Of course, our dear author knew everything. But he didn't say a word—he just smiled knowingly.
As if he didn't know what kind of guy Otto was?
Please. That's his own protagonist we're talking about. That level of degeneracy? If Otto dares to call himself second, then the only contenders for first are either the author himself… or another Otto.
Still, given how far Otto had already fallen, the author decided to let him off the hook—for now. After all, this was his own beloved character. What, was he really going to castrate the poor guy?
Well, that didn't mean Otto was off the hook entirely. There was still plenty of chaos in store for him—this world he'd transmigrated to was far from simple.
Just thinking about how utterly chaotic, absurd, and abstract this world was made the author chuckle softly.
(Author: Don't worry, my dear son. We're father and son—I would never blame you. Clearly, it was all that damned mask-wearer's fault.)
(After all, if something went wrong and you don't know who did it—just blame Aha. That guy fits in anywhere.)
Otto nodded solemnly in agreement. And not fake agreement—real agreement. He felt that in his soul.
So now the real question was: which world had he transmigrated into? While things were still good between him and the author, he figured he'd better ask before the guy turned on him again.
"Um, Author-sama, can I ask... which world have I transmigrated into? It's not anything weird or dangerous, right?"
(Author: Come on, it's a beautiful world. And you know it very well!)
Oh?
A world he knew well… Wait, that could be bad. He was familiar with Honkai Impact 3rd, Honkai 2nd, and—oh no, the SCP Foundation. Cthulhu, too.
He was screwed. Even Warhammer was something he knew. He was done for.
Though the author said it was "beautiful," Otto knew better. Knowing this sadistic bastard, "beautiful" definitely didn't mean what it sounded like.
Something beautiful… that Otto knew well...
Honkai 3rd, maybe? Yeah, that had to be it.
Healthy, bright, and positive. Everyone knows the vibes.
"Honkai 3rd?" he said, a little unsure—but mostly convinced.
(Author: As if! That world's hardcore. Sure, you've got a cheat now, but it's just a duplicating phone—limited to 1,000 per day.)
(You've got no other powers, and you're just a damn shut-in. Would I really drop you into that kind of place to get you killed?)
(I'm actually a pretty kind guy. The world you've landed in is… Genshin Impact.)
"Oh sh—Gensh—"
Otto lit up. Now this was good news. There wasn't a hint of gloom in this forest—clearly not Inazuma. The other nations? Totally manageable.
If it was Mondstadt? That'd be even better. Best place in the world to retire.
Safe. He was safe now.
…Except clearly, Otto hadn't noticed the shadow creeping up behind him, a stick held firmly in its hands.
WHACK.
With a clean swing, Otto spun a few times in place before crumpling to the ground. Cartoonish stars spun around his head.
In that final moment before he blacked out, Otto saw the person who struck him—blond hair, with a white floaty companion.
Clearly—this was the Traveler. He'd just been attacked by the damn Traveler.
But that was fine. He'd just sue the guy for emotional damages later.
And then he passed out completely.
"…Oh no. Traveler, I think this guy's just a normal person!"
"Ah!"
Now this was awkward. After sensing that overwhelming stench earlier, the Traveler and Paimon had rushed over—only to find some weirdo talking to himself.
He looked just like a crazed cultist. So the Traveler took him down immediately.
He'd expected a classic plot—charge in, cultist wakes up, epic battle ensues, clues discovered, the cult's base uncovered, an ancient god is revealed, and he saves the world.
That's how these stories usually go.
But now? This was just… a guy?
Had he just assaulted an innocent civilian?
No way. Not on his watch.
So the Traveler picked the stick up off the ground… and shoved it straight into Paimon's hands.
Then he crouched down beside Otto and channeled some Anemo energy into his body.
Just recently, after extensive research and experimentation, the Traveler had discovered something groundbreaking:
Who said only Hydro could heal? Anemo could do it too!
He focused, guiding the power of wind into Otto's body.
The wild, untamed Anemo surged through Otto's gut like a raging bull.
Otto, still groggy from the blow, suddenly furrowed his brows. A wave of indescribable discomfort surged through him.
"You son of a—!"
With a roar, Otto's eyes snapped open, jolting awake from the sheer pain.
Turns out that pesky wind had stirred up his insides so much, the gutache alone was enough to wake him.
Unconventional, but effective. The Traveler was pleased.
Now, some might argue—"That's not how healing works!"
But the Traveler simply smiled.
"Doesn't matter how. He woke up, didn't he? That means it worked."
...Fine. You win. You're unbeatable, kid.
Seeing Otto regain consciousness, the Traveler's smug expression quickly vanished, replaced with deep guilt and regret.
He looked down at Otto, clearly remorseful.
"Bro, I'm so sorry. It's all because of that damned emergency food—Paimon. She knocked you out with a stick. I tried to stop her, but I was too late…"
He shot a scolding glance at Paimon, who now stood frozen, stick still in hand, completely stunned.
Poor Paimon was at a total loss. This whole thing had happened so fast, she hadn't even realized what was going on.
And now, out of nowhere, she had a giant, metaphorical black cauldron dumped squarely on her head.
She was stunned speechless, unable to defend herself.
After a long silence, she finally snapped back to reality and cried out in frustration:
"You liar! There's no way you're the kind, noble Traveler I know! You're a fraud!"
But the Traveler didn't flinch.
Bro, this isn't the original Traveler you know.
This is a fanfic Traveler.
And let's be real—if even the protagonist of this story is this unhinged and overpowered, how can you expect the Traveler to still be the same old goody two-shoes?
Hearing this from the narrator, even the author was momentarily speechless.
Fair. It made sense.
Of course the Traveler wouldn't be the same in his novel.
But just then, Paimon came back to her senses, completely losing it again.
"Don't spout nonsense! You clearly knocked him out! This has nothing to do with Paimon! Think for a second, would you? Do you really think I have the strength to do something like that?!"
"Besides, my combat power is like… half a wild boar. That's literally my stat sheet!"