Kapitel 7: Jian Yun
"I really don't get what's so good about being a Herrscher. It's tiring, stressful, and you constantly have to worry about being killed by justice-obsessed girls."
Taxue, stepping with a feline grace, jumped down from the balcony. Though just a cat puppet of Ren's, it seemed to possess an independent personality. "Being a cat is so much better. No work, no school. Hungry? Just find a rich person on the street for a free meal. Tired? Cuddle up in a girl's lap for a nap. Isn't this way more relaxing than your miserable human life?"
Having just cleaned up the blood he'd coughed up, Ren smoothed back the hair at his temples, beads of sweat dotting his forehead. His physical condition was truly abysmal. Even with the Herrscher power boosting him, it only slowed the inevitable decay of his body.
If Ren were to calculate his puppet's combat power, Taxue the cat would be the most basic, at 1 point. Ren himself, the original, would be a terrifying existence wielding the power of three cats.
As an aside, an average person's combat power would be around five cats.
"If I had a choice, I'd definitely choose to be a catboy. Too bad the boss upstairs doesn't agree." Ren sighed. The Thousand-Person Herrscher was built upon humanity's inner darkness. If even the Herrscher could be as carefree as a cat, this world would be paradise. Everyone would be happy, without a worry in the world.
Unfortunately, that wasn't possible. Ren's very existence destined him to be the villain, plotting schemes in the shadows.
"How pitiful." Taxue stretched, finding a comfortable spot to curl up for another nap.
The wound on his hand, pierced by the Herrscher of the Void, had almost completely healed. Ren glanced at the clock on the wall; the hand had just passed seven.
"Almost forgot, my current identity is still a student. I have to go to school." He smacked his forehead, finally remembering what he'd forgotten. It was all the Herrscher of Dominance's fault; its powers were too convenient, allowing puppets to do his homework. If only he had more puppet hosts besides one adult male, one adult female, and a cat, he could easily create a look-alike to attend classes for him.
Slam!
The door closed behind Ren as he left for school. After he was gone, the two puppets that had played the roles of his parents last night slowly came to life, beginning their household chores.
As Ren stepped out, the girl waiting across the street brightened, quickly pulling the curtains closed and hurrying downstairs. Reaching the alley's exit, she patted her skirt, calming her rapid breathing.
"Good morning, Ren." The cool morning breeze toyed with the girl's hair. As Ren reached the end of the alley, he saw the girl, who seemed to have been waiting for him.
Memories flickered through his mind. Over the past two months, in preparation for his encounter with Kiana, he had arrived in ARC City early to lay the groundwork. However, due to interacting with numerous people, Ren couldn't immediately recall which identity this encounter was tied to.
Quickly comparing her to his mental image bank, Ren effortlessly put on a warm smile.
"Good morning, Jian Yun."
Jian Yun was his neighbor's daughter. She had lived on this street long before Ren moved in. Now they attended the same high school, even the same class. Ren wanted to chalk it up to coincidence, but the Thousand-Person Herrscher thought differently.
His interactions were never without purpose.
Beaming happily, Jian Yun moved to Ren's side, walking with him to school.
They walked side-by-side in silence. Finally, as they neared the school gates, Jian Yun feigned curiosity, asking the question she'd been holding back.
"Last night, I think I saw a girl with white hair. She…"
"Is she your girlfriend?"
"..." Silence hung in the air as Ren considered his response. He hadn't expected Kiana to be seen. The Herrscher of the Void was a hot potato. While he had prepared for an early encounter, if her presence became known to Schicksal and Anti-Entropy, would his own identity as the Herrscher of Dominance be exposed?
Is she threatening me? The thought struck Ren, a surge of alarm coursing through him. He turned, his gray eyes locking onto the girl's.
The curiosity on Jian Yun's face stiffened. She suddenly regretted asking the question. Looking at the silent Ren, she awkwardly scratched her head. "Don't mind me, Ren. I was just asking casually. Even if she was your girlfriend, it's… it's fine."
...What's with this girl's attitude? Am I overthinking things?
"She's not," Ren replied flatly, opting for the safest answer.
"Uh, you sound kind of reluctant…"
Glancing at the puzzled Jian Yun, Ren softened his tone, repeating, "She's not."
"That's good." Jian Yun stopped mid-sentence, realizing her words could be misinterpreted. She quickly clarified, "I mean, it's okay. I don't mind."
"Oh."
"..."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein