Ark Simulator, Aren't I Without a Physical Body?

"The Columbia education system, especially grassroots public schools, is not always well-funded," Su Rui (in lamb form) explained in his calm and even tone, revealing a practice that sounded somewhat "dark." "Principals have considerable autonomy in handling certain 'special cases.' A 'reasonable' anonymous donation, intended for 'improving school facilities' or 'supporting impoverished students,' can be exchanged for a temporary auditing student spot, with no scrutiny of their records, grades, or past experiences; all that's needed is to leave a name on the graduation roster... This isn't unacceptable for many principals facing real difficulties (such as funding shortages). Especially in graduating classes, having an extra student, as long as it doesn't disrupt the teaching order or lower the average grades, doesn't represent a real loss for them; on the contrary, it might even provide them with extra income."

He spoke with such clarity and logic, as if he had already mastered the process. Eyjafjalla was dumbfounded. She had never imagined that enrollment could be handled in this way. It completely overturned her understanding of "rules."

"But... but where will the money come from?" Eyjafjalla stammered. Giving money to the headmaster must be a considerable sum.

"You don't need to worry about that." Su Rui (in sheep form) said calmly. "I'll figure it out. As for her identity, just say she's a distant cousin of yours, her parents are abroad, and she's temporarily staying with you. For some reason, she was homeschooling before, but now she wants to experience the atmosphere of group classes before graduation, so she won't take the formal exams, just audit classes. Her name... let's just use ' Su Rui '. Her appearance... just like this."

He spoke casually, as if all obstacles had already been cleared from his mind. Eyjafjalla looked at his calm, refined face, which seemed to have everything under control, and felt a great shock, and a strange mix of unease and eager excitement.

To have Su Rui become her deskmate as a "distant cousin" and "auditor"? To go to class and leave school together every day? That sounds... absolutely fantastic! Although the method might sound a little... not so "honorable," if it's Su Rui, he'll definitely be able to handle it well and avoid causing any real trouble, right? Besides, that way she won't have to be separated from Su Rui!

The immense temptation overwhelmed any doubts about the "unconventional methods." Eyjafjalla's pink eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation.

"Really... really okay, Su Rui?" She couldn't help but ask again, her voice trembling slightly with excitement.

"Okay." Su Rui (in sheep form) nodded firmly. "If that's what you want. However," he paused, his dark eyes looking at Eyjafjalla with a serious warning, "I'm going to school, but only to 'audit.' I won't actually participate in class or have much contact with your classmates. My presence is only to accompany you and, if necessary, to provide academic assistance. You can't be distracted or become dependent on me just because I'm there. Your studies are still up to you. Understand?"

"I understand! I understand!" Eyjafjalla nodded vigorously, her face beaming with the brightest, purest smile she'd had in days. "I'll definitely pay attention in class! Su Rui, you... you're so kind!"

She couldn't help but reach out to take Su Rui's hand, but halfway through, she shyly withdrew it, only looking at him with bright pink eyes full of joy and dependence.

Looking at her happy expression, a faint, almost gentle light seemed to flicker deep within his dark eyes. He turned his gaze back to the book in his hands and said calmly, "Alright. I'll go 'take care of' Su Rui principal's matter tonight. Tomorrow morning, I'll go to school with you."

"Yes!" Eyjafjalla nodded vigorously, the gloom and weariness in her heart seemingly completely dispelled by this sudden and wonderful arrangement. She no longer felt that going to school tomorrow was a burden, but instead was filled with unprecedented anticipation.

She sat back down on the sofa, hugging the soft cushions, her gaze fixed on Su Rui (in his sheep form) quietly flipping through a book on the bookshelf. The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the window, gilding his silvery-white hair and sheep horns with a warm golden edge.

Her deskmate, Su Rui. Starting tomorrow, she will no longer be sitting alone in the classroom.

