CHAPTER 62 - Saik vs. the President. Part 3.
"And then, the protagonist said, 'I don't regret falling in love with you,' while masturbating as he watched his wife have sex with another man. Does that make any logical sense? Why is NTR so popular? It's nonsensical. I think I hate NTR… Hmm… I think it's more disgust than anything else… Well, those were the 100 reasons why the romance genre surpasses the NTR genre in porn. What did you think of my opinion on the porn industry? Personally, I don't consume porn, but it's interesting to know there are people who genuinely enjoy NTR. I'm not one of them. I think, yes, romance is definitely my favorite genre, both in literature and in porn. It makes so much more sense."
"Ahhhhh!! Shut up and fight already!! You've been talking nonsense for 30 minutes!!"
"Ouch, that hurt, Hanako. I'm just trying to have a conversation with you, to rekindle our old friendship. Your good childhood friend is back, and instead of kissing him or at least hugging him, you're trying to kill him."
"You're not my friend!!"
"First love?"
"Ahhhhh!! I'll kill you!!"
Hanako tries to hit Shadow, but he just stands there, her fists passing through his body, as Shadow's form is like that of a ghost, untouchable.
No matter how hard she tries, no matter that Hanako is using her spiritual power, she can't harm Shadow, who simply stands and talks, completely ignoring her attempts to hurt him.
"Well, well. Hanako, you've gotten even more beautiful. Do I still have a chance with you? I'd like to try courting you."
"Why…? Why can't I touch you?!!"
"Did they tell you I defeated the legendary ghost number 100? You're no match for me, cutie. Changing the subject, would you like to have dinner with me?"
"I'd rather die!!"
"Ouch, that hurt… Can we at least talk? I'm bored of this."
Shadow smiled at Hanako and licked the tip of his pinky finger.
"If I wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead. Come on, Hanako, you know it's pointless to fight me. Let's talk like the civilized people we are."
"Tch."
Hanako stopped and spat in Shadow's face, though it was useless since his body isn't physical, so her saliva didn't touch him.
"You're not a civilized person, nor do you deserve to be called human."
"I do want your saliva, but through a kiss. Shall we try again? This time with tongue."
"Go die!"
"Are you seriously still mad just because I brutally killed your parents? Aren't you overreacting?"
"Overreacting?! You damn son of a bitch!!"
"Besides, they treated you badly. They deserved what happened to them… So, shall we talk?"
Resigned to the fact that it was impossible for her to touch Shadow, Hanako spat at him again and crossed her arms.
"… Tch… What do you want?"
"I came to tell you something and offer you something. What I want to tell you is that I'm moving to another continent and might never come back. And what I want to offer is for you to come with me and be my wife… I guess that's a no."
Hanako punched him in the head, but her fist passed through Shadow's spiritual body, doing no harm.
She knew that would happen, but she did it out of instinct, as she was more disgusted and angrier than before.
"I'd rather be raped by orcs for the rest of my life than be your wife."
"Ouch. Why do you reject me so cruelly? We're childhood friends; I thought that would give me a chance with you."
"You killed my parents!"
"Just because of that?"
"'Just because of that'?!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm a monster. Blah, blah, blah. I'm just here to say goodbye to you. I wasn't lying when I said I considered you a friend, Hanako. I'll miss you… By the way… I was spying on you for a while. You know, waiting for the perfect moment to talk to you… Do you like that guy named Saik? I know him well because your family is watching him."
"Yes, so what? He's way better than you. And if he asked me, I'd have sex with him even if we weren't dating. I'll give my virginity to Saik, and I hope that sticks in your head."
"He's better than me? I highly doubt that, but I'll admit it hurts that you're cheating on me."
"We're nothing, you and I!!"
"Ouch… Do I have to give up my love for you? It'll be tough, but I'll try… So… will you agree to be my wife or not?"
"Go die!"
"I'll take that as a no… Well, see you. I love you, Hanako."
"I hate you."
"From hate to love, there's only one step. What if we kiss?"
"I'll kill you. I'll definitely kill you."
"I'll take that as another no. I love this new side of you, Hanako. The violent side. Shy Hanako was cute, but I like your violent version too. Goodbye."
Shadow sank into his shadow and disappeared, leaving behind a Hanako who could only cry with rage and fury, unable to even touch him.
"I'll kill you… You're dead… Dead."
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
Hmm… I didn't hear anything, but they're coming back. And considering I didn't hear anything, not even a scream, it means Hanako's ghost prevented anyone from hearing her. I see, I see. A ghost capable of controlling the environment, or Hanako simply used all her spiritual power. Either option would yield the same result, so I won't think about it.
Yuki went to catch more fish, so I can talk without fear.
"I guess you didn't have any problems."
A copy of Shadow emerged from my shadow and stroked my chin… Oh, number 31, what are you trying to do now?
"Where's my reward?"
I gave her a kiss on the lips. It doesn't count as a full kiss since I didn't use my tongue. It's just an innocent kiss. She did an excellent job, so she deserves this.
It feels weird kissing my copy, but oh well.
"Huh?! No, wait, not like that!"
Number 3 emerged from number 31's body, and as it did, number 31 returned to normal.
Then, number 91 emerged from number 31's body and hugged my arm.
… Oh… This is awkward.
"She already got her reward from number 31, it's my turn! Please, put your fingers in my…!"
Number 91 returned to my body. I already have enough with one sexual stalker; I don't need another.
Besides, my fingers belong to Naima.
"Tch. Can I sleep now?"
"Yes."
Number 3 returned to my body, and number 31 got close to my face. She closed her eyes and demanded a kiss. Her lips were practically begging for it.
"…"
"…"
"What are you doing?"
"Waiting for my kiss!"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"Where's my kiss?! I'm getting desperate!!"
"But I already gave you one."
"That doesn't count; you kissed your copy! I want you to kiss the sensual, sexy, hot, and beautiful number 31!"
