CHAPTER 61 - Saik vs. the President. Part 2.
(Pov - Saik.)
While the online class went on without any issues, I was collecting branches from the ground and pulling thicker ones from the trees with my hands to use as firewood. We need fire to cook. I don't know how to start a fire without a lighter, but Number 93 will tell me how. I think I'll need some rocks or something. I'll figure it out later.
The class is, as always, boring. Well, at least that part of school is normal.
My extra test has already started, but I want to cook first.
This special test is the hardest because students have to do things they're not used to. Relieve themselves on the ground, cook without pans, eat only fruits and vegetables, blah, blah, blah. I don't doubt this test is just to mentally prepare students, to make them realize how useless they can be without objects to make life easier. No wonder they made me sign a paper saying I won't hold the school responsible if I get sick. Cooking without oil or salt will be tough, but I'll manage. I think I can add flavor to the food with some vegetables and fruits around here. I can make a salad to go with the fish.
Speaking of salt, I understand that every three days, we have to go to the center of the island to meet the other teams and face them to win certain items. It was obvious that would happen. They can't leave their students without salt or oil to cook; they could get sick from eating without those… I think, I'm not a nutritionist. Besides, facing other classes is normal at this school. Leaving us to fend for ourselves on the island without the chance to compete against another class wouldn't make sense.
I hope the prizes are salt or pans for better cooking. All they gave us was something to boil water, and that's it. I need my pans and salt.
"Saik, Saik, I found an apple tree! Come, come!"
Apples, huh? I think a fruit salad would be nice to go with the fish… Oh, that combination doesn't sound so great… Well, at least it'll fill our stomachs. A glutton like me needs a lot of food.
"Oh, I'm craving some fruit. I'll drop this off first."
I started walking toward the camp, and Yuki sat on my shoulders.
"Activate my body."
Well, no one's watching, so I don't think anyone will notice.
I activated her body, and she stroked my hair with her hands.
"Ahhhhh! This is so boring, Saik! I always thought camping would be fun, but all this silence is driving me crazy! Plus, you're starting to scare me."
"Why?" I whispered.
"Why?! Did you forget what you just did?! Poor squirrel!"
"Oh… Sorry. But that squirrel was to blame for popping up out of nowhere."
A squirrel tried to climb a tree while I was pulling branches, and since it appeared out of nowhere, I instinctively attacked it and killed it with a blow to the head. Poor Yuki, she saw something gross because of me.
"I admit I got a little scared, sorry. Well, at least we got some meat to…"
"Nooooo! You're not eating the squirrel!"
"You want it?"
"Nooooo!! Bury the squirrel in the ground!"
"Oh, what a waste of meat."
Whispering like this lets me talk to her a bit. I'm taking a big risk, but I like talking to Yuki. Besides, I've done some tests. I sent 20 of my legendary ghosts to scout the area where they're monitoring us, and they reported that they're not listening to us. I also sent Number 31 to the ghost hunters' base, and he told me they're not investigating me either. He also said they're too busy fighting the minions of the Ghost Goddess, the ones I ran into on the ship. Well, it doesn't affect me, so I don't care.
But it's never 100% certain that I'm not being watched. As long as I'm wearing this bracelet, I can't be sure. I'll keep whispering as quietly as possible and as little as possible.
I took the squirrel out of my pocket and dropped it on the ground.
"Let the ants eat it."
"Ugh, it stinks. Let's go bathe, Saik!"
It's true, I stink. That's what I get for keeping the squirrel in my pocket.
The river is nearby, so a quick bath would be nice. I'll also wash my pants.
After walking for a couple of minutes, I reached the river, which looks more like a lake because of how vast it is. Yeah, this is definitely an artificial island. The place is so safe, it's impossible for it to be natural.
"Look, Saik!" Yuki said, pointing at Cristal in the distance.
A small one-meter wall separates our zones, preventing the river from crossing into theirs. We have the river to ourselves, but they have a lake and caves at their disposal… Yeah, definitely an artificial island.
I think giving each zone its own river or lake is a way to ensure everyone has fish and they don't run out. If we shared the rivers, it could lead to students overfishing to starve others out… Or, more likely, it's just so each student has their own enjoyment zone, so they feel like the rivers and lakes belong to them alone and don't have to share.
