(Extra - Paradise)
Yes, just like hell, paradise is real.
What are the requirements to enter? Simple: Have done more good deeds than bad ones, that's all. It doesn't matter if you were a rapist, pedophile, murderer, etc. None of that matters as long as you've done more good than bad. Why? Because the Gods don't care what humans do to each other. The only reason they punish those who've done more bad than good is to maintain the balance between good and evil.
The Gods see humans as mere tools to keep their home alive, nothing more. There have been, and still are, some Gods who genuinely care about humans, but they are rare and marginalized by other Gods.
And the humans in paradise who try to change the admission rules to expel criminals are cast out to hell, because the Gods rule, not them.
Setting aside the fact that they accept people with horrible sins, paradise is… well… an Earth 2.0.
There are cities, lush nature, mountains, seas, beaches, snowy places, etc. It's like living on Earth, but much better. Why? Because not only do you reunite with your deceased loved ones, but you also have eternal life, everything is free, and you can instantly travel anywhere you want. A place with eternal free vacations, or at least until you decide to reincarnate.
It sounds wonderful, but it has its dark side. Humans can do whatever they want, with no limits. In a certain area of paradise, simply called "Sin," you can make any of your darkest fantasies come true, and it's not limited to just sexual fantasies.
Paradise is truly paradise for anyone, in every sense of the word, for better or worse, morally speaking.
•
•
CHAPTER 19 - The School Rules. Part 1
Today is Friday. For many, it's the perfect day to go out with friends and have fun. For me? It's just a normal day, like any other. Sylphie considers me her friend, but that doesn't mean I'll go out with her to have fun or anything like that. I'll leave school, study, eat dinner, study again, do my nightly exercises, and go to sleep. I won't shower to save time. I'm not going out this weekend, so it doesn't matter. Personal hygiene is important, but skipping a shower for a day or two won't hurt. My record is three weeks, until my mother forced me. Ah, she was an angel, but when she got angry, she was the very King of Hell… Well, considering how disappointing the Demon King was, that comparison is a bit dull.
But, well, I'll have more time to exercise and study if I don't shower.
"W-Well… W-We finished the project… We have a free week… We did it quickly, so we have a lot of free time… So… W-Would you like to do something?"
"Yeah."
"R-Really?!"
"Yeah. I want to eat a candy."
I pulled two lollipops from my pocket and offered one to Sylphie.
"Want one?"
"Y-Yes, thank you."
She took the lollipop, and we entered our classroom.
That's weird. For a second, I felt disappointment in Sylphie. Must be my imagination… Or maybe… she doesn't like strawberry lollipops?
I think I have a pineapple one in my backpack; I'll give her that later.
"You really love candies."
"It's my favorite flavor."
Yeah… My favorite.
Ah… It's nostalgic, but at the same time, torture.
We sat at our respective desks, and for some strange reason, Yuki stood in front of me, arms crossed, looking at me quite seriously—or is she angry? No, I think it's a serious expression, because I haven't done anything wrong… Or have I? Women get mad over anything, or so I heard my old classmates say when they argued with the girls in class, especially with Rossy. And with Rossy as an example, the girl I unfortunately know the most, yeah, I confirm it: girls get mad over anything. What did I do to make Yuki mad? Whatever it is, I should apologize; I don't want her to be upset with me.
I moved my lips, whispering very, very quietly: "What did I do now?"
Yes, I plan to apologize, but not before knowing why I'm doing it.
"I'm not mad, just disappointed. You just got a hint, and you didn't catch it!"
"A hint?"
Hmm… Hmm… Oh, I get it.
I pulled a lollipop from my pocket and stood up from my seat.
I started walking, and Yuki followed me.
"Huh? Where are you going?"
I left the classroom and headed to the men's bathroom.
I entered, and Yuki came in with me.
Hmm… There are two people in the bathroom, but they're about to leave.
I waited a few seconds, and they left. Good.
"What's going on, Saik?"
I offered her the lollipop.
"I got the hint. Sorry for not offering you a lollipop, Yuki. Eat it here; there are no security cameras."
