CHAPTER 40 - Second Special Exam. Part 5.
I arrived at school. I'd say it'll be a normal day like any other, but the stares I got from the students were more intense. Well, after all, I managed to get Akito stripped of his vice president position. From what I researched, Akito was quite important to the students in Classes A and B. Thanks to him, students stayed in those classes. He ensured the best students moved up. For students in Classes C, D, and E, it was an endless competition. If they proved worthy of being in Class B or A, Akito collected positive points for them to switch classes.
But now that gifting positive points is no longer allowed, Akito lost a lot of his influence, especially after being sacked from the student council. Now he's just a regular Class A student. A student who has me as his enemy.
For now, I'll focus on making the trio of idiots less idiotic.
"Saik, Saik, they really hold a grudge against you."
Second- and third-year students hate me. Why? Those in Classes A, B, and C hate me because class points now matter more. Positive points will only reward students for their efforts. With those points, students can buy exam answers, protection points, or switch classes. Positive points reward individual effort, but class points reward group effort. Classes need to be united as a group and, of course, have a trustworthy leader. Why a leader? To maintain order, propose ideas, blah, blah, blah. Without a leader, keeping a class united is tough; factions would form. A leader is needed—someone who earns others' trust, remains neutral in conflicts, and focuses on proposing and gathering ideas.
Who's the leader of Class B? Obviously, it's Ram, not Saoto. Saoto is the figurehead who draws attention and earns trust, but Ram is the real leader, the brains of the class. Ram has what it takes to make tough but safe decisions. If sacrificing someone is necessary to move forward, Ram will do it. Saoto wouldn't; he's too nice, and that's bad. If he spreads his idea that everyone is equally important and we must ensure no one gets expelled, our class will be doomed.
I don't care what Saoto says or does; I won't give away my protection point, and I'll make sure Sylphie doesn't either. But if Sylphie gives her protection point to Saoto, ignoring what I told her, I'll stop talking to her and switch classes, breaking the promise I made to Noel. I'm someone who keeps promises, but I won't waste time with people who can't say no.
"Huh? Saik, where are you going? We passed your classroom."
"I need to visit someone."
I have a question.
I reached the student council room and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
The secretary's voice.
I entered the student council room and got a hostile glare from the secretary, whose name I don't like. "Katarina." I don't like it. I'll call her "Kat"… No, better not. If I use nicknames, she'll think I consider her trustworthy. They're my enemies; we'll be enemies.
Katarina, the huge guy, and the president are the only people here. That guy's looking at me with a bored expression, but I sense some curiosity. The president just greets me politely with a wave, not even acting like we're enemies. And the ghost following the president hides behind her, trembling in fear. Well, I'm used to ghosts being scared of me. Most ghosts can't tell me apart from other humans; only ghosts corrupted by negative emotions in this world can sense my presence since they're more sensitive to human emotions. She can tell I'm different because my body is very different from a normal human's. When I say my body is weird, I mean it literally. I'd kill her, but I'd rather avoid suspicion since I'm being watched.
"Good morning, Saik. To what do we owe your visit?"
"I'd like to request information. As student council members, you're obligated to provide it."
"And that hostility?"
"I'm preempting any attempt to deny me the information, considering your secretary is glaring at me with hatred."
"Ex-secretary. Let me introduce the new vice president. I assume you know her. This is Katarina, from Class 2-A."
They've already replaced Akito, huh? A second-year superior. I see. Also in Class A. I wonder if all student council members are in Class A. It almost seems like being in the student council guarantees moving up to Class A, or maybe the council recruits Class A students to maintain their status.
Whatever, that doesn't matter to me.
"T-That ghost scares me, Saik."
Don't worry, Yuki; she's scared of me. Nothing will happen.
"I'd like to know the status of the second- and third-year classes regarding the new class points system. You're used to the positive points system. What's the difference now with the class points system?"
"Fufu. Planning something again?"
"I need the information to devise new strategies to get Akito expelled. Now that betting is banned, I need other ways to achieve it."
"Akito was publicly humiliated and lost his vice president position. You're still set on expelling him?" Katarina said.
"The humiliation had nothing to do with me; I didn't do it. And I don't care that Akito was sacked. I promised I'd get him expelled, and that's what I'll do."
