"Kami Yuujin, Android 18!"
Seeing Yuujin and Android 18 standing before them, both Android 16 and Android 17 were visibly surprised.
"Android 16, Android 17, so this is where you've been living?"
"Life must be tough for you."
Kicking the small wooden hut that Android 16 and Android 17 had built, Android 18 spoke with a hint of sympathy.
"It's a bit crude, but it's not bad to live in."
"What's wrong, Android 18? Are you already tired of that guy and coming back to us?"
"Don't worry, we won't laugh at you. After all, you're an android like us, our companion."
"We'll help you build a house later, and you can live with us again."
Thinking that Android 18 had grown tired of Yuujin and wanted to return to their side, Android 17 was in a good mood.
"Android 17, you're overthinking it. Android 18 is doing just fine with us. She's not coming back."
Wrapping his arm around Android 18's waist and planting a kiss on her cheek, Yuujin said with a smile.
"Is that true, Android 18?"
"Pretty much. I never said I was coming back."
"Being with Yuujin is much more fun than being with you guys. Besides, I don't want to live in such a shabby place. Staying at the temple is much more comfortable."
Android 17's expression darkened, while Android 18 didn't hold back in showing her closeness with Yuujin.
Android 16 remained silent, his face unreadable, but Android 17's mouth twitched, feeling as if he'd just swallowed a fly.
Android 18, it's only been a few days since you started following that guy, and you've already fallen this far!
"Hmph, so our place is shabby and boring. Sorry about that."
"So, what brings our busy Kami Yuujin and Android 18 here? We don't have anything to entertain you."
With a light snort, Android 17 spoke with a hint of sarcasm.
Although Android 18 was his twin sister, Android 17 didn't harbor any inappropriate feelings for her. Still, seeing her so close to Yuujin made him feel a little uncomfortable.
Well, this must be the legendary jealousy of a younger brother toward his sister's boyfriend!
"No need for entertainment. We're here for something else."
"Bring him out."
Yuujin snapped his fingers, and a Red Silk Girl descended from the sky, placing a stasis pod on the ground.
"Th-that's!!!"
Seeing Dark Android 17 inside the pod, Android 17's face was filled with disbelief. Even the usually silent Android 16 showed a slight reaction.
Both of them were puzzled. Why was there another Android 17?!
"Who is he? Why does he look exactly like me?!"
With a sharp gaze, Android 17 demanded an answer.
It was no wonder he was so agitated. Anyone would lose their composure upon suddenly seeing another version of themselves.
"Now, now, don't get too excited. I'll explain everything properly."
"He's also Android 17, but from another world."
Yuujin explained the situation regarding the future timeline, Dark Android 17, and Dark Android 18. Unsurprisingly, both Android 16 and Android 17 were shocked.
"Android 18, is what he's saying true?"
Turning to Android 18, Android 17 asked.
Although the evidence was right in front of him, it was still hard to believe. Subconsciously, he wanted to confirm it again. Between Yuujin and Android 18, Android 17 naturally trusted Android 18 more.
"Pretty much."
"I've been to that world too. It was quite interesting."
Android 18 replied casually.
"According to you, Dark Android 17 and Dark Android 18 killed almost all the humans in that world. Yet, you didn't destroy them and instead brought them to this world. How merciful of you, Kami Yuujin."
Turning to Yuujin, Android 17's tone carried a hint of sarcasm.
"No, no, I'm not some merciful Kami. The reason I didn't destroy them and brought them here is because I think they still have value."
"Destroying them would be a waste. It's better to make them work and atone for their sins."
"Though, to be honest, even if they worked for me their entire lives, they probably wouldn't be able to atone for their crimes."
Shaking his head, Yuujin smiled as he spoke.
Android 17's mouth twitched again, rendered speechless.
Well, that's one hell of a reason!
"If you want him to work for you, then make him work. Why bring him to us?"
Feeling annoyed, Android 17 asked.
"As I said earlier, Dark Android 17 and Dark Android 18 are different from you. In their world, they killed countless humans and were extremely cruel."
