Chapter 3: The Girls Plea
But this cheat ability has such terrible user experience?
Ren stared at the ceiling, inwardly complaining furiously.
Other people who transmigrate either get simple stat systems or guardian mentors, but what do I get? A high-intensity immersive exam preparation nightmare experience voucher? And it's a one-month deluxe package at that? Can I get a refund, please...
Although the knowledge reviewed in the dream was indeed crystal clear, the anxiety and exhaustion from a full month without rest or sleep felt terrifyingly real, almost making him think he was going to die from overwork.
The crucial point was that his dream self never rested from beginning to end, never even relaxed.
While it appeared he only studied for 30 days, factoring in necessary rest time, it amounted to well over 100 days.
The nurse adjusted Ren's pillow, recorded his vital signs, then instructed: "Amamiya-san, please rest properly and try not to overthink. If you feel any discomfort, press the call button immediately. I'll go prepare your breakfast now."
"Alright, thank you."
Ren nodded.
In the doctor's duty room, the nurse knocked and entered, handing the record book to Doctor Kuroda.
"How is Amamiya-kun in room 504 doing?"
Doctor Kuroda took the record book and asked casually.
"Vital signs are basically stable. Muscle strength and neural reflexes are still in recovery phase, but better than expected. It's just..."
The nurse paused, recalling Ren's earlier condition, and added: "He seems troubled by a nightmare. He appeared exceptionally exhausted after waking up, saying he had a very long dream."
Doctor Kuroda's fingers flipping through the medical records imperceptibly stilled.
"A very long nightmare?"
He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his tone sounding as steady as usual.
"Did he say how long the dream lasted?"
"He didn't specify exactly, but he seemed mentally drained."
The nurse thought back.
"I see. Abnormal sleep experiences aren't uncommon after brain injuries. Continue monitoring him."
Doctor Kuroda made a few notes in the medical records with an unchanged expression, saying calmly: "Focus on his mental state and sleep conditions. Report to me immediately if there are any abnormalities, especially regarding descriptions of dream duration."
"Understood, Doctor Kuroda."
Though the nurse found it slightly strange that the doctor wanted special attention on supposedly common abnormal sleep experiences, she didn't dwell on it, acknowledging before leaving the duty room.
After the door closed, Doctor Kuroda slowly leaned back in his chair and sighed helplessly.
"Don't blame me, Amamiya-kun. This was a necessary price to pay for your awakening."
Meanwhile, Ren received another visitor.
Just as Ren was waiting for the nurse to bring breakfast, the hospital room door was gently knocked.
"Come in."
Ren responded.
The door opened, revealing a head peeking in.
It was the face of a young woman with neat short hair, pretty features, but with clear apology written between her brows.
"Um... sorry to disturb you, Amamiya Ren-san."
"May I ask who you are?"
Looking at the face, Ren asked puzzled.
In his memory, he didn't seem to know this person.
"I'm Hashimoto Ayaka."
The woman entered the room, while three other women filed in behind her.
So many people... and they're all beauties?
Ren's gaze swept over the four people entering the hospital room.
"I'm Mikami Yui."
Following behind Hashimoto Ayaka on the right side was a beautiful woman with golden curly hair.
"I'm Hatano Yua."
On the left was another long-haired beauty with similar air bangs, though her hair ends were slightly longer, giving her a gentler appearance.
"I'm Momonogi Kana."
The last one was a lovely beauty with shoulder-length hair and well-defined features.
Standing together, the four women each had distinct appearances yet were equally striking, inexplicably creating a peculiar sense of synchronization, as if their movements followed some unified rhythm.
"We were the drivers from the other vehicle involved in the traffic accident. Due to our carelessness, we've caused you such serious injuries."
"Sumimasen!"
Led by Ayaka, all four bowed 90 degrees to Ren in perfect unison, the synchronized movement startling him.
So they're one of the responsible parties for the accident... But what do they mean by "we were the drivers from the other vehicle"? A car only has one driver. Could it be that all four of them were fighting over who would drive, leading to the accident?
Ren wanted to voice his skepticism but felt somewhat uncomfortable with the overly formal apology.
"I see. Please rise first."
As the four straightened up, Hashimoto Ayaka's face revealed a socially appropriate apologetic smile.
"Amamiya-san, our primary purpose in coming here today is to formally apologize. We're truly relieved to see you've regained consciousness—it has somewhat eased our guilt."
"Hmm."
Ren nodded with a neutral expression.
"The doctor said I was in a coma for nearly a month with severe injuries."
After all, these were among those responsible for the serious injuries to this body. Even though he had fortunately gained a new life because of the incident, he still needed to maintain an appropriate stance.
Yui immediately responded: "Yes, we're fully aware of that. Therefore, our second purpose in visiting is to discuss compensation matters with you."
As soon as she finished speaking, Kana beside her added: "We know this is highly inappropriate, bringing this up right after you've just regained consciousness..."
Yua took over: "However, some legal documents and insurance procedures need to be processed promptly. We hope for your understanding."
The four women spoke in turn, their words flowing almost seamlessly, making Ren feel somewhat unsettled.
But he didn't care much about such minor details at the moment—compared to their tacit understanding, he was more concerned about the compensation.
"Regarding compensation, shouldn't it be handled according to legal regulations and insurance terms?"
Ren responded cautiously. Having been tempered by society in his previous life, he knew he shouldn't easily concede at such times.
Ayaka said earnestly: "Regarding the compensation for emotional distress, the legally recognized amount would be 30 million yen. This is quite difficult for us to bear. If possible, we hope you might consider reducing the compensation amount."
Thirty million yen?
Ren quickly calculated in his mind—this was indeed no small amount.
However, divided among four people, 30 million yen shouldn't be completely unaffordable, right?
"I've done the math—the average compensation each of you would need to pay is less than 7.5 million yen. I don't consider this an outrageous amount."
Ren furrowed his brow, making his stance clear.
He wasn't heartless, but neither was he a pushover.
This money was crucial for his future new life, and he wouldn't easily relent.
The atmosphere in the hospital room grew heavy for a moment.
Ayaka clasped her hands tightly and bowed at a 90-degree angle once more: "Amamiya-san, we know this request is incredibly shameless, but we truly cannot afford the 30 million yen in compensation. Please, help us! Whatever other conditions you propose, as long as we can fulfill them, we are willing to do our utmost to make amends!"
"Please!"
The other three also bowed in unison, pleading with Ren.