… Oh, I really like number 31 when she's not in her stalker mode. I miss the number 31 who only saw me as a friend.
"You're lucky you did an excellent job."
I kissed her on the forehead, and she immediately put her hands on my cheeks.
Huh? What?
"…"
Is she kissing me on the mouth? Well, at least it's just with lips and not tongue. Number 31 is taking advantage of the fact that she did a great job in so little time. She's exploiting the fact that my parents taught me to be grateful.
"That's how you give a love kiss!"
"Oh, only because I'm in a good mood. And it's a friendship kiss, not a love one… How many were needed?"
"It's a love kiss, period! Hmm… Let me remember… 36 minutes using spiritual power… Hmm… We used 2,947 souls."
"And the swimsuit?"
"I left the bag in the cave."
"I see… Will we raise suspicions?"
"Nope! As you requested, we used criminals in prisons, vagrants, and some kids with cancer."
Children's souls, being younger, have more energy, which is why I asked number 31 to collect some souls from kids who were about to die. They were going to die anyway; I just sped up the process.
Number 91 used her roots to absorb the souls' energy, allowing number 31 to use spiritual power and prevent Hanako from harming them. Using the souls' energy, number 31 was able to temporarily use number 3 and number 91.
The longer it went on, the more souls were used.
Number 91 has one of the most dangerous abilities: "absorption." She can absorb anything through her roots—feelings, energy… life.
But… she can't revive the dead… Better not think about that.
"Did I do a good job?!" said number 31, hugging me.
"Yes, of course. As always."
I'll admit she's never disappointed me with her performance… Well, she only disappoints me with her personality.
The legendary ghosts are still damaged, which is why soul energy is needed to temporarily repair their bodies and allow them to use their special abilities.
I didn't want to use souls, as it meant killing people, and a normal person wouldn't kill. But I had to. I need to divert Hanako and the others' attention from Saik.
During Hanako's fight with Shadow, her ghost came to check on me to make sure I was here. It saw me eating and then left. That should've been enough to completely eliminate Hanako's suspicions about my identity.
Number 31 killed some vagrants in a nearby city and used their souls' energy to reach maximum speed and travel to another continent, where she killed the other people. Number 31 may be a sexual stalker, but she's not stupid. She probably disposed of the vagrants' bodies she killed in this country, so I won't worry about that.
… Hmm… Oh, this hug is dragging on.
Number 31 is rubbing her cheek against my chest while her arms squeeze me too tightly.
She looks like a little girl hugging her teddy bear… Oh, why do I keep letting number 31 act like this?
And when I try to force her to do something, I just can't bring myself to and let her keep acting this way.
… Why? I don't know. I just feel weird.
I really appreciate number 31's loyalty. She was the only legendary ghost who didn't betray me when number 1 convinced the others to join him. I think that loyalty obligates me to be grateful and allow her certain privileges.
"I love you, Saik. I love you so much."
"… Number 31, go back. Yuki's coming."
"Yup!"
She kissed me on the cheek and returned to my body.
… Yuki isn't coming yet.
I got scared by what I felt when I heard number 31 say that. Saik, normal people don't feel that for ghosts… They don't feel that.
Be a normal person. Be a normal person…
"Be a normal person. Be a normal person. Be a normal person… Saik, be a normal person."
If I'd been born a normal person, my parents would still be with me.
I promised myself to be a normal person until the day I die. I'll be a normal person.
Normal person… Normal person… Normal…
Saik, you went through too much to become a normal person; don't ruin it… Don't ruin it.
"Saik, look at the size of this fish!! And to show you I'm a good girl, I'll give you half!"
Yuki floats toward me, carrying a huge fish in her arms that's almost as big as she is. I'm surprised she can overcome her disgust and fish with her hands. Yuki is sensitive to gross things, but she can hold a huge fish in her arms without feeling disgusted. Yuki's mother was an extraordinary woman, and Yuki inherited so much from her. Yuki is identical to her mother, both in appearance and personality… Or so I think. I investigated Yuki's mother, so I can say with certainty that Yuki is very much like her. That's a very positive thing, really.
… Yuki… A normal person wouldn't share a house with a ghost, but I made an exception with Yuki. Why? Because I always wanted a younger sister or brother.
"And I didn't want to be alone."
"Huh? Did you say something, Saik?" said Yuki, standing in front of me.
"No, nothing."
I patted her head.
"Let's prepare the fish."
"Of course! Let's go!"
I'd better not think about legendary ghosts or my enemies for a while. I'm a normal student, and I'll act like one.
•
•
In the blink of an eye, the day ended, and it's already night. Since I'm not going back to Naima, I'll sleep in this underground cave that's so dark I can't even see my hands.
Yuki will sleep with me, but she asked me to hold her while she sleeps. I don't blame her; even though she's a little ghost girl who can't be attacked by wild animals, she's still a little girl. Sleeping in such a dark place is terrifying for her.
Sorry, Yuki, but I won't change my mind about our temporary home. It's very comfortable, and I love the mysterious atmosphere. Plus, I want to avoid seeing Naima. I don't want her to do "that" too soon; it would ruin the plan.
Alright. After preparing my bed, which I made with a pile of leaves, I left the cave and walked toward the river. I promised Yuki I'd bathe with her tonight. It's very cold, but it doesn't matter; we can't get sick. Besides, Yuki enjoys both hot and cold water. She also loves swimming, so she doesn't care about the water's temperature as long as she can swim.
My mother would be mad at me if she knew I was letting a little girl bathe in a river on such a cold night, but Yuki is a ghost; she can't get sick, and I have a body that's practically immune to colds or any cold-related illnesses.
I'm also immune to sexually transmitted diseases… I guess.
I don't count it because I wasn't using my real appearance, but I think I had sex with some demon women in hell when I went to find the legendary ghost number 99. I'm not sure if I actually had sex with them since I erased my memories. It's dangerous to erase my own memories, so I didn't do it properly to avoid risking my brain. Since I didn't do it properly, certain fragments of that memory remain in my mind. And in those fragments, I see three naked demon women licking my… My… Ugh. Gross. Just remembering it makes me nauseous. Why? Because of those demon women's appearances.
