Thanks to the torrent of information from yesterday, I woke up the next day with a splitting headache, my mind filled with those surreal so-called instruction sets, making me so dazed I felt like walking into walls. The symptoms were identical to a hangover, making my sister think I had spent the previous night binge-drinking pure alcohol.
"If I had known this would happen, I would have just skipped school. Why did I have to pretend to be a good student?" Walking on my way to school, I felt a wave of regret. At this moment, I couldn't help but envy those students who lived in the dorms because they could skip class without much fuss, simply locking themselves in their rooms. As for me, my sister had superhuman intuition. I didn't have the guts to skip class in front of her. Besides, I was already in my third year, and my grades weren't great to begin with. Skipping more classes would be even less optimistic.
Of course, I could also look at it from another angle; given my current grades, even not skipping class wouldn't make things much better... okay, forget I said that.
Walking drowsily on the road, I kept shaking my head forcefully, trying to wake myself up. Although this secluded path had little traffic, a sudden traffic accident could still be troublesome. But after all, a head isn't a basket; no matter how much you shake it, you can't get rid of the mess inside.
Just then, I suddenly felt something strange, like I was being watched. This sensation made me shudder, and my slightly muddled mind cleared up.
I looked up, glancing around, and then noticed a little girl standing at the entrance of a small alley to my right, not far away, staring in my direction.
She looked to be around thirteen or fourteen, wearing a white coat-like dress, with long black hair cascading over her shoulders. She was very cute, her pink lips lightly pursed into an approving yet not-quite-smiling curve. Her small nose slightly upturned, adding a touch of playfulness to her serene demeanor—an endearing little loli. Yet her eyes seemed somewhat out of place. Her dark, large eyes should have been full of expression, but they appeared completely unfocused, just pointing in my direction. If I hadn't felt her gaze locked onto me, I would have doubted she was even able to see me.
I adjusted my expression, put on what I thought was my kindest smile, and walked over, saying, "Little sister, do you need something?"
...Why did I feel like someone was secretly calling me a creepy guy trying to kidnap a loli? Was it just a delusion?
The cute loli across from me slightly raised her head, her unfocused eyes seeming not to settle on any part of me. Yet I instantly felt all my movements were under her control. This was an odd sensation, utterly indescribable.
This is an unusual loli! I determined immediately.
But then, what things happening to me lately have been usual? My spirit world inexplicably entangled with something called the Xyrin Empire—what else could surprise me?
The expressionless loli observed me for a while, then, as if confirming something, slightly nodded and bowed to me.
I don't know if it was a hallucination, but I felt something in my mind resonate with the little girl before me.
"Honored to meet you, Emperor," the three-no-loli startled me when she spoke, "My name is Pandora-zero, Xyrin General."
"Huh?" This stunning introduction left me in a daze, managing only to produce this meaningless sound. Did this little loli just call me Emperor? And her identity, Xyrin General?
Is the appearance of this little girl meant to make my dreams coherent?
The loli didn't seem to notice my confusion. After introducing herself, she stood quietly, head slightly raised. Her unfocused eyes showed no emotional fluctuations.
Faced with this scene, I had to seriously analyze: If this loli wasn't lying (and it was unlikely she would, since I never spoke of the Xyrin Empire to anyone), she was indeed a member of the mysterious Xyrin Empire. The Immortal Sister in my dreams also mentioned going somewhere, but I didn't pay attention. It seems they genuinely sent someone. Given the nature of that world, is this little girl a robot?
A world that originally only existed in dreams suddenly becoming more real, including a living "person" from that world appearing, felt overwhelming. So, almost on a whim, I reached out and gently pinched the little loli's cheek.
...I'm not a loli fan, really, I'm not a loli fan; my hand slipped, just slipped!
Realizing what I had done, I quickly withdrew my hand. The brief soft touch made me dismiss the thought that she was a robot.
"Xyrin Apostles are semi-energy constructed beings," the little loli didn't seem to care about my abruptness, explaining in her emotionless voice, "We are not robots. Xyrin Technology differs greatly from natural technology in your world. Though it may resemble natural technology, it combines surreal energy and mysticism. The existing technology of this world likely cannot explain it at all. Technically speaking, my current body's nature and structure are similar to this world's carbon-based life forms. I can even consume food to replenish energy, thanks to the constructed body technology allowing us to change our material forms at will. In non-combat states, you can consider Xyrin Apostles as normal humans."
It's remarkable she could explain so much with such a mechanical voice.
After replaying her words several times in my mind, I finally roughly understood—this situation was far too surreal. The fact I could calmly listen and analyze it rather than panic and run was a testament to my strong nerves, though I still felt a little dizzy.
"So, first, the Xyrin Empire is amazing, but Earthlings can't understand it so no further explanations. Second, I can regard you as human?"
"Yes," the little loli replied succinctly.
Alright, no need to dwell on this, given my level. I am still at the stage where I consider chemical formulas as alien language; there's no point in discussing technology with an alien. Whatever she says is fine.
"Then can I ask something? Answer as you're able. Now, it seems the Xyrin Empire really exists. Why is it connected to my dream? And why am I your Emperor? The title emperor shouldn't be given to an ordinary person easily, right?"
This question had to be asked. Though being called Emperor by a seemingly powerful empire was thrilling, such a title could spell trouble if it were a mistake. Judging by the nearly useless instruction set, this ancient empire might not bring me much benefit, but trouble was almost certain.
"At an unknown time in the past, the Xyrin Empire faced a catastrophe, causing the entire empire to fall into slumber. Recently, the only functioning external information collection system detected a thought wave deep in this plane, matching the Emperor's soul imprint exactly. Thus, the empire awakened, and I was sent to assist you. Other data is damaged beyond verification, but one thing is certain, you are one of the Emperors of the empire, confirmed by all awakened Xyrin Apostles."
"Wait, you said one of the Emperors?" I noted this term. So, emperors were mass-produced in the Xyrin Empire?
"Yes, individuals with NT-level authority in the Xyrin Empire are called Emperors. According to the last updated database, the Xyrin Empire has a total of 135 Emperors, distributed across different ruling zones of the Void. Each Emperor has equal authority, but you are not among the 135 Emperors, and the specific reason cannot be parsed."
Wow, Emperor Council!
"Uh...can I refuse to be this Emperor?" I asked cautiously. Joking aside, 135 genuine Emperors undoubtedly outmatch me. Even optimistically, with a brick, I couldn't beat them. Any awakened Xyrin Emperor would easily crush a fake like me. The best case might be being ground into sand and scattered.
"According to Xyrin law, giving up NT-level authority equates to surrendering one's existence. Do you confirm this choice? This confirmation will occur three times."
...Returning would end my family line?!
I instantly felt a chill and quickly waved my hand, "Alright, alright, I was joking. I'll be this Emperor, but let's be clear, you insisted. If I can't handle it, don't hold me responsible—selling me wouldn't cover the damages!"