"Wow, Saik, so sadistic! I love that side of you, though it scares me too," Yuki said.
The president stayed silent for a few seconds and approached me.
"All the positive points we had were converted into class points. We still have the same advantage as before. The only ones affected were the first-years, since you were all given the same amount of class points, though that equality vanished when you got class points from the special exam. First-years are still new to the school, so the system change didn't affect you much. For us, who are used to the positive points system, this new system is more annoying, but it also lets us have new experiences. New system, new special exams."
I see. Hmm… I have a feeling those used to individuality will struggle to adapt to the group system. From what I've seen in Ludius's training, Akito is very used to playing solo most of the time. How do I know? I asked Ludius, and I noticed it from how the others play. When Akito skipped class, the others, in Ludius's words, played the same as always; you couldn't even tell the captain was missing. I won't deny Akito is smart and a good soccer player, but only individually. He can't play as a team.
"Yeah… I see…"
That could work.
"Thank you, President. See you."
"Akito is still a student in my class. I don't care what you try; I'll do what's necessary to prevent his expulsion."
"I know. If I manage to get him expelled, it means you failed as a leader, and that's exactly what I want to achieve."
"Well, well. Two birds with one stone, huh?"
"Exactly. Bye."
I left the student council room.
"Wow… Saik, you're incredible! You're challenging the person who controls the second- and third-year groups, and you do it without hesitation. Awesome! Let me help you; it sounds fun!"
"Of course you'll help. We're a team, after all."
"That's the spirit!"
Akito, I don't hate you, nor do I care about you. Anyone would think you've suffered enough, but I don't care. I gave you a chance, but you didn't take it.
"There's no turning back."
•
•
The morning classes went smoothly. At lunch, I ate with Sylphie and the others. Naok, Ludius, and Bell have stuck to us like flies, but I can't and won't complain. I want to make Sylphie independent, help her make friends, and reduce her shyness. I also need to do something about her low self-esteem. Making her smarter is the first step.
Yuki gave up on eating at school, so she eats in secret behind me.
Another school day passed; nothing interesting happened… Well, actually, something did. Evelyn has been flirting with me, but I ignore her. She thinks I'm a millionaire and approaches me with shady intentions. I ignore her flirting attempts and pretend I didn't see her. Ah, and today I saw a side of Sylphie I didn't know: jealous/angry Sylphie. The glares she gave Evelyn were furious. She hid it well; I think I was the only one who noticed. Sylphie acted normal, but she was clearly angry and jealous.
Honestly, I don't care. I plan to win Naima over, so Sylphie needs to prepare to let go of whatever she feels for me.
She's not in love with me; she's just grateful for what I do for her. She's confusing gratitude with love… Or so I think. As I've said before, I don't know women that well.
Anyway, study time is over, so I can leave.
Or that's what I wanted to do, but I need to help a classmate.
Everyone went home; I lied to Sylphie, saying I'd stay longer in the library so she'd leave without me. If I keep walking her home, she might misinterpret my actions.
When I went to the bathroom to wash my face, I heard a classmate's voice and laughter from some guys.
Yuki and I decided to investigate since it sounded like he was in trouble, and…
"Saik, Saik, we have to help him."
Ludius is being beaten up by some soccer club members, led by Akito.
Yuki grabs my hand, looking at me with a sad, worried expression. She knows me perfectly and thinks I won't get involved in things that don't concern me, so she believes I won't help Ludius. Don't worry, Yuki; I'll help him. Since Akito's involved, this does concern me.
"I'll help him."
Yuki's expression changed, and she smiled at me. Well, I was going to defend him just because Akito was involved, but now that Yuki gave me that adorable smile, I'll do it just to make her happy.
I started recording with my phone and placed it on the ground, aimed at them. I'm hidden behind a wall, and Yuki's keeping watch, so they didn't notice me.
I stepped out and approached them.
"Hey, bullying is forbidden. You should stop, or I'll have to stop you."
Five guys, including Akito. Easy.
"Look, it's Saik, the idiot who ruined my life!"
