CHAPTER 76 - Start of the Tournament. Part 2.
(Pov- Saik.)
… Well… How to say it without scaring Iris or upsetting Yuki? I should phrase it politely but aggressively enough to make him stop spouting nonsense.
Something like…
"Could you stop patting my head, please?"
"Hahahahahaha! "Que lindo" (So cute). Still as shy as ever. Don't be afraid to show your feelings, "chico emo" (emo kid). I know you love me, don't deny it."
I sighed, somewhat irritated, as my already fragile reputation takes a hit. Now Yuki has fresh material to tease me with, and Iris… Well, I'm not worried about her. She's quite kind to me, and I can't imagine her mocking me (though she treated me pretty badly when we first met since she was drunk).
Lalo, Iris, Yuki (who's sitting on my lap), and I are in the break room for the store's employees. Lalo somehow convinced Iris's boss to let us hang out here. Why? At first, I suspected he did it because he had a crush on Iris and wanted to meet her, but now I suspect his reasons are far more… idiotic.
"Did you just come here to mock me?"
"Ouch. You really think I'd be capable of such a vile act?"
"Yes."
"Well, you're absolutely right! "El idiota se volvió un genio, ¿eh?" (The idiot's turned into a genius, huh?)"
He kept laughing while I tried to suppress the urge to leave. Lalo is Lalo. He acts like an idiot, but he's the smartest man I've ever met. I know there's another reason he's here, one I can't quite figure out… Ow. You too, Yuki?
Even she's laughing at me. I admit it feels a bit weird. Embarrassment, shyness, shame? Something like that stirs in my heart. It's a feeling I don't like.
"Sorry, Saik, but his laugh is contagious! And I admit it's funny how easily he teases you. I guess I'm used to everyone treating you so seriously."
… Yeah, I'm out. I hate feeling this uncomfortable.
"Iris, let's go grab dinner or something. The farther I am from him, the better."
I know my sudden proposal makes you shy and nervous, but don't pull a Sylphie on me right now. I just want to leave.
"I-I…"
"You like them older, huh? "Nada mal, Saik, nada mal" (Not bad, Saik, not bad). Team Milf, huh?"
"I'm out."
You're overdoing it, and you're embarrassing me. I'm going home to study like the good student I am.
"Laughter is a great tool to relax us. I was just trying to put a smile on that expressionless face of yours. And don't worry, I support your relationship with this woman."
"Huh?!"
"In fact, I'll even volunteer to be the godfather of your first kid and pay for the wedding. Oh, what a good person I am, right? No need to thank me, a smile will do."
"W-w-we d-don't h-have t-that k-kind of r-relationship!" Iris said, her face so red and hot that I could feel her body heat even in an air-conditioned room.
I wonder if it's possible to have a heart attack from being so nervous. Is it? I remember I once scared an old man to death, but he was really old, and I freaked him out so much that even Number 4 was scared of me. If that old man died of a heart attack from being terrified, could someone die from a massive bout of nerves or anxiety?
Mental note: research that to know how to react if it happens to Sylphie or her mother. Ugh, more work.
"Hahahahahaha! I love Iris's reactions…! Though it's a bit sad that she has that personality at her age," Yuki said, feeling pity for her.
Yeah, I get it. It's like a guy acting shy just because a girl talks to him or is near him. It's pathetic. Why are guys like that so popular? In several schools I attended, there were guys with that weak personality (shy, scared, crybabies, immature), and they always had girls around them. Some even managed to date the most beautiful and popular girls. It makes no sense.
Why do girls fall for people like that? Hmm… Oh, guys find shy girls like Sylphie adorable, so it's probably something similar… Yeah, normality is definitely more complicated than I thought.
Ugh, how many times have I said that to myself?
Whatever. Sylphie has an excuse because she was bullied and mocked for being the daughter of an alcoholic, which made her solitary and quiet. Socializing is new to her; she even mistook her friendship with me for love. Her shyness is justified, but Iris is a grown woman. Her acting shy is… honestly, pretty sad.
