Chapter 236

Although the internet is not beyond the law, many people still treat it as a way to vent themselves.

Translation: Although the internet is not a lawless place, many people still treat it as a channel to vent themselves.

We need to keep meaning. Let's produce: "Although the internet is not a lawless place, many people still treat it as a channel to vent themselves."

For these people, the internet is a mask; wearing the mask is actually taking off the mask.

Translation: For such people, the internet is a mask, and wearing the mask is actually taking off the mask.

Thus they dare to say things they wouldn't say in reality, adopt attitudes they wouldn't have in reality, and reveal the true self that reality constrains.

Translation: Thus they dare to say what they wouldn't dare say in reality, adopt attitudes they wouldn't have in reality, and show the true nature restrained by reality.

But there is another type of person in reality.

Translation: But there is another type of person in reality.

They truly are just wearing a mask.

Translation: They truly are just wearing a mask.

They weave falsehoods and fabricate illusions online.

Translation: They weave falsehoods and fabricate illusions on the internet.

Even their series of statements and behavior are deliberately crafted personas, not much different from some virtual streamers.

Translation: Even a series of their statements and behavior are deliberately crafted personas, not much different from some virtual streamers.

Indeed, because humans are inherently complex creatures, the boundary between these two types is not as clearly divided as one might think.

Translation: Indeed, because humans are inherently complex beings, the boundary between these two types is not as clearly divided as one might think.

People who like to boast also occasionally reveal their true nature, and those who come online to vent emotions also often disguise themselves politely on different social platforms.

Translation: People who like to boast also occasionally reveal their true nature, and those who come online to vent emotions also sometimes disguise themselves politely on different social platforms.

This is also the most common group among the general public.

Translation: This is also the most common existing group of the public.

But after knowing online friends for years, the accumulated interaction often reveals cracks in some disguises, just as Aomo repeatedly suspected that Kailifu might actually be a woman.

Translation: However, after knowing online friends for years, the accumulated communication always exposes cracks in some disguises, just as Aomo has repeatedly suspected that Kailifu is actually a woman.

Of course, Aomo, who is observant and accustomed to reasoning with learned knowledge, is an oddity and cannot be taken as a standard example.

Translation: Of course, Aomo's meticulous observation and habit of using learned knowledge to reason cannot be taken as a standard case.

But Kailifu is also far from a normal example!

Translation: But Kailifu is also definitely not a normal case!

This girl's unexpected online behavior—or rather, her conduct before the account "Moon Ring Snake" matches her reality, while the biggest disguise is that sleek, cool‑looking skinsuit!

Translation: This girl's unexpected online performance—or rather, her behavior before the Yuehuanshe account matches reality, while her biggest disguise is that sleek, cool-looking skinsuit!

Kailifu's chat room appearance stands at 2.15 meters tall, with a formidable and bizarre design.

Translation: Kailifu's chatroom appearance stands at 2.15 meters tall, with an even more imposing and bizarre design.

Then look at this little girl before you, and you'll understand what it means: how tall she claims online, how short she is in reality; how fierce she pretends to be, how harmless she actually looks.

Translation: Then look at this little girl before you, and you'll understand what it means: how tall she claims online, how short she is in reality; how fierce she pretends to be, how harmless she actually looks.

It's also quite odd; Aomo looks at this pink‑haired girl who seems barely 1.5 meters tall, feels surprised, yet can't say she's completely harmless…

Translation: It's also quite odd; Aomo looks at the pink-haired little girl before him, who might barely reach 1.5 meters, and is indeed surprised, but to say she's completely harmless…

Consider the online chat we had earlier in Heaven's Gate City.

Translation: Why not think back to the online chat we had when we were in Heaven Gate City?

That explicit discussion about the Monster King and mercenary intelligence.

Translation: That was the explicit discussion about the Monster King and mercenary intelligence.

That overly unscrupulous natural conclusion.

Translation: That overly wicked natural conclusion.

All of this proves that Kailifu is far from simple.

Translation: All of this proves that Kailifu is absolutely not simple.

