I Am Not a Robot. Beep-bop

Chapter 49: Overwhelmingly Affairs… 4

Fortunately, thanks to Administrator Baden’s boundless generosity, I was able to return peacefully without having to resort to using force.

Though there was no issue with fighting that Rosa or whatever her name was—the Third-Class Overseer—engaging in a pointless battle with no returns was a waste for someone like me who lived with energy-saving habits as a principle.

Of course, if there were ever something romantic or thrilling involved, I might fight even if there was no reward.

And so, the next morning arrived.

I received something blue in a package.

“What’s this?”

【It appears to be a blue choker.】

Its design was strangely reminiscent of a dog collar.

When I checked the recipient’s name, it was addressed to [Rilstia Frostia].

[ To my dear Alice.

Congratulations on becoming the successor to the First-Class Overseer!

Although I only processed Alice’s assessment documents on paper, meeting in person for the first time made my heart race with excitement!

I look forward to building a good relationship with you moving forward!

Our time together may be long or short, but I wholeheartedly welcome you, Alice!

While there’s no official status or privilege that comes with being a successor, as we saw with yesterday’s mad dog incident, I realized that Alice needs at least a minimal safety device!

Therefore, I’m gifting you this choker as a token!

Please make sure to always wear it from now on!

Rilstia Frostia.]

【However, this is not an ordinary choker. It merges with the user’s body and, using a method of randomly or deliberately dyeing specific parts of the body in certain colors, serves as a way to identify rank and identity.】

“What does blue signify?”

【According to Ark’s internet search results, it represents a First-Class Overseer.】

“Wait, this is for me already…?”

【Wearing it does not mean the human is officially a First-Class Overseer. The choker is merely symbolic, and most First-Class Overseers typically wear blue watches, clothing, or accessories.】

【It’s presumed that Administrator Rilstia gifted the blue choker to signify that the human is a successor or candidate for the role of First-Class Overseer.】

“Ah, I see.”

Chokers generally have strong connotations of restraint.

Since their appearance resembles dog collars, they also convey a sense of ownership or being a pet.

It’s unlikely that the dignified First-Class Overseers of Ark would wear chokers, so as someone who isn’t officially a successor but a candidate below that rank, it might be suitable as a means of identifying my status.

“So, does that mean I’m supposed to wear this?”

When I turned it over, I noticed there was a name written on it.

[Riri’s Property]

Turns out, it wasn’t a name but an ownership mark.

“Theresa. Theresa. Do you think I should wear this?”

【Responding now.】

【Currently, the human’s external identity and rank are registered as ‘Ultimate-Class Returnee.’】

【However, there’s no adequate method for verifying citizenship within Ark, and judging by the case with the Third-Class Overseer, those harboring prejudice or hostility toward returnees may not recognize it as a valid proof of identity.】

That made sense.

Based on what Overseer Rosa said, returnees had left a significant mark on Ark—both scars and achievements alike.

When Theresa connected to the internet and searched, she found that many of Ark’s notorious criminals were returnees, as were its celebrated heroes.

But people tend to remember bad things more vividly than good ones. Since many returnees caused chaos, their overall reputation wasn’t great.

Even if I proved myself as an Ultimate-Class Returnee, there would likely still be those who resented me.

Even Overseer Rosa, who either didn’t know or didn’t care that I was an Ultimate-Class Returnee, had tried to ambush and detain me.

【Regardless, ignoring a gift from the highest authority in Ark, the Administrator, is likely not a wise choice.】

Not a wise choice, huh?

I imagined Rilstia, with her young girl’s chirpy voice, throwing a tantrum.

Sure, a child’s tantrum wouldn’t amount to much, but the thought of her remotely disassembling Rosa’s limbs like Lego pieces was a bit horror-movie-esque.

“Alright, I’ll wear it for now.”

Though I felt slightly uneasy, I obediently put the choker around my neck.

“Hm, it’s surprisingly comfortable to wear.”

From the start, I was an android encased in metal, not an organic lifeform requiring breath, so wearing something that restricted my neck didn’t particularly bother me.

【I believe once you become an official Overseer, it will likely be replaced with something else.】

“That makes sense. Well, wearing it for now should be fine if it helps me avoid unnecessary trouble.”

【Do not worry. One day, you will turn completely blue.】

Turn completely blue?

That sounded odd…

In Ark, turning blue might signify that I would smoothly ascend to the rank of First-Class Overseer, but something deep inside me seemed to shout, “Don’t turn blue!”

What could it mean?

“Oh, right. I should check my status window.”

Before heading out, I opened my status window.

After defeating Gaia, who had the life force of over a thousand goblins concentrated into one being, there was bound to be some change.

It wouldn’t make sense if there wasn’t.

【Entity Name: Alice】
【Level: 13】
【Energy (Consolidated Health): 94.8%】
【Strength: 45】
【Intelligence: 2】
【Speed: 54】
【Mana: 0】

[Your level has increased by 5!]

My level had risen significantly.

Defeating and absorbing the life force of multiple goblins, orcs, and Gaia had granted me a rewarding increase of five levels.