Hey, hey, hey… Well, I guess I can't deny it. I sent Number 31 to make you shit yourself in front of everyone; I can take the blame for that. But you trying to frame me for something I didn't do was your fault. You lost your position because you were an idiot, but I prefer to take credit. It's more satisfying to think someone popular lost everything because of me.
"Thanks, it's an honor to be the reason your life fell apart. Well, not really; I don't care."
It's true; I don't care what happens to others. As long as I'm fine, others don't matter to me.
I looked at Ludius on the ground, blood on his lips and vomit. They hit him in the stomach, huh?
"Ludius, face or stomach? Pick one, please."
"What?"
"Hmm. I guess both."
I stood in front of Akito.
"Well… I suppose you beat Ludius up because he's my friend."
I'll admit I don't consider anyone a friend except Yuki, and maybe, just a tiny bit, Sylphie.
"You know you can't beat me, so you went after him, huh? That's pretty pathetic, even for you, Akito."
I extended my hand.
"How about we talk? I don't want to beat you up and humiliate you."
"Is this guy right in the head?"
"We're five against one. Don't get so cocky, idiot!"
One of his friends tried to punch me in the face. His speed is so slow to me that I could dodge it easily, but…
I took the hit and fell to the ground.
"Hahaha! That easy?!"
They started laughing at me, unaware I did this on purpose.
I got up slowly.
"Can't we talk?"
He hit me again, this time in the stomach. Another hit to the face, and I fell to the ground.
"Seriously? I expected more from you."
"Let's finish him."
They fell for it so easily, huh? You keep disappointing me, Akito.
"My turn."
I pushed myself up with my arms and body and stood.
He tried to hit me again, but his movement is so slow I don't need to try to dodge. I dodged, grabbed his arm, and pulled him toward me. I headbutted his face and kneed him in the stomach. Hmm. I gave him another knee, just for revenge for the hit.
Two others tried to hit me at the same time. I moved forward and dodged their punches. I raised both arms and hit them hard on the head.
The three fell to the ground. One of the two still standing started throwing wild punches in desperation, so I took advantage and kicked him in the stomach. He tried to fall, probably to fake being done, but I didn't let him. I grabbed his left arm and pulled him toward me as his head nearly hit the ground. Since I caught him just before he fell, I could pull him up and knee him in the face, breaking his nose.
I overdid it with the guys I hit on the head, so no need to hit them more.
Only Akito's left standing.
"Done. Just the boss left."
I looked Akito in the eyes, and he started backing away. I can sense his fear.
"I-Impossible."
Two of these guys were very, very strong. He got too confident because of that.
"This is for Ludius."
"W-Wait…"
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.
Seven hits to the face, stomach, and chest.
He fell to the ground, groaning in agony.
"I win."
I turned to Ludius, who was trying to get up.
I offered him my hand.
"Sorry for getting you into trouble."
"No. It's not your fault. Thank you so much for defending me."
He took my hand and stood.
"Wow… I couldn't even handle one, but you took them all down."
"As long as you know how to dodge, it's pretty easy."
"We're gonna get in trouble now."
"They hit you first, then tried to hit me when I showed up. I tried to talk, but they wouldn't, so I had no choice but to defend myself. We're the victims; don't worry. By the way, why'd they beat you? Just because you're my friend?"
"No, Akito wanted me to lure you to a secluded spot so they could beat you up. I refused, so they beat me."
Wow… Ludius is the kind of person who wouldn't betray a friend. I think having him on my side is a good idea.
"Let's go to the infirmary."
"Yeah, thank you."
Ludius leaned on me. He took quite a beating. I'll buy you a dessert later, Ludius.
I went back to Yuki.
"Great job, Saik! You were amazing! Those idiots won't dare mess with you again!"
I hope so.
I picked up my phone and saved the recording. It won't help for blackmail, but it'll at least defend me if they accuse me.
•
•
Luckily, Ludius didn't suffer anything too serious; he'll just be sore for a few days. The others were unconscious and are resting in the infirmary. Obviously, the teacher scolded me, but I showed her the recording, and neither I nor the class will face punishment. It was self-defense; I even tried to talk, so it was justified. They'll be in trouble. Three of them are in Class A, and two are in Class B. Their class points will be affected by Akito and the others' behavior.
On the other hand, I got 5 positive points for a contribution to society: defending someone helpless. Well, considering I have 52,032 points, those 5 points don't make me feel any better or worse.
I want to expel Akito, but I also want the president to fall from her pedestal. She's in Class A. I don't know if I can pull it off, but I'll try to get her demoted to Class B. I'll help Classes B and C from the shadows to make it happen.
"Do you live far, Ludius?"
"Don't worry; my family's driver is coming for me."
Ah, right, Ludius comes from a wealthy family. Private driver and all. I'm too lazy to walk. Would he give me a ride if I asked?
Better not bother him. I'll head to the cinema to buy a ticket for a movie. It comes out in a month, but I'd rather have the tickets now; I want to see it on opening day.
"My ride's here. Thanks again for helping me, Saik."
"I should thank you for not betraying my trust. Though, if you had, the outcome would've been the same."
Akito and the others would've met the same fate; the only difference is I'd distance myself from Ludius and probably ensure he got expelled. Having a traitor in the class isn't good.
"See you tomorrow."
Ludius offered his hand. This gesture… Ah… Right, I remember. Friends fist-bump when greeting or saying goodbye. How modern. Though my mom told me to always shake hands and be respectful. Hmm… Well, I guess I can save that behavior for closer people.
"See you."
We fist-bumped, and Ludius smiled at me.
"Bye."
He got in the car and left.
"Ludius turned out to be a reliable guy, huh? For someone like you who doesn't trust others, that's a relief, right?"
"I can't deny it."
For future special exams, having Ludius's help would be good. He's smart enough that I don't need to worry about his results, and he's someone who doesn't betray allies. I hope he stays that way.
Well, better not think about that now. I'd better go. I started walking toward home to enjoy some delicious food.
"Well, well. Look, brother, it's Saik."
"He's taller in person, sister."
"Twins?" Yuki said.
I wonder if Yuki would like lasagna shaped like pizza. Pizzagna. Combining two delicious foods sounds twice as tasty. I think I have everything I need at home.
"Well, well. I think he's ignoring us, brother."
"That's not very polite of him, sister."
"Hey, Saik, why are you ignoring them?"
Ah, right, I need to get to the cinema to buy my ticket… Ah…
"Are you planning to mug me? I thought this was a safe part of the city."
"Don't ignore us; we just want to talk. Right, brother?"
"Yeah, like my sister says. We just want to talk, Saik."
They grabbed my arms. Ah, how annoying. I wanted to avoid this. The Keeno twins, the leaders of Class A. They scored 100 on the entrance exam, surpassing Ram. Ram was chosen as the representative because the Keeno twins, like me, refused to give the welcome speech.
The twins' appearances are almost identical. Both have blonde hair, though the girl's is long. Their eyes are blue, and their skin is as white as snow. Are they foreigners?
"Ram and Saoto are the class leaders. Why are you talking to me? Are you really going to mug me?"
"We just want to talk."
"You're the only one who got a perfect score on the entrance exam, but that's not all. You got two third-year students expelled, and on Monday, you got Akito—who was seen as a perfect guy—sacked from his vice president position."
"I feel harassed."
"You achieved so much in so little time."
"Did you think you wouldn't catch our attention?"
"I didn't even think about you two."
Tanya is a girl who uses blackmail to achieve her goals. How will the Keeno twins act? Honestly, I don't care.
"Sorry, I have a date with a girl named solitude. Bye."
I freed myself from their grip and walked away.
"Our class has 189 class points. Class C has 181. Class D has 197. And Class E has 170."
"We admit it took some effort to keep everyone in line, so we didn't have much time to earn positive points."
"Congrats on earning 100 class points in the last special exam."
Ah, they're following me. I'll just ignore them.
"They're super annoying, Saik."
They really are.
"We investigated every student, and you're the strangest of all. Don't you agree, brother?"
"Yes, sister."
Damn rich kids. What gives them the right to investigate me? That's harassment.
"Your grades were below average before high school. How did someone with that record get a perfect score?"
"We're not saying you cheated. Considering all you've achieved, saying you cheated would be disrespectful."
"But we're curious why you chose to show your true potential in high school and not before."
"It's odd that a prodigy like you didn't—"
"Don't finish that sentence."
I stopped and turned to face them. I won't let my damn effort be belittled.