"Ahhhhh! You still don't get it!"
Huh? Why did she get even madder? She wanted a lollipop, didn't she?
"That wasn't the hint?"
"Of course not!"
"Then what was it?"
"You have to figure it out on your own! Be a man!"
She stuck out her tongue and left the bathroom.
…What?
"Ah, I don't understand women."
I felt a chill, and hands started caressing my chest and… my butt.
Ah…
"Fufu. Did you make Yuki mad, bad boy?"
A student entered the bathroom, so I washed my hands to avoid suspicion.
Number 31 is behind me, as always, sexually harassing me.
"And?"
"She's suffering a lot, darling," she said, biting my earlobe.
Perfect, but not the bite—that grossed me out.
Now, back to what matters, and since that student is peeing…
"Number 31, how do I detect a hint from a girl?"
"Easy. For example, if I say, 'I want to be your girlfriend,' that's direct. But if I do this…"
She kissed my cheek and… she's licking my neck… Gross.
"That's a hint."
…
…
…
I still don't understand anything.
•
•
(POV - Ninda)
T-This isn't happening… T-This can't be happening… N-No… No, no, no, no… Why…? Why did this happen?!
In a single day, my family lost everything! My father was arrested, my mother fled without me, and I no longer have a home!
Why did this happen?! Why did I lose everything in a single day?! This can't be happening!
"Damn it!!"
Now I have to stay hidden in this filthy alley to survive. If someone sees me, they'll kill me. I can't go to the police; my friends turned their backs on me… I have no one… Why did this happen…? Why?
"No… I don't want to live like this."
I lost everything… Absolutely everything… I have nothing left… And no one.
I don't want to live like this… I don't want to.
"I don't want…"
Crying won't fix anything, but I can't help it.
Everything was going so well. Why did it all fall apart…?! Why?
•
•
(POV - Saik)
I see. It was faster than I thought. Dear candies, you've been successfully avenged.
"Hey, Sylphie, look."
I showed Sylphie a news article on my phone.
"The family of the girl who bullied you was linked to a criminal organization. They arrested the father, and the mother fled with her daughter… Wow… I guess it's karma."
With this, Sylphie will surely feel happier and safer at school, which will make my job easier.
"Oh, poor thing."
"…Poor thing?"
"I can't help but feel bad for her."
"…Bad?"
"Well… I know she hurt me, but…"
"But…?"
That's weird… I can sense sadness in her… Is she sad for her?
…Why? She treated her terribly. Why do you feel sad for her, Sylphie? It makes no logical sense. It's like a girl feeling bad because her rapist was arrested. It's just illogical.
Are you a masochist?
"She must be going through a tough time. I know what it's like to go through something similar… I've had bad times too."
"But… she treated you badly."
"I know, but she could actually die. She'll have to live in hiding… That's no life."
…Sylphie, you're a good person… Too good… And that makes me pity you.
"I see… Yeah… You're right, she must be going through a really tough time. According to the news, that criminal group had many enemies. If they find her, well… Ah… Let's not talk about that. It's a shame, but we can't do anything."
If she dies, it'll affect Sylphie emotionally in some way, and that would ruin my plan to make Sylphie an independent person.
Ah… I have to fix this.
So lazy.
•
•
The teacher entered the classroom, and I took out my notebook, ready to take notes and feed my brain with knowledge I'll only use for exams and never again.
"I assume you've all adjusted to the school. Any complaints or questions?"
No complaints, just that we need more dessert variety in the school cafeteria.
Ram raised her hand, like the intelligent and exemplary girl she is.
"I heard rumors about this school and its teaching methods. If you fail an exam, you're expelled. Is that true?"
"What we seek in this school is perfection. We don't tolerate mistakes. Failing and trying again is in our nature, but that doesn't apply here. If you fail a single exam, you'll be expelled. If you cheat, you'll be expelled."
I heard something about that. In fact, that's why I was interested in this school specifically. In a public school, I'd likely have annoying classmates who'd ruin my peaceful school life, but here, I'll have the peaceful school life I want.