"He's a powerful tool and weapon, but if not properly tamed, he might even attack his master."
"I don't have much time to spend on him, so I thought of you. You're both androids, so it's perfect for you to help me discipline him."
"Of course, I won't make you do it for free. If you can discipline Dark Android 17 and make sure he doesn't do anything bad, and he works properly when I need him, I'll reward you accordingly."
"So, what do you think of my proposal?"
Yuujin looked at Android 16 and Android 17 with anticipation.
"No way! Who wants to help you discipline that guy? Take him back to wherever you brought him from!"
Android 17 refused without hesitation.
That Dark Android 17 looked like nothing but trouble. He didn't want to deal with that.
"If you don't want to, that's fine."
"Android 16, what about you?"
Yuujin didn't push Android 17 further and instead turned to Android 16.
"If we refuse, what will you do with him?"
Android 16 didn't answer immediately but instead asked, referring to Dark Android 17.
A strange glint flashed in Yuujin's eyes as he smiled and replied:
"It depends. If no one else is willing to take him, I'll just destroy him."
"While I do want powerful fighters I can use, to be honest, I don't really need this one."
"If Dark Android 17 can't be of use to me and I don't want to spend too much time on him, the simplest solution is to destroy him."
"I understand. I'll take him."
This time, Android 16 agreed directly.
"Hey, Android 16, why are we taking that guy? Don't fall for his tricks!"
Knowing that Yuujin had only said that because of Android 16's question, Android 17 shouted.
"Android 17, he's an android like us, another version of you. We can't abandon him."
Seeing Android 16's serious expression, Android 17's mouth twitched again.
Android 16, you care so much about us. Should I be moved to tears right now?
That bastard Yuujin is clearly trying to dump Dark Android 17 on us. Don't fall for it!
Although Android 16 rarely spoke and seemed indifferent to most things except the animals on the island, Android 17 knew from their time together that he could be stubborn once he made up his mind.
"Fine, but if anything happens, don't come crying to me."
Turning his head away, Android 17 couldn't help but feel annoyed.
"I'll keep him in line. He won't cause any trouble."
"…"
With that, the matter was settled. Dark Android 17 would be under Android 16's care, and Yuujin's lips curled into a smile.
"Android 16, I'm entrusting Dark Android 17 to you. Discipline him well and help him turn over a new leaf."
"Here are a few controllers to wake, deactivate, and restrict his movements. Take them."
With that, Yuujin tossed a few controllers to Android 16.
"That's all for now. We'll be heading back."
Stretching, Yuujin floated into the air, ready to return to his temple.
"Android 16, Android 17, do your best here. I'll think of you when I have time."
Following Yuujin, Android 18 waved at the two below.
"Only when you have time, huh?" Android 17 snorted, feeling as if he'd just taken a million points of damage.
But then, remembering something, Android 17 called out to the two before they left—
"Wait!"
"If there's a Dark Android 17 and Dark Android 18, where's Dark Android 18?"
"Dark Android 18 is at the temple. I'll be keeping an eye on her personally."
Stopping, Yuujin replied.
"Why do you get to keep Dark Android 18, but you dump this guy on us?"
Android 17 was getting angry again, and Yuujin gave him a look as if he were an idiot—
"Isn't it obvious? Dark Android 18 is a beauty like Android 18. Beautiful women get special privileges, don't you know?"
"Android 17, with that attitude, you'll never get a girl."
"Well, maybe you don't need that kind of thing anyway."
Sighing and shaking her head, Android 18 added.
Without further delay, Yuujin, Android 18, and the Red Silk Girl flew into the sky and soon disappeared.
The atmosphere was dead silent. Android 16 felt he should comfort Android 17, but as a mechanical android, he wasn't very familiar with these matters. After thinking for a moment, he said—
"Android 17, don't mind it."
"You only need us as companions. Even without women, it's fine."
"Y-yeah, I don't need that kind of thing."
With a twisted smile, Android 17 trembled.
And in the next moment—
"Damn it!!!"
Raising his hand, Android 17 fired an energy blast, causing a massive explosion on the distant sea surface…
To be continued…
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