CHAPTER 44 - Short Vacation. Part 3.
(Pov- The Wooden Doll.)
This is a story from over 300 years ago.
In an alternate world, a world where fantasy beings and magic existed, there lived a girl: "The First Princess, Celestia Beleez Roalkon." A true princess whose beauty was unmatched. She lived surrounded by luxury, treated like a goddess, and it went to her head. She treated everyone coldly and executed those who spoke ill of her. During her short life, she was secretly despised by millions. Thousands died due to her whims.
And as in any classic fantasy world, there were dangers. A true Demon King.
Like a clichéd story, the princess's kingdom summoned a hero from another world. But that hero was too lazy to do what they asked and killed the princess when she tried to threaten him.
At the moment of her death, due to all the hatred accumulated in her body, her soul underwent a radical change. The hatred others felt for her turned into negative energy, absorbed when her soul left her body. That soul couldn't become a ghost because the negative energy was too overwhelming, stripping away her humanity. Her soul merged with her most cherished possession.
—A simple wooden doll.
Hatred can cause more harm than one might think.
That princess had everything—wealth, social status, beauty—but lost it all for being foolish. She lost it all due to arrogance and believing herself superior.
I'll never forget what you told me: "All people are equally important in God's eyes." No matter our skin color, social status, or religion, we're all equal. That's why I can't hate Saik. Hating someone like me makes no sense.
—But that doesn't mean I can't kill him.
Hating someone for doing what's necessary to achieve their goals is pointless, but I have my own goal.
—To see Shadow dead.
And to obtain Legendary Ghost Number 98, the Ghost of Life.
—Two completely different people sharing a fake body. Kind of uncomfortable… Oh, and the voices of all those dead keep bothering me.
But that'll change soon.
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
Bell, Naok, and Ludius are playing video games in the bathroom, enjoying the jacuzzi.
I'm just chilling in the bathroom's pool, finishing the first chapter of my manga attempt. I called it Never Too Late to Find True Love. Number 31 called it The Prostitute Finds Love, so while my title's bad, hers was worse. The name's temporary; I know it's not catchy. I'll change it later. For now, it stays.
In the first chapter, you learn the prostitute's backstory and why she sells her body. Then, the man's story and why he's unhappy. His childhood friend and first girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend. His wife divorced him because she got tired of the relationship. His dream is to have a family since he was an orphan and a loner, yearning to know what it's like to have a family and feel loved.
The chapter ends with them locking eyes, faces flushed.
Ah, love is so sweet… Or so I'd like to think. I'm just copying what Number 31 wrote. I know nothing about romance, so I don't know if this is romantic.
To me, romance is just being attracted to a woman, and that's all I know. I'm clueless about hugs, kisses, or the famous flowers. If I ever get a girlfriend, I'll research more.
Done. Wow, I finished the first chapter crazy fast. I hear manga artists take way longer, like weeks. Well, my art's not super professional, but it's decent enough. I hope this doesn't raise suspicions, though I doubt it.
I just draw what I imagine, following imaginary lines. It's not hard once I visualize them. Plus, my brain's used to precise hand movements, so drawing's not tough once I get the hang of it.
Alright, time to post it on my account.
40 pages. 18 for each protagonist, 4 for their destined meeting.
Posted. Now we wait. I hope Evelyn doesn't notice I based the prostitute's look on her.
"Hehe. You've really grown, huh? No longer a little kid—you're a full-on man now. I love your new body, Saik."
…Ugh, first Number 31, now María. Why do creeps and perverts fall for me? Am I that unlucky with women?
"If you touch me or keep staring, I'll erase you, and you know I'm not joking."
"Booo. So boring. Yuki said she sometimes bathes with you. Why can't I?"
"Yuki's like my little sister. You're just a creep."
"Sister complex? Didn't expect that from you."
"Get lost."
"Ugh, I wish you were more fun, or at least a bit perverted. Breakfast is ready; Nergio wants to eat with you."
She stroked my chest and floated away.
"Hehe. Bye."
She passed through the wall… Damn perverted ghosts.
But being a bit perverted doesn't sound bad. Why am I saying this? Normal students are super into sex and the opposite gender because of teenage hormones. If I want to be normal, I need to be a little perverted and care about sex. I'm already attracted to Naima; I just need to get into sex.
