I continued on, trying to not be useless. I cleaned up a tad bit, at least trying to. I didn't have anything that would allow me to do that, detergents or seriously cleaning soaps.
As such, I resorted to weaker version of [Dark Breeze]. With it, everything was cleaned up beautifully.
Bathroom no longer seeming like a haunting house, but instead, your normal white walled bathroom. I got rid of, let's call them, Micro-Pest class. Basically, insects that were spoiling food. They were very easy to deal with, making [Dark Beacon] seemed to attract them towards it, as such, I only increased its temperature. I had to open windows shortly after as to not burn the whole building down though.
I also got for a little cleaning off the carpet, well, there wasn't much to clean, surprisingly so.
As I was about to lay down, noises came out from the lock of the door. From it, came out ... something akin to zombie. Or at least behaving so. She stumbled in and onto the couch, face planting onto it.
I ... wasn't that surprised about it. As much as girls memories were useless, she at least remembered hour her mother came back from work. Yep, it's her mother.
Long dark-brown hair and while eyes were not visible, girl remembered her eyes being black.
Snoring came up soon enough, signifying that she fell asleep. I took out a blanket and put it onto her. She was a hardworking woman, taking care of her daughter. There is no need to worry her with anything else. It was already late, may as well take care of rest of the things. Still, I enchanted the bed under her, mainly more fluffiness and comfort, nothing more really. I knew the pain of having a kid on your back to take care of. In our first months together, Frisk didn't trust me at all. But who I am to not agree with that ? She was indeed forced onto me. But I regret none of that. At least her smiling from time to time would make my day.
Looking for anything other to take care off and finding none, I set a mental clock on 5am, planning to at least get her breakfast ready. That is the least I can do for her, for now of course. As such, I laid myself onto the chair nearby. Sleeping on chair was no problem, making it easy for me to fall asleep.
...
I woke up ... or did I ? I was back in my old world, on the cursed lands. However, I was not inside my body, but mine current one ? Even that is probably not true. Is that how I say it ?
It was confusing, I felt like I am in here but at the same time, I am not. Deciding to walk around, I started stumbling in seemingly random direction.
Wind was howling, as always, birds were not singing. They either turned into the pest class or flied out of here, I would do that on their place at least. I heard the engine in the distance, a really familiar one. I turned into that direction. I tried to see and saw.
A beast-like humanoid creature was running in my direction, fully focused on running away. Of course I recognized it, a 'prey'. I chuckled at the old memories of me and my buds hunting them down, putting into cages, going back to our camp and partying till the morning. These were beautiful times.
I decided to test something, as well as help head hunters.
'[Dark Wall !]'
In this form, I could not say anything, meaning that I had to do it with a thought. Nothing seemed to appear before prey, but after crossing the destination he started losing his strength rapidly. So, what was that ? I was trying to materialize a wall, not a curse.
Maybe in this form, type of my abilities is changed ? Let's say that I am some kind of spectrum or ghost, my abilities would have a mental and spiritual form. That is what I thought at least, I was not able to confirm it.
Soon enough, hunters pulled in and started binding prey.
'hahahaha ... HAHAHAHAHA !'
I started laughing, recognizing who these were. The one pulling the beast up was none other than our 6feet 7inches giant, Gus. Right behind him was Will, Yu ... ahh, this nostalgia.
I grinned, it is good to see you again. Shame you can't say the same to me. They ignored my presence, continuing with their job without a question. Which was a surprise, but a pleasant one nonetheless.
Gus would normally be burning to fight with the guy and others would be cheering because of the catch.
I climbed on the truck, on the space that one would normally not reside in. The cage. I seem to be able to enjoy the privilege of being able to go through the walls and bars. cool.
I sat on the opposite from the beast guy. Still doesn't see me. However, he seemed to be able to somehow sense me, judging from his nervousness and struggling in his restraints.
It would be funny to scare him but I don't want to make any scene, so I opted for just sitting down.
I still didn't know why I am here, which is the most annoying thing of all.
After a solid while, we made it towards a big wall, the one that we usually used to seclude our position on this area. Without stopping, they enter. What, I wasn't here for some time and they already stopped being cautious ? There is multitude of illusion abilities, making people see things they don't. That is why I always say to do a certain gesture and show off the badge. If one was to not do it immediately, wall's defense system would activate, scorching people to death.
