(Hello, I'm the author! :3 I'm offering you a juicy deal. If you leave a detailed review or general critique of the novel in the comments, I'll upload 3 additional chapters, each over 10,000 words, back-to-back. Deal? Oh, and leave comments xd.)
(Start of Volume 10. Thank you so much for continuing to read. I look forward to your comments. :3)
(Warning: You might hate Saik for what he does in future chapters, but I remind you that the protagonist is the present Saik, not the past Saik. Remember, the past can't change, but people can.)
CHAPTER 63 - First Week. Part 1.
(Sylphie's POV)
I took the food they gave me and headed into the forest.
Everyone hates me and looks at me like I'm trash. I only made one mistake, but that mistake cost me dearly.
I thought Ram didn't hate me, that we could be friends… I was so wrong. She hates me too… She called me useless… I am useless.
I thought I was changing, but I'm still the same useless Sylphie as always.
My body hurts so much, and I can barely see… I'm going to quit the special test.
I'm sorry, Saik, I'm so sorry. I failed you. I don't want my mom to die, so I can't accuse them, and I don't want to stay here anymore… I won't be able to handle it. I want to go home.
After eating, I'll tell a teacher I'm quitting… Please forgive me, Saik, I'm going to fail everyone again.
"You're Sylphie, right?"
Huh? What? D-did I get in trouble?
"Y-yes. W-why?"
"My name's Sarahí, I'm one of the camp supervisors. Saik paid me to give you this."
"Saik?!"
W-what's he giving me…? Huh? T-that box is…
"Here. He told me to give you these in case I saw you without glasses."
A box of glasses…
I took it with my hands and opened it… T-they're just like my glasses…
I put them on… They're exactly like my glasses…!
Saik… Did he know this might happen?
"Here."
She handed me a handkerchief. Am I crying? Yes, I'm crying, but I can't help it.
No one has ever done something this nice for me before. Saik did this for me, knowing this could happen. I'm sorry, Saik, and thank you so much for this sweet gesture. I'll pay you back when I see you again.
"And he also left you this letter. See you. By the way, forget I was here. I'm not supposed to give students anything. If you say anything, I'll deny it all and pretend I don't remember. Bye."
She gave me a letter and walked away… A letter… It's the first time in my life I've received a letter.
I opened it and started reading.
The letter says: "If you received the glasses, it means you got beaten up again, or maybe you fell and broke your glasses. If it's the second option, then I still wish you good luck on the test. But if it's the first, don't let them keep abusing you. If you keep letting them treat you like trash, you'll feel like trash, and I don't want you to feel that way. You're a human being, not trash. Remember, Sylphie, even though I'm no longer a millionaire, my family's name still carries some respect. If they hit you or threatened you, tell them you're under my family's protection—that'll stop them. I know you'll feel bad using my name to protect yourself, but it's the best option. I don't want you to live your school life as a victim; I want you to enjoy it. We're friends, and friends help each other. If they destroy your glasses again and keep treating you badly, quit the special test. It's not worth staying in a place that makes you feel bad. Take care. Bye."
Signed, Saik.
"So kind of him…"
I took off the glasses to wipe my tears.
Saik, thank you so much for caring about someone like me. Thank you for being my best friend. I'll always be grateful to you.
I'm still scared, I don't want them to hurt my mom, but I'll trust you. You're the coolest, smartest, and sweetest guy I've ever met. If you say to do that, I will—I'll always trust you.
"Thank you so much, Saik… Thank you so much."
Thank you for helping someone as useless as me.
"I won't fail you, Saik."
You're doing your best on the island, so I can't fall behind. I want to be like you someday; you're my dream, and I'll fight and work hard to catch up to you. I want to stop being useless. I want to be someone useful to you, Saik… I want to be worthy of standing by your side.
And if one day I manage to get even three spots close to first place, I'll tell you everything I feel for you.
Please wait for me, Saik. I'll stop being useless.
"I promise!"
•
•
(Kevs' POV)
"Uwaaaah! I don't want to die yet!!"
"Hahahahahaha! Come on, run faster, pig!!"
Crazy bitch!! Ahhhhhhhh! She's almost caught me! Nooooo!
I'm supposed to feel happy being in another world, but I'm not enjoying it at all! A giant Slime is chasing me!! Ahhhhhhhh!! I don't want to die…! Noooooo, it caught me!
M-my legs are trapped by weird tentacles coming out of the Slime's body. This isn't training! This isn't training—it's just mocking me!
I get lifted off the ground, and I'm upside down. S-shit.
"H-hello, Mr. or Ms. Slime. Nice day, don't you think…? Uwaaaah!"
It hurts! No! Ahhhhhhhh! It's slamming me into the ground over and over! Damn shitty Slime!
"Hahahahahaha! Well, 5 minutes running. Not bad for the first day, don't you think?"
"Princess…! Uwaaaah!"
I'll die if this keeps up!
"Help!!"
Ahem. "Didn't you forget to add something?"
Crazy bitch!
"Beautiful and perfect princess…! Uwaaaah!"
Ahhhhhhhh! Damn Slime, stop hitting me already!
"Help me!"
"You forgot the 'please, my Goddess,' but I'll let it slide this time. Slim, drop the pig."
Uwaaaah! It let me go, but only because it threw me! No!
"Ahhhhhhhh!"
My poor little body crashed into a tree! I don't want to train like this! I'll die before I lose weight!
"Good, now do 100 sit-ups. We'll start with something simple."
"P-princess… I c-can't… move."
"Tsk. Weakling."
She tossed me a pill, and I quickly swallowed it. I don't know what it is, but I don't care! It instantly heals my wounds and returns my body to normal! I feel better already! Though that doesn't mean I want to keep suffering.
"T-thanks, princess. By the way, I was wondering… Well, I've never been to another world. Can we visit a village or city? I'm interested in meeting women with cat ears."
"Huh? What the hell are you talking about? We're not in another world."
"Huh?"
But there are blue trees, birds with two heads, and carnivorous flowers with literal teeth! This is definitely not my world!
The princess opened some kind of portal to come to this place. It's obvious we're not in my world!
"B-but this place doesn't look like my world."
"We're in the Royal Garden, or, well, a pocket copy, if you want to see it that way. This place isn't a world; it's just a magical copy of the Royal Garden. We're still in your world; we haven't left it. Did that clear up your doubt, pig?"
"Y-yes. Thanks."
Kevs, do we have to say goodbye to hopes of seeing a catgirl?