"I'm not a prodigy. I wasn't born with the gift of intelligence. Everything I've achieved is thanks to countless hours of studying. It's thanks to all those sleepless nights studying. I'm not a prodigy; don't belittle others' efforts by calling them that. Bye."
I kept walking.
"Not a prodigy, huh?"
"I see… Sister…"
"I know. Bye, Saik."
They both… They… Huh? This… What?
They kissed me on the cheeks… Both of them… Ah… Well… They're definitely foreigners.
Don't invade personal space like it's nothing.
They turned around and walked away.
"Fufu. You're not just popular with women but with men too. Hahaha!"
Keep laughing, Yuki. Each laugh is one less candy for you.
…Someone's following me… Who?
"Saik, you've really made a lot of enemies. The Keeno twins, Tanya, Akito, the entire student council, and I think Saoto counts as an enemy too."
And also the Goddess of Ghosts and her minions. I had more enemies in the past—enemies who could kill me—so having enemies doesn't bother me much. The twins, Tanya, and Akito are insignificant problems to me. Saoto is just an idiot who thinks it's possible to move forward without sacrificing anything or anyone. The president is the only real problem I have at school. She has the power to get me expelled. She controls the student council and the second- and third-year groups, and soon the first-year groups too. I heard some first-years joined the student council. I'll need to be careful.
"Wait, Saik. Do you smell that? Tacos!!"
Foreign food. Tacos… My Spanish isn't as good as I'd like.
Tacos, huh? Meat in a corn tortilla. I'll eat here. If I like them, I'll buy some for Yuki. I won't waste money on food I don't like.
I entered the food establishment and sat at a table.
I took the menu… Hmm… Ah…
"Yuki?"
"Hmm… Try that red meat and then get 'tacos de carne asada.' They look so delicious!"
Wow. Yuki's Spanish is really good.
"Your Spanish is good, Yuki."
"Fufu. My mom wasn't just beautiful; she was super smart too! She spoke over five languages and taught me English and a bit of Spanish."
She wasn't that smart if she got arrested. They'd never have caught me.
I thought Yuki's mom was a bad mother, but Yuki only says good things about her. She must've been a great mom. Mine was no slouch either. Despite having a son like me, she always loved me.
The waiter came, and I ordered the food.
"I hope it doesn't disappoint."
"Hey, you didn't buy any for me!"
"Let me try them first. If they're good, I'll get more to take home."
The person following me came in… Ah, it's Hanako. And that perverted ghost is with her.
"Oh! H-Hi, Saik!"
She approached me. Please, don't do anything weird, perverted ghost.
"Hey, Hanako. You here alone?"
"Y-Yeah. I-I don't have many friends, so I always come to places like this alone."
"I see."
She said that to make me feel sorry for her and invite her to eat with me… Or I assume so, and it's pretty likely that's the case. Her movements are odd; I don't know what she's planning.
"Want to sit at my table?"
"C-Can I?! T-Thank you so much!"
She sat across from me. Wow. Her breasts bounced when she sat. Is having large breasts uncomfortable? If I were a woman, I wouldn't want big breasts; it'd be inconvenient. I couldn't stand men's lecherous stares.
She probably hates that, so I need to make sure I don't make her uncomfortable.
I combed my hair a bit, revealing my eyes so she'd see I'm looking at her eyes and know I'm not staring at her lustfully.
"Why'd you comb your hair?"
"So I don't make you uncomfortable."
"Uncomfortable?"
"Don't you feel uneasy with a disheveled guy?"
"Nope, I don't feel uncomfortable with you. After all, we both have the same hair style," she said, smiling.
Ah, right, Hanako's hair covers her eyes.
I messed up my hair.
Wow, Hanako's smile is pretty cute.
We're a pair of teens too lazy to comb our hair, huh?
"To think there's another weirdo who doesn't like combing their hair. Is it a trend now?" Yuki said.
I doubt it. There's probably another reason.
"Why do you cover your eyes? I do it because I'm too lazy to comb, but I like having long hair. What's your reason?"
"Well… Um… I…"
I sense sadness in her. Is it some kind of trauma? I hope I didn't make her uncomfortable with my question.
"If it's something you don't want to talk about, don't worry; I understand."