With that stupid rule of expelling students for failing a single exam, everyone will be too busy studying to have time to be annoying.
"Now I'll explain the positive points."
She started writing on the board with her black marker. Everyone was silent, watching the teacher's movements, except me, staring at her left ear. She has a cute heart-shaped red earring. Did her husband give it to her? How adorable.
Hmm… I've seen men wearing earrings. Would I look good with one…? I don't think so.
Something odd I noticed is that the teacher only wears one earring, not two. That's weird. Is it a fashion thing?
Wow, and she's not wearing a wedding ring, which means she's not married. How old is the teacher? She looks young… Maybe 28 or 30.
She's not beautiful, but not ugly either, considering how little I know about female appearance and its value in today's society. An 8 out of 10, I guess. Very average. Average body… Though she's a flat woman, no butt or chest… Wow… I got too distracted; she wrote a lot.
"The positive points are as follows. Each correct answer on an exam will give you one point. Each correct answer you give when I ask something will give you one point. And, of course, assignments have a certain number of points. The points you receive for your assignments will depend on the quality of your work."
Ah, so lazy, a point system. At least it sounds simple.
Hmm. I see… They're trying to make students compete against each other… A weird educational system, but it can work if applied correctly. The strongest will rule over the weak.
Plus, it's a private school; students can choose whether to stay or not. If they don't agree with this system, they can study somewhere else. I wonder if they'll give us some incentive to stay and fight for our survival.
"Any questions so far?"
Everyone was reading the rules the teacher wrote on the board.
One of them caught my attention, so I raised my hand.
"Any questions, Saik?"
Everyone turned to look at me. Hey, you can hear me without staring. Whatever.
"Rule number 4 says that at the end of each semester, the student in last place will be expelled. Could you tell us more about expulsions and point deductions?"
"Excellent question, Saik. At the end of each semester, the student with the fewest positive points will be expelled, no exceptions. Students will lose points in the following ways: not turning in assignments and missing classes."
…That's it?
Ram raised her hand.
"Any questions, Ram?"
"That's it, teacher? You won't deduct points for our behavior or if we get in trouble?"
"No, we won't deduct points. Students are free to do whatever they want during class, like use their phones or sleep. As long as you don't talk loudly, you can do what you want."
Everyone started murmuring about how ridiculous those rules were.
I thought it was ridiculous too, but if a student doesn't pay attention in class, their chances of being expelled increase.
"Saik… This school is weird."
Yeah, it is, Yuki, and I'm grateful for that. What I just heard not only improved my school life but also made my life much easier. Thanks.
I raised my hand.
"Excuse me, teacher. If I fall asleep, you won't scold me?"
"No."
"Then good night."
I put my backpack on the desk and prepared to sleep.
Ah… I'll catch up on sleep this way. Thanks, nonsensical rules.
"W-What?! Are you really going to sleep, Saik?!"
Yes, Yuki. I won't waste this opportunity.
•
•
Sylphie watched Saik. She was very nervous and worried about him because he fell asleep, showing he didn't care about listening to the class, making him seem irresponsible and rude, which perfectly describes Saik.
"Saik…"
"Well, I'll continue," the teacher said, unbothered by Saik's attitude.
"Wait, teacher!"
Ram stood up from her seat and pointed at Saik, who was already fast asleep.
He forced himself to stay awake, which is why he fell asleep so easily. After all, he only sleeps two hours a day.
"Are you seriously allowing that?! This is a classroom, not his house!"
"It's his decision. His decisions will have consequences in the future."
"…This school is weirder than I heard."
"Now I'll explain the group and individual competitions. You can earn extra points in the various school events, whether individual or group-based. I'll explain them in more detail later. Each school event has a certain number of possible points to earn. In individual and group participation, students will compete against each other to earn points. Some students will receive a large number of points, and others will receive very few, depending on their performance. You'll also earn positive points for contributions to society, for example, saving a woman attempting suicide."
She glanced at Saik for a moment and smiled, but no one noticed that detail, not even Sylphie, who was paying more attention to Saik than to the teacher.