Yes, Kevs.
It's not fair!
I know.
"Now do the sit-ups!"
"Y-yes, princess!"
I hate my life!
•
•
(Unknown POV)
"You're expelled."
"I know," I said without a hint of regret in my voice.
I don't care about what I did or the consequences it brought, but at least I made it clear that I don't give a damn what they say about me, as long as they don't try to screw up my life more than it already is.
Yes, principal, I accept the expulsion with a smile on my face. After all, why keep studying? I'll live a short life; hell, I could die in a week if I stop taking my meds. You think I want to waste my life in a school? I'd rather drop out and travel the country… or, I don't know, whatever. Honestly, I wasn't even enjoying my life before the news, much less now that I found out my heart is more defective than I am.
I'll die of a heart attack or with a bullet in my head, whichever comes first.
A heart defect that completely changed my life… No, honestly, the only thing that changed is that now I know how I'll die. It didn't change my personality or how I see life.
"And now that I'm no longer a student, I can do this."
I flipped off the principal and spat in his face.
"Here, you can shove this up your ass, you fat bastard!"
And so, I left the school triumphantly, dragged out by the gym teacher.
He pushed me out of the school, and I walked away.
Ah, getting expelled for breaking the noses of three guys and two girls. What a way to get expelled. Well, I also broke a few fingers… and a leg.
And if it weren't for the video recordings I took while they insulted me, calling me "faggot" and "weird queer," I might've had problems with the police.
Being discriminated against for having had a boyfriend—something not well-seen in this society. They would've had more problems if they'd reported me, since I would've posted the video, but since they didn't say anything, I'll keep my word and not post it… I'll do it before I die and blame them for my suicide or death, to ruin their lives. After all, because of those idiots, my boyfriend broke up with me.
And I'm not gay, I'm bisexual. That "faggot" label doesn't fit me.
Whatever… Oh, look, it's him.
"Hey, Seid. Can we talk? I heard what happened and… well… I just want to know how you're doing."
My ex-boyfriend trying to help me, huh? It's a sweet gesture, but I don't care anymore about what he says. I'm tired of hearing advice from people who don't even know how I feel.
"Hey, Naian. I'm fine, don't worry. Want to grab something to eat? My dad's on a trip, so I don't want to go home yet."
"Yeah, sure. Let's go!" he said with that big smile on his face, taking my hand.
… Yeah, I guess I'm still in love with him, but I'll die soon. I don't want to hurt him more than I already have.
"Young Master Alvanem Rosa, I beg you to forgive this idiot! He didn't know what he was doing!"
Tsk. What a nuisance. He's probably the principal's boss or something. They're supposed to treat me like a normal student and not give me privileges. Why's he acting like this? So annoying.
"Get out of here. I won't say it twice."
I took Naian's hand, and we walked away from that place. I'm so embarrassed that they treat me so well just because I'm an Alvanem Rosa.
Well, there's nothing I can do about my last name, and I'm not ashamed of who I am. My father is one of the most powerful men in the world, and not just financially—spiritually too.
"I'd rather not talk about what happened. How are you? Is your dad still mad?"
"Not really, he got over it when he found out your dad is Nergio Alvanem Rosa. Sorry about that, I had to tell him so he'd stop… well… you know…"
He's rubbing his arm.
Yeah, I know exactly what happened. His dad beat him when he found out he was gay. Not everyone has a dad who respects their kids' choices.
"Don't worry, you did the right thing. Let's not talk about it. What do you feel like eating? I'm good with anything."
"Well… actually, Seid, I'd like to talk about our relationship."
"Nah, don't worry, I respect your decision."
"No… I mean… well… if you want… y-you know…"
"I don't want to get back together, sorry. Personal issues are stopping me. I really want to, but I can't. Sorry."
"Oh… I see… Family problems?"
"Not really, I don't have any family issues."
Except for that damn fairy who caused a virus to ruin my heart. Tsk. Now I finally understand why my family hates fantasy beings invading our world.
"I just think I'm not ready for a relationship. I'm only 18; I want to enjoy my teenage years."
Though I'm really 12, but he doesn't need to know that. If he found out my real age, he'd definitely never talk to me again.
"But…"
I stopped in front of him and caressed his lips.
"We can keep having fun, you know, as friends with benefits. What do you think?"
"Fufu. Sounds fun."
He leaned in and started kissing me.
My heart won't last much longer; not even the meds my dad gave me worked. A heart transplant wouldn't work either because of the rarity of my bloodline. If my blood were more normal, even my aunt María would still be alive.
But my dad doesn't know my heart is still failing. He thinks I'm healthy and the pills worked. I told my grandma to tell him that because I don't want to worry him. I don't even know if I want to work with my family hunting fantasy beings. If I die, I might become a ghost, and life would sort of go on normally for me, but do I really want to spend the rest of my life training my spiritual power and hunting fantasy beings? That doesn't sound like a life I'd enjoy… But what do I really want? I don't even know what I want… I just live my life without knowing if I'm enjoying it or not.
I love my dad and my family, but I don't want to be like them… But I also don't know what I really want to do with my life.
Why keep living? What's the meaning of life? I don't know.
Kissing Naian makes me happy, but I know this happiness won't last long. Plus, if he gets close to me, he might end up like my mom. Normal people always end up badly when they get involved with people like me, and I don't want anything bad to happen to Naian.
If I'm going to marry or start a family, I'd have to marry a distant relative or someone with the same powers as me, though most of them end up being close or distant relatives of my family. Incest in my family has been going on for centuries because we have to preserve our powers. It's disgusting but necessary. Though it's also possible to have kids with normal people, the chances of the baby being born with spiritual powers are low. My dad was lucky I was born with powers despite my mom being normal, but most of my relatives married their cousins. My family is so disgusting, but we have to do it to keep our powers in the family.
I don't want to live a life like that. I want to be free to do what I want, but as long as this power runs through my veins, I'll never be truly free.
"Depraved!! We're in a public place, faggots!!" a man yelled at us, a man who's got his days numbered.
I flipped him off while still kissing Naian. We're used to this kind of thing, so we don't care. They're just words, and no one would dare use violence against us.
And if they do, they won't die, but they'll face a much worse fate.
I pulled my lips away from his and smiled.
"Want to eat at my place?"
"Of course," he said, caressing my cheek.
Yeah… moments like this make me enjoy my life, but this feeling won't last long. When I stop seeing him, I'll feel empty again… Ugh, I hate this… Wait… This smell…
I turned around… That woman in the distance… An Elf?
