CHAPTER 42 - Short Vacation. Part 1.
Years ago, there was a man, a true real-life hero named Hercules. His name had nothing to do with the Hercules of Greek mythology; he used it for another reason, though he never revealed why.
He was famous for being a symbol of hope. He defeated evil ghosts and used his power to prevent the deaths of innocents. Without him, the deaths caused by malevolent ghosts before "that day" would have increased by 500%—that's how effective he was.
He used his power to protect babies born with the ability to see ghosts from dying at the hands of those spirits. Unfortunately, he was just a human and couldn't be everywhere. Saik is one of the hundreds of cases where Hercules couldn't help, which is why Saik felt no remorse when he did "that" to him.
He was a good man, loved by all, even by ghosts. One ghost, in particular, didn't just admire him—he was her only love and her reason to keep going.
And that ghost doesn't want revenge on Saik; she simply wants him dead. Why? Because Saik took her only love away from her.
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
I stored my books in my locker. I'm not studying this weekend. Yuki forbade it. Honestly, I'd rather study, but a break wouldn't hurt. My mom, even after graduating college, kept studying to improve in her profession. She studied a lot but took breaks periodically to avoid stress affecting her performance. If I want to be like her, I need to take breaks too.
Since starting school, I've used the legendary ghosts a lot without using "that," which has caused headaches. I need some rest.
"Class B, huh? Your class is full of defectives, Saik. They're lucky to have you."
The president put her hand on my shoulder and rubbed it.
"Am I being sexually harassed? Where can I file a complaint?"
"Good luck on the island."
She smiled and walked away, completely ignoring that she just harassed me.
That counts as sexual harassment, right? I mean, if I were a woman and a man rubbed my shoulder, I'd feel harassed… Ah, but I'm a guy, so no one would take me seriously. And the president doesn't seem like the type to care about those things.
I pulled a lollipop from my pocket and unwrapped it.
"You're as weird as I am."
I left the school and headed home. I need to grab my suitcase and give Sumi some advice. I won't be able to train with her this weekend, but I'll leave her some basic, safe exercises… Ah…
Someone hugged me around the neck.
"Hey, Saik, leaving without saying goodbye? Ignoring me? Ah, my poor maiden heart is broken."
"Hey, Tanya. What do you want?"
She was waiting with her friends, so I tried to ignore her, but it didn't work. Ah, why are class leaders drawn to me, a background character who's only good for boosting the class average? The main characters are supposed to be Saoto, Ram, and even Danna. There's also Max, the third-best student in Class B, but he's more solitary and quiet—not leader material.
Ah, being the top student, even if I'm a weird guy, makes me stand out.
"Come on, smile. Don't be down because your class stayed in Class B. Accept defeat."
I see, she wants to gloat. Well, I can't complain; this outcome was possible, considering Tanya managed to expel a student. She's got the guts for it, and her classmates aren't far behind. I heard from Ram that most of them are very smart. The exam results would determine the winner, and they had the advantage.
"Ah, yeah, it doesn't really affect me. I have enough points to switch classes whenever I want, so I don't care much."
"Well, well. So, will you join our class?"
"No, thanks. I have the points to switch, but I'd rather climb classes with my own effort. Ah, and congrats on moving up to Class A."
I pulled another lollipop from my pocket and offered it to her.
"So you'd rather be the enemy, huh? Fine, your choice. You'll be an interesting challenge, Saik."
She took the lollipop from my mouth. Huh?
"Thanks for the lollipop."
She put it in her mouth and walked away… That was gross. Why'd she do that? She's not in love with me or attracted to me, I know that. Why do something so disgusting?
Ah, women are so weird.
•
•
I got home, and rapid footsteps echoed.
"W-W-Welcome!!"
Sumi hugged me tightly. Ah, she's grown too attached to me. I really hope her power doesn't turn her evil or drive her mad—I don't want to kill her. But I will if I have to.
"Good afternoon, Sumi. I'll give you your basic exercises, and then I'm leaving."
"I'm ready!"