Cristal is gathering branches, just like me. I'd talk to her, but it's forbidden, so I'll ignore her.
I dropped the branches on the ground and took off my shirt.
"I'm going in too!" Yuki said, taking off her clothes as well.
I shook my head.
"No."
"Why?! I want to swim too!"
"They might discover you. Sorry."
"Yeah… I guess you're right."
She looks disappointed. I guess she really wanted to bathe. Sorry, Yuki, but we can't risk more than we already are.
"We'll bathe again tonight, don't worry."
"It's a promise!" Yuki said, jumping with joy.
Does she love bathing that much?
Oh well.
I left my phone on my shirt and took off my pants. I'm still in class, but I'll ignore it for a few minutes… Hmm… Should I take off my underwear? I mean, I should probably wash it too. Yuki has seen me naked before, so it shouldn't matter… Oh, that sounded pretty sick of me, but Yuki has only seen me naked because we've bathed together, so it's not creepy. After all, Yuki is like my little sister.
… No, I won't take it off. Why? Because I feel Cristal's eyes on me. Only Naima will get to see my naked body when we're dating… Well, Yuki too, since we bathe together sometimes.
Yuki is part of my family, and Naima will be my future girlfriend. Only those people are allowed to see me naked because it's normal. It's not normal to show off my naked body to just anyone.
I yawned. Oh, I'm sleepy. It's been a while since I've worked this hard at something… Well, at least as far as I can remember. My memories have been altered, so I don't know what happened to make my soul so damaged that I can't use the powers of my legendary ghosts. Oh well, it doesn't matter.
I touched the water with my feet… It's cold, but no big deal, I'll get used to it.
"Hey, idiot, what are you doing?!"
"Developing a thesis where I explain—"
"Don't finish that stupid joke and answer my question! Why are you wasting time?!"
Oh, Naima, that was one of my best jokes, and you ruined it… Well, I stole it from Yuki; she told me yesterday.
Naima seems angrier than usual. I think my body is in danger.
"I just came to wash my clothes. They've got blood on them."
"Then wash them later! Let's go, I'm hungry!"
"Wow… You look really beautiful when you're angry."
She punched me in the stomach, and I pretended it knocked the wind out of me. It didn't hurt, but pretending to be weak is part of the plan.
"I told you not to say that stuff to me again, you son of a bitch!"
… Better not say anything else unnecessary.
I scratched my head… Yeah, she has more than enough reasons to hate me, but I think she's exaggerating now. I've never done anything to her; on the contrary, I've always been kind and polite. Why does she treat me so badly?
I even gave her a protection point. Why can't she trust me, even just a little?
"Naima, why do you hate me? I haven't done anything bad to you. Please don't yell at me, I was just trying to wash my clothes."
"Tch. I don't have time for your nonsense."
She bent down and picked up the branches I collected.
"Everyone will cook their own food! Don't come near me!"
"… Hey, are you stealing my branches?"
"I found them on the ground, they're mine now!"
"… Oh, whatever."
Naima hates me even more after what I said, I can feel it. Oh, I can guess why she hates me more.
"Saik, I don't know if you noticed, but… the girl you like just yelled at you, insulted you, and is stealing your branches!!"
"Yeah, I know… Well, I'll get more later."
I let myself fall back and went into the water.
Floating in the water feels nice. I pushed myself with my feet to the middle of the river.
Oh… Naima, I won't help you with anything. I'll let you have the stuff because I care about you, but I won't help you anymore. If you make it to the end, it'll mean I was right to fall for you. But if you fail and give up on this special test, my feelings for you will disappear, and I won't try to have a girlfriend anymore.
Naima, so far, you have my complete admiration. Unlike other women I've met, except for Sister Daisy, you don't let pretty words sway you. You're not easily manipulated. Unlike Sylphie, your will is stronger, and you do what it takes to move forward. Sylphie, though she got a job to support her mom, kept letting people mock her, insult her, and hit her. But you, Naima, if you were in her place, your mom wouldn't have become an alcoholic, and you'd never have had problems at school. Sylphie is a girl with a weak mindset, who doesn't know how to react or is too scared to act for fear of failing. But you, Naima, you're someone who isn't afraid to do what it takes to get ahead.
Sylphie is changing for the better; she's not the same shy girl I met, but that's because I had to solve her problems. She should've solved her own problems. If I keep solving her problems, she'll never learn to do it herself. But you, Naima, you know how to solve your own problems and don't ask for help from anyone. You don't depend on anyone. That's why I fell for you and not Sylphie.
Naima, when this special test is over, we won't be a couple, but we will be friends.
And after that, we'll be a couple. Maybe we'll even have sex. Then I'll break up with you before I kill myself.
The "get a girlfriend" plan depends entirely on you, Naima, but I trust you'll meet my expectations.
"Ahhhhh!! I can't stand Naima!! Seriously, Saik, please think it over. Throw your feelings for Naima in the trash and fall for Sylphie. She's a much better option…! No, wait… I've got it! After the island test, you'll cut your hair and show everyone how handsome you are! Then, you'll ask any girl, except Naima, to be your girlfriend! Why? Because any girl is way better than Naima!"
"Better than Naima?"
I highly doubt that. Naima is the best partner option I've ever met.
She's pretty hot-tempered, but I could get used to it.
Naima… Oh, I hope everything goes well with my plan.
•
•
(Pov - Kevs.)
"We'll take this, and this. Oh, this looks delicious. This too. And that. Throw that in too. And that…"
Ahhhhh! How much is all this going to cost?! We're supposed to keep a low profile, but these Elves don't get it! They bought furniture, a fridge, a stove, cell phones, video games…! They bought so many expensive things! Syln said we'd be safe, that it didn't matter if we drew a little attention right now, but I can't stop worrying!
All this stuff is going to cost a fortune. By my calculations… we've already spent over $100,000! That's more money than I'll ever earn in my life!
I-I have to do something about this. Sorry, Grandpa, I'd love for you to enjoy these luxuries, but it's dangerous to have these girls near you. I don't want you to be in danger because of me. Plus, I have the excuse that my scholarship increased; I can buy you a new fridge or stove, Grandpa.
I have to keep these girls away from you.
"I think I have a great idea," I told the Elves.
Syln turned to look at me, and the princess kept tossing food into the shopping cart.
"Tell me."
I hope she believes me.
•
•
"Hmm… Not bad, huh? It's bigger than your house. It'll do."
Grandpa, I'm not abandoning you, but it's for your own good. I'll visit you on weekends.
I convinced the Elves to rent an apartment in a building near the school. The rent is expensive, but it won't be a problem for them. I'll live with them, but since there are only two bedrooms, I'll have to sleep on the couch. I can't leave them alone, since I'm forbidden from being away from them.
The stuff like the stove and fridge will be delivered by workers later, in about 10 minutes. The Elves paid extra for immediate delivery. Oh, the life of the rich is so enviable, but I can't enjoy it! I'm in danger all the time! Plus, I'm still their stupid slave.
I left the 10 grocery bags on the table. My poor little fingers! They didn't even offer to help! I can't feel my fingers.
So much expensive food… We're definitely from different social classes. I prefer cheap food. Why spend so much on something like food when cheap food fills your stomach too? I don't understand rich people.
Kevs, are you aware that you missed three classes?
Yes, I am… Ahhhhh! My almost perfect GPA is ruined!
"W-well, now that we're more comfortable, I'd like to suggest something."
"Make it quick," the princess said, looking at me with disgust.
Oh, I have to get used to this.
"Princess, you'll start attending school tomorrow. It's important that you learn common sense."
"Tch. Yes, I know. Do you think I'm stupid?"
I'd better not answer that question, not even in my head.
"No, but considering your behavior at the supermarket, it's more than clear that you still think like you're in your original world…! Uwaaah!"
T-the princess grabbed me by the collar and pulled me toward her, then punched me in the stomach.
D-damn crazy girl, she knocked the wind out of me!
"Tch. What's wrong with my behavior?!"
"Y-you called the employees plebeians…! There are no plebeians here, we're all equal! If you keep acting like a real princess, humans will hate you and you'll draw more attention! If you want to stay alive, act like a normal person and stop acting like you're above everyone else! Got it?!"
Uwaaah! I don't know where that bravery came from to say that! I said it out of pure stupid impulse! Now she'll hit me worse!
"No one yells at me!"