Only one student noticed that detail but didn't care much.
"The contributions to society you make, depending on their difficulty and time, will earn you points. In the school's main hallway, you'll find a board with activities you can do to earn points, like cleaning the beach, picking up trash, volunteering to help students from other schools study, feeding the homeless, etc. You can also earn points through school and sports activities, like winning an official baseball, soccer, chess, or swimming game, etc."
The teacher erased what she wrote and connected her computer to the board.
"Now I'll show you the total points you currently have."
The computer screen appeared on the board, and everyone fell silent as they searched for their names on the list. As the seconds passed, the students' expressions grew worried.
"67?"
"59?"
"I have 34?!"
Everyone started to worry because, compared to the top scorer, their points were very low.
"I have… 85 points? And Saik has… This must be a joke," Ram said, in disbelief.
Yuki jumped excitedly as she looked at the screen.
"First place again! 198 points, Saik! You're amazing!"
Everyone turned to look at Saik, who was still asleep.
"Teacher, why does he have so many points?! Even Ram, who was the representative for first-year students, has less than half of Saik's points!" said one of the students, indignant, refusing to believe someone like Saik could be so far ahead of everyone else.
"He earned 150 points on the entrance exam. And he accumulated another 50 points for a contribution to society he made. Unfortunately, he missed a class, so he lost two points. It was his first time, but the next time he'll lose 4 points, then 8, and so on."
"What contribution to society did he make to earn so many points?"
"I'm not allowed to say, sorry."
"…Teacher, I'm sure I barely made any mistakes on the entrance exam. Why did he get 150 points and I got 85?" Ram said.
"You missed two questions. One was worth 15 points, and the other was the highest-valued, worth 50 points. Saik didn't miss any. In fact, he was the only one who answered that question correctly."
"…Seriously?"
Ram looked at him.
"That slacker did that?"
Sylphie looked down, very sad and ashamed of herself.
"29 points… The worst in the class…"
"Teacher, I have another question. Many students are below 50 points. Why were they accepted?" Ram said.
"Because of our educational system, not many students want to study here due to the school's high demands. Those who scored above 75 points were immediately admitted. The rest, to fill the classrooms, were chosen randomly. Those with less than 75 points were lucky to be accepted."
"I see… This school is more interesting than I thought," Danna said.
•
•
(POV - Saik)
"Saik, wake up, it's time to eat!"
Ah… Lunchtime already, Yuki? First or second? Judging by my sleepiness, probably the second. You know me so well, Yuki.
I opened my eyes and yawned… Ah… Sleeping in class feels so good. So nostalgic. This reminds me of when I used to fall asleep in class, and the teachers wouldn't say anything because they feared my family's social power. Being in public schools benefited me a lot personally, though it's something I'm also ashamed of… Ah, I don't even know how to feel about it.
"Let's go eat."
Sylphie approached me as I took out my lunches. Noel made them as a reward for what I did yesterday, and I don't know what they are. Surprise me with something delicious.
"Saik… Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"I-I… I…"
Sylphie took a deep breath.
Why is she taking it so seriously? Is she going to ask for a loan?
"W-Would you help me study?"
No, I don't want to, so lazy… Or that's what I'd say if Yuki weren't beside me, staring at me with that serious, slightly angry look.
"Ah… I see… You're worried about your future. Fine, but only one hour a day, okay?"
"T-Thank you so much!"
"Now I'm going to eat."
I tried to leave, but Ram blocked my path, standing in front of me. How cute. Ram is like an intellectual Yuki, just a bit taller and more serious. I wonder if they're distant relatives.
"What did you do?"
"Let me see."
I opened my lunch. Hmm… Well, it's a breakfast, though I was expecting something fancier and greasier.
"Just basic food. Sausages, eggs…"
"That's not what I mean," she said, interrupting me, and I sense a certain malicious aura coming from her.
Is she mad?
"No? Then what do you mean?"
"You got 50 points for a contribution to society. What did you do?"
As she said that, I started feeling everyone's eyes on me.