This realization filled her heart with a sweet warmth and a stronger sense of anticipation for tomorrow and the future. As for how Su Rui "persuaded" the principal, how much money she bribed him... those details no longer seemed important. As long as Su Rui was by her side, that was enough.

The sky outside the window gradually darkened. The night in Cumberland County was still cold and noisy. But in this small apartment, there was an unprecedented warm and hopeful atmosphere. On Eyjafjalla's schedule, tomorrow would not only be a return to the classroom, but also a new school life that would begin together with her "secret" deskmate.

In Cumberland County at night, the damp, chilly fog was thicker than during the day, mingling with the faint, seemingly tireless hum of machinery from distant factories, seeping into the quiet apartment through the window cracks. Eyjafjalla, having showered and changed into clean pajamas, curled up on the sofa, clutching a soft cushion, her pink eyes wide open, gazing intently at Su Rui (in her sheep form), who sat opposite her in a single chair, looking down at the somewhat outdated touchscreen phone she had found among her parents' belongings.

Volume 19, Chapter 1295: There's nothing I can't solve.

The phone screen's soft blue light illuminated his refined, serene profile, and the pair of small, delicate ram horns that were clearly visible even in the dim light. His fingers slid and tapped lightly across the screen at a speed that dazzled Eyjafjalla, who could only see a series of complex data streams and code-like windows popping up, flashing, and disappearing rapidly.

He was "handling" the principal's affairs, in his own way.

Eyjafjalla's heart pounded slightly with anticipation and a touch of inexplicable nervousness. Su Rui had spoken so casually—"just a little money," "a few explanations"—but would it actually go smoothly? Would the headmistress, whom she'd only glimpsed a few times from afar at the opening ceremony and other important events, with her always stern face and serious demeanor, really agree to this almost childish request for "transfer" just for "money" and "explanations"?

Just as she was lost in thought, Su Rui (in sheep form) stopped what he was doing. He picked up his phone, seemed to dial a number, and then put the phone to his ear.

The apartment was quiet; Eyjafjalla could even faintly hear the monotonous waiting tone coming from her phone. Her breathing unconsciously softened.

The call seemed to be answered quickly. Su Rui (in his sheep form) spoke into the phone in his unique, calm voice with a slightly hoarse, youthful quality. His voice was soft, his pace steady, and his wording concise, as if he were presenting a report.

Eyjafjalla pricked up her ears, trying to catch any whispers.

"... Yes, regarding the matter of Eyjafjalla Brown's relative temporarily observing the hearing..."

"... Rhine Lab, thanks to Director Saria's care..."

"... a special donation for the digital upgrade of the library, anonymous, the amount is..."

"... Student records will be simplified to avoid affecting graduation statistics and will not occupy official quotas..."

"... Tomorrow morning, if it's convenient, Eyjafjalla and I will go to your office to complete the formalities and pick up our school uniforms and temporary ID cards..."

His words were clear and concise, with a clear objective. He pointed out the significant name "Saria" (even in the education sector, the defense director of Rhine Lab is no nobody), directly presented the practical benefit of "donation," and clearly stated the bottom line of "auditor" and "not affecting the school." The entire process was devoid of any unnecessary pleasantries or requests, resembling a highly efficient business communication.

There seemed to be something said on the other end of the phone. Su Rui (in sheep form) simply hummed a few times, and finally said, "Okay, see you tomorrow," before hanging up.

The entire process takes no more than three minutes.

Eyjafjalla stared blankly as he put down his phone, his dark eyes lifting again to look at her calmly.

"It's resolved," Su Rui (in sheep form) said, her tone as casual as if she had simply ordered takeout. "Tomorrow morning at nine o'clock, go directly to the principal's office. Bring your student ID. Your school uniform and temporary ID card will be ready."

"Resolved... resolved?" Eyjafjalla's voice trembled with disbelief. "Just... just one phone call? The headmistress... she agreed?"