Ahhhhh! She's going to punch me in the face! She's going to make me uglier than I already am!
I closed my eyes as I saw her fist. Please, have mercy…! Did she have mercy? I'm scared to open my eyes and get hit.
She didn't hit me… I-I have to take the risk.
I slowly opened my eyes… Oh… My hero!
Syln caught the princess's fist, and they're staring at each other.
"What are you doing, Syln?"
"I hate to admit it, but Kevs is right. If you keep behaving like this, we'll be discovered."
"Tch."
"It's only for 5 years. You have to endure it."
"… Damn it. Fine."
… Oh, I highly doubt the princess can handle it… This is going to hurt, but it might work.
"There's a way for the princess to still feel superior to others, so she can satisfy her ego and find it easier to interact with humans."
The Elves turned to look at me.
"What do you have in mind?" Syln asked.
"Have the princess become a delinquent."
"A delinquent?"
I'm sacrificing my body and dignity, but it'll be worth it because I'll stay alive.
Goodbye, peaceful life. Hello, slavery.
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
Alright… A little more… I need to float it higher… Up, down… Oh, it's starting to spark… A bit faster… Almost there… Harder… And done.
"Yay! The fire's ready!" Yuki said, clapping.
Floating two rocks to create fire was harder than I thought, but it worked. I added more branches to the fire to keep it from dying out, and two small logs to make it last longer.
The secret to starting a campfire faster is dry herbs and leaves. The hard part will be keeping the fire going, but I think this will do.
Mimicking what Yuki saw on TV, we placed sticks on the left and right of the fire, then used another stick to skewer the fish and hold it up with the other two sticks. The fire will cook the fish without us having to hold it. We'll just turn it when needed.
I'll add lemon juice to give it better flavor while it cooks.
I doused the fish's skin with lemon. It could use some salt, but this is fine for now.
Oh, I feel uncomfortable being all combed, but I can't use my contact lenses for these weeks; I have to wear glasses. Wearing contacts for too long isn't a good idea, and considering the environment I'm in, putting them in my eyes would be risky for my health. Glasses are uncomfortable, but better than seeing blurry.
"I think the lemon is added when the fish is done, Saik."
"Hmm… Well, experimenting isn't bad either."
It's my first time cooking without cooking oil, so I have to improvise. I only know how to follow recipes; this is my first time cooking without knowing how.
Now that I'm done with this part, I'll move on to the other. The salad.
I gathered a lot of fruits to make the salad. Fruit with fish doesn't go that well together, but the fruit will also serve as… water… Water…
Oh, Naima kept my water jug and the thing that heats water. How will I get fresh water…? Hmm… I have legendary ghost Number 7, the water ghost. She could… No, that would be cheating. I promised myself I'd pass this test without cheating.
Hmm… I think I can survive by consuming juice from some fruit. I found oranges, so I can make orange juice. I just need something to hold the juice… Well, I'll just eat an orange when I'm thirsty.
Yuki can't feel hunger or thirst, so she'll be fine.
… Oh, orange juice. That's right, you can also cook with orange juice. I'll put some on the other fish… Wait… This chill… This stare…
I looked up. A bee is in the distance, but that bee isn't a real bee.
"What's wrong, Saik? Are you seeing a UFO?! Where is it?! I don't see anything!"
A robot bee.
I moved my mouth without saying anything, but the person controlling the bee understood what I was trying to say, and the bee flew away, far from us.
"I was just thinking that it'll get dark soon. Let's find a place to spend the night."
"I have an idea!"
"I'm listening."
"Well…"
Yuki put her index fingers together and looked me straight in the eyes with that cute, adorable expression that would make me give her all my candies if I had any right now.
Yuki's eyes are still so bright and lovely. Oh, it feels so good to have a little sister.
Yuki, you're so adorable and sweet. I promise to give an extremely slow and painful death to the murderer who took your life, and then I'll send their soul to the hell I have at my disposal, where they'll suffer for the rest of their existence… Well, I might have already killed them without realizing it, since I killed a lot of criminals in the first days of school.
"Saik, you bought everything with your positive points. What if we take all the stuff you bought from Naima and leave her to fend for herself, so she dies of hunger, cold, thirst, and suffers for mocking you?"
… Did she really say something so cruel with that adorable expression? I don't know whether to feel tenderness or fear.
