Book 7: Chapter 10: Discrimination against a World Consciousness, What a Sight! |
Sage Megumi: Isn’t it not so nice to be so direct?
Herrscher of Pufferfish: Elder Brother, she insulted you. If it were me, I’d have given her a 30-day mute package.
Magical Girl Teriri: 30 days? But I just joined the association.
Lord of the White Night: Sirin, give it up. So far, in this association, your elder brother has hardly ever issued a mute to anyone besides Merlin.
Efreet: That’s not true. Chen Heng has muted me.
Lord of the White Night: Huh? What? What did you do?
17-Year-Old Beautiful Young Lady: I remember it was because I, Itsuka Kotori, and who else was it? Right, Merlin, too. We called Chen Heng a darn siscon, so he muted us for a day! Although he later lifted it, that’s when I realized how dirty Chen Heng’s heart was. He first used Merlin to prove that his mutes only lasted a minute, then baited the rest of us for a harsher punishment.
Efreet: That was the only time Chen Heng muted someone other than Merlin, right?
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki [Root]: Mute, huh? I want to experience that, too.
One Punch Baldy: …
Workaholic Gil: …
Solomon: Well done! Ah! No! That’s too bad.
He Who Knows Fate: I’ve never heard such a bizarre request in my life. Someone actually asked to be muted? How could I not oblige?
“Chen Heng! Quickly unmute me.” In reality, Ryougi Shiki, who sat near Chen Heng, suddenly stood up and pounced on Chen Heng, fiercely grabbing his neck to demand her muting be lifted.
It was obvious that Root had possessed Ryougi Shiki and was using Ryougi Shiki’s body.
“No, if I mute or unmute you on demand, wouldn’t I have no dignity as the administrator?” Chen Heng refused since he couldn’t just do as told. Others (Solomon) might fear Root because she was a world consciousness, but Chen Heng wasn’t afraid. Just try me.
I am a man who dares to declare myself the father of a world consciousness. Why would I be afraid of you, a world consciousness?
“…Elder Brother, I was wrong. Unmute me, please.” Perhaps realizing that Chen Heng might respond better to a softer approach, Root changed tactics, practically cooing as she pleaded with Chen Heng.
How to put it…Root was using Ryougi Shiki’s body to coo, which created an adorable contrast, as Ryougi Shiki would not do that. This swayed Chen Heng slightly. Moreover, the two of them were now in a somewhat suggestive pose that made Chen Heng feel…
Feeling rather anxious, Root had directly pounced on Chen Heng’s body. Now, they were less than 20 centimeters apart, even closer than Sirin was earlier. This made Chen Heng uncomfortable. As Root was not human, she did not care, but Chen Heng could not. Hence, he looked to Luo Li for help.
It wasn’t that Chen Heng couldn’t handle Ryougi Shiki under these circumstances; her body was weak, and that was after Chen Heng had spent considerable effort nurturing her back to health with medicinal cuisine and a significant amount of Spiritual Energy. Otherwise, her body would not have been able to endure the torment Root inflicted on it.
If Root didn’t cheat using her status as a world consciousness, Chen Heng had nothing to fear.
However, as Root was inhabiting Ryougi Shiki’s body, any inappropriate contact would be highly improper, given the traditional norms of interaction between men and women.
Luo Li lived up to Chen Heng’s expectations, standing up from the sofa, grabbing Ryougi Shiki by the collar, and firmly placing her back to where she had been sitting on the sofa.
“Hey! Luo Li, can you give me some face? After all, I am a world consciousness.”
“Sure, but you are not to touch my elder brother.”
“Got it! Got it!”
Once Luo Li released her, Ryougi Shiki was indeed much better behaved and sat quietly on the sofa.
“So, you know you’re a world consciousness, Root. Shouldn’t you act a bit more like one?”
“What should a world consciousness act like? World consciousnesses have rights, too, so please unmute me.”
“For Ryougi Shiki’s sake, alright.”
Chen Heng conceded after a moment of thought and decided to unmute Root. Despite her often unreliable behavior, she was still a world consciousness and deserved some respect.
Administrator He Who Knows Fate unmuted Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki [Root].
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki [Root]: I—the antagonist—am back again.
[TL Note: The antagonist reference actually refers to the antagonist from a Chinese movie called Hu Hansan. This character was the tyrannical landlord of a village, and he eventually returned to the village after being made to leave. Upon returning, he said, “I—Hu Hansan—am back again.” You can read more about this movie at its Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparkling_Red_Star_(2007_film) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparkling_Red_Star.]