Hmm… A contribution to society?
Well, there are the criminals I took care of, the family of the girl who bullied Sylphie… That's it. But that's a secret. Did I make a public contribution to society?
"Hmm… No… No… Hmm… Sorry, but I don't remember doing anything good for society."
"Don't lie."
"I'm not lying. I really don't remember doing anything… Sorry, but I'm starving."
I pushed Ram aside and tried to leave, but someone grabbed my arm. So lazy.
"Wait, please."
Now the president is stopping me from leaving. Ah… Can't I eat in peace?
"What do you want, Saoto?"
"We need to work together if we want to earn points. Please, tell us what you did. We'd really appreciate it."
"Hey, idiot, are you deaf? Didn't you hear me? I don't remember. You can believe me or not, I don't care. I'm telling the truth."
"Yeah, right," said some random girl, with a pretty rude tone.
"Keeping the secret to keep earning points," said a guy.
"He's in first place and won't let others advance."
"Who does he think he is?"
Ah, I've already earned everyone's hatred just for telling the truth… That's weird… Well, not that weird. I remember in my previous schools, I always told the truth. When a fat girl insulted me, I called her a whale and made sure everyone mocked her, same with the brainless idiots, the smelly ones, the cringe-worthy ones, etc. I always told the truth, even if it made them mad, and I got revenge on those who tried to ruin my peaceful life.
But I don't have time for that in this school. I'll just ignore it. I'm a new Saik, so I'll try not to get into trouble.
"Ah… I don't have time for this. I don't know anything about it, I'm telling the truth, but if I remember, I won't tell you anything. Bye."
"That's right, Saik, they don't deserve our help!" Yuki said, then stuck her tongue out at them.
I left the classroom, not without receiving their hateful glares, except from Ram and Saoto. Saoto looked worried, and Ram, I think, excited. I don't understand that girl.
"W-Wait, Saik!"
Sylphie caught up to me and started walking beside me.
"Are you going to keep asking me about that too? I'll say it again, I don't know anything. I'm telling the truth."
"I-I know you wouldn't lie to me… Saik, do you know you're the one with the most points?"
"Most? Why?"
"Well…"
•
•
Sylphie explained in detail the rules the teacher mentioned after I fell asleep.
I understand everything now.
What I did for Iris, somehow the school found out and gave me the points.
… Ah… I was wearing my uniform when I saved her. Some witness saw me and reported it… And the security cameras confirmed it.
…I feel violated.
But I won't tell Sylphie; it's not necessary.
I doubt she'll stand on a bridge waiting for some idiot to try to jump so she can save them.
"Hmm… I still don't remember anything that would make me deserve those 50 points. Maybe it was a mistake… By the way, Sylphie, how many points do you have?"
"29… Just 29 points… I'm the worst."
And you feel bad about it. You feel useless, like a loser, blah, blah, blah. Ah, so troublesome.
"I see… We need to study even harder… I'll increase the time to two hours a day."
"R-Really, you'll help me?!" she said, excited, and I think her eyes are even sparkling a bit.
"Of course. We'll study every day."
"T-Thanks…! But I have to work."
"Work?"
Oh, right, she works.
"I have a job at a café. I work on weekends."
"What time do you get off work?"
"My shift ends at 6 p.m."
"And what time does the café close?"
"At 10, why?"
"We can study at the café. If you come to my house, it could be misunderstood, and vice versa. Plus, eating while I study helps me focus. Sound good?"
"Y-Yes, thank you so much!"
"Fufu. A date?" Yuki said.
No. Definitely not.
"Well, let's eat."
I don't like eating in the school cafeteria… Ah… So many voices annoy me.
•
•
After eating my lunch, I returned to the classroom, put one of my lunches in my backpack, and left it open.
"I hate eating like this!"
But it's necessary; I don't want to get caught.
Yuki is eating sitting on the floor, taking food from behind my seat.
No one will see her, so I'm not worried; my back protects her.
"I miss eating on the rooftop!"
Ah… Me too.
I miss my solitary school life, but someone had to feel pity for Sylphie. Actions have consequences, Yuki.