"Hey, Naian, can you go to the pharmacy to buy condoms? I need to talk to that woman. She's one of my dad's employees, and I think she wants to tell me something."
"Oh, sure. I'll wait for you at your place."
"Thanks."
I kissed him on the lips and walked toward the Elf.
Elves were a threat in the past, but my dad's master killed all the ones who invaded the planet.
What's an Elf doing in this world? Does she want to die?
If my family hasn't detected her, it means she managed to fool my grandma's walking sensor.
What are they planning now? If they failed in the past, they'll fail even more now that my family's become much stronger thanks to my dad's master's blood. An invasion or revenge attempt is pointless. Why is she showing herself in plain sight? What's her plan?
"Hello. You must be Seid, Nergio Alvanem Rosa's son."
"And you're an Elf disguised as a human. Want to die here or somewhere quieter?"
"Fufu. I don't want to die yet, but I appreciate the offer."
"I'm not asking if you want to die; I'm giving you your options for where to die. You're dying either way."
"You won't even ask why I'm here? Tsk. Humans are so unpleasant and violent."
"Did you bite your tongue, Elf? Have you forgotten how you treated humans? You're in a human-dominated world; you'll be treated the way Elves treated humans in your world. Now, let me repeat, where do you want to die?"
"Hmm… Let me think… Nah, I still don't want to die. By the way, my name's Gryselle, nice to meet you."
"Oh, Gryselle, huh? And why the hell should I care about your name?"
"So aggressive. If you were an Elf, I'd be turned on and take you to bed right now. Too bad you don't like women and aren't an Elf. What a waste."
"Sorry, I have a date. Anny, kill this Elf and hide the body."
My most powerful ghost came out of me, as smiling and cheerful as ever.
"On it, boss!!"
"Fufu. Well, if you want to fight, let's fight. If I win, you do what I say. If I lose, you kill me. Deal?"
"Whatever."
I don't know what the Elves are planning, and I don't care. I'll tell my dad what happened, and he'll deal with it.
•
•
(Saik's POV)
It's been three days since I arrived on the island, and I think my wild side has been reawakened.
Being without technology or candy is driving me crazy, in a way. I miss eating whatever I wanted, but here I can't eat anything delicious—just fish and fruit. I'm sick of it.
I'd quit, but that would ruin all my plans. Plus, I still have the extra special test; I can't waste my protection point so carelessly.
Ugh… If I'm having such a rough time, I bet the others are having it worse. I think my rich-kid side is making me suffer. This kind of withdrawal is hitting me hard.
"Here it is."
I pulled out an "x" that was inside a rotten fruit. The clue said, "Not everything that looks bad is bad." At first, I thought it was about the cave, which looked scary but was actually comfy, but then I realized it meant the rotten fruits under the trees. I spent 5 hours searching the island for rotten fruits until I found it. A stinking rotten orange.
"Finally found it."
With this, I have 18 "x"s. I wonder how many the president has.
I placed the x on the bracelet's screen, and a beep confirmed I found it.
Now give me the next clue… Hmm… "Pirate treasure."
"Pirate treasure…? Oh… Yeah, that makes sense."
I need to look for an x on the ground, since it's a cliché in pirate stories, or at least that's what TV taught me when I was a kid.
… Do I have to search the entire ground of my part of the island for an x?
"Ugh, you've got to be kidding me, school."
I lost all strength and collapsed to the ground. Do I really have to search the entire island's ground for an x? I spent 5 hours looking for rotten fruits, and now I'll spend way more hours looking for an x on the ground?
Ugh… Dad, Mom, I made a huge mistake signing up for this school. I should've thought it through better.
… Think it through… That's right. Putting an x on the ground would make it way too hard, since the wind could erase it if it was drawn in the dirt, or if it was a wooden x, the wind could cover it with dust and leaves, making it insanely difficult.
Maybe the x is related to pirate treasures, but I think it means pirates hide their treasures on beaches. Digging up treasure would be much easier in the sand.
"That's right. Pirate treasure is always buried underground, and people bury their friends in the sand when they go to the beach."
I can be pretty smart sometimes.
I got up and started walking toward the beach.
"I found you!"
"Oh, Yuki. Good morning."
She looks adorable with her messy hair. I wish I could take a picture. Brain, save what my eyes are seeing and don't forget it.
"What are you doing here? You're far from our base. I got so scared! When I woke up, I was alone in the cave! You don't do that!" she said, shaking her fists up and down, glaring at me with fury, but her eyes are also a bit teary.
Sorry, Yuki, I didn't want to wake you so early. I didn't think I'd take so long looking for the x.
I can't tell her I woke up at 3 a.m. to start searching for the x in the rotten fruit.
"Sorry, Yuki, I was looking for the x. Look, I found one, and I think there's another on the beach."
"But let's eat breakfast first. My tummy demands food!" she said, rubbing her stomach.
Well, I'm hungry too, but I'm tired of fish.
"Please," she added, pressing her index fingers together and staring into my eyes.
Acting cute to get what you want, huh? Not bad, Yuki. I like that manipulative side. I think you got it from your mom.
"Alright, let's go fishing at the beach."
"Fish again? Isn't there anything else on the menu?"
"I could hunt a pig or a cow, but it'd probably take a while to skin and bleed them."
"N-no, fish again is fine, it's less savage and disturbing."
Meeting in 3 hours.
Oh, I forgot about that. Three hours before we meet with the other students on the island, the bracelet reminds us to get ready.
It'll also notify us when there are two hours left and one hour left.
Well, the center of the island is an hour's walk, maybe less. I have plenty of time.
"Saik, no matter what you say, we need to cheat! I don't want to keep eating fish! Maybe we'll win some meat or at least a soda."
"Yeah, we'll cheat."
I refuse to eat fish every day. Plus, I promised not to cheat on the extra special test, but I will cheat on this special test. I want salt and cooking oil.
I still have time, so I'll go to the beach to look for the x.
"To the beach."
"Let's go!"
Yuki climbed onto my shoulders and started playing with my ears as I walked.
Ugh, this feels weird. I guess it's a weird-good feeling, but it's still weird.
I feel like a dad… I wonder if my kids would be like me or if my dad's extroverted genes would affect them.
Oh, I almost forgot the camp is near the beach. I hope Naima's not at the beach right now; I don't want to see her at the moment… Well, I do want to see her, but I shouldn't.
