Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was way past midnight when a young woman was reading novels on her laptop. After finishing the last updated chapter, she checked the notifications on her phone and saw one about a new update on AO3 saying ‘NEW UPDATE: Scum Villain's Self Saving System fanfic compilation’. 

“Ahh... He really deserves a second chance.” She sighed as she hoped that this time the scum villain would be saved. 

She felt sorry for the Original Shen Qingqiu, who fought hard to change his fate but still met a tragic end. She got out of bed to go to the kitchen for a snack when she realized that she had not even had dinner yet. 

 “I just want to save the scum villain.” She said again. 

When she tried to reach for some snacks on the top shelf she heard a strange noise. Before she could react, one of the kitchen cabinets fell on top of her, knocking her out. The last thing she heard before passing out was a strange mechanical voice. 

【System activated】 【Activation code ‘I just want to save the scum villain’】【Pairing command successful】 【Initiating soul transfer protocols】 【Please wait . . .】

When she opened her eyes again, the young woman found herself in a strange, dark place. She tried to sit up but the hard, black floor made it difficult. Her heart raced as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. The room was dimly lit, with only a small blue screen that emitted a warm glow in the corner of her eye. She took in her unfamiliar surroundings, feeling her breathing becoming erratic. Nothing in the void-like room was recognizable to her, and she felt a wave of panic wash over her.

“ ¿Qué? ¿Dónde estoy? (What? Where am I?)” She said as she attempted to reach for the blue light rectangle hovering on her left side.

The moment her fingers touched it the screen grew in size and white characters started to fill it as a strange mechanic voice started talking in something the woman thought could be Chinese but she wasn’t sure about that either.

 “ ¿Disculpe? No hablo chi… (Excuse me? I don’t speak chin…)”  Before she could finish her sentence and as she was speaking, the characters suddenly transformed into letters and the voice switched to English.

【Automatic translation activated, switching default language to "English" due to lack of proper Spanish language settings. We will work to incorporate new language sets in the future. We apologize in advance for any problems this may cause in the user's experience.】 said the voice 【Welcome to the system, dear user. (つ≧▽≦)つ 】

"Wait a second…" She said, but her voice and even her thoughts were in English now. "Why am I? Is this even possible? Why am I thinking in English all of a sudden?! Why did you change the language of my thoughts?! Where is my privacy here?!" She was surprised that the so-called ‘System’ was able to do that.

【This system is designed to be able to understand the user's needs, even in situations where the user is unable to speak. Its main purpose is to ensure the user's safety in case of an emergency. With this system, the user can rest assured that only essential information will be conveyed, and all private thoughts will remain private.✧˖° 】

“Ok, that seems reasonable.” She said, agreeing with the system’s explanation. “But you didn’t explain why English.”

【User’s language has been translated to English because it appears to be the only language all three transmigrators have in common. User doesn’t need to worry, all your thoughts and speech will remain internal to yourself; no one else will be able to hear them.】

“At least I get to keep my internal monologue” She sighed. "Fine. "But why now? I was speaking Spanish just a minute ago." Then she realized something. “Did you just say THREE?”

The blue screen flickered once more. 【That would be due to the automatic translation feature of this system. It's designed to help users communicate more effectively, even in situations where they may not speak the same language. In your case, it appears that the system has automatically translated your thoughts into English to facilitate communication. It couldn’t be activated before because this system needed the user to interact with the system first to assess the situation.】 The system just ignored her other question.

【 Please refer to me as 'the system', we are designed to be straightforward and easily accessible to users like yourself. The screen you see before you is a basic interface that allows you to communicate with the system and learn more about your current situation. (๑'ᵕ'๑)⸝*】

As she looked at the screen more closely, she noticed something peculiar. There were several options listed on the bottom bar, including 'Location', 'Health Monitor', 'Communication', 'Internet', 'Music Player', and 'Games' but they had a lock emoji on them.  “...Weird”

【This system also wants to tell you that your former name cannot be used anymore due to this System's new privacy policy. Your former name will be changed to fit the new world and no one will be able to use your former name unless you give permission. 】

“So now I’m nameless?” She wanted to say this was unfair but she didn’t want to fight with the System that was tasked to choose where her soul would end. "Ok. Before you explain that to me I would really like to know what's going on. Why am I here? What's my mission? Because I refuse to believe I ended up here for no reason at all."