•
•
Classes ended, I grabbed my backpack, and went to the library to study with Sylphie.
Blah, blah, blah. We just studied; nothing interesting happened.
After that, we each went our separate ways and headed home.
"I'm hungry," I said, rubbing my stomach.
When I get home, I'll eat and then look for that girl. If she dies, Sylphie's emotional issues could worsen, and…
"No, don't do anything to me…! Hmmmh!"
Ah, what were the odds? I know I have the legendary ghost of good luck activated, but I only activated it to find her alive, not to find her without looking, much less when I'm with Yuki.
"Saik, did you hear that?! It's a girl asking for help! You have to save her!"
"Yeah… I'll do it only because I hate everything related to rape."
Damn it.
I entered an alley. Fortunately, I got there in time. Thanks.
"Damn it! They're trying to rape that girl! Saik, do something!"
The girl who bullied Sylphie is about to be raped by… Hmm… I think they're members of the rival criminal organization of her father.
I see… They were looking for her, and instead of killing her, they're trying to rape her first… Something savage and unnecessary. Why not kidnap her and rape her in private? Idiots.
"Hey, you're making a lot of noise. Can you shut up?" I said as I kept approaching.
"Tch. Kill him."
Five men… Alright… I think I can handle this without much effort.
One of them tried to slit my throat with a knife, but I dodged by ducking and grabbed his hand. I squeezed his hand so he wouldn't let go of the knife, grabbed his neck, pushed his hand, and made him stab himself in the neck. Stab or slit the throat? Whatever, same thing.
He's bleeding out, and his blood is staining the ground and my hands. I'm not worried about evidence; I can erase traces without any problem.
I let him go, and he fell to the ground, writhing in pain in front of the others, who couldn't believe what just happened in less than a second.
Filled with rage, three men tried the same thing.
Ah, idiots.
With agile movements, I dodged their attacks and made them stab themselves. Same thing, same pattern.
The four men were on the ground, agonizing.
All that in less than five seconds, maybe three, I don't know, I didn't count.
"W-What?" said the last man, full of fear.
"Ah, disgusting. You pulled down your pants and were trying to remove her underwear while using your huge right hand to cover her mouth… You're gross."
He pointed a gun at me and pulled the trigger, but it didn't fire. It jammed or something failed in the mechanism, huh? Either way, bullets don't hurt me… Oh, I see. Thanks, Number 31.
She's in the distance, holding the bullets in her hand.
"Huh?"
"No bullets, huh?"
"W-What?"
I showed him a knife.
"This doesn't need bullets."
I placed it against his neck as his tears streamed down. He's crying desperately, but there's no turning back.
"N-No, please."
"She asked you the same thing, and you didn't listen. Do you think you deserve to be listened to?"
Without wasting more time, I covered his mouth and slit his throat.
"You don't deserve mercy."
After a few seconds, he collapsed, unconscious. He'll die in a couple of minutes, like his companions.
"Ah… Disgusting."
I crouched down and looked into that girl's eyes.
Her eyes reflected fear… She's very disturbed… Well, she was about to be raped, so her reaction is obvious, and it also has to do with the fact that she saw a guy kill five men without any mercy.
Yuki hasn't made a sound, so I think she's even more disturbed. Don't worry, Yuki, you'll be back to normal soon.
"I guess I got here in time."
Her blouse is torn… Her skirt is fine. Her underwear is visible. Cute rose-patterned lingerie.
I took off my school coat.
"N-No. H-Have mercy."
Her tears… Ah… I feel bad for her. You're lucky I hate rape.
I tossed her my coat and school shirt.
"Here, put this on and pull up your skirt."
Good thing I always have an emergency uniform in my backpack; you never know when you'll need it.
I put on my spare uniform, and she looked at me… She's trembling a lot and crying… Ah… It's my weak spot… I really hate rape.
"Hey, I heard what happened to your family… If you come with me, I guarantee protection. You can see what I'm capable of."
I extended my hand.
"Do you accept my help?"
She started crying harder and took my hand.