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki: Can you let me know before using my body next time? Also, try not to be so rough; it’s still a girl’s body.
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki [Root]: Understood. Next time, for sure.
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki: …
One Punch Baldy: That “next time, for sure” sounds very spirited.
Kal’tsit: People who say that usually continue doing the same thing; they never change.
Faillen Angel Gabriel: Sorry, I was wrong, but I might do it again.
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki [Root]: That’s a bit harsh, considering I am a world consciousness, after all. And keeping one’s word is basic human decency, something I am aware of.
Iron Fist Teacher: But, no matter what you say, you are a world consciousness, not a human.
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki [Root]: Honestly, since I became conscious and lived all these years, this is the first time I’ve seen discrimination against a world consciousness. You all are too much.
In reality, Chen Heng glanced at Ryougi Shiki, or rather at Root within her, and felt that this Root was all too human.
“Hmm? Elder Brother, what’s wrong?” Sensing Chen Heng’s intense gaze, or perhaps due to her sharp senses, Ryougi Shiki noticed his look.
“Nothing.”
“OK.”
Ryougi Shiki was quite fond of Chen Heng, her adoptive elder brother who appeared out of nowhere, almost like he was really family. Although not related by blood, he always treated her well, sparing no expense on precious medicinal cuisines and cultivation techniques, making her current life very pleasant.
According to Root, because she had been inhabiting Ryougi Shiki’s body, Ryougi Shiki’s lost memories were gradually returning. Everything was moving in a positive direction.
Ryougi Shiki felt this was the only positive effect of Root’s presence in her body. As for other benefits? Did they really exist?
He Who Knows Fate: Is Skadi there?
Queen of Ice and Snow: Yes?
He Who Knows Fate: Not you, the other Skadi, from Arknights.
Queen of Ice and Snow: …
Kal’tsit: Skadi is right beside me; she saw the message, but I’ll speak for her. What do you need?
He Who Knows Fate: Liz?
Kal’tsit: Yes.
He Who Knows Fate: Just wondering if you and Skadi would like to play a game?
Kal’tsit: Sorry, not interested.
He Who Knows Fate: Don’t be so quick to refuse! This game connects to multiple worlds. If you have the equipment, we can meet in the game. We haven’t seen each other in such a long time, and this game also helps you become stronger. It’s true for both Liz and Skadi.
Kal’tsit: That sounds interesting…Skadi asked you if the gaming equipment is expensive.
Kal’tsit: I didn’t ask.
Efreet: That’s what you call a swift slap to the face.
He Who Knows Fate: It’s not expensive at all. It’s just a game console, and they aren’t too pricey. Even if they are, how pricey can they be? Besides, I haven’t given you two a proper gift yet.
Kazuma the Brute: That’s a real tycoon talking!
Umaru-chan: Let’s set a small goal first: earn a thousand points from him.
Blank Never Loses: Tycoon, if you don’t mind, shall we be friends?
Kal’tsit: Nightingale said the best gift would be for you to come and see her.
Herrscher of Pufferfish: There’s a problem, indeed! Luo Li, aren’t you going to say something?
Time Witch: I don’t plan to.
Herrscher of Pufferfish: I always feel like Luo Li is too nice to my elder brother.
God Sai: If I remember correctly, there’s a limit on how many virtual reality helmets you can buy, right? Chen Heng, how many have you bought already?
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki [Root]: You don’t need to worry about that. Purchase limits are just for us regular members. For an administrator, many rules are just for show, like the purchase limits.
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki [Root]: As an administrator, all he needs to do is make an application to Customer Service. Unless the reason is outrageous, Customer Service will always approve it. Furthermore, there will be a 50 percent discount just like when sales just opened. Damned privilege abusers.
He Who Knows Fate: Originally, I was planning to give you a 30-day muting package. But since you’ve revealed some things I didn’t know, I’ll forgive you this time.
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki [Root]: Huh? You didn’t know these things?
He Who Knows Fate: What do I know? Customer Service didn’t put much effort into the administrator’s guide. She only updates it occasionally, probably just when she remembers.
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki [Root]: I must say, Customer Service really shares my style.
Customer Service: Thank you so much for the compliment, Senior.
Self-Centered Elder Sister Shiki [Root]: You’re welcome, you’re welcome.
Customer Service: …
One Punch Baldy: Customer Service, have you been stalking the channel this whole time?
Customer Service: I don’t have that much time. I just check in now and then to see what you think of me.
Queen of Ice and Snow: What we think of you…
Thus, the chat fell into a brief silence.