Chapter 156: So That’s What "World Script" Means
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 156: So That’s What "World Script" Means
Inside the arena’s infirmary.
I could hardly believe that just moments ago, I had been a mangled mess of internal organ damage and fractures.
Now, I wasn't even lying on the hospital bed wrapped in gauze.
This was all thanks to Teacher Lina and the potion she gave me. Between the internal dose and the external application, I was more or less healed.
Hardly any time had passed at all. As expected of a Transcendent Potion.
Tan Han, on the other hand, wasn't quite as lucky. Her injuries were similar to mine, and while she was mostly healed now, she was still unconscious.
The volunteer Senior Sisters who had been in the infirmary earlier had already been sent out by the teachers.
Suddenly, the room was filled only with people I knew.
Lina, Ji Niang, and… Sister Bai.
The moment Sister Bai saw me fall from the spectator stands, she had bypassed the protective spells and rushed onto the field. Though she was initially blocked, she had insisted on following me here.
Of course, she only gained entry with Ji Niang’s approval. This was, after all, the contestants' infirmary; random bystanders weren't allowed to just wander in.
"Xiao Han, how do you feel? Are you okay? Does anything still feel wrong?"
"I’m fine, Sister Bai. Really." I met Sister Bai’s anxious gaze and gave her a small, reassuring smile.
"Alright, Bai Yu. Xiao Han is fine, stop hovering," Ji Niang said, stepping forward to gently pull Bai Yu back.
There was more important business to attend to.
With a snap of Lina’s fingers, a spell instantly enveloped the area, partitioning us off from the unconscious Tan Han.
From the outside, it likely looked like a solid, soundproof, pixelated independent space.
"Alright, let's not waste time. We have serious matters to discuss," Lina said, walking toward me.
I was a bit dazed by the sudden shift in atmosphere. Wasn't I just a patient?
Now that I was healed, did the special treatment just vanish?
I watched as Lina handed me a piece of parchment. I took it instinctively.
"A Confidentiality Contract?" I looked at the contents, then glanced at Lina in confusion before turning my gaze toward Ji Niang and Sister Bai.
"What exactly am I keeping secret?" I asked curiously, scanning the text.
The contract required me to keep everything I had seen during this match regarding the "World Script" confidential—including the very concept of the World Script itself.
"As you can see, it's exactly what's written there."
"But I don't even know what a World Script is. Why do I have to sign a gag order for something I don't understand?" I asked Teacher Lina, exasperated.
Furthermore, this contract contained several highly restrictive clauses. It even limited physical actions; for instance, if I were to accidentally let something slip without realizing it, I would be struck by a sudden Silence Spell.
Even subjective hints or suggestions were restricted. I didn't know how it would be enforced, but the contract stated it clearly.
"You don't know…?" Lina looked at me, seemingly doubting that I was lying. She hesitated, but since the contract was already out, whether I had seen it or not didn't really matter anymore.
The most important thing about the World Script theory wasn't the content of the script itself, but preventing the concept from spreading.
To Lina, Yang Yuehan was a walking glitch. Rather than letting her be a ticking time bomb, it was better to be upfront and impose restrictions from the start.
"Well then, do you want to know?"
"Uh…" I looked at Lina with total confusion. Was this teacher just messing with me?
She comes over specifically to tell me about a secret matter, then makes me sign a non-disclosure agreement. Is she trying to frame me for some future leak?
"I don't want to know. Can I just not sign it?"
"I’m afraid that’s not an option. Even if you don't know what the World Script is, you may have already come into contact with it unintentionally. Think back—did you encounter anything strange regarding Tan Han? I know your Spirit Vision has reached the Floating World level. You can see things most people can't."
"That… I did see a few things. That giant golden eye, which Tan Han called her Spirit Eye talent, and…"
"And what else?" Lina leaned in, clearly interested in my description.
"And… Tan Han said she could observe fate, weave fate, and something about golden threads."
"Golden threads like this?" After hearing my description, Lina reached out toward my side and pinched the air as if grabbing something.
When I saw what was in her hand, my pupils shrunk!
That wisp of golden thread—wasn't that exactly like the threads I saw Tan Han weaving?
How could it exist in reality?
"It seems so. Do you want to know what this actually is?"
"I… sort of… uh, no. The more you know, the less happy you are, and the faster you die."
Upon hearing my answer, Lina’s face twisted into a look of visible bafflement. Were kids these days really this… afraid of death?
