Chapter 402: An Underage Girl's Sense of Ritual
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 402: An Underage Girl's Sense of Ritual
"That’s about it for the common characters. As for the obscure ones, the current Plant Network slang, and the memes..."
"Let's skip those for now," I said, interjecting just as Qiu Ruxin was racking her brain for what else to teach.
Since they were obscure characters, there was no urgent need for them. Rather than spending time intentionally studying them, it was better to learn them as they came up. The same went for Plant Network slang and memes; the fact that they could go viral meant they were simple to spread and understand. There was no need for dedicated study.
Besides, at this stage, I didn't need to look up much on the Plant Network. More accurately, I didn't have time to waste on idle chatting, posting, or scrolling through videos.
"Alright..." Qiu Ruxin nodded obediently. Realizing she didn't need to continue teaching for the moment, she felt a strange, sudden sense of emptiness in her heart.
I looked at the slightly dejected Qiu Ruxin and reflected on our time together over the past few days. Ever since I had "returned" her Luck to her, she hadn't been as forward as before. It was highly likely that her previous abnormal behavior had been the influence of her Luck.
Essentially... she had been instinctively trying to cling to a benefactor. Or rather, her Luck had been urging her to quickly establish a deep connection with me. Even though I was an Outsider and the World Will would still hit me with a Bad Luck Curse, it was also true that the world would try to suck up to me.
That was my theory. The Bad Luck Curse was an objective reality, but that didn't stop the World Will or the Script's development from leaning in my favor.
"Huh? Wait... why did it freeze again..." Qiu Ruxin muttered as she operated the computer. It had suddenly locked up.
Even she was used to it by now.
It wasn't just because of her bad luck; the computer itself was a problem. When I said "as long as it's barely functional" before, I really meant barely. Qiu Ruxin must have been ripped off by whoever assembled this machine. Otherwise, there was no way a device could freeze like this when we weren't even playing games or downloading any "strange" videos. This hardware was truly something else.
Seeing this, I subconsciously touched the collar around my neck. If not for this item, Qiu Ruxin’s daily life would be my life—or perhaps even worse.
Living in a world that constantly marginalized her, the fact that Qiu Ruxin could remain so even-tempered was impressive.
If I were hit by a continuous string of bad luck, a nameless fire would surely rise in my heart. If such things lasted a lifetime, anyone would likely fall into a state of constant irritability, rage, and self-doubt.
How Qiu Ruxin managed it, I didn't know, nor did I intend to pry. Perhaps... it was a numbness born from realizing that anger changed nothing?
Numbness of the heart can breed many dark things.
Once Qiu Ruxin fixed the computer with the classic "restart method," I prepared to tell her some of my plans.
I knew I wouldn't have many chances to try, so I had to seize every opportunity. I needed to give Qiu Ruxin a heads-up.
Otherwise, if she suddenly couldn't find me, her resilience and grit might keep her going, but the sudden sense of loss could be what finally broke her.
Maybe I was overthinking it, or perhaps I was being conceited, but that’s just how things are. People always need something to lean on to keep living.
"Qiu Ruxin, there's something I need to tell you," I said softly.
"Hmm? What is it?" Qiu Ruxin turned her head, seemingly caught off guard.
"It's about... me."
"About you..." Qiu Ruxin’s slightly dazed expression instantly cleared, then turned to sadness. "Sister Xiao Han... are you leaving?"
"Yes. After all, I have my own world and my own life. I can't just live in a strange world forever, ignoring everything else." I nodded, finally saying the words she least wanted to face.
It wasn't that I didn't want to tell her gently, but being direct was the best way to make her understand that I couldn't be her protector forever.
"Can't you... can't you stay a little longer?" This news was a heavy blow to Qiu Ruxin. Her life had just started to get on the right track. Based on how things were going—learning the language and all—shouldn't I have been planning to stay long-term?
"Of course I can," I said with a smile, patting her head.
But at that moment, Qiu Ruxin lunged forward and wrapped her arms around my waist, refusing to let go.
"Wait, what?" Qiu Ruxin froze. Her brewing sadness, grief, and sense of grievance momentarily fractured.
