CH 4.2

Like the NPCs in a game that was closing down, no matter how much the players protested or tried, it would still happen.

As soon as the World Conscience realized that things were ‘gone-case’ and that a reset was necessary, the world would begin to face mortal catastrophes that would end all life, so that a new world could emerge and flourish.

Moreover, I’ve heard that this was actually a regular practice among the various World Consciences, and that all of them did the same.

Except that, the World Conscience in this world had not expected my arrival during the time of reset.

And because I was from another world, I was not under his control, and this was where the embarrassing part began…

After having the ‘resets’ forcefully stopped single-handedly by yours truly, it finally approached me.

In the beginning, it said: “You cannot save them every time. If you do so, you will spoil them rotten and suffer the repercussions one day.”

I had not understood the true meaning of its words back then, and I did not know how terrible unconditional dependence was.

So I said: “I want to save them, just watch me do so.”

Later, it said: “Isn’t it painful? You won’t be able to endure it one day.”

By then, I had already lost the determination from before. However, I was still saving the world purely because I could not stand idly and watch as innocent lives were lost. 

After all, I cannot die. So it was definitely worth exchanging my temporary deaths for the lives of billions in this world. 

So, my stubborn self said; “In that case, before I finally experience a mental breakdown, this world will never be destroyed.”

However, when the ‘fourth wave’ struck three years ago. 

They said:

“You must save everyone.”

“You’re enjoying the fame and prestige of being a saviour, so you should shoulder the responsibilities that come with it.”

“If you cannot do so, everyone – children, women, elderly people – they would all die painfully.”

“This is the last wave, you must stop it at all costs!”

“We will wait for your triumphant return.”

And that was the longest fight of my life. 

On my thirteenth revival, it spoke to me: “Can we come to a mutual deal?”

At that time, I had shut my eyes and rambled to keep myself from hearing its words: “I can’t hear you, I can’t hear you, blah blah blah.”

It continued on: “I want a small part of your emotions.”

My eyes had widened to an impossible size as I answered in shock: “What is this? ‘The Dominant World Conscience Fell In Love With Me’-kind of drama plot?”

“…” It was silent for at least three seconds, before speaking again: “I will take away part of your emotions, and as a trade, you will receive the ability to stop the ‘fourth wave’. Three days later, or whenever you wish for it, I will return it back to you.”

The deal sounded as if it wasn’t real, and at that time, I could not help but wonder if it was a trap. 

Because it sounded like a free trial with no commitment. 

And of course, I had accepted the deal. 

The World Conscience asked for three days, and it took merely one day for it to meet its goals. 

On the day that I was expelled, thousands of weapons were pointed at me. 

Disregarding the fact that if I wanted to retaliate, none of those weapons would’ve meant anything. 

Its words echoed in my mind: “Do you still want your emotions back?”

I remembered rolling my eyes so hard that I could almost see the top of my brain. 

“Yes!” Like a programmer who had finally solved a stubborn bug in the system, the world conscience’s voice sounded lively with joy, “Let’s go. I know of a place that’s suitable to live in.”

“As for this place…” It said, “You do not take lives, so it would not do to dirty your hands.”

…… After returning from a long trip back to memory lane, I placed the number machine on the black cat’s head: “Go and place this outside the door.”

It was not an actual cat, and even if a galactical bomb dropped on its head, not a single strand of its fur would go out of place. 

Black cat: “…” As it made its way out while I stood and watched near the window. 

No man’s land could no longer be used to describe this place, as the zone outside my hut was filled with military camps and nuclear weapons, along with humans who scuffled around anxiously. 

The people who had depended on me in the past had returned for the same reasons. 

I believed that if I were to demand that they kneel and beg seven days straight for forgiveness, they would grind their teeth and endure through it all. 

If only they had known what was to come, would they still have treated me like an idiotic trash?