Wow. Iris's head is swaying side to side, slowly. Her head's so overheated she's dizzy. Yeah, it's definitely possible to have a heart attack from that.
I open my backpack and pull out a water bottle. It's warm, but it'll help calm her down.
"Here, drink some. It'll make you feel better."
"T-thanks," Iris said, taking the bottle.
"You noticed she was getting dizzy, huh? You'd definitely make a great boyfriend. It's a shame I don't have daughters because I'd want you in my family. How about a cousin of mine?"
You don't have any family left, you're joking, which confirms you're only here to humiliate me.
"Stop saying stupid things, please. I don't have much patience."
"Oh, yeah, that's right, you already have a Milf. "Que buen gusto, compa" (Great taste, bro)," he said, giving a thumbs-up and winking, making Iris even more embarrassed, nearly choking on her water.
Ugh… Lalo, seriously, what are you planning with all this?
"Iris and I are just good friends, that's all. Please don't say things that make people uncomfortable."
"Yeah, yeah, sorry, "señorita Iris" (Miss Iris). My dear godson…"
"Saik."
"My godson…"
"Saik."
"… God…"
"Saik."
""Que frío eres, carnal" (So cold, dude)," he said, grinning.
He crossed his arms and clicked his tongue, tapping his index finger side to side. Oh, I sense another big stupidity coming.
"Wrong, wrong, wrong. Very wrong, Saik. Come on, don't be so cold with me. Why don't you leave your emo phase behind and smile? Grow up already. You're pathetic with your emotionless act. Stop being so pitiful, kid."
What? Wait, he's not like that. He knows my parents are dead, and I lost them recently. Asking a depressed person to smile is like asking a raped woman to forget what happened and have sex again… Okay, that example doesn't quite fit.
Ugh… He'd never say something so cruel to hurt me, mainly because Lalo García is genuinely a good person, the best I've met (since most of my acquaintances are killers or evil, even Yuki sometimes says inappropriate dark humor). What's he trying to do?
"Idiot! Saik, punch that insensitive "pendejo" (jerk)!"
"Pendejo"? What's that? Sounds awful. Yuki, don't say that.
"Please, I ask you to stop bothering him," Iris said, not lifting her gaze from the table.
No stuttering. Wow, she dared to speak to someone like Lalo so directly… I have to admit, I'm impressed. Lalo is the richest man in the world, achieving that in just two years. Talking to a big shot like him takes a lot of courage, as men with money always inspire fear, with the power to make anyone who annoys them disappear without legal consequences. People like Nergio and me can talk to him without fear because we have spiritual powers, making us close, but ordinary people like Iris, a humble single mother—or widow?—a humble mother supporting her daughter with a convenience store cashier job… Someone like Iris, who has so much to lose (her daughter), dared to ask Lalo to stop bothering me.
From her perspective, she's risking her life to get him to leave me alone. Wow… Is this how it feels to be protected? No wonder Sylphie fell for me. I'm feeling gratitude, and it's pretty close to love. If I weren't in love with Naima, I'd say I fell for Iris.
"Ooh. What? Are you his new mommy? Gonna defend the little baby?"
"Hmph! I don't like him anymore, I hate him now!" Yuki shouted, lunging at him and "hitting" him. I want to activate her body, but I'll do it when we're alone.
Lalo, before I kill myself, I'll ask Sumi to kick your ass.
"Leave him alone."
That tone… Iris? She's… No, she's not trembling, she's staring into Lalo's eyes with pure hatred. It's the first time I've seen her act like this. Isn't she overreacting?
I'd be furious if I didn't know Lalo; he said that for a reason, but why are you so angry over someone like me? We're just friends, not family.
"Iris, don't worry about me, it doesn't affect me."