The blue screen remained silent for a few moments, then flickered to life again and the mechanical voice said, 【You are currently under this system's care as a guest until the transmigration process is complete. As for how you got here, I'm afraid you have died in your former world. I am deeply sorry. However, this System can assure you that you are safe and that we are working to ensure your soul's well-being and preparing the new body you will inhabit." 】

The woman frowned. "Transmigration?. . . I already figured that out." She said, finally grasping the situation she was in. "I've read about this kind of development before. I’m dead… ok. How did I die?” She said taking the fact she was dead rather well. At least she wasn’t dead dead. The system just said she was going to transmigrate so it wasn’t that bad… right? “You know what? I don’t want to know how I died just now. Better if I focus on more important things like…” She thought for a second what to ask. “Are you going to transmigrate my soul into a novel or something like that? If that’s the case I would like to know which one." She had read plenty of them so there were a lot of candidates.

The blue screen flickered again. 【This system is not at liberty to disclose that information to user right now. 】The voice said. 【But dear user is correct. User’s soul will be relocated into a world called 'Scum Villain's Self-Saving System' file name name '19.1.22.5.20.8.5.22.9.12.12.1.9.14'  .  ." 】

The woman was still frowning, trying to come to terms with everything that was happening. She had never believed transmigration was possible, but now she was standing in front of a screen that was talking to her and admitting she was dead and was about to be put into a story so what other options did she have? At least it was a story she remembered well. 

The screen flickered once more. 【Please follow the instructions on the screen while the system begins the transmigration process. The first step before this system gives the user their mission is to create your character.】

【 [FEMALE] [MALE] [OTHER]】

“Female please” She sighed. She didn’t want to deal with having to change even her gender. Changing bodies was weird enough, thank you.

【[DEMON] [HUMAN] [SPIRIT] [OTHER]】

“Human?” Being human wasn’t the safest option but she would blend in better that way. Being a demon didn’t suit her and being a spirit would be confusing because she didn’t read of them in the novel so she didn’t know what would happen if she became one. She didn’t want to end up as some kind of ghost wandering around or something.

【[STORY MODE] [CREATIVE SANDBOX MODE] [CASUAL MODE]】

“Creative sandbox please” Just what the hell were those options?! Is this transmigration or a videogame? Gosh… She didn’t have that much patience!

【Do you want to have special access to modern technology and some items from your previous life such as electronic devices gadgets and more? [YES] [NO] [CHOOSE LATER]】

“Yes! Yes, please!” Maybe with some modern gadgets, her life in SVSSS wouldn’t be so horrible? In the novels, she always reads that what transmigrators always miss more is modern technology.

The system responded by displaying a new setup. Feeling slightly more at ease she looked at the screen. A message window appeared in it with a message. 

【 Welcome, user! The system has initiated automatic setup mode. Please follow the instructions on the screen while the system conducts a basic scan of your soul to find the best match for your new body. [Scan in progress...  ] [Scan complete! Match found. Unlocking user’s main mission based on the user’s data…] [Mission Unlocked!]】

【 ‘Save the Scum Villain!' ᐠ( ᐛ )ᐟ】

“ But why am I tasked to save the villain?” She was confused. “ I mean… I’ll gladly save him but. Wouldn’t it be Shen Yuan’s role to change the plot and save himself? That’s the main reason he got transmigra…” Then she noticed something wrong with the system’s wording. ”Wait the name of the novel is Scum Villain’s Self-saving System but ShenYuan technically isn’t the scum villain is he? The so-called Villain is the original Shen Qingqiu. My task is to save Shen Jiu right? Since he is the original villain. He never got to be properly redeemed even at the end of the novel and the author doesn't like to elaborate on side plots or side couples so we never get to know in detail about most of the characters except for the main couple.

