Chapter 192: [Changing The World]


    I address the robber thrashing about on the floor.


    Though he''s being restrained, he''s receiving first aid for his wounds.


    <<Hey, are you okay?>>


    <<Does this look okay to you!? Ouch, it hurts!>>


    Perhaps he got lucky; he seemed more energetic than expected.


    Or maybe the pain is just numbed by dopamine.


    <<You''re kind, miss. But, you don''t need to worry about someone like me.>>


    <<No, I''m not worried about him personally. It''s just… this is my conviction.>>


    A female customer eyes me nervously as I approach the robber.


    I don''t n to get close enough for her to worry.


    I really don''t want to take another hit.


    <<Miss, I''m really sorry. I couldn''t protect you.>>


    <<Why are you apologizing? It''s not your responsibility. Thank you for trying to protect someone who should be a total stranger.>>


    <<… I''m sorry.>>


    Well, I don''t really care, but she must have a strong sense of responsibility.


    The exchange catches the attention of the robber, who startsining.


    <<Tch, it''s easy for you! Having the luxury to worry about others!>>


    <<Don''t you have someone to worry about? Family in your hometown?>>


    <<Who knows? I couldn''t send money back home, and the contact was cut off immediately. They might all be dead by now. I don''t have a ce to return to or a family anymore.>>


    In my past life, I was also alone in the world.


    So, setting aside the crime, I understand the robber''s feelings a bit.


    <<I was alone once too. No family, no friends.>>


    <<… You too?>>


    However, there''s a decisive difference between the robber and me.


    That is the existence of VTubers.


    <<You should watch streams after all. Even if you end up alone, VTubers can be a source of vitality. They heal your heart. They can even be a reason to live for tomorrow.>>


    <<I don''t have time for that.>>


    <<Well, if you ever have the time, you should watch.>>


    That was what I wanted to say to the robber the most.


    I confidently dere to him,


    <<If that''s the case— I''ll show you how I could change the world.>>


    <<Huh?>>


    The robber looks at me as if I''m a fool.


    He doesn''t believe a word.


    <<Haha, what can a kid like you do?>>


    <<I can''t do anything on my own. But as a VTuber, I can be anything — to anyone, animals, demons, and even heroes or saviors.>>


    <<That''s just a story in the settings. What changes with a different character design? It''s just a fantasy.>>


    <<No, I''m serious. I''ll make a world where people all around the world, no matter where they live, can ess the inte, watch VTuber streams, and enjoy a better world.>>


    <<Huh. Are you going to save us? Change the world? How are you going to do that specifically?>>


    <<With love, friendship, justice, and— the power of money from Super Chats!>>


    I asserted with a snort, "Hmph.".


    And a forceful deration.


    It might be a blunt statement.


    But if you want to achieve something, you need resources.


    <<Super Chats… are you really serious?>>


    <<The words of VTubers reach beyond borders.>>


    I say this, shing a defiant smile.


    Finally, it seems the robber understands that I''m serious.


    <<Even so, I don''t know how much I can really do. Nevertheless, I''ll make my words reach everyone worldwide. I''ll make it so that everyone around the world can hear them.>>


    <<… You''re really annoying, kid. You''re talking like that VTuber from earlier. Wait a minute. I recognize your voice. Could it be!?>>


    <<I plead the 5th.>>


    Oh no, it feels like I''ve beenpletely exposed.


    The news repeated the stories so much that even those who hated VTubers might have gotten tired of hearing about them.


    <<Anyway, regardless. By the time you get out of prison, I''ll make the world somewhat better than it is now. So, make sure toe out as a model prisoner.>>


    <<Are you serious? I''m telling you, Imitted a serious crime. I have no idea when I''ll get out.>>


    <<Well, that might be a problem. Can you watch streams even in prison?>>


    <<What are you even worried about?>>


    At that moment, feeling a change in the atmosphere, the store clerk approaches.


    Hesitantly, the clerk addresses the robber.


    <<I think it''s not right to treat races and individuals the same way. It seems like you don''t like the people in this country, but there are good people here too.>>


    <<Good people, huh?>>


    <<Even my employer is like that. So, if you can''t find work when you get out of prison, contact me. I''ll try talking to the owner for you.>>


    <<Are you serious? Even though I shot at you?>>


    <<I think I can never forgive that. I won''t forget it. It was a frightening experience, enough to give me panic attacks in my dreams every night.>>


    <<Even so. Well, it''s because we''re from the same hometown. I don''t know if I''ll still be working at this store when that timees.>>


    The robber shook his head, unable toprehend.


    In his eyes, we appear as if we were unknown creatures.


    <<I''ll tell you this. I haven''t really epted or believed in anything. But if the world has changed when I get out of prison…>>


    Even so, the "former" robber said.


    <<At that time, I''ll be a fan or whatever of VTubers.>>