"You know his parents died, don't you?! Don't complain about how he is without knowing how he feels! Stay out of other people's lives, idiot!"
…
…
…
She just…
"Wow. That was one hell of a slap. Ouch, even I felt it," Yuki said, rubbing her cheek.
Yeah, I agree. Iris exploded with rage and slapped Lalo so hard his hat flew off (though he threw it himself for dramatic effect).
What do you gain by making her angry…? No… Wait… Oh, I forgot this robot-loving idiot always wanted to draw an emotion out of me, and I suspect he wants to see me "in love." If that's what you want, I'll give it to you so you stop bothering me, but not with Iris, she's just a friend. Don't misinterpret my relationship with her.
"Fufu… Haha…"
Oh, here we go.
"Hahahahahaha! A woman who fearlessly protects those important to her! And on top of that, you've got a "culazo" (great ass) and "pechos muy sabrosos" (juicy breasts)!"
What?
"Disgusting," Yuki said, unfortunately understanding what he meant.
"You passed the test!"
"Test?" Iris said.
"You're perfect for my godson! You definitely have my approval, miss!"
"Huh…? Huh?!"
"I expect at least four nephews."
"F-f-four?!"
Don't play along with him.
Ugh, I sometimes forget Lalo's a bit misogynistic since he comes from a narco family where women were used as mere sexual objects for breeding. Luckily, Iris didn't understand what he said in Spanish, but she's turning red from the rest.
"W-w-what?!"
"W-w-what?! Hahahahahaha! "Tan adorable" (So adorable)! A mature, shy woman. You've got eccentric tastes, godson."
Iris's heart is beating dangerously fast. I'd better get this idiot out of here to avoid giving Iris a heart attack or, worst case, giving Yuki more teasing material.
"Excuse us, we're leaving. See you later, Iris."
She's still frozen, unsure how to react to Lalo's fake bad-guy act. She's trembling so much, she could… No, I didn't come up with a joke for that. I'm not in the mood.
"Leaving already? Just when it was getting good."
I left the employee break room without waiting for him. If I wait, he'll keep acting like an idiot.
"Mother and daughter are the same. I didn't know personality could be inherited," Yuki said, stroking her chin and mine for some reason.
Yuki isn't used to Iris's shy personality. Iris usually acts pretty… normal when I'm with Yuki, mainly because I avoid scenarios that could misinterpret my relationship with her, or at least I try. My experience with women is still low, so I don't know much. Iris helps a lot since we always talk at her job, where she's very polite and mature, rarely getting shy.
I left the store and sighed.
"My dad was pretty outgoing, and my mom… Well… She was a really good person, too good in my opinion, but also very aggressive and violent with bad people. I don't think I inherited anything from them. Just my mom's black hair."
"And her eyes," Yuki said, touching my glasses.
Yeah, her eyes… Ugh, I wish I'd inherited more from her.
"Thinking about the past, huh? "Sí, eres todo un emo" (Yup, total emo)," Lalo said, patting my head.
"Get out of here, I don't like you anymore!" Yuki said, about to hit Lalo.
Let's see. A few people are watching us since Lalo stands out too much. Ugh, I need to control my urge to activate Yuki's body to let her hit him.
She started "hitting" him with her intangible body.
"Die, die, die, die, die!"
"Die? What a violent young lady! Hahahahahaha!"
"… Huh?"
Ugh…
A long sigh escaped me.
Star with her tournament. Aliens. And now Lalo.
Yuki, you'd find out sooner or later, but I didn't expect it so soon. Damn it.
Lalo, I really hope you have good reasons for this.
"H-he can see me?!"
I didn't speak and kept walking while Lalo patted my back.
"Listen, seriously, what are you doing here? You were just my dad's friend, we're not family or friends," I said, keeping up the act.
It's likely no one unwanted was watching us, but I'd rather not take chances.
"Cold as ever, huh? I just want to hang out a bit with my late friend's son, what's wrong with that?"