She didn't seem that cowardly on the battlefield earlier.
"You child… Xi Lan, go talk some sense into her," Lina said, standing up and rubbing her temples.
"What does this have to do with me?" Ji Niang crossed her arms and turned away.
"She’s your student. Is that reason enough?"
"Fine."
Ji Niang finally agreed, not because she was convinced, but because she didn't want to be nagged further.
"Xiao Han, just sign the contract."
"But…" I looked at Ji Niang, then at Sister Bai.
With these two teachers present, even Sister Bai couldn't get a word in.
"Sign it, and I can fight for the maximum amount of resources for you. Some things can't be avoided. Just treat it like listening to a story. It’ll be good for your future academy life. Don't you want to know why your Sister Bai didn't want you having too much contact with Tan Han before?"
"This…"
I looked at Sister Bai again. Honestly, I was only stalling because I was hesitant. I knew that since things had escalated to this point, I didn't really have a choice.
But I felt a knot of frustration in my chest—the helplessness of being moved around like a chess piece. It was especially grating knowing I had lost my first match.
Just because I went out of bounds?
But hadn't I defeated Tan Han before that happened?
"Bai Yu, talk to your Xiao Han. You couldn't speak before because of your own Confidentiality Contract, but the situation is different now," Ji Niang said, tossing the ball back to Bai Yu.
"What? Do you need us to give you some private space? We can do that."
"No need," Bai Yu said, raising a hand to stop Ji Niang’s suggestion.
She walked over to me, her expression a complex mix of emotions.
"Xiao Han, I only want to ask you one thing. Do you want a plain, ordinary life, or a life filled with trouble and constant ups and downs?"
"Um… is that actually a choice?" I asked after a moment's hesitation.
While they say an ordinary life is the most authentic, I already experienced that in my past life. If I really wanted a quiet life, why would I apply to a Transcendent Academy?
But being plagued by trouble and living a life of constant drama was the other extreme. I didn't want that either; it sounded exhausting.
Besides, that's not something you can just "choose" to experience.
In real life, if you go around picking fights, you just become a hated thug, not a protagonist who hits a jackpot after every conflict.
People don't just look for trouble with you for no reason, and no one's life is a constant upward trajectory…
But none of that was up to me.
"Just pick one," Bai Yu said softly.
"Pick one? Then I pick the third option. I want a life that isn't defined. I don't like 'ordinary' and I don't like 'trouble-ridden.'"
"Heh, I feel like Xiao Han is more of a natural-born Witch—an undefined Witch. At least her mindset is similar. As for other areas… we’ll have to work on those," Ji Niang commented with a smile.
"Is that so…?"
Bai Yu was surprised by my answer, but upon reflection, it seemed perfectly in character for me.
Just as she was thinking of how to continue the persuasion, I picked up the pen, ready to sign.
"Sister Bai, I think I understand why you asked me that. But I’m not a child anymore. You don't need to worry so much about my mental state or my feelings. I know I don't have a choice at this point. I just want to know: can I get the same treatment as Tan Han?" I directed my last sentence at the two teachers.
I pressed the tip of the pen against the signature line. I knew that dragging this out would only waste time and exhaust everyone's patience, so I decided to be blunt.
The reason I had been hesitating was simply because I hadn't seen the "incentive" that would make me commit.
I remembered Ji Niang’s previous lecture about me being too thin-skinned to ask for things. Combined with her hint about resource compensation, I didn't mind cooperating actively.
After all, the catalyst for all of this was that battle just now.
"I can't guarantee it, but I will fight for it," Ji Niang said.
"Do you know what Tan Han’s 'treatment' entails? If you mean the resources she’s currently receiving, that’s no problem. But the way she is treated is far more than just a matter of resources," Lina added, her voice carrying more weight than Ji Niang’s.
"Then I’ll sign. Can you explain it to me now?" I watched the two teachers play good cop/bad cop and finally signed the contract. It was something I’d have to sign eventually anyway—just like the contract at the start of the semester, this wasn't really a negotiation.
"Signed? Good. That makes things easier." Lina hadn't expected me to be so decisive; she thought she’d have to talk my ear off.
With the contract signed, Lina stopped being so guarded. She looked quite relaxed, even spinning around to pull up a chair and sit next to me.
"Where should we begin? Let's start with the World Script theory. Xiao Han, do you like reading novels? You know, those popular 'fast-food' webnovels with daily updates and overused tropes."