Although my mana and intelligence hadn’t improved, the overall stat growth was impressive.

[Your Strength has increased by 16!]

[Your Speed has increased by 13!]

“Oh.”

【It seems the strength and speed are derived from converting the life energy and mana absorbed from the entity known as Gaia.】

For reference, one unit of strength here was roughly equivalent to the maximum strength an average adult male could exert.

Since the strength stat multiplied rather than simply adding up, a strength of 45 would allow me to exert power far beyond that of 45 adult men.

Even momentarily overheating my internal energy system had allowed me to take down Gaia, so handling the life force of a thousand goblins seemed manageable.

As for speed, I wasn’t sure how it compared.

Without a point of reference, I didn’t know the exact extent of this stat, but it seemed to be sufficient for executing the movements I wanted.

【Human, a new skill has been added.】

“Show it.”

At my command, Theresa brought up a new section of my status window.

【Basic Hunter Swordsmanship LV 1 has been integrated.】

【Akrika Swordsmanship LV 1 has been integrated.】

【Executor Sword-Gun Technique LV 1 has been integrated.】

【Academy Swordsmanship LV 1 has been integrated.】
…
…
【Children’s Swordsmanship LV 1 has been integrated.】

【Combat data collection complete.】

【Basic swordsmanship theory has been adapted into a technique tailored for the Mantis Blades.】

【Based on this data, internal neural networks have been synchronized with the Mantis Blades.】

【Synchronization complete.】

[All swordsmanship abilities have been consolidated into “Swordsmanship – Mantis Blade”!]

【Swordsmanship – Mantis Blade LV 3: Provides skill and proficiency adjustments for Mantis Blades.】

All the swordsmanship skills Theresa had forcibly implanted in my head were erased and replaced with a refined technique unique to the Mantis Blades.

It seemed that my slicing up orcs and goblins with the Mantis Blades had borne some fruit.

【Synchronization with the Mantis Blades has resulted in significant increases in strength and speed.】

“This really feels like a game system.”

【The status window ability is, in essence, a power that applies game-like corrections to reality. Depending on how it’s used, it offers limitless growth potential. Without it, the human could never have created swordsmanship designed for the Mantis Blades.】

Even with such a cheat-like ability, that pathetic excuse of a man couldn’t even swing a greatsword properly…

Well, given how pathetic he was, it made sense that he’d resort to throwing greatswords around even with a status window.

Not being able to throw a greatsword or even drop it straight down under gravity?

“Whatever.”

-Clang!

The moment I unsheathed the Mantis Blades, something was forcibly implanted into my mind.

How to wield this weapon.

How to move with this bizarre weapon equipped.

The most effective attack techniques and every related detail were engraved into my mind and body without my consent.

I didn’t know how humans would process such information, but the status window seemed to be highly compatible with my android body.

It wasn’t just about receiving information; my memory spread this data throughout my limbs and fingers, enabling immediate comprehension.

“Let’s see…”

I swung the Mantis Blades.

The blades cut through the air exactly as I willed, producing a sharp slicing sound.

“Not bad.”

It would’ve been nice to have an appropriate target to test it on, but hacking apart a neighbor’s flowerbed or a random street in the name of practice would’ve been unreasonable.

Especially in a world where returnees already had such a terrible reputation.

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The Outer Wall Exploration Agency was operating smoothly as always.

“Operating smoothly” here meant the outer walls hadn’t been breached, and hunters were continuing their work and lives as usual.

Of course, the destruction of Green Factory was no small matter.

Many low-level hunters and polar bear beasts had lost their homes, while the collapse of the once-prestigious Myungyeo Guild’s new recruit curriculum and the efforts of civilians who had spent considerable money to venture on hunting expeditions there left many devastated.

However, other hunters continued to tackle mid-to-high-level dungeons or prepare for dangerous critical expeditions as usual.

From the agency’s perspective, as long as the outer wall remained intact, it wasn’t considered a major crisis.

“Welcome, esteemed customer!”

“Hello, Bronte.”

Upon entering the Exploration Agency, Alice waved to Bronte, who bowed politely in greeting.

“It’s not my place to say this, but I’m glad you’re safe, customer!”

“Hm?”

Alice thought, “What nonsense is this guy talking about?” Then she remembered the events of last night.

Oh, right.

A Third-Class Overseer had ambushed me.

What was their name again? I’ve already forgotten.

Am I really an android? Why is my memory so terrible?

【Useless memories occupy internal storage, so I delete them automatically.】

‘Ah, I see.’

【For reference, the individual you encountered was Third-Class Overseer Rosa Vintz.】

Right.

They were someone not worth remembering anyway.

I’m sure Rilstia, our dear Administrator, handled the matter appropriately.

“What? Don’t tell me you were the one who gave my info to that Third-Class Overseer?”

“We’ve also pieced together that you were involved in the Green Factory’s destruction, Alice.”

“……”

This was unexpected.

“The day you visited the Green Factory, it was completely destroyed, and our agency detected anomalies there. It’d be stranger not to connect the dots.”