To me, sex is just in-and-out. When I lost my virginity, I didn't enjoy it much. I kinda liked it since it was new, but I'm sure I'd like it more if I tried again. Until then, I'll keep thinking it's just in-and-out.
"Hey, Saik."
Naok called me and walked over… naked… Is this normal? I didn't know it was okay to be naked around friends… Oh, that's why Yuki's fine bathing with me. Seeing friends naked is totally normal. I've still got a lot to learn.
"Heh. How'd your night with Sylphie go?"
"Did you use protection?" Bell asked.
"When'd you get back? We didn't see you come in," Ludius asked.
What are they talking about? From their weird questions, they must think I went out with Sylphie last night and did something naughty. Why would they think that?
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Don't play innocent. You didn't come back to sleep."
"Oh, I get it. That's why you think I was with Sylphie. I never left the bathroom."
"Never?!"
That shocked them? I had to finish the first chapter, and I didn't want to bother them while they talked about girls… or so I thought. They were talking about video games and played almost all night. A guys' sleepover is way different than I imagined.
"I had to finish my manga's first chapter. Worth staying up. Wanna read it? I posted it on my account."
"You're too weird, Saik, but I admire your effort," Ludius said.
I got out of the pool and stretched.
"Let's go eat breakfast."
Naok and Bell are staring at my eyes, but Ludius is looking elsewhere. Is he comparing sizes? I read online that guys do that, so it's normal. I won't look at their junk, mostly because I don't want to.
I think my size is decent… I guess. Number 31 said it's good. My body adapted to my ghost-seeing power and improved. According to Number 31, my body enhanced in every way because my soul became near-perfect. A gift from the gods to those with perfect or near-perfect souls. I figured that was good, so I didn't dig deeper.
I'd be a bit embarrassed being naked around someone, but since it's normal, I don't feel anything.
I grabbed a towel, dried my hands and body, wrapped it around myself, and picked up my digital tablet and laptop.
We left the bathroom and changed.
Dry and in fresh clothes, they sent me friend requests on this social media platform, and I accepted since I know them IRL.
"Wow, Saik, you've got almost 8,000 followers," Naok said.
"And your drawings are really good. You've got talent," Ludius said.
That last bit offended me, but I won't say anything.
"Ahem. As an anime critic, I'll give you my take on the first chapter after I read it," Bell said.
I don't care about your opinion. The story's Number 31's—she'll care more than me. I just want money. Sylphie said this could get me more followers. More followers mean people might hire me and pay me. If this works, I won't need a part-time job.
The three are reading the chapter while I'm about to devour the candies left by the bed. They didn't snag them, so I'll seize this golden opportunity and take them for myself. Free candies don't go to waste.
I opened the jar and grabbed one. Feels weird. Is it chocolate…? Oh, it's not candy. From the wrapper and shape, it's a condom. Why's there a jar of condoms? Just getting my hopes up.
I put the condom back, disappointed, and pulled a chocolate bar from my bag.
"Damn, the protagonist's life was rough. It's clichéd, but I liked his backstory," Naok said.
"And the art's pretty good too. I think this'll get popular, Saik," Ludius said.
"As long as you don't add a harem, it's fine. That'd ruin the romance," Bell said.
The harem's for the rom-com about the ghost girl and the guy who sees ghosts. Number 31 wrote different endings for that one.
"Well, don't forget to share, please."
"Of course."
Good, I've got my first readers… Oh, a message from Sylphie.
[You awake? We're heading down to breakfast. You guys coming?]
I haven't even slept.
[Yeah, I'm awake. We'll be down in a minute.]
I pocketed my phone.
"The girls are going down to breakfast. Let's go."
"You gave the protagonist a great voice, huh? Gonna make him a singer?" Ludius asked.
"Maybe, maybe not. Can't give spoilers."
And because Number 31 banned me from spilling spoilers.
•
•
We went down to the hotel's dining area, and the elegance is palpable. So many refined people eating with multiple utensils. Oh, and the food's fancier but tiny portions. I won't get full on this.
Hmm… We're getting looks. Oh, look, an actress—I recognized her from her last movie. I'm not a fan, but it's cool to see her in person.
