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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 plan 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 starts complaining.
<<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 place 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 become 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 declare 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 become 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 access the internet, 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 declaration.
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, flashing 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 been completely 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 to come out as a model prisoner.>>
<<Are you serious? I'm telling you, I committed 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 time comes.>>
The robber shook his head, unable to comprehend.
In his eyes, we appear as if we were unknown creatures.
<<I'll tell you this. I haven't really accepted 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 become a fan or whatever of VTubers.>>
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