Yuki brought down the suitcases. Ah, she's wearing beach clothes. That's not necessary… Wait, no, I forgot Nergio might have a private pool. Yuki can swim there, but that doesn't mean she needs to wear those clothes.
"Yuki, people will see floating clothes. Put on your normal clothes."
"I just wanted to show you the cute outfit Sumi gave me. Don't I look adorable?"
"I'll admit, you look very cute, Yuki. But we can't waste more time."
"Fufu. I'll forgive your coldness only because you call me beautiful and sexy."
Did I say that? Ah, whatever, I can't waste more time.
"Go change into your normal clothes. Sumi, I'll teach you the basics."
To sense ghosts, you need to get used to the feeling of touching one. It's almost like touching air, but there's a tiny, very subtle difference—like touching a grain of sand floating in the air. It's so small you wouldn't notice, but if you focus, you can feel it. Once you sense it and pinpoint its location, you can feel it fully. The same goes for ghosts: if you can fully identify the sensation of touching them, and if you want to, you can touch them.
I got used to that sensation because I was always fighting ghosts, and my desire to hit them was strong. Eventually, my body became so accustomed to it that what I once perceived as nothing—air—I now recognized as an object, a person, a being.
Getting used to that sensation is the first step to touching a ghost.
Sumi's first exercise will be to get used to touching this.
"Slime?"
"No, it's not a slime; it's the remains of a ghost. Don't worry, it was an evil one."
I created this from a ghost I found on the street. Was it evil? I don't know; I captured it to make this and didn't investigate.
Instead of destroying its soul, I erased everything that made it human, or at least a thinking being. Then I crushed it completely and turned it into a sticky, slime-like thing, similar to the toy slimes.
Ah, but it's more like a fantasy or video game slime because I replaced its memories with those of a ghost dog I found on the street.
It's round, sticky, but also playful. Since it's under my control, I ordered it to stay with Sumi and obey her. It's like a pet.
I explained this to Sumi, and she got excited.
"I-It's like a d-dog! I-I always w-wanted one! T-T-Thank you!"
"Look, Sumi, you can't fully touch it yet, but one day, hopefully soon, you will. Just pet it for about two hours a day. You can watch TV while doing it if you want. Your body will get used to the sensation; you don't need to focus. Got it?"
"Y-Yes! I-I'll d-do my b-best!"
I patted her head.
"I know you will."
She survived because her soul is so powerful it scares ghosts away. Sumi, I don't know what you are, but I need to ensure you don't use your power for evil. I'll admit, I don't care about the world at all, but I want you to live a normal life. If you turn evil, the ghost hunters will never leave you alone. I just want you to be happy, Sumi. You're like me; I know you also want a normal life. And I'll give you that normalcy.
Knock - Knock - Knock
Ah, visitors. No one's visited me lately, so it's probably a salesman. Sylphie and the others are waiting at the airport.
I'll politely say no.
I opened the door, and someone put a gun to my forehead.
I feigned surprise, my heart raced, and I stepped back.
"W-What?"
"Hahahaha! Sorry, Saik, just a prank. I heard you were an expressionless guy, so I wanted to see a reaction."
Ah, I know this man. He was a pain in the past, but his personality seems to have changed. Faye.
"Hey, idiot, you can't…! Ah… Sorry, I got a bit mad… Okay… Who are you? And give me one reason not to report you to the police."
"Just came to say hi. I'm an old friend of your father's. Won't you invite me in?"
"I would, but I have to go. If you're here to say you're sorry about my parents' deaths like everyone else, yeah, thanks, you can go. I'm going on a trip, so I can't waste time."
"A trip, huh? Jealous. I've got a lot of work."
I checked the time on my phone.
"Hmm… I think I have five minutes. Come in."
"Thanks for your time."
He entered, and I closed the door. Immediately, a ghost emerged from his back, but I ignored it and sat on the couch across from him.
I've already taken care of Sumi, so I'm not worried.
"So, what do you want? I doubt you came all the way here just for that. If you think I'm struggling financially and want to help, I'll have to decline. I have enough money to survive another year, and I plan to get a part-time job soon."
