Chapter 58: One Hour of Gaming a Day
Before I knew it, I was back in the familiar mental world.
And sure enough, both the “Star” and the “Spirit” were there.
“Hey, what the hell is going on?”
Even I could tell how irritated my voice sounded.
But that was only natural. The fact that these two were here meant that nothing had happened to the personalities of the “Star” or the “Spirit.” And yet, they hadn’t switched in to take over. That was what this meant.
“...You have... reached... your limit.”
After a short pause, the “Star” replied quietly.
For some reason, its voice sounded heavy and grave.
“My limit? What limit?”
“Your... ‘human’... mind... has... reached... its... limit.”
“...Huh?”
What did that mean?
Even if I had reached my limit, how did that explain what was happening now?
“Because the ‘Spirit’ and the ‘Star’ are different from you, we overlooked one simple fact: when an ordinary intelligent life-form’s mind reaches its limit, its body suffers as well.”
“You have been in this world for approximately five years. A spirit’s body does not require sleep, and the consciousness and mind of your ‘human’ self have remained active at all times. That alone is an abnormal state for a human. Then the strain you endured in the Alnima Domain was added to the burden, resulting in damage we could no longer ignore.”
“It is true that ‘Tierra As’ is a conceptual spirit. Her body is meant to keep functioning in service of her mission without needing to sleep or eat. ...However, ‘Tierra As’ is also a trinity of the ‘Star,’ the ‘Human,’ and the ‘Spirit.’ Thus, one-third of her is human. It should hardly be surprising that a limit like this would eventually be reached. ...Had we realized it sooner, we might have been able to take precautions.”
The “Star” and the “Spirit” took turns explaining the situation.
But I couldn't accept it. Because—
“If ‘I’ can’t do it, then why not just switch me out for the ‘Star’ or the ‘Spirit’?”
“That is impossible. Humans are beings whose bodies and minds are closely connected. Therefore, if either of us were to take over one of your personalities and move your body right now...”
“We would undoubtedly inflict irreparable damage on your mind.”
Damage? Irreparable damage?
“Who gives a damn about that?! The only priorities are getting back home and saving Sorane! That’s it! A little damage is no reason to stop...!”
“Calm yourself. I understand your desire to save your younger sister and your desperate longing to return to your homeland. After all, ‘I’ am also you. ...But neither of those goals can be accomplished overnight.”
“If you push yourself too hard now, it will inevitably become a major concern over the long journey ahead. If you become unable to act for an extended period, you will miss out on all the points you could have earned.”
“...Ghh.”
Damn it. They were right. The “Star” and the “Spirit” were completely, utterly right.
But even so...
“...So what? Am I supposed to just sleep soundly and let Chapter Two end without me? Am I supposed to let all those points slip through my fingers and hand the spotlight over to my rivals?”
Unable to accept it, I spat out those words.
...It wasn’t the “Star” or the “Spirit’s” fault in the first place. This situation had been brought about by the weakness of my soul.
So it wasn’t as if they could do anything about me complaining like this.
“To prevent that from happening, the ‘Star’ and the ‘Spirit’ are treating your soul right now. We will do everything we can to restore you as quickly as possible.”
“We’re giving it everything we’ve got, Starry! I’ll fix you up in no time, so just relax and leave it to us!”
Even so, neither the “Star” nor the “Spirit” so much as snapped at me. They just kept treating me.
...Ah, damn it. I was so pathetic.
“............I see. Sorry for taking my frustration out on you. Thank you, both of you.”
“...Hmph. If you understand, then hurry up and let your consciousness fall completely asleep. It might help you recover a little faster.”
And so, I obediently followed Mother Earth’s advice and let go of my consciousness...
“...Ngh. Mm... Right, I was in the middle of something, and then I lost consciousness...”
I woke up.
Apparently, my treatment was finished, so the “Star” and the “Spirit” had shaken me awake. I immediately brought my consciousness back to the surface.
...Just how much time had passed since then?
How far had the story progressed?
Wondering about that, I tried to assess the situation around me—
“Now, now, now! Well, well, well! You’re putting up quite a fight, Mr. Walt! I’m getting rather excited myself!”
“Damn you...!”
“But, but, but! Carrying two burdens around with you, even you seem to have reached your limit, haven’t you?”
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t call me baggage!”
“Well, well! Look who’s talking—the former spirit who had his concept stolen! In that case, in that case! You too shall dance in the palm of my hand!”
“You’re not laying a finger on this woman...!”
“I’m with the elf on this one. Especially when it comes to a depraved pervert like you, I’d rather die than accept your touch.”
“Excellent! Splendid spirit! But, but, but! Can you stop my circus, I wonder? Come now, come now! Let the show begin!”
For some reason, a bunch of male characters who’d been on the verge of triggering romantic flags lately were putting on an absolutely brutal fight right before my eyes.
...Seriously, what the hell happened here??
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