【User is very clever. User realizing that is one of the main reasons why you were given this system. Shen Yuan's main goal wasn’t to save the villain, his goal was to uncover the plotholes and make some sense out of PIDW’s story to make it a better story. His transmigration into Shen Qingqiu’s body and being able to see his memories was just so he could understand better Shen Qingqiu’s character and understand why things happened like they happened in PIDW.】The system explained. 【 Your mission will be different. You will be given a main task, centered solely on saving SQQ. Your time to do it will be until the end of the main storyline of SVSSS. If by then SQQ’s soul is healed enough your mission will be complete. 】

“His soul is broken? But that wouldn’t be… Was it Xin Mo? No, maybe Xin Mo has something to do with all that but I’m positive there is another factor… Xuan Su, If I remember correctly, the original Shen Qingqiu died by eating the broken shards of Yue Qingyuan’s sword. Am I right?”

【Yes. This system has had problems trying to fix his soul but as stated by the author herself Shen Qinngqiu is unable to reincarnate. But this system has found a way to fix it by sending another transmigrator to change the problem from within the story.】

“But wouldn’t that affect Shen Yuan’s role?”

【Shen Yuan’s role is to be Luo Binghe’s partner and be the main couple together. That role is incompatible with Shen Qingqiu’s healing process. He would need all the attention possible to be able to fix his soul and constant monitoring because of the high risk of his soul breaking and dispersing again.】

“That sounds horribly painful” The young woman felt a sudden chill just thinking about the gruesome ending of the original Shen Qingqiu. No wonder his soul was shattered. “And are you sure I can do that? I don’t know how exactly I am supposed to help heal a soul but it must be very difficult.”

【What Shen Qingqiu needs is someone who stands by his side and helps him heal. That will be your role. This system has been informed that he is your favorite character.】

“Yes… That doesn’t mean I agree with what he did to the original protagonist though. Even if I think the original Luo Binghe was far worse than him.”

【User doesn’t need to. The only thing you need to do is guide him on his way to healing his damaged soul.】

“Why not get Yue Qingyuan to do it? He’s the main cause of his trust issues. It’s because of his lack of a spine that things went downhill. It’s not that I hate him! Don't get me wrong but. She tried to correct herself. For someone who is supposed to be a leader he doesn’t know how to set his priorities right.”

【No can do. Character Yue Qingyuan already has a role to fill within the main storyline. And his and Shen Qingqiu’s string of fate broke so he can’t influence his destiny anymore.】

“…So who will I be?” She said deciding not to argue with the system any more than that.  

【User will be given her own body to use.】The system answered.

“A nameless NPC then?” The young woman was curious.

【No. This system will create a new character designed specifically to fit the user’s soul.】

“Like the plant body?” That would make sense for her.

【No. User’s body will be a normal functioning human body but the abilities within it will be given by the system and developed by the user to match her growth.】

“Wow that’s a lot of information.” Her head was spinning a little and she was starting to feel tired.

【Glad you found the information helpful. To summarize, you will be a new character in the world of "Scum Villain's Self-Saving System" with a body created specifically for you by the system. Your mission is to help heal Shen Qingqiu's soul, which is currently damaged and unable to reincarnate. Shen Yuan, who was transmigrated as Shen Qingqiu in the SVSSS novel, is unable to fulfill this role as it would interfere with his own goals. You will have until the end of the main storyline to complete your mission.】【 Do you have any other questions before you begin your journey? (•̀ᴗ•́ )و】

She just shook her head. “No.”
【See you later then user! 三三ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ】【TRANSMIGRATION PROCESS BEGINING IN…3】

“Wait what?!” She started to panic when a black hole started to form on the floor near her feet. “System?!”

【...2】

“System if you flush me down that hole I swear!” She tried to run away but her feet were stuck to the ground like glue.

【...1】

“System you BITC-” She fell spiraling like a rubber duck when you remove the bathtub’s stopper. “AHHHH!!”

【The transmigration has begun. Good luck user. (￣^￣ )ゞ】

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Chapter Text

She woke up in the middle of nowhere with a head-splitting headache and as dizzy as one can be, barely standing in a clearing in some random forest.

“Ughhhh…” She grunted and massaged her temples to relieve the pain but she could swear she felt her heart thumping in her head. “System what’s wrong with this body? Is it normal for my head to hurt like this?”

