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Chapter 395: Superboy-Prime: The Boss Has Arrived, Bring the Tea!
Number Ninety-Nine felt like he had the worst luck imaginable. He had kindly helped One, only to end up losing him completely.
"Hey, you can stop looking. That fool, One, has always been one to think he's clever. He was probably killed by some being long ago."
Number Ninety-Nine looked up, pushed up his thick glasses, and asked in confusion, "Number 126, what do you mean by that?"
Number 126 said with a mirthless smile, "It's not like you don't know One's personality. He always thinks he's the special one, treating the rest of us like idiots and cowards. Since he's been missing for so long, he must have jumped into the storyline. He's violated the Editorial Department's regulations!"
"And I bet you that idiot will be toyed to death by that sly old fox, the Prime Monitor! By now, there probably isn't even a corpse left, huh?"
"A being like the Prime Monitor wouldn't have any reason to bother with small fries like us in the Editorial Department, right?"
"You really think so? Heh, the Prime Monitor is a quiet, sly old fox... I'm willing to bet he's definitely discovered our Editorial Department. He might even be watching us right now, eavesdropping on our conversation!"
Number Ninety-Nine jumped in fright, glancing around nervously. "Then for cursing him out like that," he said worriedly, "are you going to get beaten to death?"
"...Probably not, right? The Singular Gods aren't that petty... Uh, I have something to do, I'm leaving..." Number 126's face stiffened. Breaking out in a cold sweat, he left with his limbs feeling weak.
With every step, he looked around paranoidly, terrified that a strange figure would leap out and stare at him with murderous eyes.
Number Ninety-Nine pushed up his glasses and sighed helplessly. He leaned back in his seat and stared at the ceiling.
Anyone who didn't know better would think their Editorial Department had it made. But the reality? They were living on pins and needles. They knew their own situation best—they were just a bunch of weaklings. Although some individuals were physically strong, they were still just ordinary humans.
By now, quite a few Singular Gods had discovered them. They had probably visited more than once to monitor everything, but the staff had no way of detecting them.
"Yeah, we should really be thankful. The ones who found us weren't monstrous beings. Otherwise, we'd be dead for sure..."
Number Ninety-Nine muttered to himself, feeling a little fortunate.
Most of the ones who had found them were like Silver Superman, who was gentle, or Batman, who was aloof. They either didn't mind the Editorial Department's existence or simply dismissed them as ants not worth bothering with.
Oh, there was one exception—an exception that was the entire Editorial Department's nightmare. It was Superboy-Prime from the Prime Universe, that guy with an absolutely horrid personality who loved to order everyone around...
Bang!
An earth-shattering crash interrupted Number Ninety-Nine's thoughts. The main door of the Editorial Department was kicked off its hinges, and a tall man in a bodysuit and a large cape strode in majestically.
On his chest was the incredibly familiar S-Shield.
Superboy-Prime!
That menace!
Why is he back again!
The entire Editorial Department fell into a momentary, deathly silence. Immediately after, countless authors ducked their heads, acting as if they'd been hit with a powerful buff that gave them 100% focus. Their work efficiency increased exponentially.
No one dared to look up. Every one of those identical faces was filled with fear.
"You! Hand over the latest manuscript for my review, now!"
Superboy-Prime was burly and strong. With a hostile gaze full of malice, he glared fiercely at the group of editors.
A pitiful fellow, completely oblivious to the situation, burst in from another door, waving a form in his hand and shouting with delight, "Everyone! We got another subscription!"
...
But no one paid him any attention. Everyone kept their heads buried, not making a sound. Any other time, they all would have cheered loudly, but at this critical moment, they didn't dare.
Superboy-Prime, however, could read their minds. He knew that many of them were silently cursing in unison, "This fucking moron!"
The wretch was grabbed by Superboy-Prime, who roared at him, "You! If you want to keep your worthless life, go get me your latest manuscript right now!"
"Huh? Ahhh? Lord Kal-El, when did you arrive?"
The wretch was stunned for a moment. Then, on his suddenly stiff and ashen face, he forced out a fawning smile, as if filled with sincere excitement and joy.
His ability to change expressions in an instant, that superb skill of self-deception, earned the admiration of countless doppelgangers.
Superboy-Prime snatched the form from his hand and scanned it quickly. His expression softened a little, and seeing the comments on it, he even looked rather pleased with himself.