"I prefer solitude."
"Yeah, yeah, "definitivamente eres un emo" (definitely an emo). Hahahahahaha!"
Ouch. He patted me so hard I fell to the ground.
Ugh, I love feeling as weak as a human, but that doesn't mean it didn't annoy me.
"Oops. "Lo siento" (Sorry)?"
"You have no idea how much I hate you right now."
"Ahhhhh! Stop ignoring me! Saik, Saik, can he see me?!"
I got up and dusted myself off. Sorry, Yuki, I can't talk about that in this pla… ce… Oh, that girl.
I'm supposed to be in love with her, so I need to keep up the act. Sayu, you've already ruined my life twice. First by keeping me under surveillance and killing me, and second by taking advantage of my supposed memory wipe to tell me I said I'm in love with Hanako.
Well, at least it'll help me get rid of this idiot. I need to calm Yuki down.
I raised my hand and waved at Hanako, who was walking toward us.
She waved back with a big smile. Ugh, taking advantage of my supposed memory wipe. I know it's not your fault, but you don't seem to mind the idea.
"Hanako turned out to be your killer's cousin. I don't know who to trust anymore!" Yuki shouted, hugging me from behind.
"Trust me, "pequeña" (little one)," Lalo whispered.
"Ahhhhh! I don't understand anything! Why can he see me too?!"
All in due time. First, I need to deal with Hanako, then Lalo.
My head hurts. I need cake.
"Hey, Hanako. Haven't seen you all day."
"Sorry about that, I couldn't shake Cristal off! She insisted on celebrating our island victory. I wanted to invite you, but Cristal only wanted girls. You get it, right?"
"A girls-only celebration, yeah, I get it."
She's probably still traumatized by my sexual harassment. I hope I don't lose a gaming buddy. I should've handled it differently to ensure she deleted that video, but the adrenaline from beating all those idiots clouded my judgment, and I went for the easy route: threatening her.
I feel disgusting remembering how I touched her thighs and butt. I wonder if it was survival instinct. When a creature feels it's about to die, its instinct urges it to reproduce to keep its lineage alive or something. I took a lot of damage that time, so it's possible.
"Ahem, ahem. Aren't you going to introduce us?"
"By the way, got any plans for Saturday?" I said, completely ignoring the idiot resting his head on my shoulder.
"A-are you asking me out?" Hanako said, blushing and smiling, while her ghost made a "in-and-out" gesture with her fingers behind her.
Ugh, I miss the innocent Hanako. I wonder how corrupted she is now. Has she already had sex? Ghosts corrupt people a lot, even changing their personalities. Perverted ghosts like Hanako's could turn a nun into a nymphomaniac. How corrupted are you, Hanako?
"Just want to celebrate our victory against the president, but if you want to see it that way, I'm fine with it. I warn you, though, I have no experience with that stuff, so it might be boring."
"I-it's a date then!"
…
"So direct," Yuki said.
""Todo un donjuán" (Total Casanova)."
She… kissed me on the lips. No tongue, just lips, but still a kiss.
She stood on her tiptoes to reach my lips. Kind of cute, but… I felt nothing… Nothing.
… My heart hurts. I'm betraying Naima… Sayu, Sumi's gonna kick your ass too.
In the past, I'd be jumping for joy, but now I just feel pain. I feel miserable. Ugh, I guess it's karma. I stole a kiss from little Hanako before, and now she steals one from me. We're even… I guess.
Naima, please don't find out about this.
"S-see you tomorrow!"
She ran off.
… I… Ugh, I hate you, Sayu.
""Vaya, vaya, vaya" (Well, well, well). A Milf and a ghost hunter. Not bad, Saik. Not bad."
"Don't you like Naima? Whatever, doesn't matter! I like Hanako…! No, wait, she's the cousin of the girl who killed you. I don't like her anymore! I'm still team Sylphie!"
I sighed and kept walking.
I really need some cake right now.
