Chapter 5: System = Artificial Idiot
Although impoverished, it hadn't reached the point of having nothing at all.
According to memory, his cheap parents in this world had at least left him an apartment. Kaijin Moe, by previous life's standards, was a Tokyo apartment in Japan - an absolute jackpot.
But the architectural style of this old residential area, the tiny entranceway, and cramped rooms really didn't make Ryouma happy.
At least there were no strange odors lingering in the air, and the place was relatively tidy.
He collapsed onto the bed and began to think.
He had crossed over.
No romantic encounter, but he actually ran into "Yotsumoto Ryouka" - meaning he had transmigrated into an NTR cuckold manga world. Fortunately, the incident was resolved relatively easily, preserving his consistent "pure love warrior" reputation. Truly worthy of celebration...
Moreover, before transmigrating, he had a background that could rival Batman's, and after crossing over, he was still all alone.
Not bad.
He looked at the only full-length mirror in the room.
The mirror reflected "Ryouma Kobayashi's" appearance.
This was also his first time seeing what he looked like in this world.
A slender build, roughly 180cm tall - unusually tall for a Japanese person. Very pale skin, but not a transparent, attractive pale - more of a sickly pallor. Hair quite messy, eyes lifeless, with thin dark circles underneath. Looked... very sleep-deprived.
Turns out this guy was also a night owl talent. Now he'd picked up quite the character.
Ryouma smiled.
Setting aside these "condition" issues, just looking at facial features and appearance, he was surprisingly excellent, with quite a "end-of-century beautiful boy" vibe.
What a pity.
Ryouma disappointedly touched his chin:
"In my previous life, I was the Wu Yanzu of Jiangnan, the Eddie Peng of Hangzhou."
[Shameless. Beep, the system criticizes the host's statement based on his words.]
A voice similar to Misaka Mikoto's from "A Certain Scientific Railgun" sounded in Ryouma's mind.
"Ah, it's out."
[The host doesn't seem surprised at all. Beep, the system is very dissatisfied that the host didn't scream "Ahhhh what are you!".]
"You already call yourself 'system,' why should I go 'ahhhh'? But since you want to hear it, I'll go 'ahhhh' for you. 'Ahhhh'."
[The host's tone is as listless as a married man saying "I'm too tired today, let's do it next time." Beep, the system questions the host's physical condition.]
"Enough joking, what model system are you?" Ryouma asked. Since "transmigration" was already an established fact, having a system was within reason.
[I am the Chinese-made 2060 model system, Pure Love. The host can call me 'Ai-chan.' Beep, the system feels it can change its self-reference to 'Ai-chan' and begins attempting... Ai-chan has left the cabin, feeling good.]
"Artificial idiot?"
[The host is the idiot! The Creator specifically tested Ai-chan's IQ during manufacturing. Ai-chan's IQ minus eighty would barely qualify as 'in·tel·li·gent.' Beep, Ai-chan proudly puffs out her 36D bust.]
"The Creator refers to?"
[The supreme existence, great example, Ai-chan's kami, not something you mere mortals can compare to. Beep, Ai-chan warns the host not to inquire too much.]
"So your function is—"
Ryouma tried silently chanting "Interface" like in those web novels, and sure enough, a screen materialized before his eyes.
It was as simple as... a 'TXT' file!?
Two lines were written on it in size-five SimSun font.
The first line: 'Acquired Skills'
The second line: 'Swordsmanship Mastery EX', 'Nonsense LV.2'
The description for 'Swordsmanship Mastery' was: The wind of showing off always accompanies me.
The description for 'Nonsense' read: Whether it's believable or not doesn't matter; what matters is whether others believe it.
Truly concise and straightforward, leaving no room for doubt.
Actually, before Ryouma lost consciousness, he had heard this system speak, and the 'Swordsmanship Skill' seemed to be the reward for completing the mission related to Ryouka.
The main reason he hadn't asked whether the system existed was that he wanted to test if it would never appear if he stubbornly refused to inquire. After all, there were plenty of embarrassing systems around these days, and sure enough, the one attached to him was no different.
Embarrassing.
Not just embarrassing...
This damn interface wasn't even as good as a PPT—crude at first glance, exuding an aura of 'weakness' from head to toe.
"So, you're not going to assign me any tasks or something?"
[Ai-chan's main focus is 'freedom.' Any tasks need to be triggered by the host themselves. Beep, clever Ai-chan is patiently guiding the foolish host.]
"If I don't actively trigger any tasks, then you're completely useless, aren't you?"
[Theoretically, yes, but Ai-chan's functions are incredibly powerful, and the rewards are extremely generous. Ai-chan doesn't think the host can resist the temptation. Beep, Ai-chan slightly pulls down her collar, accentuating her 36D cleavage as a lure.]
"To be honest, if it were 'Physical Technique Mastery EX' or 'Learning Posture Mastery EX,' that might be somewhat useful. What the hell is 'Swordsmanship Mastery EX' good for? I've never even touched a sword in my entire life." And 'Swordsmanship Mastery'? What could mastering it even accomplish? Engage in an exhilarating fencing match? With whom?
'Nonsense' is even more absurd—doesn't it all depend on one's acting skills?
[A-Ai-chan is only responsible for preparing the rewards. What you get from opening the box depends on the host's luck. S-so, obtaining the 'Swordsmanship Mastery EX' skill is just because the host is naturally unlucky. Beep, Ai-chan pouts, deeply dissatisfied with the host's blame-shifting behavior.]
"Alright, I'm going to sleep. Don't come out unless I call you!" Ryouma yawned and said. Although he wasn't sure if he had suffered from heatstroke earlier, his body felt quite exhausted.
[Hmph, the host really doesn't understand anything. The 'Otherworld' nowadays is different from before. Without us systems by your side, you won't be able to take a single step... Hey, hey, don't actually fall asleep! Beep, Ai-chan tries to tug the host's hair but realizes she has no hands, becoming deeply dejected.]
"...Zzz." Time to sleep.
[Damn it! One day, I'll make you understand just how amazing Ai-chan is! Hmph, Ai-chan swears to make the host experience the pain of "abusive love is fun for a moment, but chasing love leads to a crematorium"!!!]
"..."
The exchange between the system and the host wasn't a conversation.
It was thought—moreover, thoughts the host could control. In other words, if the host wanted to sleep, they could drown out the system's nagging.
And that's exactly what Ryouma was doing right now.
But, high school, huh?
Half-asleep, Ryouma pondered. In his previous life, he had already been an old man. Now that he was back in high school, maybe he could properly enjoy his youth…
…
Yeah, right!
The next day, inside the classroom of Shiraoka High School, Ryouma flipped through books he'd borrowed from the library—titles like A Comprehensive History of China.
Chinese blood, Chinese soul! I've gotta find a way back home!!