“So why haven’t you said anything? You could’ve reported me to an Overseer or filed charges.”

“Haha, we never betray our clients. Especially not Ultimate-Class Returnees!”

Bronte clacked his silver-plated jaw and burst into laughter.

“Actually, as a public institution, our Exploration Agency cannot refuse an Overseer’s request for information without valid reason, so we had no choice but to comply.”

“But this Rosa Vintz Overseer, who visited regarding the Green Factory’s destruction, has quite a reputation for treating returnees harshly. I was genuinely concerned for your safety, Alice.”

“I met her yesterday, and it wasn’t a big deal.”

“As expected! That’s just what I’d expect from a customer I respect! Handling a Third-Class Overseer so effortlessly…”

In truth, Alice hadn’t done much except call Rilstia for assistance.

Even without calling Rilstia, the Third-Class Overseer wouldn’t have been able to subdue and drag Alice away by force.

“In addition, on that day at the Green Factory, we detected the flow of oversaturated mana during an unusual prelude to the event. It was such a brief moment that we couldn’t even document it before we received news of the Green Factory’s destruction.”

“I’m aware I acted recklessly.”

“It’s fine! An Ultimate-Class Returnee must have had their reasons for such actions. However, might I ask you to answer a personal question?”

Alice nodded without hesitation.

It seemed Bronte, despite being interrogated by the Third-Class Overseer, hadn’t disclosed any sensitive information or suspicions about Alice.

Things like dungeon entry records were official data and couldn’t be helped, but beyond that, Bronte had kept quiet.

Alice didn’t know why Bronte was so favorable toward her, but since she unknowingly benefited from his goodwill, she decided to play along.

If it got bothersome, she could always call Administrator Rilstia or Oriana for help.

“On the day the Green Factory was destroyed, the mana flow resembled the precursors of a calamity. The presence of unrefined mana and oversaturated life force was confirmed. Did you, by any chance, witness a calamity that day?”

“Who knows?”

Should that even be called a calamity?

Alice wasn’t familiar with what defined a calamity.

So, she decided to speak honestly.

“The Green Factory’s Biological Factory reportedly produced 1,800 monsters.”

“That’s correct. To be precise, it produces 1,832 monsters—an assortment of orcs, goblins, and trolls.”

“So, I had just acquired a new weapon and wanted to test it out, so I headed to the Green Factory. After defeating about 100 monsters, they suddenly stopped spawning.”

“The respawn cycle stopped? Based on the timing, the Biological Factory’s respawn cycle shouldn’t have been disrupted…”

“The monsters that stopped spawning were all consolidating into a single entity.”

“Consolidating, you say?”

Bronte looked incredulous.

Biological consolidation was a phenomenon that had never been reported before.

However, since monsters, gates, dungeons, and abominations often defied logic, Bronte chose to listen to Alice.

“Then, suddenly, a monster resembling a girl popped out of one of the intestines in the factory.”

“Was that the calamity you witnessed, Alice?”

“I wouldn’t know. I’ve only been here for a short time.”

“A being capable of single-handedly annihilating an entire step would typically be classified as a calamity.”

“Then, it must’ve been a calamity.”

Calamities often imitated intelligent beings or possessed intellect and abilities far surpassing ordinary humans.

Given that Gaia was overwhelmingly powerful in her own right, it wasn’t unreasonable for her to single-handedly destroy an entire step.

“She introduced herself as Gaia. She had green skin like a goblin and looked like a human girl who resembled me. Maybe she modeled herself after an intelligent being nearby.”

“An interesting story. Do you know what triggered Gaia’s creation?”

“How would I know? She was absurdly strong, regenerated quickly no matter how much I cut her with my blade, and could mimic my movements after seeing them once… Honestly, I only defeated Gaia because she let her guard down. If things had gone south, I wouldn’t have survived.”

Bronte stroked his chin and nodded as if deep in thought.

He seemed to have much to ponder.

Ark housed many Biological Factories beyond the Green Factory, and if what Alice said was true, there was a chance that other unique entities like Gaia could emerge from them.

“The embodiment of life created through consolidation… This requires a detailed report.”

“To be honest, I don’t know much. I was fighting frantically, and later I thought similar entities might emerge from other factories, so I destroyed the factory entirely. That’s all there is to my story.”

“I see. Hard to believe, but I’ll take your word for it.”

When Bronte accepted Alice’s story without skepticism, she frowned slightly.

“I’ve been curious for a while—does this really sound believable to you?”

“I always listen carefully to our customers’ stories.”

“No, that’s not what I mean…”

“Also, there’s that accessory around your neck.”

“Oh, this?”

Alice lightly tugged at the blue choker Rilstia had given her with her finger.

“That’s not something just anyone can wear. How could I doubt the words of someone bearing it?”

“So, just wearing this makes my words more credible?”

“To sum it up, yes.”

Alice began to wonder if the blue choker Rilstia had given her was more extraordinary than she initially thought.

To receive such indirect benefits of power just from wearing a choker…

It made her want to embrace turning even bluer.