【System initiating】 【Entering world successful】 【SVSSS CODENAME '19.1.22.5.20.8.5.22.9.12.12.1.9.14' system activated 【[User’s Identification code UV003】 【Running environment check. Normal. “Help fix it if you can, and we’ll help you if you can't '' We aim to provide you with the best novel journey experience.】 【We inform the user that her body is currently undergoing an adaptation process and sudden aches and tiredness are completely normal.】 【Character binding successful. User’s title  “Unnamed Little Village Girl”.】

“Little…” She looks at her tiny hands and asks. “System why am I a child?” She was ignored yet again by the system. 

【 Starting F points 1. Status: Orphan】 

She blinked in disbelief.  “Wow. So I’m parentless now? That kind of makes sense since technically you made this body. Even so what a cruel world I live in.” She said in a sarcastic tone while looking at the system’s screen.  “Do I have a backstory at least or did I just spawn here just like that?” 

【 Searching… Backstory nonexistent. The user is free to create her own backstory while interacting with characters or NPCs】 That was ok. She could think of a proper backstory later… or maybe not. Who cares anyway? Having no background was useful as well.【  Weapon, Sharp stick.】 

“Ok a what now?” Of all the things they could give her as a default weapon a stick was by far the lamest.

“What use does the stick have?” She said swinging the stick she didn’t notice she had a few seconds ago in the air. Where did it come from? She didn’t care about the logistics behind that. In her mind, it was like that one stick from Animal Crossing that conveniently switched with the other tools.” Maybe I could do some damage with this? Seems pretty sharp for a stick.” She tried stabbing the air a few times.

【 It fills you with Determination. (ง'̀-'́)ง₊˚✩彡】

“The stick?”  Was that a reference to Undertale?

【 +1 F point for understanding the reference. Current F points 2】

She wondered how exactly the system knew she understood the reference when it said her thoughts were supposed to be private. “I feel like you are just laughing at me. But points are points I guess.” She shrugged and continued fiddling with the system’s interface. She opened a menu and started reading the System’s notifications.

【[NEW BODY: This system you will be using for your mission has been specifically designed to help you in your task. For that, we have created a new body for you, the body will be a normal functioning human body with abilities adapted to the novel’s world that the user must develop herself. ] 

[APARIENCE: A young child with a slender build, fair skin, and curly dark hair that reaches slightly above the shoulders. Wearing simple white robes (A starting gift from the system) and had gentle hazel eyes. The system had created an NPC for you to use as a vessel for your soul. This body and characteristics are based on your previous body but are slightly different at the same time to fit better with the novel’s settings. This system tried to fit your soul and the mission’s settings without causing you body dysphoria but if we did we are deeply sorry.]】

“It is a bit weird suddenly being in the body of a child, but it isn’t unbearable” 

【 Some side effects of being in your new body include but are not limited to; Feelings of sadness, or hopelessness, angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much, tiredness and lack of energy, reduced appetite or cravings, anxiety, agitation or restlessness, slowed thinking, speaking or body movements (Due to discordance between your mind and current still undeveloped mental capacity as a child) trouble at concentrating, making decisions and remembering things and unexplained physical problems, such as headaches and more.】 

“There’s more?! System! That list is longer than the list of side effects of my late grandmother’s medication. Did the other transmigrators have to deal with this kind of shit too?” She didn’t remember them dealing with this kind of shit but some of the symptoms were awfully familiar somehow.

【Other transmigrators didn’t have their bodies created by the system, they just possessed the bodies of previously existent characters, so they didn’t have these symptoms because of the system. That was just common transmigration depression and other underlying issues.】 

“Well, shit.” She decided to ignore that problem for now and keep scrolling. By the looks of it, this would take a while. 

【[MISSIONS AND QUESTS: The system can also send you on quests and missions to help you in your final goal. The missions aren’t obligatory but will give you extra F points. Quests are divided into daily, story main, and special grade. Objects obtained doing missions or quests can be Basic, Normal, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and just for dear users of the system there is a whole new category called “Otherworldy”.]】 

Her eyes shined in anticipation when she read that.  “Does that mean I can get Items that are not supposed to exist in this world? That’s wonderful! The best thing so far!” She was excited now. Note to self, do as many missions and quests as possible. “But with all this information I wonder if the system also has a manual or something like that where I can read in more detail about the system's features.”