So many people here. And all of them, absolutely all, are millionaires. No wonder we're getting stares—our clothes aren't fancy or branded. I buy cheap stuff; as long as it's black, I'm good. I'm just wearing a small black vest, nothing underneath. My chest and abs are out since I'm hitting the beach later. I've got pants on, but underneath, I'm wearing shorts.
The others are in casual clothes, except Naok, who's shirtless since he's swimming later.
We don't look like millionaires because we're not, so that's why we're drawing attention.
"Awesome, it's Selena Nice! Think she'd mind if I asked for an autograph?" Bell said.
"Better not. Let's avoid bothering people."
We could get in trouble, and I'd rather not.
Sylphie and the others are waiting to eat… Oh, Ram's wearing a skirt but no top, just a tight sports bra. Since she's flat, it's kinda cute but not sexy… I think.
Evelyn's in her bikini, catching Bell and Naok's eyes. Ludius is a gentleman and isn't ogling. Good job, Ludius. We should respect women, especially in a place this classy. Normally, I wouldn't care, but… Who am I kidding? I don't care. If they want to lust after Evelyn, go for it. I don't give a damn.
All I care about right now is eating that delicious food. Nergio knows I don't care about presentation or elegance—as long as it's tasty and filling, I'm happy.
"Good morning."
We greeted each other, and I sat next to Nergio and Ram. I didn't wait for the others and started devouring a delicious pizza.
"A student from group 1-E got expelled."
Ignoring her, I kept eating. Other groups' drama doesn't concern me.
"That puts that class at a big disadvantage, so we shouldn't worry about them. We should focus on Class A, Tanya's class."
"Come on, Ram, don't be such a buzzkill. We're on vacation! Enjoy it and stop thinking about school. We're in Class B—that's a huge advantage," Naok said.
"We're only in Class B because Saik got a perfect 100. Oh, and because of him, we got the 100 class points from the special exam. We can't keep relying on Saik. If we depend on him, the rest of us won't grow and will be useless."
I agree—don't count on me, please. I don't want to help anyone study; I just want to enjoy the rest of my school life.
"Yuno almost got expelled but barely made it. Bell, Evelyn, you're both on thin ice. Don't slack off."
"Yes, Mom," Evelyn said, clearly annoyed.
"I don't like a middle-school-looking girl telling me what to do, but I'll try my best," Bell said.
Middle school? Nah. Yeah, she's flat, but I'd say she looks about 13.
Ram reminds me a lot of Yuki, but they're totally different… Huh?
"Look at this, Saik. Pics from my vacation."
Using that excuse, he placed his phone behind "her" so no one would suspect we're looking at something invisible.
A black mist appeared on the table, slowly taking shape. The Wooden Doll.
"Hey, Shadow. How's it feel to be back here? Nostalgic, right? This is where you defeated the famous serial killer and rapist, 'The Night Ghost.' Stupid name, by the way."
Yeah, I agree. That name's dumb.
"Oh, what does she want now? Sorry, I'm getting messages. Look, this is a pic of the famous pyramids."
"What do I want? Nothing special."
The Wooden Doll got the hint. Talking like this makes us seem normal.
"I just want Legendary Ghost Number 98, that's all."
I'm not giving it to her. I'd rather fight.
"I know you won't give it to me, so here's a warning. Sooner or later, I'm coming for you, so enjoy what little time you have left."
She floated up, her face inches from mine.
"You'll end up like Hercules, the hero you killed so pathetically and cowardly it's laughable."
I pulled out my phone and started typing.
"Hmm… I think I'll add a self-proclaimed hero to my story. A so-called hero who lacks the guts to take a life. An idiot who thinks everyone's good or can be redeemed. An idiot who's always smiling. A true idiot who plays hero to fulfill some stupid fantasy."
"Big words for someone who begged that so-called idiot on their knees not to kill them."
She vanished, and I put my phone away.
"Saik, can we talk alone?"
"Later. My schedule's full. After breakfast, I'm hitting the beach, then visiting the crater."
"Please."
"…Fine."
I grabbed a slice of pizza and stood.
"Back in a few."
Nergio got up, and I followed. Ugh, I can't even eat breakfast in peace. That Wooden Doll's got the guts to demand one of my legendary ghosts despite being so weak. I could erase her without even using "that," so I'm not too worried.