"Alright, don't be sad. And hey, girls shouldn't be this intimate, okay?" I reached down to pry her small hands from my waist. I had to admit, she was gripping quite hard. "Sister Xiao Han has a girlfriend, you know. It wouldn't be good if there was a misunderstanding. Be a good girl."
"Mmph... okay..." Although she grumbled, her hands didn't budge until I finally managed to pull them away.
"Don't be so moody. While I was technically summoned here by you, I still need to find a way back. I've mostly confirmed a method now and need to verify it. I'll still be staying here for a while longer."
"Then... Sister Xiao Han, will you come back?"
"Of course. If I can find a way back, I'll naturally find a way to come here again. Why wouldn't I come to see you?" I said comfortingly.
After all... this was an entire world!
It also represented a whole world's worth of resources, regardless of whether this was the small world destined to merge with the Main World.
Even if it wasn't, I figured the Academy Dean would be interested. And even if she wasn't, I’d just come back after I promoted to a Transcendent Witch. I refused to believe that once I reached the Transcendent level, I wouldn't be able to master a single world.
Besides, this world held many secrets. How could a world where Secret Diggers and Demon Lords from the Abyss descended be simple?
Furthermore, this world had annoyed me. I’m the type to hold a grudge. Even if I didn't destroy the world, I’d at least have to reshuffle its entire power structure, wouldn't I?
It was just a pity I didn't have the strength to execute that idea yet.
Anyway, if I could get back, I’d just ask... no, no need to ask. If I could get back, it would only prove one thing: everything happening now was within the Academy Dean's plan. This world was undoubtedly the one about to merge with the Main World.
"Then... can Sister Xiao Han come to see me often?"
"Of course." I nodded with a smile. Though, in truth, once this small world merged with the Main World, there wouldn't be any need for "visiting."
If this attempt failed, the only thing I could do was wait—wait for the Academy Dean to rescue me. That was the worst-case scenario and the least likely outcome.
Looking at Qiu Ruxin’s current state, I felt a bit of a headache. I should probably avoid getting too close to other girls in the future.
Especially the type who lacked a sense of security and had a heavy tendency to depend on others.
"By the way, Qiu Ruxin, I want to ask you a question. Answer me honestly, okay?"
"Okay," Qiu Ruxin nodded.
"If... if you found out that the world you live in was about to collide with another world, what would you do?"
"The world? Colliding?" Qiu Ruxin hadn't expected such a question. it was completely unrelated to anything we’d discussed.
With her level of knowledge, she couldn't even imagine what a collision between worlds would look like, but the mere thought made her shiver. "Is that true? If that happens... doesn't that mean we’ll all die?"
"Who knows?"
"Sister Xiao Han, are you telling me this... because it's actually happening to our world?" she asked worriedly. She wasn't stupid; how could she not put it together?
" I'm not sure, but I'm verifying it. It's funny, really. If I can return successfully, then this is likely happening. If I can't return, then it probably won't happen. Do you believe me?"
"I believe you!"
"Heh..." I let out a soft chuckle.
What I just said made me sound like some prophet of doom, speaking without any evidence.
"So... why can't Sister Xiao Han just stay here, so our world won't have to go through that?"
"Hmm? Haha... you're dreaming." Hearing Qiu Ruxin’s quiet mumble, I laughed. I suppose that was her ideal outcome.
"Don't be so short-sighted. My departure and the world collision aren't necessarily bad things," I explained.
"Not bad things? How is that possible?"
"If I can leave, it means I have more room to maneuver and a chance to make more preparations. As for the world collision, perhaps I was too vague. A collision of worlds isn't like planets crashing into each other; it's a collision on a higher level. Eventually, the two worlds will merge into one larger world—and that world will be the one I come from."
"The world you come from?!" Qiu Ruxin’s eyes widened in disbelief. But after the initial shock, she seemed to realize something. "So... Sister Xiao Han, your coming here wasn't a coincidence, was it? You're also looking for a way to save your world?"
"Um... you certainly have a vivid imagination. My world doesn't need someone like me to save it. I'm just a student who got caught up in this event."