"Naima may be a strong girl, but women's bodies are more fragile and sensitive."
Or so I've heard. I don't know much about women.
"Naima will feel humiliated having to relieve herself on the ground. Food probably won't be an issue, but eating only fruits could cause some health problems. Plus, she'll get sick if she sleeps on the ground at night. Will you feel okay sleeping comfortably, knowing Naima is suffering?"
"Of course I will! Why?! Because she abandoned you and stole your stuff! She's doing the same thing I plan to do to her!"
"But unlike Naima, you're not evil, Yuki."
I patted her head.
"You're different from Naima, Yuki. I don't want the adorable and kind Yuki to stop existing. We'll be fine, Yuki. You'll never lack food, we'll drink orange juice, we'll bathe in the river. As for beds, I'll sleep on the ground, and you'll sleep on me. The campfire will keep us warm."
"… Why do you sacrifice so much for Naima? She wouldn't do the same for you."
"Because if I take Naima's stuff, you'll feel bad sooner or later, Yuki. I know you; you're someone with a kind heart, and I'd rather avoid you feeling sad or guilty knowing Naima is suffering. I'll say it again, we'll be fine. Stop thinking about Naima and let's enjoy our vacation."
I affectionately pinched her cheek, and Yuki nodded.
"Y-yeah… Okay. If you say you'll be fine, I'll believe you… And stop pinching me! It hurts!"
"And here I thought I was doing it with affection."
"Well, your affection hurts!"
"Yeah, yeah, sorry."
Even when she's mad, she's still adorable. Oh, I wish you were really my little sister, Yuki. Well, even if you're not my blood sister, I consider you a true little sister.
Everything went back to calm. Yuki's anger faded, at least a little.
Well, I managed to calm Yuki down.
Oh… Good… I really feel like a normal human. A whole year without being able to use the powers of the legendary ghosts. If I didn't have enemies, it'd be easy, but there are still plenty out there who want to kill me. If I want to keep my normal life, I have to divert them from my path.
I have no issue with the Ghost Goddess; by the time she attacks, I'll already have killed myself. But Hanako, the ghost hunters, Elves, demons disguised as humans… I still have a lot of people after me who want my head, and who'd even kill Saik just in case. I have to divert them from my path.
And that's why I have a plan.
"Hey, Yuki, could you go get another apple? Please."
"I'll be right back!"
She flew off… Good… She's gone. It's safe.
"Number 3, Number 31, Number 91, come out."
Legendary ghost Number 3, the illusion ghost.
Legendary ghost Number 31, the speed ghost.
Legendary ghost Number 91, the plant ghost.
I need Number 3 for her illusions, Number 31 for her speed, since I need this plan to unfold quickly, and Number 91 to escape if necessary.
The three came out of my body, and Number 91 saluted me with a military salute, while Number 3 yawned, and Number 31 hugged my arm, placing it between her breasts as always, trying to get a reaction out of me. I'm surprised she keeps trying to get a reaction when she's been at it for years.
"Hey, boss! It's an honor to see you face-to-face again, boss! You've grown a lot and look very healthy, boss! I'm ready for any order, even sexual ones, considering you're already a teenager, boss! My body belongs only to you, boss!" Number 91 said.
Oh… Number 91, the legendary ghost who rivals Number 4 in cruelty.
A flat-chested girl with hair made of leaves, tanned skin, and completely black eyes.
She's almost naked, with simple leaves covering her nipples and private parts… Oh, why do most of my legendary ghosts like to show skin? Well, some of them are hundreds of years old; it was probably the fashion back then.
Number 91 is as cruel as Number 4. In our first meeting, I saw her laughing while an entire family was being violated by roots, and another family was being used to feed giant carnivorous plants that devoured their prey by melting their bodies with acid.
And considering the hundreds of skeletons there, it was more than clear she did it just for fun, not to defend her home.
"Oh, I'm sleepy. Tch. What do you want now, idiot?" Number 3 said.
I guess her masculine personality is the one controlling her body. I prefer her feminine version.
"Hehe. What's on your mind, darling?" Number 31 said, rubbing her cheek against mine.
"We're going to create a new Shadow."
"A new Shadow?" the three said, looking at me strangely.