One of them looked like a wolf woman, her body covered in fur, with wolf arms, legs, and ears. Oh, but thankfully, she had a human head.
The second had the appearance of an elf. I find elves disgusting, which is why I consider her gross, even though her appearance was beautiful.
And the third was the worst of all. A woman with a huge eye instead of a head. And since she had no eyebrows, it was too uncomfortable to look at her, which is why I consider her the worst. Plus, I don't even know if she was of legal age, considering her slender body and flat chest.
Ugh. Why did I start remembering that?
Oh, whatever.
"Alright, they're all asleep!" said Yuki, who returned from checking on the students.
Swimming will make noise, so we need to make sure no one hears us.
I sent number 31 to keep an eye on the ghost with Hanako, so we'll be fine.
I left the bag and my glasses on the ground.
"Well, I hope it's not too cold," I said as I took off my shirt.
"What's that bag, Saik?" said Yuki.
Oh, I almost forgot.
I picked up the bag and handed it to Yuki.
"It's the swimsuit Sumi gave you. You can wear it so you don't swim naked."
"Huh?!"
Yuki opened the bag.
"It is! How did you bring it?!"
"Well…"
Number 2 emerged from me and shook the bag. Yuki can't see her, so she got scared and dropped the bag.
"Kya! I-it moved on its own!"
"Hehe. She's so cute," said number 2, pretending to pat Yuki's head.
Number 2 returned to my body, and I picked up the bag from the ground.
"This bag was brought to me by the slime ghost I gave to Sumi. Don't forget I also have control over it. I can move the bag with my power because it was in direct contact with the slime dog."
"W-well, warn me! I almost had a heart attack!"
Oh, it's great that Yuki always believes me. I'm sure she won't ask any more questions.
I can't tell her that number 31 went to my house for the bag.
"Sorry."
"No worries, I'm used to it! But thank you so much!"
Yuki started taking off her clothes, and I began removing my shoes and pants.
… Swimming in underwear with a little girl in a swimsuit who isn't related to me… Yeah, this is definitely very wrong. Well, Yuki is like my little sister, and she sees me as her big brother. There's nothing wrong with this. It'd be wrong if I looked at my cute sister Yuki with lust, but I only see her as my little sister.
Only sick people would feel lust for their little sister.
And I'm more than sure Yuki doesn't see me with lust. After all, she's a little girl; she knows nothing about those lustful matters.
"Last one in is a rotten egg!"
Yuki jumped into the water, but I stopped her before she touched it.
"Huh? What's going on?!"
"I don't want to be a rotten egg."
I jumped into the water and then gave Yuki back control of her body, and she entered the water after me.
Oh, yeah, it's very cold, but I can get used to it.
I surfaced, and a few seconds later, Yuki did too.
"Hey, rotten egg."
"That's not fair, you cheated! Cheater, cheater!" said Yuki, slapping the water with her palms.
"It's not cheating; it's just using my skills. Besides, you never set any rules. Oh, and you also told me about the rotten egg thing when you were already about to jump. You're the cheater, rotten egg."
"It's not fair, it's not fair! Saik, you're a cheater! I don't want to be a rotten egg! You're the rotten egg!"
Yuki stuck out her tongue. Oh, so immature, huh? I like that.
That's how little kids have fun, right?
… I don't know; I didn't have many moments like this when I was a little kid.
"You don't know how to lose, huh?"
I slapped the water with my hand and splashed Yuki in the face.
"Rotten egg."
"Hehe. I may be a rotten egg, but I'm not a cheater!"
Yuki started splashing water at my face, so I did the same.
Well, well… The last time I did this was with my mom during my last vacation. It feels pretty nostalgic… Oh… This isn't so nostalgic anymore.
I've got mud on my face. Yuki grabbed the wet dirt from under our feet and threw it at my face. What a way to get revenge.
"Hahahahaha! Your whole face is covered in…!"
I did the same and threw mud at her face.
I wish I could see her face clearly, but I don't have my glasses on.
"An eye for an eye, a face for a face."
"Hehe. Time to get serious!"
She dove underwater and surfaced after a few seconds.
She started floating until she was out of the water and crossed her arms, looking into my eyes. Does she have mud in her hands? What's she planning?
"This is what I call… Dirt Butt!!"
"Dirt Butt?"
Yuki lunged at me and put her hands in… Oh… That's why it's called Dirt Butt.
"Hahahahaha! Did you like it?!"
Yuki slipped her hands under my underwear and put the mud on my butt. Yuki, that's sexual harassment, and quite serious. I'm not mad because I know you didn't mean anything by it, but I'm going to scold you. That's not okay.
… Hmm… But if I scold her, I'll come off as boring… Better not say anything. After all, Yuki can't do that to anyone else, so it's fine.
"Don't you think you went too far?"
"Hehe. Do you feel humiliated?"
"Not exactly."
I crouched and grabbed some mud.
Alright, my hands are full.
"Hehe. What? You gonna do the same? I'm a girl, and you're a guy. You wouldn't dare. By the way, your butt is firm but soft… Uwaaah!"
Obviously, I wasn't going to touch her butt. Even though I consider her my little sister, she's still a girl. That would be way too serious sexual harassment, and siblings don't touch each other's butts. That would be too incestuous. That's why I threw the mud at her face.
"Hehe. You look cuter with your face covered in mud, Yuki."
"… Did you just laugh?"
"Huh? Yeah… I think so. Why?"
"No, nothing… I'll get revenge!"
"If you touch my butt again or try to touch my crotch, no candy for a year."
"Oh… Plan B is canceled!"
Was she seriously planning to do it? Yuki, I need to teach you about privacy and sexual harassment.
Let's get back to the water and leave the mud aside.
I started floating on the water. Oh, my whole body floating… It feels pretty relaxing.