The ghost is roaming my house, looking for clues. Yuki's clothes are well-hidden, so I'm not worried about that.
"Just wanted to check if you were okay."
"Well… I guess I'm okay and not okay… My parents' deaths still affect me, but I'm trying to move forward. And you?"
"I'm Faye, and I'm fine, thanks."
"Faye, huh? Weird name."
"Yeah, I know. My mom wanted a short, easy-to-remember name for her son."
He adjusted his hair, and something on his left hand caught my attention.
I looked at his finger. He's still wearing that broken engagement ring. He still loves Number 74? Ah, this guy's pathetic. He'll never get her back.
"Hey, are you married?"
"No, why?"
"Isn't that an engagement ring? And it's broken. Does it mean something?"
"You don't know?"
"Huh? What? Is it related to my family?"
"…No… Ah… Sorry, I don't like talking about it… Sorry, I gotta go. Thanks for having me. Maybe we'll see each other later."
"Huh? Okay, I'll walk you to the door."
I opened the door, and he looked into my eyes—or tried to.
"Have you ever been in love?"
"Well… To be honest, I'm just starting to experience this love thing, but I wouldn't call it being in love… Ah, wait… Uh… Hey, sorry, I'm into women. I have to reject your love."
He burst out laughing and patted my back.
"Just curious, bro. That rejection stung a bit, though. I'm into women. Bye."
He left, and I closed the door.
The ghost gave me one last look as I walked past it.
I sighed.
Ah, I'm sick of these ghost hunters. He came here without any protection. If I'd killed him, it would've confirmed I'm Shadow. He came here willing to sacrifice himself to expose my identity. He had a weird device in his butt—probably a lie-detecting gadget.
Damn ghost hunters, why do they keep screwing with my life?
"Legendary Ghost Number 74, the Ghost of Protection."
She appeared before me and greeted me with a classic magical girl pose.
"Hey, master!"
Two fingers to her face, a wink, and that big smile. Ah, this girl's still as immature as ever. The memory wipe changed her personality too much, I know, but why is she so childish?
"Look at the man who just left and come back."
"Oh. You had a visitor? Fufu. Didn't know you were into that, master."
She hugged me and placed my hand on her left thigh.
"Don't you want some of this instead?"
"He's a hunter. Just observe him, don't attack."
"Oh, you scared me there. I'll be right back!"
She vanished and reappeared a couple of seconds later.
"Done! No weapons, but he's got something weird in his butt. Probably some tech device."
"Didn't you feel anything else when you saw him? Be honest."
"Nope! Nothing at all, just that thing in his butt."
"And you? No sadness or anything?"
"Huh? Why would I feel sad about that guy? He's not my type. I prefer strong men like you, master!"
"I see. You can go."
Cough, cough. "What about my reward for a job well done?"
"Ah, right. There's cake in the fridge. Take it."
"Thanks, master!"
She headed to the kitchen, and I left through the back door.
She's… here.
Sumi and Yuki are hiding in a corner by the garden wall. The slime dog is covering their mouths to keep them quiet.
Both are crying and terrified.
"Sorry, one of those ghost hunters suspected a ghost was here, so I had to hide them. Don't be mad, please."
I ordered the slime to release them, and Sumi immediately hugged me, still crying.
"I-I thought I was g-going to d-die!"
"Saik, why didn't you warn me you could do that?! I thought this stupid ghost was trying to kill us!"
"Sorry, but I had no choice. If that hunter detected your presence, you'd be dead. It's hard but not impossible to detect you. Better safe than sorry."
That's a lie; Faye could never detect Yuki, but if he found Sumi, she'd be in danger.
"Let's go. Sumi, I'll take you home."
"To the beach!"
"B-Bring me a s-souvenir, Saik."
A short vacation. Ah, I hope nothing goes wrong. On my last vacation, I went with my parents to Onperk K91. I thought it'd be peaceful, but a dangerous criminal group had their eyes on my family, so I had to destroy them. I'm known as "The Soul-Sucker" in that country, a name similar to the chupacabras, a creature popular there. They had a weird robot that beat me up because I didn't use "that." Fortunately, I defeated them, and now they're suffering in Number 99's artificial hell.