And with this, I'll say goodbye to my problems, at least for a while.
•
•
(Pov - Nergio.)
Oh… I never imagined I'd humiliate myself this much. Having to ask Lalo García for help is one of the most humiliating things in my life, considering what happened the last time we met.
We've only met once, but it was enough to hate him. The man who bragged to me that he was the possessor of almost all my master's legendary ghosts. My master lent them to you because it was an emergency, you damn idiot! That smug, arrogant attitude makes me want to vomit, but his attitude is justified by his power, and I hate that.
"Mr. García is waiting for you. Would you like something to drink?" said a robot girl whose function is that of a secretary. She looks human, but she's clearly a robot.
Why do I know? Because Lalo García only trusts my master and distrusts all humans, including me.
"No, thanks."
She opened the door, and I walked in… This has to be a joke.
"Tch. Seriously?"
"Nergio, compadre! It's been a year since we last saw each other. How's life treating you, compa? Still as weak as ever, or have you improved at least a little? Want a rematch?"
Lalo García, arms crossed, welcomes me speaking in Spanish while all his humanoid robots stare into my eyes. Did he really gather all his robots just to give me this welcome and make himself look cool? Ahhhhh! I hate him so much!
"Speak my language, 'pendejo.' Stop speaking in Spanish."
"Yeah, yeah, I forgot how 'slow' you are."
"Go to hell, you son of a bitch!"
"Hahahahaha! Hearing you curse in Spanish is so funny!"
He adjusted his cowboy hat and walked toward me.
And as the sound of his cowboy boots echoed, his damn robots knelt before him.
"So, what do you want, compa?"
He stood in front of me and smiled.
"Tch. I'm only doing this because it's necessary, but when this is over, we'll fight again."
"Seriously, you want to lose again? You're such a masochist, Nergio."
"Whatever. What have you found out?"
"Easy, gringo! They just informed me about the situation. I'm not as quick as you."
"Stop playing dumb and talk."
"Hehe. You're a smart kid, huh? Oh, kids grow up so fast. Yeah, yeah, sure. Come."
He walked away from me, and I followed. I know perfectly well the extent of Lalo's technology; it's impossible for him not to get information quickly. He wants to take all the credit, and I'll prevent that. I won't let him do everything alone. If we let him do whatever he wants, the future of the world would be at risk, considering how proud Lalo is.
He may be powerful, but if we leave it all in his hands, the future of the world would be uncertain. I don't trust Lalo García.
He sat in front of his computer, and I waited for him to finish typing commands or whatever he was doing.
"My satellites detected them too, so I was already starting the operation even before you guys asked for my help."
"Blah, blah, blah. Get to the point."
"As aggressive as always, huh? Don't get jealous, Nergi. Though Saik prefers me."
"Get to the point."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Alright, don't get mad, darling. Look."
On his computer screen, an image of an alien appeared. A 3D model? I see… Completely black skin, huge white eyes, giant hands… Other than that, they look human. Black skin, huge eyes, and giant hands… Why did they evolve like that? Do their hands have some extra function?
Wait… Black skin… Black… I recognize that skin tone…
"Negative energy?"
"Bingo, compadre! You're a smart kid. Want a lollipop as a reward for your great intelligence?"
"Stop saying stupid things and tell me what you know."
"You're too serious. Well, as you said, 83.5% of their bodies are made of negative energy. In other words, their bodies come from a direct evolution of a demon."
"Or a ghost."
"Nah, I highly doubt it. Ghosts can take control of human bodies, but if they have sex with another human, their children would be normal humans. Research results confirmed it."
"No, there's a way… Ghosts with negative energy become demons that lose their reason and go wild, but if a ghost is powerful enough to maintain control of its body, even while consumed by negative energy, then it's possible to have offspring that inherit the power to control negative energy."
"Hmm… A good theory, I'll admit, but it would take more than 5 million years for a species to adapt to that energy and manage to turn their bodies into negative energy at will. If that theory turns out to be true, we wouldn't be their enemies, but I do think they're looking for something."
"A conquest plan?"
"No, I don't think so. They're weak. I managed to capture one without any trouble. What makes them dangerous is their ability to manipulate any being, turning them into demons with a single touch."
