Aeon Nether & Idol Effigy

Chapter 32- Replaced

...

I had just walked out of the room and turned on my numbered phone. There wasn't much information on it other than text messages with instructions from the show and video files to help us learn for our performances. Our laptops were more so used for studying our subjects, so we had multiple online libraries and online groups where we typically talked about our courses.

The numbered phone had phone cases that are given out every time we pass a round on the show. Each time the numbers on the phone change and the designs change slightly too.

Right now, my numbered phone held my check up report.

Downloading the file, I read the brief summary of the report.

The word profile was seen on the phone surface. Under it they explained how a profile was something that acted as evidence for a screen that all people had. It was previously called a status screen, but was changed due to some differences it had from usual status screens seen in games. On the profile there was normally the person's name, age, species, class and/ or occupations. Although it's not the screen that shows our abilities and skills listed, it is still highly important, as it's the epicentre where those with abilities upgrade themselves.

It sounded important.

A part of me felt frustrated at the world more so than myself. The world didn't provide much information on abilities. It was just always the same phrases that were fed to me and others when we asked questions.

"You'll learn more about your abilities when you turn 18 and go to do dungeon service."

"Is it really important? We're not at the stage to worry about whether our abilities are dangerous or not. You kids are just waaayyy too weak right now."

"Don't speak nonsense! Just study. What's the use of abilities in this world? Honestly!"

Tch.

Shouldn't someone have told me about profiles when I was growing up.

Maybe they knew, so they set it as a taboo topic that they can't talk about around me.

Looking back down at the summary I saw the words lack of screen and wondered if maybe they got it wrong. I had a screen. Couldn't it be possible that they were wrong and I don't have a cap on my abilities. Maybe I could get the profile screen later in life when I've healed more?

That's possible right?

Probably not. Even if they're wrong, wouldn't I just be a weird case that might be dangerous, because I'm different it's detrimental to me. I'd have no sufficient guidance. Something like that.

Opening the downloaded profile I saw more information. Poison NW14 consumed before birth and currently surviving from it.

Not much was written in the report, but poison NW14 was highlighted.

The other information on the page seemed lacking.

I wouldn't put it past them if they didn't give up.

After all, what else does the report say other than them being surprised that I'm alive.

Perhaps, people would now liken my participation in the show with those news coverages of someone close to death completing their bucket list. Should I be happy? Maybe I'll later get some pity votes.

It's not so bad. I'll be able to have a chance at winning on the show. Although it might not help much, it seemed like something that would prove beneficial for the future. This show was too weird to not be beneficial for my future in this world.

I haven't really met with any difficulties with Trina or any other person that may or may not be a transmigrator yet too.

Maybe I'll win this battle of survival and die in the dungeon service. Who knows? Trina described how there were more places in this world and the other worlds to do the dungeon service on. Me tripping over and dying at the slightest difficulty increase is always a possible outcome.

Every now and then I'd pass by some contestants on the show. Each and everyone of them would walk past me, albeit staring at me a bit.

It just went to show how socially able I was. I couldn't even have acquaintances.

...

It happened when I turned to go into the cafeteria to grab some food or sugar to make myself happier.

"Check up done?"

"Hmm?" I turned around to look at the direction the voice was coming from.

Standing there was the sickly host.

"Yes. I finished."

Lifting his hair out of his face to look at me more clearly his lips curled slightly.

"Seems like it's bad news, huh?"

"I suppose."

He walked closer to me until his mouth was close to my ear. Before I could flinch away he audibly whispered in my ears.

"How disappointed you must be. Replaced Emma's existence and still walking so close to death."

Stiffening up I pulled away from him to meet his eyes when a look of hurt lingered on my face.

"Di-Did I do something wrong?"

An inch away from my face, he blinked with his pupils shaking slightly.

Before he could respond I put the tub of mango yogurt down and left the cafeteria for my dorm room at a relatively fast walking speed.

Again, I failed to ask myself questions on whether he knew something, whether it was dangerous or helpful that someone else other than Trina knew. Or thinking about what his ability was. I just agreed with his words and left.

It was probably due to how both of us didn't shy away from the camera and said whatever we wanted like it didn't matter what people saw.

That night the viewers worried about my naivety in confirming the fact that I was a transmigrator in a recorded reality show.