Even if the Two‑World Safety Bureau inspected the utilities and found nothing wrong, you can't truly assume someone who can produce a monster‑research certificate is harmless.

Translation: Even if they've been inspected by the Two Worlds Safety Bureau and come out unscathed, you can't truly assume someone who can produce a monster research certificate is harmless.

She even destroyed Aomo's coffee machine as soon as she arrived!

Translation: She even ruined Aomo's coffee machine as soon as she arrived!

"So it really is broken?"

Translation: "So it really is broken?"

Asking the Manchester tea seat still tinkering with the coffee machine, Aomo's gaze shifts to Kailifu, who looks like a frightened little animal beside him, then back to the coffee machine.

Translation: He asked the Mancheng Chazuo still tinkering with the coffee machine beside him, Aomo's gaze shifted to the timid Kailifu like a small animal, then back to the coffee machine.

Oh, I shouldn't have said Kailifu; I should say: Shinjo Sei.

Translation: Oh, I shouldn't say Kailifu; I should say: Xin Tiao Qian.

Although online friends mostly remember only the username when they meet, they keep using the handle for years, so even after years they recall no one's real name—only the handle sticks.

Translation: Although online friends mostly remember only the screen name when meeting offline, and continue to call by the screen name thereafter, after years they forget each other's real names, with only the screen name remaining.

But if they spend a long time together, they will at least remember the real name to some extent.

Translation: But if they maintain long-term contact, they will still remember the real name to some extent.

Not to mention Aomo, who has a crystal embedded in his brain.

Translation: Let alone someone like Aomo, who has a crystal embedded in his brain.

To forget, one would need to process that crystal in memory.

Translation: To forget, one must even process the crystal in memory.

Although Shinjo Sei's name is surprisingly ordinary, her looks exceed the average and her bearing rivals that of Bourbon… Aomo uncharacteristically deviates from the hormonal vigor expected at his age.

Translation: Although Xin Tiao Qian's name is also surprisingly ordinary, as for that appearance above average and a bosom not inferior to Bopang's... Aomo uncharacteristically deviated from the hormones he should be active at his age.

It's not that his XP is unique; rather, as a local resident of this world and era, and as a trainer of Tresen, he ought to have this bland reaction.

Translation: It's not that his tastes are unique; rather, as a local resident of this world and era, and more so as a trainer of Tresen, he should indeed have this indifferent reaction.

In this era, appearance can be tweaked, body parameters can be altered via cosmetic medicine, and with Umamusume and other transmigrants active in the Gate Zone, the result is——

Translation: In this era, looks can be adjusted, body parameters can be intentionally changed via cosmetic medicine, and together with horse girls and other transmigrators active in the Boundary Gate District, the result is——

——natural and artificial high looks are mixed together, making it hard to tell them apart, and it's difficult to genuinely feel astonished.

Translation: ——natural and artificial high looks mixed together are hard to distinguish, making it difficult to truly evoke awe.

A genuinely average or below‑average appearance actually draws more attention.

Translation: Truly, an average or even below-average appearance ends up drawing more attention.

Even Aomo might suspect they are a transmigrant.

Translation: Even Aomo might suspect they are transmigrators.

Of course, Shinjo Sei is undoubtedly a transmigrant.

Translation: Of course, Xin Tiao Qian is undoubtedly a transmigrator.

A female high school student living alone in Heaven's Gate City must be a transmigrant; the few monster models in her luggage are likely related to her, or to her original world.

Translation: A female high school student living alone in Heaven Gate City couldn't possibly not be a transmigrator; the few monster models in her luggage are likely related to her, or perhaps to her original world.

Setting aside the details, Aomo now cares more about his coffee machine.

Translation: Setting aside the specifics, Aomo now cares more about his coffee machine.

He didn't have it at home; he deliberately bought it as office equipment when renovating the office, steeling himself to spend.

Translation: He didn't even have one at home; he deliberately gritted his teeth to purchase this office equipment when renovating his office!

It broke before he even got to use it!