"Hehe. Giving up?"
Yuki floated above me and put her left foot on my face… This… Oh… Why is she acting so violent tonight?
"Could you take your foot off my face? And yes, I give up. I'm here to bathe, not to get dirtier."
"It's my victory!"
She sat on my stomach and dipped her legs in the water… I feel like a lifeguard with Yuki sitting on me.
"This is a nice night," said Yuki.
"Yeah, it is."
"… Saik."
"Yes?"
"I want you to visit my mom and talk to her for me."
"Huh?"
Visit Yuki's mom?
•
•
And while Yuki and Saik talked, the twins Shaik and Sheik watched them from the sky.
"Saik sees that little ghost girl as his younger sister, brother."
"But I don't feel the same from her, sister."
"Yeah, it's weird; they act like real siblings, brother."
"And Saik is very attached to her, sister."
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking, brother?"
"Are you also thinking about dating a trans girl? I think I'm falling for one."
"… No, but good luck with that, brother."
"Thanks, sister."
"I was thinking about having a bit more fun with Saik."
"Oh, I like the sound of that. What's your plan, sister?"
"Hehe. Be patient, brother, it's a surprise. Trust your big sister. You'll see Saik cry."
"Hehe. I can't wait to see that."
•
•
Third day of the special test.
18 days remaining.
(Pov - Kevs.)
"Come on, come on, come on! I don't want to be late!"
"Uwaaah! I think I'm having a heart attack!"
"Stop whining and keep running!"
The princess is grabbing my arm and forcing me to run with her!
We're going to be late, but it's her fault! She wasted too much time watching TV! What kind of grown woman likes watching kids' cartoons…?! Well, I can't really blame her; there probably aren't things like that in her world, and she finds it interesting. But she hit me just because she realized we were running out of time to get to class! It's her fault; she forbade me from talking while she watched TV. It's not my fault she's so stupid!
Besides, what's with this obsession with being on time? It doesn't make sense. Is it some custom from her world, or is it disrespectful to be late? No, knowing the princess, she wouldn't care about disrespecting humans. It's probably just a habit from her world to never be late.
But my body is being pushed too hard! I'm not used to running at full speed for over 20 minutes! Ahhhhh! This is so embarrassing! We're drawing so much attention!
"Hehe. Think you can stop me?"
"Stop you…?"
Uwaaah! They're closing the entrance! I'm late! Goodbye, scholarship! I don't really need you anymore, but I worked so hard to get you! I don't want my effort to be for nothing!
"Jump, Kevs!"
Oh, she called me by my name. She finally realized she needs to act human while she's in this world… Wait… Why did she ask me to ju…?! Ahhhhh!
"Uwaaah!"
Did she just throw me?! You idiot!!!
Ouch! Damn crazy woman!
I hit the ground after getting through the school entrance, which was about to close.
M-my nose hurts… Damn crazy woman! Why, God?! Why do I have to put up with her?!
The princess entered through the gate after boosting her speed. We drew attention! I definitely don't want to be late again!
"Young lady, that was…!"
I stood up immediately and got in front of the teacher. I need to stop him from making her angry. I absolutely have to prevent the princess from getting into trouble, even if it means sacrificing my own well-being. Ahhhhh! I hate my life!
"I told her to give me a push to get here on time. Sorry, we'll be late for class. Bye!"
"Let's go!"
"Uwaaah!"
The princess grabbed me by the collar of my uniform and started running again, but this time she's dragging me and not letting me run.
Ahhhhh! I've turned into a toy! I hate this!
"Where's our classroom?"
"F-first building, the door that says 1-C."
"Hehe. I hope your plan doesn't fail."
"I-it won't, don't worry."
Oh, oh, oh. Kevs, are you realizing that your body is going to take damage and you might develop severe trauma?
Yes, yes, I know. But it's better than dying! I don't want to die!
… Huh?
"Huh?"
"Kevs?"
"And who's she?"
…
…
…
Ahhhhh!! They're such idiots!! Why did they drop out of the special test?! Ahhhhh! I haven't checked my phone because I've been busy cleaning, organizing, and cooking! Did they really drop out because their "crush" got expelled from the special test?! They're such idiots!!
My ex-friends are here, walking with Danny… Four people expelled from the special test. Plus me, who dropped out… Five fewer… Ahhhhh! We'll drop a class! Damn it!
"We're here!"
"Huh?! N-no, wait!"
Uwaaah! Was it necessary to smash my face against the wall?! My poor nose is going to break.
"Hehe. We made it on time. Now what?"
"J-just…"
I slowly got up from the ground. Don't argue with her, Kevs. Fortunately, she's acting more outgoing but less rude. It's better than her rude and arrogant personality. She's probably having fun treating me like a toy. Oh, it's way better that she treats me like this and acts more cheerful than treating me like a slave and being ruder.
"J-just go inside."
"Kevs, are you okay?!"
Danny?
… I hate that you're such a nice guy, Danny; it's impossible to hate you.
"… Let's go inside, Emily."
Ignoring Danny, I entered the classroom with the princess.
All our classmates are still in the test, so it's just us.
The teacher is in front of the blackboard, waiting for us to start the online class.
"Huh? Kevs, your nose is bleeding."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
I guess.
I took a handkerchief from my pocket and wiped the blood.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. This is Emily, the foreign student."
"I see. Would you like to introduce yourself, Miss Emily?"
"I just have one thing to say."
She stood next to the teacher and crossed her arms. Has the online class already started? I guess they were just waiting for us.
My ex-friends and Danny entered the classroom, and the princess started laughing.
"I'm not interested in getting to know you, and I don't want you to know me either! Only Kevs has permission to talk to me! I don't want you to speak to me or look at me! You don't deserve my attention! That's all!"
Oh, my body hurts just hearing that. I'll have to endure her abuse so she doesn't stand out more than she already does.
Plus, the princess is beautiful. A lot of masochists will be jealous and beat me up! Double abuse! Ahhhhh!