I hope this vacation is calm and trouble-free.
•
•
(Pov- Faye.)
"Yeah… Okay… Bye."
I hung up and pocketed my phone… Damn it… Damn it… I really hoped that kid was Shadow.
"But his heart rate spiked, he was surprised, and he got nervous."
It didn't feel like an act. Shadow wouldn't react like that, and even if he was faking, his heart rate wouldn't jump that much… He's just a weird human kid, not Shadow. According to the recording, he didn't lie. We can completely rule out Saik.
"Damn it."
I wiped my tears. I don't want anyone to see me cry.
I really had hope… I did… I'd even give up my ass to get 74 back. I just want to see her again. I know I'm no match for Shadow, but without 74, life has no meaning for me.
"It doesn't… I miss her so much."
I didn't want to do this, but Saik isn't Shadow… I have to accept what "she" offered… I didn't want to, but I'm out of options.
"You'll hate me for this, 74, but I have to… I'm sorry… I'll help you."
My body feels like it's burning inside. T-This power is… incredible.
"You promised me 74 would be mine, and I expect you to keep that promise."
I don't care what happens to this world anymore; as long as I'm with 74, nothing else matters.
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
I arrived at the airport. Ah, the airport smells amazing. As expected of such an elegant, huge place. They must clean it often, huh?
While thinking nonsense, Yuki kept looking around, sitting on my shoulders.
"Wow! I haven't left the city in years! My first vacation in forever…! Oh… Oh… AHHHHHH!!"
"Why are you screaming?"
"I remembered I died almost six years ago! If I were still alive, I'd have huge boobs! I'd be the envy of every woman on the beach! But I'm dead! I'm stuck with a little girl's body! It's not fair!"
"Ah, yeah, you still hate how you look. Many women would envy you; you don't age. Why complain?"
"It'd be great if I'd stopped aging at 20, not 10!"
"Ah… Well, if you weren't a ghost, we'd never have met. Or maybe we would've. Danna was your classmate, so your mom might've enrolled you in the same school."
"Yup, true, we might've been classmates!"
"Or enemies. Well, at least now we're friends. The 'what ifs' don't matter, so let's enjoy the present."
We reached an airport employee. Nergio's well-known here; he's one of their main investors. He already informed the airport about me and my classmates' arrival, so there won't be any issues. Since we're traveling on a private plane, our luggage won't be a problem, and we'll pass through quickly without waiting.
"Good afternoon, how can we assist you?"
"I'm Saik."
I showed her my student ID.
"Nergio said the plane's ready."
"O-Of course, sir. Please, follow me."
Well, well, they called me "sir." I'm getting old.
I followed the employee to where we'd board our plane. Ah, a plane with pink decorations. Nergio's still living up to his family name.
Whatever, I shouldn't waste more time.
I boarded the plane and saw the others enjoying the luxuries. Naok and Bell are devouring food, Ludius and Evelyn are taking photos (probably for social media), Ram's drinking a water bottle while looking out the window, and Sylphie's stroking her seat (probably because it's soft or it's her first time on a plane). Everyone's enjoying the plane in their own way.
I walked past them; Sylphie was the only one who noticed me, but I won't talk to her. I'm sleepy; I'll nap.
I sat behind Sylphie, and Yuki sat to my left. Like the others, she started enjoying the plane too.
"It's so comfy! Saik, tell your friend to give you one of these seats! He's a millionaire; he can buy another!"
She's right; it's pretty comfortable. Would he give me one if I asked? I hope so. For now, I'll just sleep.
I closed my eyes, ready to nap peacefully.
"Good afternoon, Saik."
Ah, it's her. Nergio's mom. An elderly woman. How old was she? I think 70.
I opened my eyes and saw her beside me. The matriarch of the Alvanem Rosa family. In public, she's just another millionaire, but in secret, her family has one of the strongest ghost-seeing powers. A power that could rival a Shadow with 57 legendary ghosts.