"Hmm." Su Rui (in sheep form) nodded, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Saria's name, plus a reasonable 'investment,' is enough for the principal of an ordinary community high school. She has no reason to refuse, nor does she need to investigate further."

Eyjafjalla opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know what to say. Su Rui's way of handling problems was always so... direct, efficient, even somewhat... inhumane (in terms of the rules), yet exceptionally effective. This made her realize once again that Su Rui, she, and the world she knew seemed to operate under different "rules."

But in any case, the problem was solved! Su Rui could go to school with her! This realization instantly dispelled all her surprise and doubts, and immense joy exploded in her heart like fireworks.

"That's great! Su Rui! You're amazing!" Eyjafjalla couldn't help but jump up from the sofa, rushing over to Su Rui (in his lamb form), opening her arms to give him a big hug, just like Saria had done earlier that day.

However, just as she was about to touch Su Rui, Su Rui (in his lamb form) subtly leaned back slightly, avoiding her embrace. His movement was very slight and natural, as if he had simply adjusted his posture unintentionally, but Eyjafjalla's outstretched arm remained frozen in mid-air.

She paused, a flicker of surprise and slight disappointment crossing her pink eyes. Su Rui... didn't like her hugging him? But when Lady Saria hugged him, although he stiffened, he didn't pull away...

Su Rui (in lamb form) seemed to sense her change in mood, her dark eyes calmly looking at her as she explained, "I'm not comfortable with... physical contact."

His voice was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger, merely stating a fact. But Eyjafjalla's heart sank slightly at his words. Was it because of Lady Saria's embrace earlier that day that made him uncomfortable? Or was it simply... that he didn't like being touched?

"I... I'm sorry." Eyjafjalla awkwardly withdrew her hand, her cheeks slightly flushed. She had been too excited and forgotten that Su Rui wasn't an ordinary person; he might... really not like this.

"It's alright." Su Rui (in sheep form) shook her head, turning her gaze to the deep night outside the window. "It's getting late, go and rest. We have to get up early tomorrow."

"...Hmm." Eyjafjalla nodded, suppressing the slight disappointment in her heart, and turned to walk towards her bedroom. As she reached the door, she couldn't help but look back one last time.

Su Rui (in his sheep form) remained seated in the single chair, holding the monograph on volcanic geology, quietly flipping through it in the soft light of the nearby lamp. His silvery-white hair shimmered softly under the light, and his profile was clean and beautiful. He sat there quietly, as if separated from this simple room and the cold world outside by an invisible membrane.

This is her Su Rui. Powerful, mysterious, sometimes doing things that surprise her, and sometimes making her feel a strange sense of distance. But in any case, starting tomorrow, he will become her deskmate and walk with her into the school that once made her feel lonely and stressed.

This thought caused Eyjafjalla's lips to curl upwards uncontrollably once again. She gently closed the bedroom door, climbed into bed, and wrapped herself in the blankets. Closing her eyes, her mind was filled with anticipation and imagination for tomorrow, her heart pounding with excitement, until she finally drifted off to sleep in the early hours of the morning.

Volume 19, Chapter 1296: It's best not to have any bad intentions.

The next morning, Eyjafjalla woke up before her alarm went off. She quickly washed up, changed into her clean school uniform (a plain white shirt and a dark blue plaid skirt), and carefully braided her long pink hair into two braids, her little sheep horns peeking out from her hair. When she came out of her bedroom, Su Rui (in his sheep form) was already waiting in the living room. He had changed into the same simple white T-shirt and dark trousers he had worn the day before; his silver hair was smooth, his little sheep horns were clean, and he looked very energetic.

After a simple breakfast (Su Rui still only drank some water; he didn't seem to need to eat), the two went out together.