"I know them," I nodded. How could I not?
Weren't they a staple of life for most people in society now?
"How do you view the protagonists in those novels?"
"The protagonists… oh… wait. Is that what World Script means?" Hearing it put that way, I caught on quickly. If the world is treated like a novel, then the script… is the development of the story?
So the protagonist of this world is… Tan Han?
"It seems your comprehension is excellent. Think of it however you like; the World Script is ultimately something that cannot be strictly defined. You just need to understand the concept."
"…" I fell silent. A guess was just a guess, but the teacher’s confirmation was a heavy blow.
"What? Does the feeling of being 'destined' feel bad? Many people feel that way after learning this concept. Living beings always hate the idea of their fate being controlled. But you're just scaring yourself."
"If the script were truly unbreakable, we wouldn't bother banning the spread of the concept. Do you understand?"
"Our actions are meant to protect the script, because it is fragile, beautiful, and—most importantly—profitable. Profit is what matters most."
"As the core of the script, Tan Han is tied to something very important: Luck. The power of Luck."
"Because of Luck, everything revolves around Tan Han like a massive whirlpool, dragging people and events into it. That is why your Sister Bai wanted you to stay away from her."
"Is this… really something I’m allowed to know?" I looked up and asked.
If it was just about "defying fate," then bring it on—ignorance is bliss!
But when it involved the interests of the entire world, then sorry, I’m just an ordinary person. Don't drag me into it.
"Of course. But what specifically are you referring to?"
"Luck and all that. It feels a bit too… ethereal."
"Ethereal? You think so? Then what is this thing currently wrapped around you?"
"This is Luck?" I looked at the wisp of golden thread near me. Through my Spirit Vision, it seemed stuck to me, impossible to shake off.
"What else would it be? This is the Luck you plucked from Tan Han. It belongs to you now. That’s why you can see it even without Spirit Vision, and why only you can touch it. It can't be taken away by normal means, even through robbery, because it is now your Luck."
"Luck… what does it do? I mean, specifically." I held out my hand to support the thread. It had no weight, yet I could see it and even feel a faint, nebulous connection to it.
"I’m not sure. It’s like 'good fortune'—how do you describe that? There are too many things in this world that can't be defined in a few simple words. But the fact that it will bring you benefits remains unchanged."
"But I saw Tan Han being bound by this, like a marionette, and she didn't even realize it," I said, clenching my hand around the thread.
"Heh, so you are worried after all. This world isn't black and white; everything has two sides. You said you weren't a child anymore, so surely you understand that?"
"Whether she’s willing or not, objectively speaking, Tan Han paid a price and received a reward. From your perspective, she might be a puppet with no freedom. But what about from her perspective?"
"Don't try to pity or sympathize with others. They might be enjoying themselves. Ultimately, it’s just a matter of acceptance. If we keep talking, we’ll get into deep philosophy, which isn't my specialty. If you're still lost, you can go look it up. The library is full of the wisdom and philosophy of those who came before us. They can enlighten you."
"Any other questions? If not, we’ll end the conversation here. Once this isolation spell is lifted, none of this can be discussed anywhere. Of course, if you're confused, you can always come find me for a private chat."
"Um…" I felt like I had a million more questions, but after the shock of so many new settings, I needed a moment to process.
"Right, you can also discuss these things with your counselor, Xi Lan… er, Ji Niang. I’m usually very busy, so you might not always find me."
"Now, regarding the temporary compensation. This is from me personally. The specific resource allocation still needs to be negotiated, but you won't have to wait long."
Lina then pulled out several items and handed them to me. With one look, I could tell they were spellbooks!
"Take these spellbooks first. These are basic Elemental Department Evocative Magic spellbooks with a one-point mana cost. Naturally, they include that Fireball Spell you're so fond of."
"I quite admire your modified Fireball Spell and Energy Shield. I hope to see your related papers in the library later."
"Of course, even for temporary compensation, these aren't enough. Here are some ten-point cost spellbooks and one hundred-point cost spellbook. Forgive me, I don't usually carry many unused spellbooks on me. I’ll throw in another hundred Mana Sources for you as well."
"Stingy. That’s all you’re giving?" Ji Niang chimed in from the side.
"Don't you start, Xi Lan. This is my personal compensation. In the classes I teach, no class monitor except Tan Han gets this kind of treatment."
"Hmph."