B-be strong, Kevs. Be strong.
The princess approached me and grabbed my arm.
"Come with me."
"Yes…"
Oh, this life is getting… Huh?
Did Danny grab my arm? No, no, no. Don't do anything stupid, nice guy! You don't know who you're messing with! The princess is crazy!
"What are you doing?"
"Is she taking advantage of you? If so, I can help you."
"No, and stay out of my business. Don't be a meddling busybody."
Oh… Danny, why are you so nice? It hurts to treat you badly. Oh, I can't blame my ex-friends for falling for you anymore. Kind, polite, handsome, you look tough, you're tall, blue eyes… Ahhhhh! You're perfect! I'm so jealous!
Meanwhile, I'm ugly, fat, and don't have time to be nice to everyone because I'm always reading and studying… Ahhhhh! Give me some of your luck, Danny!
"Hey, Kevs, Danny just wants to help you!"
"Don't be rude to him!"
"He's kind to you; return that kindness!"
"… Tch. Can you all shut up? Stay out of my life."
When they heard me click my tongue, their expressions changed, and they looked at me with some shock or surprise. They probably didn't expect me to do something so rude.
I've always stayed calm with a neutral expression, but I don't want them near me, which is why my expression right now is one of disgust and anger.
You're not my friends anymore; you have no right to criticize me.
Besides, you were ignoring me, and I want you to keep doing that. I don't want to talk to you, especially now that I have to deal with the princess. I don't want trouble with anyone else, so the best thing would be to just stay away from everyone and only talk to the princess. I don't want more problems.
"Let's sit down, Emily."
"Hehe. I like that side of you. You should be more aggressive and not so cowardly."
We moved away from them and sat at the back.
Oh… The princess is acting too well, but I can feel her disgust. She's disgusted to sit next to me.
Oh… I'd better just not pay attention to it.
•
•
(Pov - Sylphie.)
N-nothing here. N-nothing there… I-I can't find anything! I'm going to lose!
I'm sure it was around here! N-no, Ram will get mad at me again if I fail again!
"P-please, let it be here."
The clue said, "above the house, you'll find what you seek." The only houses that come to mind are the tree trunks where squirrels and birds live!
Ahhhhh! I don't want the low class; I haven't finished reading Saik's novel! I want to surprise him with fan art of one of the characters from his novel, but I want to do it with a scene far into the novel so he knows I read it! I can't drop now, not yet!
… Alright, an X!
"Come on, come on!"
C-come on, Sylphie, a bit more.
I'm not athletic, but I don't want to lose the luxury class! Come on, Sylphie, climb, climb!!
Yes!! I reached the top of this tree!
"… Huh? Nothing?"
There's nothing!
B-but there was an "X" carved on the trunk. Why isn't there anything?!
"Class D is the winner!!"
N-no… I lost… I lost…
They announced the winner… I lost… I lost the luxury class…
"Classes A and C are the winners of the high class!!"
Nooooo!! We lost the high class too?!
Huh?
"Kya!"
N-no! Ouch! My butt! It hurts!
I-I fell because I'm an idiot. Why am I such an idiot?!
At least the branches cushioned my fall.
Ow, it hurts, but my pride hurts more. Ram and I were doing so well in the tests.
… No, yes, my butt hurts more.
"Ow. I wish my butt hurt because of Saik, not because of a stupid fall…! Ahhhhh! Why do I say stupid things?!"
I-I think losing is affecting me mentally. Or is it because I need my daily dose of Saik? No, no, you're not a pervert, Sylphie; you're just stressed because you lost!
I got up from the ground and dusted off my skirt.
I'd better stop thinking about nonsense and head back to…
"Idiot!"
"Kya!"
Why did they push me?! Who are… I-I think their names are Yesei and Reiko. Why did they push me so suddenly? I-I don't have any issues with them. I haven't even talked to them.
"W-what's wrong?"
"Because of you, we lost the luxury class! We were about to win; you were the only one missing!"
"And you never showed up!"
… It was… my fault… Was it my fault…? It was my fault…
But… I won't feel bad… I did my best… Saik told me that as long as I try my hardest, I shouldn't feel bad about my results because I worked hard for them. I did my best and failed, but at least I tried.
"I'm sorry, I thought I had the last clue figured out and looked for it without asking for help. It won't happen again."
"Tch. Of course it won't happen again!"
… Huh?
"W-what?"
Did she… slap me?
Yesei slapped me…
"Saik got us into trouble. You'd better not say anything to him."
"W-what?"
She leaned in and whispered in my ear.
"I'll kill your family if you tell Saik what we're going to do to you."
W-what they're going to do to me?
"The late Saik's family has my parents' respect, so I can't kill him, but you're a disgusting poor girl!"
"Kya!"
T-they both pushed me to the ground. N-no… I want to scream, but… I can't risk my mom.
They come from very rich families; they could probably send assassins to kill me and my mom. I don't want my mom to die because of me… I can't.
I don't want to suffer, but I don't want my mom to die.
I'm far from everyone; no one will hear me cry… Saik, I'm sorry, I became a victim again. I promised you I'd never let anyone take advantage of me, but they're millionaires, and I'm just a poor girl. They can do whatever they want to me because they have enough money to even buy justice. I can't do anything about it… I'm so sorry… Please forgive me, Saik, I'm going to fail you.
"What are you doing?"
Ram? Ram! S-she's a good girl, I-I can ask her for help!
"Tch. Stay out of it, Ram. We're going to teach this idiot a lesson."
"Ram…"
Ram looked at me and sighed. I-is that sigh good or bad?
"I think I misjudged you, Sylphie. Do whatever you want with her. I don't care. Just don't involve me in your business."
"Huh?"
Ram?
Ram turned around and left… She didn't… help me…
Ram didn't help me…
"Ram…? No!"
My hair! N-no, don't pull it so hard, please!
"See? Even Ram doesn't care about you. And I'm more than sure Saik only helps you because he's after your body."