Nergio and I stepped into the elevator. He's trembling, but I'm calm.
The elevator reached our floor, and we stepped out.
As soon as the doors closed, Nergio shouted.
"Seriously?! Master, that Wooden Doll has so much negative energy I nearly cried from fear! Is she really just a minion of the Goddess of Ghosts?!"
"Were you that shocked?"
Well, after facing Legendary Ghost Number 70, I got used to fighting beings that could destroy entire cities. If I had to compare, I'd say the Wooden Doll's power is about the same as Hercules's.
Speaking of that idiot, the Wooden Doll got mad when I insulted that so-called hero. Did she know him? I heard Hercules had no family or loved ones. Well, I don't care.
"M-Master, you're so calm. Do you have a plan to beat her?!"
"Not really, but she's not that strong. I think you could take her."
"I-I could beat her?"
"No need, though. She wants to kill me. If she tries, I'll erase her. Don't worry, I've got this."
"Y-Yes… Alright, I'll trust you, Master. But please, be careful. Her negative energy's not normal. She must have some absorption ability."
"You can't absorb negative energy as a ghost. Not even I can. She got that energy when she was alive."
"When she was alive…? She must've been hated by millions. How much pain did she cause?"
That amount's unreal. Negative energy builds in our bodies when we harm innocent people or when others hate us. The Wooden Doll's negative energy was insane. An entire world must've hated her.
In the third and fourth world wars, some earned the world's hatred for their actions, but they were all men, no women.
Same for the first and second world wars. Hitler became a powerful ghost due to his negative energy, but the ghost hunter organization captured him. It was fun seeing him caged like an animal.
But Hitler, despite global hatred, only reached the power of a low-tier legendary ghost, maybe less. The Wooden Doll's negative energy makes her as strong as Hercules, the former wielder of Legendary Ghost Number 68. She must've been hated by billions. Even now, with overpopulation, there aren't enough people to generate that much negative energy. That's why Nergio's so freaked out. She's a huge mystery. Who was she when alive, and how did she gain all that energy?
For the first time in a while, I'm curious about a ghost, but I'd rather keep my normal life, so I won't dig into it.
"What's your plan, Master?"
"I'm going to the beach with Naok and the others, then around 1 p.m., I'm visiting the crater with Sylphie. Hmm… Hey, Nergio, even though it wasn't caused by a meteor, is calling it a crater correct? I thought craters were only for meteor impacts."
"I meant what you'll do about the Wooden Doll, Master. Oh, by the way, you've got a beautiful girlfriend, Master. Wishing you the best in your relationship."
"Huh? I don't have a girlfriend."
"You don't? What about that girl, Sylphie?"
"She's just a classmate. I'm not interested in her as a girlfriend."
"Then why are you taking her to the crater?"
"Why? What do you mean?"
"Don't you know couples go to that crater thinking it brings luck to their relationships?"
…Oh… Shit. I forgot how stupid humans are. They believe that nonsense? How'd that start?
I'd rather avoid misunderstandings with Sylphie. I don't want to give her false hopes. My heart's already set on Naima… Well, I just like her.
I need a third person. Who? The others are going to the aquarium.
Nergio's a businessman; he can't come… Hmm… Got it.
I'm not the leader of Shadow Paradise, but I think I can use its members.
"Nergio, I need you to lend me two of your members. A girl or guy my age, and if they have a younger sibling, even better."
"Hmm… I think only one pair of siblings fits that. I'll call them. What do you need them for?"
"I'll say they were patients of my mom and are also going to the crater. The crater rumor's probably just for couples who go alone. If they join us, I'll indirectly make it clear I just want to see the crater, no other intentions."
"I see… Alright, I'll call them, Master. But won't this risk your identity?"
"They're cursed, so I'm not worried."
"Thank you for your trust, Master!"
"And make sure they act normal, not like I'm some superior."
"Don't worry, I'll tell them."
I know the power of this family's curses; I'll be fine. If Nergio trusts them, I'll trust them. He may seem like an idiot, but he's not. He's proven worthy of my trust.
•
•
(Pov- Kaeyko.)
Okay… This is… weird. Am I dreaming?
I just woke up, and the first thing I see is some kind of monster sleeping on the floor next to me. Honestly, I nearly had a heart attack, but after a few minutes of freaking out and wanting to cry, I calmed down and started thinking about the situation.
