Chapter 2 - Path

A blue panel materialized in front of him.

[Chapter 1 Comment]

[Pancakes Witch: Academy plots are a bit boring, I hope it doesn't revolve around boring school activities and cliches and there's action and plot moving rapidly... Also, his main goal being meeting a girl is underwhelming.]

"Intriguing. The plots, huh?" A smile appeared on Theo's face as he found this comment interesting. However, he couldn't help but wonder what the commenter meant by 'plots.'

"Are you referring to the story or something else?"

Theo reached out for a slender block on the side table. It was thin like his index finger but twice as long as his middle finger. Having the memories of the previous Theo, he instinctively used the device as if he had used it before. With a tap on the bottom, the device emitted a soft glow and projected a display in the air, responding to touch and gestures.

Without hesitation, Theo accessed the browser to search for terms that could shed light on his current ability. It didn't take long for him to discover a form of writing that allowed the creator to grant this ability.

"A web novel, huh? Web novels are usually updated daily, so I assume the author incorporates readers' comments to shape the story. The readers can express their thoughts freely." Theo briefly looked downward. "Well, there's a possibility that the author might abandon the book, so I feel obligated to make it interesting."

Theo paused, contemplating various aspects. After a while, he replied to the earlier comment. "Thank you for the comment. It gives me a lot of information. I'm not sure about the boring school activities or cliches, but I think you misunderstand the last thing. My main goal is to meet the one who creates me.

"Have you ever considered that your entire life might be shaped by someone's will? Does that make you a mere pawn for someone else's convenience? I plan to meet my creator to address this issue.

"Having witnessed other realities, I wonder: What if I write a story? What if I imagine a new world? Could it become a reality? if I track it back, won't I find the person who creates me? I want to understand everything. I want to get closer to the truth.

"That's why I have to thank you for leaving that comment. At the very least, I know a path to lead me to that person." Theo smiled.

On one hand, it could be frustrating to know that his life was part of a story controlled by someone else. On the other hand, Theo recognized the potential power inherent in this ability.

"A story, huh?" Theo continued reading about web novels, including the clichés mentioned earlier. "As the author, he will undoubtedly strive to avoid plot holes. Meanwhile, I will be receiving plot armor and more. If I play my cards right, I can manipulate them to my advantage."

Theo couldn't help but smile. "I believe you've made a mistake by granting me this power. I'll be heading straight for you."

Theo looked up, as if gazing at the creator. However, he noticed several issues with the current situation.

"But first, I am a teacher in this new academy. While I don't intend to spend too much time there, I have to fulfill my role as an educator for a while. The academy provides the perfect cover as I explore and comprehend the world, seeking further possibilities with this newfound ability.

"Moreover, I'm curious about these nine other realities. I wonder what unique concepts they bring to this world. Perhaps I can learn from them and grow stronger. Wait... what genre is this book?

"It appears that the book is adapting to my desires. Furthermore, I am already a talented individual and my talent is among the best in this world.

"While I may not have reached the pinnacle, I'm already at a considerable level. It's a relief that I won't have to start from scratch, granting me a head start." Theo felt a sense of relief.

He had experienced a reality where he possessed no power, requiring him to cultivate his abilities from the beginning. It had consumed a significant amount of his precious time.

"There are several tasks at hand. I can't leave my daughter like this, so I must ensure her admission to the academy. I also have to figure out my current ability and the demon inside of me.

"I have figured out the path, but I still haven't considered the details." Theo paused for a moment. "Yeah. I think that's all for now. Well, the academy should be aware of my incident, so they will send someone to me.

"Perhaps I can suggest enlisting my daughter as well."

After considering numerous factors, Theo decided to continue reading about web novels, careful to avoid plot holes and relying on plot armor.

Thirty minutes later, while engrossed in reading, he heard a soft moan coming from the other side of the room.

"Dad?" Mia's voice suddenly echoed through the room.

Theo raised his head, spotting Mia tilting her body to get a better look at him.

"Oh, Mia? Are you feeling better now?" Theo asked while examining his daughter's condition.

"Yeah. Thanks to you... I mean, the previous owner's dad, my injuries are not severe. I should be able to recover within a week."

"Is that so?" Theo nodded, relief washing over him. He had been worried about her, but seeing her looking fine, he could swiftly move on to the next matter. "Rejoice, Mia. Take a look at this."

Theo presented the panel displaying the first chapter. However, Mia tilted her head in confusion. Theo realized that it was only visible to him, so he clarified, "You see, it turns out that our entire lives are part of a web novel. While I'm still not fully aware of the details, I've discovered that I can see the readers' comments. This knowledge will surely lead us to the creator."

"Is that so? Sorry, Dad, but I don't quite understand," Mia sighed, shaking her head in disappointment.

"In that case, let me simplify it. For example, it seems there's intense hatred for this 'NTR' term, which is similar to being cuckolded. The author would face severe backlash if they introduced it into the story. Readers would undoubtedly criticize the author.

"Therefore, the creator wouldn't dare to include such content. We can rest assured that your mother will be safe. Additionally, given her intelligence and exceptional abilities, it would create a plot hole if such a thing were introduced."

"Oh?!" Mia's eyes brightened. She asked excitedly, "So, does that mean I'll possess extraordinary talent? I mean, I'll be following you until the end, and I don't want to be a burden. So, won't the creator make me exceptionally gifted?"

Theo nodded, his expression serious. "That's right. If we emphasize certain conditions and garner significant support from readers, there's a chance the creator—or rather, the author—I'll just refer to them as the author—might incorporate it. If we carefully utilize this system, we'll be able to get a smooth sailing."

Mia couldn't help but smirk. "I see. In that case... Dad, have you explored the power system of this world? After all, we come from the Demon Realm, right?"

"Yes. I haven't fully explored the power system yet. Besides the fact that we have a demon within us, I haven't figured out the rest."

"You can say that my demon is among the best. It should be sufficient for me to accompany you," Mia said with a bright smile. She realized that her talent stemmed from her father's newly acquired ability. In fact, she might even surpass her own potential by incorporating this idea. "Hehe, I might be able to gain a lot of power up if I take advantage of this knowledge."

Theo smiled. "There you have it."

Mia's eyes gleamed. "This is great! I may not fully grasp how to utilize it yet, but Dad, I believe you can. Wait... can I even do it? Everything seems to be linked to you. So, you're the only one who can make it happen."

Mia lowered her head, disappointed by her perceived lack of relevance.

"Don't worry about that," Theo assured her. "Your dad has a perfect plan, and that is..."

Briefly, Theo explained his plan to Mia, leaving her gasping in shock. However, he pointed his finger upwards and sported a mischievous smile. "See? We should be in the second chapter by now. What I told you earlier isn't supposed to be revealed yet. So, if I'm not mistaken, the author will surely conceal that detail, perhaps even skipping it. Nevertheless, no one will know."

Mia was completely amazed by her dad. If what he said was true, it meant he could manipulate the story.

"Of course, I can only do it at the right time. If I do it too often and it becomes repetitive, it will bore the readers. But that doesn't change the fact that I possess this power." Theo looked up. "That's why I'm counting on both of you. Let's force that freaking author to progress the plot so I can meet them."

Mia clenched her fists in excitement, eagerly anticipating what lay ahead. "Dad, you're the best."

As she spoke those words, another blue panel materialized.

[Chapter 2 Comment]