"Or because he pities you."
N-no, you're wrong. Saik isn't a pervert! And he treats me well; I don't pity him!
"Saik is my best friend; he'd never hurt me! Saik isn't like you brainless idiots! Saik has manners, you damn witches!"
"Oh, look, she talked back rudely."
"Yeah. We need to punish her."
I don't care what they do to me; I won't give them the satisfaction of seeing me cry. I won't cry… I won't cry!!
Ahhhhh!! N-no, don't cry, Sylphie! You have to endure it!
Reiko kicked me in the face, but I won't cry.
I feel my nose bleeding, but I don't care. I won't cry… I won't cry!
I promised Saik I'd never be a victim again, and even though I can't keep that promise, I won't give them the satisfaction of seeing me cry. They won't see me suffer… I won't cry again!
•
•
And while Reiko and Yesei beat Sylphie on the ground, a certain person watched her and cried seeing her suffer.
"Oh, poor sweet Sylphie is bleeding. Master, I want you to kill them…! Well, I'd also be fine if you at least break one or two of their arms," said the legendary ghost number 7, the water ghost.
Seeing her being kicked in the face and chest while Yesei broke her glasses broke number 7's heart, as she supports Sylphie x Saik, or what she calls the friendship between Sylphie and Saik.
Over the years, number 7 developed a taste for romance, specifically school romantic comedies, which is why she asked Saik to be the one to inform her about anything bad that happens to Sylphie and to act on her own if Sylphie's life was in danger. Sylphie is number 7's favorite, so she wants to ensure she stays alive.
Since they were only beating her, number 7 couldn't intervene, though that didn't mean she didn't want to. She was more than willing to, but she knew that would cause problems with Saik, and she knows perfectly well that having problems with Saik is not pleasant.
"Oh… Well, well…"
Despite being badly hurt and bleeding from her lips and nose, Sylphie doesn't cry and just tightly closes her eyes, trying to endure all the pain.
A few groans of pain escape her, but she refuses to cry, surprising number 7, as she didn't remember Sylphie being so mentally strong.
"Master, you have too much influence on this girl. You definitely need to make her your girlfriend. Maybe a bit of love and sex will give you back your will to live."
And after five minutes of kicking and hitting her, they got tired and spat on Sylphie's face before leaving.
"If you say a single word, you're dead."
They both left, and Sylphie stayed lying on the ground, looking at the blue sky, feeling immense pain throughout her body.
"I didn't cry, Mom… I didn't cry…"
And as she finished saying that last word, her eyes filled with tears, and she began to cry, while an alarm sounded on her bracelet.
"Oh… I-I fell from the tree," said Sylphie, knowing her voice was being recorded, as the emergency signal had activated.
She tried so hard not to feel fear or acknowledge the pain that her bracelet didn't realize she was in danger. Sylphie doesn't want to get those girls in trouble out of fear of dying, so she pretends she fell from the tree.
No one will believe that, but Sylphie won't tell the truth, as she thinks her mom will die if she does.
There's only one person she'd tell the truth to: Saik.
Number 7, seeing her cry in pain, approached her and pretended to stroke her cheek.
"You're a good girl, Sylphie. You don't deserve to be treated like this. Don't worry, my master will take care of punishing them! And trust me, anyone who becomes my master's enemy doesn't have a good time. They'll get what they deserve, don't worry."
•
•
(Pov - Saik.)
… Hmm… That's weird… I felt a certain sense of pain… Did I step on something? I think it's because I slept uncomfortably on the ground.
Well, whatever. Back to playing hide-and-seek.
The game is about finding the others (in this case, Yuki), who hid somewhere on the island. There's a specific allowed area for the game, so Yuki can't leave it, making it easier to find her.
"This… Oh… Master, can I talk to you? I'm back."
Oh, number 6 is back. Just in time.
"And?"
"Nergio agreed. He'll contact you when you finish the special test."
"I see… Thank you very much. Good job."
"T-thanks!"
Oh… How did such a shy and adorable ghost get absorbed by a porn actress?
I patted the head of this little ghost boy, and he returned to my body.
Yuki's mom, huh? I can't wait to talk to her. I have a lot of questions for her, starting with the most important one.
"Why did someone like her let Yuki die because of her?"
(Extra - Legendary Ghost Number 20, the Hunger Ghost.)
(Pov - Saik, age 6.)
Today is January 27th. I haven't seen Hanako since Christmas, but I can't see her. Not anymore.
I've reached my limit with legendary ghost number 19, so I need to increase my limit to handle one more legendary ghost, which is why I need to train.
If I see Hanako, she'll notice the change in me, and I don't want that. She'll soon realize I'm the one capturing the legendary ghosts that the ghost-hunting organization had, and if she figures it out, she'll know I'm going after her parents and will try to stop me.
I like Hanako, so if she tries to stop me, that could distract me for a few seconds, and that could lead to my death. I must never let my guard down.
I like Hanako, but I prefer to achieve my dream. I need to stay away from distractions and focus only on reaching my goals.
I need to say goodbye to my friendship with Hanako. I can't have distractions.
"994. 995. 996…"
"Good job, Saik, keep going. You've got 1,000 more."
I'm doing sit-ups while number 1 holds my legs in the air. I'm upside down. According to number 1, this increases the exercise's difficulty, thus yielding better results.
Being upside down is making me dizzy, as the blood is rushing (or rather, falling) to my head, but I need to ignore the pain and nausea and keep going. I need to increase my limit further.
Two weeks ago, I reached my limit with my legendary ghosts, and since then, I've been exercising every possible moment and only sleeping one hour a day. My body hurts a lot, and I'm extremely sleepy, but I need to keep exercising. I can't afford to rest, especially now that my parents depend on me.
This country… This city is full of disgusting, sick people. And I won't let my parents become victims of those people! I need to protect them, from both humans and monsters. I have the power to protect them, and I'll use it.
"I got new information on the ghost hunters, Saik," said number 7, emerging from the ground.