"Hey, Mrs. Rosemary."
Or "Rosamaría," but Rosemary sounds more elegant.
"It's been a while. I haven't seen you since you were a little 8-year-old."
Since she and her family were defeated by Legendary Ghost Number 100. They went to the battlefield to help me but were quickly defeated. Only I, with 99 legendary ghosts, could face Number 100.
"Yeah, it's been a while."
"Want something to drink or eat?"
"Saik, I want shrimp!"
"Do you have shrimp? I'd like that."
"Of course, it'll be ready in a few minutes."
She left, and Sylphie turned to me.
"S-Saik, domikado (saik).svg? Do you know the entire Alvanem Rosa family?"
"Yeah."
Unfortunately, yes. Ah, they were a pain in the past. Nergio at least respected me after witnessing my power, so he wasn't as annoying.
"C-Could you get Mrs. Rosemary's autograph for me?"
Rosemary, a famous fashion designer. She's quite popular, especially among women. I didn't know Sylphie was into fashion.
"Sure, I'll ask her. Wait here."
I turned to Yuki.
"I just remembered I need to talk to her alone. I'll be back, Sylphie."
"Okay," Yuki said, catching the very obvious hint.
I got up and headed to where Rosemary went.
I opened the door and entered… what's this part of the plane called? Ah, I don't know. First class? No, the whole plane is first class. Well, whatever, another part of the plane.
I closed the door, and a faceless ghost girl appeared before me.
"I missed you, Saik!"
She hugged me. This girl hated me when we met, but her attitude changed after I saved her from being destroyed. She's Rosemary's deceased daughter, who died of an incurable disease. Since Rosemary's family can see ghosts, her death barely affected them—they could still see her, though she'll never grow up. She's like Yuki; both have the same issue, but they can eat and enjoy life, even if they'll never age.
"Ah… Hey, María."
Rosemary approached me.
"So, Shadow, what exactly are you planning?"
"I'm planning to enjoy a short vacation. Why?"
"Huh? That's really it? No dangerous ghosts or anything? Just a vacation?"
"Yeah, that's the plan. There are new ghosts threatening the world, but I'll leave that to the ghost hunters. I don't want to get involved. I finally have the normal life I always wanted; I'm not wasting it by being Shadow again."
"New ghosts…? How powerful are they?"
"There's a cursed wooden doll, a human man who's very different, and a girl calling herself the 'Goddess of Ghosts,' with the same power as Number 100. She could be considered Legendary Ghost Number 101."
"W-What?! What are you going to do?!"
"I don't know. Maybe sleep more at the hotel and swim in the morning. Why?"
"I mean about Legendary Ghost Number 101!"
"Ah, that doesn't matter to me. As long as it doesn't affect my school life, I won't do anything. That ghost will probably attack in three or four years; you and the ghost hunters have plenty of time to prepare. Ah, by the way, do you have paper and a pen? One of my classmates wants your autograph."
"…Saik… I know how hard you fought for your normal life, but without you, we can't defeat Number 101. Please, help us."
"No, sorry, I left that life behind. I'm Saik now; Shadow's in the past. You'll meet a new Shadow in the future; she'll help you."
"A new Shadow? She?"
"It's a secret. I won't say more; I've made my decision. Give me your autograph."
"Saik, I respect your decision. I know how much you fought for your normal life," María said.
"Thanks."
Sumi will be the new Shadow and inherit my legendary ghosts. I need to ensure she becomes a good person, but not too good. I'll give her my ghosts to protect herself from future dangers, not to play superhero like some idiot I knew. I just want her to use her powers to stay safe and live a normal life.
•
•
I returned to Yuki and the others and gave Sylphie the autograph.
"Here."
"Thank you so much, Saik!"
Evelyn hugged me. Huh? Now what? More sexual harassment? Should I report her?
"Smile, Saik. I want a photo with you."
"I'm not a millionaire, I told you. And stop harassing me, please."
I moved away and opened my suitcase.
"You're so boring, Saik. I just wanted a picture."
"No, thanks."