Hmm, let's see this comment.
Another reader praised him for getting more handsome...
Hahahaha, this reader knows how to speak the truth! Isn't that just a matter of course!
Superboy-Prime had just started to grin when he caught himself and stopped. The great Lord Superboy-Prime needed to maintain his dignity.
The many authors and editors exchanged glances, clearly seeing the name "Edgy Supes" in each other's eyes.
Superboy-Prime really did fit the description of a chunibyo. He had done many brainless things... Of course, Superboy-Prime would never admit it, wholeheartedly believing it was the authors' fault.
It's all the fault of these damn authors! Damn editors! They portrayed a simple guy like me as a major antagonist!
Making up bullshit for the storyline!
Look at the other Supermen! They all have happy lives!
So why the hell is my life so miserable?!
Superboy-Prime casually sat down in the seat reserved exclusively for him. Fruits and drinks had already been arranged in advance.
The wretch brought over a thick, brand-new manuscript. With a fawning expression, he handed it to Superboy-Prime for review and, like a total lackey, began to massage his shoulders.
Superboy-Prime nonchalantly took the manuscript and began flipping through it page by page. His super-memory allowed him to easily absorb all of its content.
The continuous sound of flipping pages was the only thing heard in the deathly silent Editorial Department.
Yes, Superboy-Prime's awful personality was well-known. He was as reckless and impatient as a teenager.
Still, it was a good thing that although his temper was unbelievably bad, he was relatively friendly toward them... Considering this guy had once destroyed a whole bunch of physical universes with brute force just to restore the virtual Prime Universe (what a brainless move), and had a crazy track record of taking on an entire universe by himself at the drop of a hat (and losing every single time), he was indeed "very friendly."
"Huh?"
Superboy-Prime suddenly looked up, frowning in a certain direction with a suspicious expression.
He had sensed a strange aura, but it vanished in a flash. It was extremely, extremely faint.
Could he have been mistaken?
Superboy-Prime stroked his chin and observed for another moment, but that strange aura had long since vanished without a trace.
The matter was quickly forgotten by the carefree and chunibyo-esque Superboy-Prime, who went back to gleefully reviewing the manuscript.
(end of chapter)
Number Ninety-Nine felt like he had the worst luck imaginable. He had kindly helped One, only to end up losing him completely.
"Hey, you can stop looking. That fool, One, has always been one to think he's clever. He was probably killed by some being long ago."
Number Ninety-Nine looked up, pushed up his thick glasses, and asked in confusion, "Number 126, what do you mean by that?"
Number 126 said with a mirthless smile, "It's not like you don't know One's personality. He always thinks he's the special one, treating the rest of us like idiots and cowards. Since he's been missing for so long, he must have jumped into the storyline. He's violated the Editorial Department's regulations!"
"And I bet you that idiot will be toyed to death by that sly old fox, the Prime Monitor! By now, there probably isn't even a corpse left, huh?"
"A being like the Prime Monitor wouldn't have any reason to bother with small fries like us in the Editorial Department, right?"
"You really think so? Heh, the Prime Monitor is a quiet, sly old fox... I'm willing to bet he's definitely discovered our Editorial Department. He might even be watching us right now, eavesdropping on our conversation!"
Number Ninety-Nine jumped in fright, glancing around nervously. "Then for cursing him out like that," he said worriedly, "are you going to get beaten to death?"
"...Probably not, right? The Singular Gods aren't that petty... Uh, I have something to do, I'm leaving..." Number 126's face stiffened. Breaking out in a cold sweat, he left with his limbs feeling weak.
With every step, he looked around paranoidly, terrified that a strange figure would leap out and stare at him with murderous eyes.
Number Ninety-Nine pushed up his glasses and sighed helplessly. He leaned back in his seat and stared at the ceiling.
Anyone who didn't know better would think their Editorial Department had it made. But the reality? They were living on pins and needles. They knew their own situation best—they were just a bunch of weaklings. Although some individuals were physically strong, they were still just ordinary humans.
By now, quite a few Singular Gods had discovered them. They had probably visited more than once to monitor everything, but the staff had no way of detecting them.
"Yeah, we should really be thankful. The ones who found us weren't monstrous beings. Otherwise, we'd be dead for sure..."
Number Ninety-Nine muttered to himself, feeling a little fortunate.