After a few minutes of walking, we reached the beach. Ah, the smell of the sea. So relaxing. Now to find the x.
"Yuki, go take a bath, I'll look for the x."
"Yeah, yeah, you don't want to cheat. I know."
She flew off, and I started walking along the beach, looking for any sign of something buried… Ugh… Seriously?
I approached it and looked down… Two wooden sticks buried in the ground, forming an x… That easy? I mean, I'm not complaining, it just surprised me how easy it was, considering it took me hours to find that rotten fruit… Whatever.
I pulled out the sticks… Alright, time to dig.
I started digging with my hands. I wonder if they buried it deep to make it harder.
…
…
…
One hour.
"S-Saik, I think you got it wrong."
"I didn't get it wrong, the sticks were here. It's here."
I've been digging for two hours and found nothing. I've gone through the sand and am now just pulling out dirt.
"This can't be happening, the sticks were buried here. Why not…? The sticks were in plain sight…"
Don't tell me…
Tsk.
"Yuki, could you get me a glass of water? Please."
"Of course."
Yuki left, and I climbed out of the hole I'd made, honestly a bit pissed.
"Ugh… That girl… Number 30, come out."
Number 30 emerged from my body.
"Yes, master?"
"Check if these sticks were somewhere else on the beach."
I showed him the wooden sticks I pulled from the sand, and he sniffed them.
"Sniff, sniff… Hmm… I detect a strong scent this way…"
He started walking, and I followed.
Ugh, president, seriously? You're going this far?
Fine, if that's how you want to play, we'll play.
You cheated, so I have the right to cheat.
I'll cheat and beat you, but let it be clear I planned to play fair. You brought this on yourself.
"Here, master."
"You're a wolf, dig, please."
"Yes, master."
Number 30 started digging, and I sighed.
I really wanted to do this without cheating, but you left me no choice, president.
Dad, Mom, I'm a cheater, I know. Please forgive me, but she cheated first. I hope you'll forgive me.
"I found it, master!"
He handed me the x that was hidden in this spot.
Hmm… I see. It's very close to the shoreline. The tide might've kept me from seeing the sticks forming an x in plain sight. Well, doesn't matter, I've got my x.
"Thanks. Put the sand back and return."
"Yes, master."
I walked away and placed the x on my bracelet. Good, I've got 19. Let's see number 20.
Hmm… It says: "Half of Pi."
Pi… Pi… Ugh… I know it's a number, but I don't remember what it is exactly… Ugh, I'll deal with it later, I need to head to the center of the island.
I wonder if Naima will ask for my help or keep playing hard to get. I seem like a guy who likes tough challenges, but I'm the opposite—the easier something is, the better for me.
… No, I think this time, Naima being a tough girl is really good for me. If she were easy to win over, I wouldn't have been interested in her.
Virginity and that stuff don't matter to me at all, since I'm not a virgin, so I shouldn't be picky about it, but I have to admit I'm pretty happy knowing I could be Naima's first time, even her first kiss. I guess virginity matters more than I thought… Well, it still doesn't matter, but this time it makes me happy.
My first kiss with a normal human was with Saoto, but it doesn't count because she stole it. And I haven't had sex with a living human either. If things go well and Naima becomes my girlfriend, I'll have her firsts, and she'll have mine. Knowing that really makes me happy. Ugh, Naima, if my parents were alive, I'd definitely marry you.
"Alright, let's go."
I started running toward the center of the island and…
"Uwaaaah!!"
Yuki crashed into me, and I kept running while she clung to my right arm.
"I told you not to do that! At least do it slowly at first so I can mentally prepare!"
"I found the x, just dug a bit more. One hour left, we need to hurry."
Yuki let go of my arm and started flying beside me.
"And what's the new clue say?"
"It says: 'Half of Pi.'"
"Half of 3.1415?"
"… Yeah, half of that number."
I feel like an idiot right now. How could I forget such an easy number? Ugh, well, at least now I know Pi's value. Yuki, you're smarter than I thought. That childish personality of yours really fools me sometimes.
Hmm… Let's see… I think it's… Ugh… Number 2?
"The answer is 1.57075, honey," said Number 2, in my mind.
"Half of Pi is 1.57075… Does that make sense?"
"Hmm… What if it's the number 4? It's between 3.1 and 15," said Yuki.
Yeah, that makes more sense than 1.57075.
A 4… A 4… Hmm… 4… I have no idea what that could mean.
I think it has to do with Pi somehow.
In school, I think I used it to find the area and perimeter of geometric shapes… Geometric shapes, huh?
Let's see… Finding area and perimeter… A 4…
Number 2, any ideas?
"The number 4 could refer to the number of logs floating in the river, and Pi could mean the river is at the edge of your part of the island, like a perimeter," said Number 2.
Oh… I see… I didn't even know there were logs in the river. Thanks for the reminder, Number 2.
Alright, I guess the x is on one of those logs. I'll go for it after returning from the center of the island.
Alright, Naima, let's see how you're doing without me these past three days. I hope you missed me, even just a little… Though I doubt it.
•
•
I arrived at the center of the island 20 minutes before the test starts, and most of the students are here.
Several eyes are on me; I guess it's weird to see me with glasses. Ugh, it's not my fault, I can't wear contacts in this place—it's super uncomfortable, and I forgot to bring spares.
"Well, well, well. Hey, Saik, you look pretty good with those glasses. Plus, being shirtless boosts your attractiveness by ten. How about going out with me and joining Class A?" said Tanya, patting my back while stroking my abs.
I moved her hand off my abs and stepped away from her.
I'm shirtless because my shirt got torn while I was climbing a tree. I was trying to reach some bird eggs, but Yuki got mad at me for trying to eat the birds she called adorable and hit me on the head, thinking I'd deactivated her body. Since her body was active, she knocked me off balance, and as I fell, my shirt got caught on the tree trunk and ripped.
Ugh, whatever, I don't need a shirt anyway; I can't get sick. I have clothes I left with Naima, but I don't want to go to the camp while she's there.
"That's sexual harassment. And I'm not interested in going out with a girl. Oh, and about joining Class A, ask me in two months—by then, I'll probably be tired of Saoto and Ram."
"Did I just get rejected? You've broken my heart, bad boy."
"You didn't even mean it, so don't pretend it hurt."
"Fufu. As sharp as ever, huh? How's it going for you here?"
"Pretty boring, honestly. You? Enjoying going to the bathroom on the ground?"