I took out my laptop and digital tablet. I'll draw to avoid boredom. Now that María's here, I need to make sure she doesn't do anything stupid. I don't want Yuki to… get scared… Wait… A girl like her… Ah…
I wrote something on my laptop and showed it to Yuki.
"'Come with me'? Sure. Where?"
I got up and went back to where María and Rosemary were.
Yuki, seeing María, screamed and hid behind me.
"Saik, that ghost has no face!"
That's offensive, Yuki, but I don't blame you. You've only met normal ghosts; you've never seen one with a broken soul. María's soul was damaged when a legendary ghost nearly destroyed her, so she has no face, but I can't tell her that. I'll make something up.
"Huh? Who's she, Saik?"
"She's super cute."
"María, this is Yuki, like my little sister. I hope you get along. Yuki, I got you a new friend. You can have fun while I draw."
"They can see me?" Yuki said.
"María's a ghost, and Rosemary can see ghosts."
"She's like you?!"
"Yeah, but I'd rather not talk about it. Eat whatever you want; I'm going to draw. Bye."
Number 31 appeared beside me.
"I'll take care of it, sweetie!"
I left and returned to my seat. Well, Yuki got a new friend. I'm a good big brother, huh?
Number 31 will tell them not to reveal my identity as Shadow to Yuki and to say I'm just a normal guy. She'll make sure they don't mess it up.
Yuki can't see her, so I'm not worried.
I turned on my tablet and opened the drawing app on my laptop. Hmm… What should I draw?
Wait… That's right, I need money. Can I make money with this? I heard from Sylphie she's earned money drawing.
"What are you drawing, Saik?"
Ah, Sylphie, perfect timing.
"Hey, Sylphie, what should I draw to make money?"
"To make money…? W-Well, most of the drawings I do for pay are… i-inappropriate. Indecent."
"Ah… Indecent…"
Yeah, I've seen that nude or pornographic drawings are super popular online. Sylphie, for example, draws men kissing, which gets a lot of attention from women.
Wait, if she sells indecent drawings, she must know anatomy better and how to draw nipples and vaginas. I've learned to draw breasts and butts, but I don't know how to draw nipples because all my drawings are decent, with clothed characters.
I sat on the left seat.
"Sylphie, could you teach me to draw nipples? I think I'll start doing those kinds of drawings. I need extra cash."
"S-Sure!"
She sat beside me, and I started drawing. I'll do the outline first, then add details.
"Hey, Saik, can you show me your drawings? You haven't posted any lately, but I've seen you drawing in class."
"Yeah. I haven't posted because I want to improve them more."
Ah, and because I forgot to post them. I'm so used to drawing that I forget to share.
I opened the folder with my drawings and showed her the latest one, of Legendary Ghost Number 3, the Ghost of Illusion.
"Wow. It's really good. A little girl with dog ears. So cute."
"It's a boy."
"Huh?"
"He wears girly clothes and looks like a girl, but his body's male."
Or so she told me… He? Well, she said she switches genders periodically, so both are correct. She has a dual personality: lazy and aggressive. I think her male side is the aggressive one.
"Ah, a trap. It's really well done."
She kept looking through the drawings. Well, the flight's an hour; we'll arrive at night. I'll get to the hotel and sleep right away… Ah, I wish. Nergio probably wants to talk. Thanks to him, we have hotel rooms, so I at least owe him a chat.
"Wow. Saik, compared to your first drawing, you've improved so much in such a short time."
"Not that short. I stayed up many nights to improve. Watched tons of online tutorials, but it was worth it."
"I see… Hey, Saik, why not make your own manga? Your drawings are great; you'd get lots of followers."
"I'm not good at creating stories…"
"Sweetie, sweetie, I love writing! Draw one of my stories, please!" Number 31 said, appearing on my lap.
"I'll think about it… Hmm… Create my own story… What would it be about?"
"A comedy about a lonely guy who falls in love with a lonely ghost!"
"Hmm… A romantic comedy between a ghost girl and a loner?"
