Chapter 17: Partners in crime
"So I wasn’t going insane after all?"
I leaned back a bit, considering Song carefully. If there was anything I didn’t need in my attempt, it was variables. And before me sat potentially one of the biggest variables I could possibly encounter. Not just another transmigrator, but a character carrying the memories of Earth.
Even though she’d been a character in the novel, I had never gone in-depth when describing Song. A minor villainess only existed to be faceslapped by heroines and then discarded. I had just stuck her with the typical insecurity, the usual arrogance, the natural pride, and the shallow spite.
But even that was an unreliable measure now because of the memories she’d gained.
’Did both memories fuse, leaving her original personality largely changed by them? Or is her personality only slightly changed, with the core of who she was still lingering beneath it all?’
I couldn’t be sure, but I was leaning toward it being the former.
Worse still, I wasn’t certain of her exact potential in the novel, but it had likely been somewhere around an A or B rank. With a second awakening, however, her potential would have likely skyrocketed to SS or even SSS. Especially if mine was anything to go by and could serve as a comparison.
Just that single boost in potential was enough to elevate her to main character status, or at the very least, important side character status back in the original novel.
’It only serves to make her influence on the plot far more unpredictable and dangerous.’
Still, I didn’t panic. The fact that she had even reached out first was already a clear sign that she was open to cooperation. That didn’t fit the minor villainess template at all, showing me that her personality was already in the process of changing.
Either way, we both now carried influence over something absolutely important to us: the plotline.
Understanding it, controlling it, or at the very least maintaining knowledge of any changes in the plotline was absolutely crucial to surviving this story. If either one of us acted and changed the plot in one direction, there was always the chance it would adversely affect any plans the other may have carefully prepared.
I cleared my throat before speaking.
"Indeed, I really thought I was going crazy when I woke up in the hospital too."
I lied as easily as I breathed, without the slightest hesitation.
"Still, I want to make sure we’re on the same page here."
She gave a considering nod, which I naturally took as a sign to continue.
"That world seemed similar to the stories or movies we used to see about old Earth."
"Yes."
"We both read a novel called The Bastion by SigmaHustleGrindWriter6669 in that world."
Song gave me an incredulous look at that, her expression openly questioning.
"How do you pronounce it so well?"
Of course, I could pronounce it. After all, it was my name.
Still, even I could admit it had been a terrible name in hindsight. I had been in a dark place back then, and it showed in that ridiculous choice.
Either way, this was detracting from the topic.
"We can get to that later. So, about my previous statement?"
"Uh... yes."
I nodded, rapping my fingers lightly on the table in front of me.
"Good. So you are well aware of what happens in it, right?"
Song’s face darkened, her bright green eyes sinking with the weight of the question.
"Yes, I am."
I gave a wry smile at her reply, knowing full well I had been the one who wrote that mess down in the first place.
"Then, I assume we are both aligned in wanting to prevent that shit show from ever occurring."
Song raised her head at that. She could already see exactly where I was going with this.
"You’re suggesting a partnership."
I merely shrugged.
"What other choice do we have? The only other option is one of us eliminating the other to prevent any meddling."
A cold flash passed through her eyes the very moment I said it. I could tell she was weighing the viability of killing me on the spot.
As expected of a noble brat.
Regardless, I continued.
"The situation we find ourselves in might actually be more advantageous than being alone. Think about it. Even if it was only you here, how confident are you of being able to stop this shit show?"
She paused at that, her silence speaking volumes. I leaned in further.
"You’ve undergone a second awakening, haven’t you? Maybe it pushed your potential to Demigod, or hell, even Archon. Do you think that will be enough? You have the memories. You know what comes next. And it will not be enough."
Song sighed before shaking her head slowly.
"Right."
I sank back into my chair, stretching slightly, before continuing.
"We need all the help we can get. So, what do you say?"
Her green eyes scanned my face for a long moment before conceding.
"So what will this partnership actually be based on?"
In all honesty, I had already made a rough plan on how I would partner with a fellow transmigrator the very moment I considered the possibility of one existing. While this situation wasn’t exactly the same as the one I had envisioned, it was close enough. So I just went with it.
"Primarily, it will be based on the plot. We will collaborate when tackling major or potentially major plot points. For smaller plot points, I believe we can handle them individually. But if either of us is in need of help, the other should assist. Though this only applies to plot-related issues."
Song shot me a confused look at that.
"What exactly counts as potentially major plot points?"
"Any event, or anything, beyond our control that might significantly alter the plotline. Or anything that lethally threatens the main cast. We need them to win."
She nodded in understanding at that.
"Finally, we need to share information regarding any changes we notice in the plotline as well."
I offered her a hand.
"So? How about it?"
She watched me silently for a moment, her expression unreadable, before finally accepting it.
"Fine... on one condition. You will owe me a favour."
’But this is a mutually beneficial deal. Why does she get a favour?’
I rubbed my forehead in frustration, before sighing heavily.
’If that’s what it takes to make her agree.’
"Sure, why not. As long as it isn’t anything too crazy."
We shook on it. Then almost immediately, a screen popped up before me.
[Do you wish to save Song Baek as a contact?]
> [YES] [NO]
I quickly selected yes, and just like that, I had gained a partner in crime.
The partner in question didn’t seem all that enthused though, already moving to leave the moment I saved her contact.
"Wait a minute."
Song paused, turning back to face me with a raised eyebrow.
There was something I was immensely curious about. It wasn’t her past, or her memories. It wasn’t anything significant or interesting. It was rather mundane in fact, but I couldn’t help being curious.
"During physical conditioning, why didn’t you collect one of your lackey’s practical wear? You could have easily avoided punishment that way."
She just looked at me like I was an idiot.
"And why would that make me share clothes with those peasants?"
Okay, the third-rate villainess was definitely still in there.
She left after saying her piece.
’At least I can get back to my grape juice.’
I turned to face my table.
’...And someone’s packed it up.’
My previous table was now completely empty, with both my tray and my glass of grape juice missing.
Come to think of it, the cafeteria looked rather empty as well.
Just as I was about to leave too, a message from an unknown number popped up.
[<Unknown>]
[Victor, this is Michael Hwang from the day before yesterday. Just messaging to remind you about your gift test. You need to get it done today. You can get there using the arrow. Just look for the evaluation centre.]
Right. That. I had totally not forgotten about it.
I pulled up the directions program, looking for the evaluation centre. The arrow popped up again, and I followed it.
Coming out of the cafeteria, the dull grey sky had already started turning dark.
’Probably past four by now.’
This time the arrow pointed toward the centre, not exactly at the needle, but toward a large, almost cathedral-like building close to it.
I stopped before its massive door, pondering.
The gift test was something all academy students had to do. Yes, including those from the Great Families as well. It was meant to allow the school to gain a better understanding of a student’s gift and potential.
Of course, it didn’t display the entire status screen. A lot of nobles would rather die than let knowledge of their burdens ever leak.
It only displayed gift, and potential.
Well, at least that was what the school wanted you to think. In truth, the devices used to take the gift test were a derivative of the gift belonging to one of the four angels humanity had managed to produce.
’The Veiled Seer.’
She could, in fact, see the status screens of anyone her rank or below. Hence, she would know the burdens of anyone who used said gift-checking devices.
The only reason the nobles were still willing to use it despite that fact was because of a binding oath between the Seer and the other three angels—better known as the lords of the three Great Families. It carried crippling penalties if she ever tried to weaponise her knowledge of noble burdens.
Either way, she was the person I would be meeting soon. Not directly, of course, but I had no doubt she would drag me into her domain the very moment she saw my potential.
’At least she’s one of the saner angels.’