"Anything important?"
"They're currently trying to capture one of the hardest legendary ghosts to catch. They're facing legendary ghost number 31, the speed ghost."
"Hmm… Legendary ghost number 31? I don't think I can capture it in my current state. I need to capture numbers 20 through 29 first."
"And speaking of number 20, he's still in that village you visited last week. Do you have enough space now?"
Last week, I found legendary ghost number 20, but I didn't try to capture it because my body would explode if I absorbed it. But now I feel capable of handling it. I think I've expanded my limit enough. It's time to go for him.
"Let's go."
"And what about your dad?"
Oh, right, my dad's at home, and he might come into my room while I'm gone.
Hmm… Oh… Hmm…
"Is number 20 strong?"
"Some of the villagers died because of him, so he's stronger than before."
Oh, I see, I see… Why didn't I expand my limit sooner?!
Mental note: Make sure to expand my limit to handle more than two legendary ghosts before trying to capture one.
Alright… Oh…
"Oh… If I wait longer, he'll get stronger."
"And the ghost hunters might find the village. We were lucky that a tourist visited the village by chance while carrying a bottle of water I control."
Yeah, it's only a matter of time before they find him. That ghost appeared in the village about two weeks ago, and the ghost hunters haven't found him because he leaves no energy traces. Number 7 found him because he realized the water was being controlled by her and destroyed it. I visited the village, and it looked like a zombie village; all its inhabitants were extremely thin, practically skin and bones, no flesh.
The village is hidden in the middle of nowhere, where there's only dirt, like a desert. It's probably been investigated by the ghost hunters before, but it's only recently manifesting. I don't know how often the ghost hunters send ghosts to search for legendary ghosts in the country, but I think it's once a month. Maybe less.
I can't waste any more time. If they find him first, they'll take him from me. I need to move.
"But… how can I distract my dad? If I sneak out, he'll notice, and that would increase suspicions that I'm Shadow because he might tell someone. I can't erase his memory either; that could have consequences, just like modifying memories—it's too dangerous and risky. I need to keep him busy and escape. Besides, the village is over an hour away running."
"What if you use your berserker mode, master?" said number 30, emerging from me.
"No, it's too soon for him to use it. I don't think his body can handle it for that long," said number 1.
"Yes, I agree, his soul needs more improvement," said number 7.
"I think he could use it, at least for 3 minutes. Enough time to get to the village. I think he could make it in two minutes. If we distract our master's dad with a hide-and-seek game, we'll have more than enough time to go, fight, and return," said number 30.
… Huh? I'm not understanding anything.
"What's berserker mode?"
"You don't know, master?" said number 30.
"You still haven't explained it to him, number 1?" said number 7.
"I haven't explained it because it's too soon for him to try using it," said number 1.
Berserker mode, huh? Sounds awesome! What's it about?!
"Tell me, tell me! What is it?! Tell me, tell me!"
"Oh… Alright. Berserker mode is a transformation that we legendary ghosts have, which multiplies our power by five. It's a transformation that consumes a lot of spiritual energy from the user, and if the spiritual energy runs out, it'll use the soul's energy, which is why it's very dangerous to use. If you don't measure the energy properly and use your soul's energy, your soul will take damage, and you could die," said number 1.
A transformation, huh? I see, I see. Sounds awesome, but a power that incredible probably can only be used every so often. Is it worth using against legendary ghost number 20…? Well, I think so. I can't let the ghost hunters get more legendary ghosts. Plus, it'll serve as training to use it better in the future.
"And do I have my own berserker mode?"
"Of course, but are you sure?"
"Yes, number 1. Teach me how to use it."
"Oh… Alright… Sit on the ground and close your eyes."
I stopped doing sit-ups and sat on the ground.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath… Alright… I feel ready.
"Now what?"
"This is the tricky part. The soul is in the heart; you already know that perfectly. When I taught you to use your spiritual power, you learned to expand your soul throughout your body. Now we'll do something similar. Instead of making your body physical and returning your soul to its place, you're going to concentrate all, absolutely all, your spiritual power in your heart. Don't let it leave the heart. Try it."
All my spiritual power in my heart…? But… My body suffers a lot with my spiritual power spread throughout it. What'll happen if I only have it in my heart? That sounds way more dangerous… But if I don't take risks, I don't win. I have to try.
"Yes… I'll try."
All my spiritual power in my soul… Expand my soul and compress it at the same time… Expand and compress…
"Cough, cough! Ahhhhh!"
"Saik vomited blood. Yes, it's too soon for you. It's too much pressure for your little heart."
M-my heart… It feels like it's going to explode… But… I won't give up.
"Expand and compress. Expand and compress…"
"Saik, stop, you won't make it. Your body is still weak."
"Expand and compress. Expand and compress…"
"Saik, your nose and ears are bleeding! I told you to stop!"
I-ignore the pain, Saik. Ignore the pain!
"Expand and compress! Expand and compress!"
"Stop, idiot!"
I can do it! I can do it! I won't stop!
"T-too much blood… Hey, idiot, listen to number 1! You'll die for nothing!" said number 7.
"M-master, I think you're making a mistake," said number 30.
N-no… I won't give up… Just a bit more… Just a bit more!!
"You're putting too much pressure on your heart!!"
"Expand and compress!!"
"T-this is bad!"
•
•
Saik's heart had reached its limit and stopped beating. Saik had lost too much blood, but number 1 already had an emergency plan for situations like this. During training, it wasn't uncommon for Saik to lose blood, which is why he asked Saik to draw blood periodically to have it ready for emergencies like this.
He took the blood Saik had stored in a small refrigerator hidden under his bed and connected the bag to Saik's vein to let the blood flow to his heart. Number 7 sped up the process by controlling the blood as if it were water. She can control liquids, but not as well as water. At least she can make the blood flow faster to the heart.
And as the blood reached the heart, a beat sounded, and with the beat came a small black explosion that enveloped the entire room in black vapor.