"The tension's killing me. Who'll he choose? The harem route's banned in this country, so I rule it out. I bet on team Milf, "esa señora tiene grandes los ovarios" (that lady's got some big ovaries)."
"I'm team Sylphie, she's way better than crazy Naima and the possible ghost-hunting killer Hanako!"
"I prefer team Naima, and since I'm the one choosing, Naima wins. Period."
""Gracias por el spoiler" (Thanks for the spoiler)."
"Why do protagonists always pick the worst option…? Wait, now's not the time for nonsense! Can Lalo see me?! I demand answers!"
We're almost home, don't panic.
"You like someone but give Hanako hope. That's not like you, so… Fufu. Did Sayu take advantage of the supposed memory wipe?"
"You guessed it."
"They still think you're that Shadow guy. How stupid."
"Shadow…? Oh, right, they mentioned a Shadow when they killed Saik. Who is he?" Yuki said.
… People are crossing the street to avoid us. Lalo wouldn't talk unless he was 100% sure no one else could hear us. It's safe to talk, at least quietly. He probably has a device that masks our voices or something.
"No idea."
"I think he was an enemy of the ghost hunters," Lalo said.
"I see. Why do they suspect Saik? How do they know he can see ghosts?"
"Because of his age and, of course, his weird academic record. Anyone with ghosts could get perfect grades."
"I knew cheating wasn't good!" Yuki shouted, scratching her head rapidly as if it'd calm her down.
"Hmm… I'll see you at your place, "debo resolver algo, ahijado" (gotta handle something, godson)."
"Saik."
Is someone following us? Whatever, let him deal with it.
He turned a corner, and I kept going straight.
"Where's he going?"
No idea, but I'm going for cake.
•
•
I got home and wanted to head straight to the kitchen for cake, but since I activated Yuki's body, she took the chance to shake my head side to side. Yeah, yeah, I know. Lalo, I really hope you have good reasons for putting me through this.
"I demand an explanation!"
"…"
"Don't stay quiet! Tell me what I want to know!"
"…"
"Please, just…"
"I'll tell you, I was just waiting for you to say 'please.' Isn't politeness nice?"
"Ahhhhh! Save the nonsense for another day! Why can he see me?!"
Ugh, I need sugar.
I kept walking while Yuki pulled my hair.
"Let's talk with cake in our stomachs, it'll help us relax."
"Hmph. Fine."
I took out the strawberry cake and split it between Yuki and me. Not much left, one big slice each.
Ugh, this is what I needed. Delicious.
"Okay, we're eating. Spill everything!"
"In short, it's just a coincidence that Lalo was my dad's friend and can also see ghosts. He's like me. I found out at a party when he answered a female ghost, covering his mouth. I stood next to him and repeated what the ghost said so he'd know we had the same ability."
"Huh? You revealed your ability to him? Why?"
"My dad and he were close friends, so I trusted him. Since he has a lot of influence in the world, I thought he could get info on the spiritual world and maybe find a way to remove my ability so I could be normal. Most of what I know about my ability and the spiritual world is thanks to him."
"I-I see. I guess someone as rich as him could get all kinds of info easily."
"Lalo García became the world's richest man in just two years. You really think he did it without cheating? He has contacts that helped him expand quickly."
"A-are you saying secret organizations that control the world exist? The Illuminati are real?!"
Well… 50/50.
They existed, but they were eliminated. They came back, and I killed them. They don't exist, at least for now.
"Something like that. But don't worry, you have my protection. Don't be scared of stuff like that."
"… Could you tell me everything you know about the spiritual world?"
I think it's time Yuki learned more about her new world. I can't keep her ignorant about it any longer.
"Yeah, okay."
•
•
(Pov- Kaeyko.)
"Woof, woof!"
Yeah, yeah, Kaey, I know. I'm bored.