"Yes! The protagonist caught his girlfriend leaving a hotel with another man, breaking his heart. So he tried to kill himself but failed. As a result of being near death, he could see ghosts. He found a ghost girl sleeping in an alley and decided to take her home to care for her, to feel less lonely. He no longer trusted humans, so he decided to only trust his new friends, the ghosts."
"Ah… Well, I think that'd be good. I'll do it."
"Perfect! I have the first 10 volumes ready! I also wrote routes for five heroines and a harem ending!"
Wait, is this a cliché story about a protagonist who easily wins over lots of women? If he won a girl's heart just by helping her or being her first friend, I'll change that part. No girl would fall for someone just for helping them once or being their first friend… Ah…
I glanced at Sylphie, still looking at my drawings.
She fell for me for that exact reason—being her first friend in a long time… Am I in some cliché romantic comedy? I'd rather be a background character; it'd save me a lot of trouble.
Putting that nonsense aside, do girls really fall in love for such silly reasons? Well, I can't judge; I like Naima just for her rude personality.
Anyway, I'll start drawing Number 31's novel.
"Sweetie, I have four more! A story about a prostitute who left that life behind when she found love! A fantasy story about a man who found a spider monster girl and decided to care for her like a daughter, unaware she'd see him differently!"
That sounds like pedophilia. I hope the girl's over 18.
"A fighting story! The protagonist became the new Demon King when he found out his wife was sleeping with the hero. His mission is to capture the hero and rape his wives in front of him, but over time, he abandons that revenge when he falls for one of his maids and just kills the hero, not without humiliating him publicly first."
Hmm… Ah, the protagonist's the villain. I like that.
"And lastly, a story about a man summoned by mistake to a world where women are superior, and men are considered inferior and useless!"
"No, none of that."
Sounds like mindless ecchi. Who'd read a story with that plot?
"Oh… So, which one do you pick?"
"All of them."
The prostitute story sounds like a sweet romance where the protagonist tries to leave her past behind to be happy and start a family, teaching that a person's past doesn't matter—only their present.
Hmm… The other stories are less sweet, but I think they have potential. I'll try to do a chapter every three days for Number 31's four stories.
Alright, let's get to work.
"I'll design the characters first. Sylphie, you done?"
"Yeah."
She handed back the laptop, and I opened the drawing app.
•
•
(Pov- Yuki.)
"Hey, hey, help me! Pick up the materials later!"
"Oh, sorry, I needed to recharge my magic energy!"
This game's pretty popular, huh? Even María plays it. Oh, I got too distracted. Saik knows more people with his ghost-seeing ability?! I thought Sumi was the only one he knew! Plus, they're super rich! Why didn't he tell me…? Oh, I remembered he didn't tell me about his aura either.
How many secrets is Saik hiding?
Better not think about it. I'll enjoy this moment with María. Finally, another ghost girl! Though she has no face. Ah, ghosts are so weird.
But something about her bothers me.
"So Saik doesn't have a girlfriend? I still have a chance with him!"
She's in love with Saik. Saik's a magnet for women, even ghost women.
She won't stop asking about him. It's annoying!
But for the sake of having a friend, I'll put up with those awkward questions. Oh, and because her family's rich. She could buy me clothes, video games, makeup, and a ton more! Hehe. Having a friend with millionaire parents doesn't sound bad at all.
Oh, do I sound like a freeloader? Saik buys me everything, but I help with cleaning…! Well, he does half the chores, and I do the other half… AHHHH! I'm a freeloader!
But it's not my fault; I'm a ghost, I can't work! I didn't have the luck of a mom who could see me.
"Saik's gotten way cuter. He really inherited his mom's beauty."
I've seen photos of Saik's mom. His dad was somewhat attractive, but his mom was on another level. A walking beauty. Big but not huge breasts, an enviable body, gorgeous legs, a stunning face, beautiful hair, eyes as beautiful as Saik's.
Saik inherited some of his mom's beauty, but he wastes it! He never combs his hair…! Well, his charm's in his personality.
…Hmm… Wait, she can talk and see but has no mouth or eyes… Ah, ghosts are so weird.