"No… You're my friend… Right?"
"If you consider me a friend, that's fine. At least I can say you're not my enemy, like the student council."
She smiled and nodded quickly.
"Y-You're my friend; I can trust you… I… I had an accident when I was a little girl. I look gross."
She lifted her hair and showed me her eyes. She has lots of scars on that part of her face, and her left eye is blind. Burn scars. Probably an accident with acid when she was young.
"Ah, I see. You're a woman; your appearance is very important to you, but… How do I put this…? You still look just as cute."
"Cute? They don't gross you out?"
"Why would they gross me out?"
"They're ugly… They make me look ugly."
"I'm the kind of guy who doesn't care about people's appearances, so my opinion doesn't matter much, but to me, you're not ugly."
"…Really? You're not saying that out of pity?"
"Like I said, I only care about people's personalities; their appearances don't matter to me at all."
Beauty or style doesn't matter to me. Why should I care about something so superficial? Only people's personalities matter to me; that's all I care about. People's appearances don't help me understand who they are, their ideals, or their personalities.
"You shouldn't care what others think of you; you should only care about what you think of yourself. Don't let others' opinions influence your life. If you live worrying about what others think of you, you won't enjoy life."
"Yeah, I know… But sometimes I can't help thinking about what others think of me."
"You're a good person, Hanako, and that's all that should matter to people."
"…You think I'm a good person?"
"I don't know, but you're very kind to me. I don't know you well enough to say you're a good person, but I know you don't approach me with bad intentions. Just remember what I said: only care about what you think of yourself. Paying attention to negative comments will only make your life more painful. Enjoy life."
"Enjoy my life…"
The waiter returned with my food. It smells delicious. And the tacos are big. Wow. Should I make Taco Tuesdays a thing? If I like them, I will.
I'll ignore the ghost touching my crotch and enjoy my food.
"Saik, aren't you going to say anything to this perverted ghost?!"
No, Yuki, I can't do anything… Not yet.
But I will soon. Step by step.
•
•
(Pov- Hanako.)
"A-And then, my cousin fell and got her new dress all dirty! Oh, it was so satisfying."
"If what you're saying is true, and considering she looks down on you a lot, even I felt a bit of satisfaction hearing that story."
Talking with Saik is way more fun and relaxing than I imagined. He doesn't look at me with lust like most guys who see me, and he doesn't treat me badly like most of my family. In the past, I showed my scars to lots of people, and they all found them disgusting—except Saik, who didn't care at all. He was indifferent. He doesn't look at me with lust because he doesn't care about appearances. I'd feel bad about that since my body is one of my strong feminine points, but I actually feel pretty good. Saik's the kind of guy who'll only be attracted to someone for their personality. I need to be likable to win him over!
I'd like to say I only care about his personality and kindness, but no, his muscles really turn me on. But I promised myself I'd stay pure until marriage…! Or at least until I'm sure I'm with the right person. Saik is fun, kind, and easy to talk to. He doesn't treat me badly or look at me disgustingly. He's a good man. When I ask for advice, he gives it without complaining. He listens to me… I really like him. I barely know him, and I fell for his looks, I know, but I can't help it. I like him, I like him a lot.
I like him more than Shadow.
Shadow and Saik are completely different, but both listened to me and gave me advice, making me feel like a normal person, not useless.
But unlike Shadow, Saik didn't kill my parents. I stopped having romantic feelings for Shadow when he killed my parents. I thought I'd never fall in love again until I met Saik, the first guy who made my heart race just by seeing him.
Love at first sight exists; I'm sure it does! Using my feminine charms on Saik won't work. I need to win him over with my personality! What kind of girls does he like? Smart or shy…? Shy…
Sylphie… She's a problem I need to solve. After the second special exam, I'll make my move. Two birds with one stone.
Oh… Wait, I just realized something. I'm having dinner with Saik! He doesn't consider this a date, but I'll pretend it is! Eating with Saik is really nice; I wish I could have more nights like this in the future.
"Hey, Saik, do you believe in ghosts?"
"Ghosts?"
I'm sorry, Saik; I just want to confirm. The only person I've ever fallen for is Shadow. You remind me so much of him; I just want to make sure you're not him.
