Not praying for ten strings

In a world dominated by seven super-corporations, the Longevity Species that always occupied the pinnacle of power didn't allow for the enactment of written laws. The Floating Islands of prisons delimited by lines on the map, where resources would inevitably run out in the future...
People yearned for the birth of a true "Hero," yet they cynically awaited the fall of a Hero from grace.
As long as one was hailed by the media as a Hero, even murder could be forgiven, and every word they said would be adored. Even high and mighty Elves dared not provoke the edge of a Hero.
But if a Hero of the past committed even a minor offense, the moment their image crumbled, the forgiven sins would flare up like an inextinguishable furnace, and the stars of yesterday would instantly become unforgivable criminals...
"—Come become a Hero, Russell."
The most vicious criminal in the world thrust a knife into the boy's hand, whispering a low enticement.
——————
Solo female lead, Beast Ears, Spiritual Energy, Mechanical Angels, and other elements. Cyber-fantasy. Please refrain if not to your liking.

Tower of Overturn

After God's container had contentedly finished dinner, Russell took it back and transformed back into himself.


Seeing Alice revert back to Russell, Bad Day inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief.


His whole being deflated like a ball whose valve core had been removed, leaning on the back of the chair and slowly collapsing at a visibly discernible rate.


Though he knew that this was not the real Alice, merely an illusion created by Russell, he couldn't help but hold his breath and stay quiet in front of Alice.


It wasn't tension based on panic or fear.


It was the instinct to present oneself better and remain reserved in front of someone he respected.


— Even though he knew the object of these feelings was false, he was happy to indulge in this deceptive nostalgia.


It was like someone who wanted to get drunk, who would get drunk with just one beer.


Chapter 51 Synchronization: Amirus (3rd update)