"T-Thank you so much!"
I helped her up, and she hugged me.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"…You're welcome…? Hey, put on the shirt, we need to go."
"Y-Yes!"
I turned around while she changed, and Yuki kept trembling in fear.
She's just trembling, but her gaze is empty… Empty… She's very traumatized… Ah, I'm so sorry, Yuki.
"S-Saik… W-Was that necessary?"
"Yes… It was necessary."
There are no security cameras here; Number 31 was here and knew I walk this way home, so she disabled them. She's not an idiot. But the police could find me… Ah… Damn it, I'll have to do it… Again.
"Yuki, sorry for doing this… Forget everything."
I placed my hand on her face.
"Huh?"
•
•
I took Ninda to my house and kept her company since she needs to calm down, and I think talking to her might help.
"You're a minor and weren't involved in your father's business. If you go to the police, nothing serious will happen."
"But… They'll find me."
"They won't, I give you my word. Look."
I showed her a news article on my phone.
"Both criminal organizations are destroyed. Everyone linked to them is dying. If you weren't directly involved, they won't do anything to you."
This will take a while.
This is unnecessary, but I need to calm her down to make it easier to modify her mind.
•
•
I left Ninda alone to think things over and went to the kitchen.
"That was amazing, Saik knocked out all those guys with his bare fists! It was the coolest thing I've ever seen!"
"Saik, are you okay?"
… Ah… I'm sorry, Yuki, just this once… I had to modify your memories… I'm sorry.
It's better for her to think I just beat them up instead of slitting their throats and killing them.
"Yeah… I'm fine… I'm going out for an hour. I need to buy something."
"I'll come with you!"
"No… I'm going alone… Bye."
I went upstairs and knocked on the bathroom door.
"Ninda, I'm going out to buy something. There's food in the fridge."
"Okay… Thanks."
Her tone… She's calmer now.
I have to do this.
Ah… So lazy.
A black smoke enveloped me completely, and I activated my Shadow form.
Black bandages to hide my eyes, gray hair, a black suit, a black aura surrounding my body… Yeah, I still like the costume.
Now I'll go visit a useless old man.
•
•
"W-What?! Shadow?!"
"Hey, old man."
As always, I had no trouble sneaking into the ghost hunters' base and entering their leader's room. As useless as ever. But well, I didn't come to criticize.
I left Ninda, who's unconscious with her memories modified, on her bed.
"I broke into your house while you're sleeping. Nostalgic, isn't it? Would a cooler entrance have been better?"
"Finally, after all these years…!"
I covered his mouth because I didn't come to fight or argue.
I just want to go back; I'm hungry.
"You'll do what I tell you, got it? If you don't, I'll kill every member of your organization, and you know I have the power to do it. That would have serious consequences, and honestly, I don't care. Will you do what I say?"
He glared at me furiously and nodded.
"Perfect… By the way…"
Legendary ghost Number 31 appeared beside me.
"She'll make sure you do your job properly."
I let him go, and he fell to his knees.
"31?"
"Actually, I prefer to be called 'Shadow's wife.'"
"No," I said immediately.
"Kya! I love that side of you, love!"
"Ah… Whatever… Make sure Ninda is protected. Got it?"
"Y-Yes. By the way, we need to ta—!" Hmmmh!
I covered his mouth.
"I'm not interested in talking more."
Ah… I'm starving.
•
•
(The Next Day)
I checked the news on my phone… Over 2,000 people were found dead… I think it was more… Oh well, doesn't matter.
I erased Ninda's memory, so she won't know my identity.
That's something I can only do a couple of times, which is why I never use it.
But since I'll die in a couple of years, it doesn't matter anymore.
I think I can only use it one more time… I'll save it wisely.
"I'm going to shower."
I entered the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror.
…
…
…
"Ah… I'm a murderer."
I only killed bad people, but… Murder is still murder.
I should feel a little guilty, but… I don't feel bad… I don't feel anything.
Ah… I'm definitely a freak.
Well… I used Shadow's identity for the last time… I hope I never have to use it again.