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.