"So you're saying, because you don't actually possess the technology to make people transfer 50 credits to you, you explained in the subsequent clarification that I was the one who sent that message?" Chen Li understood after hearing Screwllum's explanation.
"Correct, Mr. Chen Li. I believe that the technology to casually trigger a universe-wide wave of credit transfers is highly befitting of your status as a Genius. And I should not steal your renown," Screwllum nodded from the video feed.
"Emmm... does this really count as renown?"
"Logic: The 'Devolution Experiment' conducted by the infamous Genius, #64 Dr. Primitive, was also an experiment similar to a meme. Your ability to unleash a meme that spread across the entire world in just one minute is undoubtedly an act of genius. Conclusion: This indeed counts as the beginning of your renown throughout the galaxy, Genius #85—the Curio Forger," Screwllum said very seriously.
"So that's how you all see me?" Chen Li nodded thoughtfully.
Chen Li knew himself that this wasn't really a meme. Apart from the infectious nature of the text published in that announcement, the information couldn't be spread to others, which didn't fit the characteristics of a meme. And even if Screwllum hadn't deleted the post, the text on the announcement would have lost its infectious nature after a while as the miracle power was depleted.
Of course, this wasn't a difficult problem to solve.
The professional skill [Fine Pen] was designed for this kind of situation. Text inscribed with [Fine Pen] would exist permanently, as if carved into the rules of the world itself. Correspondingly, its cost would be slightly higher than normal writing.
Whether you wanted to play a game with a slightly higher one-time purchase price, or a game that was free-to-start but required continuous microtransactions, depended on your own situation. And even if you wanted to play a microtransaction game, [Fine Pen] could help you reduce the cost by at least half or double the duration. It was equivalent to a 50% discount on your first purchase and a double bonus on your first purchase.
"But why do other Geniuses' profiles start with high-and-mighty introductions like 'solved the solitary wave algorithm problem,' while my introduction is 'can make people V him 50 to see his strength'? Won't that give others unnecessary misunderstandings about me? For example, thinking that I'm a very casual person," Chen Li was quite worried about this.
"Is that really an unnecessary misunderstanding? And not an obvious fact?" Kaguya Houraisan, who was playing a game on the side, chimed in.
"Inference: People will not feel that you are a casual person or have unnecessary misunderstandings about you because of the magical nature of the first line of Source Text you wrote in this world. In fact, as far as I know, many Geniuses are quite casual, and people are used to it."
"Conclusion: This might become the best representation of your affability and sense of humor," Screwllum earnestly reassured Chen Li.
"That's good... Although this kind of reputation might be a bit strange, after this incident, my identity as Genius #85 should be known to almost everyone, right?" Chen Li asked.
"Correct," Screwllum nodded.
'A Genius who can make me lose 50 credits just by looking at his message? Very good, very interesting. I'll remember you.'
Even ordinary people would have such thoughts and thus pay more attention to Chen Li. Meanwhile, scholars were scratching their heads over a screenshot of the text that had been taken before it was deleted but no longer possessed any special properties.
"Hmm... it's not a bad thing," Chen Li nodded.
His [Disguise Glasses] had the effect of working better the more famous he was.
"Genius #83, Ms. Herta, asked me to send her regards and to ask if you would be willing to leave a portrait of yourself to add a Genius's likeness to her space station," Screwllum continued after seeing that Chen Li had accepted this fact.
The Friends Circle terminal for Herta was still on its way.
"Can I use this book as my likeness?" Chen Li materialized the Guide to Forging Curios and asked Screwllum.
Chen Li had put on his [Disguise Glasses] again before starting the video call. He felt that he probably couldn't maintain his disguise for long, so it would be somewhat unethical to make Herta change his portrait twice. That's why he made this suggestion.
"A very interesting idea. I will discuss your thoughts with Herta," Screwllum nodded.
Screwllum increasingly felt that Chen Li and Herta would get along well. Both of their ideas were wild and imaginative, and they shared a common hobby—collecting Curios.
Moreover, before ending the call, Chen Li had issued a commission to Screwllum to purchase Curios, precious items, and the flesh of special creatures. Because of this, Screwllum felt more and more that Chen Li might really be able to participate in the Simulated Universe project. He shared common interests and hobbies with Herta, and the other partner in the project, Ruan Mei, was a genius in the field of life sciences. Chen Li might be interested in Ruan Mei's research products.
"Question: How are you considering the matter of Silver Wolf's challenge invitation?"
"I don't mind accepting the invitation and teaching this Stellaron Hunter a good lesson, but I don't quite understand why she's so angry about losing 500 credits," Chen Li said, puzzled.