The streets were even quieter than yesterday morning. Eyjafjalla walked beside Su Rui, her gaze occasionally drifting to him. Su Rui (in his lamb form) simply stared calmly ahead, his pace unhurried, seemingly indifferent to everything around him, yet also as if he had everything under control. His unique aura was even more striking in the morning light. Occasionally, early-rising students or commuters would pass by, their eyes involuntarily drawn to this silver-haired, ram-horned boy, but Eyjafjalla had no interest in glaring at them today; her entire focus was on the upcoming meeting in the principal's office.

The community high school building was an old five-story structure, its red brick walls covered with dark green vines. The principal's office was at the end of the third-floor corridor. When Eyjafjalla, with Su Rui (in her sheep form), knocked on that heavy Oak door, her heart once again began to race uncontrollably.

"Please come in." A slightly serious voice, with the composure characteristic of a middle-aged woman, came from inside.

Eyjafjalla took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

The principal's office was more spacious than she had imagined, but it was equally filled with an old-fashioned and rigid atmosphere. Dark wooden furniture, a huge desk piled high with documents, and faded school motto and photos of past principals hanging on the walls. A woman who looked to be around fifty years old, with her hair neatly combed, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a dark suit, was sitting behind the desk, holding a document in her hand. She looked up when she heard the door open.

Her gaze first fell on Eyjafjalla, and she nodded in greeting, her formulaic serious expression remaining largely unchanged. But then, when her gaze passed over Eyjafjalla and landed on Su Rui (in her sheep form) who had followed her in—

Eyjafjalla clearly saw that the headmistress's eyes behind her glasses brightened almost instantly. It was a mixture of surprise, scrutiny, and something else... more subtle, something that made Eyjafjalla uneasy. Her gaze, like a searchlight, quickly swept over Su Rui (in his lamb form), from his delicate face and short silver hair to his prominent little horns, finally lingering for an unusually long time on his calm, unwavering black eyes.

"Eyjafjalla, and this... Su Rui, right?" The headmistress's voice seemed softer than when she spoke to Eyjafjalla, even carrying a hint of a smile. "Please come in, please sit down."

Eyjafjalla did as instructed and sat down in one of the two chairs in front of the desk. Su Rui (in lamb form) calmly walked to the other chair, sat down naturally, and looked calmly at the principal, without the slightest unease or tension.

"I understand what happened during last night's phone call." The headmistress put down the documents in her hand, placed her hands folded on the table, but her gaze still lingered on Su Rui, especially his face and those little ram's horns. "We naturally take Director Saria's concern seriously. Moreover, Su Rui's situation is special, so it's a good thing for him to temporarily audit the class and experience the atmosphere of group learning. I've already had the relevant procedures taken care of simply; it's not complicated. Here are his temporary student ID card and classroom access pass." As she spoke, she took two brand-new cards from the drawer and pushed them across the table.

"The school uniform is ready, prepared according to the approximate size you mentioned on the phone, it should fit well," the principal continued, her gaze lingering on Su Rui, her tone becoming even more "amiable." "Su Rui is new here and may not be familiar with the school yet. Eyjafjalla, you are his... cousin, please take good care of him. If he has any difficulties with his studies or life, he can come to me anytime."

As she spoke, she seemed to rise slightly from her seat, lean over, and reach out her hand, as if she wanted to... pat Su Rui (in his sheep form) on the shoulder, or perhaps touch his hand resting on his knee?

However, just before her hand was about to touch Su Rui, Su Rui (in lamb form) suddenly moved.

He didn't rudely dodge; he simply leaned back naturally, dodging the principal's outstretched hand. At the same time, with his other hand, he picked up the temporary ID card on the table, as if he were just casually glancing at it.

The headmistress's hand froze awkwardly in mid-air. Her smile stiffened almost imperceptibly for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure and casually withdrew it, as if the movement had been unintentional.