On the floor, asleep, is some kind of dog, but tiny, like a mouse. If it's so small, why'd it scare me so much? Its little white horns, blood-red fur, pitch-black eyes, and a black aura around it! It even sleeps with its eyes open. So creepy…
It's so small it'd be cute if it were a normal dog, not a demonic one. It looks like a chihuahua. They say chihuahuas are evil, but I didn't think it was this literal.
Alright… Ugh… Yeah, I'm still too scared to get up. I don't want to wake it. Normally, I'd think it's just a dog in a great costume, but it looks so real, even that sinister aura moves—it's not a costume.
I need to call for help. Oh, but first, I'll take a picture. I don't want people calling me crazy or a liar.
I unplugged my charger and opened my phone's camera.
Flash is off, and my phone's on silent. It won't notice. The last thing I want is for it to wake up and kill me. This dog doesn't seem peaceful.
I wish this were a dream, but I'm in pain—I've pinched myself a bunch. This is real.
Alright… Done, I took the picture.
I checked the photo for quality… Huh?
This has to be a joke.
Turns out this dog can't be seen in phone cameras.
I took a video to confirm… Nope, nothing.
Ugh, loneliness drove me insane.
…Oh… T-The dog yawned and got up. I'll die a lonely virgin. Well, honestly, I wasn't super eager to keep living, but I didn't want to die either. I enjoy my solitude, and my online friends are nice. I was starting to enjoy life.
I didn't even finish the video game I bought. Damn… Family… I was gonna say I forgive them and I'll miss them, but they hurt me a lot. I won't miss them, just my dad and grandma a little.
It's staring into my eyes. Wonder if it'll grow huge to kill me or eat me slowly.
…Oh, it's barking and spinning in circles. Is it summoning something? I hope it's not calling its mom… I-It started floating and came closer. Yup, confirmed, it's a demon. I'm a dead man.
It's right in front of me and opened its mouth. Will it breathe fire to cook me or eat my face?
I'm so scared I can't move. I'm trying with all my might not to scream or cry. If I'm gonna die, I'll die with honor.
No, wait, I'll fight back! I won't go down easy.
…Huh?
When I felt its tongue, I was about to hit it, but I stopped when I saw its tail wagging like crazy. It's licking my face… Is it… happy?
"Uh… So… Do you have a name?"
No answer, or I think not. It's just barking.
"Y-You're not gonna kill me?"
It's sticking out its tongue… Is it thirsty…? Wait… Is it acting like a real dog?
…Is it actually a dog? Maybe a dog's spirit?
"Uh… W-Well… I've got burger meat. You eat that?"
It barked again.
"I'll take that as a yes."
I got out of bed, and the dog followed. Without wasting time, I cooked the burger meat and put it on a plate on the floor. It started eating, tail wagging like mad… Is it really just a dog's spirit?
"So… Well, I guess you can't talk… Uh… I don't know what to do with you."
I confirmed it's harmless (for now), but I don't know why I can see it or why it's here.
What are you, dog?
•
•
(Pov- Saik.)
Alright, here we are at the beach. The sun, sand under my feet, and the smell of the sea calm me down. I've got a Wooden Doll tailing me, but I won't let that ruin my short vacation.
I took off my pants—I've got shorts underneath, so it's fine.
I'll lie on the sand and nap while the others play… Or that was the plan.
Naok got into trouble with some tourists. Ugh, what a hassle. I'll let him get his ass kicked… Oh, interesting, he's defending some girls. How chivalrous, Naok.
Oh, Naok threw the first punch, but they hit back. Such easy punches to dodge, but Naok doesn't have my inhuman reflexes. Oof, they're beating him on the ground. If this keeps up, the cops will show, and it'll ruin our vacation. Honestly, I'd rather avoid that.
I walked over, yawning.
I don't like drawing attention, but I won't let them beat up a classmate. Plus, Naok'll owe me one.
Also, if I let this continue, Sylphie will freak out more than she already is.
Oh, Bell jumped into the fight and… They're wrecking his face.
That was disappointing.
"Hey, can you stop beating up my classmates? I don't want to mess up your faces."
One of them stood in front of me, and I looked up slightly to meet his eyes. This guy's tall and ripped. No wonder they took out Bell and Naok so easily.