The fight, the only interesting thing, is over. The ice depended on the participant's energy, and since his monsters also drained energy, he ran out after Number 1 defeated about 53 monsters, at least the ones I counted.
The ice, his only protection, melted, and though he begged her not to kill him and to call it a draw, she refused and killed him, cutting off his head with a sword.
She's a psychopath, didn't hesitate. Or did her fusion give her that personality? I think everyone has someone like Kaey, though I haven't confirmed it. Maybe the pamphlet that appeared in front of me will confirm what I want to know. Kaey's got it in his mouth, I'll read it at home.
The ice guy was named "Raúl Ramírez," a foreigner. Upon dying, all his private info went public—where he lived, what he did, his family and relatives.
[Unique Abilities.]
[Ice Master.]
[Ice Monsters.]
And the passive abilities are the same for everyone.
But why was such private info released? Why was it all leaked? Is it necessary? What does the organizer gain by endangering the man's family?
The screen above Kaey's head vanished, ending the fight. Thanks for the help, Kaey, you can rest. Thanks to you, I could watch the fight without them noticing.
"Done, I finished my part! Where's my praise?" Ether said, puffing out his chest proudly.
"Finally! Let me read that!" Agnes said, snatching his laptop.
He was the last one, we're done with our research. Just need to study to present the info tomorrow. Lazy professor.
Number 1, we're even. What do I do? I don't want to die, but I don't want to be a killer either. Join a team? What exactly do I do?
I need to calm down. Evelyn, I hope you're awake, talking to you will make me feel better.
"Idiot, you forgot the bibliography!"
"Pfft. Who cares about sources? They're not necessary. And since we're done, this prince is off to…"
"You're not leaving until you finish every…"
"I'll do it for him, I don't care. I'm out."
"Oh, my hero!"
"Stop hugging me!"
"Ugh, so grumpy."
"Send me the info. Bye."
I packed my stuff and got up from the table.
"See you tomorrow, Kaeyko," Agnes said.
"Times two."
"So, ladies, how long have you known each other?"
"We're out," they both said, following my lead.
"Just trying to be nice!"
We went our separate ways.
Ugh, this ordeal's finally over.
Okay, let's review Number 1's info.
She can teleport using shadows and also put parts of her body into them to attack. She can create weapons too.
Her biggest weaknesses are that the shadow must stay rigid and still when she teleports, and she can only create one weapon at a time.
She looked exhausted at the end. If the ice guy had attacked with a better strategy and not created monsters recklessly, wasting energy, he might've won. His lack of experience sealed his fatal fate.
I definitely need to train to know my limits and figure out how to fight in a way that benefits me most… What?
Someone grabbed my hand. A mugger? In this area? Doubt it, no one's that stupid.
"Hey, handsome, wanna have some fun?"
Huh? A girl in a miniskirt so short I can see her underwear, and a bra so tiny it barely covers her nipples. A prostitute? I thought I took down the criminals controlling them. An independent one? Well, it's a job, I respect her choice, but I'm not interested in her services… Wait… She looks underage. Should I call the police? Better not get involved.
"No, thanks."
I tried to keep walking, but this idiot doesn't take no for an answer.
She hugged me from behind and put her disgusting hands on my chest, massaging it.
Gross. I'd love to hit her, but maybe she's just desperate for money. Sorry, I don't have cash right now, and I suspect you'd use it for drugs—you reek of illegal weed.
"Come on, come on, you'll have a great time."
"I said no."
I pinched her hand, and she pushed me hard… Wow.
Those marks on her arms. Drugs… Ugh, addictions have serious consequences, they led this poor girl to prostitution. Huh? That's…
"Tch. Your loss… Ow, ow, ow!"
"Found you!" he said, pulling her by the ear.
That pink hair… What was his name…? Saoto. Yeah, Saoto.
And that girl has pink hair too. His sister? But what? Why is she selling her body? How did their parents let this happen? I thought someone with Saoto's good reputation would come from a similar family, but his sister's… a drug addict… How did they let it get this far?