"Thank you, Principal." Su Rui (in his sheep form) spoke calmly, as if the brief incident had never happened. He put down his ID card, his dark eyes looking at the principal, his tone flat yet carrying an undeniable authority. "Where is my school uniform? I'd like to change into it first. Also, regarding my seating arrangement and the things I need to be aware of during my auditing session, could you please arrange for an academic affairs teacher to briefly discuss this with Eyjafjalla's homeroom teacher? We won't bother you any longer."

His words were clear and logical, directly stating the current needs, and cleverly "distracting" the principal, transferring the specific coordination work to the teachers below.

Looking into Su Rui's calm yet all-seeing eyes, the headmistress felt a sudden chill run down her spine; the secret desire to "get close" or "control" him, born from his striking appearance and special background (Saria), seemed to have been doused with cold water. Her formulaic smile returned, and she nodded. "Of course. The school uniforms are in the storage room next door; I'll have someone take you there. I'll have the academic affairs director talk to the homeroom teacher. Eyjafjalla's class is Class 3-A; just go directly to her homeroom teacher, Ms. Feline."

She pressed the internal communicator on the table and gave a few instructions. Soon, a young female academic affairs officer walked in.

"Take Su Rui to the storage room to change into his school uniform, then lead him to Class 3-A to find Teacher Feline," the principal instructed.

Volume 19, Chapter 1297: Self-Introduction

"Yes, Principal." The female academic affairs officer replied, glancing curiously at Su Rui (in sheep form), and then gesturing for the two of them to proceed.

Su Rui (in her sheep form) stood up, nodded slightly to the principal, and then followed the female academic affairs officer out. Eyjafjalla quickly got up and followed.

The storage room was at the other end of the corridor on the same floor. It was a room piled with miscellaneous items, and in the corner was a small space simply partitioned off with a curtain, serving as a temporary changing area. The female academic affairs officer picked out a set of boys' school uniforms that fit her size (white shirt, dark blue V-neck sweater, gray trousers) from a neatly stacked pile of uniforms, handed it to Su Rui, and pointed to the small cubicle. "Su Rui, please change here. I'll wait outside."

"Thank you." Su Rui (in sheep form) took the school uniform, then his gaze calmly turned to Eyjafjalla, who was still standing to the side.

Eyjafjalla was looking at him expectantly, as if waiting for him to go inside and change.

"Eyjafjalla," Su Rui's (in lamb form) voice rang out calmly, "You go outside and wait too."

"Huh?" Eyjafjalla was taken aback, a hint of confusion and... a faint disappointment flashing in her pink eyes. Why did she have to go out? Yesterday in Saria's office, didn't she also... well, Ms. Saria didn't go out yesterday either, and openly "observed" as well. Was Su Rui angry because of yesterday's incident? Or did he actually hate being watched?

"Me... do I have to go out too?" Eyjafjalla asked softly, her voice carrying a hint of grievance that she herself didn't realize.

Looking at her somewhat aggrieved expression, Su Rui (in lamb form) seemed to have a hint of extremely subtle helplessness flashing deep in her dark eyes, but her tone remained calm. "Okay, go outside and wait."

His attitude was clear: there was no room for negotiation.

Eyjafjalla bit her lower lip, glanced at the female academic affairs officer next to her with a strange expression (probably thinking that the way these "cousins" got along was a bit odd), and finally nodded, muttered an "oh," turned around and walked out of the storage room, waiting outside the door with the female academic affairs officer.

The door was gently closed.

Inside the storage room, the light was dim, with only a few rays of natural light filtering in through a tall window. Su Rui (in his sheep form) carried the brand-new school uniform and walked to the small space separated by a curtain. He paused for a moment, as if he could "hear" Eyjafjalla's somewhat disordered breathing and subtle movements outside the door.

He shook his head almost imperceptibly, then reached out, pulled back the curtain, and went inside.

Outside the door, Eyjafjalla pressed her ear against the door panel, trying to hear anything inside. But apart from the very faint rustling of clothes, she could hear nothing. Her cheeks were slightly flushed from being "kicked out," and the disappointment and grievance in her heart were strangely mixed with a strong curiosity and anticipation for what Su Rui would look like after changing into her school uniform.