"Black vapor?" said number 7.
"This vapor… Spiritual power?" said number 1.
"But that means… He failed?" said number 30.
"No, he didn't fail! Look!" said number 7, pointing with her index finger to a spot where the vapor was gathering.
All the vapor in the room was swirling around a certain spot, shrinking, revealing that it was gathering around Saik's body.
Saik's body was completely black from the vapor.
"Saik? He feels… different," said number 1.
"Did he get taller? Is he using number 3?"
"Master? Are you okay?" said number 30.
"Tch. You're such a nuisance. Speak when I tell you to…"
A strong gust of wind burst from Saik's body, dispersing the black vapor around him, revealing his berserker mode, which was far different from what number 1 had imagined.
His light brown eyes had turned completely black, and though his hair remained black, some white streaks stood out. His clothes were destroyed as he grew, with his ruined clothes at his feet, but they were replaced by the black outfit he uses in his Shadow form.
"Understood?" he said, staring at them.
The three swallowed hard and nodded slowly.
"That's better."
Even his voice had become more masculine and mature, as if he were 20 years old, not 6.
He walked to the mirror and looked at himself.
"Hmm… Why did my eyes turn black? And why did I grow? I'm only using number 3 for clothes, not anything else. Number 1, you can speak."
"I think it's because your body had to adapt to the power you gain in berserker mode."
"I see. I guess the black eyes are due to the spiritual power… And why the white hair?"
"Your white streaks might be related to the guardians of hell and paradise. They're angels who guard the celestial gates and prevent souls in paradise or hell from escaping. They're characterized by their white hair. And since your power is similar to theirs, as they can also control souls, I think you have white streaks because you're getting closer to being like them."
"I see… Hehe. Well, well. I must admit I like this style… Alright…"
He licked his lips and smiled.
"Let's go get that bitch."
"But we still need to…"
"Number 7."
"Yes?"
Saik walked toward her and stroked her chin.
"Huh?"
Since he was now taller than her, he lifted her chin to make her look into his eyes and smiled.
"What did I tell you about speaking without my permission?"
A slight blush appeared on her face from having an adult Saik so close to her. Not a handsome Saik, but a Saik who looked dangerous and cool, at least to number 7.
"I-I'm sorry."
"Again? I need to teach you a lesson."
"Lesson…? Kya!"
Saik pulled down her skirt and spanked her butt.
"W-what are you doing, idiot?!"
"Teaching you a lesson."
He sat on the bed and put number 7 on his lap, continuing to spank her.
"N-no, stop! It hurts!"
"I'm telling you not to speak without my permission. Is it that hard to follow a simple order, bitch?!"
Number 7 was genuinely in pain, as Saik wasn't spanking her with affection or any sexual intent; he was doing it to humiliate and hurt her, giving her hard spanks.
Number 1 and number 30 just stayed silent while it happened, as they didn't dare speak without permission either.
After a minute, number 7 was only crying and didn't dare open her mouth for fear of being scolded.
"Hehe. I hope you've learned, idiot."
He threw number 7 to the ground and stood up.
"Tch. What a hassle. I'll be back soon. Stay here and clean; I don't need you."
Black angel wings sprouted from his back, and he winked at number 7, who looked at him in fear.
"Bye, beautiful."
And he flew off at such high speed that in less than 3 seconds, he was out of the city.
Number 7 cried even more than before, and number 1 and number 30 collapsed to the ground, their legs giving out from the fear they felt.
"T-that energy was very… evil."
"I-is our master a demon?"
"Not a real one, but he's awfully close… To master berserker mode on the first try… What kind of monster is Saik?"
"The only reason he could do it on the first try is because he ignored all the pain he was feeling, and that's how he succeeded. No normal person could endure what our master endured… Is our master human?"
"Yes, he's just used to pain."
"A little kid used to pain… That doesn't make sense."
"Tch. Is that bitch still crying? Shut up already, idiot!" shouted Saik, who had returned, holding a man by the neck. The legendary ghost number 20.
He lifted the man and showed him to his legendary ghosts.
"Meet legendary ghost number 20. I hope you get along."
"Y-you damn monster," said number 20.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I don't care. You're mine now!"
He absorbed legendary ghost number 20 and sighed.
"Alright, done. In less than 5 minutes."
He crouched and looked at number 7, who wouldn't stop trembling in fear from having him so close.
"Tch. So scared? Crybaby."
He slapped her and absorbed her.
"I'll erase her memories… Hmm… Done. Tch. I hope she's grateful… Ouch… I think my time's running out."
He licked the palm of his hand and smiled.
"Well, it was worth it."
Black vapor enveloped him, and a few seconds later, it dispersed. Saik had returned to normal, only now he was completely naked and passed out on the ground.
"… His soul wasn't damaged, but his heart was. I don't think he'll be able to use berserker mode for years," said number 1.
"I agree. I never imagined his berserker mode would be so dangerous and powerful… Is Saik's soul special?" said number 30.
"No, his soul is normal. The reason his berserker mode is powerful is because of all the legendary ghosts he has under his control."
"… How powerful will he be if he manages to get all the legendary ghosts?"
"I can't even imagine… Take Saik to his bed; I'll keep an eye on his dad."
"Yes."
Number 1 left the room and smiled.
"Well, well. This is getting more and more interesting."
Number 1 found Saik's dad sleeping on the couch while the TV was broadcasting breaking news.
"We've just been informed that a massive explosion destroyed an entire village east of Emerald City. The cause is still unknown. All we know so far is that nothing remains of the village. We'll continue reporting as we get more information."
Number 1 stared at the TV, which was broadcasting live footage of the massive crater left by the explosion. People don't know what caused it, but number 1 knows the answer perfectly.
"Saik returned very quickly… He destroyed the village to surprise the legendary ghost and defeat him when he let his guard down from the shock… Well, well. So cruel… Worthy of a demon… Hehe. Interesting."
21 legendary ghosts under Saik's control, 79 to go.