Translation: It broke before he even got to use it!

"... Well, it should be broken." the Manchester tea seat whispered.

Translation: "... Hmm, it should be broken." Mancheng Chazuo said softly.

She obviously feels a bit guilty.

Translation: She obviously also feels a bit guilty.

Even though she had already seen Shinjo Sei tinkering with the coffee machine, came over to watch, and even gave advice, while the machine was already smoking, she still feels responsible for the current situation.

Translation: Even though she had seen Xin Tiao Qian tinkering with the coffee machine, just came over to watch, and even gave pointers, while the coffee machine was already smoking at that time, she still feels responsible for the current situation.

After receiving that affirmation, Aomo fell silent for a moment, then waved his hand to indicate she should step aside.

Translation: Upon receiving that affirmative reply, Aomo fell silent for a moment, then waved his hand to indicate yielding the spot.

After the tea seat moved aside, he stepped forward, tried operating it once, then turned his head to look at Shinjo Sei, who continued pretending to be a small animal beside him.

Translation: After the Chazuo made way, he stepped forward himself, tried operating it a bit, then turned his head to look at Xin Tiao Qian still pretending to be a small animal nearby.

The tea seat also looked over; the two black‑haired, white‑furred figures—one with red eyes, the other a golden boy—stared at Shinjo Sei, making her feel uneasy.

Translation: The Chazuo also came over, the two black-haired, white-furred guys—one red-eyed, one golden-child—stared at Xin Tiao Qian until she felt uneasy.

Although she isn't close with the tea seat, Suzi at least mentioned the other's existence before, and that person had once descended like a divine soldier to guide her when she was at a loss.

Translation: Although she isn't close with the Chazuo, Suzi at least mentioned their existence before, and they had even descended like heavenly soldiers to guide her when she was at a loss.

To be honest, I've been using the Huanyuan app to read and follow updates lately—switching sources, multiple narration voices,. huanyuanapp works on both Android and iOS.

Translation: 【Honestly, I've been using the Huanyuan app to read and chase updates lately, switching sources, multiple voice options,. huanyuanapp works on both Android and iOS.】

That posture reminded her of a lecturer from her classes—clearly a professional.

Translation: That posture made her think of her lecturer in class—clearly a professional.

A professional's gaze is always weightier; it made Shinjo Sei timidly raise her hand and whisper, "... I can compensate."

Translation: A professional's gaze is always heavier; it made Xin Tiao Qian timidly raise her hand and whisper, "... I can compensate."

It's awful—I clearly intended to give Little Snake a surprise, then look at Little Snake's jokes, but ended up becoming the joke myself; this is definitely strange!

Translation: It's terrible—I clearly planned to give Xiao She a surprise, then look at Xiao She's jokes, but ended up becoming the joke myself; this is absolutely strange!

"It's not about compensation," Aomo said, looking at her, tapping his forehead with his index finger, "Although this is a semi‑automatic coffee machine and operation is indeed difficult, to outright break it…"

Translation: "It's not about compensation," Aomo said, looking at her, raising his hand to tap his forehead with his index finger, "Although this is a semi-automatic coffee machine, operation is indeed difficult, but to outright break it……"

He fell silent for a moment, then raised his hand and cast a sound‑proof barrier:

Translation: He fell silent for a moment, then raised his hand and cast a soundproof barrier:

"Has Bourbon been in the kitchen?"

Translation: "Has Bopang been in the kitchen?"

"Bourbon, oh, that chestnut‑haired girl, right?"

Translation: "Bopang, oh, is that the chestnut-haired girl?"

She is indeed a transmigrant, and because she has hardly any contact with Umamusume, she would refer to her as a girl rather than a horse girl in this description… but the point isn't here; Aomo nodded: "Right, has she come over?"

Translation: "She is indeed a transmigrator, and having little contact with horse girls, she'd prioritize saying 'girl' over 'horse girl' in such descriptions… but the point isn't here; Aomo nodded: 'Right, has she been here?'"

