"Name?"
"Huai Shi."
"Gender?"
"Male."
"Age?"
"Twenty..."
At the other end of the desk, the young man, looking utterly dead inside, slumped in his chair and sighed helplessly. "Come on, can't we use a different format?"
"Self-awareness is an important metric for observing the soul. It can't be helped; you'll have to get used to it. Besides, don't you seem to like this one?"
Behind the desk, Creator Shahe looked at the data appearing on the screen and nodded in satisfaction. "Authentication confirmed. Congratulations, Mr. Huai Shi! You may be discharged!"
Though he said congratulations, his expression was full of unbearable regret.
His words and feelings were completely at odds.
He clutched Huai Shi's hand and simply refused to let go.
He was just short of tearing up.
"Be sure to come play again next time, Huai Shi."
"There won't be a next time!" Huai Shi snapped, wrenching his hand free.
"That's hard to say—"
Shahe's expression turned teasing. "Given how often and how intensely you get admitted, I think you've got a good shot at setting a new record this year. Why not just get an annual membership here? For a while now, all the Creators in Life Studies and Essence Studies are going to be busy to death.
When the time comes, I'll help you cut the line. Nakajima likes you so much, he definitely won't mind."
At that, he leaned closer and lowered his voice. "The highest level of medical service. As long as even one fragment gets sent back, I can guarantee you'll grow back exactly as you were. Plastic surgery and hairstyling included... Just sign here."
As he spoke, he stuffed a thick contract and a pen into Huai Shi's hands, practically wishing he could seize Huai Shi's hand and make him sign immediately.
Unfortunately,