"I'm not ashamed to admit I've gotten used to it; it's not so weird anymore."
"Well, bye."
I walked away from her and sat under a tree to wait for Naima, who hasn't arrived yet.
I wonder if she can survive without me. I've been away from her for three days, but I think she's fine. She has fresh water and food. The water won't run out if she rations it, but the food will only last another day, maybe two if she eats sparingly.
She has the fishing rod; I hope she knows how to use it. I can catch fish with Yuki's help and my hands, so I don't need the rod. Though I do need my socks; I'll grab them later.
Four cans of food don't last long; I hope she can find food and doesn't starve. But knowing her, I doubt she'll give up easily.
"Saik, you feeling okay? You've got some bruises on your back," said Hanako, worried about me.
Well, well. That pink swimsuit is pretty tight around her chest. Doesn't she feel uncomfortable in that? Ugh, Hanako, your shy version was way better.
"Just a little back pain; I fell from a tree. Thanks for worrying about me, but I'll be fine."
Plus, these bruises are definitive proof that my body is normal right now. I'm pretty happy to have them…
Oh, look, Cristal's avoiding eye contact and keeping her distance. She's definitely scared of me.
Ugh, I lost my chance to play with the console her dad's going to buy her. I'll have to settle for the video games I have.
"And how are you, Hanako? Has the test been tough for you?"
Hanako sighed tiredly and sat next to me.
"Honestly, yeah, it's super boring. There's nothing interesting."
"Same here. It's really boring. If I didn't have the extra special test, I would've quit already."
"I don't want to quit; I know I can finish this test."
"Good luck with that."
She looked into my eyes and smiled.
"You too."
"Fufu. You two look so cute together! Saik, look at her, she's way better than Naima…! Uwaaaah!"
I used my control over Yuki to make her fly upward.
"I need to find my partner. See you later."
"See you."
I got up and walked away.
A few seconds later, Yuki landed in front of me, pretty pissed.
"Why'd you do that?!"
"I don't know."
"You don't know?!"
"Let's go find Naima."
"H-hey, don't ignore me!"
Hmm… Everyone looks particularly good. Well, it's the first few days; I'm sure the next time we meet, they'll look more worn out.
Now to find Naima. We need to work together for this test, so we have to put aside our differences and participate to get food or whatever they give the winners.
"Is that her…? Hahahahahaha!"
Yuki started laughing for some reason. What did she see…? Oh… I see…
Naima's clothes look pretty beat-up and dirty, and she has dark circles under her eyes. Is she not sleeping well? But she has a tent all to herself. Why can't she sleep…? Wait… Is Naima afraid of the dark? No, more like she's afraid of being alone… Well, she's still a girl, and women are more sensitive. She probably can't sleep well at night because she's scared of being attacked by an animal or spooked by the sounds around her.
I'm starting to feel really guilty for not sleeping at the camp.
"Hey, Naima. Need help…? Oh…"
Naima grabbed my arm and pulled me toward her. If this were a romance movie, she'd be kissing me passionately right now, but instead of a kiss, all I get is her anger.
"Where the hell have you been all this time, you son of a bitch?!"
"First off, my mom was a saint, don't call her a bitch. Second, you treat me like crap for no reason, so I don't want to be around someone as rude as you. Plus, I thought you wanted me to stay away. What's the problem?"
"Don't make decisions on your own, you animal!"
"That sounds like you need me. Just say you need my help, and I'll gladly give it."
"Tsk. Go die!"
That'll happen in about three years, be patient.
"By the way, now that I've got you closer, I can confirm you're indeed a beautiful girl. Would you go to the movies with me after the special test is over? Or maybe the aquarium… Oh…"
She slapped me and punched me in the stomach… Wow, so aggressive… I love it.
"Go die, idiot."
"That'll happen in the future, be patient. Can I assume that was a no? You don't even want to play video games with me?"
"I'd rather die."
"So dramatic."
She walked away from me, and I rubbed my cheek… Well, this outcome was expected, but at least I had the guts to ask her out, even if she rejected me.
Naima hates me, but if things go perfectly, that hate will soon turn into friendship, and then love.
"Ahhhhh! I hate Naima! Saik, you definitely have mental issues! Fall for Sylphie or Hanako, don't fall for someone as rude as Naima! You'll be in a toxic relationship if you end up dating her!" said Yuki, angrily.
"Her way of looking at me didn't change."
"Of course it didn't change! She hates you!"
"She saw me shirtless and with glasses, and she still looks at me the same way."
"So what?"
Yuki, don't you get what that means? Naima's a girl who doesn't care about people's appearances; she only cares about personality or feelings. That's super rare in women today.
Naima values personality and feelings over looks. That means if I date her and don't screw it up, she'll never cheat on me. If I manage to win her over, I'll experience what it's like to have a healthy romantic relationship. I'll die knowing I loved and was loved by someone outside my family. I'll die satisfied with my life if I pull it off.
I used to plan on giving up if things with Naima failed, but I won't accept defeat; I won't give up. I'll do everything in my power to make her fall for me.
Naima, you'll be mine, I promise, and I always keep my promises.
"You… like Naima?"
Oh, it's Hanako. It's dangerous to make her mad, so I'll deny it. Hanako likes me; if she finds out I like Naima, she might try to kill me out of another romantic disappointment. I need to date Naima after making sure Hanako no longer likes me. But how can I do that without seeming fake? She'd notice if I'm pretending or doing something on purpose; she's not an idiot. If she suspects I'm Shadow, her suspicions will return, and she might try to kill me to force me to reveal my identity.
How can I get rid of Hanako's feelings for Saik?
"No, I don't like anyone. I prefer solitude. Why?"
"Oh, I-I see. It's just that it looked like you were having a couple's argument."
"Naima's just mad because I decided to be on my own. You know why."
"Fufu. Is the plan still going smoothly?" she said, smiling after laughing in such an adorable way.
"Yeah, it's going pretty well. Thanks."
"N-no p-problem."
Huh? Why's she so nervous, and why's her body trembling?
Wait, what am I touching…?
… Oh…
"Sorry."
I took my hand off her head. I was petting her head without realizing it. Hanako, you're still so adorable. Such overwhelming power.
"You looked so cute, I couldn't help petting your head. Please don't report me for sexual harassment."
"It didn't bother me; I liked it."
She took my hand and placed it back on her head.
"Fufu. You've already touched my breasts, so don't be shy—you can pet my head as long as you want."