"Glaring at me won't help. Besides, you won't be laughing in a moment." As Lina spoke, she laid out the promised items before me, then produced a stack of envelopes.
"What are these?" I asked curiously as she handed them over.
"These are invitations from other teachers for me to pass to you. They’re inviting you to join their laboratories, research groups, and so on. If you accept, there will be corresponding resources included…"
"Wait! Why didn't I know about this? When did they write these? Are they trying to poach from me? Don't they know I’m the one who recruited Xiao Han!"
"Xi Lan, I’m telling you, that research group of yours is a joke. I never should have agreed to let you be a counselor. Putting you in charge of Class 14 is just a disaster waiting to happen, don't you see?"
"How am I a disaster! What does this have to do with Xiao Han? Did they get my permission? Did they get Xiao Han’s permission?" Ji Niang snapped like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She didn't care if Lina was the Department Head; she fired back just as hard.
"I’m just providing options. If you can't keep her, that’s on you. Xiao Han only has these few spellbooks to her name; you should think about whose fault that is."
"Xiao Han’s focus was never the Freshman Competition. I don't care if she gets good grades. I’ve already planned a gradual path for her; I don't need you worrying about it."
"Heh, that’s exactly why I say you're not fit to be a teacher. Listen to yourself. You 'don't care'?"
While the two teachers bickered, I quietly tucked all the spellbooks away.
I didn't care about "biting off more than I could chew" anymore. After being crushed by multiple spells, I realized that only by biting off more than I could chew now would I have a future. Otherwise, I might not even have anything to eat later.
Previously, my thinking had been limited to modified spells. Because of a lack of time and comparison, plus limited energy, I hadn't felt the need for more. Combined with Ji Niang’s "ask and you shall receive" attitude, I hadn't taken it too seriously.
Now that I had a comparison, I saw the gap.
Eventually, the argument between Ji Niang and Lina got quite heated. It only ended when I comforted Ji Niang and promised I wouldn't leave.
In truth, I had no intention of leaving. Ji Niang was my counselor; that was a link I couldn't just bypass. Besides, jumping around would only waste time. I was sure that after this incident, Ji Niang wouldn't treat me poorly.
She even gave me another hundred Mana Sources. My total count had now reached three digits, meaning I could finally use those high-consumption spellbooks!
Once the isolation spell was deactivated, we reappeared in the infirmary.
The two teachers didn't linger. Lina checked on Tan Han briefly before departing.
As she said, she was busy. Especially since the Freshman Competition had hit such a snag; the morning matches would likely be delayed until the afternoon.
Fortunately, there were specialized spells for cleaning the arena, or it would have taken even longer.
Once only the three of us remained in the infirmary, Tan Han, who had been lying on the bed, stopped pretending.
She had woken up halfway through, only to find the room empty except for an isolation spell. Unfortunately, she couldn't tell what was happening inside.
She had simply closed her eyes and continued meditating.
Now that it was just the three of us, Tan Han spoke up.
"Xiao Han… you were right. Perhaps I was too conceited. But… congratulations on winning this match…"
"You're awake? It seems you don't quite know what happened yet. I have to go. See you around." I cut her off. Her words felt like a mockery, though they also confirmed she had passed out before the referee made the call.
I had gone out of bounds before Tan Han lost consciousness. I had learned the specific details from the teachers earlier.
I understood why Tan Han was saying this, but to my ears, the irony was thick.
Besides, such a victory felt a bit like a farce. Yet, all the spectators seemed to think there were no losers in this match.
But I knew better: there were no winners. I hadn't beaten the script, and Tan Han hadn't beaten me.
And this would be the only time Tan Han would ever "win" against me in name. She would never catch up to me again—not if she continued as she was.
This was the confidence I had gained from this battle. Or rather, it was the first time I truly looked at myself and realized I was not inferior to Tan Han.
"Hey! Wait! Where are you going?"
"To get ready for the Resurrection Match this afternoon. You should just rest here, Student Tan Han." With that, I took Sister Bai’s arm and prepared to leave the infirmary.
I deliberately used a distant tone and formal address. On one hand, I was keeping my promise to Sister Bai to stay away from Tan Han. On the other, I had weighed the pros and cons myself: Tan Han was a source of trouble, and I really should keep my distance.
"Resurrection Match? Wait? Why are you going to the Resurrection Match…?"
But the only answer she received was the cold thud of the door closing.