"A student? Sister Xiao Han, you're still a student?"
"Yes. The academy I attend is the Witch Academy. If..." I trailed off mid-sentence.
I had been thinking about whether to pull Qiu Ruxin into the Witch Academy. But she wasn't from the Main World. Even if this small world merged into the Main World, whether she could awaken Spirit Vision—a blessing bestowed by the World Consciousness—was anyone's guess.
Even if Qiu Ruxin was a Child of Destiny, her status would be very awkward within the Script of the Main World. No one knew what would happen.
I wasn't even sure if the Witch Academy would accept such a unique student.
But given the Witch Academy's "all are welcome" attitude... they probably wouldn't refuse, right?
"Sister Xiao Han... what's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing. I was just wondering what the chances are of you getting into the Witch Academy. I forgot to ask—if conditions allowed, would you be willing to study there?"
"Witch Academy... so, Sister Xiao Han, are you a Witch?"
"Pretty much. I'm a Pre-Witch, I guess?"
"Then of course I want to!"
"You're not even going to ask what kind of academy it is before shouting that you want in?"
"Of course! Sister Xiao Han wouldn't hurt me!"
"Is that so?" Hearing her resolute response, I couldn't help but smile again, though I wasn't sure why. Maybe smiling often really is good for one's health.
Was I smiling because she thought I wouldn't hurt her?
That wasn't necessarily true. Becoming a Witch is a massive pit to fall into.
But... was this what it felt like to be trusted?
This sense of security she projected was very similar to what I felt from Sister Bai—a kind of near-unconditional trust.
"Well, let's leave it at that for today. Go back to your room for now. I have something important to do and I can't be disturbed at all. Just stay in your room for the next couple of days and don't go out causing trouble. For food, just use room service. If you're bored, you can..."
"Alright, I get it. Since Sister Xiao Han has important business and is kicking me out, I'll go." Qiu Ruxin stood up obediently, putting a little distance between us.
However, she was still curious. "Um... Sister Xiao Han, what exactly are you going to do?"
"I'm going to make something so that after I go back, you can summon me again. The first time you summoned me was... how should I put it? It was just a stroke of luck. That kind of miracle probably can't be replicated. So, we need an insurance policy."
"Something to summon Sister Xiao Han?" Hearing this answer, Qiu Ruxin’s eyes lit up. This meant Sister Xiao Han really wasn't lying to her!
"Then... is it hard to make? Will it take long? Do you need anything? I can try to buy it online... it should arrive in a few days... if nothing goes wrong..."
"As for materials... I actually just need a vessel. Something easy to carry is enough. Anything will do, no need to buy it online." I shook my head.
"Then... how about this? Can this be the vessel to summon you?" Qiu Ruxin reached behind her neck and unfastened a cord. It was a pendant; I had noticed her keeping it hidden under her clothes before.
"Isn't this... too valuable? You've been keeping it hidden." I looked at the ornament. It was larger than I expected—a translucent, emerald-green gemstone set in an openwork frame. The material of the frame seemed similar to the wood used for Hard Wood Coins.
"It's fine... it's just a family heirloom that happened to be passed down to me..." A flicker of loneliness crossed her eyes as she mentioned it. "Anyway, will this work? I've heard that diamonds, gems, and pearls are very compatible with magic. Spells... should be the same, right?"
"I'll try. Don't worry, I'll test it with other things first. I won't let your item be destroyed." Ultimately, I took the pendant and gave her my promise.
"It's okay... even if it breaks, it's fine. It represents some rather unpleasant memories for me anyway."
After saying goodbye to Qiu Ruxin, I looked at the pendant in my hand. The remaining free time was now entirely mine. I needed to create a foolproof anchor point for a Reverse Summoning Spell.
Relying on Qiu Ruxin to set up a ritual using primitive methods was too unreliable. I had to make a "summoning device" for her that was essentially "plug-and-play."
As for using this pendant as the vessel for the anchor point... the moment she heard it could summon me, this was the first thing she thought of. Perhaps... this was just an underage girl's sense of ritual.