"What? You gonna try—"
I slammed my knee into his groin.
Two punches to the face, right on the nose, and a final hit to the stomach. Two seconds, perfect.
He dropped to his knees, nose bleeding nonstop.
"Teary eyes, huh? I even made you cry…"
I sidestepped, dodging a punch his buddy threw.
I grabbed his arm, kicked his legs out, and he hit the ground.
I put my foot on his back and slowly twisted his arm. He's trying to get up, but the pain's stopping him.
If I keep twisting, it'll snap any second, and his tears and scream confirm it.
"You gonna leave us alone?"
"Y-Yes."
"Perfect."
I let go and walked off, planning to lie down and nap, but Naok grabbed me and lifted me.
"That was awesome, Saik! I didn't know you could fight!"
"Please, don't get into trouble. I'm tired."
…Where's Evelyn…? Oh, she's leaving the beach with an older, fat guy… Suspicious.
Well, I don't care. I had a feeling she was that kind of girl.
I got away from Naok and sat under the umbrella we set up. I'll eat something to relax. Ludius is swimming, and Bell and Naok are flirting with the girls they defended. Claiming their prizes, huh?
Where's Ram?
"Smart and can fight. Rare combo, but interesting."
Oh, she's next to me. Didn't notice. Or maybe I did, but since I don't care, my brain ignored her.
"When you're born a loner, you adapt to survive. Lots of people tried to mock or hit me, you know, typical bullying. I'm not dumb enough to let them, and I always fought back."
"Oh, I see. Pretty aggressive since you were little, huh?"
"I'd rather be seen as aggressive than an easy target."
"I like that side of you."
"Gotta reject your love. I'm not into romance."
Sylphie, who was walking toward me, heard that. Hope she got the hint.
"I don't like you like that, idiot. I mean your vibe. Your personality. A guy who takes risks and ignores what people say about you. Wanna play?"
She pulled a chess set from her bag. Ugh… I know the rules, but I haven't played in ages.
"Sure."
"Saik, here."
Sylphie offered me a lemon drink.
"For me?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks."
I took the drink, and Sylphie sat next to me.
"I set up the pieces. White goes first."
That sounded racist, but I don't care.
She moved her knight first. Well, well. Usually, people start with a pawn.
I moved a pawn.
"How long have you been playing, Saik?" Sylphie asked.
"I don't play. This is one of the few times I have."
"I-I see… Do you know the rules?"
"For the moves, yeah."
"Would you teach me?"
Ugh, what a hassle. But I should agree so she doesn't feel like a bother.
"Sure… Hang on, I think I forgot something at the hotel. Be back in a few."
I walked off. I need to confirm something.
After a couple of minutes, I reached a restaurant, and next to it, an alley.
At the end, Evelyn's having sex with that fat guy. She's got a ton of cash stuffed between her breasts. A prostitute, huh? I had my suspicions, but this confirms it. Evelyn's not 16 or 15—she's 18. Why's an 18-year-old in first year? Probably her parents forced her back to school to leave her prostitute life behind, but she couldn't. She prefers the money.
A prostitute in my class, huh?
Honestly, I don't care what she does with her body, so I won't say anything.
"Hmm… Maybe I'll hire her services in the future."
"AHHHHHH!!"
Number 31 appeared, grabbed my shirt, and yelled. Taking advantage of the freedom I give her to pop out without permission, huh? Should I punish her?
"You'd sleep with a prostitute instead of me, a pure girl?!"
Pure girl? You're the furthest thing from pure I know.
"You're not even pure, and I wasn't planning to sleep with her. I want to learn to draw naked women, you know, poses and proportions. She'd be a good reference."
"You don't need her! Look at me!"
Number 31 stripped. Ugh, showing off again, though I admit her heart-shaped mole on her right nipple is cute. Wonder if it's natural.
"Touch me!"
She put my hands on her butt. Wow, softer and bigger than I remembered. I like this softness, though not that much. It's a butt—full of bacteria. The anus is there, and gross stuff like poop and gas comes out. Should I like butts? I read online that breasts and butts are super popular with guys. My species is so weird.
"I'm way better than her!"
"You're pissed, huh? Is this what they call jealousy?"