"Hey, why don't you have a face? Is it related to your death?"
"Nope, my soul was broken; it got damaged when an evil ghost tried to kill me."
"Oh, I know that feeling. A ghost tried to kill me too, but Saik stopped it with his power. But it hurt so much! Kya! I still get chills just thinking about that pain!"
"Oh, I see. You were lucky to not take damage. You were super lucky Saik was there when they attacked you."
If only you knew that idiot used me as bait to get rid of the ghost hunters watching him!
I'll get revenge someday. Hehe. Saik will wake up with a dead spider on his face.
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
Done. After 40 minutes, I finished the main character designs for the four stories. I based the prostitute's look on Evelyn but changed a lot. I made her older and gave her a more menacing face. She looks like a villain, which is why people judged her for her appearance her whole life. Due to a family debt, she started selling her body to pay it off. The man she falls for is a divorced guy who still loved his wife, but she got tired of the marriage and asked for a divorce. He met the prostitute when one of her clients tried to kill her to avoid paying, and he saved her. When their eyes met, their hearts raced. Love at first sight between a prostitute and a man who wants to be loved. I added that he was an orphan and a loner, so his dream is to start a family, but since his wife didn't want kids, that dream never came true.
Ah, that story sounds sweet. Virgins might complain because the woman isn't a virgin, but the man isn't either, so they can't whine. Ah, and I added that his childhood friend and first girlfriend was sleeping with his best friend, and he caught them in the act. Why? I just want to make the guy suffer more at the start so he realizes how happy he is with her, his new love. Making a character miserable at the beginning and then super happy later feels satisfying.
"Aren't these a lot of stories?"
"I think it's fine."
Good, now I'll draw the first chapter.
•
•
After an hour and a half, we arrived at the hotel. I finished the sketch for the first chapter; I'll complete it later.
Thanks to my drawings, I've gained 7,680 followers. I deleted the shirtless photos I posted when I realized they weren't necessary. I don't want followers just for my face.
I changed my profile picture to a drawing of myself, but with my hair covering my eyes.
"Wow! It's huge!"
"Let's go in!"
We tried to enter, but an employee stopped us.
"Do you have reservations?"
"They're my guests; let them pass."
Nergio. Was he waiting for me? Ah, he's still impatient.
I approached him.
"Been a while. Can we talk alone?"
"Of course," he said with a smile.
I turned to the others.
"Go to your rooms; I need to talk to him alone."
They nodded, and we entered the hotel. Wow, it's fancy. Ah, is that a movie actor? They're filming a movie.
"This way, Saik."
We moved away from the others and entered an elevator. He pressed a series of buttons, probably a code.
Yuki's with María, so I can talk to Nergio without hiding anything.
"It's been a long time, Saik. I'm so sorry about your parents' deaths. If you need anything, just ask."
"Yeah, I know."
The elevator stopped, and we stepped into a huge, dark warehouse.
He clapped, and the lights turned on. There are hundreds of devices for capturing and destroying ghosts. This family's always ready to protect the world from ghosts.
"Alright, we're safe… Master!!"
Nergio hugged me tightly, then let go and knelt before me.
"I missed you so much, master!"
"You're still the same, Nergio. So, have you improved?"
"Of course! Look!"
A pink aura surrounded him, and I pierced his chest with my finger. He can control his spiritual form now. Interesting.
"You've really improved, Nergio."
A black mist enveloped me, and I returned to my Shadow form.
"Awesome! Master, now that you're a teenager, your Shadow form is even cooler! By the way, master, the others want to meet you."
"…Others?"
One of the walls started lowering. Stairs? No, people.
The wall fully lowered, and I approached them.
"Master, meet your humble servants! The members of the Shadow Paradise!"
They all knelt before me. Black clothes… Men, women, elderly, children… All in black clothes and white masks… This idiot.
"So, master?! Like the uniforms?! I thought women would look better in skirts and black stockings, but I think pants look great too. They're made of stretchy material, so they're not uncomfortable… Huh?"
I grabbed him by the neck.
"Give me one reason not to kill you right now."
"Huh?!"
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