"Perhaps it has to do with my writing the inference that your Source Text is a string of code in the laws of reality into the announcement, which may have stimulated the young lady's rather competitive spirit. If you feel troubled by this, I will resolve the matter," Screwllum said.
"Oh, I see... It's fine. Help me tell her that I accept her challenge. However, the challenge must be set by me. In my plan, this challenge will have three rounds. For the first round, she needs to use the Friends Circle terminal to compete with me in a game," Chen Li said.
"Friends Circle terminal? If you insist, I will mail one of the five terminals you gave me to her. If I mail it now, she should receive it by tomorrow morning," Screwllum said after some thought.
Chen Li had given Screwllum five terminals, and even including Screwllum himself, there were only four partners in the Simulated Universe project. There was one extra.
"Excellent," Chen Li nodded with satisfaction.
"But do I need to remind you? Silver Wolf is a hacker from Punklorde. The hackers of Punklorde treat life as a game. As a legend among hackers, this young lady should be quite accomplished in gaming. At the very least, her hacking skills are very strong," Screwllum gave a friendly reminder.
"Don't worry. The first round I'm competing with her is indeed related to gaming, but it's not about who has higher skill, but who can grind more. Do you think she'll agree to this challenge?" Chen Li said.
"Judgment: Based on my understanding of this highly competitive hacker lady, she will. But are you really certain of victory? Or rather, are you really willing to waste your precious time on this matter?" Screwllum nodded.
"Who said I was the one competing against her?"
"Hmm?" Screwllum was very obviously stunned.
"Kaguya, I've found a gaming partner for you. This is the best gaming partner I managed to find for you after Herculean efforts. She can definitely party up and play with you for three days and three nights," Chen Li said to Kaguya, who was playing a game, his face full of pleasant surprise, while Screwllum was still愣ing.
"...I'm right next to you. Can you please not insult my intelligence? What do you mean you found her after Herculean efforts? Didn't she just deliver herself to our doorstep?" Kaguya retorted.
Even Aqua knows to be sneaky when setting someone up. Why don't you?
"And this lady is?" Screwllum inquired.
"Oh, let me introduce you. This is Kaguya Houraisan, my dear friend. She's an immortal. Her best record is playing games continuously... how long was it without sleeping? I mean in this world," Chen Li turned his head to ask Kaguya.
"Three months," Kaguya said with great confidence.
"Screwllum, you may not know this, but she has been pestering me to find her a gaming partner, and it just so happens that Silver Wolf came knocking. This has finally solved a major problem for me," Chen Li said with a sigh.
"Are you saying you want to have that hacker lady compete with an immortal to see who can grind a game longer?" Screwllum's tone was still calm, but Chen Li could hear a hint of disbelief in it.
Chen Li had truly given Screwllum a little carbon-based lifeform shock.
Silver Wolf might not be a real wolf, but you are definitely a real dog.
Screwllum mused that Herta always said if the Aeon of Erudition hadn't glanced at her first, there would be another Emanator of Beauty in the world. Screwllum couldn't comment on that. But he really felt that if Nous hadn't glanced at Chen Li first, there might be another Emanator of Elation in the world.
"Pardon my frankness, but Miss Silver Wolf may not agree to this contest. After all, she wants to compete with you," Screwllum said.
"What's the big deal? It'll be fine as long as you don't tell her, right?"
"..."
"Oh, right. Remember to tell Silver Wolf that whoever uses a substitute grinder will get guaranteed pity on all gacha pulls and zero drops from dungeons in all Interastral Peace Corporation games," Chen Li added.
Chen Li remembered that Blade from the Stellaron Hunters also had an immortal body. Although the probability of Silver Wolf asking Blade to grind for her was low, it wasn't zero.
Asking an immortal to grind for you? Silver Wolf, you're too despicable!
"...Are you not afraid of the prophecy coming true?" Screwllum chose his words carefully.
"Not at all, because I don't play IPC games," Chen Li spread his hands, looking completely unconcerned.
"...Is there anything else you need to entrust me with? For example, the second contest?" This time, Screwllum was silent for even longer.
"The second contest? Haven't thought about it. But if she can't even win the first round, how can she face me?" Chen Li waved his hand dismissively.
Chen Li had complete confidence in Kaguya Houraisan.
"This time, I will definitely make Silver Wolf return in utter defeat! To avenge my past hard pity pulls! A mere Silver Wolf, no better than that idiot Pela!" Chen Li said with contempt.
---o---