But let's skips through that, even if they ignored my usual procedures, it isn't even that bad. There is no group of people willing to attack professional headhunters.
They got in, loaded prey off the cage and got for some simple announcements. They seem to be going back in two days, making people cheer. They got back into their tents, both to rest and change clothes.
I went around, strolling, seeking something to watch. I saw a dinner point being put up, meaning that Claire was going to be there soon enough. I sat on one of the chairs, awaiting some development.
Table was set shortly after, still looking the same, featuring a bigger chair that I was always seating in. On its right being Gus, and on the other, Claire.
People started going out of their tents, coming up to food distribution point. The one distributing was none other than a female cow-human, Claire. I sticked around her, observing. If I were to die, she would be the one taking the most of the toll.
She was smiling, just as usual, but it was fake. I was able to tell because of my experience in bargaining and negotiations. Or maybe this is just a spiritual thingy for all ghosts ?
Nonetheless, I really hated it. She, having to force a smile, that really made me sad.
After all of them sat down, my original seat was left empty. No one even looked in its direction, as if it was hurting their eyes.
"Toast ! For going back ! And for eternality of hangman's team !"
Said Gus loudly. He then clenched his hand into the fist and punched himself on the chest.
"And for the Hanging Chieftain !"
Shouted Gus, followed by a full-blown cheers. This left me ... emotional. Idiots. I told them to forget about me as soon as I die, but they do that every fucking hunt ? I swear I will come back from the grave and kick their asses. Nonetheless, I did feel a little pride dwell up my chest.
They continued eating, only one not doing so being Claire. Her smile was not present and her presence gave off a melancholic and sad feeling. I didn't like that.
With my 8 year old spirit body, I came down from my chair and went onto the Claire. Fortunately, as a spiritual being what-not, I didn't give out any weight under myself. I climbed up first putting a foot between her thighs, then another on her lap. Continuing, I put my first foot on the arm of the chair and pulling myself up on her shoulder. I sat there and hugged her head. I don't know why, but imagining this scene had me cringing.
I closed my eyes and did my best at hugging her. Soon enough, I heard a light sobbing beneath my head.
"H-How can you just eat like that ?! S-She died while trying to protect us, protecting everyone. Maybe if I wouldn't be any burden, then, then ..."
... Sadly, it was true. The only reason I decided on suppressing the explosion on its core was because of Frisk and them. As much as I would be able to survive by protecting myself, none of that could be said about them. And no, her becoming stronger wouldn't change much, I told that many times over, to just forget me and go ahead.
"... My parents believed that when a person dies, they are chained to the thing they loved the most. As much as they were a crazy bunch, I also kind of believe in that. And if I were to guess, if Chief was to get bound to something, it would be this chair. Or her sisters toy, just to have a good eye on her."
Will said, pointing towards my old chair.
"You not the only one, all of us distrusted. But, as Chief said. 'Don't go crying like a babies if I die, I would not have any regret regardless of a way. But ... care to do me a favor ? Look after Frisk for me if I were to die'. I left Jo to take care of any trouble that can meet her. Chief is fine, we are fine with her being fine."
Wise words from the Gus right here. I did indeed say that, having a whole team on mind. What use is having me in mind if they can just move on ?
"No matter, Cheers !"
Once again, they shouted. This time, with a little melancholic, but smiling Claire.
I did good, at least I felt like that.
Soon enough, my body felt heavy, sinking back into the boring restraints of physical body.
...
Waking up, this time for real, darkness was surrounding all of my vision. Outside was dark and no lights were turned on.
As a chief of headhunters, I wouldn't be affected by it of course.
"[Darker Location]"
I sent out a harmless waves of energy, with intention to get a general idea of my surroundings. It came rushing back, bringing an image into my mind.
Standing up, I started counting. Two steps forward, one in to the left and ... the lights got turned on. I looked onto the clock. It was 6 : 27 AM, meaning that my mother had approximately 33 minutes to make it to work. And she was sleeping.