"Thanks… I guess…"
Wait, Naima's here… Ugh, I'll clear up the misunderstanding when this is over; I don't want her to think I'm a pervert.
"Aww, you two look so cute together. Hanako would be an amazing girlfriend. Look at her, Saik. Look at her breasts—they're huge! And her butt too. Look at that huge butt. Her cheeks are perfect! What more could you ask for?! Fall for Hanako and forget what you feel for Naima!"
Yuki, you don't understand.
I can't, shouldn't, and don't want to fall for Hanako. I killed her parents; a relationship with her would never work. I'd feel weird being in a romantic relationship with the daughter of two people I killed in cold blood.
Plus, she hates Shadow, and I am Shadow. I can't date a girl who hates me, because love, not hate, is what matters in a romantic relationship.
Hanako and I can never have a romantic relationship; I realized that when I was 6.
Hanako, you'll forget about Saik soon, just be patient.
"The test is about to begin. Please come," said a teacher.
Alright, let's go. Please let salt be one of the prizes. I need salt and cooking oil. I miss greasy food.
"But before we start, there's something we need to discuss."
Ugh, here comes the motivational speech. So boring. I'm already feeling sleepy.
"Saik, can you tell us what this is that we found in your clothes?"
"Huh?"
Are those condoms?
"You're expelled for bringing something other than your clothes to the special test."
"What?"
This has to be a joke.
(Extra - Hero Angel #2 Adaptation)
Angel and Slim managed to escape the country thanks to Slim's flight magic, which allowed her to carry Angel in her arms and fly through the sky, far from everyone's sight on that dark night.
They fled as far as possible from the country to avoid being found easily, as the demons would soon realize the weapons were gone and check if Angel's body was still there.
"Ugh… Hey, Slim, could I die from this height? I'm starting to regret agreeing to travel with you."
"Don't even think about it! You promised you'd stay with me! Liar, liar!"
"Yeah, sorry, I got too used to being in a dungeon; I don't know how to react or what to do out here, much less in this magical world full of demons, vampires, and orcs."
"Fufu. Don't worry, the great Slim will protect you!"
"Protect, huh? Speaking of that, do I really have magic? I don't feel it."
"I'll teach you how to use it later."
"Alright."
•
•
(Angel's POV)
How long have we been flying since we escaped that place? Considering the bright blue sky, unlike the dark sky from a few hours ago, I think we've been flying for over 12 hours… 12 hours of flying, being held by Slim… Well, it's better than being tortured, no doubt about that. Plus, I stopped feeling pain a while ago, so this position doesn't bother me.
Though I'd prefer to walk. How much longer until we get there? We left the sea behind about half an hour ago. I assume we're in another country now. Is the human population so small that we haven't found any cities or settlements? Weird.
"Hey, Slim… Huh?"
Is she asleep…? Wow, wow. She can fly even while sleeping. Should I be impressed or worried about flying blind?
"Slim… Hey…"
I stroked her tiny head. I can't pinch her, since Slim said I've become powerful. I don't want to accidentally rip her cheek off.
"Hey, Slim…"
"Yes, it's so tasty, cutie…"
Huh?
"Come on, let me use this hole."
… I think she's half-awake but still dreaming. Tasty? Cutie? Hole…? Oh… A wet dream. Or maybe she's remembering something she did in the past?
Whatever, I don't care, and it shouldn't matter to me what her sexual fantasies are.
I sighed and stroked her head again.
"Hey… Huh?"
Slim yawned as I fell to my death, since she let go of me to stretch her arms.
"Ahh, what a nice dream. I want to mastur… Huh? Kya!"
Well, at least I know I'll die quickly, since I'll hit the ground in a minute. I'm so high up that not even the tallest building in my world reaches this height. In other words, the higher up, the faster my death… Or so I thought, but I guess my death will have to wait.
Slim caught me by grabbing my hand. I feel like several of my bones broke and dislocated from that sudden stop. I can't move.
"I-I caught you! Sorry, I almost screwed up!"
"Don't worry. By the way, use the magic you used to restore my body. My bones are broken."
"Yeah, sorry. I forgot I was holding you… Look, look, a human city in the distance!"
Where? I can't see… Oh, there it is. It's far; I can barely make it out. Nice eyesight, Slim.
We descended quickly, and as we did, I felt my body recovering. Good, I can move again.
We landed on the ground, and Slim climbed onto my head. It feels weird having a fire fairy on my head without burning me.
"Alright, soldier, let's go over the plan!"
"And what would that plan be, commander?" I said to Slim, playing along.
"Did you forget?! And here I spent hours planning what we'd do! You're mean, mean!" she said angrily, pulling my hair.
"Commander, with all due respect, you haven't told me anything about a plan. You just spent the whole time telling me everything you'd do to your sister when you catch her."
"Oh… Hehe. You're right. I think I dreamed it. My bad. But admit my revenge plans are awesome!"
"Yeah, but leaving your sister alive to torture her forever seems like a bad idea. Look at me—they did the same to me, and I ended up escaping. And if I get the chance, I'll get revenge on the demons who raped me, though it's not my priority. I just want to travel the world, and if I finish my journey without getting revenge, I won't care."
"Oh, you're right. I need to rethink my plan! Now, putting aside the topic of revenge against my soulless bitch of a sister, we need to plan exactly what we'll do when we're in human cities."
Yeah, she's right. From what I heard, it's not uncommon for demons to summon people from other worlds to torture them, unlike humans, who only summon people from other worlds on special occasions and call them heroes. If anyone finds out I'm from another world, they'll know I was summoned by demons and try to kill me, thinking I'm their ally. I want to die, but I don't want to put Slim's life at risk. She's the only person who's been kind to me in this world; I don't want her to suffer because of me.
"Let's see… Your clothes are peasant-like, but they'll do."
We stole my clothes from a poor drunk guy we found sleeping under a tree. They stink, but it's better than being naked.
"You're clean… But your hair's too long. It reaches your navel."
That's what happens when you're locked in a dungeon for years.
"A haircut, new clothes…"
"And the language?"
"Nah, no need to worry about that. Summoned people can always understand what people in this world say; you won't have any issues."
"I see. I thought the demons spoke my language just so I'd understand what they were saying."
"Alright, let's see… Hmm… Oh, right! The beard—we need to get rid of that beard too… By the way, how do you want to live?"
"What do you mean exactly?"