"She has come over, and even suggested I look up tutorials," Shinjo Sei said, glancing doubtfully toward the living room, "but what could that have to do with her?"

Translation: "She has been here, and even suggested I look up tutorials," Xin Tiao Qian glanced doubtfully toward the living room, "but what could that have to do with her?"

"There's no connection; don't mention the broken coffee machine to the two outsiders, and you don't need to compensate."

Translation: "It's nothing related; don't mention the coffee machine breaking to the two outside, and no need to compensate."

Under her puzzled gaze, the little snake finished speaking rather quickly, then turned her head and said to the black-haired horse girl, "Let's have a meeting tomorrow."

Call Miss Dazhenhan and Zhouri Ningjing over, let's talk again about the issue with the horse girl's soul.

Hmm… Chazuo nodded, "I took the coffee machine from my room."

You even brought a coffee machine?

Aomo gave her a subtle look, feeling he didn't need to ask whether she also planned to stay overnight.

He then nodded and said, "Later, watch over Bo Pang, don't let her approach the kitchen or touch any other electrical… Suzi is watching TV in the living room, go check on that."

... Okay!

It was rare to hear Chazuo respond so enthusiastically; obviously, keeping the office appliances' lifespan gave her a special sense of mission.

The black-haired horse girl quickly jogged out toward outside the kitchen and left.

Meanwhile, Aomo looked at the broken coffee machine, pondered for a moment, then lifted it and placed it in the kitchen corner.

Then he turned his head to look at Xintiao Qian beside him—she had just come over.

"As for your doubt, simply put, that horse girl named Mei Pubo pang is naturally incompatible with electrical appliances; I think this is a curse related to the horse girl's soul." Aomo, of course knowing what she wanted to ask, answered first.

Then, seeing her obvious surprise, he added, "Hmm… you should know that horse girls are essentially humans influenced both by the horse girl's soul and the goddess's blessing, right?"

"I know, the travel magazines in Jiemen District all have popular science."

"In the future, we'll be together long-term; it'd be better to find clearer material than those travel magazines, oh, no need to look, I'll put together a summary for you later," Aomo said, glancing at the delivery progress on the light screen, "Can you cook?"

"I was all set to wait for you to come over and just order takeout."

Really?

Don't order, I've placed an ingredient delivery; tonight I'll cook.

Aomo said this, without withdrawing the soundproof barrier, he pointed to the kitchen exit: "By the way, go to the lab I prepared for you; I have a new find I want you to consult on."

Those few cards, right?

Everyone knows that the other party's longtime online friend who takes care of his useless foster father naturally wouldn't be surprised that he can cook; rather, they're actually looking forward to it.

But now that a more attractive topic for her came up, Xintiao Qian also skipped the first half, her mood extremely exalted.

However, as soon as the harvest was mentioned, she recalled something and turned to look at his right hand: "By the way, how's your hand?"

"Just a minor issue," Aomo waved his hand, "what we need to consult on isn't a monster card, but a secret key."

...? Xintiao Qian stared, then her red eyes widened completely.

That secret key!!

This is precisely Aomo's foresight in not withdrawing the soundproof barrier.

He said this when suddenly a bell rang—that was the notification sound from the terminal receiving a communication; although it was private mode, the bell's public broadcast helps others understand his actions.

However, the bell's distinctive cheer still made Xintiao Qian's expression a bit subtle, as if she hadn't expected Aomo to have such taste.

But those lyrics are also something she would like.

Make noise, monster's song, it won't disappear yet.

Singing a song about dreams or whatever, it's also a romantic tune.

But while she was thus approving it in her heart, Aomo, who was listening to the communication, had a somewhat solemn expression.

The reason was simple—it was a communication from Rhodes Island.

Kinsley Muer, or to put it more recognizably, is that elf man who calls himself a merchant; his transport vehicle was attacked, and the perpetrators lost contact.

This is the official wording; if we put it in the parties' own words, they'd only understand it as one sentence:

This is the official way of speaking; if it were put in the words of these parties involved, they would only understand it as one sentence:

He was rescued and taken away.