She at least brought some ingredients, even if it was only enough to make a simple sandwich. I did just that, walking up to sleeping woman shortly after.
I tapped on her shoulder, expecting at least some kind of reaction. None.
I started increasing a frequency of the tapping, finally reaching a really challenging speed.
She seemed to wake up soon enough, signified by a protesting grunt. She sat up and started looking around, finally laying her eyes on me. She seemed a little confused at first, but then asked rather doubtfully.
"C-Chara ?"
Yes, as if a fate was playing with me, it decided that I would be named as I was named originally. It isn't like I was bad with it, it was a very good name.
"Yes ?"
I replied, somehow serious. A child occupying this body seemed to be a coward and an asshole, not even being able to help in anyway, so I guess that me making any kind of breakfast is something surprising. But the most important change was my hair color, eye color and aura around me. Because she wasn't disgusted from my presence, I can tell that she isn't 'justice full' person.
"You got a quirk ?!"
She half-yelled, surprise filling her voice. Eh, that is what I am supposed to say, yes ?
"... It does seem so."
I replied calmly, contrary to a stressed mother before me.
"Doesithurtanywhere,whathashappened, whendidit-"
"C-Can you please slow down, mom ?"
I said rather awkwardly. Her worry for me was admirable, but she still had a lots of things to do.
"... Okay. I will try going back earlier and we will get you checked. What hour is it-"
"23 minutes left."
"B-Boss will kill me if I will be late ! I still have to-"
"Here."
I handed her a bunch of clothes that she usually wears, already cleaned by me.
"... Thanks ?"
I only noded back and sat down, not having anything to do. Quickly getting into her clothes and getting her breakfast, my mother stormed out of the apartment. I decided to think of a way to better our living standards. With my DC, I am able to somehow enchant and clean most of the things that I can lay my eyes on.
With my enormous amount of energy, I was able to ... enchant a whole building. Yep. At least now it won't breakdown anymore. It would be a weird sight though. Seeing someone gigantic ram into the building, only for them to bounce back. I would pay few silvers to see that.
I also got for enchanting a simple things, be it a carpet or a kitchen stove. They had to be at least somehow sturdy, right ?
Being done with that, I sat down. There was nothing to be done. I mean, I did all the chores there were to do, enchanted everything there was to, done with all.
I could just go out, but I didn't feel like it. As such, I seated myself before the laptop and started doing some researches.
Language seems to be the same as the one back in my world, at least it seems to be.
I started researching about the most powerful heroes. I did need something to base my power of. Maybe a power like mine is considered weak ? Maybe I'm just an insect here ?
I started tweaking a little bit here and there, and got quite a grasp of it. People, mainly heroes, are weak in here. I watched some of the 'greatest' standoffs between villains and heroes, most of them are weak. Well, there is this woman, she seemed rather strong.
I also got really interested in this hero ranking. It is something similar to a rank system back in my world, although instead of named ranks, they have a numbers.
Like, guys from below 10 seem to be just a useless canon fodders. I don't know about my current state, but they would be just enough to beat a giant-class monster.
Guys in the top 10 ? Able to somehow injure Titan-class at most. Excluding a number one hero, earlier mentioned woman.
I must say, she seems to be able to pack quite a punch, sending any villains flying without much trouble. She might be able to put down a Titan-class ...
Adamantine rank.
If Adamantine is this world's best, then I guess that I am ok to go. I was exponentially powerful, even for an adamantine, even getting promoted to Fantasy rank.
I decided to watch her fighting. If she is the strongest, then if I were to go on some small scale rampage then I would have to face her.
I started a video of one of her fights. It was against your typical villain. What she did ?
Put him down in one shot. Not even any opportunity to see her fighting style. nice.
Seems like it will be a rough week.
None of the other fights played out any different, all ending in seconds. I mean, true enough. A difference between an Adamantine and Diamond ranks were monstrous. I would be able to single handily demolish a dozens of diamond ranks with ease. Of course on [Overload] mode, no way I would do it on my own without it. Without it, maybe a dozen at most. Still, it is a fact that I would be able to do the same. Maybe even more because of this weird boost.
I decided to just lay down and rest. I still had to go with mom to the doctor to check on me. What a pain.