"Of course I'm jealous!!"
Jealous of a prostitute. Ugh… Believe me, Number 31, I'd never sleep with a prostitute for two reasons. One: STDs. Two: If I wanted sex, I'd do it with you. But I don't feel the need yet. I'd rather wait for a girlfriend and do it with her.
Oh, the fat guy finished… Ugh… His junk's small. No wonder Evelyn wasn't moaning—she's probably used to bigger. But I read online that 11 centimeters is enough to satisfy a woman. Did the internet lie to me again?
"Let's go."
I won't think about that stuff. My mom would scold me if she knew.
I started walking, and Number 31 shoved her butt in my face. Ugh, better not say anything.
"I'm all you need! My butt's big!"
"Yeah, yeah, I'll draw you later. I'll keep… keep…"
I feel eyes on me… And I know one of those looks… Hatred, resentment, a broken heart… Seriously?
"Number 31, want me to sleep with you again?"
"Huh?! Huh?!"
She hugged me tight.
"You'll finally accept me?!"
"No, but I need your help. I'm even willing to pay with my body."
"What do I do?!"
"Kiss Number 74."
"Huh?"
"Maybe sleep with her too."
"WHAT?!"
•
•
I returned to Sylphie and the others. Naok and Bell look bummed, so they probably got rejected. Well, saving girls doesn't guarantee they'll fall for you.
I sat next to them.
"S-Saik, I read your manga's first chapter. The art's amazing, and you finished it in less than a day! Y-You're incredible!"
"Thanks, Sylphie."
"A-And I shared it! I'm sure it'll get popular."
Hope so. I need money. Yuki's food doesn't pay for itself.
And so, I spent 30 minutes playing chess with Ram, then with Sylphie. Ram crushed me, but I at least beat Sylphie.
After that, we swam a bit and played volleyball. They never let me nap, so I'm exhausted. This "friends" thing is tiring. I'd take solitude over this any day.
Where's Yuki? Probably with María. Hope she's not filling her head with weird ideas.
•
•
On a building's rooftop, Faye and the Wooden Doll overlook the crater.
"When?"
"In an hour."
"…You sure this'll work?"
"It'll work. I'm 98% sure."
"And 2% against us."
"Scared? Don't you want Number 74 back?"
"If I didn't, I wouldn't be here. I'm heading to my position."
He walked off, and the Wooden Doll clapped once.
"Let the games begin."
Her negative energy poured out, morphing grotesquely. Arms, eyes, hands, noses, even sexual organs sprouted from her body.
"Chimera mode… 100%."
(Extra - Legendary Ghost Number 5, Ghost of Silence.)
(Pov- Saik, age 6.)
Elementary school's so boring, especially since I have to deal with her.
"Come on, Saik, smile, don't be a buzzkill! Hahaha!"
Rossy, my classmate, never stops bugging me. If she weren't the daughter of my mom's friend, I'd have punched her to leave me alone.
Pulling my cheeks to force a smile. I really want to hit her, but if I do, my mom'll be pissed. You're too lucky, Rossy.
"Leave me alone."
"Hehe. You embarrassed? So cute! Hahaha…! Kya!"
She tripped from being distracted. Ah, karma, so satisfying.
Her skirt's up, and I can see her underwear… Ugh, Number 4, why'd you activate without my permission…? Or did my anger trigger you? I need to keep the legendary ghosts' powers under control.
That fall and her underwear showing weren't a coincidence.
"Strawberry underwear, huh?"
Matches her red hair with black streaks.
"Y-You stupid pervert!"
And she slapped me. T-That hurt, but I'll act like… Ow, it really hurt!
"Why'd you hit me, crazy?!"
"For being a pervert!"
"Is it my fault you tripped?!"
Technically, it was my fault, but she doesn't know that.
"But no one forced you to look at my underwear!"
I was just curious, that's all. My mom said I should never look at women in a pervy way because it makes them uncomfortable, so I did it to make her uncomfortable, but I didn't think she'd get mad!
"Yeah, yeah, whatever, Strawberry."
"I-I-Idiot!"
And she hit me again. Damn crazy girl!
After arguing with her as usual, I continued on my way to my next target: Legendary Ghost Number 5, the Ghost of Silence. From what Number 4 said, the guy I killed was planning to capture Number 5 after finding it at a family funeral, but he had the bad luck of facing me and died without trying. That's what he gets for being cocky.
