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Chapter 1 - Chapter 1 – Life Simulator

The Interstellar Astronomical Society.

It is the largest Stellaron observation organization in the universe, funded and established by the Interstellar Peace Corporation.

Observe. Understand. Explore. Deconstruct.

Since its creation, the Interstellar Astronomical Society has been dedicated to studying both existing and fallen Stellarons.

And Shirakawa Hibiki, as a transmigrator—

He had endured the harsh 996 grind for five long years in this godforsaken place, finally reaching P36. That rank earned him the chance to go to the Interstellar Peace Corporation's headquarters at Pier Point to truly realize his self-worth.

However, before departure, he had one last task to handle—establishing contact with the Simulated Universe, a system created by four members of the Genius Society.

Although both the Interstellar Peace Corporation and the Astronomical Society knew that communicating with those geniuses was nearly impossible, people always cling to a glimmer of hope. And so, Hibiki was entrusted with this mission.

That night, inside the Astronomical Society—

Hibiki looked down at the document in his hands:

"Mechanical aristocrat Screwlum; Hoshino Haruta, the true master of Space Station Haruta; Satou Ryouichi, the small-town inventor; and Rokuro Mei, the life scientist—these are the four founders of the Simulated Universe."

He spun in his swivel chair, sighing at the negotiations scheduled with those geniuses tomorrow.

By rank alone, being just P36, he shouldn't have been qualified to undertake such a task.

But the Society's president—his mentor, Professor Emmerich—seemed to trust him deeply, giving him this rare opportunity to interact with the geniuses.

"Whatever. One step at a time," Hibiki muttered with a shrug. He raised his coffee to his lips, inhaling its rich aroma, before shaking his head and setting the cup back on the desk.

He stretched lazily and whispered to himself:

"I still have to head to the space station tomorrow. Better get an early night."

After tidying up his documents, Hibiki greeted his colleagues in the office and returned to his cabin.

A quick wash later, he lay down on the soft bunk and slowly closed his eyes.

[Life Simulation System Loaded]

This dream… it feels strange. Wait, what the heck is this!?

[Panel as follows:]

Shirakawa Hibiki

Life Talent: None

Current Simulation Count: 1, Refresh Time: 30 days

Simulation can be started at any time. Once started, you will enter the system's absolute safe space.

After entering, you will choose three out of five talent entries as your initial talents.

After the simulation ends, you may retain one talent and receive rewards based on the overall rating.

Talent levels range from 1 to 5 stars.

[Do you want to begin the simulation?]

Hibiki immediately clicked [No], then opened his eyes.

Everything looked the same. He was still on the cabin's bunk, with the boundless starry sky visible through the porthole.

"…It's really not a dream."

He touched his cheek, the warmth from his fingertips reassuringly real.

After a moment's hesitation, Hibiki inhaled deeply and re-entered the Life Simulator interface.

[Do you want to begin the simulation?]

The exact same prompt appeared. This time, he chose [Yes].

[Please select three of the following random talents to begin your life simulation.]

Blind (★★): You have lost your sight, but gained extraordinary intuition.

Early Demise (★★★): You possess astonishing talent, yet are fated to die young.

Red-Haired Charmer (★★★★★): You are naturally romantic. As long as you will it, even a dog's gaze will seem affectionate when it looks at you.

Fight to the Death (★★★): At the brink of death, you unleash unimaginable potential.

"Amazing, right? At the cost of my brain!" (★★★★): You can develop an inhumanly powerful physique, yet at the cost of becoming an imbecile.

Only two seemed purely positive.

Hibiki was speechless—what sort of cruel choice was this? Blind, doomed, or stupid.

Well, becoming an imbecile was out of the question. Blindness… maybe, if Fight to the Death wasn't right there.

"Fine. I'll pick Early Demise, Red-Haired Charmer, and Fight to the Death. Start the simulation."

[Simulation starting.]

[Consciousness transferring… random scene generating…]

Hibiki sank into a strange blur, as though diving deep into a sea. Sound muffled, weight pressing down, sinking further and further—

Until suddenly he was pulled from the water, air filling his lungs, and his senses gradually returning.

[Age One]

You were born into a land rich with abundance. Like your parents, you belong to a long-lived species. While your family is wealthy, your parents are often away on business, so you were sent to live with the Rokuro family. Fortuitously, your parents share a close bond with them, and you were treated as one of their own.

There was also a girl in the family: Rokuro Mei, born in the same year as you. Uncle Rokuro and Aunt Megumi even joked about betrothing you both.

[Age Two]

Your parents returned for your first birthday ceremony. But instead of grabbing the copper coins they had placed in front of you, you reached out and grabbed Mei's hand. Your father nearly spanked you for it.

[Age Three]

You grew up strong and healthy, showing remarkable talent in poetry, swordsmanship, and other fields. People hailed you as a prodigy. Your parents were satisfied, grateful they hadn't forced you into the family's business path.

[Age Four]

While visiting Mei's home, you wanted to compare the size of your palms. You pressed your small hand against hers, then compared your feet the same way. The adults found this cute and let you continue—until you innocently suggested, "Mei, let's compare lips next…"

Uncle Rokuro and Aunt Megumi laughed, but your father's face turned dark. When you returned home, you learned firsthand the meaning of: "Fatherly love is like a mountain."

[Age Five]

Aunt Megumi, a researcher, joined an expedition with her team to the No Man's Land. By chance, you and Mei went along. That strange voyage—the warmth of the cabin, the endlessly curious lifeforms, the snacks given as rewards after excursions—all left deep impressions on you both.

But one day, you witnessed something terrifying: an unspeakable entity stirring from its frozen state. Most researchers panicked, but Mei's eyes shone with wonder. She seemed to glimpse the vast immensity of the universe far too early and began yearning for "absolute purity."

[Age Six]

Back home, you noticed Mei's newfound fascination with life sciences.

[Age Seven]

You and Mei began proper schooling. Your swordsmanship and poetry only grew stronger, and you displayed brilliance in fields from biology and pharmacology to physics and history. Your tutor firmly believed you were destined for greatness.

Other children admired you…

But Mei, with her odd interests and distant personality, found herself isolated.

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