"Let me go, you idiot!"
"Please, Kaeyko, excuse my sister's behavior. And please, forget this."
He looks so sad…
"Yeah, don't worry."
I walked away without saying more.
…
…
…
"Poor guy, I feel bad for him."
"Woof," Kaey barked, rubbing his head against my cheek.
He doesn't care about risking his reputation, called her sister in front of me. He hopes to save her and get her out of that life, even if it jeopardizes his social life, as being labeled the brother of a drug addict would make him the school's laughingstock. Humanity's cruel like that.
An admirable big brother… Makes me feel like crap for treating my little sister so badly, but not enough to want to go back home.
But, I repeat, how did her addiction get so bad? Why didn't they stop her in time?
… I shouldn't meddle in others' affairs. Best not to think about it.
•
•
Evelyn's lights are off. Is she asleep? What time is it…? It's 9 p.m. Still early.
I need to talk to her to calm down. This tournament's stressing me out.
"G-g-good e-evening, K-Kaeyko."
I recognize that creepy voice.
I turned around and greeted Sylvie.
"Good evening, Sylvie… You feeling okay?"
She's trembling a lot, more than usual, and sweating heavily. Is she sick?
"D-don't w-worry. Huh? H-huh?!"
Sorry for touching your head suddenly, but you don't look well, and I confirmed my suspicion.
"You've got a fever, your head's burning. Have you seen a doctor?"
"I-I already w-went. T-thanks f-for asking. I-I just n-need to r-rest."
"Hmm. This isn't normal. You're way too hot."
Huh? Someone put a hand on my shoulder?
"I think the hot one's someone else."
Evelyn?
I turned to look at her. She looks angry… Angry? Wow, wow. A jealous fit. What do I do in these situations?
"To clear things up and avoid any misunderstanding…"
I took Evelyn's hand and placed it on Sylvie's forehead, and from her expression, her jealousy faded, and she's relieved now.
"That's what I meant by hot. By the way, this is Sylvie, our neighbor. Sylvie, this is Evelyn."
"I'm his girlfriend, nice to meet you," Evelyn said, shaking Sylvie's hand.
No need to mark your territory, Sylvie and I are just friends, and she only sees me as a friend, I've confirmed it. Even now, she's smiling, happy to make a new friend and not caring that I have a girlfriend (though I'm technically still single).
"I-it's a p-pleasure t-to m-meet you!"
"Go rest, you need it. Don't overdo it. Call me if you need help."
"T-thanks."
"See you tomorrow."
"H-hasta m-mañana."
She said goodbye with a smile.
She went to her apartment, and we entered mine.
Thanks for not… Oh, I think she was scared. Evelyn's trembling with fear and looks pale. Did Sylvie really scare you that much? I admit she's terrifying, especially at night, but aren't you overreacting a bit?
"She's a good person, don't judge her by her appearance, please."
"S-sorry, sweetie, my body reacts on its own."
"She's a good person, don't worry. Have you eaten?"
"I was waiting for you! Let's make dinner together!" she said, hugging me.
I smiled and patted her head.
"Of course."
Aside from the fact I could die any moment, yeah, I'm really happy right now. Kaey, are you good or bad luck? I think good luck.
Ether's an idiot, but at least I can trust him, even Kaey likes him.
Evelyn's someone who makes me happy just by being around.
My gray life now has color. An "almost" friend and an "almost" girlfriend.
Yeah… I'm finally happy.
•
•
While Kaeyko and Evelyn made dinner together, bad news was approaching. News that could ruin everything.
In a forest ruled by Slimes, Star sits on a large blue Slime, staring at a big screen displaying photos of 34 women. 35, as one just appeared.
The thousands of Slimes in the forest are still, not moving an inch, not because they can't, but because they're too scared to move without permission.
A small laugh escapes Star, and she smiles, full of satisfaction.
"The true route will begin."