"Haha… I'll take the gift then. Let's change the topic," Stelle coughed lightly, asking knowingly, "Is something big happening at the space station? Why are there so many people?"
She knew exactly who the VIP about to arrive at the space station was.
The legendary ruler of Planet Screwllum, a genius on par with Herta, one of the creators of the Simulated Universe—Screwllum.
Though she wasn't sure how this version of Screwllum might be distorted, judging by the enthusiastic reception from the station's researchers—hm, it's probably a positive out-of-character twist.
"Oh, I almost forgot to mention."
Prompted by Stelle, Arlan suddenly remembered and explained with a smile, "A big shot is visiting the space station, an academic partner of Lady Herta from the internet. They're probably here to… meet in person."
An academic partner from the internet? Stelle scratched her head. "So, a netizen? Herta has netizens?"
With her level of social anxiety, she'd probably be the timid type online, right?
"I'm not too sure about that. You know how Lady Herta is—we don't usually get involved in her affairs. If you're curious, you can join the crowd to check it out. The lady and I will be there later too."
"Sounds good." Stelle nodded. She was free anyway, so it was a perfect chance to observe this Screwllum from a distance.
If this Screwllum seemed off, she'd steer clear early. If it was a positive change, she could make contact.
Perfect plan.
Ten minutes later.
Stelle followed the crowd to the elevator. Soon, when Asta and the others arrived, the elevator doors opened just in time, and a mechanical figure in a suit stepped out. Its attire was identical to the original Screwllum, but…
Why was it walking with its head tilted up?
"Welcome, Mr. Screwllum."
As Stelle puzzled over this, Asta politely bowed. "I've prepared a welcome ceremony for you. I hope you'll like it."
"Oh, ho, ho! Mr. Screwllum! It's Mr. Screwllum!"
"A genius! Another genius! Is this the majestic presence of a genius?"
"As expected of a genius, even his walking posture is so unique! I'm going to learn from Mr. Screwllum from now on!"
"My gosh, I… I'm suffocating! Mr. Screwllum is so cool!"
"So humans really can fall for machines—it just takes the right spark!"
"Mr. Screwllum, can you be my mom?"
"…"
Stelle: ???
What was wrong with these researchers? Had working at the space station driven them nuts? Pent-up from all the research? Wasn't this reaction a bit too enthusiastic?
Weren't the station's researchers supposed to be Herta's fans? Why were they so fanatical about Screwllum?
No… that's not the real issue. The real issue was, in such a serious setting, why was there fanbase behavior?
Geniuses aren't celebrities. This kind of noisy, foolish behavior would only annoy them.
"Arlan, what's going on? Why's everyone so hyped? And why is Screwllum walking with his head up?"
Stelle quietly nudged Arlan, whispering.
Arlan: "Don't worry, it's all part of the lady's plan."
Stelle: ?
Arlan: "Oh, let me explain. Mr. Screwllum is a very special person. Unlike Lady Herta, he loves the crowd's cheers and exaggeration. In simple terms, he likes to show off."
Stelle: "Is it okay to talk about a genius like that…"
Arlan: "He's made many famous remarks, like 'You think you're worthy of looking at me directly?' That one went viral and was even a trending phrase online for a while."
Stelle: ?
Arlan: "Mr. Screwllum believes maintaining an air of mystery is the most effective approach. So, not only does he walk with his head up, he also wears the same facial recognition scrambler as Lady Polka. That way, no one knows his real face."
Stelle: "But if his face is hidden, what's the point of walking with his head up?"
Arlan: "Geniuses always have their reasons."
Stelle: "…"
Arlan: "As for these enthusiastic researchers… they're actually extras hired by the lady."
Stelle: ?
Arlan: "This is Mr. Screwllum's favorite part. He never says it, but with the lady's wisdom, she can tell. Every researcher here is an extra, paid ten thousand credits a day, so they're bound to be a bit… dramatic."
As the two whispered, Screwllum slowly raised a hand, and the extras immediately quieted down in response.
"No, know; usual, fine." Screwllum said, "I, like, low."
Stelle: ???
"What's going on? Did he crash or something?" Stelle asked, dumbfounded.
Arlan shook his head. "On the contrary, this is Mr. Screwllum's normal state."
Stelle: ???
How is this normal?! He can't even speak properly!
Arlan explained, "It's your first time meeting Mr. Screwllum, so you might not be used to it. Like I said, he's quite special."
"Hiding his face is just one way he maintains mystery, and this way of speaking is another."
"He believes true masters are sparing with words—the less said, the more mysterious and refined they seem."
Stelle: ?
"But… how can anyone understand him? Can you understand him?"
Arlan thought for a moment. "Mr. Screwllum just said: 'Everyone, no need to know me. Just greet me normally. I prefer to keep things low-key.'"
Stelle: …
Wow, are you cheating or something? Where did you translate that from?
Stelle couldn't help but ask, "Even if you understand him, what about these extras?"
The extras: …
"Oh, oh, oh, keep it down, Mr. Screwllum likes it low-key."
"As expected of Mr. Screwllum, even his low-key style is so unique!"
"What a genius, even his subtlety stands out!"
"My gosh, I'm suffocating! Mr. Screwllum, can you be my mom?"
"…"
The extras cooperatively lowered their voices, but their praises didn't stop.
Stelle: …
She felt this world was getting more absurd. How were these people understanding him?
Arlan: "Heh, you're underestimating the lady's wisdom. Did you really think being an extra for ten thousand credits a day was that easy?"
"Every person here had to pass an exam before getting this job."
"Only those who scored perfectly in reading comprehension qualified for this gig."
"So everyone here is a master of galactic language arts. Even if it's just a blue curtain, they could interpret the profound truths hidden within."
Stelle opened her mouth, a thousand words on the tip of her tongue, but ultimately said nothing.
She didn't even know how to react anymore.