【This system does have a user manual. The former systems also had one but dear User is the first one to ask for it.】That must mean that the other users were either too freaked out by the situation to ask questions about the system or they simply forgot how game systems and IA work. 【 Do you want to enable the system's notifications in the editing panel so you can freely access them from the main screen from now on?】

She selected the home screen notifications and activated the manual editing panel.

【[SYSTEM’S UPGRADES: To use the system, you can communicate with it through thought or speech, depending on your chosen settings. You can ask it for information, request assistance, and many other things. The system will also provide notifications and updates on your progress and any new quests or missions that become available. Additionally, the system has a manual you can access at any time, providing you with more detailed information on its features and how to use them. The system also has an editing panel that you can use to customize your main screen. Most functions won’t be available until the user obtains enough S points to unlock them. F points and S points are different so please don’t mistake them. ] 】

“This seems like a big upgrade. This system seems a lot more advanced than the original. Good to know they tried to improve it.” 

【This system was tasked with the mission of taking care of the user's needs. This system is an improved version of the system featured within the SVSSS novel with new functions and a more user-friendly interface.】

“Cool. That means I won’t have to be a hater like Shen Yuan. I mean-” She didn’t want to speak badly about Shen Yuan but her opinion of him was something that couldn’t be easily changed. “I know he read a rewritten version of PIDW with a very unreliable narrator and different from the original outlines, but once he transmigrated he blamed all his problems on the author and the system without trying to investigate his surroundings properly. Even after he unlocked the OOC ability. Novels are just novels after all but once you transmigrate you can’t expect everything to be like in the original plot. Actions have consequences for good or for worse and not everything is as it may seem from the narrator’s perspective. He was way too biased to truly uncover all the underlying subplots of the original novel. He only cared about Luo Binghe and that was shown in every action he took. He should have at least checked himself just how much of the PIDW novel he read was actually true.”

【User seems to have an understanding of one of the many problems transmigrators suffer. Good job! ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧】

“Good to know that reading so many transmigration and reincarnation novels didn’t go to waste” Maybe if she applied that knowledge she wouldn’t end up in the same old tragic cliché? Thank goodness this wasn’t some typical ‘Reincarnated as the villainess’ kind of plot. It was funny to see all the drama from the sidelines as a reader but being part of the drama would be the end of her. She didn’t have enough social battery for that before transmigrating, and sure as hell she didn’t have it now. She was feeling even more tired but kept reading the notifications nonetheless. 

【MAIN MISSION SETTINGS: As a transmigrator in the "Scum Villain's Self-Saving System" story, your mission is to help heal the soul of the character Shen Qingqiu. Shen Qingqiu's soul is currently damaged and unable to reincarnate. Your task is to complete this mission before the end of the main storyline. Shen Yuan, also known as UV002 previously transmigrated as Shen Qingqiu in the main SVSSS TIMELINE, is unable to fulfill this role as it would interfere with his own goals. Your role is to guide the original Shen Qingqiu on his way to healing his damaged soul. (To see the mission’s progress go to Menu/Missions/Main.】

【We hope you can achieve your goal of saving the original scum villain and improve the story. Happy novel journeying, dear user :) +20 S points for completing the system’s tutorial.】 The window closed and the system’s screen went back to normal. 

“Good thing I got some points. I don't want to end up begging for B points like Shen Yuan did. “  She smiled looking at her brand new earned points.

[This system guarantees that the user will not lack opportunities to obtain “F” points or Fixing points.】

I just noticed something about the points. Really? F?  Is this some kind of sick joke because I died? 

【(づᴗ _ᴗ)づ♡ +1 F points】 

“OMG, you really made a reference with my death.” She facepalmed. “You are just laughing at me aren’t you?” She asked looking at the screen with tired eyes.

【No! This system likes the user. The user seems like a really fun person but this system promises they are not making fun of you (｡>﹏<). This system hopes the user can make the story funnier too. This system is tired of all the ANGST!!! (ง ͠ಥ_ಥ)】 The blue screen flashed very expressively.