"You know! Do you want to be famous and have tons of money? That'd get us women, heaps of food, guaranteed fun, fancy transport, and we'd sleep in the best mansions! Hehehe. Women, fame, and power. The good life! Hehehehe."
… Well, judging by her tone and that little evil laugh, that's what she wants to achieve. I think she misses her old life as a princess.
Well, who am I to judge? I'm just tagging along. If she wants to be famous, let her be, as long as we keep traveling and avoid unnecessary trouble. I'll be like her servant; no one would pay attention to a mere servant.
"I'm fine with it, as long as we avoid unnecessary trouble, whatever works for me."
"That's the spirit! Let's go visit a brothel!"
"No thanks. You go alone. I've had more than enough sex in my life. I did it, they did it to me, blah, blah, blah. Sex doesn't interest me."
"And you're not interested in having sex on your own terms?"
"Nope."
"Well, more for me! Let's go!"
I started walking toward the city. I think it'll take us over 30 minutes to get there on foot, but I guess this way we won't draw too much attention.
Slim got off my head and grew to her "human form," which is just her growing in size and hiding her wings.
Though she's small. Her head reaches my chest. But I'll admit, she's pretty adorable.
"Fairies are beings you'd consider a fairy tale in this world. Fairies, fairy tales… Hahahahahaha! What irony!"
"Then we need to hide your identity. You'd be famous for being a fairy, but they might try to capture or kill you to gain your power."
"… Oh… Ahhhhhhhh! You're right!" she said, scared, pulling my hair.
"Hey, hey, don't you think pulling my hair's becoming a habit?"
"Fufu. Want me to pull something else? I don't like men, but if it's you, I could make an exception," she said, moving her hand in a very perverted up-and-down motion.
"No, but I appreciate the offer."
"Hehe. So cold. That side of you is kinda boring but cute."
"And what'll you do about your fairy identity?"
"Hmm… Let's see… I think a really powerful human could figure out my identity just by seeing me…"
Slim sighed sadly and returned to her fairy form.
"I heard stories about what humans did to fairies in the past. They used them as sacrifices to open portals to other worlds."
"And why'd they do that?"
"To find a new home. This world is in some kind of loop. Even after defeating a Demon King, another one shows up later with more demons. An endless war."
"And if the humans lose?"
"It's almost happened, but a disease ends up killing all the demons when they're about to win, giving victory to the humans."
"Isn't it easier to end the war and live in peace together?"
"No, because the world resets when an alliance between humans and demons is about to happen, and no one remembers the previous wars."
I see… I understand there are tons of true Gods, evil Gods. They probably have fun watching humans and demons kill each other. Tsk. Shitty Gods… Huh? Wait, if no one remembers what happens, why does Slim remember?
"Hey, Slim."
"You can call me mommy."
"… Hey, Slim."
"Booo. So boring. What's up?"
"If what you're saying is true, why do you remember?"
"Fufu. Why do you think we're a fairy tale in this world? Because we don't exist in this world. We escaped and created our own world. Fairies aren't affected by the reset this world goes through. I'm here because my sister banished me from the Fairy Kingdom."
"I see… And what happened with the portals?"
"When they made contact with another world, everything exploded; it was in vain… Well, not entirely. Thanks to the unwilling sacrifice of fairies, humans learned to summon people from other worlds, and so did demons. Demons summon humans whose emotions turn into energy to create weapons, and humans summon humans who gain unique abilities upon being summoned."
"So, the humans summoned by demons are destined to suffer and die, and the humans summoned by… well, humans, are destined to be treated as heroes."
"Yup, exactly, bro."
"My luck is shit."
"I completely agree."
Ugh… If I'd been summoned by humans, my life would've been completely different… God, you don't know how much I hate you, you bastard.
"That's why they can't find out my identity; they'd definitely use me as a sacrifice or something. Whatever it is, it'll end the same: my death! I don't want to die, I don't, I don't!"
I stroked her head.
"Don't worry, we'll figure something out."
"Consoling a beautiful girl to win her heart, huh? Not bad, not bad. I'll admit, my heart raced a bit, but I still like women. Keep trying! Maybe with a few more years of flirting and sweet words, you'll win my heart."
"I'd rather just be your friend. I don't work as a boyfriend. By the way, what God do humans have? This world seems medieval. I don't want to get killed for not knowing their God."
"This world originally had 100 Gods, but after humans learned to summon people from other worlds, the number dropped to one God, the supposed God who taught humans how to summon people from other worlds."
"I see. I guess the demons have another God."
"Exactly. And like the other one, that God taught demons how to summon people from other worlds."
"And what are they called?"
"For some reason, they have number names. The demons' God is called 'Number 99,' and the humans' God is 'Number 98.'"
"98 and 99? Got it."
I bet they're siblings and have fun making this world suffer. Ugh, what mess did I get myself into? I hope they don't take an interest in me.
"Ugh, and here I wanted to be famous and have everything I want whenever I want."
"If you want, I'll give you my body as originally planned."
"No, I prefer your company. You're my only friend… Wait…"
She snapped her fingers as a big smile spread across her face.
"That's right!"
She went up my nose… Huh? Well, in her fairy form, she's basically fire, so she can slip into my body easily; I barely felt her.
Now I'm really going to die. I hope you enjoy my body, Slim. It's very used, but it still works.
"Of course it works!!" I shouted… Did I shout?
Why did I shout?
"Because I'm shouting!"
… Did I shout again? What's going on?
"Fufu."
Huh? Why'd I put my hand in my crotch? I can't control my body.
"Oh, I see. So this is how men feel when they masturbate? Hahahahahaha! Hidden head, exposed! Hidden, exposed! Hahahahahaha!"
… Slim…
"Yes?"
Are you controlling my body?
"Fufu. Yup. Your penis feels really hard. With this tool, I'll satisfy tons of prostitutes!"
… And you're hearing my thoughts?
"Yup, bro."
… Hey, can't you just kill me completely? I'm not interested in living like this.
"Hahahahahaha! Wait, wait, let me reach orgasm, and I'll explain everything."
Ugh… Someone using my body to masturbate while I feel it and can't move… This is definitely one of the weirdest things that's ever happened to me.
It feels like I'm masturbating, but my body won't obey me… Slim, you done yet?
"Don't rush me, I need inspiration!"
What if you save your energy and use it at a brothel?
"Hey…! You're absolutely right!"
Slim left my body, and I regained control… Shit, that was the weirdest thing that's ever happened to me.
