic screen in her hand, immediately displaying a data image and a series of charts in front of Nobita and Doraemon.

The data chart (of Noqian) clearly shows the differences between the silver and gold stages of the item and provides general information on users who have used these items in recent years. Through this information, Nobita has gained a general understanding of the item. He originally thought that he would be lucky to be able to use the silver item, but now it seems that the gold item doesn't have too high requirements for his body. He should be able to cope with the bioelectricity and acupoint impacts stimulated by the item just by his mental strength and physical constitution.

"Alright, in that case, we'll take the gold-level dream machine. What about the matching dream cartridge? I didn't hear you mention it." After discussing it amongst themselves, Nobita and Doraemon decided to choose the gold-level dream machine to see how much potential this gadget could unleash. Then they asked the robot saleswoman, Yin Yin.

"Sorry, this Dream Cartridge of 'Dream Three Musketeers' is no longer available..."

Chapter 5 Rare Dream Cartridge

"Sorry, this Dream Cartridge of 'Dream Three Musketeers' is no longer available..."

After determining the level of Nobita and Doraemon's dream machine, Yin Yin once again searched for the standard dream cartridges on the shopping list for the two of them. However, during this search, Yin Yin discovered that the dream cartridges that Nobita and Doraemon needed had long been listed as rare and out-of-print gadgets.

In the 22nd century, some gadgets are like dream machines, divided into several levels for customers to purchase. Of course, some gadgets are listed as limited editions or discontinued, making them extremely difficult to find on the market. Limited editions are fine, since Doraemon often travels to the 22nd century, and some of the gadgets in his pocket are limited editions for specific times. However, discontinued items truly mean that the production of this series of gadgets has ceased, and they have disappeared from the market, becoming unique items that you can't buy even if you want to.

"How is that possible? How did this series of Dream Cartridges become discontinued? Normally, the accessories for a prop should be produced frequently and not discontinued. Moreover, this Dream Cartridge doesn't have any special plot or story. How did it become discontinued?"

Doraemon was very curious. How could the Dream Machine and the Dream Card, two perfectly complementary gadgets, have created so many surprises in this shopping mall? There are three types of Dream Machines. Obviously, the higher the level, the more helpful it is for Nobita and 980's side to improve their strength. But what's strange is that the Dream Machine's accompanying card has become a rare item.

If it were a popular story with cartridges featuring incredible abilities like Genesis and breaking the universe, that would be fine. But the story of "The Three Musketeers of Fantasy" spanning from the 20th to the 22nd century is completely unheard of. According to the data on Yinyin's electronic screen, the overall story is a typical Western fantasy tale with nothing special about it. Yet, it's out of print, which is really strange.

"I don't know how this Dream Cartridge became a discontinued accessory, but according to the information on the computer, the production and sales of this Dream Cartridge in the early stages were the same as the regular Dream Cartridge. But later, for some reason, production suddenly stopped. For a long time afterward, this cartridge was out of stock. Let me check the inventory for you. Although this cartridge is discontinued and out of stock, it is not considered a rare Dream Cartridge on the market. There should still be some left in the warehouse."

Yinyin, a saleswoman at Feilu Mall (agff), was also curious about this cartridge. Having sold props for many years, she had some knowledge of the production and sales of certain special-purpose props. She hadn't really noticed this "Dream Three Musketeers" cartridge. She didn't expect that such an old-fashioned and ordinary Dream cartridge would be inexplicably discontinued and become a rare cartridge. It was really unusual.