“Me too system me too.” She nodded while remembering all those angst-filled fanfics that just made the poor characters suffer all the time. She was grateful the system didn’t plan on making her suffer. At least not now. But she felt weak as the side effects of transmigration finally caught up to her now tiny body. She felt as if she was about to fall asleep right there right now.

【Usser should take a rest】

“We are in the middle of nowhere system.” She replied yawning a little. “I don’t think the forest is the safest place to take a nap. And if I remember well I am now in a world with monsters, beasts, and many other freaky things I wouldn’t want around”

【 This system assures the user that there are currently no beasts in this forest.(˘ ˘ ˘)】Said the system with conviction.

Like that was the only thing she needed to hear she flopped down on the soft grass of the clearing and fell asleep or maybe just passed out while holding the stick tightly. She would come to regret this decision later but at the moment she just wanted to sleep like a log.

It was late in the evening and near the red-light district, hiding in an alley two young boys were walking. The older one tries to convince the younger one to go back before night when all the establishments and the streets become packed with drunkards and other kinds of unsafe people to be around while the other one insists on remaining there a bit longer. 

“Xiao Jiu we need to go back before they notice we are not there.” Said the older one trying to be patient with his didi.

“But I wanted to talk to our jiejies a little more! They were the only ones who were good to me. The boys are mean.” The child said trying to sound pityful. He knew that his Qi-ge was weak to his puppy eyes.

“Xiao Jiu I know you are sad because our jiejies were sold to the brothel but you need to understand the situation. They are at the brothel it’s not that far and you can still go visit them. The ladies at the brothel are kind and always give us their spare food but we can’t stay there more time Xiao Jiu we need to go back before they count us down or we’ll be beaten like Shi Wu was last time.” The oldest one didn’t purposely fall for his didi’s tricks this time.

“That’s because Shi Wu is dumb.” Said the little one scoffing when he remembered how high and mighty Shi Wu acted saying he was going to sneak out at night without being caught.

“You need to get along better with him Xiao Jiu.” He sighed wondering why his Xiao Jiu was so vindictive all the time. 

“No, I do not. He’s the one who keeps picking fights with me because I’m shorter and then he tries to steal my territory.”

“. . .” Yue Qi remained silently looking at his didi after that because he didn’t know what to say against that. He decided to just continue walking towards the old bunch of sheds where all the other slaves slept and enter discreetly before the slavers arrived to collect the money from them like they always did.

They were in front of the shed when they noticed a strange sound. One of the slavers walked past them carrying a big sack on his back and whatever was inside seemed to be putting up a fight against the big man kicking in rage and screaming bloody murder. Things like “Let me out! LET ME OOOOOOOUUUUUUUT!!!!!!” and “You fucking kidnapper! I don’t know who you are but when I get out of this sack I’ll make sure you KNOW who I AM you fucking piece of shit!” could be heard from the sack.

“Qi-ge what is that?” The little boy with jade green eyes asked the older boy tugging his clothes. 

“It seems like we’ll have new people here. Maybe a new brother?” Yue Qi thought the distraction was welcomed if they got to sneak in safely.

“More?” The younger one scoffed. “The only brother I need is Qi-ge.” He said rolling his eyes.

“Xiao Jiu” The older one looked at the little one and smiled warmly proud to be his didi’s favourite.

“The only ones I liked aside from you were our jiejies but I can’t see them as much since they sold them to the brothel.” He looked down clenching his fists.

The tension broke in less than a few seconds when a high-pitched scream was heard from inside one of the sheds. “Maybe I was wrong and it’s a meimei what we are having.” He said after hearing the most high-pitched ear-piercing scream from inside the old shed the slavers used to keep the new children isolated before branding them. 

“We’ve never had a younger girl here. That’s new.” Said Shen Jiu with a curious look. They’ve got good lungs.” He said covering his ears. 

Then a male voice shouted. “SHE FUCKING BIT ME!"

“It’s a meimei then.” The young boy smiled relieved that he wouldn’t have to deal with more nuisances.

“ And a fierce one.”  The next thing they saw was the man leaving the shed while trying to cover his bloody hand. That made Yue Qi fear for their meimei’s safety. Slavers didn’t heat girls as much because if they left marks on them they would be the ones losing money but that slaver in particular was one of the most aggressive men of the bunch.