"Well… 50/50? I like the idea that ghosts exist and all that, but there's no proof they do… Ah, now that I think about it, when I was a little kid, I had imaginary friends—so many that my parents got worried and took me to specialists, you know, psychologists, doctors, blah, blah, blah. Thinking those imaginary friends were actually ghosts gives me chills. They say young kids see things adults can't. That sounds cool but also terrifying. What about you? Do you believe in ghosts?"
"Yeah, I like to think ghosts exist. I'm really into paranormal stuff."
Saik's telling the truth. I knew it. He's not Shadow; they're completely different. Saik is a guy who cares about others, even helping his classmates study. If he were the Shadow I knew, he wouldn't care about anyone and only think of himself.
I love you, Saik! That's why I want you all to myself. And to make that happen, I need to eliminate that bitch.
Sylphie, my only rival. I'd love to give her a slow, excruciatingly painful death, but out of respect for you, I'll make it quick.
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
We finished dinner, and after they handed me my food in a bag, Hanako and I left the restaurant. We started walking together, so I guess she's heading to the station to catch a train or bus. Does she live far?
"Hey, Hanako, do you live far? I don't like the idea of you walking alone at night."
And because if you get kidnapped or assaulted, I'll get in trouble. I'd rather avoid that.
"N-No worries, Saik! My family's driver will pick me up in a few minutes. But thanks for worrying about me! Want a ride home?"
"I live nearby; don't worry."
Another rich kid. Well, I already knew that. Ah, I'm surrounded by rich people. At least they're not like the rich folks I knew before; those were arrogant and annoying. They even dared to blackmail my mom! Those damn politicians wanted to sleep with her and threatened to kill her or hurt me, her son. My mom refused; she had her own connections and influence and was sure they couldn't touch her. Ah, my mom was a faithful, incredible woman. The perfect wife. My dad was so lucky.
Just to be safe, you know, better safe than sorry, I killed those politicians and used legendary ghost number 58, the ghost of sexual pleasure, to have them violated before they died. That ghost is disgusting, which is why I never use it, but I'll admit it was satisfying to see them suffer while being penetrated.
No one threatens someone important to me and gets away with it. No one.
Though that legendary ghost was too powerful for me. If Nergio hadn't told me its weakness, it would've killed me. That's why I took Nergio as my student—for helping me. Ah, and because he's a millionaire; I knew I'd need financial help or connections from someone like him someday.
I'd planned to invite my family on a beach vacation and stay at Nergio's hotel, but that's impossible now.
While thinking about that, I talked with Hanako. While we waited for her driver, we played a game.
"No more food left?"
"Nope, sorry, but I've got health potions."
"I've got plenty; I don't need them."
Crystal joined us while we played. The max is five players; we still have two spots. It'd be cooler to play with more people. I prefer solitude, but for games like this, I like playing with others.
"S-Saik, that perverted ghost is licking your face."
I know, Yuki, but I'll endure it. I have to.
This ghost isn't normal… Not at all. She can touch and feel me, but I can't. This ghost is powerful.
After 20 minutes, her driver arrived, and a grotesque ghost tried to scare me.
"Pfft. Hahaha! I'm used to his ugly face now; it doesn't scare me anymore. But he killed me once! Saik, I hope you take him out someday! You gotta avenge my death!"
That's the plan, but not now.
"T-Thanks for everything, Saik. S-See you tomorrow."
"See you, Hanako."
She smiled and got in the car.
Well, the ghosts are gone too. I don't sense anything… Good, I'm clear.
"Ah, damn it. That ghost wouldn't stop harassing me."
"Don't lie; you were enjoying it!"
"No, I was indifferent. Though I'll admit I felt a bit uncomfortable."
I started walking, and Yuki sat on my shoulders.
"Well… Another girl got close to you. Should I add her to the harem?"
"I don't have a harem. She's just a lonely girl who wants friends."
And a traitor.
"Wow, you're pretty cold, Saik. I love that side of you! Though I hate it too. I want to see you smile!"
"You want me to smile? Alright…"
"Don't you dare smile just because I told you to! I want a natural smile!"
"Ah… Then be patient. Maybe one day I'll smile naturally."
I hope so, though I doubt it.