At least he saved me the trouble of searching.
The Ghost of Silence is weak—its power is basically muting sound, that's it. Fighting it'll be like fighting a regular ghost. I'll go in my normal form to catch it off guard.
But I didn't count on a pest.
"Hey, hey, where we going?!"
"Why are you following me? This is harassment."
"Come on, don't be boring, Saik. Let's play video games! You've got tons—don't be mean to your cute friend."
Friend? Weird way to say enemy.
"I'm going to the cemetery."
"T-The cemetery?"
Hehe. She's getting scared.
"Scared, cutie? Is Strawberry afraid of a cemetery?"
"I'm not scared of a stupid cemetery! Let's go!"
Ugh, I wanted to go alone. Damn meddler.
Why's she always following and bugging me? Am I that easy a target? I gotta do something about it.
•
•
We reached the cemetery and entered. The history of this place is kinda… sad? I guess, I don't know. I think it's just interesting, not sad. The ashes of victims from the third and fourth world wars are here. After the fourth war, organ donation stopped being voluntary and became mandatory for all deceased. Organs are removed, and remains are burned. The reason? In the third war, enemy nations created zombies. They were destroyed, but to prevent a zombie apocalypse, bodies are burned. Better safe than sorry. No one knows if traces of that virus are still in the air.
I don't like visiting cemeteries because I have to deal with these people.
"Oh, what a cute kid! He looks like my grandson."
"I'd love to pinch his cheeks."
Calm down, old ladies, let me through. I'm looking for someone else.
According to Number 4, Number 5 is hiding in a tombstone, sleeping. I just need to wake it.
I pulled a black marker from my pocket and wrote the number 4 on my palm.
"You believe in ghosts, Rossy?"
"Of course not! Only idiots believe in ghosts."
"Oh, I see. 'Cause you've got one behind you."
"You think I'll fall for that…?"
I activated the ghost of the old lady touching her hair, and she freaked.
I deactivated it. That should scare her enough.
"What's wrong? Why're your eyes tearing up?"
"Uwaaah! I wanna go home!"
She grabbed my hand and started running.
"I want my house!"
"W-Wait, don't run so—"
She tripped, still under Number 4's residual power. Damn it.
We hit the ground.
Ugh, my chest hurts.
Oh, makes sense—Rossy fell on me, her head on my chest. You're heavy, crazy! Get off!
"I told you not to run."
She looked up, and our eyes met.
"Saik… I…"
"Get off, crazy, you're heavy!"
"Hmph! Who're you calling fat?!"
"Just said you're heavy!"
She pulled me up and started shaking me. Uwaaah! Damn crazy!
"I'm trying to set the perfect mood, and you ruin it!"
What's she mean by that? She's definitely lost it… Oh…
A fat man crashed into a tree. Legendary Ghost Number 5. Number 4's beating its face.
Oh, she broke it. You overdid it!
"You only know how to ruin things, idiot!"
"Watch out!"
I pushed her, dodging the falling tree. If you die, my mom'll blame me. If it were up to me, I'd leave you under it.
"Idiot, you almost got crushed!"
"T-The only idiot here's you, idiot! I didn't need your help, weirdo!"
Number 4 dropped Number 5, unconscious, at my feet.
"Hahaha! Your power's amazing, Saik! Hahaha!"
She returned to my body, and I sat on the ground.
"I don't think I dodged it."
I closed my eyes and absorbed Legendary Ghost Number 5. Small wounds appeared on my left arm, and I opened my eyes. Safe to open now—I deactivated that.
"Y-You're bleeding!"
"Oh, yeah… Can you get help?"
"Wait for me! D-Don't you dare die, idiot!"
She ran off, and I approached the tree.
"Number 4, do it."
"This'll hurt."
Number 4 grabbed my arm and lifted the tree slightly with her strength.
She dropped its weight on my arm, worsening my wounds.
The pain's intense, but I can't draw attention. I have to endure it and not scream.
She lifted the tree again, and I pulled my arm out.
"Done, Master. If they investigate, the tree's the only culprit."
"Th… anks."
I lost all my energy and collapsed.
Five legendary ghosts under my control. 95 to go.