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.>>