What would he look like? Wearing the same school uniform as them...

Just as she was lost in thought, the door to the storage room was suddenly pulled open from the inside.

Su Rui (in her sheep form), having changed into her school uniform, came out.

Eyjafjalla's pink eyes widened instantly, and her breath seemed to catch in her throat for a moment.

A well-fitting white shirt, a neatly pressed dark blue V-neck sweater, crisp gray trousers... This otherwise ordinary boys' school uniform seemed to come alive on Su Rui (in his sheep form). The shirt collar was meticulously buttoned to the top, making his neck appear even longer and more graceful. The dark blue sweater softened the subtle aloofness about him, while highlighting the slender and upright posture unique to a young boy. The gray trousers hugged his straight legs. His short, silver-white hair, even in the dim corridor light, remained bright and striking, complementing his pair of tender little sheep horns.

He stood there, calmly looking at Eyjafjalla. His dark eyes, like the deepest night sky, reflected her somewhat dazed face. The school uniform on him showed no trace of a student's immaturity or restraint; instead, it strangely blended into a pure and detached beauty that existed between a boy and some kind of non-human being.

The female academic affairs officer next to her was also stunned, her eyes flashing with undisguised amazement.

"... Su Rui ..." Eyjafjalla murmured, feeling her cheeks burning again. Su Rui looked a hundred times, a thousand times, better than she had imagined in her school uniform.

"Alright." Su Rui (in sheep form) didn't seem surprised by her reaction. She calmly straightened her sweater cuffs and then looked at the female instructor. "Can you take us to the classroom now?"

"Ah? Oh, okay, this way please!" The female academic affairs officer snapped out of her daze and quickly replied, her cheeks slightly flushed, and turned to lead the way.

Eyjafjalla snapped out of her daze and quickly followed. However, her gaze seemed glued to Su Rui (in her lamb form) walking ahead, unable to look away.

This is her Su Rui. Wearing her school uniform, Su Rui will soon be her deskmate.

An indescribable sense of satisfaction and a strong sense of possessiveness filled her chest once again. The unpleasantness and disappointment she felt in the principal's office earlier had long since vanished in the face of the scene before her.

She strode forward, almost walking side by side with Su Rui (in her lamb form), her pink eyes sparkling, and the corners of her mouth unable to suppress a smile.

A new campus life officially begins today, from this moment. And beside her is Su Rui.

The classroom for Class 3-A was located at the far east end of the second floor of the teaching building. When the female academic affairs officer led Su Rui (in her sheep form) and Eyjafjalla to the classroom door, the previously noisy morning classroom seemed to be paused, instantly falling into an eerie silence.

On the podium, Ms. Feline, the homeroom teacher—a brown-haired woman who looked to be in her thirties, wearing black-rimmed glasses and appearing slightly tired—was holding the attendance sheet and preparing to take attendance. Below, more than twenty students wearing the same school uniforms, who had been chatting, catching up on sleep, or secretly fiddling with their personal terminals, now all eyes were focused on the newly appeared figure at the door.

Su Rui (in his sheep form) stood there calmly. His well-fitting school uniform did not diminish his unique charm; on the contrary, the "ordinary" attire, combined with his silver hair, sheep horns, and a calm detachment beyond his years, created an even more peculiar contrast. Morning light streamed in through the corridor window, casting a hazy halo around him, making his exquisitely unreal face appear as if it were filtered.

Volume 19, Chapter 1298: Is it really a person?

"Hiss--" Someone gasped.

Immediately following this were suppressed gasps and whispers.

"My God... who is that?"

"A new transfer student? Looks like this? Is he even real?"

"Is her hair dyed? It's so pretty! And those horns... are they real?"

"Transferring schools at the end of the semester? What's going on?"

"He came with Eyjafjalla? They know each other?"