And I highly doubt they have enough negative energy to create an entire army of demons. If that happens, it wouldn't matter; we could defeat them. So, should we consider them a high-level threat?
"But I wouldn't take them lightly, even though they're weak. They're very good at hiding inside humans. I couldn't find the other three I tried to capture, even tracking them with my cameras. They take over human bodies and act normally, as if they instantly knew how the humans they possessed behaved."
"They can read memories."
"Like a true legendary ghost."
"Will my master be their target?"
"No, I don't think so. Saik is too weak right now, but they're not trying to attack him."
He pressed some buttons, and the computer screen showed an image of my master. It's true, he's on an island right now. And considering the image shows my master looking directly at the camera, it means that, despite being weakened, his survival instinct remains.
"He's on an island, far from everyone. It's the perfect opportunity to attack, but they're not doing it. They're looking for something else in the Capital."
"So, all we know about them is that they can turn anyone into demons and they know how to hide. Is that all you know?"
"For now, at least. I'll keep investigating."
"These aliens… What are they planning to do? What's their goal?"
"Hehe. What's the goal?"
That voice…
Lalo and I quickly turned around. That girl… That power…
"A minion of the Ghost Goddess."
"Hello! My name is Star, a pleasure to meet Shadow's student, Nergio, and the one who managed to defeat him, Lalo García!"
"Hello, miss. Tell me, what do you want? I'd eliminate you, but you're just a clone, not worth wasting my energy on a mere copy."
"Hehe. You're very clever, Lalo. I'm just here to invite you to the big event I'm organizing."
"Event?" I asked, confused.
"The superhuman tournament! Unofficial name, I'm still thinking of a better one."
A tournament? What kind of nonsense is this?
"What do you mean by tournament?"
"You'll find out soon. The prize will be taking the position the wooden doll had."
"And who will fight?"
"Those chosen by the aliens. Goodbye."
She disappeared… Those chosen by the aliens?
"What does she mean by that?"
"I don't know, but… What if they didn't hide inside humans?"
"What do you mean?"
"Superhumans, tournament, being chosen by the aliens… What if the aliens give their power to humans?"
"But does that mean they're linked to the Ghost Goddess? Why is she doing this?"
"I don't know, but if humans gain the aliens' power… Nergio, tell your mother to prepare. We'll need her to use her power for a long time."
Humans with the power of negative energy… What are you trying to do, Ghost Goddess?
•
•
And while Nergio and Lalo discussed what just happened, a certain unexpected person appeared before Hanako after a long time.
"Hey, Hanako. It's been a while, huh? How's life treating you? Still single?"
"Shadow…" Hanako said, her face furious with the hatred she feels toward him.
A meeting between Shadow and Hanako. What will be the outcome?
(Extra - Legendary Ghost Number 19, the Doppelgänger Ghost.)
(Pov - Saik, age 6.)
"No, let me go! Stop, please!"
Oh, that woman complains too much while she's being raped. She's not letting me eat in peace; her annoying whimpers are keeping me from enjoying my delicious food, courtesy of a good man whose name I don't know, since I stole his food when he wasn't looking.
Oh, I'm a millionaire, but I steal without feeling guilty… Life is weird.
"Ouch, he's sticking it in her ass. That must hurt a lot," Number 4 said, eating my fries.
I'd say something, but I have plenty of food; I can share with her.
"Yeah, she's definitely suffering; her anus is bleeding. I think she's a virgin," Number 1 said.
"… Shouldn't we save her?" Number 16 said.
"No, that would ruin the plan. That guy will be here soon," I told Number 16, taking a bite of my burger.
That woman is being raped by a man in his 40s, fat. It's disgusting to watch, but I have to stay alert, waiting for his arrival.
I'm sitting in a corner of the room, waiting for him to arrive.
The man's thing goes in and out of the woman's anus while she screams and cries in pain. Ouch, that must hurt a lot; her anus is bleeding too much.
Sex is gross. It's disgusting to think that one day I'll have to do that when I want to have a kid. Will it feel good to stick my thing in one of a woman's holes? I'll find out someday. I hope I'm not disappointed. It must feel good, considering so many men rape women, risking going to jail just to have sex. If they risk so much, it must feel really good.
"Saik… Please, help that woman. I don't know who you're waiting for, but it's not worth it. I know you're not evil. Please, save that woman," Number 16 said, caressing my hand.