"I prefer the female body; it feels better, but the male one's more fun."
I put my pants back on and sighed.
"What happened?"
"I took control of your body, that's all. As long as you allow it, I can take control of your body without needing to kill you. Hahahahahaha! I'll be famous and have a harem of over 50 women with your body!"
"No, that'd ruin our world trip. Just one girlfriend, and she needs to know your true identity. Make sure you pick the right one. The more people we are, the less we'll enjoy the trip. I don't want to waste time having sex all the time. I know you'll control my body, but the more women in your harem, the more sex you'll have with them using my body. I don't want to spend hours having sex every day."
"Ugh… Then I guess I'll have to settle for visiting brothels."
"That'd be best."
She sat on my head and sighed.
"Alright, I'll stay inside you… Fufu. It's supposed to be the other way around."
"I wonder if in your past life you were a perverted old man who died a virgin and now wants all the sex you didn't have back then. You're such a pervert."
"And proud of it!"
"Ugh… Well, when we get to the city, go inside my body and control it."
"I can control your body for about… two hours? Maybe less. I'll stay inside your body, but I'll only use it when we're at a brothel or in emergencies."
"Emergencies?"
"You know, in case someone tries to kill you. You still don't know how to use your magic power."
"I see… Alright."
Well, I've become a sex toy. I'm used to it, but at least it's to help a friend.
I hope I don't have any issues with the locals.
•
•
"Thank you so much, cutie," I said to the lady who cut my hair and beard… Or rather, Slim said.
When we left the barbershop, Slim gave me back control of my body, and I sighed.
"Was that necessary?"
"Fufu. You doubt my fashion sense? You look pretty good! Not super handsome, I won't lie, but you're an 8.8 out of 10, maybe a 9," said Slim, in my mind.
"At least you're honest."
To enter the city, they asked for money, but I wasn't worried; I had plenty since Slim stole from some bandits.
We have enough money to survive a month here.
I also bought new clothes, got rid of the beard, and cut my hair. Well, not much, it's still long; they even gave me a little ponytail. Slim said I looked good with long hair and left it shoulder-length.
This new light blue outfit looks pretty weird, but I'll trust Slim's fashion sense.
Alright, now I look like a civilized person. I look completely different from the dungeon me. I doubt anyone would recognize me at first glance; it'll at least be harder for them to spot me.
"Where to?" I said, walking and looking around.
Humans and humans with animal traits… So weird.
I want to see Elves. They're one of the most popular beings from my world.
"To a brothel! It's been years since I've touched a woman!"
"Alright."
Ugh, I hope she gets bored quickly… Huh?
I stopped when I turned left, because I saw something pretty… disgusting.
"Die, bitch!"
"I wish I had the money to buy you and cut you into pieces!"
"I hope your death is excruciatingly painful!"
"Monster!"
A ton of people are surrounding a cage, throwing rocks and trash at a woman inside, like an animal… I recognize her… A demon woman.
I think her name was Sol.
"She's Sol, the companion of the fat demon who captured me. She was captured by humans," said Slim.
"And they're treating her horribly."
"What'd you expect? She's the humans' enemy. Of course they wouldn't treat her well."
She's just sitting there, hugging her legs, taking all the rocks, trash, and insults without complaint… People wishing her the worst fate… And in her eyes, I can only see sadness… Just sadness.
"What'll they do to her?"
"Captured demons have their ability to control magic taken away and are sold as slaves."
"Will she become a sex slave?"
"Nah, I doubt it. Humans only feel hatred and disgust for demons. Not even the most perverted virgins would have sex with a demon woman. She'll become a slave destined to be tortured until she dies."
"I see… Are they selling her?"
"There's a sign above the cage. It says… Hmm… Oh, I get it. It says: 'Auction tomorrow. Starting price: 4,000,000 kens.'"
"An auction. Interesting."
"Fufu. Planning to buy her to torture her to death, bad boy?"
"No, she never raped or tortured me. The few times I saw her, she just looked at me with disgust; she never hurt me. And they called her 'the virgin.' I think she's a demon who doesn't like raping or torturing."
"Like a good demon?"
"At least a less sick demon than the others."
"And what do you want to do?"
"Well…"
I looked at her… She's full of sadness, tears streaming from her eyes… Sadness and pain… I know she's a demon, but she reminds me of my younger self. I had hopes of being rescued, but no one saved me. Now I have the chance to save someone who needs my help, and if I can do it, I will.
"I want to buy her."
"Why?! Demons raped you and made your life hell!"
"Yeah, but she never hurt me. I can't judge an entire race by the actions of other demons. Plus, her look reminds me of my younger self. She probably has hope of being saved. No one saved me, which is why I want to save her, so she doesn't suffer what I did."
"Oh… 'Be the person you needed in the past'… That's really sweet of you, Angel."
I took one last look at the demon woman before leaving.
She's still crying, blood staining her face. If someone buys her, she'll suffer the same as I did. She never raped or tortured me, so I want to help her. I don't want her to go through what I did.
I walked away and sighed.
She's a demon, I know, but I can't abandon her… Ugh, I can't.
"You're pretty empathetic with people like that, huh?"
"I don't wish what I went through on anyone. And if I can stop others from suffering it, I will."
"That's a really sweet and admirable gesture. But there's a problem, Angel."
"What?"
"Where the hell are we going to get over 4,000,000 kens?!"
Oh… Right… I forgot the most important part.
How am I going to buy her?
"You're right… Should we steal her?"
"Nope. We don't know how powerful these humans are. There are some really strong humans; they could kill us."
"Any suggestions?"
"Well… Become adventurers? Though it'd take time to earn that much money. We wouldn't make it in a month… Wait, stop!"
I stopped, and Slim took control of my body.
"It's our lucky day!"
A brothel?
"No! Look!"
She pointed at a piece of paper stuck to a wall… I don't understand the writing, but there's a coliseum drawn on it.
"Look, it says the tournament winner will get… 10,000,000 kens!"
Wow, more than I need.
"Fufu. Is it fate? Kya! Sounds like a romance story! Destined love!"
… Don't ever say "kya" with my body again.
"Fufu. No wonder you want to save her. Love at first sight, huh? I'm jealous."
I highly doubt it. It's just a coincidence. When's the tournament? We need the money tomorrow.
"Hehe. It's today. We need to hurry!"
Huh?
She started running through the crowd.
Seriously? We're entering a tournament this soon? Ugh, Slim, I hope you know what you're doing.