Most of the ones who had found them were like Silver Superman, who was gentle, or Batman, who was aloof. They either didn't mind the Editorial Department's existence or simply dismissed them as ants not worth bothering with.
Oh, there was one exception—an exception that was the entire Editorial Department's nightmare. It was Superboy-Prime from the Prime Universe, that guy with an absolutely horrid personality who loved to order everyone around...
Bang!
An earth-shattering crash interrupted Number Ninety-Nine's thoughts. The main door of the Editorial Department was kicked off its hinges, and a tall man in a bodysuit and a large cape strode in majestically.
On his chest was the incredibly familiar S-Shield.
Superboy-Prime!
That menace!
Why is he back again!
The entire Editorial Department fell into a momentary, deathly silence. Immediately after, countless authors ducked their heads, acting as if they'd been hit with a powerful buff that gave them 100% focus. Their work efficiency increased exponentially.
No one dared to look up. Every one of those identical faces was filled with fear.
"You! Hand over the latest manuscript for my review, now!"
Superboy-Prime was burly and strong. With a hostile gaze full of malice, he glared fiercely at the group of editors.
A pitiful fellow, completely oblivious to the situation, burst in from another door, waving a form in his hand and shouting with delight, "Everyone! We got another subscription!"
...
But no one paid him any attention. Everyone kept their heads buried, not making a sound. Any other time, they all would have cheered loudly, but at this critical moment, they didn't dare.
Superboy-Prime, however, could read their minds. He knew that many of them were silently cursing in unison, "This fucking moron!"
The wretch was grabbed by Superboy-Prime, who roared at him, "You! If you want to keep your worthless life, go get me your latest manuscript right now!"
"Huh? Ahhh? Lord Kal-El, when did you arrive?"
The wretch was stunned for a moment. Then, on his suddenly stiff and ashen face, he forced out a fawning smile, as if filled with sincere excitement and joy.
His ability to change expressions in an instant, that superb skill of self-deception, earned the admiration of countless doppelgangers.
Superboy-Prime snatched the form from his hand and scanned it quickly. His expression softened a little, and seeing the comments on it, he even looked rather pleased with himself.
Hmm, let's see this comment.
Another reader praised him for getting more handsome...
Hahahaha, this reader knows how to speak the truth! Isn't that just a matter of course!
Superboy-Prime had just started to grin when he caught himself and stopped. The great Lord Superboy-Prime needed to maintain his dignity.
The many authors and editors exchanged glances, clearly seeing the name "Edgy Supes" in each other's eyes.
Superboy-Prime really did fit the description of a chunibyo. He had done many brainless things... Of course, Superboy-Prime would never admit it, wholeheartedly believing it was the authors' fault.
It's all the fault of these damn authors! Damn editors! They portrayed a simple guy like me as a major antagonist!
Making up bullshit for the storyline!
Look at the other Supermen! They all have happy lives!
So why the hell is my life so miserable?!
Superboy-Prime casually sat down in the seat reserved exclusively for him. Fruits and drinks had already been arranged in advance.
The wretch brought over a thick, brand-new manuscript. With a fawning expression, he handed it to Superboy-Prime for review and, like a total lackey, began to massage his shoulders.
Superboy-Prime nonchalantly took the manuscript and began flipping through it page by page. His super-memory allowed him to easily absorb all of its content.
The continuous sound of flipping pages was the only thing heard in the deathly silent Editorial Department.
Yes, Superboy-Prime's awful personality was well-known. He was as reckless and impatient as a teenager.
Still, it was a good thing that although his temper was unbelievably bad, he was relatively friendly toward them... Considering this guy had once destroyed a whole bunch of physical universes with brute force just to restore the virtual Prime Universe (what a brainless move), and had a crazy track record of taking on an entire universe by himself at the drop of a hat (and losing every single time), he was indeed "very friendly."
"Huh?"
Superboy-Prime suddenly looked up, frowning in a certain direction with a suspicious expression.
He had sensed a strange aura, but it vanished in a flash. It was extremely, extremely faint.
Could he have been mistaken?
Superboy-Prime stroked his chin and observed for another moment, but that strange aura had long since vanished without a trace.
The matter was quickly forgotten by the carefree and chunibyo-esque Superboy-Prime, who went back to gleefully reviewing the manuscript.
(end of chapter)