"The reason you're seeing this is so you realize how far Saik is willing to go to achieve his goals, Number 16," Number 1 said.
"And so you stop trying to convince him to give up on collecting all the legendary ghosts. We're sick of your speeches about the value of human life and how Saik can redeem himself. Ugh, those speeches about human kindness make me sick," Number 4 said.
"How far Saik is willing to go…? N-no… Don't tell me…"
"Yes. Saik helped that rapist kidnap that woman in exchange for his continued help in the future," Number 1 said.
And I don't regret it. Having live bait will make it easier to attract legendary ghost possessors without risking my identity too much. Plus, it saves me time and energy.
I spent two full weeks exercising and using the powers of the legendary ghosts to make my soul and body able to handle one more legendary ghost. I reached my limit and had to push that limit.
Today is January 13. I haven't seen Hanako since Christmas. I want to see her, but I also don't want to. It's complicated… I like Hanako, but I prefer to keep collecting legendary ghosts. I know that one day, very soon, I'll have to kill her parents to get their legendary ghosts, and when that happens, my friendship with Hanako will be broken forever… I have to prepare for that day.
Since Christmas, I've been killing criminals every day; that way, I train the powers of my legendary ghosts. And I also realized how disgusting people can be.
I lost count of the women I've seen being raped, even minors. Men using corpses as sex toys… Even animals… Parents prostituting their own daughters… Oh, I still remember the sicko who raped his own grandmother.
This city is full of sick people.
Are all people perverts? I found out several students were selling their bodies to older men. Prostitution is too common in this city. Is sex that addictive? Oh, I don't get it.
That's just on the topic of sex. Let's move on to murders.
The sickest thing I've seen is a woman who ate a 5-year-old kid… Raw. She didn't even cook him.
The tortures… Oh… I'd better stop thinking about that. Why? Because I feel weird remembering everything I saw. I don't feel anything. I don't feel sadness, I don't feel disgust, I don't feel anger… I don't feel anything. I should feel disgusted, but… I don't feel anything.
Number 1 told me it's normal, so I won't give any more importance to my insensitivity.
That's why I helped this man kidnap that woman. I have two reasons for helping him.
Number 1: That woman is the girlfriend of the possessor of legendary ghost Number 19. I even left clues on purpose so he'd know how to find us. We're in a house near the beach. I spilled black oil while we were coming here so the possessor would follow the oil and find us. He's a cop; he might realize it's a trap, but since we didn't have anything else planned, I'm sure he'll come without asking for help, trusting that his legendary ghost will let him save his girlfriend.
And while I was thinking about my situation, Number 16 was yelling at me furiously.
"You're sick!! You're a damn psychopath!! It's impossible for you to be a 6-year-old kid!! You're insane!!"
"Just go."
She returned to my body. It'll take her time to learn to treat me right.
"Saik, someone broke down the first-floor door."
Thanks, Number 4.
They returned to my body, and I turned invisible.
I hear the footsteps… Three, two…
The door was kicked down, and a furious muscular man stormed in. And upon seeing his girlfriend being raped, his eyes filled with tears, and he attacked the man… Or tried to.
I threw two knives and pierced his skull.
It's a move I practiced, and it was worth it. Legendary ghost possessors may be powerful and dangerous, but if they let their guard down, they're as weak as any human.
"N-no!!"
I'm tired of hearing her.
I threw another knife and pierced the woman's head to shut her up.
"Hey, this wasn't part of the…!"
I threw another knife and killed that man. He's no longer useful. People like him only have one use.
I placed my hand on this man's chest and absorbed his legendary ghost.
… Alright, then… I feel full, but not too much. I think I can fit one more legendary ghost.
Good, all three are dead… Well… I finished what I came to do.
"What do we do with the bodies?" Number 1 asked.
"Nothing. Take the knives and let's go."
"Okay."
I looked at the woman's body for a few seconds and walked away.
I didn't feel anything while she was being raped because of me. I didn't feel anything seeing her suffer. I didn't feel anything killing her.
… Is that really normal? Well, if Number 1 says so, it must be true.
I only have to worry about myself and my family… Yes, that's the right thing.
20 legendary ghosts under my power, 80 to go.